EP4105419B1 - Improved device for provisionally closing an openable body section on a bearing member - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for temporarily closing an element opening on a support element.

The invention relates more particularly to a device for temporarily closing a door or a movable element of a motor vehicle, for example a tailgate or a hood, on a fixed structural element such as the body or the body of the vehicle.

Technical background

As is known, in the automotive field, the four main stages of manufacturing a vehicle consist of stamping, assembly of the sheet metal, application of paint and final assembly.

During the application of the paint, tools, intended to hold the openings in position during the painting process, are installed on the vehicle chassis, then are dismantled after the painting process. Among these tools, temporary vehicle door closing devices are mounted on the chassis to hold the doors in position and prevent them from opening during paint application. These devices can be mounted during the sheet metal assembly stage or at the start of the paint application stage.

Known temporary closing devices include a fixing plate intended to be fixed on a support element and a body attached to the fixing plate and forming a stop capable of serving as a support for the opening element.

In the example of a vehicle door, the supporting structural element is the structural door frame and the opening element is the vehicle door. In this case, the temporary closing device is preferably placed at the level where the striker of the door lock will be located which will be installed subsequently during assembly in the assembly workshop.

According to a first design, to be able to be fixed on the structural support element, the fixing plate can be provided with holes which are aligned with the fixing holes of the lock striker. In this way, the fixing plate can be screwed to the vehicle door frame by means of the screws inserted in the bores of said plate.

Consequently, the assembly and disassembly of such a temporary closing device requires a screwing step, which requires labor time and entails a duration as well as a significant assembly cost for each vehicle.

According to another conception, which is for example illustrated in the document FR2986257A1 , the closing device comprises means of mounting and fixing without screws, by interlocking and locking parts and components belonging to the base or fixing plate of the closing device in bores or cutouts of the structural support element.

Another design of this type of mounting and fixing means without screws is described and represented in the European patent application EP3835523A1 in the name of the applicant who proposes a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element.

• une paroi 5 ; et
• un premier alésage 41 et un deuxième alésage 42, réalisés sous forme de découpes, traversant cette paroi, le deuxième alésage présentant un premier bord et un deuxième bord faisant face au premier bord.

The support element includes:

• a wall 5; And
• a first bore 41 and a second bore 42, made in the form of cutouts, passing through this wall, the second bore having a first edge and a second edge facing the first edge.

• un corps de butée 3 comprenant des moyens de blocage de l'élément ouvrant 5 ; et
• une platine 25 de fixation du corps de butée sur la paroi comprenant :
  • - - une base destinée à être en appui sur une face extérieure de la paroi ;
  • - - un premier organe d'accrochage 21 destiné à être engagé dans le premier alésage de l'élément de support; et
  • - - un deuxième organe d'accrochage 22 destiné à être inséré dans le deuxième alésage de l'élément de support, ce deuxième organe d'accrochage étant aligné avec le premier organe d'accrochage selon un axe longitudinal du dispositif 1.

The closing device includes:

• a stop body 3 comprising means for blocking the opening element 5; And
• a plate 25 for fixing the stop body to the wall comprising:
  • - - a base intended to rest on an exterior face of the wall;
  • - - a first hooking member 21 intended to be engaged in the first bore of the support element; And
  • - - a second hooking member 22 intended to be inserted in the second bore of the support element, this second hooking member being aligned with the first hooking member along a longitudinal axis of the device 1.

The temporary closing device 1 includes a lock 24.

The proposed closing device allows simple and rapid assembly and disassembly thanks to such a mobile lock 24.

• -- un premier élément avant latéral fixe de butée 31 qui est apte à coopérer avec une première portion 510 de l'élément ouvrant 5 lorsque l'élément ouvrant est dans une position dite de fermeture; et

• une languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée 320 qui est apte à coopérer avec une seconde portion 51 de l'élément ouvrant 5 pour le retenir dans sa position de fermeture, et qui est apte à se déformer élastiquement pour libérer l'élément ouvrant et permettre son passage vers une position dite ouverte.

According to this design proposed in this document EP3835523A1 - which is illustrated in appended figures 1 to 5 of the present application - the upper stop body 3 comprises stop means for blocking the opening element 5 comprising:

• -- a first fixed lateral front stop element 31 which is able to cooperate with a first portion 510 of the opening element 5 when the opening element is in a so-called closed position; And

• a flexible upper rear stop tab 320 which is able to cooperate with a second portion 51 of the opening element 5 to retain it in its closed position, and which is able to deform elastically to release the opening element and allow its passage to a so-called open position.

In its state after fixing the device 1, the flexible stop tab 320 extends generally vertically above the stop block 3.

During a first step of closing the opening element 5 on the structural support element 4, the opening element 5 approaches the support element 4 following the opening and closing direction " F”.

Thus, the opening element 5-51 gradually approaches the flexible stop tab 320 until it comes into contact with it.

Contact between the opening element and the flexible stop tab 320 marks the start of the second stage of closing. Contact is made at one edge of a lock passage opening 51 with a nose of the flexible stop tab 320.

Contact between the opening element and the flexible stop tab marks the start of the second stage of closing.

The flexible stop tab 320 is here associated with a plate 326 in a “V” arrangement. In its initial position, the flexible stop tab 320 is inclined relative to the vertical axis while the plate 326 extends substantially along a longitudinal and horizontal axis.

The flexible stop tab 320 with its associated plate 326 is mounted movable in rotation relative to the stop body and its pivoting relative to the stop body is ensured by an elastic hinge 322 with a horizontal axis return spring effect.

Thus, the axis of the hinge 322 constitutes the pivot axis of the flexible stop tongue 320.

Thanks to this elastic hinge, the flexible stop tab can be erased by pivoting so that the flexible stop tab 320 moves downwards to allow the opening element to pass. Thus, the flexible stop tab is in a stressed position following contact with the opening element.

The flexible stop tab 320 presents low resistance to the opening element.

Once the opening element exceeds the flexible stop tab, it returns to its initial state and position thanks to the action of its elastic hinge 322, which prevents the return of the opening element, and therefore its untimely opening .

In a completely closed position in which an edge 510 of the opening 5 is in contact with the first fixed lateral front stop element 31, there is an operating clearance between the flexible stop tongue 320 and the opening element. The stiffness of the flexible stop tab 320 makes it possible to retain the opening element.

When opening the sash, it is moved in a direction opposite to the direction of closing until it is again in contact with the flexible stop tab 320, at the level of another face, oriented towards the rear, of its two opposite side faces.

Given that the flexible stop tab 320 can deform elastically, it is sufficient to apply a relatively low suitable force, the value of which is for example between 30N and 60N, to cause the flexible stop tab 320 to bend, by elastic deformation. , which tilts forward to release the opening element.

According to such a design of the flexible stop tab, as soon as the device is mounted, it is permanently in an active functional position, and in particular from the first closing of the opening element, for example with a view to carrying out painting operations.

However, such operation is not always desirable, and in particular to avoid so-called “grain” phenomena between the flexible stop tab 320 and one or more painted zone(s).

On the other hand, it may prove necessary to be able to then retain the opening element in relation to the structural support element, and in particular between painting operations and assembly operations; particularly because the transfer actions, particularly when they are robotic, between the workshops and/or stations at which these successive painting and assembly operations are carried out, require reliable restraint and resistance to significant forces likely to be applied to the retaining tab.

The document FR-3058122-A1 illustrates a design according to the preamble of claim 1.

Summary of the invention

The invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing an improved device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element.

• une platine inférieure de fixation comprenant une base d'orientation horizontale destinée à être en appui sur une face extérieure de la paroi ;
• et un corps supérieur de butée comprenant des moyens de butée pour le blocage de l'élément ouvrant comportant :
  • -- un premier élément avant latéral fixe de butée qui est apte à coopérer avec une première portion de l'élément ouvrant lorsque l'élément ouvrant est dans une position dite de fermeture; et
• une languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée qui est apte à coopérer avec une seconde portion de l'élément ouvrant pour le retenir dans sa position de fermeture, et qui est apte à se déformer élastiquement pour libérer l'élément ouvrant et permettre son passage vers une position dite ouverte,

dans lequel la languette de butée est montée mobile sur le corps de butée entre :

• une position escamotée dans laquelle elle n'est pas apte à coopérer avec ladite seconde portion de l'ouvrant ;
• et une position fonctionnelle active dans laquelle elle est apte à coopérer avec ladite seconde portion de l'ouvrant,
  • dans lequel le corps supérieur de butée comporte un deuxième élément supérieur fixe d'appui avec lequel la languette de butée coopère lorsqu'elle est dans sa position
  • fonctionnelle active et lorsqu'elle est sollicitée par ladite seconde portion de l'élément ouvrant dans un sens correspondant à la fermeture de l'élément ouvrant,
  • caractérisé en ce que le corps supérieur de butée comporte un premier élément supérieur fixe d'appui avec lequel la languette de butée coopère lorsqu'elle est dans sa position fonctionnelle active et lorsqu'elle est sollicitée par ladite seconde portion de l'élément ouvrant dans un sens correspondant à l'ouverture de l'élément ouvrant.

The invention proposes a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element comprising a wall, said device comprising:

• a lower fixing plate comprising a horizontal orientation base intended to rest on an exterior face of the wall;
• and an upper stop body comprising stop means for blocking the opening element comprising:
  • -- a first fixed lateral front stop element which is able to cooperate with a first portion of the opening element when the opening element is in a so-called closed position; And
• a flexible upper rear stop tab which is able to cooperate with a second portion of the opening element to retain it in its closed position, and which is able to deform elastically to release the opening element and allow its passage towards a so-called open position,

in which the stop tongue is movably mounted on the stop body between:

• a retracted position in which it is not able to cooperate with said second portion of the opening;
• and an active functional position in which it is able to cooperate with said second portion of the opening,
  • in which the upper stop body comprises a second fixed upper support element with which the stop tongue cooperates when it is in its position
  • active functional and when it is requested by said second portion of the opening element in a direction corresponding to the closing of the opening element,
  • characterized in that the upper stop body comprises a first fixed upper support element with which the stop tongue cooperates when it is in its active functional position and when it is urged by said second portion of the opening element in a direction corresponding to the opening of the opening element.

• le dispositif comporte des moyens de verrouillage de la languette de butée dans sa position fonctionnelle active qui s'engagent automatiquement lors du passage de la languette de butée de sa position escamotée à sa position fonctionnelle active ;
• la languette de butée est montée articulée sur le corps de butée, autour d'un axe horizontal, entre une position angulaire escamotée et une position angulaire fonctionnelle active ;
• le premier élément supérieur fixe d'appui est une branche supérieure avant d'appui délimitée par une première face latérale arrière d'appui qui s'étend vers le haut ;
• languette de butée comporte un tronçon distal d'extrémité supérieure qui, dans la position fonctionnelle active de la languette de butée, s'étend en saille au-delà de l'extrémité supérieure de ladite branche supérieure d'appui ;
• le deuxième élément supérieur fixe d'appui est une branche arrière d'appui qui s'étend vers le haut et qui est délimitée par une deuxième face supérieure d'appui orientée vers le haut ;
• le deuxième élément supérieur fixe d'appui est une branche d'appui qui s'étend vers le haut à partir du corps supérieur de butée, et ladite deuxième face supérieure d'appui orientée vers le haut est agencée à une extrémité supérieure libre de cette branche ;
• la languette de butée comporte :
  • -- un tronçon proximal d'extrémité inférieure qui est monté articulé sur le corps supérieur de butée ;
  • -- et un plateau rigide d'appui qui s'étend longitudinalement vers l'arrière à partir de ce tronçon proximal d'extrémité inférieure de la languette de butée et qui, lorsque la languette de butée est dans sa position fonctionnelle active, coopère avec ladite deuxième face supérieure d'appui ;
• le dispositif comporte des moyens de verrouillage de la languette de butée dans sa position escamotée qui s'engagent automatiquement lors du passage de la languette de butée de sa position fonctionnelle active à sa position escamotée. ;
• le corps supérieur de butée et la languette de butée sont réalisés en une seule pièce par moulage, notamment en matière plastique ;
• le plateau comporte une jambe supérieure de verrouillage et d'appui, apte à fléchir élastiquement, qui s'étend verticalement vers le haut et qui, à son extrémité supérieure, comporte un doigt de verrouillage et d'appui dont une face inférieure est conformée en une facette inférieure d'appui orientée vers le bas et dont une face supérieure est conformée en une rampe inclinée et, dans la position fonctionnelle de la languette de butée ladite facette inférieure d'appui coopère avec ladite deuxième face supérieure d'appui ;
• ladite facette inférieure d'appui et ladite deuxième face supérieure d'appui présentent une inclinaison commune et complémentaire, et ladite jambe supérieure de verrouillage est apte à fléchir élastiquement ;
• le dispositif comporte des moyens de commande du déverrouillage de la languette de butée dans sa position angulaire fonctionnelle active ;
• le dispositif comporte un bras de commande du déverrouillage qui est solidaire de la jambe supérieure de verrouillage, et avec lequel la languette de butée coopère lorsqu'elle se déplace depuis sa position fonctionnelle active vers sa position escamotée ;
• le bras de commande du déverrouillage prolonge vers l'avant le doigt de verrouillage, et la languette de butée comporte un actionneur apte à coopérer avec le bras de commande du déverrouillage qui s'étend vers l'arrière depuis une face arrière 319 de la languette de butée.

According to other optional characteristics of the invention:

• the device comprises means for locking the stop tongue in its active functional position which engage automatically when the stop tongue passes from its retracted position to its active functional position;
• the stop tongue is mounted articulated on the stop body, around a horizontal axis, between a retracted angular position and an active functional angular position;
• the first fixed upper support element is an upper front support branch delimited by a first rear lateral support face which extends upwards;
• stop tongue comprises a distal upper end section which, in the active functional position of the stop tongue, extends projecting beyond the upper end of said upper support branch;
• the second fixed upper support element is a rear support branch which extends upwards and which is delimited by a second upper support face oriented upwards;
• the second fixed upper support element is a support branch which extends upwards from the upper stop body, and said second upper support face oriented upwards is arranged at a free upper end of this branch ;
• the stop tab includes:
  • -- a proximal lower end section which is hingedly mounted on the upper abutment body;
  • -- and a rigid support plate which extends longitudinally rearwardly from this proximal lower end section of the stop tongue and which, when the stop tongue is in its active functional position, cooperates with said second upper support face;
• the device comprises means for locking the stop tongue in its retracted position which engage automatically when the stop tongue passes from its active functional position to its retracted position. ;
• the upper stop body and the stop tongue are made in one piece by molding, in particular in plastic;
• the plate comprises an upper locking and support leg, able to flex elastically, which extends vertically upwards and which, at its upper end, comprises a locking and support finger, a lower face of which is shaped like a lower support facet oriented downwards and of which an upper face is shaped like an inclined ramp and, in the functional position of the stop tongue, said lower support facet cooperates with said second upper support face;
• said lower support face and said second upper support face have a common and complementary inclination, and said upper locking leg is able to flex elastically;
• the device comprises means for controlling the unlocking of the stop tab in its active functional angular position;
• the device comprises an unlocking control arm which is integral with the upper locking leg, and with which the stop tab cooperates when it moves from its active functional position to its retracted position;
• the unlocking control arm extends the locking finger forward, and the stop tab comprises an actuator capable of cooperating with the unlocking control arm which extends rearwardly from a rear face 319 of the tab of stop.

Brief descriptions of the figures

• [Fig.1] - la figure 1 est une vue en perspective et une vue de côté d'un dispositif de fermeture provisoire d'un élément ouvrant sur un élément de support, réalisé selon l'état de la technique ;
• [Fig.2] - la figure 2 est une autre vue en perspective du dispositif de fermeture de la figure 1 montrant une platine de fixation faisant partie dudit dispositif ; ladite platine de fixation comprenant un verrou en position verrouillée ;
• [Fig.3] - la figure 3 est une vue en perspective avant du dispositif de la figure 2 ;
• [Fig.4] - la figure 4 est vue en perspective du dispositif de fermeture de la figure 1 et de l'élément ouvrant lors d'une étape de la fermeture de l'élément ouvrant sur l'élément ;
• [Fig.5] - la figure 5 est une vue schématique en perspective de l'élément ouvrant en position de fermeture et du dispositif de fermeture provisoire de la figure 1 ;
• [Fig.6] - la figure 6 est une vue en perspective de trois-quarts avant d'un premier exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de fermeture provisoire d'un élément ouvrant sur un élément de support, et sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position initiale escamotée ;
• [Fig.7] - la figure 7 est une vue de côté du dispositif représenté à la figure 6 ;
• [Fig.8] - la figure 8 est vue arrière du dispositif représenté à la figure 6 ;
• [Fig.9] - la figure 9 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 6 sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position fonctionnelle active dans laquelle elle est apte à coopérer avec ladite seconde portion de l'ouvrant ;
• [Fig.10] - la figure 10 est une vue de côté du dispositif représenté à la figure 9 ;
• [Fig.11] - la figure 11 est une vue arrière du dispositif représenté à la figure 9 ;
• [Fig.12.] - la figure 12 est une vue en perspective de dessus de l'élément supérieur de butée en forme de « V » constitué de la languette flexible de butée et du plateau rigide ;
• [Fig.13] - la figure 13 est une vue en perspective de dessous de l'élément mobile de butée de la figure 12 ;
• [Fig.14] - la figure 14 est une vue à grande échelle d'un détail de conception de la partie supérieure du bloc de butée ;
• [Fig.15.] - la figure 15 est une représentation schématique illustrant un cycle d'ouverture et de fermeture de l'élément ouvrant et sa coopération avec la languette flexible de butée ;
• [Fig.16] - la figure 16 est une vue en perspective de trois-quarts arrière d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de fermeture provisoire d'un élément ouvrant sur un élément de support, et sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position escamotée ; [Fig.17] - la figure 17 est une vue de détail en coupe par un plan vertical et longitudinal médian de la partie supérieure arrière du dispositif de la figure 16 ;
• [Fig.18] - la figure 18 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 17, sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position fonctionnelle active ;
• [Fig.19] - la figure 19 est une vue en perspective de dessous de l'élément supérieur de butée du dispositif représenté à la figure 16 ;
• [Fig.20] - la figure 20 est une vue de côté d'une variante de réalisation du dispositif représenté à la figure 16 ;
• [Fig.21] - la figure 21 est une vue en perspective de trois-quarts arrière d'un troisième exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de fermeture provisoire d'un élément ouvrant sur un élément de support, et sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position escamotée ;
• [Fig.22] - la figure 22 est une vue de détail en coupe par un plan vertical et longitudinal médian de la partie supérieure arrière du dispositif de la figure 21 ;
• [Fig.23] - la figure 23 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 22, sur laquelle la languette arrière supérieure flexible de butée est dans sa position fonctionnelle active ;
• [Fig.24] - la figure 24 est une vue en perspective de dessous de l'élément supérieur de butée du dispositif représenté à la figure 21 ;

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which we will refer to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] - there figure 1 is a perspective view and a side view of a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element, produced according to the state of the art;
• [ Fig.2 ] - there figure 2 is another perspective view of the closing device of the figure 1 showing a fixing plate forming part of said device; said fixing plate comprising a lock in the locked position;
• [ Fig.3 ] - there Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the device of the figure 2 ;
• [ Fig.4 ] - there Figure 4 is seen in perspective of the closing device of the figure 1 and the opening element during a step of closing the opening element on the element;
• [ Fig.5 ] - there Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the opening element in the closed position and the temporary closing device of the figure 1 ;
• [ Fig.6 ] - there Figure 6 is a three-quarter front perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element, and on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its initial position retracted;
• [ Fig.7 ] - there Figure 7 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 6 ;
• [ Fig.8 ] - there figure 8 is rear view of the device shown in Figure 6 ;
• [ Fig.9 ] - there Figure 9 is a view analogous to that of the Figure 6 on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its active functional position in which it is able to cooperate with said second portion of the opening;
• [ Fig.10 ] - there Figure 10 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 9 ;
• [ Fig.11 ] - there Figure 11 is a rear view of the device shown in Figure 9 ;
• [ Fig.12 .] - there Figure 12 is a top perspective view of the upper “V”-shaped stop element consisting of the flexible stop tab and the rigid plate;
• [ Fig.13 ] - there Figure 13 is a perspective view from below of the mobile stop element of the Figure 12 ;
• [ Fig.14 ] - there Figure 14 is a large-scale view of a design detail of the upper part of the thrust block;
• [ Fig.15 .] - there Figure 15 is a schematic representation illustrating an opening and closing cycle of the opening element and its cooperation with the flexible stop tab;
• [ Fig.16 ] - there Figure 16 is a rear three-quarter perspective view of a second embodiment of a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element, and on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its retracted position ; [ Fig.17 ] - there Figure 17 is a detailed view in section through a median vertical and longitudinal plane of the upper rear part of the device of the Figure 16 ;
• [ Fig.18 ] - there Figure 18 is a view analogous to that of the Figure 17 , on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its active functional position;
• [ Fig.19 ] - there Figure 19 is a perspective view from below of the upper stop element of the device shown in Figure 16 ;
• [ Fig.20 ] - there Figure 20 is a side view of a variant embodiment of the device shown in Figure 16 ;
• [ Fig.21 ] - there Figure 21 is a rear three-quarter perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for temporarily closing an element opening onto a support element, and on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its retracted position ;
• [ Fig.22 ] - there Figure 22 is a detailed view in section through a median vertical and longitudinal plane of the upper rear part of the device of the Figure 21 ;
• [ Fig.23 ] - there Figure 23 is a view analogous to that of the Figure 22 , on which the rear upper flexible stop tab is in its active functional position;
• [ Fig.24 ] - there Figure 24 is a perspective view from below of the upper stop element of the device shown in Figure 21 ;

For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, we will adopt on a non-limiting basis and without reference to terrestrial gravity the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures whose longitudinal axes L and transverse T extend in a horizontal plane.

In the description which follows, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

Detailed description of the design example of a device according to the state of the art - Figures 1 to 5

On the figure 1 , is shown a temporary closing device 1 according to the state of the art of an opening element 5 on a support element 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the temporary closing device 1 is made of plastic material molded in one piece in a single part while the opening element 5 is a door of a motor vehicle and the structural support element 4 is a door frame belonging to the body of the vehicle.

The device has a general design symmetry with respect to a median vertical and longitudinal plane.

As shown in figures 1 to 4 , the opening element 5 notably comprises an opening 51 for lock passage.

The structural support element 4 is composed of a wall 40 having an exterior face 45 visible from the outside as presented in the Figure 3 and an interior face opposite the exterior face.

The support element 4 further comprises cut-out fixing bores comprising in particular a first bore 41 and a second bore 42 aligned in an opening and closing direction F of the opening element 50

These bores are used to fix part of the lock, in particular the part containing the striker, to the support element 4.

To facilitate the description and understanding of the claims, we will adopt on a non-limiting basis and without limiting reference to terrestrial gravity the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures including the longitudinal L and transverse axes T extend in a horizontal plane.

The longitudinal axis L is here oriented from rear to front, from right to left of the figure 1 , and it is parallel to the direction “F” of opening and closing of the sash. In addition, the vertical axis V is oriented from the bottom to the top of the figure 1 .

The temporary closing device 1 comprises a fixing plate 2 and a stop body 3. The fixing plate, or base, 2 ensures the fixing of the device 1 on the support element 4 by means of a first member of hooking member 21 and a second hooking member 22. In this example, the first hooking member 21 is intended to be engaged in the first bore 41 of the support element 4 while the second hooking member 22 is intended to be engaged in the second bore 42 of the support element.

The fixing plate 2 further comprises a base 25, of generally horizontal orientation intended to bear on the exterior face 45 of the support element 4 when the temporary closure device 1 is mounted on the support element 4 .

The fixing plate 2 also comprises a lock 24 movable relative to the second hooking member 22 between a locked rest position and an unlocked position under stress, and it makes it possible to block any axial movement of the device 1 relative to the element support 4.

In the example illustrated, the lock 24 comprises a gripping part 240 allowing easy gripping of the lock 24 to move this lock to the unlocked position.

There Figure 3 illustrates a step of the assembly process with a view to inserting the first hooking member 21 into the first bore 41. At the end of this first step, the second step of the assembly process consists of tilting the device 1 to insert successively the first hooking member 21 then the second hooking member 22 respectively in the first bore 41 and in the second bore 42. At the end of the second step the lock 24 is in its unlocked position.

Then, once the lock 24 is in the locked position, the temporary closing device 1 is fixedly attached to the support element 4.

To dismantle the temporary closing device 1, simply raise the lock 24 manually.

The stop body 3 comprises a first fixed stop member which is here a lateral stop nose 31 which is able to come into longitudinal support towards the front on a bottom 510 of the opening 51 for the lock passage of the element opening 5 when the opening element 5 is in a closed position.

The stop body 3 further comprises a second movable stop member whose function is to hold the opening element 5, in particular to prevent any untimely opening of the opening element 5.

The stop nose 31 constitutes a positioning stop for the opening element 5, and the flexible stop tongue 320 constitutes a means of retaining the opening element 5.

The second mobile stop element 32 has a general “V” shape and is essentially made up of a flexible tongue 320.

The flexible stop tab is associated in a single movable part with a rigid plate 326. When the second movable element is in its initial position, the flexible tab stop 320 is inclined relative to the vertical axis V, while the plate 326 extends substantially horizontally from rear to front, along the longitudinal axis L.

In the example illustrated, a front nose 321 of the flexible stop tab 320 is provided with an edge which comes into contact first with the opening element 5, which makes it possible to reduce the friction between the flexible stop tab and the opening element 5 and thus avoid scratches.

The second movable element 32 with the stop tongue 320 is mounted movable in rotation relative to the stop body 3. The rotational movement of the is ensured by the elastic hinge with return spring effect 322 of axis K.

In order to better guide the stroke of the flexible stop tongue 320, the plate 326 comprises a guide pin 323 engaged in a slide or vertical guide light 33 made in the stop body 3, at its rear end. The pin 323 and the slide 33 are visible for example on the Figure 3 . The pawn 323 is located at a free end of the board 326.

Thanks to the elastic hinge 322 and the pin 323 in the second slide 33, during contact between the opening element 5 and the flexible stop tongue 320, the latter articulates around the axis of rotation K and its movement is guided by the second slide 33 so that the flexible tongue 320 moves downwards and recedes to allow the passage of the opening element.

To dismantle the temporary closing device 1, simply raise the lock 24 manually.

Detailed description of the first design example of a device according to the invention - Figures 6 to 14

In the description which follows, elements and components identical, similar or analogous to those represented and described with reference to the figures 1 to 5 will be designated by the same numerical or alphanumeric references.

The design of the lower part of device 1 is identical to that of device 1 according to the state of the art.

At its rear part, always considering the orientation of the longitudinal axis L, the plate 326 of the stop element 32 comprises two opposite transverse branches 328 constituting a gripping part for moving it by pivoting it around the axis K of the hinge 322 and thus to pivot the flexible stop tab 320 around the axis K from its initial retracted position towards its active functional position.

The gripping branches 328 are stiffened by lower ribs 329.

The plate 326 is also stiffened over its entire length by a central longitudinal rib 330 which extends along the lower face 327 up to the guide pin 323.

At its rear end, and near the guide pin 323, the flat lower face 327 of the plate 326 comprises, on either side of the central rib 330, two coplanar lower support facets 332 oriented downwards.

Beyond the transverse rear end edge 325 of the plate 326, and in front of the guide pin 323, the plate 326 comprises two thin transversely opposed links 334 which, after the molding of the device 1, provide a function of temporary retention of the plate 326, and therefore of the stop element 32, in its initial low retracted position, called the delivery position or state, which is illustrated in figures 6 to 8 .

These thin links 334 are designed to break when an operator acts on the gripping branches 328 to rotate the plate 326 around the axis K, in the counterclockwise direction, considering the Figure 7 .

In the vicinity of its rear end transverse edge 325, the plate comprises two inclined transverse ramps 336 which are oriented towards the rear and upwards and each of which is arranged above a lower support facet 332.

The rear end transverse edge 335 of the plate 326 is connected to the front part of the upper stop body 3 by the thinned portion constituting the hinge 322 for articulating the stop element 32.

Concerning the flexible tongue 320, it is delimited towards the rear by a generally flat rear transverse face 319, and towards the front by a generally flat front transverse face 321.

At its upper front part, the upper stop body 3 comprises a rigid upper front branch 60 which extends generally upwards while being slightly inclined towards the rear.

This front branch 60 is a support branch for the portion facing the front transverse face 321 of the flexible stop tongue 320 which, within the meaning of the invention, constitutes the first fixed upper support element .

To this end, as can be seen in Figure 10 , the rigid upper fixed support branch 60 has a rear transverse face 61 which is capable of cooperating with the portion facing the front transverse face 321 belonging to the lower proximal section 317 of the flexible stop tongue 320.

The flexible stop tab 320 extends vertically beyond the upper end transverse edge 63 of the front branch 60.

As a result and as we can see in the Figure 10 , through its two opposite transverse faces 319 and 321, the upper end distal section 318 of the stop tongue 320 is able to cooperate with the second portion 51 of the opening element 5.

At its upper rear part, the upper stop body 3 comprises a symmetrical pair of upper rear support branches 70 which extend generally upwards while being slightly inclined towards the front.

The rear branches 70 are adjacent to the slide or vertical guide light 33 made in the stop body 3 and arranged at the rear of the upper part thereof. At its free upper end, each rear support branch 70 is delimited by an upper horizontal support face 72 which is oriented upwards and each of which is capable of cooperating with a facet 332 facing the plate 326 .

The design, dimension, and positioning of each rear support branch are such that each branch constitutes a vertical foot capable of absorbing the forces, oriented vertically from top to bottom, which are applied to it by the associated facet 332.

Each rear support branch 70 is attached to the upper body 3 by its lower end section 74 which is thinned.

This thinned section 74 allows - by elastic deformation of this thinned zone - a temporary tilting of each rear support branch 70, around a transverse axis A1 and in the clockwise direction, considering for example the Figure 7 , during the passage of the stop element, and therefore of the flexible tongue 320, from its initial retracted position to its active functional position.

To facilitate this tilting and this erasure during the passage of the rear longitudinal end portion of the plate 326, each rear support branch has at its upper part a cam profile 76 which is able to cooperate with the ramp opposite -screw 336 of plate 326.

At the end of such a tilt, by an elastic return effect, each rear support branch 70 automatically returns to its initial state as illustrated in the figures.

Thus, the device 1 according to the invention comprises means for locking the plate 326, and therefore the flexible stop tongue 320 (which is rigidly attached to it) in its active functional position. These locking means engage automatically when the stop tab 320 moves from its initial retracted position to its active functional position

In the position illustrated in figures 6 to 9 , the movable stop element 32, and therefore the flexible stop tongue 320, is in its initial low retracted position in which it is retained by the frangible links 334.

In this position, the distal section 318 of the flexible stop tab 320 is in the low position.

In this position or state, after mounting the device 1 in place on the fixed structural support element, it is for example possible to close the opening 5, without interference between the flexible stop tab 320 and the second portion 51 of the opening element 5.

The flexible stop tab 320 thus does not provide any braking or retaining function for the sash 5.

Considering the Figure 7 , to then bring the flexible stop tab 320 into its active functional position, or state, an operator must rotate it counterclockwise around the axis K of the hinge 322.

To do this, it acts on the gripping branches 328 to pull the plate upwards. During pivoting, under the effect of the tensile force exerted by the operator, the thin frangible links 334 break, then the ramps 336 cooperate with the cam profiles 76 and the pivoting stroke continues until that the plate 326 reaches its horizontal position illustrated in Figure 10 in which the facets 332 are opposite the horizontal support faces 72.

In this same position, the proximal section 317 of the flexible stop tongue 320 rests against the rear transverse face 61 of the front support branch 60.

The pivoting movement of the plate 326 around the axis K is also guided by the pin 323 which is received sliding in the slide 33.

Considering the Figure 10 , if we act on the front transverse face 321 of the upper distal section 318 of the flexible stop tongue 320, the latter can flex elastically by exerting a relatively low crossing force, for example between 20 and 40 newtons.

On the other hand, if we act on the rear transverse face 319 of the upper distal section of the flexible stop tongue 320, the latter rests over a large part of its height against the rear transverse face 61 of the front branch support 60 and its bending capacity is reduced and it then exerts a higher resistance force, for example greater than 80 newtons.

We have schematically represented in the Figure 15 an example of a cycle of cooperation of the flexible stop tab 320 with the portion 51 of the opening element 5.

In position “A”, the flexible stop tab 320 is in its active functional position and the opening 5, 51 is closed.

To open the opening 5, 51, the latter is moved longitudinally relative to the fixed device 1 from left to right and position "B" is reached in which the portion 51 of the opening 5 cooperates with the rear transverse face 319 of the flexible stop tongue 320 which is in rigid support against the front support branch 60.

It is therefore necessary to apply a significant force to the opening 5 so that the opening 5, 51 “crosses” the flexible stop tab 320 and can then be opened.

After this opening shown at position “C”, the flexible stop tab 320 is again in its free, unconstrained state.

Then, if we wish to close the opening 5 again, the latter is moved longitudinally relative to the fixed device 1 from the right to the left and we reach the position "D" in which the portion 51 of the opening 5 cooperates with the front transverse face 321 of the flexible stop tab 320.

In this direction of loading of the flexible stop tongue 320, the latter is not in rigid support against the front support branch 60.

It is therefore necessary to apply only a reduced force on the opening 5 so that the opening 5, 51 "crosses" the flexible stop tab 320 and can then be closed by reaching position "A" again. .

The design according to the invention thus makes it possible to dissociate the values of the retaining forces according to the direction of intervention of the flexible retaining tab 320, for example in a ratio of simple to triple.

In the design which has just been described, the passage of the plate 326, and therefore the passage of the flexible tongue 320 from its initial retracted position to its active functional position is "irreversible" due to the automatic intervention of the locking means 72-332 and the great rigidity in compression in the vertical direction of the rear branches 70.

As a variant not shown, it is possible to provide on the external lateral faces 78 of the branches 70 transverse gripping pins allowing them to bend elastically around their axis A1 to then allow the plate 326 to pivot downwards to reach again its retracted initial angular position represented in figures 6 to 9 .

It is also possible to provide means for immobilizing again in this angular position, for example in the form of lugs.

Detailed description of the second design example of a device according to the invention - Figures 15 to 19

In the description which follows, elements and components identical, similar or analogous to those represented and described with reference to the figures 6 to 14 will be designated by the same numerical or alphanumeric references.

In this exemplary embodiment, the passage of the flexible tongue 320 from its initial retracted position to its active functional position is “reversible”.

For this purpose, the rear longitudinal part of the plate 326 and the associated rear portion of the stop body 3 are modified.

In front of the rear end transverse edge 325 of the plate 326, and in front of the guide pin 323, the plate 326 comprises an upper locking and support leg 340 which extends vertically upwards.

Without limitation, the leg 340 has a curved profile from bottom to top and from back to front.

The leg 340 is thus delimited by a convex rear face 342 and a concave front face 344 which are substantially parallel.

On its front face 342, and at its upper end, the leg 340 includes a locking and support finger 346.

Like the guide pin 323, the finger 346 is centered transversely and it is able to slide in the slide.

The upper face of the finger 346 is shaped into an inclined convex central transverse ramp 336 which is oriented from bottom to top and from back to front.

The lower face of the finger 346 is shaped into a lower support face 332 oriented downwards.

By comparison with the first embodiment, the upper block does not include a pair of rear support branches.

This is the upper rear part 3, in which the slide 33 is formed, which functions as the central rear support branch 70.

The upper central support branch 70 is delimited by an upper support face 72 which is oriented upwards and which is able to cooperate with the facet 332 facing the locking and support leg 340 from plate 326.

The design, dimension, and positioning of the rear central support branch are such that it constitutes a vertical foot capable of absorbing the forces, oriented vertically from top to bottom, which are applied to it by the associated facet 332.

To ensure reliable locking in the high position of the plate 326 and as can be seen in particular in the Figure 18 , the support face 332 and the upper support face 32 have a common and complementary inclination, from bottom to top and from back to front.

To allow crossing by the finger 346, when the plate (and therefore the flexible tongue 320) passes from its retracted low position to its active functional high position, the leg 340 is able to flex elastically and the inclined convex central transverse ramp 336 cooperates with a lower face 72 of the upper transverse upright 350 of the upper support branch 70.

As we can see from the Figure 17 , in the retracted angular position of the flexible tongue 320, the finger 346 with its inclined ramp which extends facing the lower face 76 constitutes means for locking the stop tongue 320 in its retracted position which engage automatically when of the passage of the stop tab 320 from its active functional position to its retracted position.

Considering the Figure 17 , to then bring the flexible stop tab 320 into its active functional position, or state, an operator must rotate it counterclockwise around the axis of the hinge 322.

To do this, it acts on the lower gripping branches 328 to pull the plate upwards.

During pivoting, under the effect of the traction force exerted by the operator, the ramp 336 cooperates with the lower face 76 which constitutes a cam profile and the pivoting stroke continues until the plate 326 reaches its horizontal position shown in Figure 18 in which the facet 332 is opposite the support face 72.

At the end of this change in angular position, the flexible stop tab 320 is automatically locked in its active functional high position.

Starting from the active functional position shown in Figure 18 , it is possible to unlock the leg 340 and therefore the plate 326 and the flexible tongue 320.

To this end, and as can be seen in particular in detail in figures 16 And 19 , at its upper end, the leg 340 comprises two opposite upper transverse branches 338 constituting a gripping part.

By acting on the upper transverse gripping branches 338, the operator can pull forward the upper end section of the leg 340 to deform it elastically and cause the mutual disengagement of the facet 332 and the support face 72.

The operator can then rotate the plate 326 with the leg 340, clockwise considering the Figure 18 , until bringing them back into the retracted low angular position of the Figure 17 .

At the end of this change in angular position and as we can see in figures 16 And 17 , the flexible stop tab 320 is automatically locked in its lower retracted position because the finger 346 is housed inside the slide 33 and is arranged facing the lower face 76 of the upright 350.

This reversible design allows a whole range of uses of the temporary or temporary closing device 1, notably for example in the automobile industry during the assembly, anti-corrosion treatment, painting and assembly stages.

Each operator can manually raise or lower the flexible stop tab 320.

Variant - Figure 20

The variant illustrated in Figure 20 combines the possibility of a “fixed” retainer according to the state of the art illustrated in figure 1 in combination with a “reversible” two-position stop tab 320 as described and shown with reference to figures 16 to 19 .

Detailed description of the third design example of a device according to the invention - Figures 20 to 24

In the description which follows, elements and components identical, similar or analogous to those represented and described with reference to the figures 15 to 19 will be designated by the same numerical or alphanumeric references.

This exemplary embodiment constitutes a variant embodiment of the second exemplary embodiment and it will be described by comparison with the latter.

To, starting from the active functional position of the flexible tongue 20, unlock the leg 340 and therefore the plate 326 and the flexible tongue 320, the device here comprises unlocking control means which are made in two associated parts of a on the one hand to the elastically deformable leg 340 and, on the other hand to the unlocking finger 346. For this purpose, and as can be seen in particular in detail in figures 20 to 24 , the rear face 319 of the flexible tongue 320 comprises, here substantially at mid-height, an actuator 351 which extends longitudinally towards the rear.

The actuator 351 forms an almost rigid assembly with the flexible tongue 320 and it pivots with the latter in both directions.

The actuator 351 is delimited by a rear free end transverse edge 352.

The upper locking leg 340 comprises an unlocking control arm 354 which is integral with the upper locking leg 340.

The unlocking control arm 354 here extends the locking finger 346 forward.

The unlocking control arm 354 forms an almost rigid assembly with the locking finger 346 with which it is integral to constitute a lever for controlling the pivoting of the finger 346 (in the counterclockwise direction considering the Figure 23 ).

In its upper face, the arm 354 comprises a housing 356 open upwards which is capable of receiving the transverse edge of the rear free end 352 of the actuator 351.

Thus, the bottom 358 of the housing 356 constitutes a support surface for the transverse edge 352.

Starting from the retracted position of the Figure 22 , by acting on the upper end distal section 318 of the stop tongue 320 in the counterclockwise direction, the tongue 320 is caused to pivot and simultaneously the flexible leg 340 to pivot to, as described previously, reach the active position shown on Figure 23 .

Starting from the active position shown in Figure 23 , to unlock the tongue 320, we act on the upper end distal section 318 of the stop tongue 320 to cause the pivoting (clockwise) of the assembly constituted by the actuator 351 and the locking finger 346 .

The angular travel of the actuator 351 initially results in its transverse edge 352 coming to rest on the bearing surface 358 of the unlocking control arm 354, and it continues by acting on the arm 354 forming a lever to pull forward the upper end section of the leg 340 comprising the locking finger 346 to deform it elastically and cause the mutual disengagement of the facet 332 and the support face 72.

To cause unlocking, the actuator 351 thus behaves like a finger which acts on a trigger constituted by the arm 354.

The operator can then rotate the plate 326 with the leg 340, clockwise considering the Figure 23 , until bringing them back into the retracted low angular position of the Figure 22 .

The flexible stop tab 320 is automatically locked in its lower retracted position because the finger 346 is housed inside the slide 33 and is arranged facing the lower face 76 of the upright 350.

Claims (15)

1. Device (1) for temporarily closing an opening element (5) on a support element (4) comprising a wall (40),

   said device (1) comprising : -

   a lower fixing plate (2) comprising a horizontally oriented base (25) intended to bear on an outer face (45) of the wall (40);

   - and an upper stop body (3) comprising stop means (31, 32) for blocking the opening element (5) comprising:

   -- a first fixed lateral front stop element (31) which is able to cooperate with a first portion (510) of the opening element (5) when the opening element (5) is in a so-called closed position; and

   - a flexible rear upper stop tongue (320) which is able to cooperate with a second portion (51) of the opening element (5) to hold it in its closed position, and which is able to deform elastically to release the opening element (5) and allow it to move to a so-called open position,
   in which the stop tab (320) is mounted on the stop body (3) so as to be movable between : -

   a retracted position in which it is not able to cooperate with said second portion of the opening member (5);

   - and an active functional position in which it is able to cooperate with said second portion of the opening member (5),

   wherein the upper stop body (3) comprises a second upper fixed bearing element (70, 72) with which the stop tongue (320) cooperates when it is in its active functional position and when it is urged by said second portion of the opening member (5) in a direction corresponding to the closing of the opening member (5), characterised in that the upper stop body (3) comprises a first fixed upper bearing element (60, 61) with which the stop tongue (320, 321) cooperates when it is in its active functional position and when it is urged by said second portion (51) of the opening element (5) in a direction corresponding to the opening of the opening element (5).
2. Device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for locking the stop tongue (320) in its active functional position, which engage automatically when the stop tongue (320) moves from its retracted position to its active functional position.
3. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the stop tongue (320) is mounted so as to be articulated on the stop body, about a horizontal axis (K), between a retracted angular position and an active functional angular position.
4. Device (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the first fixed upper support element (60) is a front upper support arm delimited by a first rear lateral support face (61) which extends upwards.
5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the stop tab (320) comprises a distal upper end section which, in the active functional position of the stop tab (320), extends beyond the upper end (63) of said upper support arm (60).
6. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the second fixed upper support element is a rear support arm (70) which extends upwards and is delimited by a second upper support face (72) oriented upwards.
7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the second fixed upper bearing element is a bearing arm (70) which extends upwards from the upper stop body (3), and in that the said second upper bearing face (72) oriented upwards is arranged at a free upper end of this arm.
8. Device (1) according to Claim 6, characterised in that the stop tab (320) comprises: - a proximal lower
   end section (317) which is hinged to the upper stop body (3);

   - and a rigid bearing plate (326) which extends longitudinally rearwards from this proximal lower end section (317) of the stop tongue (320) and which, when the stop tongue (320) is in its active functional position, cooperates with said second upper bearing face (72).
9. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means for locking the stop tongue (320) in its retracted position, which engage automatically when the stop tongue (320) moves from its active functional position to its retracted position.
10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upper stop body (3) and the stop tongue (320) are made in one piece by moulding, in particular from plastic.
11. Device according to claims 8, 6 and 2 taken in combination, characterised in that the plate (326) comprises an upper locking and support leg (340), capable of bending elastically, which extends vertically upwards and which, at its upper end, comprises a locking and support finger (346), a lower face of which is shaped as a lower support facet (332) pointing downwards and an upper face (346) of which is shaped as an inclined ramp (336), and in that, in the functional position of the stop tongue (320), the said lower support facet (332) interacts with the said second upper support face (72).
12. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said lower bearing facet (332) and the said second upper bearing facet (72) have a common and complementary inclination, and in that the said upper locking leg (340) is capable of bending elastically.
13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (351, 354) for controlling the unlocking of the stop tongue (320) in its active functional angular position.
14. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises an unlocking control arm (354) which is integral with the upper locking leg (340), and with which the stop tongue (320) cooperates when it moves from its active functional position to its retracted position.
15. Device according to the preceding claim taken in combination with claim 13, characterized in that the arm (354) for controlling unlocking extends the locking finger (346) forwards, and in that the stop tab (320) comprises an actuator (351) capable of collaborating with the arm (354) for controlling unlocking which extends rearwards from a rear face (319) of the stop tab (320).

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