FR2943375A1 - Opening compensating device for opening frame of vehicle i.e. military vehicle, has helical spring that is inactive in opening range, and torsion bar that is inactive in another opening range - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a hinge interposed between an opening frame (2) and a support (4). A compensation unit i.e. helical spring (7), is active in an opening range, and another compensation unit i.e. torsion bar, is active in another opening range consecutive to the former opening range. The helical spring is inactive in the latter opening range, and the torsion bar is inactive in the former opening range. A left end (7b) of the helical spring is supported on the support, where right end of the spring is integrated to the opening frame in the former opening range.

Description

The technical sector of the present invention is that of the opening means of an opening of a vehicle, in particular military vehicles, the mass of which is generally important to maneuver these openings between a closed position and a position of opening various devices have been proposed. Thus, FR-1428259 discloses a panel closing a manhole of a vehicle through a parallelogram system of oscillating arms. To compensate for the weight of the panel, torsion bars are provided between the articulated arms at the panel to exert a torque during the pivoting movement. We see that this system requires a very large footprint substantially equivalent to the surface of the panel during the release of the manhole, which is incompatible with the available surface on current vehicles that must have many equipment. In addition, no articulation between the panel and the vehicle is provided.

EP-0656520 discloses a conventional panel articulated at a high clearance relative to a vehicle by means of a torsion bar which is in tension in the closed and fully open positions and in the absence of tension in a intermediate position. This patent therefore proposes the use of a torsion bar whose length is extremely important in relation to the hinge itself of the panel, which requires a very important place of implantation on the vehicle. Patent DE-3938586 describes the fixing of an opening on a vehicle by means of an arm ensuring a double articulation. A first torsion spring is disposed between the arm and the sash and a second torsion spring is disposed between the arm and the vehicle. This arrangement ensures a very large opening of the opening but with the disadvantage of a double joint. Patent EP-0387405 describes the articulation of a panel with respect to a vehicle having an axis of rotation mounted in bearing housings housing a torsion spring. The

2 mounting using a bearing box makes it possible to adjust the preload of the torsion spring. Previous documents describe which devices are torsion bar or torsion spring.

Generally, these devices are ideally suited when the opening angle of the opening does not exceed 90 ° vertically. When this 90 ° angle is exceeded, these devices undergo alternating destructive stresses. The larger the opening angle, the larger the alternating stresses causing the destruction of the device. The object of the present invention is to provide an articulation between a hatch cover and the wall of a vehicle, in particular the roof, allowing a wide opening angle of this panel. Another object of the invention is to allow the realization of this articulation on existing vehicles without modification of the structure. The invention therefore relates to a device for compensating the opening of an opening of a vehicle, connected in rotation relative to a support fixed to said vehicle to ensure its opening in a range of large amplitude, characterized in that it comprises a hinge interposed between said opening and the support comprising a first active compensation means 25 on a first opening range and a second active compensation means on a second opening range consecutive to the first range, the first means being inactive on the second opening range and the second means being inactive on the first opening range. According to a characteristic of the invention, the first means is a helical spring and the second means a torsion bar. According to another characteristic of the invention, during the first opening range a left end of the helical spring 35 bears on the support, the right end of the spring being secured to the opening. According to another characteristic of the invention, during the first opening range a left end of the coil spring is supported on a lateral flange of the support, the right end of the spring being secured to the opening. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the lateral wing comprises a clearance limited by at least one stop, said clearance being traversed by the left end of the spring during the second opening range of said leaf. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the torsion bar is secured to two end sleeves which constitute bearings for the pivoting of the opening, one of the two sleeves being otherwise integral with the opening. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the torsion bar is at its left end secured in rotation to a branch of the opening and free to rotate by its right end relative to the other branch of the opening, said right end being integral in rotation with a cam. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the support is provided with an abutment integral with a side fixed to the support, said cam bearing on said abutment in order to block one end of the torsion bar and to constrain the latter. in torsion from the end of the first opening range.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the device comprises a tubular envelope in which the second means is inserted and on which the first means is guided. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the maximum opening angle is of the order of 170 °. A first advantage of the present invention lies in the operation in successive sequences of each of the two compensation means during their solicitation. Another advantage of the invention lies in the possibility of obtaining a large opening of the opening of the order of 170 °. Another advantage of the invention lies in the possibility of incorporating the device into existing structures 4 without performing a complete overhaul of the joint. Yet another advantage of the invention resides in the fact of overcoming the inherent weaknesses of the bars and torsion springs by imposing an active phase on a reduced opening range of the opening. Other features, advantages and details of the invention will be better understood on reading the additional description which will follow of embodiments given by way of example in relation to drawings in which: FIG. principle of a large opening of an opening, - Figure 2 is a section made at the axis of articulation of the opening relative to the vehicle and according to a first embodiment, - Figure 3 represents a view of one of the two compensation means according to this first embodiment, - Figure 4 is a view of one of the two compensation means according to a second embodiment, - Figure 5 is a view showing a schematically the second means of compensation of this second embodiment, seen without the opening, - Figure 6 is a view showing the opening in the closed position on the vehicle, - Figure 7 is a rising profile view the means of blocking e the rotation of the second compensation means, and - Figure 8 is a view showing the complete deployment of the opening according to the second embodiment. As indicated above, the use of a compensation means, torsion bar or torsion spring, does not make it possible to obtain a sufficiently reliable device over time. The applicant has had the idea of using known means by combining them quite cleverly to overcome the weaknesses inherent to each individual means to ensure a large opening of the door and reliability over time. By large opening means an opening of the order of 170 ° which is sufficient to completely clear the hatch of the vehicle. In an original way, the invention combines a first compensation means in a first opening phase, for example 90 °, represented by a spring or a torsion bar, and a second compensation means in a second opening phase. up to 170 ° for example, means represented respectively by a torsion bar or a spring by making each of the means inactive during the active phase of the other means.

For reasons of convenience we will speak of the left and right parts as these designations are explicitly mentioned in the figures. Thus, in Figure 1, there is shown an opening 2 applied to the hatch of a vehicle 1 according to a joint 3 occupying three positions. The first position along the direction X1 represents the closed position which need not be explained further. The second position in the direction X2 represents an opening of about 90 °, which is conventional in this field. The third position in the X3 direction represents the desirable maximum aperture of about 170 ° to make it comfortable for the vehicle crew to pass through the hatch. According to the invention, it will be possible to provide a spring which will only be active during the first phase from 0 to 90 ° and a torsion bar which will only be active during the second phase from 90 ° to 170 °, the spring being inactive. . Of course, one can alternatively provide a torsion bar in the first phase and a spring in the second phase without significant modification. In Figure 2, there is shown a section showing the combination of the two compensation means implemented in the bulk of a conventional joint. To this end, the opening 2 is connected by its arms 2a and 2b to two sleeves 3a and 3b which are themselves mounted on the wings 4a and 4b of a support 4 secured to the vehicle. The sleeves 3a and 3b thus constitute bearings on which the opening pivots. The sleeves 3a and 3b are connected to each other by a

6 sleeve 5 and this assembly forms the axis XX 'of the hinge 3 of the opening relative to the vehicle. The sleeves 3a and 3b are rotatably mounted in each flange 4a, 4b and the liner 5 is also free to rotate relative to the sleeves. A torsion bar 6 is disposed between the two sleeves 3a and 3b. This bar comprises conventionally a hexagonal profile or flats at each end, this profile cooperates with a complementary profile internal to each sleeve 3a, 3b. Thus the torsion bar 6 is integral in rotation with each sleeve, the sleeves can also rotate relative to each other accompanying the torsion of the bar. It can be seen that, compared to the conventional embodiment of a hinge equipped with a simple spring, the invention uses a tubular axis formed by the sleeves 3a, 3b and the jacket 5, tubular axis which makes it possible to easily incorporate a torsion bar which can be urged from the vertical position to the fully open position of the opening.

According to the invention, therefore integrates inside the hinge 3 a torsion bar 6 constituting a second compensation means by making it integral with the sleeves 3a and 3b. One end of the torsion bar 6 can be made integral with the opening 2 by means of one of the sleeves as will be explained below, the other end of the bar cooperating with the support 4. A spring torsion 7 constituting the first compensation means is disposed around the liner 5 with its left end 7b in contact with the support 4 and its right end 7a secured to the opening at the arm 2a. In Figure 3, there is shown a view according to which the opening 2 is open at 90 ° that is to say at the end of the first opening range. Between the closed position and this position at 90 °, the opening 2 has biased the spring 7 under stress. On the part marked "right" of Figure 3, the spring 7 has a bent end 7a (not visible in this figure) which is integral with the branch 2a of the opening

7 pivotally mounted on the sleeve 3a. A cam 15 is made integral with the sleeve 3a to cooperate with an abutment as will be explained in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. On the part marked "left" of FIG. 3, the left end 7b of the spring 7 is applied on a first stop 13 of the wing 4b of the support 4. This end 7b has remained applied to the stop 13 throughout the first opening range of the opening 2, it is the stop 13 which puts the spring 7 in constraint on this first opening range. The wing 4b is provided with a clearance 11 between the stop 13 and the face 12 (face which does not act as a stop). This clearance 11 is traversed by the end 7b of the spring 7 while continuing the rotation of the opening along the arrow F during the second opening range. Thus, the spring 7 is rendered inactive throughout the second range of rotation and is not stressed in torsion. FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the connection of the spring 7 with the support 4 and the opening 2. The left end 7b of the spring here comprises a straight (non-circular) strand which is simply supported on a shim 18 fixed to the support 4. This end 7b is constantly resting on this shim during the first range of rotation between 0 and 90 °, Figure 4 representing the position at 90 °. The end 7a of the spring 7 is secured to the branch 2a of the opening. Beyond 90 ° the right strand (non-circular) 7b deviates from the shim 18 (Figure 8) and the spring 7 is no longer constrained in torsion. 5 shows an external side view of the hinge showing the mounting of the torsion bar 6. This is secured to the side of the flange 4a of the support 4 of the sleeve 3a which is itself secured to a cam 15 which cooperates with a stopper 21 integral with a sidewall 17 (marked "right" side in Figure 5). The torsion bar 6 is also secured by its left end (via the sleeve 3b), on the side of the arm 4b of the support 4, a part 19 which secures it to the branch 2b (no shown) of the opening 2 by means of the screws 20. Thus, the bar of

8 twist 6 is rotated by the opening along the two beaches P1 and P2 as will be explained below. It can thus be seen that with the invention the spring and the torsion bar never undergo alternating stresses. It is therefore possible to subject them to a precondition (mechanical and thermal treatments during manufacture) which allows them to have better mechanical characteristics and in particular a better stability over time. This results in a high reliability of the device according to the invention. invention for reduced volume and significant allowable stresses. FIG. 6 shows in section the closing position of the sash 2. In this position, the cam 15 is not resting on its stop 21 and therefore the torsion bar 6 to which it is linked in rotation is subject to no constraints. The torsion bar 6 thus provides no torque. When the opening 2 is rotated along the first range P1, the cam 15 is simultaneously rotated with the bar 6 until it bears against the stop 21. The torsion bar 6 undergoes no stress during this first rotation range. During this same first beach P1, the spring 7 as previously described is forced into torsion. Indeed one end 7a of the spring is secured to the branch 2a of the opening while the other end 7b of the spring is either supported on the support 4 by means of the wedge 18 (2 ° embodiment - see Figure 5), or in abutment on the stop 13 of the support 4 (1 ° embodiment - see Figure 3). At the end of the first rotation range P1, the opening then has its position of intermediate opening which is shown in Figure 7 where we see that the opening 2 is disposed substantially in a vertical position. The free rotation of the torsion bar 6 is here stopped by the support of the cam 15 on the stop 21 of the sidewall 17. It is from this position that the torsion bar can be put under stress. Indeed, the tilting of the opening 2 next

9 the arrow F will ensure the stress of the torsion bar 6 throughout the second range P2 because it is maintained between the branch 2b of the opening 2 and the cam 15 abutting.

In Figure 8, there is shown a view of the opening 2 in full open position, that is to say in the final position of the second range to 170 °. During this second range of rotation of the opening 2, the spring 7 is not stressed, the end 7b has moved away from the shim 18. During this rotation, it is the torsion bar 6 which is requested and put under stress until the opening of the opening 2 is complete. The invention thus makes it possible to ensure in sequence a first stressing, that of the spring 7, and a second stressing, that of the bar 6. Of course, an alternative embodiment would consist of first making the under bar and then that of the spring without modifying the object of the invention. Stressing the spring 7 between 0 ° and 90 ° opening makes it easier to open the opening. The stressing of the bar 6 between 90 ° and 170 ° opening makes it easier to close the opening.

Claims (10)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device for compensating opening of an opening (2) of a vehicle, connected in rotation with respect to a support (4) fixed to said vehicle to ensure its opening in a range of large amplitude, characterized in that it comprises a hinge (3) interposed between said opening (2) and the support (4) comprising a first compensation means (7) active on a first opening range and a second compensation means (6) active on a second range consecutive opening to the first range, the first means (7) being inactive on the second opening range and the second means (6) being inactive on the first opening range. 2. A device for compensating the opening of a leaf (2) of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first means (7) is a helical spring and the second means (6) a torsion bar. 3. A device for compensating for the opening of a vehicle opening (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that during the first opening range a left end (7b) of the helical spring (7) is in abutment. on the support (4), the right end (7a) of the spring being secured to the opening (2). 4. A device for compensating the opening of a door (2) of a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that during the first opening range a left end (7b) of the coil spring (4) bears on a lateral flange (4b) of the support, the right end (7a) of the spring being integral with the opening (2). 5. A device for compensating the opening of a vehicle door 30 according to claim 4, characterized in that the lateral flange (4b) comprises a clearance (11) limited by at least one stop (13), said release (11) being traversed by the left end (7b) of the spring during the second opening range of said opening (2). 35 6. A device for compensating the opening of a vehicle opening according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the torsion bar (6) is integral with two end sleeves (3a, 3b) which constitute bearings for pivoting of the leaf, one of the two sleeves being otherwise secured to the leaf (2) 7. Device for compensating the opening of a vehicle opening according to claim 6, characterized in that the torsion bar (6) is at its left end rotatably connected to a branch (2b) of the opening (2) and free in rotation by its right end relative to the other branch (2a) of the opening (2), said right end being integral in rotation with a cam (15). 8. A device for compensating the opening of a vehicle door according to claim 7, characterized in that the support (4) is provided with a stop (21) integral with a sidewall (17) fixed to the support, said cam bearing on said abutment (21) to block one end of the torsion bar (6) and constrain the torsion bar at the end of the first opening range. 9. A device for compensating the opening of a door (2) of a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tubular casing (5) in which the second means (6) is inserted and on which the first means (7) is guided. 10. A device for compensating the opening of a door (2) of a vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum opening angle is of the order of 170 °.