FR3135056A1 - Motor vehicle opening hinge with wing support - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a hinge (18) for an opening (14) of a motor vehicle, such as an engine hood, the vehicle having a structure and a side wing adjacent to the opening (14). The joint (18) comprising a fixed part (30) with a fixing plate (32) intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle; a movable part (34) which is pivotally connected to the fixed part (30) and which is intended to be fixed to the opening (14); a pivot axis (38) transverse to the fixing plate. The joint comprises a wing support (42) with a supporting surface for the side wing, said wing support (42) being fixed to the mounting plate (32). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with an opening hinge (18). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Motor vehicle opening hinge with wing support

The invention relates to a motor vehicle opening hinge. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a side wing attached to an opening hinge.

The engine compartment of a motor vehicle is accessible thanks to a pivoting opening commonly called the engine hood. This opening is mounted using joints placed on each side of the opening. The latter form pivoting connections allowing the shutter to tilt between an open position and a closed position. In the case of a front hood, each joint is fixed to the rear of the opening, and to the body of the vehicle. The rigidity of the joint contributes to maintaining the sash in both open and closed configurations. The joint is also used for adjusting the position of the shutter in the closed position. Thus, it contributes to the capacity of the opening to close the opening of the engine compartment according to geometric and sealing criteria.

The joint comprises a fixed part secured to the body which forms an implantation zone of the joint; and a movable part which is pivotally mounted relative to the fixed part. The pivoting part changes orientation along a transverse pivot axis. It has areas for fixing the pivoting shutter. The fixed part provides additional functions, such as for example maintaining a front side wing delimiting a wheel arch.

We know the document FR2921614B1 which presents a motor vehicle comprising a hinge for articulating the hood to the structure of the vehicle. The hinge includes means for moving the cover downwards when it is in the closed position. These means improve the protection of pedestrians in the event of an impact.

Document FR2952341B1 presents a motor vehicle comprising a hood fixed by hinges. In the closed position, the hood is flush with the front side fenders. The hinges include bases fixed to the body, and are located in the engine compartment at the front. Each hinge has a fixed hinge and a movable hinge relative to the fixed hinge. Each wing features a rear upper portion with an edge along the hood. The edge has a horizontal tab fixed on a folded and horizontal part of the fixed knuckle which provides support along the Z axis. Thanks to this arrangement, the hinge allows vertical positioning of the wing edge.

However, the fixed knuckle has a complex geometry which is difficult to produce by stamping from a raw sheet metal blank. In fact, the fixed knuckle has a base which extends transversely towards the opposite of the horizontal folded part. Furthermore, the fixed knuckle comes from a cut sheet metal blank. The dimensions of the horizontal folded part lengthen the cutouts and increase the size of the sheet metal blank. The proportion of sheet metal not used after cutting increases for a given quantity of raw material.

In addition, the integration of the folded part at one end of the vertical part adds constraints in terms of geometry, and requires extending certain portions; which makes the hinge heavier. Forming the folded part requires deformations which weaken the hinge in addition to limiting its rigidity. Finally, the arrangement of the vertical folded part penalizes compactness, in particular transverse compactness and longitudinal compactness.

The invention aims to respond to at least one of the problems or disadvantages encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to stiffen a motor vehicle opening joint. The invention also aims to optimize the rigidity and compactness of a motor vehicle opening hinge. The invention also aims to optimize the strength and manufacturing of a motor vehicle opening hinge.

To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an opening hinge for a motor vehicle comprising a structure, an opening and a side wing adjacent to the opening; the joint comprising a fixed part with a fixing plate intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle, a movable part which is pivotally connected to the fixed part and which is intended to be fixed to the opening; at least one pivot axis; remarkable in that the articulation comprises a wing support with a wing support surface, said wing support being fixed to the fixed part.

The invention creates the wing support surface using an attached support. Thus, the support surface is simpler to install over the entire surface of the fixed part. The solution with a fixed support makes it possible to shorten the junction towards the wing support surface, which stiffens this junction, and therefore the joint. The support is easier to make in isolation than in combination with the mounting plate. Its own geometry is simpler, and requires manufacturing processes that are convenient to apply in large series. During its manufacture, shaping deformations remain limited, which allows mechanical resistance to be preserved.

Preferably, the fixing plate forms a plate, the wing support being fixed to said plate; and the at least one pivot axis being perpendicular to said plate.

Preferably, the fixing plate has a fixing face intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle, and an articulation face opposite the fixing face; the movable part and the wing support being connected to the fixed part on the side of the articulation face.

Preferably, the articulation comprises a clearance between the fixed part and the wing support, and two pivoting connecting rods pivotally connecting the movable part to the plate, at least one of the two pivoting connecting rods being configured to pivot in said clearance.

Preferably, the wing support comprises a fixing base fixed to the fixing plate, a support tab forming the support surface, a junction connecting the fixing base to the support tab, and means of mounting of the opening against the support bracket.

Preferably, the wing support is a first wing support, the articulation further comprising a second wing support, said second wing support being fixed to the fixing plate and being at a distance from the first wing support. wing.

Preferably, the movable part is movable between at least one deployed position and a retracted position in which said movable part is in the clearance.

Preferably, in the retracted configuration, at least one of the pivoting rods is between the fixing plate and the support surface.

Preferably, the fixing base is perpendicular to the support tab and/or to the support surface.

Preferably, the support surface comprises means for mounting the opening, said mounting means having a mounting direction perpendicular to the pivot axis.

Preferably, the support surface is generally perpendicular to the fixing plate.

Preferably, the fixed part comprises at least one attachment addition with a fixing direction and/or fixing axis parallel to the pivot axis.

Preferably, along the pivot axis, the movable part extends between the wing support and the fixing plate.

Preferably, the wing support is vertically at the level of the pivoting rods, in the retracted position and/or in the deployed position.

According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle comprising a structure, a side wing fixed to the structure, an opening, an articulation pivotally connecting the opening to the structure, remarkable in that the articulation is according to the invention, and in that the structure comprises an external lateral surface to which the fixing plate is fixed and/or the lateral wing comprises a wing edge bearing vertically on the bearing surface of the support The wing, preferably the opening is an engine hood.

It will be understood that the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising a structure, an opening, a side wing defining a horizontal or vertical clearance with the opening, an articulation; the joint comprising a fixed part intended to be fixed to the structure of the motor vehicle, a mobile part configured to pivot relative to the fixed part and fixed to the opening; at least one transverse pivot axis; remarkable in that the articulation comprises a wing support which is fixed to the fixed part and which has a lateral wing support surface along the horizontal or vertical clearance and/or along an edge of lateral wing, preferably at one end of the lateral wing.

Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a reinforcing lining of the side wing, the wing support being longitudinally at a distance from the reinforcing lining.

Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a front compartment closed by the opening, the joint being arranged outside said front compartment, and the opening transversely overlaps the wing support.

Preferably, the opening is a first opening, and the motor vehicle further comprises a second opening with pivoting means; the articulation being superimposed on said pivoting means, and/or the first opening is flush with the second opening and the side wing.

In the configuration where the first opening is flush with the second opening, there is a need to bring the hinge closer to the second opening. According to the invention, this implantation is carried out by placing the joint outside the compartment closed by the first opening. The space available for articulation decreases, which accentuates the need for compactness. In fact, the joint must be inserted transversely between the wing and the structure.

Preferably, the wing support is fixed to the mounting plate.

Preferably, the reinforcing lining comprises a longitudinal end which is longitudinally at a distance from the wing support and optionally from the fixing plate.

Preferably, the vehicle includes a clearance between the first opening and the second opening, in particular a vertical clearance.

Preferably, the second opening is opposite the joint.

Preferably, along the pivot axis, the joint is at a distance from the front compartment.

Preferably, the front compartment is an engine compartment.

The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows given with reference to the appended figures.

There is a side view of a vehicle according to the invention.

There is an enlargement of the at the interface between the first opening, the second opening and the side wing of the vehicle according to the invention.

There represents the joint mounted on the structure of the motor vehicle according to the invention.

There is an isometric view of the joint for a motor vehicle opening according to the invention.

In the description which follows, the term “include” is synonymous with “include” and is not restrictive in that it authorizes the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or in the joint for a motor vehicle to which it is attached. reports. It is understood that the term “understand” includes the terms “consist of”. The terms “external” and “internal” will respectively designate what is oriented towards the exterior of the vehicle and towards the interior of the vehicle.

Likewise, the terms “lower”, “upper”, “high” and “low” will be understood according to their usual definition, in which the terms “lower” and “low” indicate greater proximity to the ground depending on the direction vertical as respectively the terms “upper” and “top”.

In this description, the term “longitudinal”, the term “longitudinal”, the term “transverse”, and the term “transversely” are used according to the reference of the vehicle, in the assembly configuration. The term “longitudinal” corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “transverse” corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “front” refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term “rear” refers to the opposite of the front of the vehicle. The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction.

Through the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

There presents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 is shown from the side, in the transverse direction, along the Y axis. The arrow of the X axis is oriented towards the front of the vehicle.

The motor vehicle 10 includes a body forming its main structure 12. Structure 12 is the supporting structure of the vehicle. The different components of the motor vehicle 10 are fixed to the structure 12. The structure 12 connects the running gear of the vehicle, and carries the motor(s) necessary for driving the motor vehicle 10. The structure 12 delimits the passenger compartment and one or more several compartments. The compartments include a front compartment and a rear compartment, which are usually an engine compartment and a trunk respectively.

The motor vehicle 10 comprises openings and openings 14 capable of closing the associated openings. The openings provide access to the passenger compartment and compartments. The openings 14 comprise a first opening 14.1 and a second opening 14.2. The first opening 14.1 is in this case a movable cover, and the second opening 14.2 is a door, in particular a front door. The vehicle includes several doors. The vehicle preferably includes a third opening (not shown) giving access to the rear compartment.

The first opening 14.1 is shown with dotted lines in the open position, and solid lines in the closed position; position in which it matches neighboring bodywork surfaces. Generally, the openings 14 are mounted in a pivoting manner relative to the structure 12. The second opening 14.2 is pivotable relative to a vertical axis. The first opening 14.1 is pivotally mounted along a horizontal axis, in particular transverse.

There presents a front portion of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 corresponds to that of the . The first opening 14.1 is in the closed position in which it is flush with a side wing 20, in this case a front wing. Pillar A 22 of structure 12, or foot A, is shown.

The motor vehicle 10 has a horizontal clearance 24, also called the first clearance, between the first opening 14.1 and the side wing 20. It also has a vertical clearance 26, also called the second clearance. The vertical clearance 26 separates the side wing 20 of the second opening 14.2, and also extends between the first opening 14.1 and the second opening 14.2. The horizontal clearance 24 extends to the vertical clearance 26. The horizontal clearance 24 and the vertical clearance 26 form separation slots between the elements of the bodywork of the figure.

The motor vehicle has a connection point 16 formed on its bodywork. The connection point 16 is a point where the side wing 20, the first opening 14.1 and the second opening 14.2 meet. This connection point 16 is the intersection between the horizontal clearance 24 and the vertical clearance 26. It will be understood that such a connection point 16 between three entities adds constraints on the bodywork.

Refining these clearances (24; 26) improves the perceived quality of the vehicle, as does the tangency of the body surfaces at these clearances. The positioning precision provided by the joint 18 contributes to respecting the tangency of the surfaces and to the refinement of the clearances.

The joint 18 extends vertically at the level of the first opening 14.1 and the side wing 20 which hide it. The side wing 20 covers and hides the joint 18, the first opening 14.1 as well. Optionally, the joint 18 is longitudinally at a distance from the second opening 14.2.

Joint 18 includes a wing support (not shown). The wing includes a wing edge supported and preferably attached to the wing support. The wing support is configured to ensure vertical positioning and/or vertical maintenance of the wing edge.

The articulation according to the invention can connect any opening to the structure of the vehicle; including the second opening and/or the third opening.

In the present illustration, the joint 18 is associated with the first opening 14.1. However, the invention also applies to the third opening, such as a rear trunk flap or a rear compartment flap. In this case, the joint is at the front end of the third opening, optionally at the level of a rear side wing; and/or opposite a second opening such as a rear door.

There shows the joint 18 fixed to the structure 12 of the motor vehicle 10. The first opening and the side wing are omitted for the sake of clarity. The motor vehicle 10 is preferably similar or identical to those presented in relation to the and/or the . The joint 18 is in a retracted configuration; corresponding to a closed position of the first opening.

The second opening 14.2 is pivotally connected to the structure 12. The vehicle 10 comprises pivoting means 28, such as a hinge with a vertical pivot axis. The joint 18 is longitudinally opposite the second opening 14.2. The articulation 18 is superimposed on the pivoting means 28. It can be directly above the pivoting means 28.

The joint 18 comprises a fixed part 30 with a fixing plate 32. The fixing plate 32 is fixed to the structure 12 of the motor vehicle 10. The joint 18 further comprises a movable part 34 which is pivotally connected to the fixed part 30. The mobile part 34 receives the first opening (not shown). The movable part 34 has fixing holes 36 to connect the first opening to it. The joint 18 has at least one pivot axis 38, preferably several parallel pivot axes 38.

The pivot axes 38 are distributed over the fixed part 30 and the mobile part 34. The pivot axes 38 are perpendicular to the fixing plate 32. They extend in the transverse direction. They can be formed by pins and/or screws. The articulation comprises several pivoting rods 40. The pivoting balls 40 connect the movable part 34 to the fixed part 30. The pivoting rods 40 are fixed at their ends to the pivot axes 38 so as to guide the kinematics of the movable part 34 during its switching between the retracted configuration and the deployed configuration. In the retracted configuration, the mobile part 34 is brought closer to the fixed part 30; in deployed configuration it moves away from it.

The fixing plate 32 forms a plate. The plate has a generally flat shape. It may include stampings. It defines a general plan. The plate is generally vertical, and extends in the longitudinal direction. The wing support 42 is fixed to said plate. Each pivot axis 38 is generally perpendicular to the plate, or more generally to its general plane.

Pivoting rods 40 are optional. The movable part can be directly pivotally attached to the fixed part at a common pivot axis.

The articulation 18 further comprises at least one wing support 42. The wing support 42 is fixed to the fixing plate 32. The fixing plate 32 is arranged transversely between the structure 12 and the support 42. The support wing 42 has wing positioning means. The positioning means include a support surface for receiving the side wing.

The wing support is made in a single part, or split into two parts, or more. The characteristics described in relation to a wing support apply to each wing support; unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The structure 12 comprises an external side surface 44. This external side surface 44 faces the outside of the vehicle 10. It can be opposite the second opening 14.2. The fixing plate 32 is fixed on the external lateral surface 44. Thus, the articulation 18 is arranged outside the front compartment, which brings it closer to the wing. The fixed part 30 has fixing means, such as fixing openings 50 with a fixing direction and/or a fixing axis parallel to the pivot axis 38. The fixing openings 50 can be formed on the fixing plate 32.

According to a variant of the invention, the fixed part is welded to the external side surface.

The lateral wing comprises a wing edge 46 vertically supported on the wing support 42, preferably on the support surface. In the closed position, the first opening transversely overlaps the wing support 42. When viewed from above, the first opening covers the wing support 42.

The motor vehicle 10 includes a reinforcing lining 48 of the side wing. The reinforcing lining 48 hugs the side wing. It extends substantially over the entire surface of the latter. It advantageously has a thickness greater than that of the side wing. The wing support 42 is longitudinally at a distance from the reinforcement lining 48. The reinforcement liner 48 has a rear end at a distance from the wing support 42. The wing support 42 and the reinforcement liner 48 are free from overlap. The position of the wing support 42 behind the reinforcing lining 48 makes it possible to extend the latter, and to ensure its maintenance function in a restricted space.

There presents a joint 18 for a motor vehicle according to the invention. The Y axis arrow points outward from the vehicle. The joint 18 is in a retracted configuration; corresponding to a closed position of the first opening.

The movable part 34 is above the fixed part 30, and preferably in elevation relative to the wing support 42. The movable part 34 has a support surface 52 on which the wing (not) shown is mounted. The side wing has an upper edge supported by the support surface 52.

The joint 18 has the fixed part 30 in the lower half. The latter presents the fixing plate 32 at its lower end. The fixing plate can be made of pressed sheet metal, which optimizes costs in large series. The movable part 34 is made in the same way and forms the upper part of the joint 18. It extends substantially over the entire length of the joint 18. The joint 18 comprises rotating connection means. The connecting means include the pivoting rods 40.

The articulation 18 comprises a first wing support 42.1 and a second wing support 42.2, each partially forming the support surface 52 for the side wing. The wing supports (42.1; 42.2) are similar, and are each attached to the mounting plate 32. The wing supports (42.1; 42.2) are longitudinally spaced apart. They are separate and distinct. They are distributed along the fixed part 30 and the horizontal clearance. The support surface 52 can be segmented, and shared between the first wing support 42.1 and the second wing support 42.2. The support surface 52 is generally horizontal. This orientation allows vertical support of the lateral wing, and therefore Z-shaped indexing of its edge.

In the retracted configuration allowing the closing of the first opening, the movable part 34 is at the level of the support surface 52. It is optionally housed between the fixing plate 32 and at least one of the wing supports 42, preferably between the fixing plate 32 and each of the first wing support 42.1 and the second wing support 42.2.

The articulation 18 has a clearance 54. The clearance 54 is formed between the fixed part 30 and at least one or each wing support 42. The wing support 42 extends over the entire height of the clearance 54. At least in the retracted position, the pivoting rods 40 extend into the clearance. At least one or each pivoting rods 40 pivots in said clearance 54. At least one or each wing support is vertically at the level of the pivoting rods, in the retracted position and/or in the deployed position. This arrangement improves compactness since it takes advantage of the presence of clearance 54 to place mobile entities there.

The fixing plate 32 has a fixing face 56 intended to match the structure of the motor vehicle, and to be fixed there. In addition, the fixing plate 32 has a hinge face 58 opposite the fixing face 56. These faces (56; 58) are transversely opposed, and/or opposite depending on the thickness of the fixing plate 32. The movable part 34 is connected to the fixed part 30 on the side of the articulation face 58. The pivoting rods 40 are fixed on the side of the articulation face 58 which they sweep when they pivot. Each wing support 42 is fixed against the hinge face 58; for example using rivets or welding. Since the support is on the connecting rod side, there is a gain in compactness.

Since the first flap and the side wing are both linked to joint 18, the geometry of the horizontal clearance which separates them is better controlled. By being on the same side of the fixed part, position adjustment is simplified.

The fixing openings 50 are formed on stampings of the fixing plate 32. The stampings are in the opposite direction of the wing supports so as not to reduce the size of the clearance 54. The support surface 52 includes mounting means 60 with a mounting direction generally perpendicular to the pivot axis 38.

At least one or each wing support 42 comprises a fixing base 62, a support tab 64 forming the support surface 52, and a junction 66 connecting the fixing base 62 to the support tab 64. The fixing base 62 is fixed to the fixing plate 32, in particular against the articulation face 58. This fixing base 62 increases the rigidity of the articulation 18. It is perpendicular to the support surface 52.

The support tab 64 extends longitudinally, therefore along the side wing. Thus, the support tab 64 makes it possible to lengthen the holding zone of the wing edge, and to better respect the geometry of the horizontal clearance.

The junction 66 has a ribbon shape. It is bent in order to offset the support tab 64 from the fixing base 62. This arrangement makes it possible to widen the clearance 58, and to provide more space for the pivoting rods 40. The compactness is better adjusted.

The solution where the wing support 42 is fixed to the fixed part 30 offers more design freedom and better compliance with geometric constraints. In particular, this makes it possible to shorten the junction 66 and therefore to bring the support surface 52 closer to its anchoring point. This makes the support more rigid and stronger.

Furthermore, the choice of an attached wing support makes it possible to retain an existing connection, and in addition the associated stamping tools. In addition, the wing support is produced separately, which helps optimize manufacturing costs. The means of manufacturing the wing support, for example by stamping, remain simpler than those necessary to directly produce the support on the mounting plate. As a corollary, this reduces the stress on the necessary sheet metal blanks, and reduces losses.

Claims (10)

Articulation (18) of an opening (14) for a motor vehicle (10) comprising a structure (12), an opening (14) and a side wing (20) adjacent to the opening (14); the joint (18) comprising a fixed part (30) with a fixing plate (32) intended to be fixed to the structure (12) of the motor vehicle (10), a movable part (34) which is pivotally connected to the fixed part (30) and which is intended to be fixed to the opening (14); at least one pivot axis (38); characterized in that the articulation (18) comprises a wing support (42) with a wing bearing surface (52), said wing support (42) being fixed to the fixed part (30). Joint (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing plate (32) forms a plate, the wing support (42) being fixed to said plate; and the at least one pivot axis (38) being perpendicular to said plate. Joint (18) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the fixing plate (32) has a fixing face (56) intended to be fixed to the structure (12) of the motor vehicle (10), and a hinge face (58) opposite the fixing face (56); the movable part (34) and the wing support (42) being connected to the fixed part (30) on the side of the articulation face (58). Joint (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the joint (18) comprises a clearance (54) between the fixed part (30) and the wing support (42), and two connecting rods pivoting rods (40) pivotally connecting the movable part (34) to the plate, at least one of two pivoting rods (40) being configured to pivot in said clearance (54). Articulation (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the wing support (42) comprises a fixing base (62) fixed to the fixing plate (32), a support tab ( 64) forming the support surface (52), a junction (66) connecting the fixing base (62) to the support tab (64), and mounting means (60) of the opening (14 ) against the support bracket (64). Joint (18) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wing support (42) is a first wing support (42.1), the joint (18) further comprising a second wing support wing (42.2), said second wing support (42.2) being fixed to the fixing plate (32) and being at a distance from the first wing support (42.1). Motor vehicle (10) comprising a structure (12), a side wing (20) fixed to the structure (12), an opening (14), a joint (18) pivotally connecting the opening (14) to the structure (12), characterized in that the articulation (18) conforms to one of claims 1 to 6, and in that the structure (12) comprises an external lateral surface (44) to which the fixing plate ( 32) is fixed and/or the side wing (20) comprises a wing edge (46) bearing vertically on the bearing surface (52) of the wing support (42), preferably the opening (14 ) is an engine cover. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a reinforcing lining (48) of the side wing (20), the wing support (42) being longitudinally at a distance from the reinforcing lining (48). Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a front compartment closed by the opening (14), the joint (18) being arranged outside of said front compartment, and the opening (14) transversely overlaps the wing support (42). Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the opening (14) is a first opening (14.1), and the motor vehicle (10) further comprises a second opening (14.2) with pivoting means (28); the articulation (18) being superimposed on said pivoting means, and/or the first opening (14.1) is flush with the second opening (14.2) and the side wing (20).