WO2017129868A1

WO2017129868A1 - Positioning of the control for opening an openable body section of a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2017129868A1
Application number: PCT/FR2016/053429
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brice ALRIC; Francis HERVAULT; Joël VANDENBOSSCH
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2016-01-26
Filing date: 2016-12-14
Publication date: 2017-08-03
Also published as: FR3047036B1; FR3047036A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a fork (16) of an external opening control handle (8) for a motor vehicle door. The fork (16) comprises a main assembly surface with isostatic positioning means (28; 38; 42) engaging with a corresponding installation surface of the openable body section (2). The fork includes a recess (22) which opens onto the installation surface and which includes linking means intended for hinging the handle (8) relative to the fork (16). The positioning means comprise three resilient elements (28) which are distributed around the recess (22), and which are compressed against the installation surface of the openable body section in order to adapt to geometric variations. The invention also relates to a method for assembling an openable body section (2) including an opening control.

Description

OPENING OPENING CONTROL POSITIONING OF

MOTOR VEHICLE

The invention relates to a control opening vehicle opening. More specifically, the invention relates to an opening control yoke. The invention also relates to the positioning of a vehicle opening opening control. The invention also proposes a motor vehicle.

The doors of a vehicle are equipped with locking and unlocking systems. Their opening commands both inside and outside allow to release the systems to open the corresponding opening. Some opening openings commands are flush or flush type. In this case, the handle manipulated by a user is flush with the outer surface of the corresponding opening.

Document US Pat. No. 7,621,573 B2 discloses an opening leaf of a motor vehicle provided with a handle flush with the outer surface of the door. The opening comprises an inner plate and an outer plate on which the outer surface is formed. The handle is mounted on a pivoting arm which is articulated in rotation with respect to a support. The latter is mounted on the outer plate by means of a plate, the fixing between the plate and the support being provided by screws. Or at rest, the positioning accuracy of the handle relative to the opening in the opening is reduced, including the accuracy of the flush appearance. This precision is based on a complex chain of dimensions because of the number of stacked elements, and because of the presence of the arm. The positioning accuracy is also limited by the geometrical variations of the outer sheet where the support is fixed. In addition, a large game must surround the handle to allow mounting.

The object of the invention is to solve at least one of the problems posed by the prior art. More specifically, the invention aims to improve the positioning accuracy of the handle relative to the contour of the opening, in particular in the transverse direction. The subject of the invention is a door opening control handle yoke, in particular an external opening sash opening control device. vehicle, the caliper comprising: a main mounting face with positioning means for cooperating with a corresponding mounting surface of the sash; and a cavity which opens on the mounting face and which has connecting means for articulating the handle relative to the stirrup; remarkable in that the positioning means comprise at least two elastic elements which are distributed around the cavity, and which are intended to cooperate with the mounting surface of the opening.

According to particular embodiments, the stirrup may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or according to all the possible technical combinations:

- The mounting face comprises at least three elastic elements which are intended to cooperate with the mounting surface of the opening, and which are distributed on either side of the cavity.

- The stirrup comprises a body forming the cavity, and tabs each connecting an elastic member to the body.

- The mounting face of the yoke comprises latching means configured to bind the yoke to the mounting surface of the leaf.

- The mounting face comprises fastening branches distributed around the cavity and intended to cooperate with the mounting surface of the opening.

Each fixing branch comprises fastening means, such as fixing orifices.

- The at least three elastic elements define between them a triangle.

- The elastic elements are distributed along the cavity.

- The ring comprises an upper half and a lower half, the elastic elements being divided between the upper half and the lower half.

- The thickness of each elastic element is between 1mm and

0.05mm, optionally between 0.5mm and 0.1mm, optionally less than or equal to 0.30mm. Each elastic element forms a point indexing support, and / or has a point in elevation relative to the mounting face.

The invention also relates to an opening comprising an outer sheet and an outer door opening control, the control comprising a yoke fixed inside the outer sheet, and a handle mounted movable relative to the yoke fixed to the opening, remarkable in that the stirrup comprises positioning means with at least two elastic elements cooperating with the outer sheet.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising an opening with an outer surface, a stirrup, a handle movably mounted on the stirrup between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer surface of the opening ; remarkable in that the stirrup is in accordance with the invention, optionally the handle comprises an outer surface which arase the outer surface of the opening in the retracted position. According to particular embodiments, the vehicle may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to all the possible technical combinations:

- In the retracted position, each elastic element of the stirrup is at the thickness of the handle.

- The opening comprises a passage with a periphery in which is disposed the handle, the periphery comprising an internal flange; the caliper positioning means comprising two vertical contact portions, and a longitudinal contact portion, said portions cooperating with the internal flange.

- The inner flange extends substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the opening, each elastic element being at the internal flange along the perpendicular to the general plane.

- Each elastic element of the stirrup is at a distance from the internal flange.

- The internal reinforcement comprises fastening means, in particular clamping means, cooperating with fastening branches of the stirrup. - The opening comprises a seal surrounding the cavity, at least a contact portion passing through said seal.

The invention also relates to a method of mounting an opening control on a vehicle door, the method comprising the following steps; possibly made in the following order: (a) providing or producing an opening control handle hinge yoke; (b) supply or construction of an opening; (c) matching the stirrup with respect to the opening; (d) fixing the stirrup to the opening; remarkable in that the interface between the stirrup and the opening comprises positioning means with at least two elastic elements which are distributed around the handle and which are compressed during step (c), possibly the stirrup is according to the invention.

According to particular embodiments, the method may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to all the possible technical combinations:

- In step (b), the opening comprises an outer sheet with an outer surface, and an internal reinforcement of the outer sheet; during step (c) matching, each one elastic element of the stirrup is in contact with the outer plate; and the stirrup is fixed to the internal reinforcement during the step (d) fixation.

In step (c), the at least two elements are compressed differently.

- In step (a), the yoke comprises latching means which are connected to the internal reinforcement during step (c) matched.

- The latching means comprise at least one staple, possibly two staples, each staple being fixed in a corresponding hole of the liner.

- The method further comprises a step (e) mounting a handle in the stirrup.

- The vehicle and / or the opening are in accordance with the invention. In general, the particular modes of each object of the invention are also applicable to the other objects of the invention. As far as possible, each object of the invention is combinable with other objects.

The invention makes it possible to position itself precisely with respect to the outer sheet of the opening, by being supported around the passage despite the geometric dispersions of the sheet at this location. The invention simplifies the dimension chain, and is positioned by means of an average Y-shaped ribs of the sheet. It performs a flexible indexing around the perimeter, or to the right of the handle. These precautions help to hone the transverse positioning accuracy, which can reach 0.10mm. Where appropriate, a positioning adjustment can be made with the clamping means. Their progressive tightening makes it possible to progressively adjust the compression of each elastic element.

This is allowed even in the presence of a handle with complex geometry. The vertical and longitudinal positioning accuracies are also optimized, which makes the invention particularly relevant in the presence of a handle of the flaring type. These accuracies can be reached as soon as the caliper is positioned before it is fixed. The invention offers an ergonomic and economical solution. The stirrup remains in one block, which further simplifies its assembly. The tools used for its assembly remains limited. Assembly control and diagnosis of its condition become simpler.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the description given by way of example and with reference to the drawings among which:

Figure 1 shows an opening with a handle according to the invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a stirrup and an internal sash reinforcement according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a section of the opening according to the invention, the section being taken along the axis 3-3 drawn in Figure 2.

FIG. 4 represents a diagram of the method of mounting an opening control on a vehicle opening according to the invention. In the following description, the longitudinal direction refers to the main direction of movement of a vehicle, and the front corresponding to the main direction of travel. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Inside and outside are in relation with a vehicle interior.

Figure 1 shows an opening 2. The opening 2 may be an opening 2 of the vehicle (not shown), including a motor vehicle. However, other applications are possible. The opening is here represented from outside the vehicle. The opening 2 may be a door for a passenger, or a trunk flap. A window can translate in the opening 2 and out so as to close an opening of the vehicle. The opening 2 may include an outer sheet 4, also called skin, which forms the outer surface 6 of the opening. An inner liner (not visible) can stiffen the skin by traversing its entire extent, and an internal reinforcement can be added locally.

The opening 2 may include an opening control of the opening, for example an external control. The opening control may comprise a handle 8 and a device for locking and unlocking the door. This device is controlled by the actuation of the handle 8. The opening control can engage with a keeper (not shown) secured to the vehicle body. According to an alternative of the invention, the handle is an interior control handle, that is to say arranged in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The handle 8 is at least mobile between a retracted position where it is at the outer surface 6 of the opening, and an extended position where it protrudes relative to the outer surface 6. These positions can respectively be a rest position , and an active position.

The handle 8 can be integrated in the outer surface 6 of the opening 2 in the retracted position, also called retracted position. In this configuration, its contour 10 matches the outer surface 6 of the opening. A constant clearance separates the handle 8 from the outer surface 6 of the opening 2 all the along the contour 10. Thus, the continuity of the outer surface 6 is generally preserved and the presence of the handle 8 is more discreet. This improves the perceived quality of the associated vehicle.

The outer sheet 4 has a passage in which the handle 8 is disposed. The handle 8 closes and opens the passage according to its position. Its outer surface 12 may be flush with the outer surface 6 of the opening 2 in the retracted position. This type of assembly is also referred to by the Anglo-Saxon term "flush". The opening 2 may comprise a cavity in which the handle 8 is housed, at least partially, in the retracted position. The cavity may be delimited by the passage of the outer plate 4. The cavity may be formed by a stirrup (not visible) which is hinged the handle 8. The periphery of the passage is tangent to the outer surface 12 of the handle 8 on any its developed length.

Figure 2 shows part of the sash opening control. An internal reinforcement 14 receiving a stirrup 16 is shown from the inside. The outer sheet and the handle are not illustrated.

The stirrup 16 has two opposite main faces, including an inner face 18 and a mounting face. The mounting face includes fastening means 20 for attaching the stirrup to the internal reinforcement 14. These fastening means 20 may comprise fixing branches with fastening holes connected by means of clamping means 24; such screws; related to the internal reinforcement 14. Three screws 24 can provide this function. The clamping means 24 may be reversible and / or distributed around the cavity 22. They may be distributed along the cavity 22. They may be shared between the upper half and the lower half of the stirrup 16, and / or between his front half and his back half. The mounting face can surround the cavity 22.

The stirrup 16 may include latching means 26 engaging with the internal reinforcement 14. These latching means 26 may comprise an agglomerator, or two staples disposed above and below the cavity 22 in the normal direction of assembly. The mounting face further comprises positioning means for accurately positioning the stirrup 16 relative to the outer sheet, and in particular with respect to the passage. Advantageously, the positioning means comprise elastic elements 28 intended to cooperate with the outer sheet, in order to optimize the transverse positioning. Two elastic elements 28 allow a position adjustment with respect to the outer sheet despite its geometric dispersions. In this case, three elements are used. They are arranged in a triangle, or non-aligned, so as to define a positioning plane. The elastic elements 28 remain at a distance from the edge 30 of the cutout formed in the internal reinforcement 14. Each elastic element 28 may be in the extension of a fixing branch 20. The elastic elements 28 may be distributed over the length of the stirrup 16, possibly above and below the cavity 22. They may comprise an elastomeric material, for example ethylene-propylene-diene monomer, also designated by the acronym EPDM. Any other equivalent material can be used.

Figure 3 is a section of the opening 2 and its opening control along the axis 3-3 shown in Figure 2. The handle 8 is shown in the retracted position, inwardly of the cavity 22 of the caliper 16. The internal reinforcement 14 is thicker than the outer sheet 6, optionally at least 50%.

The cutting plane passes through a latching means 26 which passes through an eyelet made in the internal reinforcement 14. Each eyelet may have a mechanical clearance around the rod of the corresponding detent means 26 so as not to render the assembly hyperstatic. A clearance 32 is provided between the internal reinforcement 14 and the outer plate 4 to allow engagement of the latching means 26 and clamping means 24.

The elastic elements 28 allow a transverse positioning, or positioning in Y, against the outer sheet 4. According to the random production, the periphery 34 of the latter may have edges offset from their theoretical geometry. The flexibility of the elastic elements 28 makes it possible to catch up with this geometrical dispersion by compressing them differently, so that the positioning accuracy in Y can be greater than or equal to that of the periphery geometry 34. In this case, the element 28 of the top is more compressed than that of above. The stirrup / sheet metal interface is therefore elastic. Advantageously, each elastic element 28 is connected to the body of the stirrup 16 with tabs 36, which reduces costs and weight. Each tab 36 may extend perpendicularly with respect to the mounting face of the stretching member 16. The mounting surface of the opening 2 may be formed both on the outer sheet 4 and on the internal reinforcement 14.

In addition, the positioning means comprise two vertical contact portions 38, which allow vertical positioning, or positioning in Z. These vertical contact portions 38 can take their reference on a flange 40 formed on the periphery 34 of the passage. This flange 40 can extend inwardly of the opening 2, and be generally perpendicular to the outer surface 6 so as to stiffen the outer sheet 4. In addition, the positioning means may comprise a longitudinal contact portion 42 which allows longitudinal positioning, or positioning in X. The longitudinal contact portion 42 may comprise a tongue inserted in a notch formed in the flange 40. Thus, the positioning means (28; 38; 42) allow isostatic positioning of the stirrup 16 relative to the outer plate 4. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide two resilient elements with three longitudinal contact portions and a vertical contact portion.

The internal space of the cavity 22 may include hinge means (not shown) of the handle 8. It may be a pivot connection for rotatably mounting the handle relative to the opening. Holding means (not shown) in the retracted position may be included. An electric actuator can be added to facilitate the exit of the handle 8.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the method of mounting an opening control on a motor vehicle door. The opening may correspond to that shown in relation to FIGS. 1 to 3. The method may comprise the following steps, possibly carried out in the following order: (a) providing or producing a handle hinge bracket 100;

(b) providing or producing an outer sheet of opening 102;

(c) mapping the yoke 104 relative to the outer sheet;

(d) fixing 106 of the stirrup to the opening; (e) mounting 108 of a handle in the stirrup.

The step (a) supply or production of a stirrup 100 can comprise the production of a stirrup by molding, for example a plastic material. At this stage, the elastic elements can be reported or comoulés since the material of the caliper body has a superior Young's modulus, or ten times higher, or a hundred times greater than that of the elastic elements.

Step (b) supply or production of an outer sheet of opening 102 may be a partial manufacture of the opening. The outer sheet can be stamped so as to cut its contour and the passage receiving the handle. This method, which is well known to those skilled in the art, can make it possible to produce the internal flange, in the form of a dropping operation. This step (b) supply or embodiment 102 may comprise the bonding of an internal reinforcing plate. An inner lining sheet of the outer sheet may be reported during this step (b) supply or realization, or at the end of this process presented above.

The step (c) matched 104 places in relation to the mounting face of the stirrup and the associated mounting surface of the opening. During this step, the vertical contact portions and the longitudinal contact portions cooperate with the internal flange in order to begin to orient the stirrup. Then, the elastic elements come into contact with the outer sheet to impose a positioning. At this moment, they are compressed according to the thickness of the outer sheet, in different proportions. Simultaneously, or after the action of the elastic elements, the latching means engage with the internal reinforcement. Therefore the orientation of the stirrup is guaranteed, and possibly maintained.

In step (d) fixing 106, the stirrup is screwed to the internal reinforcement, which makes them rigidly secured to one another. Then, the handle joins the opening when step (e) mounting 108. It is introduced via the passage, and is linked through a hinge on the stirrup.

These steps can be performed by automantes, while respecting high-speed rates specific to the automotive field.

Claims

Stirrup (16) for a sash opening control handle (8), in particular an external opening control device (2) for a vehicle, the stirrup (16) comprising:

- a main mounting face with positioning means (28; 38; 42) for cooperating with a corresponding mounting surface of the opening (2); and

- A cavity (22) which opens on the mounting face and which comprises connecting means for articulating the handle (8) relative to the stirrup (16);

characterized in that

the positioning means (28; 38; 42) comprise at least two elastic elements (28) which are distributed around the cavity (22) and which are intended to cooperate with the mounting surface of the opening (2).

Caliper (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting face comprises at least three elastic elements (28) which are intended to cooperate with the mounting surface of the opening (2), and which are distributed from and other of the cavity (22).

Caliper (16) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises a body forming the cavity (22), and tabs (36) each connecting an elastic member (28) to the body.

Caliper (16) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mounting face of the stirrup (16) comprises latching means (26) configured to bind the stirrup (16) to the surface mounting of the opening (2).

Vehicle, in particular an automobile, comprising an opening (2) with an outer surface (6), a stirrup (16), a handle (8) movably mounted on the stirrup (16) between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer surface (6) of the opening (2); characterized in that the stirrup (16) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 4, optionally handle (8) comprises an outer surface (12) which raises the outer surface (6) of the opening (2) in the retracted position.

6. Vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that in the retracted position, each elastic element (28) of the stirrup (16) is at the thickness of the handle (8).

7- Vehicle according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the opening (2) comprises a passage with a periphery (34) in which is disposed the handle (8), the periphery (34) comprising a flange internal (40); the positioning means (28; 38; 42) of the stirrup (16) comprising two vertical contact portions (38) and a longitudinal contact portion (42), said portions cooperating with the internal flange (40).

8- A vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner flange (40) extends substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the opening (2), each elastic element (28) being at the level of the inner flange ( 40) following the perpendicular to the general plane.

9- A method of mounting an opening control on a door (2) of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps; possibly carried out in the following order:

(a) providing or constructing an opening control handle hinge (16);

(b) providing or producing an opening (102);

(c) matching (104) the stirrup (16) with respect to the opening (2);

(d) attaching (106) the stirrup (16) to the opening (2);

characterized in that the interface between the stirrup (16) and the opening (2) comprises positioning means (28; 38; 42) with at least two elastic elements (28) which are distributed around the handle ( 8) and which are compressed during step (c), optionally the stirrup (16) is according to one of claims 1 to 4.

10- Method according to claim 9, characterized in that in step (b), the opening (2) comprises an outer sheet with an outer surface, and an internal reinforcement of the outer sheet; during step (c) matching, each one elastic element (28) of the stirrup (16) is in contact with the outer plate; and the stirrup (16) is fixed to the internal reinforcement during the step (d) fixation.