DE10257673A1 - Closure device of an opening provided in the body of a vehicle, and corresponding vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure device for an opening provided in the body of an automobile, which has a fixed part (11), in which an opening (12) is defined, and a mobile part (13), which is suitable for closing said opening (12 ) or to release the latter by sliding on a guide and / or holding rail (14, 15) substantially parallel to the fixed part (C), characterized in that said mobile part is provided with at least two sliding guide elements (22, 23 ), which are guided identically by means of guide means (211, 212, 213, 214) determined in at least one of said rails (14, 15) such that said mobile part always remains in parallel planes, performing the following movements: DOLLAR A - a locking / unlocking movement, which is the transition from a closed position in the plane formed by said fixed part (11) to an open position in an opening plane substantially parallel to the plane formed by said fixed part (11) and vice versa; DOLLAR A - a movement (x) in said opening plane.

Description

The scope of the invention is that of Vehicle openings. In particular, the invention relates Locking devices one in the body one Vehicle provided opening, with a mobile Part, suitable to expose or close an opening conclude.

Traditionally, one closes the Opening a vehicle, which is a Automobile, a commercial vehicle, a truck, can trade a bus or a railroad car, a disc held by a connecting frame on. This frame has an inner part and a Outer part, which at the same time the edges of the panes and the opening provided in the body with a Hold the seal.

The most common opening and closing technique of automotive windows consists of vertically to move their own level by moving in the box or interior of the side doors is introduced or brought out.

This technique is common today and solutions too their automation is well known. The equipment of the Vehicles with electric windows is very popular today common.

However, this technique presents numerous Disadvantages. The actuation and drive means are heavy, bulky and difficult to install. The result The resulting doors take up a large space in the Inside the vehicle, taking the available one Impair the space inside the vehicle (width in the elbow area).

On top of that they have high manufacturing costs have and traditionally have tightness problems. The Maintenance is also difficult. They also push aesthetic and ergonomic constraints.

Another technique was called from the same applicant as for this application proposed. This technique is mainly used in the Patents EP-0 778 168 and EP-0 857 844 described. The one described in these writings Closure device (hereinafter "flush opening" consists of a fixed part and a with Regarding the fixed part mobile part. The mobile part is with functional elements with the fixed part connected which the required agility ensure and on the side of the fixed part are attached, which is turned into the vehicle.

Such a flush opening then completely can be assembled independently of the vehicle, and outside in the intended for them on the body Accommodation to be attached. It can too be positively connected, in particular by Stick to the lower part of a door according to the in the technique described in EP-1 022 172. This solves most of the problems mentioned above.

As for aesthetics, the flush opening sees seen from the outside smooth and even, since there is no frame is required.

The movement of the mobile part can, for example tiltable or sliding in guides. An example of the latter case is briefly given below described.

To slide on guides of the mobile part too ensure which generally consists of a there is a transparent disc, which include functional elements with a guide device a first and a second on the fixed part of the Opening-mounted immovable guide rail, on both sides of the through the mobile disc closed opening. This disc is on the Rails mounted to move in a longitudinal direction slide in a plane of displacement between one (or more) open positions and one Intermediate release position in which they across from the opening and from the opening is released.

Tilting devices ensure the connection between the disc and the guide rails to a Transverse movement of the disc between its releasing Intermediate position in which they are opposite the Opening and transversely recessed therein, and hers Locked position in which they are in the opening is bordered to allow. The mobile disc thus moves from that formed by the fixed part Level (closed position) to an essential parallel plane of displacement, and vice versa.

In the embodiment described in the patent EP-0 857 844 describes the disc with Using a handle on the lower part of the disc can be attached, operated. There are several techniques have been proposed to manufacture this handle and contribute.

In some situations, however, it is not possible, or just not desirable, such Tilting devices, also called knee joints, contribute. In fact, the tilting elements cause one slight horizontal displacement at the transition from the Closure level to the opening level.

• - einer Bewegung in x: Verschiebung (Translation) der mobilen Scheibe;
• - einer Bewegung in y: Verschluss/Öffnung
• - einer Bewegung in z: Verschiebung (im allgemeinen nach unten, vom Gewicht bewirkt) durch das Gelenk.

This shift corresponds to the change in the angle formed by the knee joint. The movement of the mobile disc therefore consists of three components:

• - a movement in x: displacement (translation) of the mobile disk;
• - a movement in y: closure / opening
• - a movement in z: displacement (generally downwards, caused by weight) through the joint.

This movement in z can have disadvantages either by constraints associated with the vehicle, or by the weight of the mobile disc, which is used for Closure of the opening must be raised.

In addition, the shutter and Opening operations of this type of locking devices made manually nowadays.

Automation and thus motorization the flush opening is of course desirable if not necessary to equip modern vehicles. The Motorization principle is therefore considered Service. So far, however, it has not been effective Solution has been proposed.

One of the technical causes of the problem is that automate the sequential Movements (movement in x, then in y) much more difficult is to produce as one movement in one Level, as is the case when the disc is in the Door is inserted.

So you are led to specific means to provide for the respective movement in x and in y perform what is too complicated, costly, bulky and therefore inappropriate instructions.

Bulky (and weight) problem is decisive in the case of flush openings: man can not all or part of the actuators stow in the lower box of the door, the closed should stay. The main part of the opening area is therefore visible and it is inconceivable that mechanical means (motor, linkage, ...) are visible or occupy a lot of space or space.

Also, the openings need to be easy to make to be delivered and installed, which is usually hardly is compatible with the automation concept.

It should be noted that has been considered is, the two movements as a cross movement too combine, after which the distal edge of the mobile part is in the opening position in the end position (with the mobile part "obliquely" between the Closure plane and the displacement plane stands). The the proximal edge then only needs to be operated manually to be brought back to the clasp guarantee.

A fully automatic closure is however not achieved unless there are additional ones Funds are provided, leading to the above Leads to problems.

The invention strives for this type of device Cross movement does not, however, since it is numerous Bring problems with it, especially what the tightness concerns, in that the gap between the mobile Washer and the opening on the back must be wide.

The invention thus relates to devices in which the mobile disk is always essentially parallel to himself "remains, or more precisely, to that of the opening certain level. In other words, move the mobile part is between a plurality of Levels that are all essentially parallel.

The term "essential" means that there is column, There may be shifts or movements that are not are completely straightforward, because of the structure or the Shape of the opening and the vehicle, the building materials, the Tolerances, wear,. , , However, it includes not the case of an "oblique" disk Cross-movement device.

It should also be noted that the term "level" is to be understood here in a broader sense: through Opening trained level is generally curved, in one or even two directions (this can also be in justify the term "material" in some cases).

The invention is therefore particularly the object underlying the above difficulties of to eliminate previous technology.

More specifically, the object of the invention is therein, a closure device of an opening propose that encloses a mobile disc that always essentially parallel and in one horizontal plane (without displacement in z) remains, especially at the transition from the opening level, or Shift plane to the closure plane, and vice versa.

Another object of the invention is according to one embodiment, such To deliver locking device, its operation can be easily and effectively motorized.

The invention is also an object to provide such a closure device which is the complete and simultaneous edging the disc in the opening when the lock is actuated guaranteed.

The invention is further based on the object to provide such a closure device which easy to manufacture and install in a vehicle door and which is easy and reliable to use allows.

• - ein ebenes ästhetisches Aussehen;
• - aerodynamische Aspekte;
• - vereinfachte und kostengünstige Herstellung;
• - vereinfachte und kostengünstigen Einbau.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a closure device for an opening which retains all the advantages of the "flush opening" which have already been developed by the applicant of the present application, and above all:

• - a flat aesthetic appearance;
• - aerodynamic aspects;
• - Simplified and inexpensive manufacture;
• - Simplified and inexpensive installation.

• - eine Verriegelungs-/Entriegelungsbewegung ausführt, welche den Übergang von einer Verschlussstellung in der durch das feste Teil ausgebildeten Ebene zu einer Öffnungsstellung in einer Öffnungsebene, die wesentlich parallel zur durch das feste Teil ausgebildeten Ebene ist, ermöglicht, und umgekehrt;
• - eine (x)Bewegung in der besagten Öffnungsebene ausführt.

These tasks, as well as tasks appearing later, are achieved by a closure device of an opening provided in the body of an automobile vehicle, which comprises a fixed part, in which an opening is defined, and a mobile part, capable of closing said opening or to release the latter by moving it substantially parallel to said part with the help of at least one guide or holding rail. According to the invention, said mobile part is carried by at least two guide sliding elements which are guided identically by guide means determined in at least one of the rails, so that said mobile part always remains in parallel planes, and yet:

• executes a locking / unlocking movement which enables the transition from a closed position in the plane formed by the fixed part to an open position in an opening plane which is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the fixed part, and vice versa;
• - performs an (x) movement in said opening plane.

Accordingly, according to the invention there is no movement more in (z), but the movement always in the parallel Levels are preserved.

The said locking / unlocking movement is advantageously a rotation with a radius below 1 cm. The shift caused by the rotation remains very low and represents, in particular Tightness is not a problem.

According to a preferred embodiment, the said rail at least two sliding guide elements, which are both mounted in two grooves, in one their end regions are designed so that the said sliding guide elements a rotary movement when Transition from said plane of displacement to Have opening level, and vice versa.

Advantageously, at least one of said Sliding guide elements a non-circular Section on any rotation of said Sliding guide element outside of said Avoid end areas.

The movement of said mobile is advantageous Partly by a mobile drive part in parallel Shift to said rail, which on at least one of said sliding guide elements acts, operated.

• - eine Drehbewegung für die besagte Verriegelung/Entriegelung und
• - eine Bewegung in (x) in der besagten Öffnungsebene.

Said drive part and said rail are thus advantageously designed so that the displacement movement of said mobile part is converted into the following movements:

• - A rotary movement for said locking / unlocking and
• - a movement in (x) in said opening plane.

The drive part preferably comprises openings, in which two each with the respective said Slidably connected fingers move.

In this case, said opening forms essentially a "V", of which a first wing is parallel runs to the said levels, and a second wing forms an angle of approximately 135 ° to the first wing. The movement of said mobile can be advantageous Disk motorized.

In particular, motorization means be provided in parallel to said drive part to put to the rail in displacement. One Displacement movement is necessary to the whole To ensure kinematics of the mobile part.

• - Zahnstangen
• - Kabel;
• - Förderschnecken
• - Trommeln mit spiralförmigen Nuten, und Zusammenstellungen derer.

These motorization means can act in particular on one of the transmission means of the following group:

• - racks
• - Electric wire;
• - screw conveyors
• - Drums with spiral grooves, and their combinations.

When a screw conveyor is inserted, advantageous to a flexible screw, especially if the locking device is not flat. The The invention also relates to automotive vehicles at least one closure device as above described.

Other features and advantages of the invention appear when the following description is noted of several preferred embodiments of the Invention that is illustrative only and not limited examples serve, and on the enclosed Drawings including:

Fig. 1 shows a general view of a closure device according to the invention

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the various elements that ensure the mobility of the mobile disc of FIG. 1.

Thus, Fig. 1 illustrates a closure device for a flush opening, whose structure is known per se. It has a fixed part 11, of one or several parts, and which is intended to in the body or structure of a vehicle intended opening to be used from outside the vehicle.

An opening 12 is provided in this fixed part 11 . Although here it is rather rectangular in a conventional manner, it can also have a different shape. In some situations, multiple openings can also be provided.

A mobile disc 13 can close or release the opening 12 . It is mounted on rails 14 and 15 , which will be explained later. As is illustrated, the rails can extend to the edge of the fixed part 11 in order to be positively connected to the body when installed in the vehicle.

Although the rails 14 and 15 run parallel here, means can be provided so that this is not the case, so that the upper rail 15, for example, has the same profile as a body.

The mobile disc 13 can thus slide along the rails (arrow C) parallel to the plane determined by the fixed part 11 . It is recalled that this "plane" can be curved, inward or bulbous.

You then also go from this sliding guide level to the locking level by being enclosed in the opening 12 .

According to the invention, this transition takes place from the Closure level (or border level) to the opening level (or sliding guide level) and vice versa without the mobile disc is moved vertically (more precisely said perpendicular to the level of the fixed part and to Sliding guide axis), as was the case with that in the Introduction described knee joint technique.

This result is achieved by using one of the Rails with a (at least) double set of Guide means, which the two support elements of the leads mobile disc, is equipped. This Guide means are designed so that the same Movement on each of the at least two proppants Instruct. This forces the latter di mobile Disc to always stay in parallel planes and at the same time (all edges at the same time) in the opening to be edged.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the technique of the invention. This is the lower rail 14 . The upper rail 15 can be symmetrical (with or without actuating means, as required).

The fixed rail 21 , which is positively connected to the fixed part of the opening, thus has two sets of parallel grooves 211 , 212 and 213 , 214 , in each of which two sliding guide elements 22 , 23 move.

These sliding guide elements both have two lower extensions 221 , 222 and 231 , 232 , which each cooperate with the grooves 211 to 214 , and an upper extension 223 , 233 , each with an opening 251 provided for this purpose in the support 25 of the mobile part, 252 cooperates.

The extensions 222 , 232 are designed as flat sliding shoes in order to prevent the sliding guide elements from rotating when the mobile disk is displaced. The corresponding grooves 212 , 214 have a circular end region 2121 , 2141 , which enables rotation of these sliding guide elements in the end position.

The other groove 211 , 212 has an end region designed as a circular arc on 2111 , 2131 , which enables the corresponding extensions 221 , 231 to accompany and guide this rotation.

These profiles of the end regions of the grooves enable the transition from the opening level to the closing level, and vice versa. Because the two (or more) sliding guide elements 22 and 23 carry out the same movement, the mobile disk is always moved in parallel planes.

Since the extensions 221 , 222 on the one hand and on the other hand 231 , 232 are very close to one another, the rotational effect is very weak and is not a problem in particular for the border. In a particular embodiment, the displacement in x (according to the sliding guide axis which corresponds to the Distance between the extensions corresponds to) about 8 mm for the closure.

The drive of the mobile part can be on Different ways are done, manually or advantageously in a motorized way. One can directly on the act on the mobile screen, or as below proposed on the sliding guide elements (or at least one of the sliding guide elements).

In particular, an intermediate plate 24 can be arranged between the sliding guide elements 22 , 23 and the support 25 for the mobile disc, which acts 223 , 224 on the upper extensions.

This intermediate plate 24 is provided with two openings 241 , 242 , in each of which the upper extensions 223 , 233 are accommodated.

Each of these openings 241 and 242 is generally formed as a very open "V", one wing 2411 , 2421 of which is parallel to the main axis of the intermediate plate 24 (and thus to the sliding guide axis), and the other wing 2412 , 2422 is at an angle of approximately 45 ° forms with this axis.

According to the invention, the intermediate plate 24 only moves in accordance with the sliding guide axis 243 .

During the displacement movement, the upper extensions 223 , 233 are located in the wing 2411 , 2421 of the openings, and the sliding guide elements 22 , 23 move in the grooves 211 , 214 provided for this purpose.

When closed, when the slide guide elements 22 and 23 reach the stop of the grooves, they carry out a rotary movement (essentially a quarter turn) under the guidance of the circular openings 2121 , 2141 and the circular arcs 2111 , 2131 .

While the intermediate element 24 is always moving, the upper extension 223 , 233 moves simultaneously in its opening 241 , 242 and in particular in the inclined wing 2412 , 2422 .

The linear movement of the intermediate plate 24 thus enables the mobile pane to apply both movements, on the one hand the displacement and on the other hand the closure or the opening.

This movement of the intermediate plate can be done manually Using a handle (not shown) or motorized respectively. It's actually easy to get them to motorize because it is only a linear movement is required.

The motorized drive of this plate can for example by means of an engine driven screw conveyor are generated. A Nut or hole is attached to the plate, so the screw that is parallel to the rail runs, can impose their movement on their rail.

The screw can be made of a flexible material exist, for example plastic, especially if the Closure device is not flat.

• - Zahnstangen;
• - Kabel;
• - Förderschnecken
• - Trommeln mit spiralförmigen Nuten.

Other forms of drive are of course conceivable. In particular, the drive can be generated by one of the following means (and the combination thereof)

• - racks;
• - Electric wire;
• - screw conveyors
• - Drums with spiral grooves.

Other embodiments, such as alternatives and Improvements are conceivable.

The technique of the invention can also by a closure device with a single rail be introduced as it is in the contiguous Patent specification entitled "Locking device for one provided in the body of a vehicle Opening with a single rail, and the like Vehicle "is presented.

In particular, it is possible to have multiple mobile Provide disks, even if only one is shown is.

Eventually, additional or minor elements not explained in detail (seals, locking systems Safety devices,. , .) which of course in the Opening of the invention can be integrated.

Claims (13)

1. Closing device of an opening provided in the body of an automobile, which has a fixed part ( 11 ) in which an opening ( 12 ) is defined and a mobile part ( 13 ), suitable for closing said opening ( 12 ) or to release the latter by sliding on a guide and / or holding rail ( 14 , 15 ) substantially parallel to the fixed part (C),
characterized in that said mobile part is carried by at least two sliding guide elements ( 22 , 23 ) which are guided identically by guide means ( 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 ) determined in at least one of said rails ( 14 , 15 ),
that the said mobile part always remains in parallel planes, performing the following movements:
a locking / unlocking movement which makes the transition from a closed position in the plane formed by said fixed part ( 11 ) to an open position in an opening plane which is substantially parallel to the plane formed by said fixed part and vice versa;
a movement (x) in said opening plane. 2. Closure device according to claim 1, characterized in that said Locking / unlocking movement a rotation with a radius is less than 1 cm. 3. Locking device according to claim 2, characterized in that said rail carries at least two sliding guide elements ( 22 , 23 ), each of which is mounted in two grooves ( 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 ), one end region ( 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 ) is designed such that said slide guide elements ( 22 , 23 ) have a rotational movement during the transition from said slide plane to said closure plane, and vice versa. 4. Closure device according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said slide guide elements ( 22 , 23 ) has a non-circular section ( 222 , 232 ) which prevents any rotation of the slide guide element outside of said end regions. 5. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movement of said mobile part is actuated by a drive part ( 24 ) which is mobile in parallel displacement with said rail ( 21 ) and which is connected to at least one of said sliding guide elements ( 22 , 23 ) acts. 6. Locking device according to claim 5, characterized in that said drive part ( 24 ) and said rail ( 21 ) are designed such that the displacement movement of said mobile part ( 13 ) is converted into the following movements:
a rotational movement for said locking / unlocking; and
a movement (x) in said opening plane. 7. Closure device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said drive part ( 24 ) has two openings ( 241 , 242 ), in each of which two fingers ( 223 ) positively connected to each of said slide guide elements ( 22 , 23 ) , 233 ) move. 8. Closure device according to claim 7, characterized in that said opening ( 241 , 243 ) essentially forms a "V", of which one wing ( 2411 , 2421 ) is parallel to said planes, and a second wing ( 2412 , 2422 ) forms an angle of approximately 135 ° to said first wing ( 2411 , 2421 ). 9. Closure device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the movement of said mobile disc ( 11 ) is motorized. 10. Closure device according to claim 9 and one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that it has motorization means to drive said drive part ( 24 ) in displacement, parallel to the rail. 11. Closure device according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it has motorization means which act on one of the transmission means and belong to the following group: - racks; - Electric wire; - screw conveyors; - Drums with spiral grooves. 12. Closure device according to claim 11, characterized in that said screw conveyor consists of a flexible material. 13. automobile vehicle, characterized in that there is at least one closure device according to one of claims 1 to 12.