EP0982458A1 - Device for assisting in the opening and closing of a vehicle boot lid - Google Patents

Device for assisting in the opening and closing of a vehicle boot lid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0982458A1
EP0982458A1 EP99440218A EP99440218A EP0982458A1 EP 0982458 A1 EP0982458 A1 EP 0982458A1 EP 99440218 A EP99440218 A EP 99440218A EP 99440218 A EP99440218 A EP 99440218A EP 0982458 A1 EP0982458 A1 EP 0982458A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
door
closing
opening
assistance device
coupling joint
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99440218A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Dominique Benoit
Stéphane Kippelen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Akwel SA
Original Assignee
MGI Coutier SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MGI Coutier SA filed Critical MGI Coutier SA
Publication of EP0982458A1 publication Critical patent/EP0982458A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
    • E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
    • E05F1/10—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance
    • E05F1/1091—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance with a gas spring
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
    • E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
    • E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
    • E05F15/611—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
    • E05F15/616—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
    • E05F15/622—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
    • E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
    • E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
    • E05Y2900/53—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles characterised by the type of wing
    • E05Y2900/546—Tailgates

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for assisting with opening and closing a door of a vehicle trunk, in particular a tailgate, said door being fitted with hinges associated with vehicle body elements defining a pivot axis of the door and being arranged to pivot between a low position, said closed, and a high position, called open, the assistance device comprising at at least one thrust member comprising a first and a second end, the first end of said thrust member comprising a first articulation of coupling cooperating with said vehicle body elements and the second end of said thrust member comprising a second coupling articulation cooperating with said door.
  • a device assistance comprises one or two thrust members, often gas or gas cylinders spring, each arranged at a side edge of the door.
  • Each cylinder is articulated at its two ends, by two ball joints, one of which is fixed to the bodywork elements of the vehicle and the other is attached to the door.
  • Each pushing member is therefore mounted between two fixed points, with respect to the bodywork elements respectively and at the door.
  • the opening and closing of the door are defined by the dimensions of the door and in the weight of the door, the top and bottom positions of the door, the characteristics of the cylinders and in particular the force they generate according to their stroke, and finally the fixed location chosen for each coupling joint on the door and body parts.
  • the main function of the assistance device is to keep the door in position high, called open, and must therefore generate a couple of forces on the door greater than that generated by the door's own weight in this position.
  • the device assistance is usually designed so that there is an equilibrium position of the door, between its high position and its low position, for which the couples of forces antagonists balance each other. Finally, in a door position between this equilibrium position and the bottom position, called closed, the weight of the door generates a torque greater than that of the thrust members facilitating its closing.
  • the grip handle mounted on the door
  • the grip handle is very high and makes it difficult for the user, especially small, to grasp it easily.
  • the pairs of opposing forces due to the weight of the door and the cylinders, often have values far apart when the door is close to the positions high and low, causing it to stop suddenly at the end of the movement. What whatever the door opening and closing strategies adopted by the car manufacturers, with current assistive devices, the user is always required to make an effort, sometimes very significant, at least for the closure of the door.
  • the technical publication "Deck Lid Counterbalance” (Research Disclosure n ° 310 of 01/01/90, page 135) describes a balancing device specially designed to provide a solution to the problem of variations in gas cylinder forces during fluctuations of temperature.
  • This device includes a mechanism for modifying the distance between the pivot axis of the boot door and the fulcrum of the cylinder to gas on the vehicle body. This fulcrum slides in a curved rail when the restraint stress exerted by a return device on this fulcrum is reached.
  • this device does not include a motorization, the displacement of the fulcrum taking place automatically depending on the stresses exerted by the trunk door, this movement being random, not controllable. It is therefore not possible to adjust and control the position of this support point.
  • this device does not allow the automatic closing of the trunk door, it is necessary the application of an effort on the part of the operator.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a device assistance in opening and closing a door of a simple vehicle trunk, economical, space-saving, practical, controllable, which allows to minimize the effort provided by the user to open or close the trunk door, or even to obtain a automatic opening and closing of the door.
  • an assistance device as described in the preamble, characterized in that at least one of the coupling joints is mobile and has a mechanism with motor, so that the lever arm of the pushing force generated by said thrust member, which is defined relative to the pivot axis of the door, is modified in a predetermined manner, so as to facilitate opening and closing of said door.
  • said movable coupling joint is arranged to move between a low position distant from the pivot axis of the door and a high position close to the pivot axis of the door corresponding, respectively, to a maximum lever arm and a lever arm minimum of said thrust force, so that when said articulation of movable coupling is in the low position, the thrust member is arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door whose value is greater than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door, facilitating its opening and, when said movable coupling articulation is in the high position, the thrust member is arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door, the value is less than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door, making it easier to close.
  • Said movable coupling joint is preferably arranged to move from straight line.
  • said mechanism for controlling the displacement comprises a free nut mounted on a worm screw coupled to said motor, said free nut being linked to said coupling articulation and being arranged to move rectilinearly along the longitudinal axis of the worm screw when it turns on itself.
  • control mechanism comprises a servo system arranged to transmit control signals to said audit engine.
  • the servo system can include detection means and a block electronics arranged to generate said control signals so that the coupling joint is moved from the first to the high position at the end of the opening of the door, to facilitate its closing, and is moved from the second to the low position at the end of the door closing, to facilitate its opening.
  • the electric motor control can be controlled depending on the speed opening / closing of the door so as not to be too "brutal".
  • the control system may include detection means (for example of speed or position) and an electronic unit arranged to generate said signals control so that the coupling joint is moved at least partially predetermined from the first to the high position during the opening of the door, and is moved at least partially in a determined manner from the second to the low position during door closing.
  • detection means for example of speed or position
  • electronic unit arranged to generate said signals control so that the coupling joint is moved at least partially predetermined from the first to the high position during the opening of the door, and is moved at least partially in a determined manner from the second to the low position during door closing.
  • the coupling joint can be moved at constant or variable speed for opening and closing the door.
  • the speed of movement of the coupling joint is advantageously increased during door opening, when the door is in a position close to the high position, and during the closing of the door, when the door is in a position close to the low position.
  • the servo system can advantageously include an element actuation chosen from at least one push button placed outside the vehicle and an infrared remote control, operated by the user and arranged for control the automatic opening and closing of said door.
  • FIG. 1 partially represents the assistance device 10 for opening and closing of a door 11 of a trunk 12 of a vehicle 13, such as a tailgate, object of the present invention.
  • a vehicle 13 such as a tailgate
  • the unibody type motor vehicle, commonly called “minivan”, which is shown in the figure is by way of example only.
  • the assistance device 10 of the present invention is very well suited to other types of vehicle, such as sedan, limousine or station wagon for example.
  • the door 11 is fitted with hinges 14 associated with bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13. These hinges 14 define a pivot axis 16 of the door 11. The latter is arranged to pivot about its pivot axis 16 between a low position, called closed, and a high position, called open.
  • the assistance device 10 comprises two pushing members 17, for example, such as gas or spring cylinders, arranged to stress the door 11 towards its high position.
  • Each cylinder is disposed at a side edge of the door 11 of so as to balance it transversely.
  • a single cylinder may suffice. The following description will relate to a single cylinder with reference to the figures. If the assistance device has two cylinders then they can operate simultaneously.
  • the jack 17 has a first end 17 'and a second end 17 ".
  • first end 17 ' has a first coupling articulation 18, such as a pivot axis or a ball joint, cooperating with the bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13.
  • the second end 17 " has a second coupling articulation 19, such as a pivot axis or a ball joint, cooperating with the door 11.
  • the first coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 is movable. It is arranged for move, for example, rectilinearly, and simultaneously for both cylinders 17, between a low position P1, distant from the pivot axis 16 of the door 11 and a high position P2, close to the pivot axis 16 of the door 11.
  • the Figure 1 shows different angular positions of opening the door 11 with the first coupling joint 18 in the low position P1.
  • Figure 2 shows different angular positions for closing the door 11 with the first coupling joint 18 in the high position P2.
  • the displacement of these two coupling joints 18 allows to modify the lever arm of the pushing force generated by the two cylinders 17, which is defined relative to the pivot axis 16 of the door 11.
  • the low position P1 corresponds to a maximum lever arm of the force of thrust of the two cylinders 17.
  • the high position P2 corresponds to an arm of minimum leverage of this pushing force.
  • the first movable coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 comprises a mechanism for control 20 of its movement, shown in detail in Figure 3. It includes a support 21, for example metallic, fixed to the bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13, by means of screws or rivets engaged in three cylindrical holes 22 formed in the lower wall of the support 21 for example.
  • the control mechanism 20 comprises a free nut 23 mounted on an endless screw 24 pivotally mounted on the support 21.
  • the longitudinal axis of the worm 24 coincides with the axis passing through the position low P1 and the high position P2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the free nut 23 is linked to the first coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 (not shown in the figure).
  • This nut 23 is arranged to move rectilinearly along the longitudinal axis of the worm 24 when the latter turns on itself.
  • the position of the free nut 23 on the worm 24 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the low position P1 of the coupling joint 18 of FIG. 1.
  • the coupling joint 18 is in the high position P2.
  • the screw end 24 is coupled to a motor 25, such as an electric motor powered by the battery accumulators of the vehicle 13 for example, which causes it to rotate around its axis.
  • control mechanism 20 of the coupling joint 18 can be done differently, the main thing being to modify the position of this joint.
  • the movement of this articulation 18 is not necessarily rectilinear. It can be curved, follow a left trajectory or a broken right.
  • the control mechanism 20 also includes a servo system (not shown) arranged to transmit control signals to the motor 25.
  • the servo system includes detection means and an electronic unit arranged to generate the control signals transmitted to the motor 25 so determined according to the strategy chosen by the automaker for the opening and closing door 11. Several possible operating modes of the system control will be described later.
  • the opening and closing of the door are defined by several known criteria, to know: the dimensions of door 11 and in particular the weight of the door and its distribution, the high and low positions of the door 11, the characteristics of the jacks 17 and in particular of the force which they generate according to their course, and finally of the location of each coupling joint 18, 19 on the bodywork elements 15 and door 11. Finally, the opening and closing of door 11 also depend external stresses, such as the effort mainly provided by the user, and others more secondary like the wind, the inclination of the vehicle 13 if it is in a steep slope for example.
  • the main function of the assistance device 10 is to maintain of the door 11 in the high position, called the open position, and must therefore generate a couple of forces on the door higher than that generated by the door's own weight in this position.
  • the nut free 23 and therefore the first coupling joint 18 are in the low position P1 illustrated by FIG. 1.
  • This coupling articulation 18 is distant from the axis of pivot 16 of door 11, the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 is therefore maximum. This is to reduce the effort exerted by the user when opening door 11. To open door 11, the user must pull lightly the door up.
  • the jacks 17 are chosen, for example, so that there is an equilibrium position of the door 11, between its high position and its low position, for which the pairs of antagonistic forces balance each other. So beyond this position of equilibrium, the opening from door 11 is automatically carried out to the high position. At the end of the opening, the high position of the door 11 is detected by the detection means, for example limit switches. The servo system is then arranged to generate control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint 18 linked to the nut 23 is moved from the low position P1 to the high position P2. Thus, the coupling joint 18 is brought closer to the axis of pivot 16 of door 11, the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 is therefore minimum. This is to reduce the effort exerted by the user during the door 11 is closed.
  • the operator must pull the door slightly downwards to to start its closing, because it must oppose the assistance device which maintains the door in its high position. From a certain closing angle, corresponding to the equilibrium position, the weight of door 11 generates a force torque greater than that of the cylinders 17 and the door closes automatically. At the end of the closing, the low position of the door 11 is detected by the detection means, for example limit switches. The servo system is then arranged to generate control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint 18 linked to the nut 23 is moved from the high position P2 to the low position P1. This mode of operation is iterative.
  • the servo system comprising the detection means and the electronic unit is arranged to generate the control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint is moved at least partially predetermined from the first P1 to the high position P2 during the opening of door 11.
  • the detection means such as a position sensor
  • the system control system is arranged to generate said control signals to the motor 25 to move the coupling joint 18 towards the high position P2. This allows to reduce the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 during the opening of the door and thus slow down the speed of movement of door 11 when approaching the high position.
  • the servo system is arranged to generate the signals of control so that the coupling joint 18 is moved at least partially predetermined from the high position P2 to the low position P1 during the closing of the door, for example beyond the equilibrium position. That increases the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 during the closing of door 11 and thus slowing down the speed of movement of door 11 to approaching the low position. The opening and closing of the door 11 is then done softer than before, but slower.
  • the servo system can also be arranged so that the movement of the coupling joint 18 is produced at constant or variable speed during opening and closing the door.
  • the movement speed of the coupling joint 18 can be increased during the opening of the door, when it is in a position close to the high position and during the closing of the door, when it is in a position close to the low position.
  • the means of detection and the electronic unit suitable for such operation are within the reach of skilled in the art and are not described here
  • the assist device 10 of the present invention can be easily arranged to so that the opening and closing of the door 11 is done automatically without no manual intervention.
  • the cylinders 17 are chosen and arranged to generate a torque of forces on door 11 whose value is greater than that of the torque of forces generated by its own weight regardless of the position of the door 11 when the coupling joint 18 is in the low position P1.
  • the cylinders 17 are arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door 11 whose value is lower than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door 11 when the coupling joint 18 is in the high position P2.
  • the assistance device 10 of the present invention comprises an element actuation, such as a push button placed outside the vehicle or a infrared remote control for example, which can be operated by the user.
  • the device 10 is arranged so that each time the user actuates the actuating element, the servo system is arranged to generate the control signals to the motor so that the coupling joints 18 are moved either to the low position P1 or to the high position P2 depending on their positions previous.
  • the door 11 can open and close automatically without user intervention.
  • the assistance device 10 for opening and closing a door 11 of a trunk 12 of vehicle 13 of the present invention is simple, economical, compact and practical. he allows to minimize the effort provided by the user to open or close the door 11 of the trunk 12, or even to obtain an automatic opening and closing of this door.
  • the assistance device is particularly suitable for motor vehicles of the unibody type, commonly called "minivans", for which the tailgate of the trunk has very important dimensions and weight. Especially since when the door is in the high position, the grip handle, mounted on the door, is very high and makes it difficult for the user, especially small, to grasp it easily.
  • control mechanism may include an actuator in place of the motor assembly, worm and nut.

Abstract

The motor vehicle hatch gas strut (17) is pivoted (18,19) to the hatch and vehicle body, one of which is movable by a motor (25) so that the lever arm for the force exerted by the strut can be varied. The motor can move the pivot via a drive screw.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'assistance à l'ouverture et à la fermeture d'une porte d'un coffre de véhicule, en particulier d'un hayon arrière, ladite porte étant équipée de charnières associées à des éléments de carrosserie du véhicule définissant un axe de pivotement de la porte et étant agencée pour pivoter entre une position basse, dite fermée, et une position haute, dite ouverte, le dispositif d'assistance comprenant au moins un organe de poussée comportant une première et une seconde extrémité, la première extrémité dudit organe de poussée comportant une première articulation de couplage coopérant avec lesdits éléments de carrosserie du véhicule et la seconde extrémité dudit organe de poussée comportant une seconde articulation de couplage coopérant avec ladite porte.The present invention relates to a device for assisting with opening and closing a door of a vehicle trunk, in particular a tailgate, said door being fitted with hinges associated with vehicle body elements defining a pivot axis of the door and being arranged to pivot between a low position, said closed, and a high position, called open, the assistance device comprising at at least one thrust member comprising a first and a second end, the first end of said thrust member comprising a first articulation of coupling cooperating with said vehicle body elements and the second end of said thrust member comprising a second coupling articulation cooperating with said door.

On connaít déjà des dispositifs d'assistance tel que définis ci-dessus. Ils sont largement utilisés, notamment dans le domaine de l'automobile. Typiquement, un dispositif d'assistance comporte un ou deux organes de poussée, souvent des vérins à gaz ou à ressort, disposés chacun à un bord latéral de la porte. Chaque vérin est articulé, à ses deux extrémités, par deux rotules, dont l'une est fixée aux éléments de carrosserie du véhicule et l'autre est fixée à la porte. Chaque organe de poussée est par conséquent monté entre deux points fixes, par rapport, respectivement, aux éléments de carrosserie et à la porte.Assistance devices are already known as defined above. They are widely used, especially in the automotive field. Typically, a device assistance comprises one or two thrust members, often gas or gas cylinders spring, each arranged at a side edge of the door. Each cylinder is articulated at its two ends, by two ball joints, one of which is fixed to the bodywork elements of the vehicle and the other is attached to the door. Each pushing member is therefore mounted between two fixed points, with respect to the bodywork elements respectively and at the door.

L'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte sont définies par les dimensions de la porte et en particulier le poids de celle-ci les positions haute et basse de la porte, les caractéristiques des vérins et en particulier la force qu'ils génèrent en fonction de leur course, et enfin l'emplacement fixe choisi pour chaque articulation de couplage sur la porte et les éléments de carrosserie.The opening and closing of the door are defined by the dimensions of the door and in the weight of the door, the top and bottom positions of the door, the characteristics of the cylinders and in particular the force they generate according to their stroke, and finally the fixed location chosen for each coupling joint on the door and body parts.

Le dispositif d'assistance a pour fonction principale le maintien de la porte en position haute, dite ouverte, et doit donc générer un couple de forces sur la porte supérieur à celui généré par le propre poids de la porte dans cette position. Le dispositif d'assistance est généralement conçu de sorte qu'il existe une position d'équilibre de la porte, entre sa position haute et sa position basse, pour laquelle les couples de forces antagonistes s'équilibrent. Enfin, dans une position de la porte comprise entre cette position d'équilibre et la position basse, dite fermée, le poids de la porte génère un couple de force supérieur à celui des organes de poussée facilitant sa fermeture.The main function of the assistance device is to keep the door in position high, called open, and must therefore generate a couple of forces on the door greater than that generated by the door's own weight in this position. The device assistance is usually designed so that there is an equilibrium position of the door, between its high position and its low position, for which the couples of forces antagonists balance each other. Finally, in a door position between this equilibrium position and the bottom position, called closed, the weight of the door generates a torque greater than that of the thrust members facilitating its closing.

Les dispositifs de l'art antérieur et notamment celui décrit précédemment présentent divers inconvénients. Pour ouvrir la porte du coffre du véhicule, l'opérateur doit d'une manière générale, au moins au début de l'ouverture, tirer sur la porte vers le haut. A partir de la position d'équilibre, la porte s'ouvre automatiquement grâce au dispositif d'assistance. La fermeture de la porte est généralement beaucoup plus difficile que son ouverture. L'opérateur doit souvent tirer fortement la porte vers le bas afin de démarrer sa fermeture, car il doit s'opposer au dispositif d'assistance qui maintient la porte dans sa position haute. A partir d'un certain angle de fermeture, correspondant à la position d'équilibre, la porte se ferme automatiquement de part son propre poids. Pour des véhicules automobiles du type monocorps, appelés communément "monospaces", pour lesquels le hayon arrière du coffre a des dimensions et un poids très importants, l'effort devant être fourni par l'utilisateur est substantiel. En outre, lorsque la porte est en position haute, dite ouverte, la poignée de préhension, montée sur la porte, est très haute et permet difficilement à l'utilisateur, surtout de petite taille, de l'appréhender facilement. De plus, les couples de forces antagonistes, dus au poids de la porte et aux vérins, ont des valeurs souvent très éloignées lorsque la porte est proche des positions haute et basse, provoquant un arrêt brutal de celle-ci en fin de déplacement. Quelles que soient les stratégies d'ouverture et de fermeture de la porte adoptées par les constructeurs automobile, avec les dispositifs d'assistance actuels, l'utilisateur est toujours tenu de fournir un effort, parfois très important, au moins pour la fermeture de la porte.The devices of the prior art and in particular that described above have various disadvantages. To open the vehicle trunk door, the operator must generally, at least at the start of the opening, pull the door upwards. AT from the equilibrium position, the door opens automatically thanks to the device assistance. Closing the door is generally much more difficult than opening. The operator often has to strongly pull the door down in order to start its closing, because it must oppose the assistance device which keeps the door in its high position. From a certain closing angle, corresponding to the position balance, the door closes automatically due to its own weight. For some unibody type motor vehicles, commonly called "minivans", for which the tailgate of the trunk has very important dimensions and weight, the effort to be provided by the user is substantial. In addition, when the door is in high position, called open, the grip handle, mounted on the door, is very high and makes it difficult for the user, especially small, to grasp it easily. In addition, the pairs of opposing forces, due to the weight of the door and the cylinders, often have values far apart when the door is close to the positions high and low, causing it to stop suddenly at the end of the movement. What whatever the door opening and closing strategies adopted by the car manufacturers, with current assistive devices, the user is always required to make an effort, sometimes very significant, at least for the closure of the door.

D'autres dispositifs ont été conçus pour ouvrir et fermer automatiquement la porte d'un coffre au moyen d'un moteur électrique. Néanmoins, ces dispositifs sont généralement complexes et occupent un encombrement dans le coffre non négligeable.Other devices have been designed to automatically open and close the door of a trunk by means of an electric motor. However, these devices are generally complex and occupy a significant space in the trunk.

La publication technique "Deck Lid Counterbalance" (Research Disclosure n° 310 du 01/01/90, page 135) décrit un dispositif d'équilibrage spécialement conçu pour apporter une solution au problème des variations d'efforts des vérins à gaz lors des fluctuations de température. Ce dispositif comporte un mécanisme permettant de modifier la distance entre l'axe de pivotement de la porte du coffre et le point d'appui du vérin à gaz sur la caisse du véhicule. Ce point d'appui coulisse dans un rail courbe quand la contrainte de retenue exercée par un dispositif de rappel sur ce point d'appui est atteinte. Néanmoins, ce dispositifne comporte pas de motorisation, le déplacement du point d'appui se faisant automatiquement en fonction des contraintes exercées par la porte du coffre, ce déplacement étant aléatoire, non contrôlable. Il n'est donc pas possible d'ajuster et de maítriser la position de ce point d'appui. De plus, ce dispositif ne permet pas la fermeture automatique de la porte du coffre, il faut nécessairement l'application d'un effort de la part de l'opérateur.The technical publication "Deck Lid Counterbalance" (Research Disclosure n ° 310 of 01/01/90, page 135) describes a balancing device specially designed to provide a solution to the problem of variations in gas cylinder forces during fluctuations of temperature. This device includes a mechanism for modifying the distance between the pivot axis of the boot door and the fulcrum of the cylinder to gas on the vehicle body. This fulcrum slides in a curved rail when the restraint stress exerted by a return device on this fulcrum is reached. However, this device does not include a motorization, the displacement of the fulcrum taking place automatically depending on the stresses exerted by the trunk door, this movement being random, not controllable. It is therefore not possible to adjust and control the position of this support point. In addition, this device does not allow the automatic closing of the trunk door, it is necessary the application of an effort on the part of the operator.

Le but de la présente invention est de pallier ces inconvénients en fournissant un dispositif d'assistance à l'ouverture et à la fermeture d'une porte d'un coffre de véhicule simple, économique, peu encombrant, pratique, contrôlable, qui permet de diminuer au maximum l'effort fourni par l'utilisateur pour ouvrir ou fermer la porte du coffre, voire d'obtenir une ouverture et une fermeture automatique de la porte.The object of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a device assistance in opening and closing a door of a simple vehicle trunk, economical, space-saving, practical, controllable, which allows to minimize the effort provided by the user to open or close the trunk door, or even to obtain a automatic opening and closing of the door.

Ce but est atteint par un dispositif d'assistance tel que décrit en préambule, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une des articulations de couplage est mobile et comporte un mécanisme de commande pourvu d'un moteur, de sorte que le bras de levier de la force de poussée générée par ledit organe de poussée, qui est défini par rapport à l'axe de pivotement de la porte, est modifié de façon prédéterminée, de manière à faciliter l'ouverture et la fermeture de ladite porte.This object is achieved by an assistance device as described in the preamble, characterized in that at least one of the coupling joints is mobile and has a mechanism with motor, so that the lever arm of the pushing force generated by said thrust member, which is defined relative to the pivot axis of the door, is modified in a predetermined manner, so as to facilitate opening and closing of said door.

Dans une forme de réalisation préférée, ladite articulation de couplage mobile est agencée pour se déplacer entre une position basse éloignée de l'axe de pivotement de la porte et une position haute rapprochée de l'axe de pivotement de la porte correspondant, respectivement, à un bras de levier maximum et à un bras de levier minimum de ladite force de poussée, de manière à, lorsque ladite articulation de couplage mobile est dans la position basse, l'organe de poussée est agencé pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte dont la valeur est supérieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte, facilitant son ouverture et, lorsque ladite articulation de couplage mobile est dans la position haute, l'organe de poussée est agencé pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte dont la valeur est inférieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte, facilitant sa fermeture.In a preferred embodiment, said movable coupling joint is arranged to move between a low position distant from the pivot axis of the door and a high position close to the pivot axis of the door corresponding, respectively, to a maximum lever arm and a lever arm minimum of said thrust force, so that when said articulation of movable coupling is in the low position, the thrust member is arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door whose value is greater than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door, facilitating its opening and, when said movable coupling articulation is in the high position, the thrust member is arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door, the value is less than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door, making it easier to close.

Ladite articulation de couplage mobile est, de préférence, agencée pour se déplacer de façon rectiligne. Said movable coupling joint is preferably arranged to move from straight line.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, ledit mécanisme de commande du déplacement comporte un écrou libre monté sur une vis sans fin couplée audit moteur, ledit écrou libre étant lié à ladite articulation de couplage et étant agencé pour se déplacer de façon rectiligne selon l'axe longitudinal de la vis sans fin lorsque celle-ci tourne sur elle-même.According to a particular embodiment, said mechanism for controlling the displacement comprises a free nut mounted on a worm screw coupled to said motor, said free nut being linked to said coupling articulation and being arranged to move rectilinearly along the longitudinal axis of the worm screw when it turns on itself.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le mécanisme de commande comprend un système d'asservissement agencé pour transmettre des signaux de commande audit moteur.According to an advantageous embodiment, the control mechanism comprises a servo system arranged to transmit control signals to said audit engine.

Le système d'asservissement peut comporter des moyens de détection et un bloc électronique agencés pour générer lesdits signaux de commande de sorte que l'articulation de couplage est déplacée de la première à la position haute à la fin de l'ouverture de la porte, pour faciliter sa fermeture, et est déplacée de la seconde à la position basse à la fin de la fermeture de la porte, pour faciliter son ouverture.The servo system can include detection means and a block electronics arranged to generate said control signals so that the coupling joint is moved from the first to the high position at the end of the opening of the door, to facilitate its closing, and is moved from the second to the low position at the end of the door closing, to facilitate its opening.

La commande électrique du moteur peut être pilotée en fonction de la vitesse d'ouverture/fermeture de la porte de manière à ne pas être trop "brutale".The electric motor control can be controlled depending on the speed opening / closing of the door so as not to be too "brutal".

Le système d'asservissement peut comporter des moyens de détection (par exemple de vitesse ou de position) et un bloc électronique agencés pour générer lesdites signaux de commande de sorte que l'articulation de couplage est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon prédéterminée de la première à la position haute pendant l'ouverture de la porte, et est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon déterminée de la seconde à la position basse pendant la fermeture de la porte.The control system may include detection means (for example of speed or position) and an electronic unit arranged to generate said signals control so that the coupling joint is moved at least partially predetermined from the first to the high position during the opening of the door, and is moved at least partially in a determined manner from the second to the low position during door closing.

L'articulation de couplage peut être déplacée à vitesse constante ou variable pendant l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte.The coupling joint can be moved at constant or variable speed for opening and closing the door.

La vitesse de déplacement de l'articulation de couplage est, de façon avantageuse, augmentée pendant l'ouverture de la porte, lorsque la porte est dans une position proche de la position haute, et pendant la fermeture de la porte, lorsque la porte est dans une position proche de la position basse.The speed of movement of the coupling joint is advantageously increased during door opening, when the door is in a position close to the high position, and during the closing of the door, when the door is in a position close to the low position.

Le système d'asservissement peut avantageusement comporter un élément d'actionnement choisi parmi au moins un bouton poussoir placé à l'extérieur du véhicule et une télécommande à infrarouge, actionné par l'utilisateur et agencé pour commander l'ouverture et la fermeture automatique de ladite porte.The servo system can advantageously include an element actuation chosen from at least one push button placed outside the vehicle and an infrared remote control, operated by the user and arranged for control the automatic opening and closing of said door.

La présente invention et ses avantages apparaítront mieux dans la description suivante de différents modes de réalisation de l'invention, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue latérale représentant une porte arrière d'un coffre d'un véhicule automobile et un dispositif d'assistance de la présente invention pour différentes positions angulaires de la porte,
  • la figure 2 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 illustrant une position différente du dispositif d'assistance, et
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une partie d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif d'assistance selon la présente invention.
The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of different embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a side view showing a rear door of a trunk of a motor vehicle and an assistance device of the present invention for different angular positions of the door,
  • FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 illustrating a different position of the assistance device, and
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of an embodiment of the assistance device according to the present invention.

La figure 1 représente partiellement le dispositif d'assistance 10 à l'ouverture et à la fermeture d'une porte 11 d'un coffre 12 d'un véhicule 13, tel qu'un hayon arrière, objet de la présente invention. Le véhicule automobile de type monocorps, communément appelé "monospace", qui est représenté sur la figure l'est à titre d'exemple seulement. Le dispositif d'assistance 10 de la présente invention est très bien adapté à d'autres types de véhicule, tels que berline, limousine ou break par exemple.FIG. 1 partially represents the assistance device 10 for opening and closing of a door 11 of a trunk 12 of a vehicle 13, such as a tailgate, object of the present invention. The unibody type motor vehicle, commonly called "minivan", which is shown in the figure is by way of example only. The assistance device 10 of the present invention is very well suited to other types of vehicle, such as sedan, limousine or station wagon for example.

La porte 11 est équipée de charnières 14 associées à des éléments de carrosserie 15 du véhicule 13. Ces charnières 14 définissent un axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11. Cette dernière est agencée pour pivoter autour de son axe de pivotement 16 entre une position basse, dite fermée, et une position haute, dite ouverte.The door 11 is fitted with hinges 14 associated with bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13. These hinges 14 define a pivot axis 16 of the door 11. The latter is arranged to pivot about its pivot axis 16 between a low position, called closed, and a high position, called open.

Le dispositif d'assistance 10 selon l'invention comprend deux organes de poussée 17, par exemple, tels que des vérins à gaz ou à ressort, agencés pour solliciter la porte 11 vers sa position haute. Chaque vérin est disposé à un bord latéral de la porte 11 de manière à l'équilibrer transversalement. Néanmoins, selon la taille et le poids de la porte du coffre, un seul vérin peut suffire. La description suivante portera sur un seul vérin en référence aux figures. Si le dispositif d'assistance comporte deux vérins alors ils peuvent fonctionner simultanément. The assistance device 10 according to the invention comprises two pushing members 17, for example, such as gas or spring cylinders, arranged to stress the door 11 towards its high position. Each cylinder is disposed at a side edge of the door 11 of so as to balance it transversely. However, depending on the size and weight of the door of the trunk, a single cylinder may suffice. The following description will relate to a single cylinder with reference to the figures. If the assistance device has two cylinders then they can operate simultaneously.

Le vérin 17 comporte une première extrémité 17' et une seconde extrémité 17". La première extrémité 17' comporte une première articulation de couplage 18, telle qu'un axe de pivotement ou une rotule, coopérant avec les éléments de carrosserie 15 du véhicule 13. La seconde extrémité 17" comporte une seconde articulation de couplage 19, telle qu'un axe de pivotement ou une rotule, coopérant avec la porte 11.The jack 17 has a first end 17 'and a second end 17 ". first end 17 'has a first coupling articulation 18, such as a pivot axis or a ball joint, cooperating with the bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13. The second end 17 "has a second coupling articulation 19, such as a pivot axis or a ball joint, cooperating with the door 11.

La première articulation de couplage 18 du vérin 17 est mobile. Elle est agencée pour se déplacer, par exemple, de façon rectiligne, et cela simultanément pour les deux vérins 17, entre une position basse P1, éloignée de l'axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11 et une position haute P2, rapprochée de l'axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11. La figure 1 représente différentes positions angulaires d'ouverture de la porte 11 avec la première articulation de couplage 18 dans la position basse P1. La figure 2 représente différentes positions angulaires de fermeture de la porte 11 avec la première articulation de couplage 18 dans la position haute P2. Le déplacement de ces deux articulations de couplage 18 permet de modifier le bras de levier de la force de poussée générée par les deux vérins 17, qui est défini par rapport à l'axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11. La position basse P1 correspond à un bras de levier maximum de la force de poussée des deux vérins 17. Inversement, la position haute P2 correspond à un bras de levier minimum de cette force de poussée.The first coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 is movable. It is arranged for move, for example, rectilinearly, and simultaneously for both cylinders 17, between a low position P1, distant from the pivot axis 16 of the door 11 and a high position P2, close to the pivot axis 16 of the door 11. The Figure 1 shows different angular positions of opening the door 11 with the first coupling joint 18 in the low position P1. Figure 2 shows different angular positions for closing the door 11 with the first coupling joint 18 in the high position P2. The displacement of these two coupling joints 18 allows to modify the lever arm of the pushing force generated by the two cylinders 17, which is defined relative to the pivot axis 16 of the door 11. The low position P1 corresponds to a maximum lever arm of the force of thrust of the two cylinders 17. Conversely, the high position P2 corresponds to an arm of minimum leverage of this pushing force.

La première articulation de couplage 18 mobile du vérin 17 comporte un mécanisme de commande 20 de son déplacement, représenté en détail par la figure 3. Il comporte un support 21, par exemple métallique, fixé aux éléments de carrosserie 15 du véhicule 13, au moyen de vis ou rivets engagés dans trois trous cylindriques 22 ménagés dans la paroi inférieure du support 21 par exemple. Le mécanisme de commande 20 comporte un écrou libre 23 monté sur une vis sans fin 24 montée pivotante sur le support 21. L'axe longitudinal de la vis sans fin 24 est confondu avec l'axe passant par la position basse P1 et la position haute P2 illustrée par les figures 1 et 2. L'écrou libre 23 est lié à la première articulation de couplage 18 du vérin 17 (non représentée sur la figure). Cet écrou 23 est agencé pour se déplacer de façon rectiligne selon l'axe longitudinal de la vis sans fin 24 lorsque celle-ci tourne sur elle-même. La position de l'écrou libre 23 sur la vis sans fin 24 représentée par la figure 2 correspond à la position basse P1 de l'articulation de couplage 18 de la figure 1. Lorsque l'écrou est à l'autre extrémité de la vis sans fin 24, l'articulation de couplage 18 est dans la position haute P2. La vis sans fin 24 est couplée à un moteur 25, tel qu'un moteur électrique alimenté par la batterie d'accumulateurs du véhicule 13 par exemple, qui l'entraíne en rotation autour de son axe.The first movable coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 comprises a mechanism for control 20 of its movement, shown in detail in Figure 3. It includes a support 21, for example metallic, fixed to the bodywork elements 15 of the vehicle 13, by means of screws or rivets engaged in three cylindrical holes 22 formed in the lower wall of the support 21 for example. The control mechanism 20 comprises a free nut 23 mounted on an endless screw 24 pivotally mounted on the support 21. The longitudinal axis of the worm 24 coincides with the axis passing through the position low P1 and the high position P2 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The free nut 23 is linked to the first coupling articulation 18 of the jack 17 (not shown in the figure). This nut 23 is arranged to move rectilinearly along the longitudinal axis of the worm 24 when the latter turns on itself. The position of the free nut 23 on the worm 24 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the low position P1 of the coupling joint 18 of FIG. 1. When the nut is at the other end of the worm 24, the coupling joint 18 is in the high position P2. The screw end 24 is coupled to a motor 25, such as an electric motor powered by the battery accumulators of the vehicle 13 for example, which causes it to rotate around its axis.

Il est bien entendu que le mécanisme de commande 20 de l'articulation de couplage 18 peut être réalisé différemment, l'essentiel étant de modifier la position de cette articulation. Selon le mécanisme de commande choisi le déplacement de cette articulation 18 n'est pas obligatoirement rectiligne. Il peut être courbe, suivre une trajectoire gauche ou une droite brisée.It is understood that the control mechanism 20 of the coupling joint 18 can be done differently, the main thing being to modify the position of this joint. Depending on the control mechanism chosen, the movement of this articulation 18 is not necessarily rectilinear. It can be curved, follow a left trajectory or a broken right.

Le mécanisme de commande 20 comprend également un système d'asservissement (non représenté) agencé pour transmettre des signaux de commande au moteur 25. Le système d'asservissement comporte des moyens de détection et un bloc électronique agencés pour générer les signaux de commande transmis au moteur 25 de façon déterminée selon la stratégie choisie par le constructeur automobile pour l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte 11. Plusieurs modes de fonctionnement possibles du système d'asservissement seront décrits ultérieurement.The control mechanism 20 also includes a servo system (not shown) arranged to transmit control signals to the motor 25. The servo system includes detection means and an electronic unit arranged to generate the control signals transmitted to the motor 25 so determined according to the strategy chosen by the automaker for the opening and closing door 11. Several possible operating modes of the system control will be described later.

L'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte sont définies par plusieurs critères connus, à savoir : les dimensions de la porte 11 et en particulier le poids de la porte et sa répartition, les positions haute et basse de la porte 11, les caractéristiques des vérins 17 et en particulier de la force qu'ils génèrent en fonction de leur course, et enfin de l'emplacement de chaque articulation de couplage 18, 19 sur les éléments de carrosserie 15 et la porte 11. Enfin l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte 11 dépendent également de sollicitations extérieures, telles que l'effort fourni par l'utilisateur principalement, et d'autres plus secondaires comme le vent, l'inclinaison du véhicule 13 si celui-ci est dans une forte pente par exemple.The opening and closing of the door are defined by several known criteria, to know: the dimensions of door 11 and in particular the weight of the door and its distribution, the high and low positions of the door 11, the characteristics of the jacks 17 and in particular of the force which they generate according to their course, and finally of the location of each coupling joint 18, 19 on the bodywork elements 15 and door 11. Finally, the opening and closing of door 11 also depend external stresses, such as the effort mainly provided by the user, and others more secondary like the wind, the inclination of the vehicle 13 if it is in a steep slope for example.

On voit bien qu'il est difficile de définir exactement l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte 11. Cependant, le dispositif d'assistance 10 a pour fonction principale le maintien de la porte 11 en position haute, dite ouverte, et doit donc générer un couple de forces sur la porte supérieur à celui généré par le propre poids de la porte dans cette position. Dans un premier mode de réalisation particulier, lorsque la porte 11 est fermée, l'écrou libre 23 et donc la première articulation de couplage 18 sont dans la position basse P1 illustrée par la figure 1. Cette articulation de couplage 18 est éloignée de l'axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11, le bras de levier de la force de poussée des vérins 17 est donc maximum. Ceci de manière à réduire l'effort exercé par l'utilisateur lors de l'ouverture de la porte 11. Pour ouvrir la porte 11, l'utilisateur doit tirer légèrement sur la porte vers le haut.It is clear that it is difficult to define exactly the opening and closing of the door 11. However, the main function of the assistance device 10 is to maintain of the door 11 in the high position, called the open position, and must therefore generate a couple of forces on the door higher than that generated by the door's own weight in this position. In a first particular embodiment, when the door 11 is closed, the nut free 23 and therefore the first coupling joint 18 are in the low position P1 illustrated by FIG. 1. This coupling articulation 18 is distant from the axis of pivot 16 of door 11, the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 is therefore maximum. This is to reduce the effort exerted by the user when opening door 11. To open door 11, the user must pull lightly the door up.

Les vérins 17 sont choisis, par exemple, pour qu'il existe une position d'équilibre de la porte 11, entre sa position haute et sa position basse, pour laquelle les couples de forces antagonistes s'équilibrent. Ainsi au-delà de cette position d'équilibre, l'ouverture de la porte 11 s'effectue automatiquement jusqu'à la position haute. A la fin de l'ouverture, la position haute de la porte 11 est détectée par les moyens de détection, par exemple des capteurs de fin de course. Le système d'asservissement est alors agencé pour générer des signaux de commande vers le moteur 25 de sorte que l'articulation de couplage 18 liée à l'écrou 23 est déplacée de la position basse P1 à la position haute P2. Ainsi, l'articulation de couplage 18 est rapprochée de l'axe de pivotement 16 de la porte 11, le bras de levier de la force de poussée des vérins 17 est donc minimum. Ceci de manière à réduire l'effort exercé par l'utilisateur lors de la fermeture de la porte 11. L'opérateur doit tirer légèrement sur la porte vers le bas afin de démarrer sa fermeture, car il doit s'opposer au dispositif d'assistance qui maintient la porte dans sa position haute. A partir d'un certain angle de fermeture, correspondant à la position d'équilibre, le poids de la porte 11 génère un couple de force supérieur à celui des vérins 17 et la porte se ferme automatiquement. A la fin de la fermeture, la position basse de la porte 11 est détectée par les moyens de détection, par exemple des capteurs de fin de course. Le système d'asservissement est alors agencé pour générer des signaux de commande vers le moteur 25 de sorte que l'articulation de couplage 18 lié à l'écrou 23 est déplacée de la position haute P2 à la position basse P1. Ce mode de fonctionnement est itératif.The jacks 17 are chosen, for example, so that there is an equilibrium position of the door 11, between its high position and its low position, for which the pairs of antagonistic forces balance each other. So beyond this position of equilibrium, the opening from door 11 is automatically carried out to the high position. At the end of the opening, the high position of the door 11 is detected by the detection means, for example limit switches. The servo system is then arranged to generate control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint 18 linked to the nut 23 is moved from the low position P1 to the high position P2. Thus, the coupling joint 18 is brought closer to the axis of pivot 16 of door 11, the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 is therefore minimum. This is to reduce the effort exerted by the user during the door 11 is closed. The operator must pull the door slightly downwards to to start its closing, because it must oppose the assistance device which maintains the door in its high position. From a certain closing angle, corresponding to the equilibrium position, the weight of door 11 generates a force torque greater than that of the cylinders 17 and the door closes automatically. At the end of the closing, the low position of the door 11 is detected by the detection means, for example limit switches. The servo system is then arranged to generate control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint 18 linked to the nut 23 is moved from the high position P2 to the low position P1. This mode of operation is iterative.

On va décrire une variante particulièrement avantageuse du mode de réalisation particulier précédent. Le système d'asservissement comportant les moyens de détection et le bloc électronique est agencé pour générer les signaux de commande vers le moteur 25 de sorte que l'articulation de couplage est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon prédéterminée de la première P1 à la position haute P2 pendant l'ouverture de la porte 11. Par exemple, les moyens de détection, tels qu'un capteur de position, sont agencés pour détecter la position d'équilibre de la porte, à ce moment là le système d'asservissement est agencé pour générer lesdits signaux de commande vers le moteur 25 pour déplacer l'articulation de couplage 18 vers la position haute P2. Cela permet de réduire le bras de levier de la force de poussée des vérins 17 pendant l'ouverture de la porte et ainsi de ralentir la vitesse de déplacement de la porte 11 à l'approche de la position haute.We will describe a particularly advantageous variant of the embodiment particular previous. The servo system comprising the detection means and the electronic unit is arranged to generate the control signals to the motor 25 so that the coupling joint is moved at least partially predetermined from the first P1 to the high position P2 during the opening of door 11. For example, the detection means, such as a position sensor, are arranged to detect the equilibrium position of the door, at this time the system control system is arranged to generate said control signals to the motor 25 to move the coupling joint 18 towards the high position P2. This allows to reduce the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 during the opening of the door and thus slow down the speed of movement of door 11 when approaching the high position.

De façon similaire, le système d'asservissement est agencé pour générer les signaux de commande de sorte que l'articulation de couplage 18 est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon prédéterminée de la position haute P2 vers la position basse P1 pendant la fermeture de la porte, par exemple au-delà de la position d'équilibre. Cela permet d'augmenter le bras de levier de la force de poussée des vérins 17 pendant la fermeture de la porte 11 et ainsi de ralentir la vitesse de déplacement de la porte 11 à l'approche de la position basse. L'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte 11 se font alors de manière plus douce que précédemment, mais de façon plus lente.Similarly, the servo system is arranged to generate the signals of control so that the coupling joint 18 is moved at least partially predetermined from the high position P2 to the low position P1 during the closing of the door, for example beyond the equilibrium position. That increases the lever arm of the thrust force of the cylinders 17 during the closing of door 11 and thus slowing down the speed of movement of door 11 to approaching the low position. The opening and closing of the door 11 is then done softer than before, but slower.

Le système d'asservissement peut également être agencé de sorte que le déplacement de l'articulation de couplage 18 soit réalisé à vitesse constante ou variable pendant l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte. Par exemple, la vitesse de déplacement de l'articulation de couplage 18 peut être augmentée pendant l'ouverture de la porte, lorsqu'elle est dans une position proche de la position haute et pendant la fermeture de la porte, lorsqu'elle est dans une position proche de la position basse. Les moyens de détection et le bloc électronique appropriés à un tel fonctionnement sont à la portée de l'homme du métier et ne sont pas décrits iciThe servo system can also be arranged so that the movement of the coupling joint 18 is produced at constant or variable speed during opening and closing the door. For example, the movement speed of the coupling joint 18 can be increased during the opening of the door, when it is in a position close to the high position and during the closing of the door, when it is in a position close to the low position. The means of detection and the electronic unit suitable for such operation are within the reach of skilled in the art and are not described here

Le dispositif d'assistance 10 de la présente invention peut être facilement agencé de sorte que l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte 11 se fassent automatiquement sans aucune intervention manuelle. Les vérins 17 sont choisis et agencés pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte 11 dont la valeur est supérieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte 11 lorsque l'articulation de couplage 18 est dans la position basse P1. A l'inverse, les vérins 17 sont agencés pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte 11 dont la valeur est inférieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte 11 lorsque l'articulation de couplage 18 est dans la position haute P2. Le dispositif d'assistance 10 de la présente invention comprend un élément d'actionnement, tel qu'un bouton poussoir placé à l'extérieur du véhicule ou une télécommande à infrarouge par exemple, pouvant être actionné par l'utilisateur. Le dispositif 10 est agencé de telle sorte qu'à chaque fois que l'utilisateur actionne l'élément d'actionnement, le système d'asservissement est agencé pour générer les signaux de commande vers le moteur de sorte que les articulations de couplage 18 sont déplacées soit en position basse P1 soit en position haute P2 selon leurs positions précédentes. Ainsi la porte 11 peut s'ouvrir et se fermer automatiquement sans intervention de l'utilisateur.The assist device 10 of the present invention can be easily arranged to so that the opening and closing of the door 11 is done automatically without no manual intervention. The cylinders 17 are chosen and arranged to generate a torque of forces on door 11 whose value is greater than that of the torque of forces generated by its own weight regardless of the position of the door 11 when the coupling joint 18 is in the low position P1. Conversely, the cylinders 17 are arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door 11 whose value is lower than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door 11 when the coupling joint 18 is in the high position P2. The assistance device 10 of the present invention comprises an element actuation, such as a push button placed outside the vehicle or a infrared remote control for example, which can be operated by the user. The device 10 is arranged so that each time the user actuates the actuating element, the servo system is arranged to generate the control signals to the motor so that the coupling joints 18 are moved either to the low position P1 or to the high position P2 depending on their positions previous. Thus the door 11 can open and close automatically without user intervention.

Le dispositif d'assistance 10 à l'ouverture et à la fermeture d'une porte 11 d'un coffre 12 de véhicule 13 de la présente invention est simple, économique, peu encombrant et pratique. Il permet de diminuer au maximum l'effort fourni par l'utilisateur pour ouvrir ou fermer la porte 11 du coffre 12, voire d'obtenir une ouverture et une fermeture automatique de cette porte. Le dispositif d'assistance est particulièrement adapté à des véhicules automobiles du type monocorps, appelés communément "monospaces", pour lesquels le hayon arrière du coffre a des dimensions et un poids très importants. D'autant plus que lorsque la porte est en position haute, la poignée de préhension, montée sur la porte, est très haute et permet difficilement à l'utilisateur, surtout de petite taille, de l'appréhender facilement.The assistance device 10 for opening and closing a door 11 of a trunk 12 of vehicle 13 of the present invention is simple, economical, compact and practical. he allows to minimize the effort provided by the user to open or close the door 11 of the trunk 12, or even to obtain an automatic opening and closing of this door. The assistance device is particularly suitable for motor vehicles of the unibody type, commonly called "minivans", for which the tailgate of the trunk has very important dimensions and weight. Especially since when the door is in the high position, the grip handle, mounted on the door, is very high and makes it difficult for the user, especially small, to grasp it easily.

La présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation décrits précédemment, mais s'étend à toutes modifications ou variantes évidentes pour l'homme du métier. En particulier, le mécanisme de commande peut comporter un actionneur à la place de l'ensemble moteur, vis sans fin et écrou.The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to all modifications or variants obvious to those skilled in the art. In in particular, the control mechanism may include an actuator in place of the motor assembly, worm and nut.

Claims (11)

Dispositif d'assistance à l'ouverture et à la fermeture d'une porte d'un coffre de véhicule, en particulier d'un hayon arrière, ladite porte étant équipée de charnières associées à des éléments de carrosserie du véhicule définissant un axe de pivotement de la porte et étant agencée pour pivoter entre une position basse, dite fermée, et une position haute, dite ouverte, le dispositif d'assistance comprenant au moins un organe de poussée comportant une première et une seconde extrémité, la première extrémité dudit organe de poussée comportant une première articulation de couplage coopérant avec lesdits éléments de carrosserie du véhicule et la seconde extrémité dudit organe de poussée comportant une seconde articulation de couplage coopérant avec ladite porte, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une (18) des articulations de couplage (18, 19) est mobile et comporte un mécanisme de commande (20) pourvu d'un moteur (25), de sorte que le bras de levier de la force de poussée générée par ledit organe de poussée (17), qui est défini par rapport à l'axe de pivotement (16) de la porte (11), est modifié de façon prédéterminée pour faciliter l'ouverture et la fermeture de ladite porte (11).Device to assist in the opening and closing of a door of a trunk vehicle, in particular a tailgate, said door being fitted with hinges associated with vehicle body elements defining a pivot axis of the door and being arranged to pivot between a low position, called closed, and a high position, called open position, the assistance device comprising at least one member thrust comprising a first and a second end, the first end of said thrust member comprising a first cooperating coupling articulation with said vehicle body elements and the second end of said body member thrust comprising a second coupling articulation cooperating with said door, characterized in that at least one (18) of the coupling joints (18, 19) is movable and comprises a control mechanism (20) provided with a motor (25), so that the lever arm of the pushing force generated by said pushing member (17), which is defined relative to the pivot axis (16) of the door (11), is modified so predetermined to facilitate the opening and closing of said door (11). Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite articulation de couplage (18) mobile est agencée pour se déplacer entre une position basse (P1) éloignée de l'axe de pivotement (16) de la porte (11) et une position haute (P2) rapprochée de l'axe de pivotement (16) de la porte (11) correspondant, respectivement, à un bras de levier maximum et à un bras de levier minimum de ladite force de poussée, de manière à, lorsque ladite articulation de couplage (18) mobile est dans la position basse (P1), l'organe de poussée (17) est agencé pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte (11) dont la valeur est supérieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte (11), facilitant son ouverture et, lorsque ladite articulation de couplage (18) mobile est dans la position haute (P2), l'organe de poussée (17) est agencé pour générer un couple de forces sur la porte (11) dont la valeur est inférieure à celle du couple de forces généré par son propre poids quelle que soit la position de la porte (11), facilitant sa fermeture.Assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable coupling joint (18) is arranged to move between a position low (P1) distant from the pivot axis (16) of the door (11) and a high position (P2) close to the pivot axis (16) of the corresponding door (11), respectively, to a maximum lever arm and to a minimum lever arm of said thrust force, so that when said movable coupling joint (18) is in the low position (P1), the pushing member (17) is arranged to generate a torque of forces on the door (11) whose value is greater than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door (11), facilitating its opening and, when said movable coupling joint (18) is in the position high (P2), the thrust member (17) is arranged to generate a couple of forces on the door (11) whose value is less than that of the couple of forces generated by its own weight whatever the position of the door (11), facilitating its closing. Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'articulation de couplage (18) mobile est agencée pour se déplacer de façon rectiligne.Assistance device according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable coupling joint (18) is arranged to move in a straight line. Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit mécanisme de commande (20) du déplacement comporte un écrou libre (23) monté sur une vis sans fin (24) couplée audit moteur (25), ledit écrou libre (23) étant lié à ladite articulation de couplage (18) et étant agencé pour se déplacer de façon rectiligne selon l'axe longitudinal de la vis sans fin (24) lorsque celle-ci tourne sur elle-même.Assistance device according to claim 3, characterized in that said movement control mechanism (20) comprises a free nut (23) mounted on a worm (24) coupled to said motor (25), said free nut (23) being connected to said coupling articulation (18) and being arranged to move in a rectilinear manner according to the longitudinal axis of the worm (24) when the latter turns on itself. Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de commande (20) comprend un système d'asservissement agencé pour transmettre des signaux de commande audit moteur (25).Assistance device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control mechanism (20) comprises a servo system arranged for transmitting control signals to said motor (25). Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le système d'asservissement comporte des moyens de détection et un bloc électronique agencés pour générer lesdits signaux de commande de sorte que l'articulation de couplage (18) est déplacée de la première (P1) à la seconde (P2) position à la fin de l'ouverture de la porte (11), pour faciliter sa fermeture, et est déplacée de la seconde (P2) à la première (P1) position à la fin de la fermeture de la porte (11), pour faciliter son ouverture.Assistance device according to claim 5, characterized in that the system servo control comprises means of detection and an electronic block for generating said control signals so that the coupling joint (18) is moved from the first (P1) to the second (P2) position at the end of the opening of the door (11), to facilitate its closing, and is moved from the second (P2) to the first (P1) position at the end of the closing of the door (11), to facilitate its opening. Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le système d'asservissement comporte des moyens de détection et un bloc électronique agencés pour générer lesdites signaux de commande de sorte que l'articulation de couplage (18) est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon prédéterminée de la première (P1) à la seconde (P2) position pendant l'ouverture de la porte (11), et est déplacée au moins partiellement de façon déterminée de la seconde (P2) à la première (P1) position pendant la fermeture de la porte (11).Assistance device according to claim 5, characterized in that the system servo control comprises means of detection and an electronic block for generating said control signals so that the coupling joint (18) is moved at least partially in a predetermined manner from the first (P1) to the second (P2) position during the opening of the door (11), and is moved at least partially determined from the second (P2) to the first (P1) position during the closing of the door (11). Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que l'articulation de couplage (18) est déplacée à vitesse constante pendant l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte (11).Assistance device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the coupling joint (18) is moved at constant speed during opening and closing the door (11). Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que l'articulation de couplage (18) est déplacée à vitesse variable pendant l'ouverture et la fermeture de la porte (11).Assistance device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the coupling joint (18) is moved at variable speed during opening and closing the door (11). Dispositif d'assistance selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la vitesse de déplacement de l'articulation de couplage (18) est augmentée pendant l'ouverture de la porte (11), lorsque la porte (11) est dans une position proche de la position haute, et pendant la fermeture de la porte (11), lorsque la porte (11) est dans une position proche de la position basse. Assistance device according to claim 9, characterized in that the speed of displacement of the coupling joint (18) is increased during the opening of the door (11), when the door (11) is in a position close to the high position, and during the closing of the door (11), when the door (11) is in a position close to the low position. Dispositif d'assistance selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 10, caractérisé en ce que le système d'asservissement comporte un élément d'actionnement choisi parmi au moins un bouton poussoir placé à l'extérieur du véhicule et une télécommande à infrarouge, actionné par l'utilisateur et agencé pour commander l'ouverture et la fermeture automatique de ladite porte.Assistance device according to any one of Claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the servo system includes an actuating element chosen from at least one push button placed outside the vehicle and one infrared remote control, operated by the user and arranged to control the automatic opening and closing of said door.
EP99440218A 1998-08-21 1999-07-29 Device for assisting in the opening and closing of a vehicle boot lid Withdrawn EP0982458A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9810664A FR2782536B1 (en) 1998-08-21 1998-08-21 ASSISTANCE DEVICE FOR OPENING AND CLOSING A DOOR OF A VEHICLE TRUNK
FR9810664 1998-08-21

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EP0982458A1 true EP0982458A1 (en) 2000-03-01

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EP99440218A Withdrawn EP0982458A1 (en) 1998-08-21 1999-07-29 Device for assisting in the opening and closing of a vehicle boot lid

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FR (1) FR2782536B1 (en)

Cited By (8)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002027133A1 (en) * 2000-09-29 2002-04-04 Intier Automotive Closures Inc. Liftgate force control
EP1314909A1 (en) * 2001-11-22 2003-05-28 Ford Global Technologies, Inc., A subsidiary of Ford Motor Company Spring device for wing arrangement
US6719356B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-04-13 Litens Automotive Powered opening mechanism and control system
EP1154111A3 (en) * 2000-05-12 2005-06-15 DaimlerChrysler AG Driving assembly for opening and closing swinging wings on vehicles
WO2006012848A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2006-02-09 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg Device for opening and closing a hatchback
US7070226B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2006-07-04 Litens Automotive Powered opening mechanism and control system
WO2011095432A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Scherdel Innotec Forschungs- Und Entwicklungs-Gmbh Device for closing a pivoting flap and flap and motor vehicle having said device
FR3102100A1 (en) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-23 Psa Automobiles Sa Motorized drive device for a vehicle opening

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1154111A3 (en) * 2000-05-12 2005-06-15 DaimlerChrysler AG Driving assembly for opening and closing swinging wings on vehicles
WO2002027133A1 (en) * 2000-09-29 2002-04-04 Intier Automotive Closures Inc. Liftgate force control
US6719356B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-04-13 Litens Automotive Powered opening mechanism and control system
US7070226B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2006-07-04 Litens Automotive Powered opening mechanism and control system
EP1314909A1 (en) * 2001-11-22 2003-05-28 Ford Global Technologies, Inc., A subsidiary of Ford Motor Company Spring device for wing arrangement
WO2006012848A1 (en) * 2004-07-26 2006-02-09 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg Device for opening and closing a hatchback
WO2011095432A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2011-08-11 Scherdel Innotec Forschungs- Und Entwicklungs-Gmbh Device for closing a pivoting flap and flap and motor vehicle having said device
FR3102100A1 (en) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-23 Psa Automobiles Sa Motorized drive device for a vehicle opening

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2782536A1 (en) 2000-02-25
FR2782536B1 (en) 2000-10-13

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