RS67672B1 - Temporary clamping mechanism - Google Patents

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a temporary clamping mechanism that holds a vehicle door open in a fixed position, a method of using a temporary clamping mechanism and a method of manufacturing a temporary clamping mechanism.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In practice there are situations when it is necessary to keep the vehicle door open in a fixed position for a certain period of time.

[0006] In this invention, unless otherwise indicated, the term "door" refers to any vehicle door that is based on a hinge mechanism for movement from open to closed and from closed to open positions.

[0007] The need to keep the door open for a certain period of time arises during the vehicle manufacturing process.

[0008] Application CN204492417U discloses an automotive door hinge with a temporary restraint mechanism. The car door hinge comprises a fixed hinge plate fixedly connected to the car body and a movable hinge plate fixedly connected to the car door. The fixed hinge plate is hinged to the movable hinge plate via the hinge shaft. Further included are a limit pin immovably connected to the fixed hinge plate and a limit plate detachably connected to the movable hinge plate via the hinge axis. The border plate is made of elastic materials. A boundary opening is formed in the boundary plate that corresponds to the boundary pin. On the boundary plate, a guide paired with a boundary pin is prepared for lifting the free end of the boundary plate. The fixed hinge plate and the movable hinge plate can be held at a fixed angle by the action of the limit pin and the limit hole.

[0009] Application CN104343304A discloses devices for temporarily locking doors with a temporary shaft having clamping teeth.

[0010] Disadvantages of the prior art

[0011] The prior art has some disadvantages, among which are the following:

[0012] - the devices are attached to the door with screws, which increases the production time;

[0013] - parts are expensive and must be reused several times, which requires their removal after the painting process and a cleaning phase before reuse;

[0014] - after hanging, due to production limitations, the hanging joint does not fit tightly against the pin, which makes it difficult for the hinge to respect the angular characteristic;

[0015] - the forms are too complex, which requires complicated production processes;

[0016] - after the first maneuver, due to unequal suspension arms, the outer arm will plastically deform and the temporary stop will not be able to maintain the same torque during several maneuvers.

[0017] Problem solved by invention

[0018] The disadvantage of the prior art can be solved by providing a temporary clamping mechanism that has a robust and simpler design, that can keep the door firmly fixed in a predetermined position, and that is able to allow several cycles of fixing and releasing the door without breaking the temporary clamping mechanism, and that allows reusing a part of the clamping mechanism on the next door.

[0019] Summary of the invention

[0020] To solve the problem, in the first aspect of the invention, the inventors devised a temporary clamping mechanism for temporarily holding the vehicle door open in a fixed position (patent claim 1).

[0021] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for using a temporary clamping mechanism (patent claim 8).

[0022] In a third aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a temporary clamping mechanism is provided (patent claim 10).

[0023] Advantages of the invention

[0024] The main advantages of the temporary clamping mechanism of the invention are as follows:

[0025] - It has a robust and simple design,

[0026] - It is easily fixed firmly and precisely in a predetermined position, easily fixed to the door frame using existing door hinges and removed from the door frame and easily adapted to existing door hinge configurations. It maintains the same torque for a predetermined number of opening and closing cycles. The temporary clamping mechanism allows for a predetermined number of cycles of securing and releasing the door, with the elasticity and thickness of the temporary stop determining the predetermined number of cycles.

[0027] - It is used for a predetermined number of door opening and closing cycles.

[0028] - Allows easy use either by a human operator or by a robot.

[0029] - Enables a rather mild interaction with the surfaces of the door frame and the door itself; no painting or repair of the door frame or door is required after removal of the temporary stop.

[0030] Brief description of the drawings

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the temporary clamping mechanism 1 in the open position, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. according to the invention.

[0033] Figures 2a and 2b represent a perspective view of the temporary clamping mechanism 1 in the open position, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. are not part of the invention

[0034] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the hinge 2 of the temporary clamping mechanism 1, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. are not part of the invention

[0035] FIG. 3a is a top view of the temporary stop 5 showing the components of the temporary stop 5, where the components are the limiting zone 5.5. according to the invention

[0036] FIG. 3b - is a top view of the temporary stop 5 showing the forces acting on the temporary stop 5, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. according to the invention

[0037] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the temporary stop 5 showing the components of the temporary stop 5, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. are not part of the invention

[0038] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the temporary limiter 5 showing the forces acting on the temporary limiter 5, where the components of the limiting zone 5.5. are not part of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a top view of the first realization of the temporary clamping mechanism 1 in the closed position of the door, when the pin is not inserted into the opening 5.2. E-clip type.

[0040] FIG. 6 represents a top view of the first realization of the temporary clamping mechanism 1 in the open position of the door, when the pin is inserted into the opening 5.2. E-clip type.

[0041] FIG. 2a, 2b, 2c, 4a, 4b clearly illustrate other features of the invention that do not depend on the configuration of the limiting zone 5.5., which is why they serve to understand said other features.

[0042] Reference list:

[0044] 1 temporary clamping mechanism

[0045] 2 vehicle door hinges

[0046] 2.1 movable hinge element

[0048] 2.1.1 surface of the movable element of the hinge

[0049] 2.1.2 recess

[0051] 2.2 fixed hinge element

[0052] 2.2.1 surface of the fixed hinge element

[0053] 3 pin

[0054] 4 hinge axes

[0055] 4.1 the first end of the hinge shaft

[0056] 4.2 middle part of the hinge shaft

[0057] 4.3 the other end of the hinge shaft

[0058] 4.3.1 thread

[0059] 5 temporary stop

[0060] 5.1 opening of the temporary stop

[0061] 5.1.1 the center of the opening of the temporary stop

[0062] 5.2 opening type E-piston

[0063] 5.2.1 circular central attachment part

[0065] 5.2.1.1 the center of the circular central part

[0066] 5.2.1.2 opening range

[0068] 5.3 the first end of the temporary stop

[0069] 5.4 the other end of the temporary stop

[0070] 5.4.1 open end

[0071] 5.5 limiting zone

[0073] 5.5.1 clearance of the temporary stop

[0074] 5.5.2 anti-rotation foot

[0075] 5.5.3 supporting leg

[0076] 5.5.4 spacing

[0077] 5.5.5 anti-rotation foot - not part of the invention

[0079] 6 nuts

[0080] and the axis of rotation of the hinge shaft 4

[0081] t thickness of the temporary stop

[0082] L<Ea>first predetermined distance

[0083] L second predetermined distance

[0084] θ is the predetermined angle between the closed position and the open position of the door

[0085] d<E>inner diameter of the circular central part for fixing 5.2.1

[0086] h width of the critical section of the open end 5.4.1

[0087] D<p>outer diameter of pin 3.

[0089] L<1>distance between the point of contact of the pin 3 with the open ends 5.4.1 and the bending line of each of the open ends 5.4.1. when pin 3 is inserted within the opening range 5.2.1.2

[0090] L<la>distance between the axis of rotation a and the surface of the anti-rotation leg in contact with the fixed part of the hinge. l<al>Length of the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2, 5.5.5, where the anti-rotation leg 5.5.5 is not part of the invention

[0091] F<N>ormal clamping force

[0092] Active opening/closing force

[0093] The force acting on the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2, 5.5.5, where the anti-rotation leg 5.5.5 is not part of the invention

[0094] Detailed description

[0096] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, in a first aspect of the invention, the inventors have devised a temporary clamping mechanism 1 for a vehicle for opening and fixing a door in a predetermined open position and releasing the door from a predetermined open position.

[0097] The temporary clamping mechanism 1 contains a hinge 2, a pin 3 and a temporary stop 5.

[0098] The hinge of the vehicle door 2 contains a movable hinge element 2.1, a fixed hinge element 2.2 and a hinge shaft 4. Movable element 2.1. the hinge has a surface of the movable element of the hinge 2.1.1 prepared for installation on the door.

[0099] The fixed hinge element 2.2 has the surface of the fixed hinge element 2.2.1 prepared for fixing to the door frame.

[0100] The axis of the hinge 4 is placed parallel to the surface of the movable element 2.1.1 of the hinge and has an axis of rotation a. The hinge shaft 4 comprises the first end 4.1 of the hinge shaft, the middle part 4.2 of the hinge shaft and the second end 4.3 of the hinge shaft 4.3.

[0101] The first end 4.1 of the hinge shaft is prepared to accept the hinge 2 of the vehicle door, so as to enable the rotation of the movable element 2.1 of the hinge around the first end 4.1 of the hinge shaft between the closed and open position of the door.

[0102] The middle part 4.2 of the hinge shaft is located between the first end 4.1 of the hinge shaft and the second end 4.3 of the hinge shaft and prepared to accept the temporary stop 5 by means of the opening 5.1 of the temporary stop.

[0103] Second end 4.3. the hinge shaft is equipped with thread 4.3.1, whereby thread 4.3.1 is prepared for assembly with nut 6.

[0104] The pin 3 is located on the fixed element 2.2 of the hinge and has the central axis of the pin parallel to the axis of rotation a, at the first predetermined distance in relation to the axis of rotation a.

[0105] The temporary stop 5 is placed in a plane normal to the axis 4 of the hinge and normal to the surface of the movable element 2.1.1 of the hinge.

[0106] The temporary stop 5 contains the opening 5.1 of the temporary stop, the opening 5.2 of the E-piston type, the gap 5.5.1 of the temporary stop and the limiting surface 5.5.

[0107] The opening 5.1 of the temporary stop has a center 5.1.1 of the opening of the temporary stop which is prepared between the first end 5.3 of the temporary stop and the second end 5.4 of the temporary stop so as to accept the middle part 4.2 of the hinge shaft.

[0108] An opening 5.2 of the E-piston type is placed at the other end 5.4 of the temporary stop and contains a circular central part for fixing 5.2.1, two open ends 5.4.1, an opening span 5.2.1.2 and internal openings.

[0109] The circular central part 5.2.. for fixing has an inner diameter d<E> and the center 5.2.1.1 of the circular central part.

[0110] The center 5.2.1.1 of the circular central part is placed at the first predetermined distance L<Ea> from the center of the opening 5.1.1 of the temporary stop 5.1.1, so that the second predetermined distance L is set between the projection of the center 5.2.1.1 of the circular central part and the projection of the center of the opening of the temporary stop 5.1.1 on the surface 2.1.1 of the movable element of the hinge.

[0111] The opening range 5.2.1.2 is dimensioned to fit the pin 3 with a predetermined fit tolerance.

[0112] The gap 5.5.1 of the temporary stop is located between the opening (5.2) of the E-piston type and the opening 5.1 of the temporary stop.

[0113] a limiting zone 5.5 is prepared at the first end 5.3 of the temporary stop for the mutual assembly of the temporary stop 5 with the moving element 2.1 of the hinge in a plane normal to the surface of the moving element of the hinge 2.1.1, so that the opening of the E-piston type 5.2 faces the pin 3.

[0114] The temporary clamping mechanism 1 is configured to enable opening and fixing the door in a predetermined open position and releasing the door from a predetermined open position, respectively.

[0115] Opening and fixing the door in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ between the closed position and the open position is performed by fitting the pin 3 into the opening of the E-clip type 5.2 with a predetermined opening torque, wherein the predetermined angle θ is directly proportional to another predetermined distance L.

[0116] The opening torque is the torque required to open the door in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ, that is, the torque required to fit the pin 3 into the opening of the E-clip type 5.2.

[0117] The door is released from the predetermined open position by pulling the pin 3 out of the E-clip type opening 5.2 using a predetermined closing torque.

[0118] The closing torque is the torque required to close the door from a temporarily open position, that is, the torque required to pull out the pin 3 from the E-clip type opening 5.2.

[0119] Fixing the door in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ is performed within a predetermined tolerance interval of the predetermined angle θ.

[0120] In order to be able to fix the door in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ, the temporary stop 5 has a specific bending stiffness.

[0121] The specific bending stiffness depends on the Young's modulus and the surface moment of inertia of the cross section of the temporary stop 5, which is determined by the material and thickness t of the temporary stop 5 and the dimensions of the two open ends 5.4.1.

[0122] The torque during both opening and closing is directly proportional to the specific bending stiffness of the temporary stop 5 and directly proportional to the predetermined engagement tolerance.

[0123] According to Figure 3b, the inner diameter of the circular central fixing part 5.2.1 is marked with d<E> and the outer diameter of the pin is marked with D<p>.

[0124] To enable the insertion/extraction of the pin 3 into/out of the circular central fixing part 5.2, the surfaces of the two open ends 5.4.1 facing the pin 3 are moved by an offset f representing a predetermined engagement tolerance divided by 2 as follows:

[0127]

[0130] The E-clip type opening 5.2 defines inside the other end of the temporary stop 5.4 an E-clip type fuse or snap ring containing a semi-flexible ring with two open ends 5.4.1 and an opening range 5.2.1.2 between the two open ends 5.4.1. which can snap into place on pin 3.

[0131] The minimum width of the gap (5.5.1) of the temporary stop is the displacement value f.

[0132] The displacement f determines the bending moment in the sections of the open ends 5.4.1 located at the distance L<1>between the point of contact of the pin 3 with the open ends 5.4.1 and the bending line of each of the open ends 5.4.1.

[0133] It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the elasticity of the E-clip is determined by the position of the bend line.

[0134] The critical cross-section of the open end 5.4.1 is defined by the bend line, located where the minimum distance between the inner and outer contours of the E-piston is identified.

[0135] The fold line is the line connecting the open end of 5.4.1 to the remaining part of the temporary stopper.

[0138]

[0141] wherein:

[0143] E*Ic is the bending stiffness R of the temporary stop 5; [0144] E is Young's modulus of elasticity of the material of the temporary stop 5;; [0145] I<C>is the section modulus of the temporary stop 5 defined by the equation: I<C>=(h3*t)/12

[0147] t - thickness of the temporary stop;

[0148] h - width of the critical section (width of the open end 5.4.1 on the bending line)

[0149] During the fitting of the pin 3 in the span of the opening, the open ends 5.4.1 act on the pin 3 with a normal clamping force F<N>:

[0152]

[0155] where M is the bending moment.

[0156] The active force Fa, i.e. the opening/closing force applied during fitting/extraction of the pin 3 in/out of the circular central fixing part 5.2.1, will be:

[0159]

[0162] where µ is the coefficient of friction that characterizes the surfaces in contact between the open ends 5.4.1 and pin 3.

[0163] The bending moment M is limited by the value of the allowable stress in the critical section

[0166]

[0169] where: σa is the permissible stress given by σa=σy/C, where σy is the yield strength of the material, and C is the safety coefficient imposed by the operating conditions (min(C) =1).

[0170] Each of the opening/closing forces, and implicitly the opening and closing torque, directly depends on:

[0171] - Young's modulus of elasticity of the material (E)

[0172] - Thickness of temporary stop 5 (t);

[0173] - width of the critical section (h);

[0174] - Permissible stress in the critical cross-section (σ<a>).

[0176] Each of the opening/closing forces, and implicitly the opening and closing torque, indirectly depends on:

[0177] - Friction coefficient (µ)

[0178] - Positions of the critical cross-section (L<1>)

[0179] - Safety coefficient (C);

[0181] Due to the specific bending stiffness of the temporary stop 5 and the geometry of the temporary clamping mechanism 1, the temporary clamping mechanism 1 is configured to allow a predetermined number of cycles of fixing and releasing the door.

[0182] The temporary clamping mechanism has the advantage of having a robust and simple design, easily fixed firmly and precisely in a predetermined position, easily attached to the door frame using existing door hinges and removed from the door frame and easily adapted to existing door hinge configurations.

[0183] This advantage derives from the configurations of the entire temporary clamping mechanism, and in particular from the configurations of the temporary stop 5, which allows a favorable precise determination of a rigidly fixed predetermined position according to specifications, either by a predetermined angle θ or by a predetermined distance L.

[0184] The described temporary clamping mechanism has the advantage of maintaining the same torque for a predetermined number of opening and closing cycles. The temporary clamping mechanism allows for a predetermined number of cycles of securing and releasing the door, the elasticity and thickness of the temporary stop determine the predetermined number of cycles.

[0185] The temporary stop has the advantage of being used for a predetermined number of door opening and closing cycles. This advantage is of an economic nature.

[0186] The temporary clamping mechanism has the advantage of allowing easy use by either a human operator or a robot.

[0187] The temporary clamping mechanism allows a fairly soft interaction with the surfaces of the door frame and the door itself; no painting or repair of the door frame or door is required after removal of the temporary stop.

[0188] Limiting zone 5.5 prepared for mutual assembly of temporary limiter 5 with movable hinge element 2.1, and contains anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 - which is part of the invention, or leg 5.5.5 - against rotation which is not part of the invention. The anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 is selected depending on the constructive configuration of the hinge 2 of the vehicle door, more precisely depending on the surface of the movable element 2.1.1 of the hinge which is placed on the door.

[0189] Limiting zone 5.5 includes:

[0191] - anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 dimensioned depending on the predetermined opening torque, - support leg 5.5.3 dimensioned depending on the predetermined closing torque, and - gap 5.5.4 prepared between the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 and the support leg 5.5.3.

[0193] As illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, in order to mutually assemble the temporary stop 5 with the movable element of the hinge 2.1, an anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 is provided, which is located in the limiting zone 5.5 in a plane normal to the surface 2.1.1 of the movable element of the hinge.

[0194] The dimensions of the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 depend on the predetermined opening torque, as follows:

[0195] The center 5.2.1.1 of the circular central part of the opening 5.2 of the E-piston type is located at the first distance L<Ea> from the axis of rotation a, while the anti-rotation leg (5.5.2) is located at the distance L<la>. Taking F<a>as the active force, i.e. the opening and closing force, the force F<al>acting on the anti-rotation foot (5.5.2) for inserting/extracting the pin 3 into/out of the circular central fixing part 5.2.1 is:

[0198]

[0201] The force acting on the anti-rotation foot (5.5.2) creates shear stress in the cross-section of the anti-rotation foot (5.5.2). Therefore, the length I<al> of the cross-section of the anti-rotation leg is defined by the equation:

[0204]

[0207] where: τ<a> is the maximum permissible shear stress. The cross-sectional length limit of the anti-rotation leg is given

[0208] with t<α>= σ<a>/2.

[0209] The advantage of the anti-rotation foot 5.5.2 is that it prevents the movement of the temporary stop 5 around the movable element 2.1 of the hinge to ensure a firm holding of the door in a predetermined position and to allow several cycles of fixing and releasing the door without breaking the temporary clamping mechanism.

[0210] The support 5.5.3 is dimensioned depending on the predetermined opening torque. When the opening torque is applied to the stop 5, a torque is created around the hinge axis 4 that determines the rotation of the stop 5, which is prevented by the support leg 5.5.3.

[0211] The configuration of the support leg 5.5.3, as well as the configuration of the spacing arrangement 5.5.4 between the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 and the support leg 5.5.3, has the advantage of precise positioning of the stop 5.

[0212] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2a, 2b, 5 and 6, a temporary clamping mechanism 1 is provided for opening and fixing the vehicle door in a predetermined open position and releasing the vehicle door from the predetermined open position.

[0213] Various examples of the invention are provided by selecting a vehicle door hinge from the group of vehicle side door hinges, vehicle front hood hinges, and vehicle trunk lid hinges.

[0214] Using a temporary clamping mechanism, in all its examples, has the advantage that the temporary clamping mechanism is quickly configured by mounting the temporary stop 5 on the existing door hinge 2 and is easily removed from the door hinge when it is no longer needed.

[0215] Due to the tight attachment, the temporary clamping mechanism has the advantage of allowing the vehicle to move at low speed with the door open, for example during the vehicle manufacturing process.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a temporary clamping mechanism 1 comprising a temporary stop 5 made of steel is provided.

[0217] The advantage of the temporary stop 5 made of steel is given by the resistance provided by the steel.

[0218] In a non-limiting example of the above preferred embodiment, a temporary clamping mechanism (1) is provided which includes a temporary stop (5) made of steel where the opening torque is at least 30 Nm, the closing torque is at least 20 Nm, the predetermined number of opening/closing cycles is at least 30 and the predetermined angle of the open position is 16.2° /- 2°.

[0219] The specified parameters should be considered as examples only and should not be considered as limiting the invention.

[0220] The above non-limiting example is used to hold a vehicle door open during the vehicle manufacturing process.

[0221] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a temporary clamping mechanism 1 comprising a temporary stop 5 made of plastic material is provided.

[0222] The advantage of the temporary stop 5 made of plastic material is given by the non-corrosiveness characteristic of the plastic material.

[0223] Various examples of this preferred embodiment are provided by choosing Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or Polypropylene from the group of plastics.

[0224] The listed plastic materials are to be considered as examples only and should not be considered as limiting the invention.

[0225] In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, a temporary clamping mechanism 1 is provided for opening and fixing the passenger car door in a predetermined open position and releasing the passenger car door from the predetermined open position.

[0226] The purpose of the temporary clamping mechanism of the most preferred embodiment of the invention is to hold the door of a passenger car in a predetermined open position during the painting process that is performed when the automobile manufacturer builds the passenger car.

[0227] A passenger car consists of a passenger car body and doors.

[0228] During the manufacturing process, the final door stop is usually mounted on each passenger car door by means of a corresponding door stop, which positions the door relative to the body and maintains the opening position at one or more angles. However, during the body finishing operation (sealing, painting) of the body with built-in openings, the final door stop cannot be attached to the vehicle body and door, as its functionality may be significantly compromised by the finishing process.

[0229] Since the final door stop is not compatible with the body and door coating step, since the fluids used during these processes can affect the surface quality or even, during drying, can jam the part, a temporary stop is mounted on the vehicle during the manufacturing process before the installation of the final door stop. Each temporary stop holds the door open during the dip operation into the electrophoresis tank and/or dye application. Temporary stops must withstand the coating operation and allow the door to be opened/closed multiple times, for example 20 or 30 times, without loss of performance. The functionality of the coated hinges is not affected as the temporary stop is removed after the body finishing process.

[0230] Once the body finishing process is complete, the doors are removed from the body and removed from the passenger car line for application of specific installations and finishing in a dedicated workshop.

[0231] Currently, most passenger car doors still use conventional hinges, which can only provide the basic functions of opening and closing the door. Conventional passenger car hinges cannot provide assistance when closing the door and additional mechanical mechanisms such as limiters need to be added, allowing the door to remain in the open position.

[0232] Therefore, the temporary clamping mechanism of the invention, according to the most preferred embodiments, has 3 main functions:

[0233] - To maintain the door of the passenger car in a predetermined open position set by a predetermined angle θ during the folding process of the passenger car,

[0234] - To provide a certain minimum opening and closing torque value and to maintain these torques above the minimum prescribed values for a certain number of passenger car door opening-closing cycles

[0235] - That it can be easily removed from the passenger car door hinge when it is no longer needed.

[0237] The value of the predetermined angle θ, the minimum value of the opening and closing torque and the number of opening-closing cycles are specific for each car manufacturer and each passenger car model.

[0238] The temporary stop 5 of the invention can be used on all types of hinges of passenger cars: side door hinges, which are placed on the side doors of the car, front hood hinges, which are placed on the hood or hood of the car, and trunk hinges, which are placed on the rear door or trunk lid.

[0239] The dimensions of the inner holes of the E-piston opening 5.2 are adjusted to reduce the contact between the open ends 5.4.1 with the pin 3 and to reduce the friction and stress caused by paint accumulation on the inner surface of the E-piston opening 5.2.

[0240] The gap 5.5.4 between the anti-rotation leg 5.5.2 and the support leg 5.5.3 is designed to reduce the contact surface of the temporary stop 5 with the movable element 2.1 of the hinge and to reduce the accumulation of paint on the temporary stop 5.

[0241] The material of the temporary stop 5 can be metal or plastic, depending on the required opening/closing torque value. Metal is used for higher torque values (eg high carbon steel) and plastic is used for lower torque values (eg molded polypropylene), as the value of Young's modulus directly affects the performance of the material.

[0242] Compared to the technical solutions of the prior art, the temporary clamping mechanism of the present invention has the advantage that it maintains a minimum closing and opening torque during a greater number of opening-closing cycles, is easier to remove and more precisely maintains the door open in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ, the last advantage being known to experts as better fixing of the opening angle.

[0243] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using the temporary clamping mechanism 1 of the first aspect of the invention to hold the vehicle door at a predetermined angle θ between the closed position and the open position, which comprises the following steps:

[0245] - fixing the temporary stop (5) in the middle part of the hinge shaft 4.2 of the vehicle door hinge,

[0246] - fixing the nut (6) on the thread of the other end of the hinge shaft 4.3 in order to fix the temporary stop 5 on the part of the hinge shaft 4.2,

[0247] - opening the door from a closed position to a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ,

[0248] - fixing the door by fitting the pin 3 into the opening of the E-clip type 5.2 with a predetermined opening torque so as to ensure that the door is kept open at a predetermined angle θ,

[0249] - releasing the door from the predetermined open position by pulling out the pin 3 from the E-clip type opening 5.2. with a predetermined closing torque,

[0250] - removing the nut 6 and removing the temporary stopper 5.

[0252] Compared to the technical solutions of the prior art, the use of the temporary clamping mechanism of the invention has the advantage that it maintains the minimum closing and opening torque for a greater number of opening-closing cycles, is easier to remove and more precisely holds the door open in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ, the last advantage being known to experts as a better fixing of the opening angle.

[0253] In a preferred embodiment, a method of using the temporary clamping mechanism 1 to open and fix the passenger car door in a predetermined open position and to release the passenger car door from the predetermined open position is provided.

[0254] In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a temporary clamping mechanism is provided where the material of the temporary stop 5 is steel and/or where the opening torque is at least 30 Nm, the closing torque is at least 20 Nm, the predetermined number of opening/closing cycles is at least 30 and the predetermined angle of the open position is 16.2° /- 2°.

[0255] The process used for the production of the temporary stop 5 can be stamping from metal plates, laser cutting, electric discharge processing or any other process that is able to ensure the shape and tolerances of the finished parts.

[0256] Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for implementing the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (10)

1. Patent claims: 1. A temporary clamping mechanism (1) for temporarily holding a vehicle door open in a fixed position, wherein the mechanism includes: - temporary stop (5) which has an opening (5.1) of the temporary stop; - vehicle door hinge (2) containing: - the movable element (2.1) of the hinge, with the surface (2.1.1) of the movable element of the hinge prepared for installation on the door, - the fixed element (2.2) of the hinge with the fixed surface (2.2.1) of the hinge element prepared for fixing to the door frame, - the hinge shaft (4) placed parallel to the surface (2.1.1) of the movable hinge element, whereby the hinge shaft 4 has an axis of rotation (a) and includes: - the first end (4.1) of the hinge shaft prepared to accept the hinge (2) so as to enable the rotation of the movable element (2.1) of the hinge around the first end (4.1) of the hinge shaft between the closed and open positions of the door, - the second end (4.3) of the threaded hinge shaft (4.3.1), wherein the thread (4.3.1) is prepared for assembly with the nut (6), - the middle part (4.2) of the hinge shaft located between the first end (4.1) of the hinge shaft and the second end (4.3) of the hinge shaft and prepared to accept the temporary stop (5) by means of the opening (5.1) of the temporary stop; - the pin (3) located on the fixed element (2.2) of the hinge and having the central axis of the pin parallel to the axis of rotation (a) at the first predetermined distance (L<Ea>) in relation to the axis of rotation (a), - where the temporary stop (5) is placed in a plane normal to the axis of the hinge (4) and normal to the surface (2.1.1) of the movable element of the hinge and contains: - the opening (5.1) of the temporary stop with the center of the opening (5.1.1) of the temporary stop, wherein the opening (5.1) of the temporary stop is prepared between the first end (5.3) of the temporary stop and the second end (5.4) of the temporary stop to accept the middle part (4.2) of the hinge shaft, - the opening (5.2) of the E-piston type placed at the other end (5.4) of the temporary stop and which has: - a circular central part (5.2.1) for fixing having an inner diameter (d<E>) and a center (5.2.1.1) of the circular central part, wherein the center (5.2.1.1) of the circular central part is placed at a first predetermined distance (L<Ea>) from the center (5.1.1) of the opening of the temporary stop, so as to set a second predetermined distance (L) between the projection of the center (5.2.1.1) of the circular central part and the projection of the center (5.1.1) of the opening of the temporary stop on the surface of the movable element (2.1.1) of the hinge, - two open ends (5.4.1) and an opening span (5.2.1.2) between said two open ends (5.4.1), the opening span (5.2.1.2) having a width dimensioned to fit with the pin (3) with a predetermined fit tolerance, the two open ends defining the bending line as the joining line between the open ends (5.4.1) and the rest of the temporary stop (5), and the critical cross-section is defined along the line bends located where the minimum distance between the inner and outer contours of the opening (5.2) of the E-clip type is identified, - internal openings whose dimensions are adjusted to reduce the contact between the open ends (5.4.1) with the pin (3) and to reduce friction and stress in the opening (5.2) of the E-piston type, - the limiting zone (5.5) prepared at the first end (5.3) of the temporary stop for the mutual assembly of the temporary stop (5) with the movable element (2.1) of the hinge in a plane normal to the surface (2.1.1) of the movable element of the hinge, so that the opening (5.2) of the E-piston type faces the pin (3), whereby the limiting surface (5.5) includes, for the precise positioning of the temporary stop (5): - anti-rotation foot (5.5.2) dimensioned depending on the predetermined opening torque, - the support leg (5.5.3) dimensioned depending on the predetermined closing torque, - the gap (5.5.4) prepared between the anti-rotation leg (5.5.2) and the support leg (5.5.3), - the gap 5.5.1 of the temporary stop located between the opening (5.2) of the E-clip type and the opening 5.1 of the temporary stop, whereby the minimum width of the gap (5.5.1) of the temporary stop defines the displacement value f between the two open ends (5.4.1); whereby the temporary stop (5) has a specific bending stiffness determined by the Young's modulus of elasticity of the material of the temporary stop (5), the thickness (t) of the temporary stop (5) and the dimensions of the two open ends (5.4.1), i.e. the thickness (t) and width (h) of the critical cross-section; wherein the temporary clamping mechanism (1) is configured to enable: - opening and fixing the door in a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ between the closed position and the open position by fitting the pin (3) into the hole (5.2) of the E-piston type with a predetermined opening torque, the predetermined angle θ being directly proportional to the second predetermined distance (L) and - releasing the door from the predetermined open position by pulling out the pin (3) from the opening (5.2) of the E-piston type with a predetermined closing torque, where the opening and closing torques are directly proportional to the specific bending stiffness of the temporary stopper (5) and the predetermined fitting tolerance, and wherein the temporary clamping mechanism (1) is configured to allow a predetermined number of cycles of locking and releasing the door. 2. The temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle door hinge is selected from the group of side door hinges, front hood hinges, and trunk hood hinges. 3. Temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temporary stop (5) is made of steel. 4. The temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 3, wherein the opening torque is at least 30 Nm, the closing torque is at least 20 Nm, the predetermined number of opening/closing cycles is at least 30 and the predetermined opening angle is 16.2° /- 2°. 5. A temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the temporary stop (5) is made of plastic. 6. Temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 5, wherein the temporary stopper (5) is made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or Polypropylene. 7. A temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle is a car. 8. A method of using a temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to hold a vehicle door at a predetermined angle θ between a closed position and an open position, the method comprising: - fixing the temporary stop (5) in the middle part 4.2. vehicle door hinge shafts, - fixing the nut (6) on the thread of the other end 4.3 of the hinge shaft to fix the temporary stop (5) on the part 4.2 of the hinge shaft, - opening the door from the closed position to a predetermined open position at a predetermined angle θ, - fixing the door by fitting the pin (3) into the hole (5.2) of the E-piston type with a predetermined opening torque so as to ensure that the door is kept open at a predetermined angle θ, - releasing the door from the predetermined open position by pulling out the pin (3) from the opening (5.2) of the E-clip type with a predetermined closing torque, - removing the nut (6) and removing the temporary stop (5). 9. A method of using a temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle door is a car door. 10. A method of producing a temporary clamping mechanism (1) according to claim 3 or claim 4, comprising a step of producing a temporary stop (5) selected from the group of stamping from metal plates, laser cutting and electric wire discharge.