Rear door assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a tailgate assembly (1) for a vehicle (20), comprising a tailgate (2) and a flexible longitudinal pulling element (3), which in the open position of the tailgate (2) extends at least partially downward from a starting area (2.3) on the inner surface (2.2) of the tailgate (2) and comprises on the end side a gripping portion (4) for a user. In order to provide an improved device for closing a vehicle tailgate, according to the invention it is provided that the pulling element (3) is connected to a retraction device (6), which is designed to pull the gripping portion (4) in the direction of the starting area (2.3) when the tailgate (2) is moved into the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tailgate assembly for a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Motor vehicles, such as passenger cars, typically have a trunk and / or cargo space that can be closed via a tailgate, which is pivotally connected to the vehicle structure. In this case, the pivot axis typically extends in the lateral direction of the vehicle, causing the tailgate to pivot upwards when open. Depending on the arrangement of the pivot axis, the size of the tailgate, and the opening angle, the end of the tailgate opposite the pivot axis (which may also be referred to as the lower edge of the tailgate) can be located relatively far from the ground, for example, exceeding 2 meters. As a result, it is particularly difficult for shorter users to grasp the tailgate to close it again. More specifically, a handle is typically provided on the inner surface of the tailgate, but if it only protrudes slightly from the tailgate, it is also difficult to grasp. Furthermore, it is known, for example, to attach a tow rope or strap to the tailgate, from which the tailgate hangs down and can be easily reached by the user at a sufficient length. However, there is a risk that when the tailgate is closed, the tow rope may become unintentionally caught between the tailgate and the vehicle body, leaving its end outside the vehicle and potentially getting dirty while the vehicle is in motion. The tow rope can also become trapped in the loading space by moving the load, so that when the tailgate is reopened, any part of the load could be caught in the tow rope, or the tow rope could even be torn off.

[0003] EP 1 384 843 A2 discloses a tailgate for a vehicle having a lock disposed on a wing and a dust-free handle for actuating the wing and capable of switching via a handle actuator between a protected resting position of the handle inside the wing and a ready-to-actuate position protruding outside the wing. A single common actuator is assigned to both a lock actuator and a handle actuator, the single common actuator being configured to switch between the handle actuator and the lock actuator.

[0004] Regarding the disclosed prior art, there is still room for further improvement in the known auxiliary devices for closing the rear bumper. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved device for closing the tailgate of a vehicle.

[0006] It should be noted that the features and measures individually set forth in the following description can be combined in any technically advantageous manner, and other embodiments of the invention are disclosed. This description is characterized, and in particular, by way of the accompanying drawings, and the invention is characterized and specified accordingly.

[0007] This invention provides a tailgate assembly for a vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle can be a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car, van, or truck, but it can also be a vehicle without a separate drivetrain, such as a trailer. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate. A tailgate is typically used to close the trunk and / or loading space in the rear area of ​​a vehicle. In this case, in the installed state, the tailgate is pivotable relative to the vehicle body about a pivot axis extending in the lateral direction (Y direction) of the vehicle. Within the scope of this invention, there are no limitations on any further design of the tailgate. Thus, the tailgate (e.g., in the case of an SUV, minivan, or other combined vehicle) can have a rear window or may even be without a rear window (e.g., in the case of a sedan). There are also no limitations on the shape, such that the tailgate can be shaped, for example, in an approximately linear, curved, and / or angled manner.

[0008] The tailgate assembly also includes a flexible, longitudinally elongated traction element that extends downward, at least partially, from a starting region on the inner surface of the tailgate in the open position, and includes a gripping portion for a user on its end side. In this context, the "inner surface" refers to the side of the tailgate that faces the vehicle's loading space and / or interior when the tailgate is closed. The traction element is configured to be longitudinally elongated and / or longitudinally extending, e.g., a strip, line, or rope. The traction element may include different portions with different cross-sections and / or be made of different materials. In any case, the traction element as a whole is flexible or bendable. Regarding bending, the traction element may optionally be configured to be elastic; however, this is not necessary for the functionality according to the invention. On the end side, the traction element includes a gripping portion for user use. This gripping portion may be part of the traction element or part of a different element. The gripping portion is set, and generally also specifically configured, for manual gripping by the user.

[0009] In the open position of the rear bumper, the traction element extends downward, at least partially, from a starting area disposed on the inner surface of the rear bumper. In this case, the open position is typically the rear bumper not closed, and more specifically, it can be the fully open position. The traction element is configured such that the user can manually grasp the grip portion disposed on the end side and apply a pulling force to the rear bumper by means of the traction element to close it. In this case, the pulling force is typically transmitted to the rear bumper in or near the starting area. The traction element can be at least partially fixed to the rear bumper in the starting area. The portion of the traction element disposed between the starting area and the grip portion is typically free to move. This portion extends downward and can hang downward, for example, in the direction of gravity, at least when the user has not yet grasped the grip portion. In this case, the length of the traction element can be dimensioned such that the grip portion is at a comfortable gripping height above the ground, even when the rear bumper is fully open. As a result, even short users can grasp the grip portion and easily pull the rear bumper downward to close it.

[0010] In addition to the tailgate and traction elements, for example, elements of the vehicle body that are adjacent to the tailgate, hinge components or other elements may optionally form part of the tailgate assembly.

[0011] According to the invention, a traction element is connected to a retraction device designed to pull the gripping portion in the direction of the starting area when the tailgate is moved to the closed position. The term "retraction device" refers to the fact that, in many cases, the gripping portion is pulled up in the direction of the starting area, which can be described as retracting the traction element. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the term "retraction device" should not be interpreted as capture in this respect. In any case, the pulling up of the gripping portion ensures that the gripping portion is closer to the inner surface of the tailgate and is at least more effectively secured. For example, it reduces the risk that the gripping portion or part of the traction element could be captured by a moving load. This also applies to the risk that the traction element and / or gripping portion may be captured between the tailgate and the vehicle body when the tailgate is closed. In some embodiments discussed in more detail below, this risk can also be completely avoided. In this case, the retraction device is designed such that when the tailgate is closed, the gripping portion is pulled up, i.e., the pulling action is causally coupled to the closed position of the tailgate by the retraction device. In other words, whenever the user closes the tailgate, whether or not the traction element is used, the gripping portion as described above is pulled up in the direction of the starting area by the retraction device. Alternatively, it can be said that the pull-up action is automatically performed when the rear panel is closed.

[0012] Preferably, the retraction device is designed to retract the towing element at least partially into the interior of the tailgate. In this case, the interior of the tailgate refers to the area (driver's cab, trunk, etc.) located between the outer surface of the tailgate (facing the vehicle's surroundings) and the inner surface of the tailgate (facing the vehicle's interior). In this embodiment, an intermediate space, typically present in other ways between the inner and outer surfaces, is used to accommodate at least a portion of the towing element. This solution is visually appealing and, secondly, for example, can more effectively prevent damage to the towing element. In this case, an opening is configured on the inner surface of the tailgate through which the towing element is guided outward from the interior.

[0013] Within the scope of this invention, it is possible, for example, that when the rear panel is opened, the user must manually move the gripping portion to a position advantageous to the user, i.e., to some extent, pull the gripping portion out. Preferably, within the scope of simplicity of use, the retraction device is designed to extend the gripping portion relative to the initial region when the rear panel is moved to the open position. In other words, to some extent, when the rear panel is closed, a reverse movement occurs, pulling the gripping portion upwards. Typically, the traction element hangs down from the initial region along with the gripping area on the end side, thus lowering the gripping portion relative to the initial region. In this embodiment, it is ensured that the gripping area is automatically positioned advantageously for the user to some extent when the rear panel is open. The retraction device can be designed to lower the gripping portion to a suitable height above the ground, for example, up to 1.80 meters or up to 1.60 meters, thereby allowing even shorter users to reach the gripping portion.

[0014] A retraction device can be used particularly advantageously to prevent capture of the traction element and / or gripping portion when the rear baffle is closed. In this case, the retraction device is preferably designed to pull the gripping portion up to the starting region until the gripping portion is positioned closer to the starting region than the lower edge of the rear baffle. In this case, the edge of the rear baffle opposite the pivot axis is referred to as the lower edge, even if, for example, when the rear baffle is fully open, this lower edge forms the uppermost part of the rear baffle. Furthermore, the retraction device is preferably designed to extend the gripping portion relative to the starting region until the gripping portion is further away from the starting region than the lower edge. In other words, in the closed position, the gap between the gripping portion and the starting region is smaller than the gap between the starting region and the lower edge, making capture impossible regardless of the alignment of the traction element. This also explicitly includes the possibility of the gripping portion being positioned immediately adjacent to the starting region. However, in the open position, when capture itself is impossible, the gap between the gripping portion and the starting region can be larger than the gap between the starting region and the lower edge. In this state, the traction element typically hangs roughly vertically from the starting area, and it is advantageous for it to extend as low as possible so that it can be easily reached even by short users.

[0015] Advantageously, a portion of the traction element is arranged that does not extend downwards from the starting area in a space-saving manner. One possibility is to wind and / or coil up this portion of the traction element. Thus, according to an advantageous variation, the retraction device includes a rotatably mounted roller element for at least partially coiling up the traction element. The roller element is rotatably mounted and receives a portion of the traction element that is coiled and / or wound onto the roller element. Typically, the roller element is configured as a roller or spool with a circular cross-section, but it can also, for example, have a polygonal or elliptical cross-section. Preferably, the roller element is fully arranged in and / or within a rear baffle. In this case, it is rotatably mounted in and / or within a rear baffle.

[0016] The traction element is flexible overall, including the possibility of being composed of multiple elements that are movably connected together and are themselves made of non-flexible materials, i.e., constructed as a chain with links made of metal, plastic, or various suitable materials. According to a preferred embodiment, the traction element is made of a flexible material. For example, such a flexible material can be fabric made of natural and / or synthetic fibers, leather and / or artificial leather, sufficiently flexible plastic materials, elastomers, etc. Of course, combinations of the above materials can also be used. In this case, the traction element can be configured as a rope or strap.

[0017] Preferably, the handle for the user is arranged in the gripping portion. This handle is used to create a positive connection with the user's hand in the pulling direction. In this case, it can be, for example, a loop made of the material of the traction element. For example, when the traction element is configured as a flexible band, the end region can be folded back and sewn in a loop manner. Alternatively, the handle can be, for example, a knob made of a non-flexible material. It can also be, for example, a handle configured in the shape of an eye, allowing the user to reach it with their hand. The handle can also be configured substantially rod-shaped and connected at its center to the traction element, thus creating an overall "T"-shaped structure.

[0018] The retraction device can function in various ways. According to one embodiment, the retraction device includes an actuator unit for moving a traction element, the actuator unit being connected to a sensor unit for detecting the position of the tailgate. In this case, the sensor unit can be entirely located within the tailgate and its position can be detected, for example, by a gravity sensor. This may distort the measurement if the vehicle is entirely on an inclined plane, but only to a minimum acceptable degree in some cases. Alternatively, the sensor unit can be located, for example, on a hinge that connects the tailgate to the vehicle body. The position of the tailgate can be inferred by measuring the rotation angle of the hinge. Typically, the sensor unit can include not only one sensor but also multiple sensors. Optionally, the actuator unit is not directly connected to the sensor unit, but rather a control unit generates control signals for the actuator unit based on sensor signals from the sensor units. This control unit can, of course, be partially implemented in software. Since the connection between the position of the tailgate on one hand and the designated position of the traction element on the other hand is typically simple (optionally even linear), the control unit can be designed in a simple manner. The actuator unit may include one or more actuators, for example, that can be operated electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. The corresponding actuator can perform linear motion (e.g., as a lifting cylinder to pull a traction element) or rotational motion to drive, for example, the roller element described above. Naturally, the driving motion of the actuator unit can be transmitted through suitable gear elements, for example, to achieve deflection or deceleration and / or acceleration of motion.

[0019] According to another embodiment, when the tailgate moves, the force acting between the tailgate and the vehicle structure can be transmitted to the retraction device via a force transmission mechanism to drive the retraction device. If the user moves (i.e., opens or closes) the tailgate, a force (and torque) acts between the tailgate and the vehicle structure. Alternatively, the force acts on the tailgate relative to the vehicle structure and affects its movement. If this force is transmitted via a suitable force transmission mechanism, it can be used as part of the drive for the retraction device. This force transmission mechanism can have very different elements for force transmission, force deflection, deceleration, or acceleration, such as gears, racks, drive belts, toothed belts, shafts, etc. However, in addition to purely mechanical force transmission, hydraulic or pneumatic transmission can also be envisioned, for example.

[0020] Preferably, force can be transmitted from the hinge area of ​​the tailgate to the retraction device via a force transmission mechanism to drive the retraction device when the tailgate moves. In the hinge area, the tailgate is pivotally connected to the vehicle structure (more specifically, the vehicle body). For example, if the retraction device includes roller elements, these roller elements can be coaxially mounted with a first gear, which is connected to a second gear in the hinge area via a toothed belt extending inside the tailgate. This second gear can then engage with a gear via a transmission mechanism that remains fixed in rotation relative to the vehicle body. In this case, the transmission mechanism can have a variable number of gears. When the tailgate pivots, the engagement of the fixed gear with the transmission mechanism produces its motion, where the number of rotations can be multiplied by means of an accelerating transmission in the area of ​​the second gear, which in turn causes a corresponding number of rotations of the roller elements. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Further advantageous details and effects of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the various exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 A motor vehicle having a first embodiment of a rear bumper assembly according to the invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 2-4 It shows Figure 1 Partial views of the vehicle at different stages of the tailgate closing process; and

[0024] Figure 5 A view of a second embodiment of the rear bumper assembly according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In each of the accompanying drawings, the same parts always have the same reference numerals, which is why these parts are usually described only once.

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle 20, such as a minivan, is schematically shown, having a vehicle structure 21 and a tailgate 2 pivotally connected thereto. The tailgate 2 is pivotally connected to the vehicle structure 21 in a known manner in a hinge region 2.7 about an axis extending along the lateral axis of the vehicle. Figure 1The rear bumper 2 in the open position is shown, with a pull strap 3 hanging vertically from a starting region 2.3 near the lower edge 2.4 of the rear bumper 2. The starting region 2.3 is arranged on the inner surface 2.2 of the rear bumper, which faces the interior of the motor vehicle 20 and is opposite to the outer surface 2.1 in the closed state. The pull strap 3 may be formed, for example, from a synthetic fiber fabric, and at the end side of the flexible pull strap 3, a gripping area 4 for a user (not shown) is configured, in which the pull strap 3 has a loop 5. The loop may be located, for example, at a height of 1.6 m above the ground, while the lower edge 2.4 of the rear bumper 2 is located, for example, at a height of 2.1 m. By gripping the loop 5, even a short user can easily apply force to the rear bumper 2 via the pull strap 3 to pull the rear bumper down and close it.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the structure. In this case, the pull strap 3 is identifiable as being connected to a spool 7, which is positioned behind an opening 2.5 in the interior 2.6 of the rear bumper 2. In this configuration, the pull strap 3 can be wound around the spool 7 when the spool is set to rotate via the electric motor 8. The spool 7, the electric motor 8, and the angle sensor 9 form part of the retraction device 6 in this configuration. The angle sensor 9 is positioned in the hinge region 2.7 and is capable of measuring the relative position of the rear bumper 2 with respect to the vehicle structure 21. The angle sensor (e.g., via a control unit, not shown) is connected to the electric motor 8, thereby controlling its operation based on the measurements taken by the angle sensor 9.

[0028] While it is advantageous for the pull strap 3 to hang as far down as possible from the reargate 2 when it is in the open position, this may be associated with disadvantages when the reargate 2 is closed. Therefore, for example, the pull strap 3 could be caught between the lower edge 2.4 and the vehicle structure 21. Furthermore, during the stroke, a portion of the load may become caught in the pull strap 3, and when the reargate 2 is reopened, any portion of the load may be trapped by the pull strap 3, or there is a risk of the pull strap 2 itself tearing. For these reasons, the retraction device 6 is designed so that when the reargate 2 is moved to the closed position (e.g., when the reargate 2 is closed...), the retraction device 6 is designed to... Figure 4 When (as shown), pull the gripping part 4 upwards to the starting area 2.3. Figure 3 The diagram shows the center position during the closure of the rear bumper 2, which in this case is at approximately a 45° angle relative to the horizontal. Angle sensor 9 records the corresponding angular position, which causes the electric motor 8 to start, causing the spool 7 to rotate. The result is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the pull strap 3 is wound onto the spool 7, meaning that part of the pull strap 3 retracts back into the interior 2.6 of the rear baffle 2. Figure 2 and 3As shown, the distance between the gripping portion 4 and the starting area 2.3 is greater than the distance between the lower edge 2.4 and the starting area. Using these distance ratios, the pull strap 3 can still be captured.

[0029] When the rear bumper approaches Figure 4 This changes when the device is in the closed position as shown. Based on measurements received by the angle sensor 9, in this case, the pull strap 3 is wound onto the spool 7 by the operation of the electric motor 8, causing the gripping portion 4 to be positioned closer to the starting area 2.3 than the lower edge 2.4. Therefore, any capture of the pull strap 3 and / or the loop 5 is eliminated.

[0030] When the rear panel 2 is opened, i.e., when it is switched from the closed position to the open position, the current position of the rear panel 2 is again recorded by the angle sensor 9, and the electric motor 8 is driven accordingly, causing it to rotate the spool 7 in the opposite direction. This causes the gripping portion 4 to extend relative to the starting area 2.3. If the rear panel 2 is in the open position, then as... Figure 2 The pull strap 3 shown descends again together with the gripping part 4.

[0031] exist Figure 1 and 4 In the embodiment shown, the retraction device 6 is driven by a motor. In this case, the corresponding energy supply can be provided via the vehicle battery. Figure 5 An alternative embodiment of the rear bumper assembly 1 is shown, wherein a force acting between the rear bumper 2 and the vehicle structure 21 is used to operate the retraction device 6. For this purpose, the force acting in the hinge region 2.7 is transmitted by the force transmission mechanism 10. The individual elements of the rear bumper assembly 1 are not described further if they correspond to the first embodiment. Figure 5 As can be identified, the spool 7 is fixedly connected, in terms of rotation, to a coaxial first gear 11, on which a toothed belt 12 extends, and in the hinge region, to a second gear 13. The second gear has more teeth than the first gear 11, thereby achieving accelerated transmission. The second gear 13 is, in turn, fixedly connected, in terms of rotation, to a coaxial third gear 14, which also has a smaller number of teeth.

[0032] The third gear 14 meshes with the fourth gear 15, which is coaxially mounted with the pivot axis of the rear baffle 2 and rotates fixedly relative to the vehicle structure 21. The fourth gear has more teeth than the third gear 14, which, when the rear baffle 2 pivots, causes the third gear 14 to perform a rotational motion relative to the rear baffle 2 together with the second gear 13. This corresponding rotational motion is transmitted to the first gear 11 via the toothed belt 12, where the accelerating transmission between the second gear 13 and the first gear 11 produces a larger rotational angle between the first gear 11 and the spool 7. Figure 5In the view, when the rear baffle 2 is open, i.e., moving counterclockwise, the third gear 14 also rotates counterclockwise relative to the rear baffle 2. The same applies to the second gear 13, the first gear 11, and the spool 7, which thus eject the pull belt 3 along with the gripping part 4. When the rear baffle 2 is closed, the movement reverses, causing the pull belt 3 to retract.

[0033] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0034] 1. Rear bumper assembly

[0035] 2 rear tailgate

[0036] 2.1 Outer Surface

[0037] 2.2 Inner Surface

[0038] 2.3 Starting Region

[0039] 2.4 Lower edge

[0040] 2.5 opening

[0041] 2.6 Internal

[0042] 2.7 Hinge Area

[0043] 3 pull straps

[0044] 4. Grip section

[0045] 5 rings

[0046] 6. Shrinkage device

[0047] 7 spools

[0048] 8 electric motors

[0049] 9-angle sensor

[0050] 10 Force Transmission Mechanism

[0051] Gears 11, 13, 14, and 15

[0052] 12-tooth belt

[0053] 20 motor vehicles

[0054] 21 Vehicle Structure

Claims

1. A tailgate assembly (1) for a vehicle (20) comprising a tailgate (2) and a flexible longitudinal traction element (3), the flexible longitudinal traction element (3) extending downward from a starting region (2.3) on an inner surface (2.2) of the tailgate (2) in an open position and including a gripping portion (4) for a user on an end side. Its features are, The traction element (3) is connected to the retraction device (6), which is designed to pull up the gripping portion (4) in the direction of the starting area (2.3) when the rear baffle (2) is moved to the closed position. The retraction device (6) includes an actuator unit (8) for moving the traction element (3), and the actuator unit (8) is connected to a sensor unit (9) for detecting the position of the rear baffle (2). When the rear baffle (2) moves, the force acting between the rear baffle (2) and the vehicle structure (21) can be transmitted to the retraction device (6) through the force transmission mechanism (10) to drive the retraction device (6).

2. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The retraction device (6) is designed to retract the traction element (3) at least partially into the interior (2.6) of the rear baffle (2).

3. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The retraction device (6) is designed to extend the gripping portion (4) relative to the starting area (2.3) when the rear baffle (2) is moved to the open position.

4. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The retraction device (6) is designed to pull the gripping portion (4) upward to the starting region (2.3) until the gripping portion (4) is arranged closer to the starting region (2.3) than the lower edge (2.4) of the rear baffle (2), and to extend the gripping portion (4) relative to the starting region (2.3) until the gripping portion (4) is further away from the starting region (2.3) than the lower edge (2.4).

5. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The shrinking device (6) includes a rotatably mounted roller element (7) that at least partially winds up the traction element (3).

6. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The traction element (3) is made of flexible material.

7. The rear bumper assembly according to claim 1, Its features are, The handle (5) used by the user is arranged in the gripping part (4).

8. The rear bumper assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are, Force can be transmitted from the hinge area (2.7) of the rear baffle (2) to the retraction device (6) through the force transmission mechanism (10) so as to drive the retraction device (6) when the rear baffle (2) moves.

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