Includes a structurally lined tailgate with a cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a structural lining (20) made of plastic for a tailgate (10) of a motor vehicle, comprising an outer face (22) facing the outside of the vehicle and an inner face (24) facing the inside of the vehicle when the tailgate (10) is assembled on the vehicle, and at least one groove (23) carried by one of the two faces (22, 24), the groove (23) forming a mechanically weak area capable of facilitating the realization of an opening (28) in the structural lining (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a plastic tailgate of a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a motor vehicle tailgate includes a structural component, generally referred to as a liner, positioned between an exterior skin, intended to form the visible exterior face of the vehicle body part, and a trim component, an interior cabin component that typically completely covers unsightly portions of the structural liner that would otherwise be visible from the vehicle interior. This attached trim component typically covers, in particular, the lower portion of the structural liner located below the tailgate rear window. This trim component therefore contributes to the perceived quality of the vehicle by the user, and therefore must exhibit a carefully designed appearance.

[0003] Typically, a tailgate incorporates a suite of technical equipment on the cabin-facing surface of the tailgate lining, below the rear window. These include a tailgate closing assist motor, wiring harness, lock motor, and a computer. These components are typically attached to the surface of the tailgate's structural lining that faces the vehicle cabin. They are thus located and secured to the lining and the trim covering it, concealing them within the tailgate. If one of these components malfunctions, it can be accessed by disassembling the trim from the structural lining, replacing it, and then reassembling the trim to the structural lining. This operating mode represents a simple way to replace a malfunctioning component.

[0004] This type of tailgate, although very satisfactory, has the drawback of comprising a number of different parts (in particular, trim, structural lining and external skin). Consequently, several assembly steps are necessary to assemble the tailgate, which increases its manufacturing costs. It should also be noted that handling the large-sized trim is complex for the operators on the production line, which increases the risk of collisions that could damage the tailgate during its assembly. Likewise, these assembly steps require the availability of suitable tools on the production line. Furthermore, easy access to faulty technical components that must be replaced is a rarely useful feature, since these components are designed so that they do not fail during normal use during the vehicle's service life (e.g., the lock motor, the wiring harness that powers the license plate illuminator, etc.).

[0005] Furthermore, the attachment parts increase the weight of the tailgate, which reduces vehicle performance and increases its consumption.

[0006] Tailgates are known in which the trim function is partially or completely fulfilled by a structural lining. In these tailgates, technical components are fixed to the exterior surface of the structural lining, which faces the exterior skin of the tailgate. The "exterior surface" refers to the surface of the structural lining that faces the exterior of the vehicle when the tailgate is installed on the vehicle and in the closed position. Thus, part or all of the interior surface, visible from the passenger compartment or when the tailgate is open, opposite the exterior surface, serves as a trim, leaving the tailgate partially or completely devoid of trim. These tailgates overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. However, in these tailgates, once the tailgate is assembled, the technical components are no longer accessible because they are enclosed between the structural lining and the exterior skin, which are assembled by gluing (often very difficult to remove and then reinstall). Consequently, if a technical component fails, its replacement requires either removing the exterior skin by separating it from the structural lining of the tailgate, or replacing the entire tailgate, both of which are extremely costly or difficult.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide a tailgate lining with a partially or completely integrated trim that enables replacement of one or more tailgate technical components without having to remove or replace the tailgate. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To this end, the subject of the invention is a structural lining made of plastic for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, comprising an external face facing the vehicle exterior and an internal face facing the vehicle interior when the tailgate is assembled on the vehicle, and at least one groove carried by one of these two faces, said groove forming a mechanically weak area that facilitates the creation of an opening in the structural lining.

[0009] Thus, when it is desired to replace a faulty technical component, a predetermined portion of the tailgate structural lining is cut to gain access to the technical component in question. This allows for easy access to the technical component without having to disassemble the structural lining from the tailgate skin. Consequently, the technical component can be replaced more quickly and at a lower cost than with known tailgates having structural linings with integrated trim.

[0010] The groove forms a mechanically weak area that allows and facilitates the cutting of the structural lining. Furthermore, the groove guides the cutting along a defined and precise contour, which avoids damaging technical components or cables that may be located just behind the exterior face of the structural lining. The precision of the cutting also facilitates the replacement of the cut portion, or makes its replacement convenient and aesthetically pleasing (given that the structural lining is visible from the vehicle cabin).

[0011] Finally, the groove is located on the side of the structural lining facing the outer skin of the tailgate, so that the groove is not visible on the side opposite to the above-mentioned side. This arrangement makes the groove inconspicuous or even invisible to vehicle users.

[0012] The structural lining according to the present invention may further include one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination:

[0013] - said groove forms the contour defining the access cover (or trappe d'accès);

[0014] - the outer face comprises fixing means for fixing technical elements, which are located within the closed contour defining the access cover;

[0015] - the outer face comprises at least one retaining means arranged outside the closed contour, in the vicinity of said groove;

[0016] - the access panel comprises at least one fixing device;

[0017] - the fixing means of the access cover are arranged face to face with the one or more retaining means arranged outside the closed contour and in the vicinity of the groove;

[0018] - a portion of the groove forms a hinge membrane that allows the cover to rotate when the opening of the structural lining is achieved;

[0019] - the fixing means of the access cover are capable of receiving a hook capable of cooperating with a retaining means arranged outside the closed contour, in the vicinity of said groove;

[0020] After a rotation of the access cover about an axis orthogonal to the outer face, the fixing means of the access cover are brought into face-to-face opposition with retaining means arranged outside the closed contour in the vicinity of the groove.

[0021] The invention also provides a replacement cover for an opening in a structural lining of a tailgate of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one clip capable of cooperating with a retaining device arranged near the opening in the structural lining.

[0022] The replacement cover panel may comprise a technical face that is concealed when the replacement cover panel is mounted on the opening of the structural lining, the technical face comprising at least one fastening device for fastening a technical element.

[0023] The replacement cover panel may advantageously have a larger dimension than the opening of the structural liner for which the replacement cover panel is intended.

[0024] The invention also provides a plastic tailgate for a motor vehicle comprising a structural lining according to the invention.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for replacing a technical element fixed in a structural lining of a tailgate of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:

[0026] - Cutting an access panel into the tailgate's structural lining along the structural lining's groove;

[0027] - releasing an opening in the structural lining by opening the access panel;

[0028] - replacing the technical element with a replacement technical element; and

[0029] - Close the opening.

[0030] Advantageously, the step of closing the opening can be achieved by clamping a replacement cover plate.

[0031] Advantageously, the method according to the invention may comprise the following features:

[0032] - said step of cutting access to the cover does not touch the portion of the hinge membrane forming the structural lining of the groove;

[0033] - said step of opening the access cover is achieved by rotating the cover around a hinge membrane;

[0034] - The closing step is carried out by pressing an access cover into the opening.

[0035] Advantageously, the method according to the invention may comprise the following features:

[0036] - said step of opening the access cover is achieved by completely removing the access cover;

[0037] The closing step is carried out by replacing the access panel into the opening after rotating it around its axis, preferably by 180 degrees around this axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In the following text, words such as "X longitudinal axis", "Y horizontal axis", "Z vertical axis", "front", "rear", "above", "upper", "lower", "lower" and the like mean the common orientation of the motor vehicle with reference to the reference system shown in the figure.

[0039] The invention will be better understood from the following description which is given by way of example only and which refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a tailgate including a structural liner according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a tailgate including a structural liner according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 A motor vehicle tailgate comprising a structural lining according to the present invention is provided along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the AA plane;

[0043] Figure 4is a view of an interior surface of a tailgate structural liner according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5a and 5b A structural lining according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of BB plane;

[0045] Figure 6a and 6b A structural lining according to a second embodiment of the present invention is Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of BB plane;

[0046] Figure 7a and 7b A structural lining according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of BB plane;

[0047] Figure 8 is a partial cross-section of a structural liner according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 9 is a partial cross-section of a structural liner according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Now refer to Figure 1 、 2 , 3 and 4, which show a motor vehicle tailgate 10 including a structural lining 20 according to the present invention.

[0050] The tailgate 10 includes a structural lining 20. "Structural lining" refers to a lining that ensures the mechanical strength of the tailgate, supports other components fixed thereto, and connects the tailgate to the vehicle body via hinges.

[0051] The structural lining 20 comprises an interface area capable of receiving an exterior skin 30 carrying the tailgate 10, as well as a receiving opening for the rear window. It comprises an exterior face 22 intended to face the exterior skin 30. "Exterior face 22" refers to the face of the structural lining 20 that faces the exterior of the vehicle when the tailgate 10 is assembled on the vehicle and in the closed position. As will be seen below, this exterior face 22 carries fixing means 26 for fixing technical elements. The structural lining also comprises an interior face 24 opposite the exterior face 22. As shown in Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG, which is a cross-section of the lower portion of the tailgate 10, the exterior skin 30 and the structural liner 20, once assembled, form a hollow body 60 therebetween.

[0052] The outer face 22 of the structural lining 20 includes fastening devices 26 . These fastening devices 26 are thus located within the hollow body 60 . They are therefore not visible outside this hollow body 60 . Likewise, they are not accessible when the exterior skin 30 is assembled on the tailgate. These fastening devices 26 are capable of fastening any type of technical element to the outer face 22 of the structural lining 20 .

[0053] One of the exterior face 22 or the interior face 24 of the structural liner 20 includes a groove 23 extending through the face. The groove 23 is formed in a manner similar to that of FIG. Figure 1 Shown in. Figure 4 The dashed lines indicate, for example, the positioning of a groove 23 on the interior face 22 of the structural liner 20, where it is not visible. The groove 23 is positioned so as to locally reduce the thickness of the structural liner 20. The groove is closed, and thus, advantageously, is not visible on the interior face 24. Consequently, when the structural liner 20 is assembled on the tailgate 10, the groove 23 located in the hollow body 60 is not visible.

[0054] The groove 23 defines a mechanically weak area that facilitates the creation of an opening 28 in the structural liner 20. This opening 28 can be cut using a cutting tool, such as a tapered blade, a small-diameter cutter, or a hot tip. Any other cutting device may be used. Cutting the structural liner 20 is greatly facilitated by the mechanically weak area created by the groove 23. Thus, the structural liner 20 can be cut precisely along the contour of the groove 23 because, despite being located on the first face 22, which is invisible to the person performing the cutting, it mechanically guides the cut. Furthermore, the guidance provided by the cut avoids cutting directly into technical components, cables, or any other components arranged on the exterior face 22 of the structural liner 20 that are to be avoided. The precision of the cut also allows for replacement or replacement of the cut portion, which is aesthetically compatible with the visibility of the interior face 24 of the structural liner 20 from the perspective of the cabin of the vehicle in which the tailgate 10 is installed.

[0055] The presence of this mechanically weak area allows, when the structural lining 20 is mounted on the tailgate 10 of a motor vehicle, to realize an opening 28 in the lining by cutting a portion, which provides access to the compartment 60 situated between the structural lining 20 and the outer skin 30. Thus, it is possible to replace the technical element 40 or any other defective part situated in the hollow body 60 without having to remove the outer skin 30 from the lining 20 or to replace the tailgate 10 entirely.

[0056] Advantageously, the inner face 24 of the structural lining 20 may include a slightly raised edge that follows the path of the groove 23 on the outer face 22. This indicates the location of the groove 23 on the inner face 24, which is the face visible during cutting, making it easier to cut along this groove 23. Similarly, the inner face 24 may include a groove guide facing the groove 23 of the outer face 22. This guide makes it possible to start cutting the groove 23 by placing the cutting tool directly opposite the groove 23 of the outer face 22.

[0057] Advantageously, the outer face may comprise a guide rib situated near and extending along the groove 23. Such a rib makes it possible to improve the guidance of the cutting along the groove 23.

[0058] The slot 23 forms a profile that defines the access panel 50. Thus, when the structural liner 20 is cut, an access panel 50 is achieved which can remain attached to the liner and pivot to achieve the opening 28, or can be removed from the structural liner 20 entirely.

[0059] The exterior face 22 of the structural lining 20 includes fastening means 26 for fastening a technical element 40, which is located within the closed contour defining the access cover 50. Thus, the technical element 40 is directly fastened to the access cover 50. This arrangement facilitates replacement of the technical element 40, since, if the access cover 50 is removed from the lining 20, it can be replaced from a comfortable location outside the tailgate 10. Similarly, if the cover 50 remains attached to the structural lining 20, it can still be replaced outside the hollow body 60 of the tailgate 10.

[0060] Alternatively, the fixing means 26 for fixing the technical elements 40 can be located outside the closed contour defining the access cover 50 on the outer face 22 of the lining 20. In this alternative, the access cover 50 is used only to create the openings 28 for accessing the technical elements 40 (which are not fixed to the access cover 50) in order to replace them.

[0061] The structural lining 20 advantageously comprises at least one retaining means 29 close to the groove and at the same time outside the closed contour defined by the groove 23. These retaining means 29 allow and facilitate the fixing of the access cover 50 in the opening 28 once the replacement of the technical element 40 has been achieved.

[0062] The cover 50 also advantageously comprises fixing means 53 for fixing the access cover 50. This means is thus situated within the closed contour defining the access cover 50 and is situated on the outer face 22. Like the retaining means 29 situated outside the closed contour, this means facilitates the fixing of the cover 50. Advantageously, these means 29, 53 can cooperate with one another to achieve the closure of the cover 50.

[0063] The method of replacing a technical element 40 fixed to the structural lining 20 of a motor vehicle tailgate 10 will now be described. This replacement is carried out in four main steps.

[0064] The first step involves cutting the access panel 50 into the structural lining 20 of the tailgate 10. This cutting is performed along the contour of the groove 23 on the interior face 24, guiding the cut. This cutting step can be performed with the aid of a cutting tool, such as a tapered blade, a small-diameter cutter, or a hot tip. Any other cutting device can also be used. The cut can be performed by following the entire path of the groove 23 until the access panel 50 can be completely removed, or by leaving a portion of the lining 20 untouched, thereby allowing the panel 50 to be joined to the remainder of the structural lining 20.

[0065] The second step consists in creating the opening 28 in the structural lining 20 by complete removal of the cover plate 50 , or pivoting of this cover plate.

[0066] The third step consists in replacing the defective technical component 40 with another one.

[0067] The fourth step consists in closing the opening 28 . This closing can be achieved by using a specific, separately produced replacement cover panel 52 in the opening 28 of the structural lining 20 or by fixing a cut cover panel 50 in the structural lining 20 .

[0068] The method according to the invention thus enables a rapid and high-quality replacement of a technical element 40 arranged between the structural lining 20 and the outer skin 30 of a vehicle tailgate 10 without dismantling the tailgate 10 .

[0069] Now it will be based on Figure 5a and 5b Illustrating a first embodiment of the present invention, these figures show a structural liner 20 along Figure 4 For this first embodiment, only the elements added to the above general description will be described.

[0070] Figure 5a The structural lining 20 according to the first embodiment of the invention shown comprises, on one side, a groove 23 defining a closed contour around a technical element 40, which is fixed by means of a fixing device 26. Here, the fixing device 26 is a receptacle for the technical element 40, which is directly implemented by the structural lining 20. This receptacle is capable of receiving the technical element 40.

[0071] Alternatively, the technical element 40 can be located outside the closed contour and on the outer face 22. In this alternative, the fixing device 26 is located on the outer face 22, but outside the closed contour.

[0072] On its first face 22 , the structural lining 20 has retaining means 29 arranged outside the closed contour in the vicinity of the groove 23 . These means are here projections that can cooperate with the snap-fits of the blocking cover 52 .

[0073] As previously described, the slots 23 can guide the cutting of the cover panel 50 in the structural liner 20 to create the opening 28 .

[0074] In this embodiment, the cover panel 50 is intended to be completely removed from the structural liner 20 and discarded, and then replaced with a new cover panel, referred to as a replacement cover panel 52 .

[0075] The present invention also relates to a replacement cover plate 52. This cover plate 52 for closing the opening 28 of the structural lining 20 comprises a technical surface 56, which includes at least one fastening device 26 for fastening a technical element. The fastening device for the technical element is similar to the fastening device that the structural lining 20 includes before it is cut.

[0076] Alternatively, the replacement cover plate 50 does not comprise the fixing means 26 for fixing the technical element 40 , which fixing means can be located on the outer face 22 outside the closed contour.

[0077] The technical side 56 of the blocking flap 52 comprises at least one clip 58 capable of cooperating with a retaining device 29 situated just at the edge of the opening 28 of the structural lining 20. The blocking flap 52 may comprise two clips 58 situated on opposite edges of the blocking flap. Advantageously, the blocking flap may comprise more clips 58 (i.e., three, four, five or more).

[0078] As a result, the blocking cover 52 can be extremely simply and quickly fixed to the opening 28 of the structural lining 20. The cooperation of the clip 58 and the closing device 29 can securely fix the blocking cover 52.

[0079] Furthermore, the dimensions of the blocking flap 52 are larger than the dimensions of the opening 28 of the structural lining 20. The technical face 56 thus completely covers the opening 28, which can hide any less precise cuts and give the assembly of the structural lining 20 and the blocking flap 52 a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0080] The subject of the present invention is also a structural lining 20 assembled with the above-mentioned blocking cover. Figure 5b Shown.

[0081] The method for replacing a technical element according to a first embodiment of the invention will now be described. This method is identical to the previous method, wherein the cutting step is carried out along the entire closed contour of the groove 23. Thus, the cover plate 50 is completely removed from the structural lining 20.

[0082] The steps of replacing the technical element 40 and closing the opening 28 are then carried out by clamping a blocking cover 52 in the opening 28 of the lining 20 , this blocking cover being a cover that does not come from the cut structural lining 20 .

[0083] This method is particularly advantageous because it allows a defective technical element 40 to be replaced very quickly with a new one, by attaching the blocking cover 52 to which the new technical element 40 is already fixed. Moreover, since the opening 28 is completely covered by the blocking cover 52 and is therefore hidden, its cutting does not require very high precision.

[0084] Alternatively, when the access cover 50 does not comprise a technical element 40 which is fixed to the outer face 22 , outside the access cover 50 , the step of replacing the technical element is carried out after removing the access cover 50 but before replacing it with the replacement cover 52 .

[0085] Now it will be based on Figure 6a and 6b Describing a second embodiment of the invention, these figures show a structural lining 20 before and after replacement of a technical element along the Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the BB surface.

[0086] The structural liner 20 according to this embodiment is similar to the structural liner described at the beginning of the detailed description, except for the elements described below.

[0087] In the structural layer lining 20, a portion of the groove 23 forms a hinge film 231. Due to the flexibility of the hinge film 231, the hinge film 231 can be cut into the groove except for the hinge position (for example, by cutting three sides of the four sides of the groove 23 path, the fourth side of the groove 23 has a reduced thickness to form the hinge film 231), so that the cover plate can be pivoted around the rotation axis defined by the film 231. Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the groove 23 is shown, Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the hinge film 231 is shown.

[0088] In this example, the groove 23 defines a rectangular outline around the technical element 40 , wherein the hinge film 231 forms part of or all of one of the four sides of the rectangle.

[0089] The fixing means 53 of the cover 50 is arranged opposite the closing means 29 outside the closing contour. Thus, it is in a position suitable for keeping the cover in the closed state once the cutting and replacement of the technical element 40 have been completed.

[0090] The fastening means 53 of the cover panel 50 are capable of receiving hooks 54. After the cover panel 50 has been cut, once the replacement cover panel 52 has been installed, the hooks are secured to the closing means 53, for example, by screwing, clamping, or inserting. The hooks 54 can cooperate with the retaining means 29, which lie outside the contour defined by the groove 23. Thus, when the cover panel 50 is closed again, the hooks 54 secure it in the closed position within the opening 28 of the structural lining 20. Thus, the addition of hooks to the retaining means 29, 53 constitutes a simple, reliable, and inexpensive technical solution for retaining the cover panel 50 in the closed position once the technical element 40 has been replaced.

[0091] A method for replacing a technical element according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described. The method according to this embodiment is similar to the method described in the beginning of the detailed description, except for the elements described below.

[0092] The step of cutting access to the cover plate 50 does not touch the portion of the groove 23 forming the hinge membrane 231 of the structural lining 20. Thus, the cover plate 50 can pivot around the membrane 231.

[0093] Thus, the step of opening the cover panel 50 does not consist in removing the cover panel 50 from the structural lining 20 , but in pivoting the cover panel about the hinge film 231 by means of the flexibility of the hinge film 231 .

[0094] Then, since the cover plate 50 has not been removed, the technical element 40 is replaced by the replacement technical element 42 directly on the cover plate 50, which is still connected to the structural lining 20. Alternatively, when the technical element 40 is fixed to the external face 22 and not on the access cover plate 50, cutting and pivoting the access cover plate 50 makes it possible to access the technical element 40 and replace it on the external face 22.

[0095] Finally, the step of closing the opening 28 is achieved by closing the access cover 50 in the opening 28. Thus, when the access cover 50 recloses the opening 28, the retaining means 29 outside the closing contour and the fixing means 53 of the access cover 50 cooperate to keep the access cover 50 closed.

[0096] More specifically, when the hook 54 is mounted on the fixing device 53 of the cover 50 (before or after the step of replacing the technical element 40 on the cover 50), once the step of closing the cover is implemented, the hook rests on the closing device 29 located outside the closing contour, which effectively maintains the cover 50 in the closed position.

[0097] This method of replacing a technical element 40 is particularly advantageous because it represents a simple way of replacing a technical element without having to acquire a new blocking cover.

[0098] Now it will be based on Figure 7a and7b Illustrating a third embodiment of the invention, these figures show a structural lining 20 before and after replacement of a technical element along the Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the BB plane.

[0099] The structural lining 20 according to the third embodiment of the invention comprises a fixing device 53 for fixing the replacement cover plate 50, which is exactly face-to-face with the retaining device 29 of the lining 20 located outside the closed contour when the replacement cover plate 50 is rotated 180 degrees about the rotation axis T orthogonal to the outer face 22 of the lining 20. The rotation angle achieved can be set to different values depending on the shape of the access cover plate 50. In the example shown here, the rotation angle is 180 degrees for a rectangular access cover plate 50. Of course, a rotation angle of 90 degrees can be set when the access cover plate 50 is square. A rotation angle of 120 degrees can also be set when the access cover plate 50 is triangular. In the case of a disc-shaped access cover plate 50, any rotation angle can also be set.

[0100] Thus, in the initial position of access to the cover panel 50, i.e., before it is cut, the retaining means 29 and the fixing means 53 do not face each other. They therefore cannot cooperate to prevent the removal of the cover panel 50. Before the cover panel 50 is returned to the opening 28, it is rotated through the aforementioned angle, which has the effect of rotating the fixing means of the cover panel 52 to face the retaining means 29 outside the closed contour. Thus, in this position, the cover panel 52 is fixed to the opening 28 of the structural lining 20.

[0101] A method for replacing a technical element 40 according to a third embodiment of the invention will now be described. The method according to this embodiment is similar to the method described at the beginning of the detailed description, except for the following elements.

[0102] The step of opening the cover panel is accomplished by completely removing and decoupling the cover panel 50 from the structural liner 20 .

[0103] The step of replacing the technical element is carried out directly on the cover plate 50. The previously removed cover plate 50 is thus reused to close the opening 28 created by the cut in the structural lining 20.

[0104] Similar to the other embodiments, the technical element 40 is not necessarily located on the access cover 50, but can be located on the outer face 22, outside the cover 50. In this case, removing the cover 50 allows access to the technical element and its replacement.

[0105] Finally, the closing step is accomplished by placing the cut cover panel back into the opening of the structural liner 20. However, before returning the cover panel 50 to the opening 28, the cover panel 50 is rotated 180 degrees about an axis T orthogonal to the first surface 22 of the structural liner 20.

[0106] This method is particularly advantageous because it allows the replacement of the technical element 40 without the need for an additional replacement cover plate 52. Furthermore, there is no need to add additional retaining devices to the access cover plate 50 before the access cover plate 50 is replaced in the opening 50. This method thus represents a simple and inexpensive way of replacing a defective technical element arranged between the structural lining 20 and the outer skin 30 of the tailgate 10.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0108] Glossary:

[0109] 10: Tailgate of motor vehicles

[0110] 20: Structural lining of tailgate

[0111] 22: External surface of structural lining

[0112] 23: Slot

[0113] 231: Hinge membrane

[0114] 24: Internal surface of structural lining

[0115] 26: Fixing device for fixing technical components

[0116] 28: Openings in structural linings

[0117] 29: Holding device

[0118] 30: Tailgate exterior skin

[0119] 40: Technical components

[0120] 42: Replacement of technical components

[0121] 50: Access cover

[0122] 52: Replace the cover

[0123] 53: Fixing device of cover

[0124] 54: Hook

[0125] 56: Technical aspects of the cover

[0126] 58: Card connector

[0127] 60: Hollow body

Claims

1. A structural lining (20) made of plastic for a tailgate (10) of a motor vehicle, characterized in that It comprises an outer face (22) facing the exterior of the vehicle and an inner face (24) facing the interior of the vehicle when the tailgate (10) is assembled on the vehicle, and at least one groove (23) carried by one of the outer face (22) and the inner face (24), the groove (23) forming a mechanically weak area capable of facilitating the realization of an opening (28) in the structural lining (20), wherein the groove (23) forms a contour defining the access cover (50), Therein, the outer surface (22) comprises a fixing device (26) for fixing a technical element (40), which is located within the contour defining the access cover (50).

2. The structural liner (20) of claim 1, wherein: The outer face (22) comprises at least one retaining device (29) arranged outside the contour in the vicinity of the groove (23).

3. The structural liner (20) of claim 2, wherein: The access cover (50) comprises at least one access cover fixing device (53).

4. The structural liner (20) of claim 3, wherein: The fixing device (53) of the access cover (50) is arranged face to face with the one or more retaining devices (29) arranged outside the closed contour and adjacent to the groove (23).

5. The structural liner (20) of claim 4, wherein: A portion of the slot (23) forms a hinge membrane (231) that allows the access panel (50) to rotate when the opening (28) of the structural lining (20) is achieved.

6. The structural liner (20) of claim 5, wherein: The fixing means (53) of the access cover (50) are capable of receiving a hook (54) capable of cooperating with the retaining means (29) arranged outside the closed contour, in the vicinity of the groove (23).

7. The structural liner (20) of claim 3, wherein: When the access cover (50) is rotated around an axis (T) orthogonal to the outer surface (22), the fixing device (53) of the access cover (50) faces the retaining device (29) arranged outside the closed contour and near the groove (23).

8. A replacement cover plate (52) for an opening (28) of a structural lining (20) of a tailgate (10) of a motor vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It comprises at least one clip (58) capable of cooperating with a retaining device (29) arranged near an opening (28) of the structural lining (20).

9. Replacement cover (52) according to claim 8, comprising a technical face (56) which is concealed when the replacement cover (52) is mounted on the opening (28) of the structural lining (20), the technical face (56) comprising at least one fixing device (26) for fixing a technical element.

10. The replacement cover plate (52) of claim 9, having a larger size than the opening (28) of the structural liner (20) for which the replacement cover plate (52) is intended.

11. A structural liner (20) comprising a replacement cover panel (52) as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The replacement cover plate (52) is fixed to the structural lining (20) by clamping the edge of the opening (28) of the structural lining (20) between the technical surface (56) of the replacement cover plate (52) and the clip (58) of the replacement cover plate (52).

12. A plastic tailgate (10) for a motor vehicle comprising a structural lining (20) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 and 11.

13. A method for replacing a technical element (40) fixed in a structural lining (20) of a tailgate (10) of a motor vehicle as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - cutting an access panel (50) in the structural lining (20) of the tailgate (10) along a groove (23) of the structural lining (20); - releasing an opening (28) in the structural lining (20) by opening the access cover (50); - replacing the technical element (40) with a replacement technical element (42); and - Closing the opening (28).

14. The replacement method according to claim 13, wherein: Closing the opening (28) is achieved by clamping a replacement cover plate (52).

15. The replacement method according to claim 13, wherein: - the step of cutting the access cover (50) does not touch the portion of the groove (23) forming the hinge membrane (231) of the structural lining (20); - the step of opening the access cover (50) is achieved by pivoting the access cover (50) around the hinge membrane (231); - The closing step is achieved by pressing the access cover (50) into the opening (28).

16. The replacement method according to claim 13, wherein: - said step of opening said access cover (50) is achieved by completely removing said access cover; - The closing step is achieved by replacing the access panel (50) into the opening (28) after rotating the access panel around its axis (T).

17. The replacement method according to claim 16, wherein: The access cover is rotated 180 degrees around the axis (T).

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