Tailgate with structural lining featuring offset fixing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tailgate (10) of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it includes a structural liner (20), an outer skin (30), and one or more fastening devices (26) located on the surface (22) of the structural liner (20) facing the outer skin (30), the fastening devices (26) being capable of securing technical elements (40) to the surface (22) of the structural liner (20) facing the outer skin (30) of the tailgate (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the tailgate of motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a vehicle tailgate includes a structural component commonly referred to as a lining, situated between a trim piece and the outer skin that forms the visible exterior of the body components. This trim piece is an interior cabin component, generally completely covering any unsightly portions of the structural lining that would otherwise be visible from inside the vehicle. This attached trim piece often specifically covers the lower portion of the structural lining located below the tailgate's rear window. Therefore, this trim piece contributes to the perceived quality by the user and thus must have a carefully designed appearance.

[0003] Typically, the tailgate integrates a set of technical equipment on the cabin-side surface of the liner, below the rear window. These include components such as a tailgate closing assist motor, wiring harness, locking motor, and calculator. These technical components are generally fixed to the structural liner of the tailgate facing the vehicle's cabin. Thus, they are located and secured to the liner, between the liner and the trim covering it, and are therefore concealed within the tailgate.

[0004] While this type of tailgate is very satisfactory, it suffers from the drawback of comprising several different components (especially the interior trim, structural lining, and exterior skin). Consequently, assembling the tailgate requires multiple assembly steps, increasing its manufacturing cost. It should also be noted that handling large trim pieces is complex for operators on the production line, increasing the risk of collisions that could damage the tailgate during manufacturing. Similarly, these assembly steps necessitate suitable tooling on the production line.

[0005] Moreover, the increased number of parts increases the weight of the tailgate, which reduces vehicle performance and increases its wear and tear.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to propose a tailgate for motor vehicles that can be easily assembled and has a reduced mass. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a tailgate for a motor vehicle, comprising a structural lining, an outer skin, a receiving portion for a rear window, and one or more fastening devices located on a lower portion of the tailgate below the receiving portion and on the surface of the structural lining facing the outer skin, the fastening devices being capable of securing technical components to the surface of the structural lining facing the outer skin of the tailgate.

[0008] The technical components are therefore fixed to the structural lining on the surface facing the outer skin of the tailgate, rather than on the surface facing the cabin as in prior art tailgates. Thus, this surface becomes at least partially a cabin component because it has a cabin-facing surface that does not contain the technical components.

[0009] In this way, the function of the trim is partially or entirely realized by the structural lining of the tailgate, or more precisely by its surface facing the cabin.

[0010] Therefore, by completely or partially eliminating trim pieces, the present invention can reduce the weight of the tailgate, thereby improving vehicle performance, such as reducing its fuel consumption. Completely or partially eliminating trim pieces also allows for reduced industrial investment and shorter assembly time.

[0011] Similarly, smaller trim pieces are easier to handle on the tailgate production line, which shortens tailgate manufacturing time and reduces the risk of damage due to improper handling of the trim pieces.

[0012] If the trim is completely replaced by a structural lining, the step of installing the trim is eliminated, which makes it faster and therefore cheaper to install the tailgate on the vehicle.

[0013] Finally, the reduced number of steps in tailgate installation allows for limitations on the specific tooling required, which lowers installation costs.

[0014] The tailgate according to the invention may further include one or more of the following features, individually or in combination:

[0015] - The structural lining includes a side opposite to the side facing the outer skin, which is visible from the vehicle cabin.

[0016] -The structural lining is a molded plastic component;

[0017] - The tailgate includes an opening that allows access to the structural lining facing the outer skin;

[0018] - The tailgate includes technical elements that are fixed to the surface of the structural lining facing the outer skin by means of a fixing device;

[0019] - The fixing device may be individually or in combination with: clamps, hooks, adhesives or solder;

[0020] - The structural lining includes a side opposite to the side facing the outer skin, the opposite side being smooth and without protrusions or depressions;

[0021] - The technical components are selected from the following components: tailgate closing auxiliary motor, cable, locking motor, calculator.

[0022] The subject of this invention also relates to a method for assembling a tailgate as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0023] - The technical components are secured to the surface of the structural lining facing the tailgate using a fixing device;

[0024] - Positioning the structural lining relative to the outer skin;

[0025] - Secure the structural lining to the outer skin by gluing, screwing and / or clamping.

[0026] The method according to the invention may advantageously include the step of securing the attached ornament to the structural lining. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the following text, words such as “front,” “back,” “above,” “up,” “below,” and “down” refer to the common orientation of motor vehicles.

[0028] A better understanding of the invention will be achieved by reading the following description, which is provided by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the tailgate according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the tailgate according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a rear view of a vehicle tailgate according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 It is a motor vehicle tailgate along the existing technology Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of plane AA;

[0033] Figure 5 A tailgate according to a first embodiment of the present invention along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of plane AA;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a view of the interior surface of a tailgate liner according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 A tailgate according to a second embodiment of the present invention along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of plane AA;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a view of the interior surface of a tailgate liner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Now refer to Figure 1 , 2 Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a motor vehicle tailgate 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The tailgate 10 according to the first embodiment includes a structural liner 20. "Structural liner" refers to a liner that ensures the mechanical strength of the tailgate and supports other components fixed thereto.

[0039] The structural liner 20 includes an interface area capable of receiving the outer skin 30 of the tailgate 10, and a receiving opening for the rear window. It includes a surface 22 facing the outer skin 30, which, as will be seen hereinafter, receives a fastening device 26 for securing technical components. In this specification, the surface 22 facing the outer skin 30 may also be referred to as the outer surface 22. The structural liner 20 also includes a surface 24 opposite to surface 22. In this specification, it may also be referred to as the inner surface 24, which faces the vehicle interior when the tailgate 10 is closed. Figure 5 As can be seen in the figure (which is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the tailgate 10), the outer skin 30 and the structural lining 20 together form a compartment 60, which is an empty, usable space.

[0040] The lining 20 includes one or more fasteners arranged on the surface 22 facing the outer skin 30. These fasteners 26 are thus located within the compartment 60 and are therefore not visible from outside the compartment 60. These fasteners 26 are capable of securing any type of technical component to the surface 22 of the structural lining 20 facing the outer skin 30. These fasteners are located on the lower portion of the structural lining 20, below the receiving portion for the rear window of the tailgate 10.

[0041] Therefore, with Figure 4 In contrast to the prior art tailgate, the rear 24 does not have the fixing device 26, and therefore, the technical element 40. In the prior art tailgate, the fixing device 26 and the technical element 40 are fixed to the rear 24 of the structural liner 20. They must therefore be covered by the trim 50 so that they are not visible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle on which the tailgate 10 is mounted. The trim 50 thus serves as the passenger compartment surface of the structural liner 20.

[0042] In a first embodiment of the invention, the fixing devices 26 are concealed because they are located on the outer surface 22 of the structural liner 20. The tailgate 10 therefore does not require trim 40 to conceal these fixing devices 26, and thus it is without trim. The structural liner 20 thus serves simultaneously as a structural component of the tailgate 10 and a cabin component replacing the trim 40 of prior art tailgates.

[0043] As a result, the mass of the tailgate 10 is reduced due to the disappearance of the trim, which allows for improved performance of the vehicle on which the tailgate 10 is mounted, such as reduced fuel consumption.

[0044] Similarly, removing the trim also allows for the elimination of the step of installing the trim onto the tailgate 10. This reduces the time required to install the tailgate 10 on the production line, thus lowering its manufacturing cost. Finally, eliminating the trim installation step also reduces the risk of damage to the various tailgate components during the trim assembly process.

[0045] The structural liner 20 of the tailgate 10 is a molded plastic component. Since the inner surface 24 of the structural liner 20 is not covered or is only partially covered by trim, it is visible to vehicle occupants, for example, when the tailgate 10 is open. Thus, this manufacturing process allows for a liner 20 with a smooth and unsightly appearance on its inner surface 24, compatible with its visibility to vehicle occupants. The inner surface 24 of the inner liner 20 is free of holes, protrusions, recesses, technical areas, or appearance defects (e.g., pinholes), so that it has the same appearance as trim. The use of plastic is advantageous because it allows for a structural liner 20 with low mass but sufficiently high mechanical strength for this application.

[0046] The structural lining 20 has technical elements 40 fixed to its outer surface 22 by means of fastening device 26. Thus, these technical elements 40 are concealed in the compartment 60 of the tailgate 10.

[0047] The fixing device 26 can be a hook, clamp, adhesive, or solder. All of these fixing devices are simple devices for fixing technical components 40, quick to use, and inexpensive.

[0048] The fastening device 26 may also take the form of, for example, ribs, pillars, or protrusions, which allows for the assembly of different components by means of, for example, screws or hooks. These devices may, for example, be directly derived from the molding of the structural lining 20.

[0049] The technical components 40 fixed to the structural liner 20 may be, for example, a tailgate closing assist motor, cables, anchors for the motorized push-top, a locking motor, or a calculator.

[0050] The second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In this second embodiment, only elements that differ from those in the first embodiment will be described. All other elements are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0051] Reference Figure 7 and 8 This will be used to illustrate the implementation method.

[0052] The tailgate 10 according to the second embodiment of the invention differs from the tailgate 10 according to the first embodiment in that the tailgate 10 includes an attached trim piece 50. This trim piece 50 may, for example, be disposed at the apex of the lower portion of the tailgate 10, directly below the rear window of the tailgate 10. In this embodiment, the trim piece 50 covers a localized area that occupies only a small proportion of the lower portion of the structural lining 20, but can cover an area that occupies a larger proportion of that lower portion. Due to the reduced weight of the trim piece 50, the tailgate 10 according to this embodiment is therefore lighter than prior art tailgates.

[0053] Trim 50 is a plastic molded part and serves as a cabin component on a partial area of ​​the lower portion of the interior surface 24 of the structural lining 20.

[0054] As in the previous embodiment, the technical element 40 is fixed to the surface 22 facing the outer skin 30 in the same manner as in the tailgate 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The presence of the attached trim 50, covering a localized area immediately below the rear window, allows for freedom from specific constraints on the shape and appearance of the structural liner 20 in that area, particularly those imposed by the installation of the rear window and its engagement with the side pillars. This feature facilitates demolding of the structural liner 20, avoiding draft angles within the structural liner 20.

[0056] The trim piece 50 covers approximately 25% of the area of ​​the lower portion of the structural lining 20 located below the rear window, but this percentage may vary depending on the tailgate.

[0057] Therefore, the tailgate 10 according to this second embodiment of the invention is lighter than the tailgate of the prior art because the attached trim 50 is much smaller than the trim of the prior art, covering only a small area of ​​the structural lining 20.

[0058] Additionally, it is conceivable to integrate a storage compartment for storing safety devices (such as safety vests or safety triangles) into the ornament 50.

[0059] Similarly, it also has the advantage of easier assembly because the trim pieces to be handled on the assembly line are smaller and lighter than known. As a result, assembly time is reduced, assembly costs are lowered, and the risk of damage to the trim piece 50 due to tailgate impact is also reduced.

[0060] It should also be noted that the opening allows access to the technical components 40 after the trim 50 has been removed, which allows for easy replacement of faulty technical components without disassembling the entire tailgate 10.

[0061] The assembly method of the tailgate 10 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0062] The assembly of the tailgate 10 is achieved through a series of steps that will be described here. The steps common to the two embodiments described above will be described first.

[0063] First, the technical element 40 is fixed on the surface 22 facing the outer skin 30 by means of the fixing device 26. This fixing can be achieved by component assembly, welding, gluing, adhesive, riveting, screwing or clamping.

[0064] The structural liner 20 is positioned relative to the outer skin 30. This positioning can be achieved, for example, through the cooperation of male and female tapered shapes arranged on the structural liner 20 and the outer skin 30. The use of male and female tapered shapes allows for the precision required to position the structural liner 20 relative to the outer skin 30.

[0065] The structural liner 20 is secured to the outer skin 30. This securing is achieved by gluing or welding. Securing the structural liner 20 to the outer skin 30 by gluing or welding ensures the airtightness of the compartment 60, which is particularly advantageous for protecting the technical components 40 from exposure to the external environment.

[0066] Alternatively, the structural lining can be secured to the outer skin 30 by screwing or clamping.

[0067] In order to assemble the tailgate 10 according to the second embodiment described in this application, the step of positioning and securing the trim piece 50 to the structural lining 20 of the tailgate 10 is also added. The positioning can be achieved, for example, through the cooperation of the male and female conical shapes of the structural lining 20 and the trim piece 50. Securing the trim piece 50 to the structural lining 20 can be achieved by gluing, welding, or any other method known to those skilled in the art.

[0068] This invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0069] Vocabulary

[0070] 10: Tailgate of motor vehicles

[0071] 20: Structural lining of the tailgate

[0072] 22: The side of the structural lining facing the outer skin, i.e., the outer surface.

[0073] 24: The back side of the structural lining, i.e., the inner side.

[0074] 25: Depth of the shape on the back of the structural lining

[0075] 26: Fixing devices for structural linings

[0076] 30: External skin of the tailgate

[0077] 40: Technical Components

[0078] 50: Ornaments

[0079] 60: Compartment

Claims

1. A motor vehicle tailgate (10) characterised in that, The tailgate comprises a structural lining (20), an outer skin (30), a housing for a rear window, and one or more fixing means (26) located on a lower portion of the tailgate (10) below the housing and on a face (22) of the structural lining (20) facing the outer skin (30), these fixing means (26) being able to fix a technical element (40) on the face (22) of the structural lining (20) facing the outer skin (30) of the tailgate (10), the structural lining (20) comprising an inner face (24) opposite the face (22), a trim (50) attached to the inner face (24) of the structural lining (20), the trim (50) covering a local area occupying only a small proportion of the lower portion of the structural lining (20) and being arranged at the apex of the lower portion of the tailgate (10), immediately below the rear window of the tailgate (10), wherein the tailgate comprises an opening allowing access to the face (22) of the structural lining (20) facing the outer skin (30), this opening allowing access to the technical element (40) after removal of the trim (50) to facilitate the replacement of a faulty technical element without having to disassemble the entire tailgate (10).

2. The tailgate (10) of claim 1, wherein, The tailgate (10), once installed on a motor vehicle, the inner face (24) is visible from the vehicle cabin.

3. The tailgate (10) of claim 1, wherein, The structural lining (20) is a plastic molded part.

4. Tailgate (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a technical element (40) fixed to the face (22) of the structural lining by means of the fixing means (26).

5. The tailgate (10) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The fixing means (26) comprise, individually or in combination: a clip, a hook, an adhesive or a solder.

6. The tailgate (10) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The inner face (24) is smooth, without reliefs.

7. The tailgate (10) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The technical element (40) is chosen from the following elements: a tailgate closing assistance motor, a cable, a locking motor, a computer.

8. A method of assembling a tailgate (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, The method comprises the following steps: fixing a technical element (40) to the face (22) of the structural lining (20) facing the outer skin (30) of the tailgate (10) by means of the fixing means (26); positioning the structural lining (20) relative to the outer skin (30); fixing the structural lining (20) to the outer skin (30) by gluing, screwing and / or clipping; fixing the attached trim (50) to the structural lining (20).

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