Lower gate stop structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lower gate stop structure, comprising: a stop unit configured to protrude from the upper end of a groove arranged on the inner surface of an adjacent gate; a rack unit connected to the stop unit and configured to move longitudinally to cause the stop unit to protrude; and a controller configured to selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit based on the open or closed state of the gate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a stop structure for a lower gate. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a tailgate is an openable door that is installed at the rear of a trailer, van, or recreational vehicle to allow luggage to be loaded into the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] This type of tailgate is installed on the vehicle to allow the driver access to the luggage compartment formed within the vehicle. By installing the tailgate at the rear of the vehicle, it is convenient to load and unload luggage into and from the luggage compartment, and to allow passengers to board or alight from the rear of the vehicle.

[0004] In future vehicles, tailgates can be installed not only at the rear but also on the lateral side, allowing luggage and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle from the side. This type of tailgate, configured as a clamshell gate with two sections that open upwards and downwards respectively, requires less force and occupies less space in the corresponding part of the vehicle compared to a single large tailgate, thus attracting considerable attention. Furthermore, clamshell gates offer the advantages of providing seating for passengers at the lower end and allowing luggage to be loaded closer to the bumper.

[0005] Structures designed to reinforce the lateral sides of a vehicle are configured to minimize vehicle body deformation, thereby improving the safety of passengers using the vehicle floor, for example, in the event of a lateral collision, as is known in the art. However, there is a need for a structure that can effectively prevent gate intrusion.

[0006] Information related to this subject matter is described in Korean Patent Registration Publication No. 10-1398097.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to a lower gate stop structure. Specifically, the lower gate stop structure minimizes injury to passengers and damage to the vehicle in the event of a lateral collision when the gate is closed, and supports the load of passengers when the gate is open for boarding or alighting.

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the problems related to the prior art. The embodiments of the present invention provide a lower gate stop structure, which can selectively cause the stop unit to protrude under the control of a controller according to the open or closed state of the gate.

[0010] Another embodiment of the invention provides a lower gate stop structure configured such that the stop unit protrudes when the gate is closed to absorb the impact during a lateral collision of a vehicle.

[0011] The features of this invention are not limited to those described above. Other features of this invention not mentioned above will be clearly understood from the following description of preferred embodiments and will be apparent from the preferred embodiments of this invention. The above and other features of the embodiments of this invention can be implemented by the means disclosed in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention provides a lower gate stop structure, comprising: a stop unit adapted to protrude from the upper end of a groove arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the gate; a rack unit connected to the stop unit and configured to move longitudinally to cause the stop unit to protrude; and a controller adapted to selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit based on the open or closed state of the gate.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the stop unit includes: a stop gear that meshes with a rack unit; and at least one stop element adapted to rotate about the stop gear.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the rack unit may include: a drive unit adapted to receive information about the open or closed state of the gate and apply a driving force; a rack connected to a stop gear and moved longitudinally by the drive unit; a pin guide formed in at least one end of the rack; and a rack limiting pin disposed in the pin guide.

[0015] In yet another preferred embodiment, the length of the first surface of the stop corresponds to the length of the open surface of the groove.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, the controller can control the drive unit to apply a driving force to cause the stop to protrude when it detects a signal indicating that the gate is closed.

[0017] In yet another preferred embodiment, the controller can control the drive unit to apply a driving force to insert the stop into the groove when it detects a signal indicating that the gate is open.

[0018] In yet another preferred embodiment, the stop can be fully protruding when one end of the pin guide is at the rack limiting pin, and the stop can be inserted into the groove when the remaining end of the pin guide is at the rack limiting pin.

[0019] In yet another preferred embodiment, the rotation angle of the stop gear corresponds to the length of the pin guide.

[0020] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lower gate stop structure further includes a stop pin formed at the axis of the stop gear, wherein the stop member is rotatable about the stop pin.

[0021] Other aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention will be discussed below.

[0022] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including SUVs, buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum resources). As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as a vehicle powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0023] The above and other features of embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other features of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings; these embodiments are given below by way of illustration only and are therefore not intended to limit the invention, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a view showing a lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open, wherein the stop is inserted into a groove;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a view showing the situation where the controller of the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a signal indicating that the gate is closed;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a view of the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed;

[0030] Figure 6This is a view showing a lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed, wherein the stop protrudes from the groove.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a view showing the stop unit and rack unit of the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed; and

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed.

[0033] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present slightly simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, across all the multiple figures, reference numerals denote the same or equivalent portions of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of the present invention can be modified in various ways, and the scope of the invention should not be construed as limited to the following embodiments. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms “component,” “unit,” or “module” refer to a unit used to perform at least one function or action, and can be implemented by one or more hardware components.

[0037] As used herein, the term "gate" refers to a gate that opens in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a gate that opens in the width direction of the vehicle. The embodiments described in this specification are based on one end of the gate that opens in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0038] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "closed state" refers to a state in which both the upper and lower gates are closed, and the term "open state" refers to a state in which both the upper and lower gates are open.

[0039] In this specification, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "on or above another element," it may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between them. Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "below or under another element," it may be directly below the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between them.

[0040] Additionally, as used in this article, the term "upper end" refers to the direction upwards in the vertical direction of the figure, while the term "lower end" refers to the direction downwards in the vertical direction of the figure.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 The gate may be a clamshell gate comprising an upper gate and a lower gate 10, but the upper gate is not shown. The gate may be configured such that one end of the upper gate rotates and opens vertically about the other end adjacent to the roof, and the lower gate 10 is positioned adjacent to the openable end of the upper gate. The lower gate 10 may rotate and open about the lower surface of the vehicle body.

[0043] A lower gate stop structure according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a stop unit 200, a rack unit 300, and a controller 400 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The stop unit 200 may be positioned on the inner surface of the gate and may protrude. Preferably, one or more recesses 100 may be formed in the floor 20 of the vehicle, and the stop unit 200 may protrude from the upper end of the recess 100. The stop unit 200 may be arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the gate and may protrude.

[0044] The groove 100 can be formed as a hinge shaft adjacent to the gate. The groove 100 can be formed in the outer end of the floor 20 of the vehicle body, so that the stop unit 200 protrudes at a position adjacent to the inner surface of the gate.

[0045] The stop unit 200 may include a stop gear 210 and a stop member 220. Preferably, the stop member 220 may include one or more stops adapted to rotate about the stop gear 210.

[0046] The controller 400 can selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit 200 based on the open or closed state of the gate. Preferably, when a signal indicating that the gate is open is detected, the controller 400 can execute control to insert the stop unit 200 into the recess 100. After the stop unit 200 is inserted into the recess 100, the gate can be opened. In another embodiment, the gate can be opened while the stop unit 200 is inserted into the recess 100.

[0047] When the gate is fully open, passengers can board or alight through the open gate. Preferably, when passengers board or alight, the stop unit 200 located on the inner surface of the gate can be inserted into the vehicle body. At this time, the stop unit 200 can define a portion of the vehicle floor 20 to prevent interference between passengers and the stop unit 200 when passengers board or alight.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a view showing a lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open, wherein the stop member 220 is inserted into the groove 100.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 The stops 220 can be configured such that the length of the first surface of each stop 220 corresponds to the length of the open surface of a corresponding recess 100. The first surface of the stop 220 can be the exposed surface of the stop 220 when it is inserted into the recess 100. The first surface of the stop 220 can define a portion of the floor 20 by blocking the open surface of the recess 100. The stop 220 can be inserted into the recess 100 to be flush with the surface of the floor 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent passengers from tripping over the stops 220 or the recess 100 when boarding or alighting.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a view showing a controller 400 of a lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention detecting a signal indicating that the gate is closed.

[0051] refer to Figure 3 The rack unit 300 can mesh with the stop unit 200. Preferably, the stop unit 200 can be protruded by the longitudinal movement of the rack unit 300. The stop unit 200 may include a stop gear 210, which meshes with the rack unit 300.

[0052] The rack unit 300 may include a drive unit 310, a rack 320, a pin guide 330, and a rack limiting pin 340. The drive unit 310 can receive information from the controller 400 regarding the open or closed state of the gate and thus apply a driving force. The drive unit 310 is not limited to a specific construction such as an actuator or an electric motor, as long as that construction is capable of applying a driving force. In embodiments of the invention, the drive unit 310 may be a rotatable actuator that causes the rack 320 to move longitudinally. The drive unit 310 may contact the upper end of the rack 320 and cause the rack 320 to move longitudinally.

[0053] The rack 320 can be connected to the stop gear 210 and can be moved longitudinally by the drive unit 310. Preferably, the rack 320 can mesh with one or more stop gears 210. The rack 320 can extend along the side surface of the vehicle below the floor 20 of the vehicle body.

[0054] The stop gears 210 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval and can mesh with the upper part of the rack 320. The stop members 220 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval to rotate about the corresponding stop gear 210. The groove 100 can be formed in the floor 20 of the vehicle body, corresponding to the distance between the stop members 220.

[0055] A pin guide 330 may be formed in at least one end of the rack 320. Preferably, the pin guide 330 may include a pair of pin guides formed in both ends of the rack 320. A rack-restricting pin 340 may be arranged in the pin guide 330.

[0056] When one end of the pin guide 330 is located at the rack limiting pin 340, the stop 220 can protrude fully. When the other end of the pin guide 330 is located at the rack limiting pin 340, the stop 220 can be inserted into the groove 100.

[0057] Preferably, the length of the pin guide 330 corresponds to the rotation angle of the stop gear 210. When the stop 220 protrudes, the longitudinal movement of the pin guide 330 is limited by the rack and pinion limiting pin 340. Therefore, when the stop 220 protrudes, the rotation angle of the stop 220 can be limited.

[0058] When the stop 220 is inserted into the groove 100, the longitudinal movement of the pin guide 330 is limited by the rack and pinion limiting pin 340. Therefore, the rotation angle of the stop 220 is limited when it is inserted into the groove 100.

[0059] When the controller 400 detects a signal indicating that the gate is closed, the controller 400 can use the driving force from the drive unit 310 to perform control to eject the stop 220. Preferably, the controller 400 can rotate the drive unit 310 when it detects a signal indicating that the gate is closed.

[0060] The drive unit 310 can receive information about the gate's closed state from the controller 400 and can apply a driving force to the rack 320. Preferably, the drive unit 310 can move the rack 320 longitudinally by rotating it. When the controller 400 detects a signal indicating that the gate is closed, the controller 400 can control the drive unit 310 to move the rack 320 forward.

[0061] exist Figure 3 In this configuration, as the rack 320 moves forward in the vehicle's forward direction, the stop gear 210 can rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, the stop member 220 can rotate counterclockwise around the corresponding stop gear 210, thus protruding it. The rotation angle of the stop gear 210 can correspond to the length of the pin guide 330. Therefore, the stop member 220 can be protruded to a predetermined angle.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is open.

[0063] refer to Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower gate stop structure may further include a stop pin 211 located at the axis of each stop gear 210. The stop pin 211 may extend through the stop member 220 and the stop gear 210, and may be fixed to the vehicle body. The stop member 220 may rotate to a predetermined angle about each stop pin 211.

[0064] Vehicles to which the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied may be hybrid vehicles or electric vehicles, such as PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) or HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles), wherein the battery 30 is arranged on the lower surface of the vehicle body. The battery 30 may be installed inside the stop 220. The width of each stop 220 may be set to avoid reducing the space available for installing the battery 30. The hinge axis of the lower gate 10 may be located outside the stop 220.

[0065] The lower cover 50 may be located below the battery 30 and the stop 220. The side beam 40 is located outside the stop 220, and the stop pin 211 may extend through and be held by the side beam 40.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed.

[0067] The controller 400 can receive a signal indicating that the gate is closed. When the controller 400 detects the signal indicating that the gate is closed, the drive unit 310 applies a driving force to cause the stop 220 to pop out of the groove 100. Preferably, the controller 400 can rotate the drive unit 310 when it detects the signal indicating that the gate is closed.

[0068] When the gate is fully closed, the stop 220 can be kept protruding from the groove 100 by the controller 400. Since the protruding stop 220 is arranged close to each other with the inner surface of the lower gate 10 in the closed state, stability in the event of a collision can be improved.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed, wherein the stop 220 protrudes from the groove 100.

[0070] refer to Figure 6The length of each stop 220 protruding from the upper surface of the groove 100 corresponds to the length of the corresponding groove 100. When the stop is protruding, the bottom surface of each stop 220 is parallel to the vehicle floor. Since the stop 220 protrudes to block the open surface of the groove 100, the movement of the stop 220 can be limited in the event of a lateral collision. Therefore, the collision energy transmitted to the floor 20 of the vehicle body can be effectively absorbed.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a view showing the stop unit 200 and rack unit 300 of the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the lower gate stop structure according to an embodiment of the present invention when the gate is closed.

[0072] When the gate is closed, the stop 220 can remain in the popped-out state. When the stop 220 is protruded, only a portion of each stop 220 can be exposed upward from the vehicle floor 20. Here, a portion (or one end) of each first surface of the stop 220 can be arranged adjacent to the rack 320 below the floor 20.

[0073] When the controller 400 detects a signal indicating that the gate is open, the drive unit 310 can apply a driving force to insert the stop 220 into the groove 100. Preferably, the controller 400 can detect the signal indicating that the gate is open and can rotate the drive unit 310.

[0074] The drive unit 310 can receive information about the open gate from the controller 400 and can apply a driving force to the rack 320. Preferably, the drive unit 310 can move the rack 320 longitudinally by rotating it. When the controller 400 detects a signal indicating that the gate is open, the controller 400 can control the drive unit 310 to move the rack 320 in the rearward direction of the vehicle.

[0075] As the rack 320 moves rearward along the vehicle, the stop gear 210 can rotate clockwise. The stop member 220 can rotate clockwise around the corresponding stop gear 210 and can be inserted into the corresponding groove 100. The rotation angle of each stop gear 210 can correspond to the length of the pin guide 330. Therefore, the stop member 220 can be inserted into the groove 100 when rotated to a predetermined angle.

[0076] Simultaneously, the stop 220 can protrude while rotating around each stop pin 211 to a predetermined angle. For example... Figure 8 As shown, when the gate 10 is in the closed state, the stop 220 can absorb the collision energy through the surface of its adjacent inner surface of the gate.

[0077] In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide a lower gate stop structure that can selectively protrude the stop unit 200 under the control of the controller 400 according to the open or closed state of the gate, and can absorb the impact in the event of a lateral collision of a vehicle due to the presence of the stop unit 200 protruding when the gate is closed.

[0078] By means of the above-described construction and combinations thereof in the embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention provide the following effects:

[0079] Because the stop unit is selectively protruded by the controller, it has the effect of preventing passengers from interfering with the stop unit when the gate is open, and absorbing the energy of a lateral collision when the gate is closed.

[0080] Furthermore, since the stop unit protrudes when the gate is closed, it effectively prevents gate intrusion and ensures passenger safety in the event of a collision.

[0081] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A lower gate stop structure, comprising: The stop unit is configured to protrude from the upper end of a groove arranged on the inner surface of the adjacent gate; A rack unit, connected to the stop unit, is configured to move longitudinally to cause the stop unit to protrude; as well as The controller is configured to selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit based on the open or closed state of the gate. The stop unit includes: The stop gear meshes with the rack unit; as well as At least one stop is configured to rotate about the stop gear.

2. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first surface of the stop corresponds to the length of the open surface of the groove.

3. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 1, wherein the length of the portion of the stop member protruding from the upper end of the groove corresponds to the length of the groove.

4. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 1, further comprising a stop pin formed at the axis of the stop gear, wherein the stop member is configured to rotate about the stop pin.

5. A lower gate stop structure, comprising: The stop unit is configured to protrude from the upper end of a groove arranged on the inner surface of the adjacent gate; A rack unit, connected to the stop unit, is configured to move longitudinally to cause the stop unit to protrude; as well as The controller is configured to selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit based on the open or closed state of the gate; The stop unit includes: The stop gear meshes with the rack unit; and At least one stop is configured to rotate about the stop gear; and wherein the rack unit comprises: A drive unit is configured to receive information about the open or closed state of the gate and apply a driving force; A rack, connected to the stop gear and configured to move longitudinally by the driving force of the drive unit; A pin guide is formed at at least one end of the rack; and A rack and pinion limiting pin is arranged in the pin guide.

6. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the drive unit to apply a driving force to cause the stop to protrude when a signal indicating the closed state of the gate is detected.

7. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to control the drive unit to apply a driving force to insert the stop into the groove when a signal indicating the open state of the gate is detected.

8. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein when the first end of the pin guide is located at the rack limiting pin, the stop is fully protruding, and when the second end of the pin guide is located at the rack limiting pin, the stop is inserted into the groove.

9. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein the rotation angle of the stop gear corresponds to the length of the pin guide.

10. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein the length of the first surface of the stop corresponds to the length of the open surface of the groove.

11. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, wherein the length of the portion of the stop protruding from the upper end of the groove corresponds to the length of the groove.

12. The lower gate stop structure according to claim 5, further comprising a stop pin formed at the axis of the stop gear, wherein the stop member is configured to rotate about the stop pin.

13. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle body, including the floor in which grooves are formed; The lower gate is integrated into the vehicle body; A stop unit is arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the lower gate and is configured to protrude from the upper end of the groove; A rack unit, connected to the stop unit, is configured to move longitudinally to cause the stop unit to protrude; as well as The controller is configured to selectively control the protrusion of the stop unit based on the open or closed state of the lower gate. The stop unit includes: The stop gear meshes with the rack unit; as well as At least one stop is configured to rotate about the stop gear.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the length of the first surface of the stop corresponds to the length of the open surface of the groove.

15. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the length of the portion of the stop protruding from the upper end of the groove corresponds to the length of the groove.

16. The vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a stop pin formed at the axis of the stop gear, wherein the stop member is configured to rotate about the stop pin.

17. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the rack unit comprises: The drive unit is configured to receive information about the open or closed state of the lower gate and apply a driving force; A rack, connected to the stop gear, is configured to move longitudinally by the driving force of the drive unit; A pin guide is formed in at least one end of the rack; as well as A rack and pinion limiting pin is arranged in the pin guide.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to: When a signal indicating the closed state of the lower gate is detected, the controller controls the drive unit to apply a driving force to cause the stop to protrude; and When a signal indicating the open state of the lower gate is detected, the controller controls the drive unit to apply a driving force to insert the stop into the groove.

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