Tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle and method for operating a tailgate assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a tailgate (2) having a rear window pane (3) and at least one body component (8) which is adjacent to the rear window pane (3) when the tailgate (2) is closed and which is further away from the rear window pane (3) when the tailgate (2) is open than when the tailgate (2) is closed. A capacitive sensor device (14) is provided for monitoring a gap between the rear window pane (3) and the at least one body component (8) in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap. At least one electrode (15, 19) of the capacitive sensor device (14) is arranged on the rear window pane (3). The invention also relates to a method for operating a tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a tailgate with a rear window pane and at least one vehicle body component. The rear window pane is adjacent to the at least one vehicle body component when the tailgate is closed. The rear window pane is further away from the vehicle body component when the tailgate is open than when the tailgate is closed. In order to monitor the gap between the rear window pane and the at least one vehicle body component in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap, a capacitive sensor device is provided. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method for operating such a tailgate assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known from motor vehicle construction to provide a capacitive sensor device in a seal which is fixed to the vehicle body, against which the tailgate of the motor vehicle rests when the tailgate is closed. It can be provided here that one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is provided in the tailgate seal which is fixed to the vehicle body, while an object serves as the second electrode of the capacitive sensor device, which object can be pinched between the seal and the edge of the tailgate when the tailgate is closed.

[0003] It is disadvantageous here that in this configuration of the capacitive sensor device, non-conductive objects cannot be detected. In other words, such a capacitive sensor device cannot be used to monitor whether a non-conductive object is present in the gap between the edge of the tailgate and the seal which is fixed to the vehicle body.

[0004] Furthermore, the integration of the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device into the tailgate seal which is fixed to the vehicle body requires very complex wiring. In particular, the detection area should be divided into different segments, each of which requires its own electrical connection. This makes the gap monitoring relatively complex.

[0005] WO 2011 / 038514 A1 describes a method for preventing objects from being pinched between a movable window pane and a fixed frame of the window pane of a motor vehicle. Here, a capacitive sensor is provided on the frame of the window pane. The sensor comprises a seal which is bonded to the frame. Inside the seal, a first electrode and a second electrode of the capacitive sensor are provided. Changes in the distance between the electrodes caused by an object being pinched between the seal and the window pane are detected from changes in the resistance of the capacitive sensor or changes in the capacitance of the capacitive sensor.

[0006] The relative complexity of the integration of the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device into the seal is also considered a disadvantage here. Furthermore, such a capacitive sensor device is very sensitive to the presence of dirt and / or leaves and / or water and the like in the area of the seal, since such substances or liquids also have an effect on the electrical parameters which can be detected when using the capacitive sensor device. SUMMARY

[0007] It is the task of the present application to provide a tailgate assembly of the type mentioned at the outset, which enables a particularly reliable monitoring of the gap between the rear window pane and the body component, and a corresponding method for operating such a tailgate assembly.

[0008] According to the application, the task is solved by a tailgate assembly and by a method for operating a tailgate assembly.

[0009] The tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle according to the application comprises a tailgate having a rear window pane. The tailgate assembly further comprises at least one body component, which is adjacent to the rear window pane when the tailgate is closed and which is spaced further apart from the rear window pane than when the tailgate is closed when the tailgate is open. The tailgate assembly further comprises a capacitive sensor device for monitoring the gap between the rear window pane and the at least one body component in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap. Here, at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is arranged on the rear window pane.

[0010] This is based on the recognition that when at least one electrode of a capacitive sensor device for monitoring the gap is arranged in a sealing element which is fixed to the body, the electrode of the sensor device is relatively far away from the position in which an object can be clamped between the rear window pane and the body component which is adjacent to the rear window pane. Thus, if the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is arranged in a sealing element which is fixed to the body, the presence of an object in the gap cannot be detected very reliably.

[0011] In contrast thereto, by arranging the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device on the rear window pane itself, the gap between the rear window pane and the adjacent body component can be monitored particularly reliably. This is because the at least one electrode which moves together with the rear window pane when the open tailgate is moved into the closed position moves towards the at least one body component, so that the presence of an object in the gap can be detected particularly safely and reliably, since the at least one electrode is very close to the measurement position.

[0012] Arranging the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor on the rear window pane has the advantage, on the one hand, that the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is particularly close to the object to be measured or monitored. This facilitates a reliable monitoring of the gap between the rear window pane and the body component.

[0013] In addition, the presence of a non-conducting object in the gap can also be detected. Furthermore, such a capacitive sensor device, in which the at least one electrode is arranged on the rear window pane, can be integrated particularly simply into the motor vehicle. This applies both to connecting the at least one electrode to corresponding electrical lines for measuring the electrical properties of the sensor device depending on the presence of an object, and to mounting the at least one electrode on the rear window pane in an applied manner.

[0014] Furthermore, by arranging the at least one electrode on the rear window pane, in particular a pinch protection can be provided in the region between the rear window pane and a body component adjacent to the rear window pane, which can be configured as a tail-side side frame of the motor vehicle.

[0015] In order to monitor the gap between the rear window pane and the body component when the tailgate is open in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap, the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device arranged on the rear window pane and a counter electrode can be brought to different potentials by applying a voltage. In this case, for example, the capacitance of the capacitor formed or charged in this way can be measured. And the capacitance is dependent on the electrical properties of an object, such as a finger or a hand, which is located in the gap and thus in the electric field generated by the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device.

[0016] Depending on the type of voltage applied to the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device, a change in the capacitance of the sensor device or a change in the resistance value of the capacitor formed by the electrodes can be measured and thus detected in dependence on the presence of an object.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one electrode is arranged in an edge region of the rear window pane, which is adjacent to a narrow side of the rear window pane. The narrow side of the rear window pane in this case faces the at least one body component when the tailgate is closed. In this way, the at least one electrode is arranged particularly close to the body component. As a result, even objects which only protrude slightly into the existing gap from the body component when the tailgate is open can be detected particularly reliably. Thus, by arranging the at least one electrode in an edge region of the rear window pane, a particularly effective pinch protection can be provided.

[0018] The inner side of the rear window pane can face a sealing element when the tailgate is closed, which is held on the at least one body component. In this case, preferably at least a partial region of the at least one electrode is arranged between the sealing element and the at least one body component, viewed in the transverse direction of the rear window pane. By arranging the at least one electrode on the rear window pane in this way, in particular the region between the sealing element and the body component can be monitored in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap. This is particularly advantageous for reliable monitoring of the gap, since such an object can be pinched when the tailgate is closed.

[0019] This embodiment is based on the recognition that when the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is arranged in the sealing element on the body side, the capacitive sensor device is relatively far away from the measurement location. Since there is usually a drainage channel between the sealing element and the body component, to which the narrow side of the rear window pane faces when the tailgate is closed, for example rainwater can flow away through this drainage channel. Thus, when the at least one electrode of the sensor device is arranged in the sealing element, the distance between the sensor device and the narrow side of the rear window pane is comparatively large.

[0020] Thus, the position at which the presence of an object in the gap can be detected moves in the transverse direction of the vehicle, or in other words in the transverse direction of the rear window pane, by the width of the drainage channel to the interior of the motor vehicle. On account of this comparatively large distance of the at least one electrode from the object to be detected, the object to be detected can be detected relatively poorly.

[0021] In contrast thereto, if at least a partial region of the at least one electrode is arranged, viewed in the transverse direction of the rear window pane, between the sealing element and the body component, a particularly small distance between the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device and the measurement location can be achieved.

[0022] It can be provided that one electrode of the capacitive sensor device is provided by the at least one body component. The at least one body component can for example have the ground potential of the motor vehicle body and serve as a reference potential for the capacitor formed by the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device. In particular, the body component can serve as the electrical negative pole of the capacitor and thus the other electrode of the capacitive sensor device arranged on the rear window pane serves as the electrical positive pole of the capacitor.

[0023] Since the glass of the rear window pane is not an electrical conductor, the application of a positive charge to the electrode of the capacitive sensor device arranged on the rear window pane, i.e. the placing of the electrode arranged on the rear window pane at a higher potential than the potential of the body component, leads to the formation of an electrical field between the electrode on the rear window pane and the electrode provided by the body component. If an object is now placed in this electrical field, the capacitance of the capacitive sensor device comprising the two electrodes changes. By providing one of the electrodes of the capacitive sensor device by the at least one body component, a very simple structure of the capacitive sensor device can be achieved.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, a first electrode of the capacitive sensor device and a second electrode of the capacitive sensor device are arranged on the rear window pane. Here, the charge separation for the capacitor of the capacitive sensor device is achieved by placing the two electrodes arranged on the rear window pane at different potentials. If a first, for example positive, electrode and a second, then negative, electrode of the capacitive sensor device are both located on the rear window pane, the first electrode and the second electrode can generate an electrical field which is particularly unaffected by the presence of water.

[0025] Thus, in particular, it can be ensured that the electrical field does not extend almost at all into the drainage channel formed in the region of the body component. Thus, the presence of water in the drainage channel has a particularly small effect on the electrical field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. In other words, the water which can flow away in the drainage channel is particularly far away from the electrical field, so that the influence of the water on the electrical field is particularly low. This enables particularly accurate measurements when monitoring the gap in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap.

[0026] It is preferred that the at least one electrode is applied on the inner side of the rear window pane. The inner side is opposite to the outer side of the rear window pane, wherein the outer side is directed towards the surroundings when the tailgate is closed. In this way, the at least one electrode is particularly well protected from possible damage by the rear window pane itself.

[0027] Furthermore, when manufacturing the rear window pane, it is common to apply electrical conductors to the inner side or the underside of the rear window pane in order to provide, for example, rear window pane heating and / or antenna functions. Therefore, the expenditure for applying the at least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device to the inner side of the rear window pane in addition to such electrical conductors is particularly low.

[0028] Therefore, the provision of the at least one electrode on the rear window pane can in particular be carried out in the same manufacturing step of the rear window pane manufacturing in which the at least one electrical conductor, for example for rear window pane heating and / or antenna functions, is also applied to the inner side or the underside of the rear window pane. Furthermore, the provision of the at least one electrode on the inner side of the rear window pane is particularly simple compared to embedding the at least one electrode between two layers of the rear window pane which is configured as a laminated glass.

[0029] It is preferred that the at least one electrode extends along the entire partial area of the rear window pane in the height direction of the rear window pane, the narrow side of the partial area being directed towards the at least one body component when the tailgate is closed. In this way, the entire partial area of the rear window pane which is crucial for pinching objects can be monitored in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap. This is advantageous for providing particularly extensive anti-pinch protection.

[0030] It is preferred that the respective electrodes of the capacitive sensor device of the tailgate assembly are provided in a first edge region of the rear window pane and in a second edge region of the rear window pane. Here, the second edge region is opposite to the first edge region as seen in the transverse direction of the rear window pane. By providing the respective electrodes in the respective edge regions of the rear window pane, both edge regions of the rear window pane which are opposite to each other in the transverse direction of the rear window pane can be monitored in order to determine whether an object is located in the gap between the respective edge region of the rear window pane and the body component when the tailgate is open. Therefore, particularly comprehensive anti-pinch protection can be achieved. When the tailgate is provided on a motor vehicle, the transverse direction of the rear window pane extends parallel to the vehicle transverse axis.

[0031] It is preferred that the tailgate assembly comprises means for holding the tailgate in an open position depending on a signal of the capacitive sensor device. The signal indicates the presence of an object in the gap. In this way, effective anti-pinch protection is provided by the tailgate assembly.

[0032] In a method according to the invention for a tailgate assembly for operating a motor vehicle, the tailgate assembly includes a tailgate with a rear window and at least one body member, wherein the rear window is adjacent to the body member when the tailgate is closed. When the tailgate is open, the rear window is further away from the body member than when the tailgate is closed. In the method, a capacitive sensor device is used to monitor the gap between the rear window and the at least one body member to determine whether an object is present in the gap. At least one electrode of the capacitive sensor device disposed on the rear window is used to monitor the presence of an object in the gap.

[0033] This method is particularly reliable at monitoring the gap between the rear window and the body components when the tailgate is open to determine if there is an object in that gap.

[0034] The advantages and preferred embodiments described for the tailgate assembly according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0035] Other features of the invention are derived from the accompanying drawings and description. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as the features and combinations thereof mentioned below in the description and / or shown separately in the drawings, may be used not only in the combinations given respectively, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0037] Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of a motor vehicle with an open tailgate is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 The rear view schematically shows the rear window of the tailgate, which has electrodes of corresponding capacitive sensor devices in the opposite edge regions.

[0039] Figure 3 One of the edge areas of the rear window glass with electrodes is shown in enlarged schematic detail;

[0040] Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view shows the rear window of a vehicle with the tailgate open and the side frame adjacent to the rear window, wherein one electrode of a capacitive sensor device is disposed on the rear window and the other electrode is formed by the side frame; and

[0041] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A variant of the capacitive sensor device, wherein both the first and second electrodes of the capacitive sensor device are disposed on the rear window glass. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1 The motor vehicle 1 is shown schematically and partially with the tailgate 2 open. The tailgate 2 has a rear window 3 which, in the Figure 2 , is shown in a rear view, i.e. a view looking out of the rear window 3 to the outside 4. When the tailgate 2 is closed, the tailgate 2 rests on at least one sealing element or seal 5 which is fixed on the vehicle body and extends around the opening which can be closed by the tailgate 2 (see Figure 1 ).

[0043] The tailgate 2 is currently designed in such a way that the respective edge regions 6, 7 of the rear window 3 which, in the Figure 2 , are opposite one another in the transverse direction of the rear window 3 are adjacent to a vehicle body component in the form of a left-hand frame 8 in Figure 1 and a right-hand frame 9 in Figure 1 when the tailgate 2 is closed.

[0044] The transverse direction of the rear window 3 is shown by the double-headed arrow 13 in Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . In the motor vehicle 1, this transverse direction of the rear window 3 extends substantially parallel to the vehicle axis y of the motor vehicle 1. The vehicle transverse axis y as well as the vehicle longitudinal axis x of the motor vehicle 1 and the vehicle vertical axis z of the motor vehicle 1 are shown by means of an orthogonal coordinate system in Figure 1 . The pivot axis of the tailgate 2, about which the tailgate 2 can be pivoted in order to be opened, also extends substantially parallel to the vehicle transverse axis y.

[0045] In Figure 4 and 5 , in order to illustrate the abutment of the rear window 3 on the at least one vehicle body component when the tailgate 2 is closed, the vehicle body component in the form of the left-hand frame 8 is shown exemplarily partially cut away and in perspective. Furthermore, the seal 5 is shown in Figure 4 and 5 , enlarged and partially cut away, which extends around the rear opening of the motor vehicle 1 which can be closed by means of the tailgate 2 (see Figure 1 ).

[0046] In Figure 4 , also in Figure 5 , the tailgate 2 is shown in an at least partially open state. In contrast to this, the narrow side 10 of the rear window 3 is directed towards a wall 11 of the side frame 8 when the tailgate 2 is closed. This wall 11 laterally, i.e. in the transverse direction of the rear window 3, delimits a gutter 12 (see Figure 4 and 5 ) formed by the side frame 8. In other words, the narrow side 10 of the rear window 3 is opposite the wall 11 when the tailgate 2 is closed.

[0047] When the tailgate 2 is closed, a (not shown in Figure 4 for the sake of clarity) Rohbauteil of the tailgate 2 rests on the seal 5. The Rohbauteil of the tailgate 2, which is for example configured as a frame or an inner lining of the tailgate 2, serves in particular for holding the rear window pane 3.

[0048] At present, it is monitored by means of the capacitive sensor device 14 whether an object, such as a finger or a hand, is located in the gap between the edge regions 6, 7 of the rear window pane 3 and the Rohbauteil in the form of the respective side frame 8, 9 when the tailgate 2 is open. Here, the capacitive sensor device 14 or the capacitive sensor has at least one first electrode 15, which is arranged on the rear window pane 3.

[0049] The tailgate assembly of the motor vehicle 1 comprises the tailgate 2 with the rear window pane 3, the at least one Rohbauteil in the form of the respective side frame 8, 9 at present and the capacitive sensor device 14.

[0050] From Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 3 it can be seen that the respective first electrode 15, 16 of the respective capacitive sensor device 14 can be arranged on the edge regions 6, 7, which are opposite one another in the transverse direction of the rear window pane 3. However, in the following, only the first electrode 15 arranged in the left-hand edge region or the first edge region 6 of the rear window pane 3 in accordance with Figures 3 to 5 will be discussed for the sake of simplicity when explaining the principle of action of the capacitive sensor device 14. Figure 2

[0051] Firstly, it can be seen from Figure 3 that the first electrode 15 can be provided by a printed conductor applied to the underside or inner side 17 of the rear window pane 3 in the first edge region 6. The printed conductor forming the first electrode 15 here extends along the entire partial region of the rear window pane 3, the narrow side 10 of which is directed towards the side frame 8 when the tailgate 2 is closed. Thus, it can be monitored on the entire partial region whether an object will be pinched between the edge region 6 of the rear window pane 3 and the adjacent side frame 8 when the tailgate 2 is closed, in particular electrically.

[0052] According to Figure 3 , the printed conductor applied on the inner side 17 of the rear window pane 3 has a section 18 extending substantially in the transverse direction of the rear window pane 3, which section is also shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 perspectively.

[0053] In Figure 4 ​In a variant of the capacitive sensor device 14 shown, the second electrode 19 of the capacitive sensor device 14 is formed by the side frame 8. For example, the side frame 8 may have the zero reference potential of the capacitor of the capacitive sensor device 14, which includes the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 19.

[0054] Compared to Figure 4 The first electrode 15 is placed at a different potential, representing a grounded reference potential formed by the vehicle body 1, which is shown as the negative electrode. Therefore, the first electrode 15 is... Figure 4 The electrode shown is the positive electrode. The capacitor of the capacitive sensor device 14, including the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 19, can be charged in this manner.

[0055] Field line 20 illustrates the electric field of the capacitive sensor device 14 generated by the charged capacitor. For clarity, in Figure 4 Only some field lines have attached diagram labels.

[0056] If an object such as a finger or hand is placed in the gap between the edge area 6 of the rear window glass 3 and the side frame 8 when the tailgate 2 is opened, the capacitance of the sensor, or capacitive sensor device 14, will change.

[0057] This applies to both conductive objects placed in the gap and non-conductive objects located in the gap. The corresponding changes in the capacitance of the sensor device 14 can be detected using a measuring device (not shown).

[0058] Preferably, the device 21 is used to set the device in Figure 1 Only schematically shown and in Figure 1 The diagram does not accurately depict its arrangement within the vehicle 1, but the device allows the tailgate 2 to be stopped in the open position. When an object is detected in the gap between one of the edge regions 6, 7 of the rear window 3 and one of the side frames 8, 9, the device 21 of the tailgate assembly stops the tailgate 2 in the open position. The device 21 is controlled based on signals from the at least one capacitive sensor device 14.

[0059] from Figure 4 As can be seen, the field line 20 extends into the area of ​​the drain groove 12 formed between the wall 11 of the side frame 8 and the seal 5. To keep the influence of water in the drain groove 12 on the detection of objects in the gap particularly low, a capacitive sensor device 14 can be used in the tailgate assembly. Figure 5 The variant shown is schematically illustrated.

[0060] Here, the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 19 of the capacitive sensor device 14 are both provided by printed wires applied to the inner side 17, or lower side, of the rear window glass 3. Therefore, in Figure 5The electric field is also turned by the field lines 20 shown schematically in the drawing such that the electric field is particularly little influenced by water that can be located in the drain channel 12. In this way it is possible to largely avoid measurement errors or measurement inaccuracies.

[0061] In Figure 5 the second electrode 19 is shown as the negative pole of the capacitive sensor device 14 and the first electrode 15 as the positive pole of the capacitive sensor device 14. The placement of an object into the electric field generated by the electrodes 15, 19 also leads here to a change in the capacitor capacity, which is formed by the electrodes 15, 19 that are located at different potentials.

[0062] In order to separate the charges and thus in order to place the electrodes 15, 19 at different potentials, it is possible both Figure 4 in the variant shown in Figure 5 to apply a voltage to the electrodes 15, 19.

[0063] Not only in the variant of the capacitive sensor device 14 shown in Figure 4 but also in the variant of the capacitive sensor device 14 shown in Figure 5 it is possible to detect an object in the respective edge region 6, 7 of the rear window pane 3 that directly adjoins the narrow side 10.

[0064] This is because the at least one electrode 15, 19 arranged on the rear window pane 3 is very close to the respective side frame 8, 9 and thus to the measurement field. Thus, due to the arrangement of the at least one electrode 15, 19 on the rear window pane 3, it is possible to particularly easily implement a check as to whether an item or object is present in the region or gap to be monitored.

[0065] In this regard, it can be seen in particular from Figure 4 and Figure 5 that it is preferred for at least the first electrode 15 (cf. Figure 4 ) or the first electrode 15 and the second electrode 19 (cf. Figure 5 ) to be arranged between the sealing element or seal 5 and the vehicle body component in the form of the respective side frame 8, 9 in the transverse direction of the rear window pane 3. Thus, compared to the case in which the electrodes of the capacitive sensor are arranged in the seal 5, it is possible to better and more reliably detect objects in the gap between the respective edge region 6, 7 and the side frame 8, 9 when the tailgate 2 is open.

[0066] Overall, these examples show how a collision recognition upon closing of the tailgate is implemented by means of the capacitive sensor device 14 in or on the rear window pane 3 by virtue of the application.

[0067] List of reference signs

[0068] 1 motor vehicle

[0069] 2 tailgate

[0070] 3 rear window

[0071] 4 outer side

[0072] 5 seal

[0073] 6 edge region

[0074] 7 edge region

[0075] 8 side frame

[0076] 9 side frame

[0077] 10 narrow side

[0078] 11 wall

[0079] 12 drain channel

[0080] 13 bidirectional arrow

[0081] 14 sensor device

[0082] 15 electrode

[0083] 16 electrode

[0084] 17 inner side

[0085] 18 section

[0086] 19 electrode

[0087] 20 field line

[0088] 21 device

[0089] x vehicle longitudinal axis

[0090] y vehicle transverse axis

[0091] z vehicle vertical axis

Claims

1. Tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle (1), the tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate (2) having a rear window pane (3), the tailgate assembly comprising at least one body part (8, 9) adjacent to which the rear window pane (3) is located when the tailgate (2) is closed and further away from which the rear window pane (3) is located when the tailgate (2) is open, and the tailgate assembly comprising a capacitive sensor device (14) for monitoring a gap between the rear window pane (3) and the at least one body part (8, 9) to determine whether an object is present in the gap, characterized in that The capacitive sensor device (14) has a first electrode and a second electrode, at least a partial area of which is arranged between the sealing element (5) and the at least one body component (8, 9) in the transverse direction (13) of the rear window pane (3) when the tailgate (2) is closed, the inner side (17) of the rear window pane (3) facing the sealing element (5) which is held on the at least one body component (8, 9), the first electrode of the capacitive sensor device (14) and the second electrode of the capacitive sensor device (14) being arranged on the inner side (17) of the rear window pane (3) such that the electric field generated by the first electrode and the second electrode does not extend almost into the drainage channel formed between the sealing element and the body component.

2. The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one electrode is arranged in an edge region (6, 7) of the rear window pane (3) which adjoins a narrow side (10) of the rear window pane (3) which faces the at least one body component (8, 9) when the tailgate (2) is closed.

3. The tailgate assembly of claim 1, wherein, The inner side (17) of the rear window pane (3) is opposite the outer side (4) of the rear window pane (3) which faces the surroundings when the tailgate (2) is closed.

4. The tailgate assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, At least one electrode extends in the height direction of the rear window pane (3) along the entire partial area of the rear window pane (3) whose narrow side (10) faces the at least one body component (8, 9) when the tailgate (2) is closed.

5. The tailgate assembly of one of claims 1-3, wherein, The respective electrodes of the capacitive sensor device (14) of the tailgate assembly are arranged in a first edge region (6) of the rear window pane (3) and in a second edge region (7) of the rear window pane (3) which is opposite the first edge region (6) in the transverse direction (13) of the rear window pane (3).

6. The tailgate assembly of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The tailgate assembly comprises means (21) for holding the tailgate (2) in the open position in dependence on a signal from the capacitive sensor device (14) indicating the presence of an object in the gap.

7. Method for operating a tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which tailgate assembly comprises a tailgate (2) having a rear window pane (3) and at least one body component (8, 9) which, when the tailgate (2) is closed, is adjacent to the rear window pane (3) and which, when the tailgate (2) is open, is further away from the rear window pane (3) than when the tailgate (2) is closed, in which method the gap between the rear window pane (3) and the at least one body component (8, 9) is monitored by means of a capacitive sensor device (14) in order to determine whether an object is present in the gap, characterized in that Two electrodes of the capacitive sensor device (14) arranged on the rear window pane (3) are used to monitor whether an object is present in the gap.

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