Lower tail door assembly and automobile

Abstract

The lower tail door assembly comprises a lower tail door and an inhaul cable mechanism, the inhaul cable mechanism comprises a shell and an inhaul cable, the shell comprises a connecting base and a guide sleeve, the connecting base is used for being connected with the lower tail door, the connecting base is provided with a connecting channel, the connecting channel comprises a channel outlet, the guide sleeve comprises a main body part and an outer edge part, and the outer edge part is provided with a through hole. The two ends of the main body part are communicated, the inhaul cable movably penetrates through the connecting channel and the main body part, the outer edge part is arranged on the periphery of the main body part and provided with a drainage hole, the drainage hole is communicated with the channel outlet, and at least one part of the inlet end of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet. According to the lower tail door assembly, water in the inhaul cable mechanism can be efficiently discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of automobiles, in particular to a lower tailgate assembly and an automobile. Background Art

[0002] Currently, some cars have a lower tailgate that can be opened by swinging downward. When the lower tailgate is opened, it becomes roughly horizontal, allowing users to place items on it or sit on it for a rest. The lower tailgate is connected to the vehicle body via a cable mechanism. On rainy days, when the lower tailgate is opened, water may enter the interior of the cable mechanism's housing. In the prior art, to facilitate the drainage of water from the cable mechanism, the cable mechanism's housing is also provided with a drain hole. When the lower tailgate is closed, water from the cable mechanism flows out of the drain hole primarily under the action of gravity. However, despite the provision of the drain hole, the water still has a long flow path within the housing during drainage, resulting in poor drainage performance. Utility Model Content

[0003] The utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the utility model proposes a lower tailgate assembly, the cable mechanism of which has a better drainage effect.

[0004] The utility model also provides a car comprising the lower tailgate assembly.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the lower tailgate assembly includes a lower tailgate and a cable mechanism, the cable mechanism includes a shell and a retractable cable, the shell includes: a connecting seat, the connecting seat is connected to the lower tailgate, the connecting seat is provided with a connecting channel, the connecting channel includes a channel outlet; a guide sleeve, covering the channel outlet, the guide sleeve includes a main body and an outer edge, the main body and the outer edge are both located outside the connecting channel, the two ends of the main body are connected, the cable can be movably passed through the connecting channel and the main body, the outer edge is arranged on the periphery of the main body, the outer edge is provided with a drainage hole, the drainage hole is connected to the channel outlet, when the lower tailgate is in a closed state, at least a part of the inlet end of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet.

[0006] The lower tailgate assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0007] In the prior art, drainage holes are spaced below the channel outlet, meaning they are completely below the bottom of the channel outlet. This means that after water flows out of the channel outlet, it still has to travel a considerable distance downward to reach the drainage holes, resulting in a long water flow path and low drainage efficiency. Furthermore, water may remain in the space between the channel outlet and the drainage holes. Consequently, the drainage effect of the cable mechanism in the prior art is poor.

[0008] In the lower tailgate assembly of the present invention, since at least a portion of the inlet end of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet, water flowing out of the channel outlet quickly enters the drainage hole, shortening the water flow path during drainage and preventing water from remaining. Therefore, the cable mechanism of the present invention has a better drainage effect.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the edge of the channel outlet includes a first side edge and a second side edge. When the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the bottom end of the first side edge is connected to the bottom end of the second side edge. The first side edge and the second side edge are both inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The distance between the first side edge and the second side edge gradually decreases from top to bottom. The inlet end of the drainage hole is arranged at the angle formed by the first side edge and the second side edge.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the drainage hole gradually extends downward from the inlet end of the drainage hole to the outlet end of the drainage hole; and / or, when the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the connecting channel further includes a channel inlet, and the connecting channel gradually extends downward from the channel inlet to the channel outlet.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cable mechanism includes a first sealing ring, which is located on the side of the outer edge portion facing away from the channel outlet; the lower tailgate is provided with a avoidance hole, the main body is passed through the avoidance hole, the drainage hole is connected to the avoidance hole, and the side surface of the first sealing ring facing away from the outer edge portion is connected to the lower tailgate, and the first sealing ring surrounds the main body, the drainage hole and the avoidance hole.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cable mechanism also includes a second sealing ring, the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separately arranged, the second sealing ring is clamped by the guide sleeve and the connecting seat, and the second sealing ring is arranged around the edge of the channel outlet.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the shell further includes an outer cylinder, the connecting seat is connected to one end of the outer cylinder, and the cable mechanism further includes: a connecting head, one end of the cable is located in the outer cylinder and fixedly connected to the connecting head; an elastic member, the elastic member is arranged in the outer cylinder, the elastic member is connected to the connecting head, and when the length of the part of the cable extending outside the shell increases, the elastic force of the elastic member is used to buffer the movement of the cable.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cable mechanism also includes: a first buffer pad, which is elastic and located inside the outer tube, and the first buffer pad is connected to one end of the outer tube close to the connecting seat, the cable passes through the first buffer pad, and the cable and the inner wall of the outer tube are sealed by the first buffer pad; a second buffer pad, which is elastic and located inside the outer tube, and the second buffer pad is connected to one end of the outer tube away from the connecting seat; the elastic member and the connecting head are both located between the first buffer pad and the second buffer pad, and the end of the elastic member away from the connecting head abuts against the first buffer pad.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cable mechanism further includes a limiting member, which is fixedly connected to the cable, the elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the limiting member, the limiting member is spaced apart from the connecting head, and the limiting member is located between the connecting head and the connecting seat.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the lower tailgate is provided with an avoidance hole, the main body is passed through the avoidance hole, and the drainage hole is connected to the avoidance hole; the lower tailgate includes an inner plate, a reinforcement plate and a sealant, a part of the avoidance hole is located on the inner plate, the other part of the avoidance hole is located on the reinforcement plate, the reinforcement plate and the connecting seat are located on the same side of the inner plate, the sealant is located between the inner plate and the reinforcement plate, the inner plate and the reinforcement plate are bonded by the sealant, and the sealant surrounds the avoidance hole.

[0017] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the automobile includes a body and the lower tailgate assembly as described in the first embodiment, the end of the cable exposed outside the shell is connected to the body, and the bottom end of the lower tailgate is rotatably connected to the body.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 A rear view of a car according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A side view of the vehicle with the lower tailgate in a closed state;

[0022] Figure 3 The test body is a car with the tailgate in the open state;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cable mechanism;

[0024] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the position of the connecting seat and the cable when the lower tailgate is in different states;

[0025] Figure 6 It is a partial schematic diagram of the cable mechanism;

[0026] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the cable mechanism in the state after the guide sleeve is removed;

[0027] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the guide sleeve;

[0028] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the lower tailgate and cable mechanism;

[0029] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the relative positions of the edge of the channel outlet and the drainage hole;

[0030] Figure 11 A simplified schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cable mechanism.

[0031] Reference numerals: 101 - car, 102 - car body, 103 - upper tailgate, 104 - lower tailgate, 105 - ball hinge, 106 - cable, 107 - housing, 108 - cable mechanism, 109 - ball head, 110 - ball socket, 111 - guide sleeve, 112 - connecting seat, 113 - outer cylinder, 114 - cover, 115 - anti-collision sleeve, 116 - mounting hole, 117 - rope passage, 118 - outer edge, 119 - main body, 120 - first sealing ring, 121 - Connecting channel, 122-installing groove, 123-riveting hole, 124 inserting part, 125-riveting part, 126-drainage hole, 127-sealant, 128-inner plate, 129-reinforcement plate, 130-second sealing ring, 131-channel outlet, 132-first side, 133-second side, 134-first buffer pad, 135-inner sleeve, 136-elastic part, 137-limiting part, 138-connecting head, 139-second buffer pad, 140-avoidance hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientations, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, "several" means more than one, "plurality" means more than two, "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. The use of the terms "first" and "second" is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and is not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features, or implicitly specifying the order of the indicated technical features.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0036] Figure 1 The figure shows a car 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The car 101 includes a body 102, an upper tailgate 103, and a lower tailgate assembly. The lower tailgate assembly includes a lower tailgate 104. Both the upper tailgate 103 and the lower tailgate 104 are mounted at the rear end of the body 102. The top end of the upper tailgate 103 is rotatably connected to the body 102. When the upper tailgate 103 is opened, the upper tailgate 103 rotates upward relative to the body 102. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bottom end of the lower tailgate 104 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 102. When the lower tailgate 104 is opened, the lower tailgate 104 can rotate downward relative to the vehicle body 102. It should be noted that in other embodiments not shown, the vehicle 101 may include only the lower tailgate 104 without the upper tailgate 103. For example, the vehicle 101 may be a pickup truck with an open rear cargo bed. The tailgate of the rear cargo bed is the lower tailgate 104, and the upper tailgate 103 is not provided on the rear cargo bed.

[0037] The lower tailgate assembly also includes a cable mechanism 108, which is used to buffer the lower tailgate 104. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the overall shape of the cable mechanism 108 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown. The cable mechanism 108 includes a shell 107 and a cable 106. The shell 107 is connected to the lower tailgate 104. A portion of the cable 106 is disposed inside the shell 107, and another portion of the cable 106 is exposed outside the shell 107. The lower tailgate 104 may include a plurality of interconnected sheet metals, which together define an inner cavity of the lower tailgate 104. The shell 107 may be disposed in the inner cavity of the lower tailgate 104. Furthermore, the shell 107 and the lower tailgate 104 may be fixed by bolt connection, riveting, welding, or the like. The end of the cable 106 exposed outside the shell 107 is connected to the vehicle body 102. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the cable 106 is connected to the vehicle body 102 via a ball joint 105. Figure 5 As shown, the ball joint 105 includes a ball head 109 and a ball socket 110 connected to each other. The ball head 109 is connected to the vehicle body 102 , and the ball socket 110 is connected to the cable 106 .

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 107 includes a connecting seat 112, which is used to connect with the lower tailgate 104. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the connecting base 112 is provided with two mounting holes 116, and the mounting holes 116 can be passed through by bolts (bolts not shown), and the connecting base 112 and the lower tailgate 104 are fixed by bolts. In order to improve the structural strength of the connecting base 112, the connecting base 112 can be made by a casting process, and the connecting base 112 can be made of metal material. The connecting base 112 is provided with a connecting channel 121, and the connecting channel 121 includes a channel outlet 131, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, the channel outlet 131 may be located at the front end of the connecting channel 121 , and the guide sleeve 111 is installed at the channel outlet 131 .

[0039] The guide sleeve 111 includes a main body 119 and an outer edge 118, and the outer edge 118 is arranged on the periphery of the main body 119. Figure 9 As shown, the guide sleeve 111 covers the channel outlet 131, and the main body 119 and the outer edge 118 are both located outside the connecting channel 121. The main body 119 is through-connected at both ends, and the cable 106 is movably inserted through the connecting channel 121 and the main body 119. More specifically, the through-connected main body 119 forms a cable passage 117, in which a portion of the cable 106 is located. The outer edge 118 is provided with a drainage hole 126, which is connected to the channel outlet 131. At least a portion of the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet 131.

[0040] The inlet and outlet of the drain hole 126 are based on the process of water flowing out of the housing 107 from the drain hole 126. During the outflow process, the water first passes through the inlet of the drain hole 126 and then passes through the outlet of the drain hole 126. The inlet of the drain hole 126 is the end of the drain hole 126 close to the channel outlet 131, and the outlet of the drain hole 126 is the end of the drain hole 126 away from the channel outlet 131. Figure 9 For example, the front end of the drainage hole 126 is the outlet end of the drainage hole 126 , and the rear end of the drainage hole 126 is the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 .

[0041] When the tailgate 104 is in a closed state, at least a portion of the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet 131. Figure 9 As shown, the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 is entirely located above the bottom end of the channel outlet 131; in other embodiments not shown, only a portion (such as the upper half) of the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 may be located above the bottom end of the channel outlet 131.

[0042] The following describes why water enters the housing 107 and how the drainage hole 126 drains water.

[0043] Figure 4 The figure shows the positions of the housing 107 when the lower tailgate 104 is in different positions. When the lower tailgate 104 is closed, it is generally vertical, with the housing 107 at position P1. The portion of the cable 106 outside the housing 107 is relatively short. When the lower tailgate 104 is open, it is generally horizontal, with the housing 107 at position P2. The portion of the cable 106 outside the housing 107 is relatively long. Therefore, when the lower tailgate 104 is open, the main body 119 of the guide sleeve 111 faces upward. During rainy days, rainwater flows from the main body 119 into the connection channel 121. When the lower tailgate 104 is closed, the main body 119 of the guide sleeve 111 faces forward, allowing water inside the housing 107 to flow through the connection outlet and drain hole 126 and drain out of the drain hole 126. This prevents residual water inside the housing 107 from rusting the components of the cable mechanism 108 or causing other problems. Of course, the lower tailgate 104 may also be tilted forward when in the closed state, as long as the posture of the housing 107 is suitable for allowing water to flow out of the drainage hole 126 .

[0044] In the prior art, drainage holes are spaced apart below the channel outlet, meaning they are completely below the bottom of the channel outlet. This means that after water flows out of the channel outlet, it still has to travel a considerable distance downward to reach the drainage holes, resulting in a long water flow path and low drainage efficiency. Furthermore, water may remain in the space between the channel outlet and the drainage holes 126. Consequently, the drainage efficiency of the prior art cable mechanism is poor.

[0045] Figure 9 The diagram shows the drainage path of the cable mechanism 108 of the present invention. Because at least a portion of the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet 131, water flowing out of the channel outlet 131 quickly enters the drainage hole 126. This shortens the water flow path during drainage and reduces the likelihood of water residue. Therefore, the cable mechanism 108 of the present invention provides a better drainage effect.

[0046] To improve drainage, in some embodiments, when the lower tailgate 104 is closed, the drain hole 126 gradually extends downward from its inlet to its outlet. This allows the drain hole 126 to be tilted, so that when water flows through it, gravity can drive the water out of it, acting as a force for drainage. Similarly, the connecting channel 121 also includes a channel inlet. In some embodiments, the connecting channel 121 gradually extends downward from its inlet to its outlet 131. This allows water to flow toward the drain hole 126, acting as a force for drainage. The channel inlet of the connecting channel 121 is not shown in the accompanying drawings. If the outlet 131 is located at the front end of the connecting channel 121, the channel inlet can be located at the rear end of the connecting channel 121. Furthermore, the channel inlet can be located at the end of the connecting base 112 near the outer cylinder 113. The outer cylinder 113 is also a part of the housing 107 , and the outer cylinder 113 will be described below.

[0047] The water in the connecting channel 121 is mainly discharged through the drainage hole 126, and the water in the rope threading channel 117 is directly discharged from the rope threading channel 117. Figure 6 、 Figure 8 or Figure 9As shown, the inner wall of the rope passage 117 of the main body 119 is trumpet-shaped and gradually extends downward, facilitating drainage. Furthermore, the cable 106 curves upward through the rope passage 117, preventing it from coming into contact with the drainage water flowing through the rope passage 117 or the drainage water flowing through the drainage hole 126. This minimizes obstruction to drainage, further improving drainage efficiency. Furthermore, the bell-shaped inner wall of the rope passage 117, with its curvature, facilitates guiding the cable 106 and reduces wear on the cable 106 by the guide sleeve 111.

[0048] like Figure 7 As shown, in order to reduce the difficulty of manufacturing the connection base 112, the cross section of the connection channel 121 can be set to be rectangular. Correspondingly, the channel outlet 131 of the connection channel 121 is rectangular. Figure 10 The relative positions of the channel outlet 131 and the drainage hole 126 in a front view are shown (assuming the lower tailgate 104 is in a closed state). Figure 10 As shown, the edge of the channel outlet 131 includes a first side 132 and a second side 133, the bottom end of the first side 132 and the bottom end of the second side 133 are connected, the first side 132 and the second side 133 are both inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the distance between the first side 132 and the second side 133 gradually decreases from top to bottom, and the inlet end of the drainage hole 126 is set at the angle formed by the first side 132 and the second side 133.

[0049] like Figure 10 As shown, when the channel outlet 131 is rectangular, the first side 132 and the second side 133 can be straight. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the connecting channel 121 can be configured in other shapes, and the first side 132 and the second side 133 can also be curved. Because the first side 132 and the second side 133 are inclined, water will gather at the angle between the first side 132 and the second side 133 under the action of gravity, and the water can flow concentratedly toward the drainage hole 126, thereby reducing the amount of water remaining in the connecting channel 121.

[0050] like Figure 9As shown, the cable mechanism 108 also includes a first sealing ring 120. The first sealing ring 120 is located on the side of the outer edge 118 facing away from the channel outlet 131, that is, on the front side of the outer edge 118. The first sealing ring 120 surrounds the main body 119 and the drainage hole 126. The surface of the first sealing ring 120 facing away from the outer edge 118 (the front side of the first sealing ring 120) is used to connect to the lower tailgate 104. For example, the lower tailgate 104 includes an inner panel 128 and a reinforcement plate 129. Both the inner panel 128 and the reinforcement plate 129 are made of sheet metal. The inner panel 128 is located on the side of the lower tailgate 104 closest to the cabin or trunk. The inner panel 128 and the reinforcement plate 129 are connected to each other. The reinforcement plate 129 is used to enhance structural strength and is not exposed. The lower tailgate 104 is provided with a relief hole 140, partially located on the inner panel 128 and partially located on the reinforcement plate 129. For example, the through-holes in the inner panel 128 and the through-holes in the reinforcement panel 129 communicate with each other to form a relief hole 140. Thus, the inner panel 128 and the reinforcement panel 129 each include a portion of the relief hole 140. If the lower tailgate 104 does not include the reinforcement panel 129, the through-holes in the inner panel 128 can directly serve as the relief hole 140. The drainage holes 126 communicate with the relief hole 140, and the main body 119 can pass through the relief hole 140. The inner panel 128 and the reinforcement panel 129 can be connected by bolts, and the bolts connecting the inner panel 128 and the reinforcement panel 129 can also pass through the mounting holes 116 of the connector 112.

[0051] The first sealing ring 120 surrounds the escape hole 140, the main body 119, and the drainage hole 126. Specifically, the escape hole 140, the main body 119, and the drainage hole 126 are all located inside the first sealing ring 120. The first sealing ring 120 prevents water discharged from the drainage hole 126 from escaping through the gap between the lower tailgate 104 and the outer edge 118 and into the interior of the lower tailgate 104. Furthermore, the first sealing ring 120 prevents rainwater entering through the escape hole 140 of the lower tailgate 104 from escaping through the gap between the lower tailgate 104 and the outer edge 118 and into the interior of the lower tailgate 104.

[0052] Lower tailgate 104 also includes sealant 127, which bonds inner panel 128 to reinforcement panel 129. Sealant 127 surrounds escape hole 140. This sealant strengthens the connection between reinforcement panel 129 and inner panel 128 and prevents rainwater entering through escape hole 140 from diffusing through the gap between inner panel 128 and reinforcement panel 129, thereby preventing excessive water accumulation between reinforcement panel 129 and inner panel 128.

[0053] like Figure 7As shown, the cable mechanism 108 further includes a second sealing ring 130, which is provided separately from the first sealing ring 120 and is not integrally formed. The second sealing ring 130 is clamped by the guide sleeve 111 and the connecting seat 112 and surrounds the edge of the channel outlet 131 of the connecting channel 121. Because the second sealing ring 130 surrounds the edge of the channel outlet 131, at least a portion of the inlet end of the drain hole 126 is located inside the second sealing ring 130. The second sealing ring 130 prevents water at the channel outlet 131 from leaking to other locations outside the drain hole 126, thereby ensuring that the water can be smoothly discharged from the drain hole 126.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, when the cross section of the connecting channel 121 is rectangular, the second sealing ring 130 is rectangular. The connecting seat 112 is provided with a mounting groove 122, the channel outlet 131 of the connecting channel 121 is arranged in the mounting groove 122, and the second sealing ring 130 is also arranged in the mounting groove 122. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The outer edge 118 of the guide sleeve 111 is arranged in the installation groove 122 , and the installation groove 122 plays a positioning role for the guide sleeve 111 . The outer edge 118 and the wall surface of the installation groove 122 jointly press the second sealing ring 130 .

[0055] The wall surface of the mounting groove 122 is also provided with a rivet hole 123 (such as Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 ), the guide sleeve 111 further includes a riveted portion 125 (as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in FIG1 ), the rivet portion 125 is connected to the outer edge portion 118, and the rivet portion 125 is inserted into the rivet hole 123. In other embodiments, the connection method between the guide sleeve 111 and the connecting seat 112 can also be set to a bolt connection, a clamping connection, etc. In addition, the guide sleeve 111 also includes an insertion portion 124, and the insertion portion 124 is also through-connected at both ends. The cable 106 can pass through the insertion portion 124, and the insertion portion 124 is inserted into the connecting channel 121. Since the cable 106 is passed through the insertion portion 124 and the main body 119, the cable 106 has less contact with the water in the connecting channel 121, which helps to reduce the risk of the cable 106 bringing water into the deeper part of the cable mechanism 108 (i.e., inside the outer cylinder 113) when the cable 106 is extended or retracted.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 107 further includes an outer cylinder 113, and the connecting seat 112 is connected to one end of the outer cylinder 113. Figure 11As shown, the cable mechanism 108 also includes a connector 138 and an elastic member 136. One end of the cable 106 is located in the outer cylinder 113 and is fixedly connected to the connector 138, and the other end of the cable 106 is located outside the shell 107 and is connected to the ball joint 105. The elastic member 136 is arranged in the outer cylinder 113, and the elastic member 136 is connected to the connector 138. As mentioned above, during the opening and closing process of the lower tailgate 104, the length of the portion of the cable 106 extending outside the shell 107 will change. When the length of the portion of the cable 106 extending outside the shell 107 increases, the elastic force of the elastic member 136 is used to buffer the movement of the cable 106 to prevent the lower tailgate 104 or the vehicle body 102 from being subjected to a large impact. One end of the elastic member 136 can abut against the connector 138, and the other end of the elastic member 136 can abut against the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 113 or against the first buffer pad 134 mentioned below. Figure 11 For example, as the length of the portion of the cable 106 extending outside the housing 107 increases, the cable 106 and the connector 138 move leftward, the elastic member 136 is compressed, and the elastic force of the elastic member 136 can buffer the extension of the cable 106.

[0057] like Figure 11 As shown, the cable mechanism 108 further includes a first buffer pad 134 , which is elastic and located in the outer tube 113 . The first buffer pad 134 is connected to one end of the outer tube 113 near the connecting seat 112 . Figure 11 The connection base 112 is not shown. Figure 5 and Figure 11 The end of the outer cylinder 113 closest to the connector 112 is the left end of the outer cylinder 113. The cable 106 passes through the first cushion 134, sealing the cable 106 against the inner wall of the outer cylinder 113. A second cushion 139 is elastic and located within the outer cylinder 113. The second cushion 139 is connected to the end of the outer cylinder 113 away from the connector 112 (e.g., the right end of the outer cylinder 113). The elastic member 136 and connector 138 are both located between the first cushion 134 and the second cushion 139, with the end of the elastic member 136 away from the connector 138 abutting against the first cushion 134.

[0058] Both the first and second cushions 134, 139 can be made of rubber. The first cushion 134 prevents rainwater from flowing from the connector 112 into the outer tube 113, preventing water accumulation within the outer tube 113 and potentially causing malfunction of the cable mechanism 108. Furthermore, compared to the elastic member 136 directly contacting the rigid outer tube 113, the elastic member 136 contacts the elastic first cushion 134, making it less likely for the elastic member 136 to produce sharp, unusual noises when compressed or extended. Similarly, when the connector 138 is reset, it contacts the second cushion 139, preventing it from directly colliding with the rigid outer tube 113, making the cable mechanism 108 less likely to produce unusual noises. Therefore, the provision of the first and second cushions 134, 139, can reduce the unusual noises produced by the cable mechanism 108 when the cable 106 is extended or retracted.

[0059] like Figure 11 As shown, the cable mechanism 108 further includes a stopper 137, which is fixedly connected to the cable 106. The elastic member 136 is sleeved around the stopper 137. The stopper 137 is spaced apart from the connector 138 and is located between the connector 138 and the connector seat 112. As the cable 106 is gradually pulled out (the cable 106 moves leftward), the stopper 137, the cable 106, and the connector 138 move synchronously, gradually approaching the first buffer 134 and eventually abutting against it. After abutting against the first buffer, the stopper 137 limits the cable 106, preventing it from being pulled out further. Of course, if the first buffer 134 is not provided, the stopper 137 can also directly abut against the left end surface of the outer cylinder 113 to serve as a limiter. Compared with allowing the connecting head 138 to directly abut against the first buffer pad 134 to achieve positioning, achieving positioning through the limiting member 137 spaced apart from the connecting head 138 can reduce the maximum compression degree of the elastic member 136, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the elastic member 136 and extending the service life of the elastic member 136.

[0060] like Figure 11 As shown, an inner sleeve 135 can also be provided in the outer cylinder 113, and the inner sleeve 135 can be made of rubber or plastic. The end of the outer cylinder 113 away from the connecting seat 112 is detachably connected to the cover body 114. During the assembly process of the cable mechanism 108, the elastic member 136, the connector 138, the limit member 137 and the two buffer pads can be placed into the outer cylinder 113 first, and then the cover body 114 is covered. The cable mechanism 108 also includes an anti-collision cover 115, which is elastic and is sleeved on the outside of the outer cylinder 113. The anti-collision cover 115 is mainly used to prevent the outer cylinder 113 from directly colliding with the sheet metal of the lower tailgate 104 and causing abnormal noise.

[0061] In the description of the present invention, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. Lower tailgate assembly, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises a lower tailgate and a cable mechanism, wherein the cable mechanism comprises a housing and a retractable cable, and the housing comprises: A connecting seat connected to the lower tailgate, the connecting seat being provided with a connecting passage, the connecting passage including a passage outlet; A guide sleeve is provided to cover the channel outlet, and the guide sleeve includes a main body and an outer edge portion. The main body and the outer edge portion are both located outside the connecting channel. Both ends of the main body are connected, and the cable can be movably passed through the connecting channel and the main body. The outer edge portion is arranged on the periphery of the main body, and the outer edge portion is provided with a drainage hole. The drainage hole is connected to the channel outlet. When the lower tailgate is in a closed state, at least a part of the inlet end of the drainage hole is higher than the bottom end of the edge of the channel outlet.

2. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The edge of the channel outlet includes a first side and a second side. When the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the bottom end of the first side is connected to the bottom end of the second side. The first side and the second side are both inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The distance between the first side and the second side gradually decreases from top to bottom. The inlet end of the drainage hole is set at the angle formed by the first side and the second side.

3. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the drainage hole gradually extends downward from the inlet end of the drainage hole to the outlet end of the drainage hole; And / or, when the lower tailgate is in a closed state, the connecting channel further includes a channel entrance, and the connecting channel gradually extends downward from the channel entrance to the channel exit.

4. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cable mechanism includes a first sealing ring, which is located on a side of the outer edge portion facing away from the channel outlet; The lower tailgate is provided with an avoidance hole, the main body is passed through the avoidance hole, the drainage hole is connected to the avoidance hole, the first sealing ring is connected to the lower tailgate on a side surface facing away from the outer edge, and the first sealing ring surrounds the main body, the drainage hole and the avoidance hole.

5. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cable mechanism also includes a second sealing ring. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are separately provided. The second sealing ring is clamped by the guide sleeve and the connecting seat. The second sealing ring is provided around the edge of the channel outlet.

6. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing further includes an outer cylinder, the connecting seat is connected to one end of the outer cylinder, and the cable mechanism further includes: A connector, one end of the cable is located in the outer cylinder and is fixedly connected to the connector; An elastic member is arranged in the outer tube and is connected to the connector. When the length of the portion of the cable extending outside the shell increases, the elastic force of the elastic member is used to buffer the movement of the cable.

7. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cable mechanism further comprises: a first buffer pad, the first buffer pad being elastic and located inside the outer tube, the first buffer pad being connected to one end of the outer tube close to the connecting seat, the cable passing through the first buffer pad, and the cable and the inner wall of the outer tube being sealed by the first buffer pad; a second buffer pad, the second buffer pad being elastic and located inside the outer tube, and the second buffer pad being connected to an end of the outer tube away from the connecting seat; The elastic member and the connecting head are both located between the first buffer pad and the second buffer pad, and one end of the elastic member away from the connecting head abuts against the first buffer pad.

8. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cable mechanism also includes a limiting member, which is fixedly connected to the cable, and the elastic member is sleeved on the outside of the limiting member. The limiting member is spaced apart from the connecting head, and the limiting member is located between the connecting head and the connecting seat.

9. The lower tailgate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower tailgate is provided with an avoidance hole, the main body is passed through the avoidance hole, and the drainage hole is communicated with the avoidance hole; The lower tailgate includes an inner panel, a reinforcement plate and a sealant. A portion of the avoidance hole is located on the inner panel, and another portion of the avoidance hole is located on the reinforcement plate. The reinforcement plate and the connecting seat are located on the same side of the inner panel. The sealant is located between the inner panel and the reinforcement plate. The inner panel and the reinforcement plate are bonded by the sealant, and the sealant surrounds the avoidance hole.

10. Automobile, characterized in that The invention comprises a vehicle body and a lower tailgate assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the end of the cable exposed outside the shell is connected to the vehicle body, and the bottom end of the lower tailgate is rotatably connected to the vehicle body.

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