Automobile composite tail door and vehicle

By adopting hot melt connection and adhesive layer in the composite tailgate, the problems of high production cost and low efficiency of the composite tailgate are solved, an efficient and environmentally friendly connection method is achieved, the manufacturing cost is reduced and the production efficiency and sealing are improved.

CN223478761UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28NINGBO XINTAI MACHINERY
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423223069.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-26
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing composite tailgates have high production costs and low production efficiency, mainly due to the traditional glue bonding method that requires large amounts of glue and takes a long time to cure.

Method used

The outer panel assembly is formed by passing the first raised rib through the insertion hole and connecting by hot melt instead of traditional glue bonding, and the outer panel and the inner panel are connected by an adhesive layer.

Benefits of technology

Significantly reduce glue usage, shorten curing time, reduce manufacturing costs, improve production efficiency, enhance connection strength and sealing, and meet environmental protection requirements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223478761U_ABST
    Figure CN223478761U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of automobiles, in particular to an automobile composite tail door and an automobile. The first composite outer plate is provided with a first contact surface, and the second composite outer plate is provided with a second contact surface; a first convex rib is arranged on the first contact surface, and a first insertion hole is formed in the second contact surface; the first contact face is close to the second contact face, the first protruding rib penetrates through the first inserting hole, and the penetrating end of the first protruding rib is connected with the first composite outer plate and the second composite outer plate in a hot melting mode so that the first composite outer plate and the second composite outer plate can form an outer plate assembly. The manufacturing cost of the composite tail gate can be effectively reduced, and the production efficiency can be improved.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive technology, and more specifically, to a composite tailgate for automobiles and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the automotive industry's increasing demands for fuel efficiency and energy consumption, lightweighting has become a key measure to reduce these costs. To achieve this, automakers are increasingly using composite materials to replace traditional metal materials, especially in body structural components such as tailgates. Composite materials offer advantages such as light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, effectively reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and thus improving fuel economy and driving range. However, despite the excellent performance of composite tailgates in terms of lightweighting, their widespread adoption faces cost control challenges. Currently, adhesives are used to bond the upper and lower outer panels to form the outer panel assembly. After the adhesive cures, it is then glued to the inner panel. This two-stage bonding process requires a large amount of adhesive, increasing the cost of the tailgate product. Furthermore, the extensive use of adhesive is not only environmentally unfriendly but also requires significant curing time, leading to reduced production efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a composite tailgate for automobiles and a vehicle, which can not only effectively reduce the manufacturing cost of the composite tailgate, but also improve production efficiency.

[0004] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a composite tailgate for automobiles, including a first composite outer panel and a second composite outer panel; the first composite outer panel has a first contact surface, and the second composite outer panel has a second contact surface; a first protruding rib is provided on the first contact surface, and a first insertion hole is provided on the second contact surface; the first contact surface and the second contact surface are close to each other, the first protruding rib passes through the first insertion hole, and the through end of the first protruding rib is heat-fused to connect the first composite outer panel and the second composite outer panel, so that the first composite outer panel and the second composite outer panel form an outer panel assembly.

[0006] As an alternative implementation, the first raised rib is formed into a weld ball by hot melting on the surface of the second composite outer plate, and the weld ball covers the first insertion hole.

[0007] As an optional implementation, a first sealing structure is provided between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to seal the gap between the first composite outer plate and the second composite outer plate.

[0008] As an optional implementation, the first raised ribs are provided in multiple and spaced apart on the first contact surface, and the first insertion holes are provided in multiple on the second contact surface, and correspond one-to-one with the positions of the first raised ribs.

[0009] As an optional implementation, it also includes a composite inner panel, which is connected to the inner wall of the outer panel assembly.

[0010] As an optional implementation, an adhesive layer is provided on the contact surface between the composite inner panel and the outer panel assembly.

[0011] As an optional implementation, the composite inner panel is provided with a second insertion hole, and the outer panel assembly is provided with a second raised rib. The second raised rib passes through the second insertion hole, and the through end of the second raised rib is heat-fused to connect the composite inner panel and the outer panel assembly.

[0012] As an optional implementation, a second sealing structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the composite inner panel and the outer panel assembly to seal the gap between the composite inner panel and the outer panel assembly.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the composite inner plate is provided with a reinforcing structure.

[0014] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a vehicle, including a vehicle body and the aforementioned composite tailgate, wherein the composite tailgate is installed on the vehicle body for sealing or opening the trunk of the vehicle body.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:

[0016] This application provides a composite tailgate for automobiles, including a first composite outer panel and a second composite outer panel. The first composite outer panel has a first contact surface, and the second composite outer panel has a second contact surface. A first raised rib is provided on the first contact surface, and a first insertion hole is provided on the second contact surface. The first and second contact surfaces are close together, and the first raised rib passes through the first insertion hole. The through-end of the first raised rib is heat-fused to connect the first and second composite outer panels, forming an outer panel assembly. This application, by inserting the first raised rib into the first insertion hole and heat-fused, not only replaces traditional glue bonding but also ensures a tight fit between the two outer panels, forming a robust outer panel assembly. This application, by optimizing the connection method of the outer panel assembly, reduces the amount of glue used, shortens the curing time, improves production efficiency, and lowers the overall manufacturing cost.

[0017] This application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and the aforementioned composite tailgate. The composite tailgate is installed on the vehicle body for sealing or opening the vehicle's trunk. The vehicle provided in this application uses the aforementioned composite tailgate. By optimizing the connection method of the outer panel assembly, the amount of adhesive used is reduced, the curing time in the manufacturing process of the composite tailgate is shortened, which helps to improve production efficiency and effectively reduce overall manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a composite tailgate for automobiles according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a second structural schematic diagram of a composite tailgate for automobiles according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the composite tailgate of an automobile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is the fourth structural schematic diagram of the composite tailgate of an automobile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is the fifth structural schematic diagram of the composite tailgate of an automobile according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is the sixth structural schematic diagram of the composite tailgate of an automobile according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] icon:

[0026] 100 - First composite outer panel; 101 - Second composite outer panel; 102 - First contact surface; 103 - Second contact surface; 104 - First raised rib; 105 - First insertion hole; 106 - Weld ball; 107 - First sealing structure; 108 - Composite inner panel; 109 - Reinforcing structure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] With the automotive industry's increasing demands for fuel efficiency and energy consumption, lightweighting has become a key measure to reduce these costs. To achieve this, automakers are increasingly using composite materials to replace traditional metal materials, especially in body structural components such as tailgates. Composite materials offer advantages such as light weight, high strength, and corrosion resistance, effectively reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and thus improving fuel economy and driving range. However, despite the excellent performance of composite tailgates in terms of lightweighting, their widespread adoption faces cost control challenges. Currently, adhesives are used to bond the upper and lower outer panels to form the outer panel assembly. After the adhesive cures, it is then glued to the inner panel. This two-stage bonding process requires a large amount of adhesive, increasing the cost of the tailgate product. Furthermore, the extensive use of adhesive is not only environmentally unfriendly but also requires significant curing time, leading to reduced production efficiency.

[0032] To address the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a composite tailgate for automobiles and a vehicle.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, this application embodiment provides a composite tailgate for automobiles, including a first composite outer panel 100 and a second composite outer panel 101; the first composite outer panel 100 has a first contact surface 102, and the second composite outer panel 101 has a second contact surface 103; a first protruding rib 104 is provided on the first contact surface 102, and a first insertion hole 105 is provided on the second contact surface 103; the first contact surface 102 and the second contact surface 103 are close to each other, the first protruding rib 104 passes through the first insertion hole 105, and the through end of the first protruding rib 104 is heat-fused to connect the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101, so that the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101 form an outer panel assembly.

[0034] It should be noted that the first composite outer panel 100 in this embodiment can be the upper outer panel of the outer panel assembly, and the second composite outer panel 101 in this embodiment can be the lower outer panel of the outer panel assembly. The first composite outer panel 100 is located above the vehicle's trunk and can serve as a sloping roof structure. The second composite outer panel 101 is located behind the vehicle's trunk.

[0035] It should be noted that a plurality of first raised ribs 104 are provided on the first contact surface 102 of the first composite outer panel 100. The function of the first raised ribs 104 is to act as connectors, passing through the insertion holes on the second composite outer panel 101 to fix the two outer panels together.

[0036] On the second contact surface 103 of the second composite outer panel 101, a plurality of first insertion holes 105 corresponding to the first raised ribs 104 are provided. When the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101 approach each other, the first raised ribs 104 will be inserted into the first insertion holes 105.

[0037] When the first protruding rib 104 is inserted into the first insertion hole 105, the end of the first protruding rib 104 is heat-melted by heating, forming a firm connection with the second composite outer panel 101. The heat-melt connection of this embodiment can not only replace traditional glue bonding, but also ensure that the two outer panels are closely close together to form a robust outer panel assembly.

[0038] In the traditional manufacturing process of composite tailgates, a large amount of glue is required to bond the upper and lower outer panels to form an outer panel assembly, which is then bonded to the inner panel a second time. This method not only increases material costs but also leads to waste in the production process. This application, however, completely replaces the use of glue by using the cooperation between the first protruding rib 104 and the first insertion hole 105, as well as a heat-fusion connection method, significantly reducing the amount of glue used and thus lowering material costs.

[0039] It should be noted that adhesives contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may cause environmental pollution during production and use. By adopting hot melt bonding technology, the use of adhesives is avoided, VOC emissions are reduced, and environmental protection requirements of modern manufacturing are met.

[0040] Furthermore, traditional adhesive bonding processes require a long curing time, typically several hours or even longer. This not only extends the production cycle but also consumes significant production line resources. In contrast, the hot-melt bonding structure of this application can be completed in a short time, usually within minutes, greatly shortening production time and improving production efficiency.

[0041] Since adhesive bonding is no longer relied upon, the entire production process has been simplified. Specialized adhesive application and curing equipment are no longer needed on the production line, reducing equipment investment and maintenance costs. At the same time, the hot-melt bonding process is more stable and reliable, reducing scrap rates due to adhesive quality issues and further improving production efficiency.

[0042] The connection method described in this application is suitable for use with sloping tailgates or tailgates with a raised rear end. These designs typically require high precision in the proximity of the outer panels. Traditional adhesive bonding methods may lead to uneven bonding or glue overflow due to the complex shape of the outer panels. However, the cooperation between the first raised rib 104 and the first insertion hole 105 ensures precise proximity between the outer panels, achieving a good connection even on complex curved surfaces or raised areas.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in one optional implementation, the first raised rib 104 forms a solder ball 106 on the surface of the second composite outer plate 101 by hot melting, and the solder ball 106 covers the first insertion hole 105.

[0044] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the solder ball 106 formed by heat-melting the end of the first protruding rib 104 can cover the first insertion hole 105, that is, the solder ball 106 can completely cover the insertion hole. After the solder ball 106 is cured, it can effectively prevent the first protruding rib 104 from coming out of the first insertion hole 105, and realize a reliable connection between the first composite outer plate 100 and the second composite outer plate 101.

[0045] The heat-fusion connection of this embodiment can form a strong mechanical bond between the first raised rib 104 and the second composite outer panel 101, resulting in higher connection strength compared to traditional adhesive bonding. Especially in high-temperature, low-temperature, or humid environments, the heat-fusion connection exhibits better stability and is less prone to aging or failure than adhesive bonding. This helps improve the overall strength and durability of the tailgate, extending the product's service life.

[0046] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, as an optional implementation, a first sealing structure 107 is sandwiched between the first contact surface 102 and the second contact surface 103 to seal the gap between the first composite outer plate 100 and the second composite outer plate 101.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, the provision of the first sealing structure 107 enables the first composite outer plate 100 and the second composite outer plate 101 to be sealed together, effectively eliminating the gap between the first contact surface 102 and the second contact surface 103.

[0048] The first sealing structure 107 can be made of foam material. The foam material is sandwiched between the first contact surface 102 and the second contact surface 103 to achieve sealing of the gap between the plates.

[0049] As an optional implementation, a plurality of first protruding ribs 104 are provided on the first contact surface 102 and arranged at intervals, and a plurality of first insertion holes 105 are provided on the second contact surface 103 and correspond one-to-one with the positions of the first protruding ribs 104.

[0050] It should be noted that the number and position of the first protruding ribs 104 can be selected by those skilled in the art as needed, and no special limitation is made thereto.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, as an optional embodiment, it also includes a composite inner panel 108, which is connected to the inner wall of the outer panel assembly. An adhesive layer is provided on the contact surface between the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly.

[0052] In this embodiment, an adhesive layer is used to connect the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly, ensuring a tight fit between the two and forming a unified structure. This bonding method provides additional mechanical strength, preventing loosening or separation under external impact or vibration, thereby improving the overall rigidity and stability of the tailgate. The adhesive layer not only serves a connecting function but also effectively fills the tiny gaps between the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly, creating a good seal. This helps prevent moisture, dust, and other external substances from entering the tailgate, improving its waterproof and dustproof properties.

[0053] Compared to the existing technology that uses two adhesive bonding methods, the embodiments of this application connect the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101 by hot-melt bonding to form an outer panel assembly. Connecting the outer panel assembly to the composite inner panel 108 by adhesive bonding reduces one adhesive bonding process.

[0054] More preferably, the composite inner panel 108 is provided with a second insertion hole, and the outer panel assembly is provided with a second raised rib. The second raised rib passes through the second insertion hole, and the through end of the second raised rib is heat-fused to connect the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly.

[0055] This embodiment of the application, through the cooperation of the second protruding rib and the second insertion hole, and employing hot-melt bonding technology, can significantly reduce the amount of adhesive used. Compared to traditional all-adhesive bonding methods, this bonding method is more environmentally friendly, reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds and meeting the environmental protection requirements of modern manufacturing. Hot-melt bonding can be completed in a short time, typically achieving a strong connection in just a few minutes, while traditional adhesive bonding requires a much longer curing time. This greatly shortens the production cycle, improves production efficiency, and reduces production line downtime.

[0056] Meanwhile, the hot melt bonding process is more stable and reliable, reducing the scrap rate caused by glue quality problems and further improving production efficiency.

[0057] As an optional implementation, a second sealing structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly to seal the gap between the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly.

[0058] The second sealing structure in this embodiment can effectively fill the tiny gap between the composite inner panel 108 and the outer panel assembly, forming a more tight seal. This not only prevents external substances such as moisture and dust from entering the tailgate, but also improves the tailgate's waterproof and dustproof properties, ensuring good performance of the tailgate under various environmental conditions.

[0059] The second sealing structure in this embodiment can also effectively isolate the transmission of external noise, reduce noise interference inside and outside the tailgate during vehicle operation, improve the quietness of the cockpit, and enhance the user's driving experience.

[0060] In addition, the second sealing structure in this application embodiment can be made of materials such as foam, which has good elasticity and flexibility, and can adapt to the expansion or contraction of materials caused by temperature changes, ensuring that it can maintain a good sealing effect under different temperature conditions and avoid sealing failure caused by temperature changes.

[0061] As an optional implementation, the composite inner panel 108 is provided with a reinforcing structure 109. The composite inner panel 108 in this embodiment effectively increases the structural strength of the tailgate.

[0062] The first composite outer panel 100, the second composite outer panel 101, and the composite inner panel 108 in this application embodiment are all made of composite materials. The specific material type can be selected by those skilled in the art as needed, and no special limitation is made thereto.

[0063] For example, in this application embodiment, the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101 are made of PP+EPDM-TD20 material, and the composite inner panel 108 is made of PP+LGF40 material.

[0064] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first composite outer panel 100 and the second composite outer panel 101 are made of PP+EPDM-TD30 material, and the composite inner panel 108 is made of PP+LGF30 material.

[0065] This application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and the aforementioned composite tailgate, which is installed on the vehicle body for sealing or opening the vehicle body's trunk.

[0066] The vehicle provided in this application uses the above-mentioned composite tailgate. By optimizing the connection method of the outer panel assembly, the amount of glue used is reduced, the curing time in the manufacturing process of the composite tailgate is shortened, which is conducive to improving production efficiency and effectively reducing the overall manufacturing cost.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A composite tailgate for automobiles, characterized in that, The assembly includes a first composite outer panel (100) and a second composite outer panel (101); the first composite outer panel (100) has a first contact surface (102), and the second composite outer panel (101) has a second contact surface (103); the first contact surface (102) is provided with a first protruding rib (104), and the second contact surface (103) is provided with a first insertion hole (105); the first contact surface (102) and the second contact surface (103) are close to each other, the first protruding rib (104) passes through the first insertion hole (105), and the through end of the first protruding rib (104) is heat-fused to connect the first composite outer panel (100) and the second composite outer panel (101) so that the first composite outer panel (100) and the second composite outer panel (101) form an outer panel assembly.

2. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first raised rib (104) forms a solder ball (106) on the surface of the second composite outer plate (101) by hot melting, and the solder ball (106) covers the first insertion hole (105).

3. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first sealing structure (107) is sandwiched between the first contact surface (102) and the second contact surface (103) to seal the gap between the first composite outer plate (100) and the second composite outer plate (101).

4. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The first raised ribs (104) are provided in multiple and spaced apart on the first contact surface (102), and the first insertion holes (105) are provided in multiple on the second contact surface (103), and correspond one-to-one with the positions of the first raised ribs (104).

5. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It also includes a composite inner panel (108) which is connected to the inner wall of the outer panel assembly.

6. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, An adhesive layer is provided on the contact surface between the composite inner panel (108) and the outer panel assembly.

7. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The composite inner panel (108) is provided with a second insertion hole, and the outer panel assembly is provided with a second protruding rib. The second protruding rib passes through the second insertion hole, and the through end of the second protruding rib is heat-fused to connect the composite inner panel (108) and the outer panel assembly.

8. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, A second sealing structure is provided between the contact surfaces of the composite inner panel (108) and the outer panel assembly to seal the gap between the composite inner panel (108) and the outer panel assembly.

9. The composite tailgate for automobiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, The composite inner panel (108) is provided with a reinforcing structure (109).

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a vehicle body and a composite tailgate as described in any one of claims 1-9, the composite tailgate being mounted on the vehicle body for sealing or opening the trunk of the vehicle body.