Flap mechanism for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A flap device (1) for a motor vehicle (100) with a flap body (3) having a first end (4) and a second end (5), wherein the flap device (1) is movable at least between an open position (6) and a closed position (8) abutting a closing edge (7), and in the open position (6) releases a receiving space (9) of the motor vehicle (100) and in the closed position (8) closes the receiving space (9), wherein a flap lock (11) is provided at the second end (5) of the flap body (3), wherein at least one projection (13) is formed in the area of ​​the second end (5) of the flap body (3), which in the open position (6) is located spatially between the flap lock (11) and the closing edge (7), characterized in that the projection (13) in the closed position (8) prevents unintentional lifting of a loading cover (14) designed as a loading floor of an additional storage space or storage space prevented.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flap device for a motor vehicle, and in particular to a tailgate for a motor vehicle and a flap cover for such a flap device. Although the invention is described below essentially with reference to its use on a tailgate, it can also be used in other locations in a motor vehicle.

[0002] In most modern vehicles, the cargo area is accessed via a tailgate. These vehicles often also feature a storage compartment beneath a movable or liftable load floor. The load floor can usually be lifted using a handle, but a locking mechanism is often lacking. With such designs, sudden deceleration of the vehicle, for example during braking, can cause the load floor cover to lift, potentially allowing items stored there to fall out.

[0003] Vehicles with tailgates often have a tailgate lock at the bottom to securely close the tailgate while driving. However, if the tailgate is only partially open and positioned at a mid-height, a disadvantage arises: a user can relatively easily bump their arm, back, other body parts, or even their head against the tailgate lock, as it is in a relatively exposed position.

[0004] A generic flap device is known from DE 10 2013 018 839 A1 and from DE 10 2014 215 042 A1.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2007 031 591 A1 discloses a cargo floor arrangement with a movable loading floor. A further protective floor is provided below the loading floor, which can be fully opened when the loading floor is open. The loading floor prevents the protective floor from opening unintentionally in the event of an accident.

[0006] DE 102 23 685 A1 shows a covering device for a cargo space of a motor vehicle with an extendable cover and an additional cover attached to a tailgate.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a flap device, in particular for a motor vehicle, which is advantageous compared to the prior art.

[0008] This problem is solved by a flap device with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.

[0009] A flap device according to the invention is particularly intended for use in a motor vehicle. In particular, a flap device according to the invention is designed as a tailgate for a motor vehicle. The flap device according to the invention has a flap body with a first end and a second end, wherein the flap device is movable at least between an open position and a closed position abutting a closing edge. In the open position, the flap body exposes a receiving space of the motor vehicle, and in the closed position, the receiving space is closed. A flap lock is provided at the second end of the flap body. At least one projection is formed (arranged or attached) in the region of the second end of the flap body, which, in the open position, is located spatially between the flap lock and the closing edge.The protrusion in the closed position prevents the unintentional lifting of a loading cover designed as a loading floor for an additional storage space or compartment.

[0010] The flap device according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the flap device according to the invention is that unintentional contact of a part of the operator's body with the flap lock can be prevented. For example, unintentional contact of an operator's head with the flap lock can be largely prevented. This is because, in the open position, a projection, or at least a projection, is located spatially between the flap lock and the closing edge. Such a projection is, in particular, rounded. Preferably, the projection consists (at least partially or completely) of a rigid and / or elastic material.

[0011] The flap device according to the invention can be designed, in particular, as a tailgate of a motor vehicle. It is also possible for the flap device to be designed as a hood or as a gullwing door. It can also be used on other flaps in the interior.

[0012] The flap lock is, in particular, part of a lock assembly. Preferably, the flap lock is formed on or attached to the flap mechanism. Furthermore, a locking bar or the like is preferably part of the lock assembly and is preferably attached to the body of the motor vehicle. A motor vehicle on which a flap mechanism according to the invention is used can, in principle, be any type of vehicle. It can be used on station wagon-like vehicles, but also on sports cars and other motor vehicles.

[0013] A significant advantage of the invention is that the projection can be used to fix and / or restrict the movement of a loading cover of the motor vehicle.

[0014] According to the invention, the projection in the closed position prevents the unintentional lifting of a loading cover of an additional storage compartment or storage space. In particular, the unintentional (partial or complete) opening of a loading cover can be at least substantially prevented by the at least one projection. According to the invention, the term "loading cover" is understood to mean a loading floor and vice versa.

[0015] Preferably, the projection, or at least a projection, holds the loading cover down in the closed position. It is also possible and preferred that the projection, or at least a projection, locks the loading cover in the closed position.

[0016] In advantageous embodiments, the projection (at least in a longitudinal section) is nose-like. In particular, the projection has rounded edges. It is possible and preferred that the projection is generally nose-like. However, it is also possible that the projection is elongated or drawn out in a side cross-section, or has a crescent-shaped or semicircular form.

[0017] In particular, the projection is formed in a central area of ​​the flap body between a left and a right end of the flap body. This means that the projection is preferably arranged in a central area in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0018] In all embodiments, the projection can be formed on a flap cover that is attached to the flap body. It is particularly preferred that the projection is attached to or formed on an inner cover. Such an inner cover can, for example, consist at least partially of a plastic material and is attached to the flap body during assembly. However, it is also conceivable that the projection is attached to a flap cover designed as an outer cover, provided that appropriate design features ensure its functionality.

[0019] It is also possible that the protrusion is at least partially formed by a sheet metal wall of the flap body. In this case, the sheet metal is in particular an inner sheet.

[0020] In all embodiments, it is preferred that the flap body is pivotably mounted at the first end.

[0021] In preferred embodiments, it is possible for not just one projection, but also for two or more projections to be provided. It is preferred that at least two projections are laterally spaced apart from each other. In such an embodiment, the flap lock can be arranged between the laterally spaced projections. With this design, unintentional contact of a body part or the user's head with the flap lock is reliably prevented, as the flap lock is effectively shielded by the two spaced-apart projections. Preferably, the lateral distance between two projections in the area of ​​the flap lock is less than 30 cm, and particularly less than 20 cm or less than 15 cm.

[0022] The invention also relates to a flap cover for a flap body, particularly of a motor vehicle, and especially for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap cover is connectable to a flap body extending from a first to a second end and having a flap lock at the second end. The flap cover is suitable and designed to be attached in the region of the second end of the flap body, so that, in the assembled state, the flap cover can move together with the flap body at least between an open position and a closed position resting against a closing edge. At least one projection is formed on the flap cover, which, in the assembled state, is located in the open position between the flap lock and the closing edge.

[0023] The flap cover also offers many advantages. It allows for the simple provision of an additional function, such as holding down a cargo cover or load floor (e.g., an additional storage compartment). A complex locking mechanism for the cargo cover is unnecessary to prevent it from opening in the event of sudden braking.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention reliably prevents unintentional painful contact of a body part or, for example, the head of an operator with the flap lock.

[0025] The flap cover preferably consists at least partially of a plastic or natural material. Preferably, the flap cover consists at least partially of an elastic and / or compliant material, so that painful impacts on the flap lock by the operator can be largely avoided.

[0026] The applicant reserves the right to claim a motor vehicle with a body, wherein a receiving compartment is formed and wherein the receiving compartment can be closed by a flap device (in particular a tailgate). The flap device comprises a flap body with a first end and a second end, wherein the flap device is movable at least between an open position and a closed position abutting a closing edge, and in the open position releases the receiving compartment of the motor vehicle and in the closed position closes the receiving compartment. A flap lock is provided at the second end of the flap body. In the area of ​​the second end of the flap body, at least one projection is formed which, in the open position, is located spatially between the flap lock and the closing edge.

[0027] An additional storage compartment can be closed off with a loading cover. The flap mechanism, with its projection, ensures that the loading cover remains closed. In preferred embodiments, the projection secures the loading cover in the closed position.

[0028] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment, which is explained below with reference to the accompanying figure. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a rear area, with the tailgate shown in the open and closed positions.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a rear section of a motor vehicle 100 in a highly schematic section showing only the outer contours, wherein the motor vehicle 100 has a flap device 1 as a tailgate 2.

[0030] To better illustrate the invention, the tailgate 2 is shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the tailgate in both the open position 6 and the closed position 8. The tailgate assembly 1 has a tailgate body 3. The tailgate 2 extends from a first end 4 to a second end 5. The tailgate is pivotally mounted on the vehicle body around its first end 4.

[0031] In the open position 6, the tailgate 2 is swung wide open. The tailgate lock 11 is part of a lock assembly 10 and is located high up and at the rear end of the tailgate 2 in the open position 6. The tailgate lock 11 is shielded from below by the projection 13, which is formed here on the tailgate trim 20 and, in particular, on the inner trim 21 of the tailgate 2.

[0032] In side view, the projection 13 has an approximately nose-like cross-section. In longitudinal section, the projection 13 can also be nose-like or have an elongated shape to provide optimal protection or shielding of the flap lock 11.

[0033] When the open tailgate 2 is closed, the tailgate lock 11 is largely or almost completely shielded by the downward projection 13 during the closing process, so that a user is more likely to come into contact with the projection 13 than with the tailgate lock 11.

[0034] The same applies if the tailgate 2 is only partially open, since in such situations the projection 13 extends further downwards than the tailgate lock 11.

[0035] Only when the tailgate 2 approaches the closed position 18 is the projection 13 located above the tailgate lock 11. This ensures reliable contact and engagement of the tailgate lock 11 with the locking bolt 12 of the lock assembly 10. Furthermore, it achieves reliable locking of the cargo area.

[0036] In the closed position 8, the tailgate 2 rests against the closing edge 7. In the open position 6, the projection 13 is located essentially between the closing edge 7 or the locking bar 12 and the tailgate lock 11. The tailgate lock 11 is largely obscured when viewed from the direction of the recording area.

[0037] A line 16 extending from the locking bar 12 to the flap lock 11 in the side view (shown here as a dashed line) preferably runs through the outer contour of the projection 13 in all embodiments.

[0038] In the closed position 8, the projection 13 reliably covers the loading floor 14 above the storage compartment 17. Specifically, the projection 13 reliably closes the loading floor 14. This ensures that the loading floor remains reliably closed by the loading cover 14 in all operating situations. Even during hard braking, the loading floor 14 cannot lift or even open on its own. This makes it possible to secure the loading floor 14 in the closed position without a separate locking mechanism.

[0039] For optimal use of the cargo space, it is advantageous if the projection 13 is located essentially only in the area of ​​the locking bar or the flap lock 11. For this purpose, the projection 13 can have a rounded or semicircular shape in the lateral direction. Sharp edges are avoided.

[0040] Overall, the invention provides a flap device 1 for motor vehicles, wherein the flap device 1 can in particular be designed as a tailgate 2. In motor vehicles equipped with this device, a storage space 17 below a movable or liftable loading floor 14 or a movable or liftable loading cover can be reliably secured against unintentional opening during driving.

[0041] It is not necessary to lock the loading cover separately. The loading floor 14 can be locked via the projection 13 on the flap body 3.

[0042] Another advantage is that when the flap device 1 is open, the flap lock 11 is reliably protected from unintentional contact with an operator, even though the flap lock 11 is generally in an exposed position.

[0043] The projection can be arranged on an inner lining of the flap assembly 1 or on the sheet metal wall (inside or outside) of the flap assembly 1. The invention can also be used on other lockable flaps or doors of a motor vehicle.

Claims

[1] A flap device (1) for a motor vehicle (100) comprising a flap body (3) having a first end (4) and a second end (5), wherein the flap device (1) is movable at least between an open position (6) and a closed position (8) abutting a closing edge (7) and in the open position (6) releases a receiving space (9) of the motor vehicle (100) and in the closed position (8) closes the receiving space (9), wherein a flap lock (11) is provided at the second end (5) of the flap body (3), wherein at least one projection (13) is formed in the area of ​​the second end (5) of the flap body (3), which in the open position (6) is located spatially between the flap lock (11) and the closing edge (7), characterized by , that the projection (13) in the closed position (8) prevents an unintentional lifting of a loading cover (14) designed as a loading floor of an additional storage space or compartment. [2] Flap device according to claim 1, wherein the projection (13) in the closed position (8) holds down the loading cover (14). [3] Flap device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (13) is shaped like a nose in a longitudinal section. [4] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (13) is formed in a central region of the valve body (3) between a left and a right end of the valve body (3). [5] Flap device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (13) is formed on a flap cover (20) which is attached to the flap body (3). [6] Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (3) is pivotably mounted at the first end (4). [7] Flap device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 or claim 6, wherein the projection (13) is formed at least partially by a sheet metal wall (15) of the flap body (3). [8] Flap device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3 or according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 7, wherein at least two laterally spaced projections (13) are formed. [9] Flap device according to the preceding claim, wherein the flap lock (11) is arranged between the laterally spaced projections (13).

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