Motor vehicle with split tailgate arrangement

Abstract

Motor vehicle (1), comprising a loading space (10) and a loading flap arrangement (20) which delimits the loading space (10) in a closed position, the loading flap arrangement (20) comprising an upper loading flap (21) and a lower loading flap (22), wherein the upper loading flap (21) can be pivoted upwards and the lower loading flap (22) downwards, wherein the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22) are further designed to seal themselves off from one another in the closed position, wherein the loading space (10) has a separating shelf (13) which, in the closed position of the loading flap arrangement (20), is arranged at the transition between the lower loading flap (22) and the upper loading flap (21), and is designed to divide the loading space (10) into an upper loading volume (11) and a lower loading volume (12), wherein when only one loading flap (21, 22) is open,the lower loading volume (12) is accessible only through the lower loading flap (22) and the upper loading volume (11) is accessible only through the upper loading flap (21), characterized in that the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22) are designed to be openable independently of one another, in that the lower loading flap (22) in the open position protrudes at least partially below a threshold of the loading space (10), in that the lower loading flap (22) has an opening system (222) for transferring it from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, which opening system extends laterally from the loading space (10), and in that when the lower loading flap (22) opens by means of the opening system (222), the lower loading flap (22) pivots downwards and, in its final position, extends partially into a cavity (25) and thus below the threshold.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a split tailgate arrangement.

[0002] Motor vehicles with split tailgate assemblies are known from the prior art. For example, patent document WO 2010 119 080 A2 discloses a tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle that allows only the upper part of a tailgate to be opened independently of the lower part. To open the lower part, however, it is necessary to open the upper part at least briefly, whereby the upper part can then be closed again. Thus, a sequential opening of the parts is necessary to open the entire tailgate assembly or just the lower part.

[0003] Furthermore, loading flap arrangements of motor vehicles are known from the prior art in which a simultaneous opening of the two parts of the split loading flap arrangement can be carried out. Examples of this include documents US 2010 0 264 689 A1, DE 10 2005 026 871 A1, WO 2019 001 985 A1, WO 2005 042 287 A1, DE 10 2005 002 203 A1, DE 10 2005 045 358 A1, DE 10 2021 117 374 B3, DE 10 2018 220 816 A1, DE 10 2018 220 638 A1, US 7 905 533 B2, and DE 600 19 694 T2. However, the flexibility offered by split tailgates for different applications cannot be fully utilized in the systems described.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motor vehicle having an improved loading flap arrangement and thereby improving the potential of split loading flap arrangements with regard to practicality for different applications.

[0005] This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

[0006] The motor vehicle according to the invention has a loading space and a loading flap arrangement which delimits the loading space in a closed position.

[0007] The closed position of the loading flap assembly is characterized in that, in this configuration (position), no access to the loading space is possible through the loading flap assembly. Accordingly, the open position is the position of the loading flap assembly or a loading flap in which the loading flaps cannot be opened any further. The loading flap assembly has an upper loading flap and a lower loading flap, with the upper loading flap being pivotable upwards and the lower loading flap downwards. Furthermore, the upper and lower loading flaps are designed to be opened independently of one another, i.e., independently of the position of the others, and to seal themselves off from one another in the closed position.The loading space has a partition shelf which, in the closed position of the loading flap arrangement, is arranged at the transition between the lower and the upper loading flap and is designed to divide the loading space into an upper and a lower loading volume, wherein when only one loading flap is open, the lower loading volume is only accessible through the lower loading flap and the upper loading volume is only accessible from the upper loading flap.

[0008] The tailgate according to the invention allows for increased utility of the split tailgate. This allows for the different loading volumes to be used for a variety of purposes. While the upper loading volume can be accessed by simply opening the upper tailgate and can serve, in particular, as a secure storage area for smaller and loose items such as briefcases, jackets, or similar, which can be placed and picked up at a convenient working height, the lower loading volume can be used as a large luggage compartment. This ensures that even when transporting large items of luggage, smaller items can be conveniently and easily removed from the upper loading volume via the upper tailgate.

[0009] Accordingly, it is also possible to access the lower cargo area without having to remove or rearrange items located in the upper cargo area. Separating the cargo areas also ensures that small objects are not damaged by larger, heavier objects, such as luggage, falling over or sliding around.

[0010] An advantageous embodiment of the invention has a sliding seal between the upper and lower loading flaps. A sliding seal means that a flexible sealing element, preferably made of rubber or a similar material, is attached to one of the two loading flaps, which is pressed against a sealing surface provided for this purpose when both loading flaps are closed. It enables the movement of both the sealing surface, i.e. of one loading flap, and the sealing element, i.e. of the other loading flap. When the sealing element and sealing surface are brought together, the flexible sealing element slides lightly over the sealing surface and is flexibly deformed, whereby the sealing element presses against the sealing surface. This deformation creates the sealing effect of the seal.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lower tailgate is designed to extend horizontally in the open position and, in particular, to at least partially extend the cargo space horizontally. This ensures that no obstruction occurs when loading or unloading luggage into the lower loading volume. On the contrary, the horizontally projecting lower tailgate can be used for temporarily storing luggage, particularly when the handle position on the luggage needs to be changed during loading / unloading.

[0012] According to the invention, the tailgate, in the open position, extends at least partially below a threshold of the cargo space. The threshold is understood to be the edge of the cargo space to which the lower tailgate adjoins. Such a design ensures that the lower tailgate does not obstruct the lower loading volume during loading / unloading, and that the distance between the person loading / unloading and the lower loading volume does not become excessive.

[0013] According to the invention, the lower tailgate has an opening system for transferring it from the closed position to the open position or vice versa. This system extends laterally from the cargo area, particularly between the cargo area and the sheet metal parts of the body. This allows for a stable and simultaneously space-optimized opening system, which also allows the lower tailgate to be pushed below the threshold of the cargo area in the open position.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower tailgates lock into the body shell of the vehicle. The body shell represents the supporting framework of the vehicle body, into which the locking mechanism engages when the tailgates are closed. Mounting the tailgates in the body shell ensures secure and space-optimized attachment of the tailgates.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cargo space additionally has a cover arranged above the divider shelf and designed to be at least partially raised when the upper tailgate is opened. The cover prevents the view of objects placed in the upper cargo volume.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover and / or the divider shelf are designed to be foldable when both the upper and lower tailgates are in the open position. Thus, they can be folded down using a preferably provided suspension in the cargo area or along a provided folding fold that acts as a hinge. This improves accessibility, particularly to the lower loading volume.

[0017] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which the divider shelf is designed to be removable from the cargo space. In this way, the entire cargo space can be used to transport particularly bulky objects, as this is no longer divided by the divider shelf until the divider shelf is reinserted. Likewise conceivable are embodiments of the invention in which the divider shelf is designed to be arranged at different positions in the cargo space. This allows the size of the upper and lower loading volumes to be adapted to respective requirements. Preferably, the loading flap arrangement, i.e. the movement of the upper and lower loading flaps, is electrically operated to further increase the convenience of the arrangement.

[0018] An embodiment and advantageous aspects of the invention are discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle 1 according to the invention, wherein the loading flap arrangement 20 is in the open position Fig. 2 schematic representation of the seal in a sectional view Fig. 3 Detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the invention in the area of the seal of the loading flap arrangement Fig. 4a Detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the invention in the area of the lower loading flap 22 in the closed position Fig. 4b Detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the invention in the area of the lower loading flap 22 in the open position

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of the rear of a vehicle 1 according to the invention. The loading flap arrangement 20 is divided into two parts and consists of an upper loading flap 21 and a lower loading flap 22. The upper loading flap 21 is raised upwards, while the lower loading flap 22 is folded downwards. The loading flap arrangement 20 is therefore in the open position. The loading space 10, visible through the open loading flap arrangement 20, is divided by a dividing shelf 13 into an upper loading volume 11 and a lower loading volume 12. While large items of luggage are stowed in the lower loading volume 12, only smaller objects and items of clothing are located on the dividing shelf 13, i.e. in the upper loading volume 11.This division prevents smaller items from being damaged by larger items and ensures that smaller items do not have to be searched for among the larger pieces of luggage, but can be placed neatly and conveniently. The two loading flaps 21, 22 can be operated separately, as explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the loading flap arrangement 20 in cross-section, in particular in the area of the seal between the upper loading flap 21 and the lower loading flap 22. The seal is formed by a sealing element 23, which is arranged on the upper loading flap 21, and a sealing surface 24, which is arranged on the lower loading flap 22. The sealing element 23 consists of a flexible material such as rubber and is preferably arranged in the form of a sealing lip along the entire contact line between the upper loading flap 21 and the lower loading flap 22. By positioning the loading flaps 21, 22 in the closed position, the sealing element 23 is pressed slightly against the sealing surface 24, whereby the sealing element 23 is reversibly deformed. The deformation therefore exerts a counteracting force on the sealing element 23, whereby it is pressed against the sealing surface 24 and the sealing effect is created.

[0021] If the lower loading flap 22 is moved downwards when the upper loading flap 21 is closed, the lower arrow in Fig. 3, the sealing surface 24 is moved away from the sealing element 23, whereby the deformation of the sealing element 23 is eliminated and the seal is released. It is also possible to open the upper loading flap 21 with the lower loading flap 22 closed. For this purpose, as indicated by the second upper arrow, Fig. 3, the upper loading flap 21 is pivoted upward, causing the sealing element 23 to also lose its deformation and be lifted off the sealing surface 24. Accordingly, the movement sequence when closing the upper loading flap is reversed.

[0022] When opening and closing the upper tailgate 21, the sealing element 23 may be slightly dragged across the sealing surface 24, which can lead to increased wear on the sealing element 23. To prevent this, when opening the upper tailgate 21, the lower tailgate 22 can be briefly unlocked and opened a few centimeters until the deformation of the sealing element 23 is eliminated. The lower tailgate 21 can then be returned to the closed position. This procedure is particularly advantageous with an electrically opening tailgate arrangement 20, since the small opening movement can be carried out automatically and is barely noticeable to the user.

[0023] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the sealing element 23 is arranged on the lower loading flap 22 and the sealing surface 24 on the upper loading flap 21.

[0024] In order to prevent water from collecting in front of the sealing element 23, which could enter the lower loading volume 12 when one of the two loading flaps 21, 22 is opened, corresponding drainage channels (not shown) can be formed in front of the sealing element 23.

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a further detailed view of the loading flap assembly 20 in a sectional view. A rear window 211 is arranged in the upper loading flap 21. The lower loading flap 22 has the taillights 221 of the vehicle 1 just below the transition to the upper loading flap 21. The loading flap assembly 20 defines a loading space 10, which is divided by a partition 13 into an upper loading volume 11 and a lower loading volume 12. The upper loading volume 11 is only accessible when the upper loading flap 21 is open, while the lower loading volume 12 can only be operated when the lower loading flap 22 is open.

[0026] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show the loading flap arrangement 20 from Fig. 3 in closed position ( Fig. 4a) and in a position in which the lower loading flap 22 is open. For the sake of simplicity, in these figures, the representation of the separating tray 13 (see Fig. 3) has been waived.

[0027] The loading space 10 has a threshold 14 at the transition to the lower loading flap 22. A cavity 25 is arranged below this threshold 14. When the lower loading flap 22 opens by means of the opening system 222, which is located to the side of the loading space 10, the lower loading flap 22 pivots downward and, in its final position, extends partially into the cavity 25 and thus below the threshold 14. This allows the horizontal overhang of the loading flap 22 to be reduced, ensuring that the lower loading volume 12 is easily accessible and that the protruding lower loading flap 22 does not impede loading and unloading.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (1), comprising a cargo space (10) and a loading flap arrangement (20) which delimits the loading space (10) in a closed position, comprising the loading flap arrangement (20), an upper loading flap (21) and a lower loading flap (22), wherein the upper loading flap (21) can be pivoted upwards and the lower loading flap (22) downwards, wherein furthermore the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22) are designed to seal themselves against each other in the closed position, wherein the loading space (10) has a partition shelf (13) which, in the closed position of the loading flap arrangement (20), is arranged at the transition between the lower loading flap (22) and the upper loading flap (21), and is designed to divide the loading space (10) into an upper loading volume (11) and a lower loading volume (12), wherein when only one loading flap (21, 22) is open, the lower loading volume (12) is only accessible through the lower loading flap (22) and the upper loading volume (11) is only accessible through the upper loading flap (21), characterized by , that the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22) are designed to be openable independently of one another, that the lower loading flap (22) in the open position projects at least partially below a threshold of the loading space (10), that the lower loading flap (22) has an opening system (222) for transferring from the closed position to the open position and vice versa, which extends laterally from the loading space (10), and that when the lower loading flap (22) opens by means of the opening system (222), the lower loading flap (22) pivots downwards and, in its final position, extends partially into a cavity (25) and thus below the threshold. [2] Motor vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a sliding seal between the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22). [3] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower loading flap (22) is designed to extend horizontally in the open position. [4] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper loading flap (21) and / or the lower loading flap (22) lock into a body shell of the vehicle (1). [5] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading space (10) additionally comprises a cover (14) which is arranged above the partition shelf (13) and is designed to be at least partially raised when the upper loading flap (21) is opened. [6] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper loading flap (21) and / or the lower loading flap (22) are electrically operated. [7] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in an open position of both the upper loading flap (21) and the lower loading flap (22), the partition shelf (13) is designed to be foldable. [8] Motor vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating tray (13) is designed to be removable from the loading space (10).

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