Motor vehicle tailgate trim

Abstract

The invention relates to a rear flap (16) of a motor vehicle, also called a tailgate or rear door. The rear flap comprises: a door structure having a transverse groove (34) open longitudinally towards the rear; a transverse panel (36), such as a trim, mounted in the transverse groove; an outer surface (24) adjoining the transverse groove. The transverse groove comprises a plurality of axial stops (40) distributed transversely at the top and at the bottom. The transverse panel comprises a positioning surface (54) for positioning longitudinally against the axial stops in order to longitudinally position the transverse panel relative to the outer surface.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Motor vehicle tailgate trim

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2213455 filed on December 15, 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to motor vehicle openings. More specifically, the invention relates to a trunk lid with a finishing strip for a motor vehicle. The invention also provides a single-piece lower panel for a motor vehicle rear lid. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a rear lid.

[0003] A motor vehicle has several spaces, including the front engine compartment, the passenger compartment, and the rear cargo compartment; commonly called the trunk. Each of these compartments is accessible via openings closed by dedicated openings. These openings are pivotally mounted on the structure of the motor vehicle. They each have significant dimensions, around a meter, to facilitate access to the associated compartment.

[0004] An opening commonly consists of an outer skin, a glazed wall, and a reinforcing lining supporting the outer skin as well as the glazed wall. The lining allows the outer skin to be precisely positioned and limits its deformation. The outer skin is formed of several finishing panels mounted precisely together. These finishing panels define mechanical clearances between them; and with other parts of the bodywork.

[0005] Document FR2917052B1 describes a motor vehicle having a rear tailgate fitted with a finishing strip at its lower edge; in particular to improve its appearance. It houses a cavity opening onto the lower face of the tailgate and into which the vehicle user slides their fingers to access a trunk opening mechanism. The finishing strip has a transverse trim and a reinforcing piece. It also includes a plate extending from a lower part of the trim inwards, an edge extending from an upper part of the trim and inwards, and a sealing sole bonded to the edge over part of its perimeter.

[0006] This reinforcement piece improves the rigidity of the hubcap. However, its positioning remains limited. Mechanical clearances with adjacent body surfaces remain uncertain.

[0007] CN 111890897B discloses a motor vehicle trunk lid structure. The structure includes a lamp holder plate arranged between an inner plate and an upper plate. Together, they form a light housing mounting groove. The groove is open toward the rear and extends transversely across the width of the trunk lid. The lamp holder plate is made of a galvanized steel plate. It has a recessed boss and a recessed groove for removing a taillight housing. The upper edge of the inner plate of the outer panel is provided with a wrinkle-absorbing rib. The latter is a "d"-shaped indentation formed by a small protrusion extending in the direction of the lamp holder plate. However, this trunk lid structure does not provide a relevant solution to ensure compliance with the geometry of the exterior surfaces of said trunk lid.

[0008] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the positioning of an exterior panel of a rear flap of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the perceived quality and ease of assembly of a motor vehicle.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a rear flap for a motor vehicle, said rear flap comprising: an opening structure having a transverse groove open longitudinally towards the rear; a transverse panel mounted in the transverse groove; the rear flap having an outer surface adjoining the transverse groove; remarkable in that the transverse groove comprises at least one axial stop, the transverse panel comprising a positioning surface longitudinally against the at least one axial stop in order to position the transverse panel relative to the transverse groove.

[0010] Each axial stop in the transverse groove makes it possible to index the position of the outer panel relative to said transverse groove, and therefore relative to the adjacent outer surface. Thus, the invention offers precise adjustment of the position in the transverse direction. It contributes to compliance with the predefined geometric shape. Furthermore, the solution with the axial stop in the groove optimizes assembly since the longitudinal positioning is achieved as soon as the outer panel is inserted into the transverse groove.

[0011] Preferably, the transverse groove comprises a rear edge; the at least one axial stop being vertically at the level of said rear edge.

[0012] Preferably, the transverse panel comprises fixing means in the transverse groove; said fixing means being transversely at the level of the at least one axial stop.

[0013] Preferably, the at least one axial stop comprises at least a first axial stop and a second axial stop against the transverse panel; the first axial stop and the second axial stop being transversely and / or vertically offset from each other.

[0014] Preferably, the transverse groove comprises an upper wall, a lower wall, a front wall connecting the upper wall to the lower wall; the at least one axial stop being formed on the upper wall and / or the lower wall.

[0015] Preferably, the opening structure comprises an opening lining and a lower panel fixed to the opening lining, the at least one axial stop and the lower panel being made of one material; and preferably of plastic.

[0016] Preferably, the transverse panel comprises an outer strip and a reinforcing lining of the outer strip, the positioning surface being formed by the reinforcing lining.

[0017] Preferably, the transverse panel comprises at least one positioning wing forming the positioning surface; the at least one positioning wing extending longitudinally towards at least one axial stop.

[0018] Preferably, the rear flap further comprises two light devices in the transverse groove, the transverse panel being between the two light devices.

[0019] Preferably, the rear shutter comprises a glass wall, the transverse panel being under the glass wall.

[0020] Preferably, the axial stop is a first axial stop; the transverse groove comprises a second axial stop against the transverse panel; the first axial stop and the second axial stop being transversely and / or vertically offset from each other.

[0021] Preferably, the transverse panel is an exterior panel.

[0022] Preferably, the outer surface is oriented towards the rear.

[0023] Preferably, the outer band has a constant thickness.

[0024] Preferably, the lower panel comprises an exterior covering.

[0025] Preferably, the lower panel is a single-piece and / or one-piece lower panel.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one axial stop is longitudinally in front of the rear edge.

[0027] Preferably, the outer surface is formed by the lower panel.

[0028] Preferably, the rear flap comprises a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, a hinge with a transverse pivot axis.

[0029] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a rear flap for a motor vehicle, said rear flap comprising: a transverse groove open longitudinally towards the rear; an outer panel mounted in the transverse groove; the rear flap having an outer surface towards the rear; remarkable in that the transverse groove comprises positioning means, the outer panel comprises a positioning surface longitudinally against the positioning means in order to longitudinally position the outer panel relative to the outer surface; preferably the positioning means comprise at least one axial stop.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a single-piece lower panel for a rear flap of a motor vehicle according to the invention; the single-piece lower panel having a transverse groove open longitudinally towards the rear; said transverse groove being intended to receive a rear flap transverse panel; the single-piece lower panel having an outer surface adjoining the transverse groove; remarkable in that the transverse groove comprises at least one axial stop intended to cooperate with a positioning surface of the transverse panel in order to position the transverse panel longitudinally relative to the outer surface; preferably the at least one axial stop is made of plastic material.

[0031] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a rear flap, characterized in that the rear flap is in accordance with the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the rear flap comprises a light device in the transverse groove, the at least one axial stop comprising a third axial stop transversely at the level of the light device.

[0033] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended figures and listed below.

[0034] Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0035] Figure 2 shows a portion of a rear flap of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 represents a section at the level of an upper stop of a rear flap of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0037] Figure 4 shows a section at the level of a lower stop of a rear flap of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0038] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or the tailgate to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of". The terms "external" and "internal" will refer respectively to that which is oriented towards the outside of the vehicle and towards the inside of the vehicle.

[0039] In this description, the term "longitudinal", the term "longitudinally", the term "transverse", and the term "transversely" are used according to the reference system of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "transverse" corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0040] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the transverse direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0041] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the rear flap mounting configuration, in the closed position, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0042] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0043] Figure 1 represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0044] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a body 12. The body 12 forms the body of the vehicle. The body 12 may be a main frame in that it extends substantially over the entire length and width of the motor vehicle. It may comprise body portions. The components are mounted on the body. The engine, axles, suspension systems, and steering system are mounted thereon.

[0045] The body 12 comprises an assembly of stamped sheets fixed to each other, for example by welding. Alternatively, the body is an assembly of profiles connected to each other. The sheets may be steel or aluminum alloy sheets.

[0046] The body 12 delimits several compartments (not shown) of the motor vehicle 10, including the passenger compartment (not shown), a rear compartment and a front compartment. The front compartment is an engine compartment or a cargo compartment. It is arranged in front of the passenger compartment. The rear compartment is a cargo compartment or alternatively an engine compartment.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 comprises several openings 14, including a rear flap 16 and one or more side doors 18. The rear flap 16 is longitudinally spaced from the side doors 18. The rear flap 16 is also called a trunk hatch, or loading opening. It is movable between an open position, drawn in dotted lines; and a closed position, drawn in solid lines. Thus, the rear flap 16 selectively provides access to the rear compartment. It is pivotally mounted on the body 12 by means of at least one hinge 20 with a transverse pivot axis. The hinge 20 is generally a pivot connection.

[0048] At least one or each opening 14 comprises a glazed wall 22. At least one opening is a glazed opening. A glazed wall 22 is transparent, and optionally tinted. It allows visible light to pass into the passenger compartment. It may comprise a sheet of plastic material and optionally a sheet of ceramic material. Each glazed wall 22 is fixedly mounted relative to the associated opening 14.

[0049] The rear flap 16 comprises a glazed wall 22 commonly called a rear window. The rear flap 16 has an outer surface 24. The outer surface 24 is a rear surface. The outer surface is oriented towards the rear of the motor vehicle 10. It delimits the motor vehicle 10 from its environment. The outer surface 24 forms the skin of the rear flap 16.

[0050] The rear flap 16 also comprises at least one light device 26, for example at least two light devices 26 (only one shown). The light devices 26 may comprise lateral light devices. They may be under the glass wall 22. The light devices 26 are capable of illuminating the environment, and of emitting light signals for the attention of other road users (not shown).

[0051] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a commercial motor vehicle.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a portion of rear flap 16 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to Figure 1.

[0053] The rear shutter 16 comprises an opening structure 28. The opening structure 28 comprises two side uprights 30. The side uprights 30 extend forward; towards the hinges (not shown) at the upper cross member (not shown) of the rear shutter 16. The opening structure 28 delimits an opening 32 for the glass wall (not shown). The opening 32 is delimited transversely by the side uprights 30 and the upper cross member. The rear shutter 16 comprises a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, a hinge with a transverse pivot axis.

[0054] The rear flap 16 comprises a transverse groove 34. The transverse groove 34 extends transversely across the entire width of the rear flap 16. It crosses it horizontally. It is open longitudinally towards the rear, and optionally transversely on the sides. Its depth is towards the front. It forms a housing for the light devices 26 (shown in dotted lines). The light devices 26 are arranged at the lateral ends of the transverse groove 34.

[0055] The transverse groove 34 may split the outer surface 24; which forms the rear surface and the rear face of the rear flap 16. The transverse groove 34 is adjacent to the outer surface 24.

[0056] The rear flap 16 also comprises a transverse panel 36 (shown in dot-dash lines) mounted in the transverse groove 16; between the light devices 26. The transverse panel 36 closes the transverse groove 34 enclosing the light devices 26. The transverse panel 36 is arranged under the glass wall (not shown), at a distance from the opening 32. The transverse panel 36 is vertically at the level of the light devices 26. It runs along the outer surface 24.

[0057] The transverse groove 34 comprises at least one axial stop 40; preferably a plurality of axial stops 40 (surrounded by circles). The transverse panel 36 comprises at least one positioning surface (not shown) longitudinally against the at least one axial stop 40 in order to longitudinally position the transverse panel 36 relative to the outer surface 24.

[0058] The axial stops 40 are distributed over the transverse extent of the transverse groove 34. The axial stops 40 are arranged at the top and bottom of the transverse groove 34. The transverse groove 34 defines an internal space 38. The internal space 38 is a recess defined by the transverse groove 34. The axial stops 40 project vertically into the internal space 38.

[0059] The axial stops 40 comprise at least one first axial stop 42 and at least one second axial stop 44. They may be an upper axial stop and a lower axial stop, respectively. They are against the transverse panel 36 in order to position it relative to the outer surface 24. The first axial stop 42 and the second axial stop 44 are transversely and / or vertically offset from each other.

[0060] Advantageously, the axial stops 40 comprise a plurality of first axial stops 42 and second axial stops 44; generally arranged in a staggered pattern. The staggered arrangement improves the distribution of forces, and limits the deformations of the transverse panel 36. The perceived quality is optimized.

[0061] The axial stops 40 comprise at least one third axial stop 46, preferably at least two third axial stops 46. The third axial stops 46 are transversely external axial stops. They are arranged at the lateral ends of the transverse panel 36. The third axial stops 46 are transversely at the level of the light devices 26. Thus, the third axial stops 46 allow positioning of the transverse panel 36 at the level of the light devices 26. The geometric precision of the mechanical clearances is optimized at the interfaces with the external surface 24.

[0062] The opening structure 28 comprises an opening lining 48 and a lower panel 50 attached to the opening lining 48. The opening lining 48 forms a stiffening reinforcement. The lower panel 50 extends under the transverse groove 34. According to one option, the lower panel 50 forms the transverse groove 34; at least partially. The transverse groove 34 can also be formed by the opening lining 48. At the transverse groove 34, the lower panel 50 is nested in the opening lining 48. According to one option, the axial stops 40 belong to the lower panel 50; and form a single piece. They are integral; and preferably made of a plastic material.

[0063] Figure 3 shows a section of the transverse groove 34 of the rear flap 16 at the level of a first axial stop 42; or upper stop; of a rear flap of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2.

[0064] The rear flap 16 comprises: an opening structure 28 having a transverse groove 34 open longitudinally towards the rear; a transverse panel 36 mounted inside the transverse groove 34. The transverse panel 36 forms a trim, such as a finishing element. The rear flap 16 having an exterior surface 24 adjoining the transverse groove 34.

[0065] The transverse groove 34 comprises at least one axial stop 40; including at least one first axial stop 42 (only one visible), forming an upper stop of the transverse groove 34. The transverse panel 36 comprises at least one positioning surface 54 longitudinally against the at least one axial stop 40 in order to longitudinally position the transverse panel 36 relative to the outer surface 24. In particular, the at least one axial stop 40 comprises a rear surface 56 of a shape complementary to the positioning surface 54. They cooperate together. They can be flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thus, they allow precise positioning.

[0066] The transverse groove 34 comprises an upper wall 60, a lower wall 62, a front wall 64 connecting the upper wall 60 to the lower wall 62. The first axial stop 42 is formed on the upper wall 60. The at least one axial stop 40 is at a distance, preferably opposite the front wall 64. The at least one axial stop 40 is a rear stop. The upper wall 60 may have a constant thickness.

[0067] The transverse groove 34 comprises at least one rear edge 66; for example at the rear end of the upper wall 60 and the lower wall 62. Each rear edge 66 forms a transverse edge, or an exit edge of the transverse groove 34. The at least one axial stop 40 is vertically at the level of the rear edge 66 associated with the upper wall 60. This configuration allows positioning at the top of the transverse groove 34. The rear edges 66 can form mechanical clearances.

[0068] The transverse panel 36 includes a plurality of positioning surfaces 54 formed on positioning wings 68 distributed transversely along the transverse panel 36. The positioning wings 68 may be horizontal wings. They extend forward. The positioning wings 68 are disposed opposite the axial stops 40.

[0069] The transverse panel 36 comprises an outer strip 70 and a reinforcing lining 72 of the outer strip 70. The transverse groove 34 is delimited between the reinforcing lining 72 and the front wall 64. The positioning surface 54 is formed by the reinforcing lining 72. The latter also forms a fixing frame. The outer strip 70 has a constant thickness. This aspect promotes a uniform production. The perceived quality is improved.

[0070] The positioning wings 68 are formed by the reinforcing liner 72. The positioning wings 68 project forward; towards the axial stop. The positioning wings 68 are generally horizontal. They form spacers between the first axial stop 42 and the reinforcing liner 72.

[0071] Figure 4 shows a section of the transverse groove 34 of the rear flap 16 at the level of a second axial stop 44; or lower stop; of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The motor vehicle may correspond to that presented in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3.

[0072] The rear flap 16 comprising: an opening structure 28 having a transverse groove 34 open longitudinally towards the rear; a transverse panel 36 mounted in the transverse groove 34; the rear flap 16 having an outer surface 24 adjacent to the transverse groove 34. The transverse groove 34 comprises at least one axial stop 40; such as a second axial stop 44; facing towards the rear. The transverse panel 36 comprises a positioning surface 54 longitudinally against the at least one axial stop 40 in order to longitudinally index the position of the transverse panel 36 relative to the outer surface 24; and therefore relative to the opening structure 28 as a whole.

[0073] Thus, it is observed that the longitudinal positioning of the transverse panel 36, in particular of the outer strip 70, relative to the outer surface 24; is ensured by the cooperation between the second axial stop 44 and the reinforcing lining 72; more precisely, between the positioning surface 54 and the rear surface 56 of the positioning wing 68.

[0074] The transverse groove 34 comprises an upper wall 60, a lower wall 62, a front wall 64 connecting the upper wall 60 to the lower wall 62. The second axial stop 44 is formed by the lower wall 62.

[0075] The transverse panel 36 comprises fixing means 74 in the transverse groove 34. The fixing means 74 are transversely at the level of the at least one axial stop 40, in this case at the level of the second axial stop 44. This alignment of the fixing means and the second axial stop 44 improves the precision of the holding of the transverse panel 36. The fixing means 74 pass through the front wall 64. They notably comprise a clip.

[0076] The transverse panel 36 comprises different separate and distinct positioning surfaces 54. They are formed on transversely distributed positioning wings 68. The transverse panel 36 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of positioning wings 68 forming the positioning surface 54. At least one or each positioning wing 68 extending longitudinally towards the at least one axial stop 40.

[0077] The opening structure 28 also includes an upper panel 76. The upper panel 76 is above the lower panel 50. It is vertically between the glass wall and the transverse groove 34. The upper panel 76 is attached to the opening liner (not shown), as is the lower panel 50.

[0078] The lower panel 50 is preferably a single-piece lower panel. The lower panel 50 is made in one piece. It is advantageously made by injection. It comprises a plastic material, for example a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. The lower panel 50 comprises polyoxymethylene. Alternatively, it comprises polyamide or polypropylene.

[0079] At least one or each axial stop 40 is made of plastic material. The choice of a plastic material for the axial stops limits possible squeaking at the contact interface with the positioning surface of the transverse panel 36. This aspect preserves the acoustic comfort of the vehicle.

[0080] The rear flap 16 is optionally symmetrical along a vertical and longitudinal plane. For example, the transverse groove 34 is symmetrical. The arrangement of the axial stops 40 is transversely symmetrical.

Claims

Claims

1. Rear flap (16) of a motor vehicle (10), said rear flap (16) comprising: an opening structure (28) having a transverse groove (34) open longitudinally towards the rear; a transverse panel (36) mounted in the transverse groove (34); the rear flap (16) having an outer surface (24) adjoining the transverse groove (34); characterized in that the transverse groove (34) comprises at least one axial stop (40), the transverse panel (36) comprising a positioning surface (54) longitudinally against the at least one axial stop (40) in order to position the transverse panel (36) relative to the transverse groove (34).

2. Rear flap (16) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse groove (34) comprises a rear edge (66); the at least one axial stop (40) being vertically at the level of said rear edge (66).

3. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the transverse panel (36) comprises fixing means (74) in the transverse groove (34); said fixing means (74) being transversely at the level of the at least one axial stop (40).

4. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one axial stop (40) comprises at least a first axial stop (42) and a second axial stop (44) against the transverse panel (36); the first axial stop (42) and the second axial stop (44) being transversely and / or vertically offset from each other.

5. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transverse groove (34) comprises an upper wall (60), a lower wall (62), a front wall (64) connecting the upper wall (60) to the lower wall (62); the at least one axial stop (40) being formed on the upper wall (60) and / or the lower wall (62).

6. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the opening structure (28) comprises an opening lining (48) and a lower panel (50) fixed to the opening lining (48), the at least one axial stop (40) and the lower panel (50) being made of a single material; and preferably of plastic.

7. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transverse panel (36) comprises an outer strip (70) and a reinforcing lining (72) of the outer strip (70), the positioning surface (54) being formed by the reinforcing lining (72).

8. Rear flap (16) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the transverse panel (36) comprises at least one positioning wing (68) forming the positioning surface (54); the at least one wing of positioning (68) extending longitudinally towards the at least one axial stop (40).

9. Single-piece lower panel for rear flap (16) of a motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8; the single-piece lower panel having a transverse groove (34) open longitudinally towards the rear; said transverse groove (34) being intended to receive a transverse panel (36) of the rear flap (16); the single-piece lower panel having an outer surface (24) adjoining the transverse groove (34); characterized in that the transverse groove (34) comprises at least one axial stop (40) intended to cooperate with a positioning surface (54) of the transverse panel (36) in order to longitudinally position the transverse panel (36) relative to the outer surface (24); preferably the at least one axial stop (40) is made of plastic material.

10. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a rear flap (16), characterized in that the rear flap (16) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 8; preferably the rear flap (16) comprises a light device (26) in the transverse groove (34), the at least one axial stop (40) comprising a third axial stop (46) transversely at the level of the light device (26).

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