Hinge support for a vehicle trunk lid.

Abstract

Hinge support for a vehicle trunk lid. The invention relates to a hinge support (10) for a vehicle opening, particularly a trunk lid, comprising a hollow form including a base (13) extending or projecting substantially over two substantially perpendicular planes (P1, P2). Illustration: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Hinge support for a vehicle trunk door. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a hinge support for a vehicle trunk door. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a hinge support. The invention also relates to a body comprising at least one such arrangement and / or at least one such hinge support. The invention finally relates to a vehicle comprising such a body and / or such an arrangement and / or such a hinge support. State of the prior art

[0002] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, generally comprises a trunk door pivoting about an axis extending transversely. In the case of a trunk door incorporating a window or rear window, i.e. of the tailgate type, the trunk door also has substantial dimensions. Thus, a tailgate is particularly heavy. Generally, such a tailgate pivots by means of two pivoting means arranged at a central rear gutter of the trunk door and / or at a rear roof crossmember.

[0003] However, during the vehicle's life cycle, the weight of the tailgate generates high stresses applied to these two pivoting means. This results in torsion between the rear central gutter and / or the rear roof crossmember and the right and left quarter panel linings. This disadvantage is amplified in the case of the tailgate pivoting means arranged close to the adjacent quarter panel lining.

[0004] Furthermore, in the case of a tailgate extending close to horizontally in the closed position, trunk ring side gutters then also extend horizontally which creates break points at the junction, or edge, between each side gutter and the adjacent quarter panel lining. Such break points tend to create a weakening of the rear trunk ring.

[0005] Thus, it is appropriate to limit, or even avoid, any torsional force between the rear central gutter and / or the rear roof crossmember and each quarter panel lining. In addition, it is appropriate to avoid any subsequent weakening of the rear ring, which is detrimental in terms of the closing precision of the tailgate and / or in terms of the perceived quality and / or robustness of the body. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The aim of the invention is to provide a reinforcement solution remedying the above drawbacks. In particular, the invention proposes a solution allowing the pivoting means to be fixed near the junction between each gutter side and the adjacent quarter panel lining. Summary of the invention

[0007] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a hinge support for a vehicle opening, in particular a trunk door type opening, comprising a hollow shape comprising a bottom extending or extending substantially over two substantially perpendicular planes.

[0008] The articulation support may comprise: - a first mechanical connecting element, in particular a fixing element, to a rear quarter panel reinforcement, and - a second mechanical connecting element, in particular a fixing element, to an external front quarter panel reinforcement and / or to a stretcher reinforcement and / or to a rear stretcher lining.

[0009] The hinge support may comprise a first opening formed in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least a portion of a welding clamp.

[0010] The articulation support may comprise a second opening provided in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least one conduit and / or electrical wire and / or cable through the articulation support.

[0011] The articulation support may be made of sheet metal, in particular stamped sheet metal, in particular steel sheet, in particular with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of the order of 1.5 mm.

[0012] The articulation support may comprise a means for holding a pivot axis of an opening.

[0013] The holding means may comprise a yoke attached to the articulation support, in particular fixed to the articulation support by welding or by riveting or by at least one screw / nut system.

[0014] The invention also relates to a right-side or left-side arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an external front quarter panel reinforcement and / or a side member lining and / or a rear quarter panel reinforcement and / or a side member reinforcement and a hinge support as defined above, the hinge support being fixed to the external front quarter panel reinforcement and / or to the side member lining and / or to the rear quarter panel reinforcement and / or to the side member reinforcement, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

[0015] The invention also relates to a vehicle body, in particular a motor vehicle, the body comprising at least one arrangement as defined above, in particular a right-side arrangement and a left-side arrangement, and / or at least one articulation support as defined above.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body as defined previously, and / or at least one arrangement as defined previously, and / or at least one articulation support as defined previously. Presentation of figures

[0017] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of an embodiment given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic view of a motor vehicle according to a mode of realization.

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of a body of the vehicle according to an embodiment, without trunk door.

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a joint support according to a embodiment. Detailed description

[0021] The direction in which a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, moves in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction X. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called the transverse direction Y. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called the vertical direction Z. Thus, a direct XYZ reference frame is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, therefore directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed towards the right and Z is the vertical direction directed upwards. The forward direction corresponds to the direction in which the vehicle usually moves in the longitudinal direction and is opposite to the rear direction.

[0022] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle 1, according to one embodiment.

[0023] The vehicle 1 comprises a body 3 and an opening 2. Preferably, the opening 2 is a trunk door, for example of the tailgate type. For example, the tailgate 2 pivots to open and close around an axis A extending transversely or substantially transversely.

[0024] The vehicle 1 comprises at least one hinge support 10 for the trunk door which is detailed later. Preferably, the vehicle comprises a left-side hinge support (illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3) and a right-side hinge support. Preferably, the hinge supports are symmetrical with respect to a median plane M (illustrated in [Fig.2]) of the vehicle extending longitudinally and vertically.

[0025] The vehicle 1 and / or the body 3 further comprises at least one arrangement 6.

[0026] Preferably, the left-side arrangement 6 comprises a left rear stretcher lining 50 and / or a left front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 and / or a left upper rear quarter panel reinforcement 20 and / or a left front stretcher reinforcement 40 and a left hinge support 10. Thus, the right-side arrangement (not shown) preferably comprises a right rear stretcher lining and / or a right front exterior quarter panel reinforcement and / or a right upper rear quarter panel reinforcement and / or a right front stretcher reinforcement and a right hinge support.

[0027] For simplicity, only the left side of the body 3 is shown and described. For example, the right side is the symmetry of the left side with respect to the median plane M.

[0028] Alternatively, one or more differences exist between the two sides, in particular as regards the shape of the rear stretcher lining and / or the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement and / or the rear upper quarter panel reinforcement and / or the front stretcher reinforcement. For example, an orifice for a fuel supply pipe and / or an orifice for an electrical charging socket is arranged on the right side and / or the left side. In this case, the rear stretcher lining and / or the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement and / or the rear upper quarter panel reinforcement and / or the front stretcher reinforcement comprise an orifice or a portion of an orifice, or a cavity or a projection at such an orifice.

[0029] As illustrated in [Fig.2] in particular, the articulation support 10 is fixed to the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30. The articulation support is further fixed to the rear quarter panel reinforcement 20. Preferably, as illustrated, the method of fixing is welding, preferably by spots.

[0030] In addition, the articulation support is also fixed to the rear stretcher lining 50 and / or to the front stretcher reinforcement 40. Here again, preferably, the method of fixing is welding, preferably by spots.

[0031] More specifically, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3], the articulation support 10 comprises a hollow shape. The hollow shape comprises a bottom 13 extending, or extending substantially, on or in two perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, planes P1, P2.

[0032] For example, the plane P1 extends vertically and longitudinally, or substantially vertically and longitudinally. For example, the plane P2 extends vertically and transversely, or substantially vertically and transversely.

[0033] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the articulation support 10 comprises a first opening 10A. The first opening 10A is provided in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least a portion of a welding clamp. Thus, the welding of a part located under the articulation support remains possible, the passage of the clamp being provided. By "under" is meant inside a volume delimited by the hollow shape. For example, the first opening is oblong as illustrated, or has another shape, for example circular, square, rectangular or even oval. Preferably, the first opening 10A is arranged along one or more axes extending perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the plane PI.

[0034] Advantageously, the articulation support 10 comprises a second opening 10B. The second opening is formed in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least one conduit and / or electrical wire and / or cable through the articulation support 10. For example, the second opening is circular as illustrated, or has another shape, for example oblong, square, rectangular or even oval. Preferably, the second opening 10B is formed along one or more axes extending perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, to the plane P2.

[0035] The articulation support 10 preferably comprises a first mechanical connection element 11 to the rear quarter panel reinforcement 20. The first mechanical connection element 11 is for example a fixing element, preferably comprising at least one rim or edge or end wall. Such a rim is preferably sufficiently wide to allow welding points to be made for fixing the support 10. Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the first mechanical connection element 11 comprises several rims, for example six, distributed in certain zones of the external perimeter of the support 10. These rims are intended to receive welding points, and / or rivets, in particular at various locations shown by circles in Figures 2 and 3.

[0036] The articulation support further comprises a second mechanical connection element 12 to the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 and / or to the stretcher reinforcement 40 and / or to the rear stretcher lining 50. The second mechanical connection element 12 is for example a fixing element, preferably comprising at least one rim or border or end wall. Such a rim is preferably sufficiently wide to allow spot welds to be made thereon. Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the second mechanical connection element 12 comprises several rims, for example two, distributed in certain zones of the exterior perimeter of the support 10. These rims are intended to receive spot welds, and / or rivets, at various locations shown by circles in Figures 2 and 3.

[0037] In order to provide a reinforcing role which will be explained later, the articulation support 10 is preferably made of sheet metal, for example stamped sheet metal. Advantageously, the articulation support is made of steel sheet, for example with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably of the order of 1.5 mm.

[0038] Alternatively, in the case of a body comprising aluminum alloy elements, The hinge support is also made of aluminum alloy sheet. The thickness is then greater to ensure the desired rigidity.

[0039] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], due to its stamped shape having a curved bottom wall 13 which extends over two substantially perpendicular planes P1, P2, the bottom wall further comprises an upper edge 16 and a lower edge 17 which are substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the upper edge 16 extends along a substantially horizontal plane and / or substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes. Preferably, the upper edge 16 extends from a face comprising the orifice 10B to the connecting element 11, or substantially to the connecting element 11. Preferably, once the articulation support is fixed to the body 3, the upper edge 16 constitutes a substantially flat wall extending in a horizontal plane on which a pivoting means for the trunk door is positioned and fixed.

[0040] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the articulation support 10 comprises a holding means 14 for a pivot shaft 15 of the trunk door 2. As a reminder, the pivot axis A extends transversely or substantially transversely. Thus, preferably, the pivot shaft 15 has an axis coincident or substantially coincident with the pivot axis A. For example, the holding means 14 comprises a yoke 4 attached to the articulation support 10. Advantageously, the yoke 4 is fixed to the articulation support 10 by welding and / or by riveting and / or by at least one screw / nut system 5, possibly supplemented by a centering means or a positioning or pre-positioning means (not illustrated).

[0041] In summary, the hollow-shaped articulation support or housing 10 is fixed both to the rear quarter panel reinforcement 20 in the upper part and to the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 and / or to the rear stretcher lining 50 and / or to the front stretcher reinforcement 40. Such anchors on different elements of the body 3 reinforce the rigidity of the rear ring D near the pivot shaft 15 of the tailgate 2. Thus, the rear ring comprising a rear roof crossmember 7 and / or a central rear gutter 8 does not undergo torsion relative to an adjacent quarter panel lining 35. Indeed, the connection between the rear ring and the quarter panel lining 35 is thereby reinforced.

[0042] Thus, although the pivot axes of the tailgate are arranged in the transverse direction in areas very far from the median plane M, the articulation supports 10 make the body 3 particularly rigid at these locations, which limits, or even prevents, twisting. In addition, the solution meets particularly stringent standards of resistance, particularly in torsion and / or endurance.

[0043] Preferably, the articulation support 10 is welded directly to the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 on which the front stretcher reinforcement 40 is also assembled, for example by welding. Thus, the articulation support finds connections of welding with the front exterior reinforcement of the quarter panel 30.

[0044] Note that the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 also comprises a hollow body as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Thus, extending the hollow body of the articulation support 10 to the hollow body, or substantially to the hollow body of the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 at the level of the C-pillar, or rear pillar, improves the rigidity. Thus, the articulation support supports the pivoting means 14 while ensuring a function of rigidity and / or holding to an edge 9 of the ring D. By “edge 9” (illustrated in dotted lines in [Fig.2]), we mean an edge extending between the rear ring, or ring D, in particular at the junction between the lateral gutter 8' and the quarter panel lining 35. Indeed, thanks to the hollowed-out shape of the articulation support 10, its assembly to the body creates a hollow body which holds the edge between the rear ring and the quarter panel lining.The local rigidity of the area of ​​the 8' side gutter which receives the trunk door hinge is greatly improved.

[0045] Furthermore, the solution makes it possible to transversely extend the central gutter 8 in order to cover each lateral gutter 8' more, which facilitates the fixing of the central gutter to the lateral gutters, in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding. It is preferably at the level of this overlap zone that the foot or articulation support 10 is positioned.

[0046] Furthermore, although the rear side gutters 8' extend with a relatively slight slope relative to the horizontal, the solution provides robustness of the edges 9, which makes it possible to eliminate any break point at the edge line. In other words, the solution avoids any break point of the edge line tending to create a weakening of the rear ring. Indeed, the articulation support 10 forms a connecting bridge between the rear quarter panel reinforcement 20 and the front outer quarter panel reinforcement 30, or even with the front stretcher reinforcement 40 and / or the rear stretcher lining 50 and / or the quarter panel lining 35 and / or a seat belt return anchor reinforcement 36 (illustrated in [Fig.2]). The rear ring between the two zones that are the 8' side gutter and the rear lateral side delimited by the 35 quarter panel lining is particularly stiffened.In particular, the connecting bridge formed by the articulation support makes it possible to connect together the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30, the stretcher lining 50, the rear quarter panel reinforcement upper part 20 and the articulation support 10 itself, so that the articulation of the trunk door is positioned on an area of ​​the body whose rigidity is increased.

[0047] Although the articulation hinges 14, 15 arranged at the upper lateral corners of the rear ring increase the forces of the tailgate on the body 3 in these areas, in particular when the vehicle 1 is moving, the articulation supports 10 and the elements on which they are fixed offer a rigidity which compensates for these forces.

[0048] As mentioned previously, the bottom wall comprises the opening 10A to make it possible for a welding clamp to pass through the articulation support 10. This orifice notably allows the welding of the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement 30 with the stretcher lining 50 and / or with the rear quarter panel reinforcement upper part 20.

[0049] As a remark, the solution according to the invention therefore achieves the desired objective of reinforcing the junction between each side gutter and the adjacent quarter panel lining while allowing each hinge support of the trunk door to be very far from the median plane M of the vehicle, and this, while avoiding twisting between the rear central gutter and / or the rear roof crossmember with the quarter panel lining, and has the following advantages: - it is economical, - it is easy to implement since it requires production methods commonly used in the automotive sector, namely cutting, sheet metal stamping and welding.

Claims

Claims

1. Hinge support (10) for a vehicle trunk door type opening (2), characterized in that it comprises a hollow shape comprising a bottom (13) extending or extending substantially over two substantially perpendicular planes (PI, P2), and in that it comprises: - a first mechanical connection element (11), in particular a fixing element, to a rear quarter panel reinforcement (20), and - a second mechanical connection element (12), in particular a fixing element, to an external front quarter panel reinforcement (30) and / or to a stretcher reinforcement (40) and / or to a rear stretcher lining (50).

2. Articulation support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a first opening (10A) formed in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least part of a welding clamp.

3. Articulation support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second opening (10B) formed in the hollow shape so as to allow the passage of at least one conduit and / or electric wire and / or cable through the articulation support (10).

4. Articulation support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of sheet metal, in particular stamped sheet metal, in particular steel sheet, in particular with a thickness of between 1 mm and 3 mm, in particular of the order of 1.5 mm.

5. Articulation support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a means (14) for holding a pivot axis (A) of an opening (2).

6. Articulation support (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the holding means (14) comprises a yoke (4) attached to the articulation support (10), in particular fixed to the articulation support (10) by welding or by riveting or by at least one screw / nut system (5).

7. Arrangement (6) right side or left side for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising an external front quarter panel reinforcement (30) and / or a stretcher lining (50) and / or a rear quarter panel reinforcement (20) and / or a stretcher reinforcement (40) and a support articulation support (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulation support (10) is fixed to the front exterior quarter panel reinforcement (30) and / or to the stretcher lining (50) and / or to the rear quarter panel reinforcement (20) and / or to the stretcher reinforcement (40), in particular by welding, in particular by spot welding.

8. Body (3) of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that the body (3) comprises at least one arrangement (6) according to the preceding claim, in particular a right-side arrangement and a left-side arrangement, and / or at least one articulation support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a body (3) according to the preceding claim, and / or at least one arrangement (6) according to claim 7 and / or at least one articulation support (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

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