Motor vehicle opening equipped with an equipment mounting plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle opening (1) comprising an inner panel (2), preferably made of plastic, an outer skin (3), at least partially made of plastic, attached to the inner panel (3), comprising an internal surface (31) located opposite an external surface (23) of the inner panel (2), and an equipment support plate (4) covered by the outer skin (3) and attached directly to the internal surface (31) of the outer skin (3) in a sealed manner, said plate (4) being disposed within an internal volume (5A) delimited, on the one hand, by the external surface (23) of an inner panel (2) and, on the other hand, by the internal surface (31) of the outer skin (3). Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle opening provided with an equipment support plate

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle body parts, more specifically openings, such as tailgates or side doors, and in particular the integration of equipment installed therein.

[0002] For example, a motor vehicle tailgate generally comprises an outer panel (also called an outer skin) attached to an inner panel, or frame. The inner panel is provided with a first opening in the upper part of the tailgate intended to accommodate a window. In the lower part of the tailgate, this inner panel is generally provided with small recesses allowing a local passage for the fixing of components.

[0003] On most vehicles, motor vehicle tailgates incorporate, in the lower part of the tailgate, side rear signaling lights, such as brake lights, generally a left light and a right light located symmetrically on either side of the tailgate. Preferably, these two lights are located as far as possible along the lateral edges of the tailgate in order to face, in the closed position of the tailgate, the rear light complement located on the body of the vehicle. Such lights are currently manufactured by suppliers in the form of lighting units or optical units. Such optical units comprise a rear part, or housing, in which the lighting device is arranged, as well as a window, also called a glass pane, allowing light to pass through when the light is in operation. These two side lights are attached and mounted on the tailgate on and by its outer face, which has many disadvantages.

[0004] Firstly, it is necessary to provide a sealed glass relative to the optical housing in order to protect the lighting device. In addition, it is necessary for an operator to mount the two side lights at two separate locations on the tailgate, to connect electrical harnesses thereto, and to make the mounting waterproof to prevent runoff water from penetrating into the volume delimited by the inner panel and the outer skin of the tailgate, passing between the light and the outer skin, which presents practical difficulties.

[0005] Another disadvantage lies in the fact that the side lights thus reported appear as additions and do not present any apparent continuity with the rest of the tailgate, which harms its aesthetics. Indeed, a trend among car manufacturers is to ensure that the different exterior surfaces of the vehicle are flush with each other ("flush" in Anglo-Saxon terminology) and appear without discontinuities ("seamless" in Anglo-Saxon terminology). In In some configurations, light elements can even remain partially or totally invisible from the outside, for example when they are not activated ("hidden until lit" in Anglo-Saxon terminology).

[0006] Furthermore, in addition to the issue of side lights, another trend among car manufacturers is to integrate a light signature at the rear of vehicles, such as continuous lighting between the side parts of the tailgate. In general, such a light device is also attached from the outside of the tailgate and may cause sealing problems or not be flush with the rest of the tailgate.

[0007] Finally, the tailgates can integrate components that assist driving (such as radars, lidars, or cameras) or enable communication (such as antennas or screens). All of these components should be integrated into the tailgate in a way that is, again, watertight and flush with the rest of the tailgate.

[0008] All of the technical problems described for the example of the tailgate can be generalized to other types of openings, for example side doors in which luminous elements and other driving assistance or communication components can also be integrated between the interior panel and the exterior panel.

[0009] The invention aims in particular to remedy these drawbacks by providing a motor vehicle opening allowing equipment, in particular radiation emitters and / or receivers, to be integrated into its lower part in a sealed manner and allowing the aesthetics of the vehicle to be improved.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a motor vehicle opening comprising: - an interior panel, preferably made of plastic material, provided with an upper part in which a first opening is made intended to accommodate a window and a lower part in which a second opening is made, and - an outer skin, at least partially made of plastic material, attached to the interior panel, comprising an internal surface located opposite an external surface of the interior panel.

[0011] The opening according to the invention further comprises an equipment support plate attached directly to the internal surface of the external skin in a sealed manner, preferably by gluing, said plate being arranged inside a volume delimited, on the one hand, by the external surface of an internal panel and, on the other hand, by the internal surface of the external skin.

[0012] Thanks to the presence of an equipment support plate carried and covered by the outer skin and arranged inside a volume delimited, on the one hand, by the external surface of an interior panel and, on the other hand, by the internal surface of the outer skin, it is possible to carry lighting, communication or driving assistance via the equipment support plate rather than attaching them to the outer skin of the opening, which facilitates their implementation within the opening, at the desired position for each piece of equipment, since they are previously assembled on the plate which is then attached to the outer skin.

[0013] Thus, the aesthetics of the vehicle are improved since the equipment does not appear as additions and does not present any apparent discontinuity with the rest of the opening.

[0014] Furthermore, it is also possible to ensure that the equipment carried by the support plate is concealed by the outer skin, including, in the case of a tailgate, the rear lights for example when they are not lit. By "concealed by the outer skin" is meant that the equipment is not clearly visible to a user.

[0015] Furthermore, the fact that the equipment support plate is carried by the outer skin in a sealed manner directly on the inner surface of the outer skin makes it possible to create a specific “dry zone” for the equipment carried by the support plate. Here, the term “dry zone” means a closed volume, sealed with respect to the external environment. Thus, all the equipment carried by the support plate is sealed from the external environment via the sealed connection obtained between the support plate and the outer skin. This is much easier than ensuring sealing around each piece of equipment individually, as for lighting units. This ultimately makes it possible to preserve this equipment and therefore ensure its proper functioning.

[0016] Finally, the support plate allows the connections of the equipment it carries to be shared.

[0017] According to other optional characteristics of the opening taken alone or in combination:

[0018] - the equipment support plate comprises a transmitter and / or receiver device of electromagnetic radiation and the outer skin comprises, opposite the device emitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, a transmission zone, made of plastic material, which is at least partially transparent to said electromagnetic radiation;

[0019] - electromagnetic radiation belongs to the visible spectrum;

[0020] - electromagnetic radiation belongs to the non-visible spectrum as by example that of infrared, microwaves, the 76-77Ghz band of automobile radars, radio waves or telephones;

[0021] - the support plate comprises at least one access hole to one of the equipments carried by the support plate, and preferably at least one member for closing said access orifice allowing the replacement or adjustment of certain elements carried by the plate. Indeed, certain elements such as radars or lidars, for example, require fine adjustment carried out after the assembly of the opening on the vehicle;

[0022] - the interior panel comprises at least one access opening to the delimited volume;

[0023] - the access opening of the interior panel is opposite said at least one orifice support plate access;

[0024] - the interior panel further comprises at least one removable hatch allowing to close the access opening;

[0025] - a lining fixed on the internal wall of the interior panel and covering the second opening;

[0026] - the trim covers said at least one removable hatch;

[0027] - the trim covers the access opening and includes a removable part allowing access to the turntable and its equipment via the access opening;

[0028] - a technical panel attached to the interior panel carrying a set technical elements for the passage or fixing of components, the technical panel bearing for example at least one of the following elements:

[0029] - holes allowing elements such as wiring, rods, pipes, fixing interfaces, connectors; - fixing interfaces for systems such as a motorized lock or a window washer motor; and - mechanical reinforcement forms such as ribs or bosses;

[0030] - the support plate is in one piece;

[0031] - the support plate is made of several parts assembled together;

[0032] - the outer skin is made of one of the following materials: polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), and any combination of these materials;

[0033] - the opening constitutes a tailgate or a side door. Brief description of the figures

[0034] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, in which the opening of the invention has been described in the form of a tailgate, a description given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0035] [fig. 1] [fig.l] is a set of schematic views (figure 1A exploded and 1B assembled) of an equipment support plate and an outer skin of a tailgate according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0036] [fig.2] [fig.2] is an exploded schematic view of a tailgate according to the method of rea described use of the invention,

[0037] [fig.3] [fig.3] is a schematic view of a tailgate assembled according to the method of rea lization of the invention,

[0038] [fig.4] [fig.4] is a set of schematic sections (figure 4A and 4B) made according to section plane IV-IV of [fig.3], representing a tailgate according to two variants of the invention,

[0039] [fig.5] [fig.5] is a more detailed representation of a support plate of equipment used in an opening according to the invention, such as a tailgate described in the preceding figures. Detailed description

[0040] Figures 2 to 4B show a motor vehicle tailgate 1 according to one embodiment of the invention and several variants thereof.

[0041] We now refer to [fig.2], which illustrates an embodiment of a tailgate 1 of a motor vehicle according to the invention. The tailgate 1 comprises: - an interior panel 2, preferably made of plastic, provided with an upper part 2A in which a first opening 21 is made intended to accommodate a bezel 7 and a lower part 2B in which a second opening 22 is made, and

[0042] - an outer skin 3, at least partially made of plastic material, attached to the interior panel 2, comprising an internal surface 31 located opposite an external surface 23 of the interior panel 2. The tailgate 1 further comprises an equipment support plate 4 attached directly to the internal surface 31 of the exterior skin 3 in a sealed manner, by gluing, said plate 4 being arranged inside an internal volume 5A delimited, on the one hand, by the external surface 23 of an interior panel 2 and, on the other hand, by the internal surface 31 of the exterior skin 3.

[0043] The equipment support plate 4 is a box forming a hollow receptacle and whose peripheral edges follow the shape of the outer skin 3 on which the plate 4 is attached, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The peripheral edges of the plate 4 glued (or adhesive-coated) to the outer skin 3 constitute a rim 51 in the form of a flat receiving the bead of glue 50 (or the adhesive). These same peripheral flat edges can also be used to compress a foam seal in the case of fixing the plate by screwing and / or clipping (variant embodiments of the invention not shown). The plate 4 is attached by gluing, using any suitable gluing method known to those skilled in the art.

[0044] The tailgate illustrated in [fig.2] is shown assembled in [fig.3]. Two variants are shown in figures 4A and 4B, in the form of sections made according to the plan of section IV-IV of [fig.3].

[0045] The plate comprises several pieces of equipment 6, only one of which is visible in the sections shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Obviously, the plate may comprise a single piece of equipment 6 or several pieces of equipment 6 and these may be different from each other. It may be, for example, one or more light devices which emit electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. These light devices may be distributed over all or part of the width of the plate 4 in order to establish the desired light signature. Thus, it is possible to obtain a light signature of continuous appearance over the entire width of the tailgate if this is desired.These devices 6 can also be driving assistance devices, such as radars (which generally emit electromagnetic radiation between 20 and 80 GHz), lidars (which generally emit electromagnetic radiation belonging to the infrared spectrum) or reversing cameras. Finally, they can also be communication equipment, such as screens or antennas. Generally speaking, these devices can be any device requiring transparency to waves.

[0046] The area of ​​the outer skin 3 located opposite the equipment 6 is a transmission area 32 made of plastic material at least partially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation of the equipment, in the case where the latter emits and / or receives electromagnetic radiation. By “at least transparent to electromagnetic radiation”, it is meant that this transmission area 32 allows the passage of a sufficient quantity of electromagnetic waves so that the equipment can perform the function dedicated to it correctly and continuously. In the case of a light device, for example, this means that the transmission area 32 allows the passage of the light rays emitted by the device so that they can be seen by an observer outside the vehicle.

[0047] The support plate 4 can be made of a single piece, which simplifies its manufacture and avoids the steps of assembling several elements on the outer skin 3. Alternatively, the support plate 4 can be made of several parts (41a, 41b and 41c) assembled together (as shown in [fig.5]) either before being introduced into the internal volume 5A, or after having been introduced into the internal volume 5A. This second assembly variant has the advantage of being able to integrate such a plate, even when the first opening 21 of the inner panel is reduced.

[0048] As shown in [fig.5], the plate 4 is made up of three parts, a central one 41a, and two lateral ones 41b and 41c.

[0049] The central part 4a comprises an element forming an illuminated logo 61. The lower zone of the lateral parts 41b and 41c can for example form right and left signal lights 62. The upper zone of the three parts 41a, 41b and 41c taken together forms a continuous lighting line 63 transverse to the tailgate 1 and thus creating a light signature. This upper part can also accommodate a large antenna.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the support plate 4 is provided with an access orifice 42 which allows access to the various equipment carried by the plate 4, for example for the purpose of their installation or maintenance. This access orifice 42 is closed via a closing member 43 which thus makes it possible to create an additional closed internal volume 5B within the main internal volume 5A. Thus, the equipment 6 carried by the support plate 4 is located within a dry and sealed zone which protects them. The sealing of the volumes 5A and 5B is also ensured by means of the peripheral and continuous adhesive beads 50 connecting the different elements (inner panel 2, outer skin 3 and support plate 4) to each other. Of course, any other fixing means known to those skilled in the art for connecting these different elements in a sealed manner can be used.

[0051] In order to guarantee access to the internal volume 5A, once the tailgate is assembled and mounted on the vehicle, the interior panel 2 comprises an access opening 24. To allow easier access to the additional internal volume 5B, and therefore to the equipment 6 carried by the support plate 4, the access opening 24 is located opposite the access orifice 42 of the support plate 4 (FIG. 4B). Of course, the tailgate according to the invention may have several access openings 24 distributed over the interior panel 2, and several access orifices 42 distributed in the plate 4 opposite each access opening 24, in order to be able to easily access all of the equipment 6 carried by the plate 4.

[0052] According to the variant illustrated in FIG. 4B, in order to guarantee the sealing of the internal volume 5A, the interior panel 2 comprises a removable hatch 25 provided to cover the access opening 24 of the interior panel. Thus, it is possible to temporarily remove this hatch 25 in order to access the elements located inside the internal volume 5A.

[0053] According to the variant illustrated in Figure 4A, the tailgate 1 may further comprise a technical panel 15 as described in document FR 1358548 attached to the external surface 23 of the internal panel. This technical panel 15 makes it possible to carry a set of technical elements for the passage or fixing of components, such as for example the electrical harness for the equipment of the plate 4.

[0054] According to a variant of the invention not shown, the tailgate 1 further comprises a trim 44 fixed to the internal wall of the interior panel 2 and covering the second opening 22. Advantageously, this trim 44 covers the removable hatch 25 as illustrated in FIG. 4A and thus makes it possible to further guarantee the sealing of the internal volume 5A. The trim 44 can be fixed to the lower part 2B of the inner panel 2 in a removable manner, for example by riveting, screwing or snapping.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become clear to those skilled in the art. List of references

[0056] 1: tailgate 2: interior panel

[0057] 2A: upper part of the inner panel

[0058] 2B: lower part of the interior panel

[0059] 3: outer skin

[0060] 4: equipment support plate(s)

[0061] 5A: internal volume of the opening

[0062] 5B: internal volume of the plate

[0063] 6: turntable equipment

[0064] 7: bezel

[0065] 15: technical panel

[0066] 21: first opening

[0067] 22: second opening

[0068] 23: external surface of the inner panel

[0069] 24: access opening

[0070] 25: removable hatch

[0071] 31: inner surface of the outer skin

[0072] 32: transmission zone

[0073] 41a, 41b, 41c: part of the support plate

[0074] 42: access hole for the plate

[0075] 43: closing member

[0076] 44: garnish

[0077] 50: tailgate glue bead

[0078] 51: edge of the plate

[0079] 61: logo

[0080] 62: traffic lights

[0081] 63: lighting line

Claims

Claims

1. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle comprising: - an interior panel (2), preferably made of plastic, provided with an upper part (2A) in which a first opening (21) is made for receiving a window (7) and a lower part (2B) in which a second opening (22) is made, and - an outer skin (3), at least partially made of plastic, attached to the interior panel (2), comprising an internal surface (31) located opposite an external surface (23) of the interior panel (2), characterized in that it further comprises an equipment support plate (4) covered by the outer skin (3) and attached directly to the internal surface (31) of the outer skin (3) in a sealed manner, preferably by gluing, said plate (4) being arranged inside an internal volume (5A) delimited, on the one hand, by the external surface (23) of an interior panel (2) and, on the other hand,by the inner surface (31) of the outer skin (3).,

2. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, in which the equipment support plate (4) comprises a device (6) for emitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation and the outer skin (3) comprises, opposite the device (6) for emitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, a transmission zone (32), made of plastic material, which is at least partially transparent to said electromagnetic radiation.

3. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 2, in which the electromagnetic radiation belongs to the visible spectrum.

4. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 2, in which the electromagnetic radiation belongs to the non-visible spectrum.

5. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support plate (4) comprises at least one access orifice (42) to one of the equipment (6) carried by the support plate (4), and preferably at least one closing member (43) for said access orifice (42).

6. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the interior panel (2) comprises at least one access opening (24) to the delimited volume (5A).

7. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claims 5 and 6, in wherein the access opening (24) of the inner panel (2) is opposite said at least one access hole (42) of the support plate (4).

8. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, in which the interior panel (2) further comprises at least one removable hatch (25) allowing the access opening (24) to be closed.

9. Motor vehicle opening (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a trim (44) fixed to the internal wall of the interior panel (2) and covering the second opening (22).

10. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to claims 8 and 9, in which the trim (44) covers said at least one removable hatch (25).

11. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a technical panel (15) attached to the interior panel (2) carrying a set of technical elements for the passage or fixing of components, the technical panel carrying at least one of the following elements: - holes allowing elements such as wiring, rods, pipes, fixing interfaces, connectors to pass through; - fixing interfaces for systems such as a motorized lock or a window washer motor; and - mechanical reinforcement shapes such as ribs or bosses.

12. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support plate (4) is in one piece.

13. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the support plate (4) is made of several parts (41a, 41b, 41c) assembled together.

14. Opening (1) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outer skin (3) is made of one of the following materials: - polypropylene (PP); - polyamide (PA); - polyethylene (PE); - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); - polyethylene terephthalate (PET); - polystyrene (PS); - polycarbonate (PC); - polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); - cycloolefin copolymer (COC); as well as any combination of these materials.

15. Opening (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, constituting a tailgate (1) or a side door.

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