Tipper Extension Device for Motor Vehicles with Rear Tailgate
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022012639
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-12-01
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: BODY EXTENSION DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH REAR SIDE PANEL Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to motor vehicles equipped with a dump body, and relates more particularly to a dump body extension device. Prior art
[0002] Pick-up type motor vehicles generally include a loading space commonly called a bed. The space is located at the rear of the vehicle and corresponds to a flat and horizontal platform, delimited laterally by bodywork elements and closed by a rear hatch. Most of the time, the tailgate is pivoting at its base, so that it can be folded horizontally until it is aligned with the platform.
[0003] In order to increase the loading volume of the dump body, the rear tailgate can be folded down. Transporting a larger number of objects, or transporting objects of significant size, is then possible. Extension devices can be added to prevent objects from escaping from the dump body. Extension devices, also called barriers or drop sides, exist and are generally provided with a central section and two side sections. A mounting part, located on each side section, is intended for fixing the device to the vehicle. Document FR3042167A1 describes such a dump body extension device, which is also multifunctional in that it also allows a ramp to be formed to facilitate loading and access to the dump body, in particular for two-wheelers or other equipment.
[0004] Other known dump bed extension devices provide for the barrier to be completely removed from the tailgate to provide a ramp for access to the dump bed.
[0005] These known devices require specific shapes and fixings which must allow the barrier to be completely separated from the tailgate, in order to install an access ramp. These devices require complex and difficult handling. These known devices are also subject to theft since they can be separated from the vehicle to allow the transition from one configuration to another. Statement of the invention
[0006] The aim of the present invention is to propose a dump body extension device for a motor vehicle which overcomes all or part of the above drawbacks.
[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a dump body extension device for a motor vehicle equipped with a rear tailgate hinged at its base to the structure of the vehicle, between a raised position closing the rear access to the bucket, and a lowered position opening the rear access to the bucket, characterized in that it comprises a retractable rear drop side, hinged on a free edge of the rear tailgate, between: - on the one hand a folded position () against an inner face () of the rear hatch () and an intermediate position () forming with the folded position () an angle of approximately 90°, - and on the other hand between the intermediate position () and a deployed position () forming with the folded position () an angle between 250° and 300°, in particular approximately 270°.
[0008] Thus the dump body extension device of the invention improves on known devices. This device is particularly simple in design and robust. It allows easy and intuitive use when changing configurations, while being suitable against theft since the tailboard is not separated from the tailgate. It also allows for an access ramp to be provided to the dump body without having to remove the tailboard.
[0009] Other advantageous characteristics of the invention are defined below.
[0010] The rear tailgate is connected to the free edge of the rear tailgate by two articulated systems arranged on the lateral edges of the rear tailgate, each articulated system comprising a connecting rod having the general shape of an L, a first branch of which is mounted to rotate relative to the inner face of the rear tailgate, while the second branch of the L is connected to the lateral edge of the rear tailgate.
[0011] The connecting rod is arranged so that the first branch of the L is substantially parallel to the inner face of the rear tailgate when the rear dropside is between the folded position and the intermediate position, and is rotatably mounted by its rear end relative to the inner face of the rear tailgate, via a first support secured to the rear tailgate.
[0012] The second branch of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear side panel, via a second support secured to a lateral edge of the rear side panel.
[0013] The device comprises stop means provided between the second branch of the L and the second support, to limit the rotation of the rear side panel to an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch of the L.
[0014] The device comprises two side panels, each side panel being capable of occupying:
[0015] - a first position in which it is fixed on the one hand at its base on an edge side of the rear tailgate when the latter is in the lowered position, and on the other hand at the rear on a side edge of the rear dropside when the latter is in the intermediate position,
[0016] - and a second position in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the skip and in an area above a bridge secured to a side wall delimiting the dumpster.
[0017] The fixing of the upper zone of the side wall is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock pivotally mounted on the side wall, the lock being rotatably mounted on the side wall and having a hooking end penetrating into a complementary shape formed in a surface of the bridge when the side wall is in the second position, this same lock being further adapted so that the hooking end also penetrates into a complementary shape of a rear support secured to the side wall of the body when the side wall is in the first position.
[0018] The side wall comprises at its base at least one protrusion which fits into a recess of complementary shape provided in the floor of the body.
[0019] The rear tailboard comprises means for fixing a number plate directed towards the rear of the vehicle when the rear tailboard is in the intermediate position.
[0020] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device having all or part of the preceding characteristics.
[0021] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description of a non-limiting example of the invention, and in light of the attached drawings.
[0022] [Fig-1] is a three-quarter rear perspective view of a pick-up vehicle equipped with a bed extension device according to the invention, the rear tailgate of which is in the raised position and the rear drop side (not visible) in the folded position.
[0023] [Fig.2] is a view similar to [Fig.l], with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the folded position.
[0024] [Fig.3] is a view similar to [Fig.2], with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the deployed position, freeing up the passage for the installation of access ramps (not visible).
[0025] [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.3], with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the deployed position, freeing up the passage for the installation of access ramps (visible).
[0026] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.3], with the tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the extended position, side dropsides being provided on the side edges of the tailgate.
[0027] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5], with the tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in an intermediate position, side dropsides being arranged in a first position on the side edges of the tailgate.
[0028] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of an interior area of the vehicle bed, illustrating a portion of the rear dropside in the intermediate position and a side dropside in the first position illustrated in [Fig.6].
[0029] [Fig-8] is a perspective view similar to [Fig.7], in which a side wall is in a second position, for storage in the bed.
[0030] [Fig.9] is a top view towards the front of the vehicle, of a left rear corner portion of the vehicle, in which the rear tailgate is in the raised position, and a rear dropside is in the second position.
[0031] [Fig.10] is a top view towards the rear of the vehicle, of a left rear corner portion of the vehicle, in which the rear tailgate is in the raised position, and a rear dropside is in the second position.
[0032] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a detail of the dump body extension device of the invention, illustrating the front upper attachment of a side wall to the vehicle when the wall is in the first position.
[0033] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of a detail of the dump body extension device of the invention, illustrating the rear upper attachment of a side wall to the vehicle when the wall is in the first position.
[0034] [Fig. 13], [Fig. 14] and [Fig. 15] are perspective views of a detail of the device of the inventive dump body extension, illustrating one of the articulated systems connecting the drop side to the tailgate on each side, the drop side being respectively in the folded position against the internal face of the tailgate, in the intermediate position raised perpendicular to the tailgate, and in the deployed position under the tailgate.
[0035] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the rear part of the vehicle when the tailgate is in the lowered position, the rear dropside being in the intermediate position and supporting a number plate illuminated by a lamp located on the free edge of the tailgate.
[0036] [Fig. 17] is a view of the same area of the vehicle of [Fig. 16] when the tailgate is in the raised position, the rear drop side being in the folded position against the internal face of the tailgate, and the lamp being directed towards the bed.
[0037] The expression "substantially" means that a slight deviation is permitted within the scope of the invention compared to a determined nominal value. For example, "substantially vertical" means that an inclination of the order of 10° compared to a strictly vertical direction is permitted within the scope of the invention.
[0038] General presentation of the invention.
[0039] For the purposes of the description, reference will be made to a direct orthonormal reference frame XYZ conventionally used in automobile design, in which the X axis designates the front-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards.
[0040] Figures 1 to 6 show a motor vehicle 1 of the pick-up type. Such a vehicle is conventionally provided with a rear dump body 2 capable of receiving a load any on a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane. The bucket 2 is open-air. It is delimited at the front by the cabin 3 of the passenger compartment and laterally by side walls 4 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle, over a height which determines the depth of the bucket 2. At the rear, the bucket 2 is delimited by a rear tailgate 5 which is in the raised position in [Fig.l], and in the lowered position in figures 2 to 6. The raised position closes the rear access to the bucket 2 while the lowered position opens the rear access to the bucket 2. The lowered position of the tailgate 5 is such that the inner face 51 of the tailgate 5 is located substantially in the extension of the central surface defining the bottom of the bucket 2, these surfaces being approximately horizontal when the vehicle rests on horizontal ground. The lowered tailgate 5 thus forms an extension of the bed floor 2.
[0041] According to a remarkable aspect of the invention, the dump body extension device 2 of the invention comprises a retractable rear drop side 6, articulated on a free edge 52 of the rear tailgate 5, between:
[0042] - on the one hand a folded position against the inner face 51 of the rear hatch 5, as shown in [Fig.2], and an intermediate position, as shown in [Fig.6], forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°,
[0043] - and on the other hand between the intermediate position ([Fig.6]) and a deployed position, as illustrated in figures 3 to 5, forming with the folded position ([Fig.2]) an angle of between 250° and 300°, in particular approximately 270°. The deployed position consists of turning the rear dropside 6 over approximately 3 / 4 of a turn so as to clear the rear access to the bucket 2 when the tailgate 5 is lowered. The rear dropside 6 is cleared downwards and is arranged substantially vertically between the tailgate 2 and the ground. In this configuration, access to the bucket 2 is completely clear at the rear of the vehicle so that a system of ramp(s) can be arranged between the free edge 52 of the tailgate 5 and the ground to convey a two-wheeler or any other equipment or material into the bucket 2 ([Fig.4]).
[0044] With reference to figures 13 to 15, the rear tailgate 6 is connected to the free edge 52 of the rear tailgate 5 by two articulated systems 7 arranged on the lateral edges of the rear tailgate 6. Each articulated system 7 comprises a connecting rod 71 having the general shape of an L, a first branch 711 of which is mounted to rotate relative to the inner face 51 of the rear tailgate 5, a second branch 712 of the L being connected to the lateral edge of the rear tailgate 6.
[0045] The connecting rod 71 is arranged so that the first branch 711 of the L is substantially parallel to the inner face 52 of the rear tailgate 5 when the rear dropside 6 is between the folded position and the intermediate position. The rear end of the first branch 711 is rotatably mounted on the inner face 52 of the rear tailgate 5, via a first support 72 secured to the rear tailgate 5.
[0046] The second branch 712 of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear side panel 6, via a second support 73 secured to a lateral edge of the rear side panel 6.
[0047] The rotations mentioned above are defined around different axes which are all substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y of the vehicle.
[0048] With reference to figures 13 and 14, stop means 74 are provided between the second branch 712 of the L and the second support 73, to limit the rotation of the rear side panel 6 to an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch 712 of the L, and thus form a “hard point” or limit the rotation of the side panel 6 to its intermediate position, as illustrated in [Fig. 14].
[0049] A very advantageous aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the rear tailgate 6 is not easily removable and therefore cannot be separated from the rear tailgate 5 by conventional tools, so as to prevent theft.
[0050] According to another aspect of the invention, the dump body extension device 2 comprises two side walls 8, each side wall 8 being capable of occupying:
[0051] - a first position (deployed position on the tailgate 5) in which it is fixed on the one hand at its base on a horizontal lateral edge of the rear tailgate 5 when the latter is in the lowered position (figures 5, 6, 7), and on the other hand at the rear and in an upper zone on a vertical lateral edge of the rear dropside 6 when the latter is in the intermediate position ([Fig.6]),
[0052] - and a second position (position retracted into the bucket 2) in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the bucket 2 and in an upper area to a bridge 9 secured to a side wall 4 delimiting the bucket 2 ([Fig.8], 9, 10). In this second position, the side wall 8 is substantially vertical and is attached parallel to the side wall 4 of the bucket 2. In this second position, the tailgate 5 can be raised to close the rear of the bucket 2.
[0053] As illustrated in Figures 7 to 11, the fixing of the upper zone of the side wall 8 is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock 10 pivotally mounted on the side wall 8. The lock 10 is rotatably mounted on the side wall 8. It comprises a handwheel or a handle facilitating gripping to rotate it around its rotary axis. The lock comprises a hooking end penetrating in the transverse direction Y into a complementary shape formed in a surface of the bridge 9 when the side wall 8 is in the second position. This same lock 10 is also adapted so that the hooking end penetrates into a complementary shape (oblong hole oriented vertically in the example illustrated) of a rear support secured to the side wall 4 of the bucket 2 ([Fig.l 1]) when the side wall 8 is in the first position.
[0054] [Fig.8] shows that the side wall 8 comprises at its base at least one protrusion 81, 82, typically two protrusions 81, 82 or pins inserted according to the vertical direction Z in one or more recesses of complementary shape provided in the floor of the bucket 2. These protrusions 81, 82 are integral with shapes stamped or folded at the base of the side panels 8, and constitute means for holding the side panel 8, in addition to the holding in the upper zone which is achieved by the lock 10.
[0055] According to another aspect of the invention shown in [Fig. 16], the rear tailboard 6 comprises means for fixing a number plate 11 directed towards the rear of the vehicle 1 when the rear tailboard 6 is in the intermediate position. The plate is fixed on a face of the rear tailboard 6 which is opposite the inner face 51 of the tailgate 5.
[0056] A lighting device 12 is advantageously located near the free edge 51 of the tailgate 5, and is directed towards the license plate 11 to ensure its illumination ([Fig.16]).
[0057] Very advantageously, when the tailgate 5 is raised and the rear dropside 6 is folded against the inner face 52 of the tailgate ([Fig. 17]), the lighting device 12 is adapted to illuminate the loading area of the skip 2. This lighting device 12 therefore has a dual lighting function, selectively towards the license plate when the skip 2 is extended at the rear and towards the loading area of the skip 2 when the tailgate 5 is raised. The lighting device 12 has a light source whose central axis is inclined downwards when the tailgate 5 is in the upright position, for example at an angle of between 0 and 45° ([Fig. 17]). Thus when the tailgate 5 is in the lowered position ([Fig.16]), the axis of the light source is oriented forwards towards the number plate 11, at an angle of between 0 and 45° relative to the vertical.
[0058] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments or variants described above and includes all technical equivalents of these means.
[0059] Nomenclatures of the means cited:
[0060] Vehicle 1
[0061] Dumpster 2
[0062] Cabin 3
[0063] Side wall 4
[0064] Hatchback 5
[0065] Inner face 51 of the tailgate
[0066] Free edge 52 of the tailgate
[0067] Rear tailgate 6
[0068] Articulated system 7
[0069] Biellette71
[0070] First branch 711
[0071]
[0072]
[0073]
[0074]
[0075]
[0076]
[0077]
[0078]
[0079]
[0080] Second branch 712 First support 72 Second support 73 Stop means 74 Side panel 8 Protrusion 81, 82 Bridge 9 Lock 10 Number plate 11 Lighting device 12
Claims
Claims
1. A dump body extension device for a motor vehicle (1) equipped with a rear tailgate (5) hinged at its base to the structure of the vehicle, between a raised position closing the rear access to the dump body (2), and a lowered position opening the rear access to the dump body (2), comprising a retractable rear drop side (6), hinged on a free edge (52) of the rear tailgate (5), between: - on the one hand a folded position against an inner face (51) of the rear tailgate (5) and an intermediate position forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°, - and on the other hand between the intermediate position and a deployed position forming with the folded position an angle of between 250° and 300°, in particular approximately 270°, characterized in that it comprises two side drop sides (8),each side wall (8) being able to occupy: - a first position in which it is fixed on the one hand at its base on a lateral edge of the rear tailgate (5) when the latter is in the lowered position, and on the other hand at the rear on a lateral edge of the rear wall (6) when the latter is in the intermediate position, - and a second position in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the body (2) and in an upper zone to a bridge (9) secured to a lateral wall (4) delimiting the body (2).,
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear drop side (6) is connected to the free edge (52) of the rear tailgate (6) by two articulated systems (7) arranged on the lateral edges of the rear drop side (6), each articulated system (7) comprising a connecting rod (71) having the general shape of an L, a first branch (711) of which is mounted to rotate relative to the inner face (51) of the rear tailgate (5), while the second branch (712) of the L is connected to the lateral edge of the rear drop side (6).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the connecting rod (71) is arranged so that the first branch (711) of the L is substantially parallel to the inner face (51) of the rear tailgate (5) when the rear drop side (6) is between the folded position and the intermediate position, and is mounted to rotate by its rear end relative to the inner face (51) of the rear tailgate (5), via a first support (72) secured to the rear tailgate (5).
4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the second branch (712) of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear side panel (6), via a second support (73) secured to a lateral edge of the rear side panel (6).
5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises stop means (74) are provided between the second branch (712) of the L and the second support (73), to limit the rotation of the rear side panel (6) to an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch (712) of the T
6. L / . Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing of the upper zone of the side wall (8) is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock (10) pivotally mounted on the side wall (8), the lock (10) being rotatably mounted on the side wall (8) and having a hooking end penetrating into a complementary shape formed in a surface of the bridge (9) when the side wall (8) is in the second position, this same lock (10) being further adapted so that the hooking end also penetrates into a complementary shape of a rear support secured to the side wall (4) of the skip (2) when the side wall (8) is in the first position.
7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall (8) comprises at its base at least one protuberance (81, 82) inserted into a recess of complementary shape provided in the floor of the skip (2).
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear drop side (6) comprises means for fixing a number plate (11) directed towards the rear of the vehicle (1) when the rear drop side (6) is in the intermediate position.
9. Motor vehicle (1) characterized in that it comprises a device according to any one of the preceding claims.