Vehicle power supply hatch

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle energy hatch (10), the hatch (10) comprising: - a gate (11) hinged to a fender of the vehicle body, - a gate trim (12) extending over the gate (11) and a front face (122) of the trim (12) integrated into the body of a fender (2) of the vehicle, and - a wheel arch trim (13) adjacent to the gate trim (12) and comprising a front face (133) integrated into a wheel arch extension (21) of the vehicle. According to the invention, the hatch (10) comprises, on the one hand, first fastening means (14) that attach the wheel arch trim (13) to the gate (11), and on the other hand, second fastening means (15) that attach the two hubcaps (12, 13) between each other. The invention also relates to a vehicle that incorporates the hatch (10) and a method for mounting the hubcaps (12, 13) on the tailgate (11). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 7]

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle power supply hatch technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle energy filler flap, in particular the energy filler flap is designed to be integrated into a land vehicle such as an automobile. Generally, an energy filler flap provides access for recharging the vehicle's battery or fuel tank. Prior art

[0002] The current trend in vehicle aesthetics is towards a refinement of aesthetic lines or vehicle "design." In this context, car manufacturers are seeking to reduce the visual prominence of certain technical vehicle elements, such as the fuel filler flap. To this end, the fuel filler flap can be integrated into unusual positions. For example, on one of its vehicle models, the applicant integrated the fuel filler flap into the brand logo located on the front grille of the vehicle.

[0003] Other vehicle models retain the position of the energy filler flap on the front and rear fenders and partially integrate it into a wheel arch. Most often, the wheel arch incorporates a wheel arch extension into which part of the energy filler flap can be integrated. In current aesthetic trends, the wheel arch extension is a body panel that may be slightly convex and may be a different color from the rest of the body. Furthermore, the wheel arch extension is generally made of composite or polymer material. This increases the difficulty of integrating the energy filler flap in this position, as it is located at the interface between two body panels that may differ in material and color.

[0004] To prevent the fuel filler flap from disrupting the vehicle's aesthetic lines, some car manufacturers have fitted two trim pieces to the fuel filler flap: a first trim piece that extends over the flap and blends into the vehicle's fender line, and a second trim piece that blends into the wheel arch line, specifically the wheel arch extension. In particular, the second trim piece is attached to the flap by means of a clip system and has a recess that blends into the aesthetic line of the wheel arch extension.

[0005] However, the solutions currently on the market present significant finishing problems such as poor fit of the wheel arch trim on the hatch door or rapid wear of the trim. wheel arch which tends to detach quickly from the gate.

[0006] The invention aims to overcome all of these drawbacks. Description of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to provide a reliable and durable technical solution for the energy hatch to be integrated into the aesthetic lines of a vehicle wing and its wheel arch.

[0008] In this context, the present invention relates to a vehicle energy hatch, the hatch comprising: - a hinged gate attached to a fender of the vehicle body, - a gate trim delimited by peripheral edges, the gate trim comprising, on the one hand, a rear face which is integral with a first portion of the gate and extends over the first portion of the gate, and on the other hand, a front face which is integrated into the fender of the vehicle body, - a wheel arch trim which is delimited by peripheral edges and includes at least one peripheral edge adjacent to the door trim, the wheel arch trim comprising, on the one hand, a rear face which is integral with a second portion of the door, and on the other hand, a front face which is integrated, through a recess, into a wheel arch widening of the vehicle.

[0009] According to the invention, the energy hatch is characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, first fastening means which attach the wheel arch trim to the gate, and on the other hand, second fastening means which attach a peripheral edge of the gate trim to a peripheral edge of the wheel arch trim.

[0010] The first and second fastening means respectively attach the wheel arch trim to the door and the door trim in order to adjust them perfectly to each other and to ensure a robust covering of the energy hatch which follows the aesthetic lines of the vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second fastening means may comprise, on the one hand, a folded edge disposed on a peripheral edge of the door trim, and on the other hand, a receiving groove disposed on a peripheral edge of the wheel arch trim, the receiving groove being complementary to the folded edge of the door trim. The folded edge and the receiving groove provide a longitudinal connection between the two trims, allowing for a precise fit between these two parts.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first fastening means can attach The wheel arch trim is attached to the gate along at least two axes perpendicular to each other. This ensures a robust attachment of the wheel arch trim, which is all the more important when the latter has a recess that does not have a direct attachment to the gate.

[0013] In embodiments, the first fastening means may include a first fastening element extending along at least one axis perpendicular to the rear face of the wheel arch trim. In particular, the first fastening element may include at least one clip system comprising, on the one hand, a first assembly member disposed on the rear face of the wheel arch trim, and on the other hand, a second assembly member complementary to the first assembly member, the second assembly member being integral with the second portion of the door. The clip system allows for a precise pre-assembly step of the wheel arch trim onto the door.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first fastening means may include a second fastening element extending along a parallel axis from the rear face of the wheel arch trim. For this purpose, the second fastening element may include at least one mechanical connector that mechanically joins the gate to the wheel arch trim. More specifically, the gate may include at least one bore that is coaxial with a shaft that is integral with the rear face of the wheel arch trim, the wheel arch trim being attached to the gate by the mechanical connector engaging with the shaft through the bore.

[0015] The invention also relates to a land vehicle comprising a conforming energy hatch of the invention and in which this energy hatch is integrated into the junction between a wing and a wheel arch widening.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method of mounting two trim pieces for an energy hatch which is arranged adjacent to a wheel arch widening, the mounting method comprising the following steps: - pre-fit a wheel arch trim onto the door; pre-fitting is carried out using fixing means that ensure the wheel arch trim remains isostatically fixed to the door. - to mechanically secure the gate and the wheel arch trim using mechanical fastening means, and - assemble a gate trim simultaneously with the gate and the wheel arch trim by sliding a peripheral edge of the gate trim onto a peripheral edge of the wheel arch trim.

[0017] The pre-assembly step allows the passage trim to be positioned precisely wheel in order to fix it more securely to the gate. The assembly of the gate trim is then much more precise.

[0018] In embodiments, the wheel arch trim has a receiving groove disposed on the peripheral edge and in which, during the assembly step, the peripheral edge of the door trim slides through a complementary dropped edge of the receiving groove. Description of the drawings

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig. 1] is a perspective representation of a conforming energy hatch of the invention, the energy hatch being integrated into the junction between the wing of the vehicle and the wheel arch.

[0021] [Fig.2] is a perspective representation of the energy trap of [Fig.1] in open position.

[0022] [Fig.3] is a representation of a step in mounting the wheel arch trim on the energy hatch door of [Fig.1].

[0023] [Fig.4] is a view from below of [Fig.3].

[0024] [Fig.5] is a representation of a step in mounting a trim piece on the hatch energy in which only the wheel arch trim is attached to the gate.

[0025] [Fig.6] is a bottom view of [Fig.5].

[0026] [Fig.7] is a representation of a step in mounting the gate trim on the gate while the wheel arch trim is attached to the gate.

[0027] [Fig.8] is a representation of the gate trim, the wheel arch trim and the fastening means which assembles them. Description of the implementation methods

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the invention relates to an energy trap 10 for a vehicle. The energy trap 10 is particularly intended to be integrated into a land vehicle such as an automobile.

[0029] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the energy hatch 10 is integrated into a fender 20 of a vehicle at the junction between the fender 11 and the wheel arch. More specifically, the wheel arch is fitted with a flare 21, the energy hatch 10 being integrated at the junction between the fender 20 and the flare 21.

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 7, the fuel filler flap 10 includes a gate 11 hinged to the vehicle body. The gate 11 is movable between a closed position illustrated in [Fig. 1] and an open position illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In the open position, the gate 11 allows the vehicle user to access the fuel tank or the vehicle battery charging connector. The door 11 includes an inner face 110 which is positioned opposite the access to the fuel tank or the electrical connector when the door 11 is in the closed position. The door 11 is hinged to the body by means of an arm 111 which is coupled to the inner face 110. The door 11 also includes an outer face 112 which is opposite the inner face 110.

[0031] In order to integrate the energy hatch 10 into the exterior lines of the vehicle, the energy hatch 10 has two trim pieces 12, 13 which cover the external face 112 of the gate 11. A first trim piece is called the gate trim piece 12 and takes up the aesthetic characteristics of the wing such as the external lines of the wing, the color of the bodywork etc.

[0032] The door trim 12 is delimited by peripheral edges 120. Naturally, the geometric shape of the door trim 12 may differ depending on the geometric lines of the vehicle model into which the energy flap 10 is integrated. In this example, the door trim 12 has a substantially trapezoidal shape, notably featuring a curved lower edge 121 to follow the line of junction between the fender 20 and the wheel arch extension 21. Here, the lower edge 121 is concave relative to the body of the door trim 12.

[0033] The gate trim 12 is attached to a first portion 113 of the gate 11. For this purpose, the gate 11 is laterally delimited by a peripheral rim 114. The peripheral rim 114 projects from the outer face 112 and defines a hinge 115 to which the gate trim 12 is attached. The hinge 115 has at least two clips 116, at least one of which is a non-return clip. Preferably, the hinge 115 has seven clips 116, at least one of which is a non-return clip. The hinge 115 may also include a limit switch clip that produces a characteristic noise when engaged. This ensures proper mounting of the gate trim 12.

[0034] In this example, the gate trim 12 extends over this first portion 113 of the gate 11. The first portion 113 extends over the upper part of the gate 11 and represents at least 80% of the surface of the gate 11.

[0035] The energy hatch 10 includes a second trim piece, called a wheel arch trim piece 13, because it is integrated into the wheel arch and more specifically into the fender flare 21. The wheel arch trim piece 13 is delimited by peripheral edges 130, 131. The shape of the wheel arch trim piece 13 may differ depending on the vehicle model into which the energy hatch 10 is integrated. In this example, the wheel arch trim piece 13 has a streamlined trapezoidal shape. In particular, the wheel arch trim piece 13 has a curved upper edge 131 whose curvature is complementary to that of the lower edge 121 of the door trim piece 12. Here, the upper edge 131 is convex with respect to the body of the trim piece. wheel arch 13. The upper edge 131 constitutes an adjacent peripheral edge of the gate trim 12.

[0036] The wheel arch trim 13 is integral with a second portion 117 of the gate 11 and includes a recess 132 which is configured to integrate with a wheel arch extension 21 of the vehicle. The second portion 117 of the gate is located in the lower part of the hinge 115.

[0037] As illustrated by the attached figures, the door trim 12 and the wheel arch trim 13 respectively comprise a front face 122, 133 which is integrated into the lines of the vehicle's body, and a rear face 123, 134 which is integral with the door 11.

[0038] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the two front faces 122, 133 are adjusted so as to integrate with the lines of the bodywork of the wing 20 and the wheel arch widening 21.

[0039] The cohesion of the gate 11 with the two trim pieces 12, 13 is ensured by fastening means. In particular, the energy hatch 10 includes first fastening means 14 which attach the wheel arch trim piece 13 to the gate 11.

[0040] The first fastening means 14 attach the wheel arch trim 13 to the gate 11 along at least two axes perpendicular to each other.

[0041] In particular, in embodiments, the first fastening means 14 comprise a first fastening element extending along at least one axis perpendicular to the rear face 134 of the wheel arch trim 13. In the example illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, the first fastening element comprises at least one clip system 140, 141. However, the first fastening element may consist of any other mechanical fastening means.

[0042] In this example, the clip system 140, 141 is provided with a first assembly member 140 located on a rear face 134 of the wheel arch trim 13. Furthermore, the clip system is also provided with a second assembly member 141 which complements the first assembly member 140. According to this configuration, the second assembly member 141 is located on the gate 11. More precisely, the second assembly member 141 is integrated into the hinge 115 and, in particular, into the second portion 117 of the gate. Here, the interlocking of the assembly members 140, 141 is achieved along an axis perpendicular to the rear face 134 of the wheel arch trim 13.

[0043] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 8, the first assembly member 140 has a receiving recess and can thus be considered a female member. Conversely, the second assembly member 141 has a nipple equipped with a spring clip that is configured to fit into the receiving recess of the first assembly member 140. Such a clip system 140, 141 has a characteristic sound when fitted. This ensures quality control during the assembly of the wheel arch trim 13 to the gate 11.

[0044] In the example of Figures 3 to 8, the first fastening element comprises two clip systems 140, 141. According to this configuration, the first fastening element attaches the wheel arch trim 13 along two axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the rear face 134. Depending on the dimensions of the energy hatch, the number of clip systems 140, 141 can be between 1 and 3 and possibly be greater than 3 in the case of a large energy hatch 10.

[0045] In embodiments, the first fastening means 14 also include a second fastening element which extends along a parallel axis of the rear face 134 of the wheel arch trim 13.

[0046] In the example illustrated in figures 4 and 6, the second fastening element includes at least one mechanical connector 142. However, the second fastening element may consist of any assembly means which allows two mechanical parts to be assembled together.

[0047] In this example, the mechanical connector 142 mechanically assembles the door 11 with the wheel arch trim 13. The mechanical connector 142 ensures reliable and durable retention of the wheel arch trim 13 on the door 11. It is possible to use several mechanical connectors 142 depending on the model of the vehicle on which the energy flap 10 is integrated.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the gate 11 includes at least one hole 143 which is configured to receive the mechanical connector 142. Here, the hole 143 is provided on the lower edge 118 of the gate 11. In addition, the rear face 134 of the wheel arch trim 13 includes a shaft 144. The shaft 144 is made of a soft polymeric or composite material so as to receive and retain a screw-type mechanical connector. The shaft 144 is positioned coaxially with the hole 143 when the wheel arch trim 13 is pre-mounted on the gate 11. For example, the clip system 140, 141 of the first fixing element allows for isostatic pre-mounting of the wheel arch trim 13 onto the gate 11. Inserting the mechanical connector 142 into the hole 143 and then the shaft 144, while the clip system holds the wheel arch trim 13 onto the gate 11, ensures a reliable and durable fixing.

[0049] As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the energy hatch 10 includes a second fastening means 15 which attaches the lower edge 121 of the gate trim 12 to the upper edge 131 of the wheel arch trim 13.

[0050] To this end, in some embodiments, the second fastening means 15 comprise a folded edge 150 which is disposed on the lower edge 121 of the gate trim 11. As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the folded edge 150 follows the radius of curvature of the lower edge 121 of the gate trim 12.

[0051] Furthermore, the second fastening means 15 comprise a receiving groove 151 which is disposed on the upper edge 131 of the wheel arch trim 13. In this example, the receiving groove 151 extends longitudinally behind the front face 133 and follows the radius of curvature of the upper edge 131. Advantageously, the receiving groove 151 is complementary to the dropped edge 150 of the door trim 11 so that the dropped edge 150 fits into the receiving groove 151. This complementarity is particularly visible in [Fig. 8], where the dropped edge 150 is positioned opposite the receiving groove 151. In this example, the dropped edge 150 and the receiving groove 151 are respectively disposed behind the front faces 122, 133 of the trims 12, 13.

[0052] Furthermore, the gate trim 12 is also secured to the gate 11 by means of clips 116, 124, the first part 116 of which is fixed to the hinge 115 and in particular to the first portion 113 of the gate 11, while a second part 124 of the clips is secured to the rear face 123 of the gate trim 12. The energy hatch 10 may have at least two clips 116, 124, at least one of which is a non-return clip. In this example, the energy hatch 10 comprises seven clips 116, 124, one of which is a non-return clip. These clips 116, 124 are arranged so that the part 123 which is on the rear face 123 of the trim 12 snaps into the part 116 which is arranged in the hinge 115 according to a translational movement illustrated in [Fig.7] by an arrow.

[0053] The invention also relates to a land vehicle in particular an automobile which includes an energy trap 10 conforming to the invention and which is integrated into the junction between a wing 20 and a wheel arch widener 21.

[0054] The invention also relates to a method of mounting the wheel trims 12, 13 on an energy hatch 10 adjacent to a wheel arch widener 21.

[0055] According to the invention, the assembly method includes a pre-assembly step of the wheel arch trim 13 onto the door 11. This step is illustrated in Figures 3 to 6. The pre-assembly is carried out using the first fastening means, which ensure that the wheel arch trim 13 is isostatically fixed to the door 11. Figures 3 and 4 show the positioning of the trim 13 relative to the door 11 so that the components of the clip system 140, 141 are arranged coaxially for interlocking. Advantageously, the clip system 140, 141, as described above, emits a characteristic click when the clip system 140, 141 is correctly engaged. This noise ensures precise assembly and the clip system 140, 141 is robust enough to ensure the isostaticity of the trim 13 by exerting a traction along at least one axis perpendicular to the rear face 134 of the trim 13.

[0056] The assembly process includes a step of mechanically joining the gate 11 and the trim 13. During this step, and as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the mechanical connector 142 is inserted into the bore 143 of the gate 11 and then into the shaft 144, while the trim 13 is pre-mounted on the gate 11. Through its position, the mechanical connector 142 extends along an axis perpendicular to the clip system 140, 141, the cooperation between these two fastening means ensuring reliable and durable retention over time.

[0057] As illustrated in [Fig. 7], the assembly method includes a step of assembling a gate trim 12 simultaneously with the gate 11 and the wheel arch trim 13. This assembly step is performed by sliding the lower edge 121 of the gate trim 12 onto the upper edge 131 of the wheel arch trim 13. The movement that the operator must apply to the gate trim 12 is illustrated in [Fig. 7]. It should be noted that the clips 116, 124 engage this translational movement. Advantageously, the clips 116, 124 may include a limit switch clip that produces a characteristic clicking sound, allowing the operator to determine whether the trim 12 has been correctly fitted onto the gate 11.

[0058] Furthermore, during this step, the dropped edge 150 slides inside the receiving groove 151, thus forming means for attaching the trim pieces 12, 13 to each other. The second set of fasteners 15 then ensures that the two trim pieces 12, 13 are fitted together. Finally, the interaction between the first set of fasteners 14 and the second set of fasteners 15 allows the wheel arch trim piece 13 to be attached to the door 11 and also to the door trim piece 12, thus forming a robust cover for the energy compartment 10 that integrates perfectly with the vehicle's aesthetic lines.

Claims

Demands

1. Energy hatch (10) for vehicle, the hatch (10) comprising: - a gate (11) hinged to a wing of the vehicle body, - a gate trim (12) which is delimited by peripheral edges (120, 121), the gate trim (12) comprising, on the one hand, a rear face (123) which is integral with a first portion (113) of the gate (11) and extends over the first portion (113) of the gate (11), and on the other hand, a front face (122) which is integrated into the body of a wing (2) of the vehicle, - a wheel arch trim (13) which is delimited by peripheral edges (130, 131) and has at least one peripheral edge (131) adjacent to the gate trim (12), the wheel arch trim (13) comprising, on the one hand, a rear face (134) which is integral with a second portion (117) of the gate (11), and on the other hand, a front face (133) which is integrated, through a recess (132),to a wheel arch widening (21) of the vehicle, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, first fastening means (14) which attach the wheel arch trim (13) to the door (11), and on the other hand, second fastening means (15) which attach a peripheral edge (121) of the door trim (12) to a peripheral edge (131) of the wheel arch trim (13).

2. Energy hatch (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second fastening means (15) comprise, on the one hand, a dropped edge (150) disposed on a peripheral edge (121) of the door trim (12), and on the other hand, a receiving groove (151) which is disposed on a peripheral edge (131) of the wheel arch trim (13), the receiving groove (151) being complementary to the dropped edge (150) of the door trim (13).

3. Energy hatch (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first fastening means (14) attach the wheel arch trim (13) to the gate (11) along at least two axes perpendicular to each other.

4. Energy trap (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fastening means (14) comprise a first fastening element which extends along at least one axis perpendicular to the rear face (134) of the wheel arch trim (13).

5. Energy trap (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first the fixing element includes at least one clip system (140, 141) comprising, on the one hand, a first assembly member (140) disposed on the rear face (134) of the wheel arch trim (13), and on the other hand, a second assembly member (141) complementary to the first assembly member (140), the second assembly member (141) being integral with the second portion (117) gate (11).

6. Energy trap (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first fastening means (14) comprise a second fastening element which extends along a parallel axis of the rear face (134) of the wheel arch trim (13).

7. Energy hatch (10) according to claim 6, wherein the second fixing element comprises at least one mechanical connector (142) which mechanically assembles the gate (11) with the wheel arch trim (13).

8. Energy hatch (10) according to claim 7, wherein the gate (11) comprises at least one bore (143) which is arranged coaxially with a shaft (144) which is integral with the rear face (134) of the wheel arch trim (13), the wheel arch trim (13) being fixed to the gate (11) by the engagement of the mechanical connector (142) in the shaft (144) by passing through the bore (143).

9. Land vehicle comprising an energy hatch (10) defined according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the energy hatch (10) is integrated into the junction between a wing (20) and a wheel arch widener (21).

10. A method for mounting two trim pieces (12, 13) of an energy access panel (10) which is arranged adjacent to a wheel arch extension (21), the mounting method comprising the following steps: - pre-mounting a wheel arch trim piece (13) onto the access panel (11), the pre-mounting being carried out by means of fastening means (140, 141) which ensure isostatic positioning of the wheel arch trim piece (13) on the access panel (11), - mechanically securing the access panel (11) and the wheel arch trim piece (13) by means of mechanical fastening means (142, 143, 144), and - assembling a access panel trim piece (12) simultaneously to the access panel (11) and the wheel arch trim piece (13) by sliding one edge peripheral (121) of the gate trim (12) on a peripheral edge (131) of the wheel arch trim (13).

11. Assembly method according to claim 10, wherein the wheel arch trim (13) has a receiving groove (151) disposed on the peripheral edge (131) and in which, during the assembly step, the peripheral edge (121) of the door trim (12) slides through a dropped edge (150) complementary to the receiving groove (151).

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