Vehicle fitting including a trunk door with a rear cross member.

The vehicle arrangement with a cross member and shock-absorbing interfaces in the trunk door addresses the ergonomic challenges of loading heavy items, enhancing accessibility and impact resistance while offering additional storage.

FR3167342A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-04-17RENAULT SA
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
RENAULT SA
Filing Date
2024-10-11
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Loading and unloading items into the trunk of a vehicle, especially heavy items, requires strenuous effort and is not ergonomic, potentially causing injuries due to the need to lift items above the rear bumper.

Method used

A vehicle arrangement with a chassis comprising left and right rear longitudinal members, a hinged or tailgate-type trunk door that incorporates a cross member extending below the rear side rails, featuring shock-absorbing interfaces and protrusions that guide the door's closure, and a storage space beneath the door, allowing easy access to additional storage.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates easy loading and unloading of items by reducing the height required for lifting, improves ergonomics, and provides additional storage space, while also absorbing impact energy and minimizing repair costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Vehicle arrangement comprising a trunk lid with a rear crossmember. The invention relates to an arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a chassis (3) including a left rear side member (31) arranged on the left and a right rear side member (32) arranged on the right, a hinged or tailgate-type trunk lid (10), the trunk lid (10) extending at least below the left and right rear side members (31, 32) in the closed position of the trunk lid (10), the trunk lid (10) including a crossmember (11) cooperating with the left rear side member (31) and the right rear side member (32) in the closed position of the trunk lid (10). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1
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Description

Title of the invention: Layout for vehicle comprising a trunk door equipped with a rear cross member.

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle comprising a chassis and a trunk lid, the trunk lid comprising a crossmember. The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising such an arrangement.

[0002] A motor vehicle generally includes a rear door providing access from the rear of the vehicle to a rear space of the vehicle also called a trunk.

[0003] Such a trunk lid may be of the tailgate type. In this case, a tailgate includes a horizontal axis arranged at the top of the tailgate in the closed position. Such a tailgate pivots around such an axis to move from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

[0004] Such a safe door may be a hinged door. In this case, a hinged door includes a vertical axis arranged to the right or left in the closed position of the hinged door. Such a hinged door pivots about such a vertical axis to move from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

[0005] Such a trunk lid extends, in the closed position, above, generally just above, a rear bumper which generally extends transversely.

[0006] However, to load items such as luggage or goods into the vehicle's trunk, it is necessary to lift these items at least above the rear bumper, or even higher. Such handling, both when loading and unloading, requires strenuous and difficult effort, especially with heavy items. Furthermore, such movements are not ergonomic for the user and can cause injuries, particularly to the back.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks by providing a solution that offers easy access to the trunk. The invention is particularly simple and also provides easy access to additional storage space under a rear trunk floor. Summary of the invention

[0008] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an arrangement for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a chassis comprising a left rear longitudinal member arranged on the left and a right rear longitudinal member arranged on the right, - a hinged or tailgate-type boot door, the boot door extending at least below the right and left rear side rails when the door is closed of the trunk, the trunk door including a cross member cooperating with the left rear side member and the right rear side member in the closed position of the trunk door.

[0009] The left rear spar may include a rear end and a left interface fixed to the rear end of the left rear spar, the left interface being intended to absorb the energy of a shock, and the right rear spar may include a rear end and a right interface fixed to the rear end of the right rear spar, the right interface being intended to absorb the energy of a shock.

[0010] The left interface and the right interface may each include a tubular part extending longitudinally, in particular of square or rectangular cross-section, in particular including holes provided at the level of at least one longitudinal edge.

[0011] The tubular portions of the left and right interfaces can be opened at the rear.

[0012] The cross member may include: - a main part extending transversely or substantially transversely, - a left protrusion and a right protrusion, the left and right protrusions being able to extend longitudinally from the main part of the crossmember, forwards in the closed position of the boot door, the left protrusion being able to fit within the tubular part of the left interface and the right protrusion being able to fit within the tubular part of the right interface in the closed position of the boot door, in particular up to the contact between the main part of the crossmember and the tubular part of each interface.

[0013] The left and right protuberances can be cylindrical or conical or frustoconical or pyramidal.

[0014] The main part of the cross member may have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section, or may comprise at least two tubes of square or rectangular cross-section that can be arranged or fixed one on top of the other in the vertical direction.

[0015] The trunk door may include a shield, in particular arranged transversely behind the cross member and at the same level or substantially at the same level as the cross member in the vertical direction in the closed position of the trunk door.

[0016] The chassis may include a storage space arranged between the left and right rear longitudinal members, in particular below the left and right longitudinal members in the vertical direction.

[0017] The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an arrangement as defined above. Presentation of the figures

[0018] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting reference in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a partial perspective view of the vehicle according to the embodiment of the invention, a trunk door in the open position being partially represented.

[0021] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the trunk door in the open position according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of an arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, with the safe door open and not shown. Detailed description

[0023] The direction in which a vehicle, particularly 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 right-handed coordinate system XYZ is used in which X is the longitudinal direction in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle, i.e., directed towards the rear, Y is the transverse direction directed to 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 backward direction.

[0024] As illustrated in [Fig.1], a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle 1, comprises an arrangement 2.

[0025] More specifically, the arrangement 2 or the vehicle 1 comprises a chassis 3. "Chassis" means a set of parts or elements linked together to form a structural assembly capable of supporting, in particular, bodywork elements and equipment. The chassis 3 includes, in particular, a left rear side member 31 and a right rear side member 32. The left rear side member 31 is arranged on the left and the right rear side member 32 is arranged on the right, preferably equidistant from each other on either side of a median vertical and longitudinal plane M of the vehicle 1. The side members 31 and 32 extend longitudinally or substantially longitudinally towards the rear.

[0026] The vehicle 1 or the arrangement 2 further includes a trunk lid 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the trunk lid 10 is a hinged lid. More precisely, the hinged trunk lid 10 is pivoted on the left side so that pivoting around an axis A10. Preferably, axis A10 extends vertically or substantially vertically. Thus, the trunk lid 10 pivots, or rotates, around axis A10 to move from its open position to its closed position and vice versa. In the closed position, the lid 10 extends, for example, substantially vertically and transversely. It should be noted that the trunk lid 10 is only shown in the open position in the figures. In the open position, the lid 10 extends, for example, substantially vertically and longitudinally. The chassis 3 and trunk lid 10 assembly forms the body of the vehicle 1, with the trunk lid 10 playing a structural role as will be described later.

[0027] The trunk lid 10 extends at least below the right and left rear side members 31, 32 in the vertical direction. Thus, the trunk lid in the closed position extends behind the side members.

[0028] The trunk door 10 includes a cross member 11. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the cross member 11 preferably includes a main portion 12 extending transversely or substantially transversely (in the closed position of the door 10). The main portion 12 has a substantially square or rectangular cross-section. Advantageously, the main portion 12 comprises at least two tubes with a square or rectangular cross-section. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in particular in [Fig. 3], the main portion 12 of the cross member 11 comprises two square tubes 13 arranged one on top of the other in the vertical direction. Preferably, the two tubes 13 are fixed to each other, for example by welding.

[0029] The cross member 11 cooperates with the left rear longitudinal member 31 and the right rear longitudinal member 32 in the closed position of the trunk door 10.

[0030] Advantageously, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the left rear side member 31 includes a rear end 33. The left rear side member 31 further includes a left interface 21 attached to the rear end 33 of the left rear side member 31. The left interface 21 is designed to absorb the energy of an impact, in particular an impact coming from the rear of the vehicle and directed towards the front of the vehicle. Similarly, the right rear side member 32 includes a rear end 34. The right rear side member 32 further includes a right interface 22 attached to the rear end 34 of the right rear side member 32. The right interface 22 is designed to absorb the energy of an impact, in particular an impact coming from the rear of the vehicle and directed towards the front of the vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, the left interface 21 is bolted to the rear end 33 of the left rear side member 31 and the right interface 22 is bolted to the rear end 34 of the right rear side member 32. In other words, the left interface 21 is bolted to the rear end 33 of the left rear side member 31 and the right interface 22 is bolted to the rear end 34 of the rear side member 32. Advantageously, the left interface 21 comprises a tubular portion 23. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the tubular portion 23 has, for example, a square cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the tubular portion 23 may be rectangular or circular. In the case of a square or rectangular cross-section, the tubular portion 23 includes at least one hole 25 formed at at least one edge 26 extending longitudinally from the tubular portion 23. Similarly, advantageously, the right interface 22 comprises a tubular portion 24. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the tubular portion 24 has, for example, a square cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the tubular portion 24 may be rectangular or circular. In the case of a square or rectangular cross-section, the tubular portion 24 includes at least one hole 25 formed at at least one edge 26 extending longitudinally from the tubular portion 24.

[0032] In the case of square section of the tubular parts 23, 24, each side is for example between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0033] Preferably, as illustrated in figures 2 and 4, the tubular parts 23; 24 of the left interfaces 21 and right interfaces 22 are open at the rear, i.e. hollow, not closed, not blocked.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the main part 12 of the cross member 11 comprises a left protrusion, or projection, or extension 121 and a right protrusion, or projection, or extension 122. The left and right protrusions 121, 122 extend longitudinally from the main part 12 of the cross member 11, forwards in the closed position of the trunk door 10. Thus, in the case of a hinged door 10 open at approximately 90 degrees from the closed position, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the protrusions 121, 122 then extend transversely or substantially transversely. More specifically, once the hinged trunk door 10 is closed, the left protrusion 121 fits into the tubular part 23 of the left interface 21 and the right protrusion 122 fits into the tubular part 24 of the right interface 22. Thus, the protrusions 121, 122 each play a possible role in piloting, guiding.Preferably, the rear ends of the tubular sections 23, 24 of each interface 21, 22 then come into contact with the main part 12 of the cross member 11, i.e., with the tube(s) 13, or substantially with the tube(s) 13. Optionally, a damping means is interposed at each end of the tubular sections 23, 24 so as to dampen the contact with the main part 12, in particular to prevent any noise or clanging. Alternatively, or in addition, the protrusions 121, 122 each include a damping means so as to dampen the contact with the main part 12 when the trunk lid 10 is closed. For example, the damping means are overmolded, and / or comprise rubber or a material having similar properties.

[0035] Each protrusion 121, 122 is conical, or at least has its end directed towards the front (in the closed position of the hinged door 10) comprising a conical or frustoconical portion so as to facilitate its insertion, possibly partial, into the corresponding tubular part. For example, the external diameter of each protrusion is between 15 mm and 35 mm. Alternatively, each protrusion 121, 122 is cylindrical or pyramidal.

[0036] As illustrated in particular in [Fig.3], the trunk door 10 preferably also includes a shield or bumper 15. Preferably, the shield 15 is arranged transversely behind the cross member 11, for example at the same level or substantially at the same level as the cross member 11 in the vertical direction in the closed position of the trunk door 10. For example, the shield 15 has a height in the vertical direction, with the door 10 closed, much greater than the height of the tube(s) 13.

[0037] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the chassis 3 includes a storage space 4 arranged between the left and right rear longitudinal members 31, 32. For example, the storage space 4 is also arranged below the left and right longitudinal members 31, 32 in the vertical direction.

[0038] More specifically, the storage space 4 comprises a structure 40. The structure 40 is obtained, for example, by joining and fixing flat and / or tubular elements together. As illustrated in particular in [Fig. 4], the structure 40 preferably creates a parallelepiped or substantially parallelepiped-shaped space, for example, by maximizing the use of the available volume between the two rear wheels, under, or substantially under, the side members 31, 32. Preferably, this structure 40 extends only between the two side members 31, 32, possibly being symmetrical with respect to the median plane M. For example, the structure 40 comprises two arms or supports 41 extending longitudinally to the rear. For example, two extensions 42 extend vertically downwards from each arm 41.For example, a longitudinal element 43 extending longitudinally, under or substantially under, each arm 41 is fixed to the two extensions 42 extending from one side of the frame 3. One or more transverse elements 44 extending transversely is or are fixed to each element 43. For example, the structure 40 is welded, and / or comprises elements bolted to each other. For example, the arms 41 are fixed, preferably welded, to the frame 3, for example to the side members 31, 32, and / or to a cross member (not shown) of the frame 3.

[0039] Optionally, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 1], the vehicle 1 includes a rear upper section 14. Preferably, this rear section 14 includes a rear window or rear window 16. For example, the rear upper section 14 is part of the trunk lid 10. Optionally, the upper section 14 can be disconnected from the rest of the trunk lid. By "disconnected" is meant to separate, that is to say remain in the closed position while the rest of the trunk lid is open, as shown in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, part 14 remains permanently attached to the chassis and cannot be opened to provide wider access to the trunk. Alternatively still, only the rear window 16 is equipped with means to allow its opening, for example via a hinge, relative to the fixed part 14.

[0040] Alternatively, according to a variant not illustrated, the pivot axis of the trunk door 10 can be arranged on the right and the door pivots around this vertical or substantially vertical axis.

[0041] Alternatively, according to a variant not shown, the door pivots around an axis extending longitudinally, for example, at the top of a rear panel of the vehicle. The door is then of the tailgate type. In this case, as in the illustrated embodiment, the tailgate includes a cross member. Such a cross member cooperates with the body side members in the closed position of the tailgate in the same way as described above.

[0042] In summary, the solution relates to the arrangement 2 comprising the chassis 3 equipped with the side members 31, 32 and the rear door 10, preferably hinged, for closing the trunk 5. The trunk door 10 includes the crossmember 11. The solution makes it possible to offer an additional loading area, particularly low, preferably as low as possible. This is especially beneficial when the trunk 5 is small, which is the case in small vehicles, particularly those intended for city use. Preferably, the solution offers the storage space 4 under a floor 6 of the trunk 5 (see [Fig. 1]). Thus, such a space 4, generally "lost," between the rear side members 31, 32 under the trunk floor 6, becomes usable and accessible. Above all, the fact that the trunk door incorporates the crossmember 11 and the rear bumper 15 allows for an extremely low opening.Thus, on the one hand, once the door 10 is opened, one has direct access to the entire rear face 7 of the storage space 4, and on the other hand, this storage space 4 is very low. In the case of a parallelepiped-shaped storage space 4, the rear face 7 preferably extends vertically and transversely, having a rectangular cross-section, possibly a square one. Since the shield 15 and the crossbar 11 are part of the door 10, they do not obstruct access to this space 4.

[0043] Thanks to the tailgate 10 extending to the bottom of the rear of the vehicle, below the rear bumper 15, it becomes possible to load the cargo area of ​​the trunk 5 as well as the lower storage compartment 4, arranged under the floor 6 of the trunk 5, possibly directly below it. Thus, it is not necessary to lift the items to be loaded into the compartment 4 to a considerable height. For example, the ground clearance G (see [Fig. 2]), or height from the ground, of the bottom of the storage compartment 4 is between 10 cm and 30 cm.

[0044] Thus, one of the advantages of the solution is the improvement in ergonomics and the reduction of effort required, particularly when loading heavy objects into storage space 4. Advantageously, in the case of a heavy and compact object 51 (see [Fig. 1]), storage space 4 is preferable due to the ease it offers compared to the trunk 5. It is sufficient to lift the object a few centimeters to allow it to be inserted into space 4. This is easier than loading a heavy object into the trunk of a vehicle equipped with a rear bumper, which must be cleared in terms of height, and possibly requires lowering the heavy object in front of the bumper in order to place it on the trunk floor, which is lower than the bumper or shield.In other words, the solution allows the loading sill in a vehicle boot to be lowered, as the boot door opening height extends further downwards, i.e. closer to the ground.

[0045] Optionally, as illustrated in particular in figures 1 and 2, the trunk 5 is preferred for putting one or more pieces of luggage 50, for example of the suitcase type.

[0046] As mentioned previously, the trunk lid 10 incorporates the crossmember 11, which is designed to absorb impacts from the rear or from a direction substantially from the rear. The crossmember thus provides restraint for both significant rear impacts and minor, more limited impacts. This is why the side members 31, 32 include the interfaces or housings 21, 22, also known by the Anglo-Saxon term "crash box." Indeed, the interfaces are designed to compress and deform in order to absorb the energy of a rear impact. It is specifically to facilitate this compression that holes 25 are provided in the tubular sections 23, 24, preferably at the longitudinal edges. Furthermore, in the event of a minor rear impact, it is possible to replace only the trunk lid 10 and the interfaces 21, 22 if they are bent or damaged.As a reminder, each interface 21, 22 is attached to the corresponding side member 31, 32 via the mounting plate 27, 28, preferably using a bolted or screwed assembly. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], each mounting plate 27, 28, possibly square in shape, has four holes, and the rear end of each side member has a plate of substantially identical dimensions with holes arranged in the same locations. The rear end of each side member is then attached via four bolts passing through the holes in the interfaces and the ends of each side member. Thus, the interfaces 21, 22 are easily and quickly removable from the side members. This results in lower repair costs for minor collisions that do not damage the side members. This saving is reflected in the vehicle's insurance costs and allows for a favorable rating from insurance companies for this vehicle.

[0047] As mentioned, the integration of the rear cross member 11 into the rear opening 10 allows the restraint function to be maintained against crashes and minor impacts. The addition to the cross member 11 of the pilots, guides or pins 121, 122 which penetrate each side member 31, 32, preferably in each interface 21, 22, when the opening is closed, contributes to improving shock absorption, in particular by directing the forces into each tubular part 23, 24 of the interfaces 21, 22.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.2], when the door 10 is opened, the entire trunk remains accessible, in particular down to the bottom of the storage space 4, i.e. under the floor 6 of the trunk 5. For example, the structure 40 of the space 4 is covered with sheets and / or walls in order to isolate the space 4 from the outside, in particular to ensure its watertightness against splashes of water and / or dirt usually encountered at the rear wheel axle.

[0049] Although the access illustrated in the figures is common for the chest 5 and the lower storage space 4, possibly, access to space 4 may be independent of access to chest 5.

[0050] Optionally, it is possible to access space 4 from the trunk, for example by lifting the floor 6 which is then removable, or at least able to pivot.

[0051] Optionally, a lining (not illustrated) comes to hide at least partially the main part 12 of the cross member 11, while leaving the protrusions 121, 122 protruding, so as to improve the aesthetics of the bottom of the door 10 in the open position.

[0052] For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the rear swing door 10 comprises a metal structure and a plastic or sheet steel or aluminum alloy casing. For example, the door includes two goosenecks 17 arranged to create a hinge allowing the door 10 to open and close relative to the frame 3 about axis A10. Advantageously, the door structure includes the cross member 11, and one of the goosenecks 17, preferably the lower one, is fixed to the cross member. Thus, the cross member also plays a structural role for the trunk lid 10. In other words, the trunk lid, or tailgate if applicable, includes the rear cross member 11 in the lower part of its structure.

[0053] As mentioned, the rear door 10, more precisely its trim, includes the central part of the rear bumper. By fully opening the door 10, access is provided to the trunk 5 as well as to the additional lower space 4 arranged in the lower part.

[0054] Preferably, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the main part 12 of the cross member 11 comprises a profile with two hollow bodies 13, for example tubular, joined, fixed to each other. Such a cross member structure is advantageous in terms of damping and energy absorption during a rear impact while having a low mass. The main part 12 comprises, for example, a substantially vertical and transverse face oriented towards the front when the door is closed. As a reminder, this face The main section comprises two pins 121 and 122, which face forward when the door is closed. For example, the two pins are cylindrical and have conical ends or tips extending towards the front of the vehicle when the door is closed. Specifically, the tips 121 and 122 fit into the tubular sections 23 and 24 of each side member 31 and 32. Thus, in the event of a rear impact on the bumper 15, energy is transmitted to the crossmember 11 and at least to one of the pins 121 and 122, which in turn transmits energy to the relevant tubular section. Obviously, in the event of a major rear impact, the two pins 121, 122 transmit the forces to the two interfaces 21, 22 of the "crash box" type, which causes deformation, crushing, and folding of the interfaces, in particular due to the holes 25 made on the edges 26 of the tubular parts 23, 24, preferably of square section.As a reminder, the left interface 21 is linked, fixed to the left main rear longitudinal member 31, in particular to the rear end 33 of the left longitudinal member 31, preferably via bolts, and the right interface 22 is linked, fixed to the right main rear longitudinal member 32, in particular to the rear end 34 of the right longitudinal member 32, preferably via bolts.

[0055] When the door 10 is closed, the two pins 121, 122 are engaged inside the profiles, tubular parts 23, 24, preferably with a square cross-section. Thus, a physical and controlled connection between the rear crossmember 11 and the chassis or body structure is ensured via the interfaces 21, 22. This solution therefore allows for a robust chassis thanks to the connection between the crossmember and the rest of the chassis via the rear side members. As mentioned, this makes it possible to withstand the rear impact forces required for vehicle type approval. When the rear swing door is closed, the solution allows for good control and centering of the rear crossmember thanks to its pins 121, 122 fitting into the longitudinal members 31, 32, more precisely into the respective interfaces 21, 22. Thus, the crossmember 11 allows to play the role of a lower structural part of the trunk door 10.The solution may also reduce the vehicle's mass. It offers a compromise between rear impact resistance and compression zone via interfaces 21 and 22. As mentioned, this allows for easy repair of minor rear-end collisions, thus lowering insurance costs for such a vehicle and potentially serving as a selling point, particularly when purchasing a large fleet. Therefore, only the door 10, and / or the crossmember 11, and / or interfaces 21 and 22 need to be replaced during the aftermarket, avoiding a major intervention that would result in lengthy and costly vehicle downtime. Preferably, only the central portion 15 of the rear bumper is attached to the door 10; that is, the portion of the bumper that extends substantially transversely when the door 10 is closed. Thus, portions of the bumper 18 (see [Fig. 1]) may extend on either side. of the shield 15 when the gate 10 is closed, for example a portion 18 on the right and a portion 18 on the left.

[0056] The solution thus frees up the lower part of the rear trunk to obtain additional cargo space 4. This allows for the storage, transport, or storage of one or more additional pieces of luggage 51, possibly such as suitcases. The solution therefore complements the main trunk area 5, particularly the space beneath it. As mentioned, the loading sill of the cargo area 4 is very low thanks to the accessibility provided by the trunk lid, which extends under the rear bumper and incorporates it. Loading and unloading cargo area 4 is very easy, even with heavy objects, due to the low ground clearance. In other words, the effort required to load and unload cargo area 4 is minimized compared to loading the trunk.

[0057] Optionally, the storage space 4 is used for an electronic device. Advantageously, the storage space 4 can house a traction and / or propulsion battery for the vehicle 1. If applicable, this battery may be removable, meaning that it can be easily removed from the space 4, for example, to be recharged outside the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle can, for example, operate by alternating the use of at least two batteries. While one battery is housed in the space 4 and used to power the vehicle, the other battery is being recharged outside the vehicle. In any case, if the housing 4 is intended for a battery, the space 4 is then equipped with electrical connection means for one or more such batteries and / or means for securing such batteries and / or lateral and / or upper and lower reinforcements to prevent damage to such a battery in the event of an accident involving the vehicle.

[0058] Preferably, the cross member 11, in particular its tubes 13, are made of steel or aluminum alloy. Other dimensions, shapes, and materials are possible for the cross member 11. The same applies to the goosenecks 17 that allow pivoting about the hinge axis A10, which are preferably made of steel. The centering pins 121, 122 may have a different shape, material, and / or size than described above. Preferably, the material of the pins is the same as that of the main part 12 of the cross member. The same applies to the interfaces, which are preferably made of the same material as the longerons, for example, steel. Alternatively, to promote compression resistance in the event of an impact on the interfaces, their material may be different, with lower resistance, for example, an aluminum alloy while the longerons are made of steel. Here again, the dimensions and shapes of the interfaces, in particular their tubular portion, may vary.

[0059] Although not illustrated, the boot lid may be lined with an interior lining, for example of plastic or other material. Part of the shield 15 may be part of the skin or external trim of the door 10 or be attached to it independently.

[0060] Obviously, the volume of the additional space 4 depends on the center-to-center distance along the transverse direction of the two longitudinal members and / or the interfaces 21, 22, and / or the available height, and / or any architectural elements, and / or components equipping the vehicle, and / or constraints related to the use of the vehicle, for example, a significant ground clearance required for off-road use. The floor 6 of the trunk 5 can be removable to allow communication between the two storage spaces 4, 5.

[0061] In summary, the solution facilitates the loading and unloading of objects such as luggage, goods, or even one or more batteries, by lowering the height to which such objects must be lifted. This avoids handling that requires strenuous and difficult effort, particularly with heavy objects. Above all, it eliminates awkward or even non-ergonomic movements for the user, thus preventing injuries, especially to the back.

[0062] As a note, the solution therefore achieves the desired objective of facilitating loading / unloading within a rear storage space while offering additional storage space in the lower part of the chassis and can therefore be adapted to motor vehicles of all types and ranges, for example SUV or minivan or van type as well as other vehicles such as trucks, provided that space is available in the lower rear part.

Claims

Demands

1. Arrangement (2) for a vehicle (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a chassis (3) comprising a left rear longitudinal member (31) arranged on the left and a right rear longitudinal member (32) arranged on the right, - a hinged or tailgate-type boot door (10), the boot door (10) extending at least below the left and right rear longitudinal members (31, 32) in the closed position of the boot door (10), the boot door (10) comprising a cross member (11) cooperating with the left rear longitudinal member (31) and the right rear longitudinal member (32) in the closed position of the boot door (10).

2. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the left rear side member (31) comprises a rear end (33) and a left interface (21) fixed to the rear end (33) of the left rear side member (31), the left interface (21) being intended to absorb the energy of an impact, and in that the right rear side member (32) comprises a rear end (34) and a right interface (22) fixed to the rear end (34) of the right rear side member (32), the right interface (22) being intended to absorb the energy of an impact.

3. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the left interface (21) and the right interface (22) each comprise a tubular part (23; 24) extending longitudinally, in particular of square or rectangular cross-section, in particular comprising holes (25) provided at the level of at least one longitudinal edge (26).

4. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubular parts (23; 24) of the left (21) and right (22) interfaces are open at the rear.

5. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cross member (11) comprises: - a main part (12) extending transversely or substantially transversely, - a left protrusion (121) and a right protrusion (122), the left and right protrusions (121, 122) extending longitudinally from the main part (12) of the cross member (11), towards the front in the closed position of the trunk door (10), the left protrusion (121) fitting within the tubular part (23) of the left interface (21) and the right protrusion (122) fitting within the tubular part (24) of the right interface (22) in the closed position of the trunk door (10), in particular up to the contact between the main part (12) of the cross member (11) and the tubular part (23; 24) of each interface (21; 22).

6. Arrangement (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the left and right protrusions (121, 122) are cylindrical or conical or frustoconical or pyramidal.

7. Arrangement (2) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the main part (12) of the cross member (11) has a substantially square or rectangular cross section, or comprises at least two tubes of square or rectangular cross section arranged or fixed one on top of the other in the vertical direction.

8. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trunk door (10) comprises a shield (15), in particular arranged transversely behind the cross member (11) and at the same level or substantially at the same level as the cross member (11) in the vertical direction in the closed position of the trunk door (10).

9. Arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis (3) includes a storage space (4) arranged between the left and right rear side members (31, 32), in particular below the left and right side members (31, 32) in the vertical direction.

10. Vehicle (1), in particular motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises an arrangement (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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