Slide frame for vehicle back door

Abstract

To prevent an upward-opened back door from descending in a back door closing direction and form an available space below the back door with simple configuration in a vehicle having the back door.SOLUTION: A slide frame 1 for vehicle back door comprises: a pair of guide rails 4 which are respectively fixed to the vicinity of a corner part formed a ceiling and left and right side walls in a cabin, and extend in a cross direction of a vehicle; and a U-shaped frame member 5 which is slidably held by the pair of guide rails 4. The frame member 5 has a pair of longitudinal members 50 which are respectively slidably held by the pair of guide rails 4, and a transverse member 51 which connects rear parts of the pair of longitudinal members 50 and extends in a vehicle width direction. The frame member 5 is slidable between a storage position at which the same can close the back door 2 and a drawal position at which the same is drawn below the upward-opened back door 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide frame for a back door of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a partition member is suspended from a flip-up rear gate of an automobile to form a space that can be used for various purposes in the lower region of the rear gate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a member for shielding from the outside is suspended from the upwardly opened back door. Therefore, when the weight of the above member is relatively large, the back door cannot support the above member, and the upwardly opened back door descends in the closing direction, and it may not be possible to suitably form a space available below the back door. Further, when the above member is supported by a structure other than the back door, it is desirable that the configuration is simple and highly convenient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress the downward movement of an upwardly opened back door with a simple configuration in a vehicle having a back door and to form a space available below the back door.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The slide frame according to one aspect of the present invention is provided in a vehicle having a back door that can be opened and closed by opening and closing the opening for the back door vertically. The slide frame is fixed near the corners formed by the ceiling and the left and right side walls in the vehicle interior, respectively, and includes a pair of guide rails extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a U-shaped frame member slidably held by the pair of guide rails. The frame member has a pair of vertical members slidably held by the pair of guide rails, respectively, and a horizontal member extending in the vehicle width direction connecting the rear portions of the pair of vertical members. The frame member is configured to be slidable between a storage position where the back door can be closed and a pulled-out position where it is pulled out below the upwardly opened back door.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the above slide frame, in a vehicle having a back door, with a simple structure, it is possible to suppress the upwardly opened back door from descending in the closing direction and form a usable space below the back door.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7A

Fig. 7B

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] While referring to the drawings, the slide frame 1 according to the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the slide frame 1 is attached to the upper part inside the vehicle compartment, and when in use, it is pulled out from the inside of the vehicle to below the fully opened back door 2 through the opening 3 of the back door 2. A curtain 7 or the like can be suspended and used on the pulled-out slide frame 1.

[0010] The slide frame 1 includes a pair of guide rails 4 that extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and are fixed to the ceiling or side wall inside the vehicle, and a U-shaped frame member 5 that is slidably held by the pair of guide rails 4. Each guide rail 4 is fixed near the corner formed by the ceiling and the left and right side walls inside the vehicle and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The frame member 5 has a pair of vertical members 50 that are slidably held by the pair of guide rails 4 respectively, and a lateral member 51 that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the rear parts of the pair of vertical members 50.

[0011] The main part of the guide rail 4 is formed of an aluminum extrusion with a hollow tube structure, and the guide rail 4 is formed by attaching a mounting bracket 40 to the vehicle body and a finisher (not shown) to this aluminum extrusion. Each guide rail 4 has two mounting brackets 40 made of aluminum alloy, and these mounting brackets 40 are fixed to utility nuts provided on the vehicle body by bolts. The resin finisher attached to the front end of each guide rail 4 closes the front end opening of the guide rail 4. The resin finisher attached to the rear end of each guide rail 4 suppresses the first vertical member 50A of the frame member 5 described later from coming out of the guide rail 4.

[0012] The frame member 5 has a pair of vertical members 50 slidably held on a pair of guide rails 4 respectively, and a horizontal member 51 extending in the vehicle width direction connecting the rear portions of the pair of vertical members 50 to each other. Each vertical member 50 is composed of a first vertical member 50A having a hollow tube structure inserted into the guide rail 4, and a second vertical member 50B having a hollow tube structure inserted into the first vertical member 50A. At the front end of the first vertical member 50A, a resin stopper (not shown) is attached which abuts against the finisher at the rear end of the guide rail 4 to prevent the first vertical member 50A from coming out of the guide rail 4. At the rear end of the first vertical member 50A, a resin finisher (not shown) is attached which prevents the second vertical member 50B from coming out of the first vertical member 50A.

[0013] At the front end of the second vertical member 50B, a resin stopper (not shown) is attached which abuts against the finisher at the rear end of the first vertical member 50A to prevent the second vertical member 50B from coming out of the first vertical member 50A. In the embodiment, between the rear ends of the pair of second vertical members 50B, the horizontal member 51 is bridged via an L-shaped joint 52 (see FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B). Similar to the guide rail 4, the first vertical member 50A, the second vertical member 50B, and the horizontal member 51 are also formed of an aluminum extrusion. Note that the pair of second vertical members 50B and the horizontal member 51 may be integrally formed by bending an aluminum extrusion. Due to the nested structure of the guide rail 4 and the vertical member 50 (the first vertical member 50A and the second vertical member 50B), the vertical member 50 is slidably held by the guide rail 4. Also, due to the nested structure of the guide rail 4 and the vertical member 50 (the first vertical member 50A and the second vertical member 50B), the U-shaped frame member 5 can be pulled out to directly below the fully opened back door 2.

[0014] When the frame member 5 is pulled out, the second vertical member 50B is also pulled out with respect to the first vertical member 50A, and the vertical member 50 (the first vertical member 50A and the second vertical member 50B) extends to its full length (see Fig. 1). On the other hand, when the frame member 5 is retracted, at least a part of the second vertical member 50B is stored inside the first vertical member 50A, and the vertical member 50 (the first vertical member 50A and the second vertical member 50B) shrinks to its full length (see Fig. 2). When the frame member 5 is retracted, the horizontal member 51 located at the rear end thereof does not obstruct the closing operation of the back door 2. In other words, the frame member 5 is slidable between a retracted position (see Fig. 2) where the back door 2 can be closed and a pulled-out position (see Fig. 1) where it is pulled out below the fully open back door 2. By making the guide rail 4, the first vertical member 50A, and the second vertical member 50B into a nested structure, the front-to-rear length of the slide frame 1 in the retracted position can be shortened.

[0015] On the inner surface of the back door 2, a pull-down handle 6 is provided to facilitate pulling down the back door 2 when closing the fully open back door 2 that opens upward (see Fig. 3). The pull-down handle 6 of the embodiment is formed by looping a flexible belt (see Figs. 7A and 7B). Both ends of the belt forming the pull-down handle 6 are bolted to the metal panel of the back door 2 via retainers on the back side of the trim material covering the inner surface of the back door 2. The loop-shaped portion of the pull-down handle 6 is led out to the luggage compartment side through a through hole formed in the trim material and hangs down by its own weight.

[0016] The pull-down handle 6 hangs down vertically from directly below the fully open back door 2. Therefore, even a user of short stature can easily reach the lower end of the hanging pull-down handle 6, making it easier to close the back door 2. When closing the back door 2, it is easier to close by applying force to the end portion (the lower end in the closed state) away from its hinge. For this reason, the pull-down handle 6 is arranged at a position relatively close to the end portion. The frame member 5 is formed such that the horizontal member 51 of the slide frame 1 in the pulled-out position, that is, the horizontal member 51 of the most pulled-out frame member 5, is located in the vicinity of the pull-down handle 6.

[0017] In the embodiment, a connection structure for connecting the horizontal member 51 of the frame member 5 pulled out to the pull-out position and the pull-down handle 6 is further provided. The connection structure is composed of a hook 8 attached to the rear surface of the above-described L-shaped joint 52 (see FIG. 7A). The hook 8 is a C-ring having a notch formed so as to be able to hook the pull-down handle 6. By hooking the lower end of the pull-down handle 6 on the hook 8, the horizontal member 51 and the pull-down handle 6 can be connected (see FIG. 7B). With this connection structure, rattling of the slide frame 1 pulled out and supported in a cantilever manner can be suppressed. Further, the slide frame 1 of the embodiment is not provided with a mechanism for locking the pulled-out extended state in the slide frame 1. Therefore, by connecting the rear end of the slide frame 1 to the back door 2 with this connection structure, it is possible to prevent the slide frame 1 from moving from the pull-out position to the storage position side against the user's will. For example, when a curtain 7 is suspended from the slide frame 1 described later, an external force that moves the slide frame 1 from the pull-out position to the storage position side may also be generated by wind or the like, so this connection structure is useful.

[0018] A modification of the above connection structure will be described (see FIG. 8). In the modification, a protruding portion 53 protruding upward is formed on the horizontal member 51. As the frame member 5 is slid to the pull-out position, the protruding portion 53 abuts or comes close to the inner surface of the fully opened back door 2. By providing the protruding portion 53, rattling of the slide frame 1 pulled out and supported in a cantilever manner can be suppressed. Further, by bringing the protruding portion 53 into contact with the back door 2, it is possible to prevent the slide frame 1 from moving from the pull-out position to the storage position side.

[0019] An example of attaching a curtain 7 to a slide frame 1 is shown in Fig. 9. The curtain 7 is suspended from the slide frame 1 via curtain rings 70. With the structure of the slide frame 1 in the embodiment, it is also possible to store the slide frame 1 in the storage position while the curtain 7 is suspended. Further, it is possible to close the curtain 7 at the storage position to block the line of sight into the vehicle interior through the rear glass of the closed back door 2. Furthermore, it is possible to hang a lamp, a shower head, a hanger, etc. on the pulled-out slide frame 1. Therefore, the slide frame 1 is applicable to various usage methods, has high versatility, and can improve the convenience for users. Also, the pulling-out operation during use and the storage operation after use are easy, and the convenience is high.

[0020] The functions and effects of the slide frame 1 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0021] The slide frame 1 according to the embodiment is provided in a vehicle having a back door that can open and close the back door opening in an up-and-down manner. The slide frame 1 is fixed near the corners formed by the ceiling and the left and right side walls in the vehicle interior, respectively, and includes a pair of guide rails 4 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a U-shaped frame member 5 slidably held on the pair of guide rails 4. Each guide rail 4 extends from near the upper left and right corners of the opening of the back door 2 forward of the vehicle. The frame member 5 has a pair of vertical members 50 slidably held on the pair of guide rails 4, respectively, and a horizontal member 51 extending in the vehicle width direction connecting the rear portions of the pair of vertical members 50. The frame member 5 is slidable between a storage position where the back door 2 can be closed and a pulled-out position pulled out below the upwardly opened back door 2.

[0022] According to the above configuration, when using the slide frame 1, it can be used immediately by pulling out the frame member 5 below the fully opened back door 2. After use, it only needs to be pushed and stored. Therefore, the slide frame 1 is excellent in convenience. In addition, the slide frame 1 is provided with a U-shaped frame member 5 that surrounds the space below the back door 2. The pulled-out slide frame 1 is arranged below the upwardly opened and fully opened back door 2. Therefore, when the fully opened state of the back door 2 is released against the user's will and the upwardly opened back door 2 descends in the closing direction, the slide frame 1 can support the back door 2 from below. Therefore, the slide frame 1 can suppress the closing operation of the upwardly opened back door 2. Therefore, the slide frame 1 has a simple configuration and can form a usable space below the back door of the vehicle. The slide frame 1 can be applied to various usage methods, has high versatility, and can improve the convenience of the user. Furthermore, since the slide frame 1 stored in the storage position is arranged at the roof edge portion inside the vehicle compartment, it does not interfere inside the vehicle compartment.

[0023] Also, in the embodiment, the back door 2 has a pull-down handle 6 for pulling down the upwardly opened back door 2, and the horizontal member 51 of the frame member 5 pulled out to the pull-out position is located near the pull-down handle 6. Therefore, when the user tries to close the back door 2 with the pull-down handle 6 in the state where the frame member 5 is pulled out, due to the above arrangement of the horizontal member 51, it is difficult for the user to access the pull-down handle 6. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the frame member 5 needs to be stored in the storage position before closing the back door 2, and it is possible to suppress forgetting to store the frame member 5. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the slide frame 1 by performing the closing operation of the back door 2 in the wrong procedure.

[0024] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the slide frame 1 further includes a connection structure that connects the horizontal member 51 of the frame member 5 pulled out to the pull-out position and the pull-down handle 6. The pulled-out frame member 5 is supported in a cantilevered manner by the guide rail 4, and the horizontal member 51 at the rear end thereof is likely to rattle in the vertical direction. The slide frame 1 is often used outdoors and may be likely to rattle under the influence of wind or the like. Also, when a member such as a curtain is attached to the slide frame 1, the slide frame 1 may be likely to rattle downward. Therefore, by connecting the horizontal member 51 of the pulled-out frame member 5 to the pull-down handle 6 located in the vicinity thereof using the above connection structure, rattling of the slide frame 1 can be suppressed and the convenience of the slide frame 1 can be improved.

[0025] Also, in a modification of the above embodiment, the horizontal member 51 is provided with a protruding portion 53 that protrudes upward, and the protruding portion 53 is in contact with or close to the inner surface of the back door 2 that is opened upward as the frame member 5 slides to the pull-out position. In this case, the upward movement of the slide frame 1 is restricted by the inner surface of the back door 2. Therefore, rattling of the slide frame 1 can be suppressed and the convenience of the slide frame 1 can be improved. Also, when the back door 2 is not in the fully open state, the protruding portion 53 interferes with the inner surface of the back door 2, and the frame member 5 cannot be pulled out to the pull-out position. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to notice that the back door 2 is not in the fully open state, and the frame member 5 can be pulled out to the pull-out position with the back door 2 surely in the fully open state. Furthermore, when the fully open state of the back door 2 is released against the user's will and the upwardly opened back door 2 descends in the closing direction, the protruding portion 53 can support the back door 2 from below. Therefore, the protruding portion 53 can suppress the closing operation of the upwardly opened back door 2.

[0026] In the above embodiment, the lowering handle 6 was in the form of a belt that hangs down by its own weight. However, the form of the lowering handle 6 is not limited to the above, and for example, it may be in the form of a handle integrally molded with a resin trim material on the inner surface of the back door 2. As a connection structure in this case, for example, a strap connecting the frame member 5 and the handle-shaped lowering handle 6 may be provided.

[0027] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the description and drawings that form a part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operation techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0028] 1 Slide Frame 2 Back Door 4 Guide Rail 5 Frame Member 50 Vertical Member 51 Horizontal Member 53 Protrusion 6 Lowering Handle 8 Hook (Connection Structure)

Claims

1. A slide frame of a vehicle having a back door that can be opened and closed by a top-hinged opening, A pair of guide rails respectively fixed near the corners formed by the ceiling and the left and right side walls in the vehicle interior and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A U-shaped frame member having a pair of vertical members slidably held on the pair of guide rails respectively, and a horizontal member extending in the vehicle width direction connecting the rear portions of the pair of vertical members, Comprising, The frame member is a slide frame that is slidable between a storage position where the back door can be closed and a pulled-out position where it is pulled out below the upwardly opened back door.

2. The back door has a lowering handle for lowering the upwardly opened back door, and the horizontal member of the frame member pulled out to the pulled-out position is located near the lowering handle. The slide frame according to claim 1.

3. The slide frame according to claim 2, further comprising a connection structure connecting the horizontal member of the frame member pulled out to the pulled-out position and the lowering handle.

4. The horizontal member is provided with a protruding portion protruding upward, The protruding portion abuts or is close to the inner surface of the upwardly opened back door as the frame member slides to the pulled-out position. The slide frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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