Vehicle gate

Abstract

A vehicle gate (1) according to the present disclosure is formed by joining an inner panel (2) and an outer panel (3), opens and closes a rear opening of a vehicle, and is provided with a first reinforcement (10), a switch (7), and a second reinforcement (20). The first reinforcement (10) is provided to the inner panel (2) and has a hole (18) into which the latch of a latch device (30) is inserted. The switch (7) is provided close to a vehicle outer end part (15) of the first reinforcement (10), and is operated when opening the vehicle gate (1). The second reinforcement (20) is provided so as to extend in the longitudinal direction between the periphery of the hole part (18) and the vehicle outer end part (15) of the first reinforcement (10), and is disposed on both sides of the switch (7).

Description

Vehicle gate

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle gate provided on a vehicle.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known openable and closable vehicle gates provided on the side or rear of a vehicle, each equipped with an open / close switch for electrically controlling the open / close state. The open / close switch receives a predetermined input operation (e.g., a pressing operation, a touch operation, a proximity operation, etc.) and transmits a door open signal to an electronic control device, causing the electronic control device to control the engaged state of a latch device and the locked state of a lock device. Such open / close switches are disposed, for example, on the edge (side edge, bottom edge) or handle of the door, which is easy to reach when opening the door (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] JP 2017-43249 A JP 2015-39991 A JP 2011-63146 A

[0004] A vehicle gate may be subjected to an unexpected external force from outside the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle gate may be deformed by the external force, which may cause interference between the open / close switch and surrounding structures. For example, the deformation of the vehicle gate may cause the open / close switch to change orientation, which may cause contact between the vehicle body and the operating surface of the open / close switch, resulting in the unintended opening of the vehicle gate. Therefore, it is desirable for vehicle gates to be designed with a structure that suppresses interference between the open / close switch and surrounding structures even when subjected to an external force.

[0005] In the case of vehicle gates (tailgates, rear gates) disposed on the rear of a vehicle, as in the structures described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, external forces may act around the opening / closing switch during a rear-end collision, making the above-described problems more likely to become apparent. Meanwhile, the direction and location of the external force acting can vary widely. Therefore, the above-described problems arise regardless of the type of vehicle gate (top-opening, side-opening, sliding, etc.), the installation location (rear, side, front, top, etc.) of the vehicle, or the installation location of the input device (lower end, upper end, side end, center, etc.) of the gate.

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention, which was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, is to provide a vehicle gate that can improve the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants by preventing the erroneous operation of the opening / closing switch due to external force. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve the effects derived from the various configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology.

[0007] The disclosed vehicle gate can be realized as the following embodiments (application examples) and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each embodiment from embodiment 2 onwards is an embodiment that can be selected as an additional option, and each embodiment can be omitted. None of the embodiments from embodiment 2 onwards discloses an embodiment or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0008] Aspect 1. The disclosed vehicle gate is formed by joining an inner panel and an outer panel, and is a vehicle gate that opens and closes a rear opening of a vehicle, and includes a first reinforcement that is provided on the inner panel and has a hole through which a latch of a latch device is inserted, a switch that is provided near the vehicle outer end of the first reinforcement and is operated when opening the vehicle gate, and a second reinforcement that is provided between the vehicle outer end of the first reinforcement and the periphery of the hole so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction and is disposed on either side of the switch.

[0009] Aspect 2. In the above-mentioned Aspect 1, it is preferable that the first reinforcement is provided at a lower end of the vehicle gate, and the switch is fixed to the first reinforcement with an operating surface facing diagonally downward and forward. Aspect 3. In the above-mentioned Aspect 2, it is preferable that the second reinforcement is arranged so as to overlap the switch in the front-to-rear direction in a side view.

[0010] Aspect 4. In Aspect 2 or 3 above, it is preferable that the first reinforcement has a first inclined surface portion disposed above the switch in an inclined position with its normal facing rearward and downward, a second inclined surface portion disposed adjacent to and in front of the first inclined surface portion in an inclined position with its normal facing frontward and downward, a latch reinforcing surface portion having the hole portion and disposed adjacent to and in front of the second inclined surface portion, and a horizontal surface portion disposed approximately horizontally adjacent to and rear of the first inclined surface portion, and the second reinforcement bridges so as to connect the latch reinforcing surface portion and the horizontal surface portion.

[0011] Aspect 5. In the above aspect 4, it is preferable that the first reinforcement has a pair of wall portions formed in a planar shape substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface portion and arranged at both ends of the first inclined surface portion in the vehicle width direction, and the second reinforcement has an outer wall surface portion that is fixed to the wall portion in a state of surface contact with the wall portion.

[0012] According to the disclosed vehicle gate, the second reinforcement arranged on either side of the switch is formed in a shape that extends in the front-rear direction between the outer end of the first reinforcement on the vehicle side and the periphery of the hole. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the switch and surrounding structures even when an external force acts on the vehicle gate, thereby preventing the switch from malfunctioning due to the external force. Therefore, the protection performance of the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle gate as an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of a vehicle gate; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a latch reinforcement provided inside a vehicle gate; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an additional reinforcement provided inside a vehicle gate; FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the additional reinforcement; FIG. 6 is a three-view view of a latch reinforcement (single unit); and FIG. 7 is a three-view view of a latch reinforcement including an additional reinforcement and an open switch.

[0014] The vehicle gate according to the present invention is applied to a vehicle shown in the following embodiment. Regarding the definition of directions in this embodiment, the front-rear direction is defined based on the forward and backward direction of the vehicle, and the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is defined based on the front-rear direction. The up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the vehicle is stopped on a flat road surface. Regarding the inward and outward directions of the vehicle, the direction from the outside of the vehicle toward the passenger compartment (including the luggage compartment) is defined as the inward direction of the vehicle, and the direction from the passenger compartment toward the outside of the vehicle is defined as the outward direction of the vehicle.

[0015] The vehicle gate of this embodiment is formed hollow by panels (e.g., inner and outer panels) that are structural members that form the outer shell of the door, and a latch device and an open switch (switch) are provided inside the hollow. In addition, the vehicle gate incorporates a latch reinforcement (first reinforcement) that is a reinforcing member for reinforcing the latch device, and an additional reinforcement (second reinforcement) that prevents the open switch from malfunctioning due to external force. Unless otherwise specified, the directions of the parts and portions that make up the vehicle gate refer to the directions relative to the vehicle gate in its closed state.

[0016] [1. Configuration] [A. Vehicle Gate] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a vehicle gate 1 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the vehicle gate 1 in a closed state. The vehicle gate 1 is an upward-opening rear door (tailgate, rear gate) attached to the rear end of a vehicle, and is configured to be able to open the vehicle compartment (including the luggage compartment) to the outside of the vehicle and to be able to maintain a closed state. A rear glass is fitted to the top of the vehicle gate 1. Tail lamps are attached near both left and right ends of the vehicle gate 1. Well-known hinge mechanisms and link mechanisms are provided at the top end of the vehicle gate 1. Via these mechanisms, the vehicle gate 1 is supported so as to be able to rotate upward relative to the vehicle body.

[0017] The vehicle gate 1 is formed by joining an inner panel 2 and an outer panel 3. The inner panel 2 is a planar member that mainly forms the inner surface of the vehicle gate 1, and the outer panel 3 is a planar member that mainly forms the exterior (outer surface) of the vehicle gate 1. The inner panel 2 is provided on the inside of the vehicle, and the outer panel 3 is provided on the outside of the vehicle. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are arranged with a gap in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1 and are fixed with their respective peripheral edges overlapping. This makes the interior of the vehicle gate 1 covered by the inner panel 2 and outer panel 3 hollow.

[0018] The outer panel 3 shown in Figure 1 constitutes only the rear surface of the vehicle gate 1. On the other hand, the inner panel 2 constitutes the front surface and other end surfaces (top, bottom, left, and right end surfaces) of the vehicle gate 1. A decorative door trim (lining, interior member) can be attached to the portion of the surface of the inner panel 2 facing the passenger compartment. The inner panel 2 and the outer panel 3 are formed, for example, from a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate, etc.) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.).

[0019] A latch device 30 for maintaining the vehicle gate 1 in a closed state, a latch reinforcement 10 (first reinforcement) and an additional reinforcement 20 (second reinforcement), which are reinforcing members for stabilizing the mounting state of the latch device 30, and an input device 9 for releasing the vehicle gate 1 from a closed state, are provided near the end (lower surface 4 in this embodiment) of the end face of the vehicle gate 1. The latch device 30, the latch reinforcement 10, the additional reinforcement 20, and the input device 9 are provided within the hollow interior of the vehicle gate 1. A latch opening 5 and a switch opening 6 are provided in a portion of the inner panel 2 that forms the lower surface 4 of the vehicle gate 1. The latch device 30 is fixed near the latch opening 5 and the switch opening 6 on the end face (lower surface 4 in this embodiment) of the vehicle gate 1 and functions to maintain the vehicle gate 1 in a closed state.

[0020] 2, the latch device 30 includes a hook-shaped latch 31 and an electric actuator for driving the latch 31. The latch device 30 is fixed inside the vehicle gate 1 so that the latch 31 passes through the inside of the latch opening 5 and protrudes downward from the lower surface 4. A striker 32 is also fixed to the vehicle body so as to correspond to the position of the latch 31 when the vehicle gate 1 is closed. The striker 32 is, for example, a metal fitting formed by bending a shaft member into a U-shape so as to be engageable with the hook-shaped latch 31, and is fixed near the upper end of the rear end panel 33.

[0021] The closed state of the vehicle gate 1 is maintained by the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32. The electric actuator built into the latch device 30 is a drive device for moving the latch 31 when opening the vehicle gate 1. By operating the electric actuator, the hook-shaped latch 31 moves in a direction away from the striker 32, and the engagement between the latch 31 and the striker 32 is released. The latch device 30 has a built-in locking device that has the function of restricting the movement of the latch 31, but a description of this device will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0022] The input device 9 is a device operated by a passenger when activating the electric actuator. The input device 9 outputs a door-open signal when a predetermined input operation (pressing operation, touching operation, proximity operation) is performed. The door-open signal is transmitted to an electronic control device that controls the operating state of the electric actuator. The electronic control device receives the door-open signal and outputs a control signal to activate the electric actuator. This activates the electric actuator, disengaging the latch device 30 and allowing the vehicle gate 1 to rotate freely. The input device 9 is provided near the switch opening 6.

[0023] The input device 9 includes an open switch 7 (switch) and a switch garnish 8. The open switch 7 is a switch that is operated, for example, when opening or closing the vehicle gate 1, and is provided near the outer end of the latch reinforcement 10 (the rear end, in this embodiment, a horizontal surface 15 described later). The open switch 7 is provided with an operation surface 40 that detects an input operation. The operation surface 40 is, for example, a push switch, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like. The open switch 7 is arranged so that the operation surface 40 faces the end surface side (in this embodiment, the lower surface 4 side), and is provided so that the operation surface 40 passes through the inside of the switch opening 6 and protrudes downward from the lower surface 4 (see FIG. 2 ).

[0024] The orientation (direction) of the open switch 7 is preferably set so that the surface of the operation surface 40 is approximately perpendicular to the rotation direction (see the black arrow in FIG. 2 ) when the vehicle gate 1 is opened. In this embodiment, the operation surface 40 is set so that it faces diagonally downward (forward and downward) toward the inner panel 2 in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1. This makes it easier to touch the surface of the operation surface 40 with a fingertip when opening the door, and also makes it possible to rotate the vehicle gate 1 as is after an input operation, improving operability.

[0025] The switch garnish 8 is a member that functions as a cover that covers the periphery of the open switch 7, and is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the operation surface 40 when engaged with the open switch 7. The switch garnish 8 is provided so as to close the gap between the open switch 7 and the switch opening 6 (see FIG. 2). The switch garnish 8 may be formed integrally with the open switch 7.

[0026] The latch reinforcement 10 is a reinforcing member provided at the end of the vehicle gate 1 (in this embodiment, the lower end of the vehicle gate 1), and is formed, for example, from a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.). The latch reinforcement 10 has at least a latch hole 18 (hole portion) through which the latch 31 of the latch device 30 is inserted. The latch reinforcement 10 is fixed to the inner panel 2 so that the latch hole 18 overlaps the latch opening 5. As a result, the latch reinforcement 10 reinforces the periphery of the latch hole 18 and the latch opening 5.

[0027] The latch reinforcement 10 of this embodiment also has the function of covering and reinforcing the upper part of the input device 9. As shown in Fig. 2, the vehicle outer end of the latch reinforcement 10 is extended so as to cover the upper part of the input device 9. Preferably, the switch garnish 8 of the input device 9 is fixed to this extended surface. This further stabilizes the installation state of the input device 9.

[0028] 1 , the additional reinforcement 20 is a reinforcing member disposed on either side of the open switch 7, and is formed of, for example, a metal plate (steel plate, aluminum plate) or a resin (plastic, engineering plastic, super engineering plastic, etc.). The additional reinforcement 20 is provided so as to bridge at least the vehicle outer end of the latch reinforcement 10 and the periphery of the latch hole 18. In other words, the additional reinforcement 20 is fixed to the latch reinforcement 10 so as to bridge the gap between the portion of the latch reinforcement 10 that covers and reinforces the upper part of the input device 9 and the portion that reinforces the periphery of the latch hole 18.

[0029] [B. Latch Reinforcement] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the latch reinforcement 10. The latch reinforcement 10 has a first inclined surface portion 11, a second inclined surface portion 12, a latch reinforcing surface portion 13, a wall portion 14, a horizontal surface portion 15, a leg portion 16, a valley portion 17, and a latch hole 18. The latch reinforcement 10 of this embodiment is an integrated molded product formed by pressing a single steel plate, but the latch reinforcement 10 may also be manufactured by integrating multiple parts by welding or fastening.

[0030] The first inclined surface portion 11 is a surface adjacent to which the open switch 7 of the input device 9 is provided and to which the switch garnish 8 is fixed. In this embodiment, the open switch 7 is fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 via the switch garnish 8, but the open switch 7 may also be fixed directly to the first inclined surface portion 11. When attached to the vehicle gate 1, the first inclined surface portion 11 is formed in a surface shape that is inclined in a direction away from the underside 4 of the vehicle gate 1 toward the outside of the vehicle (the outer panel 3 side in the thickness direction of the vehicle gate 1). In other words, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined surface portion 11 is disposed above the open switch 7 in an inclined position with its normal facing rearward and downward.

[0031] Here, attention will be paid to the relationship between the surface of the inner panel 2 where the switch opening 6 is formed and the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the first inclined surface portion 11 is provided above the switch opening 6 so as to face the switch opening 6, and is formed in a surface shape that is inclined so as to move away from the surface where the switch opening 6 is formed as it moves toward the outside of the vehicle (rear of the vehicle).

[0032] The switch garnish 8 is fixed to the surface of the first inclined surface portion 11 on the lower surface 4 side (the surface facing the switch opening 6). As shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined surface portion 11 in this embodiment is inclined upward toward the rear of the vehicle, and the input device 9 is attached to its lower portion. The first inclined surface portion 11 extends so as to form a plane that is approximately parallel to the rotation direction of the vehicle gate 1 when it is opened. The input device 9 is fixed to the first inclined surface portion 11 with the operating surface 40 of the open switch 7 facing forward and downward.

[0033] The second inclined surface portion 12 is a planar portion extending upward and toward the vehicle interior side (front of the vehicle) from the vehicle-inner (front of the vehicle) edge of the first inclined surface portion 11. In other words, the second inclined surface portion 12 is a planar portion disposed adjacent to the front of the first inclined surface portion 11 in an inclined posture with its normal facing forward and downward. As shown in FIG. 2 , the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 form a V-shaped cross section. The boundary portion between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 has a valley fold shape (valley shape). A valley portion 17 forming the boundary between the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 is disposed in a substantially linear shape. In this embodiment, the valley portion 17 extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The second inclined surface portion 12 in this embodiment is formed in a plane perpendicular to the first inclined surface portion 11 and extends to form a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotation direction of the vehicle gate 1 when it is opened. The surface of the second inclined surface portion 12 on the lower surface 4 side is provided so as to contact, for example, the inner panel 2. Note that, in this embodiment, the lower surface 4 of the inner panel 2 is provided so as to be in surface contact with the entire second inclined surface portion 12, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0035] The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is a portion that reinforces the area around the latch device 30, and is a planar portion that extends from the vehicle-inner end edge of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the vehicle interior. Latch holes 18 corresponding to the latch openings 5 ​​are drilled in the latch reinforcement surface portion 13. In other words, the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 has the latch holes 18 and is disposed adjacent to and in front of the second inclined surface portion 12. The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 of this embodiment is formed in a planar shape that is slightly inclined upward (close to horizontal) from the front end edge (upper end edge) of the second inclined surface portion 12 toward the front of the vehicle.

[0036] 2, the boundary between the second inclined surface portion 12 and the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 has a mountain-folded (ridge-shaped) shape and is arranged in a substantially linear manner extending in the vehicle width direction. The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 is formed in a planar shape that conforms to the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the latch opening 5, and is attached so as to be in surface contact with the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the latch opening 5. Similarly, the latch device 30 is also provided so as to be in surface contact with the latch reinforcement surface portion 13. This stabilizes the engagement state between the latch 31 and the striker 32 and the operation of the latch 31.

[0037] The wall portions 14 are vertical wall-like portions arranged in pair at one end and the other end (both ends in the vehicle width direction) of the first inclined surface portion 11. As shown in Fig. 3, the wall portions 14 extend from both left and right end edges of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the underside 4 and are erected between the first inclined surface portion 11 and an end face of the vehicle gate 1 (in this embodiment, the inner panel 2 that forms the underside 4 and is positioned around the switch opening 6). The wall portions 14 are formed in a planar shape that is approximately perpendicular to the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0038] A leg 16 is provided at the lower end of the wall 14 and is formed in a plane that conforms to the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the switch opening 6. The leg 16 is attached so as to be in surface contact with the inner panel 2 that unfolds around the switch opening 6. This stabilizes the attachment state of the input device 9 fixed to the first inclined surface 11. Furthermore, the wall 14 and the leg 16 function as support members that support the first inclined surface 11 against the lower surface 4 (inner panel 2), thereby preventing the first inclined surface 11 from moving downward or rotating.

[0039] The horizontal surface portion 15 is a planar portion extending substantially horizontally from the vehicle-exterior (vehicle rear) edge of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the outside of the vehicle to the vicinity of the outer panel 3. In this embodiment, the horizontal surface portion 15 is formed as a surface extending from the rear edge (upper edge) of the first inclined surface portion 11 toward the rear of the vehicle. The horizontal surface portion 15 is disposed substantially horizontally adjacent to the rear of the first inclined surface portion 11. The vehicle-exterior edge (rear edge) of the horizontal surface portion 15 is preferably set in a position close to (or in contact with) the outer panel 3. If possible, it is preferable to extend the horizontal surface portion 15 long enough so that it protrudes further outward than the input device 9 in a top view.

[0040] [C. Additional Reinforcement] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the additional reinforcement 20, and FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the additional reinforcement 20 when the vehicle gate 1 is in a closed state. In this embodiment, the additional reinforcements 20 are provided in pairs on the right and left sides of the open switch 7. Each additional reinforcement 20 has a first surface portion 21, a second surface portion 22, a third surface portion 23, a fourth surface portion 24 (outer wall surface portion), and a fifth surface portion 25. It is also possible to manufacture the left and right additional reinforcements 20 as an integrally molded product. Furthermore, although each additional reinforcement 20 in this embodiment is an integrally molded product formed by pressing a single steel plate, the additional reinforcement 20 may also be manufactured by integrating multiple parts by welding or fastening.

[0041] The first surface portion 21 is a band-shaped portion fixed to the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 and the horizontal surface portion 15 of the latch reinforcement 10, and is provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction while bridging between the vehicle outer end portion of the latch reinforcement 10 and the periphery of the latch hole 18. The first surface portion 21 is arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in a top view, for example, along the left and right side edges of the latch hole 18. The first surface portion 21 may be formed in a shape that is separated from the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12, or may be formed in a shape that is in partial contact with the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12, or may be formed in a shape that is in surface contact with the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12.

[0042] The second surface portion 22 is a wall-shaped portion extending upward from one side edge of the first surface portion 21. As shown in Fig. 4, of the pair of left and right additional reinforcements 20, in the right additional reinforcement 20, the second surface portion 22 extends upward from the right side edge of the first surface portion 21. On the other hand, in the left additional reinforcement 20, the second surface portion 22 extends upward from the left side edge of the first surface portion 21.

[0043] The third surface portion 23 is a floor-plate-like portion extending from the upper end edge of the second surface portion 22 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 4 , of the pair of left and right additional reinforcements 20, the third surface portion 23 of the right additional reinforcement 20 extends from the upper end edge of the second surface portion 22 toward the right side. On the other hand, the third surface portion 23 of the left additional reinforcement 20 extends from the upper end edge of the second surface portion 22 toward the left side. These third surface portions 23 are arranged so as not to come into contact with the latch reinforcement 10 (so as to be suspended in mid-air). In this embodiment, the third surface portion 23 is formed in a planar shape and is arranged so as to be approximately horizontal when the vehicle gate 1 is in the closed state.

[0044] The fourth surface portion 24 is a wall-shaped portion extending downward from one side edge of the third surface portion 23. As shown in Figure 4, of the pair of left and right additional reinforcements 20, the fourth surface portion 24 of the right additional reinforcement 20 extends downward from the right side edge of the third surface portion 23. On the other hand, the fourth surface portion 24 of the left additional reinforcement 20 extends downward from the left side edge of the third surface portion 23. The lower end edge of the fourth surface portion 24 extends at least until it contacts the latch reinforcing surface portion 13.

[0045] The fourth surface portion 24 of this embodiment is disposed substantially parallel to the second surface portion 22 of each additional reinforcement 20. Furthermore, the lower edge of the fourth surface portion 24 of this embodiment is in contact not only with the latch reinforcing surface portion 13 but also with the second inclined surface portion 12 and the leg portion 16. Furthermore, the fourth surface portion 24 of this embodiment is fixed to the wall portion 14 in a state of surface contact with the wall portion 14. The contact points between the fourth surface portion 24 and the wall portion 14 are indicated by hatching in Figure 4. A triangular region located at the bottom of the fourth surface portion 24 is joined integrally with the wall portion 14, reinforcing the left and right sides of the first inclined surface portion 11.

[0046] The fifth surface portion 25 is a floor-plate-like portion extending outward in the vehicle width direction from a portion of the lower end edge of the fourth surface portion 24. Of the pair of left and right additional reinforcements 20, the fifth surface portion 25 of the right additional reinforcement 20 extends toward the right, and the fifth surface portion 25 of the left additional reinforcement 20 extends toward the left. As shown in FIG. 5 , the fifth surface portion 25 is provided so as to be in surface contact with at least the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 of the latch reinforcement 10. Note that the surface shape of the fifth surface portion 25 may extend rearward to be in surface contact with the second inclined surface portion 12 or the leg portion 16.

[0047] Fig. 6 is a three-view diagram of the latch reinforcement 10, and Fig. 7 is a three-view diagram of the latch reinforcement 10 including the additional reinforcement 20 and the open switch 7. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the upper part of the open switch 7 is disposed in a space surrounded by the first inclined surface portion 11, the wall portion 14, and the horizontal surface portion 15. The lower part of the open switch 7 slightly protrudes downward beyond the leg portion 16.

[0048] The pair of additional reinforcements 20 are arranged in the front-rear direction along the left and right ends of the open switch 7, sandwiching the open switch 7 from the left and right. Also, as shown in FIG. 5 , the additional reinforcements 20 are arranged so as to overlap the open switch 7 in the front-rear direction in a side view. In other words, the positional relationship between the open switch 7 and the additional reinforcements 20 is set so that the top of the open switch 7 overlaps the fourth surface portion 24 in a side view. In a top view, the left and right ends of the open switch 7 each overlap the additional reinforcements 20 (first surface portion 21, third surface portion 23). Also, the shape of the additional reinforcement 20 in a rear view is a hat-like shape that is convex upward (a groove-like shape that is open downward).

[0049] [2. Effects] (1) The vehicle gate 1 of this embodiment includes a latch reinforcement 10, an open switch 7, and an additional reinforcement 20. The latch reinforcement 10 is provided on the inner panel 2, and has a latch hole 18 through which the latch 31 of the latch device 30 is inserted. The open switch 7 is operated when opening the vehicle gate 1, and is provided adjacent to the horizontal surface portion 15, which is the vehicle outer end of the latch reinforcement 10. The additional reinforcement 20 is provided to extend in the front-to-rear direction between the vehicle outer end (horizontal surface portion 15) of the latch reinforcement 10 and the periphery of the latch hole 18 (latch reinforcement surface portion 13), and is disposed with the open switch 7 between them.

[0050] According to the above-described vehicle gate 1, the additional reinforcement 20 arranged on either side of the open switch 7 is provided so as to extend in the front-to-rear direction between the vehicle outer end (horizontal surface portion 15) of the latch reinforcement 10 and the periphery (latch reinforcement surface portion 13) of the latch hole 18. This additional reinforcement 20 acts to increase the rigidity of the portion from the horizontal surface portion 15 to the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 against external forces, and functions to suppress movement and rotation of the open switch 7 due to external forces.

[0051] This reduces interference between the open switch 7 and surrounding structures (e.g., the latch reinforcement 10, the inner panel 2, the latch device 30, the latch 31, the striker 32, the rear end panel 33, etc.), making it less likely that the open switch 7 will malfunction due to external force. This prevents the vehicle gate 1 from opening unintentionally, improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0052] (2) In the above embodiment, the latch reinforcement 10 is provided at the lower end of the vehicle gate 1. Also, the open switch 7 is fixed to the latch reinforcement 10 with the operation surface 40 facing diagonally downward and forward. This improves operability when opening the vehicle gate 1, while preventing the vehicle gate 1 from opening unintentionally due to a rear-end collision, thereby improving the protection of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0053] (3) In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the additional reinforcement 20 is disposed so as to overlap the open switch 7 in the front-to-rear direction in a side view. As a result, even if an external force is input to the open switch 7 from the rear toward the front of the vehicle, the external force can be reliably received by the additional reinforcement 20, and interference between the open switch 7 and surrounding structures can be more reliably prevented. Therefore, the protection performance for the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved.

[0054] (4) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the latch reinforcement 10 has a first inclined surface portion 11, a second inclined surface portion 12, a latch reinforcement surface portion 13, and a horizontal surface portion 15. The first inclined surface portion 11 is disposed above the open switch 7 in an inclined position with its normal facing rearward and downward. The second inclined surface portion 12 is disposed adjacent to and in front of the first inclined surface portion 11 in an inclined position with its normal facing frontward and downward. The latch reinforcement surface portion 13 has a latch hole 18 and is disposed adjacent to and in front of the second inclined surface portion 12. The horizontal surface portion 15 is disposed approximately horizontally adjacent to and rearward of the first inclined surface portion 11. In addition, the additional reinforcement 20 bridges the latch reinforcement surface portion 13 and the horizontal surface portion 15 to connect them.

[0055] In this way, by forming a V-shaped valley portion 17 with the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 and arranging the open switch 7 below the first inclined surface portion 11, it becomes easy to layout the open switch 7 with good operability (setting the orientation of the operation surface 40). Furthermore, by bridging the additional reinforcement 20 across the V-shaped valley portion 17 formed by the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the latch reinforcement 10 and the area around the open switch 7, and to suppress deformation such as bringing the first inclined surface portion 11 and the second inclined surface portion 12 closer to each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the protection performance of the vehicle interior and occupants.

[0056] (5) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the latch reinforcement 10 has a pair of wall portions 14 formed in a planar shape substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface portion 11 and disposed at both ends of the first inclined surface portion 11 in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the additional reinforcement 20 has an outer wall surface portion (fourth surface portion 24) that is fixed to the wall portion 14 in a state of surface contact with the wall portion 14. In this way, by fixing the wall portion 14 and the fourth surface portion 24 in surface contact, the rigidity around the open switch 7 can be increased, and the protection performance for the vehicle interior and occupants can be improved.

[0057] [3. Other] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the present embodiments. Each configuration of the present embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present embodiments. Furthermore, each configuration of the present embodiments can be selected as needed, or can be appropriately combined with various configurations included in known techniques.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the latch reinforcement 10 having the shape shown in Fig. 3 and the additional reinforcement 20 having the shape shown in Fig. 4 are exemplified, but the specific shapes of these reinforcing members can be changed as appropriate. The latch reinforcement 10 has at least a latch hole 18 through which the latch 31 of the latch device 30 is inserted, and is provided at an end of the vehicle gate 1. The additional reinforcement 20 is provided so as to bridge between the vehicle outer end of the latch reinforcement 10 and the periphery of the latch hole 18, and is positioned across the open switch 7. With these configurations, a vehicle gate 1 that exhibits the same effects as the above embodiment can be realized.

[0059] The present invention is applicable to the manufacturing industry of vehicle gates provided on the rear of vehicle compartments, as well as to the manufacturing industry of vehicles equipped with vehicle gates.

[0060] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Vehicle gate 2 Inner panel 3 Outer panel 4 Underside (end surface, end of vehicle gate) 5 Latch opening 6 Switch opening 7 Open switch (switch) 8 Switch garnish 9 Input device 10 Latch reinforcement (first reinforcement) 11 First inclined surface portion 12 Second inclined surface portion 13 Latch reinforcement surface portion 14 Wall portion 15 Horizontal surface portion (vehicle outer end portion) 16 Leg portion 17 Valley portion 18 Latch hole (hole portion) 20 Additional reinforcement (second reinforcement) 21 First surface portion 22 Second surface portion 23 Third surface portion 24 Fourth surface portion (outer wall surface portion) 25 Fifth surface portion 30 Latch device 31 Latch 32 Striker 33 Rear end panel 40 Operation surface

Claims

1. A vehicle gate formed by joining an inner panel and an outer panel, for opening and closing a rear opening of a vehicle, a first reinforcement member provided in the inner panel and having a hole through which a latch of a latch device is inserted; a switch provided adjacent to the vehicle outer end of the first reinforcement and operated when opening the vehicle gate; a second reinforcement provided between the vehicle outer end of the first reinforcement and the periphery of the hole so as to extend in the front-rear direction, the second reinforcement being disposed so as to sandwich the hole and the switch in the vehicle width direction; A vehicle gate comprising:

2. The first reinforcement is provided at a lower end of the vehicle gate, The switch is fixed to the first reinforcement with the operation surface facing diagonally downward and forward.

2. The vehicle gate according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The second reinforcement is disposed so as to overlap the switch in the front-rear direction in a side view.

3. The vehicle gate according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The first reinforcement has a first inclined surface portion disposed above the switch in an inclined position with a normal line facing downward and rearward, a second inclined surface portion disposed adjacent to the front of the first inclined surface portion in an inclined position with a normal line facing downward and frontward, a latch reinforcing surface portion having the hole portion and disposed adjacent to the front of the second inclined surface portion, and a horizontal surface portion disposed approximately horizontally adjacent to the rear of the first inclined surface portion, The second reinforcement bridges the latch reinforcing surface portion and the horizontal surface portion.

4. The vehicle gate according to claim 2 or 3, wherein:

5. The first reinforcement has a pair of wall portions formed in a planar shape substantially perpendicular to the first inclined surface portion and arranged at both ends of the first inclined surface portion in the vehicle width direction, The second reinforcement has an outer wall surface portion that is fixed to the wall portion while being in surface contact with the wall portion.

5. The vehicle gate according to claim 4, wherein: