Motor vehicle comprising a rear window movable about a horizontal axis of rotation

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a body, at least one front door intended to allow access to a first row of front seats of the motor vehicle, and at least one rear door (7) intended to allow access to a second row of seats of the motor vehicle, located at the rear of the first row of seats, the rear door (7) comprising a door structure (8) comprising an internal structure (8a) and an external structure (8b) connected to one another and delimiting an opening (8c), the vehicle comprising a rear window (10) secured to the door structure (8) by an associated connection system (11). The rear window (10) is movable about a horizontal axis of rotation, parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), between an open position in which the rear window (10) is pivoted relative to the horizontal axis of rotation away from the door structure (8) towards the outside of the vehicle and a closed position in which the rear window (10) closes off the opening (8c) located in the door structure (8).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Motor vehicle comprising a rear window movable around a horizontal axis of rotation

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and in particular to vehicle door windows.

[0003] Generally, vehicle doors, and especially rear doors, are equipped with a manually or electrically operated window.

[0004] In "coupe" type vehicles without rear doors, it is common to have fixed or pivoting windows relative to the vertical axis, known as a "French-style" open window.

[0005] On some vehicles, in order to limit costs while allowing easier access to the rear seats, it is common to add rear doors with fixed or pivoting windows relative to the vertical axis.

[0006] However, such windows have some drawbacks, notably that they do not allow satisfactory ventilation to the passengers in the second row of seats but only to the passenger compartment, and that they do not prevent rain from entering the passenger compartment.

[0007] The objective of the invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages and to modify the rear side windows of motor vehicles, in order to improve the ventilation of passengers located at the rear of the vehicle, while minimizing the costs of the vehicle.

[0008] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a body, at least one front door intended to allow access to a first row of front seats of the motor vehicle, and at least one rear door intended to allow access to a second row of seats of the motor vehicle, located at the rear of the first row of seats.

[0009] The rear door includes a door structure comprising an internal structure and an external structure connected together and defining an opening, the vehicle including a rear window or pane attached to the door structure by an associated linking system.

[0010] The rear window is movable around a horizontal axis of rotation, parallel to the longitudinal axis, between an open position in which the rear window is pivoted relative to the horizontal axis of rotation away from the door structure towards the outside of the vehicle and a closed position in which the rear window closes the opening located in said door structure.

[0011] Because the movable glass rotates around an axis located in the upper part of the glass, the lower part of the glass is intended to be the most spaced-out part of the door structure when the glass is in the open configuration.

[0012] Thanks to the horizontal opening of the rear window, ventilation for passengers in the second row of seats is improved while preventing water from entering the vehicle's interior. Furthermore, air circulation, particularly downward airflow, is possible because outside air can enter through the upper part of the open front door window and then exit through a lower part of the rear window, resulting in improved thermal comfort for the vehicle's occupants.

[0013] By "glass" or "window" we mean a transparent element made of glass, for example of the "safety glass" type, or of plastic material.

[0014] Advantageously, the linkage system comprises two linking members each pivoting around the horizontal axis of rotation, each linking member comprising a first part for fixing to the rear window, in particular to the upper part of the rear window and a second part for fixing to the structure of the rear door, in particular to the internal structure.

[0015] For example, the first part of the fixing on the rear window is connected to the second part of the fixing on the door structure by a joint.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the joint is a hinge comprising an axis extending both into a curved end portion of the second fixing part and two coaxial lugs of the first fixing part.

[0017] For example, said ears of the first fixing part are spaced along the longitudinal axis of a receiving space of the curved end part of the second fixing part.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first fastening element comprises a mounting plate on the rear window and two tabs extending from one end of the plate in a transverse direction, each tab having a hole for receiving the axle. In another embodiment, each connecting element is formed by a corrugated plate comprising the first fastening element on the rear window, the second fastening element on the rear door structure, in particular on the internal structure, and at least two corrugations extending between the first and second elements, the second corrugation forming a hinge around which the rear window pivots between the open and closed positions.

[0019] For example, the second fixing part includes a through hole for receiving a door fixing pin on the internal structure of the door structure.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second fixing part comprises a fixing plate with the door structure and a corrugated junction portion connecting the plate and the end bent around the articulation axis.

[0021] The wavy junction portion includes, for example, a single undulation.

[0022] For example, each first fixing part includes a through hole for receiving a fixing pin on the rear window.

[0023] Alternatively, each connecting element is bonded to the inner surface of the rear window. In this embodiment, and in no way limiting the application, the connecting elements are linked by a substantially flat plate extending along the longitudinal and vertical axes.

[0024] Advantageously, the vehicle includes a rear window locking system in both the open and closed positions.

[0025] For example, the locking system includes a first part attached to the rear window, for example by gluing, and a second part attached to the internal structure of the door structure and connected to the first part by a joint.

[0026] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] illustrates in a very schematic way a side view of a motor vehicle comprising a window opening along the horizontal axis according to the invention; [Fig. 2] represents in part the rear face of the motor vehicle of figure 1;

[0028] [Fig.3] represents in detail a rear side door of the motor vehicle in the figure comprising the window opening along the horizontal axis according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] [Fig. ] represents a view along axis IV-IV of figure 3;

[0030] [Fig.5] represents a view along the VV axis of figure 3;

[0031] [Fig.6] illustrates in detail a connecting element of the opening window along the horizontal axis of figure 3 according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.7] represents in detail a rear side door of the motor vehicle in the figure comprising the window opening along the horizontal axis according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.8] represents a view along axis VIII-VIII of figure 7;

[0034] [Fig.9] illustrates in detail a connecting element of the opening window along the horizontal axis of figure 7 according to the second embodiment of the invention;

[0035] [Fig.10] represents in detail a rear side door of the motor vehicle in the figure comprising the window opening along the horizontal axis according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0036] [Fig. H] represents a view along axis XI-XI of figure 10;

[0037] [Fig. 12] illustrates in detail a connecting element for the opening window along the horizontal axis of Figure 10 according to the third embodiment of the invention; and

[0038] [Fig.13] illustrates in detail a connecting element of the opening window along the horizontal axis of figure 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0039] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "vertical", "front", "rear", "left" and "right" are defined according to the usual orthogonal coordinate system of motor vehicles, represented in the drawings, and which includes:

[0040] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle;

[0041] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented from left to right of the vehicle when the vehicle moves forward;

[0042] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and directed from bottom to top.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a very schematic representation of one side of a motor vehicle, referred to as 1 in its entirety, comprising a body 2 including a front bumper 3, a front hood 4, a rear bumper 5, two front doors 6 (only one of which is visible) each intended to allow access to a first row of front seats (not shown) and two rear doors 7 (only one of which is visible) each intended to allow access to a second row of seats (not shown).

[0044] Each front door 6 comprises a door structure 6a and a front pane or window 6b integral with the door structure 6a and generally mounted so as to slide vertically in said door structure 6a.

[0045] Each rear door 7 comprises a door structure 8 including an internal structure 8a and an external structure 8b connected together, and an opening 8c intended to be closed by a rear window or pane 10 in a closed position. The rear window 10 is attached to the door structure 8 by an associated connecting system 11.

[0046] As seen in detail in figures 3 and 4, the linkage system 11 comprises two linkage members 12 each pivoting around a horizontal axis of rotation XI parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0047] Each connecting member 12 here includes a first tab or fixing part 13 on the rear window 10, in particular on the upper part of the rear window 10 and a second tab or fixing part 14 on the structure 8 of the rear door 7, in particular on the internal structure 8a.

[0048] The first fixing lug 13 on the rear window 10 is connected to the second fixing lug 14 on the structure 8 by a joint 15, here a hinge comprising an axis 15a extending both into a curved end portion 14a of the second fixing lug 14 and two coaxial lugs 13a, 13b of the first fixing lug 13.

[0049] When rotating into the open position, it is the lower part of the rear window 10 that moves away from the door structure 8.

[0050] The said ears 13 a, 13b of the first fixing lug 13 are spaced along the longitudinal axis X by a space 13 c for receiving the curved end part 14a of the second fixing lug 14.

[0051] The first fixing bracket 13 includes a fixing plate 13d on the rear window 10 and the two lugs 13a, 13b extending from one end of the plate 13d in a transverse direction and each including an orifice (not referenced) for receiving the shaft 15a.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 3 and 4, the plate 13 includes a through orifice 13 e for receiving a fixing pin 16 on the rear glass 10.

[0053] Alternatively, as seen in the embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 9, in which the same elements bear the same references, each connecting member 12 is glued to the inner surface 10a of the rear window 10. In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the connecting members 12 are connected by a substantially flat plate 17 extending along the longitudinal X and vertical Z axes.

[0054] The second fixing bracket 14 includes a fixing plate 14b with the door structure 8 and including a through hole 14c for receiving a door fixing pin 18 on the internal structure 8a of the door structure 8.

[0055] The second fixing lug 14 further includes a corrugated junction portion 14d connecting the plate 14b and the curved end 14a around the articulation axis 15a.

[0056] The wavy junction portion 14d here includes a waviness.

[0057] As illustrated in the figures, the vehicle includes a locking system 20 for the rear window in the open position in which the rear window is pivoted relative to the axis of rotation XI and away from the door structure towards the outside of the vehicle and in the closed position in which the rear window 10 closes the opening made in the door structure 8.

[0058] The locking system 20 includes a first part 21a attached to the glass, for example by gluing, and a second part 21b attached to the internal structure 8a of the door structure 8 and connected to the first part 21a by a joint 22.

[0059] Figures 10 to 13 illustrate another method of realization in which the same elements bear the same references.

[0060] The linking system 1 1 here comprises two linking members 12' each pivoting around a horizontal axis of rotation XI parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0061] Each connecting member 12' is here formed of a corrugated plate comprising a first part 13' for fixing to the rear window 10, a second part 14' for fixing to the structure 8 of the rear door 7, in particular to the internal structure 8a and two corrugations 12a', 12b' extending between the first part 13' and the second part 14'.

[0062] The second undulation 12b' forms a joint 15' allowing the window to pivot around the horizontal axis of rotation XI between an open position in which the rear window 10 is pivoted relative to the axis of rotation XI and away from the door structure towards the outside of the vehicle and a closed position in which the rear window 10 closes the opening located in the door structure 8.

[0063] As illustrated in figures 10 to 12, the first part 13' of the fixing includes an opening 13 e' for receiving a fixing pin 16 on the rear window 10.

[0064] Alternatively, as seen in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, in which the same elements bear the same references, each connecting member 12' is glued to the inner surface 10a of the rear window 10. In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the connecting members 12' are connected by a substantially flat plate 17' extending along the longitudinal X and vertical Z axes.

[0065] The second part 14' of the fixing 14 includes a through opening 14c' for receiving a door fixing pin 18 on the internal structure 8a of the door structure 18. Thanks to the invention, it is possible to improve the ventilation of passengers located on the second row of seats of the motor vehicle and to prevent water from entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Motor vehicle (1) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a body (2), at least one front door (6) intended to allow access to a first row of front seats of the motor vehicle, and at least one rear door (7) intended to allow access to a second row of seats of the motor vehicle, located behind the first row of seats, the rear door (7) comprising a door structure (8) comprising an internal structure (8a) and an external structure (8b) connected together and defining an opening (8c), the vehicle comprising a rear window (10) integral with the door structure (8) by an associated linking system (11), characterized in that the rear window (10) is movable about a horizontal axis of rotation (XI),parallel to longitudinal axis (X) between an open position in which the rear window (10) is pivoted relative to horizontal rotation axis (XI) away from the door structure (8) towards the outside of the vehicle (1) and a closed position in which the rear window (10) closes the opening (8c) located in said door structure (8).

2. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the linkage system (11) comprises two linkage members (12, 12') each pivoting about horizontal rotation axis (XI), each linkage member (12, 12') comprising a first fixing part (13, 13') on the rear window (10) and a second fixing part (14, 14') on the structure (8) of the rear door (7).

3. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first fixing part (13, 13') on the rear window (10) is connected to the second fixing part (14, 14') on the door structure (8) by a joint (15, 15').

4. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the joint (15) is a hinge comprising an axis (15a) extending both into a curved end portion (14a) of the second fastening part (14) and two coaxial lugs (13a, 13b) of the first fastening part (13).

5. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 4, wherein said lugs (13a, 13b) of the first fastening part (13) are spaced along longitudinal axis (X) by a space (13c) of reception of the curved end part (14a) of the second fastening part (14).

6. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first fixing part (13) comprises a fixing plate (13d) on the rear window (10) and the two lugs (13a, 13b) extending from one end of the plate (13d) in a transverse direction and each comprising a receiving hole for the shaft (15a).

7. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 3, in which each connecting member (12') is formed of a corrugated plate comprising the first part (13') of attachment to the rear window (10), the second part (14') of attachment to the structure (8) of the rear door (7), and at least two corrugations (12a', 12b') extending between the first part (13') and the second part (14'), the second corrugation (12b') forming a hinge (15') around which the rear window (10) pivots between the open position and the closed position.

8. Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the second fixing part (14, 14') includes a through hole (14c, 14c') for receiving a door fixing pin (18) on the internal structure (8a) of the door structure (8).

9. Motor vehicle (1) according to claims 4 and 8, wherein the second fixing part (14) comprises a fixing plate (14b) with the door structure (8) and a corrugated joining portion (14d) connecting the plate (14b) and the curved end (14a) around the articulation axis (15a).

10. Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein each first fixing part (13, 13') includes a through orifice (13e, 13e') for receiving a fixing pin (16) on the rear window (10).

11. Motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a locking system (20) for the rear window (10) in the open position and in the closed position.

12. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein the locking system (20) comprises a first part (21a) integral with the rear window (10) and a second part (21b) attached to the internal structure (8a) of the door structure (8) and connected to the first part (21 a) by a joint (22).

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