Vehicle structure comprising a roof formed by a panel and a pair of hinges for the rotation of a rear tailgate

Abstract

Structure for a vehicle provided with a roof formed by a glass panel (1) and a rear tailgate (P) rotatable by means of a pair of gooseneck hinges (5). For each of the two rear structural nodes of the vehicle structure, - each node being formed by the intersection of one end of the rear cross-member (6), the upper end of the respective rear pillar (10d, 10s), and the rear end of the respective upper longitudinal member (11d, 11s) - a reinforcement support (20d, 20s) is provided. Each reinforcement support (20d, 20s) comprises a stepped body (16) having an upper wall (17) provided for fixing a respective hinge (5) of the rear tailgate (P). (Figure 2)

Description

[0001] ***

[0002] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a vehicle structure comprising a roof formed by a panel and a pair of hinges for the rotation of a rear tailgate. More particularly, the invention relates to a pair of reinforcement supports for respective connection portions between a rear cross-member, a rear pillar and an upper longitudinal member that support the roof panel in the rear part of the vehicle.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] A vehicle structure is known which comprises, in the rear part, a left structural node and a right structural node. Each node is formed by the interconnection of three main components: a rear cross-member, which generally houses the hinges for the rotation of a rear tailgate of the vehicle's trunk, a rear pillar, located between the rear side window and the tailgate, and an upper longitudinal member arranged to support the lateral edge of a panel forming the vehicle's roof.

[0007] In this type of structure, the angular portion of the structural nodes is subjected to multidirectional stresses, comprising forces applied along the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions relative to the vehicle body. Consequently, it is essential that the structural nodes possess adequate mechanical strength, capable of effectively counteracting the stresses acting in all directions, thus guaranteeing the structural robustness and overall safety of the vehicle structure.

[0008] Current configurations of vehicles adopting this structure present criticalities related to the significant reduction of structural sections in these areas. This reduction is motivated both by aesthetic requirements and by the need to optimize the internal habitability of the vehicle, but entails some technical problems. Among these, a decrease in structural rigidity is highlighted, which can negatively affect the dynamic and static performance of the vehicle, and difficulties in ensuring effective sealing against water ingress into the passenger compartment, especially in correspondence with the rear tailgate.In current practice, the most commonly adopted solution to compensate for these problems consists of the integration of two structural inserts made of thermoplastic material, one for each side of the vehicle's rear cross-member. This solution, although functional, entails high costs both for production and assembly, as well as complexity in the installation and sealing phases.

[0009] There is therefore a need to develop a solution capable of effectively solving the problems described above, while guaranteeing the required structural performance, water tightness and cost optimization. This need is particularly relevant in cases requiring the use of gooseneck hinges for the movement of the rear tailgate, in combination with a roof panel made of glass that extends rearward of the hinges without a visible sheet metal.

[0010] US2016107702 describes a structural node with a reinforcement hinge comprising upper and lower flanges extending respectively forwards and rearwards from a mid-section overlying a rear cross-member branch and the top of a rear pillar. DE102019124643 discloses a structural node between a rear roof cross member, a rear pillar, and a roof rail, further including a structural foam insert.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The primary object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned technical problems in a simple and functional way, guaranteeing high dynamic torsional rigidity of the upper-rear structure of the vehicle, improving the static rigidity at the fixing points of the rear tailgate, and ensuring full water-tightness of the rear area without the use of inserts made of thermoplastic material, while simultaneously decreasing the assembly and painting costs of the rear-upper structure of the vehicle.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a rear structure of the vehicle arranged for the fixing of gooseneck hinges for the movement of the rear tailgate, and provided with a roof formed by a panel, for example made of glass, which extends rearward of the rear cross-member of the structure.

[0014] According to the invention, this object is achieved, in accordance with claim 1, thanks to the fact that the vehicle structure comprises a right reinforcement support of the right structural node and a left reinforcement supportof the left structural node. Each reinforcement support comprises a longitudinal side wall coupled with a rear end portion of the respective upper longitudinal member, a transverse wall coupled with an end portion of the branch extending upward of the rear cross-member, a base coupled with an end portion of the substantially horizontal branch of the rear cross-member, a stepped body extending upward from the base and protruding from a rear portion of the transverse wall and from an inner lateral portion of the longitudinal side wall, wherein the stepped body comprises a substantially horizontal upper wall arranged for the fixing of a hinge of the rear tailgate.

[0015] In an embodiment according to the invention, each of the reinforcement supports further comprises an upper transverse fin connected to the upper end of the transverse wall and coupled with a respective end portion of the upper folded edge of the rear cross-member, and an upper longitudinal fin connected to the upper end of the longitudinal side wall and coupled with an end portion of the upper folded edge of the respective upper longitudinal member.

[0016] In an embodiment according to the invention, the roof panel is made of glass or polycarbonate.

[0017] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the rear end edge of the roof panel protrudes beyond the rear cross-member and beyond the hinges.

[0018] Conveniently, the hinges are gooseneck hinges. Gooseneck hinges are a particular type of hinge usable for the movement of rear tailgates of vehicles. Their main characteristic is the curved shape, which resembles the profile of a goose's neck, arranged to allow a fluid movement of the tailgate even in confined spaces. This curvature allows the rotation point to be moved backward to a favorable position, avoiding interference with other parts of the bodywork and guaranteeing precise closing and opening. The shape of the gooseneck hinges contributes to optimizing space, improving both functional efficiency and the vehicle's aesthetics.

[0019] In a further embodiment according to the invention, the stepped body of the reinforcement supports extends upward from a median portion of the base and protrudes from a median rear portion of the transverse wall and from a median inner lateral portion of the longitudinal side wall.In a further embodiment according to the invention, for each of the reinforcement supports the longitudinal side wall is welded to the rear end portion of the respective upper longitudinal member, the transverse wall is welded to the end portion of the branch extending upward of the rear cross-member, and the base is welded to an end portion of the substantially horizontal branch of the rear cross-member. Furthermore, the upper transverse fin is welded to a respective end portion of the upper folded edge of the rear cross-member, and the upper longitudinal fin is welded to an end portion of the upper folded edge of the respective upper longitudinal member.

[0020] In other words, the innovative concept of the invention consists in the realization of two extended reinforcements, one for each rear side of the vehicle, which optimally connect the elements of the outer side panel with the rear upper cross-member. These reinforcements are integrated directly into the structure via spot welds, eliminating the need for thermoplastic inserts and significantly reducing production and assembly costs. This configuration not only ensures compliance with the required objectives of dynamic and static rigidity, but is distinguished by its simplicity of realization and sealing in the painting phase in the workshop. Furthermore, thanks to the optimized arrangement of the reinforcements and their structural integration, the proposed solution offers an evident economic saving without compromises in terms of performance.

[0021] Brief description of the drawings

[0022] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

[0023] - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from above of a rear part of a vehicle structure according to the invention showing the right reinforcement support,

[0024] - figure 2 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view from a different angle of a rear part of the vehicle structure according to the invention showing the left reinforcement support,

[0025] - figure 3 is a schematic perspective view from behind of the rear part of the vehicle structure according to the invention showing both reinforcement supports, and- figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the rear tailgate in a trunk closed configuration and a portion of the roof panel of the vehicle structure according to the invention.

[0026] Detailed description of the invention

[0027] In figure 3, a rear part of a vehicle structure according to the invention is shown, which comprises a roof formed by a panel 1 , for example made of glass. The panel 1 includes a rear portion 2 which extends between a left lateral edge 4 and a right lateral edge (not visible in the figures) of the panel 1 , and terminates with a rear end edge 3. A rear tailgate P of the vehicle, visible in figure 4, is fixed to an upper rear cross-member 6, visible in figure 3, by means of a right hinge 5 and a left hinge 5 which allow its rotation for the opening and closing of the vehicle's trunk.

[0028] Referring to figures 1 and 3, the upper rear cross-member 6 has an upwardly extending branch 7 which includes an upper folded edge 8 on which the rear portion 2 of the roof panel 1 rests. The cross-member is further formed by a substantially horizontal lower branch 9 which connects to the lower end of the branch 7. Supporting the upper rear cross-member 6 are a right rear pillar 10d and a left rear pillar 10s.

[0029] Extending perpendicularly to the upper rear cross-member 6, towards the front part of the vehicle, are a right upper longitudinal member 11 d and a left upper longitudinal member 11s. Both longitudinal members 11d,11s include an upper folded edge, 12d and 12s respectively, which serves as a support for the respective lateral edge 4 of the roof panel 1.

[0030] The right end of the rear cross-member 6, the upper end of the right rear pillar 10d and the rear end of the right upper longitudinal member 11d are mutually connected forming a right structural node. The left end of the rear crossmember 6, the upper end of the left rear pillar 10s and the rear end of the left upper longitudinal member 11s are mutually connected forming a left structural node. These nodes constitute critical elements for the structural strength of the rear part of the vehicle. They must therefore guarantee adequate dynamic torsional rigidity, robust static rigidity in the area of fixing of the rear tailgate, inaddition to providing effective sealing against possible water infiltration into the passenger compartment.

[0031] Referring to figures 1 and 2, according to the peculiar characteristic of the invention, to reinforce these nodes, in particular with the aim of fixing to each of them a respective hinge 5, for example of the gooseneck type, coupled with the rear tailgate P, the vehicle structure according to the invention comprises a right reinforcement support 20d for the right structural node and a left reinforcement support 20s for the left structural node.

[0032] Each of the reinforcement supports 20d,20s comprises a longitudinal side wall 13 which is coupled with the rear end of the respective upper longitudinal member 11d or 11s, a transverse wall 14 which is coupled with a respective end portion of the upwardly extending branch 7 of the rear cross-member 6. The base 15 of each reinforcement support 20d,20s is formed by a horizontal plane which couples with a respective end portion of the substantially horizontal branch 9 of the rear cross-member 6.

[0033] Furthermore, conveniently according to the invention, each of the reinforcement supports 20d,20s is formed with a stepped body 16 which extends upward from the base 15, protruding both from a rear portion of the transverse wall 14 and from an inner lateral portion of the longitudinal side wall 13. Such a stepped body 16 is provided with a substantially horizontal upper wall 17 which comprises a coupling element, for example a recess, of the respective hinge 5 of the rear tailgate. Each of the reinforcement supports 20d,20s further comprises an upper transverse fin 18 connected to the upper end of the transverse wall 14 and coupled with a respective end portion of the upper folded edge 8 of the rear cross-member 6, and an upper longitudinal fin 19 connected to the upper end of the longitudinal side wall 13 and coupled with an end portion of the upper folded edge 12d, 12s of the respective upper longitudinal member 11 d, 11 s.

[0034] Generally, all the aforementioned couplings are performed by spot welding, a joining process that guarantees high mechanical strength and a precise finish. Spot welding is particularly suitable for processing thin metallic materials, as it allows a solid and durable union to be obtained with minimal thermal deformation. Furthermore, this process offers advantages in terms ofproduction efficiency, reducing assembly times and guaranteeing consistent quality of the joints.

[0035] The reinforcement supports 20d,20s ensure that the structural nodes of the rear vehicle structure have effective protection against water infiltration without the need to provide for the use of thermoplastic inserts, generating an evident economic saving, while fully complying with the required objectives of dynamic torsional rigidity and static stability for the support of the rear tailgate P.

[0036] This configuration is particularly advantageous for vehicles equipped with a roof constituted by a panel 1 made of glass, as it allows the rear end edge 3 of the panel itself to extend beyond the hinges 5 without the need to add further visible sheet metal. In this way, an aerodynamic, aesthetically pleasing and functional design for the rear part of the vehicle is guaranteed.

[0037] Conveniently, the hinges 5 can be of the gooseneck type, a solution that offers numerous technical advantages. This type of hinge allows a more fluid and precise movement of the tailgate P, thanks to its geometry which facilitates its opening and closing. Furthermore, gooseneck hinges guarantee greater robustness and resistance to the structure, as they distribute the stresses more uniformly, reducing wear and increasing longevity over time. This configuration also contributes to better alignment and greater stability of the tailgate, improving the overall reliability of the vehicle.

[0038] Referring to figure 2, between the rear portion 2 of the roof panel 1 and the upper rear cross-member 6 there is a covering element 21 of the cross-member 6 which has lateral ends shaped so as to overlap the components of the respective reinforcement support 20d,20s. The fixed body of each hinge 5 rests on a horizontal portion of the covering element 21 while the fixing element of the hinge passes through the covering element 21 and is coupled, for example by means of a bolt, to the upper wall 17 of the stepped element 16 of the respective reinforcement support 20d,20s.

[0039] Naturally, the construction details and the forms of realization can be widely varied with respect to what has been described and illustrated, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Vehicle structure comprising:- a roof formed by a panel (1) comprising a rear portion (2), a rear end edge (3), a right lateral edge (4) and a left lateral edge (4),- a rear tailgate (P),- a right hinge (5) and a left hinge (5) for opening and closing said rear tailgate (P),- an upper rear cross-member (6) comprising an upwardly extending branch (7) which includes an upper folded edge (8) on which said rear portion (2) of the roof panel (1 ) rests, and a substantially horizontal lower branch (9) connected to the lower end of the branch (7),- a right rear pillar (10d) and a left rear pillar (10s),- a right upper longitudinal member (11 d) comprising an upper folded edge (12d) on which said right lateral edge (4) of the roof panel (1 ) rests, - a left upper longitudinal member (11s) comprising an upper folded edge (12s) on which said left lateral edge (4) of the roof panel (1 ) rests, wherein the right end of said rear cross-member (6), the upper end of said right rear pillar (10d) and the rear end of said right upper longitudinal member (11 d) are mutually connected forming a right structural node, and wherein the left end of said rear cross-member (6), the upper end of said left rear pillar (10s) and the rear end of said left upper longitudinal member (11s) are mutually connected forming a left structural node,characterized in that said vehicle structure comprises:a right reinforcement support (20d) of said right structural node and a left reinforcement support (20s) of said left structural node, each reinforcement support (20d,20s) comprising:a longitudinal side wall (13) coupled with a rear end portion of the respective upper longitudinal member (11 d, 11 s),a transverse wall (14) coupled with a respective end portion of the upwardly extending branch (7) of said rear cross-member (6),a base (15) coupled with a respective end portion of the substantially horizontal branch (9) of said rear cross-member (6),a stepped body (16) extending upward from said base (15) and protruding from a rear portion of said transverse wall (14) and from an inner lateral portion of said longitudinal side wall (13),wherein said stepped body (16) comprises an upper wall (17) provided for fixing a respective hinge (5) of said rear tailgate (P).

2. Vehicle structure according to claim 1 characterized in that each of said reinforcement supports (20d,20s) further comprises an upper transverse fin (18) connected to the upper end of said transverse wall (14) and coupled with a respective end portion of the upper folded edge (8) of the rear cross-member (6), and an upper longitudinal fin (19) connected to the upper end of the longitudinal side wall (13) and coupled with an end portion of the upper folded edge (12d, 12s) of the respective upper longitudinal member (11 d, 11 s).

3. Vehicle structure according to claim 1 characterized in that said roof panel (1 ) is made of glass.

4. Vehicle structure according to claim 1 characterized in that said roof panel (1) is made of polycarbonate.

5. Vehicle structure according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said rear end edge (3) of the roof panel (1 ) protrudes beyond said hinges (5,5).

6. Vehicle structure according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said hinges (5,5) are gooseneck hinges.

7. Vehicle structure according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that said stepped body (16) extends upward from a median portion of said base (15), and protrudes from a median rear portion of said transverse wall (14) and from a median inner lateral portion of said longitudinal side wall (13).

8. Vehicle structure according to one or more of the preceding claims characterized in that for each of said reinforcement supports (20d,20s) said longitudinal side wall (13) is welded to said rear end portion of the respective upper longitudinal member (11 d, 11s), said transverse wall (14) is welded to said respective end portion of the upwardly extending branch (7) of said rear cross-member (6), said base (15) is welded to a respective end portion of the substantially horizontal branch (9) of said rear cross-member (6).

9. Vehicle structure according to one or more of the preceding claims 2-8 characterized in that for each of said reinforcement supports (20d,20s) said upper transverse fin (18) is welded to a respective end portion of the upper folded edge (8) of the rear cross-member (6), and said upper longitudinal fin (19) is welded to an end portion of the upper folded edge (12d, 12s) of the respective upper longitudinal member (11 d, 11s).

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