DE102005041023B4 - Body structure for a vehicle with adjustable rear window - Google Patents

Abstract

Body structure for a vehicle (1), comprising a rear body area (3) with a transparent rear window (12) which, in a first state, closes a rear opening (10) of the rear body area (3) and allows a view to the rear, and with a Adjusting device (20, 22, 24b), by means of which the rear window (12) can be transferred into a second state to release the rear opening (10), characterized in that the adjusting device (20, 22, 24b) is designed to move the rear window ( 12) during the adjustment, starting from the first state by means of a combined translatory and rotary movement, to transfer it to the second state in which the rear window (12) is essentially horizontal and below a center of the rear opening (10), the combined movement via a Most of the course of movement has a rotation component simultaneously with a translation component and the rotation component of the combined B e movement has an orientation such that an upper rear window edge is shifted to the front and a lower rear window edge is shifted to the rear, and the ...

Description

The present invention relates to a body structure for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a body structure is for example from the DE 199 61 354 A1 and includes a steeply sloping rear of a combination vehicle, wherein a transparent rear window is slidably mounted such that it closes in a first state provided in a rear door rear opening and is lowered in a second state vertically down into a lower part of the rear door.

Such Absenkbarkeit the rear window is a very practical vehicle feature. Especially in the US, many vehicle models z. B. the types "station wagon", "SUV" and "Jeep" equipped with it.

A disadvantage of the known body structure that this basically requires an at least approximately flat and vertically extending rear window, so that they can sink in the rear door. In the known technique inevitably creates a more or less "angular" vehicle design, which can often make the vehicles in question seem unattractive or this special feature of a retractable rear window allows only for specific types of vehicles. More attractive, in particular rounded designs (vehicle types) can hardly or not at all be realized with the known technology.

From the EP 1 031 448 A2 is also known a generic body structure for a vehicle. This body structure comprises a rear window extending at a relatively low angle to the horizontal, which is displaced to open forward, following the roof contour of the vehicle. This body structure leads to a restriction of the design freedom in the roof area of the vehicle.

Similar body structures are used in the EP 0 989 009 B1 described. In a part of the described embodiments, a rear window is sunk vertically into a tailgate. In another part of these embodiments, the rear window is folded forward.

It is an object of the present invention to improve a body structure of the type mentioned in terms of design freedom in the roof area and the rear of the vehicle.

This object is achieved by a body structure according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

In the body structure according to the invention is initially essential that the adjusting device is adapted to convert the rear window in the adjustment, starting from the first state by a combined translational and rotational movement in the second state, in which the rear window is substantially horizontal and below a center of the Rear opening is located.

The combination of a translatory and a rotational movement in the rear window adjustment allows a variety of shapes of the rear body area, which would not be feasible by means of the "sliding technique" mentioned above. According to the invention, the rear window in the second state is advantageously substantially horizontal and below a center of the rear opening.

This design is compatible with rear windows of a three-dimensional or arched, in particular strongly curved shape. The vehicle design in the rear area therefore no longer necessarily takes into account a more or less flat shape of the rear window.

The substantially horizontal position achieved at the end of the combined translational and rotational movement, hereinafter also referred to as "combination movement", makes it possible to offer the feature of a rear window which can be led out of a rear opening in numerous other popular vehicle categories. In a preferred use, the body structure according to the invention forms, for example, a notchback or a hatchback of the vehicle in question, which may then be in particular a sedan or a coupe. A preferred embodiment for a combined vehicle provides that the rear window in its second state is substantially horizontal and largely, in particular completely within the space bounded by the contour of the vehicle, for example on a parcel shelf of the vehicle.

The feature according to the invention, according to which the rear window in the second state lies "below a center of the rear opening", is by no means to exclude that the rear window in this state in the vehicle longitudinal direction lies completely in front of or behind the rear opening. Alternatively, it may be provided that the rear window in this state is partially in front of and partially behind the rear opening. Especially for the practice interesting is an embodiment in which the rear window in the second state is at a level which is at least approximately equal to the level of a lower rear edge opening (or even lower).

In particular, for achieving an elegant sequence of movements and / or for adaptation to a given tail design, the feature provided according to the invention is advantageous, according to which the combination movement has a proportion of rotation over a large part of the course of motion simultaneously to a translation portion, and a rotational portion of the combination movement has an orientation in that an upper rear window edge is moved forwards and a lower rear window edge is moved backwards.

The adjustment of the rear window, starting from the second state back to the first state preferably corresponds to a relation to the previously described opening process exactly reversed movement. In this case, the person skilled in a variety of design options for the realization of the adjustment available, which may include, for example, guide rails and / or handlebars for this purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided, for example, that the adjustment device comprises guide rails running on both sides on the rear opening edge for guiding sliding elements connected to the rear window on both sides. These sliding elements may be formed in a manner and connected to the rear window, as is known per se, for example, for adjustment of so-called lifting / sliding roofs, exterior sunroofs (ASD) and spoiler roofs. The rear window and / or the rear opening edge may also be provided with a peripheral edge gap seal (eg profile seal) in order to ensure a watertightness of the rear body area in the first (closed) state. The sliding elements are in this case z. B. on the inside of the rear window connected to the rear window.

The rear window may be made of glass or plastic, for example.

The above-mentioned guide rails can, for. B. on so-called vehicle pillars (between a lower body area and a roof area, eg., C-pillars of a sedan) be attached or integrated therein. In a vehicle having a rear opening provided in a tailgate, guide rails may be placed on a tailgate frame.

In particular, for a structurally simple realization of the required combination movement is an embodiment of advantage, in which two pairs of symmetrical to a longitudinal central axis of the body structure arranged sliding elements are provided.

In this case, it may be provided that one of the two pairs of sliding elements is formed by body-side ends of deployment levers whose distal (rear-side) ends are hinged to lateral edge regions of the rear window. Such deployment lever are particularly advantageously used to "lift out" at least a portion of the rear window from the contour surface of the rear opening in an initial phase of the combination movement. This z. B. be provided that in the initial phase of motion, a lower rear window edge area to the rear and / or an upper rear window edge area is moved forward from the rear opening contour. If the rear window is to be displaced completely in front of or behind the rear opening contour surface by the combination movement, it is provided according to an alternative embodiment that in the initial movement phase, the rear window displaces overall forward or backward and / or substantially orthogonal to the contour surface of the rear opening becomes.

Austellhebel can also be used in particular to lift the rear window in a first (initial) stroke of the seal (at least partially). This can be achieved that the rear window package when opening no longer "in" the seal moves but moves more or less contactless to the seal. This is particularly advantageous in terms of the seal wear and the forces to be applied to the rear window.

In the context of the invention, not only such deployment levers are advantageously used whose proximal (body-side) ends are moved during the combination movement (such as, for example, the above-mentioned deployment lever). Rather, it can also be provided that the adjusting device alternatively or additionally comprises at least one pair of deploying levers arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal central axis of the body structure, whose proximal ends are articulated to the body and whose distal ends are articulated to lateral edge regions of the rear window.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the rear window has a substantially rectangular contour, but the rear window can be curved easily. In the context of the invention, the rear window can even be easily provided with a comparatively large curvature be. This means, in particular, a curvature in which an "effective total thickness" which can be measured on the disc deposited on a flat base is advantageously at least 20 times the thickness of the disc material.

The rear window can z. B. be designed as a component manufactured in composite construction. In particular, the rear window - similar to a conventional sunroof cover - can be formed from a pane (eg single-pane safety glass (ESG)) and foamed (foam-filled) reinforcing and / or fastening parts. The latter parts can z. B. plates with cranked Verschraubösen represent, which are suitable for direct screwing of the rear window element to the mechanical parts of the relevant adjustment. In addition, the composite construction makes it possible to achieve an advantageous and simple connection as well as an appealing and / or particularly resistant (finishing) edge optic.

It is also conceivable that the rear window has a laminated glass of the type in which two are provided by a plastic film separate disks.

According to a particular feature of the body structure according to the invention which is particularly interesting for limousines or for coupes, it is provided that the rear window in the second state covers at least partially a body section located behind the rear opening, namely a boot lid. In order to achieve the most compact possible vehicle design when located in the second state rear window, it can be provided that the shape (curvature) of the rear window of the contour of this body section corresponds, so that the rear window the body portion with a uniform distance, more or less "full-lying" can cover.

If the rear window in the second (open) state at least partially covers a cargo or boot lid located behind the rear opening, then it can be provided that the horizontally open window, which lies on the boot lid, pivots with the trunk lid when opening the boot. This allows access to the trunk even with the rear window open. The Mitverschwenkung the rear window is easily possible in particular for those body structures in which the trunk lid and surrounding the rear opening body sections form a unit (eg, in 5-door "hatchback versions" with tailgate). Alternatively it can be provided that the rear window (in a high-speed) is automatically transferred to the closed position (first state) as soon as an opening of the trunk is attempted. For this purpose, z. For example, a detection device (eg in the region of a trunk lock or a remote control device for this lock) connected to the rear window adjusting device can be used to detect an imminent trunk opening operation. Such an automatic mechanism of the rear window closing operation is interesting (for releasing the trunk lid movement) especially in vehicle types or body structures in which a trunk lid movement is not necessarily associated with a movement of the rear opening.

The invention will be explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in a state in which a rear window closes a rear opening of the vehicle rear,

2 is one of the 1 corresponding view at partially opened rear opening,

3 is one of the 1 corresponding view with fully opened rear opening,

4 is a schematic side view of the vehicle rear of 1 to illustrate the mechanics used to adjust the rear window

5 is one of the 4 corresponding view according to a further embodiment,

6 is one of the 4 corresponding view according to another embodiment, and

7 is one of the 4 corresponding view according to another embodiment.

The 1 to 3 show a total of 1 designated motor vehicle (coupe) with a body structure comprising a vehicle rear 3 ,

The rear of the vehicle 3 is formed by a subsequent to a roof surface, obliquely sloping back first body section 5 , to which a very flat second body section 6 and finally a very steep third body section 7 followed.

The vehicle shown 1 can thus be dependent on the inclination of the body sections 5 and 6 be referred to as notchback or hatchback coupe.

The body section 6 is formed in the example shown by a trunk lid. Notwithstanding the illustrated embodiment, the body sections 5 and 6 together also form a tailgate swinging outwards and upwards.

The rear of the vehicle 3 points in the first body section 5 a large, approximately rectangular rear opening 10 on, which is formed between the C-pillars of the vehicle and in the state according to 1 from a transparent rear window 12 is closed. In known manner allows the (possibly tinted) rear window 12 due to their transparency, the vehicle occupants a view to the rear.

A peculiarity of the illustrated body structure is that the rear window 12 from the in 1 shown, the rear opening 10 closing condition by means (not shown) adjusting the release of the rear opening 10 in a second (opening) state can be transferred. The adjusting device is in this case designed such that the rear window 12 in the adjustment from the first state according to 1 by a combined translational and rotational movement via an intermediate position according to 2 (Partial opening) and finally further into an end position according to 3 (Full opening) is convertible. In the fully open state is the rear window 12 substantially horizontally at the top of the second body section 6 , In this end position is thus the entire rear opening 10 Approved.

The adjusting device used for the described "combination movement" is connected to a suitable controllable drive, for example comprising an electric motor, which can be operated by the driver of the vehicle by operating corresponding controls in the dashboard at any time (even while driving). Advantageously, therefore, the rear of the vehicle can be 3 optionally open and close, either for purposes of ventilation regulation or to provide a means of loading the interior through the rear opening 10 therethrough.

4 exemplifies the principle of operation of the vehicle 1 used adjusting device.

The adjusting device comprises on both sides at the rear opening edge (on the insides of the C-pillars) extending, arranged symmetrically to a vehicle longitudinal center axis guide rails ("guide rail pair"), of which in the schematic figure only one and with 20 is designated. These guide rails 20 serve to guide both sides of the rear window edge tailed sliders 22-1 and 22-2 , These gliders are symmetrical in pairs on the one hand at the lower rear window edge ( 22-1 ) and on the other hand at the upper rear window edge ( 22-2 ) arranged laterally outwardly projecting.

Although the gliders 22 For the sake of simplicity of illustration in the contour surface of the rear window 12 lying horizontally, so they are in practice expediently offset something to the vehicle interior to less hinder the arrangement of a continuous circumferential edge gap seal (not shown) between the rear window edge and the rear opening edge.

In the illustrated embodiment, the two guide rails extend 20 each backwards to a rear end of the second body section 6 reaching (just above the surface of this body section 6 ). The two guide rails 20 in each case form a continuous guideway, in each case both on one side of the rear window 12 arranged glides 22-1 . 22-2 in the combination movement described below to release the rear opening run.

The combination movement is initiated by a force application of the lower slider 22-1 and / or the upper slider 22-2 , such that the slider pairs 22-1 . 22-2 simultaneously along the common guide rails 20 be moved backwards or downwards.

As it is based on the in 4 shown arrangement is easy to understand, can by this displacement of the slider 22-1 . 22-2 the rear window 12 from their position shown in the intermediate position accordingly 2 and finally to the end position accordingly 3 be transferred to release the rear opening. By reversing the application of force, the rear opening can be opened 10 close accordingly. The movement of the rear window 12 is composed of translatory and rotational components for both actuation directions.

The rear window 12 can be infinitely adjusted. Deviating from the illustrated embodiment, however, could also be provided that the user can only control fixed default rear window positions, z. B. a closing and a (full) opening position.

In the following description of further embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for equivalent components, each supplemented by a small letter to distinguish the embodiment.

In this case, essentially only the differences from the embodiment (s) already described are discussed and, moreover, reference is hereby explicitly made to the description of previous exemplary embodiments.

5 shows a further embodiment of a body structure, in which, in contrast to the reference to 4 described embodiment separate and spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction guide rails 20a-1 and 20a-2 for glider pairs 22a-1 and 22a-2 are provided. Another difference is that the bottom slider 22a-1 in a central area of the lateral edges of a rear window 12a are arranged. The front guide rails 20a-2 have a shown in the closed state of the rear window 12a approximately circular arc around the rear glides 22a-1 extending guide portion, which at the beginning of the combination movement of the sliders 22a-2 is going through. Accordingly, in an initial phase of motion, the combination movement has substantially only one rotational portion with an orientation such that the upper rear window edge is shifted forward and the lower rear window edge is displaced rearward. In a middle phase of motion, a downward translation portion is added. Finally, in an end phase of the combination movement, only translation takes place in the direction of the mutually parallel, lower end sections of the guide rails 20a-1 . 20a-2 ,

6 shows a further embodiment in which, unlike those with respect to the 4 and 5 described embodiments, only an upper pair of sliders 22b-2 in a pair of guide rails 20b is guided, whereas for guiding a central portion of a rear window 12b a arranged on both C-pillars Ausstellhebel 24b is provided. A first, lower end of the two release lever 24b is always included in the vehicle 26b pivoted about a vehicle transverse axis. A second, upper end of each deployment lever 24b is also pivotable about a vehicle transverse axis at the respective lateral edge of the rear window 12b at 22b-1 hinged.

In the combination movement for releasing a rear opening pivots the linkage 22b-1 along the in 6 dashed arrow. At the same time, the upper pair of gliders becomes 22b-2 along the guide rails 20b shifted downwards on a curved guideway. At the end of this movement is the rear window 12b horizontally at the lower rear edge of the rear, with a rear portion of the rear window 12b protruding from the rear opening and just above the second body section 6b is positioned. In this fully open state, the front end portion of the rear window is located 12b Advantageously completely within the considered in the vehicle longitudinal direction width of the C-pillars of the vehicle 1b ,

7 shows a further embodiment in which, unlike those with respect to the 4 to 6 described embodiments, a lower portion of a rear window 12c only relatively little is moved in the combination movement. One at the bottom of the side edges of the rear window 12c arranged slider pair 22c-1 runs here in comparatively short guide rails 20c-1 , In contrast, run front guide rails 20c-2 for holding upper glides 22c-2 arcuately curved over the entire height of the C-pillars of the vehicle in question 1c downward. The resulting combination movement thus has a relatively large proportion of rotation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

3

vehicle rear

5

first body section

6

second body section

7

third body section

10

rear opening

12

rear window

20

guide rails

22

skid

24

out lever

26

vehicle-mounted linkage

Claims (9)

Body structure for a vehicle ( 1 ) comprising a rear body area ( 3 ) with a transparent rear window ( 12 ), which in a first state has a rear opening ( 10 ) of the rear body area ( 3 ) and permits a view to the rear, and with an adjusting device ( 20 . 22 . 24b ), by means of which the rear window ( 12 ) for releasing the rear opening ( 10 ) can be converted into a second state, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 20 . 22 . 24b ) is adapted to the rear window ( 12 ) in the adjustment starting from the first state by a combined translational and rotational movement in the second state in which the rear window ( 12 ) substantially horizontally and below a center of the rear opening ( 10 ), wherein the combined movement has a rotational component simultaneously with a translation component over a majority of the course of the movement and the rotational component of the combined movement has an orientation such that an upper rear window edge is displaced forwards and a lower rear window edge is displaced towards the rear, and wherein the rear window ( 12 ) in the second state at least partially behind the rear opening ( 10 ) substantially horizontally extending trunk lid ( 6 ) covered. A body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the shaping of the rear window ( 12 ) and in the second state thereof covered area of the boot lid ( 6 ) Correspond to each other and the overlap is substantially full resting. Body structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 20 . 22 . 24b ) on both sides at the rear opening edge extending guide rails ( 20 ) for guiding both sides with the rear window ( 12 ) connected sliding elements ( 22 ). A body structure according to claim 3, characterized in that two pairs of each symmetrically arranged to a longitudinal central axis of the body structure sliding elements ( 22 ) are provided. A body structure according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the two pairs of sliding elements ( 22 ) by body-side ends of Ausstellhebeln ( 24b ) is formed, whose distal ends at lateral edge regions of the rear window ( 12 ) are articulated. Body structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device ( 20 . 22 . 24b ) at least one pair of each extending symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis of the body structure Ausstellhebeln ( 24b ) whose proximal ends are articulated to the body ( 26b ) and whose distal ends are articulated on lateral edge regions of the rear window ( 22b-1 ) are. Body structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear window ( 12 ) has a substantially rectangular contour. Body structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear window ( 12 ) is arched. Body structure according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear window ( 12 ) can be infinitely adjusted.

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