DE19916092B4 - tailgate - Google Patents

Abstract

Tailgate of a vehicle with a support device, the tailgate (1) being pivotable on a body (2) of the vehicle from a closed state (A) to an open state (B) and wherein a flexible support element (3) is provided which is in open state forms a force support of the tailgate (1), with a receiving device (4, 4 ', 5, 5', 6) which in the fully or partially closed state (A) of the tailgate (1) for the support element (3) a forms an exciting receptacle and is set up to exert a supporting force acting on the tailgate (1) via the support element (3), and the receptacle device (4, 4 ', 5, 5', 6) has a tension or compression spring system (4, 5, 6) or a clock spring (4 ', 5') which is set up to release the support element (3) under the action of a predetermined support force when the tailgate (1) is pivoted into the open state (B), characterized that the tension or compression spring system (4, 5, 6) or the clock spring (4 ', 5') is installed invisibly on the tailgate (1).

Description

The invention relates to a tailgate for a vehicle having the features according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular a horizontally pivotable tailgate.

It is well known to equip vehicles with horizontally split tailgates, the bottom flap to pivot around a horizontal pivot axis to open down and in the open state for receiving loads (loading, people) is designed. For flap support and power assistance of the lower flap so far the following types are known.

For example, in vehicles of the type "Land Rover" a jacketed wire rope is provided for flap support, which is stretched in the open state of the flap and forms a force support for the flap. To decelerate the opening movement is a spring in the flap hinge. This design is disadvantageous because the wire rope is arranged in the closed state of the tailgate in an undefined manner in a vertical gutter. Furthermore, the function of the force balance by the hinge spring is not optimal. The hinge spring is arranged in the damp room and thus more exposed to corrosion. In addition, if necessary occur in the course of the operating time rattling noises.

It is also possible to provide length-adjustable tension springs for flap support. In this case, there is a mechanical spring system, for example, coil springs with attacks. However, such a support is disadvantageous because of space problems, by the occurrence of corrosion phenomena, as a noise source and by the sensitivity to transverse loads.

It is also known to provide tailgates with a support, as is known from kitchen furniture flaps. In this case, two flat iron, which are each articulated on the body or the flap and hinged together at their free ends, form a double-joint. However, this, in turn, like the wire rope design requires a force balance by a hinge spring with the disadvantages mentioned above. Furthermore, in such a joint, damage easily occurs with transverse load. Finally, the flat iron with open flap an unacceptable inferior and unappealing sight.

Furthermore, the document shows DE 7425628 U a device with a flap that closes a compartment in a cabinet or other piece of furniture. In this case, a clamping device for tensioning a band is provided on an inner wall of the compartment, whose other end is fixed to the flap and which decelerates a falling movement of the flap.

In the publication US 3971589 A a pull-out cable is described, with which a trunk lid of a motor vehicle can be held in a closing direction in the case in which the trunk lid can not be completely closed because of an oversized object in a trunk.

In addition, in the document DE 19547257 A1 a motor vehicle shown with a horizontally pivotable tailgate, which is supported by balancing elements.

Furthermore, the document shows GB 2245023 A a tiltable sash which is held over a rollable and prestressed whisker in the tilted position.

Furthermore, the document describes GB 510464 A a tailgate on a box body of a delivery truck with a cable which is provided for supporting the tailgate. The cable can be connected to the tailgate at its free end. At its other end, the cable is secured with a spring mounted on an inner wall of the box body such that the tailgate is opened against the spring force.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved tailgate, with which the mentioned disadvantages are overcome and in particular permanently reliable and independent of environmental influences that does not affect the flap function and ride comfort and effective force support when opening the flap and in allows their open state.

This object is achieved by a tailgate with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the invention is to provide a receiving device for a support device with a flexible support element for power assisting the open tailgate (hereinafter also referred to as flap), which forms an exciting receptacle for the support element in the completely or partially closed state of the flap and for exercising one is arranged on the support member acting on the flap support force. The support member (e.g., rope, tape, or the like) is attached to the body at one end and to the receiver at the other end, which is secured to the flap accordingly. According to a first Embodiment of the invention, the receiving device is a linear intake device with a mechanical tension or compression spring system as a force-generating element. According to an alternative embodiment, the receiving device is a retractor with a roller for receiving the support element, which is exposed upon rotation of the force of a coil spring. The tension or compression spring system or the winding spring are provided for force compensation when closing or opening the flap. For this purpose, the respective spring constant on the flap torque (force of the flap on the support means) is tuned.

A support device according to the invention has the following advantages. The functionality of the support member is significantly improved over conventional support means, as it simultaneously provides an effective opening or closing aid and effective strong support of the flap in the open state. Thus, the support means fulfills a dual function. First, the flap is slowed down when moving from the closed to the open state. This avoids excessive loading of the support device when opening the flap. Conversely, the movement of the flap in the closed state and the secure locking on closing is supported. With a tailgate opening upwards, this braking or pushing function is reversed. Second, the support means according to the invention forms a stop in the opened state of the flap, against which the flap runs. The support element is in any operating condition under the action of a slight tension. An undefined deposition or rattling noises are completely avoided. The mechanical components of the system (springs, rollers and the like.) Are variable with respect to the attachment to the body or on the flap and can be accommodated invisibly, so that there are also optical advantages and space advantages. In the relevant areas for the loading width only the unavoidable mechanical components are housed there, so that the greatest possible dimensions for the flap opening can be achieved.

The invisible obstruction of the receiving device (outsourcing of Federbauraumes) allows a significant expansion of design freedom in the construction of the support device. Thus, it is particularly possible to choose the spring dimension of the receiving device from the comfort point of view to achieve an optimal force curve as a function of the opening angle of the flap. To improve the power assistance in the flap closing even variable force curves can be adjusted. The same applies to the freedom in adapting the carrying capacity of the support element (eg rope thickness).

The support device has a high level of reliability, since the shielding of dirt and moisture allows optimal corrosion protection and disturbances such. B. buckling of the support element are excluded. The connection of the support element to the flap can be selected with a large distance from the flap hinge (ie in the closed state in the upper flap area). As a result, the support device forms a support with at least one support and no cantilever. In particular, a connection of the support element in the vicinity of the flap lock and thus an automation of the flap opening (combined unlocking and flap opening) possible.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings described below by way of example. Show it:

1 a schematic sectional view of a first example of a support device with a straight receiving receptacle, and

2 a schematic sectional view of a second example of a support device with a rolling receiving receptacle.

In the following, a first example of a support device for a horizontally downwardly pivotable vehicle door is described by way of example. On a vehicle flap (eg tailgate), preferably two such support devices are attached to the lateral flap edges. It is Z. B. also possible to provide only a support means on the side flap edge, if the flap has sufficient rigidity. Furthermore, the example is not limited to downwardly opening vehicle flaps, but also in upwardly opening vehicle flaps possible, in the latter case, the resilient force elements of the receiving device are adapted to exert forces that are just reversed to those in the following force effects.

According to 1 is the flap 1 with a hinge arrangement 11 (Details not shown) from a closed state A to an open state B on the body 2 mounted pivotally. The support means comprises a flexible, non-stretchable support member the rope 3 (For example, wire rope, possibly sheathed) and as a receiving device, the collection device 4 with the compression spring 5 and the pulley 6 , The rope 3 on the one hand with a fastening device 12 at the flap and at the other end 5a the compression spring 5 the collection device 4 attached.

The fastening device 12 is preferably with a relatively large radial distance of the pivot axis of the hinge assembly 11 , ie as close as possible to the upper side of the flap in the closed state A 1 arranged. The fastening device 12 is set up for a fixed attachment of the rope end. Alternatively, a detachable suspension could be provided to allow optionally a more than 90 ° further opening flap. The fastening device 12 is preferably on the closing wedge of the flap 1 or on the carrier of the lock 8th . 9 (Tailgate lock) attached so that additional reinforcements of the flap 1 can be avoided (lightweight construction).

The pulley 6 is on the body side on the edge of the flap 1 closed body opening according to the position of the fastening device 12 in the closed state A arranged so that the rope 3 straight on the pulley 6 and from this to the collection facility 4 to be led. The collection device 4 is in a suitable place inside the body 2 attached depending on their design and the desired design or dimensioning. It may, for example, an attachment in the lower region of the D-body pillar standing substantially vertically, in the upper region of the D-body pillar, z. B. in the rear end region or in the roof frame area, standing obliquely in space or be provided lying substantially horizontally in the lower body area. Preferably, the attachment of the intake device takes place 4 hidden in the body shop. Depending on the specific design, the deflection roller 6 optionally be replaced by a pulley arrangement with multiple pulleys, the rope 3 from the respective location of the fastening device 12 starting to the intake device 4 to lead.

1 also shows one on the body 2 attached seal 7 and a flap lock 8th . 9 , The seal 7 serves to seal the rope 3 when entering the interior of the body and preferably consists of a rubber element in the form of a bellows, which ensures a seal in all flap positions between the closed state A and the open state B. Alternatively, other types of seal 7 , such as a slot-shaped seal or a seal in the form of a tulip-shaped spout, possible. The seal 7 separates advantageously the collection device 4 from the wet area, so that corrosion influences are largely excluded.

The components of the support device 3 . 4 . 5 work together as follows. When closed A is the flap 1 oriented substantially vertically. The corresponding opening in the body 2 is closed. The parts of the lock 8th . 9 engage to secure the flap position or the closure into each other. The rope 3 (shown in phantom) is completely in the feeder 4 taken and under the action of the spring force of the compression spring 5 slightly tense. In the open state B is the flap 1 aligned substantially horizontally, so that a platform is formed as a loading aid or as a standing or sitting help. When opening in the open state B becomes the rope 3 from the intake device 4 against the force of the compression spring 5 that forms a predetermined support force pulled out. In state B is thus the compression spring 5 the collection device 4 in a tensioned state (not shown). The load capacity of the opened (and possibly loaded) flap 1 takes place over the rope 3 and the attachment of the feeder device 4 at the body 2 , Alternatively, it is also possible on the rope 3 a stop 10 (eg in the form of a pressed nipple) provided with a receptacle 10a the body 2 interacts with the load of the spring 5 with the flap open 1 to minimize.

In the second example of a support device is according to 2 the support element in turn by a rope 3 and the receiving device by the retractor 4 ' with the clock spring 5 ' educated. The other components correspond to the design according to 1 , being the flap 1 , the bodywork 2 , the seal 7 , the lock 8th . 9 , the stop 10 , the recording 10a , the hinge arrangement 11 and the fastening device 12 are provided with the same reference numerals as in 1 ,

The retractor 4 ' consists of a roll for tensioned uptake of the rope 3 , The roller may have a conical shape for providing a predetermined force curve. The winding spring 5 ' sets a settlement of the rope 3 from the retractor 4 ' a force against. In the closed state of the flap 1 is the rope 3 on the retractor 4 rolled up. When opening (pivoting in the open state B) becomes the rope 3 from the retractor 4 ' against the action of the clock spring 5 ' unrolled, wherein in the open state B, the load on the rope in the end stop of the attachment of the retractor 4 ' or by the stop 10 at the reception 10a is recorded.

The retractor 4 ' is in the body 2 arranged (as shown), but according to an embodiment of the present invention, conversely, also on the tailgate 1 to be appropriate. It is possible to provide for two support means a common winding machine on which the ropes from each side of the vehicle door according to the in 2 to be rolled up.

The support device can identify a tolerance compensation. For this purpose, in the first example ( 1 ) the pulley 6 arranged adjustable. In the second example ( 2 ) is either the retractor 4 ' arranged adjustable or an additional, adjustable guide pulley (not shown) is provided.

A support device according to the invention can be combined with an automatic flap opening and closing device. For this purpose, a drive is provided on the receiving device flap or body side, which triggers a release of the support element or its withdrawal into the receiving device when actuated. As drive, for example, an electric motor is provided on each intake or retractor. To close, the flap can be pulled over the ropes in the state A and the locks in the full closure. To open an additional spring is provided as an ejector with which the flap is moved from its vertical dead center, so that the further opening is done by its own weight. The ejector is dimensioned such that the flap is moved relative to the closed position by at least 15 °. This value chosen for a sufficient deflection of the flap center of gravity can also be greater (for example approximately 30 °) in order to enable a safe opening even for vehicles parked downhill (for example up to 15 °). To open the release of the rope is braked with the drive. The electric motor is preferably connected via a coupling with the intake or retractor. In the open state B takes place with the clutch separation of the drive from the respective receiving device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

flap

2

body

3

rope

4

Retractable device

4 '

retractor

5

compression spring

5a

End of the compression spring

5 '

Clock spring

6

idler pulley

7

poetry

8, 9

lock

10

attack

10a

admission

11

hinge assembly

12

fastening device

Claims (9)

Tailgate of a vehicle with a support device, wherein the tailgate ( 1 ) on a body ( 2 ) of the vehicle from a closed state (A) to an open state (B) is pivotable and wherein a flexible support element ( 3 ) is provided, which in the open state, a power assist the tailgate ( 1 ), with a receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 5 . 5 ' . 6 ) in the fully or partially closed state (A) of the tailgate ( 1 ) for the support element ( 3 ) forms an exciting receptacle and for exercising over the support element ( 3 ) on the tailgate ( 1 ) acting support force is established, and the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 5 . 5 ' . 6 ) a tension or compression spring system ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) or a coil spring ( 4 ' . 5 ' ), which is or is adapted, when pivoting the tailgate ( 1 ) in the open state (B) the support element ( 3 ) release under the action of a predetermined supporting force, characterized in that the tension or compression spring system ( 4 . 5 . 6 ) or the clock spring ( 4 ' . 5 ' ) invisibly installed on the tailgate ( 1 ) is attached. Tailgate according to claim 1, wherein the receiving device comprises a retraction device ( 4 ) with a compression spring ( 5 ), at the freely movable end ( 5a ) the support element ( 3 ), wherein in the closed state (A) of the tailgate ( 1 ) the support element ( 3 ) substantially straight in the intake device ( 4 ) and in the open state (B) of the tailgate ( 1 ) the compression spring ( 5 ) and the support element ( 3 ) from the intake device ( 4 ) is pulled out. Tailgate according to claim 2, wherein a deflection roller ( 6 ) is provided, which is a guide for the support element ( 3 ). Tailgate according to Claim 1, in which the receiving device comprises a retractor ( 4 ' ) with a coil spring ( 5 ' ), wherein the support element ( 3 ) on the body of the retractor ( 4 ' ) and in the closed state (A) the tailgate ( 1 ) under the action of the clock spring ( 5 ' ) rolled up and in the open state (B) of the tailgate ( 1 ) from the retractor ( 4 ' ) is unrolled. Tailgate according to one of the preceding claims, in which a seal ( 7 ) for liquid-tight insertion of the support element ( 3 ) in the interior of the body ( 2 ) is provided. Tailgate according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting element is a cable ( 3 ). Tailgate according to one of the preceding claims, in which the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 5 . 5 ' . 6 ) has a drive which is adapted to simultaneously with a lock ( 8th . 9 ) of the tailgate ( 1 ) to be actuated. Tailgate according to one of the preceding claims, in which the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 5 . 5 ' . 6 ) on the tailgate ( 1 ) and not at the receiving device ( 4 . 4 ' . 5 . 5 ' . 6 ) fixed end of the support element ( 3 ) on the body ( 2 ) is attached. Tailgate according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tailgate ( 1 ) is horizontally pivotable and wherein the vehicle is a motor vehicle.

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