FR2937592A1 - Convertible rear module for e.g. sport utility vehicle, has tail board that is mounted via its hinged end on end of roof element such that tail board pivots with respect to element, where another end of element is articulated on roof - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (2) has a roof element (12) with an end (14) articulated on a roof of a motor vehicle such that the roof element pivots with respect to the roof, where the module is made of bad weather resistant material. A tail board (6) is mounted via its hinged end (8) on another end (16) of the roof element such that the tail board pivots with respect to the roof element, where pivoting amplitude (A) of the tail board with respect to the roof element is less than or equal to 270 degrees. An independent claim is also included for a motor vehicle comprising a convertible rear module.

Description

The present invention relates to a convertible rear module for a motor vehicle comprising a tailgate with an articulated end and a free end and a roof element with a first end and a second end, the first end of the roof element being adapted to be hingedly mounted on a roof of a motor vehicle so that the roof element can pivot relative to the roof. Such a transformable rear module is known from US 4, 712, 827.

This document describes a break-type automobile vehicle transformable into a pick up. The vehicle comprises an interior space delimited by a flag having a fixed front portion, a movable rear portion being articulated on the front part of the flag by means of pivoting slides. The rear end of the movable part of the roof is fixed to a movable rear arch which carries a tailgate delimiting the rear part of the interior space of the vehicle. In break configuration, the slides are housed in the mobile part of the flag which is placed in the extension of the fixed part. When changing from the break configuration to the pick up configuration, the mobile part of the roof is rotated and pulled backwards. The slides, extracted from the movable part of the flag, are pivoted downwards to a substantially vertical position. The mobile part of the flag is then in a horizontal position and forms the floor of a load volume. The movable rear arch with the tailgate is then brought to the front of the vehicle. This known transformable rear module suffers from a complex construction and a complicated and long transformation kinematics. Indeed, to move from the break configuration to the pick up configuration, it is first necessary, at first, to retract, store and fix the mobile rear part of the pavilion and then, in a second step slide the mobile rear arch forward, which in turn must be attached to the roof of the vehicle.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a transformable rear module of simple construction, with a fast and practical transformation kinematics.

The above object is achieved by a convertible rear module of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the tailgate is mounted by its articulated end on the second end of the roof element so that the tailgate can pivot relative to the flag element. By articulating the tailgate directly to the movable roof element, it becomes possible to move from the break configuration to the pick up configuration by a single and continuous movement. The tailgate and the roof element are stored at the same time, which considerably shortens the time required to switch from one configuration to another.

According to particular embodiments, the rear transformable module according to the invention comprises a plurality of the following characteristics, taken (s) separately or in any technically possible combinations: the rear module being designed for a specific motor vehicle model, the distance between the two ends of the roof element is substantially equal to the distance separating, in the mounted state of the rear module, the first end of the roof element of the bottom of the interior space of said motor vehicle model; the distance between the two ends of the roof element is substantially equal to the distance between the articulated end and the free end of the tailgate; the amplitude of pivoting of the tailgate with respect to the roof element is less than or equal to 270 °; - Two roof arches arranged on either side of the assembly formed by the tailgate and the roof element; - a floor arranged between the two roof arches; - Means for adjusting the height of the floor relative to the roof arches; the means for adjusting the height of the floor are a plurality of pairs of rails made in the sides of the roof arches, each pair of rails being able to receive the ends of the floor; - the module is made of weather resistant materials; - The flag element comprises two panels connected to one another, the two panels being substantially parallel and defining a gap between them; - Sealing means and connection adapted to connect the roof element sealingly to the roof of a motor vehicle; - The sealing and connecting means comprise two sections of hook-shaped section provided with seals, the profiles being arranged on either side of the roof element. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a transformable rear module as defined above. According to particular embodiments, the motor vehicle according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics: the assembly formed by the tailgate and the roof element is movable between a first configuration, where the tailgate forms the rear door; and the roof element a roof segment of the motor vehicle, and a second configuration, wherein the tailgate rests on the bottom of the motor vehicle and the roof element is folded so as to delimit the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; - A rear module in which, in the second configuration, the floor is adapted to be arranged to hide the tailgate; a rear module in which, in the first configuration, the roof arches are adapted to be secured to the vehicle so as to define, together with the tailgate and the roof element, an enclosed interior space of the motor vehicle, and, in the second configuration, the roof arches are adapted to be removed from the motor vehicle to obtain an open cargo volume at the rear of the motor vehicle.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle with a transformable rear module according to the invention, in break configuration. FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, the transformable rear module still being in break configuration, the hatchback however being in the open position; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a convertible rear module according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the motor vehicle in a first variant configuration pick up FIG. 5 shows a second configuration variant pick up FIG. 6 is a side view of a motor vehicle in a third configuration variant pick up Figure 7 is a side view of a motor vehicle illustrating the possibility, for each of the three pick up configuration variants, to make the arches of the vehicle roof in removable form; and Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the movable roof element and a roof arch illustrating connecting means between the roof element and the roof arches. FIG. 1 shows a motor vehicle 4 with a front part 1 and a rear part 3. The upper part of the vehicle 4 comprises a flag 18. This flag 18 defines a useful space 60 of the vehicle 4, this useful space including the cockpit 50 The passenger compartment 50 corresponds to the portion of the useful space 60 used to accommodate the passengers of the vehicle. In its rear part 3, the vehicle 4 has a transformable rear module 2. With this module 2, the vehicle 4 can be transformed from a first configuration C1, called break or SUV configuration, to a second configuration C2, called configuration pick up. The configuration Cl, or configuration break, corresponds to a configuration where the rear 3 of the vehicle delimits an interior space 22. This interior space 22 is generally used as storage box or passenger transport. It is accessible by an opening 6 called tailgate. This break configuration is visible in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates the closed hatch configuration 6, FIG. 2 illustrates the open hatch state 6, allowing access to the interior space 22.

The configuration C2, or configuration pick up, corresponds to a configuration where the rear 3 of the vehicle is in the form of a loading bin 52 open (see for example Figure 4). This bucket is isolated from the passenger compartment 50 of the vehicle 4. With a vehicle in pick-up configuration, it is possible to transport bulky objects, in particular without limitation on vertical logeability. Figures 4 to 7 are illustrations of the configuration C2, or configuration pick up. With reference to FIG. 3, the transformable rear module 2 according to the invention will now be described in detail. The transformable module 2 comprises two basic elements, namely a roof element 12 and the tailgate 6, to which optional additional elements may be added such as connection and sealing means 44, roof arches 24 , 26, a floor 30 and / or slides 32 formed in the roof arches 24, 26.

The first basic element, that is, the roof element 12, is of generally rectangular shape. As can be seen in Figure 1, this roof element 12 is intended to form a portion of the roof 13 of a motor vehicle. With the aid of a hinge 15, the roof element 12 is able to be secured to the roof 18 of the motor vehicle 4, so that the roof element 12 can pivot relative to the roof 18. roof element 12 has a length L (this is the distance between the first end 14 and the second end 16 of the roof element) which is chosen such that, in the mounted position, the roof element 12 can be properly retracted into the vehicle. This length L must be such that it corresponds to the dimensions of the space of the motor vehicle which serves as storage area of the roof element 12. Preferably, the length L substantially corresponds to the height H which separates the bottom 20 of the interior space 22 of the motor vehicle of its roof 13 (see Figure 1). In the mounted position, the roof element 12 is located between the two roof arches 24, 26 of the motor vehicle 4. The tailgate 6 represents the second base element of the transformable module 2. In the mounted state of the transformable module 2, and in Cl configuration, the tailgate 6 serves as a rear door for access to the interior space 22. The tailgate 6 is connected to the roof element 12 by means of hinges 17 (Figure 2). Thanks to these joints, the tailgate 6 is pivotable relative to the roof element 12 of an amplitude A shown in Figure 3. Preferably, this amplitude A is less than or equal to 270 °. Advantageously, the length D of the tailgate 6, that is to say the distance between the articulated end 16 and the free end of the tailgate 6, is substantially equal to the length L of the roof element 12. The assembly 28 constituted by the roof element 12 and the tailgate 6 thus represents the simplest embodiment of the transformable rear module 2. Nevertheless, according to the invention, this basic module 28 can be supplemented by elements additional. Thus, the module 2 may comprise a set of two connecting and sealing elements 44 ensuring, in the mounted state, the connection between the roof element 12 and the roof arches 24, 26. An example of an element connection and sealing 44 is shown in more detail in FIG. 8.

In this example, the element 44 is a section 46 with a hook-shaped section provided with seals 48. The profile 46 provides the sealing connection between the roof element 12 and the roof arch 26. It is recessed in a gap 42 of the roof element 12, with a projection 37. The gap 42 separates two panels 38, 40 which constitute the roof element 12.

The tongue-shaped portion 39 of the profile 46 provides the connection to the roof arch 26. More specifically, the tongue 39 fits into a recess 41 formed in the roof arch 26. Seals 48, at the level of the roof surface 13 and at the corner 41, prevent any infiltration of unwanted materials.

The connecting means 44 as illustrated in FIG. 8 are designed to allow a separation of the roof element 12 from the arches 24, 26. For this purpose, the roof element 12 is pulled down such that indicated by the arrow F. Thus, in Cl configuration, the roof element 12 is fixed to the arches 24, 26 but can be easily detached from said arches, by pulling it along the arrow F to C2 configuration. With reference to FIG. 3, the transformable module 2 may furthermore comprise the two roof arches 24, 26 which, during assembly of the module 2 on the rear 3 of the vehicle 4, are then fastened together with the assembly 28 to flag 18 of the vehicle. The arches 24, 26, integrated in the module 2, may have one or more slides 32 on their inner face 25. These slides 32 then serve to accommodate the ends 34, 36 of a floor 30 which can also be part of the rear module transformable 2.

The rear module 2 according to Figure 3 is intended to be integrated in the rear 3 of a motor vehicle 4. It is preferably provided by an equipment manufacturer to the vehicle manufacturer 4. With this rear module 2, the motor vehicle 4 is transformable from the configuration Cl (or configuration break) to the configuration C2 (or configuration pick up) and vice versa.

According to the invention, the motor vehicle 4 can be transformed from the configuration C1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 to three different variants of the retracted configuration C2. A first variant of the configuration C2 is illustrated in FIG. 4, a second variant in FIG. 5, a third variant in FIG.

In each of these variants, the transformable rear module 2 may consist solely of the assembly 28, or may be completed by one or more of the additional elements mentioned above. The elements necessary for the transformation of the rear 3 of the vehicle 4 which are not part of the transformable module 2 are then made by the vehicle manufacturer 4. The first variant of the configuration C2 according to FIG. 4 is characterized in that the tailgate 6 is used directly as a loading surface. In this variant, the vehicle 4 has moved from the configuration C1 according to FIG. 1 to the configuration C2 by the following steps: Firstly, the tailgate 6 is pivoted upwards and outwards with respect to the element 12 to allow access to the interior space 22. It is then in the state shown in Figure 2. Next, the flag element 12 is disengaged from the arches 24, 26 by pulling it downwards. 22. The tailgate 6, which is secured to the horn element 12 by the hinges 17, follows the pivoting movement 12 of the roof element until the flag 12 is fully folded in a substantially vertical position. The tailgate 6 is then found on the bottom 20 of the space 22.

This gives a loading bin 52 where the outer face 9 of the hatch 6 serves as a loading surface. The roof element 12 then separates the passenger compartment 50 from the vehicle 4 from the body 52. Advantageously, the roof element 12 is shaped to the interface zone between the bucket 52 and the passenger compartment 50 so as to the airtightness of the passenger compartment 50 is guaranteed when the roof element 12 is folded vertically. With reference to FIG. 5, the second variant of the configuration C2 differs from the first variant according to FIG. 4 by the presence of a removable floor 30. In configuration C1 (see FIG. 1), this floor 30 rests on the In this variant, before retracting the roof element 12 and the tailgate 6, the floor 30 is removed as illustrated in FIG. 5. Once the roof element 12 and the tailgate 6 are in the retracted position, covering the tailgate 6, which rests on the bottom 20, by the floor 30 as indicated by the arrows B in Figure 5. For this purpose, it is possible to provide slides 32 in the inner faces 25 of the arches 24 and 26. The ends 34 and 36 of the floor 30 can then be introduced into these slides 32. The floor 30 is slid along the main axis of the vehicle until it completely covers the tailgate 6. This variant has the advantage of predicting r protection for the tailgate 6. Indeed, when using the bucket 52, the forces created by the loads deposited in the bucket are experienced by the floor 30 and not by the tailgate 6 as it is the case in the variant according to Figure 4. With reference to Figure 6, there is a third variant of the configuration C2. In this variant, the vehicle is provided with a double bottom 29. The bottom 20 of the space 22 constitutes the bottom of the double bottom 29. It is accessed through a removable floor 30. Before the retraction of the roof element 12 and the tailgate 6, this floor 30 must be removed, in a similar manner to the variant according to Figure 5. In contrast to the variant of Figure 5, once the assembly 28 retracted, the floor 30 is not raised but is returned to its initial position, the tailgate 6 then resting in the double bottom 29. In other words, in the variant according to FIG. 6, the removable floor 30 is spaced from the bottom 20 and occupies the same position in both Cl configuration and C2 configuration.

In all the variants described above, one option is to make the arches 24, 26 removable, as shown in Figure 7. The arches 24, 26 are then preferably part of the transformable rear module 2. They are removed once the flag element 12 and the hatch 6 are stored in the pick up position. With the removal of the arches 24, 26, the accessibility to the bucket 52 is increased. In Figure 7, the variant according to Figure 4 is drawn in solid lines while the other two variants (Figures 5 and 6) are indicated in dashed lines. Thanks to the invention that has just been described, there is obtained a modular motor vehicle that can adapt according to the needs. The vehicle can for example carry a large number of passengers. It is then used in break configuration, the rear space 22 then being provided with seats. Devices may be provided on the bottom 20 for fixing such seats. In addition, the vehicle can also carry bulky loads. It is then used in pick up configuration. The advantages of the invention lie in a fast and practical retraction kinematics, and in an easy conversion of the rear part of the vehicle from a closed habitable zone to an open loading platform. The invention is potentially applicable to all motor vehicles (tourism, utility, sport, all terrain ...). The invention seems particularly suitable for a family vehicle, utility or fun whose concept is based on modularity.

Claims (16)

REVENDICATIONS1. Convertible rear module (2) for a motor vehicle (4) comprising: - a tailgate (6) with an articulated end (8) and a free end (10); and - a roof element (12) with a first end (14) and a second end (16), the first end (14) of the roof element being adapted to be mounted articulated on a roof (18) vehicle automobile so that the roof element (12) is pivotable relative to the roof (18); characterized in that the tailgate (6) is mounted by its articulated end (8) on the second end (16) of the roof element so that the tailgate can pivot relative to the roof element. 2. Rear module according to claim 1, wherein, the rear module being designed for a specific motor vehicle model, the distance (L) between the two ends of the roof element is substantially equal to the distance (H) between in the mounted state of the rear module, the first end (14) of the bottom horn member (20) of the interior space (22) of said motor vehicle model. 3. Rear module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance (L) between the two ends of the roof element is substantially equal to the distance (D) between the articulated end and the free end of the tailgate. 4. Rear module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivoting amplitude (A) of the tailgate relative to the roof element is less than or equal to 270 °. 30 5. Rear module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising two roof arches (24, 26) arranged on either side of the assembly (28) formed by the tailgate and the roof element. 25 6. Rear module according to claim 5, further comprising a floor (30) arranged between the two roof arches. 7. Rear module according to claim 6, further comprising means (32) for adjusting the height of the floor relative to the roof arches. 8. Rear module according to claim 7, wherein the floor height adjustment means are a plurality of pairs of rails (32) formed in the sides of the roof arches, each pair of rails being adapted to receive the ends ( 34, 36) of the floor. 9. Rear module according to any one of the preceding claims, the module being made of weather-resistant materials. Rear module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roof element comprises two panels (38, 40) connected to each other, the two panels being substantially parallel and defining a gap (42). between them. 11. Rear module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising sealing and connecting means (44), these means being adapted to connect the roof element sealingly to the roof of a motor vehicle. 12. Rear module according to claim 11, wherein the sealing and connecting means comprise two sections (46) of hook-shaped section provided with seals (48), the profiles being arranged on the one hand and on the other. other of the flag element. 13. Motor vehicle (4) having a rear module according to any one of the preceding claims. 14. Motor vehicle (4) according to claim 13, wherein the assembly (28) formed by the tailgate and the roof element is movable between a first configuration (Cl), where the tailgate forms the rear door and the roof element a roof segment of the motor vehicle, and a second configuration (C2), where the tailgate rests on the bottom (20) of the motor vehicle and the roof element is folded so as to delimit the passenger compartment (50) of the motor vehicle. 15. Motor vehicle (4) according to claim 14 comprising a rear module according to at least claim 6, wherein in the second configuration (C2), the floor (30) is adapted to be arranged to hide the tailgate ( 6). 16. Motor vehicle (4) according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a rear module according to at least claim 5, wherein in the first configuration (Cl), the roof arches (24, 26) are adapted to be secured. to the vehicle (4) in order to define, together with the tailgate and the roof element, an enclosed interior space (22) of the motor vehicle, and, in the second configuration (C2), the roof arches (24, 26) are capable of being removed from the motor vehicle (4) in order to obtain an open loading volume (52) at the rear (3) of the motor vehicle.