FR3118613A1 - Devices for connecting a traction strap to the hinges of motor vehicle tailgates, fixed or removable - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices for connecting to the tailgate hinges of motor vehicles for bicycle carriers and other object carriers, comprising a strap, secured to the hinges of the tailgate by a fixing plate, which strap crosses and circumvents the edge of the tailgate, in pressing on an element for solidification and protection of the upper edge of the tailgate, comprising at its end a ring, on which can be hooked bicycle carriers and other object carriers. Figure for the abstract: [Fig.4]

Description

Devices for connecting a traction strap to the hinges of the tailgates of motor vehicles, fixed (installed when the vehicles are built) or removable (for adaptation to existing vehicles).

The present invention relates to mechanical systems, making it possible to secure a traction strap to the hinge of the tailgate of motor vehicles. The purpose is to use as an anchor point for the straps, the solid hinges of the tailgate of the vehicles, to solidify and protect the passage of these connecting straps in front and at the top of the upper edge of the tailgate.

This allows the hinges to bear a significant part of the tensile forces of the strap, rather than the weaker and often unsuitable top edge of the tailgate having to bear them.

This has the advantage of making eligible for the use of tailgate bicycle carriers and other object carriers, most motor vehicles with tailgate, existing or future, for their upper attachment.

This device can possibly allow the transport of higher loads, than current devices, in particular heavier electric bikes, if the bike carrier is designed for this.

The common principle is:

• Positioning of a fixing element (fixed or removable) at the rear in the structure of the tailgate hinge, called "plate". This "plate" serves as an anchor point for the connecting strap with the cables or straps of bicycle racks and other object carriers.
• Installation of a protection and solidification system for the passage of the strap in front and at the top of the upper edge of the tailgate, whether the latter is made of sheet metal or composite materials.
• If necessary, design of a connection between the protection system of the upper edge of the tailgate and the fixing "plate", to stiffen the assembly and improve its solidity.

The main types of existing hinges:

1. hollow hinges, .
   Hollow hinges are the most common models. They consist of a lower part which includes a base which is fixed at the level of the dedicated zone of the pavilion, 2 side elements which are articulated by an axis with the side elements of the upper part, the base of which is fixed on the upper part of the tailgate sheet. This hinge can have different dimensions, depending on the vehicle, both in width and in height.
2. solid hinges, .
   Solid hinges are less common. The lower part has a base which is fixed at the level of the dedicated area of the roof, a middle element which articulates with that of the upper part, which is fixed by its base on the upper part of the tailgate sheet.

In general, there are 2 hinges per tailgate, one on each side.

The hinges are positioned at the upper part of the rear edge of the roof, in a "channel" which goes around the rear part of the vehicle bodywork, with the internal part of this rectangular "channel", a sheet metal element on which is crimped with a "bead" type seal, which provides a seal when the tailgate is in the closed position, .

At this "gutter", the hinges are optimally positioned to allow the tailgate to open and close in the best possible position, in relation to the rear part of the vehicle body.

Depending on the type of vehicle, this "gutter" may be more or less deep behind the hinges.

Description of the various possible mechanical connection models, fixed or removable, depending on the type of hinge and the resistance load required:

Manufacturer's fixed system ,

It consists in fixing on the "plate" of the upper hinge, between the latter and the head of the fixing bolts, a metal part (20) which then comes to marry from below the shape of the part of the tailgate in front of the hinge, ending in front of the upper edge of the tailgate, with a curved part which comes around it to protect it and guide the passage of the strap, to the upper and outer part of the tailgate.

Depending on the type of hinge, the attachment of the strap(s) may vary:

In the case of a hollow hinge, which is the most suitable, the fixing may be a removable "plate" positioned behind the hinge , (38), or a removable rod positioned in the body of the lower part of the hinge , (21).

In the case of solid hinges, it may be a "ring-carabiner" type system (25), which can tie the lower part of the hinge and secure the strap to the front part of the hinge. this, . Possibly, a wide "rear plate", with a double strap (43), requiring that the metal part secured to the fixing bolts of the "upper plate" of the hinge, be wide enough at the level of the part which protects the tailgate , to support the double strap.

This fixed system may be provided from the outset or as an option by the car manufacturer, or by the hinge manufacturer.

Existing vehicle adaptation systems and their methods:

The principle: it is based on the installation of a "fixing plate" behind the closing hinge, on which the connecting strap is attached, depending on the type of hinge (hollow or solid); on the installation of a protection and solidification system for the upper part of the tailgate (where the strap or the straps pass); possibly, a system making it possible to join these 2 elements, in order to make the mechanism more rigid and more solid.

The rear "plate" can have different shapes, depending on the type of hinge, the space available behind it and the need or not for a rigid connection.

Different types of "platinum":

• Simple model for hollow hinge without rigid connection, , (38). It is an elongated metal part with 2 side returns, to prevent the sliding of the strap from causing it to escape.
• Simple model for solid hinge with rigid connection and with double strap, , (39). It is wider, with 2 side notches to position the 2 straps that surround the solid hinge and with 2 holes, to allow the branches of the connecting element to pass.
• Simple model for solid hinge, without rigid connection and with simple strap, , (25). This "turntable", in flat metal with a U shape, has a rod with a thread at its end, which crosses it at its ends and closes with a nut. This system is also used for the fixed system of solid hinges, .
• Simple model for hollow hinge, with rigid connection and consequent available space behind the hinge, [Fig-13], (44).
• Sliding model for hollow hinge, with rigid connection and restricted space behind the hinge, , (26). This model has 2 side legs, with a small tube on each of them. They make it possible to connect the branches of the connecting piece, which can slide inside these small tubes, so that the plate is positioned optimally by following the movements imposed by the opening and closing of the hinge. The small sliding tubes also prevent the edges of the "plate" from getting stuck under the edge of the tailgate in the open position. This model can also be provided in a wider version, for the system with solid hinge, rigid sliding link and double strap.

Element for protecting and solidifying the upper edge of the tailgate ("flat spring clip").

This part has several roles: to protect the paintwork and the structure of the sheet metal and/or composite body parts that make up the upper edge of the tailgate; solidify this zone by keeping these different elements compressed between them, in particular when tensioning the strap; if necessary, keep a connecting piece in place to stiffen the system, preventing it from interposing under the upper edge of the tailgate in the open position and from being able to pivot on its axis in order to continue the movements of the tailgate printed by opening and closing it.

Its shape is that of a flat triangular clamp (in sagittal section), the upper part of which is pressed against the front, upper and outer face of the tailgate; the front part passes in front of the tailgate in the narrow space; the lower part comes under the underside of the tailgate edge. It optionally holds in place, by making a "groove" just under the upper edge of the tailgate, the front part of the connecting piece and is fixed by pinching the rear bead of the sheet metal weld (11).

Depending on the hinge and tailgate models, it can have different shapes and widths:

• Simple "flat clip-spring", , (28).
• Narrow "flat clip-spring", , (45).
• Double "flat clip-spring", , (41).

Rigid, removable binding system.

In the case of hollow hinges:

• A first system comprising a connecting piece of the square "U" bolt type (also called saddle bolt), which surrounds the hinge from the front, with the solid part of the "U" positioned just below the upper edge of the tailgate , its 2 branches passing on each side of the hinge and ensuring the rigid connection of the system, , (27) and , (35).
• The "plate" can be connected to the "U" bolts in 2 ways:
  • In the removable model, for hollow hinge, stiffened and sliding, a first possibility is that the "plate" is made with 2 side elements, which have a bracket with an extended perforation of a small guide tube, in which the side branches of the "U" bolt come to slide, [Fig.13], (26).
    The advantage of this type of connection is that it allows easy adaptation for several hinge sizes and their arrangement. The "plate" is set up in a very simple way between the open position and the closed position of the hinge, to press firmly against the back of this hinge in the closed traction position and move back in the open position.
    On the other hand, the small guide tube allows better sliding than a simple perforation and prevents the side edges of the "plate" from getting stuck below the upper edge of the tailgate, in the open position and then blocking the opening. from the tailgate.
    This system is particularly suitable when the space behind the hinge is a little restricted.
    A simple nut is positioned at the end of the branches of the "U" on the thread, in order to prevent them from separating from the plate when the strap is not under tension, [Fig.7].
  • In the removable model for hollow hinge, stiffened non-sliding, the "plate" (44) is provided with perforations, it is fixed to the end of the branches of the "U" bolt, by nuts which are screwed on the thread present on the 2 branches of the bolt. It is advisable to position these nuts at a certain distance, to be able to follow the movements of the hinge and the tailgate (this can be determined easily, with a flexible tape measure, by noting the difference from 2 points, between the open position of the tailgate and its closed position and adding this measurement to the mounting position of the plate behind the rear part of the hinge).
    This system can be used when there is a large space behind the hinge, [Fig.10].
  • In any case, the front part of the "U" is held in place just under the edge of the tailgate (whether this is only sheet metal or sheet metal and a composite material for the spoiler) with the "clip" type part -flat spring" comprising a "groove", which allows this metal bar to pivot on its axis and to follow the movements of the tailgate, so as not to get stuck under it in the open position and follow the path of the edge of the tailgate between the closed position and the open position.
  • In addition, the rear part of the connecting piece must be kept in the raised position, especially if the space in front of the sealing "bead" is restricted, with a small elastic strap which ties the front part of the upper element of the hinge, which is fixed to the branches of the U-bolt or else to the plate, [Fig.7], (51).
    This system allows the boot sealing "bead" and its sheet metal support to be bypassed by the rear fixing elements, without damaging them, during opening movements by recoil.

In the case of solid hinges:

• The pull strap cannot pass through the hinge. In this case there are 2 possibilities:
  • It can be attached to the front part of the mechanical securing system. A fixing "plate" is always needed behind the hinge, with a connecting piece which must be of the fixed type and firmly screwed, since the strap is not then fixed to the plate itself and also a system of held in the raised position so as not to damage the boot sealing system. In this case, it is necessary to provide a "flat spring clip" with a central notch of sufficient size to allow the system to pivot and the strap to circumvent the upper edge of the tailgate.
  • Otherwise, there is the possibility of connecting a double strap system (43) to the rear plate. In this case, the possible connecting piece may be of the sliding or fixed type, in the same way as for the hollow hinges.

It is possible to provide other rigid connection system:

A metal rod can be positioned in the groove of the "flat spring clip", it can be secured by means of hollow tubes with an angle of 90°, at each end of the rod. A U-shaped metal part, whose branches slide in the free part of each tube and whose rear part then acts as a strap fixing plate, . This part can move back to be in the correct position when closing the tailgate and move forward when opening it, so as not to come into conflict with the sealing area of the boot. In addition, an elastic return system can be provided for this, , (32).

This system can be particularly suitable, for the particular case of vehicles whose tailgate has a notch in the sheet metal in front of the hinge (sports vehicles with lightened tailgate). It then comprises at this level only composite material, over a certain width. The metal rod can then rest on the sheet metal on each side of the indentation, forming a "bridge" whose 2 ends rest on the resistant sheet metal part.

It is also possible to provide a rigid U-shaped tube, whose 2 hollow legs can slide in the legs of the "U" bolt. This tube then serves as a fixing "plate" behind the hinge, .

The different models

Fixed models for constructor, hollow hinge, and .

Fixed model for builder, solid hinge, .

Removable model for hollow hinge, stiffened by "U" bolt with anterior or posterior positioning, with "sliding plate", , and .

Removable model, for hollow hinge, stiffened by anteriorly positioned "U" bolt, non-sliding, with simple "plate", .

Removable model, for hollow hinge, not stiffened, with "single plate", .

Removable model, for solid hinge, stiffened by front-positioning "U" bolt, non-sliding, with double strap, wide "flat spring clip" and "wide plate", .

Removable model, for solid hinge, not stiffened, with peripheral "plate" (not illustrated).

Removable model, for solid hinge, stiffened by a "U" shaped "plate" with posterior positioning, with double strap (not illustrated)

Diagrams

Sectional views of the hinge area of the tailgate of a motor vehicle with spoiler, in the closed and open position.

Side and ¾ rear views of a hollow hinge for a motor vehicle tailgate in the closed and open position.

Side and ¾ rear views of a solid hinge, for a motor vehicle tailgate, in the closed and open position.

Views in side sections, in closed and open position and in ¾ rear, of a "fixed model for hollow hinge with removable plate".

Views in side sections, in closed and open position and in ¾ rear, of a "fixed model for hollow hinge with fixed plate".

Views in side sections, in closed and open position and in ¾ rear, of a "fixed model for solid hinge with peripheral plate".

Views in side sections, in the open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model for hollow hinge, with connection for solidification, sliding plate and positioning of the upper return system for the open position", type model 1.

Views in side sections, in the open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model for hollow hinge, with connection for solidification, sliding", type model 2.

Views in side sections, in the open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model for hollow hinge, with connection for solidification, sliding", type model 3.

Views in side sections, in open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model, with connection for solidification, non-sliding, for hollow hinge".

Views in side sections, in the open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model without connection, for hollow hinge".

Views in side sections, in the open and closed position and in ¾ rear, of a "removable model for solid hinge, with connection for solidification" and "flat spring clip" for wide fixing.

"Plate" for removable and fixed system for hollow hinge.

Rear and peripheral "plate" for full hinge.

Standard and wide "U" bolts, for solidification of the connection between the "flat spring clip" and the rear plate.

Solidification, binding and "platinum" system, for "type 2 model".

Solidification, binding and "platinum" system, for "type 3 model".

"Flat clip-spring", standard medium size.

"Flat clip-spring", wide.

"Flat clip-spring", narrow.

Single strap and double strap.

Rigid connection and protection piece for the upper edge of the tailgate, for "fixed manufacturer's model", in section, front view, rear view and ¾ rear view.

Legend of diagrams

(1) Roof panel.

(2) "Rigole" of the pavilion.

(3) Tailgate panel.

(4) Spoilers.

(5) Elastic "bead" type seal.

(6) Lateral face of the lower part of a hollow hinge.

(7) Base of the lower part of a hollow hinge.

(8) Pivot axis of a hollow hinge.

(9) Upper part of a hollow hinge.

(10) Base of the upper part of a hollow hinge.

(11) Welding "bead" of the peripheral edge of the tailgate.

(12) Bolt of the base of the upper part of a hollow hinge.

(13) Fixing the base of the lower part of a hollow hinge.

(14) Middle part of the lower part of a solid hinge.

(16) Solid hinge pivot pin.

(17) Upper part of a solid hinge.

(18) Base of the upper part of a solid hinge.

(19) Bolt of the base of the upper part of a solid hinge.

(20) Mechanical connecting and protection part, for manufacturer's fixed system.

(21) Fixing pin for the connecting strap, on manufacturer's fixed model for hollow hinge.

(22) Nut of the connecting strap fixing pin, on "manufacturer's fixed model for hollow hinge".

(23) Single connecting strap.

(24) Connection ring with the upper fixing system of the bicycle carriers.

(25) Peripheral connection "plate", for "manufacturer's fixed model with solid hinge".

(26) Sliding "back plate", for "sliding removable model, for hollow hinge".

(27) Connecting "U" bolt for "sliding removable model for hollow hinge".

(28) "Flat clip-spring", for "removable sliding models, for hollow hinge".

(29) 90° angle hollow parts, for "sliding removable type model, for hollow hinge".

(30) Connecting piece, positioned in the "flat spring clip", for "model for hollow hinge", (type 2 model).

(31) "U"-bolt type rear part, acting as a fixing to the "flat spring clip", for "sliding removable model, for hollow hinge" (type 2).

(32) Elastic return spring of the rear part, for "removable sliding model, for hollow hinge", (type 2).

(33) "U" bolt type connecting piece, positioned in the "flat spring clip", for "sliding removable model for hollow hinge", (type 3 model).

(34) Rear part serving as a fixing "plate", tubular, for "removable sliding model, for hollow hinge", (type 3 model).

(35) "U" bolt, positioned in the "flat spring clip", for "non-sliding removable model, for hollow hinge".

(36) Wide rear "plate", for "non-sliding removable model, for hollow hinge".

(37) Fixing nut for wide rear plate, for "non-sliding removable model, for hollow hinge".

(38) Wide rear "plate" for "removable model, without rigid connection, for hollow hinge".

(39) Wide "plate", for "non-sliding removable model, for solid hinge".

(40) Wide "U" bolt, positioned in the "flat spring clip", for "non-sliding removable model for solid hinge".

(41) Wide and double "Flat spring clip".

(42) Double strap, for "non-sliding removable model, for solid hinge".

(43) Wide ring for double strap, for "non-sliding removable model for solid hinge".

(44) "Single plate", with perforation, for "non-sliding removable model, for hollow hinge".

(45) Narrow "flat clip-spring".

(46) "U" bolt with anterior positioning, for "sliding removable model" (type 3).

(47) Tubular rear part, acting as a fixing "plate", for "sliding removable model" (type 3).

(48) Middle connecting piece with the "flat spring clip", for "sliding removable model", type 2.

(49) 90° angled tubular side piece, for the connection between the front piece and the rear "U" bolt for type 2 model.

(50) "U" bolt with posterior positioning, acting as a "plate", for "type 2 model.

(51) Elastic spring for holding rigid and sliding solidification systems in the raised position, when opening the tailgate, to avoid damaging the sealing system.

Claims (4)

Device for connecting a strap to a motor vehicle tailgate hinge, characterized in that it comprises a "plate" for fixing a connecting strap, to the lower part of the motor vehicle tailgate hinge; which includes a mechanical protection and solidification system for the upper part of the tailgate and possibly a rigid connection system between the plate and this protection system. The connecting strap serving as an upper anchor for the straps or fixing cables of tailgate bike racks and other object carriers. Device according to claim number 1, characterized in that it then comprises a rigid part, assembled with the "plate" for fixing the upper part of the hinge. This part ensures the protection of the upper edge of the tailgate and the guidance of the connecting strap, it also ensures a solidification of the system.
The "plate" for fixing the connecting strap may be provided in the lower part of the tailgate hinge (it is then fixed), or positioned behind it (it is then removable), in the case hollow hinges; or surround the lower part of the hinge, in the case of solid hinges. It can be provided from the outset by hinge manufacturers or car manufacturers. Device according to claim number 1, characterized in that it comprises a "plate" system, which can be modulated according to the type of hinge (hollow or solid), according to the space available behind it in the "channel" of the bodywork and according to the dimensions of the hinge; in that it comprises a device for protecting and solidifying the upper edge of the tailgate, the dimensions of which can be modulated according to the needs of the vehicle.
Finally, in that it may comprise a rigid connection device between this protective part and the "plate", the positioning of which may be predetermined or sliding, depending on the type of vehicle. This connecting device is not essential in all cases, in particular if the load to be supported is not high. It can be designed to be adapted to most existing vehicles, with tailgate. Device according to claim number 1, which can make it possible to make eligible for the use of bicycle carriers and tailgate object carriers, most motor vehicles which are provided with them and possibly also allow the transport of higher loads, than the current devices, especially heavier e-bikes, if the bike rack is designed for it.