FR3142740A1 - DUMPKIT EXTENSION DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH REAR DROPPER - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a dumpster extension device for a motor vehicle (1) equipped with a rear tailgate (5) articulated at its base on the structure of the vehicle, between a raised position closing the rear access to the dumpster (2 ), and a lowered position opening rear access to the dumpster (2), characterized in that it comprises a retractable rear dropside (6), articulated on a free edge (52) of the rear tailgate (5), between a folded position against an interior face (51) of the rear tailgate (5) and an intermediate position forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°, the rear dropside (6) comprising means for fixing a number plate (11 ) directed towards the rear of the vehicle (1) when the rear dropside (6) is in the intermediate position, the rear tailgate (5) comprising a lighting device (12) adapted to selectively illuminate: - either the number plate ( 11) when the rear tailgate (5) is in the lowered position and the rear dropside (6) is in the intermediate position, - i.e. the loading area of the dumpster (2) when the rear tailgate (5) is in the position raised and the rear drop side (6) is in the folded position. Abstract Figure: Figure 16

Description

DUMPKIT EXTENSION DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH REAR DROPPER

The present invention relates, in general, to motor vehicles equipped with a skip, and relates more particularly to a skip extension device.

Previous techniques

Pick-up type motor vehicles generally include a loading space commonly called a dumpster. The space is located at the rear of the vehicle and corresponds to a flat and horizontal platform, delimited laterally by bodywork elements and closed by a rear hatch. Most of the time, the tailgate pivots at its base, so it can be folded horizontally until it is aligned with the platform.

In order to increase the loading volume of the dumpster, the rear tailgate can be folded down. The transport of a larger number of objects, or the transport of objects of substantial sizes is then possible. Extension devices can be added to prevent objects from escaping from the bin. Extension devices, also called barriers or drop sides, exist and are generally provided with a central section and two side sections. A mounting part, located on each side section, is intended for fixing the device to the vehicle. Document FR3042167A1 describes such a dumpster extension device, which is also multifunctional in that it also makes it possible to form a ramp to facilitate loading and access to the dumpster, in particular for two-wheelers or other materials.

These known devices require adding a number plate to the rear of the vehicle when the dumpster is in extension configuration, which also involves providing suitable lighting means to illuminate the plate in insufficient light conditions. The dumpster loading area may also require specific lighting.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a body extension device for a motor vehicle which overcomes all or part of the preceding drawbacks.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a dumpster extension device for a motor vehicle equipped with a rear tailgate hinged at its base on the structure of the vehicle, between a raised position closing the rear access to the dumpster, and a lowered position opening rear access to the dumpster, characterized in that it comprises a retractable rear dropside, articulated on a free edge of the rear tailgate, between a folded position against an interior face of the rear tailgate and an intermediate position forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°,

the rear drop-side comprising means for fixing a number plate directed towards the rear of the vehicle when the rear drop-side is in the intermediate position, the rear tailgate comprising a lighting device adapted to selectively illuminate:
- either the number plate when the rear tailgate is in the lowered position and the rear dropside is in the intermediate position,
- or the loading area of the dumpster when the rear tailgate is in the raised position and the rear drop side is in the folded position.

Thus the skip extension device of the invention improves the known devices. This device is particularly simple in design and robust. It allows easy and intuitive use when changing configurations. The device of the invention takes dual advantage of a lighting means provided for the number plate by also using it to illuminate the interior of the dumpster, which constitutes excellent integration of functions and makes it possible to reduce costs.

Other advantageous characteristics of the invention are defined below.

The lighting device is located near a free edge of the tailgate, and comprises a lighting source whose central lighting axis is inclined at an angle between 0 and 45° relative to the longitudinal direction when the tailgate is in the raised position.

The rear drop side is connected to the free edge of the rear tailgate by two articulated systems arranged on the lateral edges of the rear drop side, each articulated system comprising a link having the general shape of an L, a first branch of which is mounted to rotate relative to to the interior face of the rear tailgate, while the second branch of the L is connected to the side edge of the rear dropside.

The link is arranged so that the first branch of the L is substantially parallel to the interior face of the rear tailgate when the rear dropside is between the folded position and the intermediate position, and is mounted to rotate by its rear end relative to the face interior of the rear tailgate, via a first support secured to the rear tailgate.

The second branch of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear drop side, via a second support secured to a side edge of the rear drop side.

The device comprises stop means provided between the second branch of the L and the second support, to limit the rotation of the rear dropside to an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch of the L.

The device comprises two side panels, each side panel being able to occupy:

- a first position in which it is fixed on the one hand to its base on a side edge of the rear tailgate when the latter is in the lowered position, and on the other hand at the rear on a side edge of the rear dropside when this last is in intermediate position,

- and a second position in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the skip and in an upper area to a bridge secured to a side wall delimiting the skip.

Fixing the upper area of the side panel is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock pivotally mounted on the side panel, the lock being rotatably mounted on the side panel and having a hooking end penetrating into a complementary shape provided in a surface of the trigger guard when the side rail is in the second position, this same lock being further adapted so that the hooking end also penetrates into a complementary shape of a rear support secured to the side wall of the bucket when the side panel is in the first position.

The side rail comprises at its base at least one protuberance inserting into a recess of complementary shape provided in the floor of the skip.

The rear drop side includes means for fixing a number plate directed towards the rear of the vehicle when the rear drop side is in the intermediate position.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device having all or part of the preceding characteristics.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a non-limiting example of the invention, and in light of the appended drawings.

is a three-quarter rear perspective view of a pick-up vehicle equipped with a dumpster extension device according to the invention, the rear tailgate of which is in the raised position and the rear dropside (not visible) in the folded position.

is a view similar to the , with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the folded position.

is a view similar to the , with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the deployed position, freeing the passage for the installation of access ramps (not visible).

is a view similar to the , with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear dropside in the deployed position, freeing the passage for the installation of (visible) access ramps.

is a view similar to the , with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear drop side in the deployed position, side drop sides being arranged on the side edges of the rear tailgate.

is a view similar to the , with the rear tailgate in the lowered position and the rear drop side in the intermediate position, side drop sides being arranged in a first position on the side edges of the rear tailgate.

is a perspective view of an interior area of the vehicle body, illustrating a part of the rear drop side in the intermediate position and a side drop side in the first position illustrated in .

is a perspective view similar to the , in which a side rail is in a second position, for storage in the dumpster.

is a top view towards the front of the vehicle, of a left rear corner portion of the vehicle, in which the rear tailgate is in the raised position, and a rear drop side is in the second position.

is a top view towards the rear of the vehicle, of a left rear corner portion of the vehicle, in which the rear tailgate is in the raised position, and a rear drop side is in the second position.

is a perspective view of a detail of the dumpster extension device of the invention, illustrating the upper front attachment of a side dropside on the vehicle when the dropside is in the first position.

is a perspective view of a detail of the dumpster extension device of the invention, illustrating the rear upper attachment of a side dropside on the vehicle when the dropside is in the first position.

, And are perspective views of a detail of the tipper extension device of the invention, illustrating one of the articulated systems connecting the drop side to the tailgate on each side, the drop side being respectively in the folded position against the internal face of the tailgate, in the intermediate position raised perpendicular to the tailgate, and in the deployed position under the tailgate.

is a perspective view of the rear part of the vehicle when the tailgate is in the lowered position, the rear dropside being in the intermediate position and supporting a number plate illuminated by a lamp located on the free edge of the tailgate.

is a view of the same area of the vehicle from the when the tailgate is in the raised position, the rear dropside being in the folded position against the internal face of the tailgate, and the lamp being directed towards the dumpster.

The expression “significantly” means that a slight deviation is allowed in the context of the invention in relation to a determined nominal value. For example, “substantially vertical” means that an inclination of around 10° relative to a strictly vertical direction is allowed within the scope of the invention.

General presentation of the invention.

For the purposes of the description, we will refer to a direct orthonormal reference XYZ conventionally used in automobile design, in which the X axis designates the front-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, oriented towards the rear, the Y axis designates the transverse direction and is oriented towards the right of the vehicle, the Z axis designates the vertical direction, and is oriented upwards.

We show in Figures 1 to 6 a motor vehicle 1 of the pick-up type. Such a vehicle is conventionally provided with a rear skip 2 capable of receiving any load on a surface substantially parallel to the XY plane. Dumpster 2 is open to the sky. It is delimited at the front by the cabin 3 of the passenger compartment and laterally by side walls 4 extending in the longitudinal direction dumpster 2 is delimited by a rear tailgate 5 which is in the raised position at the , and in the lowered position in Figures 2 to 6. The raised position closes the rear access to the dumpster 2 while the lowered position opens the rear access to the dumpster 2. The lowered position of the tailgate 5 is such that the interior face 51 of the tailgate 5 is located substantially in the extension of the central surface defining the bottom of the skip 2, these surfaces being approximately horizontal when the vehicle rests on horizontal ground. The lowered tailgate 5 therefore forms an extension of the dumpster floor 2.

According to a remarkable aspect of the invention, the dumpster extension device 2 of the invention comprises a retractable rear drop side 6, articulated on a free edge 52 of the rear tailgate 5, between:

- on the one hand a folded position against the interior face 51 of the rear hatch 5, as illustrated in , and an intermediate position, as illustrated in , forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°,

- and on the other hand between the intermediate position ( ) and a deployed position, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, forming with the folded position ( ) an angle between 250° and 300°, in particular approximately 270°. The deployed position consists of turning the rear drop side 6 around 3/4 of a turn so as to clear rear access to the dumpster 2 when the tailgate 5 is lowered. The rear dropside 6 is released towards the bottom and is positioned substantially vertically between the tailgate 2 and the ground. In this configuration, access to the dumpster 2 is completely clear at the rear of the vehicle so that a system of ramp(s) can be placed between the free edge 52 of the tailgate 5 and the ground to convey into the dumpster 2 a two-wheeler or any other equipment or material ( ).

With reference to Figures 13 to 15, the rear drop side 6 is connected to the free edge 52 of the rear tailgate 5 by two articulated systems 7 arranged on the side edges of the rear drop side 6. Each articulated system 7 comprises a link 71 having the general shape of an L, of which a first branch 711 is mounted to rotate relative to the interior face 51 of the rear hatch 5, a second branch 712 of the L being connected to the side edge of the rear drop side 6.

The link 71 is arranged so that the first branch 711 of the L is substantially parallel to the interior face 52 of the rear tailgate 5 when the rear drop side 6 is between the folded position and the intermediate position. The rear end of the first branch 711 is rotatably mounted on the interior face 52 of the rear tailgate 5, via a first support 72 secured to the rear tailgate 5.

The second branch 712 of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear drop side 6, via a second support 73 secured to a side edge of the rear drop side 6.

The rotations mentioned above are defined around different axes which are all substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y of the vehicle.

With reference to Figures 13 and 14, stop means 74 are provided between the second branch 712 of the L and the second support 73, to limit the rotation of the rear drop side 6 to an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch 712 of the L, and thus form a “hard point” or limit the rotation of the drop side 6 to its intermediate position, as illustrated in .

A very advantageous aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the rear drop side 6 is not easily removable and cannot therefore be separated from the rear tailgate 5 using conventional tools, so as to prevent theft.

According to another aspect of the invention, the skip extension device 2 comprises two side sides 8, each side side 8 being capable of occupying:

- a first position (deployed position on the tailgate 5) in which it is fixed on the one hand to its base on a horizontal side edge of the rear tailgate 5 when the latter is in the lowered position (Figures 5, 6, 7), and on the other hand at the rear and in an upper zone on a vertical side edge of the rear drop side 6 when the latter is in the intermediate position ( ),

- and a second position (retracted position in the skip 2) in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the skip 2 and in a zone greater than a bridge 9 secured to a side wall 4 delimiting the skip 2 ( , 9, 10). In this second position, the side rail 8 is substantially vertical and is attached parallel to the side wall 4 of the skip 2. In this second position, the tailgate 5 can be raised to close the rear of the skip 2.

As illustrated in Figures 7 to 11, the fixing of the upper zone of the side board 8 is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock 10 pivotally mounted on the side board 8. The lock 10 is rotatably mounted on the side board 8 It has a steering wheel or a handle making it easier to grip to rotate it around its rotating axis. The lock has a hooking end penetrating in the transverse direction Y in a complementary shape formed in a surface of the trigger guard 9 when the side rail 8 is in the second position. This same lock 10 is also adapted so that the hooking end penetrates into a complementary shape (oblong hole oriented vertically in the example illustrated) of a rear support secured to the side wall 4 of the skip 2 ( ) when the side panel 8 is in the first position.

There shows that the side rail 8 comprises at its base at least one protuberance 81, 82, typically two protuberances 81, 82 or pins inserting in the vertical direction Z in one or more recess(es) of complementary shape provided. in the floor of the skip 2. These protuberances 81, 82 are integral with stamped or folded shapes at the base of the side boards 8, and constitute means of holding the side board 8, in addition to maintaining it in the upper zone which is carried out by the lock 10.

According to another aspect of the invention represented in , the rear drop side 6 comprises means for fixing a number plate 11 directed towards the rear of the vehicle 1 when the rear drop side 6 is in the intermediate position. The plate is fixed on one face of the rear dropside 6 which is opposite the interior face 51 of the tailgate 5.

A lighting device 12 is advantageously located near the free edge 51 of the tailgate 5, and is directed towards the number plate 11 to ensure its lighting ( ).

Very advantageously, when the tailgate 5 is raised and the rear dropside 6 is folded against the interior face 52 of the tailgate ( ), the lighting device 12 is adapted to illuminate the loading area of the skip 2. This lighting device 12 therefore has a dual lighting function, selectively towards the license plate when the skip 2 is extended to towards the rear and towards the loading area of the skip 2 when the tailgate 5 is raised. The lighting device 12 has a light source whose central axis is inclined downwards when the tailgate 5 is in the upright position, for example at an angle between 0 and 45° ( ). So when the tailgate 5 is in the lowered position ( ), the axis of the light source is oriented forwards towards the number plate 11, at an angle between and 45° relative to the vertical.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments or variants described above and includes all the technical equivalents of these means.

List of means cited:

Vehicle 1

Dumpster 2

Cabin 3

Side wall 4

Hatchback 5

Interior face 51 of the tailgate

Free edge 52 of the tailgate

Rear drop side 6

Articulated system 7

Link 71

First branch 711

Second branch 712

First support 72

Second support 73

Stop means 74

Sideboard 8

Protuberance 81, 82

Trigger guard 9

Lock 10

License plate 11

Lighting device 12

Claims (10)

Dumpster extension device for a motor vehicle (1) equipped with a rear tailgate (5) hinged at its base on the structure of the vehicle, between a raised position closing the rear access to the dumpster (2), and a position lowered opening the rear access to the dumpster (2), characterized in that it comprises a retractable rear dropside (6), articulated on a free edge (52) of the rear tailgate (5), between a folded position against one side interior (51) of the rear tailgate (5) and an intermediate position forming with the folded position an angle of approximately 90°,
the rear drop-side (6) comprising means for fixing a number plate (11) directed towards the rear of the vehicle (1) when the rear drop-side (6) is in the intermediate position, the rear tailgate (5) comprising a lighting device (12) adapted to selectively illuminate:
- either the number plate (11) when the rear tailgate (5) is in the lowered position and the rear dropside (6) is in the intermediate position,
- either the loading area of the dumpster (2) when the rear tailgate (5) is in the raised position and the rear drop side (6) is in the folded position. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting device (12) is located near a free edge (52) of the tailgate (5), and comprises a lighting source whose central axis is lighting is inclined at an angle between 0 and 45° relative to the longitudinal direction (X) when the tailgate (5) is in the raised position. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear drop side (6) is connected to the free edge (52) of the rear tailgate (6) by two articulated systems (7) arranged on the side edges of the rear drop side (6). ), each articulated system (7) comprising a link (71) having the general shape of an L, a first branch (711) of which is mounted to rotate relative to the interior face (51) of the rear hatch (5), while the second branch (712) of the L is connected to the side edge of the rear dropside (6). Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the link (71) is arranged so that the first branch (711) of the L is substantially parallel to the interior face (51) of the rear tailgate (5) when the rear dropside (6 ) is between the folded position and the intermediate position, and is rotatably mounted by its rear end relative to the interior face (51) of the rear tailgate (5), via a first support (72) secured to the rear tailgate (5) . Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the second branch (712) of the L is mounted to rotate relative to the rear drop side (6), via a second support (73) secured to a lateral edge of the drop side rear (6). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises stop means (74) are provided between the second branch (712) of the L and the second support (73), to limit the rotation of the rear drop side (6) at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the second branch (712) of the L. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two side rails (8), each side rail (8) being capable of occupying:
- a first position in which it is fixed on the one hand to its base on a side edge of the rear tailgate (5) when the latter is in the lowered position, and on the other hand at the rear on a side edge of the dropside rear (6) when the latter is in the intermediate position,
- and a second position in which it is fixed at its base to the floor of the skip (2) and in an upper zone to a bridge (9) secured to a side wall (4) delimiting the skip (2). Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the fixing of the upper zone of the side board (8) is ensured by a quarter-turn type lock (10) pivotally mounted on the side board (8), the lock (10 ) being rotatably mounted on the side board (8) and having a hooking end penetrating into a complementary shape formed in a surface of the trigger guard (9) when the side board (8) is in the second position, this same lock ( 10) being further adapted so that the hooking end also penetrates into a complementary shape of a rear support secured to the side wall (4) of the skip (2) when the side dropside (8) is in the first position. Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the side rail (8) comprises at its base at least one protuberance (81, 82) inserting into a recess of complementary shape provided in the floor of the skip (2) . Motor vehicle (1) characterized in that it comprises a device according to any one of the preceding claims.