WO2011157911A1

WO2011157911A1 - Motor vehicle tailgate with an outer skin and inner liner which are moulded and equipped with a moulded duct or ducts for supplying washing liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2011157911A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/050851
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frédéric Guidez
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2010-06-15
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2011-12-22
Also published as: FR2961151A1; FR2961151B1

Abstract

A tailgate (H) of a motor vehicle comprises an outer skin (P) which is moulded and has a window glass (VT), and an inner liner (D) which is moulded and intended to be secured to the outer skin (P). The inner liner (D) and/or outer skin (P) comprises a duct (C1, C2) which is moulded and which comprises a first end designed to be coupled to a connector (R) housed in a first orifice (O1) of the liner (D) and intended to be connected to a washing liquid supply tube, and at least a second end designed to be coupled to at least one nozzle (G) installed in the vicinity of the window glass (VT).

Description

REAR TAIL OF AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE WITH EXTERIOR SKIN AND INNER LINING MOLDED AND EQUIPPED WITH MOLDED CONDUIT (S) FOR THE SUPPLY OF WASHING LIQUID

The invention relates to tailgates that equip some motor vehicles.

Some rear tailgates of a motor vehicle include a windowpane that can be sprinkled with washing liquid by a jet which is located in its vicinity. The reservoir, which contains the washing liquid, being located remote from the tailgate, it is connected to a pipe which must pass through, firstly, the structure (or box) of the vehicle via a first pass-sheath, and d on the other hand, an inner lining of the tailgate via a second sheath, before being connected to the nozzle which is secured to an outer skin of the tailgate which includes the glass or to an optical block that includes the outer skin, before the latter is secured to the inner lining.

This connection of the reservoir to the nozzle requires many manual interventions, and in particular the clipping of the second sheath into an orifice of the inner lining, the passage of the pipe through the second sheath, the clipping of the nozzle in a hole of the outer skin or an optical block and the connection of the hose to the jet, which are time-consuming and therefore expensive. In addition, this connection also requires the storage and referencing of several elements (including ducts and sprinklers), which is also time consuming and expensive.

Furthermore, the portion of the pipe, which is housed in the tailgate between the outer skin and the inner liner, is not immobile, it may happen that it induces noise when the vehicle rolls or vibrates or when Suddenly receives pressurized washing liquid (which may in the long run lead to uncoupling between the pipe and the nozzle). The invention therefore aims to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

It proposes for this purpose a hatchback intended to be part of a motor vehicle and comprising, on the one hand, a molded outer skin and comprising a window, and, on the other hand, a molded inner lining and intended to be secured to the outer skin.

This tailgate is characterized in that at least one of the inner lining and outer skin comprises a channel which is molded and which comprises a first end, adapted to be coupled to a connector which is) housed in a first hole of the liner and intended to be connected to a washing liquid supply pipe, and at least a second end, adapted to be coupled to at least one nozzle which is located in the vicinity of its window.

Preferably, the molded channel is located partially against the surface of the inner liner and or the outer skin. Preferably, the molded channel is disposed partly parallel to the surface of the inner liner and or the outer skin.

The tailgate according to the invention may include other features that can be taken separately or in combination, and) in particular:

its inner lining may comprise, on an inner face, a first molded channel and comprising first and second ends, and a first orifice communicating with this first end and adapted to receive the connector, and its outer skin may comprise a second channel; molded and having a first end to be coupled to the second end of the first channel and at least a second end connected to at least one nozzle;

the second channel may be molded on the inner face of its outer skin;

Its outer skin may comprise a second orifice communicating with the second end of the second channel and equipped with the nozzle;

Alternatively, its outer skin may comprise, in the vicinity of the glass, an optical unit provided with the jet;

alternatively, its outer skin may comprise, in the vicinity of the window, an optical block comprising, on the one hand, an outer face provided with the second conduit, and, on the other hand, the nozzle;

The second end of the first conduit or the first end of the second conduit may be provided with a seal;

at least one of the first and second conduits may be equipped with at least one element involved in the washing;

the nozzle may be molded or overmolded;

) - the coupling may be molded or overmolded;

- The connection can be fir type or snap type.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a front view, an example of a rear part of a motor vehicle comprising a tailgate according to the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a tailgate embodiment;

) according to the invention, during assembly,

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1, the tailgate of FIG. 2 once assembled and secured to a vehicle structure,

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1, an alternative embodiment of the tailgate of FIGS. 2 and 3, once assembled, and

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1, a second embodiment of a tailgate according to the invention, once assembled and secured to a structure of FIG.

) vehicle.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any. The invention aims to provide a tailgate (H) intended to be part of a motor vehicle (V).

In the following, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the motor vehicle (V) is a car. But, the invention is not limited to this type of motor vehicle. It concerns indeed any type of motor vehicle equipped with a tailgate (H) comprising a window (or rear window) (VT).

FIG. 1 shows schematically an example of a rear part of a motor vehicle V comprising a tailgate H according to FIG.

) the invention. The latter (H) is more precisely rotatably mounted on the part of the structure (or box) ST of the vehicle V, which delimits the rear part of the latter (V), and comprises at least one window (or rear window) VT .

In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear hatch H also comprises an optical block B implanted in a central part.

5, in the vicinity of a nozzle G of a washing device. For example, this optical unit B is a third brake light. Note that a tailgate H according to the invention may not include optical block B.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5, a tailgate H according to the invention comprises an outer skin (or envelope) P that is rigid and

) molded, and an inner liner D, also rigid and molded, secured to each other (arrow F of Figure 2), for example by gluing or welding or via a seal placed between them (P , D) under stress during their assembly.

The skin P is said to be external because it is in contact with the air

5 outside, and the lining D is said inner because it is between the outer skin P and the interior of the passenger compartment or trunk. Note that the inner liner D may optionally be coated with a lining on an outer face FED (opposite its inner face FID which is oriented towards the inner face FIP of the outer skin P).

The outer skin (or envelope) P and the inner liner D may be made by molding in at least one rigid plastic or synthetic material. By way of non-limiting example, it is possible to use a rigid plastic material such as filled polypropylene or acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (or ASA). It will be noted that the outer skin (or envelope) P and the inner liner D may possibly be made by molding in different plastic or synthetic materials.

The (outer) skin P comprises an opening in which is

5 firmly installed and sealing the glass (or rear window) VT, and any optical block B.

According to the invention, at least one of the inner lining D and outer skin P comprises a channel C1, C2 which is molded and which comprises, on the one hand, a first end E1 1, suitable for being coupled to a coupling R who

) is housed in a first port 01 of the liner D and which is intended to be connected to a washing liquid supply pipe T (which constitutes a part of a washing device dedicated to at least the glass VT of the tailgate back H), and, secondly, at least a second end E22, adapted to be coupled to at least one nozzle G which is located in the vicinity of the glass VT.

The word "coupled" here means both a direct connection and an indirect connection, ie via at least one other element (such as for example another path).

As illustrated without limitation in the first embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the (inner) lining D comprises on its face

) internal FID, a first channel C1 which is molded and which comprises first E1 1 and second E21 opposite ends. This first end E1 1 of the first channel C1 communicates with the first port 01 of the liner D which is adapted to receive the fitting R.

This connection R can be, for example, type "fir" or type

5 snap-in.

Moreover, this connection R is intended to be connected to a washing liquid supply pipe T.

Such a connection R may be an insert which is clipped into the first orifice 01. However, it is advantageous for it to be produced by molding or overmoulding, in the extension of the first orifice 01 on the side of the external face FED of the liner D. It will be noted that when the fitting R is molded, it is made at the same time. time than the lining D and in the same material as the latter (D), whereas when the fitting R is overmoulded, it is made after the lining D and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from that used to make the latter (D), such as for example polyoxymethylene (or POM).

The first channel C1 is made at the same time as the lining D and in the same material as the latter (D).

In the first exemplary embodiment, the skin P comprises (directly or indirectly) a second channel C2 which is molded and which has a first end E12 and at least a second end E22. The first end E12 is intended to be coupled to the second end E21 of the first channel C1. Each second end E22 is connected to at least one nozzle G which is also part of the aforementioned washing device and which is located in the vicinity of the glass VT. In fact, the nozzle G comprises an inner end which is housed inside the second end E22 of the second channel C2.

Note that in this first example (in particular), the second conduit C2 has only one second end E22 connected to a single nozzle G. But, it (C2) could comprise a second end connected to at least two jets (or a single nozzle having at least two outputs) or at least two second ends each connected to at least one nozzle. This makes it possible to have several remote spraying zones and thus to optimize the washing of the glass VT, contrary to what is done in the prior art.

As illustrated without limitation in the first embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the second channel C2 can be molded on the inner face FIP of the skin P. This is what means above the word "directly".

In this case, the second channel C2 is made at the same time as the skin P and in the same material as the latter (P).

For example, and as illustrated nonlimitingly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the skin P may comprise a second orifice O 2 which communicates with the second end E 22 of the second channel C2 and which is equipped with the nozzle G.

Such a nozzle G may be an insert which is clipped into the second orifice 02. However, it is advantageous for it to be produced by molding or overmoulding, in the extensions of the second orifice O2 on the external FEP and internal FIP faces of the skin P. It will be noted that when the nozzle G is molded, it is produced at the same time as the skin P and in the same material as this last (P), whereas when the nozzle G is overmoulded,

It is made after the skin P and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from that used to make the latter (P), such as for example the POM (optionally treated against ultraviolet).

When assembling and joining the skin P to the lining D, the skin P is translated (according to arrow F in FIG.

) to the liner D (or vice versa) by causing the second end E21 of the first duct C1 to be precisely opposite the first end E12 of the second duct C2, so that the washing liquid can pass from the first duct C1 to the second path C2. It will be noted that in order to reinforce the fluidic sealing at the junction between the first

5 C1 and second C2 molded ducts, it is particularly advantageous, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, that the second end E21 of the first duct C1 or the first end E12 of the second duct C2 is equipped with a seal JE (for example a washer). The seal is then made by crushing the seal JE against the end of the conduit which is

) in front of him.

Once the skin P (with its window VT and its optional optical block B) has been secured to the lining D, the rear hatch H is constituted and can be secured to the structure ST of the vehicle V. There is then only 'to connect the end of the pipe T, which passes through the structure ST via a pass-

5 PG sheath, at the end of the fitting R which projects on the side of the outer face FED of the liner D, which is particularly advantageous in terms of time and cost of assembly. In addition, the ducts being molded, they are no longer likely to induce noises, including washing phase.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the jet G

) is now part of the optical block B (which is located in the vicinity of the glass VT). For example, and as illustrated, one end ("inside") of the nozzle G protrudes on a side face of the optical block B and the second end E22 of the second channel C2 extends substantially to the level of this side face in order to accommodate this inner end of the jet G.

The latter (G) may be an insert which is clipped into openings of the optical block B. However, it is advantageous that it be made by molding or overmolding. Note that when the nozzle G is molded, it is

5 made at the same time as the optical block B and in the same material as the latter (B), whereas when the nozzle G is overmoulded, it is made after the optical block B and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from the one used to make the latter (B).

A second example of a hatchback embodiment H is illustrated no

) in this second example, the lining D comprises, on its inner face FID, a first channel C1 which is molded and which comprises first and second E1 1 E21 opposite ends. This first end E1 1 of the first channel C1 communicates with the first port 01 of the liner D which is adapted to receive the connection R, by

For example, of the "fir" type.

This connection R may be an insert which is clipped into the first orifice 01. However, it is advantageous for it to be produced by molding or overmoulding, in the extension of the first orifice 01 on the side of the outer face FED of the liner D. It will be noted that when the fitting R is molded,

) it is made at the same time as the lining D and in the same material as the latter (D), whereas when the fitting R is overmolded, it is made after the lining D and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from the one used to make the latter (D).

The first channel C1 is made at the same time as the lining D and

5 in the same material as the latter (D).

In this second exemplary embodiment, the skin P does not comprise a second channel C2, but only an optical block B (for example a third stop light) which is located in the vicinity of the window VT and which comprises the nozzle G. The latter (G) includes an inner end which is housed at

) the inside of the second end E21 of the first (and only) channel C1 and the second end E21 is preferably provided with a seal (not shown).

The nozzle G can be a patch which is clipped into However, it is advantageous for it to be produced by molding or overmolding. Note that when the nozzle G is molded, it is made at the same time as the optical block B and in the same material as the latter (B), whereas when the nozzle G is overmoulded, it is made after

5 the optical block B and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from that used to make the latter (B).

When the skin P is assembled and joined to the liner D, the skin P is translated to the liner D (or vice versa) so that the second end E21 of the first duct C1 is

) located precisely in front of the inner end of the jet G.

Note that in this second example (in particular), the first duct C1 has only one second end E21 connected to a single nozzle G. But, it (C1) could comprise a second end connected to at least two jets (or at a single nozzle at least two

5 outputs) or at least two second ends each connected to at least one nozzle. This makes it possible to have several remote spraying zones and thus to optimize the washing of the glass VT, contrary to what is done in the prior art.

In a variant not shown, the lining D comprises, on its face

) internal FID, a first channel C1, which is molded and which comprises first E1 1 and second E21 opposite ends, and the skin P comprises, in the vicinity of its glass VT, an optical block B (for example a third brake light) which comprises, on the one hand, an outer face FEB provided with a second conduit C2 (molded), and, on the other hand, the nozzle G. It will be understood that in this

In this case, the second channel C2 is molded or overmolded on the outer face FEB of the optical block B, and is thus a good part of the skin P once the optical block B has been secured to the latter (P). This is the meaning of the word "indirectly" mentioned above.

This second molded channel C2 comprises first E12 and second

) E22 opposite ends. The first end E12 is intended to be coupled to the second end E21 of the first channel C1, possibly via a seal JE, in the assembly and securing phase of the tailgate H. The second end E22 is connected to the internal end of jet G.

When the second channel C2 is molded, it is produced simultaneously with the optical block B and in the same material as the latter (B), whereas when the second channel C2 is overmolded, it is produced after the optical block B and in a material (plastic or synthetic) that is different from that used to make the latter (B).

In this latter embodiment, the nozzle G may be an insert which is clipped into openings of the optical block B. However, it is advantageous for it to be produced by molding or overmolding. It will be noted that when the nozzle G is molded, it is made at the same time as the optical block B and in the same material as the latter (B), whereas when the nozzle G is overmolded, it is made after the block optical B and in a material (plastic or synthetic) which is different from that used to make the latter (B).

It will be noted, although this does not appear in the various figures, that at least one of the first C1 and second C2 ducts may be equipped with at least one element involved in the washing, such as for example an anti-slip valve. -return or filter. This element can be clipped at a conduit end or integrated into a conduit end.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of tailgate and motor vehicle described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all variants that can be considered by those skilled in the art of the claims below.

Claims

1. Rear hatch (H) for a motor vehicle (V) and comprising an outer skin (P) molded and comprising a window (VT), and an inner liner (D) molded and intended to be secured to said outer skin (P), characterized in that at least one of said inner liner (D) and outer skin (P) comprises a channel (C1, C2) molded and comprising a first end, adapted to be coupled to a fitting (R) housed in a first orifice (01) of said liner (D) and intended to be connected to a washing liquid supply pipe, and at least a second end, adapted to be coupled to at least one nozzle (G) implanted in the vicinity of said window (VT).

2. A tailgate according to claim 1, characterized in that said inner liner (D) comprises, on an inner face (FID), a first channel (C1) molded and comprising first (E1 1) and second (E21) ends , and a first orifice (01) communicating with said first end (E1 1) and adapted to receive said connector (R), and in that said outer skin (P) comprises a second channel (C2) molded and having a first end (E12) for coupling to said second end (E21) of the first channel (C1) and at least a second end (E22) connected to at least one nozzle (G).

3. A tailgate according to claim 2, characterized in that said second channel (C2) is molded on an inner face (FIP) of said outer skin (P).

4. A tailgate according to claim 3, characterized in that said outer skin (P) comprises a second orifice (02) communicating with said second end (E22) of the second channel (C2) and equipped with said nozzle (G).

5. A tailgate according to claim 3, characterized in that said outer skin (P) comprises, in the vicinity of said window (VT), an optical block (B) provided with said nozzle (G).

Rear hatch according to claim 2, characterized in that said outer skin (P) comprises, in the vicinity of said window (VT), an optical block (B) comprising, on the one hand, an outer face (FEB) provided with said second duct (C2), and, on the other hand, said nozzle (G).

7. A tailgate according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said second end (E21) of the first duct (C1) or said first end (E12) of the second duct (C2) is equipped with a seal sealing (JE).

8. A tailgate according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that at least one of said first (C1) and second (C2) ducts is equipped o o at least one element involved in washing.

9. Rear hatch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said nozzle (G) is molded.

10. Rear hatch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said nozzle (G) is overmolded.

15 1 1. Rear hatch according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said connector (R) is molded.

12. Rear tailgate according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said connector (R) is overmolded.

13. A tailgate according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said connection (R) is fir type.

14. Motor vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises a tailgate (H) according to one of the preceding claims.