Tailgate for a vehicle

The invention relates to a motor vehicle tailgate having the features of The preamble of claim 1st

for a long time are known automobile tailgates a metal / plastic composite construction, both compared to pure plastic flaps as well as to pure metal valves have significant advantages. In both Variants are in the conventional tailgates to cantilevered Constructions exoskeletal having a considerable weight and constitute a special design for each individual case.

The known tailgate in metal / plastic composite construction that here is addressed (WO 98/09833 A1), characterized by use of a supporting frame out of a closed or open hollow metal profile, wherein Outer and inner skin of the trunk lid made of plastic or light metal and are fixed to this support frame. The disk is in the disk area glued to the support frame and corresponding Anklebeflächen covers this laterally protruding from with. The same applies to from Plastic existing Türaußenwandung in the wall.

In addition to the considerable advantage in terms of the weight of the prior known art, previously explained tailgate, arising more Advantages. Installation of Türaußenwandung is independent of their design. The attachments can be mounted at the end, because the Türaußenwandung and then the disk at the end to the supporting frame be placed. The tool costs are substantially lower than in Tailgate exoskeletal. The color choice is largely flexible because it is determined by the Türaußenwandung decisively. The basic construction may always be identical. Finally, it is advantageous that these Tailgate mounted on the circuit separately to the body of the motor vehicle can be.

is a problem in the tailgate known from the prior art However, the fact that the Türaußenwandung as the disk to the supporting frame must be bonded. This is in case of damage of the tailgate disadvantageous. In addition, the assembly with respect to the bonding in modern motor vehicles to be maintained small joint widths a difficult Manufacturing process.

The above-explained basic concept of a hatchback is already in an advantageous been adapted and further developed manner (DE 199 38 511 A1). In this tailgate, from which the invention proceeds, the supporting frame is in the Wall region provided with an open to the outside insertion channel, while Türaußenwandung a protruding to the inside Einsteckflansch by means of which it is inserted into the insertion channel. In the area the connection profile, there is a corresponding plug-in channel, so that overall Türaußenwandung on the wall portion of the supporting frame can be plugged.

So far, only a motor vehicle tailgate with a fixed Disc explained. but are also known automobile tailgates with a self-turn hinged plate. This hinged Disc is then fixed to the connection profile by means of a closure element. They can be opened when needed, ie pivoted.

Automobile tailgates with itself again swing-discs from the prior art only in the very initially described construction, So known exoskeletal. Applying the in-shell construction realized mounting a hinged plate on the concept of supporting frame tailgate (DE 199 38 511 A1), it must be from the support frame at the top come off on comprehensive disk, because there on the supporting frame the disc pivotally articulating hinges are attached. You get such a sealing problem at the top of the disc and an impairment of the field of view. The fact is that when one tailgate with turn hinged disc regularly but only the shell structure realized.

The teaching is based on the problem, one after the prior Technique known lightweight concept with supporting frame designed motor vehicle tailgate indicate that fixed for use with Disc and with hinged disc is ideal and a comprises basic design, the suitable universally as possible for both variants is.

The aforementioned problem solves the inventive motor vehicle tailgate with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments and developments are subject matter of the dependent claims. A independent, sibling teaching is the subject of claim. 9

According to the invention it is possible to realize a motor vehicle tailgate, the hinged back with both a fixed disc and with a self- Disc can be fitted. For both versions, the basic design the tailgate is practically the same, about 90% of the parts of the tailgate are the same for both versions. The basic idea of ​​the invention is therein, the movable hinge parts of the hinged plate by means of also hinge elements to the stationary hinge blocks where the tailgate is pivoted total to store. It has been so for the tailgate and the hinged disc one and the same axis of rotation and makes it possible that the disc even if it is itself hinged, the Supporting frame continues to have understood all over. Seal problems occur so also at the upper edge of the supporting frame does not occur. The field of view of the tailgate in the disk area is for the tailgate with opening disc no less than for the trunk lid with fixed disk.

In particularly preferred teaching is the support frame to the universal Applicability with fixed or hinged plate prepared by that forms the supporting frame metal profile in a disk portion Mounting for a window seal for a folding Disc and on the outside of an adhesive surface for a fixed comprising disk.

Of particular importance is a further embodiment, which is characterized is that the hinge brackets with the mounting area for the respective hinge member over the upper edge of the support frame upwards survive. By thus arranged hinge tabs are the attachment regions of the hinge elements above the upper edge of the supporting frame and can range from the movable hinge parts of the disc, which the supporting frame so about sums up or can grasp readily be achieved.

In the base-forming prior art (DE 199 38 511 A1) ready been explained that the hinges of the support frame normally will be attached to the upper transverse profile which also for this purpose may be reinforced. An alternative is already proposed to the effect been, that the supporting frame is guided arcuately at the upper corners and that the hinge tabs in the upper lateral regions of the support frame are mounted and the mounting area for the respective Hinge member are in the free gussets outside of the supporting frame. This variation can be even with the tailgate according to the invention appropriate use, because here then immediately has the area where the movable hinge parts of the disc when using a hinged can attack disc on the hinge elements.

Of particular importance is the embodiment of the invention Tailgate with a arranged at the upper edge of the supporting frame spoiler to. In the prior art (DE 199 38 511 A1), such a spoiler is provided and completely mounted on the fixed disk. In the present Case it is recommended that the spoiler with fixed disk - preferably only - on the hinge tabs and lift-disc - preferably only - is mounted on the moving hinge parts. Of the Spoiler will have a substructure generally that this attachment , Allowed by welding or, preferably by screwing.

The sibling, independent teaching of the invention relates to a tailgate the construction already described fundamentally that characterized is that on the supporting frame in the wall an edge projecting adapter member attached, in particular welded and / or is screwed, which has a protruding edge for crimping the edge the Türaußenwandung forms. This one creates a more classic attachment options for a metal sheet, in particular as light sheet metal executed Türaußenwandung without special profiles in Metal section of the support frame to have to train. This is particularly expedient if the metal section of the support frame made of steel.

In the following the invention reference being made to embodiments drawing depicting explained. In the drawings<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>a supporting frame of a motor vehicle tailgate according to the invention flap in a tailgate ago in a view from the outside,</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>the supporting frame of Fig. 1, now from the inside of view, already provided with externally applied attachments,</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>the upper edge portion of a tailgate according to the invention with pivotally hinged plate,</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>a section in the area of ​​the disk carrier of Fig. 3,</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>the hinge region of a tailgate according to the invention with hinged Disc,</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>the hinge region of a tailgate according to the invention having fixed Disc.</dd></dl>

The object of the invention is a lightweight motor vehicle tailgate with support frame. This hatchback has a first metal as a profile, in particular designed as a metal hollow section and essentially encircling Supporting frame 1. This support frame 1 can be seen in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows that the support frame 1 comprises an upper disc portion and a lower wall area forms. At the transition from disk portion and wall area is in the supporting frame 1 transversely arranged a connection profile 2, likewise designed as a metal section, in particular hollow metal section, arranged.

FIG. 2 shows the completed with attachments tailgate to the supporting frame 1, now seen from the inside. One recognizes a disc in the area fastened to the support frame 1 disc 3. In the embodiment shown is it about a fixed, glued to the support frame 1 Disk 3. In the wall portion can be seen on the supporting frame 1, a there fortified Türaußenwandung 4. In disk area at the top of The supporting frame 1 are connected to the supporting frame 1 movable hinge straps 5 mounted that when mounted tailgate with fixed to a body part 6 (Fig. 4, 5 and 6) mounted stationary hinge blocks 7 (Fig. 5 and 6) are connectable. The fixed body part 6 is, for example, the roof frame of a respective body aperture, at the the stationary hinge blocks 7 attached for hanging the tailgate, in particular screwed.

The attachment of the movable hinge straps 5 of the tailgate to the stationary hinge blocks 7 of the body part 6 by means of a Hinge element 8, which is in particular to a hinge pin is forming the corresponding pivot axis. A hinge element 8 is not to be understood as a figure, it may well be that the concrete hinge construction having multiple hinge pins. It is not necessary so that the hinging elements 8 to hinge tabs and hinge blocks 5 7 are separate parts. You can also use one of the two elements involved be integral.

Fig. 2 can be various other modules of the tailgate recognize indicated, For example, an attached on the connecting profile 2 wiper unit 9. Furthermore, one recognizes a cutout 10 in the Türaußenwandung 4 for mounting a license plate assembly. After all can be seen at the bottom of the supporting frame 1, a trunk lid lock eleventh

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 belong together and illustrate the upper corner region and Sections of a tailgate according to the invention with a turn hinged Washer 3. In contrast, FIG. 6 shows a Fig. 5 section corresponding at a tailgate with a fixed disk. 3

First, one can clearly see that the hinge tabs 5 arranged are formed and that, when execution of the tailgate with a turn folding plate 3, as shown in Fig. 3, 4 and 5, to the disk 3 Inappropriate movable hinge parts 14 by means of hinge elements 8 pivotally connected also with the stationary hinge blocks 7 are. In Fig. 3 it can be seen the the hinge member 8 forming Hinge pin, the side to the right over the stationary hinge bracket 7 protrudes and there as a pivot axis, the movable hinge part 14 of the Disc 3 carries. The movable hinge part 14 is in turn by a conventional large-area wafer carrier 15 with the movable disk 3 connected. FIG. 4 shows this typical screw connection of the wheel carrier 15 on the disc 3rd

That the support frame 1 forming metal hollow profile, here as by Fold produced, stretch-bent steel hollow section, has in the disk area a mounting flange 16 for a disk seal 17 for the hinged disc 3. Also evident on the inside of The supporting frame 1, a contact surface for the previously mentioned sealing flap 13, the corresponding on the stationary body part 6 to a Body part 6 is attached to a respective tube mounting. Further, the support frame 1 on the outer side is an adhesive surface 18 for a fixed sheave 3. The adhesive surface 18 is at Ausrührungsbeispiel not used by FIG. 4. There, the disc seal 17 is provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the mounting flange 16 is unused, a disk seal 17 does not exist, because they fixed in Plate 3 is not necessary. Here, the adhesive surface is 18 am Supporting frame 1 used. It is important that the support frame 1 for the tailgate with fixed disk 3 can be used in the same manner as for Tailgate with lift-turn washer 3. The support frame 1 is for Both variants have been designed to prepare.

make FIG. 3 to 6 clearly that elsewhere, namely in the Hinges, the construction is made such that the tailgate in principle is used for both variants without major changes. Namely, it is here provided that the hinge tabs 5 with the mounting region for the respective hinge member 8 over the upper edge of the supporting frame 1 project upwards. This makes it particularly easy, that the Hinge portions 14 of the turn hinged plate 3 also by the Hinge element 8 to the stationary hinge blocks 7 pivotally can be connected, without special constructive measures having to make. Such additional constructive measures might otherwise for example in angularly the supporting frame 1 comprising Hinged joints o. The like. Exist. All of this is in the illustrated here Construction is not necessary. The disc 3 can the supporting frame 1 be on hold and immediately sealed against the support frame 1, which for the whole construction is of considerable advantage.

Already in the general part of the description has been noted that of the prior art (DE 199 38 511 A1) hinge tabs 5 known are mounted in the upper lateral regions of the support frame 1 are. This is particularly advantageous when the supporting frame 1 is guided arcuately on the upper corners. This is also shown in Embodiment so provided and in any case at a stretch bent Metal hollow profile as a support frame 1 does not permit otherwise. The in the upper corners remaining free gusset can so for assembly the hinge tabs 5, the hinging elements 8 and folding Disc 3 of the movable hinge parts 14 are used. Then, the hinge straps must 5 the upper edge of the support frame 1 does not or at least not as far as otherwise required overtop.

The illustrated and insofar preferred embodiment shows, however, the classic further inwardly offset at the upper edge of the supporting frame 1 arranged hinge tabs. 5

From the state of the art is the use of a body component already at the upper edge of the support frame 1, the transition regions, the covers here. It is a disc in the area above the upper edge of the support frame 1 and protruding at the top on the Disk 3 resting spoiler 19. The spoiler 19 is made of an angle-shaped, usually made of plastic outer part 19a and a generally made of metal, the mounting of the spoiler 19 serving inner part 19b. So in any case here the structure in the illustrated embodiment, met.

Fig. Figure 6 shows the attachment. the spoiler 19 such at fixed disk 3, that the spoiler 19 is mounted on the hinge tabs. 5 One notices the screw fastening 20 in FIG. 6

Fig. 4 and 5 on the other hand show the mounting of the spoiler 19 in itself hinged Washer 3. It can be seen here that the spoiler with the hinge tabs 5 is not connected. That would be not appropriate because the Spoiler 19 rests on the plate 3 and with the plate 3 relative to the must be supporting frame 1 pivotally. Accordingly is provided, and showing Fig. 4 that the spoiler 19, namely the inner part 19b, here with the movable hinge parts 14 of the movable plate 3 is connected. More specifically, the inner part 19b of the spoiler 19 is the wafer carrier 15 with attached, which in turn is part of the movable hinge part fourteenth

It has already been pointed out that in the illustrated embodiment, and according to the preferred teaching, the support frame 1 as curved stretch Metal hollow profile, in particular as a hollow metal section made of steel, is executed. This can be seen in the drawing in the merge the protruding ends of the metal hollow profile on the mounting flange sixteenth There, these protruding ends are welded together. course it also possible, which is of the initially described prior art well known, the metal hollow section as an extruded and curved stretch Profile of light metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy produce or other light alloys.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 1 moreover shows a supporting frame, which, as known per se, consisting of an upper U-shaped part to form the Disc portion and a lower U-section for the formation of the wall portion exists, which are welded together at their ends. As a result, is thus around the entire periphery of the support frame. 1 For further Alternatives in this regard also to the initially explained prior art (DE 199 38 511 A1) pointed.

The embodiment a particularly preferred illustrated in Fig. 3 Construction of a tailgate according to the invention is further distinguished by out that the folding plate 3 at the upper corners to the top projecting corner regions 21, into which the movable hinge parts 14 are attached to the disc 3, here namely by means of the disc carrier 15 of the movable hinge parts 14. In between the corner areas 21 lying area is the hinged plate 3 less far upwards hoisted. This is readily possible because that area of ​​the disc 3 anyway from the spoiler 19, namely from the outer portion 19a of the spoiler 19, covered becomes.

Fig. 2 can be yet another feature of the invention recognize the fact consists in that the support frame 1 in the wall an edge projecting Adapter part 22 is attached, in particular welded or screwed is that a protruding edge for crimping the edge of Türaußenwandung 4 forms. Thus, a typical, made of sheet metal Türaußenwandung 4 without further details, in particular with a classical production technology, the support frame 1, which as a circulating is executed hollow metal section, are attached. Moreover, the adapter part 22, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2, also Attachment regions 23 have, on the other, already mentioned above Assemblies of the tailgate can be mounted conveniently. In order to is a functional separation between the support frame 1 and the adapter part 22 reaches, constructive to an optimal design of the invention Tailgate leads.