GB2625202A

GB2625202A - Motor vehicle with divided tailboard assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2625202A
Application number: GB2316319.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Froschle Mathias; Schulzki Markus
Original assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Current assignee: Dr Ing HCF Porsche AG
Priority date: 2023-10-25
Filing date: 2023-10-25
Publication date: 2024-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2043-10-25
Also published as: GB202316319D0; GB2625202B

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle 1 having a divided tailboard/tailgate assembly 20. The vehicle comprises a cargo hold 10 and a tailboard assembly which limits the cargo hold in a closed position. The tailboard assembly comprises an upper tailboard 21 and a lower tailboard 22, wherein the upper tailboard is pivotable upward and the lower tailboard is pivotable downward. In addition, the upper and lower tailboards are configured so as to be independently openable and to seal against one another in the closed position. The cargo hold comprises a dividing rack/shelf 13, which, in the closed position of the tailboard assembly is arranged at the transition between the lower and upper tailboards and is configured so as to divide the cargo hold into an upper and a lower cargo volume 11, 12, wherein the lower cargo volume is only accessible via the lower tailboard and the upper cargo volume 11 is only accessible via the upper tailboard. A sliding seal (23,24 figures 2 and 3) may be provided between the upper and lower tailboards.

Description

I

Motor vehicle with divided tailboard assembly The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a divided tailboard assembly.

Motor vehicles comprising divided tailboard assemblies are known from the prior art. For example, patent document WO 2010 119 080 A2 discloses a tailboard assembly of a motor vehicle that enables only an upper part to be opened, thus independently of a lower part of a tailboard. To open the lower part, however, it is necessary to open the upper part at least for a short time, wherein the upper part can then be closed again. Thus, a sequential opening of the parts is required in order to open the entire tailboard assembly, or to only open the lower part.

Furthermore, tailboard assemblies of motor vehicles are known in the prior art in which a simultaneous opening of the two parts of the divided tailboard assembly can be performed. Reference is made in this regard to documents US 2010 264 689 Al, DE 10 2005 026 871 Al, WO 2019 001 985A1, WO 2005 042 287 Al, DE 10 2005 002 203 Al, and DE 60019694 T2. However, in the systems described, the flexibility that is offered by divided tailboards cannot be fully utilised for different applications.

Therefore, the present invention seeks to provide a motor vehicle that has an improved tailboard assembly and to improve the potential of divided tailboard assemblies in terms of practicality for various applications.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle as claimed in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are included in the dependent claims.

The motor vehicle according to an aspect of the invention comprises a cargo hold and a tailboard assembly which limits the cargo hold in a closed position. The closing position of the tailboard assembly is characterised in that, in this configuration (position), no access to the cargo hold is possible through the tailboard assembly. Accordingly, the open position is the position of the tailboard assembly or a tailboard in which the tailboards cannot be further opened. The tailboard assembly comprises an upper tailboard and a lower tailboard, wherein the upper tailboard is pivotable upward and the lower tailboard is pivotable downward. In addition, the upper and lower tailboards are configured so as to be independently openable, i.e. independently of one another's position, and to seal against one another in the closed position.

The cargo hold comprises a dividing rack, which, in the closed position of the tailboard assembly, is arranged at the transition between the lower and upper tailboards and is configured so as to divide the cargo hold into an upper and a lower cargo volume, wherein, when only one tailboard is open, the lower cargo volume is only accessible via the lower tailboard and the upper cargo volume is only accessible via the upper tailboard.

An increased utility of the divided tailboard can be achieved with the tailboard according to aspects of the invention. Doing so enables the application of various purposes for the different cargo volumes. While the upper cargo volume can be accessed by the simple opening of the upper tailboard, and in particular can function as a secure storage area for smaller and loose objects such as a briefcase, jackets, or the like, which can be stored and accessed at a convenient working height, the lower cargo volume can be used as a compartment for large baggage. Thus, it can be ensured that smaller objects can be conveniently and easily removed from the upper cargo volume via the upper tailboard, while also carrying large bags.

Accordingly, it is also possible to service the lower cargo volume without having to remove or rearrange objects that are in the upper cargo volume. Likewise, by separating the cargo volumes, it can be ensured that small objects are not damaged by the falling or sliding of larger, heavier objects, such as luggage.

One advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a sliding seal between the upper and lower tailboards. A sliding seal should be understood to mean that a flexible sealing element, preferably made of rubber or a similar material, is attached to one of the two tailboards and is pressed against a sealing face provided for this purpose by closing both of the tailboards. It enables the movement of the sealing face, i.e. the one tailboard, as well as the sealing element, i.e. the other tailboard. When the sealing element and the sealing face are merged, the flexible sealing element lightly slides over the sealing face and is flexibly deformed, whereby the sealing element pushes against the sealing face. This deformation produces the sealing effect.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lower tailboard is configured so as to extend horizontally in the open position, and in particular to at least partially lengthen the cargo hold horizontally. Thus, it is ensured that no obstruction is caused while loading or unloading baggage into the lower cargo volume. In contrast, the horizontally protruding lower tailboard can serve as an intermediate storage area for luggage, especially if the handle position on the baggage needs to be changed during loading/unloading.

An embodiment of the invention in which the tailboard at least partially projects below a sill of the tailboard in the open position is further advantageous. A sill is understood to be the edge of the cargo hold at which the lower tailboard connects. By means of such an embodiment, it can be ensured that the lower tailboard does not get in the way during loading/unloading of the lower cargo volume and that the distance between the loading/unloading person and the lower cargo volume does not become too large.

Preferably, the lower tailboard comprises an opening system for the transfer from the closed position into the open position or vice versa, which extends laterally from the cargo hold, in particular between the cargo hold and the panel parts of the body. Thus, a stable and simultaneously space-optimised opening system can be implemented, which also enables the lower tailboard to slide below the sill of the cargo hold into the open position.

In one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower tailboards lock into a shell of the vehicle. The shell constitutes the supporting structure of the body, into which the latch engages in the closing state of the tailboards. Due to the fastening in the shell structure, a secure and space-optimised fastening of the tailboards can be ensured.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cargo hold additionally comprises a cover arranged above the dividing rack and configured so as to be at least partially lifted upon opening of the upper tailboard. The cover prevents the view of objects stored in the upper cargo volume.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in an open position of both the upper and lower tailboards, the cover and/or the dividing rack are configured so as to be collapsible. Thus, they can be collapsed using a preferably provided suspension in the cargo hold or along a provided fold, which functions as a hinge. In this way, the accessibility of the lower cargo volume in particular can be improved.

An embodiment of the invention in which the dividing rack is configured so as to be removable from the cargo hold is further advantageous. In this way, for the transport of particularly bulky objects, the entire cargo hold can be used, as it is no longer divided by the dividing rack, until the dividing rack is replaced. Embodiments of the invention in which the dividing rack is configured so as to be arranged at different positions in the cargo hold are also contemplated. As a result, the size of the upper and lower cargo volumes can be adjusted according to the particular needs.

Preferably, the tailboard assembly, i.e., the movement of the upper and lower tailboards, is electrically operated in order to further increase the comfort of the assembly.

One embodiment and advantageous aspects of the invention will be explained in further detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the tailboard assembly 20 is in the open position; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the seal in a sectional view; Fig. 3 a detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment of the invention in the region of the seal of the tailboard assembly; Fig. 4a a detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment of the invention in the region of the lower tailboard 22 in the closed position; Fig. 4b a detailed view of the vehicle 1 according to the embodiment of the invention in the region of the lower tailboard 22 in the open position.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a rear of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tailboard assembly 20 is divided in two and is composed of an upper tailboard 21 and a lower tailboard 22. The upper tailboard 21 is propped upwards while the lower tailboard 22 is collapsed downwards. In this way, the tailboard assembly 20 is in the open position. The cargo hold 10 visible through the open tailboard assembly 20 is divided by a dividing rack 13 into an upper cargo volume 11 and a lower cargo volume 12. While the lower cargo volume 12 holds large pieces of luggage, there are only smaller items and garments on the dividing rack 13, i.e. in the upper cargo volume 11. With this division, it can be prevented that the smaller items become damaged by the larger items, and it can be achieved that the smaller items do not have to be searched for between the large bags, but rather can be stored neatly and conveniently. The two tailboards 21,22 can be operated separately, as will be explained in further detail with reference to the following figures.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the tailboard assembly 20 in cross-section, in particular in the region of the seal between the upper tailboard 21 and the lower tailboard 22. The seal is formed by a sealing element 23, which is arranged on the upper tailboard 21, and a sealing face 24, which is arranged on the lower tailboard 22. The sealing element 23 consists of a flexible material such as rubber and is preferably arranged in the form of a sealing lip along the entire contact line between the upper tailboard 21 and the lower tailboard 22. By positioning the tailboards 21, 22 in the closed position, the sealing element 23 is easily pressed against the sealing face 24, whereby the sealing element 23 reversibly deforms. The deformation thus imparts a counteracting force on the sealing element 23, whereby it is pressed against the sealing face 24 and the sealing effect is produced.

If the lower tailboard 22 is moved downwards while the upper tailboard 21 closed, the sealing face 24 is moved away from the sealing element 23, as indicated by the lower arrow in Fig. 3, thereby suspending the deformation of the sealing element 23 and releasing the seal. It is also possible to open the upper tailboard 21 while the lower tailboard 22 is closed. For this purpose, as indicated by the second upper arrow of Fig. 3, the upper tailboard 21 is pivoted upwards, whereby the sealing element 23 also loses its deformation and is lifted off the sealing face 24. Accordingly, when the upper tailboard is closed, the motion is reversed.

Upon opening and closing the upper tailboard 21, the sealing element 23 might possibly easily slide over the sealing face 24, which can result in increased wear on the sealing element 23. To prevent this, when the upper tailboard 21 is opened, the lower tailboard 22 can be briefly unlocked and opened a few centimetres until the deformation of the sealing element 23 is suspended. Subsequently, the lower tailboard 21 can be returned to the closed position. This procedure is particularly advantageous in the case of an electrically opening tailboard assembly 20, because the small opening movement can be performed automatically in a manner that is hardly noticeable to the user.

Embodiments are also contemplated in which the sealing element 23 is arranged on the lower tailboard 22 and the sealing face 24 on the upper tailboard 21.

In order to prevent water from collecting in front of the sealing element 23, which could enter the lower cargo volume 12 upon opening of one of the two tailboards 21, 22, corresponding drainage channels (not shown) can be configured in front of the sealing element 23.

Fig. 3 shows a further detailed view of the tailboard assembly 20 in a sectional view. A rear window 211 is arranged in the upper tailboard 21. The lower tailboard 22 contains taillights 221 of the vehicle 1 just below the transition to the upper tailboard 21. The tailboard assembly 20 limits a cargo hold 10 that is divided by a dividing rack 13 into an upper cargo volume 11 and a lower cargo volume 12. The upper cargo volume 11 is only accessible when the upper tailboard 21 is open, while the lower cargo volume 12 can only be used when the lower tailboard 22 is open.

Figs. 4a and 4b show the tailboard assembly 20 of Fig. 3 in the closed position (Fig. 4a) and in a position in which the lower tailboard 22 is opened. For the sake of simplicity, the illustration of the dividing rack 13 (see Fig. 3) has been omitted in these figures.

The cargo hold 10 has a sill 14 at the transition to the lower tailboard 22. A cavity 25 is arranged below this sill 14. When the lower tailboard 22 opens by means of the opening system 222, which is located to the side of the tailboard 10, the lower tailboard 22 pivots downward and extends in its end position partially into the cavity 25 and thus below the sill 14. Thus, the horizontal overhang of the tailboard 22 can be reduced, and it can be ensured that the lower cargo volume 12 can be easily accessed and that there is no hindrance due to the protruding lower tailboard 22 during loading/unloading.

Claims

Claims 1. A motor vehicle comprising a cargo hold, and a tailboard assembly delimiting the cargo hold in a closed position, wherein the tailboard assembly comprises: an upper tailboard and a lower tailboard, wherein the upper tailboard is pivotable upward and the lower tailboard is pivotable downward, wherein the upper tailboard and the lower tailboard are further configured so as to be independently openable and to seal against one another in the closed position, wherein the cargo hold comprises a dividing rack which, in the closed position of the tailboard assembly, is arranged at the transition between the lower tailboard and the upper tailboard and is configured so as to divide the cargo hold into an upper cargo volume and a lower cargo volume, wherein, when only one tailboard is opened, the lower cargo volume is only accessible via the lower tailboard and the upper cargo volume is only accessible via the upper tailboard.
The motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, comprising a sliding seal between the upper tailboard and the lower tailboard.
The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the open position, the lower tailboard is configured so as to extend horizontally and in particular to lengthen the cargo hold.
The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the open position, the lower tailboard projects at least partially below a sill of the cargo hold.
5. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for the transfer from the closed position into the open position and vice versa, the lower tailboard comprises an opening system extending laterally from the cargo hold.
6. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper tailboard and/or the lower tailboard lock into a shell of the vehicle.
The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cargo hold additionally comprises a cover arranged above the dividing rack and configured so as to be at least partially lifted upon opening of the upper tailboard.
The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper tailboard and/or lower tailboard are electrically operated.
9. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing rack is configured so as to be collapsible in an open position of both the upper tailboard and the lower tailboard.
10. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dividing rack is configured so as to be removable from the cargo hold.