(19)
(11)EP 3 096 981 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
23.09.2020 Bulletin 2020/39

(21)Application number: 15701284.0

(22)Date of filing:  09.01.2015
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
B60R 5/04(2006.01)
B60R 9/06(2006.01)
(86)International application number:
PCT/US2015/010791
(87)International publication number:
WO 2015/106082 (16.07.2015 Gazette  2015/28)

(54)

LIFTGATE CARGO MODULE

HECKKLAPPE LADEMODUL

MODULE DE FRET HAYON


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(30)Priority: 09.01.2014 US 201461925424 P

(43)Date of publication of application:
30.11.2016 Bulletin 2016/48

(73)Proprietor: Magna International Inc.
Aurora, ON L4G 7K1 (CA)

(72)Inventor:
  • KOWALSKI, Steven, M.
    Royal Oak, MI 48073 (US)

(74)Representative: Glawe, Delfs, Moll 
Partnerschaft mbB von Patent- und Rechtsanwälten Postfach 13 03 91
20103 Hamburg
20103 Hamburg (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
EP-A1- 1 028 016
AT-U1- 7 260
DE-A1-102005 011 682
DE-A1-102011 121 324
EP-A2- 1 977 930
DE-A1-102005 002 203
DE-A1-102007 039 199
US-A1- 2012 061 985
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS



    [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/925,424, filed January 9, 2014.

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION



    [0002] The present invention relates to an integrated tailgate that unfolds from a hatch or liftgate in order to form a liftgate cargo module.

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION



    [0003] In order to haul larger or longer items that extend beyond the cargo area of a vehicle, typically a hatch or liftgate must be kept open or tied shut while the longer item extends beyond the cargo area of the vehicle. Different systems have been developed that extend or allow longer items to be hauled. For example, prior art documents AT 007260 U1 and DE10 2005 011 682 disclose vehicles with back panels that extend into a load floor besides roof racks for hauling longer items such as kayaks, bicycles, snow skis or luggage have been developed. Additionally, racks that connect to trunks and trailer hitches have also been developed for carrying larger or longer items. However, these different structures are typically add-on structures that are connected or mounted to the vehicle and are not necessarily part of or integral with the vehicle. It is therefore desirable to develop a modified hatch or liftgate that allows items to be loaded through a pass-through door and are loaded or secured on an integrated tailgate style door that eliminates the need for add-on items and also allow for longer items to be passed through the interior cargo space and extend through a hatch to the exterior of the vehicle.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0004] The present invention relates to a liftgate cargo module with the features as defined by claim 1. The liftgate cargo module comprises an integrated tailgate that may unfold from a hatch or liftgate of a vehicle. The integrated tailgate adds additional storage and provides a cargo load floor. When the integrated hatch is unfolded there is an integrated pass through door formed in the hatch or liftgate that permits longer items to be hauled, while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed. The integrated tailgate also includes or may include an integrated tailgate taillight that indicates when the vehicle is braking or backing up. The integrated tailgate taillight also helps to show that the integrated tailgate is folded down from and extending from the hatch or liftgate of the vehicle. Additionally, the integrated tailgate also may include integrated anchor points formed on the cargo load floor of the integrated tailgate that allow for items to be tied down and secured. According to the present invention, the liftgate cargo module comprises an all-weather enclosure which is connectable to the cargo load floor for enclosing contents that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate.

    [0005] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0006] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

    Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle liftgate having a liftgate cargo module installed wherein the integrated tailgate is in the deployed position;

    Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle tailgate having the integrated tailgate in an un-deployed position;

    Fig. 3 is a side perspective view of a vehicle having a deployed tailgate with an item attached;

    Fig. 4 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having a deployed tailgate with an item attached;

    Fig. 5 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having a deployed tailgate with the pass through door open;

    Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of a vehicle having a deployed tailgate with the pass through door open and oversized items extending through the pass through door;

    Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having a deployed tailgate with the pass through door open and oversized items extending through the pass through door;

    Fig. 8 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle tailgate with the integrated tailgate in the deployed position and a soft enclosure for enclosing items on the cargo load floor of the integrated tailgate;

    Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle tailgate with the integrated tailgate in the deployed position and a hard enclosure with a moveable door for enclosing items on the cargo load floor of the integrated tailgate; and

    Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle tailgate with the integrated tailgate in the deployed position and a hard enclosure with a locking door for enclosing items on the cargo load floor of the integrated tailgate.


    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS



    [0007] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

    [0008] Referring now to all of the drawings generally, a liftgate cargo module arrangement 10 is shown being connected to a vehicle 12 having an outside panel 14. The outside panel 14 has an integrated tailgate 16 connected which serves as a cargo holder for the liftgate cargo module arrangement 10 depicted in the present embodiment of the present invention. The integrated tailgate 16 connects to the outside panel 14 and pivots between a deployed position 18 and an un-deployed position 20. The outside panel 14 has exterior surface 22 that is continuous with an exterior surface 21 of the integrated tailgate 16 when the integrated tailgate 16 is in the un-deployed position 20. This allows for the integrated tailgate 16 to be hidden or appear to be part of the vehicle 12 outside panel 14 when in the un-deployed position since the exterior surface 22 of the outside panel 14 will be smooth and continuous with the exterior surface 21 of the integrated tailgate 16.

    [0009] When the integrated tailgate 16 is in the deployed position 18, a cargo load floor 24 of the integrated tailgate 16 is accessible and can be used for holding items 26 that are to be stowed using the integrated tailgate 16. The item(s) 26 can rest on the cargo load floor 24 and can be connected or tied down using a rope, chain, cable or bungee cord 27 connected between anchor points 28 formed on the surface of the cargo load floor 24 and vehicle 12.

    [0010] In certain embodiments, items 26 may be long or too large to be stowed only on the cargo load floor 24. In another aspect of the invention, the outside panel 14 has a pass through door 30 that is adjacent the cargo load floor 24 for allowing an item(s) 26 to extend from the cargo load floor 24 on the outside of the vehicle 12 through the pass through door 30, into the interior of the vehicle 12. This is suitable for longer items such as skis, pieces of wood or any other larger item that cannot be stowed in the interior of the vehicle 12, without extending past the vehicle interior to the outside of the vehicle 12.

    [0011] In another aspect of the invention, the integrated tailgate 16 has an integrated taillight 32 that can be illuminated when the vehicle is driving at night, turning, braking or backing up in order to signal other vehicles and persons in the area. In another aspect of the invention, the integrated tailgate 16 has a license plate holder 34 that is connected to the integrated tailgate 6 or pivotally connected to the exterior surface 22 of the integrated tailgate 16 so that the license plate holder 34 moves or pivots relative to the exterior surface 22 and be seen when the integrated tailgate 16 is in the deployed position 18.

    [0012] Referring now to Fig. 8, another embodiment is shown not being part of the invention which includes a soft all-weather enclosure 36 that is configured to connect to the integrated tailgate 16 and cover the cargo load floor 24 for protecting items 26 from being exposed to the outside elements. This all-weather enclosure 36 is a soft material that connects to the outside panel 14 of the vehicle using a fastener 38 such as a zipper, buttons or Velcro® in order to cover or enclose the area of the pass through door 30. Additionally, the all-weather enclosure 36 includes an aperture 40 that has a zipper, Velcro® or other fastener that allows for accessing the items 26 inside of the all-weather closure 36 from the outside of the vehicle. Figs. 9 and 10 show an alternate embodiment of an all-weather enclosure 42 that is a hard enclosure 42 having a fastener 44 for connecting the hard enclosure 42 to the outside panel 14 of the vehicle 12. The hard enclosure 42 has a door 46 that can be moved between an open and closed position allowing access to the items 26 within the hard enclosure 42. Additionally, the door 46 of the hard enclosure 42 has a lock 48 for locking the door in place and has seals 50 for preventing moisture from getting inside of the hard enclosure 42.


    Claims

    1. A liftgate cargo module (10) comprising:

    an outside panel (14) of a vehicle (12);

    an integrated tailgate (16), which is connected to the outside panel (14) and forming part of the outside panel (14), the integrated tailgate (16) is movable between a deployed position (18) and an undeployed position (20) wherein the integrated tailgate (16) when in the deployed position (18) forms an exterior surface (22) of the outside panel (14) of the vehicle;

    a cargo load floor (24) of the integrated tailgate (16) that is accessible when the integrated tailgate (16) is in the deployed position (18); characterized by

    an all-weather enclosure (42) connectable to the cargo floor (24) for enclosing contents (26) that are being hauled on the integrated tailgate (16), wherein the all-weather enclosure (42) is a hard enclosure (42) having a fastener (44) for connecting the hard enclosure (42) to the outside panel (14) of the vehicle (12), wherein the hard enclosure (42) includes a door (46) that is moveable between an open and closed position, the door (46) includes a lock (48) for locking the door (46) in the closed position and seals (50) for preventing moisture from getting inside of the hard enclosure (42).


     
    2. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 1, further comprising an integrated pass through door (30) formed through the outside panel (14) of the vehicle (12) behind the integrated tailgate (16), wherein the integrated pass through door (30) is exposed when the integrated tailgate (16) is in the deployed position (18) and allows for longer items (26) to be hauled while keeping the outside panel (14) of the vehicle (12) closed.
     
    3. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 1, further comprising an integrated tailgate taillight (32) connected to the integrated tailgate (16) that indicates whether the vehicle (12) is braking or backing up.
     
    4. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 1, further comprising integrated anchor points (28) formed on the cargo load floor (24) of the integrated tailgate (16) allowing items (26) to be tied down and secured.
     
    5. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 1 wherein the hard enclosure (42) has foldable hard panels for enclosing a storage area on the cargo load floor (24) of the integrated tailgate (16).
     
    6. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 1, further comprising a license plate holder (34) connected to the integrated tailgate (16) for displaying the license plate.
     
    7. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 6, wherein the license plate holder (34) is pivotably connected to an exterior surface (21) of the integrated tailgate (16) so that the license plate holder (34) moves or pivots relative to the exterior surface (21) and can be seen when the integrated tailgate (16) is in the deployed position (18).
     
    8. The liftgate cargo module (10) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the integrated tailgate unfolds from a hatch or liftgate to add additional storage and provides a cargo load floor.
     
    9. The liftgate cargo module (10) of claim 8, wherein an integrated pass through door (30) formed in the hatch or liftgate permits longer items (26) to be hauled while keeping the hatch or liftgate completely closed.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Heckklappenlademodul (10), das Folgendes umfasst:

    ein Außenblech (14) eines Fahrzeugs (12);

    eine integrierte Heckklappe (16), die mit dem Außenblech (14) verbunden ist und einen Teil des Außenblechs (14) bildet, wobei die integrierte Heckklappe (16) zwischen einer ausgeklappten Position (18) und einer nicht ausgeklappten Position (20) bewegbar ist, wobei die integrierte Heckklappe (16), wenn in der ausgeklappten Position (18), eine äußere Oberfläche (22) des Außenblechs (14) des Fahrzeugs bildet;

    einen Ladeboden (24) der integrierten Heckklappe (16), der zugänglich ist, wenn die integrierte Heckklappe (16) in der ausgeklappten Position (18) ist;

    ein Allwettergehäuse (42), verbindbar mit dem Ladeboden (24) zum Umschließen von Inhalten (26), die auf der integrierten Heckklappe (16) befördert werden, wobei das Allwettergehäuse (42) ein hartes Gehäuse (42) mit einem Befestigungselement (44) zum Verbinden des harten Gehäuses (42) an dem Außenblech (14) des Fahrzeugs (12) ist, wobei das harte Gehäuse (42) eine Klappe (46) umfasst, die zwischen einer offenen und einer geschlossenen Position bewegbar ist, wobei die Klappe (46) ein Schloss (48) zum Verschließen der Klappe (46) in der geschlossenen Position und Dichtungen (50) zum Verhindern, dass Feuchtigkeit in das Innere des harten Gehäuses (42) gelangt, umfasst.


     
    2. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend eine integrierte Durchgangsklappe (30), gebildet durch das Außenblech (14) des Fahrzeugs (12) hindurch hinter der integrierten Heckklappe (16), wobei die integrierte Durchgangsklappe (30) freiliegt, wenn die integrierte Heckklappe (16) in der ausgeklappten Position (18) ist, und ermöglicht, dass längere Gegenstände (26) befördert werden können, während das Außenblech (14) des Fahrzeugs (12) geschlossen gehalten wird.
     
    3. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend ein integriertes Heckklappenschlusslicht (32), verbunden mit der integrierten Heckklappe (16), das anzeigt, ob das Fahrzeug (12) bremst oder rückwärts fährt.
     
    4. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend integrierte Ankerpunkte (28), gebildet am Ladeboden (24) der integrierten Heckklappe (16), die es ermöglichen, dass Gegenstände (26) festgebunden und gesichert werden können.
     
    5. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das harte Gehäuse (42) umklappbare harte Platten zum Umschließen eines Staubereichs auf dem Ladeboden (24) der integrierten Heckklappe (16) aufweist.
     
    6. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend einen Nummernschildhalter (34), verbunden mit der integrierten Heckklappe (16), zum Anzeigen des Nummernschildes.
     
    7. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Nummernschildhalter (34) schwenkbar mit einer äußeren Oberfläche (21) der integrierten Heckklappe (16) verbunden ist, sodass sich der Nummernschildhalter (34) relativ zu der äußeren Oberfläche (21) bewegt und schwenkt und zu sehen ist, wenn die integrierte Heckklappe (16) in der ausgeklappten Position (18) ist.
     
    8. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die integrierte Heckklappe aus einem Schrägheck oder einer Heckklappe ausklappt, um zusätzlichen Stauraum hinzuzufügen, und einen Ladeboden bildet.
     
    9. Heckklappenlademodul (10) nach Anspruch 8, wobei eine integrierte Durchgangsklappe (30), die im Schrägheck oder in der Heckklappe gebildet ist, ermöglicht, dass längere Gegenstände (26) befördert werden können, während das Schrägheck oder die Heckklappe vollständig geschlossen gehalten werden.
     


    Revendications

    1. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) comprenant :

    un panneau extérieur (14) d'un véhicule (12) ;

    un hayon intégré (16) qui est connecté au panneau extérieur (14) et qui fait partie du panneau extérieur (14), le hayon intégré (16) est déplaçable entre une position déployée (18) et une position non déployée (20), dans lequel le hayon intégré (16), quand il est dans la position déployée (18), forme une surface extérieure (22) du panneau extérieur (14) du véhicule ;

    un plancher de chargement de fret (24) du hayon intégré (16) est accessible quand le hayon intégré (16) est dans la position déployée (18) ; caractérisée par une enceinte de protection tout temps (42) pouvant être connectée au plancher de chargement (24) pour enfermer des contenus (16) qui sont transportés sur le hayon intégré (16), dans laquelle l'enceinte de protection tout temps (42) est une enceinte dure (42) ayant une attache (44) pour connecter l'enceinte dure (42) au panneau extérieur (14) du véhicule (12), dans laquelle l'enceinte dure (42) inclut une porte (46) qui est déplaçable entre une position ouverte et une position fermée, la porte (46) inclut un verrou (48) destiné à verrouiller la porte (46) dans la position fermée et des joints (50) destinés à empêcher l'humidité de pénétrer à l'intérieur de l'enceinte dure (42).


     
    2. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une porte traversante de passage intégrée (30) formée à travers le panneau extérieur (14) du véhicule (12) derrière le hayon intégré (16), dans lequel la porte traversante de passage intégrée (30) est exposée quand le hayon intégré (16) est dans la position déployée (18), et permet aux articles longs (26) d'être transportés tout en gardant le panneau extérieur (14) du véhicule (12) fermé.
     
    3. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre une lumière arrière de hayon intégrée (32) connectée au hayon intégré (16), qui indique si le véhicule (12) est en train de freiner ou de reculer.
     
    4. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre des points d'ancrage intégrés (28) formés sur le plancher de chargement de fret (24) du hayon intégré (16) permettant aux articles (26) être attachés et sécurisés.
     
    5. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'enceinte dure (42) a des panneaux durs repliables pour enfermer une aire de stockage sur le plancher de chargement de fret (24) du hayon intégré (16).
     
    6. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un support de plaque d'immatriculation (34) connecté au hayon intégré (16) pour afficher la plaque d'immatriculation.
     
    7. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le support de plaque d'immatriculation (34) est connecté de manière pivotante à une surface extérieure (26) du hayon intégré (16) de sorte que le support de plaque d'immatriculation (34) se déplace ou pivote relativement à la surface extérieure (21) et peut être vu quand le hayon intégré (16) est dans la position déployée (18).
     
    8. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel le hayon intégré se déplie depuis une trappe ou porte relevable pour ajouter un stockage additionnel et fournir un plancher de chargement de fret.
     
    9. Porte relevable formant module de fret (10) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle une porte traversante de passage intégrée (30) formée dans la trappe ou porte relevable permet à de longs articles (26) d'être transportés tout en gardant la trappe ou porte relevable complètement fermée.
     




    Drawing




















    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description