VEHICLE TAILGATE LOCKING SYSTEM

Abstract

A vehicle assembly includes a tailgate frame subassembly. The frame subassembly has a cargo bed access opening. The vehicle assembly also includes a tailgate door subassembly. The door subassembly is pivotally coupled to the frame subassembly. The door subassembly pivots back and forth between an open and a closed door position relative to the frame subassembly. In the closed door position, the door subassembly closes the cargo bed access opening. A locking system holds the door subassembly in the closed door position. The locking system includes a striker bracket that incorporates a striker post and a bumper flange configured to move together when the striker bracket is adjusted.At least one bumper is compressed against the bumper flange when the door subassembly is in the closed door position.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a vehicle tailgate and in particular to a locking system that holds a tailgate door subassembly in a closed position while restricting lateral movements of the door subassembly. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many motor vehicles typically include cargo areas for transporting various types of cargo. A pickup truck, for example, includes a cargo bed that defines the truck's cargo space. A tailgate typically encloses one end of the cargo bed. The tailgate can be moved into an open position to provide access to the cargo bed. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly comprising: a tailgate frame subassembly, wherein the frame subassembly has a cargo bed access opening; a tailgate door subassembly, wherein the door subassembly is pivotally coupled to the frame subassembly, the door subassembly being pivotable relative to the frame subassembly between an open door position and a closed door position, the door subassembly closing the cargo bed access opening in the closed door position; a locking system that holds the door subassembly in the closed door position, the locking system comprising a striker bracket including a striker post and a bumper flange configured to move together when the striker bracket is adjusted;and at least one bumper that is compressed against the bumper flange when the door subassembly is in the closed door position.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the frame subassembly includes a first external section on a driver's side of the loading platform access opening and a second external section on a passenger's side of the loading platform access opening.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the latch bracket includes a base, with the latch post and the bumper flange extending transversely from the base into the loading platform access opening.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where the locking bar bracket is mounted on the frame subassembly.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where the locking bar bracket is adjustable and mounted on the frame subassembly.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly in which at least one bumper is mounted on the bumper flange.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the striker bracket includes an inner washer and an outer washer located a distance from the inner washer, and further comprising an anchoring bracket having at least one tooth projecting into an area between the inner washer and the outer washer when the door subassembly is in the closed door position, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to contact the inner washer to limit movement of the door subassembly away from the frame subassembly, and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to contact the outer washer to limit movement of the door subassembly towards the frame subassembly.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the locking bar bracket includes an anchoring post that has the inner disc and the outer disc.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the locking bar bracket is secured to the frame subassembly and the anchoring bracket is secured to the door subassembly.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly in which the anchoring post is located between the bumper flange and the locking bar post.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where the locking post is located in front of the anchoring post.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, where at least one tooth includes an upper tooth and a lower tooth.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly wherein the door subassembly and the frame subassembly together are pivotable about a first axis between a closed tailgate position and an open tailgate position, wherein the door subassembly is pivotable about a second axis relative to the frame subassembly between the closed door position and the open door position, the first axis being transverse to the second axis.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly wherein the frame subassembly and the door subassembly are pivotable together about a horizontally extending axis, wherein the door subassembly is configured to pivot about a vertically extending axis relative to the frame subassembly.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a vehicle assembly, wherein the loading platform access opening extends vertically downwards at least to the floor of a loading platform.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a tailgate assembly comprising: a frame subassembly having a cargo bed access opening; a door subassembly pivotally coupled to the frame subassembly, wherein the door subassembly and the frame subassembly are pivotable about a horizontally extending axis between a closed tailgate position and an open tailgate position, wherein the door subassembly is pivotable about a vertically extending axis with respect to the frame subassembly between an open door position and a closed door position, wherein in the closed door position the door subassembly closes the cargo bed access opening;and a locking system that holds the door subassembly in the closed door position, the locking system comprising a strike plate bracket mounted on the frame subassembly and an anchoring bracket mounted on the door subassembly, the strike plate bracket comprising a strike plate post and an anchoring post having an inner washer and an outer washer, the anchoring bracket comprising at least one tooth inserted between the inner washer and the outer washer when the door subassembly is in the closed door position.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a tailgate assembly which further includes a base and a bumper flange of the latch bracket, wherein the bumper flange, the latch post and the anchor post extend transversely from the base into the loading platform access opening, the base being secured directly to the frame subassembly.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a tailgate assembly which further includes at least one bumper inserted between the bumper flange and the anchoring bracket when the door subassembly is in the closed door position.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a tailgate assembly, wherein at least one bumper is mounted on the bumper flange. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings accompanying the detailed description can be summarized as follows. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo space and featuring a tailgate assembly in a closed tailgate position relative to the cargo space. Fig. 2 illustrates the motor vehicle from Fig. 1 with the tailgate assembly in an open tailgate position. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the motor vehicle from Fig. 1 with a door sub-assembly of the tailgate assembly in an open door position relative to a frame sub-assembly of the tailgate assembly. Fig. Figure 4 shows a user loading an item into the cargo area when the tailgate assembly and door subassembly are as shown. Fig. 3 are shown in their positions. Fig. Figure 5 is a close-up view of an area of ​​the door subassembly showing an anchoring bracket of a locking system used to hold the door subassembly in a closed door position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a close-up view of an area of ​​the frame subassembly showing a locking bar bracket of the locking system, according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the anchoring bracket. Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the anchor bracket and the latch bracket of the locking system when the door subassembly is in the closed door position, with sections of the door subassembly and frame subassembly removed to expose the locking system. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a locking system according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure when the door subassembly is in the closed door position. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of an anchoring bracket from the locking system. Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of a locking bolt bracket from the locking system. Fig. 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This disclosure describes in detail a tailgate assembly that includes a locking system used to secure a frame subassembly and a door subassembly. The door subassembly can be opened to provide an opening that, among other things, helps a user access cargo within a cargo bed. The locking system can be used to secure the door subassembly in a closed door position relative to the frame subassembly. The locking system maintains the orientation of the door subassembly relative to the frame subassembly.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1-4 is a vehicle 10 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a pickup truck. The vehicle 10 has a loading platform 12 provided by a pair of side walls 14, a front wall 16, and a tailgate assembly 20. The loading platform 12 can accommodate various types of cargo, including materials such as mulch, stones, soil, etc.

[0025] The tailgate assembly 20 includes, among other things, a frame sub-assembly 22 and a door sub-assembly 24. The tailgate assembly 20 is extended around a first axis A1 with respect to the loading area 12 between a closed tailgate position, which is in Fig. 1 is shown, and an open tailgate position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the exemplary tailgate assembly 20 is pivotable. In the closed tailgate position, it is vertically oriented, and in the open tailgate position, it is horizontally oriented. For the purposes of this disclosure, vertical and horizontal refer to the ground and a typical orientation of the vehicle 10 during operation.

[0026] The door subassembly 24 is in a closed door position and locked to the frame subassembly 22 when the frame subassembly 22 and the door subassembly 24 are pivoted between the closed tailgate position and the open tailgate position. Thus, the frame subassembly 22 and the door subassembly 24 pivot together when the tailgate assembly 20 is pivoted between the closed tailgate position and the open tailgate position.

[0027] When the tailgate assembly 20 is in the closed tailgate position, the door sub-assembly 24 is pivotable about a second axis A2 relative to the frame sub-assembly 22. The door sub-assembly 24 can switch between a closed door position, which is in Fig. 1 is shown, and an open door position, which is in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the object can be swiveled back and forth. The first axis A1 is a horizontally extending axis in this example. The second axis A2 is perpendicular to the first axis A1 and is a vertically extending axis in this example.

[0028] The door sub-assembly 24 provides a loading platform access opening O in the open door position. In this example, the loading platform access opening O extends vertically downwards at least to a floor 26 of the loading platform 12.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a user 30 can access the cargo area 12 through the cargo access opening O, which is provided when the door subassembly 24 is in the open door position. Placing the door subassembly 24 in the open door position allows the user 30 to move closer to the cargo area 12 than if, for example, the user 30 were to load an item into the cargo area 12 with the tailgate assembly 20 in the open tailgate position. Fig. 2. The loading platform access opening O can also provide clearance so that the user 30 can enter the loading platform 12 to load or unload cargo.

[0030] The frame subassembly 22 includes, among other things, a first outer section 32, a second outer section 34, and a connecting element 36. The first outer section 32, the second outer section 34, and the connecting element 36 pivot together when the frame subassembly 22 is moved between the closed and open tailgate positions. A section of the connecting element 36 can drop vertically downwards to hold the connecting element 36 below the floor 26 of the loading platform 12.

[0031] When the door sub-assembly 24 is in the open door position, the first outer section 32 is located on a driver's side of the loading platform access opening O and the second outer section 34 is located on a passenger's side of the loading platform access opening O.

[0032] The first outer section 32 includes an outer plate 42, and the second outer section 34 includes an outer plate 44. When the tailgate assembly 20 is in the closed tailgate position Fig. Since the outer plates 42 and 44 are located at position 1, they can be seen by a person standing behind the vehicle 10. However, the connecting element 36 is hidden, for example, behind a bumper 46 or a trim panel.

[0033] The door sub-assembly 24 includes an outer plate 48, which is also visible to a user when the tailgate assembly 20 is in the closed tailgate position. Fig. 1. When the door subassembly 24 is in the closed door position, the outer plate 48 of the door subassembly 24 separates the outer plate 42 of the first outer section 32 from all sections of the outer plate 44 of the second outer section 34. When the door subassembly 24 is in the open door position, the loading platform access opening O extends vertically downwards at least to the lowest vertical side of the outer plate 42 of the first outer section 32 and the outer plate 44 of the second outer section 34.

[0034] The door subassembly 24 is pivotally coupled to the frame subassembly 22 via a hinge system, which in this example includes two hinges 52. In this example, the door subassembly 24 is pivotally coupled to the second outer section 34. In another example, the door subassembly 24 is pivotally coupled to the first outer section 32.

[0035] The hinges 52 in this example are gooseneck hinges. The hinges 52 allow the door subassembly 24 to pivot relative to the frame subassembly 22 and to swing far away from the loading platform access opening O. The hinges 52 can incorporate two door holder positions, for example at 45 and 90 degrees. The door subassembly 24 can pivot 100 degrees when moving from the closed door position to a fully open door position.

[0036] Now, with reference to Fig. 5-8 and with further reference to Fig. 1-4 The tailgate assembly 20 uses a locking system to hold the door subassembly 24 in the closed door position relative to the frame subassembly 22. The locking system includes features that can help address looseness and misalignment, particularly lateral misalignment of the door subassembly 24 relative to the frame subassembly 22, when the door subassembly 24 is in the closed door position.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the locking system comprises a locking bolt bracket 58, an anchoring bracket 62, and a locking mechanism 66. The locking bolt bracket 58 is mounted on the frame subassembly 22. The anchoring bracket 62 and the locking mechanism 66 are mounted on the door subassembly 24.

[0038] The exemplary door striker bracket 58 includes a striker post 70, an anchor post 74, a bumper flange 78, and a base 82. When the door subassembly 24 is in the open door position, the striker post 70, the anchor post 74, and the bumper flange 78 extend transversely from the base 82 into the cargo bed access opening O. When the door subassembly 24 is moved to the closed door position, the latch 66 moves over the striker post 70 and engages the striker post 70 to hold the door subassembly 24 in the closed door position.

[0039] The exemplary locking system incorporates features that help to establish and maintain an alignment of the door subassembly 24 with respect to the frame subassembly 22 and other sections of the vehicle 10. In particular, the anchor post 74 is used to limit lateral movement of the door subassembly 24, and the bumper flange 78 is used to prevent forward / backward movement of the door subassembly 24.

[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, the anchoring post 74 includes an inner washer 86 and an outer washer 90. In the exemplary embodiment, the anchoring bracket 62 includes an upper tooth 94 and a lower tooth 98.

[0041] When the door subassembly 24 is pivoted into the closed door position and the lock 66 engages the strike plate 70, the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98 move between the inner disc 86 and the outer disc 90, which are spaced apart by a distance. The contact between the upper tooth 94, the lower tooth 98 and the inner disc 86 can help to prevent movement of the door subassembly 24 in a direction T1 ( Fig. 1) to limit the tilting of the door subassembly 24 relative to the frame subassembly 22. The contact between the upper tooth 94, the lower tooth 98, and the outer disc 90 can help prevent a tilting movement in the opposite direction T2, in which the door subassembly 24 tilts closer to the frame subassembly 22. The positioning of the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98 between the inner disc 86 and the outer disc 90 can thus help maintain a desired gap G between the door subassembly 24 and the frame subassembly 22.

[0042] In this example, the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98 include angled front surfaces 102 that help guide the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98 into a position between the inner disc 86 and the outer disc 90 when the door subassembly 24 pivots into the closed door position.

[0043] In this example, the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98 move over the locking bar post 70 to fit between the inner disc 86 and the outer disc 90 of the anchoring post 74. In this exemplary embodiment, the locking bar post 70 is located in front of the anchoring post 74.

[0044] The bumper flange 78 is located both in front of the locking post 70 and in front of the anchoring post 74. In the exemplary embodiment, the locking system includes bumpers 102 that are mounted directly on the bumper flange 78. Forward and backward refer to an orientation of the vehicle 10.

[0045] When the door subassembly 24 is moved into the closed door position, a contact surface 106 of the anchoring bracket 62 touches the bumpers 102 and presses the bumpers 102 together. This contact eliminates any open gaps between the contact surface 106 and helps to prevent the door subassembly 24 from jamming or loosening relative to the frame subassembly 22 when the door subassembly 24 is in the closed door position.

[0046] The base 82 includes a plurality of openings 110, each accommodating a mechanical fastener 114 used to secure the locking bar bracket 58 to the frame subassembly 22. The openings 110 may be oversized with respect to the respective fastener 114.

[0047] During assembly, aligning the door subassembly 24 and its locking system 50 and associated locking system may involve using the fasteners 114 to loosely secure the strike plate bracket 58 to the frame subassembly 22. The door subassembly 24 is then closed. Because the openings 110 are slightly oversized with respect to the fasteners 114, the strike plate bracket 58 may shift when the strike plate post is engaged by the lock 66 and when the anchor post 74 moves between the upper tooth 94 and the lower tooth 98.

[0048] The door subassembly 24 can then be pivoted away from the closed door position, as the strike plate bracket 58 is held in position. An operator can then, for example, fully secure the fasteners 114 to secure the strike plate bracket 58 relative to the frame subassembly 52.

[0049] Since the bumper flange 78 is part of the striker bracket 58, the bumper flange 78 moves forward and backward when the position of the striker bracket 58 is adjusted relative to the frame subassembly 22. This can help control the size of the gap between the bumper flange 78 and the contact surface 106. By controlling the size of this gap, it can be ensured that the bumpers 102 are compressed, at least slightly, when the door subassembly 24 is in the closed door position.

[0050] Now, with reference to Fig. 9-11 includes a locking system, in another exemplary embodiment a disc 88A on a locking bar bracket 58A. The disc 88A is received within at least one recess 92A of an anchoring bracket 62A when the associated door subassembly 24A is in a closed door position, as shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows that the contact between the anchoring brackets 62A and the disc 88A limits lateral movement of the door subassembly 24A relative to the frame subassembly 22A. The striker bracket 58A includes a bumper flange 78A. The bumpers 102A are secured to the striker bracket 58A and align themselves with the remaining sections of the striker bracket 58A.

[0051] While the examples in this disclosure include the locking bar bracket 58 on the frame subassemblies 22 and 22A, other exemplary embodiments could include integrating locking bar brackets on a door subassembly and then an anchoring bracket on a frame subassembly.

[0052] The foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative and not as limiting. A person skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications could fall within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following patent claims should be read carefully to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

[0053] According to the present invention, a tailgate assembly is provided comprising: a frame subassembly having a loading area access opening; a door subassembly pivotably coupled to the frame subassembly, wherein the door subassembly and the frame subassembly are pivotable about a horizontally extending axis between a closed tailgate position and an open tailgate position, wherein the door subassembly is pivotable about a vertically extending axis with respect to the frame subassembly between an open door position and a closed door position, wherein the door subassembly closes the loading area access opening in the closed door position;and a locking system that holds the door subassembly in the closed door position, the locking system comprising a strike plate bracket mounted on the frame subassembly and an anchoring bracket mounted on the door subassembly, the strike plate bracket comprising a strike plate post and an anchoring post having an inner washer and an outer washer, the anchoring bracket comprising at least one tooth inserted between the inner washer and the outer washer when the door subassembly is in the closed door position.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a base and a bumper flange of the locking bar bracket, wherein the bumper flange, the locking bar post and the anchoring post extend transversely from the base into the loading platform access opening, wherein the base is secured directly to the frame subassembly.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by at least one bumper which is inserted between the bumper flange and the anchoring bracket when the door sub-assembly is in the closed door position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the at least one bumper is mounted on the bumper flange.

Claims

[1] Vehicle assembly comprising: a frame subassembly of a tailgate, wherein the frame subassembly has a loading area access opening; a door sub-assembly of the tailgate, wherein the door sub-assembly is pivotably coupled to the frame sub-assembly, wherein the door sub-assembly is pivotable back and forth between an open door position and a closed door position with respect to the frame sub-assembly, wherein the door sub-assembly closes the loading area access opening in the closed door position; a locking system that holds the door subassembly in the closed door position, wherein the locking system comprises a strike plate bracket including a strike plate post and a bumper flange configured to move together when the strike plate bracket is adjusted; and at least one bumper that is compressed against the bumper flange when the door subassembly is in the closed door position. [2] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame subassembly includes a first outer section on a driver's side of the loading platform access opening and a second outer section on a passenger's side of the loading platform access opening. [3] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking bar holder includes a base, wherein the locking bar post and the bumper flange extend transversely from the base into the loading platform access opening. [4] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking bracket is mounted on the frame subassembly. [5] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking bracket is adjustable and mounted on the frame subassembly. [6] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bumper is mounted on the bumper flange. [7] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking bracket comprises an inner disc and an outer disc located a distance from the inner disc, and further comprising an anchoring bracket having at least one tooth projecting into a region between the inner disc and the outer disc when the door subassembly is in the closed door position, wherein the at least one tooth is configured to contact the inner disc to limit movement of the door subassembly away from the frame subassembly, and wherein the at least one tooth is configured to contact the outer disc to limit movement of the door subassembly towards the frame subassembly. [8] Vehicle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the locking bracket includes an anchoring post having the inner disc and the outer disc. [9] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the locking bracket is secured to the frame subassembly and the anchoring bracket is secured to the door subassembly. [10] Vehicle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the anchoring post is arranged between the bumper flange and the locking bar post. [11] Vehicle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the locking post is located in front of the anchoring post. [12] Vehicle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the at least one tooth comprises an upper tooth and a lower tooth. [13] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the door subassembly and the frame subassembly together are pivotable about a first axis between a closed tailgate position and an open tailgate position, wherein the door subassembly is pivotable about a second axis relative to the frame subassembly between the closed door position and the open door position, wherein the first axis is transverse to the second axis. [14] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame subassembly and the door subassembly are together pivotable about a horizontally extending axis, wherein the door subassembly is configured to pivot about a vertically extending axis with respect to the frame subassembly. [15] Vehicle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the loading platform access opening extends vertically downwards at least to the floor of a loading platform.

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