A tailgate drive mechanism with hover functionality and methods of use

Abstract

This invention discloses a tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function and its usage method. The tailgate drive mechanism includes a vehicle body simulation frame and a lower tailgate assembly. The lower tailgate assembly is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame, and a locking structure is provided between the vehicle body simulation frame and the lower tailgate assembly. The lower tailgate assembly is equipped with a drive mechanism, the output shaft of which is hinged to the vehicle body simulation frame. The hinge point of the drive mechanism's output shaft relative to the vehicle body simulation frame is eccentrically set with respect to the rotation axis of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. An elastic tensioning mechanism for keeping the lower tailgate assembly hovering is provided between the vehicle body simulation frame and the lower tailgate assembly. The elastic tensioning mechanism includes a cable and an elastic element. One end of the cable is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame, and the other end of the cable is elastically connected to the lower tailgate assembly through the elastic element. This design features small installation space requirements, the ability to hover at any angle, low driving force, and a comfortable user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to a tailgate drive mechanism with a hovering function and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Mid-to-large SUVs often suffer from large trunks in urban driving, making it difficult to open the trunk when there's a wall behind the parking space. A "two-stage" trunk opening system, where one stage opens upwards and the other downwards (commonly known as a "double-stage" trunk opening), reduces the required opening distance and improves convenience for everyday use.

[0003] A Chinese patent with publication number CN 220117964U discloses an electric strut for a car tailgate, including a first connecting part, a second connecting part, a sleeve, a motor, a screw, and a nut. One end of the sleeve is fixed to the first connecting part, the motor is located inside the sleeve, one end of the screw is connected to the output shaft of the motor, and the nut is threadedly engaged with the screw. The patent also includes a pull rod and a spring. The pull rod is a hollow rod that surrounds the screw. One end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the nut, and the other end of the pull rod is fixed to the second connecting part located outside the sleeve. The spring is located inside the sleeve and sleeved on the pull rod. One end of the spring engages with the nut, and the other end of the spring engages with the sleeve. The second connecting part 2 is hinged to the car door (e.g., the tailgate). However, the aforementioned tailgate has the following drawbacks: Like other tailgate drive systems on the market, this tailgate uses a strut mechanism to open and close. The electric strut occupies a significant amount of space inside the tailgate when extended or retracted, and the opening and closing of the tailgate relies entirely on the electric strut for driving force. Since the tailgates of mid-to-large SUVs are relatively heavy, the driving force required from the electric strut is substantial. Especially when the tailgate is at a large opening angle, the torque provided by the electric strut is high, making the motor driving the strut more prone to damage. It is also difficult to achieve arbitrary angle hovering, and manually opening this type of tailgate is quite strenuous, resulting in a poor user experience. Improvements are urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function and its usage method, which has the advantages of small installation space requirements, arbitrary hovering at all angles, low driving force, and good user experience.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical objective of the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a tailgate drive mechanism with a hovering function, comprising a body simulation frame and a lower tailgate assembly, wherein the lower tailgate assembly is rotatably connected to the body simulation frame, and the body simulation frame and the lower tailgate assembly are locked together by a locking structure, wherein the lower tailgate assembly comprises a tailgate frame and a decorative panel, wherein the decorative panel is fixedly connected to the tailgate frame, and the lower tailgate assembly is provided with a drive mechanism, wherein the output shaft end of the drive mechanism is hinged to the body simulation frame, and the hinge point of the output shaft of the drive mechanism relative to the body simulation frame is eccentrically set with respect to the rotation axis of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the body simulation frame;

[0006] An elastic tensioning mechanism for keeping the lower tailgate assembly suspended is provided between the vehicle body simulation frame and the lower tailgate assembly. The elastic tensioning mechanism includes a cable and an elastic element. One end of the cable is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame, and the other end of the cable is elastically connected to the lower tailgate assembly through the elastic element. When the lower tailgate assembly is in the open state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly is always kept in a relatively suspended state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame through the elastic element.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the tailgate assembly is initially closed relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. When the locking structure unlocks, the drive mechanism drives the output shaft to extend. Because the hinge point of the drive mechanism's output shaft relative to the vehicle body simulation frame is eccentrically set with the rotation axis of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly flips open relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. At the same time, the cable is pulled outward and compresses the elastic element, causing deformation and accumulating elastic potential energy. When the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame opens to a predetermined angle, the output shaft of the drive mechanism stops extending. At this time, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic element counteracts the vertical component of the lower tailgate assembly's weight, allowing the lower tailgate assembly to maintain any position relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. The lower tailgate assembly can be hovered at any angle. Subsequently, the output shaft can be retracted manually or by driving the drive mechanism, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip inward and close relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. The elastic element releases its elastic potential energy and drives the cable to reset. When the lower tailgate assembly is in the closed state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly is locked to the vehicle body simulation frame by a locking structure. The drive mechanism of this invention is set inside the lower tailgate assembly, requiring little space for installation. At the same time, by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic tensioning mechanism, the driving force required by the manual or drive mechanism when opening and closing the lower tailgate assembly is reduced, resulting in a more comfortable user experience. It has the advantages of small installation space requirements, the ability to hover at any angle, low driving force, and good user experience.

[0008] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the elastic element is a spring, the lower tailgate assembly is fixedly provided with a sleeve assembly, the sleeve assembly has an axially opened sliding cavity, the spring is disposed in the sliding cavity, the cable includes a stop portion disposed at the end, the stop portion slides in cooperation with the sliding cavity, one end of the spring cooperates with the stop portion of the sleeve assembly, the other end of the spring abuts against the stop portion, and the spring always has a tendency to drive the cable to retract into the sleeve assembly.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, when the lower tailgate assembly is opened relative to the body simulation frame, the stop of the cable gradually slides towards the end of the sliding cavity that is closer to the body simulation frame, causing the spring to be compressed and accumulate elastic potential energy. As the opening angle of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the body simulation frame increases, the elastic potential energy accumulated by the spring also gradually increases, and the elastic force of the spring reacts to the lower tailgate assembly to balance the weight of the lower tailgate assembly, so that the lower tailgate assembly can remain suspended relative to the body simulation frame.

[0010] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the sleeve assembly includes a sealing cap, an inner anti-wear tube and an outer sound insulation sleeve arranged coaxially, the stop portion and the elastic element are disposed inside the inner anti-wear tube, and the stop portion is guided and engaged with the inner anti-wear tube, and the sealing cap is stopped and engaged with the stop portion.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, when the stop part of the cable slides in the inner cavity of the inner anti-wear tube, the anti-wear material of the inner anti-wear tube can reduce the wear on its inner wall, thereby extending the service life of the invention; the outer sound insulation sleeve, which is coaxially arranged outside the inner anti-wear tube, can effectively reduce the noise generated by the mutual sliding between the stop part of the cable and the inner anti-wear tube, and achieve the effect of noise reduction and vibration reduction.

[0012] A further feature of the present invention is that: the lower tailgate assembly is fixedly connected to a guide sleeve, the sleeve assembly is coaxially fixed with the guide sleeve, the guide sleeve has a sliding hole, the cable passes through the sliding hole into the sliding cavity, and the guide sleeve has an arc transition around the port of the sliding hole.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, the guide sleeve is designed with an arc transition around the sliding hole, which helps to improve the smoothness of the cable when changing direction at the sliding hole port.

[0014] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the guide sleeve is provided with an external threaded connection portion, the sleeve assembly is provided with an internal thread, and the sleeve assembly is threadedly connected to the external threaded connection portion through the internal thread.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the sleeve assembly can be detachably connected to the guide sleeve, which facilitates the installation and disassembly of the sleeve assembly. After long-term use, the inner wall of the sleeve assembly needs to be replaced periodically due to wear. The detachable design facilitates the subsequent replacement of the sleeve assembly.

[0016] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the locking structure includes a self-closing lock and a locking hook, the self-closing lock is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame, the locking hook is fixedly mounted on the lower tailgate assembly, and the self-closing lock and the locking hook are locked together.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the mechanical locking method of the self-closing lock and the locking hook facilitates the unlocking or locking of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. The locking structure of the self-closing lock is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0018] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the drive mechanism includes a linear motor and a first support rod disposed on the output shaft of the linear motor, the linear motor is fixedly connected to the lower tailgate assembly, and the end of the first support rod is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the linear motor drives the first support rod to extend linearly, and the first support rod reacts to the lower tailgate assembly, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip outward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame and open. When the linear motor drives the first support rod to retract linearly, the first support rod pulls the lower tailgate assembly to flip inward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame and close.

[0020] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the driving mechanism includes a drive motor, a reduction transmission assembly, and a second support rod; the drive motor and the reduction transmission assembly are mounted on the lower tailgate assembly via a fixing plate; a lever is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the reduction transmission assembly; one end of the second support rod is hinged to the vehicle body simulation frame; and the other end of the second support rod is rotatably connected to the lever.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive motor drives the lever to rotate through the reduction transmission assembly. At this time, the second support rod reacts to the lever, causing the lever to rotate around the second support rod. Meanwhile, since the second support rod is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly flips relative to the vehicle body simulation frame to open or close.

[0022] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the speed reduction transmission assembly includes a worm, a worm wheel, and a planetary gear structure; the worm is coaxially fixed on the output shaft of the drive motor; the worm meshes with the worm wheel; the planetary gear structure is drively connected to the worm wheel; and the output shaft of the planetary gear structure is fixedly connected to the lever.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the speed reduction transmission assembly composed of worm gear, worm wheel and planetary gear structure can realize the purpose of slow opening and closing of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, while increasing the output torque of the drive mechanism to the lower tailgate assembly.

[0024] Another technical objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a tailgate drive mechanism with a hovering function, comprising the following steps:

[0025] S1: Unlock: In the initial state, the tailgate assembly is closed relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. At this time, the locking structure is unlocked.

[0026] S2: Flip: The drive mechanism drives the output shaft to extend, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip outward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame and open.

[0027] S3: Suspension: When the lower tailgate assembly flips outward relative to the body and opens, the cable pulls the elastic element to deform and accumulate elastic force. When the lower tailgate assembly opens to a predetermined angle relative to the body simulation frame, the output shaft of the drive mechanism stops extending. At this time, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic element counteracts the weight of the lower tailgate assembly, allowing the lower tailgate assembly to remain suspended relative to the body simulation frame.

[0028] S4: Closing the door: The output shaft is retracted manually or by driving the drive mechanism, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip inward relative to the body simulation frame and close. The elastic element releases its elastic potential energy and drives the cable to reset. When the lower tailgate assembly is in the closed state relative to the body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly is locked to the body simulation frame by the locking structure.

[0029] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. The lower tailgate assembly is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame. Mechanical locking is achieved through a locking hook on the lower tailgate assembly and a corresponding self-closing lock on the vehicle body simulation frame. A drive mechanism is installed on the lower tailgate assembly, with the lower tailgate assembly and the output shaft of the drive mechanism hinged to a first or second strut. An elastic tensioning mechanism is also provided between the vehicle body simulation frame and the lower tailgate assembly. The output shaft of the drive mechanism drives the first or second strut to extend, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, thus opening and closing. Simultaneously, the opening angle of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame increases. When the device reaches the predetermined position, the cable of the elastic tensioning mechanism will cause the elastic element to compress and accumulate elastic force. The cable uses this elastic force to balance the weight of the lower tailgate assembly, enabling the lower tailgate assembly to hover at any angle relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. The drive mechanism of this invention is set inside the lower tailgate assembly, requiring little space for installation. At the same time, by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic tensioning mechanism, the driving force required by the manual or drive mechanism when opening and closing the lower tailgate assembly is reduced, resulting in a more comfortable user experience. It has the advantages of small installation space requirements, the ability to hover at any angle, low driving force, and good user experience.

[0031] 2. The sleeve assembly of the present invention includes a sealing cap, an inner anti-wear tube and an outer sound insulation sleeve arranged coaxially. When the stop part of the cable slides in the inner cavity of the inner anti-wear tube, the anti-wear material of the inner anti-wear tube can reduce the wear on its inner wall, thereby extending the service life of the present invention. The outer sound insulation sleeve, which is coaxially arranged outside the inner anti-wear tube, can effectively reduce the noise generated by the mutual sliding between the stop part of the cable and the inner anti-wear tube, and achieve the effect of noise reduction and vibration reduction.

[0032] 3. A guide sleeve is coaxially threaded and fixed to one end of the sleeve assembly on the vehicle body simulation frame. Simultaneously, the cable passes through a sliding hole axially positioned within the guide sleeve, creating a curved transition around the sliding hole opening. This improves the smoothness of the cable's reversal at the sliding hole opening. 4. A second support rod is connected to the output end of the drive mechanism via a reduction gearbox assembly. This reduction gearbox assembly enables the lower tailgate assembly to open and close slowly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, while also increasing the output torque of the drive mechanism to the lower tailgate assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention, with the lower tailgate assembly in a closed state.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention; the decorative panel is not shown.

[0035] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the elastic tensioning mechanism of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 5 This is the present invention. Figure 4 Sectional view of section BB.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment of the present invention, with the lower tailgate assembly in the open state.

[0039] Figure 7 This is the present invention. Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of region C.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment two of the present invention, with the lower tailgate assembly in a closed state.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment two of the present invention, with the lower tailgate assembly in the open state.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a specific embodiment two of the present invention; the decorative panel is not shown.

[0043] Figure 11 This is the present invention. Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of region D.

[0044] Figure 12 This is an exploded view of the speed reduction transmission assembly of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the opening angle of the lower tailgate assembly relative to the vehicle body simulation frame and the resulting torque when the first or second support rod of the present invention extends relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. In the figure: 1. Vehicle body simulation frame; 11. Self-closing lock; 2. Lower tailgate assembly; 21. Tailgate frame; 22. Decorative panel; 23. Lock hook; 24. Linear motor; 241. First support rod; 25. Mounting plate; 250. Drive motor; 251. Second support rod; 2511. First coupling ball joint; 2512. Second coupling ball joint; 261. Worm gear; 262. Worm wheel; 2621. Rotating shaft; 2621a. Spline; 263. Planetary gear. Gear structure; 2631, planetary gear; 2632, internal gear ring; 264, rotating connector; 265, lever; 271, first fixed plate; 272, second fixed plate; 3, cable; 31, stop part; 32, elastic element; 4, sleeve assembly; 41, inner anti-wear tube; 41a, sliding cavity; 42, outer sound insulation sleeve; 42a, internal thread; 43, sealing cover; 5, guide sleeve; 5a, sliding hole; 51, external thread connection part. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific Implementation Example 1

[0048] A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function, such as Figure 1-3 and Figure 6-7 As shown, the device includes a body simulation frame 1 and a lower tailgate assembly 2. The lower tailgate assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the body simulation frame 1. The body simulation frame 1 and the lower tailgate assembly 2 are locked together by a locking structure. The lower tailgate assembly 2 includes a tailgate frame 21 and a decorative panel 22. The decorative panel 22 is fixedly connected to the tailgate frame 21. A drive mechanism is installed in the space reserved between the tailgate frame 21 and the decorative panel 22. The output shaft end of the drive mechanism is hinged to the body simulation frame 1, and the hinge point of the output shaft of the drive mechanism relative to the body simulation frame 1 is perpendicular to the lower tailgate frame 1. The tailgate assembly 2 is eccentrically positioned relative to the rotation axis of the body simulation frame 1; an elastic tensioning mechanism is provided between the body simulation frame 1 and the lower tailgate assembly 2, the elastic tensioning mechanism including a cable 3 and an elastic element 32, one end of the cable 3 is fixedly connected to the body simulation frame 1, and the other end of the cable 3 is elastically connected to the lower tailgate assembly 2 through the elastic element 32. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 is in the open state relative to the body simulation frame 1, the lower tailgate assembly 2 always maintains a relatively suspended state relative to the body simulation frame 1 through the elastic element 32; the locking structure includes a self-closing lock 11. The self-closing lock 11 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, and the locking hook 23 is fixedly mounted on the lower tailgate assembly 2. The self-closing lock 11 and the locking hook 23 lock together. The mechanical locking method of the self-closing lock 11 and the locking hook 23 facilitates the unlocking or locking of the lower tailgate assembly 2 relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1. The locking structure of the self-closing lock 11 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. The drive mechanism includes a linear motor 24 and a first support rod 241 located on the output shaft of the linear motor 24. The linear motor 24 is fixedly connected to the lower tailgate assembly 2, and the first support rod 241 is located on the output shaft of the linear motor 24. The end of 41 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame 1. The linear motor 24 drives the first support rod 241 to extend linearly. The first support rod 241 reacts to the lower tailgate assembly 2, causing the lower tailgate assembly 2 to flip outward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 and open. When the linear motor 24 drives the first support rod 241 to retract linearly, the first support rod 241 pulls the lower tailgate assembly 2 to flip inward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 and close. In this embodiment, the vehicle body simulation frame 1 is used to simulate the car body frame. In actual applications, the vehicle body simulation frame 1 is the car body frame.

[0049] like Figure 3-7As shown, the elastic element 32 is a spring, and the lower tailgate assembly 2 is fixedly provided with a sleeve assembly 4. The sleeve assembly 4 has an axially opened sliding cavity 41a, and the spring is located in the sliding cavity 41a. The cable 3 includes a stop part 31 at its end, which slides in cooperation with the sliding cavity 41a. One end of the cable 3 is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, and one end of the spring is in cooperation with the stop part of the sleeve assembly 4. The other end of the spring abuts against the stop part 31. The spring always has a tendency to drive the cable 3 to retract into the sleeve assembly 4. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 is opened relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, the stop part 31 of the cable 3 gradually slides towards the end of the sliding cavity 41a closer to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, so that the spring is compressed and accumulates elastic potential energy. As the opening angle of component 2 relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 increases, the elastic potential energy accumulated by the spring also gradually increases, and the elastic force of the spring reacts on the lower tailgate component 2 to balance the weight of the lower tailgate component 2, so that the lower tailgate component 2 can remain suspended relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1; the sleeve component 4 includes a sealing cover 43, an inner anti-wear tube 41 coaxially arranged and an outer sound insulation sleeve 42, the stop part 31 and the elastic element 32 are disposed in the inner anti-wear tube 41, and the stop part 31 is guided and engaged with the inner anti-wear tube 41, and the sealing cover 43 is engaged with the stop part 31. When the stop part 31 of the cable 3 slides in the inner cavity of the inner anti-wear tube 41, the anti-wear material of the inner anti-wear tube 41 can reduce the wear on its inner wall. Wear and tear, thereby extending the service life of the invention; the outer sound insulation sleeve 42, coaxially disposed outside the inner anti-wear tube 41, can effectively reduce the noise generated by the mutual sliding between the stop part 31 of the cable 3 and the inner anti-wear tube 41, achieving the effect of noise reduction and vibration reduction; the lower tailgate assembly 2 is fixedly connected to the guide sleeve 5, and the sleeve assembly 4 and the guide sleeve 5 are coaxially fixed through a double positioning structure. The double positioning structure includes a first fixing plate 271 and a second fixing plate 272. The first fixing plate 271 and the second fixing plate 272 are fixedly connected to the lower tailgate assembly 2. The guide sleeve 5 extends with a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first fixing plate 271 is fixedly connected to the first connecting part, and the second fixing plate 272 is fixedly connected to the second connecting part. A sliding hole 5a is provided, through which the cable 3 passes into the sliding cavity 41a. The guide sleeve 5 has an arc transition around the port of the sliding hole 5a. The arc transition design of the guide sleeve 5 around the sliding hole 5a is beneficial to improving the smoothness of the cable 3 when changing direction at the port of the sliding hole 5a. The guide sleeve 5 has an external threaded connection part 51, and the sleeve assembly 4 has an internal thread 42a. The sleeve assembly 4 is threadedly connected to the external threaded connection part 51 through the internal thread 42a, so that the sleeve assembly 4 can be detachably connected to the guide sleeve 5, which is conducive to the installation and disassembly of the sleeve assembly 4. After long-term use, the inner wall of the sleeve assembly 4 needs to be replaced regularly due to wear. The detachable design facilitates the subsequent replacement of the sleeve assembly 4.

[0050] Combined with appendix Figure 13It can be seen that the greater the angle at which the tailgate assembly 2 flips outward relative to the body simulation frame 1, the greater the torque generated by the first strut 241. When the tailgate assembly 2 is opened to 90° relative to the body simulation frame 1, the torque generated by the first strut 241 reaches its maximum value of 19 N•m.

[0051] Another technical objective of this invention is to provide a method for using a tailgate drive mechanism with a hovering function, comprising the following steps:

[0052] S1: Unlock: In the initial state, the tailgate assembly 2 is closed relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1. At this time, the locking structure is unlocked.

[0053] S2: Flip: The drive mechanism drives the output shaft to extend, causing the lower tailgate assembly 2 to flip outward relative to the body simulation frame 1 and open.

[0054] S3: Suspension: When the lower tailgate assembly 2 flips outward relative to the body and opens, the cable 3 pulls the elastic element 32 to deform and accumulate elastic force. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 opens to a predetermined angle relative to the body simulation frame 1, the output shaft of the drive mechanism stops extending. At this time, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic element 32 counteracts the weight of the lower tailgate assembly 2, so that the lower tailgate assembly 2 can remain suspended relative to the body simulation frame 1.

[0055] S4: Closing the door: The output shaft is retracted by manually or by driving the drive mechanism, causing the lower tailgate assembly 2 to flip inward relative to the body simulation frame 1 and close. The elastic element 32 releases its elastic potential energy and drives the cable 3 to reset. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 is in the closed state relative to the body simulation frame 1, the lower tailgate assembly 2 is locked to the body simulation frame 1 by the locking structure.

[0056] The basic working principle of this invention is as follows: In the initial state, the tailgate assembly 2 is closed relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1. When the locking structure is unlocked, the drive mechanism drives the output shaft to extend. Since the hinge point of the output shaft of the drive mechanism relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 is eccentrically set with the rotation axis of the lower tailgate assembly 2 relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, the lower tailgate assembly 2 flips outward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 and opens. At the same time, the cable 3 is pulled outward and compresses the elastic element 32, causing it to deform and accumulate elastic potential energy. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 is opened to a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, the output shaft of the drive structure stops extending. At this time, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic element 32 counteracts the vertical component of the weight of the lower tailgate assembly 2, allowing the lower tailgate assembly 2 to maintain a hovering position relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 at any angle. The output shaft can be retracted manually or by driving the drive mechanism, thereby causing the lower tailgate assembly 2 to flip inward and close relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1. The elastic element 32 releases its elastic potential energy and drives the cable 3 to reset. When the lower tailgate assembly 2 is in the closed state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, the lower tailgate assembly 2 is locked to the vehicle body simulation frame 1 by the locking structure. The drive mechanism of this invention is set in the reserved space between the tailgate frame 21 and the decorative panel 22, which does not occupy additional space and requires little space for installation. At the same time, by utilizing the elastic force of the elastic tensioning mechanism, the driving force required by the manual or drive mechanism when opening and closing the lower tailgate assembly 2 is reduced, resulting in a more comfortable user experience. It has the advantages of small installation space requirements, the ability to hover at any angle, low driving force, and good user experience. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0058] A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function, such as Figure 8-11 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and specific embodiment one is that the drive mechanism includes a drive motor 250, a reduction transmission assembly, and a second support rod 251. The drive motor 250 and the reduction transmission assembly are mounted on the lower tailgate assembly 2 via a mounting plate 25. A lever 265 is coaxially fixed to the output shaft of the reduction transmission assembly. One end of the second support rod 251 is hinged to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, and the other end of the second support rod 251 is rotatably connected to the lever 265. The drive motor 250 drives the lever 265 to rotate through the reduction transmission assembly. At this time, the second support rod 251 reacts to the lever 265, causing the lever 265 to rotate around the second support rod 251. At the same time, since the second support rod 251 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame 1, the lower tailgate assembly 2 flips open or closes relative to the vehicle body simulation frame 1.

[0059] like Figure 11-12As shown, the reduction transmission assembly includes a worm 261, a worm gear 262, and a planetary gear structure 263. The planetary gear structure 263 includes an internal gear ring 2632 and three planetary gears 2631. The worm 261 is coaxially fixed on the output shaft of the drive motor 250 and meshes with the worm gear. The worm gear is coaxially fixed with a rotating shaft 2621. The side wall of the rotating shaft 2621 is provided with a spline 2621a. The three planetary gears 2631 mesh with the spline 2621a. Downstream of the planetary gear structure 263 is connected to... A rotating connector 264 is connected, which is linked with three planetary gears 2631. The rotation of the three planetary gears 2631 drives the rotating connector 264 to rotate. In addition, the rotating connector 264 is fixedly connected to the lever 265. When the planetary gears 2631 rotate, they drive the rotating connector 264 to rotate synchronously, which in turn drives the lever 265 to rotate relative to the rotating shaft 2621. One end of the second support rod 251 is hinged to the end of the lever 265 through the first coupling ball joint 2511, and the other end of the second support rod 251 is hinged to the body simulation frame 1 through the second coupling ball joint 2512. Under the support of the second support rod 251 on the lower tailgate assembly 2, the rotation of the lever 265 will cause the lower tailgate assembly 2 to move closer to or away from the body simulation frame 1. Through the reduction transmission assembly, the purpose of slowly opening and closing the lower tailgate assembly 2 relative to the body simulation frame 1 can be achieved, while increasing the output torque of the drive mechanism to the lower tailgate assembly 2.

[0060] Combined with appendix Figure 13 It can be seen that the greater the angle at which the tailgate assembly 2 flips outward relative to the body simulation frame 1, the greater the torque generated by the second strut 251. When the tailgate assembly 2 is opened to 90° relative to the body simulation frame 1, the torque generated by the second strut 251 reaches its maximum value of 19 N•m.

[0061] The other structures in this embodiment are the same as those in specific embodiment one, and will not be described again here. The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles described in the claims of this patent application are included in the scope of this patent application.

Claims

1. A tailgate drive mechanism with a hovering function, comprising a vehicle body simulation frame (1) and a lower tailgate assembly (2), wherein the lower tailgate assembly (2) is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame (1), and the vehicle body simulation frame (1) and the lower tailgate assembly (2) are locked together by a locking structure, characterized in that: The lower tailgate assembly (2) includes a tailgate frame (21) and a decorative panel (22). The decorative panel (22) is fixedly connected to the tailgate frame (21). The lower tailgate assembly (2) is provided with a drive mechanism. The output shaft end of the drive mechanism is hinged to the body simulation frame (1). The hinge point of the output shaft of the drive mechanism relative to the body simulation frame (1) is eccentrically set with respect to the rotation axis of the lower tailgate assembly (2) relative to the body simulation frame (1). An elastic tensioning mechanism for keeping the lower tailgate assembly (2) suspended is provided between the vehicle body simulation frame (1) and the lower tailgate assembly (2). The elastic tensioning mechanism includes a cable (3) and an elastic element (32). One end of the cable (3) is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame (1), and the other end of the cable (3) is elastically connected to the lower tailgate assembly (2) through the elastic element (32). When the lower tailgate assembly (2) is in the open state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame (1), the lower tailgate assembly (2) is always kept in a relatively suspended state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame (1) through the elastic element (32).

2. The tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic element (32) is a spring, and the lower tailgate assembly (2) is fixedly provided with a sleeve assembly (4). The sleeve assembly (4) has an axially opened sliding cavity (41a). The spring is located in the sliding cavity (41a). The cable (3) includes a stop part (31) at the end. The stop part (31) is slidably engaged with the sliding cavity (41a). One end of the spring is engaged with the stop part (4), and the other end of the spring abuts against the stop part (31). The spring always has a tendency to drive the cable (3) to retract into the sleeve assembly (4).

3. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sleeve assembly (4) includes a sealing cap (43), an inner anti-wear tube (41) and an outer sound insulation sleeve (42) arranged coaxially. The stop part (31) and the elastic element (32) are disposed inside the inner anti-wear tube (41), and the stop part (31) is guided and engaged with the inner anti-wear tube (41). The sealing cap (43) is engaged with the stop part (31).

4. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lower tailgate assembly (2) is fixedly connected to a guide sleeve (5). The sleeve assembly (4) is coaxially fixed with the guide sleeve (5). The guide sleeve (5) has a sliding hole (5a). The cable (3) passes through the sliding hole (5a) and is inserted into the sliding cavity (41a). The guide sleeve (5) has an arc transition around the port of the sliding hole (5a).

5. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The guide sleeve (5) is provided with an external threaded connection part (51), and the sleeve assembly (4) is provided with an internal thread (42a). The sleeve assembly (4) is threadedly connected to the external threaded connection part (51) through the internal thread (42a).

6. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking structure includes a self-closing lock (11) and a locking hook (23). The self-closing lock (11) is fixedly connected to the vehicle body simulation frame (1), and the locking hook (23) is fixedly mounted on the lower tailgate assembly (2). The self-closing lock (11) and the locking hook (23) lock together.

7. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a linear motor (24) and a first strut (241) located on the output shaft of the linear motor (24). The linear motor (24) is fixedly connected to the lower tailgate assembly (2), and the end of the first strut (241) is rotatably connected to the vehicle body simulation frame (1).

8. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism includes a drive motor (250), a reduction transmission assembly, and a second support rod (251). The drive motor (250) and the reduction transmission assembly are mounted on the lower tailgate assembly (2) via a mounting plate (25). The output shaft of the reduction transmission assembly is coaxially fixed with a lever (265). One end of the second support rod (251) is hinged to the vehicle body simulation frame (1), and the other end of the second support rod (251) is rotatably connected to the lever (265).

9. A tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The speed reduction transmission assembly includes a worm (261), a worm wheel (262), and a planetary gear (2631) structure (263). The worm (261) is coaxially fixed on the output shaft of the drive motor (250). The worm (261) meshes with the worm wheel (262). The planetary gear (2631) structure (263) is driven by the worm wheel (262). The output shaft of the planetary gear (2631) structure (263) is fixedly connected to the lever (265).

10. A method of using a tailgate drive mechanism with hovering function as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Unlock: In the initial state, the tailgate assembly is closed relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. At this time, the locking structure is unlocked. S2: Flip: The drive mechanism drives the output shaft to extend, causing the lower tailgate assembly to flip outward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame and open. S3: Suspension: When the lower tailgate assembly flips outward relative to the vehicle body, the cable pulls the elastic element to deform and accumulate elastic force. When the lower tailgate assembly opens to a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, the output shaft of the drive mechanism stops extending. At this time, the elastic force accumulated by the elastic element counteracts the weight of the lower tailgate assembly, allowing the lower tailgate assembly to remain suspended relative to the vehicle body simulation frame. S4: Closing: By manually or by driving the drive mechanism to retract the output shaft, the lower tailgate assembly flips inward relative to the vehicle body simulation frame to close. The elastic element releases its elastic potential energy and drives the cable to reset. When the lower tailgate assembly is in the closed state relative to the vehicle body simulation frame, the lower tailgate assembly remains locked to the vehicle body simulation frame through the locking structure.

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