Assembly configured to operate as a hinge and door brake

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an assembly configured to operate as a hinge and a door stopper of a motor vehicle. An assembly may include a body side bracket configured to be mounted to a body of a motor vehicle. The assembly may include a hinge arm rotatably mounted to the body side bracket, where the hinge arm is rotatable between a closed position and a fully open position. The assembly may also include a pawl arm rotatably mounted to the body side bracket. Further, the assembly may include a cam mounted to the hinge arm and configured to travel along the pawl arm as the hinge arm moves. The cam and the pawl arm are configured to stop and retain the hinge arm in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the fully open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly is configured to operate as both a hinge and a door check. In certain embodiments, the assembly is used with respect to a tailgate assembly of the motor vehicle. A corresponding method is also disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Many motor vehicles include a cargo space for transporting various types of cargo. For example, a pickup truck includes a cargo box that defines the truck's cargo space. A tailgate typically encloses one end of the cargo box. The tailgate is movable between a closed position and an open position to provide access to the cargo box. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising: a body-side bracket configured to be mounted to a body of the motor vehicle; a hinge arm rotatably mounted to the body-side bracket, wherein the hinge arm is rotatable between a closed position and a fully open position; a pawl arm rotatably mounted to the body-side bracket; and a cam mounted to the hinge arm and configured to travel along the pawl arm as the hinge arm moves, wherein the cam and the pawl arm are configured to stop and maintain the hinge arm in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that further includes a biasing member in contact with the pawl arm, wherein the biasing member is configured to urge the pawl arm into contact with the cam.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly that also includes a support bracket mounted to the body side bracket and configured to support the biasing member.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: the pawl arm is rotatably mounted about a pawl arm rotation axis, the hinge arm is rotatably mounted about a hinge arm rotation axis spaced apart from the pawl arm rotation axis, and the pawl arm rotation axis is parallel to the hinge arm rotation axis.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly, further comprising: a door side bracket mounted to the hinge arm, wherein the door side bracket is rotatable with the hinge arm, wherein the door side bracket is configured to be mounted to a door of the motor vehicle.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: the pawl arm includes a contoured surface, the contoured surface including a first concave segment, a second concave segment, and a third concave segment located between the first concave segment and the second concave segment when viewed from the perspective of the cam, wherein the first concave segment, the second concave segment, and the third concave segment are spaced apart from each other along the length of the contoured surface, the cam contacts the first concave segment when the hinge arm is in the closed position, the cam contacts the second concave segment when the hinge arm is in the fully open position, and the cam contacts the third concave segment when the hinge arm is in a first intermediate position.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: when viewed from the perspective of the cam, the contoured surface includes a fourth concave segment located between the second concave segment and the third concave segment, wherein the fourth concave segment is spaced apart from the first concave segment, the second concave segment, and the third concave segment along the length of the contoured surface, and when the hinge arm is in a second intermediate position, the cam contacts the fourth concave segment.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: when the hinge arm is in the first intermediate position, the hinge arm rotates about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 35 degrees and 39 degrees relative to the closed position, when the hinge arm is in the second intermediate position, the hinge arm rotates about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 68 degrees and 72 degrees relative to the closed position, and when the hinge arm is in the fully open position, the hinge arm rotates about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 108 degrees and 112 degrees relative to the closed position.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein, when the hinge arm is in the fully open position, the hinge arm is rotated about a hinge arm rotation axis by an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the closed position.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the cam and the hinge arm are configured to allow the hinge arm to move between the at least one intermediate position, the closed position, and the fully open position upon application of a force equal to or greater than a threshold force.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: the assembly is configured to allow rotation of a door subassembly of a tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle, the tailgate assembly including a frame assembly providing a cargo bed access opening, the door subassembly being configured to close the cargo bed access opening when the hinge arm is in the closed position, and the door subassembly being configured to allow entry and exit through the cargo bed access opening when the hinge arm is in the at least one intermediate position and the fully open position.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the body side bracket is mounted to the frame assembly.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the tailgate assembly is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position when the hinge arm is in the closed position.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the hinge arm is rotatable about a hinge arm rotation axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein the cam includes a roller.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an assembly wherein: the hinge arm includes a first segment and a second segment separated from each other by a curved segment, and the curved segment is configured such that the first segment is inclined relative to the second segment at an angle less than 90°.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate assembly comprising: a frame subassembly having a cargo bed access opening; and a door subassembly pivotally connected to the frame subassembly, wherein the door subassembly includes an assembly configured to operate as a hinge and a door check.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate assembly that is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position when the door subassembly is in the closed position.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: moving a door subassembly of a tailgate assembly from an open position to an intermediate position or a fully open position to allow ingress and egress through a cargo bed access opening of the tailgate assembly, wherein the door subassembly includes an assembly configured to operate as a hinge and a door check. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo space and a tailgate assembly positioned in a tailgate closed position relative to the cargo space. Figure 1 , the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly is in the closed position.

[0024] Figure 2 Shown with tailgate open Figure 1 The tailgate assembly is in the closed position and the door sub-assembly is in the closed position.

[0025] Figure 3 The tailgate assembly is shown in the tailgate closed position and the door subassembly is shown in the fully open position.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary assembly operable as a hinge and a door check. Figure 4 , the assembly is in the fully open position.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the hinge arm and door side bracket of the assembly.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the pawl arm of the assembly.

[0029] Figure 7 is in the closed position Figure 4 A perspective view of the assembly.

[0030] Figure 8 is in the closed position Figure 4 Bottom view of the assembly.

[0031] Figure 9 It is in the first closed position Figure 4 Bottom view of the assembly.

[0032] Figure 10 It is in the second closed position Figure 4 Bottom view of the assembly.

[0033] Figure 11 is in the fully open position Figure 4 Bottom view of the assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure relates to an assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly is configured to operate as both a hinge and a door check. In a particular embodiment, the assembly is used with respect to a tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle. A corresponding method is also disclosed. Among other benefits, the present disclosure provides a single assembly configured to provide the functionality of both a hinge and a door check. The disclosed assembly does not utilize elastomeric (i.e., rubber) buffers and generally exhibits less mass and a smaller volume than existing assemblies. In addition, the disclosed assembly reduces the number of visible components relative to known assemblies, which enhances the aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle.

[0035] Figures 1 to 3 Selected portions of a motor vehicle 10 are shown that include a cargo space for storing and / or hauling cargo. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck, and the cargo space is established by the pickup truck's bed 14. While a pickup truck having a bed is specifically depicted and referenced herein, other vehicles having other types of swinging doors may benefit from the teachings of this disclosure. The vehicle 10 may be a conventional internal combustion engine-powered vehicle, an electric vehicle powered by a traction battery, a hybrid vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle), etc.

[0036] The cargo bed 14 is generally located rearward of a passenger cabin (not shown) of the vehicle 10 and includes a floor 18 (sometimes referred to as a cargo bed) extending between a pair of longitudinally extending side walls 22 , a transversely extending front wall 26 , and a tailgate assembly 30 .

[0037] The tailgate assembly 30 can be considered a multi-axis tailgate and includes, among other things, a frame subassembly 34 and a door subassembly 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the frame subassembly 34 includes a first side segment 42, a second side segment 46, and a connector 50 connected between the first side segment 42 and the second side segment 46 (see FIG. Figure 3 ). In geographic regions such as North America, the first side segment 42 is the driver's side segment 42 and the second side segment 46 is the passenger's side segment.

[0038] The door subassembly 38 may sometimes be referred to as a “swing door subassembly.” In this example, the door subassembly 38 is pivotally connected to the second side section 46 . The door subassembly 38 is latched to the first side section 42 by a latch assembly 52 when closed.

[0039] At least one assembly is used to pivotally connect the door subassembly 38 to the second side section 46. In this example, two assemblies 54, 56, which may be referred to as hinge assemblies, connect the door subassembly 38 to the second side section 46. The assemblies 54, 56 can operate as hinges and door catches (or door catch mechanisms), as will be discussed below. The height of the assemblies 54, 56 relative to the door subassembly (i.e., relative to the Figure 3Although the assemblies 54, 56 are mounted between the door subassembly 38 and the second side section 46, the assembly 54 can be mounted to the first side section 42. In this example, the door subassembly 38 will be locked to the second side section 46.

[0040] The tailgate assembly 30 can be moved relative to the cargo bed 14 about the first axis A1. Figure 1 Tailgate shown in closed position Figure 2 The tailgate assembly 30 pivots back and forth between the tailgate open position shown. The tailgate assembly 30 can be moved from the tailgate closed position to the tailgate open position, for example, in response to actuation of the first handle 48 of the tailgate assembly 30. In the tailgate closed position, the tailgate assembly 30 encloses the end of the cargo bed 14 opposite the front wall 26, and in the tailgate open position, the tailgate assembly 30 allows entry and exit from the cargo bed 14.

[0041] As the frame subassembly 34 and the door subassembly 38 pivot between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position, the door subassembly 38 is in the door closed position and is locked to the frame subassembly 34. Thus, as the tailgate assembly 30 transitions back and forth between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position, the frame subassembly 34 and the door subassembly 38 pivot together as a unit.

[0042] When in the tailgate closed position, the door subassembly 38 can be moved relative to the frame subassembly 34 about the second axis A2. Figure 1 The closed position shown is the same as Figure 3 The door subassembly 38 is also movable to at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the fully open position. In this example, the first axis A1 is a horizontally extending axis, and the second axis A2 is transverse to the first axis A1 and is a vertically extending axis. Specifically, the second axis A2 is perpendicular to the first axis A1. For example, by grasping the second handle 48' (see Figure 1 ), the door subassembly 38 can move between a door closed position and a door open position.

[0043] The door subassembly 38 provides a cargo bed access opening O when moved to the door open position. In one embodiment, the cargo bed access opening O extends vertically downward to at least the floor 18 of the cargo bed 14. When the door subassembly 38 is in the fully open position or one of the intermediate positions, a user can enter and exit the cargo bed 14 through the cargo bed access opening O. Figure 2 Placing the door subassembly 38 in one of the intermediate positions or in the fully open position allows the user to move closer to the cargo bed 14 than when the tailgate is in the open position. The cargo bed access opening O can also provide clearance for the user to enter the cargo bed 14 to load or remove cargo items.

[0044] In the present disclosure, assemblies 54, 56 operate as both hinges (thereby allowing the door subassembly to pivot between a closed position and a fully open position) and door catches. A door catch is a mechanism configured to stop and hold a door in a closed position, a fully open position, or an intermediate position unless or until a force equal to or greater than a threshold force is applied to the door. In this manner, forces that do not reach or exceed the threshold force will not result in movement of the door. For example, when the door is in the fully open position, the door catch holds the door in that position, resisting forces that do not reach the threshold, such as gravity when the vehicle 10 is parked on a slight incline, as an example.

[0045] Assembly 54 will now be described in detail. It should be understood that assembly 56 is configured substantially similarly, if not identically, to assembly 54. While two assemblies 54, 56 are shown with respect to the door subassembly 38, it should be understood that the present disclosure extends to arrangements having one or more assemblies. Furthermore, while assemblies 54, 56 are depicted with respect to the door subassembly of a tailgate of a pickup truck, the present disclosure extends to assemblies used in other applications, such as other swing-out body panels for motor vehicles.

[0046] refer to Figure 4 The assembly 54 includes a body side bracket 58 mounted to the second side section 46 using fasteners 60. The body side bracket 58 includes a main wall 62 including an opening to receive the fastener 60; and an upper wall 64 and a lower wall 66 projecting from the upper and lower edges of the main wall 62. The terms "upper" and "lower" are relative to Figure 4 The orientation of the assembly is used and is not otherwise limiting.

[0047] The body side bracket 58 rotatably supports a hinge arm 68. The hinge arm 68 is rotatable about a pin 70 that extends along the second axis A2 between the upper wall 64 and the lower wall 66. The hinge arm 68 generally includes a first section 72 adjacent to the body side bracket 58, a second section 74 opposite the body side bracket 58, and a curved section 76 connecting the first section 72 and the second section 74. Figure 5 As shown, the first segment 72 extends along a first longitudinal axis L1, and the second segment 74 extends along a second longitudinal axis L2 that is non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis L1. In this example, an angle X is formed between the first longitudinal axis L1 and the second longitudinal axis L2 that is less than 90°. Angle X is measured on the concave side of the hinge arm 68. The configuration of the hinge arm 68 allows the hinge arm 68 and / or the assembly 54 as a whole to be referred to as a "gooseneck" hinge.

[0048] like Figure 5As shown, the first section 72 includes an opening 78 configured to receive the pin 70 to facilitate rotation of the hinge arm 68 about the second axis A2. In this example, the hinge arm 68 is mounted to the door subassembly 38 so that the hinge arm 68 rotates as the door subassembly 38 rotates about the second axis A2. To this end, the door subassembly 38 is attached to the hinge arm 68 via a door side bracket 80.

[0049] The door side bracket 80 includes three openings 81 ( Figure 4 ), in this example, the three openings are used to receive fasteners that attach the door side bracket 80 to the door subassembly 38, and specifically the door panel thereof. The door side bracket 80 can also be attached to the hinge arm 68 so that the hinge arm 68 and the door side bracket 80 do not rotate relative to each other after installation.

[0050] Adjacent the hinge arm 68, the door-side bracket 80 includes a slot 82 configured to receive an end segment 84 of the second segment 74 of the hinge arm 68. A fastener 86, such as a pin, protrudes through an opening 88 in the door-side bracket 80 and an opening 90 in the second segment 74 of the hinge arm 68 within the slot 82. The fastener 86 extends along a length dimension parallel to the second axis A2. In addition, the hinge arm 68 includes a mounting lobe 92 having an opening 94 configured to receive a fastener that connects the hinge arm 68 to the door-side bracket 80.

[0051] exist Figure 4 , the assembly 54 is shown in the fully open position. To prevent the assembly 54 from moving beyond the fully open position, the hinge arm 68 includes a protrusion 96 configured to abut the upper wall 64. The protrusion 96 is adjacent to a recess 97 having a relatively smaller height dimension than the protrusion 96, such that the hinge arm 68 fits between the upper wall 64 and the lower wall 66 at a position corresponding to the recess 97 rather than at a position corresponding to the protrusion 96.

[0052] Assembly 54 also includes several components configured to operate as a door check. In this example, the assembly includes a pawl arm 98 rotatably mounted to the body-side bracket 58 about a third axis A3, which may be referred to as the pawl arm rotation axis. The pawl arm rotation axis is spaced apart from, but parallel to, the second axis A2, which may be referred to as the hinge arm rotation axis. Specifically, pawl arm 98 is rotatably mounted about third axis A3 via a fastener 100, which may be a pin attached to the lower wall 66.

[0053] The pawl arm 98 includes an opening 102 for receiving a fastener 100 ( Figure 6Allowing the pawl arm 98 to rotate about the third axis A3 facilitates contact between the pawl arm and the cam 108 so that the cam 108 can travel along the pawl arm 98 , thereby providing a smooth, soft feel to the user when moving the door subassembly 38 .

[0054] The pawl arm 98 also includes a first surface 104 and a second surface 106. The first surface 104 is configured to contact a cam 108 mounted to the hinge arm 68. The second surface 106 is generally opposite the first surface 104 and is configured to interface with a biasing member 110 that urges the pawl arm 98 into engagement with the cam 108. The biasing member 110 may be a coil spring.

[0055] Maybe Figure 7 As best shown in FIG, a support bracket 112 is mounted to the lower wall 66 and supports the biasing member 110. The support bracket 112 includes a wall 113 that contacts an axial end of the biasing member 110, and the wall 113 includes a projection 114 that projects into the axial end of the biasing member 110. In this example, the support bracket 112 is mounted to the lower wall 66 using the fastener 100. Opposite the wall 113, the axial end of the biasing member 110 receives a projection 116 that projects from the second surface 106 of the pawl arm 98.

[0056] In this example, the cam 108 is provided by a roller 118 that is configured to rotate about a pin 120 that protrudes from the hinge arm 68. The roller 118 can be grooved and, in particular, can include an upper edge 122 and a lower edge 124 that are configured to maintain a vertical position of the cam 108 relative to the pawl arm 98. In this example, a main section 126 vertically between the edges 122, 124 and exhibiting a smaller diameter than the edges 122, 124 is configured to directly contact the first surface 104. Although the roller 118 is shown, the cam 108 can be provided by another structure.

[0057] Now refer to Figure 6The profile of the first surface 104 is described. In this example, the profile of the first surface 104 is configured to interface with the cam 108 to act as a door catch configured to arrest and retain the hinge arm 68, and in turn, the door subassembly 38, in the closed position, the fully open position, and two intermediate positions. Proximate the opening 102, the first surface 104 includes a first concave section 128. Moving along the first surface 104 in a direction away from the opening 102, the first surface 104 exhibits an inflection point and transitions into a first convex section 130. Moving further away, the first surface 104 exhibits another inflection point and transitions into a second concave section 132. Moving further, the first surface 104 exhibits another inflection point and transitions into a second convex section 134. Next, the first surface 104 exhibits another inflection point and transitions into a third concave section 136. Moving further, the first surface 104 exhibits another inflection point and transitions into a third convex section 138. Finally, the first surface 104 exhibits another inflection point, transitioning into a fourth convex section 140 adjacent the end of the detent arm 98 opposite the opening 102 .

[0058] In this example, the concave and convex segments 128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140 are concave and convex, respectively, when viewed from the perspective of the cam 108. Furthermore, while a specific number of concave and convex segments have been shown and described, the present disclosure extends to other arrangements, including arrangements having three or more concave segments and two or more convex segments. Still further, while the concave and convex segments have been described as concave and convex, respectively, in other examples, they may be configured differently, such as generally or substantially concave or convex.

[0059] An exemplary method of opening the door subassembly 38 will now be described. Figure 8 , the door subassembly 38 is in the closed position. The door subassembly 38 and the second side section 46 are in the closed position. Figure 8 In the closed position, the cam 108 is in contact with the first concave section 128 of the pawl arm 98.

[0060] In order to make the door subassembly 38 and the hinge arm 68 Figure 8 To move the cam 108 to the closed position, a threshold force must be applied to the door subassembly 38 that overcomes the force of the biasing member 110 on the pawl arm 98 so that the cam 108 can move past the first convex section 130. Figure 9 , users have already done so.

[0061] exist Figure 9In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the hinge arm 68, and thus the door subassembly 38, is in a first intermediate position, which is a first position between the closed position and the fully open position. In the intermediate position, the cam 108 is in contact with the second convex section 132. Unless a threshold force is applied, the placement of the cam 108 within the second convex section 132 (i.e., between the concave sections 130, 134) maintains the door subassembly 38 in the first intermediate position under the force of the biasing member 110.

[0062] exist Figure 10 In the second intermediate position, the door subassembly 38 and the hinge arm 68 are in the second intermediate position. Figure 10 In the second intermediate position, the cam 108 contacts the third convex section 136. As in the first intermediate position, the door subassembly 38 remains in the second intermediate position unless a threshold force is applied.

[0063] exist Figure 11 , the door subassembly 38 and the hinge arm 68 are in the fully open position. As shown, the cam 108 is in contact with the fourth convex section 140. Unless a threshold force is applied, the door subassembly 38 remains in the fully open position.

[0064] In the example disclosed herein, when the door subassembly 38 and hinge arm 68 are in the first intermediate position, the hinge arm 68 has rotated about the second axis A2 by an angle between 35 and 39 degrees relative to the closed position. When in the second intermediate position, the hinge arm 68 has rotated about the second axis A2 by an angle between 68 and 72 degrees relative to the closed position. In this example, the angles of the first and second intermediate positions are set to allow entry and exit through the cargo access opening O while reducing the likelihood of contact between the door subassembly 38 and structures that may be present near the rear of the motor vehicle 10, such as a trailer or another parked vehicle towed by the vehicle 10. Finally, when in the fully open position, the hinge arm 68 has rotated about the second axis A2 by an angle between 108 and 112 degrees relative to the closed position. By rotating the hinge arm 68 to an angle greater than 90 degrees in the fully open position, additional space is provided for a user to enter and exit the rear door opening O. While these angles have been described relative to the hinge arm 68 , it should be understood that the door subassembly 38 has been rotated through these same angles along with the hinge arm 68 .

[0065] It should be understood that terms such as "left," "right," "approximately," "substantially," and "generally" are not intended to be open-ended terms and should be interpreted consistently with how those skilled in the art would interpret these terms. Additionally, directional terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," etc. are used for explanation purposes only and should not be otherwise construed as limiting.

[0066] Although the various examples have specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some of the components or features from one example may be used in combination with features or components from another example. In addition, the various figures of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. That is, modifications of the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. An assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising: a body side bracket configured to be mounted to a body of a motor vehicle; a hinge arm rotatably mounted to the body side bracket, wherein the hinge arm is rotatable between a closed position and a fully open position; a ratchet arm rotatably mounted to the vehicle body side bracket; as well as A cam is mounted to the hinge arm and is configured to travel along the pawl arm as the hinge arm moves, wherein the cam and the pawl arm are configured to stop and retain the hinge arm in at least one intermediate position between the closed position and the fully open position.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A biasing member is in contact with the pawl arm, wherein the biasing member is configured to urge the pawl arm into contact with the cam.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the biasing member is a coil spring.

4. The assembly of claim 3, further comprising: A support bracket is mounted to the body side bracket and is configured to support the biasing member.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The pawl arm is rotatably mounted about a pawl arm rotation axis, The hinge arm is rotatably mounted about a hinge arm rotation axis spaced from the pawl arm rotation axis, and The pawl arm rotation axis is parallel to the hinge arm rotation axis.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A door side bracket is mounted to the hinge arm, wherein the door side bracket is rotatable together with the hinge arm, wherein the door side bracket is configured to be mounted to a door of the motor vehicle.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The pawl arm includes a contoured surface, When viewed from the perspective of the cam, the contoured surface includes a first concave section, a second concave section, and a third concave section located between the first concave section and the second concave section, wherein the first concave segment, the second concave segment, and the third concave segment are spaced apart from one another along a length of the contoured surface, When the hinge arm is in the closed position, the cam contacts the first concave section, When the hinge arm is in the fully open position, the cam contacts the second concave section, and When the hinge arm is in a first intermediate position, the cam is in contact with the third concave section.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein: When viewed from the perspective of the cam, the contoured surface includes a fourth concave segment located between the second concave segment and the third concave segment, wherein the fourth concave segment is spaced apart from the first concave segment, the second concave segment, and the third concave segment along the length of the contoured surface, and When the hinge arm is in the second intermediate position, the cam is in contact with the fourth concave section.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein: When the hinge arm is in the first intermediate position, the hinge arm is rotated about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 35 degrees and 39 degrees relative to the closed position. When the hinge arm is in the second intermediate position, the hinge arm is rotated about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 68 degrees and 72 degrees relative to the closed position, and When the hinge arm is in the fully open position, the hinge arm is rotated about the hinge arm rotation axis by an angle between 108 degrees and 112 degrees relative to the closed position.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein when the hinge arm is in the fully open position, the hinge arm is rotated about a hinge arm rotation axis by an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the closed position.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cam and the hinge arm are configured to allow the hinge arm to move between the at least one intermediate position, the closed position, and the fully open position when a force equal to or greater than a threshold force is applied.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The assembly is configured to allow rotation of a door subassembly of a tailgate assembly of a motor vehicle, The tailgate assembly includes a frame assembly that provides an opening for entering and exiting the cargo compartment. The door subassembly is configured to close the cargo compartment access opening when the hinge arm is in the closed position, and The door subassembly is configured to allow ingress and egress through the cargo bed access opening when the hinge arm is in the at least one intermediate position and the fully open position.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the body side bracket is mounted to the frame assembly.

14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein when the hinge arm is in the closed position, the tailgate assembly is pivotable about a horizontal axis between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the hinge arm is rotatable about a hinge arm rotation axis that is perpendicular to the horizontal axis.

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