Vehicle tailgate system
Through a method of assembling a tailgate system including adhesive and fasteners, the problem of complex assembly of the tailgate system in the prior art is solved, and a more stable and beautiful connection effect is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411062173.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-17
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing tailgate systems have complexity and inconvenience during assembly, especially in connection between the fixed panel and the load-bearing frame.
A method of assembly of a backsplash system includes fixing the backsplash panel to the panel bearing frame, then fixing the component bearing frame to the panel bearing frame, and finally fixing the tailsplash component to the component bearing frame. The method also includes connecting with adhesive and fasteners and spraying the panels and components if necessary.
The assembly process of the tailgate system is simplified, improving the stability and aesthetics of the connection, while reducing assembly complexity and time.
Smart Images
Figure CN119489884A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tailgate systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to facilitating assembly of tailgate systems. 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 establishes the cargo space of the truck. A tailgate typically encloses one end of the cargo box. The tailgate can be moved to an open position to provide access to the cargo box. Summary of the invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method, which includes: securing a tailgate panel to a panel carrying frame; after securing the tailgate panel to the panel carrying frame, securing a component carrying frame to the panel carrying frame; and after securing the component carrying frame to the panel carrying frame, securing one or more tailgate components to the component carrying frame.
[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method wherein securing the tailgate panel to the panel-carrying frame includes adhesively bonding the tailgate panel to the panel-carrying frame.
[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method that also includes painting the tailgate panel, the panel carrier frame, or both before securing the panel carrier frame to the component carrier frame.
[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method that also includes securing the component-carrying frame to the panel-carrying frame using a plurality of fasteners.
[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method that also includes securing the component-carrying frame to the panel-carrying frame without painting the component-carrying frame.
[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a tailgate system wherein the tailgate components are unpainted.
[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a tailgate system, which also includes accessing the tailgate component through an access opening in the tailgate panel, an access opening in the panel carrying frame, an access opening in the component carrying frame, and any combination thereof when the tailgate component is secured to the component carrying frame.
[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method, wherein the tailgate panel is a first tailgate panel and the tailgate system assembly method further includes applying paint to a second tailgate panel and then securing the second tailgate panel to the component carrying frame.
[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system assembly method that also includes securing a trim panel to the component carrier frame after securing the second tailgate panel to the component carrier frame.
[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method of assembling a tailgate system, wherein the panel carrier frame includes a first side and a second side, the tailgate panel is secured to the first side, and the component carrier frame is secured to the second side.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system comprising: a tailgate panel; a component carrying frame; and a panel carrying frame, wherein the panel carrying frame has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the tailgate panel is directly connected to the first side, and the component carrying frame is directly connected to the second side.
[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the first side directly interfaces with the tailgate panel and the second side directly interfaces with the component-carrying frame.
[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the tailgate panel and the panel-carrying frame are painted, and wherein the component-carrying frame is unpainted.
[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system that also includes a plurality of tailgate components supported on the component-carrying frame.
[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the plurality of tailgate components include a tailgate motor, a torsion bar, a trailer tow module, a step slide, a handle assembly, a camera, wires, sensors, latches, hinges, a tailgate cable, and any combination thereof.
[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the component-carrying frame includes opposing side walls extending between a top wall and a bottom wall and a crossbar extending transversely between the opposing side walls.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein each of the opposing side walls, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the cross-member includes a generally U-shaped channel for receiving a tailgate component.
[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the top wall is secured to a trim panel.
[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the panel-carrying frame is sandwiched between the tailgate panel and the component-carrying frame.
[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a tailgate system wherein the tailgate panel is an exterior panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0024] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo space and having a tailgate system in a tailgate closed position relative to the cargo space.
[0025] Figure 2 The present invention shows an exemplary aspect of Figure 1 A perspective view of a tailgate system in a vehicle of FIG.
[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Expanded view of the tailgate system.
[0027] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Tailgate panel sub-assembly in the tailgate system of .
[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Expanded view of the tailgate panel subassembly.
[0029] Figure 6 Shows Figure 2 The component carrier frame in the tailgate system.
[0030] Fig. 7A is an expanded view of a component carrying frame according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0031] Figure 7B is an expanded view of a component carrying frame according to yet another exemplary embodiment.
[0032] Figure 7Cis an expanded view of a component carrying frame according to yet another exemplary embodiment.
[0033] Figure 8 Shows Figure 2 Tailgate panel in the tailgate system of .
[0034] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG.
[0035] Fig.10 A flow chart of an exemplary tailgate system assembly method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present disclosure generally relates to tailgate systems and methods of assembling tailgate systems. In an example, the tailgate system includes a first tailgate panel, a panel-carrying frame secured to the first tailgate panel, and a component-carrying frame secured to the panel-carrying frame. The tailgate component can be secured to the component-carrying frame without painting the tailgate component. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.
[0037] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 includes a tailgate system 14. As discussed further below, the tailgate system 14 includes features that facilitate assembly of the tailgate system 14.
[0038] The tailgate system 14 can be moved between a closed position and an open position as shown. When in the closed position, the tailgate system 14 encloses the rear end of the cargo box 18. When in the open position, the tailgate system 14 allows the user to access the cargo box 18.
[0039] The tailgate system 14 is a type of vehicle opening and closing module. In another example, the opening and closing module can be a door, a trunk lid, a hood, or any other type of opening and closing module configuration.
[0040] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically and may be varied within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0041] refer to Figures 2 to 9, the example tailgate system 14 includes a first tailgate panel 22, a panel carrier frame 26, a component carrier frame 30, a second tailgate panel 34, and a trim panel 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the panel carrier frame 26 is sandwiched between the first tailgate panel 22 and the component carrier frame 30. In addition, the component carrier frame 30 is sandwiched between the panel carrier frame 26 and the second tailgate panel 34. The trim panel 38 extends across the first tailgate panel 22, the panel carrier frame 26, the component carrier frame 30, and the second tailgate panel 34.
[0042] In one example, the sides of the tailgate system 14 are exposed so that the panel-carrying frame 26 and the component-carrying frame 30 are visible when the tailgate system 14 is in the open position. In another example, the sides of the tailgate system 14 are covered so that the panel-carrying frame 26 and the component-carrying frame 30 are not visible when the tailgate system 14 is in the open position.
[0043] During assembly of the tailgate system 14, the first tailgate panel 22 is secured directly to the panel carrier frame 26 to form the tailgate panel subassembly 46. In this example, the first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26 are secured using an adhesive 50. The first tailgate panel 22 includes a handle assembly 134 (see FIG. Figure 6 and Fig. 9 ) of the tailgate system 14, the handle assembly can be actuated to open and close the tailgate system 14.
[0044] In this example, the first tailgate panel 22 is an outer panel that forms the outer contour of the tailgate system 14. The first tailgate panel 22 can be made of a polymer-based material or a metal material. Some possible example metals include aluminum and steel.
[0045] The panel carrier frame 26 includes a first side 58 that directly interfaces with the first tailgate panel 22 and a second side 62 that directly interfaces with the component carrier frame 30. The first side 58 is directly secured to the first tailgate panel 22. The second side 62 is directly secured to the component carrier frame 30 by fasteners 66 that pass through holes formed in the panel carrier frame 26.
[0046] The panel carrier frame 26 includes access openings 84 that may provide access for securing the tailgate component. In this example, a bracket 86 spans one of the access openings 84 and includes one or more openings 90 for securing the tailgate component to the panel carrier frame 26.
[0047] The panel carrying frame 26 may be made of a polymer-based material or a metal material. Some possible example metals include aluminum and steel.
[0048] The first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26 may be painted using a powder or spray to decorate the appearance of the tailgate system 14. The first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26 may be painted together after the panel carrier frame 26 is secured to the first tailgate panel 22. Alternatively, the first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26 may be painted separately before the panel carrier frame 26 is secured to the first tailgate panel 22.
[0049] In the assembled tailgate system 14 , the component carrier frame 30 is secured directly to the panel carrier frame 26 on the first side 94 and is secured directly to the second tailgate panel 34 on the second side 98 .
[0050] The component carrying frame 30 includes opposing side walls 102 extending between a top wall 106 and a bottom wall 110 and a cross beam 114 extending transversely between the opposing side walls 102. The opposing side walls 102, the top wall 106, the bottom wall 110 and the cross beam 114 generally have a U-shaped cross section.
[0051] The cross beam 114 includes a pair of flanges 118 fixed to one side of the opposing side wall 102 and a face portion 122 fixed to a different opposite side of the opposing side wall 102. The top wall 106, the bottom wall 110 and the face portion 122 of the cross beam 114 include holes 126 for receiving the fasteners 66 (see Figure 5 ) and secures the component carrier frame 30 to the panel carrier frame 26. The face portion 122 of the cross beam 114 is secured to the panel carrier frame 26 at a location between the flanges 118.
[0052] The example component carrying frame 30 is made of a metal material. Some possible example metals include aluminum and steel.
[0053] exist Fig. 7A In the example of , a sheet of material is roll formed and then bent to provide opposing side walls 102 and a bottom wall 110. A top wall 106 and crossbars 114 are secured (screwed, welded, adhered, etc.) to the opposing side walls 102 to form a substantially three-piece component-carrying frame.
[0054] exist Figure 7B In the example of FIG. 1 , the opposing side walls 102 , the top wall 106 , the bottom wall 110 , and the cross beams 114 are separate pieces that are fixed (screwed, welded, adhered, etc.) together to form a component-carrying frame.
[0055] exist Figure 7C In the example of FIG. 1 , the component carrying frame includes a lower corner portion or hinge portion 127. The hinge portion 127 can be fixed (screwed, welded, adhered, etc.) to the opposite side wall 102 and the bottom wall 110 to form the component carrying frame.
[0056] Prior to securing the panel carrier frame 26 and the second tailgate panel 34 , the component carrier frame 30 may be electro-coated or “e-coated”.
[0057] Within the tailgate system 14 , the component carrying frame 30 may directly support one or more tailgate components, such as a tailgate motor, torsion bar, trailer tow module, step slide, handle assembly, cameras, wires, sensors, latches, hinges, tailgate cables, etc.
[0058] The component carrier frame 30 may include one or more access openings 125 that may provide access for securing the tailgate component to the component carrier frame 30. Figure 6 In the illustrative example of , the latch 128 and the tailgate cable 130 are fixed to each of the opposing side walls 102, the handle assembly 134 is fixed to the top wall 106, the tailgate motor 138 is fixed to the bottom wall 110, and the hinge 142 is fixed to the opposing side walls 102 and the bottom wall 110. The tailgate component is powered by wires 146 that pass through the component carrier frame 30. In this example, the wires 146 pass through the bottom wall 110 and the crossbar 114 and then are divided into multiple sections connected to the tailgate component. The wires 146 may include a first section 150 connected to the handle assembly 134, a second section 154 connected to one of the latches 128, and a third section 158 connected to the control module 164.
[0059] In one example, the handle assembly 134 is attached to a recessed area 166 defined on the first side 58 of the panel carrier frame 26 (see Figure 5 In another example, the handle assembly 134 is attached to the first side 94 of the component carrying frame 30 .
[0060] The control module 164 can be secured to the bracket 86 of the panel carrier frame 26 (see Figure 4 ). The control module 164 may include both hardware and software and may be part of the overall vehicle control system.
[0061] The tailgate motor 138 is secured to the bottom wall 110 by fasteners. The hinge 142 is secured to the opposing side walls 102 and the bottom wall 110 by fasteners.
[0062] The second tailgate panel 34 is secured directly to the component-carrying frame 30 by fasteners 170 that pass through holes formed in the second tailgate panel 34. The second tailgate panel 34 includes a first surface 172 and a second surface 176. The first surface 172 is secured directly to the component-carrying frame 30. The second surface 176 may provide a work surface for a user when the tailgate system is in the open position.
[0063] The second tailgate panel 34 may be made of a polymer-based material. The second tailgate panel 34 may be painted using a powder or spray to decorate the appearance of the tailgate system 14.
[0064] The trim panel 38 is secured directly to the component carrier frame 30. The trim panel 38 is generally U-shaped and includes a first section 178 and a second section 182 secured over the first and second tailgate panels 22, 34, respectively, by snap fits, and a third section 186 secured directly to the component carrier frame 30 by one or more fasteners 190.
[0065] The trim panel 38 may be made of a polymer-based material. The trim panel 38 may be molded into a specific color or painted using a powder or spray to decorate the appearance of the tailgate system 14.
[0066] Fig. 9 A flow chart of an exemplary method 200 of assembling the tailgate system 14 is shown. The method 200 begins at step 204, where a tailgate panel, such as the first tailgate panel 22, is secured to the panel carrier frame 26. The first tailgate panel 22 may be adhesively bonded to the panel carrier frame 26 to form the tailgate panel subassembly 46.
[0067] After securing the tailgate panel to the panel carrier frame 26 at step 204 , the method 200 moves to step 208 where the first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26 are coated using a powder or spray.
[0068] After applying the coating to the first tailgate panel 22 and the panel carrier frame 26, the method 200 moves to step 212, where the component carrier frame 30 is secured to the panel carrier frame 26. The component carrier frame 30 may be secured to the panel carrier frame 26 by fasteners. Prior to securing the component carrier frame 30 to the panel carrier frame 26, the component carrier frame 30 is electrocoated.
[0069] After securing the component carrier frame 30 to the panel carrier frame 26, the method 200 moves to step 216 where one or more tailgate components are secured to the component carrier frame 30. The tailgate components are secured to the component carrier frame 30 after the component carrier frame 30 has been electrocoated such that the tailgate components are unpainted.
[0070] The method 200 then moves to step 220 where a different tailgate panel, such as the second tailgate panel 34, is secured to the component carrier frame 30, and then the method moves to step 224 where the trim panel 38 is secured to the component carrier frame 30. The second tailgate panel 34 and the trim panel 38 may be painted using a powder or spray before they are secured to the component carrier frame 30.
[0071] The foregoing description is illustrative and non-restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the attached claims.
Claims
1. A method for assembling a tailgate system, comprising: securing the tailgate panel to the panel carrier frame; After securing the tailgate panel to the panel carrying frame, securing a component carrying frame to the panel carrying frame; as well as After securing the component-carrying frame to the panel-carrying frame, one or more tailgate components are secured to the component-carrying frame.
2. The method for assembling a tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein: Securing the tailgate panel to the panel carrying frame includes adhesively bonding the tailgate panel to the panel carrying frame.
3. The method of assembling a tailgate system as described in claim 1 further includes spraying the tailgate panel, the panel carrying frame, or both before securing the panel carrying frame to the component carrying frame, and optionally, further includes securing the component carrying frame to the panel carrying frame without spraying the component carrying frame. 4 . The method of assembling a tailgate system of claim 1 , further comprising securing the component-carrying frame to the panel-carrying frame using a plurality of fasteners.
5. The method for assembling a tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein: The tailgate components were not painted.
6. The method of assembling a tailgate system of claim 1 further comprising accessing the tailgate component through an access opening in the tailgate panel, an access opening in the panel carrier frame, an access opening in the component carrier frame, and any combination thereof when securing the tailgate component to the component carrier frame.
7. The method for assembling a tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein: The tailgate panel is a first tailgate panel, and the tailgate system assembly method further includes applying paint to a second tailgate panel and then securing the second tailgate panel to the component carrier frame, and optionally, further includes securing a decorative panel to the component carrier frame after securing the second tailgate panel to the component carrier frame.
8. The method for assembling a tailgate system according to claim 1, wherein: The panel carrier frame includes a first side and a second side, the tailgate panel is secured to the first side, and the component carrier frame is secured to the second side.
9. A tailgate system comprising: tailgate panel; component carrying frame; as well as A panel carrying frame has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the tailgate panel is directly connected to the first side, and the component carrying frame is directly connected to the second side.
10. The tailgate system of claim 9, wherein: The first side directly interfaces with the tailgate panel, and the second side directly interfaces with the component carrier frame.
11. The tailgate system of claim 9, wherein: The tailgate panel and the panel carrier frame are painted, wherein the component carrier frame is not painted.
12. The tailgate system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of tailgate components supported on the component-carrying frame, and optionally wherein: The plurality of tailgate components include a tailgate motor, a torsion bar, a trailer tow module, a step slide, a handle assembly, a camera, wires, sensors, latches, hinges, a tailgate cable, and any combination thereof.
13. The tailgate system of claim 9, wherein: The component-carrying frame includes opposing side walls extending between a top wall and a bottom wall and a cross-member extending transversely between the opposing side walls, and optionally, wherein each of the opposing side walls, the top wall, the bottom wall and the cross-member includes a generally U-shaped channel for receiving a tailgate component, or optionally, wherein the top wall is secured to a trim panel.
14. The tailgate system of claim 9, wherein: The panel carrying frame is sandwiched between the tailgate panel and the component carrying frame.
15. The tailgate system of claim 9, wherein: The tailgate panel is an exterior panel.