Rear tail door assembly

Abstract

A rear tail door assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a rear tail door, and a four-bar linkage assembly. The body structure has a roof structure and sidewalls defining a tailgate opening. A four-bar linkage assembly supports the rear tailgate for movement between an open orientation and a closed orientation. The four-bar linkage includes a rear member, a support bracket, and a front member. A first end of the rear member is pivotally attached to the upright portion of the sidewall and a second end is attached to the rear tailgate. A rear end of the support bracket is fixed to and overhangs from the roof structure. The front member has a first end attached to the rear end of the support bracket and a second end attached to the rear tailgate inside the rear member. The first end of the rear member is located outside the support bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a tailgate assembly and more particularly to a tailgate assembly including a tailgate supported by a four-bar linkage that is sized and configured to move the tailgate along an arcuate path when moving between a fully open orientation and a fully closed orientation. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and hatchback vehicles typically have a rear tailgate attached to the vehicle using a pair of hinges. The rear tailgate thus pivots around an axis defined by the hinges. The rear tailgate is therefore only capable of pivoting or rotating movement. Summary of the invention

[0003] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle tailgate having a linkage mechanism that moves the tailgate along an arcuate path during the opening and closing process.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tailgate assembly having a linkage mechanism that allows the tailgate to open with minimal rearward movement during the door opening process.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tailgate having a linkage mechanism that positions at least a portion of the tailgate above a roof structure of a vehicle when the tailgate is in a fully open orientation.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a tailgate having a linkage mechanism that moves the tailgate to an open orientation in which the tailgate is positioned above and away from a tailgate opening of a vehicle, allowing easier access to a cargo area that is concealed by the tailgate when the tailgate is in a closed orientation.

[0007] In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a rear tailgate assembly having a vehicle body structure, a rear tailgate and a four-bar linkage assembly. The vehicle body structure has a roof structure and a side wall defining a rear tailgate opening. The rear tailgate can move between a door closed orientation covering the rear tailgate opening and a door open orientation exposing the rear tailgate opening. The four-bar linkage assembly supports the rear tailgate for movement between the door open orientation and the door closed orientation. The four-bar linkage mechanism includes at least a rear member (rearward member), a support bracket and a front member (forward member). The rear member has a first end pivotally attached to an upright portion of the side wall and a second end attached to the rear tailgate. The support bracket is fixed to the roof structure (roof ditch) when its rear end is suspended from the roof structure. The front member has a first end and a second end, the first end is attached to the rear end of the support bracket, and the second end is forward and attached to the rear tailgate on the inside relative to the rear member. The first end of the rear member is located outside relative to the support bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring now to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0009] Figure 1 is a rear view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment showing a rear tailgate in a closed orientation;

[0010] Figure 2 is another rear view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment showing a rear tailgate in an open orientation, illustrating a channel area surrounding the rear tailgate opening and a four-bar linkage supporting the rear tailgate;

[0011] Figure 3 is a side view of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment with the suspension and side doors removed for clarity, showing the rear tailgate in a closed orientation, wherein elements of the four-bar linkage include a rear member, a front member, and an extension;

[0012] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 Another side view of the vehicle showing the rear tailgate in a first intermediate orientation just after the door opening process has begun;

[0013] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 and Figure 4 another side view of the vehicle showing the rear tailgate in a second intermediate orientation approximately halfway through the door opening process;

[0014] Figure 6 is similar to Figures 3 to 5Another side view of the vehicle showing the rear tailgate in a fully open orientation;

[0015] Figure 7 is a rear view of a first side of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a cavity opening in the trench area, wherein an extension extends upwardly through the cavity opening, the upper end of the extension being connected to a protrusion of a rear member of a four-bar linkage, and also showing a bracket (support member) attached to a roof structure within the roof trench, the rear end of the bracket pivotally supporting a first end of a front member of the four-bar linkage;

[0016] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 7 , a rear perspective view of a first side of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 1 from different angles, showing a flexible boot covering the cavity opening, wherein an extension extends upwardly through the opening at the top of the flexible boot, the upper end of the extension being connected to a protrusion of the rear member of the four-bar linkage, and also showing another bracket attached to a groove area in front of and adjacent to the cavity opening, the other bracket pivotally supporting a first end of the rear member;

[0017] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 8 another rear perspective view of the first side of the vehicle from the same perspective angle, showing the cavity opening in the trench area, with the flexible cover removed to show an extension extending upwardly through the cavity opening, the upper end of the extension being connected to a protrusion of the rear member of the four-bar linkage, and also showing another bracket attached to the trench area forwardly and adjacent to the cavity opening;

[0018] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a flexible cover removed from a vehicle showing a circumferentially configured attachment area sized to fit to a cavity opening, a flexible cover portion, and an opening at a top of the flexible cover portion having an upper opening sized to receive an extension member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Fig.11 is a view of a cavity in a sidewall according to an exemplary embodiment with a trench area removed to show an upper area of ​​a wheel well structure and an inner wall or inner sidewall with a bracket welded to both the wheel well structure and the inner sidewall, the bracket being attached to and supporting a lower end of an extension;

[0020] Fig.12 is a bottom perspective view of a tailgate according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the tailgate is in an open orientation, showing a bracket welded to the tailgate, the bracket being connected to and supporting the second end of the front member;

[0021] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a roof ditch of a roof structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a further bracket attached to the roof structure within the roof ditch, a rear portion of the bracket depending rearwardly from the roof ditch, the rear portion of the bracket supporting a second end of the front bracket;

[0022] Fig.14 is a rear perspective view of a roof ditch of a roof structure of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a bracket attached to the roof structure within the roof ditch, a rear portion of the bracket depending rearwardly from the roof ditch, the rear portion of the bracket supporting a second end of the front bracket;

[0023] Fig.15 is a side perspective view of a bracket according to an exemplary embodiment, the bracket being attached to a roof structure within a roof ditch, supporting and pivotally connected to a second end of a front bracket;

[0024] Fig.16 is another rear perspective view of a bracket according to an exemplary embodiment, the bracket being attached to the roof structure within a roof ditch, supporting and pivotally connected to the second end of the front bracket;

[0025] Fig.17 is a side view of a rear region of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, showing rear and front members and extensions of a four-bar linkage in phantom;

[0026] Fig.18 is a rear perspective view of a tailgate in a fully open orientation according to an exemplary embodiment showing a second end of a rear member of a four-bar linkage pivotally attached to a side of a central region of the tailgate, an extension pivotally attached to a protrusion of the rear member, and a second end of a front member pivotally attached to a bracket welded to an upper region of the tailgate;

[0027] Fig.19 is another rear perspective view of a tailgate in a fully open orientation according to an exemplary embodiment showing a first end of a rear member pivotally attached to a four-bar linkage secured to a trench region of a vehicle, an extension pivotally attached to a nose of the rear member, and a second end of a front member pivotally attached to a bracket welded to an upper region of the tailgate;

[0028] Fig. 20 is a rear view of a tailgate in a fully open orientation showing a second end of a rear member of a four-bar linkage pivotally attached to a side of a central region of the tailgate, a second end of a front member pivotally attached to a bracket welded to an upper region of the tailgate, and an extension pivotally attached to a protrusion of the rear member, wherein a cable is secured to the rear member, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Fig.21 is another rear perspective view of a tailgate in a fully open orientation showing an extension pivotally attached to a nose of a rear member, a first end of a rear member pivotally attached to a four-bar linkage secured to a trench area of ​​a vehicle, and a cable according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 22 is an upper perspective view of a trench area of ​​a vehicle rearwardly looking downwardly into a cavity, showing an extension extending through the cavity opening and into the cavity and a first end of a rear member of a four-bar linkage attached to a bracket secured to the trench area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

[0031] Fig.23 is a rear perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle with a tailgate removed showing a door closing device or locking device mounted to a roof structure along an upper portion of a channel area above the tailgate opening according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0033] Reference first Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a vehicle 10 having a vehicle body structure 12 including a rear tailgate assembly 14 is shown according to a first embodiment.

[0034] The vehicle body structure 12 includes a roof structure 18 (also referred to as a roof 18), a rear end region 20, and side walls 22. The rear end region 20 defines a tailgate opening 30, a channel region 32, and a cavity opening 34. The rear end region 20 includes a thick flexible sealing member S mounted to the rear end region 20 in such a manner that the flexible sealing member S surrounds the tailgate opening 30.

[0035] The roof structure 18 includes a main panel 24 having a roof ditch 26 defined at either lateral side thereof. The main panel 24 is attached to the respective upper ends of the side walls 22 along the roof ditch 26 in a conventional manner. The roof ditch 26 is a recessed area or channel extending from the front of the roof structure 18 to the rear end region 20 at each side of the main panel 24.

[0036] The rear end region 20 may be a separate panel that is secured to panels defining the side walls 22 and main panel 24 of the roof structure 18. Alternatively, the rear end region 20 may be formed as part of a rear end region of each of the side walls 22 and main panel 24 of the roof structure 18. The rear end region 20 defines a tailgate opening 30 and a channel region 32 (also referred to as the channel 32).

[0037] The groove areas 32 extend along opposite sides of the tailgate opening 30 and at least partially surround the tailgate opening 30. The shape and contour of the groove areas 32 are designed to divert water and debris away from the tailgate opening 30. Each groove area 32 also defines a cavity opening 34 described further below.

[0038] Each side wall 22 includes an inner wall 36 and an outer wall 38 ( Fig. 9 ), the inner wall 36 and the outer wall 38 define a cavity 40 therebetween. Each side wall 22 also defines a wheel well structure 42 near the lower end of the side wall. The cavity 40 extends upward from the upper region of the wheel well structure 42 to a corresponding one of the cavity openings 34 defined in the groove region 32 of the rear end panel 20.

[0039] The cavity opening 34 in the groove region 32 of the rear end region 20 opens to the cavity 40 and provides access to the cavity 40. However, the cavity 40 is Figure 8 The flexible cover 44 shown covers the Fig. 9 1 is shown removed from the vehicle 10. For clarity in the following description of the tailgate assembly 14, the flexible cover 44 is removed in all other figures.

[0040] like Fig.10 As shown, the flexible cover 44 includes a circumferentially configured attachment area 46 that is attached to the groove area 32 covering the opening 34. The flexible cover 44 also includes an upper end 48 of a cover portion 50. The upper end 48 defines an opening 52 described in more detail below. The circumferentially configured attachment area 46 is sized and shaped to be attached to the edge of the groove area 32 that defines and surrounds the cavity opening 34.

[0041] Prior reference Figure 3-Figure 6 The rear tailgate assembly 14 is described in the case of FIG. The rear tailgate assembly 14 includes a rear tailgate 60 and a four-bar linkage 62. The rear tailgate 60 can be Figure 1 and Figure 3 The door closed orientation shown covers the tailgate opening 30 and the channel 32 and is Figure 2 and Figure 6 Movement between a door open orientation exposing the tailgate opening 30 and the channel 32 is shown. Figure 4 The rear tailgate 60 is shown in the door closed orientation ( Figure 1 and Figure 3) is moved away. Figure 5 The rear tailgate 60 is shown in the door-open orientation ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ) is the second intermediate orientation of the tailgate 60.

[0042] like Figure 1 When the rear tailgate 60 is in the door-closed orientation, the rear tailgate 60 covers and at least partially conceals the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle body structure 12 . Figure 2 As shown, with the tailgate 60 in the door-open orientation, the tailgate 60 is exposed and allows easy access to the cargo area at the rear of the vehicle body structure 12 .

[0043] As from Figure 3-Figure 6 As shown in the side view, the rear tailgate 60 has an overall curved shape. The rear tailgate 60 includes an upper region 64 (also referred to as the window support region 64) and a lower region 66. A central region 68 of the rear tailgate 60 is defined as being close to the bottom of the window support region 64. The upper region 64 of the rear tailgate 60 also defines an outer upper corner 64a.

[0044] The four-bar linkage assembly 62 supports the tailgate 60 for kinematic movement between a closed orientation and an open orientation, such that when the tailgate 60 is in the open orientation ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the rear tailgate 60 may even be located at the rearmost area of ​​the bumper cover 78 of the vehicle 10 or in front of the rearmost area.

[0045] The four-bar linkage assembly 62 includes a pair of rear members 70, a pair of front members 72, and a pair of extensions 74. The pairs of rear members 70, front members 72, and extensions 74 are identical mirror images (symmetrically) of each other, having the same geometric configuration, but on opposite sides of the vehicle 10. In other words, on the driver's side of the vehicle, there is one rear member 70, one front member 72, and one extension 74 (a first set). On the passenger side of the vehicle, there is one rear member 70, one front member 72, and one extension 74 (a second set). The first set and the second set are identical to each other except that they are mirror images of each other. Similarly, the side wall 22 on one side of the vehicle 10 is identical (but a mirror image) to the other side wall 22 on the other side of the vehicle 10. In addition, the roof trenches 26 are identical, but mirror images of each other. Thus, a description of one element of the four-bar linkage assembly 62 , the roof ditch 26 , and the sidewall 22 applies equally to the element on the opposite side of the vehicle 10 .

[0046] like Figure 4-Figure 9 and Figure 17-Figure 21As shown, the rear member 70 has a first end 70a pivotally attached to the channel 32 (on the same side of the vehicle 10 ), a second end 70b, and a protrusion 70c spaced apart from the first end 70a and the second end 70b, wherein the first end 70a is pivotally attached to the channel 32 (on the same side of the vehicle 10 ) and the second end 70b is attached to the tailgate 60 near the central area 68 .

[0047] like Figure 4-Figure 7 , Figure 12-14 and Figure 18-Figure 20 As shown, the front member 72 has a first end 72a attached to the roof ditch 26 of the roof structure 12 and a second end 72b attached to the upper corner 64a of the rear tailgate 60, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 shown.

[0048] like Figure 3-Figure 9 , Fig.11 , Figure 17-Figure 19 and Figure 21-22 As shown, the extension 74 has a lower end 74 a pivotally attached to the body panel (inner wall 36 of the side wall 22 ) above and adjacent the wheel well structure 42 and an upper end 74 b attached to the projection 70 c of the rear member 70 .

[0049] When the tailgate 60 is in the door-open orientation ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the rear member 70 and the front member 72 support the tailgate 60 at a position such that most or all of the upper region 64 of the tailgate 60 is directly above the roof structure 18. Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), the bottom edge of the rear tailgate 60 is even located at the rearmost area of ​​the bumper cover 78 of the vehicle 10 or in front of the rearmost area.

[0050] When the tailgate 60 is in the door-closed orientation ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 ), the rear member 70 and the front member 72 are located in the groove 32 and are hidden by the rear tailgate 60.

[0051] Now specific reference Figure 7-Figure 23 A description of the specific elements of the four-bar linkage 62 is provided.

[0052] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the upper end 74b of the extension 74 is connected to the protrusion 70c of the rear member 70 via a ball joint 82. Figure 8 As shown, the extension 74 extends downwardly through the opening 52 in the flexible cover 44, through the cavity opening 34 and into the cavity 40 (see Fig. 9 , with cover 44 removed).

[0053] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the first end 70a of the rear member 70 is attached to the groove area 32 via a bracket 84. The bracket 84 is bolted to the groove area 32, thereby fixedly attaching the bracket 84 in place. In addition, the first end 70a can pivot about a pivot pin 86 that extends through the first end 70a of the rear member 70 and through a flange 84a of the bracket 84. The bracket 84 and the flange 84a are also Fig.21 and Fig. 22 (on the other side of the vehicle 10). A description of the attachment of the second end 70b is provided below.

[0054] Fig.11 The inner wall 36 of the sidewall 22 within the cavity 40 is shown with the groove area 32 removed for clarity. Fig.11 As shown, within the cavity 40, a bracket 90 is mounted to the inner wall 36 and the wheel well structure 42. Specifically, the bracket 90 includes a wall flange 92 and a compartment flange 94. The wall flange 92 is welded to the inner wall 36, and the compartment flange 94 is welded to the upper surface of the wheel well structure 42. The bracket 90 has a contour and a curved shape that cooperates with the corresponding adjacent surfaces of the inner wall 36 and the wheel well structure 42.

[0055] Bracket 90 includes a fitting 96 that is attached to another ball joint 82 attached to lower end 74a of extension 74. Thus, lower end 74a is pivotally secured to wheel well structure 42 and inner wall 36 of sidewall structure 22 within cavity 40 via ball joint 82.

[0056] like Figure 3-Figure 6 , Fig.12 and Figure 18-Figure 19 As shown, the second end 72b of the front member 72 is attached to the rear tailgate 60 via a bracket 100. The bracket 100 is fixed to the rear tailgate 60 near the upper end of the window of the upper region 64 of the rear tailgate 60.

[0057] The bracket 100 includes an inner flange 102 and a second flange 104 perpendicular to the main portion of the bracket 100. The main portion of the bracket 100 can be attached to the rear tailgate 60 via fasteners. However, in the depicted embodiment, the bracket 100 is welded to the rear tailgate 60. The inner flange 102 abuts against and is welded to an adjacent surface of the rear tailgate 60. The second flange 104 is parallel to the inner flange 102 and is spaced apart from the inner flange 102. The pivot pin 106 extends through an opening (not shown) in the second flange 104 and an opening in the second end 72b of the front member 72. Therefore, the front member 72 is attached to the rear tailgate 60 to pivotally move about the pivot pin 106 relative to the rear tailgate 60.

[0058] like Figure 3-Figure 6 , Figure 13-Figure 16 and Fig.19 As shown, the first end 72a of the front member 72 is fixed to the roof ditch 26 via a bracket 110. More specifically, the bracket 110 covers the rear portion of the roof ditch 26 and is bolted to the rear portion of the roof ditch 26 via a pair of fasteners F. The rear end of the bracket 110 extends rearwardly past the rear end of the roof ditch 26 so that the rear end of the bracket 110 cantilevers outwardly over the upper region of the adjacent ditch region 32. The rear end of the bracket 110 also includes a pivot pin 112 that extends through an opening (not shown) in the first end 72 of the front member 72. Therefore, the front member 72 is attached to the roof ditch 26 for pivotal movement about the pivot pin 112 relative to the roof ditch 26.

[0059] like Fig.17 As shown, with the tailgate 60 in the closed orientation, the rear member 70 is concealed by the tailgate 60 and positioned adjacent to the surface of the trench region 32. Fig.17 As shown, the extension 74 is entirely located within the cavity 40. In addition, the protrusion 70c of the rear member 70 protrudes into the cavity opening 34.

[0060] like Figure 3-Figure 6 and Figure 18-Figure 20 As shown, the second end 70b of the rear member 70 is pivotally attached to the rear tailgate 60 via a pivot pin 118. The pivot pin 118 includes a threaded portion (not shown) and a bearing portion (not shown). The threaded portion is screwed directly into the side of the lower end of the central area 68 of the rear tailgate 60 near the window in the rear tailgate 60 (in the closed orientation relative to the rear tailgate 60). The second end 70b includes an opening (not shown) through which the pivot pin 118 extends, so that the bearing portion of the pivot pin 118 contacts a corresponding bearing surface (not shown) within the opening (not shown) of the second end 70b. Therefore, the rear member 70 is free to pivot relative to the rear tailgate 60.

[0061] As in Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As also shown in FIG. 1 , on one side of the vehicle 10, a cable C includes multiple wires that provide power and connect to the lights and a camera mounted to the rear tailgate 60. The cable C connects the lights and camera to other components in the vehicle 10. The cable C extends out of the vehicle body structure 12 and enters the rear tailgate 60 adjacent to the pivot pin 122, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The cable C is fixed to a portion of the rear member 70 of the four-bar linkage 62 by a belt (not shown) so that the cable C extends along the corresponding portion of the rear member 70 .

[0062] like Figure 3-Figure 6 and Figure 17-Figure 19 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the extension 74 is sized and shaped so that when the rear tailgate 60 is in the door open orientation ( Figure 2, Figure 6 and Figure 17-Figure 19 ), at least a portion of the extension 74 extends upwardly out of the cavity 40. When the rear tailgate 60 is in the door closed orientation ( Figure 2-Figure 3 and Fig.17 ), the extension piece 74 is completely retained in the cavity 40.

[0063] The extension 74 is essentially a motorized linear motion device powered by, for example, an electric motor. Alternatively, the extension 74 may be a hydraulically controlled device. The extension 74 is a conventional linear motion device configured to move the rear tailgate 60 from a door closed orientation to a door open orientation, and also to move the rear tailgate 60 from a door open orientation to a door closed orientation.

[0064] The extension member 74 is operated by various switches / sensors in or on the vehicle 10 or via a key fob. For example, a sensor (not shown) under the bumper fascia 78 can detect movement of the fascia, thereby activating the extension member 74 to extend when the tailgate 60 is in a closed orientation or to retract when the tailgate 60 is in an open orientation. A button on a key fob (not shown) can also activate the extension member 74 to extend or retract. A switch (not shown) in the vehicle 10 can be operated by a passenger or vehicle operator to extend or retract the extension member 74.

[0065] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the image sequence shown in , when the extension member 74 is operated to extend, the extension member pushes onto the protrusion 70c of the rear member 70, thereby causing the second end 70b to move upward, which movement causes the first end 70a of the rear member 70 to pivot about the pivot pin 86. Figure 4 In the first intermediate position shown in FIG. 1 , the tailgate 60 is moved away from the rear end region 20 of the vehicle 10. Further extension or elongation moves the tailgate 60 to Figure 5 The second intermediate position is shown, in which the rear tailgate 60 itself begins to experience angular displacement due to the presence of the front member 72. Finally, the full extension of the extension 74 causes the rear member 70 to pivot to a nearly vertical position, wherein the second end 70b is at the highest position of the second end 70b when the rear tailgate 60 is fully opened, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 shown.

[0066] The closing movement of the rear tailgate 60 is Figure 3-Figure 6 The sequence shown is reversed.

[0067] At the same time, Figure 3-Figure 6 Between the positions shown in the sequence in FIG. 1 , the front member 72 is pivoted about the pivot pin 112 of the bracket 110 in the door closed orientation ( Figure 3) and door opening orientation ( Figure 6 ) between the front member 72 and the rear member 74. Since the overall length of the front member 72 is shorter than the overall length of the rear member 74, the rear tailgate 60 is in the door closed orientation ( Figure 3 ) and door opening orientation ( Figure 6 ) has a curved trajectory or motion path between. Figure 3 (door closed orientation), the lower region 66 of the rear tailgate 60 is vertical (plus or minus 5 degrees). Figure 6 (fully open orientation), the lower region 66 of the tailgate 60 has undergone an angular displacement of approximately 60 degrees. In other words, the kinematics of the four-bar linkage 62 cause the tailgate 60 to undergo an angular articulation of approximately 60 degrees or more between the door closed orientation and the open orientation. Thus, approximately half of the tailgate 60 is located directly above the roof panel 24 when the tailgate 60 is in the open orientation.

[0068] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 A simple comparison of and shows that the tailgate 60 moves along a spiral or elliptical path of motion. In other words, the movement of the tailgate 60 between the open orientation and the closed orientation (and vice versa) does not follow a circular path, but rather follows more of a curved elliptical path, but does not have one axis of rotation, but rather several axes of rotation that allow for the depicted elliptical / curved motion (curved but not circular).

[0069] Another effect of the kinematics of the four-bar linkage 62 is that the lower end of the tailgate 60 moves less than eight inches, and preferably only six inches, rearward of an imaginary vertical plane located at the rearmost point of the bumper fascia 78 as the tailgate 60 moves from the closed orientation to the open orientation. Thus, a person standing only eight inches, and preferably six inches, rearward of the imaginary vertical plane at the bumper fascia 78 will not be contacted by the bottom edge of the tailgate 60 during movement of the tailgate 60 to the open orientation. In the absence of the four-bar linkage 62, where the tailgate pivots only about conventional door hinges, the tailgate would often swing more than a foot or a foot and a half rearward of the bumper fascia, depending on the size of the door and the location of the hinges.

[0070] Therefore, one advantage of the tailgate 60 having the four-bar linkage 62 is that less space is required behind the vehicle 10 in order to open the tailgate 60. In other words, the tailgate 60 can be opened with minimal rearward movement during the door opening and closing process.

[0071] Also, the kinematic design of the four-bar linkage 62 is such that when the tailgate 60 is in the fully open orientation, at least the upper region 64 of the tailgate 60 is located at the rear region of the main panel 24 of the roof structure 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 6shown.

[0072] Because at least the upper region 64 of the tailgate 60 is positioned above the roof structure 18 when the tailgate 60 is fully open, the tailgate opening 30 is fully exposed, providing easier access to the cargo area of ​​the vehicle 10 .

[0073] In order to encapsulate (fit) the four-bar linkage 62 in the groove area 32 when the tailgate 60 is in the closed orientation, the front member 72 has a nonlinear overall shape so that the second end 72 of the front member 72 is located inwardly relative to the second end 70 of the front member 70. In addition, the front member 72 is shorter than the rear member 70 to achieve the tailgate 60 in the closed orientation. Figure 3-Figure 6 Kinematic motion shown.

[0074] like Fig.23 As shown, above the tailgate opening 30, the roof structure 18 may include a door retaining device 130 configured to ensure that the upper end of the tailgate 60 is held against the vehicle body structure 12 when the tailgate 60 is in a closed orientation. The door closing device 130 may be, for example, an electromagnetic device that uses electromagnetic force to urge the tailgate 60 against the vehicle body structure 12. Alternatively, the door closing device 130 may be an electrically actuated locking mechanism that engages and captures a not-shown locking structure at the top of the tailgate 60.

[0075] The vehicle 10 may include an electronic controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the extension member 74 and the door closing device 130 based on signals from a remote control key (not shown) of the vehicle 10, the sensors and switches mentioned above. The electronic controller preferably includes a microcomputer with a door open / close control program. The electronic controller may also include other conventional components, such as input interface circuits, output interface circuits, and storage devices such as ROM (read only memory) devices and RAM (random access memory) devices.

[0076] The vehicle body structural features (except for the rear tailgate 60 and the four-bar linkage 62) are conventional components well known in the art. Since such vehicle body structural features are well known in the art, these structures will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Instead, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components may be any type of structure and / or programming that can be used to implement the present invention.

[0077] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. Moreover, when used in the singular, the terms "component", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" can have the dual meaning of a single component or a plurality of components. Moreover, as used herein to illustrate the above-mentioned embodiments, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "below" and "lateral" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with a door assembly. Therefore, these terms used to illustrate the present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with a door assembly.

[0078] The term "detecting" as used herein to describe an operation or function performed by a component, section, device, etc. includes components, sections, devices, etc. that do not require physical detection but rather include determining, measuring, modeling, predicting or calculating, etc. to implement the operation or function.

[0079] The term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section or part of a device includes hardware and / or software that is constructed and / or programmed to carry out the desired function.

[0080] Terms of degree such as "substantially," "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0081] Although only selected embodiments are selected to illustrate the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components can be changed as needed and / or desired. Components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other can have an intermediate structure arranged between them. The function of an element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structure and function of an embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary to have all advantages in a specific embodiment at the same time. Each feature different from the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be considered as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structure and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, rather than for limiting the purpose of the present invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tailgate assembly, comprising: a vehicle body structure having a roof structure and side walls defining a wheel well structure, a rear tailgate opening, and at least one trench on a first side of the rear tailgate opening; a tailgate movable between a door-closed orientation covering the tailgate opening and the at least one channel and a door-open orientation exposing the tailgate opening and the channel; as well as a four-bar linkage assembly supporting the tailgate for movement between the door-open orientation and the door-closed orientation, the four-bar linkage comprising at least a rear member, a front member, and an extension, The rear member has a first end pivotally attached to the at least one groove, a second end attached to the tailgate, and a protrusion spaced from the first end and the second end, The front member has a first end attached to the roof structure and a second end attached to the tailgate, and the extension having a lower end pivotably attached to a vehicle body panel secured to the sidewall above and adjacent the wheel well structure and an upper end attached to the projection of the rear member, wherein the rear member and the front member support the tailgate at a position above the roof structure when the tailgate is in the door-open orientation, and wherein the rear member and the front member are located within the groove and concealed by the tailgate when the tailgate is in the door-closed orientation.

2. The tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The sidewall defines a cavity extending from the wheel well to the groove; as well as The extension is sized and shaped such that at least a portion of the extension extends upwardly out of the cavity when the tailgate is in the door-open orientation and the extension is retained within the cavity when the tailgate is in the door-closed orientation.

3. The tailgate assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The projection of the rear member is sized such that at least a portion of the projection extends into the cavity when the tailgate is in the door-closed orientation.

4. The tailgate assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The groove defines an opening to the cavity, wherein a flexible cover is attached to the groove covering the opening, and a top end of the extension extends through the opening in the flexible cover.

5. The tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The extension is a linear motion device powered by an electric motor.

6. The rear tailgate assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The extension is configured to move the tailgate between the door closed orientation and the door open orientation.

7. The tailgate assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The roof structure defines at least one roof ditch extending rearwardly to the channel, and the first end of the front member is attached to a portion of the at least one roof ditch for pivotal movement relative thereto.

8. A tailgate assembly, comprising: a body structure having a roof structure and side walls defining a rear tailgate opening; a tailgate movable between a door-closed orientation covering the tailgate opening and a door-open orientation exposing the tailgate opening; as well as A four-bar linkage assembly supports the tailgate for movement between the door open orientation and the door closed orientation, the four-bar linkage comprising at least a rear member, a support bracket and a front member, the rear member having a first end pivotally attached to the upright portion of the side wall and a second end attached to the tailgate, the support bracket being fixed to the roof structure, the rear end of the support bracket cantilevered from the roof structure, and the front member having a first end attached to the rear end of the support bracket and a second end attached to the tailgate forwardly and inboard relative to the rear member, the first end of the rear member being located outboard relative to the support bracket.

9. The rear tailgate assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The side wall of the vehicle body structure further defines a groove located outboard and adjacent to the tailgate opening such that: when the tailgate is in the door-open orientation, the rear member and the front member support the tailgate at a position above the roof structure, and when the tailgate is in the door-closed orientation, the rear member and the front member are located within the groove and concealed by the tailgate.

10. The rear tailgate assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The four-bar linkage assembly also includes at least one extension member having a lower end pivotally attached to a body panel of the sidewall above and adjacent to a wheel well structure and an upper end attached to a protrusion of the rear member.

11. The tailgate assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The extension is a linear motion device powered by an electric motor.

12. The tailgate assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The extension is configured to move the tailgate between the door closed orientation and the door open orientation.

13. A tailgate assembly, comprising: a vehicle body structure having a roof structure defining at least one roof ditch structure and side walls defining a rear tailgate opening; a tailgate movable between a door-closed orientation covering the tailgate opening and a door-open orientation exposing the tailgate opening; as well as A four-bar linkage assembly supports the tailgate for movement between the door open orientation and the door closed orientation, the four-bar linkage assembly comprising at least a first bracket, a second bracket, a front member and a rear member, the first bracket being mounted to the roof structure within the roof ditch, the first bracket having parallel vertical protrusions, a pivot pin extending through an opening at a rear end of the protrusions and an opening at a first end of the front member bracket, the second bracket being fixed to the tailgate, the second end of the front member being fixed to the second bracket for pivotal movement relative to the second bracket, the second end of the front member being located outside the second bracket.

14. The tailgate assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The first bracket is located inside relative to the second bracket, and The front member has a non-linear overall shape such that the first end of the front member is located inboard relative to the second end of the front member.

15. A tailgate assembly, comprising: a vehicle body structure having a roof, a rear end panel, and a side wall, the rear end panel defining a tailgate opening and a cavity opening, the side wall defining a wheel well with a cavity defined between panels of the side wall, the cavity extending from an upper region of the wheel well to the cavity opening defined by the rear end panel, a first ball stud supported within the cavity to the side wall adjacent the wheel well; The rear tailgate is movable; a four-bar linkage assembly supporting the tailgate for movement between a door-closed orientation covering the tailgate opening and the cavity and a door-open orientation exposing the tailgate opening and the cavity, the four-bar linkage assembly comprising at least an extension member and a rear member, the extension member having a lower end attached to the first ball stud, the rear member having a protrusion mounted with a second ball stud, an upper end of the extension member attached to the second ball stud, such that extendable movement of the extension member causes corresponding movement of the rear member, thereby pushing the tailgate upward; as well as A flexible cover member is assembled to the rear end plate covering the cavity opening, the flexible cover member having an opening for receiving an upper portion of the extension piece.

16. The tailgate assembly according to claim 15, wherein: The extension is a linear motion device powered by an electric motor.

17. The tailgate assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The extension is configured to move the tailgate between the door closed orientation and the door open orientation.

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