Tailgate assembly including deployable work station

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a tailgate assembly including a deployable workstation. A tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle may include a tailgate movable between a closed position and an open position and a deployable workstation including at least one panel. The upper surface of the at least one panel provides a working surface. When the tailgate is in the open position, the deployable workstation is movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position in which the at least one panel is raised relative to the stowed position. The deployable workstation is configured such that the at least one panel is movable from the stowed position by sliding rearward prior to elevation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle. Specifically, the tailgate assembly includes a deployable workstation. A corresponding method is also disclosed. Background Art

[0002] Many motor vehicles include a cargo space for transporting various types of cargo. For example, pickup trucks include a cargo bed that defines the truck's cargo space. A tailgate typically encloses the rear portion of the cargo bed. The tailgate is movable between a closed position and an open position, respectively, for enclosing and providing access to the cargo bed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a tailgate that is movable between a closed position and an open position; and a deployable workstation that includes at least one panel, wherein an upper surface of the at least one panel provides a work surface, wherein when the tailgate is in the open position, the deployable workstation is movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position, wherein in the at least one raised position, the at least one panel is raised relative to the stowed position, and wherein the deployable workstation is configured such that the at least one panel is movable from the stowed position by sliding rearward before being raised.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the at least one panel includes a first panel and a second panel.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the first panel is rotatable relative to the second panel between a folded position and an unfolded position to vary the surface area of ​​the work surface.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein, in the folded position, the first panel substantially vertically overlaps the second panel.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein, in the deployed position, a surface of the first panel and a surface of the second panel provide the work surface.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein, in the deployed position, the surface of the first panel and the surface of the second panel lie substantially in a common plane.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein, in the deployed position, the work surface exhibits a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​the work surface in the folded position.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein, in the deployed position, the work surface exhibits a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​an upper surface of the tailgate.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the deployable workstation includes a linkage assembly configured to facilitate sliding and raising of the at least one panel relative to the tailgate.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein: the linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link, the first link and the second link being connected to a pin adjacent their respective first ends, and the pin being received in a slot formed in a side of the at least one panel.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link are movable relative to each other to raise and lower the at least one panel.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the at least one raised position includes a plurality of raised positions, and each of the raised positions corresponds to a different distance between the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the first link and the second link are movable to raise the work surface to a height within a range between substantially 800 mm and substantially 900 mm above the ground.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein the deployable workstation includes a support leg forward of the linkage assembly.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the support leg includes a first vertical portion and a second vertical portion and a horizontal portion extending between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion, and wherein when the support leg is deployed, the horizontal portion is configured to contact a floor of a cargo area or the tailgate of the motor vehicle.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a tailgate that is movable between a closed position and an open position; and a deployable workstation comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein when the tailgate is in the open position, the first panel and the second panel are movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position, wherein in the at least one raised position, the first panel and the second panel are raised relative to the stowed position, and wherein the first panel and the second panel are configurable relative to each other to provide a work surface that presents a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​an upper surface of the tailgate.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method comprising: opening a tailgate of a motor vehicle; after the opening step, sliding at least one panel of a deployable workstation rearward relative to the tailgate without raising the at least one panel, wherein the at least one panel is configured to provide a work surface; and after the sliding step, raising the at least one panel relative to the tailgate.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein the at least one panel includes a first panel and a second panel, and wherein the method further comprises rotating the first panel relative to the second panel from a folded position to an unfolded position to provide a work surface having a surface area that is substantially twice that of an upper surface of the tailgate.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein the raising step includes raising the at least one panel so that the work surface is in the range of substantially 800 mm to substantially 900 mm above the ground.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method wherein the deployable workstation includes a linkage assembly configured to facilitate sliding and raising of the at least one panel, wherein the method further comprises moving support legs into a deployed position to support the at least one panel, and wherein the support legs are forward of the linkage assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0024] Figure 2 The tailgate assembly is shown in the open position. Figure 2 , the deployable workstation is in the stowed position.

[0025] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 , and showing the deployable workstation in a raised position with the panels in the deployed position.

[0026] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a view of the deployable workstation with the motor vehicle removed for ease of reference.

[0027] Figure 5 is a close-up view showing the interface between the linkage assembly and the panel.

[0028] Figure 6 is a view of the tailgate assembly and particularly showing the support legs of the deployable workstation.

[0029] Figure 7 A view of a sliding movement of panels representing an expandable workstation.

[0030] Figure 8 is a view representing the vertical movement of the panels of the deployable workstation.

[0031] Figure 9 Is a view showing the expanded panel of an expandable workspace. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure relates to a tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle. Specifically, the tailgate assembly includes a deployable workstation. A corresponding method is also disclosed. The present disclosure provides a relatively large work surface at a convenient height. The work surface is intuitively and easily accessible. These and other benefits will be apparent from the following description.

[0033] Figure 1 The motor vehicle 10 is shown viewed from the rear. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, motor vehicle 10 is a pickup truck. Motor vehicle 10 includes a cargo space for storing and / or hauling one or more items of cargo. In the illustrated embodiment, the cargo space is defined by a bed 12 of the pickup truck. While a pickup truck having a bed is specifically depicted and referenced herein, other vehicles having other types of cargo spaces may also benefit from the teachings of this disclosure. Furthermore, motor vehicle 10 may be a vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine, an electric or hybrid vehicle powered by a traction battery, an autonomous vehicle, and the like.

[0034] The cargo box 12 is generally rearward of the passenger compartment 13 of the motor vehicle 10. Figure 2 The cargo bed 12 includes a floor 14 extending between a pair of longitudinally extending side walls 16, a transversely extending front wall 18, and a tailgate assembly 20. The overall size, shape, and configuration of the cargo bed 12 are not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0035] In the present disclosure, the tailgate assembly 20 includes a tailgate 22 and a deployable workstation 24. The tailgate 22 extends laterally between the side walls 16 and is configured to enclose the cargo bed 12 from the rear when the tailgate 22 is in the closed position. Figure 1 As shown. The rear baffle 22 can be Figure 1 The closed position and Figure 2 Specifically, the tailgate 22 can pivot about axis A when moving between the closed and open positions. Movement of the tailgate 22 between the open and closed positions causes corresponding movement of the deployable workstation 24 mounted relative to the tailgate 22. For example, the tailgate 22 can move from the closed position to the open position in response to actuation of a handle of the tailgate assembly 20.

[0036] When the tailgate 22 is in the open position, the deployable workstation 24 can be positioned relative to the tailgate 22. Figure 2 The stowed position shown is similar to that shown in Figure 3 The workstation 24 is movable between at least one of the positions shown. In the raised position, the deployable workstation 24 provides a work surface that is substantially parallel to the ground surface G adjacent to the motor vehicle 10 and that can support various objects to facilitate the performance of various tasks. By way of example, the work surface can be used as one or more of a workbench, an office table, a food preparation or food serving surface, and the like.

[0037] For ease of reference, Figure 4 The deployable workstation 24 is shown without the remainder of the motor vehicle 10. The deployable workstation 24 is shown from a side perspective, and specifically from a perspective from the rear and passenger side (in regions such as North America) of the motor vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the deployable workstation 24 is substantially symmetrical about its centerline C, which, in this example, is perpendicular to the axis A and is substantially coextensive with the centerline of the motor vehicle 10 when the deployable workstation 24 is mounted to the motor vehicle 10.

[0038] As shown, the deployable workstation 24 includes at least one panel. In this example, the deployable workstation includes a first panel 26 and a second panel 28. The first panel 26 includes a first end 30, a second end 32 opposite the first end 30, a first side 34 extending between the first end 30 and the second end 32, and a second side 36 opposite the first side 34 and extending between the first end 30 and the second end 32. The first panel 26 includes a first surface 38 and a second surface 40. Figure 4 In the configuration of Figure 4 The lower surface in the configuration.

[0039] The second panel 28 includes a first end 42, a second end 44 opposite the first end 42, a first side 46 extending between the first end 42 and the second end 44, and a second side 48 opposite the first side 46 and extending between the first end 42 and the second end 44. The second panel 28 includes a first surface 50 and a second surface 52. Figure 4 In the configuration of Figure 4 The lower surface in the configuration.

[0040] In this example, the dimensions of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 are substantially similar. Specifically, the surface area of ​​the first surface 38 is substantially equal to the surface area of ​​the first surface 50. Furthermore, the first surface 38 and the first surface 50 each exhibit a surface area substantially equal to the upper surface 54 of the tailgate 22 (i.e., the upper surface 54 is the upper surface of the tailgate 22 when it is open).

[0041] In the present disclosure, the work surface of the deployable workstation 24 is provided by the uppermost of the surfaces 38, 40, and / or 50, depending on the configuration of the deployable workstation 24. Thus, for example, when the deployable workstation 24 is in Figure 4 In the configuration of , the working surface is provided by surfaces 38 and 50. In this configuration, surfaces 38 and 50 are substantially located in a common plane, and in this example, the common plane is substantially parallel to the ground G and the upper surface 54. In addition, in Figure 4 In the configuration of , the surface area of ​​the working surface is substantially twice (ie, double) the surface area of ​​the upper surface 54 .

[0042] The first panel 26 and the second panel 28 can be folded relative to each other to change the surface area of ​​the work surface provided by the deployable workstation 24. Specifically, the first panel 26 can be folded relative to the second panel 28 in the folded position ( Figure 2 ) and the expanded position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) between. In the folded position, the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 are substantially vertically overlapped. In the folded position, the second surface 40 of the first panel provides a working surface, such as Figure 2 Movement of the first panel 26 to the deployed position essentially doubles the surface area of ​​the work surface.

[0043] In this example, two hinges 56, 58 are disposed between the ends 32, 42 and facilitate movement of the first panel 26 relative to the second panel 28. The first panel 26 is configured to rotate substantially 180° when moving between the folded position and the deployed position.

[0044] Furthermore, in this example, the first panel 26 includes through-holes 60, 62 configured to be grasped by a user to facilitate rotation of the first panel 26 between the folded position and the deployed position. Through-holes 60, 62 are not required in all examples. In this example, the first panel 26 also includes a strap 64 between the through-holes 60, 62 to facilitate lowering and raising the first panel 26 as it moves between the folded position and the deployed position.

[0045] The deployable workstation 24 includes a first linkage assembly 66 and a second linkage assembly 68, which are arranged on opposite sides of the deployable workstation 24 and are configured to facilitate sliding and raising the first and second panels 26, 28 relative to the tailgate 22. The first linkage assembly 66 will now be described in greater detail. It should be understood that the second linkage assembly 68 is substantially similarly configured about the centerline C.

[0046] The first linkage assembly 66 includes a first link 70 and a second link 72 connected adjacent their respective first ends 76, 78 to a pin 74 ( Figure 5 ).like Figure 5 As shown, the pin 74 is received in a slot 80 formed in the side 46 of the second panel 28. The second end 82 of the first link 70 and the second end 84 of the second link 72 can move relative to each other within a track 86 to raise and lower the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 relative to the tailgate 22. The track 86 can be attached to the upper surface 54 using known fasteners.

[0047] The distance between the second ends 82, 84 is variable to change the height of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28. The locking assembly is configured to maintain the relative position of the first link 70 and the second link 72 to maintain the height of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28. In one example, the first link 70 and the second link 72 can be moved relative to each other to change the height of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 so that the work surface is within a range of substantially 800 mm to substantially 900 mm above the ground G.

[0048] When in the raised position, the deployable workstation 24 includes deployable support legs 88 forward of the first linkage assembly 66 and the second linkage assembly 68. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 6, the support legs 88 are in the deployed position. The support legs 88 are configured to rotate substantially forward and downward relative to the first panel 26 to the deployed position. The support legs 88 include two vertical portions 90, 92 disposed adjacent opposing sides 34, 36 of the first panel 26, respectively, and a horizontal portion 94 extending horizontally between ends of the vertical portions 90, 92 opposite the first panel 26. The first panel 26 may include a recess to keep the support legs 88 substantially flush with the surface 40 when the support legs 88 are stowed. When the support legs 88 are deployed, as shown Figure 6 As shown, the horizontal portion 94 is configured to contact the floor 14 or upper surface 54 , for example, to support the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 .

[0049] An exemplary technique for deploying the deployable workstation 24 will now be described with continued reference to all figures. In the exemplary technique, with the tailgate 22 in the open position and the workstation in the stowed position ( Figure 2 ) firstly, the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 are arranged along the direction R ( Figure 7 ) slides rearwardly in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis A and opposite to the direction of the cargo bed 12. In one example, this first movement includes only the sliding of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28, and does not include raising of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28. The first movement also causes the ends 30, 44 to protrude rearwardly from the rearmost end of the tailgate 22. To initiate the movement, the user can grasp one or both of the through-holes 60, 62 and pull the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 rearwardly. From this position, the user can easily raise the first panel 26 and the second panel 28. Specifically, the user can grasp the surface 52 of the second panel 28 (which is now again located behind the tailgate 22) and lift both the first panel 26 and the second panel 28 in the vertical direction Z to the desired raised position, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 When in the desired raised position, the user can selectively lock the relative positions of the first link 70 and the second link 72 to maintain the vertical position of the first panel 26 and the second panel 28. The user can then move the first panel 26 to the deployed position, as shown. Figure 9 When in the extended position ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), or when the user moves the first panel 26 to the deployed position, the user can deploy the support legs 88.

[0050] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "substantially" are not intended to be open-ended terms and should be interpreted consistently with how those terms would be interpreted by one skilled in the art. Additionally, directional terms such as "above," "below," "up," "down," "forward," "backward," "upward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like are used for purposes of explanation only and should not otherwise be construed as limiting.

[0051] 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 of the examples 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided, comprising: a tailgate movable between a closed position and an open position; and a deployable workstation comprising a first panel and a second panel, wherein when the tailgate is in the open position, the first panel and the second panel are movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position, wherein the first panel and the second panel are raised relative to the stowed position, and wherein the first panel and the second panel are configurable relative to each other to provide a work surface exhibiting a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​an upper surface of the tailgate.

[0054] According to an embodiment, a method includes: opening a tailgate of a motor vehicle; after the opening step, sliding at least one panel of a deployable workstation rearward relative to the tailgate without raising the at least one panel, wherein the at least one panel is configured to provide a work surface; and after the sliding step, raising the at least one panel relative to the tailgate.

[0055] In one aspect of the invention, the at least one panel includes a first panel and a second panel, and wherein the method further includes rotating the first panel relative to the second panel from a folded position to an unfolded position to provide a work surface having a surface area that is substantially twice that of an upper surface of the tailgate.

[0056] In one aspect of the invention, the raising step comprises raising the at least one panel so that the working surface is in the range of substantially 800 mm to substantially 900 mm above the ground.

[0057] In one aspect of the present invention, the deployable workstation includes a linkage assembly configured to facilitate sliding and raising of the at least one panel, wherein the method further includes moving support legs into a deployed position to support the at least one panel, and wherein the support legs are forward of the linkage assembly.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising: a tailgate movable between a closed position and an open position; as well as A deployable workstation comprising at least one panel, wherein an upper surface of the at least one panel provides a work surface, wherein when the tailgate is in the open position, the deployable workstation is movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position, wherein the at least one panel is raised relative to the stowed position, and wherein the deployable workstation is configured such that the at least one panel is movable from the stowed position by sliding rearwardly before being raised. 2 . The automotive vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the at least one panel comprises a first panel and a second panel. 3 . The automotive vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the first panel is rotatable relative to the second panel between a folded position and an unfolded position to vary the surface area of ​​the work surface. 4 . The motor vehicle of claim 3 , wherein in the folded position, the first panel substantially vertically overlaps the second panel. 5 . The automotive vehicle of claim 3 , wherein in the deployed position, a surface of the first panel and a surface of the second panel provide the work surface.

6. The automotive vehicle of claim 5, wherein in the deployed position, the surface of the first panel and the surface of the second panel lie substantially in a common plane.

7. The motor vehicle of claim 5, wherein in the deployed position, the work surface exhibits a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​the work surface in the folded position.

8. The motor vehicle of claim 5, wherein in the deployed position, the work surface exhibits a surface area that is substantially twice the surface area of ​​the upper surface of the tailgate.

9. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein the deployable workstation includes a linkage assembly configured to facilitate sliding and raising of the at least one panel relative to the tailgate.

10. The motor vehicle of claim 9, wherein: The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link connected to a pin adjacent their respective first ends, and The pin is received in a slot formed in a side of the at least one panel.

11. The automotive vehicle of claim 10, wherein the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link are movable relative to each other to raise and lower the at least one panel. 12 . The motor vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the at least one raised position comprises a plurality of raised positions, and each of the raised positions corresponds to a different distance between the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link.

13. The motor vehicle of claim 11, wherein the first link and the second link are movable to raise the work surface to a height within a range between substantially 800 mm and substantially 900 mm above the ground.

14. The motor vehicle of claim 9, wherein the deployable work station includes a support leg forward of the linkage assembly.

15. The motor vehicle of claim 14, wherein the support leg includes a first vertical portion and a second vertical portion and a horizontal portion extending between the first vertical portion and the second vertical portion, and wherein when the support leg is deployed, the horizontal portion is configured to contact a floor of a cargo area or the tailgate of the motor vehicle.

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