Length and cross-section adjustable variable drive torque rod for rear panel

Abstract

Variable output torque rod system as panel counterweight, comprising the following: a loading area (26) with a plurality of side walls (18, 20, 22) and a floor (24); a panel (28) that is functionally connected to and configured with a floor (24) and at least one of the plurality of side walls (18, 20, 22) to widen or narrow access to the loading area (26); a retractable torque rod (35) with a solid inner rod (37) having a first end arranged concentrically in a tubular outer rod (39), wherein the tubular outer rod (39) includes a first fixed end (40) with respect to the loading platform (26), and wherein the solid inner rod (37) includes a second end (42) which is secured in a sliding block (56) with respect to the panel (28), wherein the retractable torque rod (35) is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel (28) is pivoted in a first direction (44) with respect to the loading platform (26), and to release the stored energy when the panel (28) is pivoted in a second direction (46) opposite to the first direction (44) to assist in the operation of the panel (28); and wherein the sliding block (56) at the second end (42) of the solid inner rod (37) is profiled against a section (57) of the panel (28) to prevent rotation about the second end (42) of the solid inner rod (37), and wherein the sliding block (56) is effective in setting an overall length (L) and cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod (35) when the sliding block (56) is moved from a fully extended position (59) to at least one other position (61) that is smaller than the fully extended position (59).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle rear panel arrangements, in particular to a variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many conventional motor vehicles, such as the modern pickup truck, are equipped with a hinged tail panel that closes the end of a rear cargo bed. The conventional tail panel (more commonly known as a "tailgate") is a door assembly that spans across the width of the rear section of the vehicle. The tail panel is typically hinged to the vehicle body at opposite side edges, near the base of the door assembly. It is often attached to two rear support pillars between body side panels that together form a vehicle cargo bed, such as the bed or box of a pickup truck or the trunk of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The tail panel is operable to unlock and pivot from a vertical, closed position to a horizontal, open position that is approximately coplanar with an inner floor surface of the vehicle cargo bed.

[0003] Some rear panel assemblies include a counteracting hinge arrangement to assist the movement of the tailgate during opening and closing. Various hinges can be used to produce different desired characteristics. Prior art hinge assemblies have employed torque (or torsion) rods to assist the rear panel in folding out towards the vehicle body. The bending of the torque rod is used to counteract the weight of the rear panel, thus assisting its opening and closing. Specifically, the torque rod reduces the force required to raise and lower the tailgate by storing energy in the twisting of the torque rod during opening / lowering from the residual kinetic energy generated by the tailgate.

[0004] US 2012 / 0242109A1 describes a compartment with multiple side walls and a base configured to define a storage area. The compartment also includes a panel functionally connected to the base or to at least one of the multiple side walls. The panel is configured to selectively restrict or expand access to the storage area. The compartment further includes a torque rod with a wall thickness, a hollow interior, a first end fixed relative to the storage area, and a second end fixed relative to the panel. The torque rod is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction opposite to the first, thus assisting the panel's operation.A vehicle that uses such a housing is also planned.

[0005] DE 10 2008 047 757 A1 describes a device for closing an opening, in particular a door, window, or flap, with a (profile) frame that is pivotably mounted in at least one direction in an outer frame, wherein this frame is provided with at least two different types of return devices and is automatically fixed in the opening plane by magnetic forces, wherein both a variable closing force of the return device is part of the invention, and a closing device based on an attractive effect, in particular a magnetic effect, is shown, which, in addition to the closing and damping properties, provides a sealing function against insects and dirt.

[0006] DE 10 2017 130 406 A1 describes a cargo area of ​​a pickup truck. The cargo area includes a pair of opposing side walls, each with a first locking component. A tailgate is mounted between the side walls and includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and opposing side panels, each facing one of the side walls and connecting the inner and outer panels to define a body that defines an interior space. A pair of hinges pivots the tailgate to the side walls, allowing it to pivot between an open and a closed position. A pair of second locking components are located on each of the side panels and can engage with a corresponding first locking component to secure the tailgate in the closed position.A storage compartment is located in the interior, defining a loading area accessible through an opening in one of the side panels. A corresponding section in the side wall blocks access to this opening when the tailgate is closed.

[0007] US 5,664,289 A describes a hinge strap assembly with a torque rod spring assembly and a torque rod. The torque rod has a pair of end sections connected by a coiled section. The coiled section has a plurality of legs connected by at least one U-shaped bending section. A sliding block and / or a pivot block can be clamped to the coiled section to vary the stiffness of the torque rod spring assembly. The hinge strap assembly can include a hinge box, a hinge strap, and a single coiled torque rod sandwiched between them. Alternatively, the hinge strap can be housingless and consist of a hinge strap and a torque rod to which the hinge strap is pivotally attached. One end of the torque rod can be attached directly to the rear shelf, eliminating the conventional hinge box.An insert can be used for the pivotable mounting of the torque rod within the hinge band.

[0008] US 3,022,536 A describes a torsion spring assembly for a pair of relatively oscillating links, comprising clamping devices each rigidly connected to one of the links, a torsion spring assembly anchored to one of the clamping devices, a device attached to one of the clamping devices and receiving a portion of the spring assembly, an anchoring device connected to the clamping device and the spring portion, anchoring means connected to one of the support means and receiving a portion of the spring means, anchoring means connected to the attached means and the spring portion to prevent relative longitudinal displacement and relative rotation, and means that are effective during relative longitudinal displacement to adjust the force that can be exerted by the spring means during relative oscillation of the links, and means that are effective at completion of the adjustment.to lock the anchoring means against displacement relative to the attached means and to fix the setting of the spring means.

[0009] US 5,417,407 A describes an adjustable elastomer torsion device. The torsion device comprises a base element aligned in a partially nested relationship with an elastic elastomer torsion element (e.g., rubber or urethane resin). Portions of the base element and the torsion element overlap, and an extension portion of the torsion element projects beyond the base element. The base element and the torsion element are interlocked where they overlap to prevent relative twisting between them, but the interlock does not restrict twisting of the torsion element extension.An adjustment mechanism allows the positions of the base and torsion elements to be adjusted relative to each other. This enables the length of the extension section of the torsion element to be varied over a specific displacement length, thereby adjusting the elastomeric, spring-like torsional restoring force (torsional resistance) of the device within a predetermined force range. In some embodiments, the base element is an elastic elastomer, resulting in some twisting of the base element; in other embodiments, the base element does not twist perceptibly.

[0010] The subsequently published DE 10 2019 114 560 A1 describes a variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight. The system includes a torque rod with a first fixed end relative to a loading platform and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the loading platform, and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction opposite to the first direction.A sliding block is arranged on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end, wherein the sliding block can be moved freely along an axis of the torque rod when an adjusting screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the sliding block projects against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation around the torque rod when the adjusting screw is tightened.

[0011] US 6,769,729 B1 describes a motor vehicle tailgate. The tailgate includes a door that pivots about a generally horizontal pivot axis, the door comprising a shell that defines an interior space. The door is rotatably mounted on bearings located at each end of the door on bearing supports. A floating torsion bar is provided, the first end of which is rotatably mounted inside the door shell and the second end of which engages with one of the bearing inserts and is non-rotatably connected, so that the torsion bar is subjected to a torsional load when the door pivots. Because the torsion bar is floating, the function of the tailgate hinges is not affected even if the torsion bar should break.

[0012] Additional mass from a rear panel storage module and the mass of stowed items negatively affect the counterweight by increasing the initial and peak closing force and dampening the opening performance. Therefore, the object of the invention is to provide a balancing mechanism to compensate for additional load mass in the rear panel storage module. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to the invention, aspects of a variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight include a loading platform with a plurality of side walls and a floor and a panel functionally connected to one of the floor and at least one of the plurality of side walls, wherein the panel is configured to increase or restrict access to the loading platform.The drive torque rod system includes a retractable torque rod with a fixed inner rod having a first end arranged concentrically in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed with respect to the loading platform, and wherein the fixed inner rod includes a second end secured in a sliding block with respect to the panel, wherein the retractable torque rod is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the loading platform, and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction opposite to the first direction to assist in the operation of the panel.The sliding block is arranged at the second end of the solid inner rod profile against a section of the panel to prevent rotation about the second end of the solid inner rod, and the sliding block is effective to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod when the sliding block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the sliding block is adjustable to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod when the sliding block is moved from the fully extended position to at least one other position that is smaller than the fully extended position, and wherein an increase in the cross-sectional area acts to increase the stored energy of the extendable torque rod that can be achieved when the extendable torque rod is twisted while the panel is moved in the first direction.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the panel further comprises a support flange with a slot that allows the adjustment of the sliding block along a concentric axis of the extendable torque rod when a positioning screw is loosened.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the panel includes a slot formed below and parallel to a concentric axis of the extendable torque rod, and wherein the positioning screw of the sliding block is exposed on an underside of the panel, so that the sliding block is displaceable along the slot and the torque rod when the adjusting screw is loosened.

[0017] Further embodiments are provided, wherein the panel is a pickup truck rear panel and wherein the pickup truck rear panel is configured as a storage module.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the sliding block is adjustable to effectively shorten the length and increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod in order to increase the stored energy when the objects are stowed in the storage module and the pickup rear panel is pivoted in the first direction.

[0019] The above-mentioned features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the best ways of carrying out the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the attached claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view from the rear of a vehicle with a cargo space that includes a pivoting panel and a torque rod that provides assistance during the operation of the panel, the space being configured as a pickup truck bed and the panel being configured as a tailgate; Fig. Figure 2 is a detailed perspective partial exploded view from close up. Fig. 1 torque rod shown; Fig. Figure 3A is an illustration of a partial view of a variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight according to aspects of an embodiment; Fig. 3B is an illustration of the variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight of Fig. 3A after adjustment, to effectively shorten and increase the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod according to the aspects of an embodiment; Fig. Figure 4A is an illustration of a top view of an alternative embodiment of the variable output torque rod system; and Fig. Figure 4B is an illustration of the bottom view of the alternative embodiment of Fig. 4A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0020] Referring to the drawings, where the same reference numerals in the different views refer to the same components, shows Fig. 1. A vehicle 10 depicted as a pickup truck. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12. The vehicle body 12 defines a passenger compartment 14 and a cargo compartment 16. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cargo space 16 is configured as a flatbed of a pickup truck and is generally designed for the transport of bulky goods.

[0021] The cargo space 16 of Fig. The cargo space 16 is enclosed on four sides, but, as shown, can be arranged without a top cover and therefore remains open from above. The cargo space 16 encloses a plurality of generally vertical surrounding walls, represented as a side wall 18, a side wall 20, and a side wall 22. The cargo space 16 also includes a floor 24. The side walls 18, 20, 22, and the floor 24 are configured together to define a loading platform 26. The cargo space 16 also includes a panel 28.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in one possible embodiment, panel 28 is designed as a rear panel, which is pivotably connected to the side walls 18 and 22 via the support flanges 30 and 32, respectively. Each of the flanges 30, 32 can be attached to the respective walls 18, 22 with suitable fasteners, such as a pair of screws (not shown). Alternatively, panel 28 can also be pivotably connected to the floor 24 via a suitable hinge mechanism (not shown). Accordingly, when pivoted, panel 28 selectively expands and restricts access to the loading area 26.

[0023] The panel 28 additionally includes a torque rod 34. The torque rod 34 is characterized by a cross-section with an outer diameter 35, a wall thickness 36, and a hollow interior 38. Alternatively, the torque rod 34 can be formed with a completely solid body section. The torque rod 34 also has a first end 40 that is fixed with respect to the side wall 18 of the loading platform 26, a second end 42 that is fixed with respect to the panel 28, and a predetermined length 43 spanning the distance between the first end 40 and the second end 42. The torque rod 34 is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel 28 is pivoted in a first direction relative to the loading platform 26, the first direction being indicated by an arrow 44.The torque rod 34 is made of a suitable material that is able to withstand torsions elastically without undergoing permanent elongation under stress during operation of the panel 28, e.g. spring steel.

[0024] The torque rod 34 is also configured to release the stored energy when the panel 28 is pivoted in a second direction after having previously been rotated in the first direction 44, the second direction being indicated by an arrow 46. As shown in the diagram... Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the second direction 46 is opposite to the first direction 44. Therefore, the release of the stored energy by the torque rod 34 when pivoting the panel 28 in the second direction 46 provides power assistance for the operation of the panel.

[0025] To achieve the desired force to support the operation of the panel 28, each of the first end 40 and the second end 42 is specifically configured to fix the first end relative to the loading platform 26 and the second end relative to the panel 28. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first end 40 can enclose a solid section 48 with a wedge section 50, the solid section being fixed within the hollow interior 38. The solid section 48 can first be inserted into the hollow interior 38 and then either pressed or welded into place. The first end 40 is then attached to the support flange 32 via the wedge section 50, so that the flange 32 effectively becomes part of the first end. As further shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the second end 42 of the torque rod 34 can enclose a compressed, essentially flat section 52. The essentially flat section 52 can then be attached to a portion of the panel 28 via a fastening device 54, thereby restricting the movement of the second end 42 relative to the panel. Furthermore, each of the first and second ends 40 and 42 can enclose either the solid section 48 with a wedge section 50 or the compressed, essentially flat section 52, which, depending on the restraint requirements of each end, is fixed within the hollow interior 38.

[0026] When the panel 28 is pivoted in the first direction 44 from the position where access to the loading area 26 is restricted, the torque rod 34 is twisted because, while the first end 40 is rigidly coupled to the side wall 18, the second end 42 rotates with the panel. The process of operating the panel 28 to extend the loading area 26 stores energy in the torque rod 34 under the mass of the panel 28, which is lowered in the first direction 44. Conversely, when the panel 28 is then operated in the second direction 46 to restrict access to the loading area 26, the stored energy can be released by the torque rod 34, thus assisting in raising the panel 28. The overall diameter 35, the wall thickness 36 and the length 43 are chosen such that the torque rod 34 receives a desired spring force, so that twisting the torque rod can generate useful force support when lifting the panel 28.

[0027] The Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates a variable output torque rod system as a panel counterweight according to aspects of an embodiment. The variable output torque is achieved by adjusting the length and / or cross-sectional area of ​​an extendable torque rod 35, which encloses a solid inner rod 37 with a first end arranged concentrically within a tubular outer rod 39. It is understood that the solid inner rod 37 and the tubular outer rod 39 are of the same shape, with the outer surface of the solid inner rod 37 in sliding contact with the inner surface of the tubular outer rod 39 when the solid inner rod 37 is moved telescopically in and out of the tubular outer rod 39. It should be noted that the solid inner rod 37 and the tubular outer rod 39 have a common shape, which may be round, square, or polygonal, but preferably polygonal.

[0028] The tubular outer rod 39 closes a first fixed end 40 (see Fig. 1) with respect to the loading platform, and the solid inner rod 37 encloses a second end 42 which is secured in a sliding block 56 by a set screw 68 to prevent movement of the sliding block 56 away from the second end 42 along the axis of the solid inner rod 37. The sliding block 56 projects against a section 57 of the panel 28 at its base and against a support flange 62 at its crown. A position screw 58 prevents adjustment of the sliding block 56 along a slot 60 formed in the support flange 62 when tightened, and allows movement of the sliding block 56 along the slot 60 between a first end 59 and a second end 61 when loosened.When the sliding block 56 is positioned at the first end 59 of the slot 60, the extendable polygonal torque rod 35 has a minimum cross-sectional area and maximum length, which means that the torque rod 35 has the ability to store a minimum amount of torque when twisted (see Fig. 3A and Equation 1). Conversely, when the sliding block 56 is moved to the second end 61 of the slot 60, the solid inner rod 37 fills the cavity of the tubular outer rod 39, which means that the extendable torque rod 35 has a maximum cross-sectional area and minimum length (see Fig. 3A). Fig. 3B). Increasing the overall diameter or cross-section and decreasing the overall length of the rod 35 results in an increase in the torque that can be stored in the extendable torque rod 35 when the rod is twisted according to Equation 1: T=(Gθ / L)*J, where T = applied external torque; G = Material thickness; Θ = angle of rotation; J = πd 4 / 32 = polar moment of inertia; where d is the diameter L = Torque rod length

[0029] It is considered that the panel 28 can provide additional use as a storage module for storing items such as tools and / or building materials. The additional weight of the stored items negatively affects the counterweight of the panel 28 by increasing the initial and peak closing force and dampening the opening performance. According to the aspects of the exemplary embodiment, the stored energy potential of the torque rod 35 can be increased by effectively shortening its length and increasing its cross-sectional area if the sliding block 56 is correctly adjusted within the slot 60 of the support flange 62 towards the second end 61 ( Fig. 3B and Equation 1). Thus, the sliding block 56 and torque rod 35 system provides a mechanism to compensate for the negative effects on the counterweight capacities of the panel 28 when the panel 28 is used as a storage module.

[0030] The Fig. Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an alternative embodiment for a variable output torque system as a panel counterweight. This embodiment allows the position of the sliding block 56 to be adjusted by accessing the adjusting screw 58 when the panel 28 is moved into the vertical position so that the loading platform 26 is closed. The panel 28 is designed to include a slot 64 below and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torque rod 35. As shown in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 4B, the adjusting screw 58 of the sliding block 56 on the underside 66 of the panel 28 is exposed such that the sliding block 56 is movable along the slot 64 and the torque rod 35 when the adjusting screw 58 is loosened. In this configuration, the length of the torque rod 35 can be easily varied to increase its potential for stored energy by effectively shortening its overall length through adjustment of the sliding block 56.

Claims

[1] Variable output torque rod system as panel counterweight, comprising the following: a loading area (26) with a plurality of side walls (18, 20, 22) and a floor (24); a panel (28) that is functionally connected to and configured with a floor (24) and at least one of the plurality of side walls (18, 20, 22) to widen or narrow access to the loading area (26); a retractable torque rod (35) with a solid inner rod (37) having a first end arranged concentrically in a tubular outer rod (39), wherein the tubular outer rod (39) includes a first fixed end (40) with respect to the loading platform (26), and wherein the solid inner rod (37) includes a second end (42) which is secured in a sliding block (56) with respect to the panel (28), wherein the retractable torque rod (35) is configured to store energy by twisting when the panel (28) is pivoted in a first direction (44) with respect to the loading platform (26), and to release the stored energy when the panel (28) is pivoted in a second direction (46) opposite to the first direction (44) to assist in the operation of the panel (28); and wherein the sliding block (56) at the second end (42) of the solid inner rod (37) is profiled against a section (57) of the panel (28) to prevent rotation about the second end (42) of the solid inner rod (37), and wherein the sliding block (56) is effective in setting an overall length (L) and cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod (35) when the sliding block (56) is moved from a fully extended position (59) to at least one other position (61) that is smaller than the fully extended position (59). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the sliding block (56) is adjustable to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod (35) when the sliding block (56) is moved from the fully extended position (59) to at least one other position (61) that is smaller than the fully extended position (59), and wherein an increase in the cross-sectional area acts to increase the stored energy of the extendable torque rod (35) that can be achieved when the extendable torque rod (35) is twisted while the panel (28) is moved in the first direction (44). [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the panel (28) further comprises a support flange (62) with a slot (60) which allows the sliding block (56) to be adjusted along a concentric axis of the extendable torque rod (35) when a positioning screw (58) is loosened. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the panel (28) includes a slot (64) which is formed below and parallel to a concentric axis of the extendable torque rod (35), and wherein the positioning screw (58) of the sliding block (56) is exposed on a bottom surface (66) of the panel (28) such that the sliding block (56) is displaceable along the slot (64) when the positioning screw (58) is loosened. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the panel (28) is a pickup rear panel (28). [6] System according to claim 5, wherein the pickup rear panel (28) is configured as a storage module. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the sliding block (56) is adjustable to effectively shorten the length (L) and increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the extendable torque rod (35) to increase the stored energy when the objects are stowed in the storage module and when the pickup tailgate (28) is pivoted in the first direction (44).

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