Cableless tailgate for a vehicle

Abstract

A cargo space for an open light commercial vehicle comprises a base section including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate section defining the cargo space; a first side wall extending from the first end to the second end along a first side of the cargo space, the first side wall containing a first end section; and a second side wall extending from the first end to the second end, the second side wall containing a second end section. The cargo space also includes a tailgate pivotally mounted at the second end of the base section by an adjustable pair of hinges, the tailgate being configured to be in either a closed position, a first intermediate position, or a fully open position. The adjustable pair of hinges is configured to selectively hold the tailgate in either the first intermediate position or the fully open position.

Description

INITIATIONExample embodiments relate to the field of vehicles and, more particularly, to a cableless tailgate for a cargo space of an open van.Many vehicles, such as open vans, include a cargo area used to transport various goods, tools, materials, and the like. The cargo compartment includes a tailgate that can be opened and closed to selectively allow access to the cargo compartment. Traditionally, the tailgate is pivotally mounted to the cargo compartment and attached to the cargo compartment using ropes that limit the range of travel of the tailgate. These tailgates are merely configured to be used in a closed or an open position.SUMMARYAccording to an exemplary embodiment, a cargo space for an open van is provided. The cargo compartment includes a base portion including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining the cargo compartment, a first side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a first side of the cargo compartment, the first side wall including a first end portion, and a second side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a second side of the cargo compartment, the second side wall including a second end portion. The cargo compartment also includes a tailgate having the first side portion, a second side portion, a surface extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, and an end portion, the tailgate being pivotally mounted to the second end of the base portion by a pair of adjustable hinges, the tailgate being disposed in a closed position in which the tailgate is connected to the first and second side walls, a first intermediate position in which the tailgate is disposed at a first angle relative to the base portion, or a fully open position in which the tailgate is disposed at a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the base portion. The adjustable hinge pair is configured to selectively retain the tailgate in the first intermediate position or the fully open position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the tailgate is further capable of being disposed in a second intermediate position, wherein the tailgate is disposed at a third angle that is greater than the first angle and less than the second angle relative to the base portion.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cargo compartment also includes a release actuator configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the closed position directly to the fully open position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release actuation is further configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the first intermediate position to either the closed or fully open positions.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release operation is a tailgate handle disposed on the second surface of the tailgate.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release operation is a button disposed on the first side wall or the second side wall.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, an angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the fully open position is about one hundred seventy-seven degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the closed position is about ninety degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the first intermediate position is about one hundred fifty degrees, and the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the second intermediate position is about one hundred twenty degrees.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each hinge of the adjustable hinge pair includes a hinge pin secured to the first sidewall or the second sidewall, a positioning cam secured to the hinge pin, and a pawl configured to selectively engage the positioning cam.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cargo compartment also includes a release actuator configured to selectively engage the pawl with the positioning cam.In addition to the one or more features described herein, each hinge of the adjustable pair of hinges further includes a control plate configured to prevent the pawl from engaging the positioning cam while the tailgate transitions from the closed position to the fully open position.According to another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle having a body and a cargo compartment mechanically coupled to the body is provided. The cargo compartment includes a base portion including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining the cargo compartment, a first side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a first side of the cargo compartment, the first side wall including a first end portion, and a second side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a second side of the cargo compartment, the second side wall including a second end portion. The cargo space also includes a tailgate having a first side portion, a second side portion, a surface extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, and an end portion, the tailgate being pivotally mounted to the second end of the base portion by a pair of adjustable hinges, the tailgate being disposed in a closed position, the tailgate being connected to the first and second side walls, a first intermediate position, the tailgate being disposed at a first angle relative to the base portion, or a fully open position, the tailgate being disposed at a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the base portion. The adjustable hinge pair is configured to selectively retain the tailgate in the first intermediate position or the fully open position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the tailgate is further capable of being disposed in a second intermediate position, wherein the tailgate is disposed at a third angle that is greater than the first angle and less than the second angle relative to the base portion.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cargo compartment also includes a release actuator configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the closed position directly to the fully open position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release actuation is further configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the first intermediate position to either the closed or the fully open position.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release operation is a tailgate handle disposed on the second surface of the tailgate.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the release operation is a button disposed on the first side wall or the second side wall.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, an angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the fully open position is about one hundred seventy-seven degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the closed position is about ninety degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the first intermediate position is about one hundred fifty degrees, and the angle between the base portion of the cargo space and the first surface of the tailgate in the second intermediate position is about one hundred twenty degrees.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each hinge of the adjustable hinge pair includes a hinge pin secured to the first sidewall or the second sidewall, a positioning cam secured to the hinge pin, and a pawl configured to selectively engage the positioning cam.In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the cargo compartment also includes a release actuator configured to selectively engage the pawl with the positioning cam.In addition to the one or more features described herein, each hinge of the adjustable pair of hinges further includes a control plate configured to prevent the pawl from engaging the positioning cam while the tailgate transitions from the closed position to the fully open position.The above-described features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSOther features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, the detailed description referring to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a vehicle having a tailgate illustrated in a closed configuration according to an example embodiment; FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A, illustrating the tailgate in a fully open configuration, according to an example embodiment; FIGS. 2A-B are side views of an example hinge assembly according to an example embodiment; FIG. 2C is an exploded view of an example hinge assembly according to an example embodiment; FIGS. 3A-D are side views of an example hinge assembly in a closed position, a first intermediate position, a second intermediate position, and a fully open position, according to an example embodiment; and FIG. 4A is a side view of an example hinge assembly in a closed position according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4B is a side view of an example hinge assembly transitioning from a closed position to a fully open position, according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4C is a side view of an example hinge assembly in a fully open position according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4D is a side view of an example hinge assembly in a first intermediate position according to an example embodiment; and FIG. 4E is a side view of an example hinge assembly in a second intermediate position according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding portions and features.According to an exemplary embodiment, a cableless tailgate is provided for a cargo compartment of a vehicle. The cableless tailgate is pivotally mounted to the cargo space of a vehicle, such as an open van, via a hinge assembly that controls the relative position of the tailgate to the cargo space. In particular, the hinge assembly is configured to selectively secure the tailgate in one of a plurality of positions relative to the cargo compartment without the use of a cable. In addition, the hinge assembly allows the tailgate to be securely positioned in intermediate positions between the fully open position and the closed position.According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition directly from a closed position to a fully open position without stopping at any intermediate positions between the closed and fully open positions. Additionally, the hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the closed position to a first intermediate position, a second intermediate position, and the closed position. Moreover, the hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position, the fully open position, or the closed position. The hinge assembly is also configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the second intermediate position to the first intermediate position, the fully open position, or the closed position.Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a motor vehicle, such as an open van, is generally designated by 4 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The motor vehicle 4 includes a body 6 that includes a passenger compartment or cabin 9. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the motor vehicle 4 includes a cargo compartment 12 having a first end 15 disposed adjacent the cabin 9, a second end 17, and a base portion 20 extending therebetween. The cargo compartment 12 also includes a first side wall 22 and an opposing second side wall 23. the first and second side walls 22 and 23 extend between the first end 15 and the second end 17.The cargo compartment 12 includes a tailgate 30 pivotally mounted at the second end 17 between the first and second side walls 22 and 23. The tailgate 30 includes a housing 36 having a first surface 38, an opposing second surface 40, and an end portion 42. The tailgate 30 further includes a first side portion 44 and a second side portion 46. the end portion 42 extends between the first and second side portions 44 and 46. the tailgate 30 is pivotally mounted to both the first and second side walls 22 and 23 by a hinge assembly 60 disposed on the first and second side portions 44 and 46 of the tailgate 30.The tailgate 30 includes a release mechanism 90 configured to interact with the hinge assembly 60. According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the release mechanism 90 includes a tailgate handle 50 disposed on the second surface 40 of the tailgate 30. According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the release mechanism 90 includes a button 52 disposed on the tailgate 30. For example, on the first surface 38 or a side portion 44 and 46 of the tailgate 30, the release mechanism 90 selectively actuates the hinge assemblies 60 to enable movement of the tailgate 30. The release mechanism 90 is partially enclosed by the tailgate 30 and includes an actuator or release member that extends from the tailgate 30 through the first side portion 44 and the second side portion 46. The release mechanism 90 also includes a pawl that can selectively extend through the hinge assembly 60.FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show various views of an example hinge assembly 100 according to an example embodiment. As shown, the hinge assembly 100 includes a mounting portion 110 configured to secure the hinge assembly 100 to the tailgate. The attachment portion 110 includes a side member 112 and a bottom member 114 each having openings 116 configured to attach the attachment portion 110 to the tailgate. The hinge assembly 100 includes a hinge housing 118 connected to the attachment portion 110. According to one embodiment, the hinge housing 118 is formed integrally with the fastening portion 110. According to another embodiment, the hinge assembly 100 may include the attachment portion 110, the side member 112, the bottom member, and the hinge assembly 118 welded together. The hinge housing 118 includes an opening 115 configured to receive a positioning cam 124. The aperture 115 includes an inner surface 113 configured to cooperate with the positioning cam 124 to limit rotational movement of the positioning cam 124 within the aperture 115.The hinge assembly 100 also includes a hinge pin 120 connected to the positioning cam 124. According to one embodiment, the hinge pin 120 is formed integrally with the positioning cam 124. The hinge pin 120 is configured to be attached to one of the side walls of the cargo compartment. According to an embodiment, the hinge pin 120 includes an opening 122 configured to receive a pin or bolt to secure the hinge pin 120 to the sidewalls of the cargo compartment. The hinge assembly 100 may also include a cover 150 configured to enclose the hinge housing 118 and only allow the hinge pin 120 to protrude from the cover 150.According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly 100 further includes a control disk (not shown) disposed within the opening 115 of the hinge housing 118. According to an embodiment, the control disk is configured to rotate the hinge pin 120. According to one embodiment, the positioning cam 124 of the hinge assembly 100 is configured to facilitate the direct transition of the tailgate from a closed position to a fully open position without stopping at any intermediate positions between the closed and fully open positions.The hinge assembly 100 also includes a pawl 106 disposed within the opening 115 of the hinge housing 118. The pawl 106 is connected to a release member 102 configured to control movement of the pawl 106. According to example embodiments, the release member 102 is part of the release mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 1. According to example embodiments, the pawl 106 is configured to interact with a positioning cam 124 and / or the control plate to control rotation of the hinge housing 118 about the hinge pin 120. According to one embodiment, the button 52 of the release mechanism 90 causes the pawl 106 to selectively disengage from the positioning cam 124 when the tailgate 30 is in one of the intermediate positions.The hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the closed position to a first intermediate position, a second intermediate position, and the open position. Moreover, the hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the first intermediate position to the second intermediate position, the fully open position, or the closed position. According to one embodiment, for the transition of the tailgate from the first intermediate position to the fully open position, the button 52 of the release mechanism 90 must be actuated. Similarly, the hinge assembly is configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the second intermediate position to the first intermediate position, the fully open position, or the closed position. According to one embodiment, for the transition of the tailgate from the second intermediate position to either the first intermediate position or the fully open position, the button 52 of the release mechanism 90 must be actuated. That is, the tailgate may be raised without actuating the button 52 of the release mechanism 90, but the button 52 of the release mechanism 90 must be actuated to lower the tailgate from either the first or second intermediate positions.FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D show side views of an example hinge assembly 100 according to example embodiments in a closed position, a first intermediate position, a second intermediate position, and a fully open position, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3A, when the hinge assembly 100 is in the closed position, the pawl 106 is not engaged with the positioning cam 124, and the positioning cam 124 is allowed to play with the hinge housing inner surface 113. As shown in FIG. 3D, when the hinge assembly 100 is in the fully open position, the pawl 106 is not engaged with the positioning cam 124, and the positioning cam 124 is in contact with an inner surface 113 of the hinge housing. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the hinge assembly 100 is in a first intermediate position, the pawl 106 engages the positioning cam 124, and the positioning cam 124 is not in contact with an inner surface 113 of the hinge housing. As shown in FIG. 3C, when the hinge assembly 100 is in a second intermediate position, the pawl 106 engages the positioning cam 124, and the positioning cam 124 is not in contact with an inner surface 113 of the hinge housing.According to one embodiment, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate in the fully open position shown in FIG. 3D is approximately one hundred seventy-seven degrees. In the closed position shown in FIG. 3A, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate is approximately ninety degrees. In the first intermediate position shown in FIG. 3B, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate is approximately one hundred fifty degrees. In the second intermediate position shown in FIG. 3C, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate is approximately one hundred twenty degrees. According to some embodiments, the hinge assembly may be configured to have additional intermediate positions and alternative open angle stops, not limited to angles disclosed herein.FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E show side views of an example hinge housing 218 in various positions according to example embodiments. As shown, the hinge housing 218 includes a stop 217 disposed on the inner surface of the hinge housing 218. The hinge housing 218 also includes a pawl 206 pivotally mounted to the hinge housing 218. The hinge housing 218 further includes a positioning cam 224 and a control disk 230 configured to rotate within the hinge housing 218. According to one embodiment, the positioning cam 224 is attached to or integrally formed with a hinge pin 220 protruding from the hinge housing 218. The hinge pin 220 is configured to be attached to a side wall of a cargo compartment of a vehicle.According to an embodiment, the positioning cam 224 includes one or more recesses 227 and 229, each corresponding to an intermediate position of the hinge housing 218. As the positioning cam 224 rotates within the hinge housing 218, the pawl 206 selectively engages the recesses to fix the relative positions of the hinge housing 218 and the hinge pin 220 and, by extension, the relative positions of the cargo compartment and the tailgate. As shown in FIG. 4C, the positioning cam 224 includes an end portion 225 configured to contact the stop 217 of the hinge housing 218 when the hinge housing 218 is in the fully open position.According to one embodiment, the positioning cam 224 includes a protrusion 226 configured to extend through a slot 232 of the control plate 230. The protrusion 226 and the slot 232 are configured to control the position of the control disk 230 by rotating the hinge. As shown in FIG. 4B, the positioning cam 224 includes a first surface 231 that, when the door closes, is configured to initially lift the pawl 206. When the hinge housing 218 transitions from a closed position shown in FIG. 4A to a fully open position shown in FIG. 4C, the control plate 230 would engage the pin on the pawl 206 that prevents the pawl 206 from engaging the recesses 227 and 229 of the positioning cam 224 and the positioning gear 224, respectively. When the door has fully opened, the protrusion 226 of the positioning cam 224 reaches the end of the slot 232 of the control disk 230. As a result, the control disk 230 stops the rotation. Once the hinge housing 218 and the pawl 206 transition to the fully open position, the pawl pin slides over the surface of the control disk 230 and engages the positioning cam and gear 224, respectively.Once the hinge housing 218 has reached the fully open position shown in FIG. 4C, the end portion 225 is configured to contact the stop 217 of the hinge housing 218 to stop rotation of the positioning cam 224 within the hinge housing 218 that maintains the tailgate in the open position. Once the positioning cam 224 is rotated back toward the closed position, the control disk 230 maintains a fixed position relative to the positioning cam 224. Once the flap closes, the pawl 206 is allowed to engage the recesses 227 and 229 corresponding to the intermediate positions shown in Figures 4D and 4E.The terms "a" and "an" do not denote a limitation of a number, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced element. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. Reference throughout the specification to "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.When an element such as a layer, a thin layer, a region or a substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly disposed on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.Unless otherwise specified herein, all test standards are the most recently valid standard at the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.While the disclosure described above has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and elements may be replaced with their equivalents without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

A cargo compartment for an open van, comprising: a base portion including a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion defining the cargo compartment; a first side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a first side of the cargo compartment, the first side wall including a first end portion; a second side wall extending from the first end to the second end on a second side of the cargo compartment, the second side wall including a second end portion; and a tailgate having a first side portion, a second side portion, a surface extending between the first side portion and the second side portion, and an end portion, the tailgate being pivotally mounted to the second end of the base portion by a pair of adjustable hinges, the tailgate being configured to selectively retain the tailgate in the first intermediate position or the fully open position in a closed position in which the tailgate is connected to the first and second side walls, a first intermediate position in which the tailgate is disposed at a first angle relative to the base portion, or a fully open position in which the tailgate is disposed at a second angle greater than the first angle relative to the base portion, the pair of adjustable hinges being configured to selectively retain the tailgate in the first intermediate position or the fully open position.The cargo compartment of claim 1, wherein the tailgate is further positionable in a second intermediate position in which the tailgate is disposed at a third angle greater than the first angle and less than the second angle relative to the base portion.The cargo compartment of claim 2, further comprising a release actuator configured to allow the tailgate to transition directly from the closed position to the fully open position.The cargo compartment of claim 3, wherein the release actuation is further configured to allow the tailgate to transition from the first intermediate position to either the closed position or the fully open position.The cargo compartment of claim 3, wherein the release actuation is a tailgate handle disposed on the second surface of the tailgate.The cargo compartment of claim 3, wherein the release actuation is a button disposed on the first side wall or the second side wall.The cargo compartment of claim 3, wherein an angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate in the fully open position is about one hundred seventy-seven degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate in the closed position is about ninety degrees, the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate in the first intermediate position is about one hundred fifty degrees, and the angle between the base portion of the cargo compartment and the first surface of the tailgate in the second intermediate position is about one hundred twenty degrees.The cargo compartment of claim 1, wherein each hinge of the adjustable hinge pair includes a hinge pin secured to the first sidewall or the second sidewall, a positioning cam secured to the hinge pin, and a pawl configured to selectively engage the positioning cam.The cargo compartment of claim 8, further comprising a release actuator configured to selectively engage the pawl with the positioning cam.The cargo compartment of claim 9, wherein each hinge of the adjustable hinge pair further includes a control disk configured to prevent the pawl from engaging the positioning cam while the tailgate transitions from the closed position to the fully open position.

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