TAILGATE HINGE REINFORCEMENT PLATE
The hinge connection system with reinforcement and stiffening plates addresses the challenge of managing lateral loads in vehicles with heavier tailgates, enabling the use of aluminum cargo beds by transferring loads to a rear crossmember, thus enhancing structural integrity and stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102025129133
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-26
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-29
AI Technical Summary
Vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, face challenges in managing the increased lateral hinge loads due to heavier tailgates and the desire to use aluminum for cargo beds, which has lower stiffness than steel, necessitating a robust hinge connection system.
A hinge connection system incorporating a reinforcement and stiffening plate to transfer lateral tailgate loads to a rear crossmember, utilizing a crossbeam, column, and column support with an extension and stiffening plate to provide additional reinforcement, allowing for the use of double-action struts in heavier tailgates.
Enhances the structural integrity of the tailgate hinge connection, enabling the use of aluminum cargo beds while supporting heavier tailgates and maintaining operational stability.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
AREA OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a hinge connection between a tailgate and a vehicle body structure and specifically relates to a hinge connection with a reinforcement and a stiffening plate to strengthen the connection. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Vehicles such as pickup trucks have a cargo bed to hold various types of cargo of different sizes. A tailgate closes off one end of the cargo bed. The tailgate includes a connecting interface to the side walls of the cargo bed, allowing it to be moved between an open and a closed position for easier access to the cargo. SUMMARY
[0003] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: a crossbeam; a column positioned adjacent to an end of the crossbeam; a reinforcing plate associated with the crossbeam, the reinforcing plate comprising an extension section; a column support associated with the column; a stiffening plate associated with the column support; and a hinge support attached to the column support.
[0004] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the stiffening plate is formed integrally with the column bracket.
[0005] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the stiffening plate and the extension section overlap each other.
[0006] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the extension section extends outwards from the cross member and the stiffening plate extends outwards from the column support and rests on an upper surface of the extension section.
[0007] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the extension section extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of a vehicle from the cross member outwards, wherein at least one section of the reinforcement plate defines a planar section that is parallel to the ground, and wherein the extension section is angled downwards with respect to the planar section in at least one of the following directions: a lateral direction over a width of a vehicle, the longitudinal direction.
[0008] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the extension section is angled downwards in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the cross member comprises a cargo area rear sill, and the column comprises a rearmost pillar of a vehicle.
[0009] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the hinge bracket comprises a pivot connection with a tailgate.
[0010] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the hinge bracket is located on one side of the column bracket and includes a double-action strut positioned on an opposite side of the column bracket, the double-action strut including a connecting interface associated with the pivot connection to the tailgate.
[0011] An assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: a cargo area rear sill extending laterally over the width of a vehicle; a pillar positioned adjacent to an end of the cargo area rear sill; a reinforcing plate associated with the cargo area rear sill, the reinforcing plate comprising an outward extension section from the cargo area rear sill; a pillar bracket associated with the pillar; a stiffening plate attached to the pillar bracket and positioned adjacent to the extension section; and a hinge bracket attached to the pillar bracket.
[0012] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the hinge bracket comprises a pivot connection with a tailgate.
[0013] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the column comprises a rearmost column of the vehicle.
[0014] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the stiffening plate and the extension section overlap each other.
[0015] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the stiffening plate is formed integrally with the column support and the extension section is formed integrally with the reinforcement plate.
[0016] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the stiffening plate extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the vehicle from the column bracket outwards and rests on an upper surface of the extension section.
[0017] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the extension section extends in the lateral direction and in a longitudinal direction along a length of the vehicle from the cargo area rear sill outwards, wherein at least one section of the reinforcement plate defines a planar section that is parallel to the ground, and wherein the extension section is angled downwards with respect to the planar section in at least one of the following directions: the lateral direction, the longitudinal direction.
[0018] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the extension section is angled downwards in the lateral and longitudinal directions. In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any assembly, the hinge bracket is located on one side of the column bracket and includes a double-action strut positioned on the opposite side of the column bracket, the double-action strut including a connection interface associated with the pivot connection to the tailgate.
[0019] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things: positioning a column with a column support adjacent to an end of a crossbeam; associating a reinforcing plate with the crossbeam; extending an extension section of the reinforcing plate outwards from the crossbeam; extending a stiffening plate outwards from the column support; and attaching a hinged support to the column support.
[0020] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of the method, the method also includes overlapping the extension section and the stiffening plate.
[0021] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, which may include any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided such features are not incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. 1A is a perspective illustration of a vehicle with a tailgate in a closed position. Fig. 1B is similar to Fig. 1A, however, shows the tailgate in the open position. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective illustration of a hinge connection for a tailgate with a reinforcement and a stiffening plate. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the reinforcement made of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective illustration of the reinforcement and stiffening plate in an initial assembly position. Fig. Figure 5 is an end view of the reinforcement and stiffening plate made of Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective illustration of the reinforcement and stiffening plate in a final assembly position. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective illustration of a hinge connection for a tailgate with a reinforcement, a stiffening plate and a double-action strut connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Tailgates are becoming increasingly complex, often featuring elements that can increase their weight and, consequently, the lateral hinge loads at the cargo bed interface. There is a need for a hinge connection interface capable of counteracting the lateral forces exerted by the tailgate's mass. Furthermore, there is a desire to develop a system for constructing a cargo bed from aluminum, as this material offers one-third the stiffness of steel.
[0024] The subject matter of the disclosure describes in detail a hinge connection between a tailgate and a vehicle body structure and relates in particular to a hinge connection with a reinforcement and a stiffening plate to strengthen the connection. Thus, a loading platform with a tailgate hinge support stiffening plate system is provided, which enables the transfer of lateral tailgate hinge loads to a rear crossmember to provide additional reinforcing support for the connection interface. Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 with a loading area 12 defined by a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 16 opposite the first side wall 14. A passenger cabin (not shown) is located at the front of the vehicle, and a front loading platform wall 18 extends along the rear of the passenger cabin between the first side wall 14 and the second side wall 16 to enclose a front end of the loading area 12. A tailgate 20 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle 10 and is movable between an open and a closed position. Fig. 1A shows the tailgate 20 in the closed position and Fig. Figure 1B shows the tailgate 20 in the open position. When the tailgate 20 is moved into the closed position, a rear wall of the loading area 12 is provided.
[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a hinge connection 22 is provided between the tailgate 20 and a vehicle structure 24. The location of the hinge connection 22 is schematically shown at Figure 26. Fig. 1B identified. The hinge connection 22 allows the tailgate 20 to pivot between the open and closed positions.
[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 includes a crossbeam 30, a column 32 positioned adjacent to an end 34 of the crossbeam 30, and a reinforcement plate 36 associated with the crossbeam 30. In some implementations, the reinforcement plate 36 includes an extension section 38. In others, a column bracket 40 is associated with the column 32, and a stiffening plate 42 is associated with the column bracket 40. A hinge bracket 44 is attached to the column bracket 40.
[0027] In some implementations, the cross member 30 extends in a lateral direction 50 across the width of a vehicle. In one example, the cross member 30 encompasses a cargo area rear sill. In other implementations, the pillar 32 encompasses a rearmost pillar of the vehicle 10.
[0028] In one example, the column support 40 includes a first section 46, which is associated with the column 32, and a second section 48, which is associated with the crossbeam 30. The first section 46 comprises a generally flat plate that has a lateral orientation 50 ( Fig. 1B) is oriented along a width of the vehicle 10, and the second section 48 comprises a generally flat plate oriented along a longitudinal direction 52 along a length of the vehicle 10 to form an L-shaped bracket. In one example, the first section 46 is welded or otherwise attached to the second section 48 at an attachment interface 54. In another example, the first section 46 and the second section 48 may be formed integrally together as a one-piece bracket.
[0029] In implementations, the stiffening plate 42 is formed integrally with the column bracket 40, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. If necessary, the stiffening plate 42 can be attached separately to the column bracket 40.
[0030] In implementations, the stiffening plate 42 comprises a generally flat plate section extending outwards in the longitudinal direction 52 from a lower edge of the column support 40. In one example, the stiffening plate 42 extends outwards from the lower edges of both the first section 46 and the second section 48.
[0031] The hinge connection 22 uses the stiffening plate 42 to enable the transfer of lateral tailgate hinge loads to the rear cross member 30, which is connected to a vehicle frame 56.
[0032] In implementations, the stiffening plate 42 can be manufactured as an aluminum or steel stamped part or as an aluminum casting.
[0033] In the implementations, the stiffening plate 42 and the extension section 38 overlap each other.
[0034] In implementations, the extension section 38 extends outwards from the cross member 30, and the stiffening plate 42 extends outwards from the column support 40 and rests on an upper surface of the extension section 38.
[0035] In this implementation, the stiffening plate 42 and the extension section 38 are fixed to each other at a mounting interface 58. In one example, the mounting interface 58 comprises one or more welded joints; however, other mounting methods could also be used.
[0036] In implementations, the extension section 38 extends outwards from the crossbeam 30 in the longitudinal direction 52 and in the lateral direction 50. In implementations, the reinforcement plate 36 comprises a generally flat body structure that extends in a vertical direction 51 ( Fig. 1B), which is defined along a height of the vehicle 10, under which the crossbeam 30 is positioned. In one example, at least one section of the reinforcement plate 36 defines a planar section 60 that is parallel to the ground, and in other implementations, the extension section 38 is angled downwards with respect to the planar section 60 in at least one direction from the lateral direction 50 and the longitudinal direction 52. In some implementations, the extension section 38 is formed integrally with the extension plate 36. In other implementations, the extension section 38 is attached separately to the extension plate 36.
[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the reinforcement plate 36 along the extension section 38. In implementations, the extension section 38 comprises a surface 62 which is angled downwards in the lateral direction 50 and the longitudinal direction 52.
[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows the surface 62 of the extension section 38, which is angled downwards in the longitudinal direction 52 with respect to the planar section 60.
[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows the surface 62 of the extension section 38, which is angled downwards in the lateral direction 50 with respect to the planar section 60.
[0040] Additionally, show Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The reinforcement plate 36 and the stiffening plate 42 are in an initial assembly position. In this position, the column bracket 40 and the stiffening plate 42 are positioned adjacent to each other as a single unit. From this position, the column bracket 40 and the stiffening plate 42 can be moved laterally as a single unit to overlap the extension section 38, as shown in Fig. 6 shown. Once they are in this final assembly position, the stiffening plate 42 and the extension section 38 can be fixed to each other at the attachment interface 58, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.
[0041] In implementations, the hinge bracket 44 includes a pivot connection with the tailgate 20. In one example, the hinge bracket 44 includes a pivot receptacle 64 and one or more mounting flanges 66, which are used to attach the hinge bracket 44 to the pillar bracket 40. In one example, the pivot receptacle 64 is configured to accommodate a ball joint or other similar structure.
[0042] Fig. Figure 7 shows an example of a hinge connection 22 for a tailgate 20 with a reinforcement plate 36, a stiffening plate 42, and a double-action strut connection 70. As is known, a double-action strut 72 can provide both tailgate lift support and damping, instead of using torsion bars with separate dampers. In practical applications, the double-action struts 72 occupy installation space located outside the tailgate hinge connection 22, making it difficult to reinforce the double-action strut connection 70.
[0043] In one example, the connection interface 70 is supported on a pivot point which is associated with a strut support 76.
[0044] The present disclosure enables the use of double-action braces 72 in heavier tailgates by reinforcing a hinge mounting plane within the hinge connection 22, thus allowing for brace installation and hinge arm movement on the outside. In implementations, the hinge bracket 44 is positioned on one side of the pillar bracket 40, and the double-action brace 72 is positioned on the opposite side of the pillar bracket 40. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the double-action strut 72 includes a connecting interface 70 which is assigned to the pivot connection 22 with the tailgate 20.
[0045] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.
[0046] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising: a crossbeam; a column positioned adjacent to one end of the crossbeam; a reinforcing plate associated with the crossbeam, the reinforcing plate comprising an extension section; a column support associated with the column; a stiffening plate associated with the column support; and a hinge support attached to the column support.
[0047] According to one embodiment, the stiffening plate is formed integrally with the column bracket.
[0048] According to one embodiment, the stiffening plate and the extension section overlap each other.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the extension section extends outwards from the cross member, and the stiffening plate extends outwards from the column bracket and rests on an upper surface of the extension section.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the extension section extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of a vehicle from the cross member outwards, wherein at least one section of the reinforcement plate defines a planar section that is parallel to the ground, and wherein the extension section is angled downwards with respect to the planar section in at least one of the following directions: a lateral direction over a width of a vehicle, the longitudinal direction.
[0051] According to one embodiment, the extension section is angled downwards in the lateral and longitudinal directions.
[0052] According to one embodiment, the cross member comprises a cargo area rear sill and the column comprises a rearmost column of a vehicle.
[0053] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket includes a pivot connection with a tailgate.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket is located on one side of the column bracket and includes a double-action strut positioned on the opposite side of the column bracket, the double-action strut including a connecting interface associated with the pivot connection to the tailgate.
[0055] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising: a cargo area rear sill extending laterally over the width of a vehicle; a column positioned adjacent to one end of the cargo area rear sill; a reinforcing plate associated with the cargo area rear sill, the reinforcing plate comprising an outward extension section from the cargo area rear sill; a column support associated with the column; a stiffening plate attached to the column support and positioned adjacent to the extension section; and a hinge support attached to the column support.
[0056] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket includes a pivot connection with a tailgate.
[0057] According to one embodiment, the column comprises a rearmost column of the vehicle. According to another embodiment, the stiffening plate and the extension section overlap each other.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the stiffening plate is formed integrally with the column support, and the extension section is formed integrally with the reinforcement plate.
[0059] According to one embodiment, the stiffening plate extends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the vehicle from the column bracket outwards and rests on an upper surface of the extension section.
[0060] According to one embodiment, the extension section extends laterally and longitudinally along a length of the vehicle from the rear sill of the cargo area outwards, wherein at least one section of the reinforcement plate defines a planar section that is parallel to the ground, and wherein the extension section is angled downwards with respect to the planar section in at least one of the following directions: the lateral direction, the longitudinal direction.
[0061] According to one embodiment, the extension section is angled downwards in the lateral and longitudinal directions.
[0062] According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket is located on one side of the column bracket and includes a double-action strut positioned on the opposite side of the column bracket, the double-action strut including a connecting interface associated with the pivot connection to the tailgate.
[0063] According to the present invention, a method comprises: positioning a column with a column bracket adjacent to an end of a crossbeam; associating a reinforcing plate with the crossbeam; extending an extension section of the reinforcing plate outwards from the crossbeam; extending a stiffening plate outwards from the column bracket; and attaching a hinge bracket to the column bracket.
[0064] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves overlapping the extension section and the stiffening plate with each other.