Dual-acting power gate

Abstract

Solves the problems of conventional technology. [Solution] A dual-acting power gate includes a gate for a vehicle configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis. The dual-acting power gate further includes a power actuator system coupled to the gate and configured to rotate the gate about each of the first and second axes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] (Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 781,775 filed on April 1, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle gates, including automotive tailgates that are rotatable about two distinct axes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a dual action power gate (registered trademark) having a gate configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis (dual action power gate). The dual action power gate further includes a power actuator system coupled to the gate and configured to rotate the gate about each of the first axis and the second axis.

[0004] Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual action power gate according to an example.

[0006] [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the dual action power gate of Figure 1 illustrating a swing event about a first rotational axis. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of the dual action power gate of Figure 1 illustrating a swing event about a first rotational axis.

[0007] [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual-acting power gate that shows a lift event centered on the second axis of rotation. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dual-acting power gate that shows a lift event centered on the second axis of rotation.

[0008] [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the power actuator system for a dual-acting power gate.

[0009] [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of the gearbox of a power actuator system showing motion around both the first and second rotation axes.

[0010] [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the control process for both swing and lift events for the dual-acting power gate.

[0011] [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of a dual-acting power gate, using another example.

[0012] [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a dual-action power gate showing a swing event around the first axis of rotation. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a dual-action power gate showing a swing event around the first axis of rotation.

[0013] [Figure 12] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a dual-acting power gate that shows a lift event centered on the second axis of rotation. [Figure 13] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a dual-acting power gate that shows a lift event centered on the second axis of rotation.

[0014] [Figure 14] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the power actuator system for a dual-acting power gate.

[0015] [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram of a control process for both the swing event and the lift event for the dual-action power gate in Fig. 9.

[0016] [Figure 16] This is a schematic diagram of a dual-action power gate according to another example.

[0017] [Figure 17] This is a side view of a portion of a dual-action power gate according to another example.

[0018] [Figure 18] This is a partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of the dual-action power gate of Fig. 17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Before any example of the present disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the structure and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other examples and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0020] Figures 1 to 18 show various dual-action power gates. The dual-action power gates may be used in motor vehicles or any other components other than motor vehicles. As will be described in detail below, the dual-action power gate may be powered to rotate the gate about at least two different axes (e.g., a vertical axis and a horizontal axis).

[0021] Referring to Figures 1 to 8, an example of a dual-acting power gate 110 includes a gate 114 that rotates about a first axis A1 (e.g., a vertical axis) and a second axis A2 (e.g., a horizontal axis) different from the first axis A1. The gate 114 may be any type of gate, including, for example, a vehicle lift gate, a vehicle tail gate, a vehicle hood, a vehicle frunk, a vehicle side door, or other types of doors or closures. In the illustrated example, the first axis A1 is perpendicular to the second axis A2, but in other examples, the first axis A1 extends at a different angle to the second axis A2.

[0022] The dual-acting power gate 110 further includes a power actuator system 118 coupled to the gate 114 to rotate the gate 114 about each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The power actuator system 118 includes a power actuator 122, a power actuator output member 126 (e.g., an output shaft) coupled to and extending from the power actuator 122, and / or a gearbox 130 coupled to the power actuator output member 126.

[0023] The power actuator 122 may be any type of power actuator, including, for example, an electric motor or other types of motors or actuators. In the illustrated example, the power actuator 122 is an electric motor coupled to (for example, at least partially fixed to) the gate 114 such that the power actuator 122 moves with the gate 114 when the gate rotates about the first axis A1 and when the gate 114 rotates about the second axis A2.

[0024] The power actuator output member 126 may be any type of power actuator output member, including, for example, an elongated shaft (e.g., a torsion shaft). In the illustrated example, the power actuator output member 126 is an elongated torsion shaft extending into the gearbox 130 along the second axis A2. Other examples include different shapes, sizes, and / or types of power output members, as well as different ways of connecting the power actuator output member 126 (or other components of the power actuator system 118) to the vehicle body.

[0025] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, in the illustrated example, the power actuator 122 is coupled (e.g., wirelessly) to a controller 134 located, for example, in the vehicle. When activated (started) (e.g., via the controller 134), the power actuator 122 generates torque and / or rotation of the power actuator output member 126 about a second axis A2. In other examples, the power actuator 122 may generate other types of forces (e.g., torque, linear translational force, and / or other forces) to the power actuator output member 126 or other members of the power actuator system 118. Other examples may not include the controller 134 and / or may include other control mechanisms for controlling the power actuator 122.

[0026] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the gearbox 130 (as schematically shown) may be any type of gearbox that generates motion about one or more axes (a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2) based on input from at least one power actuator (e.g., power actuator 122). The gearbox 130 may function as a double hinge structure and / or include a double hinge structure and / or be part of a double hinge structure. In the illustrated example, the gearbox 130 is coupled to (e.g., at least partially fixed to) the gate 114 such that when the gate 114 rotates about the first axis A1, at least a first portion 146 of the gearbox 130 (e.g., acting as part of a double hinge) moves with the gate 114, and when the gate 114 rotates about the second axis A2, at least a second portion 150 of the gearbox 130 (e.g., acting as another part of a double hinge) moves with the gate 114. In other examples, the gearbox 130 may consist only of a first portion that moves with the gate 114 as the gate rotates around the first axis A1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the gearbox 130 may additionally include, or be coupled to, an anchor member 136. In the illustrated example, the anchor member 136 is coupled to the vehicle body 138. The anchor member 136 is coupled to a second portion 150 of the gearbox 130, and the power actuator output member 126 is coupled to a first portion 146 of the gearbox 130. Other examples include various other configurations of the anchor member, power actuator output member, and / or gearbox, separate from those illustrated.

[0028] In some examples, the gearbox 130 functions similarly to a differential gearbox in an automobile, and includes various gears (e.g., gears), linkages, and / or other members, each rotating or otherwise moving around a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2 to generate different relative motions of the gate 114 about the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. For example, the gearbox 130 may be configured such that when the gate 114 is prevented from rotating around the first axis A1, the power transmitted to the gearbox 130 (e.g., through a power actuator output member 126) is directed (e.g., completely) to rotate the gate 114 around the second axis A2. Similarly, when the gate 114 is prevented from rotating about the second axis A2, the power transmitted to the gearbox 130 (for example, through the power actuator output member 126) is directed (for example, completely) to rotate the gate 114 about the first axis A1.

[0029] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the dual-acting power gate 110 further includes at least one latch that can be locked and unlocked relative to the vehicle body 138 (for example, manually and / or via electronic control such as through the use of a controller 134). The latch or a set of latches is used to control (e.g., restrict or allow) the movement of the gate 114 about a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2, for example.

[0030] In the illustrated example, the dual-acting power gate 110 includes a first latch 154, a second latch 158, and a third latch 162. Other examples include other numbers and arrangements of latches. For example, the dual-acting power gate 110 may include only the first latch 154 and the second latch 158, or it may include more than three latches.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the first latch 154 is positioned along the first axis A1 (e.g., at the first upper corner of the gate 114), the second latch 158 is positioned along the second axis A2 (e.g., at the lower corner of the gate 114), and the third (e.g., arbitrary) latch 162 is positioned at a distance from both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 (e.g., at the second upper corner of the gate 114). Other examples include latch locations different from those shown. In some examples, at least a portion of at least one of the latches of the first latch 154, the second latch 158, and / or the third latch 162 is coupled to the gate 114 (e.g., at least partially fixed) and thus moves with the gate 114 as the gate rotates about both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. In some examples, at least a portion of at least one of the first latch 154, the second latch 158, and / or the third latch 162 is coupled to (for example, at least partially fixed to) the vehicle body 138.

[0032] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the power actuator system 118 may allow the gate 114 to rotate freely around the first axis A1 (in what may be considered a “swing” event) when the first latch 154 is locked (e.g., engaged with the vehicle body 138) and the second latch is unlocked (e.g., released from the vehicle body 138). As described above, the dual-acting power gate 110 may additionally include a third latch 162. Thus, in the illustrated example, the power actuator system 118 allows the gate 114 to rotate freely around the first axis A1 when the first latch 154 is locked and both the second latch 158 and the third latch 162 are unlocked.

[0033] To rotate the gate 114 about the first axis A1, the power actuator 122 may be activated (for example, via the controller 134) to generate torque in the gearbox 130 through the power actuator output member 126. Since the second latch 158 is locked, the gate 114 cannot rotate about the second axis A2. Therefore, the power transmitted through the power actuator output member 126 is instead directed (for example, overall) to rotate the gate 114 about the first axis A1.

[0034] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in some examples, the power actuator system 118 may allow the gate 114 to rotate freely around the second axis A2 (in what is considered a “lift” event) when the first latch 154 is unlocked (e.g., released from the vehicle body 138) and the second latch 158 is locked (e.g., engaged with the vehicle body 138). In the illustrated example, as described above, the dual-acting power gate 110 may additionally include a third latch 162. Thus, in the illustrated example, the power actuator system 118 allows the gate 114 to rotate freely around the second axis A2 when the first latch 154 and the third latch 162 are unlocked and the second latch 158 is locked.

[0035] To rotate the gate 114 about the second axis A2, the power actuator 122 may be activated (for example, via the controller 134) to generate torque in the gearbox 130 through the power actuator output member 126. Since the first latch 154 is locked, the gate 114 cannot rotate about the first axis A1. Therefore, the power transmitted through the power actuator output member 126 is instead directed (for example, overall) to rotate the gate 114 about the second axis A2.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an example of a control process 166 for a swing event of a dual-acting power gate 110. The control process 166 may be implemented, for example, partially or entirely by a controller 134. As shown in Figure 8, the control process 166 includes a step 170 of releasing at least one latch (e.g., a second latch 158) along the second axis A2. The control process 166 further includes a step 174 of supplying power to the power actuator 122 in the required direction (e.g., to rotate the power actuator output member 126 in the required direction). The control process 166 further includes a step 178 of allowing the power actuator 122 to operate over a specific time period (i.e., a “swing” time). The control process 166 further includes a step 182 of returning the gate 114 to its home position (e.g., by reversing the required direction). The control process 166 further includes a step 186 of cinching the closed gate 114 (e.g., by a clamping mechanism or a plurality of clamping mechanisms). Other examples of the control process 166 may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated.

[0037] Figure 8 additionally shows an example of a control process 190 for a lift event of a dual-acting power gate 110. The control process 190 may be implemented, for example, partially or entirely by a controller 134. As shown in Figure 8, the control process 190 includes a step 194 of releasing at least one latch (e.g., a first latch 154) along a first axis A1. The control process 190 further includes a step 198 of supplying power to the power actuator 122 in the required direction (e.g., to rotate the power actuator output member 126 in the required direction). The control process 190 further includes a step 202 of allowing the power actuator 122 to operate over a specific time period (i.e., a “lift” or “drop” time). The control process 190 further includes a step 206 of returning the gate 114 to its home position (e.g., by reversing the required direction). The control process 190 further includes step 208 of tightening the closed gate 114 (for example, by a tightening mechanism or multiple tightening mechanisms). Other examples of the control process 190 may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated.

[0038] Referring to Figures 9 to 15, another example of the dual-acting power gate 210 includes a gate 214 that rotates about each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The gate 214 may be any type of gate, including, for example, a vehicle liftgate, a vehicle tailgate, a vehicle hood, a vehicle flank, or a vehicle side door.

[0039] The dual-acting power gate 110 further includes a power actuator system 218 coupled to the gate 214 to rotate the gate 214 about each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The power actuator system 218 includes a power actuator 222, a first (e.g., linear) powertrain 226 coupled to the power actuator 222, and a second (e.g., rotational) powertrain 230 coupled to the power actuator 222. The first powertrain 226 is separated from the second powertrain 230.

[0040] The power actuator 222 may be any type of power actuator, including, for example, an electric motor or other types of motors or actuators. In the illustrated example, the power actuator 222 is an electric motor coupled to (for example, at least partially fixed to) the gate 214 such that the power actuator 222 moves with the gate 214 when the gate rotates about the first axis A1 and when the gate 214 rotates about the second axis A2.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the first powertrain 226 is coupled to the power actuator 222 via a transmission 234 (gearbox) (for example, having one or more gears and / or clutches). Similarly, the second powertrain 230 is coupled to the power actuator 222 via a transmission 234.

[0042] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, the power actuator 222 is coupled (for example, wirelessly) to a controller 238, which is located, for example, within the vehicle. The controller 238 may be programmed to control whether power is directed from the power actuator 222 to the first powertrain 226 or the second powertrain 230. For example, the transmission 234 and / or each of the first powertrain 226 and the second powertrain 230 may include one or more clutches or other structures that are selectively engaged or disengaged to control the transmission of power from the power actuator 222 to either the first powertrain 226 or the second powertrain 230.

[0043] Therefore, when activated (for example, via controller 238), the power actuator 222 generates a force (e.g., torque, linear translational force, and / or other force) that is transmitted through transmission 234 to one of the first powertrain 226 or the second powertrain 230. Other examples may not include controller 238 and / or may include other control mechanisms for controlling the power actuator 222.

[0044] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, in the illustrated example, the first powertrain 226 includes a distal shaft 242 (e.g., a pivot shaft) aligned along the first shaft A1. The second powertrain 230 is coupled to a twin-axis hinge 246 aligned along both the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2. The twin-axis hinge 246 includes a first anchor member 250 coupled to the vehicle body 138 and a second member 254 pivotably coupled to the first anchor member 250. Other examples include various other arrangements of shafts, twin-axis hinges, and / or anchor members that differ from those illustrated.

[0045] Continuing to refer to Figure 9, the dual-acting power gate 210 further includes at least one latch that can be locked and unlocked relative to the vehicle body 138 (for example, manually and / or via electronic control such as through the use of controller 238). The latch or multiple latches are used to control (e.g., restrict or allow) the movement of the gate 214 about a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2, for example.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the dual-acting power gate 210 includes a first latch 258, a second latch 262, a third latch 266, and a fourth latch 270. Other examples include other numbers and arrangements of latches. For example, the dual-acting power gate 210 may include only the first latch 258, the second latch 262, and the third latch 266, or it may include more than four latches.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, the first latch 258 is positioned along the first axis A1 (e.g., at the first upper corner of the gate 214), the second latch 262 is positioned along the second axis A2 (e.g., at the lower corner of the gate 214), the third (e.g., offset) latch 266 is positioned along the first axis A1 and releasably coupled to the distal shaft 242, and the fourth latch 270 is positioned at a distance from both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 (e.g., at the second upper corner of the gate 214). Other examples include latch locations different from those shown. In some examples, at least a portion of at least one of the first latch 258, the second latch 262, the third latch 266, and / or the fourth latch 270 is coupled to (e.g., at least partially fixed to) the gate 214, and thus moves with the gate 214 as the gate rotates about both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. In some examples, at least a portion of at least one of the first latch 258, the second latch 262, the third latch 266, and / or the fourth latch 270 is coupled to (e.g., at least partially fixed to) the vehicle body 138.

[0048] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the power actuator system 218 may allow the gate 214 to rotate freely around the first axis A1 (in what may be considered a “swing” event) when both the first latch 258 and the third latch 266 are locked (e.g., engaged with the vehicle body 138 and / or distal shaft 242) and the second latch 262 is unlocked (e.g., released from the vehicle body 138). As described above, the dual-acting power gate 210 may additionally include a fourth latch 270. Thus, in the illustrated example, the power actuator system 218 allows the gate 214 to rotate freely around the first axis A1 when both the first latch 258 and the third latch 266 are locked and both the second latch 262 and the fourth latch 270 are unlocked.

[0049] To rotate the gate 214 about the first axis A1, the power actuator 222 may be activated (e.g., via the controller 238) and thereby generate a force transmitted to the first powertrain 226 through the transmission 234. As described above, the transmission 234 may include a clutch or multiple clutches or other structures that may be moved (e.g., via control from the controller 238) to shift power output to the first powertrain 226 (as opposed to the second powertrain 230).

[0050] Since the second latch 262 is locked, the gate 214 cannot rotate about the second axis A2. Therefore, the power transmitted through the first powertrain 226 is instead directed (for example, completely) to rotate the gate 214 about the first axis A1.

[0051] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, in some examples, the power actuator system 218 may allow the gate 214 to rotate freely around the second axis A2 (in what is considered a “lift” event) when both the first latch 258 and the third latch 266 are unlocked (e.g., released from the vehicle body 138 and / or distal shaft 242) and the second latch 262 is locked (e.g., engaged with the vehicle body 138). In the illustrated example, as described above, the dual-acting power gate 110 may additionally include a fourth latch 270. Thus, in the illustrated example, the power actuator system 218 allows the gate 214 to rotate freely around the second axis A2 when each of the first latch 258, the third latch 266, and the fourth latch 270 is unlocked and the second latch 262 is locked.

[0052] To rotate the gate 214 about the second axis A2, the power actuator 122 is activated (e.g., via the controller 238) and thereby generates a force that is transmitted to the second powertrain 230 through the transmission 234. As described above, the transmission 234 may include a clutch or multiple clutches or other structures that can be moved (e.g., via control from the controller 238) to shift the power output to the second powertrain 230 (as opposed to the first powertrain 226).

[0053] Since the first latch 258 is locked, the gate 214 cannot rotate about the first axis A1. Therefore, the power transmitted through the second powertrain 230 is instead directed (for example, overall) to rotate the gate about the second axis A2.

[0054] Figure 15 shows an example of a control process 274 for a swing event of a dual-acting power gate 210. The control process 274 may be implemented, for example, partially or entirely by a controller 238. As shown in Figure 15, the control process 274 includes a step 278 of engaging a swing clutch (for example, in the transmission 234). The control process 274 further includes a step 282 of releasing any suitable latches (for example, a second latch 262 and a fourth latch 270). The control process 274 further includes a step 286 of supplying power to the power actuator 222 in the required direction (for example, to cause rotation of the output of the power actuator 222 in the transmission 234). The control process 274 further includes a step 290 of allowing the power actuator 222 to operate over a specific time period (i.e., "swing" time). The control process 274 further includes a step 294 of returning the gate 214 to the home position (for example, by reversing the required direction). The control process 274 further includes step 298 of engaging all open latches. The control process 274 further includes step 302 of disengaging all clutches (for example, in a transmission 234). Other examples of the control process 274 may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated.

[0055] Figure 15 additionally shows an example of a control process 306 for a lift event of a dual-acting power gate 210. The control process 306 may be implemented, for example, partially or entirely by a controller 238. As shown in Figure 15, the control process 306 includes step 310 of engaging a lift clutch (e.g., in a transmission 234). The control process 306 further includes step 314 of releasing any suitable latches (e.g., a first latch 258, a third latch 266, and a fourth latch 270). The control process 306 further includes step 318 of supplying power to the power actuator 222 in the direction required (e.g., to cause rotation of the output of the power actuator 222 in a transmission 234). The control process 306 further includes step 322 of enabling the power actuator 222 to operate over a specific time period (i.e., “lift” time or “drop” time). The control process 306 further includes step 326 of returning gate 214 to the home position (for example, by reversing the required direction). The control process 306 further includes step 330 of engaging all open latches. The control process 306 further includes step 334 of disengaging all clutches (for example, in transmission 234). Other examples of the control process 306 may include more or fewer steps than those illustrated.

[0056] Referring to Figure 16, another example of a dual-acting power gate 338 includes a gate 342 that rotates about each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The gate 342 may be any type of gate, including, for example, a vehicle liftgate, a vehicle tailgate, a vehicle hood, a vehicle flank, or a vehicle side door.

[0057] The dual-acting power gate 338 further includes a power actuator system 346 coupled to the gate 342 to rotate the gate 342 about each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The power actuator system 346 includes a first power actuator 350 for rotating the gate 342 about the first axis A1, and a second (and separate) power actuator 354 for rotating the gate 342 about the second axis A1. The first power actuator 350 may be any type of power actuator, including, for example, an electric motor or other types of motors or actuators. Similarly, the second power actuator 354 may be any type of power actuator, including, for example, an electric motor or other types of motors or actuators.

[0058] The power actuator system 346 may further include controllers 358 coupled to each of the first power actuator 350 and the second power actuator 354 in order to control each of the first and second power actuators 350 separately. Thus, the controller 358 may activate the first power actuator 350 (and deactivate the second power actuator 354) when it is desirable to rotate the gate 342 about the first axis A1, and may activate the second power actuator 354 (and deactivate the first power actuator 350) when it is desirable to rotate the gate 342 about the second axis A2. In other examples, the controller 358 may control only the first power actuator 350, and a second separate controller may control the second power actuator 354.

[0059] The dual-acting power gate 338 may further include one or more latches (similar to the latches described above) that can be locked and unlocked relative to the vehicle body 138 (for example, manually and / or via electronic control such as through the use of controller 358). The latches or a set of latches may be used to control (e.g., restrict or allow) the movement of the gate 342 about a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2, for example. For example, as shown in Figure 16, the dual-acting power gate 338 may include a first latch 362 that is locked (e.g., relative to the vehicle body 138) when it is desirable to rotate the gate 342 about the first axis A1, and a second latch 366 that is locked (e.g., relative to the vehicle body 138) when it is desirable to rotate the gate 342 about the second axis A2. In some examples, the dual-acting power gate 338 may further include a third latch 370.

[0060] Various examples of dual-acting power gates and their components have been described above, but it is understood that one or more components of a dual-acting power gate may be used in combination with one or more components of any other dual-acting power gate. Accordingly, one or more power actuator systems (or their components) may be used in combination with any latches and / or other components described herein.

[0061] Figures 17 and 18 show examples of parts of the power gate 410. Similar to the power gates 110, 210, and 338 described above, the power gate 410 may include a gate 414 that rotates about one or more axes (e.g., a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2) (as schematically shown in Figure 17).

[0062] Continuing to refer to Figures 17 and 18, the dual-acting power gate 410 includes a power actuator 418, a power actuator output member 422 (e.g., an output shaft) coupled to and extending from the power actuator 418, and / or a gearbox 426 coupled to the power actuator output member 422. The power actuator 418 may be an electric motor coupled to the gate 414 (e.g., by a reinforcing bracket 428) (e.g., at least partially fixed) so that the power actuator 418 moves with the gate 414 as the gate 414 rotates (e.g., about a first axis A1 and / or a second axis A2).

[0063] In the illustrated example, as seen in Figure 17, the gearbox 426 is coupled to a first bracket 430 that rotates about the first axis A1 when the gate 414 opens about the first axis A1. The first bracket 430 is coupled to a second bracket 434 and is movable relative to the second bracket 434. The second bracket 434 is coupled to (e.g., fixed to) the vehicle body 138 (e.g., the D-pillar). The second bracket 434 includes a first bracket portion 438 and a second bracket portion 442 extending outward (e.g., vertically) from the first bracket portion 438. Other examples include other numbers and / or arrangements of brackets.

[0064] In some examples, as seen in Figure 18, the gearbox 426 houses a first gear 446 (e.g., a bevel gear or a ring gear) and a second gear 450 (e.g., a bevel gear or a ring gear). Other examples include a different number and / or arrangement of gears.

[0065] Continuing to refer to Figures 17 and 18, when the power actuator 418 is actuated, the first gear 446 engages with the second gear 450. If one or more latches are latched (for example, as with the latch 154 described above and shown in Figure 2) and one or more latches are released (for example, as with the latches 158 and 162 described above and shown in Figure 2) to suppress the swing motion around the second axis A2, then the gate 414 swings around the first axis A1. Thus, referring to Figure 17, the gearbox 426, the first bracket 430, the output member 422, the power actuator 418, and the gate 414 all swing together around the first axis A1.

[0066] Conversely, if one or more latches are latched (for example, as latch 158 described above and shown in Figure 4) and one or more latches are unlocked (for example, as latches 154 and 162 described above and shown in Figure 4) to suppress the swing motion around the first axis A1, then the gate 414 will instead swing around the second axis A2. Thus, referring to Figure 17, everything between the output member 422 and the vehicle body 138 remains in place (i.e., stationary), while the power actuator 418 and the gate 414 rotate around the second axis A2.

[0067] Some of these examples may be further explained by referring to the numbered clauses below. 1. A gate configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis, Includes a power actuator system coupled to the gate and configured to rotate the gate about a first axis and a second axis, respectively. Dual-acting power gate. 2. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 1, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. 3. A power actuator system comprising a power actuator and a gearbox coupled to the power actuator, for a dual-acting power gate according to Clause 1 or Clause 2. 4. A dual-acting power gate of Clause 3, further comprising a power actuator output member extending from the power actuator to the gearbox and coupling the power actuator to the gearbox. 5. The power actuator output member is a torsion shaft, as specified in Clause 4 for the dual-acting power gate. 6. A dual-acting power gate according to any one of the clauses 1 to 6, further comprising: a first latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body; and a second latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body. 7. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 6, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about a first axis when the first latch is locked and the second latch is unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about the first two axes when the first latch is unlocked and the second latch is locked. 8. A dual-acting power gate of Clause 7, further comprising a third latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body. 9. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 8, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about a first axis when the first latch is locked and both the second and third latches are unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about a second axis when both the first and third latches are unlocked and the second latch is locked. 10. The gate is a dual-acting power gate of any one of the following clauses 1-9: the vehicle's liftgate, vehicle's tailgate, vehicle's hood, vehicle's flank, or vehicle's side door. 11. A power actuator system comprising a power actuator, a linear powertrain coupled to the power actuator, and a rotary powertrain coupled to the power actuator, is a dual-acting power gate according to any one of the clauses 1 to 10. 12. A dual-acting power gate of Clause 11, further comprising a clutch configured to shift power between a linear powertrain and a rotary powertrain. 13. A rotary powertrain is coupled to a double-acting power gate of clause 11 or clause 12, which is coupled to a double hinge. 14. A dual-acting power gate according to any one of the clauses 11 to 13, further comprising: a first latch coupled to a gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body; and a second latch coupled to a gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about a first axis when the first latch is locked and the second latch is unlocked; and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about a second axis when the first latch is unlocked and the second latch is locked. 15. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 14, further comprising a third latch, wherein the power actuator system is configured to allow the gate to rotate freely about a first axis when both the first and third latches are locked and the second latch is unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to allow the gate to rotate about a second axis when the second latch is locked and both the first and third latches are unlocked. 16. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 15, further comprising a fourth latch, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about a first axis when both the first and third latches are locked and both the second and fourth latches are unlocked, and the power actuator system rotates the gate freely about a second axis when each of the first, third, and fourth latches is unlocked and the second latch is locked. 17. The gate is a dual-acting power gate of any one of the following clauses 11-16: the vehicle's liftgate, vehicle's tailgate, vehicle's hood, vehicle's flank, or vehicle's side door. 18. A dual-acting power gate according to any one of the provisions 1 to 17, comprising a power actuator system including a first power actuator configured to rotate the gate about a first axis and a second separate power actuator configured to rotate the gate about a second axis. 19. A dual-acting power gate as defined in Clause 1, where the gate is one of the following: the vehicle's liftgate, the vehicle's tailgate, the vehicle's hood, the vehicle's flank, or the vehicle's side door. 20. A dual-acting power gate according to Clause 1, further comprising a controller coupled to a power actuator system, the controller being programmed to generate swing events that rotate the gate about a first axis and lift events that rotate the gate about a second axis.

[0068] While this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent embodiments of the described disclosure.

Claims

1. A gate configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis different from the first axis, Includes a power actuator system coupled to the gate and configured to rotate the gate about each of the first and second axes, Dual-acting power gate.

2. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

3. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, wherein the power actuator system includes a power actuator and a gearbox coupled to the power actuator.

4. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 3, further comprising a power actuator output member extending from the power actuator to the gearbox and coupling the power actuator to the gearbox.

5. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 4, wherein the power actuator output member is a torsion shaft.

6. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, further comprising: a first latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body; and a second latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body.

7. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 6, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about the first axis when the first latch is locked and the second latch is unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about the second axis when the first latch is unlocked and the second latch is locked.

8. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 7, further comprising a third latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body.

9. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 8, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about the first axis when the first latch is locked and both the second latch and the third latch are unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about the second axis when both the first latch and the third latch are unlocked and the second latch is locked.

10. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is one of a vehicle's liftgate, a vehicle's tailgate, a vehicle's hood, a vehicle's flank, or a vehicle's side door.

11. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, wherein the power actuator system includes a power actuator, a linear powertrain coupled to the power actuator, and a rotary powertrain coupled to the power actuator.

12. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 11, further comprising a clutch configured to shift power between the linear powertrain and the rotary powertrain.

13. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 11, wherein the rotary powertrain is coupled to a double hinge.

14. A dual-acting power gate according to claim 11, further comprising: a first latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body; and a second latch coupled to the gate and configured to be locked and unlocked from the vehicle body, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate freely about the first axis when the first latch is locked and the second latch is unlocked; and the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about the second axis when the first latch is unlocked and the second latch is locked.

15. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 14, further comprising a third latch, wherein the power actuator system is configured to allow the gate to rotate freely about the first axis when both the first and third latches are locked and the second latch is unlocked, and the power actuator system is configured to allow the gate to rotate about the second axis when the second latch is locked and both the first and third latches are unlocked.

16. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 15, further comprising a fourth latch, wherein the power actuator system is configured to rotate the gate about a first axis when both the first and third latches are locked and both the second and fourth latches are unlocked, and the power actuator system allows the gate to rotate freely about a second axis when each of the first, third, and fourth latches is unlocked and the second latch is locked.

17. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 11, wherein the gate is one of a vehicle's liftgate, a vehicle's tailgate, a vehicle's hood, a vehicle's flank, or a vehicle's side door.

18. The dual-actuation power gate according to claim 1, wherein the power actuator system includes a first power actuator configured to rotate the gate about a first axis, and a second separate power actuator configured to rotate the gate about a second axis.

19. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate is one of a vehicle's liftgate, a vehicle's tailgate, a vehicle's hood, a vehicle's flank, or a vehicle's side door.

20. The dual-acting power gate according to claim 1, further comprising a controller coupled to the power actuator system, the controller being programmed to generate swing events that rotate the gate about a first axis and lift events that rotate the gate about a second axis.

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