CN113279651A

CN113279651A - Vehicle lifting type door assembly

Info

Publication number: CN113279651A
Application number: CN202110144916.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 克莱顿·福特; 拉凯什·谢思; 安德鲁·阿提维西莫; 克林顿·梅希亚斯
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2020-02-04
Filing date: 2021-02-02
Publication date: 2021-08-20
Also published as: DE102021102406A1

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle lift gate assembly. A vehicle includes a body. A liftgate assembly is coupled to the vehicle body, the liftgate assembly including a frame pivotably coupled to the vehicle and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. An upper panel is pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position above the liftgate in the closed position. A lower panel is pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position under the lift gate in the closed position. The upper panel and the lower panel are releasably coupled to each other when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

Description

Vehicle lifting type door assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a liftgate assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a liftgate assembly for a vehicle having an upper panel and a lower panel.

Background

Lift doors for vehicles typically pivot about a single axis and lack functionality. A lift-type door assembly operable to access various configurations may be required.

Disclosure of Invention

According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a body. A liftgate assembly is coupled to the vehicle body, the liftgate assembly including a frame pivotably coupled to the vehicle and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. An upper panel is pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position above the liftgate in the closed position. A lower panel is pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position under the lift gate in the closed position. The upper panel and the lower panel are releasably coupled to each other when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the frame is configured to pivot about an upper pivot axis extending substantially in the vehicle transverse direction;

the upper plate is configured to pivot about the upper pivot axis to the frame;

the upper plate is configured to pivot relative to the frame about the upper pivot axis;

the frame comprises a first side member and a second side member. The upper panel and the lower panel are disposed generally in a vehicle lateral direction between the first side member and the second side member;

the upper plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side beams;

the lower plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side beams;

the frame further comprises an upper cross member extending between the first and second side members and a lower cross member extending between the first and second side members;

the upper and lower plates normally move with the frame as the frame pivots between the open and closed positions;

the upper and lower panels are releasably retained in the closed position via a plurality of panel latching features;

the plurality of plate latching features comprises a first plate latching feature coupled to the upper plate and a second plate latching feature coupled to the lower plate and configured to engage with the first plate latching feature when the upper plate is in the closed position and the lower plate is in the closed position;

one or more of the plurality of panel latching features are coupled to the frame and configured to engage with at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position; and

the inner surface of the lower panel is substantially planar with the trunk floor of the vehicle.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a body. The lift gate assembly includes an upper panel pivotably coupled to a first portion of the body and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. The lower plate includes an upper end operable between an engaged condition in which the upper end is coupled to the upper plate and a disengaged condition. The upper end is separated from the upper plate. A lower end is operable between a connected state in which the lower end is pivotably coupled to a second portion of the vehicle body below the first portion of the vehicle body such that the lower panel is operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position below the vehicle in the closed position, and a disconnected state in which the lower end is separated from the second portion of the vehicle body. The lower plate is operable to move with the upper plate when the upper end is in the engaged state and the lower end is in the disengaged state when the upper plate pivots between the open and closed positions.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

the upper plate comprises an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the upper plate is configured to be coupled to the upper end of the lower plate when the upper end of the lower plate is in the engaged state;

the upper end of the upper plate is pivotably coupled to the first portion of the vehicle body;

when the upper panel is in the closed position, the upper end of the lower panel is in the engaged condition and the lower end of the lower panel is in the connected condition, the upper panel normally prevents the lower panel from pivoting from the closed position to the open position;

when the lower panel is in the closed position, the upper end of the lower panel is in the engaged condition and the lower end of the lower panel is in the connected condition, the lower panel normally prevents the upper panel from pivoting from the closed position to the open position; and

when the lower panel is in the open position, the inner surface of the lower panel is substantially planar with the trunk floor of the vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a vehicle body. The liftgate assembly is pivotally coupled to the body and is operable between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. The liftgate assembly includes an upper panel pivotable between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. A lower panel is releasably coupled to the upper panel and pivotable between a closed position and an open position under the vehicle in the closed position. The upper plate and the lower plate move when the liftgate assembly pivots between the closed position and the open position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

The following is a description of the figures in the drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly with a frame, showing the lifted door assembly in a closed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a liftgate assembly according to one embodiment, showing a frame of the liftgate assembly in an open position such that the liftgate assembly is open;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly showing a frame of the lifted door assembly in a closed position, an upper panel in an open position, and a lower panel in a closed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly showing a frame of the lifted door assembly in a closed position, an upper panel in a closed position, and a lower panel in an open position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly showing a frame of the lifted door assembly in a closed position, an upper panel in an open position, and a lower panel in a closed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly that does not include a frame, showing the lifted door assembly in a closed position, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly, showing the lifted door assembly in an open position, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a lifted door assembly showing an upper panel in an open position and a lower panel in an open position according to one embodiment.

Detailed Description

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in reference to two or more items listed, means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the composition may contain: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B and C.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, etc.) generally means that two components (electrical or mechanical) are connected to each other either directly or indirectly. Such connections may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such connection may be made through two components (electrical or mechanical) and/or any additional intermediate members. Such connection may include integrally forming the members as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled), or may refer to the connection of two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connections may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

The terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof as used herein are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal or approximately equal to the value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or near-planar surface. Further, "substantially" is intended to mean that the two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may mean that the values are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

As used herein, the terms "the", "a", or "an" mean "at least one", and should not be limited to "only one", unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, a vehicle 10 includes a body 12. The liftgate assembly 18 may be coupled to the body 12. The liftgate assembly 18 may include a frame 20 coupled to the vehicle 10 and may be operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position. The liftgate assembly 18 may include an upper plate 30 pivotably coupled to the frame 20 and operable to pivot relative to the frame 20 between a closed position and an open position above the liftgate in the closed position. The liftgate assembly 18 may include a lower plate 34 pivotally coupled to the frame 20 and operable to pivot relative to the frame 20 between a closed position and an open position under the liftgate in the closed position. When the upper panel 30 is in the closed position and the lower panel 34 is in the closed position, the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34 may be releasably coupled to each other.

With further reference to fig. 1-8, the vehicle 10 includes a body 12. The body 12 may include various portions. For example, the body may include a first portion 13 that is generally adjacent to a roof 14 of the vehicle 10. Additionally, the body 12 may include a second portion 15 generally adjacent to a bumper 16 of the vehicle 10. It is contemplated that the body 12 may have various other portions (e.g., pillars, sides, etc.). The vehicle 10 may also include a vehicle interior 11. The vehicle interior 11 may include a trunk 46 and a trunk floor 48 near the rear of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 2. The trunk floor 48 may be a vehicle underside surface that defines the vehicle interior 11 of the trunk 46, as shown in FIG. 2.

The vehicle 10 may include a lift gate assembly 18. The lift gate assembly 18 may be operable between a closed position, as shown in fig. 1 and 6, and an open position over the vehicle in the closed position, as shown in fig. 2 and 7. The liftgate assembly 18 may generally separate the vehicle interior 11 from the exterior of the vehicle 10 when in a closed position, and may generally provide access to a trunk 46 of the vehicle interior 11 when in an open position.

Referring now to fig. 1-5, in some embodiments, the liftgate assembly 18 may include a frame 20. The frame 20 may include side beams 22. As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the frame 20 may include a first side member 22A and a second side member 22B. The side sills 22 may be generally parallel to one another and may extend generally along lateral sides of the liftgate assembly 18. In some embodiments, the frame 20 may include one or more cross beams 24. For example, as shown in fig. 1-5, the frame 20 may include an upper cross member 24A and a lower cross member 24B. The upper and

lower cross members

24A, 24B may be generally parallel to each other and may extend generally along the top and bottom sides, respectively, of the liftgate assembly 18. Although not shown in fig. 1-5, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the frame 20 may include the upper cross member 24A and the side members 22 without the lower cross member 24B, or the lower cross member 24B and the side members 22 without the upper cross member 24A. Further, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, the frame 20 may include the side beams 22 without the upper cross member 24A or the lower cross member 24B.

Still referring to fig. 1-5, the frame 20 may be pivotally coupled to the body 12. In various embodiments, the frame 20 may be pivotally coupled to the first portion 13 of the body 12 generally proximate the roof 14 of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the upper cross member 24A may be pivotally coupled to the first portion 13 of the body 12. In some embodiments, the side sill 22 may be pivotally coupled to the body 12. In some embodiments, the side sill 22 may be pivotally coupled to the first portion 13 of the body 12.

In various embodiments, the frame 20 may be operable to pivot between a closed position, as shown in fig. 1, and an open position, as shown in fig. 2, above the vehicle in the closed position. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the open and closed pivot positions of the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18 may generally correspond to the open and closed positions of the liftgate assembly 18. In various embodiments, the frame 20 may be configured to pivot about an upper pivot axis 36 that extends generally in the lateral direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the lateral direction of the vehicle).

Referring now to fig. 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 may include corresponding frame latch features 40 configured to releasably retain the frame 20 in the closed position. As shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, corresponding frame latch features 40 may be coupled to the frame 20 and the body adjacent the frame 20 such that the frame latch features 40 may releasably engage each other when the frame 20 is in the closed position. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that frame latching feature 40 may include multiple types of corresponding features configured for releasable engagement. Further, the frame latching feature 40 may be coupled to various portions of the frame 20 and the body 12. For example, the frame latch feature 40 may be coupled to the side sill 22 and/or the lower cross member 24B of the frame 20, as well as portions of the body 12 corresponding to placement of the frame latch feature 40 disposed on the frame 20.

With further reference to fig. 2, the vehicle 10 may include one or more frame retention features 50 configured to retain the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18 in an open position. It is contemplated that the one or more frame retention features 50 may be one or more of a variety of types of features configured to retain the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, an air piston is shown extending between the vehicle body 12 and the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, the liftgate assembly 18 may include an upper plate 30 and a lower plate 34. The upper plate 30 may include an upper end 30A and a lower end 30B. The lower plate 34 includes an upper end 34A and a lower end 34B. In various embodiments in which the liftgate assembly 18 includes the frame 20, the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 may be disposed generally in the lateral direction of the vehicle between the first and second side beams 22A, 22B of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may include a window 32. Further, in some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be formed of glass such that the upper plate 30 is the window 32.

The upper plate 30 may be pivotally coupled to the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be pivotally coupled to the side beams 22 of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be pivotally coupled to the upper cross beam 24A of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be pivotally coupled to the body 12. For example, in some embodiments (as shown in fig. 6-8) in which the liftgate assembly 18 does not include the frame 20, the upper panel 30 may be pivotally coupled to the first portion 13 of the body 12 proximate the roof 14. It is contemplated that in such embodiments, the upper plate 30 may alternatively be coupled to a rear pillar of the vehicle body 12. In various embodiments, the upper end 30A of the upper panel 30 may be pivotally coupled to the vehicle 10, the frame 20, the side sill 22, the upper cross member 24A, the body 12, and/or the first portion 13 of the body 12. It is contemplated that the upper end 30A of the upper plate 30 may include a side portion of the upper plate 30 proximate the upper end of the upper plate 30.

With further reference to fig. 1-8, the upper plate 30 may be operable to pivot between a closed position, as shown in fig. 1, 4 and 6, and an open position, as shown in fig. 3, 5 and 8, above the closed position. In some embodiments, the open position of the upper panel 30 may be above the vehicle in the closed position. For example, in various embodiments (shown in fig. 6-8) in which the liftgate assembly 18 does not include the frame 20, the upper plate 30 may be pivoted relative to the body 12 from a closed position (fig. 6) to an open position (fig. 8) above the vehicle in the closed position. In various embodiments in which the liftgate assembly 18 includes a frame 20 (as shown in fig. 1-5), the upper plate 30 may be movable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting relative to the frame 20. Thus, the open position of the upper panel 30 may be above the liftgate assembly in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be configured to pivot relative to the frame 20 between the open and closed positions about an upper pivot axis 36 about which the frame 20 also pivots. In some embodiments, the upper plate 30 may be configured to pivot relative to the frame 20 about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the upper pivot axis 36. In some embodiments, the frame 20 may pivot relative to the body 12 about an upper pivot axis 36, and the upper plate 30 may pivot relative to the frame 20 about substantially parallel axes.

The lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18. In some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the side beams 22 of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the lower cross member 24B of the frame 20. In some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the body 12. For example, in some embodiments (as shown in fig. 6-8) where the liftgate assembly 18 does not include the frame 20, the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the second portion 15 of the body 12 proximate the bumper 16. It is contemplated that in such embodiments, the lower plate 34 may alternatively be coupled to a side portion of the body 12 generally proximate the bumper 16. In various embodiments, the lower end 34B of the lower panel 34 may be pivotally coupled to the vehicle 10, the frame 20, the side sill 22, the lower cross member 24B, the body 12, and/or the second portion 15 of the body 12. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, lower end 34B of lower plate 34 may include a side portion of lower plate 34 proximate a lower end of lower plate 34. As discussed further herein, in some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be removably coupled to the body 12 and pivotable about the removable coupling when coupled to the body 12.

With further reference to fig. 1-8, the lower plate 34 may be operable to pivot between a closed position, as shown in fig. 1, 3 and 6, and an open position, as shown in fig. 4, 5 and 8, below the closed position. In some embodiments, the open position of the lower panel 34 may be below the vehicle in the closed position. For example, in various embodiments (shown in fig. 6-8) in which the liftgate assembly 18 does not include the frame 20, the lower plate 34 may be pivoted relative to the body 12 from a closed position (fig. 6) to an open position (fig. 8) under the vehicle in the closed position. In various embodiments in which the liftgate assembly 18 includes a frame 20 (as shown in fig. 1-5), the lower plate 34 may be movable between a closed position and an open position by pivoting relative to the frame 20. Thus, the open position of the lower panel 34 may be below the lift gate assembly in the closed position, as shown in fig. 4 and 5. The lower plate 34 may be configured to pivot about a lower pivot axis 38 relative to the frame 20 between an open position and a closed position, as shown in fig. 4. In various embodiments, the lower pivot axis 38 may be substantially parallel to the upper pivot axis 36. In other words, the lower pivot axis 38 may extend substantially in the vehicle lateral direction.

Referring now to fig. 1-8, in various embodiments, the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34 may be releasably coupled to one another when the upper panel 30 is in the closed position and the lower panel 34 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lower end 30B of the upper plate 30 and the upper end 34A of the lower plate 34 may be releasably coupled to each other when the upper plate 30 and the lower plate 34, respectively, are in the closed position. For example, the upper end 34A of the lower plate 34 may be operable between an engaged state in which the upper end 34A is coupled to the upper plate 30, as shown in fig. 1, 2, 6 and 7, and a disengaged state in which the upper end 34A is separated from the upper plate 30, as shown in fig. 3-5 and 8. In various embodiments, the upper end 34A of the lower plate 34 may be coupled to the lower end 30B of the upper plate 30 when in the engaged state.

In various embodiments, the upper plate 30 and the lower plate 34 may be retained in their respective closed positions via a plurality of plate latching features 44. In various implementations, the corresponding panel latching features 44 may be coupled to the upper panel 30, the lower panel 34, the frame 20, the body 12, and/or combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the first plate latching feature 44A may be coupled to the upper plate 30 and the second plate latching feature 44B may be coupled to the lower plate 34, as shown in fig. 1. When the upper panel 30 is in the closed position and the lower panel 34 is in the closed position, the corresponding panel latch features 44A, 44B engage one another such that the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34 are releasably coupled to one another. In such embodiments, the first and second plate latching features 44A, 44B may be configured to retain the upper end 34A in the engaged state, as discussed herein above.

In some embodiments, the panel latch feature 44 may be coupled to the upper panel 30 and/or the lower panel 34 and may be configured to engage with a corresponding panel latch feature 44 disposed on the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18, as shown in fig. 1 and 4. In such embodiments, the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 may be retained in the respective closed positions via releasable engagement of the plate latching features 44 of the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 with the corresponding plate latching features 44 of the frame 20. In some examples, the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 may be releasably coupled to each other via the above-described engagement of the plate latching features 44 coupled to the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 with the corresponding plate latching features 44 coupled to the frame 20.

In some embodiments, the panel latching features 44 may be coupled to the upper panel 30 and/or the lower panel 34, and may be configured to engage with corresponding panel latching features 44 disposed on the vehicle body 12. For example, in some embodiments in which the liftgate assembly 18 does not include a frame 20, the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 may be held in the respective closed positions via releasable engagement of the plate latch features 44 of the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 with the corresponding plate latch features 44 of the body 12. In such embodiments, the releasable engagement between the plate latch features 44 may releasably couple the upper plate 30 to the lower plate 34 when the upper plate 30 and the lower plate 34 are in the closed position, respectively. It is contemplated that the panel latch feature 44 may be one or more of a variety of types of features configured to releasably couple a lift gate panel when in a closed position.

Referring now to fig. 3, 5, 7, and 8, the vehicle 10 may include one or more upper panel retention features 52 configured to retain the upper panel 30 of the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position. It is contemplated that the one or more upper panel retention features 52 may be one or more of a variety of types of features configured to retain the upper panel 30 in the open position. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, an air piston is shown extending between the frame 20 and the upper plate 30 of the liftgate assembly 18. In some embodiments, the upper panel retention feature 52 may also be used to retain the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position. For example, the upper panel retention feature 52 that retains the upper panel 30 in the open position of fig. 8 also retains the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position of fig. 7. In such embodiments, the upper panel retention feature 52 may be configured as a lift assist feature 53 configured to assist in lifting the upper panel 30 and/or the liftgate assembly 18 (both the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34) from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the lift assist feature 53 may dynamically adjust the amount of lift force applied depending on whether the lift assist feature 53 lifts the upper plate 30 alone or the upper and lower plates 30, 34 (as shown in fig. 7). For example, the lift assist feature 53 may apply a first amount of lift force when the lift assist feature 53 lifts the upper plate 30 and a second amount of lift force greater than the first amount when the lift assist feature 53 lifts the upper plate 30 and the lower plate 34. It is contemplated that the lift force may be adjusted by a controller of the vehicle 10 based on whether the upper panel 30 is opened alone or in combination with the lower panel 34. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the lift assist feature 53 may be separate from the upper plate retention feature 52.

Referring now to fig. 4, 5, and 8, the vehicle 10 may include one or more lower panel retention features 54 configured to retain the lower panel 34 of the liftgate assembly 18 in an open position. Because gravity may affect the lower plate 34 toward the open position, the lower plate retention feature 54 may be configured to substantially prevent the lower plate 34 from over-pivoting beyond the open position. For example, as shown in fig. 4, the lower panel retention feature 54 is depicted as a cable extending between the lower panel 34 and the frame 20 of the liftgate assembly 18. The cable is configured to become taut when the lower plate 34 has reached the open position, so that excessive pivoting of the lower plate 34 in the liftgate assembly downward direction can be avoided. In the embodiment shown in fig. 8, the lower plate retention feature 54 is depicted as a cable extending between the lower plate 34 and the body 12. The cable is configured to become taut when the lower panel 34 has reached the open position, so that excessive pivoting of the lower panel 34 in the vehicle downward direction can be avoided. It is contemplated that lower plate retention feature 54 may be one or more of a variety of types of features configured to generally retain lower plate 34 in the open position.

As shown in fig. 4, 5, and 8, in some embodiments, the inner surface 60 of the lower panel 34 may be substantially, mostly, and/or completely planar with the trunk floor 48 of the vehicle 10 when the lower panel 34 is in the open position. In some embodiments, the lower panel 34 may be substantially, mostly, and/or completely flush with the trunk floor 48 when the lower panel 34 is in the open position.

Referring now to fig. 6-8, in some embodiments, the lower plate 34 may be removably coupled to the body 12 and pivotable about the removable coupling when coupled to the body 12. For example, in some embodiments, the lower end 34B of the lower plate 34 may be operable between a connected state and a disconnected state relative to the vehicle body 12. In the connected state, the lower end 34B of the lower plate 34 may be pivotally coupled to the second portion 15 of the vehicle body 12, which may be below the vehicle of the first portion 13 of the vehicle body 12. Thus, with the lower end portion 34B in the connected state, the lower plate 34 may be operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position under the vehicle in the closed position, as shown in fig. 6 and 8. In the disconnected state, the lower end portion 34B may be separated from the second portion 15 of the vehicle body 12. Thus, when the lower end portion 34B is separated from the second portion 15 of the vehicle body 12 and the upper end portion 34A of the lower panel 34 is in the engaged state (coupled to the lower end portion 30B of the upper panel 30), the lower panel 34 may pivot in the vehicle upward direction with the upper panel 30 when the liftgate assembly 18 is moved to the open position, as shown in fig. 7. In such embodiments, when the liftgate assembly 18 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 may be operable to move together without the frame 20, as shown in fig. 7, while maintaining operability for individual movement from their respective open and closed positions, as shown in fig. 6 and 8.

In some embodiments, when both the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34 are in the closed position, the upper panel 30 may generally prevent the lower panel 34 from pivoting from the closed position to the open position. In some examples, the upper panel 30 may generally prevent the lower panel 34 from pivoting from the closed position to the open position when the upper panel 30 is in the closed position, the upper end 34A of the lower panel 34 is in the engaged state, and the lower end 34B of the lower panel 34 is in the connected state.

In some embodiments, when both the upper plate 30 and the lower plate 34 are in the closed position, the lower plate 34 may generally prevent the upper plate 30 from pivoting from the closed position to the open position. In some examples, the lower panel 34 may generally prevent the upper panel 30 from pivoting from the closed position to the open position when the lower panel 34 is in the closed position, the upper end 34A of the lower panel 34 is in the engaged state, and the lower end 34B of the lower panel 34 is in the connected state.

In the operation of the non-limiting example of the liftgate assembly 18 including the frame 20, a user may operate the liftgate assembly 18 in various ways. Assuming the liftgate assembly is initially in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the user may choose to move the entire liftgate assembly 18 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 2. In so doing, the frame latching feature 40 that releasably holds the frame 20 in the closed position may be released such that the frame 20 and the upper and

lower plates

30, 34 coupled thereto may be pivoted in a vehicle upward direction from the closed position to the open position, as shown in fig. 2. The frame retention feature 50 may help retain the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position, as also shown in fig. 2.

Alternatively, the user may choose to operate the initially closed lift gate assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1 by pivoting the upper plate 30 relative to the frame 20 from the closed position to the open position while maintaining the frame 20 and the lower plate 34 in their respective closed positions (as shown in FIG. 3). In so doing, the panel latch feature 44 that releasably holds the upper panel 30 in the closed position may be released such that the upper panel 30 may pivot the liftgate assembly 18 upward to the open position while the panel latch feature 44 and the frame latch feature 40 that hold the lower panel 34 and the frame 20, respectively, in the closed position remain engaged. An upper plate retention feature 52 extending between the upper plate 30 and the frame 20 may help retain the upper plate 30 in the open position, as shown in fig. 3.

Alternatively, the user may choose to operate the initially closed, lifted door assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1 by pivoting the lower plate 34 relative to the frame 20 from the closed position to an open position beneath the lifted door assembly 18 in the closed position while maintaining the frame 20 and upper plate 30 in their respective closed positions (as shown in FIG. 4). In so doing, the panel latch feature 44 that releasably holds the lower panel 34 in the closed position may be released such that the lower panel 34 may pivot the liftgate assembly 18 downward to the open position, while the panel latch feature 44 and the frame latch feature 40 that hold the upper panel 30 and the frame 20, respectively, in the closed position remain engaged. A lower plate retention feature 54 extending between the lower plate 34 and the frame 20 may help retain the lower plate 34 in the open position, as shown in fig. 4.

The user has the option of operating the initially closed lift gate assembly 18 of FIG. 1 by pivoting the lower and

upper plates

34 and 30 relative to the frame 20 from the closed positions shown in FIG. 1, respectively, to the open positions shown in FIG. 5, respectively. In so doing, the panel latch features 44 that releasably retain the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34 in their respective closed positions may be released such that the upper panel 30 may pivot the liftgate assembly 18 upward relative to the frame 20 to an open position and the lower panel 34 may pivot the liftgate assembly 18 downward relative to the frame 20 to an open position, as shown in fig. 5. At the same time, the frame 20 may remain in the closed position. The various operating modes discussed herein may provide the user with various options regarding how the user may proceed to enter the trunk 46 of the vehicle 10.

In the operation of the non-limiting example of the liftgate assembly 18 that does not include the frame 20, the user may operate the liftgate assembly 18 in various ways. Assuming the liftgate assembly is initially in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may choose to move the entire liftgate assembly 18 to the open position, as shown in FIG. 2. In so doing, the upper end portion 34A of the lower plate 34 is held in the engaged state so that the lower plate 34 and the upper plate 30 are coupled together, the lower end portion 34B of the lower plate 34 is brought into the disconnected state so that the lower end portion 34B is separated from the vehicle body 12, and the upper plate 30 is pivoted in the vehicle upward direction relative to the vehicle body 12 about the upper pivot axis 36. The lower panel 34, which is coupled to the upper panel 30 and separate from the body 12, pivots with the upper panel 30 such that the liftgate assembly 18 (both the upper panel 30 and the lower panel 34) moves in a vehicle upward direction from the closed position to the open position, as shown in fig. 7. As shown, the upper panel retention feature 52 may help retain the liftgate assembly 18 in the open position.

Alternatively, the user may choose to operate the initially closed lift gate assembly 18 shown in FIG. 1 by pivoting the upper and/or

lower plates

30, 34 relative to the body 12 from the closed position shown in FIG. 6, respectively, to the open position shown in FIG. 8, respectively. Although shown in fig. 8 with the upper and

lower panels

30, 34 in the open position, respectively, it is contemplated that a user may select to open either of the upper and

lower panels

30, 34 in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4. Upon opening the upper panel 30, the upper end portion 34A of the lower panel 34 may be brought into a disengaged state such that the lower panel 34 and the upper panel 30 are separated from each other, the lower end portion 34B of the lower panel 34 may be maintained in a connected state such that the lower end portion 34B remains pivotally coupled to the vehicle body 12, and the upper panel 30 may be pivoted in a vehicle upward direction relative to the vehicle body 12 about the upper pivot axis 36 from the closed position to the open position. Upon opening the lower plate 34, the upper end portion 34A of the lower plate 34 may be brought into a disengaged state such that the lower plate 34 and the upper plate 30 are separated from each other, the lower end portion 34B of the lower plate 34 may be maintained in a connected state such that the lower end portion 34B remains pivotally coupled to the vehicle body 12, and the lower plate 34 may be pivoted relative to the vehicle body 12 in a vehicle downward direction about the lower pivot axis 38 from the closed position to the open position. The various operating modes discussed herein may provide the user with various options regarding how the user may proceed to enter the trunk 46 of the vehicle 10.

The present disclosure provides various advantages. First, the liftgate assembly 18, which may be configured as shown in fig. 2 and 7, may be convenient for a user attempting to access large items disposed in the vehicle forward portion of the trunk 46. Second, the lift-type door assembly 18, which may be configured as shown in FIG. 3, may assist a user in removing small items from the trunk 46 of the vehicle 10 while preventing the small items from rolling out of the trunk 46 onto the ground. Third, the lift gate assembly 18, which may be configured as shown in FIG. 4, may assist a user in transporting long items protruding from the trunk 46 onto the open lower panel 34 while maintaining the upper panel 30 in the closed position. Fourth, the lift gate assembly 18, which may be configured as shown in fig. 5 and 8, may assist a user in transporting items that are too long for the trunk 46 and too high to be transported with the upper panel 30 in the closed position.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having: a vehicle body; and a liftgate assembly coupled to the vehicle body, the liftgate assembly comprising: a frame pivotably coupled to the vehicle and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position; an upper plate pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position above a liftgate in the closed position; and a lower panel pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position under the lift gate in the closed position, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are releasably coupled to each other when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the frame is configured to pivot about an upper pivot axis extending substantially in a vehicle transverse direction.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate is configured to pivot relative to the frame about the upper pivot axis.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate is configured to pivot relative to the frame about a pivot axis substantially parallel to the upper pivot axis.

According to one embodiment, the frame comprises: a first side member; and a second side member, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are disposed generally in a vehicle lateral direction between the first side member and the second side member.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side beams

According to one embodiment, the lower plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side beams.

According to one embodiment, the frame further comprises: an upper cross member extending between the first and second side members; and a lower cross member extending between the first and second side members.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate and the lower plate generally move with the frame as the frame pivots between the open position and the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate and the lower plate are releasably retained in the closed position via a plurality of plate latching features.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of plate latching features comprises: a first plate latching feature coupled to the upper plate; and a second plate latching feature coupled to the lower plate and configured to engage with the first plate latching feature when the upper plate is in the closed position and the lower plate is in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, one or more of the plurality of panel latching features is coupled to the frame and configured to engage with at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the lower panel is substantially planar with a trunk floor of the vehicle.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having: a vehicle body; and a lift-type door assembly, the lift-type door assembly comprising: an upper panel pivotably coupled to a first portion of the vehicle body and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position; and a lower plate, the lower plate comprising: an upper end operable between an engaged condition in which the upper end is coupled to the upper plate and a disengaged condition in which the upper end is disengaged from the upper plate; and a lower end operable between a connected state in which the lower end is pivotably coupled to a second portion of the vehicle body below the vehicle of the first portion such that the lower panel is operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position below the vehicle of the closed position, and a disconnected state in which the lower panel is separated from the second portion of the vehicle body, wherein when the upper end is in the engaged state and the lower end is in the disconnected state, the lower panel is operable to move with the upper panel as the upper panel pivots between the open position and the closed position.

According to one embodiment, the upper plate comprises: an upper end portion; and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the upper plate is configured to be coupled to the upper end of the lower plate when the upper end of the lower plate is in the engaged state.

According to one embodiment, the upper end of the upper plate is pivotably coupled to the first portion of the vehicle body.

According to one embodiment, the upper panel normally prevents the lower panel from pivoting from the closed position to the open position when the upper panel is in the closed position, the upper end of the lower panel is in the engaged condition and the lower end of the lower panel is in the connected condition.

According to one embodiment, the lower panel normally prevents the upper panel from pivoting from the closed position to the open position when the lower panel is in the closed position, the upper end of the lower panel is in the engaged condition and the lower end of the lower panel is in the connected condition.

According to one embodiment, an inner surface of the lower panel is substantially planar with a trunk floor of the vehicle when the lower panel is in the open position.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle having: a vehicle body; a liftgate assembly pivotably coupled to the body and operable between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position, the liftgate assembly comprising: an upper panel pivotable between a closed position and an open position above a vehicle in the closed position; and a lower panel releasably coupled to the upper panel and pivotable between a closed position and an open position under the vehicle in the closed position, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel move as the liftgate assembly pivots between the closed position and the open position.

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle body; and

a liftgate assembly coupled to the vehicle body, the liftgate assembly comprising:

a frame pivotably coupled to the vehicle and operable to pivot between a closed position and an open position above the vehicle in the closed position;

an upper plate pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position above a liftgate in the closed position; and

a lower panel pivotably coupled to the frame and operable to pivot relative to the frame between a closed position and an open position under a liftgate in the closed position, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are releasably coupled to each other when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame is configured to pivot about an upper pivot axis that extends substantially in a vehicle lateral direction.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein upper plate is configured to pivot relative to the frame about the upper pivot axis.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the upper plate is configured to pivot relative to the frame about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the upper pivot axis.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises:

a first side member; and

a second side member, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are disposed generally in a vehicle lateral direction between the first side member and the second side member.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the upper plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side rails.

7. The vehicle of claims 5 and 6, wherein the lower plate is pivotably coupled to the first and second side rails.

8. The vehicle of claims 5-7, wherein the frame further comprises:

an upper cross member extending between the first and second side beams; and

a lower cross member extending between the first and second side beams.

9. The vehicle of claims 1-8, wherein the upper and lower panels generally move with the frame as the frame pivots between the open and closed positions.

10. The vehicle of claims 1-9, wherein the upper panel and the lower panel are releasably retained in the closed position via a plurality of panel latching features.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the plurality of panel latching features comprises:

a first plate latching feature coupled to the upper plate; and

a second plate latching feature coupled to the lower plate and configured to engage with the first plate latching feature when the upper plate is in the closed position and the lower plate is in the closed position.

12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein one or more of the plurality of panel latching features is coupled to the frame and configured to engage with at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel when the upper panel is in the closed position and the lower panel is in the closed position.

13. The vehicle of claims 1-12, wherein an interior surface of the lower panel is substantially planar with a trunk floor of the vehicle.