CN116985713A - System for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly including a door subassembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly that includes a door subassembly. Vehicle systems for accessing and utilizing a vehicle cargo compartment on a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door sub-assembly may include deployable step systems, deployable lift panel systems, deployable cargo extender systems, and the like. The vehicle system may be separate from or integrated with the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly. An exemplary vehicle system may include a deployable step moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to present a step surface to a user for accessing the vehicle cargo compartment.

Description

System for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly including a door subassembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to motor vehicles, and more particularly to a system for accessing and utilizing a vehicle cargo compartment on a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door subassembly.

Background

Many motor vehicles include cargo holds for transporting various types of cargo. For example, a pick-up truck includes a cargo bed that establishes the cargo compartment of the truck. The tailgate typically closes one end of the cargo box. The tailgate is movable between a closed position and an open position to access the cargo box.

Disclosure of Invention

A deployable step system for a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a hitch tube and a deployable step mounted to the hitch tube and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the aforementioned deployable pedal system, the hitch extends in a lateral width direction of the vehicle and is a component of a body of the vehicle. The trailer hitch is mounted to the hitch tube.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the deployable pedal is mounted to the hitch tube by a mounting bracket.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the deployable pedal includes a first leg mounted to the hitch tube, a second leg mounted to the hitch tube, and a planar member extending between the first leg and the second leg. The planar member provides a pedal surface when positioned in the deployed position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable step systems, the control module is programmed to command movement of the deployable step from the stowed position to the deployed position as the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly moves from the door closed position to the door open position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the control module is further programmed to command a lowering of the height of the vehicle when the deployable pedal is moved to the deployed position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the control module is configured to command an air suspension of the vehicle to release air to reduce the height of the vehicle.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable step systems, the door subassembly is configured to pivot between the door closed position and the door open position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable step systems, the door subassembly is configured to slide between the door closed position and the door open position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the deployable pedal is integrated into a bumper housing of a bumper of the vehicle and mounted outside of a bumper pedal of the bumper.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the deployable pedal includes a housing, a carriage movable within the housing, and a pedal cleat movable relative to the carriage.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the housing is mounted directly to the hitch tube.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing deployable pedal systems, the pedal cleat includes a light-conducting conduit.

A tailgate assembly for a vehicle in accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a frame subassembly and a door subassembly connected to the frame subassembly. The frame assembly and the door subassembly are pivotable together between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position. The door subassembly is pivotable or slidable relative to the frame subassembly between a door closed position and a door open position. A deployable step system is integrated as part of the door subassembly.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing tailgate assembly, the door subassembly provides a cargo box access opening when positioned in the door open position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing tailgate assemblies, the deployable step system includes a deployable step connected to the door subassembly by a pivot assembly.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing tailgate assemblies, the deployable step is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The top side of the handle of the deployable step establishes at least a portion of a corner of the door subassembly in the stowed position and the underside of the handle establishes a step surface in the deployed position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing tailgate assemblies, the deployable step system includes a deployable lift panel pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position and further movable between the deployed position and a lowered position vertically below the door subassembly.

In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing tailgate assemblies, the system includes a strain gauge and a control module operatively connected to the strain gauge. The control module is programmed to command an alarm in response to a signal from the strain gauge indicating that an amount of stress on the door subassembly exceeds a predefined threshold.

A tailgate assembly for a vehicle in accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a frame subassembly and a door subassembly connected to the frame subassembly. The frame assembly and the door subassembly are pivotable together between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position. The door subassembly is pivotable or slidable relative to the frame subassembly between a door closed position and a door open position. A deployable cargo extender system may be connected to the door subassembly when the door subassembly is positioned in the door open position.

The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the foregoing paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or respective individual features) may be employed independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

The various features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a cargo compartment and a tailgate assembly positioned in a tailgate closed position relative to the cargo compartment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the tailgate assembly of FIG. 1 in a tailgate open position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a door subassembly of the tailgate assembly of FIG. 1 in a door open position.

FIG. 4 is a rear and top view of the tailgate assembly and door subassembly of FIG. 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a deployable step system for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle.

Fig. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate movement of the deployable step system of fig. 5 between a stowed position and a deployed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary deployable step system for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the deployable pedal system of fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the deployable pedal system of fig. 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary deployable step system for accessing a cargo compartment of a vehicle.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the deployable pedal system of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 illustrates another example deployable pedal system.

Fig. 13 illustrates another example deployable pedal system.

14A, 14B and 14C illustrate yet another exemplary deployable pedal system.

15A and 15B illustrate an exemplary deployable cargo extender system for a vehicle tailgate assembly.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate another example deployable cargo extender system for a vehicle tailgate assembly.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example tailgate assembly having a door subassembly.

FIG. 18 is a partially exploded view of selected portions of the tailgate assembly of FIG. 17.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure details various vehicle systems for accessing and utilizing a vehicle cargo compartment on a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door subassembly. The vehicle system may include a deployable step system, a deployable lift panel system, a deployable cargo extender system, and the like. The vehicle system may be separate from or integrated with the door subassembly of the tailgate assembly. An exemplary vehicle system may include a deployable step moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to present a step surface to a user for accessing the vehicle cargo compartment. These and other features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4 illustrate selected portions of a motor vehicle 10 that includes a cargo compartment for storing and/or hauling one or more items of cargo. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck and the cargo compartment is established by a cargo compartment 12 of the pickup truck. Although a pickup truck with a cargo bed is specifically depicted and referenced herein, other vehicles with other types of cargo holds may benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure. The vehicle 10 may also be a conventional internal combustion engine-driven vehicle, a traction battery-powered electric or hybrid vehicle, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., an unmanned vehicle), or the like.

Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are schematically illustrated and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the various figures attached to this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of particular components.

The cargo box 12 is generally located rearward of a passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10 and includes a floor 14 extending between a pair of longitudinally extending side walls 16, a transversely extending front wall 18, and a tailgate assembly 20. The overall size, shape, and configuration of cargo box 12 are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

The tailgate assembly 20 may include, among other things, a frame subassembly 22 and a door subassembly 24. The door subassembly 24 may sometimes be referred to as a "swing door subassembly". The frame sub-assembly 22 may include a driver side section 34, a passenger side section 36, and a connecting member 38 (see fig. 3) connected between the driver side section 34 and the passenger side section 36. The door subassembly 24 may be connected to a driver side section 34 or a passenger side section 36 (see fig. 3) by a hinge assembly 35.

The tailgate assembly 20 is pivotable relative to the cargo box 12 about a first axis A1 between a tailgate closed position shown in fig. 1 and a tailgate open position shown in fig. 2. The tailgate assembly 20 may be movable from the tailgate closed position to the tailgate open position, for example, in response to actuation of the first handle 30 of the tailgate assembly 20. The tailgate assembly 20 is vertically aligned when in the tailgate closed position and thus generally surrounds the end of the cargo box 12 opposite the front wall 18, and the tailgate assembly 20 is horizontally aligned when in the tailgate open position and thus generally allows access to the cargo box 12. For purposes of this disclosure, vertical and horizontal are the normal orientations of the ground-referenced vehicle 10 during operation.

The door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is in the door closed position and is latched to the frame subassembly 22 when the frame subassembly 22 and the door subassembly 24 are pivoted between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position. Thus, the frame subassembly 22 and the door subassembly 24 pivot together as a unit as the tailgate assembly 20 transitions back and forth between the tailgate closed position and the tailgate open position.

When in the tailgate closed position, the door subassembly 24 is pivotable relative to the frame subassembly 22 about a second axis A2 between a door closed position shown in fig. 1 and a door open position shown in fig. 3. In one embodiment, the first axis A1 is a horizontally extending axis and the second axis A2 is transverse to the first axis A1 and is a vertically extending axis. For example, the door subassembly 24 may be moved between the door closed position and the door open position by grasping a second handle 32 (see FIG. 1) of the tailgate assembly 20.

The door subassembly 24 provides a cargo compartment access opening O when moved to the door open position. In one embodiment, the cargo compartment access opening O extends vertically downward at least to the floor 14 of the cargo compartment 12. When the door subassembly 24 is positioned in the door open position, a user 26 (see fig. 4) may enter the cargo compartment 12 through the cargo compartment access opening O. Placing the door subassembly 24 in the door open position allows the user 26 to move closer to the cargo box 12 than, for example, the tailgate assembly 20 to the tailgate open position of fig. 2.

The cargo compartment access opening O may also provide clearance for a user 26 to access the cargo compartment 12 to load or retrieve cargo 28 (see fig. 4). User 26 may need assistance to step up from the ground and into cargo box 12. User 26 may also desire to further utilize the space provided by cargo box 12. Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a system for achieving improved access to and utilization of cargo box 12.

Fig. 5, 6A and 6B illustrate an extendable pedal system 40 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable step system 40 may be configured to assist a user in accessing the cargo compartment 12 when the door sub-assembly 24 is moved to the door open position shown in fig. 3 and 4.

The deployable pedal system 40 may include a deployable pedal 42 including a pair of legs 44 and a planar member 46 extending between the legs 44. In one embodiment, planar member 46 is pivotally connected to leg 44. Each leg 44 may be mounted (e.g., welded) to a hitch 48 of the vehicle 10 (e.g., directly or via a separate mounting bracket 99). The hitch tube 48 extends in the lateral width direction of the vehicle 10, and is an integral part of the body of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the hitch tube 48 extends across a majority of the width of the vehicle 10.

The hitch tube 48 may support a trailer hitch 50 of the vehicle 10. The trailer hitch 50 may provide a receiving tube adapted to receive another trailer component (e.g., a ball seat) for coupling the trailer to the vehicle 10. Each leg 44 of the extendable pedal 42 may be mounted to the hitch tube 48 at a location outboard of the trailer hitch 50.

The extendable steps 42 are movable between a stowed position of fig. 6A and a deployed position of fig. 6B. The extendable steps 42 may be moved between the stowed position and the extended position manually or automatically, such as via a linkage assembly and motor. When moved to the deployed position, the planar member 46 of the deployable step 42 extends below the trailer hitch 50 and may provide a step surface 52 that may be presented to a user to access the cargo box 12. The extendable floor 42 may be movable between a stowed position and a deployed position even when a trailer or other component is coupled to the trailer hitch 50.

The deployable pedal system 40 can additionally include a sensor system 54 and a control module 56 operably connected to each other. The sensor system 54 may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, or both) arranged and configured to monitor the environment of the rear of the vehicle 10. For example, the sensor system 54 may monitor the environment of the rear of the vehicle 10 to detect an obstacle in the door opening path of the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20.

Although schematically illustrated as a single controller, the control module 56 may be part of a vehicle control system that includes a plurality of additional control modules for interfacing with various components of the vehicle 10 and commanding operation of the various components of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the control module 56 is part of a Body Control Module (BCM) of the vehicle 10. However, other configurations are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the control module 56 is programmed to automatically command the deployment of the deployable step 42 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is moved to the door open position.

In another embodiment, the control module 56 is programmed to automatically command the lowering of the height of the vehicle 10 when the extendable pedal 42 is moved to the extended position. For example, in response to deploying the deployable pedal 42, the control module 56 may transmit a command signal 59 to the air suspension 58 of the vehicle 10 to "roll down" the rear end of the vehicle 10. The command signal 59 instructs the air suspension 58 to release air (e.g., from a suspension member such as a shock absorber) to lower the rear end of the vehicle 10 in the direction of arrow 60 (i.e., toward the ground).

In the lowered or "turndown" position of the vehicle 10, the deployable pedal 42 is positioned vertically lower relative to the ground. A user, particularly a smaller user, may place their foot on the tread surface 52 at this location to more easily step on and into the cargo box 12.

Fig. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate another exemplary deployable step system 62 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable step system 62 may be configured to assist a user in accessing the cargo compartment 12 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is moved to the door open position shown in fig. 3 and 4.

The deployable pedal system 62 may provide a pop-up pedal design that is integrated into a bumper housing 64 of a bumper 66 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the deployable pedal system 62 is mounted at a location L1 outside of a bumper pedal 68 of the bumper 66. In another embodiment, the deployable pedal system 62 is mounted at a location L2 on the opposite side of the bumper pedal 68 from the location L1. In yet another embodiment, two deployable step systems 62 may be provided, with one deployable step system 62 provided at both position L1 and position L2.

At locations L1, L2, the deployable pedal system 62 is mounted atop the hitch 48 of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the deployable pedal system 62 is mounted at the bottom of the hitch 48 (see, e.g., position L3 of FIG. 7; also shown schematically in FIG. 8 using dashed lines), and thus need not be integrated into the bumper housing 64.

The deployable pedal system 62 can include a housing 70, a carriage 72, and a pedal cleat 74. The outer shell 70 may be bolted or welded directly to the hitch tube 48 and may be slightly recessed into the bumper housing 64. The housing 70 is impact resistant and is configured to protect the carriage 72 and pedal cleat 74 from dust, dirt, stones, debris, rain, ice, etc.

The carriage 72 may be slidably received within the housing 70. The carriage 72 is movable between a stowed position shown in fig. 7 and a deployed position shown in fig. 8. Although not specifically shown, various components (e.g., springs, slides, etc.) may be provided to configure the carriage 72 for movement relative to the housing 70.

Once the carriage 72 is moved to the deployed position, the pedal plate 74 can be moved to the deployed position shown in fig. 8. When moved to the deployed position, the pedal cleat 74 provides a pedal surface 76 to allow a user to step on and enter the cargo box 12. The carriage 72 and pedal plate 74 may be moved to their respective deployed positions manually (e.g., via a push-release mechanism) or automatically (e.g., via a linear or rotary motorized mechanism).

In one embodiment, the pedal cleat 74 includes a pair of pins 78 received within grooves 80 of the carriage 72 for guiding movement of the pedal cleat 74 relative to the carriage 72. However, the opposite arrangement is also contemplated, wherein the pin 78 is part of the carriage 72 and the recess 80 is part of the pedal cleat 74 for guiding movement.

In another embodiment, the pedal surface 76 of the pedal cleat 74 is equipped with a light pipe 82 for illuminating the pedal surface 76 via a light source (e.g., an LED, not shown) during certain vehicle conditions. For example, the light pipe 82 may be illuminated when the deck cleat 74 is in the stowed position to provide an auxiliary braking or backup light feature (shown schematically at 84 of FIG. 7) and/or may be illuminated when the deck cleat 74 is in the deployed position to provide a floor lighting feature (shown schematically at 86 of FIG. 8).

Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate another exemplary deployable step system 88 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable step system 88 may be configured to assist a user in accessing the cargo compartment 12 when the door sub-assembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is moved to the door open position shown in fig. 3-4.

The deployable step system 88 may include a flip step 90 and a hinge assembly 92. The hinge assembly 92 may pivotally attach the roll pedal 90 to the bumper pedal 68 of the bumper 66 of the vehicle 10.

The flip pedal 90 is pivotable between a stowed position (shown in phantom) and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the user 26 is presented with the underside 94 of the flip pedal 90. The user may use the underside 94 as a pedal surface.

The roll-over pedal 90 may optionally include a cutout 96. The cutout 96 may be sized and shaped to receive a hitch ball or some other hitch mechanism that is secured to and/or interfaces with the bumper pedal 68.

In one embodiment, the bumper extension 98 is mounted between the bumper pedal 68 and the bumper housing 64 of the bumper 66 (see FIG. 11). In another embodiment, a support tube 100 is mounted between the bumper pedal 68 and the trailer hitch 50 (see FIG. 12), which is mounted to the hitch tube 48. The bumper extension 98/support tube 100 provides additional support for supporting the roll-over pedal 90 when positioned in the deployed position.

Fig. 13 illustrates yet another deployable step system 102 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable step system 102 may be configured to assist a user in accessing the cargo compartment 12 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is moved to the door open position.

In this embodiment, the deployable step system 102 is integrated as part of the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20. The deployable step system 102 may include a deployable step 104 coupled to the door subassembly 24 by a pivot assembly 106.

The extendable steps 104 are pivotable between a stowed position (shown in phantom) and an extended position. In the stowed position, the top side 108 of the handle 110 of the deployable step 104 establishes part of the upper corner surface of the door subassembly 24. In the deployed position, the deployable pedal 104 is rotated about the pivot assembly 106 to a position vertically below the door subassembly 24 such that the underside 112 of the handle 110 is presented to the user 26. User 26 may use underside 112 as a tread surface for accessing cargo box 12.

In one embodiment, the handle 110 of the extendable pedal 104 may include a lighting module 114 configured to emit light. The lighting module 114 may be mounted at a corner of the handle 110 and may include one or more light sources, such as LEDs.

In the stowed position of the extendable step 104, the lighting module 114 may emit light to provide an auxiliary cargo box light feature (shown schematically at 116) for illuminating portions of the cargo box 12. In the deployed position of the extendable pedal 104, the lighting module 114 may illuminate the light pipe 118 of the handle 110 to provide a floor lighting feature (shown schematically at 120). The auxiliary cargo lamp and floor lighting features may be provided by different light sources of the lighting module 114. In such embodiments, when the light source providing the auxiliary cargo box light or the light source providing the floor illumination light is on, the other of the light source providing the auxiliary cargo box light or the light source providing the floor illumination light is off.

The deployable pedal system 102 can additionally include a strain gauge 122 and a control module 124 operably connected to each other. The strain gauge 122 may be mounted near a hinge side 126 of the door sub-assembly 24 and configured to monitor the amount of stress applied to the door sub-assembly 24, such as when a user steps on and thus applies a force to the deployable pedal 104.

In one embodiment, the control module 124 is programmed to automatically command the alarm 128 when the amount of stress applied to the door subassembly exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, in response to an input signal from the strain gauge 122, the control module 56 may determine whether a predefined threshold has been exceeded and may transmit a command signal 130 to the alarm 128 to alert the user to an overstress condition. The command signal 130 instructs the alarm 128 to generate an alarm for indicating a potential overstress condition to the user. The alert may be in the form of an audible alert, a message displayed on a human-machine interface of the vehicle 10, a message displayed on a personal electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) of an operator of the vehicle 10, and the like.

The amount of stress experienced by the door subassembly 24 may vary with the position (i.e., angle) of the door subassembly 24 relative to the frame subassembly 22. Thus, a look-up table of stress versus door subassembly angle may be stored in the memory of the control module 124. The control module 124 may reference a lookup table to determine whether a predefined threshold has been exceeded at any given location of the door subassembly 24.

Fig. 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate yet another deployable step system 132 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable step system 132 may be configured to assist a user in accessing the cargo compartment 12 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is moved to the door open position.

In this embodiment, the deployable step system 132 is integrated as part of the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20. The deployable step system 102 may include a deployable lift panel 134 movably coupled to the door subassembly 24. For example, the deployable lift panel 134 may be configured as a cargo lift or wheelchair lift.

The deployable lift panel 134 is pivotable between a stowed position (shown in phantom in fig. 14A) and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the outer surface 136 of the deployable lift panel 134 establishes the outer surface of the door subassembly 24. In the deployed position, the deployable lift panel 134 is rotated outwardly (schematically shown by arrow 138) to a position transverse (e.g., approximately perpendicular) to the door subassembly 24 such that an inner surface 140 of the deployable lift panel 134 is presented to the user. The deployable lift panel 134 may then be lowered in the direction of arrow 141 to a position vertically below the door subassembly 24 by lowering the extendable arm 142 connected to the deployable lift panel 134. When lowered, the inner surface 140 of the deployable lift panel 134 may function as a cargo lift for lifting and elevating cargo into the cargo box 12.

In another embodiment, the deployable lift panel 134 may also be configured to move longitudinally toward or away from the cargo box 12 (see arrow 143 of fig. 14C). Various linkages and actuators may be provided to effect this movement.

The deployable lift panel 134 may also include a lighting module 144 configured to emit light. The lighting module 144 may be mounted to the deployable lift panel 134 and may include one or more light sources, such as LEDs.

In the deployed and lowered position of the deployable lift panel 134 shown in fig. 14B, the lighting module 144 may emit light to provide a floor lighting feature (shown schematically at 146). The floor illumination light feature may illuminate the landing zone 148 of the deployable lift panel 134 on the floor.

The deployable pedal system 132 can additionally include a strain gauge 150 and a control module 152 operably connected to each other. The strain gauge 150 may be mounted near the hinge side 126 of the door sub-assembly 24 and configured to monitor the amount of stress applied to the door sub-assembly 24, such as when cargo is loaded onto and thereby applies a force to the deployable lift panel 134.

In one embodiment, the control module 152 is programmed to automatically command the alarm 154 when the amount of stress applied to the door subassembly 24 exceeds a predefined threshold. For example, in response to an input signal from the strain gauge 150, the control module 152 may determine whether a predefined threshold has been exceeded and may transmit a command signal 156 to the alarm 154 to alert the user to an overstress condition. For example, command signal 156 instructs alarm 154 to generate an alarm to user 26. The alert may be in the form of an audible alert, a message displayed on a human-machine interface of the vehicle 10, a message displayed on a personal electronic device (e.g., a smart phone) of the user 26, and the like.

The amount of stress experienced by the door subassembly 24 may vary with the position (i.e., angle) of the door subassembly 24 relative to the frame subassembly 22. Thus, a look-up table of stress versus door subassembly angle may be stored in the memory of the control module 152. The control module 152 may access the look-up table to determine whether a predefined threshold has been exceeded at any given location of the door subassembly 24.

In another embodiment, the control module 152 is programmed to shut down the vehicle 10 when the deployable lift panel 134 is positioned in the deployed and lowered positions shown in fig. 14B. In this manner, a user (e.g., a person such as a wheelchair) located on the deployable lift panel will not be exposed to exhaust gases emitted by the vehicle 10 during the lift sequence.

Fig. 15A and 15B illustrate a deployable cargo extender system 158 that may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable cargo extender system 158 may be configured to allow a user to selectively extend the cargo holding area provided by the cargo box 12 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is in the door open position.

The deployable cargo extender system 158 may be integrated as part of the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20. The deployable cargo extender system 158 may include a latch panel 160, a connection panel 162 connected between the latch panel 160 and the door subassembly 24, and a bottom panel 164 connected between the latch panel 160 and the door subassembly 24.

The deployable cargo extender system 158 is movable between a stowed position shown in fig. 15A and a deployed position shown in fig. 15B. In the stowed position, the latch panel 160 establishes an exterior surface of the door subassembly 24. When in the stowed position, the connection panel 162 and the bottom panel 164 may be hidden inside the door subassembly 24. In the deployed position, the latch panel 160 is laterally spaced from the door sub-assembly and may be connected to one of the sections of the frame sub-assembly 22 (here, the driver side section 34 of the frame sub-assembly 22). In one embodiment, the exposed striker pin 166 of the driver side section 34 may be received within an opening 168 of the latch panel 160 to secure the deployable cargo extender system 158 in the deployed position.

The connection panel 162 may establish a rear wall of the cargo box 12 when the deployable cargo extender system 158 is moved to the deployed position, and the bottom panel 164 may establish a floor extension of the cargo box 12 when the deployable cargo extender system 158 is moved to the deployed position. When the deployable cargo extender system 158 is in the deployed position, both the connection panel 162 and the bottom panel 164 extend rearward of the driver side section 34 and the passenger side section 36 of the tailgate assembly 20, thereby extending the cargo-holding area provided by the cargo box 12.

A plurality of light sources 170 (e.g., wireless LEDs, micro LEDs, etc.) may be embedded within the connection panel 162 of the deployable cargo extender system 158. The light sources 170 may be controlled to produce various lighting effects 172 within the connection panel 162. The lighting effects 172 may include any combination of letters, numbers, words, phrases, symbols, logos, etc., and may be generated for communicating information to nearby vehicles. In one embodiment, the lighting effect 172 indicates to the nearby vehicle that the vehicle 10 has a long cargo and/or that the nearby vehicle should be maintained at a suitable distance from the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the lighting effect 172 includes an advertisement. In yet another embodiment, the lighting effect 172 provides an auxiliary brake/tail/turn lighting function.

Fig. 16A and 16B illustrate another example deployable cargo extender system 174 that may be used in connection with the tailgate assembly 20 of fig. 1-4. The deployable cargo extender system 174 may be configured to allow a user to selectively extend the cargo-holding area provided by the cargo box 12 when the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20 is in the door open position.

In this embodiment, the deployable cargo extender system 174 is an accessory system that can be selectively connected to the door subassembly 24 of the tailgate assembly 20. The deployable cargo extension system 174 may include two or more tubes 176 that may be linked together by one or more links 178. One end of the tube 176 may be received within an opening 180 formed in the door subassembly 24. In one embodiment, the tube 176 is a telescoping tube that can be manually expanded and contracted to increase or decrease the size of the tube 176.

The deployable cargo extender system 174 is movable between a retracted position shown in fig. 16A and a deployed position shown in fig. 16B. In the stowed position, the tube 176 is retracted. In the deployed position, the tube 176 expands. In one embodiment, the exposed striker 166 of the driver side section 34 (and/or passenger side section 36) of the frame subassembly 22 may be received within an opening 182 of the tube 176 to secure the deployable cargo extension system 174 in the deployed position. The deployable cargo extender system 174 enables the user 26 to extend the cargo-holding area provided by the cargo box 12.

Fig. 17 and 18 illustrate another exemplary tailgate assembly 184 that may be employed on the vehicle 10. The tailgate assembly 184 may include, among other things, a frame subassembly 186 and a door subassembly 188. The frame sub-assembly 186 may include a driver side section 190, a passenger side section 192, and a connecting member 194 connected between the driver side section 190 and the passenger side section 192.

The door subassembly 188 may be configured as a sliding door that is slidable relative to the driver side section 190, the passenger side section 192, or both. For example, when in the tailgate closed position, the door subassembly 188 may slide in the vehicle transverse width direction 196 relative to the frame subassembly 186. The door sub-assembly 188 may be slid between the door closed position and the door open position shown in fig. 17 by grasping a handle 198 that may be integrated into a top surface 189 of the door sub-assembly 188. The door subassembly 188 provides a cargo compartment access opening O when moved to the door open position.

Movement of the door subassembly 188 may be guided by a horizontal rail 200 provided on the driver side section 190 (and/or the passenger side section 192). Anti-jam pins 202 may be provided to control fore/aft movement of the door subassembly 188 relative to the back floor door sill 206 of the cargo box 12, and control pins 208 may be provided to control up/down movement of the door subassembly 188 relative to the back floor door sill 206 (see fig. 18).

Any of the deployable step systems and/or deployable cargo extender systems discussed above may be used in conjunction with the tailgate assembly 184 of fig. 17-18.

The system of the present disclosure provides a solution for improving access and utilization of a vehicle cargo compartment. The proposed system includes a deployable step system for improving access to the cargo compartment and a cargo extension system for improving the utilization of the cargo compartment on a vehicle equipped with a tailgate assembly having a door sub-assembly. The proposed system provides a less complex and more cost-effective solution for accessing and utilizing the cargo hold.

Although the various non-limiting embodiments are shown as having particular components or steps, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. Some features or components from any of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any of the other non-limiting embodiments.

It should be understood that the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or analogous elements throughout the several views. It should be understood that while particular component arrangements are disclosed and illustrated in the exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may benefit from the teachings of this disclosure.

The above description should be construed as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that some modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. A deployable pedal system for a vehicle, comprising:

a connecting pipe is hung; and

a deployable step mounted to the hitch and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

2. The deployable pedal system of claim 1, wherein the hitch tube extends in a lateral width direction of the vehicle and is a component of a body of the vehicle, and further comprising a trailer hitch mounted to the hitch tube.

3. The extendable pedal system of claim 1, wherein the extendable pedal is mounted to the hitch tube by a mounting bracket.

4. The deployable pedal system of claim 1, wherein the deployable pedal includes a first leg mounted to the hitch, a second leg mounted to the hitch, and a planar member extending between the first leg and the second leg, and further wherein the planar member provides a pedal surface when positioned in the deployed position.

5. The deployable step system of claim 1, comprising a control module programmed to command movement of the deployable step from the stowed position to the deployed position when a door subassembly of a tailgate assembly is moved from a door closed position to a door open position.

6. The deployable pedal system of claim 5, wherein the control module is further programmed to command a lowering of the height of the vehicle when the deployable pedal is moved to the deployed position.

7. The deployable pedal system of claim 6, wherein the control module is configured to command an air suspension of the vehicle to release air to reduce the height of the vehicle.

8. The deployable step system of claim 5, wherein the door sub-assembly is configured to pivot between the door closed position and the door open position.

9. The deployable step system of claim 5, wherein the door sub-assembly is configured to slide between the door closed position and the door open position.

10. The deployable pedal system of claim 1, wherein the deployable pedal is integrated into a bumper housing of a bumper of the vehicle and mounted outside of a bumper pedal of the bumper.

11. The deployable pedal system of claim 1, wherein the deployable pedal includes a housing, a carriage movable within the housing, and a pedal cleat movable relative to the carriage.

12. The deployable pedal system of claim 11, wherein the housing is mounted directly to the hitch tube.

13. The deployable pedal system of claim 11, wherein the pedal cleat includes a light pipe.

14. A tailgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a frame sub-assembly;

a door subassembly connected to the frame subassembly;

the frame assembly and the door subassembly being pivotable together between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position;

the door subassembly being pivotable or slidable relative to the frame subassembly between a door closed position and a door open position; and

a deployable step system integrated as part of the door subassembly.

15. The tailgate assembly of claim 14 wherein said door subassembly provides a cargo compartment access opening when positioned in said door open position.

16. The tailgate assembly of claim 14 wherein said deployable step system comprises a deployable step connected to said door subassembly by a pivot assembly.

17. The tailgate assembly of claim 16 wherein said deployable step is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and further wherein a top side of a handle of said deployable step establishes at least a portion of a corner of said door subassembly in said stowed position and an underside of said handle establishes a step surface in said deployed position.

18. The tailgate assembly of claim 14 wherein said deployable step system comprises a deployable lift panel pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position and movable between said deployed position and a lowered position vertically below said door subassembly.

19. The tailgate assembly of claim 14 comprising a strain gauge and a control module operatively connected to the strain gauge, wherein the control module is programmed to command an alarm in response to a signal from the strain gauge indicating that an amount of stress on the door subassembly exceeds a predefined threshold.

20. A tailgate assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

a frame sub-assembly;

a door subassembly connected to the frame subassembly;

the frame assembly and the door subassembly being pivotable together between a tailgate closed position and a tailgate open position;

the door subassembly being pivotable or slidable relative to the frame subassembly between a door closed position and a door open position; and

a deployable cargo extender system connectable to the door subassembly when the door subassembly is positioned in the door open position.