Abstract: A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed.

Abstract: An assembly includes a body of an automobile and a tailgate mounted on the body so as to be movable between an open position and a closed position. The assembly also includes: an opening assistance device mounted between the body and the tailgate in order to apply a pushing force on the tailgate that tends to move the latter into an open position; and at least one abutment provided on the body, for applying on the opening assistance device, when the tailgate is in the closed position, a force opposite to the pushing force thereof so that the tailgate is not subjected, or barely subjected, to the pushing force of the opening assistance device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-jamming device in the field of motor vehicles, which is used for preventing an object from getting caught. Said anti-jamming device comprises an actuating means (1) which can be coupled to a body part (3) of a vehicle and can be moved relative to said body part (3) by resting the same against the object, and an apparatus for detecting a relative movement between the actuating means (1) and the body part (3).

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for moving a closure panel of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position includes a guide rail fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A slide mechanism slidably engages the guide rail. A rod has one end coupled to the slide mechanism and an opposing end coupled to the closure panel to move the closure panel as the slide mechanism slides along the guide rail. A drive is fixedly secured to the guide rail for selectively driving the slide mechanism along the guide rail. A clasp is operatively secured to the slide mechanism for selectively coupling the drive to the slide mechanism such that the drive moves the slide mechanism along the guide rail to move the closure panel between the open and closed positions when the slide mechanism is coupled with the drive.

Abstract: Improved tailgates useful, for example, with dump beds or bodies of trucks. In certain example embodiments, tailgates capable of operating in multiple modes. In preferred (but not all) embodiments, tailgates capable of being selectively operated in metering, high lift, and non-lifted, pivot modes.

Abstract: A door operating apparatus includes a motor bracket that covers a driving shaft of a driving motor; an output shaft that is disposed from the motor bracket toward the supporting bracket so as to be orthogonal to an extending direction of the driving shaft; a first rotational element that is linked with the driving shaft, and disposed on the output shaft; a second rotational element that is linked with a door operating mechanism, and disposed between the first rotational element and the supporting bracket on the output shaft; and a clutch unit including a clutch driving section that supports a rotation of the output shaft. When the first rotational element and the second rotational element are engaged by driving of the clutch driving section, the door operating mechanism is actuated by the driving force.

Abstract: An adjustable tailgate support contains a fixed inner tube, which is connected to a lower housing part and on which is arranged a spiral spring. The spiral spring on the one hand is supported at the lower end on a setting element held on the inner tube and, on the other hand, is held fixed at a remote, upper, free end in the upper housing part. An increase or reduction in the spring force of the spiral spring can be set by turning the setting element, which has a supporting ring, on an external thread of the fixed inner tube.

Abstract: An electric opening/closing device for vehicle, which has good layout characteristic of the vehicle and is provided with a highly-rigid attachment part, is provided. The vehicle electric opening/closing device comprises: a worm wheel meshed with a worm provided on a motor shaft of an electric motor; a planetary gear mechanism disposed coaxially with the worm wheel and decelerating rotation of the worm wheel to transmits it to an output gear; a gear case housing the worm wheel etc. and assembled to the electric motor; and a swing arm rotatably supported by the gear case between an output end linked to a back door and an input end linked to an output gear. An attachment plate for mounting the vehicle electric opening/closing device on the vehicle is sandwiched between the first case body and the second case body which constitute the gear case.

Abstract: The two-part tailgate for motor vehicles, which is made of the top part and the bottom part, is controlled by the controller, which actuates the actuating elements, the lower lock, and the tightener based on signals sent from the unlocking switch and the switch of the top part. The actuating elements are disposed in the trunk of the chassis, and comprise the motor, and the large gear wheel driven by the motor via the transmission, wherein the two final positions are signaled by the control switch of the bottom part and the control switch of the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle includes an upper panel having a shape such that it acts as a spoiler, and a lower panel attached to the upper panel. The lower panel may define a windshield mounting hole. The lower panel may include two side pillars and an upper crossing member, the side pillars and upper crossing member defining the windshield mounting hole. The upper crossing member and the side pillars may be welded to the upper panel.

Abstract: A rear lid closes a rear compartment of a passenger vehicle. The rear lid, when fitted, is attached to the vehicle and is composed of an inner part and an outer part. The rear lid contains a spoiler device which can be displaced between an inoperative position and an operative position and interacts with an adjustment device. In order to simplify producibility of the rear lid, the inner part is formed by an assembly carrier which forms the supporting structure of the rear lid and to which at least the adjustment device of the spoiler device is fastened. The outer part is formed by the spoiler device and a panel device.

Abstract: A rear door structure including: a frame portion which supports an upper edge and both lateral edges of a rear glass; a lateral beam which extends in a vehicle width direction and connects both lateral side portions of the frame portion to each other; a reinforcing member which straddles the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam; and a driving unit for a wiper device disposed in a space between the lateral side portion of the frame portion and the lateral beam, wherein: a first end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion between the frame portion and the reinforcing member; and a second end side of the driving unit is fixed to a connection portion of between the reinforcing member and the lateral beam.

Abstract: A self-actuating device includes a member in physical communication with a vehicle surface and an actuator. The member is configured to have at least a first form and a second form, wherein one of the first form and the second form is configured to stow the member and the other of the first form and the second form is configured to present the member. The actuator is in operable communication with the member. The actuator is actuated upon receipt of an activation signal and is effective to transition the member from one of the forms to another of the forms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear module for fitting to a motor vehicle, the module comprising a large door for being pivotally mounted about an axis, the large door extending in a direction parallel to said axis between two stiffener uprights both presenting a cross-section of thickness, taken perpendicularly to the door, that is not less than a first thickness, the large door having an opening extending as far as said uprights in the direction parallel to said axis; and a small door mounted on the large door to move between an open position uncovering said opening, and a closed position closing said opening, the small door extending in the direction parallel to the axis between two stiffener uprights both having a cross-section of thickness, taken perpendicularly to the door, that is not less than a second thickness, the uprights of the small door covering the uprights of the large door when the small door is in the closed position.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a universal tailgate assembly for a truck dump body having a pair of opposing sidewalls and an open rear-end. The universal tailgate assembly comprises a pair of pivot connector assemblies being configured to mount to the sidewalls of the truck dump body and a pair of opposing sidearms configured to adjustably couple thereto the pair of pivot connector assemblies. Each sidearm includes a connection flange oriented in a direction opposite a respective adjacent sidewall of the truck dump body. The assembly includes a tailgate supported by the pair of opposing sidearms. The tailgate has a center portion and extension sections on opposing sides of the center portion. A respective one extension section is adjustably coupled to and overlapping the connection flange of a corresponding sidearms wherein the extension sections extend beyond the sidewalls of the truck dump body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge arrangement, in particular for a tailgate of a motor vehicle, having a first hinge part, in particular firmly connected to the body, which is knuckle-jointed with a second hinge part, and having an energy accumulator, the force application points of which are positioned in relation to both hinge parts in such a way that the force released upon its discharge supports the rotation of the two hinge parts around the hinge axis from a first rotation position, which corresponds in particular to a closed position of the tailgate, to a second rotation position, which corresponds in particular to the open position of the tailgate. To obtain useful improvements, a transposition device is proposed for transposing at least one force application point in one of the two rotation positions, so that after a transposition onto the hinge parts a force acts in the opposite rotation direction.

Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus for a vehicle includes a driving device adapted to drive an opening and closing member to open and close an opening portion formed at a vehicle body, a sensor provided at a connecting portion connecting the vehicle body with the opening and closing member, the sensor detecting an opening operation and a closing operation of the opening and closing member, and a drive controlling device controlling the driving device to drive the opening and closing member to open or close the opening portion by determining the opening operation or the closing operation of the opening and closing member based on a detection value of the sensor.

Abstract: A rear hatch assembly of a vehicle includes a hatch frame pivotally connected to a vehicle body at a first pivot axis such that the hatch frame is capable of movement relative to the vehicle body about the first pivot axis. A tailgate is pivotally connected to the hatch frame at a second pivot axis such that the tailgate is capable of movement relative to the hatch frame about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A case is mounted to one of a motor vehicle and a pivotal door and has therein a gear receiving space. An electric motor is mounted to the case. A speed reduction mechanism is installed in the gear receiving space of the case and driven by the electric motor. An output gear is rotatably received in the gear receiving space of the case and driven by the speed reduction mechanism. An output arm is placed above the case and connected to the output gear through an output shaft that passes through an upper wall portion of the case. A connecting rod has one end pivotally connected to the output arm and the other end pivotally connected to the other of the motor vehicle and the pivotal door. The connecting rod is arranged beside the case in a manner to avoid overlapping thereof with the case in a direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which the connecting rod is moved by the output arm.

Abstract: An opening, through which a connection section between a drive arm and a rod of a power back door enters and exits, is covered with cover members to improve external appearance, and interference between the connection section and the cover members is eliminated when the connection section passes through the opening to prevent abnormal noise and damage to the cover members during the passage of the connection section. A pair of cover members 6a and 6b are provided along right and left vertical edges of a vertically long opening 50 that is formed in a side edge defining a door opening 1, through which a connection section S between a drive arm 3 and a rod 4 of a power back door for automatically driving a back door 2 adapted to close and open the door opening 1 can enter and exit, such that lip-shaped end edges thereof face and contact each other.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a molded trim assembly located externally at the top of a liftgate structure to provide an aerodynamic and stylish overhang above the liftgate glass. Furthermore, the technology also provides a liftgate exterior module including a plug-in module containing a motorized window wiper arm assembly, a central high mounted stop light, and a washer fluid spray nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a window arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a window pane and a trim element arranged on each side of the window pane. In order to improve the conventional window arrangement of the generic type to the effect that mounting can be made easier while the appearance is improved visually and esthetically, the invention provides that the trim elements and the window pane are connected to one another in a materially joined and/or frictionally locking fashion.

Abstract: The rear unit comprises first and second doors for a motor vehicle. The first and second doors respectively comprise first and second tailgates, the second door carrying the first tailgate. The first rear door has hinge means for hinging the first tailgate relative to the body of the motor vehicle, which means are fastened to the first tailgate. The first tailgate is pivotally movable relative to the body about a main pivot axis of the hinge means. The main axis is also suitable for moving in at least one guide slideway for guiding the main pivot axis in translation relative to the body in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided that has a passenger compartment, a hatchback, which is mounted so it is pivotable on the passenger compartment, external lighting having taillights, which are fastened on the hatchback, and additional taillights, which are concealed when the hatchback is closed and are visible from outside the motor vehicle when the hatchback is open.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively activating a power down mode of a hydraulic system during operation of a lift gate. An electronic control circuit is added to hydraulic control circuitry and is configured to selectively interrupt the gravity down mode or power down mode of operation of the hydraulic system based on either a manual input (override) or a sensed condition and switch to the other mode of operation.

Abstract: A system and method for setting the power operating condition of a photographic wireless communication device. An information representing a shutter speed of a camera body is detected from the camera body. A shutter speed of the camera body is determined from the information representing a shutter speed. The power operating condition of the photographic wireless communication device is automatically set based on the shutter speed of the camera body.

Abstract: A convertible vehicle has a vehicle body with a passenger compartment, a convertible roof receiving space, and a baggage space defined therein. A convertible roof has a rear part with a rear window. The convertible roof has a closed position wherein it extends over the passenger compartment and an open position wherein the convertible roof is at least partially received in the roof receiving space. A tailgate at least partially covers the baggage space and has an open position and a closed position. The tailgate is movable to the open position to define a loading opening for baggage. The rear window is automatically pivoted upwardly to provide an additional loading opening for baggage when the roof is in the closed position and the tailgate is moved to the open position to provide the loading opening for baggage.

Abstract: A sub-assembly of a lift-glass hinge is disclosed. The sub-assembly includes a conductive connection member including a central portion, a first terminal end and a second terminal end; a first conductive lead; and a second conductive lead, wherein each of the first and second conductive leads include a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first conductive lead is connected proximate one of the first and second terminal ends of the conductive connection member, wherein the first end of the second conductive lead is connected proximate the central portion of the conductive connection member. A lift-glass hinge is also disclosed. A vehicle system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1) having a hatchback (h1) that is movable in at least one position of a rear window (H4), wherein the rear window (H4) can be separately moved from its closed position in the areas (H2, H3) surrounding the hatchback (H1) and opposite thereto into a release position, wherein the rear window (H4) can be stored in an area in the vehicle body (6) that is spaced from the hatchback (H1).

Abstract: A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear door for a motor vehicle, the door including hinges (16, 16?) embodying an axis (Y) for pivoting the door on the vehicle between a closed position and an open position. The door includes a motor (17) for generating a driving torque about the pivot axis of the door.

Abstract: Drive arrangement for motorized actuation of a functional element in a motor vehicle, having at least one drive, the drive having a drive motor and a spindle-spindle nut gear connected downstream of the drive motor for producing linear drive movements, the spindle-spindle nut gear having a spindle with an outside thread and a spindle nut with an inside thread, the linear drive movements being a motion of the spindle nut parallel to a spindle axis. the spindle-spindle nut gear has at least one telescoping sleeve with an inside thread and an outside thread. The at least one telescoping sleeve, spindle and spindle nut are arranged in a telescoping manner being screwed into one another with each outside thread forming a thread pairing with an respective inside thread. An alternative spindle-spindle nut gear has the outside thread and form a ball groove thread pairing with a variable thread pitch.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an open/close object comprising a driving device for driving and opening the open/close object, a position detecting device for detecting an open position of the open/close object (1), and a fully open position storage device for storing a fully open position of the open/close object, wherein, when the driving device drives and opens the open/close object, the driving device is stopped in a fully open recognition position stored in the fully open position storage device or a position a fixed amount short of the fully open recognition position. When a current position of the open/close object after completion of the opening drive by the driving device is different from the fully open recognition position (#1), the fully open position storage device sets a new fully open recognition position (#2).

Abstract: A gate regulator assists in unloading agricultural material from forage boxes by enabling a box gate to swing open without restriction, but the controlled the gate for slow swinging closed. At a gate release position, the gate regulator releases control of the gate so it swings freely by gravity from the release position to the closed position, and the freely swinging gate has enough momentum to relatch the gate closed. The gate regulator includes a fluid cylinder with a cylinder pin that is received in an L-shaped slot on the gate. During controlled swinging closed, the cylinder pin is within one of the slots of the L-shaped slot. At the gate release position, the junction of the two slots is at the cylinder pin, which then has room to move freely in the other slot and release the slot from the cylinder pin.

Abstract: A body-side tie-up point for a drive of a lid for a body aperture of a vehicle. The tie-up point has an inner reinforcing plate which is fastened on the outside to a sealing duct laterally adjacent to the body aperture, and an outer reinforcing plate which is fastened to the inner reinforcing plate on a side facing away from the sealing duct. A strengthening element is provided which bears against the sealing duct and the inner reinforcing plate in a contact zone on a side facing away from the inner reinforcing plate. The outer reinforcing plate directly or indirectly supports the strengthening element in a region spaced apart from the contact zone.

Abstract: A rear structure of a vehicle body in which a tailgate is mounted on a rear part of the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable includes a hinge member having a hinge base fixed into a groove extending in the length of the vehicle body and a gate hinge rotatably connected to the hinge base and fixed to the tailgate; a hinge cover having a rear wall to cover an upper portion and a rear portion of the hinge base by closing a rear end of the groove, the rear wall covering the rear portion of the hinge base and having: a notch allowing the gate hinge to pass therethrough, and a rear shielding member fixed to the tailgate to cover an upper portion of the gate hinge, wherein the notch is covered with the rear shielding member in a state where the tailgate is closed.

Abstract: The present invention is a door construction for a vehicle provided with a door main body including an inner panel on a cabin interior side and an outer panel on a cabin exterior side. The inner panel and the outer panel are formed in a concaved-shape when viewed from the cabin interior side; a hemming flange is provided on a periphery of the inner panel, which is to be turned onto the outer panel; and the inner panel and the outer panel are joined with each other by joining the hemming flange onto the cabin exterior side of the outer panel by a hemming.

Abstract: A drive unit for a power operated vehicle closure has a track, a guide moveable along the track, a link attached to the guide at one end and adapted to be attached to the vehicle closure at the opposite end, and a motor assembly for moving the guide along the track. The motor assembly has an electric motor and a speed reducer driven by the electric motor that has a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a belt drive and the second stage is a spur gear set. Alternatively the first stage is a worm gear and a mating helical gear. The worm gear preferably has a high lead angle and a high number of leads. The speed of the electric motor is reduced to about 1000 rpm or less in the first stage permitting the use of spur gears in the second stage while retaining quiet operation.

Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.

Abstract: A system is presented for integrating a cooking device, such as a barbeque, into the tailgate portion of a pick-up truck or other automobile. When the tailgate is folded down to the open position, covers can be opened which expose the contained cooking device. When in the stowed position, the device approximates the appearance of the original vehicle tailgate. The system includes a battery pack for electrically powering the cooking device and/or receiving power from the vehicle electrical system or other external supply. A curved removable drip pan which is shaped to maximize usable volume is provided for catching and discarding grease from the device. The system may be supplied as a retrofit within an existing vehicle tailgate or as a direct replacement for the original factory-supplied tailgate.

Abstract: Arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a closing device which can be pivoted about an axis between a closed and an open position, for example a boot lid or a tailgate, a compensating device acting on the closing device, in particular at least one gas-pressure spring, which is pretensioned and a counter-force opposes the weight of the closing device, and a motor-driven drive which can be operated at least unidirectionally, in particular bidirectionally, in order to pivot the closing device about the axis in at least one direction, wherein the motor-driven drive is designed to be repellable, in order to facilitate manual actuation of the closing device.

Abstract: A tailgate arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular of a passenger car The tailgate arrangement has a cargo space expansion element that is mounted on the inside of the vehicle on a tailgate, surrounds a cavity, is joined or can be joined in at least a water-tight manner to a cargo space of the motor vehicle to expand it and can be braced between the tailgate and a rear support fitted to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power closing assembly operates a closure panel hingedly secured to a motor vehicle. The power closing assembly includes an actuator mounted to the motor vehicle, a movable striker also mounted to the motor vehicle to receive the closure panel's latch, and a rotary power cable connecting therebetween. The actuator has a closure cable on a spooling drum extending to the closure panel for closing from an open position when the actuator operates. The movable striker moves between a nominal inboard position and an outboard position. A rotary power cable connects between a provided output on the actuator and an input on the striker so that the striker's movement is powered and synchronized by the actuator. With the closure panel open, the actuator begins a closing cycle by driving in a direction to spool in the closure cable extending to the closure panel. The actuator's direction, using the rotary power cable, simultaneously causes the striker to move outboard.

Abstract: A module in the form of a carrier with an optional decorative body is mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle lift gate and provides a mounting platform for a plurality of components. The components include at least two of light sources in the form of LEDs or incandescent bulbs, an actuatable switch, a camera, a key lock cylinder and a movable handle. The carrier is affixed to the body and is alignable with apertures in the body for transmission of light from the light sources exteriorly of the body as well as to provide a field of view for the camera. The electric switch is actuatable through a resilient membrane.

Abstract: The rear unit comprises first and second doors for a motor vehicle. The first and second doors respectively comprise first and second tailgates, the second door carrying the first tailgate. The first rear door has hinge means for hinging the first tailgate relative to the body of the motor vehicle, which means are fastened to the first tailgate. The first tailgate is pivotally movable relative to the body about a main pivot axis of the hinge means. The main axis is also suitable for moving in at least one guide slideway for guiding the main pivot axis in translation relative to the body in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A barrier mechanism for vehicles arranged to receive containers comprising dispensable content comprises a bracket arranged to be moveably mounted at a dispensing side of the vehicle and an activation device. The activation device is operable to move the bracket between a non-deployed state, to accommodate loading of the container onto the trailer, and a deployed state, for securing container content during dispensing of content at the barrier side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for the motorized opening and closing of a motor vehicle body part which can be pivoted with respect to a vehicle body about a hinged lid axis includes a guide cylinder having a first end and a second end which can be coupled to the body at a pivot axis which is parallel to the hinged lid axis, a piston guided displaceably in the cylinder, and a piston rod having one end attached to the piston and an opposite end which protrudes from the first end of the cylinder and can be coupled to the pivotable body part at a distance from the hinged lid axis. A drive device drives first and second Bowden cables, which extend in parallel from the second end of the cylinder, to displace the piston in the cylinder. The first Bowden cable includes a sheath which is supported on the piston and a core which is fixed to the first end of the cylinder. The second Bowden cable includes a sheath which is supported on the second end of the cylinder and a core which is fixed to the piston.

Abstract: A liftgate guide column cover may be used to cover and protect a liftgate guide column and thus the liftgate components within it, and also used to provide access to the guide column and the liftgate components within it. In one embodiment, the cover pivots between a closed and an open condition. In another embodiment, the cover can be attached and detached from the guide column.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a tailgate coupled to the body by a hinge. The tailgate is moveable between a closed position and an open position. The vehicle also includes two cylinders for exerting a force on the tailgate with respect to the body. One of the cylinders is actuated by a drive device, and the lever arm of the cylinder actuated by the drive device with respect to the hinge is greater than the lever arm of the other cylinder with respect to the hinge in the closed position of the tailgate. The cylinder actuated by the drive device can develop a greater torque for opening the tailgate, facilitating the opening of the tailgate by a user since the cylinder actuated by the drive device allows for the movement of the tailgate.

Abstract: A tailgate arrangement is provided for a motor vehicle, in particular of a passenger car The tailgate arrangement has a cargo space expansion element that is mounted on the inside of the vehicle on a tailgate, surrounds a cavity, is joined or can be joined in at least a water-tight manner to a cargo space of the motor vehicle to expand it and can be braced between the tailgate and a rear support fitted to the rear of the vehicle.