Abstract: A rear door structure for a vehicle includes an inner panel disposed on an inner side of the vehicle and an outer panel disposed on an outer side of the vehicle, the inner panel including: a frame part corresponding to a contour of the rear door, and a pair of reinforcement parts that are integrally formed with the frame part, extend from a lower portion to both side portions of the frame part and are arranged in an approximate V-shape. The inner panel has a face portion smoothly and contiguously formed along an inner rim of the frame part from the side portion to the reinforcement part. The face portion has a step portion contiguously formed in an extending direction of the face portion.

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 vehicle with a sliding glass roof system capable of operating in multiple modes, such as a rear liftgate, a sunroof, a retractable roof, and a convertible, is provided. The vehicle includes a retractable glass roof, lift glass, and carrier assembly in a single system. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle includes a sliding roof panel configured to engage a carrier that also holds and supports a glass cargo liftgate. The sliding roof panel is configured to open in a sunroof and a convertible mode. The glass cargo liftgate is configured to open as a liftgate and in the convertible mode. The sliding roof and liftgate system includes a combination of attachments, gas struts, hinges, latches, seals and the like.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle rear end structure is provided with a vehicle body and a rear window. The vehicle body includes a vehicle interior area, a roof portion overlying the vehicle interior area, a pair of rear pillars and a rear body portion adjoined to a rear part of the roof portion by the rear pillars, at least one of the rear pillars, the rear body portion and the roof portion defining a rear window opening. The rear window is movably with respect to the vehicle body between a closed position that covers the rear window opening and an open position that exposes the rear window opening, with a majority of the rear window overlapping the roof portion when the rear window is in the open position.

Abstract: A hatchback door structure for a vehicle includes an inner panel which is arranged on an inner side of the vehicle; and an outer panel which is arranged on an outer side of the vehicle, wherein the inner panel includes a frame which has a shape outlining an outer shape of a hatchback door, wherein a window frame portion on which a window glass is mounted is formed in an upper portion of the frame, and a locking device fixing portion for fixing a locking device is formed on a bottom of the frame. A V-shaped stiffening frame portion is integrally formed with the frame, and extends from both a bottom left corner and a bottom right corner of the window frame to the locking device fixing portion, wherein the V-shaped stiffening frame portion protrudes toward the outer panel from an inner side contour of the frame with respect to the vehicle.

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: A vehicle sliding door actuator including a profile section provided with a rail track in which a movement unit is placed so as to be movable, and a cable duct along the rail track, provided with a coiled cord in the cable duct which at one end is connected to the movement unit and at its other end near one end of the cable duct.

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: 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 powered trunk closure assembly for a vehicle includes a linkage assembly attached at one end to a body bracket and at another end to a closure member bracket. A motor is linked with a gear train for actuating the linkage assembly. The motor and gear train are positioned exterior of the trunk.

Abstract: An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate movement assist mechanism including a tailgate configured to rotate between opened and closed positions and a tailgate lever arm fixedly connected to a bottom area of the tailgate. A drive lever may be pivotally connected at one end thereof to the tailgate lever arm and pivotally connected at an opposite end thereof to a bell crank. The bell crank may be pivotally anchored at one end thereof to a vehicle body, and a plunger damper may be anchored to the vehicle body adjacent the bell crank. With the mechanism configured as discussed above, rotation of the tailgate from a closed to an opened position simultaneously rotates the tailgate lever arm to impart movement to the drive lever and the bell crank to thereby contact and actuate a plunger of the plunger damper to reduce an opening speed of the tailgate.

Abstract: A system for operating an automotive liftgate includes a motor drive adapted for positioning the liftgate, and at least one telescopic strut positioned between the liftgate and an adjacent body structure. A controller operates the motor drive so as to place the liftgate in a predetermined position, such as a fully closed or fully opened position, in the event that a sensor detects unintended movement of the liftgate.

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 tailgate arrangement which is located in the region of the rear opening (12) of a vehicle and in the closed position borders a cargo space (16), has an upper tailgate part (18) which is coupled in the region of the upper edge (20) of the rear opening (12) and a lower tailgate part (22) which is coupled in the region of the lower edge (24) of the rear opening (12) of the vehicle and is aligned essentially horizontally in the open position. An expansion element (28) is detachably fixed on the inside of the lower tailgate part (22) and in the open position of the lower tailgate part (22) expands the cargo space (16) and closes it relative to the exterior of the vehicle.

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: A hatchback door structure for vehicles which includes an inner panel arranged on an inner side of a vehicle; and an outer panel arranged on an outer side of the vehicle, wherein the inner panel includes a frame which has a shape outlining an outer shape of the hatchback door, and a pair of stiffening ribs which is integrally formed with the frame and extends approximately in a V-shape to both side portions of the frame from a bottom side of the frame. Further, the inner panel is integrally formed by press-forming and includes a discrete lateral beam which is fixed and extends between jointing portions of the side portions of the frame and stiffening ribs, wherein, the discrete lateral beam is formed by press-forming, and a window frame on which a window glass is fixed is formed in an upper portion of the frame.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate arrangement having an upper tailgate lid and a lower tailgate lid. The arrangement is operable between a closed position and an open position to thereby access a load area in the vehicle. During opening, the lower tailgate lid is arranged to be brought into overlapping relationship with the upper tailgate lid so that the lower tailgate lid can be carried by the upper tailgate lid during pivotal displacement of the upper tailgate lid.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for an opening and closing body of a vehicle. The opening and closing apparatus includes a reciprocating member movable along a plane perpendicular to a hinge shaft. A connecting member is provided having a first end section fixed to the opening and closing body, and a second end section pivotally attached to the reciprocating member through a connecting shaft. The opening and closing body is moved to open and close through the connecting member upon a movement of the reciprocating member. In the opening and closing apparatus, the connecting member includes two side wall sections apart from each other in a direction parallel with the axis of the connecting shaft. A suppression member is disposed to a stationary body in the vehicle and so engaged between the two side wall sections as to be relatively movable to the connecting member.

Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.

Abstract: A frame (18) for a liftgate (10) of a motor vehicle includes an upper frame member (24) and a generally U-shaped lower frame member (26). The upper frame member is adapted to be pivotally secured (33, 35) to the motor vehicle. The lower frame member (26) is fixedly secured to the upper frame member (24). The lower frame member (26) is integrally formed, and includes spaced apart vertical segments (36, 38) and a horizontal segment (40) extending therebetween for supporting the liftgate as the liftgate opens and closes.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a spoiler device for a vehicle for controlling air stream of the vehicle, the spoiler device covering a hinge member and pivoting in response to a pivotal movement of a back door supported by the hinge member in a pivotally movable manner in a vertical direction thereof, includes an upper wall portion adapted to be arranged adjacent to a roof of the vehicle and extending along the roof in a width direction of the vehicle, a lower wall portion formed integrally with the upper wall portion by blow forming and provided between the upper wall portion and a hinge shaft provided at the hinge member, the lower wall portion including an opening at a portion located above the hinge shaft, and a cover fixedly attached to the lower wall portion for covering the opening thereby to cover the hinge member.

Abstract: A hinge device for a flap of a motor vehicle includes a piston/cylinder unit arranged between a fixed structural part and a first flap which is pivotable about an axis of rotation. A second flap is likewise pivotable about the axis of rotation and can be connected releasably to the first flap. The piston/cylinder unit is arranged between a first leg, firmly connectable to the fixed structural part, and a second leg carrying the first flap, of a hinge 6. A third leg carries the second flap, wherein the first leg, the second leg, and the third leg 9 are pivotably arranged on a common hinge axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear support (12) for a vehicle (24) that is to be fitted to the rear end of the body (22) of the vehicle (24) in the vicinity of a door (14) movable to pivot about an axis that is substantially horizontal, pivoting being enabled by at least one hinge (16) having a stationary portion and a portion secured to the door, said portion being movable relative to the stationary portion, the support (12) being shaped to receive the stationary portion of at least one hinge (16) and to enable it to be secured to the body (22), and also to receive at least one item of functional equipment (32, 34, 36) of the vehicle (24).

Abstract: Back of a motor vehicle with a rear hatch, a rear hatch opening and a device for moving the rear hatch of a motor vehicle between a closed position and an intermediate position. The device has positioning means by which the rear hatch can be moved solely by linear translation between the intermediate position and the closed position. In the intermediate position, the opening edge and the rear hatch edge as a whole have an essentially constant distance from one another. For closing the rear hatch from the open position, the rear hatch is pivoted out of the open position into the intermediate position, and afterwards, linear displacement of the rear hatch out of the intermediate position into the closed position is performed, the linear displacement taking place over a path from 1 cm to 5 cm.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus of a vehicle includes, an opening and closing member for opening and closing an opening portion of a vehicle body; a lower hinge for pivotably supporting the opening and closing member from below; and a cover member disposed below the opening and closing member placed in a closed state for covering a pivot support portion of the lower hinge from behind, wherein when the opening and closing member is in an open state, a pivoting portion pivotably supported by the pivot support portion straddles the cover member, the opening and closing member is located rearwardly of the cover member, and an uppermost site of the pivoting portion is located at a position not higher than an upper surface of the opening and closing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle rear door, in particular a drop-down door or a revolving door having an inner door member with a metal profile frame glued to it, exterior paneling and a window pane, wherein the inner door member and/or the window pane exclusively constitute a support surface which bears against a gasket on the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automotive body structure includes a tubular load bearing structure and a hardware mount having a base plate with an annular axially extending spin welding initiator. The hardware mount is spin welded to the load bearing structure to provide a reinforced location for the mounting of automotive hardware, such as door hinges, with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a full open position of a closure member of a motor vehicle that articulates between an open position and a closed position includes a left pinch sensor coupled to the left side of the closure member for sensing a pinch condition on the left side of the closure member and generating a corresponding pinch signal. A right pinch sensor is coupled to the right side of the closure member for sensing a pinch condition on the right side of the closure member and generating a corresponding pinch signal. Left and right gas springs are coupled respectively to the left and right sides of the closure member for assisting in articulating the closure member and each of the gas struts has an extension at an end thereof for compressing their corresponding pinch sensor when the closure member is at its full open position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a closure panel movable between an open position and a closed position and a fascia disposed adjacent to the closure panel and movable between a closed position and an open position. The fascia is articulated into the open position prior to the closure panel being moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A rear door is supported at a rear end of a vehicle by a hinge assembly, which includes a hinge base part and a door hinge part. The hinge base part is provided in a groove formed at a joint between a roof panel and a side panel of a vehicle body, and the door hinge part is attached to the rear door and swingably supported by the hinge base part. The hinge base part includes an anchor portion fixed to a bottom of the groove, a swing motion support portion disposed in a position aligned in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the anchor portion and separate from the anchor portion to support the door hinge part, and a connecting portion extending between the anchor portion and the swing motion support portion to fix the swing motion support portion relative to the anchor portion.

Abstract: A multi-panel door comprises a plurality of side-by-side door panels and a water-resistant shield. Each one of the door panels is pivotably attached at an edge thereof to an adjacent one of the door panels thereby defining an edge interface between the adjacent ones of the door panels. Each one of the door panels has a cargo space facing major surface and an exterior facing major surface generally opposite and spaced apart from the cargo space facing major surface. The water-resistant shield extends over at least a portion of the cargo space facing major surface of all of the door panels. The water-resistant shield covers each edge interface defined by the door panels and wraps at least partially around a bottom longitudinal edge of a lower-most one of the door panels.

Abstract: The door-opening/closing apparatus includes a door, a driving unit that drives the door to close the door, a door movement detection unit that detects a movement of the door, an electrostatic switch that is mounted on the door for detecting a human's touching the door, and a judgment unit that judges whether the door is attempted to be closed. When the door movement detection unit detects a movement of the door, and when the electrostatic switch senses a human's touching the door, the judgment unit judges that the door is attempted to be closed, and then the driving unit drives to close the door.

Abstract: For a steep-back vehicle having an open body, a rear closure is connected to the vehicle body by a supporting frame in such a way that the rear closure when designed as a rear door may be swivelled with respect to the supporting frame about a vertical axis, and when designed as a tailgate may be raised up together with the supporting frame about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: An interlock for a skid steer vehicle with a rear engine compartment and a rear door to that compartment includes a beam that is mounted transversely to the bottom of the door and has an upward facing surface that, like the beam, extends across the entire rear engine compartment opening. An interlocking second member is fixed to the chassis and extends across the rear engine compartment opening. When the door is impacted and forced upward, the first beam engages the second interlocking member over its width and transfers the force from the door (and beam) to the chassis. When the door is impacted with a forward-directed force, the first beam also contacts the second member and transfers the forward forces through the second member to the chassis. Injury to the door is reduced or eliminated by transferring door impact forces to the chassis since the first beam extends substantially the entire distance across the door and is fixed to an inner surface of the door's frame.

Abstract: A ramp door suited to pivot about an axis that extends substantially horizontally along the bottom of a cargo compartment opening has features of lightweight construction that may be used separately or in combination with features of a frame assembly having an upright configured to extend substantially vertically along one side of the opening to provide an interior space that may be used to house components of a ramp door lift assist system and/or components of a ramp door latching system. In some embodiments, the extent to which a lift assist cable is exposed when the ramp door is open is minimized by connecting the cable to the ramp door, and by guiding the cable into the interior space of the upright, at locations relatively near to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A rear hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle is proposed which comprises a first, upper rear hatch part (15) which is attached via a coupling means (16) to a body section (11) and can be pivoted around an axis which runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a second, lower rear hatch part (15) with an upper edge which in the closed position borders the lower edge of the upper rear hatch part (14) and which lower rear hatch part can be pivoted out relative to the upper rear hatch part (14) by means of at least one articulated mechanism. As claimed in the invention the articulated mechanism (19) is guided in at least one guide rail (23) so that the lower rear hatch part (15) in the outwardly pivoted state can be translationally shifted relative to the upper rear hatch part (14).

Abstract: A closure panel assembly for a vehicle comprising a closure panel capable of movement between an open position and a closed position, and a garment hook assembly mounted to the closure panel. When the closure panel is closed, the garment hook is presented to an interior space of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjusting system of a motor vehicle for the adjustment of a closing part is disclosed. The closing part may be a rear flap, a trunk deck, a sliding or swinging door. The closing part may be adjustable between an opened position and a closed position along a setting range. A body opening of a motor vehicle body is closed in the closed position by a closing part. The adjusting system uses at least two springs to effect the closing. The two springs may be selectively operated over a range of operation settings.

Abstract: A rear door that is provided in an openable and closable manner at a vehicle body rear portion, the rear door having: a frame portion that forms along an external edge of the rear door, a door windshield panel that is provided in the frame portion, and a lateral beam that spans between both lower end corner portions of the windshield panel, wherein at coupling portions of the frame portion and the lateral beam, the frame portion and the lateral beam each have a closed sectional structure, and the closed sections of the frame portion and the lateral beam are continuous.

Abstract: An access door for a rear storage compartment of a motorized tricycle. A motorized tricycle is provided having a rear storage compartment with a rearward facing access opening. An access door, when in a closed position, is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation in the access opening. A hinge assembly is provided having a door mounting secured to the access door and a body mounting secured to the motorized tricycle. At least one pivot linkage is positioned on each side of the access door extending between the door mounting and the body mounting. The pivot linkage accommodates movement of the access door from the closed position in the access opening to an open position with a bottom edge of the access door positioned above the access opening, while maintaining the access door in a substantially vertical orientation during pivotal movement.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a pivoting windshield wiper of a vehicle is designed so that after decoupling the drive connection to the windshield wiper a rack situated in the drive for the windshield wiper can be used as drive element for an actuator that is independent of the windshield wiper.

Abstract: A closing unit for a flap of a motor vehicle includes at least two hinges which can pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position; a single drive including a motor, a clutch, and a gear mechanism; and at least two transmission elements extending between the single drive and respective the hinges for pivoting the hinges.

Abstract: A lift truck cab having front, side, and rear faces, and a roof, mounting structure attached to the roof for suspending the cab from a mast of the lift truck in a manner that permits the front and side faces when installed on the truck to be hung in the manner of curtains without the necessity of direct fastening of lower portions of the front and side faces to the chassis/body of the truck. The cab construction affords generous operator space, high visibility, a convenient electrical raceway and ready access to truck control circuitry.

Abstract: A vehicle decklid system uses a planetary gear drive to move a decklid relative to a vehicle body. The planetary gear drive includes a rotatable gear that is disposed between two fixed gears. One fixed gear is rigidly mounted to the decklid and one fixed gear is rigidly mounted to the vehicle body. A rotating link connects centers of the rotatable gear and two fixed gears. The combination of the planetary gear drive and rotating link make it possible to provide powered complex, two-dimensional motion of the decklid requiring a four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A backdoor apparatus includes a backdoor panel, a rear spoiler and a wiper mechanism. The wiper mechanism includes a motor assembly, a wiper arm and a wiper blade. A motor installation recess is formed in a top portion of the backdoor panel to receive the motor assembly. The motor assembly includes a cover, which covers a portion of a motor, which is exposed from the rear spoiler. The cover has a flange, which covers a top end part of the glass. The cover, which includes the flange, does not contact the glass.

Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.

Abstract: A structural reinforcement for a hollow section at least part of at least one of whose surfaces is the internal surface of an external panel comprising a rigid reinforcing member having a shape that substantially conforms to the cross section to be reinforced. An expandable adhesive material is provided over a portion of the surface of the rigid reinforcing member and the shape of the rigid reinforcing member and the amount and location of the expandable adhesive is such that upon foaming the foam contacts and bonds to the internal surfaces of the hollow section other than the interior surface of the external panel. In this way deformation of the external body panel during the foaming and/or cooling of the foamed expandable material is reduced or prevented.

Abstract: A rearward body structure of a motor vehicle has a vehicle body shell cutout for a tailgate attached to the body structure. The body structure has a roof junction assembly in which a lateral roof side member, a transversely extending roof frame with a hinge connection for the tailgate and a rear column converge, the roof side member the roof frame and the column respectively in a sheet metal shell construction having at least an exterior wall and an interior wall. The roof junction assembly also has an interior side part with a roof side member extension, a roof frame extension as well as a column extension, which roof side member extension and column extension each form the respective interior wall, on which roof frame extension a hinge reinforcement of the hinge connection is fastened.