US 2015/0315837 A1 · DECOUPLABLE POWER DRIVE FOR TAILGATES

Abstract

A control device is used to move a pick-up truck tailgate. The control device comprises a first gear arrangement connected to a drive cup and a second gear arrangement that is connected to a motor for driving the second gear arrangement. The control device also includes a clutch arrangement positioned between the first and second gear arrangements. When the clutch arrangement is in an engaged position, it couples the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement to transmit torque to the first gear arrangement and the drive cup. When the clutch arrangement is in the disengaged position, the first and second gear arrangements are not coupled. Optionally, the control device comprises a brake unit to slow or stop movement of the tailgate. The control device can be positioned within the pick-up truck tailgate.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A control device for a vehicle tailgate comprising:

a. a first gear arrangement;
b. a drive receptacle connected to the first gear arrangement;
c. a motor;
d. a second gear arrangement connected to the motor;
e. a clutch arrangement connected to the second gear arrangement, the clutch arrangement moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, such that in the engaged position, the clutch arrangement couples the first gear arrangement with the second gear arrangement and in the disengaged position, the first gear arrangement and the second gear arrangement are not coupled;
and
f. wherein the control device is positionable within the tailgate and the tailgate is reversibly removable from the vehicle when the tailgate is at a predetermined angle of removal.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Decouplable power drive for tailgates

Life of this patent

Decouplable power drive for tailgates

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11