Power tailgate mechanism
AssigneeTesla, Inc.
InventorsRafath Rahman, Alex Tran
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for moving a hinge between an open position and a closed position is disclosed. The hinge couples a closure panel to a body. The system can include an actuator for driving the closure panel between the open position and the closed position. A counterweight member reduces a mechanical effort provided by the actuator to drive the closure panel.
Claims41
A system for moving a hinge between an open position and a closed position, the hinge coupling a closure panel to a body, comprising:
- an actuator for driving the closure panel between the open position and the closed position relative to the body;
- and
- a counterweight member for reducing a mechanical effort provided by the actuator to drive the closure panel.
A system for opening and closing a tailgate of a vehicle between an open position and a closed position, the system comprising:
- a linear actuator comprising a spindle and an outer tube, the spindle being movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the outer tube, the linear actuator being configured to drive the tailgate from the open position towards the closed position when the spindle moves from the retracted position to the extended position;
- a crank arm operatively linking the tailgate to the linear actuator;
- and
- a counterweight member disposed in the tailgate and configured to reduce a mechanical effort provided by the linear actuator to drive the tailgate to the closed position.
(canceled)
A method of closing a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising:
- extending a spindle of a linear actuator so as to rotate the tailgate towards a closed position;
- and
- releasing mechanical energy stored in a counterweight member to assist the linear actuator rotating the tailgate towards the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.