A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges between each panel of the plurality of panels so that the plurality of panels are rotatably connected together, wherein some or all of the one or more hinges include: (i) a plurality of expansion links that are movably interconnected together, some of the plurality of expansion links including: (1) one or more expansion projections; (2) one or more pockets that receive all or a portion of the one or more expansion projections from an adjacent one of the plurality of expansion links; and (3) one or more expansion stops that restricts movement of the one or more expansion projections from the adjacent one of plurality of the expansion links that extend within the one or more pockets; wherein the one or more hinges rotate so that the one or more hinges form of angle of about 90 degrees or more and about 225 degrees or less.

A method for operating a tailgate of a motor vehicle, in particular a pickup, which is driven by means of an electric motor and delimits a cargo area. A disassembled state is detected, and energization of the electric motor is inhibited. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle.

Disclosed is a detection and mitigation system to detect potential interference conditions of a potential interference condition between a tailgate or rear gate and a component attached to the hitch receiver of the vehicle.

Embodiments of systems and methods for operating a power tailgate system are disclosed. A vehicle includes a rotatable element structured for operable connection with, and disconnection from, a tailgate when the rotatable element resides in a predetermined tailgate removal orientation. A motor is connected with the rotatable element for interdependent movement, and a motor circuit is provided for the motor. During a driving event, the system identifies when no tailgate is connected with the rotatable element. If no tailgate is connected with the rotatable element, the system determines if the rotatable element resides in the predetermined tailgate removal orientation. If the rotatable element resides in the predetermined tailgate removal orientation, the system may check the rotatable element against rotation during the driving event by operating a motor circuit to electrically brake the motor to prevent the rotatable element from rotating out of the predetermined tailgate removal orientation.

Embodiments of a system for controlling a vehicle power tailgate are described. The system includes a motor operably connectible to a tailgate to open and close the tailgate, a processor, and a memory communicably coupled to the processor. The memory stores a tailgate control module including instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to, responsive to a value of a motor speed parameter being above a predetermined motor speed threshold and a value of a motor acceleration parameter being above a predetermined motor acceleration threshold during opening of a tailgate, control operation of the motor to apply a braking force to the tailgate.

A power strut assembly for raising and lowering a panel of an automotive vehicle includes a strut housing defining two parallel axes, i.e. a motor rotary axis and a spindle rotary axis. A drive motor disposed in the strut housing has an output shaft rotatable by the drive motor about the motor rotary axis. A drive spindle with a threaded section at least partially disposed in the strut housing is rotatable about the spindle rotary axis to move a spindle nut on the threaded section of the drive spindle. A motor-spindle transmission for transmitting a rotation of the output shaft to the drive spindle includes a motor wheel secured to the output shaft and a spindle wheel rigidly coupled to the drive spindle. The motor wheel and the spindle wheel extend in a common plane of rotation.

A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges located between and connecting each panel of the plurality of panels; and (c) one or more rotary locks located on a first side, a second side, or both sides of one or more of the one or more hinges, one of the plurality of panels, or both, the one or more rotary locks including: (i) one or more panel caps; and (ii) one or more rail locks that create a lock with the one or more panel caps when the tonneau cover is in a closed position so that the tonneau cover is prevented from being opened proximate to the one or more hinges.

A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a first panel and a second panel; (b) a hinge located between and connecting the first panel and the second panel; and (c) a cover extending over all or a portion of the first panel, the second panel, or both, and the hinge so that, when the first panel or the second panel rotates about the hinge, the cover forms a portion of the hinge and maintains the integrity of the hinge.

A tonneau cover comprising: (a) a plurality of panels; (b) one or more hinges between each panel of the plurality of panels so that the plurality of panels are rotatably connected together, wherein some or all of the one or more hinges include: (i) a plurality of expansion links that are movably interconnected together, some of the plurality of expansion links including: (1) one or more expansion projections; (2) one or more pockets that receive all or a portion of the one or more expansion projections from an adjacent one of the plurality of expansion links; and (3) one or more expansion stops that restricts movement of the one or more expansion projections from the adjacent one of plurality of the expansion links that extend within the one or more pockets; wherein the one or more hinges rotate so that the one or more hinges form of angle of about 90 degrees or more and about 225 degrees or less.

A hinge assembly can removably mount a tailgate to a vehicle. The hinge assembly includes a first bracket attached to a first part. The hinge assembly further includes an engagement member and a second bracket attached to a second part and including a resilient member. A pivot shaft pivotally connects the first and second brackets. The engagement member engages the resilient member when the first part is at a first position and disengages the resilient member when the first part is at a second position.