Abstract:
A closure panel assembly is positioned within a through-opening of a vehicle body and provides access to a cargo area. The closure panel assembly has a hinged panel that pivots within the through-opening, a window portion that stows within the hinged panel, and an engagement device for selectively coupling the window portion with the hinged panel. The window portion connects to a surface of the vehicle body adjacent to the through-opening when the window portion is not stowed, and the hinged panel is pivotable irrespective of whether the window portion is stowed therewithin. A frame portion defines the through-opening, and the closure panel assembly is a midgate separating a passenger compartment from the cargo area. The engagement device has a ball detent assembly, and the window portion is connectable to the vehicle body using a push-push type connector. A drive motor positions the window portion and the hinged panel.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a vehicle closure panel assembly having a through-opening, a pivoting or hinged lower panel, and a window portion that can be selectively stowed within a cavity of the hinged lower panel, or alternately connected to the vehicle body within the through-opening when the hinged panel is separately pivoted. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Certain vehicles include vehicle body openings or through-openings, such as between a passenger compartment and a cargo area, and/or between a passenger compartment or cargo area and the vehicle exterior. Vehicle tailgates and midgate assemblies often include a panel that is constructed of a metal or a composite material, and a transparent window portion that is connected to the panel. The panel and window cooperate to selectively obstruct the body opening. Such a panel may pivot to an open position to unblock the body opening and allow access to the cargo area. The window may be pivoted and/or removed as needed to increase the size of the through-opening, such as may be desirable when transporting relatively lengthy objects such as lumber within the rear cargo area. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Accordingly, a vehicle body is provided that defines a cargo area and a closure panel assembly. The closure panel assembly is positioned within a through-opening between the cargo area and a passenger compartment, and has a hinged panel that pivots with respect to the vehicle body, a window portion that is selectively stowable within the hinged panel, and an engagement device for selectively coupling the window portion with the hinged panel. The window portion connects to the vehicle body when the window portion is not stowed within the hinged panel, and the hinged panel is pivotable irrespective of whether the window portion is stowed therewithin. 
         [0004]    In one aspect of the invention, a frame portion defines the through-opening and receives a periphery of the closure panel assembly. 
         [0005]    In another aspect of the invention, the closure panel assembly is configured as a midgate suitable for separating the passenger compartment from the cargo area. 
         [0006]    In another aspect of the invention, a retention feature is connected to the window portion using a mating retention feature that is connected to the vehicle body. One retention feature retains the other in response to a threshold force, and then releases the other in response to a subsequent threshold force. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the invention, the engagement device includes at least one ball detent assembly, wherein movement of a ball portion of the ball detent assembly alternately couples and decouples the hinged panel and the window portion. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the invention, a controller and a drive motor selectively position the window portion and the hinged panel. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention, a closure panel assembly is provided for use with a vehicle body, and includes an upper closure assembly having a window portion operatively connected to a support member, a lower closure assembly that pivots with respect to the vehicle body, the lower closure assembly defining an internal cavity, and an engagement device. The engagement device is positioned at least partially within the internal cavity, and has a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the upper and lower closure assemblies, with the upper closure assembly being alternately stowable within the internal cavity and retainable along the upper support member with respect to the vehicle body, irrespective of whether the lower closure assembly is pivoted. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of the invention, a closure panel assembly is provided for connecting adjacent compartments of a vehicle body, and has adjacent first and second openings together forming a through-opening between the adjacent compartments. The closure panel assembly includes a hinged panel that pivots with respect to the vehicle body to form the first opening or the through-opening, and a window assembly that may be lowered into a cavity of the hinged panel to form the second opening or the through-opening, with the through-opening being formed only when the hinged panel is pivoted with respect to the vehicle body. 
         [0011]    The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle including a vehicle body; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view of the closure panel assembly of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of the upper closure assembly and a portion and an engagement device portion of the closure panel assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view of the engagement device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of the lower closure assembly of the closure panel assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic perspective view of the closure panel assembly in a first configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic perspective view of the closure panel assembly in a second configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5C  is a schematic perspective view of the closure panel assembly in a third configuration; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 5D  is a schematic perspective view of the closure panel assembly in a fourth configuration. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, and beginning with  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10  includes a vehicle body  14 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the vehicle body  14  is configured in a style of a pickup truck, and includes two cargo box sidewalls  15  and a pivoting tailgate  24  that cooperate to at least partially define a cargo area  13 . Within the scope of the invention, however, other body styles may be used, such as sport utility vehicles (SUV) or other vehicles having a similar cargo area  13 , whether open or enclosed. 
         [0022]    The vehicle body  14  also defines a vehicle interior or a passenger compartment  12  that is positioned forward of the cargo area  13 . The vehicle body  14  is operatively connected to or formed integrally with a frame portion or frame  18  that defines a through-opening  20 . When unobstructed, the through-opening  20  connects or otherwise provides access between the adjacent passenger compartment  12  and the cargo area  13 . The through-opening  20  includes an upper opening  20 U and a lower opening  20 L that are selectively unobstructed or opened within the frame  18 , as will be described below, to partially or fully open the through-opening  20 . The frame  18  may be characterized or defined by two generally vertically oriented segments  26  that at least partially define the periphery of the through-opening  20 . Each of the segments  26  may have a channel or track  28  rigidly mounted thereto or formed integrally therewith for receiving and retaining a periphery of a closure panel assembly  70  of the invention, which will now be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the closure panel assembly  70  includes an upper closure assembly  34  and a lower closure assembly  50 , each of which are separately moveable within the through-opening  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) to thereby open the upper opening  20 U or lower opening  20 L, respectively, or moveable together to fully open the through-opening  20 . The lower closure assembly  50  has a plurality of side walls  52  defining an internal cavity  56 , and is hinged or otherwise rotatable or pivotable with respect to the vehicle body  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) or the frame  18  using at least one pivot mechanism  46  (see  FIG. 4 ). The upper closure assembly  34  has a window pane or glass portion  41 , referred to hereinafter for simplicity as the window  41 , an upper support member  30 A, and a lower support member  30 B. The upper closure assembly  34  is moveable in the direction of arrow B in response to movement of a window regulator  22  of the type known in the art to disconnect the upper closure assembly  34  from the vehicle body  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) or frame  18  (see  FIG. 1 ), as will be described below, and in the direction of arrow A for stowing within the internal cavity  56  of the lower closure assembly  50 . Likewise, the upper closure assembly  34  is moveable in the direction of arrow B using the window regulator  22  for returning the upper closure assembly  34  to a fixed position within the through-opening  20  (see  FIG. 1 ), as will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the upper closure assembly  34  connects to the engagement device  32  to form a panel assembly  51 , with the upper closure assembly  34  including the respective upper and lower support members  30 A,  30 B referred to hereinabove. Each of the support members  30 A,  30 B is operatively connected to a different end of the window  41 . The upper support member  30 A includes a retention feature  31 B, and the vehicle body  14  and/or the frame  18  shown in fragmentary view in phantom, and includes a mating retention feature  31 A. 
         [0025]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the retention feature  31 B is a set of channels or receptacles  42  formed in the upper support member  30 A, and the retention feature  31 A is a mating set of levers or pawls  43  that are insertable into the receptacles  42  and receivable/retainable thereby. For clarity, the pawls  43  shown in  FIG. 3  are connected to the frame  18  and extend therefrom in a visible manner. However, the pawls  43  could also be obscured or hidden within the frame  18  to present the appearance of  FIG. 1 , such that the pawls  43  are not easily visible when the upper closure assembly  34  is moved in the direction of arrow A (see  FIG. 2 ). The retention features  31 A,  31 B as shown configured as a set of push-push type fittings or connectors of the type known in the art, such as that used to selectively open/close a door of a CD or DVD player, i.e. any set of connectors operable for coupling in response to a force applied in the direction of arrow B, and for decoupling in response to an immediately subsequent force applied in the direction of arrow B, with coupling/decoupling occurring upon alternate applications of the same force (arrow B). 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the lower support member  30 B includes a plurality of channels  35  configured for receiving an equal number of coupling mechanisms  16 A therein. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the coupling mechanisms  16 A are configured as ratchets or ball detent mechanisms of the type known in the art, which are operatively connected to an engagement device  32 , such as a portion of a window regulator mechanism  22  (see  FIG. 4 ) that is positioned at least partially within the internal cavity  56  of the lower closure assembly  50  (see  FIG. 2 ). The channels  35  are configured for receiving a ball portion  40  (see  FIG. 3A ) of the ball detent mechanism when inserted into the channels  35  in the direction of arrows D, which locks or couples the engagement device  32  with the upper panel assembly  34  so that they are able to move in unison. 
         [0027]    When an actuation end  16 B of each of the coupling mechanisms  16 A is depressed, for example using a moveable interlock bar portion (not shown) or other suitable actuator, the ball portion  40  is released, thus allowing the upper panel assembly  34  to move within an allowable range of motion within the internal cavity  56  (see  FIG. 2 ). Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional embodiments of the coupling mechanism  16 A may be envisioned within the scope of the invention, which may extend to any coupling or couplings operable for selectively coupling the engagement device  32  and the upper closure assembly  34  as required. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the engagement device  32  connects to the lower closure assembly  50  to the engagement device  32  form a lower assembly  51 . The lower closure assembly  50  has a plurality of side walls  52  defining the internal cavity  56  as discussed above, as well as one or more pivot mechanisms  46 . The engagement device  32  is operatively connected the window regulator  22 , which is disposed at least partially within the internal cavity  56 . The lower closure assembly  50  is alternately pivotable or otherwise moveable in the direction of arrow C about the pivot mechanisms  46  with respect to a surface of the vehicle  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), such as the track  28  or an equivalent portion of the vehicle body  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) in order to present, expose, or open the lower opening  20 L (see  FIGS. 1 and 5B ). 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 5A , the closure panel assembly  70  is configured with the window  41  of the upper closure assembly  34  (see  FIG. 3 ) at a fixed position within the through-opening  20 , i.e. at a position sufficiently blocking the upper opening  20 U (see  FIG. 1 ). The lower closure assembly  50  is likewise positioned within the through-opening  20  and sufficiently blocking or obstructing the lower opening  20 L (see  FIG. 1 ). A motor  80  and switch  82  may be operatively connected to a suitable portion of the closure panel assembly  70 , such as to the window regulator  22  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ), for automatically moving and/or selectively positioning one or both of the upper and lower closure assemblies  34  and  50 , respectively. In the configuration of  FIG. 5A , the through-opening  20  (see  FIG. 1 ) is completely blocked or otherwise obstructed by the closure panel assembly  70  to thereby fully separate the cargo area  13  from the vehicle interior  12  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , the closure panel assembly  70  is configured with the lower closure assembly  50  fully rotated or pivoted in the direction of arrow F to thereby present or open only the lower opening  20 L, while the window  41  remains in the fixed position of  FIG. 5A  to block or obstruct the upper opening  20 U. In the configuration of  FIG. 5B , partial access to the cargo area  13  (see  FIG. 1 ) is provided through the lower opening  20 L, while the window  41  of the upper panel assembly  34  (see  FIG. 3 ) remains connected to the vehicle body  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) via the frame  18  or its equivalent. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 5C , another configuration of the closure panel assembly  70  is shown in which the window  41  (see  FIGS. 5A and 5B ) is moved in the direction of arrow A into the internal cavity  56  (see  FIG. 5B ) of the lower closure assembly  50 . In this configuration, the upper opening  20 U is now fully unobstructed or opened, allowing partial access to the cargo area  13  (see  FIG. 1 ) while the lower closure assembly  50  continues to block or obstruct the lower opening  20 L. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 5D , the upper panel assembly  34 , which is now contained within the internal cavity  56  of the lower panel assembly  50 , and the lower closure assembly  50  itself are rotated or pivoted in unison in the direction of arrow F to fully unblock or open the through-opening  20 , i.e. to simultaneously present or open both of the lower opening  20 L and the upper opening  20 U, which together form the through-opening  20 . In this configuration, the fullest available level of access to the cargo area  13  (see  FIG. 1 ) is provided, while the window  41  and the rest of the upper closure assembly  34  remain well protected within the cavity  56  (see  FIG. 5B ) of the lower closure assembly  50  without requiring separate removal and/or storage of the window  41 . 
         [0033]    Within the scope of the invention, the lower closure assembly  50  may rotate or pivot with respect to the pivot mechanisms  46  (see  FIG. 4 ), and thus with respect to the vehicle body  14  (see  FIG. 1 ) or frame  18  (see  FIG. 1 ), when the upper closure assembly  34  (see  FIG. 3 ) and the window  41  are positioned either fully externally to or fully within the internal cavity  56 . The closure panel assembly  70  may be configured with various limits switches, sensors, and/or other such means (not shown) to ensure that manual or automatic actuation of the closure panel assembly  70  is prevented or disabled whenever the upper closure assembly  34  is not at a predetermined position, such as fully retracted into the internal cavity  56  or fully deployed within the upper opening  20 U and secured within the frame  18  as explained above. 
         [0034]    While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.