摘要 |
A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. A first end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. A second end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The first end assembly includes a bushing and split pivot body rotatably mounted within the bushing that creates increasing friction between the split pivot body and the bushing as the torque rod is twisted due to the tailgate being opened. The increasing friction creates a progressively increasing braking or dampening effect, which slows the free fall of the tailgate as it is opened.
|