Selectively pivotable intermediate door for a vehicle

Abstract

A selectively pivotable intermediate door for a vehicle includes a first intermediate door member pivotally mounted to the vehicle by a hinge member and a second intermediate door member pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the first intermediate door member by a hinge member. A latch system is operably connected to the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member. The latch system is selectively operable to release the first intermediate door member for rotation in a first direction and to release the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member for rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle center door, and more specifically, to a center door for selective pivoting of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as pickup trucks include a passenger compartment separated from the cargo bed by a center door. In most cases, the center door is a fixed component and may or may not include a small window consisting of a glass panel that can be opened and closed. In other cases, the entire glass panel may be removed to allow items from the cargo bed to extend into the passenger compartment. When removed, the glass panel is typically stored against the center door with the rear seats in an upright position to minimize the possibility of damage.

[0003] While removing the glass panels can accommodate certain objects, such as timber, other objects, such as kayaks, still cannot be fitted into the cargo compartment. Therefore, a system is desired that opens more intermediate doors to accommodate larger objects. Furthermore, a system is desired in which glass is stored in a manner that minimizes exposure to impacts and potential damage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a non-limiting example, a selectively pivotable intermediate door for a vehicle includes a first intermediate door member pivotally mounted to the vehicle via a hinge member. A second intermediate door member is pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the first intermediate door member via a hinge member. A latching system is operatively connected to the first and second intermediate door members. The latching system is selectively operable to release the first intermediate door member to rotate in a first direction, and to release both the first and second intermediate door members to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a glass panel receiving area disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the glass panel receiving area selectively receiving a glass panel.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the hinge member includes a double-acting hinge member comprising a first hinge member having a first axis of rotation and a second-acting hinge member having a second axis of rotation.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and the second intermediate door member includes a first intermediate door portion disposed on the first side of the first intermediate door member and a second intermediate door portion disposed on the second side of the first intermediate door member.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the double-acting hinge member includes a first double-acting hinge member connected to the first side of the first intermediate door member and a second double-acting hinge member connected to the second side of the first intermediate door member.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first intermediate door portion and the second intermediate door portion includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the first intermediate door portion being connected to the first double-acting hinge member, and the first end of the second intermediate door portion being pivotally connected to the second double-acting hinge member.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the latching system includes a first latching mechanism that selectively and operably connects a first intermediate door member to a second intermediate door member and a second latching mechanism that selectively connects the second intermediate door member to the vehicle.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first latching mechanism includes a first latching element and a second latching element, the first latching element connecting a first side of the first intermediate door member to a first intermediate door portion of the second intermediate door member, the second latching element connecting a second side of the first intermediate door member to the second intermediate door portion, and the second latching mechanism includes a first latching component and a second latching component, the first latching component connecting the first intermediate door portion to the vehicle, and the second latching component connecting the second intermediate door portion to the vehicle.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first flange disposed on a first side and a second flange disposed on a second side, the first intermediate door portion being disposed in the first flange and the second intermediate door portion being disposed in the second flange.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bridging panel is pivotally connected to the vehicle adjacent to the first intermediate door member, and the bridging panel is pivotable together with the first intermediate door member.

[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment disposed at the rear of the passenger compartment, and an intermediate door selectively separating the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment. The intermediate door includes a first intermediate door member and a second intermediate door member, the first intermediate door member being pivotally mounted to the vehicle via a hinge member, and the second intermediate door member being pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the first intermediate door member via a hinge member. A latching system is operatively connected to the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member. The latching system is selectively operable to release the first intermediate door member to rotate in a first direction, and to release the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a glass panel receiving area disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the glass panel receiving area selectively receiving a glass panel.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the hinge member includes a double-acting hinge member comprising a first hinge member having a first axis of rotation and a second-acting hinge member having a second axis of rotation.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and the second intermediate door member includes a first intermediate door portion disposed on the first side of the first intermediate door member and a second intermediate door portion disposed on the second side of the first intermediate door member.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the double-acting hinge member includes a first double-acting hinge member connected to the first side of the first intermediate door member and a second double-acting hinge member connected to the second side of the first intermediate door member.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, each of the first intermediate door portion and the second intermediate door portion includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the first intermediate door portion being connected to the first double-acting hinge member, and the first end of the second intermediate door portion being pivotally connected to the second double-acting hinge member.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the latching system includes a first latching mechanism that selectively and operably connects a first intermediate door member to a second intermediate door member and a second latching mechanism that selectively connects the second intermediate door member to the vehicle.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first latching mechanism includes a first latching element and a second latching element, the first latching element connecting a first side of the first intermediate door member to a first intermediate door portion of the second intermediate door member, the second latching element connecting a second side of the first intermediate door member to the second intermediate door portion, and the second latching mechanism includes a first latching component and a second latching component, the first latching component connecting the first intermediate door portion to the vehicle, and the second latching component connecting the second intermediate door portion to the vehicle.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first intermediate door member includes a first flange disposed on a first side and a second flange disposed on a second side, the first intermediate door portion being disposed in the first flange and the second intermediate door portion being disposed in the second flange.

[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bridging panel is pivotally connected to the vehicle adjacent to the first intermediate door member, and the bridging panel is pivotable together with the first intermediate door member.

[0024] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Other features, advantages, and details are described by way of example only in the following detailed description, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 It is a right-top perspective view of a vehicle including a centrally pivotable door in a first configuration, based on a non-limiting example.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a top right perspective view of a vehicle including a selectively pivotable middle door, prepared to pivot to a first position, according to a non-limiting example.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a right-top perspective view of a vehicle including a selectively pivotable middle door in a first position, based on a non-limiting example;

[0029] Figure 4 It is a right-top perspective view of a vehicle including a selectively pivotable middle door in a second position, based on a non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5 It is a perspective rear view of the middle door in the first configuration, based on a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 It is a front view of the middle door, as seen from inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, based on a non-limiting example;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a rear view of the center door as seen from the cargo compartment of the vehicle, based on a non-limiting example;

[0033] Figure 8 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 5 Perspective view of the double-acting hinges of the middle door;

[0034] Figure 9 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 8 Side view of a double-acting hinge;

[0035] Figure 10 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 3 A side view of the middle door;

[0036] Figure 11 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 4 A side view of the middle door; and

[0037] Figure 12 It is based on non-restrictive instances. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the glass panel receiving area in the middle door; Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0039] According to the non-restrictive example, the vehicle in Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is generally indicated by 10. The vehicle 10 is shown as a pickup truck 12 having a body 14. The body 14 includes a passenger compartment 16, in which front seats 22 and rear passenger seats 24 are arranged. The body 14 also includes a cargo box 28 having a cargo box panel 30. The cargo box panel 30 includes the recess 32 described herein. Figure 5 The selectively pivotable intermediate door 34 includes a glass panel 36 and selectively separates the passenger compartment 16 from the cargo compartment 28. A recess 32 formed in the cargo compartment panel 30 is positioned directly adjacent to the selectively pivotable intermediate door 34.

[0040] As will be described in detail herein, the glass panel 36 can be folded back into the middle door 34 ( Figure 1 Inside, passenger seats 24 fold forward. Figure 2 And the middle door 34 pivots to the passenger compartment 16 ( Figure 3 ) or cargo box 28 ( Figure 4 In this way, the intermediate door 34 can be positioned to separate the passenger compartment 16 and the cargo compartment 28 or to connect the passenger compartment 16 and the cargo compartment 28 as needed by the user.

[0041] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 To describe a middle door 34 according to a non-limiting example. The middle door 34 includes two main components, a first middle door member 50 and a second middle door member 52. The first middle door member 50 includes a first side 54 and a second side 56. The second side 56 is laterally spaced from the first side 54. The first side 54 includes a first flange 57, and the second side 56 includes a second flange 58. The first middle door member 50 also includes a first surface 60 defining an inner surface exposed to the passenger compartment 16. Figure 6 ) and the second surface 62 (defined as the outer surface of the cargo compartment 28) Figure 5 and Figure 7The first surface 60 is spaced apart from the second surface 62 by the glass panel receiving area 64. Figure 12 The glass panel 36 can be selectively retracted into the glass panel receiving area 64.

[0042] In a non-limiting example, the second intermediate door member 52 includes two separate components that mate with the first intermediate door member 50. The second intermediate door member 52 includes a first intermediate door portion 67 and a second intermediate door portion 68. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first intermediate door portion 67 is disposed on the first side 54 and abuts against the first flange 57 of the first intermediate door member 50, and the second intermediate door portion 68 is disposed on the second side 56 and rests against the second flange 58 of the first intermediate door member 50. That is, the first intermediate door member 50 is disposed between the first intermediate door portion 67 and the second intermediate door portion 68 of the second intermediate door member 52.

[0043] The first intermediate door component 50 can be folded forward together with the first intermediate door portion 67 and the second intermediate door portion 68 of the second intermediate door component 52 into the passenger compartment 16, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bridge panel 71 is disposed at the second surface 62 of the first intermediate door member 50 between the first intermediate door portion 67 and the second intermediate door portion 68. Figure 11 As shown, the bridging panel 71 is selectively fitted into the recess 32 to cover the joint (not separately marked) between the passenger compartment 16 and the cargo compartment 28. Figure 4 As shown, the first intermediate door component 50 can be folded back without the second intermediate door component 52. With this configuration, the intermediate door 34 can accommodate different widths of the passenger compartment 16 and the cargo compartment 28.

[0044] The latching system 73 selectively restricts the intermediate door 34. (See reference...) Figure 6 The latching system 73 includes a first latching member 75 and a second latching member 76. The first latching member 75 selectively secures a first intermediate door member 50 to a second intermediate door member 52, and the second latching member 76 secures the second intermediate door member 52 to the vehicle 10. The first latching member 75 includes a first latching element 80 disposed on a first side 54 of the first intermediate door member 50 and a second latching element 82 disposed on a second side 56 of the first intermediate door member 50. The first latching element 80 is connected to a first intermediate door portion 67, and the second latching element 82 is connected to a second intermediate door portion 68. The second latching member 76 includes a first latching component 84 connecting the first intermediate door portion 67 to the vehicle 10 and a second latching component 86 connecting the second intermediate door portion 68 to the vehicle 10.

[0045] In a non-limiting example, the first intermediate door member 50 includes a lower edge 90, and each of the first intermediate door portion 67 and the second intermediate door portion 68 includes a first end 92 and a second end 94, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. A double-acting hinge 100 is connected at its lower edge 90 to the first intermediate door member 50 and at its first end 92 to the second intermediate door portion 68, as will be described in detail herein. Another double-acting hinge 102 is connected at its lower edge 90 to the first intermediate door member 50 and to the first intermediate door portion 67. Here, it should be understood that the term "double-acting hinge" describes a hinge that can accommodate bidirectional rotation of the intermediate door 34 (e.g., a forward 90° swing of the intermediate door 34 and a backward 90° swing of the intermediate door 34).

[0046] Now, when describing the double-acting hinge 100, refer to... Figure 8 , 9 10 and 11, wherein the double-acting hinge 102 includes the corresponding structure. The double-acting hinge 100 includes a fixing member 115, a first hinge member 117 connected to a first side 54 of the first intermediate door member 50, and a second hinge member 119. The first hinge member 117 accommodates rotation of the first intermediate door member 50 into the passenger compartment 16, as... Figure 3 As shown, and the second hinge member 119 adapts to the rotation of the second intermediate door portion 57 of the first intermediate door member 50 and the second intermediate door member 52 into the cargo compartment 28, as... Figure 4 As shown. Therefore, the first hinge member 117 includes a first axis of rotation 122, and the second hinge member 119 includes a second axis of rotation 124 different from the first axis of rotation 122. At this point, it should be understood that the use of two different hinge axes is exemplary and should not be construed as imposing a limitation on the double-acting hinge structure.

[0047] The first hinge member 117 includes a first end portion 127 connected to a first side 54 of the first intermediate door member 50 and a second end portion 129 pivotally connected to a fixing member 115 at a first axis of rotation 122. The second hinge member 119 includes a first end portion 131 and a second end portion 133, the first end portion 131 abutting against the fixing member 115 adjacent to the second end portion 129 of the first hinge member 117, and the second end portion 133 being rotatable about a second axis of rotation 124. The first hinge member 117 is also shown including a travel stop 134 that can rest against the second hinge member 119. Furthermore, the fixing member 115 includes a pivot support 138. A first end 92 of the first intermediate door portion 67 is connected to the pivot support 138.

[0048] According to a non-limiting example, when it is necessary to rotate the intermediate door 34 forward into the passenger compartment 16, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 10As shown, the first latching member 84 and the second latching member 86 are released. At this time, the forward pressure applied to the intermediate door 34 causes the first intermediate door member 50 and the second intermediate door member 52 to fold into the passenger compartment 16. That is, the travel stop 134 on the first hinge member 117 disengages from the second hinge member 119, thereby allowing the first intermediate door portion 67 of the first intermediate door member 50 and the second intermediate door member 52 to rotate about the first axis of rotation 122. The second intermediate door portion 68 rotates together with another double-acting hinge 102. With this configuration, as Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, when the intermediate door 34 transitions to the passenger compartment 16, the first flange 57 and the second flange 58 constrain the first intermediate door portion 67 and the second intermediate door portion 68 to the first intermediate door member 50.

[0049] According to a non-limiting example, when it is necessary to rotate the intermediate door 34 backward into the cargo compartment 28, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first latching element 80 and the second latching element 82 are released to separate the first intermediate door member 50 from the second intermediate door member 52. At this time, the rearward pressure applied to the intermediate door 34 causes the first intermediate door member 50 to rotate rearward, thereby lifting the second hinge member 119, as... Figure 11 As shown. The second hinge member 119 rotates about the second rotation axis 124, causing the first intermediate door member 50 to move rearward into the cargo compartment 28, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The second intermediate door component 52 remains stationary. When the first intermediate door component 50 rotates against the cargo box panel 30, the bridging panel 71 is embedded in the recess 32 to cover the interface (not separately marked) between the cargo box 28 and the passenger compartment 16.

[0050] At this point, it should be understood that the vehicle described herein includes a center door that not only stores the rear window panel but also pivots forward approximately 90° and rearward approximately 90° to connect the passenger compartment to the cargo area. This connection will allow for the transport of longer objects without them extending into the airflow around the vehicle. The pivotable center door provides more space for car camping and adds other storage, transport, and outdoor activity uses.

[0051] The term “a” does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the referenced items is present. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “or” means “and / or”. Throughout the specification, reference to “aspect” means that a particular element described in connection with that aspect (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the aspects.

[0052] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly” on another element, there are no intermediate elements present.

[0053] Unless otherwise stated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the date of filing of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the date of filing of the earliest priority application in which a test standard appears.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0055] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A selectively pivotable intermediate door for a vehicle, comprising: A first intermediate door component is pivotally mounted to the vehicle via a hinge component; A second intermediate door component is pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the first intermediate door component via the hinge component; as well as A latching system operably connected to the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member, the latching system being selectively operable to release the first intermediate door member to rotate in a first direction, and to release the first intermediate door member and the second intermediate door member to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 1, wherein, The first intermediate door component includes a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface, and a glass panel receiving area disposed between the first surface and the second surface, the glass panel receiving area selectively receiving a glass panel.

3. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge component includes a double-acting hinge component, which includes a first hinge component having a first axis of rotation and a second hinge component having a second axis of rotation.

4. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 3, wherein, The first intermediate door member includes a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and the second intermediate door member includes a first intermediate door portion disposed on the first side of the first intermediate door member and a second intermediate door portion disposed on the second side of the first intermediate door member.

5. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 4, wherein, The double-acting hinge component includes a first double-acting hinge component connected to a first side of the first intermediate door component and a second double-acting hinge component connected to a second side of the first intermediate door component.

6. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 5, wherein, Each of the first intermediate door portion and the second intermediate door portion includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end of the first intermediate door portion being connected to the first double-acting hinge member, and the first end of the second intermediate door portion being pivotally connected to the second double-acting hinge member.

7. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 4, wherein, The latching system includes a first latching mechanism and a second latching mechanism, wherein the first latching mechanism selectively and operably connects the first intermediate door member to the second intermediate door member, and the second latching mechanism selectively connects the second intermediate door member to the vehicle.

8. The selectively pivotable intermediate door according to claim 7, wherein, The first latching mechanism includes a first latching element and a second latching element. The first latching element connects the first side of the first intermediate door member to the first intermediate door portion of the second intermediate door member, and the second latching element connects the second side of the first intermediate door member to the second intermediate door portion. The second latching mechanism includes a first latching component and a second latching component. The first latching component connects the first intermediate door portion to the vehicle, and the second latching component connects the second intermediate door portion to the vehicle.

9. The selectively pivotable intermediate door of claim 1, further comprising a bridging panel pivotally connected to the vehicle adjacent to the first intermediate door member, the bridging panel being pivotable together with the first intermediate door member.

10. A vehicle comprising a selectively pivotable intermediate door as claimed in claim 1.

Images