Pivotable bracket assembly
By designing a pivotable bracket assembly, the problem of the bracket assembly interfering with the vehicle tailgate in the prior art is solved, and the bracket does not interfere with the tailgate closing in the retracted position and allows it to be allowed when the contact position is reached. The effect of the tailgate moving freely.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410784562.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing vehicle bracket assembly is prone to interference when opening and closing the vehicle tailgate, and cannot effectively avoid interference with the vehicle's opening and closing module, affecting the user experience.
A bracket assembly is designed, which is connected to the rear bumper of the vehicle by pivoting of the first and second arms, and can be moved between the sagging position and the touching position, ensuring that it is in the touching position. Do not interfere with the opening and closing of the tailgate.
The bracket assembly does not interfere with the closing of the tailgate when the closure position is realized, and allows the tailgate to move freely between the closed and open positions when the closure position is touched, improving the convenience of the vehicle cargo area.
Smart Images
Figure CN119176196A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cradle assemblies for vehicles, and more particularly to pivoting cradle assemblies. Background Art
[0002] The bracket assembly can be mounted to the vehicle. The bracket assembly can be used to secure cargo such as spare tires, bicycles, kayaks, skis, etc. to the vehicle. Some bracket assemblies can be repositioned so that the bracket assembly does not interfere with opening and closing a vehicle access module, such as a tailgate or door of the vehicle. Summary of the invention
[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly comprising: a cradle assembly connected to a vehicle and having a first arm configured to connect to a first position on the vehicle and a second arm configured to connect to a second position on the vehicle, the second position being spaced outboard of the first position, the cradle assembly being configured to pivot between a stowed position and a reach position.
[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein each of the first arm and the second arm extends between a coupling end and a support end, the coupling end being pivotally connected to the vehicle to allow the bracket assembly to pivot between the stowed position and the access position, and the support end being pivotally connected to a support assembly.
[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the support assembly includes a pair of support rods extending vertically upward from the support end.
[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein is directed to a vehicle assembly that also includes a bracket member spanning between the support bars, the bracket member being configured to support a spare tire.
[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the bracket member includes a first section connected to one of the support rods, a second section connected to a different one of the support rods, and a third section connecting the first section and the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section extend from the third section at an oblique angle.
[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the first segment has a first length and the second segment has a second length, and the second length is less than the first length.
[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the third section is aligned with a rear bumper of the vehicle when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, and wherein the third section pivots relative to the rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the reach position.
[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts a rear bumper of the vehicle and at least a portion of the second arm abuts the first arm to provide a barrier to a tailgate of the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from the rear bumper to allow the tailgate to move between a closed position and an open position.
[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the second arm includes a first segment and a second segment, and the second segment is curved relative to the first segment.
[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the vehicle, at least a portion of the first segment abuts the first arm, and an apex of the second segment extends outwardly away from the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, at least a portion of the first arm abuts the second arm and at least a portion of the second segment abuts the vehicle.
[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly, comprising: a longitudinal rail of a vehicle, the longitudinal rail extending along a longitudinal rail axis; a rear bumper of the vehicle, the rear bumper extending longitudinally along a cross-rail axis transverse to the longitudinal rail axis, the rear bumper extending from an end of the longitudinal rail; and a bracket assembly connected to the rear bumper and having a first arm configured to connect to a first position on the inner side of the longitudinal rail and a second arm configured to connect to a second position on the outer side of the longitudinal rail, the bracket assembly being configured to pivot between a stowed position and a reach position.
[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein each of the first arm and the second arm extends between an engagement end and a support end, the engagement end being pivotally connected to the rear bumper to allow the bracket assembly to pivot between the stowed position and the reach position, and the support end being pivotally connected to a support assembly.
[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the support assembly includes a pair of support rods extending vertically upward from the support end.
[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein is directed to a vehicle assembly that also includes a bracket member spanning between the support bars, the bracket member being configured to support a spare tire.
[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the bracket member includes a first section connected to one of the support rods, a second section connected to a different one of the support rods, and a third section connecting the first section and the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section extend from the third section at an oblique angle.
[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the third section is aligned with a rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, and wherein the third section pivots relative to the rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the reach position.
[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the support assembly is inboard of the side sill when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, and wherein the support assembly is outboard of the side sill and one end of the rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the reach position.
[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the rear bumper and at least a portion of the second arm abuts the first arm to provide a barrier to a tailgate of the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from the rear bumper to allow the tailgate to move between a closed position and an open position.
[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein the second arm includes a first segment and a second segment, and the second segment is curved relative to the first segment.
[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a vehicle assembly wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the rear bumper, at least a portion of the first segment abuts the first arm, and an apex of the second segment extends outwardly away from the rear bumper, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, at least a portion of the first arm abuts the second arm and at least a portion of the second segment abuts the rear bumper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] According to the detailed description, various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings attached to the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:
[0024] Figure 1 Selected portions of a vehicle are shown showing the carrier assembly in a stowed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 0014] Selected portions of a vehicle showing the carrier assembly in a reach position.
[0026] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the bracket assembly secured to the rear bumper of a vehicle.
[0027] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A close up view of a portion of the bracket assembly.
[0028] Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 A close up view of another portion of the bracket assembly.
[0029] Fig. 6A yes Figure 4 A top view of the bracket assembly in the stowed position.
[0030] Figure 6B yes Figure 4 The bracket assembly from Fig. 6A A top view of the stowed position moving toward the reached position.
[0031] Figure 6C yes Figure 4 A top view of the vehicle with the bracket assembly in the access position and the tailgate of the vehicle pivoted to the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to a tray assembly that can pivot relative to a vehicle between a stowed position and an accessible position. Positioning the tray assembly in the accessible position can allow the tailgate of the vehicle to be opened. These and other features are discussed in more detail in the following paragraphs of this detailed description.
[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vehicle 10 includes an opening and closing module (here, a tailgate 14), a rear bumper 18, a bracket assembly 22, and a spare tire 26. The opening and closing module 14, the rear bumper 18, the bracket assembly 22, and the spare tire 26 together establish the vehicle assembly of the vehicle 10.
[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, vehicle 10 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). However, vehicle 10 may alternatively be a sedan, van, pickup truck, or any other vehicle configuration.
[0035] The tailgate 14 can be moved between a closed position and an open position as shown. When in the closed position, the tailgate 14 provides a barrier between the interior and exterior of the vehicle 10. When in the open position, the tailgate 14 allows a user to access the cargo area of the vehicle 10.
[0036] The tailgate 14 is one type of opening and closing module. In another example, the opening and closing module can be a door, a trunk lid, a hood, or any other type of opening and closing module configuration.
[0037] Vertically below the tailgate 14 is the rear bumper 18. In this example, the rear bumper 18 supports a cradle assembly 22, which in turn may support a spare tire 26.
[0038] The bracket assembly 22 is pivotally connected to the rear bumper 18. The bracket assembly 22 can be pivotally connected to the rear bumper 18. Figure 1 Stowed position shown Figure 2 In the example shown, when in the stowed position, the bracket assembly 22 prevents the user from accessing the tailgate 14. When in the access position, the bracket assembly 22 rotates so that the tailgate 14 can be accessed by the user and moved between the closed position and the open position.
[0039] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The layout and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically and may be varied within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0040] refer to Figure 3 and Fig. 6A , the rear bumper 18 is supported on a pair of longitudinal beams 34. One of the longitudinal beams 34 is on the driver's side. The other of the longitudinal beams 34 is on the passenger side. The longitudinal beams 34 extend longitudinally along the length of the vehicle 10. Each of the longitudinal beams 34 is along a corresponding longitudinal beam axis A. R The rear bumper 18 extends longitudinally along the crossbar axis A in the vehicle transverse direction. CM The longitudinal axis A extends longitudinally between the longitudinal beams 34. In this example, the cross beam axis A CM Transverse to the longitudinal beam axis A R .
[0041] In this example, the cradle assembly 22 is directly connected to the rear bumper 18. Specifically, the cradle assembly 22 includes a first arm 42 and a second arm 46, each of which is pivotally connected to the rear bumper 18. The first arm 42 is connected to a first location on the rear bumper 18, and the second arm 46 is connected to a second location on the rear bumper 18. In the example shown, the second location is spaced outboard of the first location.
[0042] The first arm 42 and the second arm 46 each extend between an engagement end 50 connected to the rear bumper 18 and a support end 54 connected to a load bearing member, here a support assembly 58. In this example, the engagement end 50 of the first arm 42 is inboard of the rail 34, while the engagement end 50 of the second arm 46 is outboard of the rail 34.
[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear bumper 18 includes a base member 62 protruding outward from one side of the rear bumper 18 and a pillar member 66 extending vertically upward from the base member 62. The pillar member 66 provides a pivot point for the first arm 42 and the second arm 46 to pivot relative to the rear bumper 18.
[0044] In this example, the engagement end 50 of the first arm 42 includes an opening for receiving the post 66. The engagement end 50 also includes a latch member 70 for supporting each of the first arm and the second arm 42. The latch member 70 includes a pair of flanges 74 extending outwardly. The engagement end 50 and the flanges 74 can be fixed (e.g., bolted, welded, adhered, etc.) together. With the engagement end 50 mounted on the post member 66, the first arm 42 can be pivoted relative to the rear bumper 18 about the first pivot axis A. P1 Pivot, as Figure 3 Similar to the first arm 42, the second arm 46 is pivotally coupled to the rear bumper 18 so that the second arm 46 can pivot relative to the bumper 18 about a second pivot axis A. P2 Pivot.
[0045] The first arm 42 and the second arm 46 are pivotally connected to the support assembly 58. Figure 5 As shown, the support assembly 58 includes a support member 82 and a pair of support rods 86. The support member 82 is configured to directly support cargo, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The spare tire 26 shown in FIG. The bracket member 82 spans between the support rods 86 .
[0046] In this example, the bracket member 82 includes a first section 90, a second section 94, and a third section 98. The first section 90 extends at an oblique angle from the third section 98 and is connected to one of the support bars 86, and the second section 94 extends at an oblique angle from the third section 98 and is connected to a different one of the support bars 86, such that the bracket member 82 provides a protrusion that extends outwardly away from the rear bumper 18. As discussed further below, the bracket member 82 can pivot with the first arm 42 and the second arm 46 when the cradle assembly 22 moves between the stowed position and the reach position.
[0047] In one example, the spare tire 26 is supported on the bracket member 82 via weld studs disposed on the third section 98 of the bracket member 82 .
[0048] In this example, the first segment 90 has a first length L1, the second segment 94 has a second length L2, and the second length L2 is less than the first length L1. In another example, the third segment 98 has a third length L3, which is less than the first length L1 and substantially equal to the second length L2.
[0049] The support rod 86 extends vertically downward from the bracket member 82 and contacts the corresponding arm of the first arm 42 and the second arm 46. In this example, the support ends 54 on the first arm 42 and the second arm 46 each include a hole configured to receive the corresponding support rod 82. The column member 102 extends vertically upward from the lower wall of the first arm 42 and the second arm 46. The column member 102 is received in an opening provided at one end of the support rod 86. When the support rod 86 is connected to the first arm 42 and the second arm 46, the column member 102 can rotate relative to one of the support rods 82 around the first rotation axis A. R1 and relative to different support rods in the support rods 82 about the second rotation axis A R2 Rotate.
[0050] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C Shown in the stowed position ( Fig. 6A ) and the touch position ( Figure 6C ) between the bracket assembly 22. Fig. 6A When the cradle assembly 22 is in the stowed position, the support assembly 58 is inboard of the rail 34 , the first arm 42 abuts the rear bumper 18 , and the second arm 46 abuts the first arm 42 .
[0051] The second arm 46 includes a first segment 106 and a second segment 110 that is bent relative to the first segment 106 such that when in the stowed position, the first segment 106 is aligned with the first arm 42, the rear bumper 18, and at least a portion of the first segment 106 abuts the first arm 42. In the example shown, the second segment 110 is angled and the apex of the second segment 110 extends outwardly away from the rear bumper 18. Referring to the bracket member 82, the first length L1 of the first segment 90 is greater than the second length L2 of the second segment 94. This configuration can collectively help maintain the alignment of the third segment 98 of the bracket member 62 relative to the rear bumper 18, the first arm 42, and the first segment 106 of the first arm 42.
[0052] refer to Figure 6B When the bracket assembly 22 moves from the stowed position, the first arm 42 pivots relative to the rear bumper 18 about the first pivot axis A P1 The second arm 46 pivots relative to the rear bumper 18 about the second pivot axis A. P2 Pivot (see Figure 3 ). When the carriage assembly 22 moves between the stowed position and the access position, the bracket member 82 of the support assembly 58 can pivot with the first arm 42 and the second arm 46. For example, when the carriage assembly 22 moves from the stowed position, the column member 102 on the first arm 42 is pivoted relative to one of the support rods 86 about the first rotation axis A R1 The column member 102 on the second arm 46 rotates about the second rotation axis A relative to different support rods in the support rods 86. R2 Rotation (see Figure 5 ).
[0053] like Figure 6B As shown, as the first arm 42 and the second arm 46 pivot outwardly away from the rear bumper 18 , the third section 98 of the bracket member 82 pivots inwardly toward the rear bumper 18 .
[0054] like Figure 6C As shown, when the bracket assembly 22 is pivoted to the reach position, the first arm 42 abuts at least a portion of the second section 110 of the second arm 46, and the second section 110 abuts the rear bumper 18. In the reach position, the support assembly 56 is outboard of the rail 34 and one end of the rear bumper 18.
[0055] In one example, the first arm 42 pivots approximately 170 degrees when the carriage assembly 22 pivots from the stowed position to the reach position. The support member 58 pivots up to approximately 17 degrees when the carriage assembly 22 pivots from the stowed position to the reach position.
[0056] When in the stowed position, the first arm 42 abuts the rear bumper 18 and at least a portion of the second arm 46 abuts the first arm 42 to provide a barrier to the tailgate 14 ( Figure 1 When the bracket assembly 22 is pivoted to the access position, the first arm 42 and the second arm 46 are pivoted outwardly away from the rear bumper 18 to provide a gap therebetween so that a user can access the tailgate 14 ( Figure 2 When in the access position, the tailgate 14 can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position to provide greater access to the cargo area 114 of the vehicle 10 ( Figure 6C ). As shown, the bracket assembly 82 and therefore the spare wheel 26 pivots with the first arm 42 and the second arm 46.
[0057] The foregoing description is illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Changes and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications do not necessarily depart from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection afforded to the present disclosure can only be determined by studying the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle assembly, comprising: A cradle assembly is coupled to a vehicle and has a first arm configured to couple to a first position on the vehicle and a second arm configured to couple to a second position on the vehicle, the second position being spaced outboard of the first position, the cradle assembly being configured to pivot between a stowed position and a reach position.
2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the first arm and the second arm extends between an engagement end and a support end, the engagement end being pivotally connected to the vehicle to allow the bracket assembly to pivot between the stowed position and the access position, and the support end being pivotally connected to a support assembly.
3. The vehicle assembly of claim 2, wherein the support assembly comprises a pair of support rods extending vertically upward from the support end, and optionally, the vehicle assembly further comprises a bracket member spanning between the support rods, the bracket member being configured to support a spare tire.
4. The vehicle assembly of claim 3, wherein the bracket member includes a first section connected to one of the support bars, a second section connected to a different one of the support bars, and a third section connecting the first section and the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section extend from the third section at an oblique angle.
5. The vehicle assembly of claim 4, wherein the first section has a first length and the second section has a second length, and the second length is less than the first length, and optionally, wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the third section is aligned with a rear bumper of the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, the third section pivots relative to the rear bumper.
6. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts a rear bumper of the vehicle and at least a portion of the second arm abuts the first arm to provide a barrier to a tailgate of the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from the rear bumper to allow the tailgate to move between a closed position and an open position.
7. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the second arm comprises a first section and a second section, and the second section is bent relative to the first section, and optionally, wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the vehicle, at least a portion of the first section abuts the first arm, and an apex of the second section extends outwardly away from the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, at least a portion of the first arm abuts the second arm and at least a portion of the second section abuts the vehicle.
8. A vehicle assembly comprising: a longitudinal beam of the vehicle, the longitudinal beam extending along a longitudinal beam axis; a rear bumper of the vehicle, the rear bumper extending longitudinally along a cross beam axis that is transverse to the longitudinal beam axis, the rear bumper extending from an end of the longitudinal beam; as well as A bracket assembly is connected to the rear bumper and has a first arm configured to connect to a first position on the inner side of the rail and a second arm configured to connect to a second position on the outer side of the rail, the bracket assembly being configured to pivot between a stowed position and a reach position.
9. The vehicle assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the first arm and the second arm extends between an engagement end and a support end, the engagement end being pivotally connected to the rear bumper to allow the bracket assembly to pivot between the stowed position and the reach position, and the support end being pivotally connected to a support assembly.
10. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the support assembly includes a pair of support rods extending vertically upward from the support end, and optionally, the vehicle assembly further includes a bracket member spanning between the support rods, the bracket member being configured to support a spare tire.
11. The vehicle assembly of claim 10, wherein the bracket member includes a first section connected to one of the support rods, a second section connected to a different one of the support rods, and a third section connecting the first section and the second section, and wherein the first section and the second section extend from the third section at an oblique angle.
12. The vehicle assembly of claim 11, wherein the third section is aligned with a rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, and wherein the third section is pivoted relative to the rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the reach position.
13. The vehicle assembly of claim 10, wherein the support assembly is inboard of the side sill when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, and wherein the support assembly is outboard of the side sill and one end of the rear bumper when the cradle assembly is in the reach position.
14. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the rear bumper and at least a portion of the second arm abuts the first arm to provide a barrier to a tailgate of the vehicle, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, the first arm and the second arm are spaced apart from the rear bumper to allow the tailgate to move between a closed position and an open position.
15. The vehicle assembly of claim 9, wherein the second arm includes a first section and a second section, and the second section is curved relative to the first section, and optionally, wherein when the cradle assembly is in the stowed position, the first arm abuts the rear bumper, at least a portion of the first section abuts the first arm, and an apex of the second section extends outwardly away from the rear bumper, and wherein when the cradle assembly is in the reach position, at least a portion of the first arm abuts the second arm and at least a portion of the second section abuts the rear bumper.