Vehicle opening and closing member system with integrated bottle opener feature
By integrating hinge brackets and decorative parts on the vehicle, providing the bottle opener function, it solves the problem of carrying a bottle opener during outdoor activities, and realizes convenient beverage opening and bottle cap management when the vehicle is stationary, improving the user experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410860203.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-11
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-14
AI Technical Summary
During outdoor social activities, vehicle users need to carry additional bottle openers to facilitate the use of beverages, resulting in inconvenience.
Integrated hinge bracket and trim, providing bottle opener function allows use when the vehicle is stationary, and the bottle cap removal and locking are achieved through the contact edge of the hinge bracket and the groove of the trim.
No additional bottle opener is required, and the integrated bottle opener and bottle cap lock features on the vehicle are easy to use, improving the use experience of outdoor activities and simplifying the beverage opening process.
Smart Images
Figure CN119305371A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicle opening and closing member system equipped with an integrated bottle opener-related feature for providing additional functionality that can be used when the vehicle is stationary. Background Art
[0002] Vehicles can be used as social gathering points during outdoor activities such as camping and picnics. Vehicle users often have to remember to bring various tools and convenience items, such as bottle openers, in the vehicle to facilitate a more enjoyable experience during outdoor social activities. Summary of the invention
[0003] A vehicle opening and closing member system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a hinge bracket and a bottle opener feature provided at least in part by a portion of the hinge bracket.
[0004] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle opening and closing member system, the hinge bracket is a vehicle body side hinge bracket of a hinge assembly of the vehicle opening and closing member system.
[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle opening and closing member system, the hinge assembly further includes a door-side hinge bracket movably connected to the body-side hinge bracket via a pivot pin.
[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the portion is a contact edge of an arm of the hinge bracket.
[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the contact edge is part of a lower wall defining the concave cavity of the arm.
[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the hinge bracket is mounted to the hinge attachment bracket.
[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the contact edge and the contact surface of the hinge attachment bracket cooperate to apply an opening force to remove the bottle cap from the bottle.
[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the hinge bracket is at least partially concealed by a trim piece.
[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the bottle cap locking feature is provided by a trim piece.
[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle opening and closure member systems, the opening and the slot of the trim cooperate to establish a bottle cap locking feature.
[0013] According to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes, inter alia: a vehicle body; an opening and closing member; and a first hinge assembly configured to movably support the opening and closing member relative to the vehicle body. The first hinge assembly includes an integrated bottle opener feature.
[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle, the first hinge assembly includes a body side hinge bracket providing an integrated bottle opener feature.
[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, a body-side hinge bracket is secured to the hinge attachment bracket, and the hinge attachment bracket is mounted to the body.
[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, an integrated bottle opener feature is established by a contact edge of an arm of the body side hinge bracket and a contact surface of a lower edge of the hinge attachment bracket.
[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the contact edge is part of a lower wall defining the concave cavity of the arm.
[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the first hinge assembly is at least partially concealed by a trim piece.
[0019] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the bottle cap locking feature is provided by a trim piece.
[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the opening of the trim and the slot cooperate to establish a bottle cap locking feature.
[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, an integrated bottle opener feature is accessible through an opening in the trim.
[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the groove is configured to capture a bottle cap that has been removed from a bottle by the integrated bottle opener feature.
[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features) may be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
[0024] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with an opening and closing member system. The opening and closing members of the opening and closing member system are positioned at Figure 1 in the closed position.
[0026] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The open position of the opening and closing component.
[0027] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Selected parts of the opening and closing member system of a vehicle.
[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Rear view of selected portions of the opening and closing member system.
[0029] Figure 5 It passes through Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of section 5-5.
[0030] Figure 6 An assembly of a hinge bracket and a hinge attachment bracket of a vehicle opening and closing member system is shown.
[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Rear perspective view of the hinge bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The present disclosure details a vehicle opening and closing member including integrated features for increasing the functionality of the opening and closing member (e.g., a swinging baffle) of the system. The bottle opener feature can be integrated as part of a hinge assembly that movably mounts the opening and closing member relative to the vehicle body. The bottle cap latch feature can be integrated as part of a decorative piece that at least partially hides a portion of the hinge assembly, and the bottle cap latch feature can be used to collect bottle caps removed by the bottle opener feature. The integrated bottle opener and bottle cap latch features are conveniently packaged on the vehicle for use during outdoor social gatherings when the opening and closing member is moved to an open position during a stationary, non-moving condition of the vehicle. These and other features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.
[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2Selected portions of a motor vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to simply as the "vehicle") are schematically illustrated. Vehicle 10 may be a car, truck, van, sport utility vehicle, semi-tractor trailer, or any other type of vehicle. Vehicle 10 may also be a conventional motor vehicle, a traction battery powered hybrid or electric vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle).
[0034] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically only and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component, assembly or system.
[0035] The vehicle 10 may include one or more opening and closing members 12, which are mounted relative to the vehicle body 14 and are configured to move between a closed position and an open position for entry and exit of the vehicle interior (e.g., a cargo compartment, a passenger compartment, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the opening and closing member 12 is mounted at the rear 16 of the vehicle 10 and is configured as a swinging baffle. In other embodiments, the opening and closing member 12 may, for example, be part of a two-way outward swinging door system, which may be disposed at the rear 16 of the vehicle 10 for entry and exit of the vehicle interior, such as for loading and / or unloading cargo. However, the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to swinging baffles and rear outward swinging doors, and may be applied to various other types of opening and closing members, including but not limited to side doors, tailgates, etc.
[0036] The opening and closing member 12 may be movably mounted to the vehicle body 14 via a first hinge assembly 18 and a second hinge assembly 20. The first hinge assembly 18 and the second hinge assembly 20 may movably support the opening and closing member 12 relative to the vehicle body 14. The opening and closing member 12, the first hinge assembly 18, and the second hinge assembly 20 may together establish an opening and closing member system 22 of the vehicle 10. Although two hinge assemblies are shown in the exemplary embodiment, the opening and closing member system 22 may include a greater or lesser number of hinge assemblies within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0037] The first hinge assembly 18 may be mounted on the opening and closing member 12 at a position vertically above the second hinge assembly 20. However, other configurations are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For purposes of this disclosure, vertical and horizontal are referenced to the ground in the normal orientation of the vehicle 10 during operation.
[0038] In one embodiment, portions of the first hinge assembly 18 and the second hinge assembly 20 are visible when the shutter member 12 is closed. Therefore, the first hinge assembly 18 and the second hinge assembly 20 can be considered exposed or "Class A" hinge assemblies.
[0039] The opening and closing member 12 is Figure 1 is shown in the closed position P1 and in Figure 2 1 is shown in the open position P2. In one embodiment, the open position P2 is a fully open position. When moved to the open position P2, the opening and closing member 12 allows a user to enter and exit the interior of the vehicle. When closed, the opening and closing member 12 provides a barrier between the interior and exterior of the vehicle 10. Although not specifically shown, the opening and closing member 12 can be moved to various angular positions between the closed position P1 and the open position P2.
[0040] In one embodiment, when moved to the open position P2, the opening and closing member 12 is angularly displaced about 100° or more relative to the vehicle body 14. In another embodiment, when moved to the open position P2, the opening and closing member 12 is angularly displaced about 140° relative to the vehicle body 14. In the present disclosure, the term "about" means that the amount or range expressed does not need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, thereby reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, measurement errors, etc. The total range of motion of the opening and closing member 12 may vary and depends on various design criteria.
[0041] The opening and closing member system 22 may further include a decorative member 24 and a sealing member 26 (see Figure 2 ). The trim 24 can be secured to the vehicle body 14 and can be arranged to conceal portions of the first hinge assembly 18 and the second hinge assembly 20 when the opening and closing member 12 is open. The seal 26 can be mounted to the vehicle body 14 and can be configured to seal an interface between the opening and closing member 12 and the vehicle body 14. For example, the seal 26 can form a waterproof seal around the perimeter of the opening and closing member 12 and reduce the amount of noise that can penetrate into the vehicle interior when the opening and closing member 12 is closed.
[0042] As discussed in more detail below, additional functionality (e.g., a bottle opener feature and / or a bottle cap locking feature) can be integrated into one or both of the first hinge assembly 18 and the second hinge assembly 20 to increase the functionality of the opening and closing member system 22 to facilitate a more pleasant user experience, for example, during outdoor activities (e.g., camping, picnics, etc.), such as when the vehicle 10 is stationary and using the vehicle as a social gathering point.
[0043] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Shown with Figure 1 and Figure 2 Additional details associated with the opening and closing member system 22. Figures 3 to 7 Only the first hinge assembly 18 is shown and described with respect to the opening and closing member 12 and the vehicle body 14. However, in some embodiments, the second hinge assembly 20 may include a design similar to that of the first hinge assembly 18. In other embodiments, the second hinge assembly 20 may include a design different from that of the first hinge assembly 18.
[0044] The first hinge assembly 18 may include a body side hinge bracket 28 and a door side hinge bracket 30 (see Figure 1 The door-side hinge bracket 30 may be pivotally connected to the vehicle body-side hinge bracket 28 via a pivot pin 36 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).
[0045] The body side hinge bracket 28 may be mounted relative to the body 14 by one or more mechanical fasteners 32 (see Figure 6 In one embodiment, the mechanical fastener 32 secures the body side hinge bracket 28 to the hinge attachment bracket 38. The hinge attachment bracket 38 may be secured to the body 14 by one or more additional mechanical fasteners (not shown) that are used to secure the body side hinge bracket 28 relative to the body 14.
[0046] In one embodiment, the body side hinge bracket 28 is constructed of forged steel and the hinge attachment bracket 38 is constructed of stamped steel. However, other materials are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0047] The door side hinge bracket 30 can be fastened by one or more mechanical fasteners 34 (in Figure 1 12 (best shown in FIG. 1 ) is mounted to an outer surface 99 of the shutter member 12. The outer surface 99 can be referred to as the "Class A surface" of the shutter member 12.
[0048] The body side hinge bracket 28 may include a body portion 40, a first arm 42 extending in a first direction away from the body portion 40, and a second arm 44 extending in a second, different direction away from the body portion 40. In one embodiment, the first arm 42 extends rearwardly from the body portion 40, and the second arm 44 extends downwardly from the body portion 40. However, other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0049] A plurality of openings 46 (in Figure 7 ) can be formed through the main body portion 40 of the body side hinge bracket 28. Each opening 46 can be sized to receive one of the mechanical fasteners 32 to be used Figure 6The manner shown mounts the body side hinge bracket 28 to the hinge attachment bracket 38. In one embodiment, the opening 46 is a machined opening.
[0050] The first arm 42 of the body side hinge bracket 28 may include a bucket mount 48. An opening 50 may be formed through the bucket mount 48. The opening 50 may be sized to receive the pivot pin 36 to pivotally connect the door side hinge bracket 30 to the body side hinge bracket 28. In one embodiment, the opening 50 is a machined opening.
[0051] The second arm 44 of the body side hinge bracket 28 can extend below the opening 46 of the main body portion 40. An inner side 55 of the second arm 44 (e.g., the side facing the hinge attachment bracket 38) can include a recessed cavity 52. A lower wall 54 defining the recessed cavity 52 can include a contact edge 56. In one embodiment, the contact edge 56 is a machined surface of the lower wall 54. The contact edge 56 of the lower wall 54 can be accessed through an opening 65 formed in the trim 24.
[0052] In the installed position, the recessed cavity 52 of the second arm 44 can be open toward a lower edge 58 of the hinge attachment bracket 38. The lower edge 58 can provide a contact surface 60 adjacent to the contact edge 56 of the lower wall 54.
[0053] The contact edge 56 and the contact surface 60 can cooperate to provide a bottle opener feature 62 that is integrated as part of the body-side hinge bracket 28 of the first hinge assembly 18 of the opening and closing member system 22. For example, as discussed further below, the contact edge 56 can be configured to apply an opening force to remove a bottle cap 64 from a bottle 66, and the contact surface 60 can support and stabilize the bottle 66 as its position is manipulated to remove the bottle cap 64 from the bottle 66 via the contact edge 56. Thus, in addition to simply supporting the opening and closing member 12 relative to the body 14, the bottle opener feature 62 provides additional functionality to the first hinge assembly 18.
[0054] The opening 65 of the trim 24 may lead to a groove 68 of the trim 24 (at Figures 4 to 5 6). The opening 65 and the groove 68 can cooperate to provide a bottle cap locking feature 70 that is integrated as part of the decorative member 24 of the closure member system 22. For example, as discussed further below, the groove 68 can lock and store the bottle cap 64 after it is removed from the bottle 66 by the bottle opener feature 62. Thus, the bottle cap locking feature 70 provides additional functionality to the decorative member 24 in addition to aesthetics.
[0055] exist Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5Schematically illustrated in the figure is an exemplary use of an integrated bottle opener feature 62 for opening a bottle 66 containing a beverage 72. The integrated bottle opener feature 62 and the bottle cap lock feature 70 are accessible to the user when the opening and closing member 12 is in the open position and the vehicle 10 is stationary (e.g., such as when the vehicle 10 is used for an outdoor social gathering). Before opening, the beverage 72 is contained in the bottle 66 by the bottle cap 64. The bottle opener feature 62 can be used to remove the bottle cap 64 without spilling the beverage 72, and eliminates the need for the user to remember to carry a separate bottle opener, and once the bottle cap 64 is removed from the bottle 66 by the bottle opener feature 62, the bottle cap lock feature 70 can be used to temporarily store the bottle cap.
[0056] The bottle opener feature 62 can be used to remove the bottle cap 64 from the bottle 66 in the following exemplary manner. The user can first position the bottle 66 so that the bottle cap 64 is at least partially received within the opening 65 of the trim 24 at a location adjacent to the recessed cavity 52 of the second arm 44 of the body-side hinge bracket 28. The bottle 66 can be moved into the opening 65 until the bottle cap 64 is received in abutting contact with the contact surface 60 of the lower edge 58 of the hinge attachment bracket 38. The contact surface 60 positions the bottle cap 64 so that a downward swinging path (schematically shown via arrow 74) is required to remove the bottle cap 64 from the bottle 66. Therefore, the user is not allowed to position the bottle 66 at a downward angle relative to the bottle opener feature 62, thereby substantially eliminating spillage.
[0057] As the user moves the bottle 66 along the downward swing path 74, the bottle cap 64 is moved into engagement with the contact edge 56, thereby applying an opening force to remove the bottle cap 64 from the bottle 66. The contact surface 60 can support and stabilize the bottle 66 during movement of the bottle 66 along the downward swing path 74. The removed bottle cap 64 can be captured within the slot 68 of the bottle cap locking feature 70 for temporary storage, thereby maintaining a clean camping / travel picnic site.
[0058] The disclosed closure system includes an integrated bottle opener and bottle cap latch features that are packaged with hinges and decorative components, respectively, thereby incorporating additional functionality into the closure system without the need for additional parts or complexity. The integrated features are conveniently packaged near the cargo compartment of the vehicle and accessible when the closure is open and the vehicle is stationary to promote a more enjoyable use and experience during outdoor social gatherings.
[0059] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. Some components or features from any one of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any one of the other non-limiting embodiments.
[0060] It should be understood that like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings.It should be understood that although particular component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.
[0061] The above description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A vehicle opening and closing component system, comprising: Hinge bracket; as well as A bottle opener feature is provided at least in part by a portion of the hinge bracket.
2. A vehicle opening and closing component system as described in claim 1, wherein the hinge bracket is a body side hinge bracket of a hinge assembly of the vehicle opening and closing component system, and optionally, wherein the hinge assembly also includes a door side hinge bracket, and the door side hinge bracket is movably connected to the body side hinge bracket through a pivot pin.
3. The vehicle opening and closing member system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion is a contact edge of an arm of the hinge bracket.
4. The vehicle opening and closing member system of claim 3, wherein the contact edge is part of a lower wall defining a recessed cavity of the arm.
5. The vehicle opening and closing member system of claim 3, wherein the hinge bracket is mounted to a hinge attachment bracket.
6. The vehicle opening and closure system of claim 5, wherein the contact edge and contact surface of the hinge attachment bracket cooperate to apply an opening force to remove a bottle cap from a bottle.
7. A vehicle opening and closure system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hinge bracket is at least partially concealed by a trim member.
8. The vehicle opening and closure system of claim 7, including a bottle cap locking feature provided by the trim, and optionally wherein the opening and slot of the trim cooperate to establish the bottle cap locking feature.
9. A vehicle comprising: Car body; Opening and closing components; as well as A first hinge assembly is configured to movably support the opening and closing member relative to the vehicle body, wherein the first hinge assembly includes an integrated bottle opener feature.
10. The vehicle of claim 9 wherein said first hinge assembly includes a body side hinge bracket providing said integrated bottle opener feature.
11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the body side hinge bracket is fixed to a hinge attachment bracket, and the hinge attachment bracket is mounted to the body.
12. A vehicle as described in claim 11, wherein the integrated bottle opener feature is established by a contact edge of the arm of the body side hinge bracket and a contact surface of a lower edge of the hinge attachment bracket, and optionally, wherein the contact edge is part of a lower wall defining a recessed cavity of the arm.
13. The vehicle of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the first hinge assembly is at least partially concealed by a trim member.
14. The vehicle of claim 13 including a bottle cap locking feature provided by the trim piece, and optionally wherein the trim piece opening and slot cooperate to establish the bottle cap locking feature.
15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the integrated bottle opener feature is accessible through the opening of the trim piece, and optionally wherein the groove is configured to capture a bottle cap that has been removed from a bottle by the integrated bottle opener feature.