Double-gooseneck hinge assembly for door cover

Abstract

A dual gooseneck hinge assembly for a door flap, the dual gooseneck hinge assembly providing access to an opening defined by a body panel, includes an outer hinge member, an inner hinge member, and a unitary housing defining a cavity housing the outer hinge member and the inner hinge when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is in a closed position. The outer hinge member defines a curved body portion and a slotted opening. The curved body portion includes a gooseneck elbow, and the slot-shaped opening includes a first stop surface defining a first open position of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly and a second stop surface defining a second open position. The outer hinge member rotates about a rotational main axis of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly between a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dual gooseneck hinge assembly for a door cover that provides access to an opening defined in a vehicle body panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electric vehicles are powered by one or more electric motors that draw power from a battery pack. The battery pack is charged by an external power source. Electric vehicles also include a charging port that allows the electric vehicle to be connected to an external power source to charge the battery. The electric vehicle also includes a charging port door that rotates between a closed position and an open position. The charging port door protects the charging port from external elements when in the closed position and provides access to the charging port when in the open position.

[0003] An individual can charge an electric vehicle at a charging station by opening the charging port door to access the charging port of the electric vehicle. When opened, the charging port door is typically positioned generally perpendicular with respect to the vehicle. It should be appreciated that at times the space of a charging station can be limited. For example, public charging stations found at places such as retail shopping centers and parking lots typically have limited space between two parked electric vehicles. Therefore, if the individual's vehicle is parked directly next to another vehicle, there can be a lack of clearance when the individual opens the charging port door.

[0004] In one approach to address the limited clearance issue, a gooseneck hinge is provided for mounting the charging port door to the vehicle. The gooseneck hinge includes a gooseneck collet having a curved profile that is shaped similar to the elbow in a gooseneck. However, the gooseneck hinge can only provide a one-dimensional range of motion, which can result in the individual having difficulty opening the charging port door in a relatively narrow space. Another solution to address the limited clearance issue is to provide a 4-bar linkage hinge that includes four interlocking arms and an actuator for mounting the charging port door to the vehicle. However, the four interlocking arms and the actuator of the 4-bar linkage increase the size, packaging, and weight of the charging port door assembly.

[0005] Accordingly, while the charging port door achieves its intended purpose, there remains a need in the art for an improved approach to increase the range of rotation of the charging port door of an electric vehicle. SUMMARY

[0006] According to aspects, a dual gooseneck hinge assembly for a door lid is disclosed that provides access to an opening defined by a body panel. The dual gooseneck hinge assembly includes an outer hinge member that defines a slot-shaped opening including a first stop surface that defines a first open position of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly and a second stop surface that defines a second open position of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly. The outer hinge member rotates about a rotational major axis of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly between a closed position, the first open position, and the second open position. The dual gooseneck hinge assembly includes an inner hinge member that defines a floating proximal end including a stop member, a rotatable distal end, and an engagement member. When the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is in the first open position, the engagement member abuts the first stop surface of the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member, and when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is in the second open position, the engagement member abuts the second stop surface, the rotatable distal end of the inner hinge member is rotatably connected to the door lid at a rotational minor axis of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly, and the inner hinge member rotates about the rotational minor axis between the first open position and the second open position. The dual gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a unitary housing that defines a cavity that houses the outer hinge member and the inner hinge member when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is in the closed position, wherein an engagement surface is disposed along an opening of the unitary housing cavity, and wherein the outer hinge member is rotated from the closed position about the rotational major axis of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly until the stop member of the inner hinge member abuts the engagement surface to hold the inner hinge member of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly in the first open position.

[0007] In another aspect, an angle measured between an inner surface of the door lid and the body panel increases when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from the first open position to the second open position.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member defines a profile including two opposing lateral sides connected to each other by the first stop surface and the second stop surface.

[0009] In an aspect, the increase in the angle when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from the first open position to the second open position is based on a length of the opposing lateral sides of the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member.

[0010] In another aspect, the outer hinge member includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a curved body portion of the outer hinge member connecting the proximal end of the outer hinge member to the distal end of the outer hinge member.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the rotational major axis is located at the proximal end of the outer hinge member and within the cavity defined by the unitary housing.

[0012] In an aspect, the distal end of the outer hinge member is rotatably mounted to the inner surface of the door lid.

[0013] In another aspect, the curved body portion of the outer hinge member includes a gooseneck elbow.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the gooseneck elbow of the curved body portion of the outer hinge member is a reverse turn shaped to orient the proximal end portion of the outer hinge member in the same direction as the distal end portion of the outer hinge member.

[0015] In an aspect, the stop member is an elbow defining an edge surface.

[0016] In another aspect, the edge surface of the stop member abuts an engagement surface of the unitary housing to retain the inner hinge member of the double gooseneck hinge assembly in the first open position.

[0017] In an aspect, a door assembly is disclosed that includes a body panel defining an opening, a door cover providing access to the opening defined by the body panel, and a double gooseneck hinge assembly rotatably mounting the door cover to the body panel. The double gooseneck hinge assembly includes an outer hinge member defining a curved body portion and a slot-shaped opening. The curved body portion includes a gooseneck elbow, and the slot-shaped opening includes a first stop surface defining a first open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly and a second stop surface defining a second open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly. The outer hinge member rotates about a rotational major axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly between a closed position, the first open position, and the second open position. The double gooseneck hinge assembly includes an inner hinge member defining a floating proximal end portion including a stop member, a rotatable distal end portion, and an engagement member. The engagement member abuts the first stop surface of the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the first open position, and the engagement member abuts the second stop surface when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the second open position. The rotatable distal end portion of the inner hinge member is rotatably connected to the door cover at a rotational minor axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly, and the inner hinge member rotates about the rotational minor axis between the first open position and the second open position. The double gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a unitary housing defining a cavity that houses the outer hinge member and the inner hinge member when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the closed position. An engagement surface is disposed along an opening of the cavity of the unitary housing. The outer hinge member is rotated about the rotational major axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly from the closed position until the stop member of the inner hinge member abuts the engagement surface to retain the inner hinge member of the double gooseneck hinge assembly in the first open position.

[0018] In another aspect, an angle measured between an inner surface of the door cover and the body panel increases when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from the first open position to the second open position.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member defines a profile including two opposing lateral sides connected to each other by the first stop surface and the second stop surface.

[0020] In an aspect, an increase in the angle measured between an inner surface of the door cover and the vehicle body panel when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from the first open position to the second open position is based on a length of an opposing lateral side of the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member.

[0021] In another aspect, the outer hinge member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and the curved body portion of the outer hinge member connects the proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the outer hinge member.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the rotation major axis is located at the proximal end portion of the outer hinge member and within the cavity of the unitary housing.

[0023] In an aspect, the distal end portion of the outer hinge member is rotatably mounted to an inner surface of the door cover.

[0024] In another aspect, the gooseneck elbow of the curved body portion of the outer hinge member is a reverse turn shaped to orient the proximal end portion of the outer hinge member in the same direction as the distal end portion of the outer hinge member.

[0025] In an aspect, a door assembly includes a vehicle body panel defining an opening, a door cover providing access to the opening defined by the vehicle body panel, and a double gooseneck hinge assembly rotatably mounting the door cover to the vehicle body panel. The double gooseneck hinge assembly includes an outer hinge member defining a curved body portion and a slot-shaped opening. The curved body portion includes a gooseneck elbow, and the slot-shaped opening includes a first stop surface defining a first open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly and a second stop surface defining a second open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly. The outer hinge member rotates about a rotation major axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly between a closed position, the first open position, and the second open position, and wherein an angle measured between an inner surface of the door cover and the vehicle body panel increases when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from the first open position to the second open position. The double gooseneck hinge assembly includes an inner hinge member defining a floating proximal end portion including a stop member, a rotatable distal end portion, and an engagement member. The engagement member abuts the first stop surface of the slot-shaped opening of the outer hinge member when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the first open position, and the engagement member abuts the second stop surface when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the second open position, the rotatable distal end portion of the inner hinge member is rotatably connected to the door cover at a rotation minor axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly, and the inner hinge member rotates about the rotation minor axis between the first open position and the second open position. The double gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a unitary housing defining a cavity that houses the outer hinge member and the inner hinge member when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the closed position. An engagement surface is disposed along an opening of the cavity of the unitary housing. The outer hinge member is rotated about the rotation major axis of the double gooseneck hinge assembly from the closed position until the stop member of the inner hinge member abuts the engagement surface to retain the inner hinge member of the double gooseneck hinge assembly in the first open position.

[0026] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way;

[0028] Figure 1A is a side view of a door cover for an electric vehicle charging port according to an exemplary embodiment, with the door cover in a closed position;

[0029] Figure 1B illustrates a door cover according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1A with a double goose neck hinge assembly by which the door cover is rotatably mounted to an electric vehicle is visible, and the door cover is in a first open position to expose the charging port;

[0030] Figure 1C illustrates a door cover and double goose neck hinge assembly according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1B in a second open position;

[0031] Figure 2 is a top view of a door cover for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, with the door cover in a second open position;

[0032] Figure 3 is a top sectional view of a door cover and double goose neck hinge assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, taken along section line A-A in Figure 1B ;

[0033] Figure 4A is a top sectional view of a double goose neck hinge assembly and door cover according to an exemplary embodiment, in a closed position;

[0034] Figure 4B is a top sectional view of a double goose neck hinge assembly and door cover according to an exemplary embodiment, in a first open position;

[0035] Figure 4C is a top sectional view of a double goose neck hinge assembly and door cover according to an exemplary embodiment, in a second open position;

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a double goose neck hinge assembly according to an exemplary embodiment, omitting the outer hinge member;

[0037] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an inner hinge member according to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 shown in ; and

[0038] Figure 7is a portion of the outer hinge member shown in Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the slot-shaped opening that is a portion of the outer hinge member shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0040] Referring to Figures 1A-1C , an exemplary door cover 10 is shown as part of a door assembly 12 of an electric vehicle 14. Specifically, Figure 1A the door cover 10 is shown in a closed position, Figure 1B the door cover 10 is shown in a first open position, and Figure 1C the door cover 10 is shown in a second open position. With particular reference to Figure 1A when in the closed position, the door cover 10 is flush with respect to a body panel 16. With reference to Figure 1B and Figure 1C , the door cover 10 is rotated between the closed position and the first open position and between the first open position and the second open position by a double goose neck hinge assembly 20 that is part of the door assembly 12. As shown in Figure 1B and Figure 1C , the door cover 10 provides access to an opening 18 defined by the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14.

[0041] In the non-limiting embodiment as shown, the opening 18 defined by the body panel 16 provides access to a charging port 22 of the electric vehicle 14. The double goose neck hinge assembly 20 rotatably mounts the door cover 10 to the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14. The double goose neck hinge assembly 20 includes an inner hinge member 30 (visible in Figure 3 , an outer hinge member 32 (visible in Figure 1B and Figure 1C ), and an integral housing 34 (visible in Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 3 ). While the figures show that the double goose neck hinge assembly 20 provides access to the charging port 22 of the electric vehicle 14, it should be understood that the double goose neck hinge assembly 20 is not limited to electric vehicles and can be used in other applications. For example, the double goose neck hinge assembly 20 can be used in other types of access doors, such as but not limited to fuel access doors of vehicles.

[0042] With particular reference to Figure 1BWhen the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is in the first open position, the door cover 10 is positioned at an angle A measured between the inner surface 38 of the door cover 10 and the inner surface 40 of the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14. In a non-limiting embodiment, the door cover 10 is positioned perpendicularly to the body panel 16 defining the opening 18. Although ninety degrees is described, it should be understood that angle A is not limited to this dimension. Reference Figure 1C When the door cover 10 rotates around the main axis 42 (e.g.) Figure 3 As shown, when rotated from the first open position to the second open position, the angle A measured between the door hood 10 and the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14 increases. It should be understood that this increased angle A between the door hood 10 and the body panel 16 between the first and second open positions results in less space required between the electric vehicle 14 and adjacent vehicles. This smaller space requirement between vehicles may be particularly helpful when an individual opens the door hood 10 to access the charging port 22, especially when there is a lack of clearance between the electric vehicle 14 and another vehicle parked adjacent to it during charging.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a top view of the electric vehicle 14 when the door cover 10 is in the second open position. (See image.) Figure 2 As shown, when in the second open position, the door cover 10 can be fully positioned within boundary B (shown as a dashed line). Boundary B is a straight line extending along the electric vehicle 14 in the longitudinal direction. Boundary B indicates the position of the outermost surface 26 of the exterior rearview mirror 28 of the electric vehicle 14, wherein the outermost surface 26 of the exterior rearview mirror 28 is oriented in a direction transverse to the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1B The image shows a top cross-sectional view of the door cover 10 and the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20, taken by section line AA, with the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 in the first open position. (See reference...) Figure 1B and Figure 3 The outer hinge member 32 rotates about the main axis of rotation 42 of the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 between a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position. The main axis of rotation 42 of the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is located behind the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14, within a cavity 70 defined by the integral housing 34. The outer hinge member 32 is positioned such that when the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is in the first open position (… Figure 1B ) and second open position ( Figure 1C The inner hinge member 30 is visible to the user. However, the inner hinge member 30 is hidden and not visible by the outer hinge member 32.

[0045] The outer hinge member 32 defines a proximal end 44, a bent body portion 46, and a distal end 48, wherein the bent body portion 46 of the outer hinge member 32 connects the proximal end 44 to the distal end 48. A rotation axis 42 is located at the proximal end 44 of the outer hinge member 32. The proximal end 44 of the outer hinge member 32 defines an opening 50 at the rotation axis 42, wherein the opening 50 is shaped to receive a pin 52. The distal end 48 of the outer hinge member 32 is rotatably mounted to the inner surface 38 of the door cover 10. Specifically, the distal end 48 of the outer hinge member 32 defines an opening (…). Figure 3 (Not visible in the middle), the opening is shaped to receive pin 54, wherein the distal end 48 of the outer hinge member 32 is rotatably mounted to the inner surface 38 of the door cover 10 around pin 54.

[0046] The curved body 46 of the outer hinge member 32 includes a gooseneck bend 56. The gooseneck bend 56 of the curved body 46 of the outer hinge member 32 is a reverse bend, shaped to orient the proximal end 44 of the outer hinge member 32 in the same direction as the distal end 48 of the outer hinge member 32. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, both the proximal end 44 and the distal end 48 of the outer hinge member 32 are oriented towards the left-hand side of the figure.

[0047] The curved body portion 46 of the outer hinge member 32 also defines a slotted opening 58. The slotted opening 58 defines a first stop surface 64 and a second stop surface 66. The first stop surface 64 of the slotted opening 58 defines a first open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20, and the second stop surface 66 of the slotted opening 58 defines a second open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20. As described below, the engaging member 84 (which is part of the inner hinge member 30) Figure 5 The engaging member 84 engages with and travels between the first stop surface 64 and the second stop surface 66 of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32. It should be understood that the movement of the engaging member 84 within the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32 allows the door cover 10 to rotate between a first open position and a second open position.

[0048] Figure 4A This is a top cross-sectional view of the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 in the closed position, with a portion of the integral housing 34 omitted. Figure 4B The double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 in its first open position is shown, and Figure 4C The double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is shown in the second open position. When the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is in such a position... Figure 4A In the closed position shown, both the inner hinge member 30 and the outer hinge member 32 are completely contained within or accommodated by the cavity 70 defined by the one-piece housing 34. When the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is in the closed position as shown... Figure 4BThe first open position is shown with the proximal end portion 44 of the outer hinge member 32 positioned within the cavity 70 defined by the unitary housing 34, and the gooseneck bend 56 extending through the opening 72 of the cavity 70 defined by the unitary housing 34, with the distal end portion 48 of the outer hinge member 32 extending through the opening 72 of the unitary housing 34 and positioned outside of the electric vehicle 14.

[0049] Figure 5 The dual gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is shown with the outer hinge member 32 omitted to reveal the remaining portion of the inner hinge member 30. Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4B and Figure 5 , the inner hinge member 30 includes a floating proximal end portion 80, a rotatable distal end portion 82, and an engagement member 84 Figure 5 . As shown in Figure 4A , when in the closed position, the floating proximal end portion 80 of the inner hinge member 30 is free and does not engage another component of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly 20. As shown in Figure 5 , the floating proximal end portion 80 of the inner hinge member 30 includes a stop member 86.

[0050] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the stop member 86 of the inner hinge member 30 shown in Figure 3 . Referring to Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , as the door cover 10 is opened from the closed position to the first open position, the outer hinge member 32 is rotated about the primary rotation axis 42 of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly 20 from the closed position until the stop member 86 provided at the floating proximal end portion 80 of the inner hinge member 30 contacts and abuts against an engagement surface 90 provided along the opening 72 of the unitary housing 34 Figure 6 . In the embodiment shown, the stop member 86 is a bend 88. As shown in Figure 6 , the bend 88 of the stop member 86 defines an edge surface 94, however, it should be appreciated that the stop member 86 can include other geometries that also include the edge surface 94. The edge surface 94 of the stop member 86 is shaped to abut against the engagement surface 90 of the unitary housing 34.

[0051] It should be appreciated that the abutment between the stop member 86 and the engagement surface 90 provided along the opening 72 of the unitary housing 34 prevents further rotation of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly 20 about the primary rotation axis 42 Figure 3 and maintains the inner hinge member 30 of the dual gooseneck hinge assembly 20 in the first open position. In particular, as Figure 6As shown, a liner 92 composed of a flexible material is disposed about the opening 72 of the cavity 70 defined by the unitary housing 34, where the liner 92 defines an engagement surface 90. Some examples of flexible materials for the liner include, but are not limited to, elastomers such as rubber.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3 and Figures 4A-4C , the rotatable distal end 82 of the inner hinge member 30 is rotatably connected to the inner surface 38 of the door cover 10 at the rotational minor axis 96 of the double goose neck hinge assembly 20. Specifically, as shown, the rotatable distal end 82 of the inner hinge member 30 defines an opening 98 at the rotational minor axis 96, where the opening 98 is shaped to accommodate a pin 100. The door cover 10 is rotatably mounted to the rotatable distal end 82 of the inner hinge member 30 by the pin 100. Figure 3

[0053] Referring to Figures 1B-1C , Figures 4B-4C and Figure 6 , the inner hinge member 30 is rotated about the rotational minor axis 96 between the first open position and the second open position of the double goose neck hinge assembly 20. Specifically, an individual can access the charging port 22 of the electric vehicle 14 (as shown in Figures 1B-1C ) by first positioning the door cover 10 to the first open position as shown in Figure 1B and Figure 4B , where the abutment between the stop member 86 disposed along the opening 72 of the unitary housing 34 and the engagement surface 90 (see Figure 6 ) retains the double goose neck hinge assembly 20 in the first open position. The individual can then increase the angle A Figures 1B-1C measured between the door cover 10 and the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14 by exerting a force on the door cover 10 in the direction R Figure 1B and Figure 1C to move toward the second open position. As the door cover 10 is pushed in the direction R toward the second open position, the inner hinge member 30 is rotated about the rotational minor axis 96 from the first open position to the second open position of the double goose neck hinge assembly 20.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , in one non-limiting embodiment, the engagement member 84 of the inner hinge member 30 Figure 5 ​Pin 101 is sized to slide within the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32. The double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 is in a first open position when the engaging member 84 abuts against the first stop surface 64 of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32, and in a second open position when the engaging member 84 abuts against the second stop surface 66 of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32. Specifically, it should be understood that the abutment between the second stop surface 66 of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32 and the engaging member 84 holds the double gooseneck hinge assembly 20 in the second open position.

[0055] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32. The slotted opening 58 defines a profile P, which includes two opposing lateral sides 102 connected to each other by a first stop surface 64 and a second stop surface 66. (Reference) Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 7 When the door cover 10 rotates around the main axis 42 ( Figure 3 As shown, when the door cover 10 rotates from the first open position to the second open position, the angle A measured between the door cover 10 and the body panel 16 of the electric vehicle 14 increases. It should be understood that the increase in angle A between the door cover 10 and the body panel 16 when the door cover 10 rotates from the first open position to the second open position is based on the length L of the relative lateral side 102 of the slotted opening 58 of the outer hinge member 32. When the door cover 10 rotates about the main axis of rotation 42 between the first and second open positions, increasing the length L of the relative lateral side 102 of the slotted opening 58 results in a greater increase in angle A. Similarly, when the door cover 10 rotates about the main axis of rotation 42 between the first and second open positions, decreasing the length L of the relative lateral side 102 of the slotted opening 58 will decrease the increase in angle A.

[0056] refer to Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Figure 3 The unibody shell 34 defines the frame portion 106, wherein a portion of the frame portion 106 is in Figure 3 As can be seen, the frame portion 106 of the unibody housing 34 defines the opening 108. Figure 1B and Figure 1C The charging port 22 of the electric vehicle 14 is visible through an opening 108 in the one-piece housing 34. Although the figures show the one-piece housing 34 as an integral part including a cavity 70 that houses the hinge members 30, 32 and the frame portion 106, it should be understood that in embodiments, the frame portion 106 may be a separate component.

[0057] With general reference to the figures, the disclosed dual gooseneck hinge assembly provides various technical effects and benefits. In particular, the dual gooseneck hinge assembly provides a method of increasing the angle measured between an inner surface of a door cover of an electric vehicle and a body panel when the dual gooseneck hinge assembly is rotated from a first open position to a second open position, which results in less space required between the electric vehicle and an adjacent vehicle. The need for less space between the vehicles can be particularly helpful when there is a lack of clearance between the electric vehicle and another vehicle parked immediately adjacent to the electric vehicle when a person opens the door cover to access a charging port during charging.

[0058] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A double gooseneck hinge assembly for a door cover, the double gooseneck hinge assembly providing access to an opening defined by a body panel, the double gooseneck hinge assembly comprising: An outer hinge member defines a slotted opening, the slotted opening including a first stop surface defining a first open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly and a second stop surface defining a second open position of the double gooseneck hinge assembly, wherein the outer hinge member rotates about the main axis of rotation of the double gooseneck hinge assembly between a closed position, a first open position and a second open position; An inner hinge member defining a floating proximal end, the floating proximal end including a stop member, a rotatable distal end, and an engaging member, wherein, when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in a first open position, the engaging member abuts against a first stop surface of a slotted opening of the outer hinge member, and when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in a second open position, the engaging member abuts against a second stop surface, the rotatable distal end of the inner hinge member is rotatably connected to the door cover at a minor axis of rotation of the double gooseneck hinge assembly, and the inner hinge member rotates about the minor axis of rotation between the first open position and the second open position; and A one-piece housing defining a cavity that, when the double gooseneck hinge assembly is in the closed position, accommodates the outer hinge member and the inner hinge member, wherein an engagement surface is disposed along the opening of the cavity of the one-piece housing, and wherein the outer hinge member rotates from the closed position about the main axis of rotation of the double gooseneck hinge assembly until a stop member of the inner hinge member abuts against the engagement surface to hold the inner hinge member of the double gooseneck hinge assembly in the first open position.

2. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When the double gooseneck hinge assembly rotates from the first open position to the second open position, the angle measured between the inner surface of the door cover and the body panel increases.

3. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The slotted opening of the outer hinge member defines a profile, which includes two opposing lateral sides connected to each other by the first stop surface and the second stop surface.

4. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the double gooseneck hinge assembly rotates from the first open position to the second open position, the increase in angle is based on the length of the relative lateral side of the slotted opening of the outer hinge member.

5. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The outer hinge member includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a bent body portion of the hinge member, the bent body portion connecting the proximal end of the outer hinge member to the distal end of the outer hinge member.

6. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The main axis of rotation is located near the end of the outer hinge member and within the cavity defined by the integral housing.

7. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The distal end of the external hinge component is rotatably mounted to the inner surface of the door cover.

8. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The curved body of the external hinge component includes a gooseneck bend.

9. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The gooseneck bend of the curved body of the outer hinge member is a reverse bend, which is shaped to orient the proximal end of the outer hinge member in the same direction as the distal end of the outer hinge member.

10. The double gooseneck hinge assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The stop member is an elbow that defines the edge surface.

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