Reconfigurable vehicle door panel system

Abstract

A reconfigurable vehicle door trim panel system is provided. A vehicle has a body defining an exterior and an interior, and a door opens to expose the interior to the exterior. When closed, the door has an inner side and an outer side. A panel is provided on the inner side of the door. A link connects the panel to the door. The panel is configured to move via the link from a stowed position in the door to a deployed position from the door. When in the stowed position, the panel is configured to provide a uniform appearance to the inside of the door. When in the deployed position, the panel is configured for functional purposes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicle panel systems, and more specifically to reconfigurable interior trim panel systems for vehicle doors capable of serving a variety of functions. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles may have exterior body panels that define the external styling surfaces and interior panels and components that define the space where occupants reside. Interior panels and components are typically designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Sometimes, these panels and components serve static functions, such as cup holders, handles, and armrests. At other times, panels or components may have limited mobility, such as in the case of sun visors, which can be rotated to a preferred position to best meet the driver's expectations.

[0003] As vehicle and customer expectations evolve, providing passengers with new or additional features may become more desirable. For example, the ability to use electronic devices is expanded through in-vehicle internet access. In the case of autonomous vehicles, passengers' ability to engage in a wider range of activities may become even greater. Vehicle panels and components can offer opportunities to better serve the expectations of vehicle users, such as through redesign without the limitations that once hindered the expansion of available functionality.

[0004] Therefore, there is a continuous expectation for systems that provide new and useful functions in vehicles. Furthermore, it is preferable if the system can provide multiple functions. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics of this disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction, based on the following detailed description and the appended claims. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In several embodiments, the vehicle has a body defining an exterior and an interior, with a door that opens to expose the interior to the exterior. As defined, when closed, the door has an inside and an outside. A panel is provided on the inside of the door. A linkage connects the panel to the door. The panel is configured to move via the linkage from a retracted position within the door to an unfolded position. When in the retracted position, the panel is configured to provide a uniform appearance to the inside of the door. When in the unfolded position, the panel is configured to serve one or more functional purposes.

[0006] In an additional embodiment, the panel includes the interior decorative surface of the door.

[0007] In an additional embodiment, the panel has two sides, and when in the unfolded position, the panel alternately displays either side facing upwards.

[0008] In an additional embodiment, the linkage connects the panel to the door, and the linkage includes a slider.

[0009] In an additional embodiment, the panel can be moved vertically when in the unfolded position.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, the panel is rotatable when moved from the stowed position to the unfolded position.

[0011] In an additional embodiment, the panel has one side covered with decorative material and another side formed of rigid material.

[0012] In an additional embodiment, the door is one door of the vehicle, and the vehicle has at least one other door, namely a second door. A panel on one door is reconfigurable from the interior trim panel to present a work surface. The other door includes another panel that can be reconfigured as a seat surface.

[0013] In an additional embodiment, a lock is included to hold the door in a selected open position relative to the vehicle.

[0014] In an additional embodiment, the panel, when in the unfolded position, serves as a base platform for multi-purpose, reconfigurable use.

[0015] In several other embodiments, the vehicle has a body defining an exterior and an interior. A door is selectively operable to open to expose the interior to the exterior. The door has an inside side and an outside side. A panel system has a panel on the inside side of the door. The panel system defines the interior trim system of the door. A linkage connects the panel to the door. The panel is movable via the linkage from a retracted position within the door to an extended position away from the door. When in the retracted position, the panel functions to provide a uniform appearance to the inside of the door. When in the extended position, the panel operates as a platform for functional purposes.

[0016] In an additional embodiment, the panel is an interior decorative panel of the door that presents a uniform appearance when in the retracted position.

[0017] In an additional embodiment, the panel has sides, and when in the unfolded position, the panel operates to alternately display either the upward-facing side with a rigid surface or the upward-facing side with a flexible surface.

[0018] In an additional embodiment, the linkage connects the panel to the door, and the linkage includes two sliders.

[0019] In an additional embodiment, when in the unfolded position, the panel can be moved vertically relative to the door to various selected heights.

[0020] In an additional embodiment, the panel can be rotated at least 90 degrees when moving from the stowed position to the unfolded position.

[0021] In an additional embodiment, the panel has one side formed of a non-rigid decorative material and the other side formed of a rigid material.

[0022] In an additional embodiment, the door is one door of the vehicle, and the vehicle includes another door. A panel on one door can be reconfigured from an interior trim panel as a table. The other door includes another panel that can be reconfigured as a seat.

[0023] In an additional embodiment, when in the unfolded position, the panel operates as a base platform for multi-purpose, reconfigurable use, including as a seat or as a work surface.

[0024] In several other embodiments, the vehicle has a body defining an exterior and an interior. A door selectively opens the body to expose the interior to the exterior. The door has an inside side and an outside side. A panel system has a panel on the inside side of the door. The panel system defines the interior trim system of the door. A linkage connects the panel to the door. The linkage operates to allow the panel to rotate and move relative to the door. The panel functions to move via the linkage from a retracted position in the door to an extended position away from the door. When in the retracted position, the panel operates to provide a uniform trim appearance to the inside of the door. When in the extended position, the panel operates as a platform for functional purposes. When in the extended position, a cavity is exposed in the door into which the panel can be retracted. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein the same numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of vehicles according to various embodiments, wherein a door with a reconfigurable vehicle door panel system is opened;

[0027] Figure 2 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle door, showing the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system in a retracted state;

[0028] Figure 3 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle door, in which the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system is in its first deployed state;

[0029] Figure 4 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle door, in which the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system is in a second unfolded state;

[0030] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle door, in which the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system is in a third unfolded state;

[0031] Figure 6 According to various embodiments Figure 1A schematic diagram of a vehicle door, in which the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system is in its fourth unfolded state;

[0032] Figure 7 According to various embodiments, including Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the linkages for a reconfigurable vehicle door panel system; and

[0033] Figure 8 It includes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the hinge retention lock on a vehicle door. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the foregoing introduction or the following detailed description.

[0035] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to an embodiment is shown. In some examples, vehicle 10 includes an automobile. Vehicle 10 may include a reconfigurable vehicle door panel system 12 that enables integrated, movable, and reconfigurable components to provide additional and alternative uses for the vehicle interior door trim panels, as further described below. In various embodiments, the reconfigurable vehicle door panel system 12 can be used in a variety of environments, such as environments with front-opening doors, rear-opening doors, or other configurations.

[0036] In various examples, vehicle 10 can be any of a variety of different types of automobiles, such as sedans, vans, trucks, or sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and in some examples it can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD) and / or various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms.

[0037] like Figure 1 As depicted, the exemplary vehicle 10 typically includes a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is supported by a chassis on the wheels 16, 18, and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The wheels 16, 18 are rotatably coupled to the vehicle 10 near corresponding angles of the body 14. The vehicle 10 may further include a propulsion system (not shown). The propulsion system may include an engine and / or a motor, such as an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel fuel engine), an electric motor (e.g., a three-phase AC motor), or a hybrid system including more than one type of engine and / or motor.

[0038] Vehicle 10 includes multiple doors, including doors 20 and 22. In this embodiment, doors 20 and 22 are hinged to the body 14 on their vertically positioned sides to swing outward when opened. In other embodiments, doors 20 and 22 may operate in different ways. Door 20 opens rearward toward the rear 24 of vehicle 10, and door 22 opens forward toward the front 26 of vehicle 10. When open, doors 20 and 22 each expose the interior 30 of vehicle 10 to the exterior 32 of vehicle 10. In this embodiment, doors 20 and 22 each have windows 34 and 36.

[0039] Door 20 has an inner side 40 and an outer side 42. The inner side 40 is defined by a panel system 46, which may include any number of panels or panel segments. In this embodiment, the panel system 46 includes a handle 48 for opening and closing door 20. The handle 48 may be considered part of the panel and / or panel system 46. The outer side 42 of door 20 is defined by an exterior styling surface designed for environmental exposure. Similarly, door 22 has an inner side 50 and an outer side 52. The inner side 50 is defined by a panel system 56, which may include any number of panels or panel segments. In this embodiment, the panel system 56 includes a handle 58 for opening and closing door 22. The handle 58 may be considered part of the panel and / or panel system 56. The outer side 52 is defined by an exterior styling surface designed for environmental exposure.

[0040] For the purposes of this disclosure and its claims, the term "panel" as used herein is not limited to a flat or substantially flat component, but rather to any component or segment thereof that forms part of the definition of the interior 30 of the vehicle 10. Thus, a panel can be contoured, curved, flat, or a combination thereof. A panel can have various features, can have one or more portions, and can be made of one or more materials. For example, a panel can be at least partially defining a portion of the interior of the vehicle 10 and can be reconfigured as part of the interior trim of seats, backrests, armrests, footrests, headrests and other seating features, tables, platforms, bases, steps, or other functional features.

[0041] In the current embodiment, the panel system 46 includes a reconfigurable panel 60 connected to the door 20 via a linkage system 62. In this embodiment, the linkage system 62 is a hinge 64 along the side 66 of the reconfigurable panel 60. The linkage system 62 allows the panel 60 to rotate about the side 66, such that the panel 60 is positioned substantially horizontally. This leaves a cavity 61 in the door 20 into which the panel 60 can be retracted. The linkage system allows the panel 60 to rotate at least ninety degrees, such as at least one hundred and eighty degrees. Thus, the panel 60 provides a work surface 68, which can be used for one or more purposes, such as a countertop, table, platform, or step. The work surface 68 can be made of a material such as a rigid / hard plastic (such as polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, metal, etc.), which provides a platform suitable for performing work or other activities thereon. For example, with the panel 60 in the unfolded position as shown, the work surface 68 can be used to place electronic devices, a writing tablet, or other functional devices thereon. Panel 60 has a surface 69 facing the interior 30 of vehicle 10 when panel 60 is not unfolded (folded). Surface 69 of panel 60 may be made of a material such as a flexible (non-rigid) interior trim material, such as fabric or leather (natural or synthetic). Panel 60 may comprise only a portion of the interior of door 20.

[0042] Also in the current embodiment, panel system 56 includes a reconfigurable panel 70 connected to door 22 via linkage system 72. Linkage system 72 has at least one link 74 coupled to door 22 and panel 70 such that panel 70 can be unfolded by rotating and moving downwards and / or outwards relative to door 22. This leaves a cavity 71 in door 22 into which panel 70 can be retracted. When unfolded, panel 70 presents a seat surface 76 made of a trim material such as fabric or leather, which can be padded for comfort. When panel 70 is retracted, seat surface 76 can face and expose the interior 30 of vehicle 10. Seat surface 76 can be unfolded to a height below the working surface 68, allowing an individual to sit on panel 70 while working on panel 60. Panel 70 may comprise only a portion of the interior of door 22. In embodiments, panels 60 and 70 can be unfolded in a reversible state, allowing the working surface or seat surface to be presented alternately.

[0043] refer to Figures 2-4 Continue to refer to Figure 1 , can be with Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments that are the same as or different from those in the embodiments are in Figure 2 The text shows the collapsed position. Figure 3 The first unfolded position is shown in the diagram. Figure 4 The second expanded position is shown in the middle. For example... Figure 2As shown, door 20 includes an interior side 80 having panels 82, 84, and 86 common in panel system 88. The interior side 80 presents a substantially continuous / uniform appearance, meaning there are no large / substantial protrusions into the interior 30 and no large / substantial gaps. Uniformity refers to a generally consistent appearance, similar to an interior trim panel system. Panel 82 includes a handle 89 for opening door 20.

[0044] The panel system 88 includes a linkage system 90. The linkage system 90 includes two links that enable the panel 86 to unfold into various reconfigurable states. For example... Figure 3 As shown, panel 86 is unfolded to a first unfolded position, presenting an upward-facing working surface 92. Figure 2 In its retracted position, the working surface 92 is concealed within the door 20. When unfolded, the linkage system 90 allows the panel 86 to rotate and move upward (and / or downward) relative to the door 20. Figure 4 As shown, panel 86 is unfolded to a second unfolded position, presenting an upward-facing seat surface 94. When in... Figure 2 When in the retracted position, the seat surface 94 faces inward 30. When unfolded, the linkage system 90 allows the panel 86 to rotate and move downward (and / or upward) relative to the door 20. The linkage system 90 includes at least two links 96 and 98, each of which is coupled to the door 20. Link 96 is coupled to the side 100 of the panel 86, and link 98 is coupled to the opposite side 102 of the panel 86. Thus, the panel system 88 enables multi-purpose reconfiguration of the panel 86, providing multiple functions, including as a work surface 92 and as a seat surface 94, collectively referred to as a platform or base.

[0045] Additional References Figure 5 and Figure 6 The panel system 88 allows panel 84 to unfold by popping out from door 20 and rotating at least 90 degrees. For example, a spring-loaded rotatable mechanism can attach panel 84 to door 20. Figure 5 As shown, panel 84 is retracted within door 20, presenting an inner side 80 that is in a substantially continuous / uniform state inside door 20. When in... Figure 6 When unfolded, with panel 86 presenting seat surface 94, panel 84 can be positioned above panel 86 and closer to door 20 relative to panel 86 to serve as a backrest for an individual sitting on panel 86. Panel 84 or panel 86 can be unfolded into a seat, backrest, armrest, footrest, headrest, or other features.

[0046] Additional References Figure 7The linkage system 90 includes a link 96 coupled to the door 20 and the panel 86. A track 110 is provided on the door 20, and a track 112 is provided on the panel 86. In various other embodiments, the link 96 may include multiple hinged sections to increase the operability of the panel 86. A slider 114 is connected to the link 96 and engages in the track 110. The slider 114 can move within the track 110 to various heights to unfold and position the panel 86. A slider 116 is connected to the link 96 and engages in the track 112. The slider 114 can move within the track 112 to unfold the panel 86 to various unfolded positions and allow the panel to flip / rotate to present an upward-facing work surface 92 or a seating surface 94. When used as a table, the linkage system 90 allows the panel 86 to slide toward and away from the door 20 for desired positioning as the slider 116 moves along the track 112. The panel 86 can be unfolded to various heights, such as for use while sitting or standing. Therefore, panel system 88 enables multi-purpose reconfiguration of panel 86, which provides multiple functions / platforms. In other embodiments, the platform / panel may provide additional functions. For example, panel 86 may be configured to support a housing, such as a side tent extending the interior space 30 into the living space adjacent to the vehicle.

[0047] Additional References Figure 8 Door 20 is connected to the body 14 of vehicle 10 via a hinge system 130 including at least one hinge 132. The hinge system 130 includes a hinge retaining feature 134, which includes a lock 136, to hold door 20 relative to vehicle 10 in various selected open positions. In the current embodiment, hinge retaining feature 134 is part of a drive system 137 including a motor 138 having a torque lever 140 connected to the door, driving door 20 to open and close. In various embodiments, torque lever 140 may be another form of torque transmission element, such as a gearbox, to transmit torque from motor 138 to rotate the door. Therefore, stopping motor 138 at a desired position of door 20 will activate hinge retaining feature 134 / lock 136 to lock door 20 in place for the platform / panel 86 to perform its intended function, while door 20 does not move. For example, panel 86 can be configured as a seat, table, step, such as for the entrance and exit of vehicle 10, and / or as a platform base for other purposes.

[0048] Therefore, a versatile and reconfigurable vehicle door panel system enables various panel deployments for useful purposes. The panel can be a platform for a wide range of purposes, providing additional and alternative uses for the vehicle interior door trim panel. The panel can be deployed when the door is open or closed. The system can reconfigure the door interior trim panel into a desk, table, seat, step, base, or other platform. Folding-link hinges, as well as sliding and rotating mechanisms, can be used to reconfigure the door interior trim panel for various uses. The system can be reconfigured to provide functionality to the user in parked exterior use cases such as tailgating, camping, or working. The door trim panel can have different materials on each side (i.e., a soft material for seating on one side and a hard material for a table / desk on the other). The system can have multiple components, one of which is reconfigured as a seat base, and other elements are reconfigured as backrests, armrests, footrests, headrests, and other seating features. When used as a table / desk component, the height can be further adjusted for a seated or standing table height, and / or the table surface can be extended / tilted. Vehicle door hinges can have locking features to stabilize the door for seating / dining / working. This system can be used for doors that open forward, backward, or otherwise.

[0049] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle having a main body defining an exterior and an interior, and comprising: a door selectively opened to expose the interior to the exterior, wherein the door has an inner side and an outer side; a panel system having a panel on the inner side of the door; and a linkage connecting the panel to the door, wherein the panel is configured to move from a stowed position in the door to a deployed position away from the door via the linkage, wherein when in the stowed position, the panel is configured to provide a uniform appearance for the inner side of the door, wherein when in the deployed position, the panel is configured to function for a purpose.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel comprises an interior trim surface of the door.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel has a first side and a second side, and wherein when in the deployed position, the panel is configured to alternately display the first side or the second side facing upward.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, comprising a link connecting the panel with the door, wherein, The linkage comprises a slider.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel is vertically movable when in the deployed position.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel is rotatable when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel has a first side covered with a trim material and a second side formed of a rigid material.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: the door is a first door and the vehicle comprises a second door, the panel is a first panel reconfigurable from an interior trim panel to present a work surface, and the second door comprises a second panel reconfigurable to a seat surface.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, comprising a lock configured to hold the door in a selected open position relative to the vehicle.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The panel when in the deployed position is configured as a base platform for multipurpose reconfigurable use.

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