SUPPORT FRAME FOR A SPARE WHEEL

Abstract

A vehicle includes an underbody and a support frame, which is supported by the underbody. The support frame is configured to support a spare wheel. The support frame has a first end that is pivotally connected to the underbody and a second end that is detachably connected to the underbody. A retaining strap extends from the support frame to the underbody. A retaining strap is attached to both the support frame and the underbody. A bolt is located between the support frame and the underbody. The bolt is detachably connected to the underbody.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The disclosure relates to a support frame for a spare wheel in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A spare tire is a tire carried on board a vehicle to replace one of the in-service wheels in the event that the in-service wheel is punctured or otherwise needs to be replaced. A spare tire typically includes a tire and a wheel to facilitate replacement. Some spare tires are the same type as the in-service wheels, and some spare tires are smaller than the in-service wheels and are sometimes called compact spares. SUMMARY

[0003] A vehicle includes an underbody and a support frame supported by the underbody. The support frame is configured to support a spare tire. The support frame includes a first end pivotally connected to the underbody and a second end removably connected to the underbody. A retaining strap extends from the support frame to the underbody. A retaining strap is attached to the support frame and the underbody. A bolt is located between the support frame and the underbody. The bolt is removably connected to the underbody.

[0004] The vehicle may include an actuator that operatively connects the bolt to the underbody to release the bolt from the underbody.

[0005] The bolt may include a first section and a second section. The first section may be located between the underbody and the second section. The actuator may be located between the first section and the second section.

[0006] The actuator may include a solenoid between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt. The solenoid may include a housing and a piston.

[0007] The bolt may be elongated along a first axis, and the plunger of the solenoid may be elongated along a second axis transverse to the first axis. The plunger may be releasably engaged with the first portion and the second portion along the second axis.

[0008] The bolt may be elongated along a first axis, the actuator may be located along the first axis between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt, and the actuator may be pyrotechnically activated.

[0009] The actuator can be activated pyrotechnically.

[0010] The vehicle may include a computer including a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor to detect certain vehicle impacts and, based on the detection of certain vehicle impacts, activate an actuator to release the bolt from the underbody.

[0011] The bolt may extend from the support frame to the subfloor.

[0012] The vehicle may include a spring between the bolt and the underbody. The spring may bias the bolt away from the underbody.

[0013] The bolt may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be located between the underbody and the second portion. The spring may be located between the second portion of the bolt and the underbody, biasing the second portion away from the underbody.

[0014] The support frame may include a pair of arms spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction of the vehicle and a cross member extending from one of the arms to the other of the arms at the second end of the support frame. The bolt may be directly connected to the cross member and the underbody.

[0015] The arms may be pivotally connected to the subfloor at the first end and the arms are spaced downwardly from the subfloor at the second end.

[0016] The support frame can be movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position. The second end can be movable away from the underbody when the support frame moves to the pivoted position.

[0017] The support frame may be movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position. The support frame may be in the stowed position when the bolt is not loosened, and the support frame may be in the pivoted position when the bolt is loosened.

[0018] The support frame may be movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position and the retaining strap may be configured to connect the support frame to the underbody in the pivoted position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an underside of a vehicle. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a support frame for a spare tire in a stowed position. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the spare wheel support frame in a pivoted position. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a first example of a bolt and an actuator for the support frame that are not released. Fig. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the first example of the bolt and actuator for the support frame being released. Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a second example of the bolt and actuator for the support frame that is not released. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of a second example of the bolt and actuator for the support frame being released. Fig. 6 is a vehicle communication network of the vehicle. Fig. 7 is a flow diagram of a method executable by a vehicle computer in the vehicle communications network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 includes an underbody 12 and a support frame 14 supported by the underbody 12. The support frame 14 is configured to support a spare tire 16. The support frame 14 includes a first end 18 pivotally connected to the underbody 12 and a second end 20 removably connected to the underbody 12. A tether 22 extends from the support frame 14 to the underbody 12. The tether 22 is secured to the support frame 14 and the underbody 12. A bolt 24 is disposed between the support frame 14 and the underbody 12. The bolt 24 is removably connected to the underbody 12.

[0020] The support frame 14 is in the stowed position when the bolt 24 is not released, and the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position when the bolt 24 is released. In the event of certain vehicle impacts, e.g., certain rear-vehicle impacts, the support frame 14 may move from the stowed position to the pivoted position. In particular, forces associated with certain vehicle impacts may move the support frame 14 from the stowed position to the pivoted position, as further described below. From the stowed position to the pivoted position, the second end 20 of the support frame 14 moves away from the underbody 12 and pivots the spare tire 16 away from the underbody 12. Movement of the support frame to the pivoted position repositions the spare tire 16 relative to a fuel tank 46 of the vehicle 10.Once the support frame 14 reaches the pivoted position, the retaining strap 22 holds the support frame 14 in the pivoted position so that the retaining strap 22 supports the weight of the support frame 14 and the spare wheel 16 in the pivoted position.

[0021] Two examples of the bolt 24 and an actuator 76 are shown in the figures, and common reference numerals are used to indicate common features in the examples. An example of the bolt 24 and the actuator 76 is shown in the Fig. 2-4B. In such an example, the actuator 76 is pyrotechnically activated. Another example of the bolt 24 and the actuator 76 is shown in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B. In such an example, the actuator 76 includes a solenoid coil 78.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 may be any suitable type of land vehicle, e.g., a passenger car or a commercial vehicle such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, an SUV, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. Operations, systems, and procedures described in this document should always be implemented in accordance with an applicable owner's manual and / or applicable safety guidelines.

[0023] The vehicle 10 defines a longitudinal vehicle axis L that extends between a front vehicle end (no reference numeral) and a rear vehicle end (no reference numeral) of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 defines a transverse vehicle axis A that extends transversely from one side of the vehicle 10 to the other side. A transverse vehicle direction C runs parallel to the transverse vehicle axis A. The vehicle 10 defines a vertical axis V. The longitudinal vehicle axis L, the transverse vehicle axis A, and the vertical axis V are perpendicular to one another.

[0024] The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle frame 26. The vehicle frame 26 may have a monocoque construction in which the frame is formed integrally with a vehicle body 28 (including frame rails, pillars, roof rails, etc.). As another example, the body and frame may have a ladder frame construction (also referred to as a cab-on construction) in which the body and frame are separate components, i.e., modular, and the body is supported on and fixed to the frame. Alternatively, the frame and body may have any suitable construction. The frame and body may be made of any suitable material, for example, steel, aluminum, and / or fiber-reinforced plastic, etc.

[0025] The vehicle 10 includes the underbody 12. The underbody 12 faces the road surface beneath the vehicle 10. The underbody 12 may, for example, include floor surfaces of the vehicle 10, such as those of components of the vehicle frame 26, the vehicle body 28, etc., including, for example, beams, panels, pans, etc. In the example illustrated in the figures, the underbody 12 includes a floor pan 30 and at least one cross member 32 extending in the vehicle transverse direction C.

[0026] The vehicle 10 includes a plurality of operating wheels 34, typically four operating wheels 34. The operating wheels 34 include inflatable rings mounted on operating wheels of the vehicle 10. The operating wheels 34 provide shock absorption and traction as the vehicle 10 moves along a roadway. Each operating wheel 34 and the respective operating wheel define a toroidal inflation chamber that may be filled with pressurized inflation medium, such as air. The operating wheels may be formed of synthetic or natural rubber or other elastomeric materials that provide sufficient elasticity, durability, and grip.The operating wheels may also include cords (not shown) extending through the elastomeric material and / or chemical compounds added to the elastomeric material.

[0027] The spare tire 16 may be supportable by the vehicle 10. The spare tire 16 is a replacement for one of the in-service wheels, e.g., when one of the tires is flat or otherwise inoperable. The spare tire 16 may be configured for limited use, e.g., having a lower speed rating, a smaller diameter, etc., than the in-service wheels. The spare tire 16 includes a tire portion 40 and a hub portion 42. The tire portion 40 and the hub portion 42 have the same construction as just described for the in-service wheel 34 and the in-service wheel. The spare tire 16 may be identical to the in-service wheel 34 and the in-service wheel, or it may be differently sized, e.g., a compact spare.

[0028] The spare tire 16 is located on an underside 36 of the vehicle 10. More specifically, the spare tire 16 is removably supported by the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10 through the support frame 14, as further described below. The spare tire 16 may be removed from the underside 36 of the vehicle 10 if an in-service wheel 34 becomes inoperable, i.e., the spare tire 16 is removed from the underbody 12 to change an in-service wheel 34. As illustrated in the figures, the spare tire 16 may be located directly between a bumper 44 of the vehicle 10 and one of a fuel tank 46 or an electric vehicle battery (not shown) of the vehicle 10.

[0029] The vehicle 10 includes the support frame 14, which is supported by the underbody 12. The support frame 14 is configured to support the spare tire 16 of the vehicle 10. In particular, the support frame 14 is configured to support the spare tire 16 of the vehicle 10 between the roadway below the vehicle 10 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. In other words, the support frame 14 allows the spare tire 16 to be stowed beneath the underbody 12. The support frame 14 is sized and shaped to support the spare tire 16 such that the spare tire 16 moves with the vehicle 10 during operation of the vehicle 10, and such that the spare tire 16 can be accessed from under the vehicle 10 to remove the spare tire 16 and change an in-service wheel 34 if the in-service wheel 34 becomes inoperable.The support frame 14 can hold the spare tire 16 under the underbody 12 such that the spare tire 16 continues to be supported by the underbody 12 as the vehicle 10 moves along the roadway.

[0030] The support frame 14 is pivotally supported by the underbody 12. In particular, the support frame 14 is pivotally connected to the underbody 12. The underbody 12 may include hinges 38 coupled to the support frame 14 such that the support frame 14 is pivotable relative to the underbody 12. The support frame 14 is movable between the stowed position and the pivoted position. The support frame 14 is in the stowed position during operation of the vehicle 10. In particular, the support frame 14 supports the spare tire 16 in the stowed position between the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10 and the roadway. In other words, the spare tire 16 is stowed between the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10 and the roadway during operation of the vehicle 10. The support frame 14 can be manually moved to the pivoted position to add or remove the spare wheel 16. In other situations, e.g.Upon detection of certain vehicle impacts, the support frame 14 can automatically move into the pivoted position upon detection of certain vehicle impacts, e.g., certain rear-end vehicle impacts. The support frame 14 is attached to the underbody 12 relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis L and the vehicle's transverse axis A. In other words, the support frame 14 is not movable relative to the underbody 12 along either the vehicle's longitudinal axis L or the vehicle's transverse axis A.

[0031] The support frame 14 includes the first end 18 to the second end 20. More specifically, the support frame 14 extends along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L from the first end 18 to the second end 20. The arms 48 are adjacent to, e.g., connected to, the underbody 12 at the first end 18, and the support frame 14 is spaced downwardly from the underbody 12 at the second end 20. In other words, the first end 18 is directly connected to the underbody 12 (i.e., there are no other components between the first end 18 and the underbody 12) and the second end 20 is indirectly connected to the underbody 12 through the first end 18 (i.e., to the first end 18, between the second end 20 and the underbody 12). The first end 18 and the second end 20 are spaced apart from each other along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L. In particular, the first end 18 is spaced forward of the second end 20 with respect to the vehicle.The first end 18 of the support frame 14 may be located between the second end 20 and the fuel tank 46 of the vehicle 10 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L. In other words, the first end 18 is located inboard of the vehicle from the second end 20 of the support frame 14 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L.

[0032] The first end 18 is pivotally connected to the underbody 12. In particular, the first end 18 can be coupled to the hinges 38 of the underbody 12 such that the first end 18 is pivotable relative to the underbody 12. The first end 18 pivots about the hinges 38 to move the support frame 14 into the pivoted position. The second end 20 is releasably connected to the underbody 12. In particular, the second end 20 is releasably connected to allow the support frame 14 to pivot from the stowed position to the pivoted position. In other words, the second end 20 is not detached when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position, and the second end 20 is detached when the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position. When the support frame 14 moves from the stowed position to the pivoted position, the second end 20 moves away from the underbody 12.The second end 20 can be manually released to move the support frame 14 to the pivoted position to add or remove the spare tire 16. The second end 20 can be automatically released, as further discussed below, in the event of certain vehicle impacts to move the support frame 14 to the pivoted position.

[0033] The support frame 14 includes a pair of arms 48 and a cross member 50 between the arms 48. The arms 48 are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction C. The arms 48 are connected to the underbody 12 at the first end 18. In particular, the arms 48 are pivotally connected to the underbody 12 at the first end 18 of the support frame 14. The arms 48 pivot relative to the underbody 12 from the stowed position to the pivoted position. In other words, the arms 48 may be coupled to the hinges 38 at the first end 18 to allow the arms 48 to pivot from the stowed position to the pivoted position.

[0034] The arms 48 each include an upper portion 52 and a lower portion 54. The arms 48 are pivotally connected to the underbody 12 at the upper portions 52. The upper portions 52 may be coupled to the hinges 38 to allow the support frame 14 to move from the stowed position to the pivoted position. The upper portions 52 may each extend downward from the underbody 12 toward the roadway. The upper portions 52 of the arms 48 extend downward from the hinges 38 of the underbody 12 to the lower portions 54 of the arms 48. In particular, the upper portions 52 each extend at least partially downward along the vertical axis V of the vehicle 10 when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. In other words, the upper portions 52 may be generally vertical when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position.The term "generally" means that the upper portions 52 may deviate from the vertical in the stowed position due to the design or tolerances of the arms 48. The upper portions 52 of the arms 48 are elongated along an upright direction when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. When the support frame 14 moves to the pivoted position, the upper portions 52 pivot relative to the underbody 12. In other words, the upper portions 52 of the support frame 14 are angled relative to the underbody 12 in the pivoted position. In particular, the upper portions 52 may be elongated in the pivoted position transverse to the vertical axis V in the pivoted position.

[0035] The upper portions 52 are located in front of the spare tire 16 with respect to the vehicle when the spare tire 16 is supported by the support frame 14. The upper portions 52 may be located between the spare tire 16 and the fuel tank 46 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L. In other words, the fuel tank 46 is located in front of the upper portions 52 of the arms 48 with respect to the vehicle.

[0036] The lower portions 54 of the arms 48 may be elongated along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L. The lower portions 54 of the arms 48 are elongated from the upper portions 52 to the distal ends 56, which are spaced from the upper portions 52 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis L. In particular, the distal ends 56 are located at the second end 20 of the support frame 14. In the stowed position, the lower portions 54 are spaced downwardly from the underbody 12 by the upper portions 52 of the arms 48. When the support frame 14 moves to the pivoted position, the lower portions 54 move away from the underbody 12. In particular, the second end 20, i.e., the distal ends 56 of the lower portions 54, move downwardly away from the underbody 12 toward the roadway below the vehicle 10.

[0037] The spare tire 16 can rest on the lower portions 54 of the arms 48 when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. The spare tire 16 is located between the lower portions 54 of the arms and the underbody 12 along the vertical axis V of the vehicle 10 when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position.

[0038] The cross member 50 is connected to the support frame 14 at the second end 20 of the support frame 14. More specifically, the cross member 50 extends from one arm 48 to the other of the arms 48 at the second end 20 of the support frame 14. The cross member 50 may be located between the lower portions 54 of the arms 48 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. The cross member 50 may be located between the lower portions 54 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. The spare tire 16 is located between the cross member 50 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. The spare tire 16 may rest on the cross member 50 between the cross member 50 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is in operation.

[0039] The bolt 24 is located between the support frame 14 and the underbody 12. In particular, the bolt 24 is located between the cross member 50 of the support frame 14 and the underbody 12. The bolt 24 extends from the support frame 14 to the underbody 12. In particular, the bolt 24 extends from the cross member 50 of the support frame 14 to the underbody 12. The bolt 24 is configured to hold the support frame 14 in the stowed position. The bolt 24 extends through the cross member 50, e.g., through a hole 58 defined by the cross member 50, and the spare tire 16 to engage the underbody 12 to hold the support frame 14 in the stowed position. For example, the spare tire 16 may include a center 60 of the spare tire 16 and the bolt 24 may extend through the hole 58 in the cross member 50 and the center 60 of the spare tire 16 to the underbody 12.

[0040] The bolt 24 includes a first portion 102 and a second portion 104. The bolt 24 is elongated along a first axis B, which may extend along the vertical axis V. More specifically, the bolt 24 may include an upper end 98 and a lower end 100, and the bolt 24 may be elongated from the upper end 98 to the lower end 100 along the first axis B. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the first portion 102 includes the upper end 98 and the second portion 104 includes the lower end 100. The first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are elongated along the first axis B. The first section 102 is located between the subfloor 12 and the second section 104. In particular, the first section 102 is located between the subfloor 12 and the second section 104 along the first axis B. The second section 104 is located between the support frame 14 and the first section 102.In particular, the second portion 104 is located between the cross member 50 of the support frame 14 and the first portion 102 of the bolt 24.

[0041] Two examples of the bolt 24 are shown in the figures. In the two examples shown in the figures, the bolt 24 is directly connected to the cross member 50 and the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. The first section 102 is directly connected to the underbody 12 and the second section 104 is directly connected to the cross member 50 of the support frame 14. When the bolt 24 is connected to the cross member 50 and the underbody 12, the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. Fig. 2-4B, the bolt 24 may be threaded to connect the first portion 102 of the bolt 24 to the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10. The upper end 98 of the first portion 102 may be threaded. The underbody 12 may include a threaded weld nut 62 into which the upper end 98 may be threaded. A handle 64 may be attached to the lower end 100 of the second portion 104. To manually add the spare tire 16 to the vehicle 10 or manually remove the spare tire 16 from the vehicle 10, the bolt 24 may be passed through the hole 58 in the cross member 50 and the center 60 of the spare tire 16 and rotated by an operator who rotates the handle 64 to connect the bolt 24 to the underbody 12 and the spare tire 16 to the underbody 12. In the example shown in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the bolt 24 may be attached to the underbody 12. In such an example, the bolt 24 may be welded or otherwise secured to the underbody 12. The lower end 100 of the second portion 104 may be threaded. A handle 64 may be mounted over the lower end 100, and a nut 66 may be tightened around the second portion 104. To manually add the spare tire 16 to the vehicle 10 or manually remove the spare tire 16 from the vehicle 10, the center 60 of the spare tire 16 may be mounted over the bolt 24, and an operator may tighten the nut 66 and handle 64 to hold the support frame 14 and the spare tire 16 to the underbody 12.

[0042] In the event of certain vehicle impacts, e.g., certain rear-end vehicle impacts, the pin 24 may disengage from the underbody 12, allowing the support frame 14 to move to the pivoted position. The support frame 14 is in the stowed position when the pin 24 is not disengaged, and the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position when the pin 24 is disengaged. In the pivoted position, the second end 20 of the support frame 14 moves away from the underbody 12, pivoting the spare tire 16 away from the underbody 12. The pivoted position of the support frame 14 and the spare tire 16 allows the support frame 14 and tire to absorb energy from the particular vehicle impact.

[0043] The bolt 24 is releasably connected to the underbody 12. Specifically, the first portion 102 is releasably connected to the second portion 104 to release the bolt 24 from the underbody 12. In other words, the first portion 102 detaches from the second portion 104 to allow the support frame 14 to move into the pivoted position. When the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are not detachable, the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. When the first portion 102 is detachable from the second portion 104, the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position.

[0044] The vehicle 10 includes a spring 68 between the bolt 24 and the underbody 12. Specifically, the spring 68 is located between the second portion 104 of the bolt 24 and the underbody 12. In the examples illustrated in the figures, an upper end 72 of the spring 68 is attached to the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10, and the bolt 24 includes a ring 70 attached to the bolt 24 that contacts a lower end 74 of the spring 68. The ring 70 is attached to the second portion 104 of the bolt 24. In other words, the ring 70 may be attached at a position along the first axis B that is spaced downwardly from the underbody 12 and the first portion 102 of the bolt 24. Specifically, the spring 68 is located between the ring 70 and the underbody 12.

[0045] The spring 68 biases the bolt 24 away from the underbody 12. More specifically, the spring 68 biases the second portion 104 of the bolt 24 along the first axis B away from the underbody 12. In other words, the spring 68 can be compressed along the first axis B during operation of the vehicle 10. When the bolt 24 is released and the support frame 14 moves toward the pivoted position, the spring 68 extends along the first axis B and exerts a force on the bolt 24 to bias the support frame 14 away from the underbody 12 in addition to the force of gravity acting on the support frame 14. In other words, as the spring 68 extends, the spring 68 biases the second portion 104 of the bolt 24 away from the underbody 12 such that the support frame 14 moves toward the pivoted position.

[0046] The vehicle 10 includes the retaining strap 22 extending from the support frame 14 to the underbody 12. In the example illustrated in the figures, the vehicle 10 includes two retaining straps 22 extending from the support frame 14 to the underbody 12. In particular, the retaining strap 22 extends from the underbody, e.g., the cross member 32, to the cross member 50 of the support frame 14. The spare tire 16 is located between the two retaining straps 22 along the vehicle transverse direction C. The retaining straps 22 are configured to connect the support frame 14 to the underbody 12 in the pivoted position. In particular, the retaining straps 22 are configured to connect the second end 20 of the support frame 14 to the underbody 12 when the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position.When the support frame 14 is in the pivoted position, the retaining straps 22 can support the weight of the spare tire 16 and the second end 20 of the support frame 14. In other words, the retaining straps 22 prevent the support frame 14 from moving beyond the pivoted position. The retaining straps 22 are attached to the support frame 14 and the underbody 12. In particular, the retaining straps 22 can be attached in any suitable manner such that the spare tire 16 can be manually added to or removed from the vehicle 10. In the examples illustrated in the figures, the retaining straps 22 are attached by bolts 106 that extend through the retaining straps 22 and the cross member 50.

[0047] The retaining straps 22 may be made of any suitable material to support the weight of the support frame 14 and the spare tire 16, and may be flexible around the spare tire 16 when the spare tire 16 has been installed on the support frame 14. For example, the retaining strap 22 may be made of a fabric. In such an example, the fabric may be of any suitable type, including nylon, polyester, carbon fiber, composite material, etc. In other examples, the retaining strap 22 may be braided, e.g., braided wires or fibers, or a chain. In such examples, the retaining strap 22 may be made of metal.

[0048] In the examples illustrated in the figures, the vehicle 10 includes an actuator 76 that operatively connects the bolt 24 to the underbody 12 to release the bolt 24 from the underbody 12. The actuator 76 is located between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 along the first axis B of the bolt 24 and releases the bolt 24 to allow the support frame 14 to move to the pivoted position. In other words, the actuator 76 allows the bolt 24 to release and the support frame 14 to move to the pivoted position. Specifically, the actuator 76 releases the first portion 102 from the second portion 104 to move the support frame 14 to the pivoted position. As described further below, two examples of actuators 76 are illustrated in the figures.When the actuator 76 is activated, the second portion 104 of the bolt 24 can remain fixed relative to the underbody 12 of the vehicle 10, and the first portion 102 moves downwardly away from the underbody 12 as the support frame 14 moves to the pivoted position. When the support frame 14 moves to the pivoted position and after the actuator 76 is activated, the spring 68 extends and exerts a force on the second portion 104 to move the second portion 104 away from the underbody 12. In the pivoted position, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 are separated from each other, and the tether 22 supports the weight of the spare tire 16 and the support frame 14.

[0049] In the Fig. 2-4A, the actuator 76 is pyrotechnic activated. In such an example, the actuator 76 includes a pyrotechnic charge that activates the actuator 76 to detach the first portion 102 from the second portion 104. The pyrotechnic charge may be located between the first portion 102 of the bolt 24 and the second portion 104 of the bolt 24 along the first axis B. When the actuator 76 is activated, the pyrotechnic charge may physically separate the first portion 102 from the second portion 104 to detach the support frame 14 from the underbody 12. The pyrotechnic charge may be combustible to generate a gas. The pyrotechnic charge may be formed from a solid mixture of materials that reacts when ignited to generate the gas. For example, the pyrotechnic charge can be formed from sodium azide (NaNO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), which react to form nitrogen gas (N2).

[0050] In the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the actuator 76 includes a solenoid 78 between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 of the bolt 24. The solenoid 78 is engageable with the bolt 24 to maintain the connection between the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. In particular, the solenoid 78 may be engageable with the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 of the bolt 24. In the example shown in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the first portion 102 includes a flange 80 and the second portion 104 includes a flange 82. When the solenoid 78 is engaged with the first portion 102 and the second portion 104, the flanges 80, 82 overlap each other along the first axis B. The solenoid 78 includes a housing 84 fixed relative to the subfloor 12 and a piston 86 movable relative to the housing 84. The solenoid 78 is supported by the subfloor 12. More specifically, the solenoid 78 is fixed relative to the subfloor 12. A bracket 88 fixed to the subfloor 12 may extend downward from the subfloor 12 to the housing 84 of the solenoid 78 to fix the solenoid 78 relative to the subfloor 12.

[0051] The solenoid 78 is elongated along a second axis D that is transverse to the first axis B. For example, the second axis D may be perpendicular to the first axis B. In other words, the solenoid 78 may be elongated in a direction that is transverse to the bolt 24, e.g., the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. The housing 84 of the solenoid 78 and the piston 86 of the solenoid 78 are elongated along the second axis D. The piston 86 moves relative to the housing 84 along the second axis D.

[0052] The piston 86 of the solenoid 78 is engageable with the bolt 24. Specifically, the piston 86 of the solenoid 78 is releasably engageable with the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. The piston 86 is releasably engaged with the flange 80 of the first portion 102 and the flange 82 of the second portion 104 when the support frame 14 is in the stowed position. The flanges 80, 82 can each define a hole 90 aligned with the piston 86 of the solenoid 78, and the piston 86 is receivable through the holes 90 of the flanges 80, 82 to engage the first portion 102 and the second portion 104. During operation of the vehicle 10, the solenoid 78 remains engaged with the holes 90. In the event of certain vehicle impacts, the solenoid 78 is activated and the piston 86 is retracted from the holes 90.In such a case, the piston 86 decouples from the pin 24 and the second portion 104 is released from the first portion 102 so that the support frame 14 can move into the pivoted position.

[0053] With further reference to Fig. 6, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle computer 92 including a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the vehicle computer 92 for performing various operations, including those disclosed herein. The vehicle computer 92 may be a restraint control module or a body control module. The vehicle computer 92 may be a generic computer having the processor and memory as described above and / or may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or a controller for a specific function or set of functions and / or a dedicated electronic circuit including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) manufactured for a particular operation, e.g.,an ASIC for processing sensor data and / or communicating the sensor data. In another example, the vehicle computer 92 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), which is an integrated circuit manufactured to be user-configurable. Typically, a hardware description language such as VHDL (Very High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) is used in electronic design automation to describe digital and mixed-signal systems, such as FPGAs and ASICs. For example, an ASIC is manufactured based on VHDL programming that is provided prior to manufacturing, whereas logical components inside an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming, for example,stored in a memory electrically connected to the FPGA circuit. In some examples, a combination of processor(s), ASIC(s), and / or FPGA circuits may be included in the vehicle computer 92.

[0054] The vehicle computer 92 is generally arranged for communication within a vehicle communication network 94, which may include a bus within the vehicle 10, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or the like, and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms. Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the vehicle computer 92 actually includes a plurality of devices, the vehicle communication network 94 may be used for communication between devices, which are referred to in this disclosure as the vehicle computer 92. Further, as noted below, various controllers and / or sensors may provide data to the vehicle computer 92 via the vehicle communication network 94.

[0055] The vehicle 10 may include at least one impact sensor 96 for detecting specific vehicle impacts (e.g., impacts of a specific size, direction, etc.) and the vehicle computer 92 in communication with the impact sensor 96 and the inflator. The vehicle computer 92 may activate the inflator, e.g., provide a pulse to a pyrotechnic charge of the inflator, when the impact sensor 96 detects specific vehicle impacts. The impact sensor 96 may be configured to detect specific vehicle impacts prior to an impact, i.e., for pre-impact detection. The impact sensor 96 may be in communication with the vehicle computer 92. The impact sensor 96 is configured to detect specific vehicle impacts. In other words, a "specific vehicle impact" is an impact of the type and / or size for which the actuator 76 is activated to move the support frame 14 to the pivoted position, i.e.,, "certain" indicates the type and / or magnitude of the impact. The type and / or magnitude of such "certain vehicle impacts" may be pre-stored in the vehicle computer 92, e.g., a restraint control module and / or a body control module. The impact sensor 96 may be of any suitable type, for example, post-collision sensors such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-impact sensors such as radar, LIDAR, and image acquisition systems. The image acquisition systems may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The impact sensor 96 may be located at numerous points in or on the vehicle 10.

[0056] With reference to Fig.7, the vehicle computer 92 stores instructions for controlling components of the vehicle 10 according to method 700. In particular, the method 700 includes releasing the bolt 24 in the event of certain vehicle impacts. The use of "in response to," "based on," and "upon determining," including with respect to the method 700, throughout this document indicates a causal relationship, not just a purely temporal one.

[0057] Referring to decision block 705, method 700 includes detecting specific vehicle impacts. Specifically, method 700 includes detecting specific rear vehicle impacts. Impact sensors 96 may send a signal to vehicle computer 92 indicating whether specific rear vehicle impacts are detected. If specific rear vehicle impacts are detected, method 700 proceeds to decision block 710. If no specific rear vehicle impact is detected, method 700 returns to the start.

[0058] Referring to block 710, based on the detection of certain vehicle impacts, method 700 includes activating actuator 76 to release bolt 24 from underbody 12. Vehicle computer 92 may send a signal to actuator 76 to release first portion 102 of bolt 24 from second portion 104 of bolt 24 such that support frame 14 moves to the pivoted position. After actuator 76 is activated, method 700 ends.

[0059] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. The numerical adverbials "first" and "second" are used herein merely as identifiers and do not indicate order or importance. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0060] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: an underbody; a support frame supported by the underbody, the support frame configured to support a spare tire; the support frame including a first end pivotally connected to the underbody and a second end removably connected to the underbody; a tether extending from the support frame to the underbody, the tether being secured to the support frame and the underbody; and a bolt between the support frame and the underbody; the bolt being removably connected to the underbody.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an actuator that operatively connects the bolt to the underbody in order to release the bolt from the underbody.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the bolt includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is located between the underbody and the second portion and the actuator is located between the first portion and the second portion.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the actuator includes a solenoid between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt, the solenoid including a housing and a piston.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the bolt is elongated along a first axis and the piston of the solenoid is elongated along a second axis transverse to the first axis, the piston being in releasable engagement with the first portion and the second portion along the second axis.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the bolt is elongated along a first axis, the actuator is located between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt along the first axis, and the actuator is pyrotechnically activated.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the actuator is activated pyrotechnically.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to: detect certain vehicle impacts; and based on the detection of certain vehicle impacts, activating an actuator to release the bolt from the lower body.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the bolt extends from the support frame to the underbody.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a spring between the bolt and the underbody, wherein the spring biases the bolt away from the underbody.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the bolt includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located between the underbody and the second portion, the spring being located between the second portion of the bolt and the underbody and biasing the second portion away from the underbody.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the support frame includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction and a cross member extending from one of the arms to the other of the arms at the second end of the support frame, wherein the bolt is directly connected to the cross member and the underbody.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the arms at the first end are pivotally connected to the subfloor and the arms at the second end are spaced downwardly from the subfloor.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the support frame is movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position, wherein the second end is movable away from the underbody when the support frame moves to the pivoted position.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the support frame is movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position, wherein the support frame is in the stowed position when the bolt is not released and the support frame is in the pivoted position when the bolt is released.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the support frame is movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position and the retaining strap is designed to connect the support frame to the underbody in the pivoted position.

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a subfloor; a support frame supported by the underbody, the support frame configured to support a spare tire; wherein the support frame includes a first end pivotally connected to the subfloor and a second end detachably connected to the subfloor; a retaining strap extending from the support frame to the subfloor, the retaining strap being attached to the support frame and the subfloor; and a bolt between the support frame and the underbody; The bolt is detachably connected to the underbody. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an actuator operatively connecting the bolt to the underbody to release the bolt from the underbody. [3] The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the bolt includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located between the underbody and the second portion, and the actuator being located between the first portion and the second portion. [4] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the actuator includes a solenoid between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt, the solenoid including a housing and a piston. [5] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the bolt is elongated along a first axis and the piston of the solenoid is elongated along a second axis transverse to the first axis, the piston being releasably engaged with the first portion and the second portion along the second axis. [6] The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the bolt is elongated along a first axis, the actuator is located between the first portion of the bolt and the second portion of the bolt along the first axis, and the actuator is pyrotechnically activated. [7] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the actuator is pyrotechnically activated. [8] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a computer including a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to: Detecting certain vehicle impacts; and Based on the detection of certain vehicle impacts, activating an actuator to release the bolt from the underbody. [9] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the support frame includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other in the vehicle transverse direction and a cross member extending from one of the arms to the other of the arms at the second end of the support frame, the bolt being directly connected to the cross member and the underbody. [10] A vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the arms are pivotally connected to the underbody at the first end and the arms are spaced downwardly from the underbody at the second end. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the support frame is movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position, the second end being movable away from the underbody as the support frame moves to the pivoted position. [12] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the support frame is movable from a stowed position to a pivoted position, the support frame being in the stowed position when the bolt is not released, and the support frame being in the pivoted position when the bolt is released. [13] A vehicle according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the bolt extends from the support frame to the underbody. [14] A vehicle according to any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a spring between the bolt and the underbody, the spring biasing the bolt away from the underbody. [15] The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the bolt includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being located between the underbody and the second portion, the spring being located between the second portion of the bolt and the underbody and biasing the second portion away from the underbody.

Images