FORMING CONFIGURATION FOR A SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

A spare tire carrier assembly may include a metal frame comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the metal frame including a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame. A spare tire carrier assembly may also include a forming comprising a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the frame forming the bore.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to a forming configuration for a spare tire carrier assembly of a motor vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Wheel assemblies for motor vehicles include wheels and tires. Motor vehicles are known to include spare wheel assemblies. Spare wheel assemblies are often colloquially referred to as spare tires. Spare wheel assemblies are known to be carried inside a motor vehicle, such as in a trunk or cargo area. Alternatively or additionally, spare wheel assemblies may be mounted on an external part of the motor vehicle, such as being stored relative to a side, rear, or underside of the motor vehicle via a spare tire carrier assembly. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a spare tire carrier assembly comprising: a metal frame comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the metal frame comprising a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame; and a forming comprising a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the frame forming the bore.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly where the diameter of the bore is not constant along a length of the bore.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly wherein: the bore includes a first opening adjacent to the first side of the metal frame and a second opening adjacent to the second side of the metal frame, the bore has a first diameter adjacent to the first opening and a second diameter adjacent to the second opening, and the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly in which the second section of the forming process protrudes into the bore and extends along the entire length of the bore from the first opening to the second opening.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, with the second section not extending to the second side of the frame.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein, if the assembly is mounted on a body panel of a motor vehicle, the second opening is closer to the body panel than the first opening.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly wherein: the bore includes a first subsection extending along a first segment of the bore's length from the first opening to an intermediate point, and the bore has the first diameter along an entirety of the first subsection. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly wherein the bore is substantially cylindrical over an entirety of the first subsection. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly wherein: the bore includes a second subsection extending along a second segment of the bore's length from the intermediate point to the second opening, and the bore has a diameter larger than the first diameter over an entirety of the second subsection.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly in which: the bore has the second diameter adjacent to the second opening, and the diameter of the bore between the intermediate point and the second opening gradually transitions from the first diameter to the second diameter.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the bore within the second subsection is essentially frustoconical.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly which further includes a threaded bolt that protrudes from the second side of the frame through the bore and extends beyond the first side of the frame.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly wherein: the hole is one of a plurality of holes in the frame, the forming involves a plurality of second sections, and each of the second sections is formed over at least one section of the frame, which forms one of the plurality of holes.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, wherein the first section of the forming process is formed over essentially an entirety of the first side of the metal frame.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle comprising: a body panel; and a spare tire carrier assembly mounted to the body panel, the spare tire carrier assembly comprising: a metal frame comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the metal frame comprising a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame; and an overform comprising a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the bore.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein the body sheet metal is configured to open and close relative to a rear opening of the motor vehicle.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, where the body panel is a sheet of metal from a swing door.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein: the bore includes a first opening adjacent to the first side of the metal frame and a second opening adjacent to the second side of the metal frame, the bore has a first diameter adjacent to the first opening and a second diameter adjacent to the second opening, and the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, wherein the second section of the forming process protrudes into the bore and extends along the entire length of the bore from the first opening to the second opening.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a process that includes: forming a metal frame of a spare tire carrier assembly, wherein the metal frame comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the metal frame further comprises a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame, and wherein the forming comprises a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the metal frame forming the bore. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective rear view of a section of a motor vehicle with a spare tire carrier assembly. Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, wherein a wheel assembly is mounted on the spare tire carrier assembly. Fig. Figure 3 is a split perspective view of an exemplary spare tire carrier assembly. Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of the assembled exemplary spare tire carrier assembly. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the spare tire carrier assembly and illustrates in particular an exemplary bolt mounting arrangement. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the spare tire carrier assembly and illustrates in particular a configuration of an exemplary bore of a frame of the spare tire carrier assembly with removed deformation. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, where the over-shaping is present. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] This disclosure relates to a forming configuration for a spare tire carrier assembly of a motor vehicle. Among other advantages, the disclosed arrangement prevents the separation of a forming element from a metal frame.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a section of a motor vehicle 10 (“Vehicle 10”) from a rear perspective. Fig. 1. Vehicle 10 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Although an SUV is shown, this disclosure extends to other vehicle types, including trucks, sedans, vans, etc.

[0023] Vehicle 10 includes a spare tire carrier assembly 12 (“assembly 12”). The assembly 12 is mounted on a sheet metal panel 14 of the body of vehicle 10. In this example, the sheet metal panel 14 provides a rear panel of vehicle 10 and, in particular, provides a rear panel for a swing door 16 of vehicle 10. The swing door 16 is configured to open and close selectively by rotating or swinging relative to an opening in the rear of vehicle 10 via hinge assemblies 18 mounted adjacent to one side of the swing door 16. Even if in Fig. Although a swing door 16 is shown, this disclosure extends to spare tire carrier assemblies that are not mounted on a swing door and are instead mounted on another part of the vehicle. Furthermore, even though a spare tire carrier assembly is shown and described, this disclosure could be applied to other vehicle assemblies.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a wheel assembly 20 mounted on the assembly 12. The wheel assembly 20 includes a tire 22 and a hub 24 with bolt holes 26. Here, the hub 24 includes six bolt holes 26. This disclosure extends to wheel assemblies with a different number of bolt holes 26.

[0025] Assembly 12 includes a large number of threaded bolts 30 ( Fig. 3), which is configured to protrude through the bolt holes 26. The threaded bolts 30 are configured to form an interface with nuts 32 to hold the wheel assembly 20 in place relative to the assembly 12 and, in turn, the vehicle 10. A user can selectively remove the nuts 32 from the threaded bolts 30 to remove the wheel assembly 20 from the assembly 12. Although there are three threaded bolts 30 and three nuts 32 engaging with these threaded bolts 30, this disclosure extends to other quantities of threaded bolts 30 and nuts 32.

[0026] Fig. Figure 3 is a stretched perspective view of assembly 12. Fig. Figure 4 is a view of the assembled assembly 12. With common reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 includes assembly 12 a frame 34, a forming 36, a bolt holder 38 and a light holder 40.

[0027] In this example, the frame 34 is made of a metal material and can be referred to as a metal frame. The frame 34 can be formed, for example, by stamping. In one specific example, the frame 34 is made entirely from a single, one-piece piece of metal. In yet another example, the frame 34 is made of magnesium. The frame comprises a first side 42, which faces away from the sheet 14, and a second side 44, which faces the sheet 14.

[0028] The frame 34 further includes a sheet metal mounting section 46, configured to facilitate the attachment of the frame 34 to the sheet metal 14, and a wheel mounting section 48, which is spaced from the sheet metal mounting section 46 by a plurality of legs 50. The sheet metal mounting section 46 includes a plurality of subsections at the ends of the plurality of legs 50, configured to facilitate attachment to the sheet metal 14. In one example, the sheet metal mounting section 46 includes openings configured to receive fasteners. The wheel mounting section 48 includes a wall 52. When mounted on the vehicle 10, the wall 52 is substantially perpendicular to a centerline C of the vehicle 10 and perpendicular to a floor surface G adjacent to the vehicle 10. The wall 52 includes three holes 54 configured to allow the threaded studs 30 to protrude through them.In this example, a camera mount 56 projects from the wall 52 to the rear. In one example, the camera mount 56 holds a rear-view camera. The camera mount 56 is not present in all examples.

[0029] Frame 34 is configured to mount the light holder 40 adjacent to a top surface of frame 34. The light holder 40 projects vertically upward from frame 34 and mounts a visibility light 58 of the vehicle 10 above a top surface of the wheel assembly 20 when the wheel assembly 20 is supported by assembly 12. The visibility light 58 can be a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) of the vehicle 10.

[0030] The bolt holder 38 includes a ring 60, which can be made of a metal material, and three threaded bolts 30 protruding from it. The ring 60 can be, for example, fastened by a fastening element 61 ( Fig. 4) be attached to the frame 34. The ring 60 can also be supported relative to the sheet 14 by a bracket 62 projecting from the ring 60. The bolt holder 38 supports the threaded bolts 30 such that the threaded bolts 30 project through the bores 54 and are able to form an interface with the nuts 32 when a wheel assembly 20 is arranged relative to the assembly 12, as generally described in Fig. 5 is shown.

[0031] The overforming 36 is formed by material that is formed over the frame 34. In this respect, the overforming 36 can be considered part of the frame 34. For descriptive purposes, in this disclosure, the overforming 36 refers to the portion of the frame 34 that was formed by being formed over the metal material of the frame 34. In one example, the overforming 36 is a thermoplastic material. In a specific example, the overforming is made of a nylon material.

[0032] In this example, the forming 36 includes a first section 64 formed over at least one section of the first side 42 of the frame 34. In a specific example, the first section 64 of the forming 36 substantially covers the entire first side 42, including the first side 42 of the sheet metal mounting section 46, the wheel mounting section 48, the legs 50, and the camera mount 56 (if present). The forming 36 also includes at least one second section 66 formed over at least one section of the frame 34 that forms the bores 54. The second section 66 extends at least partially into the bore 54. In this example, there are three second sections 66.

[0033] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration of one of the bores 54 without the overforming 36. While only one bore 54 is shown, the other bores 54 are arranged similarly. The bore 54 includes a length L1 between a first opening 67, adjacent to the first side 42 of the frame 34, and a second opening 68, adjacent to the second side 44 of the frame 34. The length L1 is equal to one thickness of the frame 34, making the bore 54 a through-hole extending through an entirety of the frame 34's thickness and connecting the first and second sides 42, 44. The diameter of the bore 54 is not constant along the length L1. Rather, in this example, the bore 54 has a first diameter D1 adjacent to the first opening 67 and a second diameter D2 adjacent to the second opening 68. The second diameter D2 is larger than the first diameter D1.

[0034] The bore 54 includes a first subsection 70 extending along a first section L2 of length L1 from the first opening 67 to an intermediate point 72, which is a point between the first and second openings 67, 68. In this example, the bore 54 has the first diameter D1 along an entirety of the first subsection 70. Furthermore, in this example, the bore 54 is substantially cylindrical over the entirety of the first subsection 70.

[0035] The bore 54 further comprises a second subsection 74, which extends along a second section L3 of length L1 from the intermediate point 72 to the second opening 68. In this example, the bore 54 has a diameter that is larger than the first diameter D1 over the entirety of the second subsection 74. In particular, the diameter of the bore 54 gradually transitions and, in particular, gradually increases from the intermediate point 72 towards the second opening 68, such that the bore 54 gradually widens from the first diameter D1 to the second diameter D2. In this way, the bore 54 is essentially frustoconical within the second subsection 74.

[0036] Fig.Figure 7 illustrates the overforming 36 relative to the bore 54. In particular, a second section 66 of the overforming 36 projects into the bore 54 and is formed over at least one section of the frame 34 that forms the bore 54. In this example, the second section 66 projects into the bore 54 and extends along the entire length of the bore 54 from the first opening 67 to the second opening 68. In this example, the second section 66 does not extend to the second side 44 of the frame 34.

[0037] Due to the arrangement of the bore 54 and the corresponding arrangement of the overforming 36, and in particular because the overforming 36 is present on the section of the bore 54 that provides the second subsection 74, a detachment of the overforming 36 from the frame 34 is prevented.

[0038] It is understood that directional terms such as "lower", "upper", "forward", "backward", "upward", "downward", etc., are used for explanatory purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. Furthermore, it is understood that expressions such as "approximately", "essentially", and "in general" are not intended as unlimited expressions and should be interpreted in accordance with how a person skilled in the art would interpret them. It is understood that certain aspects of the disclosure are enlarged in the figures for illustrative purposes only.

[0039] Although the different examples feature the specific components shown in the illustrations, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to these specific combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from one of the examples in combination with features or components from another of the examples.

[0040] It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above are exemplary and not limiting. That is to say, modifications to this disclosure would fall within the scope of the patent claims. Accordingly, the following patent claims should be read carefully to determine their actual scope and content.

[0041] According to the present invention, a motor vehicle is provided comprising: a body panel; and a spare tire carrier assembly mounted on the body panel, the spare tire carrier assembly comprising: a metal frame comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the metal frame comprising a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame; and a forming comprising a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the bore.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the body panel is configured to open and close relative to a rear opening of the motor vehicle.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the body panel is a sheet metal part of a swing door.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the bore includes a first opening adjacent to the first side of the metal frame and a second opening adjacent to the second side of the metal frame, the bore has a first diameter adjacent to the first opening and a second diameter adjacent to the second opening, and the second diameter is larger than the first diameter.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the second section of the forming process extends into the bore and along the entire length of the bore from the first opening to the second opening.

[0046] According to the present invention, a method comprises the following: forming a metal frame of a spare tire carrier assembly, wherein the metal frame comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the metal frame further comprises a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame, and wherein the forming comprises a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the metal frame forming the bore.

Claims

[1] Spare tire carrier assembly comprising: a metal frame comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the metal frame includes a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame, and a forming process comprising a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the frame forming the bore. [2] Assembly according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the bore is not constant along a length of the bore. [3] Assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The bore includes a first opening adjacent to the first side of the metal frame and a second opening adjacent to the second side of the metal frame. the bore has a first diameter adjacent to the first opening and a second diameter adjacent to the second opening and the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. [4] Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second section of the forming protrudes into the bore and extends along the entire length of the bore from the first opening to the second opening. [5] Assembly according to claim 4, wherein the second section does not extend to the second side of the frame. [6] Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second opening, when the assembly is mounted on a body panel of a motor vehicle, is closer to the body panel than the first opening. [7] Assembly according to claim 3, wherein: the bore includes a first subsection that extends along a first section of a length of the bore from the first opening to an intermediate point, and The bore has the first diameter along an entirety of the first subsection. [8] Assembly according to claim 7, wherein the bore is substantially cylindrical over an entirety of the first subsection. [9] Assembly according to claim 7, wherein: the bore includes a second sub-section that extends along a second section of the length of the bore from the intermediate point to the second opening, and the bore has a diameter that is larger than the first diameter over the entirety of the second subsection. [10] Assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the bore has a second diameter adjacent to the second opening and The diameter of the bore between the intermediate point and the second opening gradually transitions from the first diameter to the second diameter. [11] Assembly according to claim 10, wherein the bore within the second subsection is substantially frustoconical. [12] Assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a threaded bolt which protrudes from the second side of the frame through the bore and extends beyond the first side of the frame. [13] Assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The hole is one of a multitude of holes in the frame. the reshaping includes a large number of second sections and Each of the second sections is formed over at least one section of the frame, which forms one of the plurality of bores. [14] Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the forming process is formed over substantially an entirety of the first side of the metal frame. [15] Procedures, including: Forming of a metal frame of a spare tire carrier assembly, wherein the metal frame comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the metal frame further comprises a bore extending from the first side to the second side through the metal frame, and wherein the forming comprises a first section formed over at least one section of the first side and a second section formed over at least one section of the metal frame forming the bore.

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