An external stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to an external stowage box (102) for attachment to a vehicle door (104). The stowage box (102) comprises: a unitary body member (106) comprising an opening (110) for receiving cargo, a lid member (108) for opening and closing the opening (110), and a mounting member (154) integrated into, and extending along, a base panel (146) of the body member (106). The mounting member (154) is formed of a relatively rigid material, compared to the body member (106), and comprises a plurality of mounting points (156) for attaching the stowage box (102) to the vehicle door (104) via respective fastening elements.

Description

[0001] AN EXTERNAL STOWAGE BOX FOR ATTACHMENT TO A VEHICLE DOOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an external stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door. Aspects of the invention relate to a stowage box, to a vehicle door and to a vehicle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is known for vehicles, such as automobiles, to comprise an internal storage compartment within which items may be stored internally of the vehicle, for example a boot or trunk behind a passenger compartment of the vehicle. However, it is often desirable to transport items externally of the vehicle (i.e. on the exterior of the vehicle). For example, such external storage can enable more convenient access to items from outside the vehicle, allow for transportation of larger items, and / or prevent liquids, dirt, or other item contaminants from entering the vehicle interior.

[0006] Existing solutions for transporting such items externally typically involve mounting the items on the roof of the vehicle. However, such solutions may not be convenient for some automobiles and / or users and may be detrimental to the vehicle aerodynamics. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide an external stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door and a vehicle, as claimed in the appended claims.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a cargo / stowage box or an external stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door. The stowage box comprises: a unitary body member comprising an opening for receiving cargo, a lid member for opening and closing the opening, and a mounting member integrated into, and extending along, a base panel of the body member. The mounting member may be formed of a relatively rigid material, compared to the body member. The mounting member comprises a plurality of mounting points for attaching the stowage box to the vehicle door via respective fastening elements.

[0010] The body member is therefore a single-piece element into which the mounting member is integrated for reinforcement purposes. Advantageously, the external stowage box can therefore be mounted to the vehicle in a readily accessible position, on the vehicle door, and the external stowage box is adequately secured against the range of static and dynamic loads that are generated during driving with such an eccentric mounting position.

[0011] The stowage box may be an external vehicle stowage box. That is, a stowage box for mounting to a vehicle externally. The mounting member may be a plate-like reinforcement structure, for example. In this manner, the mounting may be readily formed from sheet material, for example. In an example, the plurality of mounting points may comprise at least four mounting points arranged in respective corners of the mounting member. The mounting member may extend between the plurality of mounting points to define a structural reinforcement frame. Such mounting point locations may provide for effective resistance against both vertical and side loads, as well as the resulting turning moments.

[0012] Optionally, one or more cavities are defined in a central area of the mounting member, between the at least four mounting points. The cavities serve to minimise the weight of the mounting member, which may be formed of a relatively dense material due to the relative strength requirements.

[0013] In an example, the body member may be formed so as to at least partially encompass the mounting member, thereby integrating the mounting member into the base panel. In this manner, the mounting member is integrated into the body member without need for intermediate fastenings or adhesives. For example, the body member may be at least partially overmoulded over the mounting member, or the body member may be a casting comprising the mounting member.

[0014] In an example, the body member includes an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. The opening for the cargo may be defined by a first recessed formation in the exterior surface of the body member. The body member is therefore readily formable into the desired shape without joining, for example being formable in a mould.

[0015] A second recessed formation may be formed in the interior surface of the body member, for example. The second recessed formation may, for example, provide a mounting space for one or more electrical components of the stowage box. The second recessed formation may be concealed by the vehicle door, in use. In this manner an underside of the body member may provide a concealed space for mounting one or more electrical components to the stowage box.

[0016] In an example, the stowage box may further include one or more electrical components mounted in the second recessed formation. The one or more electrical components may include one or more of: a power socket; a lamp; and / or an electronic door latch. In this manner, the stowage box provides usable electrical equipment outside of the vehicle, for example providing an external power supply.

[0017] The first recessed formation may, for example, define one or more sidewalls extending inwardly to the base panel. The second recessed formation may, for example, define an interior recessed channel, extending along at least one of the one or more sidewalls. In this manner, the stowage box makes advantages further use of the underside formations.

[0018] Optionally, the stowage box further comprises a sealing plate attached to the interior surface of the body member to enclose, and thereby seal, the second recessed formation around the one or more electrical components. In this manner, the electrical component(s) may be protected against the ingress of harmful contaminants. The sealing plate may, for example, include an opening for an electrical harness connecting the vehicle to the one or more electrical components. The opening therefore allows for electrical connection to the vehicle whilst sealing the enclosed space against the ingress of contaminants.

[0019] For example, the stowage box may further include a grommet for sealing the opening of the sealing plate and guiding the electrical harness from the vehicle to the one or more electrical components.

[0020] The lid member may be pivotally coupled to the body member. The pivotal coupling may provide easier access to the stored items.

[0021] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle door for mounting an external stowage box as described in a previous aspect of the invention. The vehicle door comprises a plurality of mounting points for attaching the stowage box to the vehicle door via the fastening elements. For example, the vehicle door may include at least four mounting points arranged in respective corners of a mounting region for mounting the stowage box. The mounting region may, for example, be provided by a corresponding panel of the vehicle door.

[0022] Optionally, the vehicle door further comprises an opening for receiving an electrical harness and thereby electrically connecting one or more electrical components of the stowage box to the vehicle.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a vehicle door as described in a previous aspect of the invention; and a stowage box, as described in another aspect of the invention, attached to the vehicle door by a plurality of fastening elements.

[0024] Optionally, the vehicle door is a tail door of the vehicle. The tail door provides a readily accessible storage area, with minimal effect on the vehicle aerodynamics and / or aesthetics. However, it shall be appreciated that, once mounted to the tail door, the stowage box is distal from a centre of mass of the vehicle, and therefore subject to significant dynamic loads during driving. In this context, the load bearing capabilities of the mounting member are particularly advantageous, reinforcing the body member and providing a stable means of attachment.

[0025] The vehicle may further comprise an electrical harness electrically connecting the vehicle to the one or more electrical components of the stowage box.

[0026] Optionally, the one or more electrical components include an electronic door latch. The electrical harness connects the electronic door latch to an on-board locking system of the vehicle such that a locking state of the electronic door latch is controlled in accordance with a locking state of the vehicle. In this manner, the locking state of the stowage box may be conveniently controlled in conjunction with the vehicle locking system of the vehicle, for example without need for a separate key. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an external stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door. The stowage box comprises: a unitary body member that defines an opening for receiving cargo, and a lid member for opening and closing the opening. The body member includes an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface. The opening for the cargo is defined by a first recessed formation in the exterior surface, and a second recessed formation is formed in the interior surface to provide a concealed mounting space, in use, for one or more electrical components of the stowage box.

[0027] As mentioned previously, the body member may therefore be readily formed into the desired shape without joining, for example being formed in a mould and an underside of the body member may provide a concealed space for mounting one or more electrical components to the stowage box.

[0028] In an example, the stowage box may further comprise a sealing plate attachable to the interior surface of the body member to enclose the second recessed formation around the one or more electrical components.

[0029] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with an exemplary external stowage box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the exemplary stowage box, shown in Figure 1 , in an open state;

[0034] Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the exemplary stowage box, shown in Figure 1 , in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary mounting member of the stowage box, shown in Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 5 shows a partially exploded assembly view of the exemplary stowage box, shown in Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary sealing plate of the stowage box, shown in Figure 1 ;

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the attachment of the stowage box to a tailgate door of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the stowage box attached to the tailgate door, as shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the stowage box attached to the tailgate door, as shown in Figure 1 , with electrical connections passing therebetween;

[0040] Figure 10 shows a rear perspective view of an exemplary body member of a stowage box; and Figure 11 shows a front perspective view of the exemplary body member of Figure 10.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments of the invention relate to external storage compartments for a vehicle, such as an automobile. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to an external stowage box for attachment to a door of the vehicle, such as a tailgate door of an automobile.

[0043] In a first aspect, the stowage box is advantageously arranged for mounting to the vehicle door. For this purpose, the stowage box includes a body member featuring an opening for receiving stowage, i.e. items for storage in the box, and a lid member for opening and closing the opening. The stowage box further includes a mounting member that features a plurality of mounting points for attaching the stowage box to the vehicle door via respective fastening elements. Advantageously, the mounting member may be formed of a relatively rigid material compared to the body member. The mounting member is integrated into, and extends along, a base panel of the body member, which serves to spread the support loads around the body member structure. The body member is therefore a unitary I single piece element into which the mounting member is integrated, for example by overmoulding or casting, and the mounting member defines a reinforcement structure for mounting the stowage box to the vehicle door. The mounted stowage box is therefore able to tolerate the wide range of static and dynamic load conditions that may be encountered in use and during driving.

[0044] In a second aspect, the stowage box is advantageously capable of supporting electrical equipment and arranged for protecting electrical component(s), mounted on the stowage box, from the external environment. In particular, the stowage box includes a body member (which may be substantially as described in the first aspect) featuring an opening for receiving stowage, and a lid member for opening and closing the opening. However, while the opening for the stowage is defined by a first recessed formation on one side of the body member (such as a rear or exterior side), the body member advantageously further includes a second recessed formation on an opposing reverse side of the body member, which interfaces with the vehicle door in use. The second recessed formation provides a concealed mounting space for one or more electrical components, protecting the electrical components from the external environment.

[0045] It is envisaged that the stowage boxes described herein will therefore provide readily accessible and highly functional external vehicle storage areas.

[0046] An exemplary stowage box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is therefore described below with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 11 .

[0047] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 includes a stowage box 102 attached to a tailgate door 104 of the vehicle 100, also known as a ‘tail door’. The vehicle 100 is, in certain embodiments, an automobile (as shown in Figure 1), such as a car, a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), or the like and the vehicle 100 moves in a normal forward direction of travel in a z- direction represented by the axes in Figure 1. Accordingly, in the following description, references to the directions up, down, left, right, forward, and rearward are defined relative to the normal forward direction of travel of the vehicle 100, as indicated by the axes shown in Figure 1 .

[0048] The tailgate door 104 is located at a rear of the vehicle 100 and provides access to an interior storage compartment (not shown), located behind a passenger compartment of the vehicle 100. The interior storage compartment provides space for convenient storage of items internally within the vehicle 100.

[0049] In this example, the tailgate door 104 is hinged on one of a left or right side of the vehicle 100 and is therefore movable between open and closed positions in a horizontal plane (by rotation about a vertical hinge axis). This hinge arrangement ensures that the opening and closing forces are minimised, accounting for the additional weight of the externally mounted stowage box 102. However, such a hinge arrangement is not intended to be particularly limiting on the scope of the invention and, in other examples, the tailgate door 104 may open and close in a vertical plane instead.

[0050] The stowage box 102 provides an external storage compartment for the vehicle 100. That is, the stowage box 102 defines an external storage compartment that is only accessible from outside of the vehicle 100. The stowage box 102 is therefore suitable for transporting items outside or externally of the vehicle 100, allowing for effective storage of wet or dirty items, such as walking boots, wetsuits, food and / or drinks, without risk of soiling the vehicle interior. The external mounting of the stowage box 102 also provides for more convenient access to the stored items when users are situated outside the vehicle 100.

[0051] The stowage box 102 is durable and configured to withstand various static and dynamic load conditions, as may be encountered during off-road driving of the vehicle 100. However, the stowage box 102 introduces additional weight rearward of the vehicle 100 due to its mounting location. The stowage box 102 may therefore include components made from various durable, yet light-weight materials, including plastics and / or composite materials, such as carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers, and metals.

[0052] The stowage box 102 has a rectangular box-like shape in this example, having a width extending along the x- axis, a height extending along the y-axis, and a depth extending along the z-axis. For context, the stowage box 102 may have a carrying capacity of at least 10 kg in certain embodiments, preferably at least 15 kg, but generally not more than 20 kg. For this purpose, the stowage box 102 may for example have a width of approximately 0.75m, a height of approximately 0.6m, and a depth of approximately 0.2m. These values are provided as examples only though and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention. Similarly, in other examples, the stowage box 102 may take various other shapes, including round or circular shapes, or other box-like shapes. Figure 2 shows an exemplary stowage box 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The stowage box 102 is depicted from a front view (of the box, looking in the forward z-direction) and shown in an open condition, in which access to an interior storage space of the stowage box 102 is provided.

[0053] Amongst other features, the stowage box 102 is shown to include a body member 106 and a complementary lid member 108. The body member 106 is a unitary element that forms the main structural body of the stowage box 102, within which items may be stored. The lid member 108 acts as a cover that at least partially encloses the body member 106 for security and protection of the stored items or cargo.

[0054] The body member 106 is formed of a resilient and durable material for the static and dynamic loads caused by movement and / or excitation of the stored items (particularly during driving). The body member 106 may therefore be formed of a composite or a plastics material. For example, the body member 106 may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as a Polyacrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile (ASA) plastic. By way of example, the body member 106 may be formed by injection moulding of a thermoplastic polymer, such as ASA plastic, in a mould. Alternatively, the body member 106 may be formed of a metal, for example, aluminium or any other suitable metal.

[0055] The body member 106 has a generally rectangular shape, in this example, with a width defined between left and right sides 112, 114, a height between upper and lower sides 116, 1 18 and a depth between front and rear sides or ends 120, 122. The front side 120 of the body member 106 interfaces with the tailgate door 104 and therefore defines an interior face or front-facing end of the body member 106 with respect to the typical forward driving direction of the vehicle 100. The opposing rear side 122 of the body member 106 defines an exterior or rear-facing end of the body member 106, which faces outwardly in the direction of the external environment to the rear of the vehicle 100.

[0056] The container part or body member 106 may be described as having the form of a shaped or moulded sheet comprising front and rear facing (with respect to the vehicle it is attached to) surfaces. There is a first forwardly directed indentation 110 in the rear facing surface of the sheet, to form the internal space of the box for containing articles to be stored in the box and which space faces rearwardly of the vehicle. Also, referring to Figure 3, it has a second rearwardly directed indentation 148 in the front facing surface of the sheet. The indentation 148 surrounds first indentation 110 and has the form of a channel whose sides define both the exterior surface of the first indentation 110, as well as the depending and surrounding side walls 112-118 of the box. The rearwardly facing surface of the second indentation, between the first indentation and side walls, forms an annular seal surface 130 for engagement by corresponding surface of the lid member 108 to close and seal the box. The second indentation 148 is therefore external of the box and exposed to the external environment of the vehicle. The second indentation is enlarged at one side to contain electrical components, and which are sealed against the external environment by a cover 152. The side walls have a peripheral edge that is substantially planar with a base 146 of the first indentation 110. The lid 108 has corresponding depending flanks whose bottom edges are approximately at the same level as the peripheral edge of the side walls 112-1 18, whereby the base, the edge of the side walls and lid flank edge can all be approximately flush with the rear of the vehicle door to which the box is attached. In more detail, the body member 106 includes a first recessed formation in the rear side 122 that extends partially into the depth of the body member 106 to define a receptacle or opening 110 for receiving stowage or items forstorage. The opening 110 is similarly rectangular in this example but may take various suitable shapes in other examples and is not particularly limited in this respect. The opening 110 is defined by first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 124a-d in this example that extend into the depth of the body member 106 to a substantially planar end surface 125. For example, the first and second sidewalls 124a,b may define respective left and right sidewalls 124a,b, while the third and fourth sidewalls 124c,d may define upper and lower sidewalls 124c, d of the opening 110. The opening 110 thus formed is a suitably sized indentation or impression for receiving a range of item types, shapes and sizes. For example, the opening 110 may define a storage space having a volume of between approximately 10 and 30 litres (0.02 to 0.03 m3). For context, the opening 110 may therefore have a width of 0.5 m, a height of 0.25 m, and a depth of 0.1 m, however such volumes and dimensions are provided by way of example only, and are not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0057] The lid member 108 is movably coupled to the body member 106 and operable to open or close the opening 110. In this example, the lid member 108 is shaped in a complementary manner to the body member 106 so as to enclose the rear-facing end 122, and further extends around the sides 112-118 of the body member 106 to enclose a substantial portion of the body member 106. It shall be appreciated that the lid member 108 therefore has a generally rectangular shape, in this example, and defines a hollow shell that substantially covers the exterior facing sides of the body member 106 once closed.

[0058] The lid member 108 may be composed of one or more parts and, in this respect, the lid member 108 is not particularly limited. For example, the lid member 108 may be formed by a single element, as a unitary component, or the lid member 108 may, for example, include first and second elements 126, 128 that are joined together, as shown in this example. In which case, the first element 126 may form an inner element that interfaces with the body member 106 and the second element 128 may be joined to the first element 126, for example by an adhesive, as a covering element. The first element 126 may therefore be shaped in a complementary manner to the body member 106 to produce a relatively flush engagement with the body member 106 when the lid member 108 is closed. The first element 126 may therefore follow the respective contours of the exterior surfaces of the body member 106. Meanwhile, the second element 128 may have a simpler, less contoured, shape for aerodynamic and / or aesthetic purposes, defining the outermost presentation surfaces of the stowage box 102. In each case, the lid member 108 may be formed of various light-weight metals, plastics, and / or composite materials, for example, to provide a resilient and durable protective cover.

[0059] In alternative arrangements, the first element 126 of the lid member 108 may form, or comprise, a reinforcing element. For example, the first element 126 may be formed from, or comprise a portion formed from, a relatively rigid material, compared the second element 128. The first element 126 may be, or comprise, a stamped metallic inner panel. The second element 128 may be formed of a different material to the first element 126, such as a plastic and / or composite material. Advantageously, the use of a reinforcing element, provides a strengthened lid, increasing the ability of the lid member 108 to withstand the loads exerted thereon when the stowage box 102 is attached to a vehicle door and the vehicle is in use.

[0060] In Figure 2, the lid member 108 is shown to be hinged on one side of the body member 106, specifically the right side 114 of the body member 106, and the lid member 108 is therefore pivotally coupled to the body member 106 for opening and closing the opening 110. Embodiments of the stowage box 102 are not particularly limited in this respect though and, in other examples, the lid member 110 may be movably coupled to the body member 106 in various forms for opening and closing the opening 110.

[0061] The stowage box 102 (with door closed) is also waterproof in this example and, for this purpose, the stowage box 102 is shown to include a seal member 130 that extends around a perimeter or a periphery of the body member 106. In particular, the seal member 130 may extend around the left, right, upper, and lower, sides 112-118 of the body member 106 at the rear end 122. In this manner, the seal member 130 may extend in areas that are engaged by the lid member 108 in the closed condition. Once closed, the engagement between the seal member 130 and the lid member 108 therefore forms a watertight seal that substantially inhibits the ingress or egress of contaminants, such as liquids, into / from the interior of the stowage box 104. The body member 106 may therefore also include a sealable drainage hole (not shown) for drainage and cleaning purposes. In particular, the drainage hole may be defined in the lower sidewall 114 of the opening 1 10, for removing liquid held in the opening 110. The drainage hole may be sealable by a removable plug, for example in the form of a rubber stopper, to facilitate cleaning and drainage of the stowage box 102.

[0062] In examples, the stowage box 102 may also be lockable for secure item storage. For this purpose, the stowage box 102 is shown to include a latch mechanism 132 in the example shown in Figure 2, which is configured to secure the lid member 108 to the body member 106 in the closed position. The latch mechanism 132 may include a first latch element 132a attached to the body member 106 and a complementary second latch element (not shown in Figure 2) attached to the lid member 108. For example, the first latch element 132a may take the form of a claw, buckle, or set of jaws, as shown in Figure 2, and the second latch element may take the form of a complementary striker element, such as a loop of metal, which is retained by the first latch element 132a, once engaged. The second latch element may therefore be engaged by the first latch element 132a when the lid member 108 is moved to the closed position and, once engaged, the latch mechanism 132 may substantially inhibit access to the interior of the stowage box 102 for secure item storage.

[0063] In examples, the latch mechanism 132 may take the form of an electronic latch mechanism, i.e. an electronically controlled latch mechanism, operable between locked and unlocked states by respective control signals. For example, the first latch element 132a may be electrically connected to an onboard locking system of the vehicle 100 and configured to receive signals indicative of a locked or unlocked state of the vehicle’s onboard locking system. A locking state of the electronic latch 132a may be controlled accordingly, for example by a respective controller. In the locked state, the first latch element 132a may therefore substantially inhibit disengagement from the second latch element. However, once the vehicle 100 is unlocked, the first latch element 132a may be controlled to switch to an unlocked state, and thereafter the first latch element 132a may be controlled to open the jaws and release the second latch element by operating a button or switch on the stowage box 102. For example, in Figure 2, the stowage box 102 includes a button 134 on a lower side 116 of the body member 106 for controlling the electronic latch 132a to open, once unlocked, and release the second latch element. As shown in Figure 2, in examples, the lid member 106 may also have a corresponding formation or opening 136 for allowing user access to the button 134 when the lid member 108 is closed.

[0064] Alongside these features, the stowage box 102 may also include one or more optional features that provide further functionality, as shown in Figure 2. For example, the stowage box 102 is shown to include a lamp 138, a flexible storage pocket 140, a retaining panel 142 and power outlet(s) 144a, 144b, amongst other features.

[0065] The lamp 138 is mounted in the upper sidewall 124c of the opening and, in this example, the lamp 138 takes the form of an elongate element that extends along the upper sidewall 124c. When activated, the lamp 138 provides a source of light and / or heat for illuminating the items stored in the opening 110.

[0066] The flexible pocket 140 is configured to secure items in position within the stowage box 102 and to restrict movement of such items during driving and / or when opening the lid member 108. The flexible pocket 140 may therefore typically be used for securely storing delicate or precious items. In this example, the flexible pocket 140 is formed by an elasticated net, which is secured to the end surface 125 of the opening 1 10 by a plurality of hooks. In this manner, the net is held taught to effectively retain stored items between the net and the end surface 125.

[0067] The retaining panel 142 may be fixedly or releasably coupled to the body member 106 to provide a barrier for retaining items in the opening 110, and inhibiting fore / aft movement, particularly when the lid member 108 is moved to the open position. In the example shown in Figure 2, the retaining panel 142 forms an upstanding lip that projects upwardly from the lower sidewall 124c and spans across the opening 1 10, from the left sidewall 124a to the right sidewall 124b. The retaining panel 142 may be releasably coupled to the body member 106 by various means, as shall be appreciated by the skilled person, and could be attached by respective clips, for example.

[0068] The power outlet(s) 144a, b provide external supplies of electrical power to connected electrical devices. For example, the power outlet(s) 144a,b may include a 12 V power socket 144a, and / or a USB socket 144b, such as a USB-C socket, as shown in this example. Electrical devices connected to the power outlet(s) 144a,b may be supplied with electrical power from a power source, such as a battery, onboard the vehicle 100. The power outlet(s) 144a,b therefore provides a convenient external power supply, for example for charging a user’s electrical accessories, such as a smartphone. In some examples, the power outlet(s) 144a,b may be configured to supply electrical power from the vehicle 100, even when the vehicle 100 is in a low power mode, e.g. when parked.

[0069] It shall be appreciated that one or more of the optional features may be included or omitted in respective embodiments of the stowage box 102 and, in other examples, additional accessory features (not explicitly mentioned here) that are typically found in vehicle stowage boxes may also be included in addition or as alternatives to the above-described examples. Figure 3 shows a partially exploded assembly view of a reverse-side of the stowage box 102, with the stowage box illustrated in a closed condition preventing access to the stowage box interior. From this perspective, the front end 120 of the body member 106 is shown to include various reverse or inverted formations to those described in relation to the rear end 122. For example, the indentation of the opening 110 defined in the rear end 122 forms a base panel 146 at the front end 120 of the body member 106 for mounting the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104.

[0070] One or more recessed formation(s) are defined around the base panel 146 at the front end 120 and extend along the depth of the body member 106, towards the rear end 122. In this example, the recessed formation(s) in the front end 120 of the body member 106 are shown to include a second recessed formation 148 that defines a recessed channel extending around the underside of the indentation formed by the opening 110. That is, the second recessed formation 148 extends around the base panel 146, along and between the respective sidewalls 124a-d defined by the opening 110 and the left, right, upper, and lower, sides 1 12-118 of the body member 106. As shown in Figure 3, the body member 106 may also include a plurality of ribs 150, extending between the sidewalls 124a-d and the sides 112-118 of the body member 106 to increase the structural rigidity of the body member 106 in such areas.

[0071] As shall be described in more detail, the second recessed formation 148 provides a concealed mounting area for mounting one or more electrical components of the stowage box 102. A sealing plate 152 is attached to the front end 120 of the body member 106 to enclose, and thereby seal, a portion of the second recessed formation 148 in an area around such electrical components. The sealing plate 152 substantially inhibits the ingress of liquid and other contaminants into the sealed space, protecting the electrical components mounted therein.

[0072] The base panel 146 of the body member 106 is configured to interface with the tailgate door 104 and may therefore define a complementary mounting surface at the front end 120 of the body member 106. However, mounting the stowage box 102 to the vehicle 100 is particularly challenging in view of the various static and dynamic load conditions that may be encountered during driving due to items stored in the stowage box 102.

[0073] For this purpose, the stowage box 102 further includes a mounting member 154, for example as shown in Figure 3, which includes a plurality of mounting points 156 for attaching the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104 via respective fastening elements. The mounting member 154 is made of a relatively rigid material, such as a metal, and the mounting member 154 is advantageously integrated into, and extends along, the base panel 146 of the body member 106 to join the two components together. In this manner, the mounting member 154 is integrated into the base panel 146 in the sense that the mounting member 154 is not removable or separable from the body member 106, without breaking one or the other. Accordingly, once formed, the body member 106 provides a unitary (or single piece) element, into which the mounting member 154 is integrated for attaching the body member 106 to the vehicle door 104.

[0074] The mounting member 154 acts as a structural reinforcement frame and, in examples, the mounting member 154 may be partially or fully encompassed within the base panel 146. For example, the body member 106 may be over-moulded around the mounting member 154 by methods such as injection moulding. No fastening elements are therefore required between the body member 106 and the integrated mounting member 154, and such an attachment mechanism minimises stress concentrations in the mounting arrangement to preserve the structural integrity of the body member 106 under loading.

[0075] The mounting member 154 itself may be a plate-like structure, as shown in Figure 3, which may be readily formed from sheet metal, for example. In the example shown in Figure 3, the mounting member 154 has a rectangular shape and includes eight mounting points 156, with four mounting points 156 being arranged in respective corners of the mounting member 154. In order to minimise the weight of the stowage box 102, redundant material is removed or omitted from the structure, in this example, forming cavities 157 in a central area of the mounting member 154, such that the mounting member 154 defines a rectangular border-frame extending between the plurality of mounting points 156. In examples, the size, number, and location of the mounting points 156 are determined by load analysis for supporting the maximum capacity of the stowage box 102 in various dynamic load situations that are anticipated during driving. For context, the fastening elements 124 may take the form of M10 bolts compatible with weld nuts, in this example.

[0076] Figure 4 shows another exemplary mounting member 154 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the mounting member 154 is shown to take a sheet-like form, defining a rectangular shape, with the mounting points 156 defining embossed features projecting from the otherwise substantially planar surface. It shall be appreciated that the mounting member 154 may be readily formed in a sheet pressing process to produce the embossed mounting points 156. The mounting points 156 have an asymmetric arrangement to account for the respective mounting loads, with four mounting points on each of left and right sides of the mounting member 154. The mounting member 154 is also shown to include first and second openings 159 for respective mounting features of the stowage box 102, as shall be described in more detail below.

[0077] Figures 10 and 1 1 show respectively a rear and front perspective view of an alternative body member 1106 comprising an integrated mounting member 1154. The stowage box 102 described above may comprise the body member 1106 or the body member 106. Many of the features of the body member 1106 shown in Figure 10 are similar to the features of the body member 106 described above, and therefore a description of these features is not repeated here, and similar reference numerals are used to denote these features in Figures 10 and 11. However, in the arrangement shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the body member 1106 is a casting, referred to below as the body member casting. The body member casting is formed by a casting process, as will be familiar to the person skilled in the art. As used herein, the term “casting” refers to the part that is formed / cast by a casting process, and the term “casting process” is used to refer to the manufacturing method used to produce a casting. The body member casting comprises the mounting member 1154 (i.e. the body member 1006 and the mounting member 1154 are a single, unitary casting). Similarly to the mounting member 154 described above, the mounting member 1154 shown in Figures 10 and 11 comprises a plurality of mounting points 1156 for attaching the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104. As will be appreciated, and as is shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the body member 1106 (i.e. the body member casting), may comprise one or more of the features described above in respect of the body member 106, such as one or more of: left and right sides 1112, 1 114, upper and lower sides 11 16, 1118, front and rear ends 1120, 1122, a first forwardly directed indentation 1110, a second rearwardly directed indentation 1148, etc. This list is not exhaustive, and the body member 1106 (i.e. the body member casting) may comprise one or more other features of the body member 106 described above. In the exemplary arrangement shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the body member 1106 may be formed of a metal, such as aluminium. As the body member 1 106 is a casting, in the exemplary arrangement of Figures 10 and 11 , the mounting member 1154 is formed from the same material as the remaining features of the body member 1106.

[0078] Advantageously, the integration of the mounting member 154, 1154 into the body member 106 means that the fastening loads are resisted by the mounting member 154, 1154 and transferred to the body member 106 in a distributed manner. The relatively rigid structure of the mounting member 154, 1154 is therefore able to tolerate the load concentrations at the fastening points 156, and the integration of the mounting member 154 into the body panel 146 maximally distributes the load across the interface to securely attach the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104 without compromising the structural integrity of the body member 106.

[0079] Returning to Figure 3, the stowage box 102 is also shown to include various features configured to assist in the mounting of the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104. Such features include a set of bump stops 158 and locating formations 160 arranged at the front end 120 of the body member 106. For example, the stowage box 102 is shown to include first, second and third locating features 160 in the form of forwardly projecting pegs for engaging complementary locating formations in the vehicle door 104 during attachment. The first and second locating formations 160 extend away from the base panel 146 and may be formed integrally therewith, whilst the third locating formation 160 projects from the sealing plate 152. The locating formations 160 are therefore used during the attachment of the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104 to ensure proper alignment of the fastening elements.

[0080] Figure 3 also shows a pair of struts 162 for pivotally coupling the lid member 108 to the body member 106. The struts 162 are mounted in the second recessed formation 148 of the body member 106 and extend through respective openings 164 in the right side 1 14 of the body member 106 to define first and second hinges for pivotally coupling the lid member 108 to the body member 106. In alternative arrangements, the body member 106 may not comprise the struts 162. For example, in alternative arrangements the lid member 108 may be pivotally coupled to the body member 106 by one or more friction hinges. Advantageously, the use of friction hinges allows the lid member 108 to be held in position at any point of its travel (i.e. to be held in position at a fully open position, or any point between a closed position and the fully open position) without necessitating further components such as check arms, stays etc., and while also providing some resistance to undesired closing of the lid member 108, such as in windy conditions, or if the vehicle to which the stowage box is connected to is parked on a slope.

[0081] The mounting of the electrical components and the respective sealing features shall now be discussed in more detail with additional reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the stowage box 102 with the sealing plate 152 removed from the body member 106 and Figure 6 shows an underside or rearside view of the removed sealing plate 152. While the mounting of the electrical components and the respective sealing features are described below with reference to the stowage box 102 comprising the body member 106, the skilled person will appreciate the below description applies equally to a stowage box 102 comprising the body member 1106, and that the body member 1106 may comprise any features of the body member 106 described below.

[0082] As can be seen in Figure 5, a set of electrical components 166 are mounted to the stowage box 102 in the second recessed formation 148 of the body member 106. In assembly, the electrical components 166 are connected to sources of electrical power and / or control systems onboard the vehicle 100 by electrical cables 168 that are shown extending through a sealed opening 170 of the sealing plate 152 in Figure 5.

[0083] The sealing plate 152 is shaped in a complementary manner to the front end 120 of the body member 106 and is configured to enclose a space around the electrical components 166 in the second recessed formation 148, thereby concealing and protecting the electrical components 166 housed therein. A front side 172 of the sealing plate 152 is shown in Figure 5, while an opposing rear side 174 of the sealing plate 152 is shown in Figure 6.

[0084] A seal member 176 is shown on the rear side 174 of the sealing plate 152 in Figure 6, which extends along the entire perimeter of the rear side 174 and interfaces with opposing (front) surfaces of the body member 106 when the sealing plate 152 is fitted around the electrical components 166. The seal member 176 is not particularly limited in this respect but may take the form of a foam seal that is joined to the sealing plate 152 by adhesive, for example. Figure 6 also depicts a plurality of openings 178 that are formed in the sealing plate 152 for securing the sealing plate 152 to the body member 106 with respective fasteners. For context, M4 screws may be used in the present example to secure the sealing plate 152 to the body member 106 with sufficient force to compress the seal member 176 and thereby form an effective seal around the electrical components 166.

[0085] The electrical components 166 are shown to include the electronic door latch 132a, and respective power terminals 180 for the individual power outlets 144a,b, amongst others, in the example shown in Figure 5. The electrical components 166 are mounted in the second recessed channel 148, between the left sidewall 124a of the indentation that defines the opening 110 and the left side 112 ofthe body member 106. The components 166 are mounted together in close proximity and the sealing plate 152 extends into the depth of the second recessed channel 148 to suitably enclose the electrical components 166.

[0086] Figure 6 shows that, on the rear side of the sealing plate 152, the electrical cables 168 include first, second, third, fourth, and fifth electrical cables 168a-e. The first electrical cable 168a connects to the electronic door latch 132a and may supply electrical power and / or control signals from the vehicle 100. The second electrical cable 168b extends through a lower opening 182 of the sealing plate 152 and connects to the button 134 for operating the electronic door latch 132a. The third electrical cable 168c connects to the 12V power outlet 144a and the fourth electrical cable 168d connects to the USB power outlet, each providing respective supplies of electrical power from the vehicle 100. The fifth electrical cable 168e extends through an upper opening 184 of the sealing plate 152 and connects to the lamp 138, to supply the lamp 138 with electrical power and / or control signals from the vehicle 100, for example to turn the lamp 138 on / off. Each electrical cable 168 passes from the rear side of the sealing plate 152, shown in Figure 6, through the sealed opening 170 to the front side of the sealing plate 152, shown in Figure 5. The electrical cables 168 may be gathered together in the form of an electrical harness as they pass through the sealed opening 170. The opening 170 is sealed by a grommet that interfaces with a respective opening (not shown) in the tailgate door 104 to thereby seal the opening 170 from the ingress of contaminants passing between the stowage box 102 and the door 104. Figure 5 shows the electrical cables 168 emerging from the sealed opening 170, on the front side of the sealing plate 152, where the electrical cables 168 are combined into first and second cables 168f,g that connect to the respective power supplies and / or control systems onboard the vehicle 100.

[0087] In this manner, the critical electrical components of the stowage box 102 are enclosed by, and concealed under, the sealing plate 152 which protects the electrical components 166 from the ingress of damaging contaminants, such as rainwater, passing along the interface between the vehicle 100 and the stowage box 102. In any case, the sealing plate 152 is also shown, in Figure 6, to include a sealable lower drainage plug 192, which may be opened for draining fluids that pass into the enclosed space under the sealing plate 152.

[0088] Figures 7 to 9 illustrate a method of attaching the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104. While Figures 7 to 9 and the below description refer to the stowage box 102 comprising the body member 106, the skilled person will appreciate the below description applies equally to the stowage box 102 comprising the body member 1106. As shown in Figure 7, the front end 120 of the stowage box 102 is moved into engagement with a rear surface 202 of the tailgate door 104 and the locating formations 160 of the stowage box 102 are aligned with complementary locating formations (not shown) formed in the rear surface 202 of the tailgate door 104. Once engaged, the locating formations 160 ensure that the mounting points 156 on the mounting member 154 align with corresponding mounting points 204 on the tailgate door 104. As also shown in the Figure 8, the stowage box 102 is subsequently secured to the tailgate door 104 by inserting fastening elements 206 rearwardly through the mounting points 204 in the tail gate door 104 to engage the respective mounting points 156 in the mounting member 154. For context, eight M10 bolts may be used for this purpose in this example, though this is not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0089] Once fastened, the stowage box 102 is securely mounted to the vehicle door 104 and the mounting member 154 provides a reinforced structure for supporting the weight of the stowage box 102 and contents, and the various dynamic loads that are generated during driving.

[0090] Figure 9 further shows the stowage box 102 being electrically connected to the vehicle 100. For this purpose, the electrical cables 168 are connected to the electrical components 166 of the stowage box 102 at one end and connect to respective terminals onboard the vehicle 100 at the other end. For example, the electrical cables 168 may be connected to a control system and / or an electric power source of the vehicle 100.

[0091] The electrical cables 168 therefore extend from the stowage box 102, through the opening 170 of the sealing plate 152 and a respective opening 208 in the tailgate door 104, for connection to the onboard electric systems of the vehicle 100. In order to seal the interface between the stowage box 102 and the door 104 against the ingress of contaminants, the stowage box 102 further includes a grommet 194 fitted between the respective openings 170, 204 in the sealing plate 152 and the vehicle door 104. The grommet 194 is configured to guide the electrical cables 168 between the stowage box 102 and the vehicle 100, and to seal the opening 170 in the sealing plate 152 against the ingress of contaminants passing therebetween. One end of the grommet 194 may therefore be attached to the opening 170 in the sealing plate 152, prior to attaching the stowage box 102 to the vehicle door 104, and the electrical cables 168 may be passed through the grommet 194 and the opening 204 in the vehicle door 104 for connection to respective terminals. The other end of the grommet 194 is subsequently engaged with the opening 204 of the vehicle door 104, as the stowage box 102 is attached thereto, and may include one or more displaceable or deformable retaining formations for securing the attachment.

[0092] In this manner, the stowage box 102 is suitably supported on the vehicle 100 to provide a convenient external storage compartment and the stowage box 102 is electrically connected to the vehicle 100 to advantageously provide a source of electrical power outside the vehicle 100.

[0093] It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An external vehicle stowage box for attachment to a vehicle door, the stowage box comprising: a unitary body member comprising an opening for receiving cargo, a lid member for opening and closing the opening, and a mounting member integrated into, and extending along, a base panel of the body member, the mounting member comprising a plurality of mounting points for attaching the stowage box to the vehicle door via respective fastening elements.

2. An external vehicle stowage box according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of mounting points comprise at least four mounting points arranged in respective corners of the mounting member, the mounting member extending between the plurality of mounting points to define a structural reinforcement frame.

3. An external vehicle stowage box according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member is formed so as to at least partially encompass the mounting member, thereby integrating the mounting member into the base panel.

4. An external vehicle stowage box according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member is a casting comprising the mounting member.

5. An external vehicle stowage box according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member includes an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface, the opening for the cargo being defined by a first recessed formation in the interior surface of the body member.

6. An external vehicle stowage box according to claim 5, wherein a second recessed formation is formed in the exterior surface of the body member at least partially surrounding said first recessed formation, the second recessed formation providing a mounting space for one or more electrical components of the stowage box, the second recessed formation being concealed by the vehicle door, in use, and defining one or more side walls of the stowage box that extend forwardly to the plane of the base panel.

7. An external vehicle stowage box according to claim 6, wherein the stowage box further includes one or more electrical components mounted in the second recessed formation, the one or more electrical components including one or more of: a power socket; a lamp; and / or an electronic door latch.

8. An external vehicle stowage box according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the second recessed formation defines an exterior recessed channel, extending along at least one of the one or more sidewalls.

9. An external vehicle stowage box according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the stowage box further comprises a sealing plate attached to the exterior surface of the body member to enclose, and thereby seal, the second recessed formation around the one or more electrical components.

10. An external vehicle stowage box according to claim 9, wherein the sealing plate includes an opening for an electrical harness connecting the vehicle to the one or more electrical components, and a grommet for sealing the opening of the sealing plate and guiding the electrical harness from the vehicle to the one or more electrical components.11 . An external vehicle stowage box according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more friction hinges pivotally coupling the lid member to the body member.

12. A vehicle door for mounting an external vehicle stowage box according to any preceding claim, the vehicle door comprising a plurality of mounting points for attaching the external vehicle stowage box to the vehicle door via the fastening elements.

13. A vehicle door according to claim 12, wherein the vehicle door further comprises an opening for receiving an electrical harness and thereby electrically connecting one or more electrical components of the external vehicle stowage box to the vehicle.

14. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle door according to claim 12 or claim 13; and an external vehicle stowage box, according to any of claims 1 to 11 , attached to the vehicle door by a plurality of fastening elements.

15. A vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the one or more electrical components include an electronic door latch, and wherein the electrical harness connects the electronic door latch to an on-board locking system of the vehicle such that a locking state of the electronic door latch is controlled in accordance with a locking state of the vehicle.

Images