U.S. patent application number 15/667077 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for vehicle compartment systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. Invention is credited to David Brian GLICKMAN, Colin Christopher NITROY, Kosta PAPANIKOLAOU, Michael WILLIAMS.
Application Number | 20190039659 15/667077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63587828 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190039659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GLICKMAN; David Brian ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
VEHICLE COMPARTMENT SYSTEMS
Abstract
A vehicle compartment system includes a tub establishing a
storage compartment and a closure panel movable between a closed
position and an open position for accessing the storage
compartment. The closure panel is maintained below a vehicle down
vision line in the open position. The closure panel may be raised
from the closed position to a position above the storage
compartment and then may be automatically slid rearward to the open
position.
Inventors: |
GLICKMAN; David Brian;
(Southfield, MI) ; WILLIAMS; Michael; (Northville,
MI) ; NITROY; Colin Christopher; (Dearborn, MI)
; PAPANIKOLAOU; Kosta; (Huntington Woods, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
63587828 |
Appl. No.: |
15/667077 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 5/02 20130101; B62D
25/12 20130101; B62D 25/105 20130101; B62D 25/087 20130101; B62D
25/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B62D 25/12 20060101
B62D025/12; B60R 5/02 20060101 B60R005/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle compartment system that is part
of a front end module of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle
compartment system includes: a tub establishing a storage
compartment; and a closure panel movable between a closed position
and an open position for accessing the storage compartment, wherein
the closure panel is at least partially above an upper exterior
surface of the tub and is maintained below a vehicle down vision
line in the open position, wherein the closure panel is flush with
the upper exterior surface in the closed position.
2. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
compartment system includes an actuating assembly for moving the
closure panel between the closed position and the open
position.
3. The vehicle as recited in claim 2, wherein the actuating
assembly includes a strut and a linkage assembly that guide
movement of the closure panel after unlatching the closure panel
relative to the tub.
4. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the storage
compartment includes a cargo area and a rear shelf.
5. The vehicle as recited in claim 4, wherein the rear shelf is at
least partially covered by the closure panel when the closure panel
is in the open position.
6. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
compartment system includes a handle for moving the closure panel
from the open position back to the closed position.
7. The vehicle system as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
compartment system includes a shelving assembly attachable to the
tub.
8. The vehicle as recited in claim 7, wherein the shelving assembly
includes a shelf and a bracket assembly for securing the shelf to
the tub.
9. A vehicle compartment system, comprising: a tub establishing a
storage compartment; and a closure panel movable between a closed
position and an open position for accessing the storage
compartment, wherein the closure panel is maintained below a
vehicle down vision line in the open position, wherein the tub
includes a first access panel for accessing a battery.
10. The vehicle compartment system as recited in claim 9,
comprising a second access panel for accessing a battery
terminal.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. The vehicle as recited in claim 1, wherein the vehicle
compartment system is supported by a support beam.
14. The vehicle as recited in claim 13, wherein a front lip of the
tub is received over the support beam to support the tub relative
to a front end module of the vehicle.
15. The vehicle as recited in claim 13, wherein the support beam
further supports a cooling pack of the vehicle.
16. A method, comprising: raising a closure panel of a vehicle
compartment system from a first positon to a second position above
a storage compartment; and automatically sliding the closure panel
from the second position to a third position rearward of the second
position, wherein the closure panel is below a vehicle down vision
line and above an outer surface of a hood of the vehicle in the
third position.
17. The method as recited in claim 16, comprising: unlatching the
closure panel relative to a tub of the vehicle compartment system
prior to raising the closure panel.
18. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein raising the closure
panel includes actuating a strut of an actuating assembly.
19. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein automatically
sliding the closure panel includes manipulating a strut and a
linkage assembly of the vehicle compartment assembly.
20. A method, comprising: raising a closure panel of a vehicle
compartment system from a first positon to a second position above
a storage compartment; automatically sliding the closure panel from
the second position to a third position rearward of the second
position, wherein the closure panel is below a vehicle down vision
line in the third position; and after automatically sliding the
closure panel to the third position, opening or removing an access
panel of the vehicle compartment system to service a battery.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle compartment systems that
include movable closure panels that can be automatically moved to
uncover a storage compartment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles include various compartments that are accessible
from outside the vehicle, such as an engine compartment or trunk
compartment, for example. In electrified vehicles, an additional
area normally occupied by an internal combustion engine may be
available for added cargo space under a hood or other closure
panel. It is important to be able to latch and unlatch such a
closure panel. Existing latching systems for latching and
unlatching closure panels often add additional expense and
unnecessary weight to the vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0003] A vehicle compartment system according to an exemplary
aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a
tub establishing a storage compartment and a closure panel movable
between a closed position and an open position for accessing the
storage compartment. The closure panel is maintained below a
vehicle down vision line in the open position.
[0004] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing
vehicle compartment system, the system includes an actuating
assembly for moving the closure panel between the closed position
and the open position.
[0005] In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the
foregoing vehicle compartment systems, the actuating assembly
includes a strut and a linkage assembly that guide movement of the
closure panel after unlatching the closure panel relative to the
tub.
[0006] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the storage compartment includes a
cargo area and a rear shelf.
[0007] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the rear shelf is at least partially
covered by the closure panel when the closure panel is in the open
position.
[0008] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the system includes a handle for
moving the closure panel from the open position back to the closed
position.
[0009] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the system includes a shelving
assembly attachable to the tub.
[0010] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the shelving assembly includes a shelf
and a bracket assembly for securing the shelf to the tub.
[0011] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the tub includes a first access panel
for accessing a battery.
[0012] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the tub includes a second access panel
for accessing a battery terminal.
[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the system is part of a vehicle.
[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the vehicle compartment system is part
of a front end module of the vehicle.
[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the vehicle compartment system is
supported by a support beam.
[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle systems, a front lip of the tub is received over the
support beam to support the tub relative to a front end module of
the vehicle.
[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
vehicle compartment systems, the support beam further supports a
cooling pack of the vehicle.
[0018] A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure includes, raising a closure panel of a vehicle
compartment system from a first positon to a second position above
a storage compartment, and automatically sliding the closure panel
from the second position to a third position rearward of the second
position. The closure panel is below a vehicle down vision line in
the third position.
[0019] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing
method, the method includes unlatching the closure panel relative
to a tub of the vehicle compartment system prior to raising the
closure panel.
[0020] In a further non-limiting embodiment of either of the
foregoing methods, raising the closure panel includes actuating a
strut of an actuating assembly.
[0021] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, automatically sliding the closure panel includes
manipulating a strut and a linkage assembly of the vehicle
compartment assembly.
[0022] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing
methods, after automatically sliding the closure panel to the third
position, the method includes opening or removing an access panel
of the vehicle compartment system to service a battery.
[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding
paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings,
including any of their various aspects or respective individual
features, may be taken independently or in any combination.
Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable
to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
[0024] The various features and advantages of this disclosure will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following
detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed
description can be briefly described as follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle equipped with a compartment
system. A closure panel of the compartment system is illustrated in
a closed position.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an unlatched position of the closure
panel of the compartment system of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an open position of the closure panel of
the compartment system of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary vehicle compartment
system.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle compartment
system of FIG. 4 illustrating a closure panel of the vehicle
compartment system in an open position.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an actuating assembly for moving the
closure panel of the vehicle compartment system of FIGS. 4 and
5.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a tub of the vehicle compartment system
of FIG. 4.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a handle of the vehicle compartment
system of FIG. 4.
[0033] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a shelving system of the vehicle
compartment system of FIG. 4.
[0034] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates moving a closure panel of
a vehicle compartment system into a pocket of a vehicle exterior
component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] This disclosure details vehicle compartment systems that are
accessible from outside the vehicle. An exemplary vehicle
compartment system includes a tub establishing a storage
compartment and a closure panel for covering the storage
compartment. In some embodiments, the closure panel may be raised
above the storage compartment and then automatically slid rearward
to uncover the storage compartment. In the open position, the
closure panel is below a down vision line of the vehicle. In other
embodiments, the vehicle compartment system may include features
such as battery access panels, a handle, and/or a shelving system.
These and other features of this disclosure are described in
greater detail below.
[0036] FIGS. 1-3 schematically illustrate portions of a vehicle 10.
The vehicle 10 may be a car, a truck, a van, a sport utility
vehicle, or any other type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 could also be
a conventional engine powered motor vehicle or a battery powered
hybrid or electric vehicle.
[0037] Although a specific component relationship is illustrated in
the figures of this disclosure, the illustrations are not intended
to limit this disclosure. In other words, the placement and
orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown
schematically and could vary within the scope of this disclosure.
In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are
not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or
minimized to show certain details of a particular component.
[0038] The vehicle 10 includes a compartment system 12 that is
accessible from outside the vehicle 10 (i.e., from outside the
passenger compartment of the vehicle 10). In an embodiment, the
compartment system 12 is incorporated as part of a front end module
14 of the vehicle 10 and may therefore be referred to as a "front
compartment system." Such a configuration may be particularly
useful for battery electric vehicles or rear mounted engine
vehicles which typically include an area normally occupied by a
vehicle engine available for added cargo space within the front end
module 14. However, the compartment system 12 could be located at
other exterior locations of the vehicle 10, including but not
limited to at a rear end module of the vehicle 10 for establishing
a trunk space.
[0039] The compartment system 12 includes a closure panel 16
movable to provide access to a storage compartment 18 (see FIGS. 2
and 3). The closure panel 16 could be either a polymeric component
or a metallic component.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a first position P1 (e.g., a closed
position) of the closure panel 16. The closure panel 16 is closed
and securely latched in the first position P1. When the closure
panel 16 is in the first position P1, the closure panel 16 is flush
with a remaining portion of a vehicle exterior component 20 that
surrounds the compartment system 12. In an embodiment, the vehicle
exterior component 20 is a hood.
[0041] Any type of latch can be used to latch the closure panel 16
to the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, a manual release located
wither within or at an exterior of the vehicle 10 is activated by a
user to unlatch the closure panel 16. In another embodiment, a
vehicle emblem 22 mounted to the vehicle exterior component 20 is
pushed to unlatch the closure panel 16 or is moved to gain
key-access for unlatching the closure panel 16. In yet another
embodiment, the closure panel 16 is unlatched electronically, such
as by actuating a key fob or a button inside the vehicle 10.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates a second position P2 (e.g., unlatched
position) of the closure panel 16. As shown in FIG. 2, the closure
panel 16 may automatically rise slightly above the vehicle exterior
component 20, and thus above the storage compartment 18, when the
closure panel 16 is unlatched.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a third position P3 of the closure panel
16. In the third position P3, the closure panel 16 is opened for
accessing the storage compartment 18. After being unlatched and
raised above the vehicle exterior component 20, the closure panel
16 may automatically slide rearwardly (e.g., in a direction 99 away
from the vehicle emblem 22) toward the third position P3. Any type
of mechanism may be used to automatically slide the closure panel
16 to the third position P3. An exemplary actuating assembly is
discussed in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 6.
[0044] In an embodiment, the closure panel 16 slides above an outer
surface of the vehicle exterior component 20 as it moves toward the
third position P3. In another embodiment, the closure panel 16 may
slide within a pocket 25 inside the vehicle exterior component 20
and/or the compartment system 12 as it moves toward the third
positon P3 (see, e.g., FIG. 10).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, the compartment system 12 includes a
tub 24 that establishes the storage compartment 18. In an
embodiment, the tub 24 is constructed of a polymeric material.
However, other materials, including metallic materials, are also
contemplated as within the scope of this disclosure.
[0046] The tub 24 may be supported by a support beam 26 of the
front end module 14. The support beam 26 may be fixedly secured to
other support structures 34 of the front end module 14. In an
embodiment, a front lip 28 of the tub 24 is received over the
support beam 26 to support the tub 24 relative to the front end
module 14. Although not shown, a rear of the tub 24 may be
supported by a rear support beam of the front end module 14. Once
mounted relative to the front end module 14, an upper exterior
surface 32 of the tub 24 is substantially flush with the vehicle
exterior component 20 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3).
[0047] In another embodiment, the support beam 26 doubles as an
attachment rail for securing a cooling pack 30 to the front end
module 14. The support beam 26 may also be used to attach various
other vehicle structures, such as vehicle lighting assemblies,
fascia, etc.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the compartment system
12 and depicts the closure panel 16 in the third position P3 (i.e.,
the open position). The closure panel 16 is positioned below a down
vision line 36 of the vehicle 10 even when moved to the third
position P3. The down vision line 36 represents the primary axis
through which a driver of the vehicle 10 views the forward
surroundings of the vehicle 10 when seated in a front seat of the
vehicle passenger cabin. The down vision line 36 defines driver
forward visibility through an unobstructed opening from the
driver's eye in the passenger cabin of the vehicle through the
windshield and a point on the hood or fender which acts as the
primary obstruction (whether that be the front of the hood, the top
of the grille, or even an aggressive hood dome or scoop. In an
embodiment, the driver's eye position is assumed to be
approximately 95% of possible driver height/seat position
combinations at worst case. In view of the foregoing, the down
vision line 36 is dependent on multiple factors and therefore may
vary from vehicle to vehicle.
[0049] In an embodiment, an upper surface 38 of the closure panel
16 may be positioned a distance D1 below the down vision line 36
when the closure panel 16 is in the third position P3. Because it
is kept below the down vision line 36, the closure panel 16 will
not interfere with the vision of the vehicle driver even if
unintentionally opened.
[0050] An actuating assembly 40 for automatically moving the
closure panel 16 of the compartment system 12 to the second
position P2 and the third position P3 once unlatched is illustrated
in FIG. 6. It should be understood that movement to the second
position P2 and the third position P3 can occur either sequentially
or at least partially simultaneously.
[0051] In an embodiment, the actuating assembly 40 is a mechanical
system that includes a strut 42 and at least one linkage assembly
44. The actuating assembly 40 could include various other designs
and configurations within the scope of this disclosure. The strut
42 and the linkage assembly 44 may be mounted to the closure panel
16 to guide movement of the closure panel 16 between the first,
second, and third positions P1, P2, and P3. In an embodiment, the
strut 42 is mounted near a front portion of the closure panel 16
and the linkage assembly 44 is mounted near a rear portion of the
closure panel 16.
[0052] The strut 42 may be positioned to extend along an axis 46
that is transverse to a vertical axis 48 of the vehicle 10. The
vertical axis 48 is generally perpendicular to the ground. The axis
46 may extend at any angle a relative to the vertical axis 48. In
an embodiment, the angle .alpha. is between about 1.degree. and
about 90.degree. relative to the vertical axis 48. In general, the
axis 46 is non-parallel to the vertical axis 48 to ensure that the
closure panel 16 is able to move toward the third position P3 to
uncover the storage compartment 18.
[0053] Tension is released on the strut 42 once the closure panel
16 is unlatched, thus allowing a strut rod 50 of the strut 42 to
move outwardly from a strut housing 52. The closure panel 16 is
moved to the second position P2 as the strut rod 50 moves
outwardly. The closure panel 16 can automatically slide to the
third position P3 once the closure panel 16 has been raised high
enough above the vehicle exterior component 20.
[0054] In an embodiment, the strut housing 52 is pivotally
connected to a linkage 54 for guiding movement of the closure panel
16 toward the third position P3. The linkage 54 may be mounted to a
wall 56 of the tub 24, in an embodiment. The linkage assembly 44
may additionally guide movement of the closure panel 16 toward the
third position P3. Each linkage 58 of the linage assembly 44 may
move, pivot, and/or otherwise adjust itself relative to the other
linkages 58 to accommodate the sliding movement of the closure
panel 16.
[0055] In another embodiment, the actuating assembly 40 is an
electrically powered system for moving the closure panel 16. For
example, the actuating assembly 40 could include an electric motor,
track, cable, gearing, or any combination of these components for
electrically powering the movement of the closure panel 16.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates the tub 24 of the compartment system 12.
The closure panel 16 has been removed from FIG. 7 to better
illustrate the various features of the tub 24.
[0057] The tub 24 is sized and shaped to establish the storage
compartment 18 of the compartment system 12. In an embodiment, the
storage compartment 18 includes a cargo area 60 and a rear shelf
62. The cargo area 60 is recessed into the tub 24 to provide a
space that can be used for general storage purposes or to hold
additional vehicle equipment. In an embodiment, the cargo area 60
is positioned toward the front of the tub 24. In another
embodiment, the cargo area 60 is generally rectangular in shape and
is sized to accommodate a piece of carry-on luggage. However, the
size and shape of the cargo area 60 are not intended to limit this
disclosure.
[0058] The rear shelf 62 is positioned rearward of the cargo area
60 for establishing a space for holding smaller cargo or vehicle
equipment. For example, the rear shelf 62 can easily receive items
that can be pushed in and pulled out of the storage compartment 18.
The rear shelf 62 may be at least partially covered by the closure
panel 16 when the closure panel 16 is in the third position P3
(see, e.g., FIG. 5).
[0059] The tub 24 may also include various features for accessing a
battery 64 concealed beneath the tub 24. The battery 64 may be low
voltage battery or a high voltage traction battery. In an
embodiment, the tub 24 includes a first access panel 66 for
accessing the battery 64. The first access panel 66 may be provided
on a rear wall 68 of the cargo area 60 which is positioned between
the cargo area 60 and the rear shelf 62. Other locations are also
contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The first access
panel 66 may be opened or removed to allow the battery 64 to be
slid forward and then serviced without removing the battery 64 from
the vehicle 10.
[0060] In another embodiment, the tub 24 includes a second access
panel 70 for accessing terminals 72 of the battery 64. The second
access panel 70 may be provided on a side wall 74 of the rear shelf
62 and may be opened or removed to access the terminals 72. Other
locations are also contemplated within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0061] In yet another embodiment, the tub 24 could include a third
access panel 76 to facilitate servicing another vehicle component.
For example, the third access panel 76 could be opened or removed
to access a fluid container stored under the tub 24.
[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates a handle 78 that can be provided on the
closure panel 16 of the compartment system 12. In an embodiment,
the handle 78 is a molded-in feature of the closure panel 16. The
handle 78 can be used to move the closure panel 16 from the third
position P3 back to the first position P1. In an embodiment, the
handle 78 includes a pop-up portion 80 that may be rotated from a
stowed position in which it is flush with the closure panel 16 and
an active position in which the pop-up portion 80 may be grasped by
the user.
[0063] The handle 78 may additionally include a loop portion 82
that may be grasped by the user. The user may pull one or both of
the pop-up portion 80 and the loop portion 82 to pull the closure
panel 16 back to the closed position shown in FIG. 1.
[0064] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a shelving system 84 that can be
provided for enhancing the usability of the compartment system 12.
The shelving system 84 may include one or more shelves 86 that are
secured to the tub 24 via bracket assemblies 88. In an embodiment,
the bracket assemblies 88 are movably secured within slots 90
formed in a front wall 92 of the cargo area 60 to position the
shelves 86 as desired within the cargo area 60. For example, the
shelves 86 may be raised, lowered, or moved from side to side by
moving the bracket assemblies 88 within the slots 90.
[0065] Each bracket assembly 88 may include a locking knob 94. The
locking knob 94 may be twisted for locking the positioning of the
shelves 86 once a desired shelving position has been selected, and
may be twisted in an opposite direction to unlock the positioning
of the shelves 86. In another embodiment, the locking knob 94 and
integral shelf support may be rotated 90 degrees to lift the shelf
86 from a vertical, stowed position to a horizontal, deployed
position.
[0066] The vehicle compartment systems of this disclosure provide
functional storage capabilities while maintaining closure panels at
a level that is below the vehicle down vision line when opened. The
exemplary compartments systems reduce weight and high costs
associated with conventional hood latching systems, and may
increase customer satisfaction by being easily reachable and
accessible compared to the conventional hood latching systems.
[0067] Although the different non-limiting embodiments are
illustrated as having specific components or steps, the embodiments
of this disclosure are not limited to those particular
combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or
features from any of the non-limiting embodiments in combination
with features or components from any of the other non-limiting
embodiments.
[0068] It should be understood that like reference numerals
identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several
drawings. It should be understood that although a particular
component arrangement is disclosed and illustrated in these
exemplary embodiments, other arrangements could also benefit from
the teachings of this disclosure.
[0069] The foregoing description shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary
skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could
come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the
following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and
content of this disclosure.
* * * * *