GB2538073A

GB2538073A - Apparatus and method for attaching hinged vehicle body panel

Info

Publication number: GB2538073A
Application number: GB1507641.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Casillo Sergio; Compagnoni Roberto; Pescione Fabio
Original assignee: CNH Industrial NV
Current assignee: CNH Industrial NV
Priority date: 2015-05-05
Filing date: 2015-05-05
Publication date: 2016-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-05
Also published as: GB2538073B; GB201507641D0

Abstract

A hinge structure 18 for pivotally connecting a body panel, such as a bonnet or hood 14, to the frame 12 of a vehicle, the hinge having a first portion 20, for connection to a body panel, pivotally connected via hinge axis A to a second portion 22 securable to the vehicle frame via projections, preferably pins 28, extending at a right angles to the axis A and receivable in corresponding bores 26 in the vehicle frame, the projections having preferably annular indentations 38 for receiving locking devices 42 extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis B of the projection. The indentation may have conical walls 40. The pins 28 may have a beveled head 36 for insertion into bores 26, and may be threaded into the hinge second portion 22 having tool receiving portion 34. The locking device 42 may be threaded into frame 12 and have a hex head 48. The hinge allows for rapid installation and may be used for an agricultural tractor bonnet. Also claimed is a method of use and a vehicle with the body panel.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING HINGED VEHICLE BODY PANEL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to hinged body panels and methods for attaching them to vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] In the vehicle body construction field, many times a critical body panel for the vehicle is the hood which covers the engine compartment. This hood is generally large enough to be a substantial weight and is fitted on the top of the vehicle. For work machines such as tractors, the hood is at a significant level above floor level so that access to the hinge structure which connects the hood to the frame is extremely limited. Coupled with the weight of the hood and the position relative to a person assembling the tractor on the production line, it is very difficult to align the hinge structure with corresponding recesses on the frame and then provide releasable fasteners such as screws to hold the hinge structure in place.

100031 It is known to provide a hinge structure in which the portion securable to the frame has a pilot and then a pair of screws extending through a bar in the frame and received on the underside of the hinge structure. Such an orientation makes it difficult for an operator to accurately pilot the screws and get them in place for applying torque to tighten them.

[0004] Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a structure and method that enables a rapid alignment and fastening in place of a hinge structure for a body panel.

[0005] What is also needed in the art is a method for securing the hinge structure of a body panel to a frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention permits an efficient and rapid alignment of a body panel through a hinge structure to the frame of a vehicle.

100071 In one form, the invention is a hinge structure for pivotally connecting a vehicle body panel to a vehicle frame. The hinge structure includes a first portion securable to the vehicle body panel and a second portion securable to the vehicle frame, with the first and second portions being pivotally interconnected to pivot the body panel about a given axis. The hinge structure includes at least one projection extending from the second portion in a direction at right angles to the given axis, the at least one projection being receivable in a bore in the vehicle frame. The projection has an indentation for receiving a locking device extending into the indentation at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projection.

[0008] In another form, the invention is a vehicle including a body panel, a frame and a hinge structure for pivotally connecting the body panel to the frame. The hinge structure includes a first portion secured to the vehicle body panel and a second portion securable to the vehicle frame with the first and second portions being pivotally interconnected to pivot the body panel about a given axis. The vehicle frame has a bore in the frame for securing the hinge structure and there is at least one projection extending from the hinge structure second portion in a direction at right angles to the given axis with the at least one projection being receivable in the bore in the vehicle frame. The projection has an indentation and a locking device extends into the indentation at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projection for locking the projection in thus the hinge structure in place.

100091 In yet another form, the invention is a method for assembling and securing a body panel to a frame through a hinge structure pivoting the body panel around a given axis. The method includes the step of providing a projection on a portion of the hinge structure in a direction at right angles to the pivotal axis of the hinge and inserting the projection into an aligned hole in the frame, the projection having an indentation and a locking device is inserted into the indentation at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projection.

100101 An advantage of the invention is a more efficient assembly of hinged vehicle body panels.

[0011] Another advantage of the invention is better ergonomics for an operator fitting a hinged body panel to a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0013] Fig. 1 shows a fragmentary perspective view of a veh c e including a body panel that is hinged relative to the vehicle frame; 100141 Fig. 2 shows the body panel and hinge structure removed from the vehicle frame and, [0015] Fig. 3 shows a detailed fragmentary view of the hinge structure and corresponding elements of the frame.

[0016] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one embodiment of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

100171 Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1, there is shown a portion of a vehicle 10 which is illustrated as an agricultural tractor. The principles of the invention however, can be applied to any type of vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a frame 12 and a body panel 14 that covers and permits access to an engine compartment 16. Body panel 14 is illustrated as the hood for the tractor but it may be any one of a number of panels. The body panel 14 is connected to the frame by a hinge structure 18 which includes a first portion 20 appropriately affixed to the body panel 14 either by fasteners or by welding, and a second portion 22 which is pivotally interconnected to the first portion 20 by pins 24 to provide a pivotal access as shown especially in Fig. 3, 100181 The frame 12 has a bore 26 that receives one of each of a pair of projections illustrated as pins 28. Pins 28 have a threaded end 30 which is received in a threaded bore 32 in second portion 22 of hinge structure 18. A flat 34 adjacent the end of pins 28 enables a tool to apply torque to fasten and remove pin from hinge first portion 22. Pins 28 also have a bevel 36 at their ends to facilitate initial insertion of the pins.

100191 It should be noted particularly in Fig. 3 that the pins 28 have a longitudinal axis B oriented at right angles to the pivotal axis A of the first and second hinge portions 20 and 22. Pin 28 has an indentation 38 which is shown as annular and including conical walls 40. A locking device 42 is provided for each pin 28 and includes threads 44, a conical end 46 received in indentation 38 and a hex head 48 or other means to apply torque to the locking device 42. The locking devices 42 are received in bores 50 that are in frame 12 and are threaded to receive the threads 44 of locking device 42.

[0020] As also shown in Fig. 3, the locking device 42 forms an angle with the longitudinal axis B of pins 28. As shown in Fig. 3, the angle is a right angle. However, it should be understood that the angle may be varied to angles other than 90 degrees and still provide an effective locking of the pins 28 in bore 26.

[0021] In production, the hinge structure 18 is pre-connected to the body panel 14 before final structure to the frame 12. The hinge structure 18 includes the pivotal connection and the pins 28 as shown in Fig. 2. For purpose of installation, the hinge structure 18 and body panel 14 are lowered onto frame 12 so that pins 28 are guided into the bores 26 in frame 12. This is because the pins are at right angles to the pivotal axis A and are parallel to one another. The bevels 36 at the ends of pins 28 facilitate alignment and entry in the bore 26. Once the pins 28 are placed in the bores 26, gravity assists in holding the body panel 14 in place. At that point, the locking devices 42 are advanced by rotation so that the conical end 46 is received in the indentation 38 and abuts the lower conical wall 40 to wedge the pins 28 in place. In the production orientation, axis B is at a vertical so that axis C for rotating the locking devices 42 is horizontal, thus providing an operator with an easy visual and ergonomic axis for rotating the locking devices 42 into place. This eliminates the need for looking underneath the assembly and greatly facilitates accuracy and speed in installing the hood.

100221 While the indentations 38 are shown in conical form and the locking devices 42 are shown threaded with a conical end, it should be noted that other means of locking may be employed so long as the locking device used acts on the pins 28 to hold them in place in the bores 26. In addition, the projections shown as pins 28 may be in another form as long as they can be inserted in the bores 26 in frame 12.

100231 While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: I. A hinge structure (18) for pivotally connecting a vehicle body panel (14) to a vehicle frame (12), said hinge structure (18) comprising: a first portion (20) securable to said vehicle body panel (14); a second portion (22) securable to said vehicle frame (12), said first and second portions (20, 22) being pivotally interconnected to pivot said body panel (14) about a given axis (A); said hinge structure characterized by at least one projection (28) extending from said second portion (22) in a direction at a right angle to said given axis (A), said at least one projection having a longitudinal axis (B) and receivable in a bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12), said projection (28) having an indentation (38) for receiving a locking device (42) extending into said indentation (38) at an angle to the longitudinal axis (B) of said projection (28).
2. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said indentation (38) on said projection (28) is annular.
3. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said indentation (38) is in the form of conical walls (40).
4. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projection (28) is annular in form.
5. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projection (28) is threaded into said second portion (22) of said hinge structure (18).
6. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projection has a beveled end (36) for inserting in said bore (26).
7. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, having a pair of projections (28).
8. A vehicle (10) comprising a frame (12) and a body panel (14) according to any of the preceding claims.
9. A method of mounting a vehicle body panel (14) for pivotal connection of the vehicle body panel (14) to a vehicle frame (12) having a hinge structure (18) about a given axis (A),: said method characterized by extending a projection (28) from the hinge structure in a direction at right angles to the pivotal axis (A) of the hinge structure (18); providing a corresponding bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the projection (28); inserting the projection (28) from the hinge structure (18) into the bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12); providing an indentation (38) on said projection (28); and, locking the projection (28) in the bore (26) by a locking device (42) projecting into the indentation at an angle to the longitudinal axis (B) of the projection (28).
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the projection (28) is annular, the bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12) is annular and the indentation (38) on said projection (28) is annular and the locking device (42) has at least an annular end (46) projecting into said indentation (38).
I I. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the indentation (38) is in the form of conical walls (40) on said projection (28) and the end of said locking device (42) is a conical shape (46) for locking the projection (28) in place.
12. The method as claimed in claim II, wherein said locking device (42) is threaded into said vehicle frame (12).AMENDMENTS TO CLAIMS ARE FILED AS FOLLOWS CLAIMS1. A hinge structure (18) for pivotally connecting a vehicle body panel (14) to a vehicle frame (12), said hinge structure (18) comprising: a first portion (20) securable to said vehicle body panel (14); a second portion (22) securable to said vehicle frame (12), said first and second portions (20, 22) being pivotally interconnected to pivot said body panel (14) about a given axis (A); said hinge structure characterized by at least one projection (28) extending from said second portion (22) in a direction at a right angle to said given axis (A), said at least one projection having a longitudinal axis (B) and receivable in a bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12), said projection (28) having an (r) indentation (38) for receiving a locking device (42) extending into said indentation (38) at an a) angle to the longitudinal axis (B) of said projection (28) to lock the said projection (28) in the said bore (26).LOC\I The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said indentation (38) on said projection (28) is annular.3. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said indentation (38) is in the form of conical walls (40).4. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said projection (28) is annular in form.5. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projection (28) is threaded into said second portion (22) of said hinge structure (18).6. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said projection has a beveled end (36) for inserting in said bore (26).7. The hinge structure (18) as claimed in claim 1, having a pair of projections (28).8. A vehicle (10) comprising a frame (12) and a body panel (14) connected to the said frame(12) using the hinge structure (18) according to any of the preceding claims.9. A method of mounting a vehicle body panel (14) for pivotal connection of the vehicle body panel (14) to a vehicle frame (12) having a hinge structure (18) about a given axis (A),: said method characterized by securing a first portion to the said vehicle body panel (14); (r) securing a second portion to the said vehicle frame (12)-r extending a projection (28) from the hinge structure in a direction at right angles to the providing a corresponding bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12) in a direction parallel to C\I the longitudinal axis (B) of the projection (28); inserting the projection (28) from the hinge structure (18) into the bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12); providing an indentation (38) on said projection (28); and, locking the projection (28) in the bore (26) by a locking device (42) projecting into the indentation at an angle to the longitudinal axis (B) of the projection (28).10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the projection (28) is annular, the bore (26) in said vehicle frame (12) is annular and the indentation (38) on said projection (28) is annular and the locking device (42) has at least an annular end (46) projecting into said indentation (38). a)pivotal axis (A) of the hinge structure (18);