US 10,648,210 B1 · Multi-linkage vehicle door hinge

Abstract

A multi-linkage vehicle door hinge and door hinge system for use in passenger vehicle entry/exit doors. The door hinge includes a first four bar linkage connected to a second four bar linkage. The door hinge operates to move a vehicle door panel between a closed position and an open position along a path of travel in a movement envelope that is parallel to the exterior surface of the vehicle. In one aspect, the door hinge provides twice as much lift as is required to package the door hinge in the vehicle. In another aspect, the door panel further rotates toward the vehicle centerline for applications having low vertical clearance. In another aspect, the door hinge includes a six-bar linkage.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A hinge for use with a passenger vehicle door, the hinge comprising:

a first four bar linkage operable to connect to a door frame defining a door opening;
a coupler connected to the first four bar linkage;
and
a second four bar linkage connected to the coupler and operable to connect to a door panel, the first four bar linkage and the second four bar linkage operable to move the door panel along a door panel path of travel between a closed position wherein the door panel covers the door opening and an open position wherein the door panel allows passage through the door opening.

1 more element

A multi-linkage vehicle door hinge system, the door hinge system comprising:

a door frame defining a door opening through an exterior surface of a vehicle body;
a door panel having a closed position covering the door opening and an open position allowing passage through the door opening, the door panel having a door panel path of travel between the closed position and the open position, the door panel path of travel defining a door panel movement envelope relative to the vehicle body exterior surface;
a first four bar linkage connected to the door frame, the first four bar linkage comprising:
a mounting first link rigidly connected to the door frame;
a second link pivotally connected to the mounting first link;
a third link pivotally connected to the mounting first link;
and
a fourth link pivotally connected to the second link and the third link;
a coupler connected to the first four bar linkage;
and
a second four bar linkage connected to the door panel and the coupler, the second four bar linkage further comprising:
a first link;
a second link pivotally connected to the first link;
a third link pivotally connected to the first link;
and
a fourth link rigidly connected to the door panel, the fourth link pivotally connected to the second link and the third link, wherein the first bar linkage and the second bar linkage are operable to move the door panel between the closed position and the open position along the door panel path of travel within the door panel movement envelope relative to the exterior surface of the vehicle body.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multi-linkage vehicle door hinge

Life of this patent

Multi-linkage vehicle door hinge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21