License plate carrier convenient to be installed on automobile

The present invention provides a license plate carrier convenient to be installed on an automobile, comprising a frame for connecting a license plate and a bracket connected with the frame, wherein the bracket is provided with a cantilever end connected with the frame and an attachment end for engaging a vehicle grille; the attachment end is provided with a fixed arm and a movable arm extending outwards, and the movable arm can swing on the bracket in a limited range to open an included angle with the fixed arm, and both the fixed arm and the movable arm are provided with intercepting parts for hooking the vehicle grille; wherein, the bracket is provided with a locking mechanism for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm and the fixed arm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile parts, in particular to a license plate carrier which is convenient to be installed on an automobile.

BACKGROUND

The traditional car design usually has a fixed license plate position on the front bumper. Some cars cancel the fixed license plate position in order to reduce the air resistance and optimize the front flow linearity, so a license plate fixing frame which can be detachably installed on the front grille of the vehicle is born, which is convenient for the installation of the license plate without damaging the grille and bumper of the vehicle.

License plate fixing bracket is a shelf for placing license plates, which mainly plays the role of fixing license plates and protecting license plates and car bodies. In order to reduce the air resistance during driving, the front face design of new energy pure electric vehicles usually emphasizes the simplicity of streamline, and at the same time, some areas (such as some States in the United States) do not require vehicles to hang the front license plate, prompting some models to cancel the position of the front bumper to fix the license plate. If consumers want to install the front license plate, they need to use glue, double-sided tape and other fixing methods, or even drill holes in the bumper to fix it. These fixing methods are difficult to operate and may cause damage to the front bumper.

In the prior art, such as the “License plate bracket” also proposed in the U.S. patent application with a publication number of US20140060598A1 and the “Grill mounted front license plate bracket” proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,998, which provides a front license plate bracket mounted on a grille, which is used for mounting a license plate to the front of a vehicle without the front license plate bracket, and a device for mounting a license plate to a vehicle can pass through a vehicle body without drilling mounting holes.

However, in the solution disclosed above, the license plate is fixed on the bracket after fixing the grille on the vehicle head, and the connection between the fixing bracket and the grille is easy to cause the vehicle grille to break, which leads to the low reliability of the license plate fixing bracket.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a license plate carrier which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, which includes a frame for connecting a license plate and a bracket connected with the frame, wherein the bracket has a cantilever end connected with the frame and an attachment end for engaging a vehicle grille; the attachment end is provided with a fixed arm and a movable arm which extend outward and can extend into the vehicle grille; the movable arm can swing in a limited range on the bracket to open an included angle with the fixed arm, and both the fixed arm and the movable arm are provided with intercepting parts for hooking the vehicle grille;wherein, the bracket is provided with a locking mechanism for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm and the fixed arm, and the locking mechanism has at least one locking position.

The present invention further provides a license plate carrier which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, which includes a frame for connecting a license plate and a bracket connected with the frame, wherein the bracket includes at least two side plates, each side plate has a cantilever end connected with the frame and an attachment end for engaging a vehicle grille, and the attachment end is provided with a fixed arm and a movable arm which extend outward and can extend into the vehicle grille; the movable arm can swing on the bracket in a limited range to open an included angle with the fixed arm, and both the fixed arm and the movable arm are provided with intercepting parts for hooking the vehicle grille; andwherein, the bracket is provided with a locking mechanism for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm and the fixed arm, and the locking mechanism has at least one locking position.

The present invention further provides a license plate carrier which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, which includes a frame for connecting a license plate and a bracket connected with the frame, wherein the bracket has a cantilever end connected with the frame and an attachment end for engaging a vehicle grille, and the attachment end is provided with a fixed arm and a movable arm which extend outward and can extend into the vehicle grille; the movable arm can swing in a limited range on the bracket to open an included angle with the fixed arm, and both the fixed arm and the movable arm are provided with intercepting parts for hooking the vehicle grille; andwherein, the bracket is provided with a driving mechanism for driving the movable arm to rotate and open the included angle with the fixed arm, and a locking mechanism for maintaining the opened included angle between the movable arm and the fixed arm; and the locking mechanism has at least one locking position.

REFERENCE SIGNS

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred embodiments, specific termi-nology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few exemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice such embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the art may practice the inventive concept without these specific details.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first attachment could be termed a second attachment, and, similarly, a second attachment could be termed a first attachment, without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

As used in the description of the inventive concept and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates other.

As shown inFIG.1toFIG.9, the present invention provides a license plate carrier2which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, and includes a frame1for connecting license plates and a bracket2connected with the frame1. The bracket2has a cantilever end3connected with the frame1and an attachment end4for engaging a vehicle grille. The attachment end4is provided with a fixed arm5and a movable arm6which extend outward, and the movable arm6can swing on the bracket2in a limited range to open the included angle with the fixed arm5. Both the fixed arm5and the movable arm6are provided with angles for hooking the vehicle grille.

Wherein, the bracket2is provided with a locking mechanism7for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5.

The frame1is used to connect license plates. The fixed arm5and the movable arm6can extend into the grille of the vehicle, the fixed arm5can hook the bottom frame of the grille, and the movable arm6rotates relative to the bracket2to hook the top frame of the grille, so that the license plate fixing frame is fixed to the grille.

During installation, the fixed arm5and the movable arm6respectively extend into the gap between the upper and lower parts of the grille, so that the intercepting part41of the fixed arm5abuts against the inner surface of the lower frame of the grille, so that the fixed arm5is hooked on the lower frame of the grille. Then the movable arm6is rotated to make the intercepting part41of the movable arm6abut against the inner surface of the upper frame of the grille, so that the movable arm6hooks the upper frame of the grille, and the movable arm6is locked, so that the license plate fixing frame of this embodiment is connected with the grille of the vehicle, and finally install the license plate on the frame1by screws, thus completing the installation of the license plate.

In some embodiments (not shown), the intercepting part41can be replaced by other forms of fixing devices, such as clips or magnetic devices, especially for vehicle grilles with different materials or shapes. In addition to retaining its rotating and fixing functions, the movable arm6can be designed as a retractable or angle-adjustable hook to adapt to grille top frames with different heights or inclined angles. Elastic elements (such as spring leaf or rubber pad) can also be used for the intercepting part41to increase the abutting force, and improve the installation stability and shock absorption effect.

The shapes and materials of the intercepting parts41of the fixed arm5and the movable arm6can be replaced according to the actual situation. For example, a hook-shaped design with stronger bite force can be used, or a hook made of more wear-resistant materials (such as stainless steel) can be used to further enhance its fixing effect and durability.

The bracket2includes two opposite side plates24, which extend away from the frame1to form the attachment end4respectively. Two side plates24extend in the direction close to the frame1to form the cantilever ends3respectively, and the frame1is connected with the two side plates24respectively. Specifically, the side plate24can be made of metal or hard nonmetallic materials, and in order to reduce the weight of the side plate24, the side plate24is arranged in a hollow frame1structure. In addition to metal or hard nonmetallic materials, other light and high-strength materials, such as aluminum alloy and carbon fiber, can also be considered to further reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. In order to reduce the weight, in addition to the frame1structure, other forms of lightweight design can also be used, such as honeycomb structure, foam filling structure, etc., which can reduce the use of materials while ensuring strength.

In some embodiments (not shown), when the fixed arm5and the movable arm6have a certain width, the bracket2can be realized in the form of a single side plate24, or two groups of fixed arm5and movable arm6can be arranged on a single side plate24with a sufficient width, so that the fixed arm5and movable arm6can extend into the grille of the vehicle, the fixed arm5can hook the bottom frame of the grille, and the movable arm6rotates relative to the bracket2to hook the top frame of the grille, which will be convenient to be installed on the automobile.

The connection mode between the frame1and the cantilever end3can be replaced by a more firm or easy-to-install design, such as using bolts, buckles or quick-release locks.

The bracket2is provided with a clamping member21, and the clamping member21is provided with a clamping groove22for clamping the center line of the vehicle grille, and the clamping groove22extends in the vertical direction to limit the horizontal shift of the bracket2.

As shown inFIG.7toFIG.9, the movable arm6is provided with a follow-up arm61, and the bracket2is rotatably connected with a toggle lever8, which is connected with a toggle block81. During the rotation of the movable arm6, the toggle block81is linked to shift the follow-up arm61to drive the movable arm6to rotate. The toggle block81is provided with a cruciform spline groove, and the toggle lever8is provided with a spline adapted to the spline groove, and the spline is inserted into the spline groove to be installed, and the toggle lever8rotates to drive the toggle block81synchronously.

In this embodiment, the toggle block81is realized in the shape of a cam. In some embodiments (not shown), the shape of the toggle block81can be adjusted according to actual needs to optimize its contact area and friction force with the surface of the follow-up arm61, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of rotation. In addition, the material of the toggle block81can also be replaced with a more wear-resistant and durable material, such as cemented carbide or high-strength plastic. In addition to directly driving the movable arm6through the rotation of the toggle block81, gear, chain, belt and other transmission mechanisms can be considered to replace the cam to achieve smoother and more accurate rotation control. These transmission mechanisms can control the rotation speed and torque more effectively, thus further improving the rotation stability of the movable arm6.

The toggle lever8is provide with an operating block82, that bracket2is provided with a limit lever23, and the limit lever23is arrange on the rotation path of the operating block82; When the operating block82abuts against the limit lever23, the limit lever23prevents the operating block82from rotating and limits the maximum opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5driven by the toggle lever8.

In some embodiments (not shown), the limit lever23can be replaced by an elastic element, such as a spring-loaded limit block or a rubber pad. This design can provide gentle resistance when the toggle lever8approaches or reaches its travel limit, rather than a hard stop. This helps to reduce the impact and noise, and may extend the service life of the equipment.

The toggle block81has a protruding end83abutting against the follow-up arm61, and the bracket2is provided with a limit post, which is arranged on the path where the protruding end83rotates away from the follow-up arm61;

When the protruding end83abuts against the limiting post, the limiting post prevents the toggle block81from rotating, and the protruding end83keeps abutting against the follow-up arm61. The limit post and the limit lever23work together to limit the moving range of the toggle lever8, that is, the toggle lever8is limited to rotate between the limit post and the limit lever23to prevent the operating block82from rotating to an angle inconvenient for users.

The movable arm6is provided with a spring seat62and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is connected to the spring seat62and the other end is connected to the bracket2to drive the movable arm6to rotate and close the included angle with the fixed arm5, that is, the elastic member is used to drive the movable arm6to rotate and reset, so as to separate the movable arm6from the grille. The elastic member is a double-hook spring, and both ends of the double-hook spring are respectively mounted to the spring seat62and the bracket2through bolts.

The locking mechanism7includes a locking hole71arranged on the toggle block81, a positioning hole72arranged on the bracket2and a latch, wherein the positioning hole72is arranged corresponding to the moving track of the locking hole71along with the rotation of the toggle lever8, and the latch passes through the locking hole71and the positioning hole72to limit the rotation of the toggle block81to maintain the opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5. There are a plurality of positioning holes72corresponding to the moving track of the locking hole71along with the rotation of the toggle lever8.

In some embodiments (not shown), in order to simplify the installation and adjustment process, an elastic locking mechanism can be introduced. This mechanism can automatically lock when the cam moves to the required position and release it by simple operation when necessary. For example, a spring-loaded locking pin or cam locking device can be used.

In some embodiments (not shown), the contact area between the fixed arm5and the bracket2or the grille can be increased by design, which can effectively disperse the load and improve the connection strength. For example, the bottom width of the intercepting part41can be increased or a special contact surface shape can be designed. At the same time, the structure of the hook can be optimized, such as adding stiffeners and changing the section shape, so as to improve its overall stiffness and bearing capacity.

The present invention further provides a license plate carrier2which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, and includes a frame1for connecting a license plate and a bracket2connected with the frame1, wherein the bracket2includes at least two side plates24, each side plate24has a cantilever end3connected with the frame1and an attachment end4for engaging a vehicle grille; the attachment end4is provided with a fixed arm5and a movable arm6extending outward, and the movable arm6can swing on the bracket2in a limited range to open an included angle with the fixed arm5, and both the fixed arm5and the movable arm6are provided with.

Wherein, the bracket2is provided with a locking mechanism7for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5.

The frame1is used to connect license plates. The fixed arm5and the movable arm6can extend into the grille of the vehicle, the fixed arm5can hook the bottom frame of the grille, and the movable arm6rotates relative to the bracket2to hook the top frame of the grille, so that the license plate fixing frame is fixed to the grille.

During installation, the fixed arm5and the movable arm6respectively extend into the gap between the upper and lower parts of the grille, so that the intercepting part41of the fixed arm5abuts against the inner surface of the lower frame of the grille, so that the fixed arm5is hooked on the lower frame of the grille. Then the movable arm6is rotated to make the intercepting part41of the movable arm6abut against the inner surface of the upper frame of the grille, so that the movable arm6hooks the upper frame of the grille, and the movable arm6is locked, so that the license plate fixing frame of this embodiment is connected with the grille of the vehicle, and finally the license plate is installed on the frame1by screws, thus completing the installation of the license plate.

In some embodiments (not shown), the intercepting part41can be replaced by other forms of fixing devices, such as clips or magnetic devices, especially for vehicle grilles with different materials or shapes. In addition to retaining its rotating and fixing functions, the movable arm6can be designed as a retractable or angle-adjustable hook to adapt to grille top frames with different heights or inclined angles. Elastic elements (such as spring leaf or rubber pad) can also be used for the intercepting part41to increase the abutting force, and improve the installation stability and shock absorption effect.

The shapes and materials of the intercepting parts41of the fixed arm5and the movable arm6can be replaced according to the actual situation. For example, a hook-shaped design with stronger bite force can be used, or a hook made of more wear-resistant materials (such as stainless steel) can be used to further enhance its fixing effect and durability.

A clamping member21is connected between the side plates24, and the clamping member21is provided with a clamping groove22for being clamped in the center line of the vehicle grille, and the clamping groove22extends in the vertical direction to limit the horizontal shift of the bracket2.

The movable arm6is provided with a follow-up arm61, and the side plates24are connected with a toggle lever8, which is respectively connected with the side plates24on both sides in a rotating manner. The toggle lever8is connected with a toggle block81. During the rotation of the movable arm6, the toggle block81is linked to toggle the follow-up arm61to drive the movable arm6to rotate. The toggle block81is provided with a cruciform spline groove, and the toggle lever8is provided with a spline adapted to the spline groove. The spline is inserted into the spline groove to be installed; when the toggle lever8rotates, it drives the toggle block81to rotate synchronously.

In this embodiment, the toggle block81is realized in the shape of a cam. In some embodiments (not shown), the shape of the toggle block81can be adjusted according to actual needs to optimize its contact area and friction force with the surface of the follow-up arm61, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of rotation. In addition, the material of the toggle block81can also be replaced with a more wear-resistant and durable material, such as cemented carbide or high-strength plastic. In addition to directly driving the movable arm6through the rotation of the toggle block81, gear, chain, belt and other transmission mechanisms can be considered to replace the cam to achieve smoother and more accurate rotation control. These transmission mechanisms can control the rotation speed and torque more effectively, thus further improving the rotation stability of the movable arm6.

The toggle lever8is provide with an operating block82, that bracket2is provided with a limit lever23, and the limit lever23is arrange on the rotation path of the operating block82; When the operating block82abuts against the limit lever23, the limit lever23prevents the operating block82from rotating and limits the maximum opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5driven by the toggle lever8.

The toggle block81has a protruding end83abutting against the follow-up arm61, and the bracket2is provided with a limit post, which is arranged on the path where the protruding end83rotates away from the follow-up arm61;wherein, when the protruding end83abuts against the limiting post, the limiting post prevents the toggle block81from rotating, and the protruding end83keeps abutting against the follow-up arm61. The limit post and the limit lever23work together to limit the moving range of the toggle lever8, that is, the toggle lever8is limited to rotate between the limit post and the limit lever23to prevent the operating block82from rotating to an angle inconvenient for users.

The movable arm6is provided with a spring seat62and an elastic member. One end of the elastic member is connected to the spring seat62and the other end is connected to the bracket2to drive the movable arm6to rotate and close the included angle with the fixed arm5. The elastic member is a double-hook spring, and both ends of the double-hook spring are respectively mounted to the spring seat62and the side plate24by bolts.

The locking mechanism7includes a locking hole71on the toggle block81, a positioning hole72on the side plate24, and a latch. The positioning hole72corresponds to the moving track of the locking hole71along with the rotation of the toggle lever8, and the latch passes through the locking hole71and the positioning hole72to limit the rotation of the toggle block81to maintain the opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5. There are a plurality of positioning holes72corresponding to the moving track of the locking hole71along with the rotation of the toggle lever8.

The present invention further provides a license plate carrier2which is convenient to be installed on an automobile, and includes a frame1for connecting a license plate and a bracket2connected with the frame1, wherein the bracket2has a cantilever end3connected with the frame1and an attachment end4for engaging a vehicle grille, and the attachment end4is provided with a fixed arm5and a movable arm6extending outward, and the movable arm6can swing on the bracket2in a limited range to open an included angle with the fixed arm5, and both the fixed arm5and the movable arm6are provided with intercepting parts41for hooking the vehicle grille;wherein, the bracket2is provided with a driving mechanism for driving the movable arm6to rotate and open the included angle with the fixed arm5, and a locking mechanism7for keeping the opened included angle between the movable arm6and the fixed arm5.

The bracket2includes at least two opposite side plates24, and a clamping member21is connected between the side plates24. The clamping member21is provided with a clamping groove22for being clamped in the center line of the vehicle grille, and the clamping groove22extends in the vertical direction to limit the horizontal shift of the bracket2.

The technical means disclosed in the scheme of the present invention are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include the technical scheme composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and embellishments can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and embellishments are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.