KR20140078567A - Movable interior trim component having a retaining feature - Google Patents

Abstract

An interior trim component includes an engagement feature configured to be engaged a track of a support structure to facilitate the movement of the interior trim component in a traveling direction from an exposed position to a concealed position relative to the support structure. The interior trim component also includes a substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face an interior of a vehicle. In addition to this, the interior trim component includes a retaining feature extending upwardly from the outer surface. The retaining feature is positioned adjacent to a leading edge of the interior trim component relative to the traveling direction, and the retaining feature is configured to be engaged an object adjacent to the outer surface to block movement of the object relative to the interior trim component.

Description

[0001] MOVABLE INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENT HAVING A RETAINING FEATURE WITH MAINTENANCE FEATURE [0002]

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 738,249 filed on December 17, 2012, entitled " FLEXIBLE INTERIOR TRIM COMPONENT HAVING A RETAINING FEATURE "&Quot; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to in-vehicle trim components, and more particularly to a moveable inner trim component having a retaining feature.

Storage compartments can be positioned over the interior of the vehicle to store loads or other small items. For example, the overhead console may include a storage suitable for storing sunglasses, driver's glasses, or other items. Other storage compartments may be located in the center console, armrests, seats, door panels or other areas within the vehicle interior. Certain lockers include doors that are configured to protect the contents of the compartment and / or hide the contents from the view.

While various door configurations can be used, tambour doors are well fitted for storage containers with generally curved openings. Common tambour doors include a series of mutually locked parallel ribs or segments that are rotatable relative to each other. In this way, the tambour door can be bent in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the parallel segments. This configuration allows the tambour door to fit into the contours of the storage opening of the curved opening thereby facilitating movement of the tambour door relative to the storage opening. Unfortunately, if an item (e.g., a business card, a coin, etc.) is placed on the tambour door and the tambour door is transitioned to the open position, the article may fall into the interior structure of the storage. Removal of the article from the internal structure (e.g., through separation of the storage) can be an expensive and time consuming process.

In one embodiment, the inner trim component includes an engagement feature configured to engage a track of the support structure to facilitate movement of the inner trim component in a direction of movement from the exposure position to the cover position with respect to the support structure. The inner trim component also includes a substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the inner trim component includes a retaining feature extending upwardly from the outer surface. The retaining feature is positioned adjacent the leading edge of the inner trim component with respect to the direction of movement and the retaining feature is configured to engage the article adjacent the outer surface to block movement of the article relative to the inner trim component.

In another embodiment, the inner trim component includes a plurality of substantially parallel < RTI ID = 0.0 > (i. E., ≪ / RTI > Ribs. The inner trim component also includes a substrate coupled to the substantially parallel ribs such that the inner trim component can be bent in a longitudinal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the substantially parallel ribs. In addition, the inner trim component includes a retaining feature extending upwardly from the outer surface of the substrate. The retaining feature is positioned adjacent the leading edge of the inner trim component with respect to the direction of movement and the retaining feature is configured to engage the article adjacent the outer surface to block movement of the article relative to the inner trim component.

In another embodiment, the vehicle interior assembly includes a support structure and an inner trim component that is movably coupled to the support structure. The inner trim component includes an engaging feature configured to engage a track of the support structure to facilitate movement of the inner trim component in a direction of movement from the exposure position to the cover position with respect to the support structure. The inner trim component also includes a substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face the interior of the vehicle. In addition, the inner trim component includes a retaining feature extending upwardly from the outer surface. The retaining feature is concealed within the support structure while the inner trim component is in the exposed position, the concealment position, or a position therebetween, and the retaining feature is configured such that when the inner trim component is moved between the exposed position and the concealed position, And is configured to engage an article adjacent the outer surface of the substrate to retain the article.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle that may include one or more storage compartments each having a flexible tambour door.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary center console that may be located within the interior of the vehicle of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the central console of Figure 2 with the flexible tambour door in the open position;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible tambour door having a retaining feature configured to block movement of the article relative to the flexible tambour door.
5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible tambour door having a retaining feature formed of a series of protrusions.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 including an interior 12 having a seat 14 and a central console 16. As shown in Fig. As discussed in detail below, the central console 16 and / or other in-vehicle assemblies may include internal trim components, such as flexible doors that enclose the storage compartment. For example, a particular container may be a flexible tambour door having a plurality of substantially parallel ribs. These ribs can be configured to engage the track, thereby facilitating tampering of the door along the opening of the storage. The tambour door may also include a cushion having a rear surface facing the interior of the storage compartment and a show surface facing the interior 12 of the vehicle 10 (e.g. formed from an integral outer skin) . Alternatively, the outer surface of the cushion may be wrapped with a cover layer to form a skirt of the flexible tambour door. The rear surface can be coupled to substantially parallel ribs such that the tambour door can be bent in a longitudinal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the substantially parallel ribs. This arrangement allows the tambour door to fit the contours of the curved storage opening, thereby facilitating movement of the tambour door relative to the storage opening.

In certain embodiments, the tambour door includes a retaining feature that extends upwardly from the outer surface (e.g., the base) of the tambour door. The retaining feature is configured to engage the article adjacent the outer surface to block movement of the article relative to the tambour door. Thereby, when the tambour door is moved to the open position, the possibility of the articles falling into the structure surrounding the tambour door is substantially reduced or eliminated. In addition, the retaining feature may direct the article towards the opening as the tambour door is moved to the closed position, thereby enabling the occupant to retrieve the article

2 is a perspective view of an exemplary central console 16 that may be located within the interior of the vehicle shown in FIG. As discussed in detail below, the central console 16 may include a storage enclosure enclosed by a flexible tambour door. As illustrated, the center console 16 is coupled to the floor of the vehicle interior 12 between the driver's seat 14 and the passenger's seat 14. In this configuration, the center console 16 is configured to provide a storage area and an armrest for the occupant of one or both sheets 14. The center console 16 is generally prismatic with a front wall 18, a back wall 20, two opposed and generally symmetrical side walls 22 and a top surface 24.

In addition, the center console 16 includes two side panels 26 forming a support structure 27. In this configuration, each side panel 26 provides one of the side walls 22 of the center console 16 and portions of the rear wall 20, front wall 18, and top surface 24. As illustrated, the sidewalls 22 include a compound-curved upper contour with both convex and concave portions, thereby providing a raised, posterior raised surface between the barrier 20 and the lower front wall 18 . The upper edges 28 of the side panels 26 form a curved upper surface 24. The top surface 24 includes an opening 30 that allows the occupant to access the interior of the console 16. [ In certain configurations, the central console 16 includes a rear panel 32 that forms a portion of the back wall 20 and / or the top surface 24.

In this configuration, the center console 16 includes a door 34 that is movably coupled to the support structure 27 and configured to transition between an open / concealed position and an illustrated closed / exposed position. As illustrated, a substantial portion of the door 34 is exposed to the interior 12 of the vehicle 10 by the door 34 at the closed / exposed position. The door 34 includes a handle 38 between which positions the occupant can slide the door 34. Sliding the door 34 toward the open / hiding position in the direction of movement 40 exposes the interior of the storage compartment located within the center console 16, as discussed in detail below. In certain embodiments, the door 34 is a tambour door with a substantially parallel series of ribs coupled to a substrate. The ribs are configured to engage the track within the side walls 22 while the substrate enables the door 34 to bend and accommodate the contours of the opening 30. [ In certain embodiments, the substrate includes a cushion configured to allow door 34 to act as an armrest for vehicle occupants, thereby reducing the space associated with providing separate doors 34 and armrests.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door 34 includes a retaining feature 41 that extends upwardly from the outer surface of the door. The retaining feature 41 is configured to engage the article adjacent the outer surface to maintain the article as the door 34 moves between the closed / exposed position and the open / closed position. The retaining feature is also configured to direct the article toward the opening 30 as the door 34 moves between the open / closed position and the closed / exposed position. As illustrated, the retaining feature 41 is concealed within the support structure 27 of the center console 16. As a result, the retaining feature 41 will not be visible to occupants in the vehicle interior 12, thereby improving the appearance of the center console 16. [ In certain embodiments, the retaining feature 41 is concealed within the support structure 27 while the door 34 is in the closed / exposed position, the open / conceal position and the respective positions therebetween.

Although the tambour door of the present invention has been described herein with respect to the center console 16, other tamper door assemblies (e.g., located all over the interior 12 of the vehicle 10) It must be acknowledged. For example, an overhead console, a door panel, a dash panel, or a storage located within another area of the interior 12 may include a flexible tambour door. Additionally, in addition to the doors described herein, other flexible inner trim components may include a retaining feature configured to engage an article adjacent the outer surface to block movement of the article relative to the inner trim component. Also, while flexible inner trim components are described herein, it should be appreciated that substantially rigid inner trim components with retention features may be utilized in alternative embodiments.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the central console 16 of Figure 2 with the flexible tambour door 34 in the open position. As illustrated, the side walls 22 include rails or tracks 36 configured to facilitate movement of the door 34 in the direction 40. In certain configurations, the tracks 36 include a C-shaped cross-section and may be coupled to the side panels 26 or may be integrally formed within the side panels 26. As described in detail below, substantially parallel ribs of the tambour door 34 include projections that engage the tracks 36 to support the door 34, Thereby accommodating the contours of the opening 30. As illustrated, the transition of the door 34 to the open / hiding position exposes the interior 42 of the bin within the central console 16. In addition, a substantial portion of the door 34 is concealed within the support structure 27 (e.g., not visible to the occupant of the vehicle 12) by the door 34 in the open / concealed position. In addition, the retaining feature 41 may be hidden within the support structure 27 as the door 34 moves between the closed / exposed position and the open / closed position.

As will be appreciated, the vehicle occupant may close the door 34 by gripping the handle 38 and moving the door 34 toward the front wall 18 of the center console 16. [ When the door 34 is moved from the open / concealed position to the closed / exposed position, the article held by the holding feature 41 can be directed toward the opening 30, thereby enabling the occupant to retrieve the article do. Access to the interior 42 of the storage box is blocked by the door 34 in the closed / exposed position, thereby making it possible for the storage box to retain items.

4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flexible tambour door having a retaining feature configured to block movement of the article relative to the flexible tambour door; As illustrated, the flexible door 34 includes a plurality of substantially parallel ribs 44 coupled to a substrate, such as the illustrated fluffy substrate or cushion 46. The ribs 44 are configured to engage the tracks 36 of the support structure 27 to support the door 34 and facilitate movement of the door 34 across the opening 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 44 include projections 48 configured to lock together with corresponding recesses in each track 36. The ribs 44 are coupled to the rear surface of the cushion 46 facing the interior 42 of the console 16 thereby forming an integral structure. In this configuration, the door 34 can be bent in a longitudinal direction 49 that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the substantially parallel ribs 44, thereby allowing the tambour door to be in contact with the contours of the curved storage bin opening It becomes possible to match. In certain embodiments, the cushion 46 includes an integral outer skin that forms the outer surface / shroud 50 and provides a smooth and consistent appearance to the outer surface of the flexible door 34. [ In addition, the cover layer can be disposed around the integral outer skin to set up visors having the desired appearance and / or texture. In alternative embodiments, the cover layer may be disposed about a cushion that does not include an integral outer skin.

The ribs 44 may be formed by an injection molding process and thus may be constructed of any suitable material for injection molding. For example, the ribs 44 may be comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such as polyamide, polycarbonate, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It should be appreciated that the ribs 44 may be constructed of other materials suitable for injection molding in alternative embodiments. In addition, the ribs 44 may comprise a chemical blowing agent and / or any other suitable additives.

In certain embodiments, the cushion 46 may be formed by a molding process in which two reactive foam compounds are mixed and poured into an open mold having the desired shape of the cushion 46. The mold is then closed and allows the mixture to expand and cure. By placing the ribs 44 into the mold prior to pouring the foam, the foam is bonded to the ribs 44 during the curing process. As a result, an integral flexible component is formed. In certain embodiments, the temperature properties as well as the chemical properties of the material in the mold lead to a high density flexible outer skin to form the outer surface of the low density foam cushion. The resulting cushion 46 has an integral outer skin that is substantially smooth or textured while providing sufficient flexibility to allow the tambour door 34 to receive the contours of the curved storage bin opening 30. [ . The paint layer may be applied to the mold before the foam compounds are injected. The paint is bonded to the foam adjacent to the inner surface of the mold, thereby forming the desired color of the flexible outer skin. For example, the color of the outer skin may be selected to match the color of the fabric sheet covering.

In other embodiments, various foam compounds and / or temperatures may be used that substantially reduce or eliminate the possibility of forming a high density flexible outer skin on the outer surface of the low density foam cushion. In such embodiments, the entire cushion 46 may have a substantially uniform low density. In addition, the cover layer may be disposed about the foam cushion to set a visor having a desired appearance and / or texture. The cover layer may be disposed about a foam cushion having an integral outer skin and / or a foam cushion having a substantially uniform low density.

It should be understood that although the illustrated door 34 includes substantially parallel ribs 44 for engaging the tracks of the support structure, other engaging features may be used in alternative embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the door may be substantially rigid and includes linear rails extending along opposite side sides of the door. The rails can engage the tracks of the support structure to facilitate movement of the door between the open / closed position and the closed / exposed position. In further embodiments, the door may comprise a combination of ribs substantially parallel to the rails, and / or any other suitable engagement feature (s) configured to engage the tracks of the support structure.

As previously discussed, the flexible door 34 may include a handle 38 configured to facilitate movement of the door 34 between the open / close position and the closed / exposed position. The handle may be attached to the door 34 by an injection molded with a fastener (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) or ribs 44. In configurations in which the handle is formed by injection molding, the foam may be poured over the plastic handle to establish a constant appearance, or may be poured around the handle to provide a rigid gripping surface. As can be appreciated, alternative embodiments may use other components (e.g., knobs, recesses, etc.) in place of the handle to control the motion of the door 34. For example, certain embodiments may include a handle formed by establishing a depression or indentation inside the cushion 46.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining feature 41 extends upwardly from the skirt 50 of the tambour door 34. The retaining feature 41 is configured to engage the article in contact with the skin to block movement of the article relative to the tambour door. For example, after placing an item (e.g., a business card, a coin, etc.) on the tambour door without the retaining feature, the door is tilted in the opening / In the inner structure of the apparatus. However, the retaining feature 41 is configured to block downward movement of the article while the tambour door is in the open / hiding position, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the possibility of the article falling into the central console structure . The retention feature 41 also directs the article toward the opening as the tambour door slides in the direction 56 to the closed / expose position, thereby allowing the passenger to retrieve the article.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining feature 41 is positioned adjacent the axial end 58 of the tip of the tambour door 34 (i.e., the tip with respect to the direction of motion 54). It should be understood, however, that the retention feature 41 may be located in other areas of the tambour door seal in an alternative embodiment. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the retention feature 41 extends from the first side edge 60 of the tambour door to the second side edge 62 of the tambour door, in the lateral direction 59 (e.g., 49 and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion 54, 56). As the retaining feature continues substantially, the likelihood of the article passing through the retaining feature is substantially reduced or eliminated. In addition, it should be understood that the height of the retaining feature 41 may be specifically chosen to block the movement of the articles lying on the shim of the tambour door. In certain embodiments, the retaining feature 41 may be configured to contact a corresponding feature of the center console to establish a seal that further reduces the likelihood of the article falling into the interior of the central console interior structure.

5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a flexible tambour door having a retaining feature formed of a series of protrusions. The retaining feature 41 includes a series of protrusions 64 extending along the skirt of the door 34 tamping in a lateral direction 59 from the first side edge 60 to the second side edge 62 ). Similar to the subsequent retaining features 41 of FIG. 4, the projections 64 are configured to engage the article in contact with the scissors to block movement of the article relative to the tambour door. It should be understood that although the projections 64 are located adjacent the end axial end 58 of the tambour door in the illustrated embodiment, the projections may be located in other areas of the tambour door seal in alternate embodiments do. In addition, the size, shape, and / or number of protrusions can be specifically selected to effectively block the drop of the article into the inner center cone structure. Moreover, in certain embodiments, each projection is configured to engage a corresponding recess in the center console, thereby establishing a seal that further reduces the likelihood of the article falling into the central console interior structure.

In certain embodiments, the retaining features 41 (e.g., the subsequent retaining features of FIG. 4 or the projections 64 of FIG. 5) are integrally formed with the cushion 46 (e.g., ) Element. In such embodiments, the retention feature 41 may be formed during the cushion casting process (e.g., via a mold cavity of a shape to form the retention feature 41). For example, if the cushion casting process is configured to form a cushion with an integral outer skin, the integral outer skin can form the skin of the retaining feature. Alternatively, if the cushion is covered with a cover layer, one or more protrusions extending from the cushion can deflect the cover layer to form the retaining feature 41. In a further embodiment, a separate structure (e.g., a plastic element) may be coupled to the cushion to form the retaining feature 41.

While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims Variations in dimensions, dimensions, structures, shapes and ratios of elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.)], mounting of arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. ) May occur to those skilled in the art. The order or arrangement of any process or method steps may be altered or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. In addition, in an effort to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, all features for actual implementation (i. E., Not related to the currently considered best mode for implementing the invention, or enabling the claimed invention Irrelevant) has not been described. It is to be understood that numerous specific execution decisions may be made in any such engineering or design project in any such actual implementation of the improvements. Such an improvement effort may be complex and time consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine task in design, manufacture, and manufacture without undue experience for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this description.

Claims (20)

As an internal trim component,
An engaging feature configured to engage a track of the support structure to facilitate movement of the inner trim component in a direction of movement from an exposure position to a concealed position with respect to the support structure;
A substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face the interior of the vehicle; And
Wherein the retaining feature is positioned adjacent a leading edge of the inner trim component with respect to the direction of movement and the retaining feature is configured to block movement of the article relative to the inner trim component An outer surface,
Internal trim component.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the inner trim component is configured to block access of the support structure to the storage while in the exposure position and to facilitate access to the storage while in the hiding position,
Internal trim component.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the substrate comprises a cushion and the engagement feature comprises a plurality of substantially parallel ribs coupled to a rear surface of the cushion,
Internal trim component.
The method of claim 3,
Wherein the retaining feature is integrally formed with the cushion,
Internal trim component.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the retaining features continue to extend along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement,
Internal trim component.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the retaining feature comprises a plurality of protrusions extending along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement,
Internal trim component.
The method according to claim 1,
And a handle configured to facilitate movement of the inner trim component between the exposure and concealment positions.
Internal trim component.
As an internal trim component,
A plurality of substantially parallel ribs configured to engage a track of the support structure to facilitate movement of the inner trim component in a direction of movement from the exposure position to the cover position to the support structure;
A substrate coupled to the plurality of substantially parallel ribs such that the inner trim component can be bent in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the plurality of substantially parallel ribs; And
Wherein the retaining feature is positioned adjacent a leading edge of the inner trim component with respect to the direction of movement and wherein the retaining feature comprises a movement of the article relative to the inner trim component, And configured to engage an article adjacent the exterior surface for blocking,
Internal trim component.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the substrate comprises a back surface and the back surface is coupled to a plurality of substantially parallel ribs,
Internal trim component.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the inner trim component is configured to facilitate access to the storage while the support structure is in the hiding position,
Internal trim component.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the retaining features extend continuously along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
Internal trim component.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the retaining feature comprises a plurality of protrusions extending along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
Internal trim component.
9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the substrate comprises a cushion, the retaining feature is formed integrally with the cushion,
Internal trim component.
A vehicle interior assembly comprising:
Support structure; And
An inner trim component movably coupled to the support structure, the inner trim component comprising:
An engaging feature configured to engage a track of the support structure to facilitate movement of the inner trim component in a direction of movement from an exposure position to a concealed position with respect to the support structure;
A substrate coupled to the engagement feature and having an outer surface configured to face the interior of the vehicle; And
Wherein the retaining feature is hidden within the support structure while the inner trim component is in the exposed position, the concealed position, or a position therebetween, and wherein the retaining feature comprises an inner trim component Is configured to engage an article adjacent an outer surface of the substrate to hold the article adjacent the outer surface as it moves between an exposure position and a concealed position,
Vehicle interior assembly.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the substrate comprises a cushion and the engagement feature comprises a plurality of substantially parallel ribs coupled to a rear surface of the cushion,
Vehicle interior assembly.
16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the retaining feature is integrally formed with the cushion,
Vehicle interior assembly.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the inner trim component is configured to block access of the support structure to the storage while in the exposure position and to facilitate access to the storage while in the hiding position,
Vehicle interior assembly.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the retaining features continue to extend along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement,
Vehicle interior assembly.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the retaining feature comprises a plurality of protrusions extending along a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement,
Vehicle interior assembly.
15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the retaining feature is located adjacent a leading edge of the inner trim component with respect to the direction of movement,
Vehicle interior assembly.

Images