WO2008055555A1

WO2008055555A1 - Storage compartment with a covering device

Info

Publication number: WO2008055555A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/007409
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Sinner; Tilo Volkmann
Original assignee: Daimler Ag
Priority date: 2006-11-10
Filing date: 2007-08-23
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Also published as: DE102006053049A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage compartment, in particular for the interior of an automobile, with a covering device (20) which has at least two lids (16, 18), each allocated to one storage compartment section (48, 50). Said lids can be changed from a covering position arranged in tandem in the longitudinal direction relative to the storage compartment (14) to an open position at least partly overlapping each other in which both storage compartment sections (48, 50) are accessible. The lids (16, 18) in the open position are arranged such that the lids are displaced by a partial length in the longitudinal direction relative to the storage compartment (14).

Description

Storage compartment with a cover

The invention relates to a storage compartment, in particular for an interior of a passenger car with a covering device specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

Such a storage compartment with such a covering device can already be seen, for example, from DE 100 23 778 A1 as known, in which two covers assigned to a respective storage compartment area are provided, which are arranged one behind the other in their closed covering position in the longitudinal direction of the storage compartment. For this covering position, which is arranged behind one another in the longitudinal direction of the storage compartment, first the rear cover along a slotted guide is brought into overlap with the front cover below it, so that the corresponding rear storage compartment area becomes accessible. If, in addition to the rear storage compartment area, a front storage compartment area is to be made accessible, then the two covers can be transferred together into a receiving recess at the front end of the storage compartment in which they are positioned vertically or perpendicular to their covering position in their open position. After the two lids are transferred to their open position, consequently, both storage compartment areas are accessible. As a disadvantage in this known storage compartment is the fact that the two covers in their open position require considerable space within the storage compartment.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a storage compartment of the type mentioned, in which the cover can be positioned in a space-saving manner in its open position.

This object is achieved by a storage compartment with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

In order to create a space-saving arrangement of the covering device in its open position for the storage compartment, it is inventively provided that the cover are arranged in their open position at least by a partial length in the longitudinal direction offset to the storage compartment. In other words, it is provided in contrast to the previously known prior art according to DE 100 23 778 Al, not just to accommodate the cover within the storage compartment in its open position, but rather outside of the storage compartment. This nevertheless a large-sized and easy access to the respective storage compartment areas is possible, which are covered by the two covers in their covering position, these are arranged in their open position in the longitudinal direction at least by a partial length to the storage compartment. Accordingly, the two lids are positioned in the longitudinal direction in front of or behind the storage compartment in its open position to make the two storage compartment areas accessible. Another advantage is that the two covers can remain in their open position in that orientation, which they already occupy in the covering position. In contrast to the prior art according to DE 100 23 778 A1, it is therefore not necessary according to the invention to position the covers in their open position perpendicular to the orientation which they occupy in their covering position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has also proven to be advantageous if the rear cover is mitbewegbar by means of a coupling device over the entire transfer path between the covering and the open position - and back - with the front lid. As a result, only the front cover has to be actuated by the operator or a corresponding actuating element must be provided in the region of the front cover, the rear cover being moved automatically or automatically. This results in a particularly easy access to a relatively large storage space, which is covered by the two covers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has also proven to be advantageous if the rear cover is transferred by the front cover by means of the coupling device from the covering position into an intermediate position and back, in which the lid are arranged in a common plane. In other words, the two covers when opening initially over a certain distance - arranged in a common plane - be transferred to each other before they reach an intermediate position. When reaching this intermediate position, for example, only the front storage compartment area is accessible, which at closed lids is covered by the front lid.

In this context, it has proved to be further advantageous if the rear cover is height adjustable by means of a sliding guide between the intermediate position and the open position relative to the front cover. In other words, according to the invention, in particular, a height adjustment of the rear lid only then takes place after both covers - preferably in a common plane - have reached the above-described intermediate position. This sequence allows a particularly space-saving and discrete positioning of the two covers in their fully open position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rear cover after reaching its open position by means of the coupling device of the front cover detachable or formed before leaving from its open position by means of the coupling device with the front cover connectable. This makes it possible that the front cover can travel a further distance when the rear cover is already in its open position at the end of the sliding guide. Accordingly, it is possible to bring the front cover at least approximately completely in overlap with the rear cover, so that the storage compartment or in particular the rear storage compartment area is accessible as large as possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has also proven to be advantageous if the front cover is designed to be longer than the rear cover. Thus, it is possible to have a handle at a front end of the front lid provide, which is also accessible in a comfortable manner, when both lids are in their open position.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coupling device is designed as a rack drive, by means of which the rear cover is mitbewegbar at least over a range of its displacement length between the covering and the open position in a different, preferably slower or about half speed with the front lid. In other words, the possibility is created by such a rack and pinion drive that the front and the rear area at least approximately simultaneously reach their open position in coincidence with each other, although this front cover must cover a much greater distance than the rear cover.

Thus, the front cover can therefore be moved at a faster speed relative to the rear cover, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the front cover is height adjustable immediately after leaving the covering by means of a slotted guide relative to the rear cover.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the front and the rear cover are formed substantially the same width. In this way, a large-sized access area to the two storage compartment areas of the storage compartment can be made possible, which has a maximum opening cross-section.

Finally, it has proven to be advantageous if the rear cover is to be fixed by means of a latching device in its open position. This makes it possible, the entire covering and in particular the rear Lid rattle-free in the open position to position. In order to allow a particularly advantageous closure of the storage compartment, the latching device in a further embodiment of the invention has a push-push function, by which the fixed rear cover is released from its open position.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of two preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in:

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of an adjoining to a dashboard center console of a passenger car, in the front area a storage compartment is provided, which is covered by two in the longitudinal direction one behind the other arranged cover of a covering, which are presently shown in its closed position.

Figure 2 shows four variants of the storage compartment each in perspective view, wherein the cover device is shown with the two covers in all four embodiments in its open position.

3a, 3b are each a schematic side view of the storage compartment with the covering device, which is in its closed position or in its open position; 4a, 4b are each a schematic sectional view through the storage compartment according to FIGS. 3a and 3b;

5a, 5b each show a schematic side view of a storage compartment according to an alternative embodiment, in which the two covers of the covering device are coupled to one another via a coupling device designed as a rack drive;

6a, 6b are each a schematic sectional view through the storage compartment according to FIGS. 5a and 5b; and in

7 shows, in a schematic perspective view, two embodiment variants of the storage compartment according to FIGS. 5a to 6b, wherein the two covers of the covering device are shown in their open position.

In Fig. 1, a center console 10 between not shown front vehicle seats of a passenger car can be seen in a partial plan view, which adjoins an instrument panel 12. In a front region of the center console 10, a storage compartment 14, which will be explained in more detail below, is provided, which in the present case is closed by two covers 16, 18 of a cover device 20 which will be explained in more detail below. The storage compartment 14 with the covering device 20 is designed as a separate built-in module, which can be used in the center console 10.

This is particularly apparent from Fig. 2, which four variants of the storage compartment 14 each in a shows schematic perspective view. The storage compartment 14 comprises a unitary trough-shaped housing 22, which in the present case has a substantially rectangular cross-section. So that the interior of the storage compartment 14 or of the housing 22 is accessible, the two covers 16, 18 of the cover 20 are transferred from the closed position shown in FIG. 1 in an open position explained in particular with reference to FIGS. 3a to 4b Service.

The embodiment shown on the top left represents an extremely simple version in which only one socket 24 is provided within the housing 22. The embodiment variant bottom left comprises in addition to the socket 24, a cup holder module 26 which is inserted into the housing 22 and has two receiving openings for drinks. The embodiment variant on the top right comprises a smoking equipment in which instead of this socket 24, a lighter 28 and an ashtray 30 are present. In the embodiment variant at the bottom right, the cupholder module 26 is inserted into the housing 22 in addition to these two parts.

With reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b, which each show a schematic side view of the storage compartment 14 of FIG. 2, and with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b, which each show the storage compartment according to FIGS. 3a and 3b in a schematic sectional view along a in FIG Show longitudinal direction and vertically extending central longitudinal plane, will now be explained the transfer of the cover 20 from the closed position to the open position. 3a and 4a show the covering device 20 or its two covers 16, 18 in their closed position, in which the upper side of the housing 22 lies in a common plane, are arranged. It can be seen that on the underside of the front cover 16 two extending in the longitudinal direction and downwardly in the direction of the housing 22 webs 32 are provided, which each extend on the inside of the associated longitudinal wall 33 of the housing 22. Each of the webs 32 carries two guide elements 34, which may be formed, for example, as rollers, sliding blocks or the like and run in guides 35 inside the respective longitudinal wall 33.

The rear cover 18 comprises on its underside two guide arms 36 which each extend on the outside of the associated longitudinal wall 33 of the housing 22. Each of the two guide arms 36 carries two guide elements 37, 38, which are guided in a respective corresponding guide 39, 40 of a slotted guide 41 on the outside of the respective longitudinal wall 33.

At a rear end edge of the front cover 16, a coupling device 42 is provided, via which the rear cover 18 is detachably connected to the front cover 16. From the closed position shown in Figs. 3a and 4a, consequently, the front cover 16 and the rear cover 18 can be opened together by a handle 44 pushed at a front end edge of the front cover 16 according to the rear or in the direction of the rear cover 18 becomes. As a result, the front cover 16 is displaced substantially parallel to the upper edge of the housing 22 by means of the guide elements 34 along the guides 35. Pushed or dragged by the coupling device 42, the rear cover 18 by means of the guides 39, 40 cooperating guide elements 37, 38 initially also substantially parallel to the upper edge of the housing 22 is displaced until the rear cover 18 and the front cover 16 together reach an intermediate position. This intermediate position is determined by a respective curvature 45 in the two guides 39, 40 for the guide elements 37, 38 of the rear cover 18. As soon as the two guide elements 37, 38 reach the respective curvature 45 within the associated guide 39, 40, the rear cover by means of

Slotted guide 41 with respect to the front cover 16 height-adjusted upwards. In other words, the rear cover 18 is pushed back in a plane with the front cover 16 until the guide elements 37, 38 reach the respective curvature 45. After reaching this intermediate position then takes the lifting of the rear lid 18 so that the front cover 16 can reach under the rear cover 18. During this lifting, the two covers 16, 18 are still connected to each other via the coupling device 42.

After the guide elements 37, 38 have reached the respective rear end 46 of the associated guide 39, 40, the rear cover 18 is in its fully open, open position.

In order to be able to bring the front cover 16 into its fully open position shown in FIGS. 3b and 4b below the rear cover 18, the coupling device 42 connected to the front cover 16 is released as soon as the rear cover 18 has reached its open position. This makes it possible, the front cover 16 - as shown in Figs. 3b and 4b - to arrange substantially in complete coverage below the rear cover 18. Accordingly, the front cover 16 has reached its full open position when its rear end or arranged there Coupling device 42 towards the rear approximately flush with the end edge of the rear lid 18 closes.

Furthermore, it can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3b and 4b that the front cover 16 is made much wider than the rear cover 18. In conjunction with FIG. 2, it can thus be seen that a front storage compartment region 48 essentially through the front cover 16 and a rear storage compartment area 50 is substantially covered by the rear cover 18.

Overall, it can thus be seen in particular from FIGS. 3b and 4b that the lids 16, 18 are in their open position present at least a partial length in the longitudinal direction offset to the storage compartment 14, which in turn is bounded by a wall 52 to the front. In other words, the storage compartment 14 in the present case ends at the front wall 52, while the area arranged in front of the housing 22 only serves to receive the lid 16, 18 in its open position and the front portion of the guide slot 41 carries. Furthermore, it can thus be seen that the two covers 16, 18 are arranged in their open position substantially above the housing 22 and substantially parallel to the upper edge of the housing.

In the present embodiment, the rear cover 18 is fixed by means of a latching device in its open position. In this case, the locking device comprises a so-called push-push function, by which the fixed rear cover 18 is to be released to close the cover 20 from its open position. So that only the front storage compartment area 48 is accessible, the two covers 16, 18 can also be arranged in the above-described intermediate position, in which both covers 16, 18 still in one common plane. Of course, other intermediate positions between the open position and the closed position would be conceivable, in which the two covers 16, 18 can be arranged or optionally locked.

To close the cover 20, the front cover 16 is moved back by means of the handle 44, wherein the rear cover 18 is secured by the locking device first remains in place until the

Coupling device 42 at the rear end of the front cover 16 is again locked to the front end of the rear cover 18. By the coupling device 42, the rear cover 18 is then entrained with the front cover 16 - via the intermediate position - in the closed position. The sequence is carried out in the reverse manner to the opening process.

It is clear that the movement of the two covers 16, 18 can be comfort-controlled by means of corresponding damping elements, such as, for example, viscous dampers.

A second embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5a and 5b, which again show the storage compartment 14 in a schematic side view, and with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, which show the storage compartment in a sectional view along a longitudinal and vertical sectional plane become. In this embodiment, the coupling device 42 of the two covers 16, 18 comprises a rack drive 54, in which a respective, associated in the front cover 16 rack 56 with a respective associated gear 58 is engaged, which in turn on a lower side of the rear cover 18 projecting support arm 60 is stored. The respective gear 58 stands next to the respective associated rack 56th with a further rack 62 in engagement, which is arranged in each case on the inside of the longitudinal wall 33 of the housing 22. This further rack 62 can be seen further in FIG. 7. Each of the racks 56 is also engaged with a gear 64 which is supported on an associated support arm 66 below the front cover 16. By suitable design of the gears 58 and 64 of the rack drive 54 is thus achieved that the front cover 16 when opening or closing the cover 20 has a greater speed than the rear cover 18. Thus, it can be achieved that when opening the cover 20 Both covers 16, 18 simultaneously reach the closed position shown in FIGS. 5b and 6b, although the front cover 16 has to travel a much greater distance than the rear cover 18 for this purpose.

Since the front cover 16 is moved at a greater speed in the open position than the rear cover 18, it must be lowered immediately after leaving the covering position shown in Figs. 5a and 6a by means of a sliding guide 68 relative to the rear cover 18. For this purpose, the slide guide 68 comprises two guides 70, which are each formed on the inside of the associated longitudinal wall 33 of the housing 22. In particular, from Fig. 6b it can be seen that the corresponding guide 70 has a curvature 71, whereby the front cover 16 is displaced immediately after leaving its covering position down. In this case, the front cover 16 immersed in the storage compartment 14 substantially by its height.

By means of the rack drive 54 reach both covers 16, 18 together their full open position, in which they are in turn arranged at least over a partial length in the longitudinal direction in front of the storage compartment 14. The storage compartment 14 in turn ends at the wall 52. Another peculiarity of the present embodiment is that the two covers 16, 18 in this case are approximately equally wide. This can be seen in particular from FIGS. 5b and 6b. At the rear end of the rear cover 18, a latching device 72 can be seen, via which the rear cover is latched after reaching the open position. About this locking device 72 is secured in position over the rack drive 54 and the front cover 16. The latching device 72 may in turn have a push-push function, via which the rear cover 18 and the front cover 16 are to be released from the open position.

Finally, two variants of the storage compartment according to FIGS. 5a to 6b are each shown in a schematic perspective view in FIG. 7, wherein the right variant shows the empty storage compartment 14, in which according to the left variant the cupholder module 26 and a storage compartment 74 are integrated.

Claims

claims

1. storage compartment in particular for an interior of a passenger car with a covering device (20) with at least two a respective storage compartment area (48, 50) associated lid (16, 18), which consists of a longitudinal direction of the storage compartment (14) successively arranged covering position in an at least In which both storage compartment areas (48, 50) are accessible, characterized in that the covers (16, 18) are arranged in their open position at least by a partial length in the longitudinal direction offset to the storage compartment (14) ,

2. storage compartment according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear cover (18) by means of a coupling device (42) over the entire transfer path between the covering and the open position and back to the front cover (16) is mitbewegbar.

3. storage compartment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear cover (18) through the front cover (16) by means of the coupling device (42) from the

Covering position in an intermediate position and can be moved back, in which the lid (16, 18) are arranged in a common plane.

4. storage compartment according to claim 3, characterized in that the rear cover (18) by means of a slotted guide (41) between the intermediate position and the open position relative to the front cover (16) is height adjustable.

5. Storage compartment according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the rear cover (18) after reaching its open position by means of the coupling device (42) of the front cover (16) is releasable or that the rear cover (18 ) is connected to the front cover (16) before leaving its open position by means of the coupling device (42).

6. storage compartment according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the front cover (16) is formed longer than the rear cover (18).

7. storage compartment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling device (42) is designed as a rack drive (54), by means of which the rear cover (18) at least partially between the covering and the open position in a different, preferably slower speed the front

Cover (16) is mitbewegbar.

8. storage compartment according to claim 7, characterized in that the front cover (16) immediately after leaving the covering position by means of a sliding guide (68) relative to the rear cover (18) is height adjustable.

9. storage compartment according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the front and the rear cover (16, 18) are formed substantially the same width.

10. Storage compartment according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear cover (18) by means of a latching device (72) is to be fixed in its open position.

11. Storage compartment according to claim 10, characterized in that the latching device (72) has a push-push function by which the fixed rear cover (18) is to be released from its open position.