WO2016011285A1 - Ensemble de stockage à faible profil pour un véhicule - Google Patents

Ensemble de stockage à faible profil pour un véhicule Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016011285A1
WO2016011285A1 PCT/US2015/040797 US2015040797W WO2016011285A1 WO 2016011285 A1 WO2016011285 A1 WO 2016011285A1 US 2015040797 W US2015040797 W US 2015040797W WO 2016011285 A1 WO2016011285 A1 WO 2016011285A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
bin
storage compartment
guide
linear
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/040797
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Scott Hodgson
Steven Duane LEPLEY
Jason M. Hipshier
Karl Robert STANLEY
Original Assignee
Yanfeng Global Automotive Interior Systems Co. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Yanfeng Global Automotive Interior Systems Co. Ltd. filed Critical Yanfeng Global Automotive Interior Systems Co. Ltd.
Publication of WO2016011285A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016011285A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
    • B60R7/04—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps in driver or passenger space, e.g. using racks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R7/00—Stowing or holding appliances inside vehicle primarily intended for personal property smaller than suit-cases, e.g. travelling articles, or maps
    • B60R7/08—Disposition of racks, clips, holders, containers or the like for supporting specific articles
    • B60R7/082—Disposition of racks, clips, holders, containers or the like for supporting specific articles for supporting spectacles

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates generally to vehicle interior components, and more particularly to a linear-motion storage assembly for use within a vehicle interior.
  • Vehicle storage compartments may be positioned throughout an interior of a vehicle to store cargo and other items.
  • a center console may include a storage compartment suitable for storing sunglasses, driving glasses, or other items.
  • Other storage compartments may be located within an overhead console, an armrest, seats, door panels, a dashboard, or other areas of the vehicle interior.
  • Certain storage compartments may rotate between open and closed positions to facilitate disposition of an object in the storage compartment and storage of the object within the compartment, respectively.
  • Such storage compartments may include a bin that is limited in size partly because of a lip that blocks the object from tumbling out when the storage compartment is rotated to the open or closed position. Further, the rotating motion of the storage compartment may introduce spacing constraints between the compartment and a surrounding housing, thereby reducing the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle interior.
  • an apparatus for an interior of a vehicle includes a storage compartment, a housing that selectively contains the storage compartment, and a hinge mechanism disposed within the housing.
  • the hinge mechanism is coupled to the housing and to the storage compartment, the hinge mechanism is configured to guide linear movement of the storage compartment relative to the housing, and a usable linear space of the storage compartment is larger than a linear space of the hinge mechanism in a collapsed position.
  • a storage assembly for an interior of a vehicle includes a storage compartment, a housing that selectively contains the storage compartment, and a hinge mechanism coupled to the storage compartment and to the housing.
  • the hinge mechanism guides linear movement of the storage compartment between a closed position within the housing and an open position that facilitates insertion and removal of objects from the storage compartment.
  • a storage apparatus for an interior console of a vehicle includes a compartment, a housing that selectively contains the compartment, a hinge mechanism guides linear movement of the compartment relative to the housing, and a guide system guides the linear movement of the compartment relative to the housing.
  • a linear space of the hinge mechanism in a collapsed configuration is less than a usable linear space of the compartment.
  • FIG. 1 A is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle that may include one or more storage compartments with linearly translating bins;
  • FIG. IB is a cutaway perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a part of an interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1 A;
  • FIG. 2B is another perspective view of a part of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a linear-motion storage assembly in a closed position
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the linear- motion storage assembly of FIG. 3 A in an open position;
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3 A;
  • FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3 in a closed position
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A in an intermediate position
  • FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A in an open position
  • FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A with certain components represented schematically in a closed position;
  • FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A with certain components represented schematically in an open position;
  • FIG. 7A is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A;
  • FIG. 7B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3B;
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A in a closed position
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A in an intermediate position
  • FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A in an open position
  • FIG. 9A is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a scissor mechanism that may be used in the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A; [0025] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism of FIG. 9A partially configured;
  • FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism of FIG. 9A in a collapsed position.
  • FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism of FIG. 9A in a deployed position.
  • Storage compartments installed on the interior of a vehicle are often of a rotating design.
  • overhead storage compartments that are configured to contain sunglasses, for example, rotate open and closed when actuated by a vehicle occupant.
  • These storage compartments lack styling diversity in the overhead console market.
  • the rotating design offers an awkward, unintuitive interaction with the vehicle occupant for stowing the sunglasses.
  • a vehicle occupant may place an object into the storage compartment that blocks the transition of the compartment from the open to the closed position (e.g., due to the size and/or shape of the object).
  • a lip may be utilized by the storage compartment to contain the object.
  • the rotating motion of the storage compartment from the open to the closed position in conjunction with movement of the vehicle, may cause objects (e.g., sunglasses) to overcome the lip and tumble out.
  • present exemplary embodiments are directed to a linear-motion storage assembly.
  • the present configurations are intended to offer an interesting styling element by facilitating linear translation of a storage bin, thereby differentiating the storage assembly from rotating configurations.
  • the storage bin may vertically descend in a controlled manner when actuated, which is intended to provide a sleek look and feel to the interior of the vehicle.
  • the disclosed storage assembly is intended to enable an occupant to intuitively determine what objects may fit into the bin when closed because any object capable of being placed within the bin of the storage assembly should not block the storage assembly from closing.
  • the linear-motion of the storage bin may enable a larger bin to be utilized as compared to a rotating storage bin. The larger bin may reduce the possibility of unusually shaped sunglasses or other objects from tumbling out when the storage bin is opened.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 that may include one or more linear-motion storage assemblies
  • FIG. IB is a cutaway perspective view of the vehicle 10.
  • the vehicle 10 includes an interior 12 having an instrument panel and a center console 22.
  • a linear-motion storage assembly may be located in the instrument panel, the center console 22, door panels 24, floor panels, under seats, and/or in an overhead console.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly may be disposed within the overhead console and include a bin that vertically, linearly translates when opened and closed.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly may include a bin that horizontally actuates if installed in a door panel or the like.
  • Linear-motion may refer to the ability of the storage bin to move or translate in a substantially straight line when opening and closing.
  • a bottom plate of the bin may be substantially flush with the headliner of the vehicle when closed, and may be pushed by an occupant to open (e.g., via a push-push latch). The bottom plate may be pushed again to raise and close the bin.
  • a push-push latch may be utilized for securing and releasing the bin.
  • the storage assembly may utilize a small motor to facilitate electrical actuation of the bin.
  • the storage assembly may include a hinge mechanism (e.g., a scissor mechanism) configured to facilitate linear translation of the bin outside of its housing when opened and linearly translate the bin back inside the housing when closed.
  • the housing can be separate from the component in which it is disposed or it can be integrally part of the component (e.g., a "cavity").
  • the deployment speed of the bin may be controlled by a rotary damper.
  • a spring may be utilized to control the deployment speed.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly may obviate a visible bezel ring, which is often included on overhead consoles with rotating bins.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly is intended to provide an enhanced, aesthetically pleasing look and feel.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of part of the interior 12 of the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1A
  • FIG. 2B is another perspective view of part of the interior 12 of the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1A
  • an overhead console 18 includes a linear-motion storage assembly 20.
  • the linear- motion storage assembly 20 may include a generally rectangular bin that retains any object that fits within the bounds of the walls of the bin, such as sunglasses, pens, wallet, keys, and so forth.
  • the size of the bin may be larger than a rotating storage bin because space is not used to enable the bin to rotate within the housing.
  • the linear-motion of the disclosed storage assembly enables the interior space of the housing to be efficiently used so that the size of the bin is enhanced relative to the housing.
  • a low-profile hinge mechanism e.g., scissor mechanism
  • low-profile guides may be utilized to facilitate linear movement to the bin, thereby enabling a volume of the bin to be enhanced over rotating bin designs.
  • the volume of the hinge mechanism and guide system may refer to the volume of the interior of the housing that is rendered unusable for expansion of the bin 25 (e.g., storage compartment).
  • any object that fits inside the bin may not block the storage bin from being closed.
  • linear-motion storage assemblies 20 may be located within other components of the vehicle interior 12.
  • a linear-motion storage assembly may be disposed within the center console 22, the door panels 24, or any location that contained storage is desired.
  • the bin of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 may translate vertically or horizontally, for example, depending on its orientation in the component.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 in a closed position
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 in an open position.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 is disposed within the overhead console 18.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 includes a bin 25 with two side walls 26 and 28, a front opening 29, a top wall 30, and a back wall.
  • the bin 25 also includes a bottom plate 32 that is connected to the walls of the bin.
  • the bottom plate 32 may be a part of the same molding as the walls.
  • the bottom plate 32 may be any suitable material, such as plastic, wood, aluminum, and so forth, depending on the interior style of the vehicle and other factors.
  • the bottom plate 32 may be slightly angled downward toward the back wall to block objects from rolling out of the bin 25 when it is open.
  • a rubber mat may be disposed on an interior surface of the bottom plate 32.
  • the mat may include elevated bumps to provide friction and to grip any objects, thereby blocking the objects from tumbling out of the bin 25.
  • the bottom plate 32 may include a lip or small barrier that extends vertically upward from an edge near the front opening 29 of the bin 25 to hold contents within the bin 25.
  • the side walls 26 and 28, top wall 30, and bottom plate 32 of the bin 25 make up a compartment to store objects (e.g., which are inserted through the front opening 29 of the bin 25).
  • the side walls and the back wall each include a guide rack 34 disposed on the exterior of the bin 25 that is configured to receive a guide pin attached to the interior of a housing 40 of the linear-motion storage assembly 20.
  • the guide tracks 34 may be disposed on the interior of the housing 40 and the guide pins may be disposed on the exterior of the bin 25.
  • the guide tracks 34 and guide pins substantially block the bin from moving laterally (e.g., wobbling side to side) and from moving longitudinally (e.g., wobbling front to back) while it is linearly translating.
  • the guide system stabilizes motion of the bin 25.
  • the guide tracks 34 include opposing surfaces that contact the guide pins as the bin 25 moves along its linear path, thereby constraining the sideways and fore/aft movement of the bin 25.
  • the back wall of the bin 25 may include a linear toothed rack configured to interface with a gear of a rotary damper of the housing to control the deployment speed of the bin.
  • the linear toothed rack may be disposed on the housing 40 and the gear may be disposed on the back wall of the bin 25.
  • the bottom plate 32 when the storage bin is in the closed position, the bottom plate 32 may be substantially flush with a lip 36 of the housing 40.
  • the bin 25 and the housing 40 of the storage assembly 20 may utilize a push-push latch to secure the bin 25 in the closed position and to release the bin 25 when the occupant desires to open the storage bin.
  • a scissor mechanism may be connected to the top wall 30 of the bin 25 and to the housing 40, as will be described in more detail below. The scissor mechanism may enable lowering and raising of the bin 25 in a linearly controlled fashion.
  • the latch when the occupant pushes on the bottom plate 32 to open the storage bin 25 the latch may disengage and gravity may induce the bin 25 to vertically translate downward to the open position.
  • the top wall 30 of the bin 25 when the bin 25 is lowered and the storage bin 25 is open, the top wall 30 of the bin 25 may be nearly flush with a lip 36 of the housing 40.
  • the hinge mechanism while in the open position, the hinge mechanism may be extended to a fully deployed configuration to position the bin 25 (e.g., storage compartment) such that an entire inner volume of the storage compartment is accessible, thereby allowing any suitable object (e.g., sunglasses S) to fit and be placed/stowed. .
  • the occupant may push on the bottom plate 32 until the bin 25 is retracted into the housing 40 and the push-push latch engages the pin.
  • the storage assembly 20 may provide a substantially linear motion while the bin 25 is translating either vertically or horizontally.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3A.
  • the axes include a lateral axis X, a longitudinal axis Y, and a vertical axis Z.
  • the lateral axis X extends side to side
  • the longitudinal axis Y extends front to back
  • the vertical axis Z extends up and down.
  • the storage assembly 20 includes the bin 25, the housing 40 for the bin 25, a scissor mechanism 42, a push-push latch 44, and a backing plate 46 for the housing 40.
  • a rotary damper 47 including a gear 48 may be included to control the deployment speed of the bin through internal friction intended to dampen the movement of the bin.
  • any suitable type of latch may be utilized to enable securing and releasing the bin, and the present disclosure is not limited to using a push-push latch.
  • guide tracks 34 are attached or integrated to each side wall 26 and 28 and to the back wall of the bin 25.
  • the top wall 30 of the bin 25 includes a set of clamps 50 configured to connect to and secure a link-pin 52 of the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the top wall 30 also includes a set of link-pin pass through slots 54.
  • Each slot 54 may be formed from a portion of the top wall material, which is raised up from a top surface of the top wall 30.
  • the slots may be mounted to the top wall 30.
  • the slots 54 are configured to receive another link-pin 56 of the scissor mechanism 42 and to provide a sliding interface for the link-pin 56.
  • the link-pin 56 slides from one end of the slots 54 to the other end.
  • the movement of the link-pin 56 is blocked by surfaces at both ends of the slots 54.
  • the link-pin 56 reaches one end of the slots 54 as the bin 25 is being lowered, the movement of the bin 25 is stopped.
  • the link-pin 56 contacts a surface at the other end of the slots 54 as the bin 25 is being raised, the movement of the bin 25 will be stopped.
  • the movement of the bin 25 may be controlled and constrained by the interaction of the scissor mechanism 42 with the slots 54.
  • the link-pin 56 may slide in slots 54 but may not reach the ends of the slots 54.
  • the guide pins of the housing 40 can reach the end of their travel by contacting a protruding detail at the top of the bin guide tracks 34 when the bin 25 is lowered, thereby stopping the movement of the bin 25.
  • the movement of the bin 25 may be controlled and constrained by the guide pins interaction with the guide tracks 34.
  • the bin 25 includes a pin 58 that engages the push-push latch 44 to hold the bin 25 in the closed position.
  • the bin 25 may include a recess in the molding of the top wall 30 to provide clearance for a pivot joint of the scissor mechanism 42 when the bin 25 is fully retracted into the closed position.
  • the housing 40 includes an opening 60 that substantially corresponds to the shape and size of the bin 25 to reduce gap between the walls of the bin and the walls of the housing 40.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 enables the size of the bin 25 to be increased for its particular housing 40, thereby enhancing storage space of the bin 25.
  • the housing 40 includes gaps 61 in its side walls and its back wall to accommodate the guide tracks 34 of the bin 25 while the bin 25 linearly translates in and out of the opening 60.
  • the housing 40 further includes holes that protrude from a front wall and a back wall of the housing 40. The holes may be used to receive snaps or fasteners for securing the backing plate 46 to the housing 40.
  • the backing plate 46 may be a part of the housing 40 (e.g., integrally molded with the housing).
  • the housing 40 may or may not include a bezel "ring" that surrounds the bin. In exemplary embodiments where the bezel "ring" is included, the bezel is not on the same level as the bottom plate 32 but, rather, the bezel will be between the housing 40 and the bottom plate 32.
  • the housing 40 may or may not be integral with the component (e.g., overhead console, door panel, etc.) in which it is located.
  • the housing 40 can be disposed within a "cavity" of the component.
  • the housing 40 is a part of the component (e.g., integrally molded with the component), the housing 40 is the "cavity" of the component that receives the bin 25.
  • the two spacers may be removed and the space the spacers occupied may be used for other overhead components, such as lighting, switches, microphones, speakers, and so forth.
  • the scissor mechanism 42 includes a first arm 70 and a second arm 72. While the arms are formed from wires in the illustrated embodiment, According to an exemplary embodiment, the arms may be molded parts. Each arm 70 and 72 generally has a "U" shape, and the arms are pivotally coupled to one another by a joint 74, which is positioned approximately in the middle of each arm. According to an exemplary embodiment, each arm 70 and 72 may be any suitable shape, such as a closed loop "rectangular" shape, and so forth.
  • the joint 74 includes bushings, which are interspersed between the arms 74. According to an exemplary embodiment, the joint 74 includes a pin 78 that is inserted through holes in the arms and the bushings, thereby linking the arms to one another.
  • the bushings may enhance the ability of the arms to pivot around the pin 78.
  • the arms 70 and 72 may pivot about a longitudinal axis to enable the arms to collapse and extend, thereby causing the attached bin 25 to linearly translate. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pivotal movement of the arms 70 and 72 enables linear movement of the attached bin 25 in a vertical direction.
  • the first arm 70 includes a first end 79 and a second end 56.
  • the second arm 72 includes a first end 80 and a second end 52.
  • the first ends 79 and 80 of the arms include prongs and the second ends 56 and 52 of the arms include link-pins.
  • the second end 52 of the second arm 72 is connected to the clamps 50 of the ceiling 30 of the bin 25.
  • the second end 56 of the first arm 70 is inserted through the pass through slots 54 of the ceiling 30 of the bin.
  • the second end 56 may slide back and forth in the slots 54 to enable the bin 25 to linearly translate in and out of the housing 40 of the storage assembly 20.
  • the first end 79 of the first arm 70 are inserted and secured into holes formed by recesses (81 and 83) of the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 when the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 are connected.
  • the first end 80 of the second arm 72 may be inserted into pass through slots formed by aligning extended recesses (85 and 87) of the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 when the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 are connected so that the second end 80 may slide back and forth while the bin is linearly translated.
  • the arms 70 and 72 may pivot around a longitudinal axis via the first ends 79 and 80 when the bin 25 linearly translates.
  • the width of the arms 70 and 72 may be slightly less than the width of the housing 40 to fit inside of the housing 40 and expand and contract while the bin 25 linearly translates.
  • the scissor mechanism 42 may provide a constraint to the vertical motion of the bin 25.
  • pass through slots instead of using the clamps 50 on the top wall 30 of the bin 25 to hold the second end 52 of the second arm 72, pass through slots may be used.
  • pass through slots instead of using the hole in between the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 to secure the first end 79 of the first wire form 70, pass through slots may be used.
  • the second ends 52 and 56 may both slide within the pass through slots and the first ends 79 and 80 may slide within the pass through slots when the bin is opened and closed.
  • a pivot pin connects the arms 70 and 72 of the scissor mechanism 42 and may be disposed within a track inside the housing 40 and at the center of housing 40, thereby facilitating linear movement of the joint as the scissor mechanism 42 expands and contracts.
  • a rotary damper 47 including a gear 48 is disposed on the housing 40.
  • the gear 48 engages a linear toothed rack disposed on the back wall of the bin 25.
  • the gear 48 may be disposed on the bin 25 and the linear toothed rack may be disposed on the housing 40.
  • the gear 48 is configured to control the deployment speed of the bin 25 when the storage compartment 20 is opened and closed by providing resistance to movement of the linear toothed rack to achieve the effect of a damper.
  • the push-push latch 44 is disposed within a slot of the backing plate 46 and secured to the backing plate.
  • the push-push latch 44 may be disposed on the bin 25 and the pin 58 that interfaces with the push-push latch 44 may be disposed on the housing.
  • the backing plate 46 includes grooves 84 to accommodate the tracks 34 on the side and back walls of the bin 25.
  • the backing plate 46 includes a raised section 86 to accommodate for the pivot joint 74 when the bin 25 is retracted fully into the housing 40 (e.g., the bin is closed).
  • the raised section 86 is located in the middle of a raised platform section of the backing plate 46.
  • the raised platform section accommodates the collapsed scissor mechanism 42 when the bin 25 is completely retracted.
  • the backing plate 46 also includes extended screw caps configured to align with the holes of the housing 40.
  • FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3A in a closed position
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the linear- motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3A in an intermediate position
  • FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3A in an open position.
  • the backing plate 46 forms a top surface of the housing and provides connections points for the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the first end 79 of the first arm 70 is inserted into holes formed by recesses 81 and 83 in the backing plate 46 and the housing 40.
  • the first end 80 of the second arm 72 is inserted into pass through slots 94 formed by the extended recesses 85 and 87 of the backing plate 46 and the housing 40.
  • the second end 56 of the first arm 70 is coupled to the slots 54 of the bin 25 and the second end 52 of the second arm 72 are inserted into clamps 50 of the bin.
  • the pass through slots 94 and 54 provide a sliding interface for the first end 80 of the second arm 72 and the second end 56 of the first arm 70, as the bin 25 is linearly translated in and out of the housing 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, the pass through slots 94 and 54 control the movement of the bin 25.
  • left end surfaces of the slot 94 and 54 block the movement of the first end 80 of the second arm 72 and the second end 56 of the first arm 70 as the bin 25 is linearly translated out of the housing 40 and the scissor mechanism 42 expands.
  • the first end 80 and the second end 56 may slide in slots 94 and 54 but do not reach the ends of the slots because guide pins of the housing 40 can stop the movement of the bin 25 by contacting a protruding detail at the top of the bin guide tracks 34 as the bin 25 is linearly translated out of the housing 40.
  • the bin 25 is retracted into the housing 40 and the storage bin is closed.
  • the pin 58 extending from the top wall 30 is clipped into the push-push latch 44 attached to the backing plate 46.
  • the pivot joint 74 is disposed within the recess in the top wall 30 of the bin 25 and the raised portion 86 of the backing plate 46.
  • a small gap may separate the walls of the bin 25 and the walls of the housing 40. The gap may be maintained by the guide tracks 34 on the side and back walls of the bin 25 that interact with guide pins on the housing 40 and/or the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the guide tracks 34 provide surfaces that the guide pins of the housing 40 contact to block movement in the lateral X and longitudinal Y directions when the storage compartment 20 is moved. Reducing the gap between the walls of the bin 25 and the housing 40 enables the size of the bin 25 to be increased relative to the housing 40.
  • the bottom plate 32 of the bin 25 may be nearly flush with the outer casing of the housing 40 when the storage bin 20 is closed. However, there may be a small vertical gap between the bottom plate 32 and the outer casing of the housing to enable the bottom plate 32 to be pushed so the push-push latch 44 can release the pin.
  • a separate latch button can be used to release the bin 25 and the small vertical gap is not present.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 is in an intermediate position (e.g., in the process of opening), and shown schematically in FIG. 5C, the linear-motion storage assembly 20 is in an open position (e.g., positioned vertically downward from the housing 40).
  • the bin 25 linearly descends from the housing 40 at a controlled pace.
  • the deployment speed of the bin 25 may be controlled via the gear 48 and/or the spring included in the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the scissor mechanism 42 is extended as the arms 70 and 72 pivot about the longitudinal axis Y via the pivot joint 74.
  • the first end 80 of the second arm 72 slides inwardly in the pass through slot 94 until contact is made with a surface of the slot 94
  • the second end 56 of the first arm 70 slides inwardly in the pass through slot 54 until contact is made with a surface of the slot 54, shown schematically in FIG. 5C.
  • the first end 80 can slide inwardly in the pass through slots 94 but not contact a surface of each slot 94 because guide pins of the housing 40 can stop movement of the bin 25 by contacting a protruding detail at the top of the bin guide tracks 34 when the bin 25 is linearly translated.
  • the second end 52 secured in the clamps 50 of the bin 25 may rotate about the longitudinal axis Y.
  • the first end 79 of the first arm 70 remain in the holes formed by the recesses of the backing plate 46 and the housing 40 during linear translation and pivot about the longitudinal axis Y.
  • the second end 56 of the first arm 70 slides inwardly in the pass through slots 54 until a surface of each slot 54 stops the second end 56, as shown in FIG. 5C.
  • the second end 56 can slide inwardly in the pass through slots 54 but not contact a surface of each slot 54 because guide pins of the housing 40 can stop movement of the bin 25 by contacting a protruding detail at the top of the bin guide tracks 34 when the bin 25 is linearly translated.
  • the scissor mechanism 42 may provide substantially linear motion to the bin 25 as it translates in and out of the housing 40.
  • the linear movement may be further controlled (e.g., stabilized) by use of the guide system, which includes the guide tracks 34 on the bin 25 interacting with the guide pins of the housing 40 to block lateral and/or longitudinal shifting (e.g., wobble).
  • FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3A with certain components represented schematically
  • FIG. 6B is a cross- sectional side view of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A with certain components represented schematically in an open position.
  • the scissor mechanism 42 is depicted as rectangle 95
  • the bin 25 is depicted as rectangle 99.
  • the volume of rectangle 99 occupies a substantial portion of the volume of the housing 40.
  • the enhanced volume of the bin 25 (e.g., as compared to a rotating bin) may at least in part result from the low-profile of the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the volume of rectangle 95 is significantly smaller than the volume of the rectangle 99 and/or the volume of the housing 40.
  • the low-profile (e.g., small volume) guide tracks 34 enable enhancing the percentage of volume occupied by the bin 25 (e.g., rectangle 95) in the housing 40.
  • the storage volume of the bin 25 is enhanced to enable larger or more objects to be stored in the bin and/or to facilitate use of a lower-profile housing, as compared to other bins that do not use the presently disclosed techniques.
  • the amount of volume of the scissor mechanism 42 may increase as the scissor mechanism 42 deploys by rotating about the longitudinal axis Y and lowers the bin 25 through the vertical axis Z to the open position.
  • the bin 25 may provide a 10 to 50 percent, 25 to 45 percent, or 30 to 40 percent storage volume increase as compared to rotating bins for an available interior space of a housing.
  • using the disclosed techniques enables more percentage of the usable space of the bin 25 to be available for storage.
  • the housing 40 has a first height HI (e.g., linear space) used by the bin 25 and a second height H3 (e.g., linear space) available for both the bin 25 and the scissor mechanism 42.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 is intended to increase the amount of usable space available in the bin 25 for storage.
  • the interior bin height H2 available for storage e.g., linear space usable for storage
  • height H2 may not include the thickness of the wall stock of the bin 25 (e.g., material above and below the usable space of the bin 25 that forms the bin 25).
  • the scissor mechanism 42 which is represented by rectangle 95 with a height H4 (e.g., linear space), is a certain percentage (e.g., 5 to 25 percent or 10 to 20 percent) of the height H3 of the housing 40, while in the scissor mechanism 42 is in the collapsed position.
  • H4 is 15 percent of the height H3 (e.g., linear space) available in the housing 40.
  • H4 is less than H2.
  • the width W of the bin may be expanded to substantially match the width W of the housing 40, thereby increasing the storage volume available for use.
  • FIG. 7A is a side view of an embodiment of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A
  • FIG. 7B is a side view of an embodiment of the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3B.
  • the height of the bin 25 is substantially proportional to the thickness of the overhead console 18.
  • using the disclosed techniques with the low-profile scissor mechanism 42 and guide system may enable enhancing the storage volume of the bin 25, versus rotating bin designs, by a certain percentage.
  • a length L of the bin 25 may be fully accessible and may ensure any object that fits in the bin 25 (i.e., less than the length L) will be able to be stowed in the closed position (e.g., the bin 25 will close and not be obstructed by the object).
  • the techniques are intended to enhance the length L dimension as compared to the length of bins used in rotating designs. Shown schematically, the sunglasses S are inserted in the bin 25 and stowed when the bin 25 is raised in the closed position and accessible when the bin 25 is lowered in the open position.
  • any object e.g., sunglasses S
  • the volumetric space e.g., height H2, width W, and length L
  • sunglasses that hang on a rotating bin and are outside the volume of the rotating bin may block the rotating bin from closing, while the presently disclosed bin 25 closes if the sunglasses fit within the usable volume (e.g., within height H2, width W, and length L).
  • the linear movement of the bin enables the bin 25 to retract into the closed position when holding an object (e.g., sunglasses S), thereby enclosing the object.
  • FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3 in a closed position
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3 in an intermediate position
  • FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the linear-motion storage assembly 20 of FIG. 3 in an open position.
  • guide pins 102 of the housing 40 interface with the guide tracks 34 of the bin 25.
  • the gear 47 of the rotary damper 48 interfaces with a linear toothed rack 104 secured to the back of the bin 25.
  • the rotary damper 47 includes a gear 48 that engages the teeth of the linear toothed rack 104 to control the deployment speed of the bin during linear translation.
  • the first end 79 of the first arm 70 of the scissor mechanism 42 protrudes through a hole formed by the recesses 81 and 83 in the backing plate 46 and the housing 40.
  • the first end 80 of the second arm 72 of the scissor mechanism 42 protrudes through the pass through slot 94 formed by the extended recesses (85 and 87) of the backing plate 46 and the housing 40.
  • the push-push latch 44 is disposed within a slot of the backing plate 46.
  • the toothed rack 104 and gear 48 are hidden from view of an occupant of the vehicle because they are located behind the bin 25 and the housing 40 relative to the occupant, which is intended to give the linear- motion storage assembly 20 an enhanced aesthetic. Blocking the view of the toothed rack 104 and gear 48 is intended to provide a sleeker look to the storage assembly 20.
  • the only visible components associated with operation of the assembly are the guide tracks 34 on the side walls, which can only be seen when the bin is open.
  • the motion of the bin is controlled by the scissor mechanism and/or the guide system, which is intended to enhance gap control and quality of feel.
  • the linear-motion storage assembly 20 is also intended to obviate the bezel "ring," which is typically used in overhead consoles around a sunglass bin, thereby providing an exciting opportunity to vehicle manufacturers from a styling standpoint.
  • the bezel "ring" may be used with the disclosed linear-motion storage assembly 20.
  • FIG. 9A is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a scissor mechanism 142 that may be used in the linear-motion storage assembly of FIG. 3A
  • FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism of FIG. 9A partially configured
  • FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism 1420 FIG. 9A in a collapsed position
  • FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the scissor mechanism 142 of FIG. 9A in a deployed position.
  • the scissor mechanism 142 facilitates enhancing the amount of usable storage space in the bin 25 relative to the amount of space available in the housing 40.
  • the scissor mechanism 142 includes a first arm 170 and a second arm 172 that generally have a "U" shape, and the arms are pivotally coupled to one another by a pivot joint 174 (e.g., elastomeric link 184), which is positioned approximately in the middle of each arm.
  • a pivot joint 174 e.g., elastomeric link 184
  • any suitable number e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) of arms may be used for the scissor mechanism 142.
  • the arms 170 and 172 may be formed from wires.
  • the links e.g., elastomeric links 182 and 184) enable pivotal movement of the wires around a longitudinal axis Y. Shown schematically in FIG.
  • the second arm 172 includes protrusions 188 (e.g., bends in the wire) that are positioned proximate to one another (e.g., in contact with one another).
  • the first arm 170 includes protrusions 190 (e.g., bends in the wire) that are spaced apart from each other (e.g., spaced apart wider than the protrusions 188 of the second arm 172).
  • each protrusion 188 may clip into a respective side slot of an inner link 184 (e.g., elastomeric link).
  • the protrusions 188 may be recessed in the side slot far enough to provide access to side holes 186 of the inner link 184 to enable the holes to receive respective pins 178 of outer links 182 (e.g., elastomeric links).
  • the protrusions 190 clip into respective side slots of the outer links 182 (e.g., elastomeric links).
  • the protrusions 188 of the second arm 172 may clip into the respective side slots of the inner link 184 and the protrusions 190 of the first arm 170 may clip into the respective side slots of the outer links 182.
  • the elastomeric links 182 and 184 have a relatively flat profile. Shown schematically in FIG. 9C, when in the collapsed position, the scissor mechanism 142 is folded into a fiat orientation with a low-profile (e.g., height that is at least less than 20 millimeters, 15 millimeters, or 10 millimeters). Shown schematically, the links 182 and 184 include recesses on their outer casings to save on materials used. According to an exemplary embodiment, the links 182 and 184 may not include the recesses on their outer casings. According to an exemplary embodiment, the links 182 and 184 are formed by injection molding. Shown schematically in FIG.
  • the scissor mechanism 142 may extend to a deployed position, which enables the attached bin 25 to move in the vertical Z axis to an open position so items may be inserted and removed from the compartment of the bin 25.
  • the coupling of the pins 178 and the holes 186 enable the arms 170 and 172 to pivot relative to one another about the longitudinal axis Y.
  • the scissor mechanism 142 is disclosed herein as one embodiment to enable linear movement of the bin 25, but other low-profile, folding linkage assemblies (e.g., hinge mechanisms) may be utilized in other embodiments.
  • a hinge mechanism that includes two "1" shaped wires may be linked together using an elastomeric link and may collapse to a flat orientation similar to the "U" shaped wires described above, and may deploy to an "X" shape when pivoted around the longitudinal axis Y to enable the bin 25 to linearly move out of the housing 40.
  • any suitable shaped arms 70 and 72 may be used.
  • a vehicle interior storage assembly includes a bin that to stores an object, a housing that receives the bin, and a scissor mechanism that facilitates linear translation of the bin relative to the housing from a first position to a second position.
  • the bin receives the object while in the first position, and the bin is disposed within the housing while in the second position.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a scissor mechanism that includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to each other. Each arm has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are coupled to a housing, and the second end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm are coupled to a bin.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes slots disposed in a housing and on a bin.
  • a first end of a second arm of a scissor mechanism is configured to slide in the slots of the housing during linear translation and a second end of the first arm of the scissor mechanism is configured to slide in the slots of the bin during linear translation.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a first arm of a scissor mechanism and a second arm of the scissor mechanism.
  • the first arm and the second arm are formed from wires.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a housing and the housing is configured to be disposed within an overhead console.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a bin and a housing.
  • the bin includes at least one guide track
  • the housing includes at least one corresponding guide pin that interfaces with the at least one guide track to block lateral movement of the bin, to block longitudinal movement of the bin, or a combination thereof, relative to the housing.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a bin including at least one guide track and a housing including at least one corresponding guide pin.
  • the at least one guide track includes a first guide track positioned on a side wall of the bin and a second guide track positioned on a rear wall of the bin, and the at least one guide pin includes a first guide pin that interfaces with the first guide track and a second guide pin that interfaces with the second guide track.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a damper including a gear coupled to a housing and a linear rack coupled to a bin.
  • the gear is configured to engage the linear rack to control deployment speed of the bin.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a bin including a door and a housing including a show surface.
  • the door of the bin is substantially flush with the show surface of the housing.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a push-push latch coupled to a housing and a pin coupled to a bin.
  • the push- push latch selectively captures the pin to hold the bin in a second position.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a spring configured to urge a bin toward a first position.
  • a vehicle interior storage assembly includes a bin that translates linearly in and out of a housing via a scissor mechanism, a guide system, or some combination thereof.
  • the scissor mechanism includes a first arm and a second arm pivotally coupled to each other, each arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first arm and the first end of the second arm are coupled to the housing, and the second end of the first arm and the second end of the second arm are coupled to the bin.
  • the guide system includes at least one guide track and at least one guide pin.
  • the at least one guide track includes a first guide track positioned on a side wall of the bin, a second guide track positioned on a rear wall of the bin, or some combination thereof.
  • the at least one guide pin includes a first guide pin that interfaces with the first guide track, a second guide pin that interfaces with the second guide track, or some combination thereof.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a housing and the housing may be disposed within an overhead console, a floor console, a door panel, an instrument panel, or under a seat.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a guide system that blocks lateral movement of a bin, blocks longitudinal movement of the bin, or a combination thereof, relative to a housing.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a damper including a gear coupled to a housing and a linear rack coupled to a bin.
  • the gear is configured to engage the linear rack to control deployment speed of the bin.
  • the vehicle interior storage assembly includes a push-push latch coupled to a housing and a pin coupled to a bin.
  • the push- push latch selectively captures the pin to hold the bin in a second position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil pour l'intérieur d'un véhicule comprenant un compartiment de stockage (20), un boîtier (40) qui contient de manière sélective le compartiment de stockage (20), et un mécanisme de charnière (42) disposé à l'intérieur du boîtier (40). Le mécanisme de charnière (42) est couplé au boîtier (40) et au compartiment de stockage (20), le mécanisme de charnière (42) est configuré pour guider le mouvement linéaire du compartiment de stockage (20) par rapport au boîtier (40), et un espace linéaire utilisable du compartiment de stockage (20) est plus grand qu'un espace linéaire du mécanisme de charnière (42) dans une position repliée.
PCT/US2015/040797 2014-07-16 2015-07-16 Ensemble de stockage à faible profil pour un véhicule WO2016011285A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201462025216P 2014-07-16 2014-07-16
US62/025,216 2014-07-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016011285A1 true WO2016011285A1 (fr) 2016-01-21

Family

ID=53783347

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2015/040797 WO2016011285A1 (fr) 2014-07-16 2015-07-16 Ensemble de stockage à faible profil pour un véhicule

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016011285A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107323362A (zh) * 2017-06-30 2017-11-07 东莞广泽汽车饰件有限公司 一种带有联动式开合及挡板机构的储物盒
US10427609B2 (en) 2016-12-20 2019-10-01 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5020845A (en) * 1989-12-01 1991-06-04 United Technologies Automotive Overhead console with drop-down compartment
US20090146444A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2009-06-11 Nifco Inc Configuration for Operating Interior Device and Cup Holder Using the Same

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5020845A (en) * 1989-12-01 1991-06-04 United Technologies Automotive Overhead console with drop-down compartment
US20090146444A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2009-06-11 Nifco Inc Configuration for Operating Interior Device and Cup Holder Using the Same

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10427609B2 (en) 2016-12-20 2019-10-01 Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Vehicle interior component
CN107323362A (zh) * 2017-06-30 2017-11-07 东莞广泽汽车饰件有限公司 一种带有联动式开合及挡板机构的储物盒

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4480036B2 (ja) アームレストの取付け構造
JP6204452B2 (ja) 車両の収納コンパートメントアセンブリ
US10053019B2 (en) Console for vehicle interior
US8430440B1 (en) Console door that pivots and stows
CN108725279B (zh) 具有可调节的扶手的车辆控制台
CA2647658C (fr) Systeme de verrouillage destine a un panneau coulissant dispose dans un vehicule
JP5478064B2 (ja) 構造可変着座コンソ−ル装置
KR101417535B1 (ko) 자동차의 멀티 박스
MX2015000354A (es) Puerta corrediza para un receptaculo de almacenamiento en una consola central del piso de un vehiculo.
RU2714487C2 (ru) Встроенное место хранения в спинке сиденья
CN108263291B (zh) 车门
RU2688402C2 (ru) Узел консоли (варианты) и выдвижной элемент для транспортного средства
US20180201172A1 (en) Glove box door assembly
KR102322364B1 (ko) 차량용 센터콘솔 암레스트
WO2016011285A1 (fr) Ensemble de stockage à faible profil pour un véhicule
KR20220128537A (ko) 글로브박스용 개폐장치
KR102262162B1 (ko) 자유로운 이동이 가능한 자동차용 스위블 타입 무빙 암레스트
JP2006199156A (ja) コンソールボックス
KR101163771B1 (ko) 수평 유지 가능한 자동차의 패키지 트레이 구조
KR101172138B1 (ko) 콘솔 암레스트 구조
GB2445741A (en) Lid assembly for a motor vehicle storage cavity
JP2008284369A (ja) キッチン家具用ポケットドア
KR102262161B1 (ko) 스마트폰의 충전이 가능한 자동차용 스위블 타입 무빙 암레스트
JP4234020B2 (ja) 車両用収納装置
KR20120045449A (ko) 슬라이딩 러기지보드

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15747301

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15747301

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1