Storage compartments having lid dampers and tray dampers on a common axis, console assemblies, and vehicles incorporating the same

A storage compartment comprising a housing, a lid, a lid damper, a storage tray, and a tray damper. The lid damper pivotally couples the lid to the housing about a pivot axis such that the lid is moveable between an open position and closed position. The tray damper pivotally couples the storage tray to housing about the pivot axis such that the storage tray is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position independent of the lid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to storage compartments for console assemblies of vehicles and, more specifically, to storage compartments having lid dampers and tray dampers provided on a common axis.

BACKGROUND

It has been known to provide passenger compartments of vehicles with console assemblies having storage compartments that include both a lid and an internal tray that are pivotally supported by the storage compartment. However, the previously known storage compartments do not provide both the lids and the trays with dampers due to packaging constraints of the storage compartment. As such, the previously known lids and trays were prone to slam shut when left unsupported in an open position. Further, as the previously known lids and trays were freely pivotal a perceived quality felt by users was decreased to a lack of a perceived weight of the lid and the tray.

Accordingly, there is a need for storage compart assemblies, console assemblies, and vehicles that provide a lid and a tray of a storage compartment with dampers within the packaging constraints of the storage compartment and which increases a perceived quality felt by a user due to an increase in the perceived weight of the lid and the tray.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a storage compartment includes a housing, a lid, a lid damper, a storage tray, and a tray damper. The lid damper pivotally couples the lid to the housing about a pivot axis such that the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The tray damper pivotally couples the storage tray to housing about the pivot axis such that when the lid is in the open position the storage tray is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position independent of the lid.

In accordance with another embodiment, a console assembly for a vehicle is provided. The console assembly includes a housing, a lid, a lid damper, a storage tray, and a tray damper. The lid damper pivotally couples the lid to the housing about a pivot axis such that the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The tray damper pivotally couples the storage tray to housing about the pivot axis such that when the lid is in the open position the storage tray is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position independent of the lid.

In accordance with another embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a passenger compartment and a storage compartment provided within the passenger compartment. The storage compartment includes a housing, a lid, a lid damper, a storage tray, and a tray damper. The lid damper pivotally couples the lid to the housing about a pivot axis such that the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The tray damper pivotally couples the storage tray to housing about the pivot axis such that when the lid is in the open position the storage tray is moveable between a lowered position and a raised position independent of the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Vehicles according to the present specification include a passenger compartment having an instrument panel and at least two seats, such as a driver seat and a front passenger seat. Between the driver seat and the front passenger seat, and rearward of the instrument panel is a console assembly. The console assembly extends rearward from the instrument panel in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The console assembly may be mounted in-between the driver seat and the front passenger seat, and immediately rearward of the instrument panel so that a portion the console assembly may be incorporated with the instrument panel.

The console assembly includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a housing, a lid, a lid damper, a storage tray, and a tray damper. The lid is pivotally coupled to the housing by the lid damper. The lid is pivotal about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tray is pivotally coupled to the housing by the damper. The storage tray is pivotal about the same pivot axis as the lid between a raised position and a lowered position. The lid is coupled to the housing such that the lid is pivotal about the common axis between the open position and the closed position independent of the tray. The tray is coupled to the housing such that when the lid is in the open position the tray is pivotal about the common axis between the raised position and the lowered position independent of the lid.

In order to provide an increase in perceived quality to a user the lid is pivotally coupled to the housing by the lid damper and the storage tray is pivotally coupled to the housing by the tray damper. The lid damper and the tray damper as provided so as to pivot about a common pivot axis to comply with the limited packaging constraints of the storage compartment. The lid damper and the tray damper at least partially counters or absorbs the movement of the lid and the tray, respectively.

The lid damper exerts a damping force against at least one of a movement of the lid from the closed position to the open position and a movement of the lid from the open positon to the closed position. The damping force against the movement of the lid from the closed positon to the open position provides an increase in a perceived weight of the lid thereby increasing the user's perceived quality of the lid. The damping force against the movement of the lid from the open positon to the closed position inhibits the lid from free falling from the open positon to the closed position. Specifically, the damping force against the movement of the lid from the open positon to the closed position provides anti-slamming feature such that upon movement of the lid from the open position to the closed position, the damping force inhibits a free fall of the lid from the open position to the closed position if the user releases the lid before reaching the closed position.

The tray damper exerts a damping force against at least one of a movement of the storage tray from the lowered position to the raised position and a movement of the storage tray from the raised positon to the lowered portion. The damping force against the movement of the storage tray from the lowered positon to the raised position provides an increase in a perceived weight of the storage thereby increasing the user's perceived quality of the storage tray. The damping force against the movement of the storage tray from the raised position to the lowered positon inhibits the storage tray from free falling from the raised position to the lowered positon. Specifically, the damping force against the movement of the storage tray from the raised positon to the lowered position provides anti-slamming feature such that upon movement of the storage tray from the raised position to the lowered position, the damping force inhibits a free fall of the storage tray from the raised position to the lowered position if the user releases the storage tray before reaching the lowered position.

The housing defines a storage space that is accessible when the lid is in the open position and the tray is in the raised position. When the lid is in the closed position, access to the storage space is inhibited. When the tray is in the lowered position access to the storage space is inhibited even when the lid is in the open position.

The tray includes a storage surface. The storage surface of the tray is access when the lid is in the open position and the tray is in the lowered position. When the lid is in the closed position, access to the storage surface of the tray is inhibited.

Various embodiments of the storage compartment of a console assembly for the vehicle will be described in more detail herein.

As used herein, the term “vehicle longitudinal direction” refers to the forward-rearward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/− vehicle X-direction as depicted). The term “vehicle lateral direction” refers to the cross-vehicle direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/− vehicle Z-direction as depicted), and is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction. The term “vehicle vertical direction” refers to the upward-downward direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the +/− vehicle Y-direction as depicted). As used herein, “upper” and “above” are defined as the positive Y direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawings. “Lower” and “below” are defined as the negative Y direction of the coordinate axis shown in the drawings. Further, the terms “outboard” as used herein refers to the relative location of a component with respect to a vehicle centerline. The term “inboard” as used herein refers to the relative location of a component with respect to the vehicle centerline. Because the vehicle structures may be generally symmetrical about the vehicle centerline, the direction to which use of terms “inboard” or “outboard” and refer may be mirrored about the vehicle centerline when evaluating components positioned along opposite sides.

Referring initially toFIG.1, a partial perspective view of a passenger compartment12of a vehicle10is depicted. An instrument panel14is provided within the passenger compartment12. The passenger compartment12includes a driver seat16and a front passenger seat18.

The instrument panel14generally extends in the vehicle lateral direction and includes, without limitation, an instrument cluster, a radio, and a climate control cluster including a plurality of individual vents. Located forward of the driver seat16are the vehicle driving controls such as, without limitation, a steering wheel, a gas pedal, and a brake pedal.

In some embodiments, the vehicle10is an autonomous vehicle in which no vehicle driving controls are provided. In such an embodiment, the passenger compartment12includes another front passenger seat18in place of the driver seat16. It should be appreciated that the passenger compartment12may include a plurality of passenger seats rearward of the driver seat16and the front passenger seat18in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

A console assembly20is generally provided between the driver seat16and the front passenger seat18in the vehicle lateral direction. The console assembly20generally extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction extending from the instrument panel14ending at or slightly beyond a rear surface of the driver seat16and the front passenger seat18. Further, the console assembly20generally extends in the vehicle lateral direction an equal distance outwardly from a vehicle centerline, limited in width by the distance between the driver seat16and the front passenger seat18. The console assembly20includes a forward portion22and a rearward portion24. The forward portion22being closer to the instrument panel14than the rearward portion24. In some embodiment, the forward portion22is coupled to the instrument panel14.

Disposed within the rearward portion24of the console assembly20is a storage compartment26. The storage compartment26may be integrated with the console assembly20. In some embodiments, the storage compartment26is integrated with the console assembly20and the instrument panel14. In some other embodiments, the storage compartment26may be separated from the console assembly20, the instrument panel14, or both.

The console assembly20may also include a pair of side panels28and a console panel30. The console panel30extends between the storage compartment26and the instrument panel14. The pair of side panels28are provided on either side of the console assembly20in the vehicle lateral direction. Each of the pair of side panels28extends from the forward portion22to the rearward portion24.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, the storage compartment26includes a lid32, a housing34, and a storage tray36. The lid32is pivotally mounted to the housing34about a common pivot axis P. The lid32is pivotal about the common pivot axis P between a closed position and an open position. The storage tray36is pivotal about the common pivot axis P between a lowered position and a raised position. The lid32and the storage tray36are pivotal about the common pivot axis P such that the storage compartment26is pivotal between a closed state, an intermediate state, and an opened state.

Referring toFIG.1, the storage compartment26is in the closed state. In the closed state, the lid32is in the closed position and the storage tray36is in the lowered position beneath the lid32. In the closed position, the lid32may act as an armrest for the user and the lid32inhibits access to the storage tray36as the lid32overlays the storage tray36. In the closed state, the storage tray36is inhibited from pivoting from the lowered position to the raised position independent from the lid32. In the closed state, the lid32is permitted to pivot from the closed position to the open position independent from the storage tray36. The movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position while the storage tray36remains in the lowered position switches the storage compartment26from the closed state to the intermediate state.

Referring toFIG.2A, the storage compartment26is in the intermediate state. In the intermediate state, the lid32is in the open position and the storage tray36is in the lowered position. In the open position, the lid32is pivoted away from the storage tray36thereby permitting access to the storage tray36. In the intermediate state, the storage tray36is permitted to pivot from the lowered positon to the raised position independent from the lid32. In the intermediate state, the lid32is permitted to pivot from the open position to the closed position independent from the storage tray36. The movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position switches the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the opened state.

Referring toFIG.2B, the storage compartment26is in the open state. In the open state, the lid32is in the open position and the storage tray36is in the raised position. In the open state, the storage tray36is permitted to pivot from the raised positon to the lowered position independent from the lid32. In the open state, the lid32is inhibited from pivoting from the open position to the closed position independent from the storage tray36. The movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position switches the storage compartment26from the open state to the intermediate state. The movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position and the movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed positon switches the storage compartment26from the opened state to the closed state.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, the housing34includes a housing body38and a housing bracket40mounted to the housing body38such that the housing bracket40is fixedly secured to the housing body38. In some embodiments, the housing body38and the housing bracket40are formed as separate components that are subsequently connected to fixedly secure the housing bracket40to the housing body38. The housing bracket40may be mounted to the housing body38by fasteners, rivets, welding, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any other technique to fasten two components together. In some embodiments, the housing body38and the housing bracket40are integrally formed as a one piece monolithic structure. In some embodiments, the housing body38and the housing bracket40are integrally molded together to form a one piece monolithic structure.

Referring toFIG.2B, the housing body38includes a front wall38A, an opposite rear wall38B, and a pair of opposing side walls38C. The front wall38A, the rear wall38B, and the pair of opposing side walls38C define an interior storage space42that is accessible through an opening defined by an upper surface38D of the housing body38. The interior storage space42is accessible when the storage compartment26is in the opened stated such that the lid32and the storage tray36are pivoted away from the upper surface38D of the housing body38in the open position and the raised position, respectively. In the closed state, the lid32and the storage tray36cover the opening of the storage space42defined by the upper surface38D of the housing body38to inhibit access to the interior storage space42, as shown inFIG.1. In the intermediate state, the storage tray36covers the upper surface38D of the housing body38to inhibit access to the interior storage space42, as shown inFIG.2A.

Referring toFIG.2B, the housing body38may also include a tray receiver46. In some embodiments, the tray receiver46is provided on the front wall38A in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As will be described in greater detail below, the tray receiver46is configured to releasably engage with the storage tray36to lock and unlock the storage tray36in the lowered position.

Referring toFIG.3, the housing bracket40includes a base wall48, a pair of side walls50, and a pair of arms52. The base wall48is mounted to the rear wall38B. The pair of side walls50extend outwardly from the base wall48so as to be positioned on the pair of side walls38C. The pair of arms52extend upwardly from the base wall48, such that the pair of arms52extend upwardly beyond the upper surface38D of the housing body38when the housing bracket40is mounted to the housing body38. Each of the pair of arms52includes a bracket opening54. The bracket openings54extend entirely through the pair of arms52. The pair of arms52include an annular collar52A positioned on an inner side thereof to surround the bracket openings54. The pair of arms52are positioned on the housing body38such that the bracket openings54are coaxial with the common pivot axis P. Each of the pair of arms52include splines54A that extend into the bracket openings54.

Referring toFIGS.2A-3, the storage tray36includes an upper surface56, an opposite lower surface58, a front edge60A, an opposite rear edge60B, a pair of opposing side edges60C, and a pair of tray arms62. Each of the pair of tray arms62extend upwardly from the upper surface56. Each of the pair of tray arms62includes a tray opening64. The tray openings64extend entirely through the pair of tray arms62. The pair of tray arms62are positioned on the storage tray36such that the tray openings64are coaxial with the common pivot axis P.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the pair of tray arms62include a shoulder62A and an inclined surface62B extend from the shoulder62A to an inner side of the tray openings64. The inclined surface62B is tapered to narrow a diameter of the tray openings64as the inclined surface62B extends from the inner side of the tray opening64to the shoulder62A. The shoulder62A is configured as an annular cutout that enlarges the diameter of the tray opening64compared to the diameter of the inclined surface62B. The tray openings64also include a recessed notch64A that is in communication with the tray opening64at the inner side of the tray opening64.

Referring back toFIGS.2A-3, the upper surface56may include a storage cavity66. The storage cavity66is recessed with respect to the remainder of the upper surface56to define a tray storage space. The tray storage space on the upper surface56is only accessible to the user when the lid32is in the open position and the storage tray36is in the lowered position.

The storage tray36includes lid connector68provide on the front edge60A. As discussed in greater detail below, the lid connector68is configured to releasably couple the lid32to the storage tray36. Specifically, the lid connector68releasable couples the lid32and the storage tray36between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged position, the storage tray36is coupled to the lid32such the movement of the lid32between the closed position and the open position consequently moves the storage tray36between the lowered position and the raised position. In the disengaged state, the storage tray36is uncoupled from the lid32such that the lid32and the storage tray36are moveable independently.

The storage tray36may also include a tray latch mechanism70configured to releasably couple the storage tray36to the housing body38. Specifically, the tray latch mechanism70includes a mount72and a latch74. The mount72extends outwardly from the front edge60A of the storage tray36. The latch74is pivotally coupled to the mount72. The latch74includes a handle74A and a hook74B. The hook74B is configured to engage the tray receiver46formed on the housing body38. The tray latch mechanism70is movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the hook74B engages with the tray receiver46to lock the storage tray36in the lowered position such that the storage tray36is inhibited from moving from the lowered position to the raised position. In the unlocked state, the hook74B is disengaged with the tray receiver46to unlock the storage tray36in the lowered position such that the storage tray36is permitted to move from the lowered position to the raised position. The tray latch mechanism70is movable between the locked position and the unlocked position upon actuation of the handle74A which pivots about the mount72to engage and disengage the hook74B from the tray receiver46.

Still referring toFIGS.2A-3, the lid32includes a lid frame76, a lid outer cover78, and a lid inner cover80. The lid frame76includes a pair of semi-circular barrels82defining lid openings84, a semi-circular chamber86, and a main frame88. The lid frame76is positioned between the lid outer cover78and the lid inner cover80. The lid outer cover78provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to an outer surface of the lid32, and the lid inner cover80provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance to an inner surface of the lid32. The lid outer cover78includes a base wall90and a pair of side walls92that extend generally downwardly from the base wall90. The lid frame76is positioned between the pair of side walls92of the lid outer cover78.

Each of the pair of barrels82include an outer portion81and an inner portion83. The outer portions81are positioned on an outer side of the barrels82with respect to the vehicle lateral direction. The inner portions83are positioned on an inner side of the barrels82with respect to the vehicle lateral direction. The inner portions83are formed having a hollow semi-cylindrical shape having an open bottom83A. The outer portions81are formed having a hollow cylindrical shape. The lid openings84extend through the barrels82from the outer portion81to the inner portions83. The outer portions81also include splines81A that extend inwardly into the lid openings84, as best shown inFIG.4.

The lid inner cover80includes a lid latch mechanism94configured to releasably couple the lid32to the housing body38. Specifically, the lid latch mechanism94includes a mount96and a latch98. The mount96extends downwardly from the lid inner cover80. The latch98is pivotally coupled to the mount96. The latch98includes a handle98A and a hook98B.

The lid latch mechanism94is movable between the engaged state, and the disengaged state. In the engaged state, the hook98B engages with the lid connector68to couple the lid32to the storage tray36such that the lid32and the storage tray36are inhibited from moving independently from each other. In the engaged state, movement of the lid32between the closed position and the open position consequently moves the storage tray36between the lowered position and the raised position. In the disengaged state, the hook98B is disengaged from the lid connector68such that the lid32is moveable independently from the storage tray36and the storage tray36is movable independently from the lid32when the lid32is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the lid latch mechanism94moves from the disengaged state to the engaged state upon movement of the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the open state. Specifically, the lid latch mechanism94moves from the disengaged state to the engaged state upon movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position when the lid32is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the lid latch mechanism94moves from the disengaged state to the engaged state upon movement of the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the closed state. Specifically, the lid latch mechanism94moves from the disengaged state to the engaged state upon movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed positon when the storage tray36is in the lowered position.

In some embodiments, the user moves the storage compartment26from the closed state to the intermediate state by actuating the lid latch mechanism94to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Upon actuating the lid latch mechanism94to the disengaged state, the user pivots the lid32from the closed position to the open position about the common pivot axis P while the storage tray36remains in the locked position by the tray latch mechanism70.

In some embodiments, the user moves the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the open state by actuating the tray latch mechanism70to move from the locked state to the unlocked state and pivots the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position about the common pivot axis P. In some embodiments, upon movement of the storage compartment26from intermediate state to the open state the lid latch mechanism94moves from the disengaged state to the engaged state to couple the storage tray36to the lid32.

In some embodiments, the user may move the storage compartment26from the open state to the intermediate state by actuating the lid latch mechanism94to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state and pivot the storage tray36about the common pivot axis P from the raised position to the lowered while the lid32remains in the open position. In some embodiments, the user may move the storage compartment26from the open state to the closed state by pivoting the lid32about the common pivot axis P from the open position to the closed position. As the lid latch mechanism94is in the engaged state, the storage tray36is coupled to the lid32and moves from the raised position to the lowered position upon movement of the lid32from the open positon to the closed position. Upon movement of the storage compartment from the open state to the closed state, the tray latch mechanism70moves from the unlocked state to the locked state due to the engagement of the hood74B and the tray receiver.

In some embodiments, the user moves the storage compartment26from the closed state to the open state by actuating the tray latch mechanism70to move from the locked state the unlocked state, while lid latch mechanism94remains in the engaged state, and pivots the lid32from the closed position to the open position about the common pivot axis P while the storage tray36consequently moves from the lowered position to the raised position about the common pivot axis P.

Referring toFIGS.3-5, the storage compartment26also includes a dual damper assembly100that independently damps the movement of the lid32and the storage tray36about the common pivot axis. The dual damper assembly100extends along the common pivot axis P. The dual damper assembly100includes a pair of lid dampers102and a pair of tray damper assemblies110. Each of the lid dampers102and the tray damper assemblies110extend along the common pivot axis P. As the construction and operation of the pair of lid dampers102and the pair of tray damper assemblies110are mirror imaged and substantially identical, discussion of only one of the pair of lid dampers102and only one of the pair of tray damper assemblies110will be provided.

The lid damper102is a damper that damps the effects of rotation of one end with respect to another end of the lid damper102. Specifically, the lid damper102damps the rotation of the lid32with respect to the housing bracket40of the housing34. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is an inertia damper such as a rotary damper or a torque insert sold by REELL®. The lid damper102includes a fixed housing portion104and an opposite pivotal lid portion106. The lid damper102provides a damping force to counteract the rotation of the lid portion106with respect to the housing portion104about the common pivot axis P.

As discussed in greater detail below, the lid damper102is provided such that the lid portion106rotates with respect to the housing portion104about the common pivot axis P. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a one way damper in which a damping force is only provided exerted when the lid portion106rotates with respect to the housing portion104in a first direction and no damping force is exerted when the lid portion106rotates with respect to the housing portion104in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a two way damper in which a damping force is exerted when the lid portion106rotates with respect to the housing portion104in the first direction and a damping force is exerted when the lid portion106rotates with respect to the housing portion104in the second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first direction is a direction of the arrow A2and the second direction is a direction of arrow A1inFIG.5. In some embodiments, the lid damper102only exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid damper102exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position and exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position.

The lid damper102includes splines104A that extend outwardly from the housing portion104. The splines104A of the housing portion104engage with corresponding splines54A formed in the bracket openings54. The engagement of the splines104A with the splines54A fixedly secures the housing portion104to the arms52of the housing bracket40such that the housing portion104of the lid damper102does not pivot with respect the housing bracket40of the housing34upon pivoting of the lid portion106about the common pivot axis P.

The lid damper102includes splines106A that extend outwardly from the lid portion106. The splines106A of the lid portion106engage with the corresponding splines81A formed in the outer portions81of the barrel82. The engagement of the splines106A with the splines81A secures the lid portion106to the outer portions81of the barrels82of the lid frame76such that the lid portion106of the lid damper102does pivot with respect the lid frame76of the lid32upon pivoting of the lid portion106about the common pivot axis P.

The tray damper assembly110includes an axle112, a tray damper114, and a casing116. The tray damper assembly110damps the effects of rotation of the storage tray36with respect to the housing bracket40of the housing34about the common pivot axis. The tray damper assembly110is positioned so as to extend along the common pivot axis P.

The axle112includes a housing portion124and an opposite damper portion126. The housing portion124includes a bore128at a distal end124A. The housing portion124has the shape of a tapered shaft that narrows as the housing portion124extends from the damper portion126to the distal end124A of the housing portion124. The damper portion126defines a splined cavity130. The damper portion126includes a plurality of splines130A that extend inwardly into the splined cavity130. The splined cavity130A of the damper portion126has a generally hollow cylindrical shape. The housing portion124has a smaller diameter than the damper portion126.

The tray damper114includes a fixed portion such as a fixed gear132and a pivotal portion such as a movable body134. The tray damper114is a damper that damps the effects of rotation of one of the gear132and the body134with respect to the other of the gear132and the body134. Specifically, the tray damper114damps the rotation of the storage tray36with respect to the housing bracket40of the housing34. In some embodiments, the tray damper114is an inertia damper such as a torque insert or a rotary damper sold by ITW Motion®. The tray damper114provides a damping force to counteract the rotation of the body134with respect to the gear132. In some embodiments, the body134includes at least one snap tab134A, as best shown inFIG.5.

As discussed in greater detail below, the tray damper114is provided such that the body134rotates with respect to the gear132about the common pivot axis P. In some embodiments, the tray damper114is a one way damper in which a damping force is only exerted when the body134rotates with respect to the gear132in a first direction and no damping force is exerted when the body134rotates with respect to the gear132in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the tray damper114is a two way damper in which a damping force is exerted when the body134rotates with respect to the gear132in the first direction and a damping force is exerted when the body134rotates with respect to the gear132in the second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first direction is a direction of the arrow B2and the second direction is a direction of arrow B1inFIG.5. In some embodiments, the tray damper114only exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position. In some embodiments, the tray damper114exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position and exerts a damping force to counteract the movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position.

The casing116includes a hollow drum portion117and a cap118. The hollow drum portion117includes a connection or tray portion136and a damper tube portion138. The tray portion136and the damper tube portion138are hollow such that a hollow tubular cavity of the tray portion136is in communication with a hollow tubular cavity of the damper tube portion138. The hollow tubular cavity of the tray portion136has a diameter that corresponds to an outer diameter of the housing portion124of the axle112. The tray portion136of the hollow drum portion117includes a pair of snap tabs136A provided at a distal end of the tray portion136. The tray portion136also includes a tab136B that extends outwardly in a direction perpendicular to the common pivot axis P. The damper tube portion138includes an aperture138A formed in a side wall138B that defines the damper tube portion138. The side wall138B defines the hollow tubular cavity of the damper tube portion138. The side wall138B has a curvature that corresponds to a curvature of the chamber86of the lid frame76. The hollow tubular cavity of the damper tube portion138has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the body134of the tray damper114.

The cap118includes a base wall140, a curved wall142, and an annular wall144. The base wall140is a generally planar wall from which the annular wall144extends. The annular wall144defines a cap cavity therein. The annular wall144includes at least one opening144A. The curved wall142extends outwardly from the base wall140in a direction opposite from the annular wall144. The curved wall142has a curvature that correspond to the curvature of the side wall138B of the damper tube portion138. The curved wall142includes a bore142A.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the dual damper assembly100, a discussion of the assembly of the dual damper assembly will now be provided. In some embodiments, the housing bracket40is mounted to the housing body38to form the housing34. In some embodiments, the housing bracket40and the housing body38are integrally formed by molding to form the housing34as a one piece monolithic structure. The storage tray36is then placed on the upper surface38D of the housing body38such that the lower surface58of the storage tray36faces the upper surface38D of the housing body38and the tray arms62of the storage tray36are positioned between the arms52of the housing bracket40. The bracket openings54of the housing bracket40and the tray openings64of the tray arms62of the storage tray36are aligned so as to extend coaxially with the common pivot axis P.

Next the lid frame76of the lid32is placed over the storage tray36such that the arms52of the housing bracket40and the tray arms62of the storage tray36are received within the inner portions83of the barrels82through the open bottoms83B. Upon placement of the lid frame76over the storage tray36, the lid openings84are aligned with the bracket openings54of the housing bracket40and the tray openings64of the tray arms62of the storage tray36so as to extend coaxially with the common pivot axis P.

The tray damper assembly110is assembled by coupling the gear132to the splined cavity130of the axle112. The splines132A of the gear132are engaged with the splines130A of the splined cavity130to secure the gear132to the axle112such that the gear132is inhibited from pivoting with respect to the axle112. The body134is coupled cap118of the casing116. The body134is inserted into the cap cavity of the cap118and coupled thereto by the engagement of the snap tabs134A of the body134to the openings144A formed on the annular wall144. The body134is coupled to the cap118such that the body134is inhibited from pivoting with respect to the cap118.

The axle112with the tray damper114and the cap118attached thereto is inserted into the drum portion117of the casing116. The housing portion124of the axle112is inserted into the hollow tubular cavity of the damper tube portion138and the hollow tubular cavity of the tray portion136such that the distal end124A of the housing portion124of the axle112extends beyond the snap tabs136A of the tray portion136of the drum portion117. The insertion of the axle112within the drum portion117also at least partially inserts the cap118into the hollow tubular cavity of the drum portion117such that the aperture138A formed in the side wall138B aligns with the bore142A of the curved wall142. A casing fastener122is inserted into the aperture138A and the bore142A to fixedly secure the drum portion117and the cap118together to form the casing116. As the cap118is coupled to the drum portion117, the body134of the tray damper114is inhibited from rotating with respect to the drum portion117to the connection between the body134of the tray damper114and the cap118.

The assembled tray damper assembly110is next coupled to the storage compartment26. The tray damper assembly110is placed in the chamber86and the housing portion124of the axle112and the tray portion136of the drum portion117is inserted into the lid opening84of the inner portion83of the barrel82. Upon insertion of the tray damper assembly110into the lid opening84the snap tabs136A engage the inclined surface62B which depresses the snap tabs136A inwardly until the snap tabs136A extend beyond the shoulder62A. The snap tabs136A engage with the shoulder62A to inhibited linear movement of the tray damper assembly110with respect to the tray openings64along the common pivot axis P. The tab136B of the tray portion136of the drum portion117is received within the notch64A of the tray opening64such that the casing116is inhibited from rotating about the common pivot axis P with respect to the tray arms62.

The distal end124A of the housing portion124of the axle112is received within the collar52A formed on the arms52of the housing bracket40. An axle fastener120extends through the bracket openings54and into the bore128of the housing portion124of the axle112. The axle fastener120fixedly secures the axle112to the housing bracket40such that the axle112is inhibited from rotating with respect to the arms52of the housing bracket40.

Next, the lid damper102is coupled to the lid frame76and the arms52of the housing bracket40. The housing portion104of the lid damper102is inserted bracket opening54of the arm52of the housing bracket40along the common pivot axis P. Specifically, the splines104A of the housing portion104of the lid damper102engage with the splines54A formed in the bracket openings54to secure the housing portion104to the housing bracket40. The housing portion104is fixedly secured to the housing bracket40such that the housing portion104is inhibited from pivoting with respect to the housing bracket40about the common pivot axis P.

The lid portion106of the lid damper102is inserted into lid opening84of the outer portion81of the barrel82along the common pivot axis P. Specifically, the splines106A of the lid portion106of the lid damper102engage with the splines81A of the outer portion81of the barrel82to fixedly secure the lid portion106to the lid frame76. The lid portion106is fixedly secured to the lid frame76such that the lid portion106is inhibited from pivoting with respect to the lid frame76about the common pivot axis P. Upon coupling of the lid damper102to the lid frame76and the housing bracket40of the housing34, the lid outer cover78is secured to the lid frame76.

As the housing bracket40is mounted to the housing body38, the housing bracket40and the arm52of the housing bracket40are stationary during movement of the lid32and the storage tray36. The housing portion104of the lid damper102remains stationary during movement of the lid32and the storage tray36as the housing portion104of the lid damper102is fixedly secured to the housing bracket40. Accordingly, during movement of the lid32, movement of the storage tray36, or movement of the lid32and the storage tray36, the housing portion104of the lid damper102remain stationary and does not pivot about the common pivot axis P.

As the lid portion106of the lid damper102is fixedly secured to the lid frame76, the lid32is pivotally coupled to the housing34by the lid damper102about the common pivot axis P. Specifically, the lid32is pivotal about the common pivot axis P due to the rotation of the lid portion106about the common pivot axis P with respect to the housing portion104of the lid damper102. As such, the lid32is pivotal about the common pivot axis P by the lid damper102. As such, upon movement of the lid32, the lid portion106moves with the movement of the lid32. However, the lid portion106does not pivot about the common pivot axis P upon movement of the storage tray36when the lid32remains stationary. Specifically, the lid portion106does not pivot about the common pivot axis P when the storage tray36pivots between the lowered position and the raised position while the lid32remains in the open position.

The axle112remains stationary during movement of the lid32, movement of the storage tray36, and movement of the lid32and the storage tray36, as the axle112is fixedly secured to the housing bracket40due to the engagement of the axle fastener120within the bore128and the arm52. The gear132of the tray damper114remains stationary during movement of the lid32, movement of the storage tray36, and movement of the lid32and the storage tray36, as the gear132of the tray damper114is fixedly secured to the axle112due to the engagement between the splines132A of the gear132and the splines130A of the splined cavity130of the axle112. As such, the gear132does not pivot about the common pivot axis P during movement of the lid32, movement of the storage tray36, or movement of the lid32and the storage tray36.

As the tray portion136of the drum portion117is fixedly secured to the tray arm62of the storage tray36, due to the engagement of the tab136B within notch64A, the drum portion117moves with the movement of the storage tray36. As the cap118is secured to the damper tube portion138of the drum portion117, due to the engagement of the casing fastener122within the aperture138A and the bore142A, the cap118moves with the movement of the storage tray36. As the body134of the tray damper114is secured to the cap118, due to the engagement of the snap tab134A within the opening144A, the body134of the tray damper114moves with the movement of the storage tray36.

As the body134is fixed to the storage tray36through the cap118and the drum portion117of the casing116and the gear132is fixedly secured to the housing34through the axle112and the housing bracket38, the storage tray36is pivotally coupled to the housing34by the tray damper114and the casing116. Specifically, the storage tray36is pivotal about the common pivot axis P due to the rotation of the body134about the common pivot axis P with respect to the gear132. As such, upon movement of the storage tray36, the body134, the cap118, and the drum portion117move with the movement of the storage tray36. However, the drum portion117, the cap118, and the body134do not pivot about the common pivot axis P upon movement of the lid32when the storage tray36remains stationary. Specifically, the drum portion117, the cap118, and the body134do not pivot about the common pivot axis P when the lid32pivots between the closed position and the open position while the storage tray36remains in the lowered position.

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the dual damper assembly100, a discussion of the operation will be provided. Initially, the storage compartment26is in the closed state with the lid32in the closed position and the storage tray36in the lowered position. From the closed state, the user may move the storage compartment26into the intermediate state or the open state.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the closed state to the intermediate state, the user moves the lid32from the closed position to the open position while the storage tray36remains in the lowered position. The user actuates the lid latch mechanism94to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Next, the user lifts the lid32to move the lid32from the closed position to the open position while the storage tray36remains in the lowered position due to the tray latch mechanism70remaining in the locked state.

Referring toFIGS.2A-2B and4-5, upon movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position, the lid portion106pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow A1as the lid portion106is fixed to the lid32. As the housing portion104is secured to the housing bracket40, the housing portion104remains stationary while the lid portion106rotates about the common pivot axis P to pivot the lid32from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the lid portion106with respect to the housing portion104causes the lid damper102to exert a damping force against the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position due to the rotation of the lid portion106in the direction of arrow A1about the common pivot axis P with respect to the housing portion104.

When the lid latch mechanism94is in the disengaged state, the lid32moves independently from the storage tray36when the lid32moves from the closed positon to the open position. Specifically, as the tray damper assembly110is not fixedly connected to the lid32, the storage tray36remains in the lowered position while the lid32moves from the closed position to the open position.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the closed state, the user moves the lid32from the open position to the closed position. Upon movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position, the lid portion106pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow A2as the lid portion106is fixed to the lid32. As the housing portion104is secured to the housing bracket40, the housing portion104remains stationary while the lid portion106pivots about the common pivot axis P to pivot the lid32from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the lid portion106with respect to the housing portion104causes the lid damper102to exert a damping force against the movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position due to the rotation of the lid portion106in the direction of arrow A2about the common pivot axis P with respect to the housing portion104.

As the storage compartment26is in the intermediate state, the lid32moves independently from the storage tray36when the lid32moves from the open positon to the closed position. Specifically, as the tray damping assembly110is not fixedly connected to the lid32, the storage tray36remains in the lowered position while the lid32moves from the open position to the closed position. Upon movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position, the lid latch mechanism94engages with the lid connector68to move from the disengaged state to the engaged state to couple the lid32to the storage tray36in the closed state.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the closed state to the open state, the user moves the lid32from the closed position to the open position and moves the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position. The user actuates the tray latch mechanism70to move from the locked state to the unlocked state. Next, the user lifts the lid32to move the lid32from the closed position to the open position. As the storage tray36is connected to the lid32due to the engagement of the hook98B with the lid connector68, the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position consequently moves the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position.

Upon movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position, the lid portion106pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow A1as the lid portion106is fixed to the lid32. As the housing portion104is secured to the housing bracket40, the housing portion104remains stationary while the lid portion106rotates about the common pivot axis P to pivot the lid32from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the lid portion106with respect to the housing portion104causes the lid damper102to exert a damping force against the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position due to the rotation of the lid portion106in the direction of arrow A1about the common pivot axis P with respect to the housing portion104.

Upon movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position, the body134pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow B1as the body134is fixedly secured to the casing116which is fixedly secured to the storage tray36. As the gear132is fixedly secured to the housing bracket40through the axle112, the gear132remains stationary while the body134rotates about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow B1to the pivot the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the body134with respect to the gear132causes the tray damper114to exert a damping force against the movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position due to the rotation of the body134in the direction of arrow B1about the common pivot axis P with respect to the gear132.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the open state to the closed state, the user moves the lid32from the open position to the closed position and moves the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position. The user lowers the lid32to move the lid32from the open position to the closed position. As the lid latch mechanism94is in the engaged state when the storage compartment26is in the open state, due to the connection of the hook98B with the lid connector68, the movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position consequently moves the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position.

Upon movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position, the lid portion106pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow A2as the lid portion106is fixed to the lid32. As the housing portion104is secured to the housing bracket40, the housing portion104remains stationary while the lid portion106rotates about the common pivot axis P to pivot the lid32from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the lid portion106with respect to the housing portion104causes the lid damper102to exert a damping force against the movement of the lid32from the closed position to the open position due to the rotation of the lid portion106in the direction of arrow A2about the common pivot axis P with respect to the housing portion104. Upon movement of the lid32from the open position to the closed position, the lid latch mechanism94engages with the lid connector68to move from the disengaged state to the engaged locked state to couple lid32to the housing34in the closed position through the engagement of the tray latch mechanism70with the tray receiver46.

Upon movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position, the body134pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow B2as the body134is fixed to the casing116which is fixed to the storage tray36. As the gear132is secured to the housing bracket40through the axle112, the gear132remains stationary while the body134rotates about the common pivot axis P to the pivot the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the body143with respect to the gear132causes the tray damper114to exert a damping force against the movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position due to the rotation of the body134in the direction of arrow B2about the common pivot axis P with respect to the gear132. Upon movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position, the tray latch mechanism70moves from the unlocked state to the locked state due to the engagement of the hook74B with the tray receiver46to couple the storage tray36to the housing34in the lowered position.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the intermediate state to the open state, the user moves the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position while the lid32is in the open position. The user actuates the tray latch mechanism70to move from the locked state to the unlocked state. Next, the user raises the storage tray36to move the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position. As lid latch mechanism94is in the disengaged state in the intermediate state, the storage tray36moves independently from the lid32.

Upon movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position, the body134pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow B1as the body134is fixed to the casing116which is fixed to the storage tray36. As the gear132is secured to the housing bracket40through the axle112, the gear132remains stationary while the body134rotates about the common pivot axis P to the pivot the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the body134with respect to the gear132causes the tray damper114to exert a damping force against the movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position due to the rotation of the body134in the direction of arrow B1about the common pivot axis P with respect to the gear132. Upon movement of the storage tray36from the lowered position to the raised position, the lid latch mechanism94engages with the lid connector68to move from the disengaged state to the engaged state to couple lid32to the storage tray36in the open state.

In order to move the storage compartment26from the open state to the intermediate state, the user moves the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position while the lid32remains in the open position. Initially, the user actuates the lid latch mechanism94to move from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Next, the user lowers the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position while the lid32remains in the open position. As the storage tray36is in the disengaged state, the storage tray36moves independently from the lid32. Upon movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position, the tray latch mechanism70engages with the tray receiver46to move from the unlocked state to the locked state to lock the storage tray36in the lowered position.

Upon movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position, the body134pivots about the common pivot axis P in the direction of arrow B2as the body134is fixed to the casing116which is fixed to the storage tray36. As the gear132is secured to the housing bracket40through the axle112, the gear132remains stationary while the body134rotates about the common pivot axis P to the pivot the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position. In some embodiments, the rotation about the common pivot axis P of the body143with respect to the gear132causes the tray damper114to exert a damping force against the movement of the storage tray36from the raised position to the lowered position due to the rotation of the body134in the direction of arrow B2about the common pivot axis P with respect to the gear132.

In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a two way damper that exerts a damping force when the lid32is pivoted about the common pivot axis P from the closed position to the open position and when the lid32is pivoted about the common pivot axis P from the open position to the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a one way damper that only exerts a damping force when the lid32is pivoted about the common pivot axis P from the open position to the closed position to prevent the lid32from slamming closed.

In some embodiments, the tray damper114is a two way damper that exerts a damping force when the storage tray36is pivoted about the common pivot axis P from the lowered position to the raised position and when the storage tray36is pivoted about the common pivot axis from the raised position to the lowered position. In some embodiments, the tray damper114is a one way damper that only exerts a damping force when the storage tray36is pivoted about the common pivot axis P from the raised position to the lowered position to prevent the storage tray36from slamming closed.

In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a two way damper and the tray damper114is a two way damper. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a two way damper and the tray damper114is a one way damper. In the some embodiments, the lid damper102is a one way damper and the tray damper114is a two way damper. In some embodiments, the lid damper102is a one way damper and the tray damper114is a one way damper.

It is appreciated that the storage compartment26is not limited to a position between the driver seat16and the passenger seat18. In some embodiments, the storage compartment26may be provided in other areas of the passenger compartment12.