Offset dual pawl armrest latch

A latch assembly for a compartment of a vehicle interior is provided. The latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to a cover of the compartment. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member.

INTRODUCTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a latch mechanism of a hinged cover for a vehicle compartment and more particularly to a latch mechanism for an armrest cover of a center console for a vehicle.

Interior vehicle designs are constantly improving the experience of driving and riding in the vehicle. In one such manner, interior vehicle designs are making functional elements of the vehicle more ergonomic while maintaining or improving the same performance specifications for the particular component. In one example, an interior vehicle compartment must remain closed while the vehicle is in motion or comes to a sudden stop. Therefore, designers and engineers must work in concert to develop mechanisms that maintain standards while adapting to new designs.

Accordingly, there is a need for new interior compartment having an adaptable latch mechanism for a vehicle having an improved ergonomic, functional, and aesthetic design while maintain performance standards.

SUMMARY

A latch assembly for a compartment of a vehicle interior is provided. The latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to a cover of the compartment. The first pawl member has a first pawl, a button, and a first pivot slot. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame. The second pawl member has a second pawl, and a second pivot slot. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member. The resilient member is disposed between the lever member and the frame. The resilient member urges the lever member to a first position relative to the frame.

In one example of the present disclosure, the third portion of the frame has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first portion of the frame extends at a first angle from the first end of the third portion of the frame and the second portion of the frame extends at a second angle from the second end of the third portion of the frame.

In another example of the present disclosure, the first and second angles are approximately 90°.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first portion of the frame extends in a first direction from the third portion of the frame. The second portion of the frame extends in a second direction from the third portion of the frame. The first direction is opposite the second direction.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first pawl member further has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a center section. The button of the first pawl member is disposed on the first end of the first pawl member. The first pivot slot of the first pawl member is disposed proximate the second end of the first pawl member. The first pawl of the first pawl member extends from the center section of the first pawl member.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the second pawl member further has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a center section. The second pawl of the second pawl member extends from the first end of the second pawl member. The second pivot slot is disposed proximate the second end of the second pawl member.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the lever member further has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the first arm extends from a first edge of the center hub. The first pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the first arm. The second arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the second arm extends from a second edge of the center hub opposite the first edge. The second pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the second arm.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first arm and the second arm of the lever member are equal length.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first and second pawls extend into a retention feature of the compartment to selectively retain the cover to the compartment.

Another latch assembly for a compartment of a vehicle interior is provided. The latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to a cover of the compartment. The third portion of the frame has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first portion of the frame extends at a first angle from the first end of the third portion of the frame and the second portion of the frame extends at a second angle from the second end of the third portion of the frame.

The first pawl member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first pawl, a button, and a first pivot slot. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame, the button of the first pawl member is disposed on the first end of the first pawl member. The first pivot slot of the first pawl member is disposed proximate the second end of the first pawl member. The first pawl of the first pawl member extends from the center section of the first pawl member.

The second pawl member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a center section, a second pawl, and a second pivot slot. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The second pawl of the second pawl member extends from the first end of the second pawl member. The second pivot slot is disposed proximate the second end of the second pawl member.

The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member.

The resilient member is disposed between the lever member and the frame. The resilient member urges the lever member to a first position relative to the frame.

In one example of the present disclosure, the first and second angles of the frame are approximately 90°.

In another example of the present disclosure, the first portion of the frame extends in a first direction from the third portion of the frame. The second portion of the frame extends in a second direction from the third portion of the frame. The first direction is opposite the second direction.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the lever member further has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the first arm extends from a first edge of the center hub. The first pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the first arm. The second arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the second arm extends from a second edge of the center hub opposite the first edge. The second pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the second arm.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first arm and the second arm of the lever member are equal length.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first and second pawls extend into a retention feature of the compartment to selectively retain the cover to the compartment.

A center console for a vehicle is provided. The center console comprises a compartment, an armrest cover, and a hinge. The compartment has an interior surface forming a first, a second, a third, and a fourth walls, and wherein the compartment is fixed to the floor of the vehicle. The armrest cover assembly has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a latch assembly. The hinge is disposed on the first end of the armrest cover assembly and a top edge of the first wall of the compartment.

In one example of the present disclosure, the latch assembly comprises a frame, a first pawl member, a second pawl member, a lever member, and a resilient member. The frame has a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The frame is fixed to the armrest cover assembly. The third portion of the frame has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first portion of the frame extends at a first angle from the first end of the third portion of the frame and the second portion of the frame extends at a second angle from the second end of the third portion of the frame.

The first pawl member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first pawl, a button, and a first pivot slot. The first pawl member is slidingly disposed in the first portion of the frame. The button of the first pawl member is disposed on the first end of the first pawl member. The first pivot slot of the first pawl member is disposed proximate the second end of the first pawl member. The first pawl of the first pawl member extends from the center section of the first pawl member.

The second pawl member has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a center section, a second pawl, and a second pivot slot. The second pawl member is slidingly disposed in the second portion of the frame. The second pawl of the second pawl member extends from the first end of the second pawl member. The second pivot slot is disposed proximate the second end of the second pawl member.

The lever member has a first and a second pivot pin and a center hub. The center hub is rotatably supported by the third portion of the frame. The first pivot pin is disposed in the first pivot slot of the first pawl member. The second pivot pin is disposed in the second pivot slot of the second pawl member.

The resilient member is disposed between the lever member and the frame. The resilient member urges the lever member to a first position relative to the frame.

In one example of the present disclosure, the first and second angles of the frame are approximately 90°. The first portion of the frame extends in a first direction from the third portion of the frame. The second portion of the frame extends in a second direction from the third portion of the frame. The first direction is opposite the second direction.

In another example of the present disclosure, the lever member further has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm of the lever member are equal length. The first arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the first arm extends from a first edge of the center hub. The first pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the first arm. The second arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the second arm extends from a second edge of the center hub opposite the first edge. The second pivot pin is disposed proximate the second end of the second arm.

In yet another example of the present disclosure, the first and second pawls extend into a retention feature of the compartment to selectively retain the armrest cover assembly to the compartment.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. The terms “about”, “approximately”, and “proximate” as used in the description is defined as an amount or location around a specific number or closer to an element that does not have a significant impact on the results or the operation of an element.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a center console10for a vehicle is illustrated and will now be described. The center console10is fixed to the floor12of the vehicle between the front or rear passenger seats (not shown) However, the center console10may be placed in other locations in the vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, mechanisms described herein may be incorporated into other locations of the vehicle without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the mechanisms may be incorporated into a stowage console in the cargo area of a sport utility vehicle or other vehicle.

The center console10includes a compartment14and an armrest cover16. The compartment14is fixed to the floor12of the vehicle. The armrest cover16includes a first end18, a first top surface20, a second top surface22, a second end24, and a latch assembly26. The first end18of the armrest cover16includes a hinge28that is fastened to each of the first end18of the armrest cover16and the top edge of the compartment14. The first top surface20extends from the first end18to the second end24of the armrest cover16. The second top surface22extends from the first end18of the armrest cover16and terminates to an edge30of the armrest cover16. Thus, the first top surface20extends beyond the termination of the second top surface22. The result is a first distance X1between the first end18and the second end24of the armrest cover16is greater than a second distance X2between the first end18and the edge30of the armrest cover16.

The latch assembly26of the armrest cover16is disposed on the interior of the armrest cover26. Turning now toFIGS. 3 and 3A, the latch assembly26includes a frame32, a first pawl member34, a second pawl member36, a lever member38and a resilient member or spring40. More particularly, the frame32includes a first portion42, a second portion44, and a third portion46. The first portion42extends in a first direction D1from a first end48of the third portion46at a first angle A1. The second portion44of the frame32extends in a second direction D2from a second end50of the third portion46at a second angle A2. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the first direction D1is opposite the second direction D2. Additionally, the first angle A1and second angle A2are approximately 90°.

The first pawl member34is slidingly disposed predominantly in the first portion42of the frame32and includes a first end52and a second end54and includes the features of a first pawl56, a button58and a first pivot slot60. The button58is formed in the first end52of the first pawl member34. The first pawl56extends below the center portion of the first pawl member34. The first pivot slot60(shown more clearly inFIGS. 4 and 5) is formed from an inner surface62proximate the second end54of the first pawl member34.

The second pawl member36is slidingly disposed predominantly in the second portion44of the frame32and includes a first end64and a second end66and includes the features of a second pawl68, an elongated center section70, and a second pivot slot72. The second pawl68extends below the first end64of the second pawl member36. The second pivot slot60(shown more clearly inFIGS. 4 and 5) is formed from an inner surface74proximate the second end66of the second pawl member36.

Each of the first pawl member34and the second pawl member36are capable of translational movement in the first and second directions D1, D2. The first pawl member34also includes a first ridge76formed on the top surface78along the length of the first pawl member34. The first ridge76is received by a first groove80formed in the first portion42of the frame32. The combination of the first ridge76and the first groove80provides stability in the translational movement of the first pawl member34relative to the frame32.

The second pawl member36also includes a second ridge82formed on the top surface84along the length of the first pawl member34. The second ridge82is received by a second groove86formed in the second portion44of the frame32. The combination of the second ridge82and the second groove86provides stability in the translational movement of the second pawl member36relative to the frame32.

Due to the design of the armrest cover26, the lengths of the first and second pawl members34,36are not equal. For example, the first length L1of the first pawl member34is less than the second length L2of the second pawl member36. However, the total length LTis sufficient such that the first pawl56of the first pawl member34interacts with a first side wall88of the compartment14and the second pawl68of the second pawl member36interacts with a second side wall90of the compartment14. The compartment14also includes a first and a second retention feature91,92. As shown more clearly inFIG. 3A, when the elements of the latch assembly26are in a first position, the first retention feature91receives the first pawl56of the first pawl member34and the second retention feature92receives the second pawl68of the second pawl member36. In this regard, the armrest cover16is retained to the compartment14when the latch assembly26is in the first position.

The lever member38has a first pivot pin94, a second pivot pin96, a first arm98, a second arm100, and a center hub102. More particularly, the first arm98has a first end104and a second end106opposite the first end104. The first end104of the first arm98extends from a first edge108of the center hub102. The first pivot pin94is disposed proximate the second end106of the first arm98. Likewise, the second arm100has a first end109and a second end110opposite the first end109, the first end109of the second arm100extends from a second edge112of the center hub102opposite the first edge108. The second pivot pin96is disposed proximate the second end110of the second arm100. The center hub102is rotatably supported by the third portion46of the frame32. The first pivot pin94is disposed in the first pivot slot60of the first pawl member34and the second pivot pin96is disposed in the second pivot slot72of the second pawl member36. For the purpose of keeping the translation of the first and second pawl members34,36equal, the length of the first arm98is equal to the length of the second arm100.

Turning now toFIGS. 4 and 5, the latch assembly26is illustrated in each of a first position (FIG. 4) and a second position (FIG. 5). In the first position, the spring40applies a torsional force T to the second arm100of the lever member38so that the latch assembly26is at rest in the first position which maintains the armrest cover16on top of the compartment14. In the second position, a force F is applied to the button58of the first pawl member34, translating the first pawl member34in the second direction D2which in turn rotates the lever member38and translates the second pawl member36in the first direction D1. This action releases the armrest cover16from the compartment14allowing the armrest cover16to rotate upward via the hinge28.

While examples have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and examples for practicing the disclosed structure within the scope of the appended claims.