Vehicle storage compartment assembly

A vehicle storage compartment assembly including a housing defining a storage compartment with an upward facing opening, a first closure pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position, and a second closure slidably and pivotally mounted to the housing for movement among a slide closed position, a slide open position and a pivot open position. The first closure covers a first portion of the upward facing opening when in the pivot closed position and the second closure covers a second portion of the upward facing opening when in the slide closed position.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle storage compartment assembly, and particularly relates to a vehicle storage compartment assembly that functions as a center console storage compartment assembly for a vehicle.

A wide variety of storage compartment assemblies for vehicles are known, including those disposed in the console area of the vehicle. Many vehicles include a storage compartment disposed in a center console housing that has a pivotal armrest secured thereto that selectively provides for access to the storage compartment. More particularly, the armrest can be pivoted open to access the storage compartment or can be pivoted closed to close the storage compartment and serve as an armrest. Other vehicles include a sliding tray function in association with the center console storage area. For example, these other vehicles can have a tray that slides relative to a housing of the center console for accommodating various items, such as coins, electronic devices, PDAs (personal digital assistants), etc.

There are sometimes competing interests in designing center console areas. For example, it may be desirable to have the largest possible storage compartment within the center console area, but it may likewise be desirable to limit the size of the armrest disposed over the center console storage area, such as for aesthetic reasons. Reducing the size of the armrest may cause a corresponding reduction in the size of the storage compartment, or at least in the size of the opening that provides access to the storage compartment. Maintaining an acceptable size for the storage compartment or the opening thereto may require the armrest to be undesirable large.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a vehicle storage compartment assembly including a housing defining a storage compartment with an upward facing opening, a first closure pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a pivot closed position and a pivot open position, and a second closure slidably and pivotally mounted to the housing for movement among a slide closed position, a slide open position and a pivot open position. The first closure covers a first portion of the upward facing opening when in the pivot closed position and the second closure covers a second portion of the upward facing opening when in the slide closed position.

According to another aspect, a center console storage compartment assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, a first closure and a second closure. The housing defines a storage compartment therein with an opening to access the storage compartment. The first closure is pivotally secured to the housing for selectively covering a rear portion of the opening. A second closure is movably secured to the housing for selectively closing a forward portion of the opening. The second closure is movable from a slide closed position wherein the second closure closes the forward portion of the opening to a slide open position where an access is provided through the forward portion. The second closure is further movable from the slide open position to a pivot open position together with the first closure moving to a pivot open position wherein access is provided through the rear portion of the opening.

According to a further aspect, a dual closure storage assembly for a vehicle includes a first closure pivotally secured to a housing for selectively closing a rear portion of an upward facing opening of a storage compartment, and a second closure slidably and pivotally connected to the housing for selectively closing a forward portion of the upward facing opening of the storage compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating one or more exemplary embodiments and not for purposes of limiting same,FIGS. 1-6illustrate a vehicle storage compartment assembly10configured as a center console storage compartment assembly for a vehicle. As will be described in more detail below, the illustrated storage compartment assembly10is a dual closure storage assembly for a vehicle and can be applied in the vehicle as a center console storage compartment assembly disposed between right and left side front seats of the vehicle. The illustrated storage compartment assembly10includes a housing14defining a storage compartment16therein with an upward facing opening18provided to access the storage compartment16. As will be described in more detail below, the storage compartment16can be sufficiently sized to fully accommodate larger articles (e.g., purse80shown inFIG. 6).

The storage compartment assembly10of the illustrated embodiment includes a first closure20pivotally mounted or secured to the housing14for selectively covering a rear portion18aof the opening18via movement between a pivot closed position (FIGS. 1-4) and a pivot open position (FIGS. 5 and 6). The storage compartment assembly10can additionally include a second closure22movably secured (i.e., slidably and pivotally mounted) to the housing14for selectively closing a forward portion18bof the opening18via movement among a slide closed position (FIGS. 1 and 2), a slide open position (FIGS. 3 and 4) and a pivot open position (FIGS. 5 and 6). In particular, the first closure20covers the first or rearward portion18aof the upward facing opening18when in the pivot closed position ofFIGS. 1-4and the second closure22covers the second or forward portion18bof the upward facing opening18when in the slide closed position ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

The second closure22is movable from the slide closed position ofFIG. 1wherein the second closure22closes the forward portion18bof the opening18to the slide open position ofFIG. 3wherein access is provided through the forward portion18bof the opening18. Thus, as best illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the second closure22covers the first portion18aof the upward facing opening18when in the slide open position and provides access into the storage compartment16through the second portion18bwhen in the slide open position. The second closure22is further movable from the slide open position shown inFIG. 3to the pivot open position shown inFIG. 5, together with the first closure20moving to its pivot open position, wherein access is provided through the rear portion18aof the opening18into the storage compartment16. Thus, the first and second closures20,22provide access into the storage compartment16simultaneously through both the first and second portions18a,18bof the opening18when the first closure20is in its pivot open position and the second closure22is in its pivot open position.

In addition, moving the first closure20from the pivot closed position to the pivot open position can provide access through only the rear portion18aof the opening18when the second closure is in the slide closed position as shown inFIG. 9and can provide access to the second closure22(e.g., when accommodating accessory items thereon) when the second closure22is in the slide open position as shown inFIG. 10. Accordingly, as shown best inFIG. 9, the first and second closures20,22can provide access into the storage compartment16through the first portion18aof the opening18when the first closure20is in the pivot open position and the second closure22is in the slide closed position. Also, as best shown inFIG. 10, the first and second closures20,22can provide access to an upper surface22aof the second closure22when the first closure20is in the pivot open position and the second closure22is in the slide open position. Moving the second closure22into the slide open position with the first closure20in the pivot closed position may be desirable when accessory items are stored thereon and it is desired to easily and conveniently hide these accessory items without removing them from the upper side22aof the second closure22.

As shown, the first closure20can be an armrest having or formed of a cushioning material. In particular, the first closure20can include a cushioning material and be positioned within a vehicle as an armrest. In the illustrated embodiment, the first closure20is pivotally secured to the housing14via pivot links24and pivot pins26. In particular, the pivot links24can be curved and can depend from an underside of the first closure20. Distal ends of the pivot links24can have pins26extending laterally therefrom (seeFIG. 8). These pins26can be received within side walls14a,14bof the housing14. These same side walls14a,14bcan define side boundaries of the storage compartment16.

Moreover, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the side walls14a,14bcan be elevated or include elevated portions relative to a forward portion of the housing14so as to elevate the first closure20, particularly when in the pivot closed position. Top sides28of the side walls14a,14bcan form abutment surfaces against which the first closure20rests when in the pivot closed position. Of course, it is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other arrangements and/or components can be used to pivotally secure the first closure20to the housing14, and the housing14need not have the exact configuration shown in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, if desired, the first closure20could be movable secured to the housing14to enable sliding action in addition to the illustrated pivoting action, such as might enable convenient and/or comfortable placement of the first closure20when in use as an armrest.

The first closure20can include any suitable latch for securing the first closure20in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, and as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, the first closure20can include a latch assembly comprising a latch actuator90and a pair of laterally spaced apart locking members92(only one shown) that are urged in laterally outward extending positions (i.e., the position shown inFIG. 5) for engaging a corresponding locking member recess94. The locking members92can be urged toward their respective laterally outward extending positions by springs (not shown) and can be operatively connected to the latch actuator90so that the locking members92are retracted against the urging of the springs when the latch actuator90is pulled upward. When the locking members92are received in the corresponding locking member recesses94, the first closure20is locked to the housing14. Of course, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any other suitable latch assembly could be used for securing the first closure20in the closed position with respect to the housing14.

As mentioned, the housing14can be formed within a center console of a vehicle. In such a configuration, the housing14can include an upper show surface30that is disposed at a lower elevation than the first closure20in the illustrated embodiment. If desired, at least one recessed cup holder can be defined in the upper show surface30forward relative to the second closure22. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cup holders32,34are defined in the upper show surface30forward relative to the second closure22. The illustrated cup holders32,34are shown in a front-to-back alignment wherein the cup holder32is disposed forward of the cup holder34, though this is not required. More generally, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the housing14need not be limited to the shape shown in the illustrated embodiment and could instead have almost any suitable shape.

In addition to its combination sliding and pivoting action, the second closure22can incorporate one or more additional features to enhance its functionality. For example, the second closure22can be configured as a recessed tray for supporting or accommodating one or more items thereon, such as the illustrated electronic device36shown supported on the second closure22inFIG. 1, which can be a phone, garage door opener, etc. In particular, the upper surface22aof the second closure22can be recessed relative to the surrounding surface, such as the upper show surface30of the housing14. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface22aof the second closure22can be recessed relative to the upper show surface30of the center console for better accommodating stored accessory items. Aesthetically and functionally, this also provides an intuitive location for receiving and storing various articles and/or accessory items in the vehicle.

As another feature, the second closure22can include a plurality of gripping rails or strips38, though this is not required. As shown, each of the plurality of gripping rails38can extend laterally across an upper surface of the second closure22. Further, each of the plurality of gripping rails38can be formed of a resilient gripping material, such as rubber for example. The gripping rails38can be spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal length of the vehicle, which may also be a longitudinal length of the center console. As shown, the gripping rails38can be very thin in width, though this is not required.

Still as a further feature, the second closure22includes a raised lip44disposed adjacent a leading edge of the second closure22. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip44extends around an entire periphery of the second closure22, though this is not required. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second closure22includes raised leading lip44for facilitating gripping of the second enclosure22during movement between the slide closed position ofFIG. 1and the slide open position ofFIG. 3, and further for preventing one or more items supported thereon (e.g., portable electronic device36) from sliding off the second closure22and falling into the storage compartment16when the second closure22is in the slide open position ofFIG. 3or any of a plurality of partially open positions between the slide open position ofFIG. 3and the slide closed position ofFIG. 1. In conjunction with the raised lip44at the forward or leading edge of the second closure22, a gap82can be provided between the leading edge and the adjacent portion of the housing14. This gap can facilitate gripping of the raised lip44(i.e., gripping of the second closure) and/or can provide a convenient throughway for cords or wires. For example, a portable phone can be carried on the upper surface22aof the second closure22and remain electrically connected to the a port (e.g. ports76and78) disposed in the storage compartment16.

With reference toFIG. 8, sliding movement of the second closure22can be facilitated by the closure22resting on shoulder portions46,48of the housing14. In addition, the second closure22includes rear mounting portions50,52through which a pivot rod54passes and extends laterally outward on either side of the second closure22. Ends of the pivot rod54are received in sliding blocks56,58which are themselves accommodated in recesses60,62defined in the side walls14a,14bof the housing14. The sliding blocks56,58slidably move within the recesses60,62to enable the second closure22to move between the slide closed position ofFIG. 1and the slide open position ofFIG. 3.

The pivot rod54allows for pivotal movement between the second closure22and the sliding blocks56,58. Thus, the second closure22, when in the slide open position ofFIG. 3, can be pivoted open relative to the sliding blocks56,58and also relative to the housing14for movement between the slide open position and the pivot open position. The second closure22can include friction hinges (i.e., the engagement between the ends of the pivot rod54and the sliding blocks56,58can be interference fits creating friction hinges) allowing the second closure22to move to the pivot open position and be held in the pivot open position without the application of any manual force. Alternately, the pivot rod54and the second closure22could be integrally formed together and both could pivot relative to the sliding blocks56,58. As a further alternate, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sliding and/or pivoting movement of the second closure22relative to the housing14could be provided via other arrangements and/or components than those shown or described herein.

With reference toFIGS. 11 and 12, the vehicle storage compartment assembly10can additionally include a latching assembly100for securing the second closure22in the closed position. In particular, the latching assembly100can be provided for securing the second closure22in the closed position during a rear crash event. The latching assembly100of the illustrated embodiment includes a lever member102having a first leg102aand a second leg102b. The lever member102is pivotally movable about pivot104and is urged to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise in the figures), such as by a spring106connected between the housing14and the leg102a. The leg102bincludes a latch portion108at its distal end. The latch portion108is normally held back by the spring106as shown inFIG. 11; however, when the vehicle in which the assembly10is provided experiences certain collision events (e.g., a rear crash event), the latch member102rotates in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise in the figures) against the urging of the spring106so that the latch portion108can move into the path of the second closure22prior to the second closure22sliding open due to the crash event and thereby the latch portion108inhibits movement of the second closure22toward the slide open position. Alternatively, and as should be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any other suitable latch or latching assembly could be employed for securing the second closure20in the closed position, such as during a crash event.

Separately, it should be further appreciated that some type of linkage could be provided between the first and second closures20,22that would cause pivotally movement by one of the closures20or22to be transferred to the other of the closures20or22. In this manner, pulling open one of the closures20or22to the pivot open position could cause opening of the other of the closures20or22to the pivot open position without requiring separate opening action to by be manually applied by a user.

With reference toFIG. 7, the housing14includes a forward wall70that defines a forward boundary of the storage compartment16. The forward wall70, as shown, can optionally include a receptacle72defined therein appropriately sized for holding a portable electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device74, which can be a portable phone). In addition, the forward wall70can include a USB port76and/or a power port78. Alternatively, forward wall70can be provided without one or more of these features and/or one or more of these features can be disposed on another of the walls defining the storage compartment16.

In operation, when the first closure is in the pivot closed position and the second closure is in the slide closed position, the storage compartment16is closed (FIGS. 1 and 2). In this configuration, the second closure22can function as a storage tray and thus can receive accessory items thereon. The second closure22can be moved from a slide closed position ofFIG. 1to the slide open position ofFIG. 3to provide access into the storage compartment16through the forward portion18bof the opening18. This also conveniently provides access to any features incorporated into the forward wall70of the housing14. Aesthetically, the first closure20remains closed and provides a pleasing appearance.

When desired to have full access into the storage compartment16, the first closure20can be moved to the pivot open position and the second closure22can be moved to its pivot open position. In this configuration, the vehicle operator or passenger has full access to the storage compartment16. Accordingly, the second closure22has both slide action and rotation/pivot action. The first closure20and the second closure22together act as doors for the relatively large storage compartment16. In fact, the storage compartment16can be sized to accommodate a very large purse (e.g., illustrated purse80). Advantageously, when both closures20,22are moved to their respective pivot open positions, complete access to the large storage area of the storage compartment16is gained. That is, the entire opening18, including rearward portion18aand forward portion18b, is open and accessible.