Patent Publication Number: US-2013249231-A1

Title: Vehicle storage compartment assembly

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of a center console storage compartment assembly for a vehicle having a housing, a first closure shown in a closed position and a second closure also shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another partial perspective view of the center console storage compartment assembly, similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing the second closure in a slide open position. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is still another partial perspective view of the center console storage compartment assembly, similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing the first and second closures in respective pivot open positions and showing an article (e.g., a purse) received in a storage compartment of the assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 2  showing a forward wall of the storage compartment assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 2  showing the first and second closures being movably secured to the housing. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 2  but showing the first closure in the pivot open position and the second closure in the slide closed position. 
         FIG. 10  is another cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 2  but showing the first closure in the pivot open position and the second closure in the slide open position. 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view showing a latch arrangement for the second closure in a first, unlatched position. 
         FIG. 12  is another partial cross-sectional view similar to  FIG. 11  but showing the latch arrangement in a second, latched position. 
     
    
    
     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. 1-6  illustrate a vehicle storage compartment assembly  10  configured as a center console storage compartment assembly for a vehicle. As will be described in more detail below, the illustrated storage compartment assembly  10  is 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 assembly  10  includes a housing  14  defining a storage compartment  16  therein with an upward facing opening  18  provided to access the storage compartment  16 . As will be described in more detail below, the storage compartment  16  can be sufficiently sized to fully accommodate larger articles (e.g., purse  80  shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     The storage compartment assembly  10  of the illustrated embodiment includes a first closure  20  pivotally mounted or secured to the housing  14  for selectively covering a rear portion  18   a  of the opening  18  via movement between a pivot closed position ( FIGS. 1-4 ) and a pivot open position ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). The storage compartment assembly  10  can additionally include a second closure  22  movably secured (i.e., slidably and pivotally mounted) to the housing  14  for selectively closing a forward portion  18   b  of the opening  18  via 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 closure  20  covers the first or rearward portion  18   a  of the upward facing opening  18  when in the pivot closed position of  FIGS. 1-4  and the second closure  22  covers the second or forward portion  18   b  of the upward facing opening  18  when in the slide closed position of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The second closure  22  is movable from the slide closed position of  FIG. 1  wherein the second closure  22  closes the forward portion  18   b  of the opening  18  to the slide open position of  FIG. 3  wherein access is provided through the forward portion  18   b  of the opening  18 . Thus, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second closure  22  covers the first portion  18   a  of the upward facing opening  18  when in the slide open position and provides access into the storage compartment  16  through the second portion  18   b  when in the slide open position. The second closure  22  is further movable from the slide open position shown in  FIG. 3  to the pivot open position shown in  FIG. 5 , together with the first closure  20  moving to its pivot open position, wherein access is provided through the rear portion  18   a  of the opening  18  into the storage compartment  16 . Thus, the first and second closures  20 ,  22  provide access into the storage compartment  16  simultaneously through both the first and second portions  18   a,    18   b  of the opening  18  when the first closure  20  is in its pivot open position and the second closure  22  is in its pivot open position. 
     In addition, moving the first closure  20  from the pivot closed position to the pivot open position can provide access through only the rear portion  18   a  of the opening  18  when the second closure is in the slide closed position as shown in  FIG. 9  and can provide access to the second closure  22  (e.g., when accommodating accessory items thereon) when the second closure  22  is in the slide open position as shown in  FIG. 10 . Accordingly, as shown best in  FIG. 9 , the first and second closures  20 ,  22  can provide access into the storage compartment  16  through the first portion  18   a  of the opening  18  when the first closure  20  is in the pivot open position and the second closure  22  is in the slide closed position. Also, as best shown in  FIG. 10 , the first and second closures  20 ,  22  can provide access to an upper surface  22   a  of the second closure  22  when the first closure  20  is in the pivot open position and the second closure  22  is in the slide open position. Moving the second closure  22  into the slide open position with the first closure  20  in 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 side  22   a  of the second closure  22 . 
     As shown, the first closure  20  can be an armrest having or formed of a cushioning material. In particular, the first closure  20  can include a cushioning material and be positioned within a vehicle as an armrest. In the illustrated embodiment, the first closure  20  is pivotally secured to the housing  14  via pivot links  24  and pivot pins  26 . In particular, the pivot links  24  can be curved and can depend from an underside of the first closure  20 . Distal ends of the pivot links  24  can have pins  26  extending laterally therefrom (see  FIG. 8 ). These pins  26  can be received within side walls  14   a,    14   b  of the housing  14 . These same side walls  14   a,    14   b  can define side boundaries of the storage compartment  16 . 
     Moreover, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the side walls  14   a,    14   b  can be elevated or include elevated portions relative to a forward portion of the housing  14  so as to elevate the first closure  20 , particularly when in the pivot closed position. Top sides  28  of the side walls  14   a,    14   b  can form abutment surfaces against which the first closure  20  rests 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 closure  20  to the housing  14 , and the housing  14  need not have the exact configuration shown in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, if desired, the first closure  20  could be movable secured to the housing  14  to enable sliding action in addition to the illustrated pivoting action, such as might enable convenient and/or comfortable placement of the first closure  20  when in use as an armrest. 
     The first closure  20  can include any suitable latch for securing the first closure  20  in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, and as best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the first closure  20  can include a latch assembly comprising a latch actuator  90  and a pair of laterally spaced apart locking members  92  (only one shown) that are urged in laterally outward extending positions (i.e., the position shown in  FIG. 5 ) for engaging a corresponding locking member recess  94 . The locking members  92  can be urged toward their respective laterally outward extending positions by springs (not shown) and can be operatively connected to the latch actuator  90  so that the locking members  92  are retracted against the urging of the springs when the latch actuator  90  is pulled upward. When the locking members  92  are received in the corresponding locking member recesses  94 , the first closure  20  is locked to the housing  14 . 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 closure  20  in the closed position with respect to the housing  14 . 
     As mentioned, the housing  14  can be formed within a center console of a vehicle. In such a configuration, the housing  14  can include an upper show surface  30  that is disposed at a lower elevation than the first closure  20  in the illustrated embodiment. If desired, at least one recessed cup holder can be defined in the upper show surface  30  forward relative to the second closure  22 . Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of cup holders  32 ,  34  are defined in the upper show surface  30  forward relative to the second closure  22 . The illustrated cup holders  32 ,  34  are shown in a front-to-back alignment wherein the cup holder  32  is disposed forward of the cup holder  34 , though this is not required. More generally, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the housing  14  need 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 closure  22  can incorporate one or more additional features to enhance its functionality. For example, the second closure  22  can be configured as a recessed tray for supporting or accommodating one or more items thereon, such as the illustrated electronic device  36  shown supported on the second closure  22  in  FIG. 1 , which can be a phone, garage door opener, etc. In particular, the upper surface  22   a  of the second closure  22  can be recessed relative to the surrounding surface, such as the upper show surface  30  of the housing  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface  22   a  of the second closure  22  can be recessed relative to the upper show surface  30  of 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 closure  22  can include a plurality of gripping rails or strips  38 , though this is not required. As shown, each of the plurality of gripping rails  38  can extend laterally across an upper surface of the second closure  22 . Further, each of the plurality of gripping rails  38  can be formed of a resilient gripping material, such as rubber for example. The gripping rails  38  can 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 rails  38  can be very thin in width, though this is not required. 
     Still as a further feature, the second closure  22  includes a raised lip  44  disposed adjacent a leading edge of the second closure  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lip  44  extends around an entire periphery of the second closure  22 , though this is not required. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, the second closure  22  includes raised leading lip  44  for facilitating gripping of the second enclosure  22  during movement between the slide closed position of  FIG. 1  and the slide open position of  FIG. 3 , and further for preventing one or more items supported thereon (e.g., portable electronic device  36 ) from sliding off the second closure  22  and falling into the storage compartment  16  when the second closure  22  is in the slide open position of  FIG. 3  or any of a plurality of partially open positions between the slide open position of  FIG. 3  and the slide closed position of  FIG. 1 . In conjunction with the raised lip  44  at the forward or leading edge of the second closure  22 , a gap  82  can be provided between the leading edge and the adjacent portion of the housing  14 . This gap can facilitate gripping of the raised lip  44  (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 surface  22   a  of the second closure  22  and remain electrically connected to the a port (e.g. ports  76  and  78 ) disposed in the storage compartment  16 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , sliding movement of the second closure  22  can be facilitated by the closure  22  resting on shoulder portions  46 ,  48  of the housing  14 . In addition, the second closure  22  includes rear mounting portions  50 ,  52  through which a pivot rod  54  passes and extends laterally outward on either side of the second closure  22 . Ends of the pivot rod  54  are received in sliding blocks  56 ,  58  which are themselves accommodated in recesses  60 ,  62  defined in the side walls  14   a,    14   b  of the housing  14 . The sliding blocks  56 ,  58  slidably move within the recesses  60 ,  62  to enable the second closure  22  to move between the slide closed position of  FIG. 1  and the slide open position of  FIG. 3 . 
     The pivot rod  54  allows for pivotal movement between the second closure  22  and the sliding blocks  56 ,  58 . Thus, the second closure  22 , when in the slide open position of  FIG. 3 , can be pivoted open relative to the sliding blocks  56 ,  58  and also relative to the housing  14  for movement between the slide open position and the pivot open position. The second closure  22  can include friction hinges (i.e., the engagement between the ends of the pivot rod  54  and the sliding blocks  56 ,  58  can be interference fits creating friction hinges) allowing the second closure  22  to move to the pivot open position and be held in the pivot open position without the application of any manual force. Alternately, the pivot rod  54  and the second closure  22  could be integrally formed together and both could pivot relative to the sliding blocks  56 ,  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 closure  22  relative to the housing  14  could be provided via other arrangements and/or components than those shown or described herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the vehicle storage compartment assembly  10  can additionally include a latching assembly  100  for securing the second closure  22  in the closed position. In particular, the latching assembly  100  can be provided for securing the second closure  22  in the closed position during a rear crash event. The latching assembly  100  of the illustrated embodiment includes a lever member  102  having a first leg  102   a  and a second leg  102   b.  The lever member  102  is pivotally movable about pivot  104  and is urged to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise in the figures), such as by a spring  106  connected between the housing  14  and the leg  102   a.  The leg  102   b  includes a latch portion  108  at its distal end. The latch portion  108  is normally held back by the spring  106  as shown in  FIG. 11 ; however, when the vehicle in which the assembly  10  is provided experiences certain collision events (e.g., a rear crash event), the latch member  102  rotates in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise in the figures) against the urging of the spring  106  so that the latch portion  108  can move into the path of the second closure  22  prior to the second closure  22  sliding open due to the crash event and thereby the latch portion  108  inhibits movement of the second closure  22  toward 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 closure  20  in 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 closures  20 ,  22  that would cause pivotally movement by one of the closures  20  or  22  to be transferred to the other of the closures  20  or  22 . In this manner, pulling open one of the closures  20  or  22  to the pivot open position could cause opening of the other of the closures  20  or  22  to the pivot open position without requiring separate opening action to by be manually applied by a user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , the housing  14  includes a forward wall  70  that defines a forward boundary of the storage compartment  16 . The forward wall  70 , as shown, can optionally include a receptacle  72  defined therein appropriately sized for holding a portable electronic device (e.g., portable electronic device  74 , which can be a portable phone). In addition, the forward wall  70  can include a USB port  76  and/or a power port  78 . Alternatively, forward wall  70  can 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 compartment  16 . 
     In operation, when the first closure is in the pivot closed position and the second closure is in the slide closed position, the storage compartment  16  is closed ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In this configuration, the second closure  22  can function as a storage tray and thus can receive accessory items thereon. The second closure  22  can be moved from a slide closed position of  FIG. 1  to the slide open position of  FIG. 3  to provide access into the storage compartment  16  through the forward portion  18   b  of the opening  18 . This also conveniently provides access to any features incorporated into the forward wall  70  of the housing  14 . Aesthetically, the first closure  20  remains closed and provides a pleasing appearance. 
     When desired to have full access into the storage compartment  16 , the first closure  20  can be moved to the pivot open position and the second closure  22  can be moved to its pivot open position. In this configuration, the vehicle operator or passenger has full access to the storage compartment  16 . Accordingly, the second closure  22  has both slide action and rotation/pivot action. The first closure  20  and the second closure  22  together act as doors for the relatively large storage compartment  16 . In fact, the storage compartment  16  can be sized to accommodate a very large purse (e.g., illustrated purse  80 ). Advantageously, when both closures  20 ,  22  are moved to their respective pivot open positions, complete access to the large storage area of the storage compartment  16  is gained. That is, the entire opening  18 , including rearward portion  18   a  and forward portion  18   b,  is open and accessible. 
     It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.