Storage system for vehicle doors

Abstract

A storage system for a vehicle door can include a vehicle door, a map pocket assembly movable relative to the vehicle door, and a guide mechanism to guide movement of the map pocket assembly, wherein a containment space is defined between the map pocket assembly and the vehicle door.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0081147, filed on June 22, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a storage system for a vehicle door, and more specifically, to a storage system for a vehicle door capable of changing the volume of the accommodating space as a map pocket component is movable relative to the vehicle door. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, various interior components that provide aesthetic design (exterior styling) and functionality can be installed on a vehicle. For example, when a map pocket is installed on a car door, a storage space can be defined between the map pocket and the door, which can accommodate small and lightweight items such as maps and books.

[0005] In the ever-expanding future mobility market, with its car-sharing, car-hailing, and ride-sharing services, there is a need to provide accommodation spaces with various structures and sizes to suit individual users' personal preferences for vehicle interior components.

[0006] A vehicle door may include a door panel, a door module mounted on the door panel, and a door trim that covers the entire door module.

[0007] According to existing technology, since the map pocket and door trim are separate structures, and the volume of the space defined between the map pocket and the door is fixed, it may be difficult to provide various storage spaces according to user preferences. Unnecessary empty space may be formed between the door module and the door trim installed on the door, which may lead to wasted space in the door.

[0008] Due to user carelessness, shared vehicles may be prone to scratches on interior parts. However, since the map pocket and trim panel are integrated, replacing the map pocket may not be easy.

[0009] The information disclosed in this Background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission of prior art known to those skilled in the art or any form of implication. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Aspects of the present invention aim to provide a storage system for a vehicle door, which is configured to change the volume of a receiving space defined between the map bag assembly and the vehicle door as the map bag assembly is movable relative to the vehicle door.

[0011] According to various aspects of the present invention, a storage system for a vehicle door may include: a vehicle door; a map pocket assembly movable relative to the vehicle door; and a guiding mechanism for guiding the movement of the map pocket assembly. A storage space may be defined between the map pocket assembly and the vehicle door.

[0012] The map pocket component is movable relative to the door module of the vehicle door. The map pocket component can move between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position is when the map pocket component is relatively close to the vehicle door, and the extended position is when the map pocket component is relatively far away from the vehicle door.

[0013] The guiding mechanism may include: a guide rail disposed on the door; and a guiding member disposed on the map bag assembly and sliding along the guide rail.

[0014] The guide rail can protrude from the vehicle door toward the map pocket assembly, which may include a mounting protrusion protruding toward the vehicle door. A guide member can be mounted on the mounting protrusion, and the longitudinal axis of the mounting protrusion may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail.

[0015] The guide member may include a guide head and a shank extending from the guide head, the shank being mounted on a mounting protrusion by fasteners, and the guide head being movably accommodated in a guide rail.

[0016] The guide rail may include a locking lug, which may be defined by a "U"-shaped groove and cantilevered from the guide rail.

[0017] The guide head may have a locking groove, and the locking lug may have a locking protrusion. When the map pocket assembly is in the extended position, the locking groove of the guide head can be engaged by the locking protrusion of the locking lug, thereby locking the guide member to the locking lug.

[0018] The map bag assembly may include: a first bag-shaped member having a pocket shape; and a second bag-shaped member mounted on a predetermined edge of the first bag-shaped member.

[0019] The storage system may further include a covering mechanism that covers the space between the map bag assembly and the door when the map bag assembly moves. The covering mechanism may include a first cover member movably connected to the second bag-shaped member and a second cover member movably connected to the first cover member.

[0020] The first cover member can be movably connected to the second bag-shaped member via a first guide pin and a first spring. The first cover member may include a first mounting boss having a through hole through which the first guide pin extends. The second bag-shaped member may include a second mounting boss having a groove for fixing the first guide pin. The first spring may be disposed between the first mounting boss and the second mounting boss.

[0021] The first guide pin may include a head, a rod extending from the head, and a fixed end extending from the end of the rod. The outer diameter of the head may be larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the first mounting boss, and the fixed end may be fixed to the groove of the second mounting boss.

[0022] As the map bag component moves, the first cover component can move between a first maximum overlap position and a first minimum overlap position. The first maximum overlap position can be the position where the cover component and the cover wall of the second bag component overlap to the greatest extent, and the first minimum overlap position can be the position where the cover component and the cover wall of the second bag component overlap to the least extent.

[0023] The second cover member can be movably connected to the first cover member via a second guide pin and a second spring. The second cover member may include a third mounting boss having a through hole through which the second guide pin extends. The second bag-shaped member may have a through hole aligned with the through hole of the third mounting boss. The second guide pin may include a head and a rod extending from the head. The outer diameter of the head may be larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the third mounting boss. The head may face the third mounting boss. The second spring may be disposed between the head of the second guide pin and the third mounting boss.

[0024] As the map bag component moves, the second cover component can move between a second maximum overlap position and a second minimum overlap position. The second maximum overlap position can be the position where the second cover component overlaps the first cover component to the greatest extent, and the second minimum overlap position can be the position where the second cover component overlaps the first cover component to the least extent.

[0025] The second bag-shaped component may include a covering wall, which covers the guiding mechanism.

[0026] The first cover member can be slidably mounted to the cover wall of the second bag-shaped member, and the second cover member can be slidably mounted to the first cover member.

[0027] The first cover member may have a guide rod extending in the direction of movement of the map bag assembly, and the second cover member may have a guide rail for receiving the guide rod.

[0028] The guide rod may have a first stopper, and the guide rail may have a second stopper. When the map pocket assembly is in the extended position, the first stopper of the guide rod may contact the second stopper of the guide rail.

[0029] The storage system may further include a rack and pinion mechanism to assist the movement of the map pocket assembly. The rack and pinion mechanism may include a rack mounted on the door and a pinion rotatably mounted on the map pocket assembly, and the pinion may mesh with the rack.

[0030] The storage system may further include: a magnet, mounted on the door; and a magnetic metal, mounted on the map pocket assembly.

[0031] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages, which will become apparent or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A car door with a map pocket is shown, according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 Show along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line AA;

[0034] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle door with a map pocket according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates guide rails disposed on a door module of a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 Shown by Figure 4 An enlarged view of the part indicated by arrow B;

[0037] Figure 6 Showing from Figure 4 The guide rail for observation in the C direction;

[0038] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 The locking lug of the guide rail shown;

[0039] Figure 8 A perspective view of a second pocket-shaped member of a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 9 Shown by Figure 8 An enlarged view of the part indicated by arrow D;

[0041] Figure 10 Shown by Figure 8 An enlarged view of the part indicated by arrow E;

[0042] Figure 11 A perspective view of a map pocket assembly for a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 12 Shown by Figure 11 An enlarged view of the part indicated by arrow F;

[0044] Figure 13 Show along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken by line GG;

[0045] Figure 14 Show along Figure 13 A cross-sectional view taken by line HH;

[0046] Figure 15 Show along Figure 13 A sectional view taken from line II;

[0047] Figure 16 Show along Figure 1 A sectional view taken by line JJ;

[0048] Figure 17 A map pocket assembly and a covering mechanism for a vehicle door are shown according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 18 Show along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view taken by line KK shows the map pocket component in the retracted position; and

[0050] Figure 19 Show along Figure 17 The cross-sectional view taken by line KK shows the map bag component in the extended position.

[0051] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use.

[0052] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the invention in several of the figures. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0054] In the following, various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the gist of the invention, detailed descriptions of well-known techniques related to the present invention will be excluded.

[0055] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent characteristics, order, or sequence of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention pertain. Terms as defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the prior art, and not as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined in this application as having such a meaning.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 A storage system for a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a vehicle door 1 and a map pocket assembly 10 movable relative to the vehicle door 1.

[0057] The door 1 may include a door panel, a door module 2 mounted on the door panel, and a door trim panel 3 covering the upper part of the door module 2.

[0058] Door panels may include an outer panel facing the exterior of the vehicle and an inner panel facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0059] The door module 2 can be disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the inner panel can have an opening facing the interior of the vehicle (passenger compartment), and the door module 2 can be installed in the opening of the inner panel.

[0060] Door module 2 may include multiple hardware components, such as latch assembly, speaker assembly, window adjuster, handle assembly, electrical / electronic components, and electric harness assembly. These hardware components can be mounted on the door module housing or door module panel 2a, allowing for modularity, and the door module panel 2a can be installed in an opening in the inner panel.

[0061] The door module panel 2a can be configured to support multiple hardware components, and the door module panel 2a can be made of a synthetic resin material such as plastic. According to various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the door module panel 2a can be formed as a single piece. According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the door module panel 2a can be formed from multiple components joined together. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The lower part of the door module panel 2a can be exposed to the vehicle interior (passenger compartment) through the opening in the inner panel.

[0062] The door trim panel 3 can cover the inner panel of the door 1 and a portion of the upper part of the door module panel 2a, and the door trim panel 3 can face the interior of the vehicle (passenger compartment). Handrails can be installed on the door trim panel 3.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The door module panel 2a can be attached to the bottom edge 3a of the door trim panel 3 using fasteners or the like. The joint between the door module panel 2a and the door trim panel 3 can be covered by an edge portion mold 4, which prevents the joint from being exposed and thus improves the overall appearance. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The edge trim strip 4 may extend along at least a portion of the bottom edge 3a of the door panel 3. The door module panel 2a may have a center recess 6 disposed in its center, and the center recess 6 may be recessed from the door module panel 2a toward the outer panel of the door panel. The edge trim strip 4 may be located above the center recess 6.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 The map pocket assembly 10 can be configured to cover the lower part of the door 1, while the door trim panel 3 can be configured to cover the upper part of the door 1. The map pocket assembly 10 can be configured to be movable at the lower part of the door trim panel 3 relative to the lower part of the door module panel 2a of the door module 2. For example, the door trim panel 3 can be an upper trim panel covering the upper part of the door module panel 2a, and the map pocket assembly 10 can be a lower trim panel covering the lower part of the door module panel 2a.

[0065] Reference Figure 2The map pocket assembly 10 can be movably mounted relative to the door module panel 2a of the door module 2. A storage compartment 15 for accommodating items such as maps and books can be defined between the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 and the map pocket assembly 10, and the top of the storage compartment 15 can be openable. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, since the map pocket assembly 10 is movably mounted relative to the door module panel 2a of the door module 2, the space between the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 and the map pocket assembly 10 can be fully utilized as the storage compartment 15. Therefore, unnecessary empty space within the door 1 is not wasted, and space utilization is improved.

[0066] Furthermore, when the central recess 6 of the door module panel 2a faces the map pocket assembly 10, the central recess 6 can form part of the receiving space 15, thus increasing the volume of the receiving space 15.

[0067] The map pocket component 10 can be configured to move relative to the door module 2 of the door 1 in the width direction of the vehicle. (See reference...) Figure 2 The map pocket component 10 can move between a retracted position P1 and an extended position P2. The retracted position P1 can be the position of the map pocket component 10 relatively close to the door module 2 of the door 1 when it moves towards the outside of the vehicle, while the extended position P2 can be the position of the map pocket component 10 relatively far from the door module 2 of the door 1 when it moves towards the inside of the vehicle (passenger compartment). When the map pocket component 10 is in the extended position P2, the volume of the accommodating space 15 can be maximized, while when the map pocket component 10 is in the retracted position P1, the volume of the accommodating space 15 can be minimized.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 The map bag component 10 may include a first bag-shaped member 11 facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a second bag-shaped member 12 facing the door 1.

[0069] The first pocket-shaped member 11 may have a pocket shape and may face the door module panel 2a of the vehicle door 1. The first pocket-shaped member 11 may include a front wall 11a facing forward of the vehicle, a rear wall 11b facing rearward of the vehicle, a bottom wall 11c facing bottom of the vehicle, and a side wall 11d. The side wall 11d may connect the front wall 11a, rear wall 11b, and bottom wall 11c, and may have an inner surface facing the vehicle interior (passenger compartment) and an outer surface facing the vehicle exterior (door). Patterns such as images and initials may be engraved on the inner surface of the first pocket-shaped member 11. Therefore, the appearance of the first pocket-shaped member 11 exposed to the vehicle interior (passenger compartment) can be improved.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 The first bag-shaped member 11 may have a gripping portion 11f for user gripping, and the gripping portion 11f may be disposed on the top end of the first bag-shaped member 11. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the gripping part 11f can be provided on the inner side of the top end of the side wall 11d.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 The second bag-shaped member 12 may have a shape corresponding to the shape defined by the front edge, rear edge, and bottom edge of the first bag-shaped member 11, and the second bag-shaped member 12 may be attached to the front edge, rear edge, and bottom edge of the first bag-shaped member 11. The second bag-shaped member 12 may include a front portion 12a facing forward of the vehicle, a rear portion 12b facing rearward of the vehicle, and a bottom portion 12c facing the bottom of the vehicle. (See reference...) Figure 8 The second bag-shaped member 12 may include a cavity 12d defined by a front portion 12a, a rear portion 12b, and a bottom portion 12c.

[0072] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The second bag-shaped member 12 can be attached to the first bag-shaped member 11 by fasteners 73 such as screws. The front portion 12a of the second bag-shaped member 12 can be attached to the front wall 11a of the first bag-shaped member 11, the rear portion 12b of the second bag-shaped member 12 can be attached to the rear wall 11b of the first bag-shaped member 11, and the bottom portion 12c of the second bag-shaped member 12 can be attached to the bottom wall 11c of the first bag-shaped member 11. The side wall 11d of the first bag-shaped member 11 can face the cavity 12d of the second bag-shaped member 12, and the cavity 12d can form part of the receiving space 15.

[0073] The second bag-shaped member 12 can be attached to the outer surface of the door module panel 2a facing the door module 2 of the side wall 11d of the first bag-shaped member 11, and the receiving space 15 can be defined by the door module panel 2a, the side wall 11d of the first bag-shaped member 11, and the second bag-shaped member 12.

[0074] Storage systems for vehicle doors according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include one or more guiding mechanisms that guide the movement of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0075] Reference Figures 4 to 13Two guide mechanisms 20a and 20b can be disposed between the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 and the second bag-shaped member 12 of the map pocket assembly 10, and the two guide mechanisms 20a and 20b can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the door module 2 and the longitudinal direction of the map pocket assembly 10. The two guide mechanisms 20a and 20b can be symmetrically arranged with respect to the front and rear of the map pocket assembly 10. Since the movement of the map pocket assembly 10 is guided by the two spaced-apart guide mechanisms 20a and 20b, the map pocket assembly 10 can move relative to the door module 2 of the door 1 in a balanced and stable manner. The number of guide mechanisms is not limited to two, and the storage system for the door can include one guide mechanism or three or more guide mechanisms.

[0076] Reference Figure 4 The door module panel 2a may have a front portion facing forward of the vehicle and a rear portion facing backward of the vehicle. Two mounting walls 5a and 5b may be disposed on the door module panel 2a. The two mounting walls 5a and 5b may include a front mounting wall 5a disposed on the front portion of the door module panel 2a and a rear mounting wall 5b disposed on the rear portion of the door module panel 2a.

[0077] Reference Figure 11 The map pocket assembly 10 may have a front portion facing forward of the vehicle and a rear portion facing backward of the vehicle, and two mounting protrusions 24a and 24b may be provided on the map pocket assembly 10. The two mounting protrusions 24a and 24b may include a front mounting protrusion 24a provided on the front portion of the map pocket assembly 10 and a rear mounting protrusion 24b provided on the rear portion of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0078] The two guide mechanisms 20a and 20b may include a front guide mechanism 20a disposed between the front of the door module panel 2a and the front of the map pocket assembly 10, and a rear guide mechanism 20b disposed between the rear of the door module panel 2a and the rear of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0079] The guiding mechanisms 20a and 20b may include guide rails 21a and 21b disposed on the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 and guide members 22a and 22b disposed on the map bag assembly 10.

[0080] The front guide mechanism 20a may include a front guide rail 21a disposed on the front of the door module panel 2a and a front guide member 22a disposed on the front of the map bag assembly 10.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The front guide rail 21a can be disposed on the front of the door module panel 2a, and the front guide rail 21a can protrude from the front of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10. The front mounting wall 5a can protrude from the front of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10, and the front guide rail 21a can be detachably mounted on the front mounting wall 5a of the door module panel 2a by means of fasteners 71a such as screws.

[0082] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 10 A front guide member 22a may be disposed on the front of the map pocket assembly 10. A front mounting protrusion 24a may protrude from the front 12a of the second pocket member 12 toward the door module 2, and the front guide member 22a may be detachably mounted on the front mounting protrusion 24a of the second pocket member 12 by means of fasteners such as screws. The longitudinal axis of the front mounting protrusion 24a may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the front guide rail 21a.

[0083] The rear guide mechanism 20b may include a rear guide rail 21b disposed on the rear of the door module panel 2a and a rear guide member 22b disposed on the rear of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0084] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 The rear guide rail 21b can be disposed on the rear of the door module panel 2a, and the rear guide rail 21b can protrude from the rear of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10. The rear mounting wall 5b can protrude from the rear of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10, and the rear guide rail 21b can be detachably mounted on the rear mounting wall 5b of the door module panel 2a by means of fasteners 71b such as screws.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The rear guide member 22b can be disposed on the rear of the map pocket assembly 10. A rear mounting protrusion 24b can protrude from the rear 12b of the second pocket member 12 toward the door module 2, and the rear guide member 22b can be detachably mounted on the rear mounting protrusion 24b of the second pocket member 12 by means of fasteners such as screws. The longitudinal axis of the rear mounting protrusion 24b can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear guide rail 21b.

[0086] When the map pocket assembly 10 moves between the retracted position P1 and the extended position P2, the front guide member 22a can slide along the front guide rail 21a and the rear guide member 22b can slide along the rear guide rail 21b, thereby guiding the movement of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0087] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15Each of guide members 22a and 22b may include a guide head 41 and a shank 42 extending from the guide head 41. The guide heads 41 of guide members 22a and 22b may be movably accommodated in guide rails 21a and 21b, respectively, and the shanks 42 of guide members 22a and 22b may be detachably mounted on mounting protrusions 24a and 24b, respectively, by means of fasteners 72 such as screws. The guide head 41 may have a locking recess 41a, and the locking recess 41a may have a hemispherical shape.

[0088] Reference Figure 7 Each of guide rails 21a and 21b may include a locking lug 23, and the locking lug 23 may be disposed at an end of each of guide rails 21a and 21b. The locking lug 23 may be defined at the end of each of guide rails 21a and 21b by a U-shaped groove 23c, and the locking lug 23 may include a free end 23a and a connecting end 23b opposite to each other. When the connecting end 23b is connected to guide rails 21a and 21b, the locking lug 23 may extend cantilevered from guide rails 21a and 21b. When an external force is applied to the locking lug 23, the locking lug 23 may be elastically deflected or deformed from guide rails 21a and 21b, and the free end 23a may bend from guide rails 21a and 21b. The locking lug 23 may have a locking protrusion 23d, and the locking protrusion 23d may have a hemispherical shape.

[0089] Reference Figure 14 When the map bag assembly 10 is in the extended position P2, the locking grooves 41a of the guide members 22a and 22b can be engaged by the locking protrusions 23d of the locking lugs 23, so that the guide members 22a and 22b can be locked to the locking lugs 23.

[0090] When the map pocket assembly 10 moves from the extended position P2 toward the vehicle interior (passenger compartment), the locking lug 23 can elastically deflect or deform, and the locking grooves 41a of the guide members 22a and 22b can move toward the vehicle interior (passenger compartment) through the locking protrusions 23d of the locking lug 23. Therefore, the guide members 22a and 22b of the map pocket assembly 10 can be completely disengaged from the guide rails 21a and 21b of the door module panel 2a, and the map pocket assembly 10 can be completely separated from the door module panel 2a. That is, the map pocket assembly 10 can be completely separated from the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 by the elastic deformation of the locking lug 23, thus facilitating the replacement of the map pocket assembly. Because the map pocket assembly 10 is easy to separate, old map pocket assemblies can be easily replaced with new ones, or various map pocket assemblies can be selectively replaced according to the user's preferences.

[0091] The storage system for a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may further include a rack and pinion mechanism that assists in the movement of the map pocket assembly 10 as it moves via guide mechanisms 20a and 20b.

[0092] The two rack and pinion mechanisms may include a front rack and pinion mechanism disposed between the front of the door module panel 2a and the front of the map pocket assembly 10, and a rear rack and pinion mechanism disposed between the rear of the door module panel 2a and the rear of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0093] The rack and pinion mechanism may include racks 25a and 25b disposed on the door module panel 2a and pinions 26a and 26b disposed on the map bag assembly 10.

[0094] The front rack and pinion mechanism may include a front rack 25a disposed on the front of the door module panel 2a and a front pinion 26a disposed on the front of the map bag assembly 10.

[0095] Reference Figure 5 The front rack 25a can be disposed on the front of the door module panel 2a. The front rack 25a can protrude from the front of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10, and the front rack 25a can have a plurality of rack teeth arranged in its longitudinal direction. The front rack 25a can be located below the front guide rail 21a, and the front rack 25a can be integrally formed on the front mounting wall 5a of the door module panel 2a. The longitudinal axis of the front rack 25a can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the front guide rail 21a.

[0096] Reference Figure 10 The front pinion 26a can be disposed on the front of the map pocket assembly 10. The front pinion 26a can have a plurality of pinion teeth disposed on its outer circumference, and the pinion teeth of the front pinion 26a can mesh with the rack teeth of the front rack 25a. The front pinion 26a can be located below the front guide member 22a. The front pinion 26a can be rotatably mounted on the front mounting protrusion 24a of the second pocket member 12.

[0097] When the map pocket assembly 10 moves between the retracted position P1 and the extended position P2, the front pinion 26a can move in the longitudinal direction of the front rack 25a, thereby assisting the movement of the map pocket assembly 10.

[0098] The rear rack and pinion mechanism may include a rear rack 25b disposed on the rear of the door module panel 2a and a rear pinion 26b disposed on the rear of the map bag assembly 10.

[0099] Reference Figure 6The rear rack 25b can be disposed on the rear part of the door module panel 2a. The rear rack 25b can protrude from the rear part of the door module panel 2a toward the map pocket assembly 10, and the rear rack 25b can have a plurality of rack teeth arranged in its longitudinal direction. The rear rack 25b can be located below the rear guide rail 21b, and the rear rack 25b can be integrally formed on the rear mounting wall 5b of the door module panel 2a. The longitudinal axis of the rear rack 25b can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear guide rail 21b.

[0100] Reference Figure 9 The rear pinion 26b can be disposed on the rear of the map bag assembly 10. The rear pinion 26b can have a plurality of pinion teeth disposed on its outer circumference, and the pinion teeth of the rear pinion 26b can mesh with the rack teeth of the rear rack 25b. The rear pinion 26b can be located below the rear guide member 22b. The rear pinion 26b can be rotatably mounted on the rear mounting protrusion 24b of the second bag-shaped member 12.

[0101] When the map bag assembly 10 moves between the retracted position P1 and the extended position P2, the rear pinion 26b can move in the longitudinal direction of the rear rack 25b, thereby assisting the movement of the map bag assembly 10.

[0102] Reference Figure 15 The rear pinion 26b can be rotatably mounted on the rear mounting protrusion 24b via the rear mounting member 28b. The rear mounting member 28b may have multiple hooks 27b, and the rear mounting member 28b can be engaged with the through holes of the rear mounting protrusion 24b via the multiple hooks 27b. The rear pinion 26b can be rotatable relative to the rear mounting member 28b via the shaft 29b. The front pinion 26a can be rotatably mounted on the front mounting protrusion 24a via the front mounting member 28a. The front mounting member 28a may have multiple hooks 27a, and the front mounting member 28a can be engaged with the through holes of the front mounting protrusion 24a via the multiple hooks 27a. The front pinion 26a can be rotatable relative to the front mounting member 28a via the shaft 29a.

[0103] As described above, each rack and pinion mechanism can assist the movement of the map pocket assembly 10 through the meshing of the rack and pinion, thereby improving the user's operation of the map pocket assembly 10, reducing the moving speed of the map pocket assembly 10, and keeping the map pocket assembly 10 in a predetermined position.

[0104] Reference Figure 8The second bag-shaped member 12 may include two covering walls 13a and 13b, which cover the guide mechanisms 20a and 20b, respectively. The covering walls 13a and 13b may be configured to partially surround the mounting protrusions 24a and 24b of the guide mechanisms 20a and 20b and the guide members 22a and 22b, respectively, and the covering walls 13a and 13b may protrude from the second bag-shaped member 12 toward the door module panel 2a.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 The front cover wall 13a may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the front portion 12a of the second bag-shaped member 12, and the front cover wall 13a may extend along the top edge and front edge of the front portion 12a of the second bag-shaped member 12. The rear cover wall 13b may extend along at least a portion of the edge of the rear portion 12b of the second bag-shaped member 12, and the rear cover wall 13b may extend along the top edge and rear edge of the rear portion 12b of the second bag-shaped member 12. The second bag-shaped member 12 may have a connecting wall 13c connecting the front cover wall 13a and the rear cover wall 13b, and the connecting wall 13c may extend along the bottom 12c of the second bag-shaped member 12.

[0106] A storage system for a vehicle door according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a covering mechanism 30 that covers the space between the map pocket assembly 10 and the door module 2 of the vehicle door 1 when the map pocket assembly 10 moves. When the map pocket assembly 10 moves, the covering mechanism 30 can prevent at least one of the two guide mechanisms 20a and 20b from being exposed to the outside.

[0107] Reference Figure 14 and Figures 17 to 19 The covering mechanism 30 may include a first cover member 31 and a second cover member 32. The first cover member 31 may be movably mounted to the second bag-shaped member 12, and the second cover member 32 may be movably mounted to the first cover member 31.

[0108] Reference Figure 17 The first cover member 31 can be slidably mounted to the rear cover wall 13b of the second bag member 12, and the second cover member 32 can be slidably mounted to the first cover member 31. The first cover member 31 and the second cover member 32 can cover the space between the map bag assembly 10 and the door module panel 2a of the door module 2 of the door 1.

[0109] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19The first cover member 31 can be movably connected to the second bag-shaped member 12 via a first guide pin 35 and a first spring 36. The first cover member 31 may include a first mounting boss 43, and the first mounting boss 43 may have a through hole through which the first guide pin 35 extends. The second bag-shaped member 12 may include a second mounting boss 44 facing the first mounting boss 43, and the second mounting boss 44 may have a groove to which the first guide pin 35 is secured. The first guide pin 35 may include a head 35a, a rod 35b extending from the head 35a, and a fixed end 35c extending from the end of the rod 35b. The outer diameter of the head 35a may be larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the first mounting boss 43, and the outer diameter of the rod 35b may be smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the first mounting boss 43. The fixed end 35c can be secured to the groove of the second mounting boss 44. For example, the outer diameter of the fixed end 35c can be larger than the inner diameter of the groove of the second mounting boss 44, and the fixed end 35c can be press-fitted into the groove of the second mounting boss 44. As various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the fixed end 35c can have a threaded portion formed on its outer circumference, and the threaded portion of the fixed end 35c can be screwed into the groove of the second mounting boss 44. A first spring 36 can be disposed between the first mounting boss 43 and the second mounting boss 44, and the first spring 36 can be disposed around the first guide pin 35. The first cover member 31 can be elastically moved relative to the second bag-shaped member 12 by the first spring 36.

[0110] Reference Figure 14 , Figure 18 and Figure 19As the map pocket assembly 10 moves, the first cover member 31 can move between a first maximum overlap position MP1 and a first minimum overlap position MP2. The first maximum overlap position MP1 can be the position where the first cover member 31 is relatively close to the second pocket member 12 and overlaps to the maximum extent with the covering wall 13b of the second pocket member 12. The first minimum overlap position MP2 can be the position where the first cover member 31 is relatively far from the second pocket member 12 and overlaps to the minimum extent with the covering wall 13b of the second pocket member 12. When the map pocket assembly 10 moves to the retracted position P1, the second pocket member 12 can move relatively closer to the first cover member 31, and the first cover member 31 can move towards the first maximum overlap position MP1, and the first spring 36 can be compressed between the first mounting boss 43 and the second mounting boss 44. The compression of the first spring 36 can be constantly maintained by a rack and pinion mechanism and / or the magnet 51 and magnetic metal 52, which will be described below. When the map pocket assembly 10 moves to the extended position P2, the second pocket member 12 can move relatively away from the first cover member 31, and with the extension of the first spring 36, the first cover member 31 can move to the first minimum overlap position MP2. That is, when the map pocket assembly 10 moves toward the vehicle interior (passenger compartment), the first cover member 31 can move toward the vehicle exterior via the first spring 36, such that the first cover member 31 can move to the first minimum overlap position MP2 where the first cover member 31 and the cover wall 13b of the second pocket member 12 overlap to a minimum extent. Therefore, the first cover member 31 can at least partially cover the space between the door module panel 2a and the cover wall 13b of the second pocket member 12.

[0111] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19The second cover member 32 can be slidably mounted to the first cover member 31. The second cover member 32 is movably connected to the first cover member 31 via a second guide pin 37 and a second spring 38. The second cover member 32 may have a third mounting boss 45, and the third mounting boss 45 may have a through hole through which the second guide pin 37 extends. The second bag-shaped member 12 may have a through hole aligned with the third mounting boss 45. The second guide pin 37 may include a head 37a and a rod 37b extending from the head 37a. The outer diameter of the head 37a may be larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the third mounting boss 45, and the head 37a may face the third mounting boss 45. The outer diameter of the rod 37b may be smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole of the third mounting boss 45 and the inner diameter of the through hole of the second bag-shaped member 12, and the rod 37b may extend through the through hole of the third mounting boss 45 and the through hole of the second bag-shaped member 12. The second spring 38 can be disposed between the head 37a of the second guide pin 37 and the third mounting boss 45, and the second spring 38 can be disposed around the second guide pin 37. The second cover member 32 can be elastically moved relative to the first cover member 31 by means of the second guide pin 37 and the second spring 38.

[0112] Reference Figure 14 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As the second bag-shaped member 12 moves, the second cover member 32 can move between a second maximum overlap position MP3 and a second minimum overlap position MP4. The second maximum overlap position MP3 can be the position where the second cover member 32 is relatively close to and overlaps with the first cover member 31 to the maximum extent, and the second minimum overlap position MP4 can be the position where the second cover member 32 is relatively far from and overlaps with the first cover member 31 to the minimum extent. When the map bag assembly 10 moves to the retracted position P1, the second cover member 32 can move relatively closer to the first cover member 31, and the second cover member 32 can move towards the second maximum overlap position MP3, and the second spring 38 can be compressed between the third mounting boss 45 and the head 37a of the second guide pin 37. The compression of the second spring 38 can be constantly maintained by a rack and pinion mechanism and / or the magnet 51 and magnetic metal 52, which will be described below.

[0113] When the map pocket assembly 10 moves to the extended position P2, the first cover member 31 can move relatively away from the second cover member 32, and as the second spring 38 extends between the third mounting boss 45 and the head 37a of the second guide pin 37, the second cover member 32 can move to the second minimum overlap position MP4. That is, when the map pocket assembly 10 moves toward the vehicle interior (passenger compartment), the second cover member 32 can move toward the vehicle exterior via the second spring 38, such that the second cover member 32 can move to the second minimum overlap position MP4 where the second cover member 32 and the first cover member 31 overlap to a minimum extent. Therefore, the second cover member 32 can at least partially cover the space between the door module panel 2a and the cover wall 13b of the second pocket member 12.

[0114] The compression of the first spring 36 and the compression of the second spring 38 can be maintained constantly by a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0115] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 19 When the map pocket assembly 10 moves to the extended position P2, the first cover member 31 can move to the first minimum overlap position MP2 where the first cover member 31 and the covering wall 13b of the second bag-shaped member 12 overlap to a minimum extent, and the second cover member 32 can move to the second minimum overlap position MP4 where the second cover member 32 and the first cover member 31 overlap to a minimum extent, so that the covering wall 13b of the second bag-shaped member 12, the first cover member 31 and the second cover member 32 can completely cover the space between the map pocket assembly 10 and the door module panel 2a. That is, when the map pocket assembly 10 moves to the extended position P2, the first cover member 31 and the second cover member 32 can move toward the door module 2 of the door 1, thereby completely covering the space between the map pocket assembly 10 and the door module panel 2a.

[0116] Reference Figures 17 to 19 The first cover member 31 may have a plurality of guide rods 33, and each guide rod 33 may extend along the direction of movement of the map pocket assembly 10. Each guide rod 33 may have a first stop 33a, and the first stop 33a may protrude from the guide rod 33. The second cover member 32 may have a plurality of guide rails 34, and each guide rail 34 may extend along the direction of movement of the map pocket assembly 10. Each guide rail 34 may respectively accommodate the guide rods 33. Each guide rail 34 may have a second stop 34a, and the second stop 34a may protrude inward from the guide rail 34. The guide rods 33 of the first cover member 31 may be accommodated in the guide rails 34 of the second cover member 32, and the first cover member 31 and the second cover member 32 may slide relative to each other via the guide rods 33 and the guide rails 34.

[0117] When the locking grooves 41a of the guide members 22a and 22b are engaged by the locking protrusions 23d of the locking lugs 23 due to the map pocket assembly 10 moving to the extended position P2, the first cover member 31 can be located at the first minimum overlap position MP2, and the second cover member 32 can be located at the second minimum overlap position MP4. The first stop 33a of the guide rod 33 can contact the second stop 34a of the guide rail 34, thereby stopping the guide rod 33 and the guide rail 34, thus the first cover member 31 can be held at the first minimum overlap position MP2, and the second cover member 32 can be held at the second minimum overlap position MP4.

[0118] Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figures 17 to 19 A covering mechanism 30 is shown, mounted on the rear 12b of the second bag-shaped member 12 of the map bag assembly 10 to cover the rear guide mechanism 20b. According to... Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figures 17 to 19 In the exemplary embodiment shown, since the front of the door 1 is adjacent to the door hinge of the door 1, the front of the map pocket assembly 10 can be less exposed than the rear of the map pocket assembly 10, so the covering mechanism 30 may not be mounted on the front of the map pocket assembly 10 (i.e., the front 12a of the second pocket member 12).

[0119] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the covering mechanism 30 may be installed on each of the front and rear portions of the map pocket assembly 10. That is, the two covering mechanisms may be installed on the front portion 12a and the rear portion 12b of the second pocket member 12, respectively.

[0120] Reference Figure 16 According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a storage system for a vehicle door may include at least one magnet 51 mounted on a door module panel 2a of a door module 2 and at least one magnetic metal 52 mounted on a map pocket assembly 10. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of magnetic metals 52 may be mounted on the front and / or rear top portions of the sidewalls 11d of the first pocket member 11, and a plurality of magnets 51 may be mounted on the door module panel 2a. The magnets 51 may be aligned with the magnetic metals 52 respectively, and the magnetic metals 52 may be magnetically attached to the magnets 51. When the map pocket assembly 10 is assembled to the door module panel 2a, the front and rear top edges of the first pocket member 11 may be held on the door module panel 2a by the magnets 51 and the magnetic metals 52. Therefore, the map pocket assembly 10 can be precisely positioned relative to the door module 2 of the vehicle door and can be easily and accurately assembled. The map pocket assembly 10 may be held in a retracted position P1 by the magnets 51 and the magnetic metals 52.

[0121] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as the map pocket assembly is movable relative to the vehicle door, the volume of the accommodating space defined between the map pocket assembly and the vehicle door can vary. Therefore, various map pocket assemblies can be selectively provided according to user preferences, and user convenience can be improved. Furthermore, old map pocket assemblies with stains and scratches can be easily replaced with new ones.

[0122] For ease of explanation and precise definition in the appended claims, these features are described using the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "up," "lower," "upward," "downward," "front," "back," "behind," "inner," "outer," "inward," "outer," "within," "outside," "forward," and "backward," with reference to the location of features in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It will be further understood that the term "connection" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0123] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been provided. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, enabling others skilled in the art to implement and utilize the various exemplary embodiments of the invention and their various alternatives and modifications. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A storage system for a vehicle door, comprising: Car door; A map pocket assembly, movable relative to the vehicle door; as well as A guiding mechanism guides the movement of the map bag component. The guiding mechanism includes a guide rail and a guiding component. The guide rail is disposed on the vehicle door, and the guiding component is disposed on the map pocket assembly and is capable of sliding along the guide rail. A storage space is defined between the map bag assembly and the vehicle door. The guide rail includes a locking lug, and The locking lug extends cantilevered from the guide rail.

2. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The map bag component is movable relative to the door module of the vehicle door. The map bag component moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position is the location where the map pocket component is relatively close to the vehicle door, and The protruding position is the position where the map pocket component is relatively far away from the vehicle door.

3. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein, The guide rail protrudes from the vehicle door toward the map pocket assembly. The map pocket assembly includes a mounting protrusion that projects toward the vehicle door. The guide member is mounted on the mounting protrusion, and The longitudinal axis of the mounting protrusion is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide rail.

4. The storage system according to claim 3, wherein, The guide member includes a guide head and a handle extending from the guide head. The handle is mounted on the mounting protrusion by fasteners, and The guide head is movably housed within the guide rail.

5. The storage system according to claim 4, wherein, The locking lug is defined by a "U"-shaped groove.

6. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein, The guide head has a locking groove. The locking lug has a locking protrusion, and When the map bag assembly is in the extended position, the locking groove of the guide head is engaged by the locking protrusion of the locking lug, thereby locking the guide member to the locking lug.

7. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein, The map bag component includes: The first bag-shaped component has a pocket shape; and The second bag-shaped member is installed on a predetermined edge of the first bag-shaped member.

8. The storage system according to claim 7, further comprising: A covering mechanism that covers the space between the map bag assembly and the vehicle door when the map bag assembly moves. The covering mechanism includes a first cover member movably connected to the second bag-shaped member and a second cover member movably connected to the first cover member.

9. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein, The first cover member is movably connected to the second bag-shaped member via a first guide pin and a first spring. The first cover member includes a first mounting boss having a through hole, through which the first guide pin extends. The second bag-shaped member includes a second mounting boss with a groove, to which the first guide pin is secured, and The first spring is disposed between the first mounting boss and the second mounting boss.

10. The storage system according to claim 9, wherein, The first guide pin includes a head, a rod extending from the head, and a fixed end extending from the end of the rod. The outer diameter of the head is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the first mounting boss, and The fixed end is fixed to the groove of the second mounting boss.

11. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein, As the map pocket assembly moves, the first cover member moves between a first maximum overlap position and a first minimum overlap position. The first maximum overlap position is the position where the covering wall of the first cover member and the second bag-shaped member overlap to the greatest extent, and The first minimum overlap position is the position where the cover wall of the first cover member and the second bag-shaped member overlap to the minimum extent.

12. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein, The second cover member is movably connected to the first cover member via a second guide pin and a second spring. The second cover member includes a third mounting boss having a through hole, through which the second guide pin extends. The second bag-shaped member has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the third mounting boss. The second guide pin includes a head and a rod extending from the head. The outer diameter of the head is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole of the third mounting boss. The head faces the third mounting boss, and The second spring is disposed between the head of the second guide pin and the third mounting boss.

13. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein, As the map pocket assembly moves, the second cover member moves between a second maximum overlap position and a second minimum overlap position. The second maximum overlap position is the position where the second cover member and the first cover member overlap to the greatest extent, and The second minimum overlap position is the position where the second cover member and the first cover member overlap to the minimum extent.

14. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein, The second bag-shaped member includes a cover wall, which covers the guiding mechanism.

15. The storage system according to claim 14, wherein, The first cover member is slidably mounted to the cover wall of the second bag-shaped member, and The second cover member is slidably mounted to the first cover member.

16. The storage system according to claim 15, wherein, The first cover member has a guide rod extending along the direction of movement of the map bag assembly, and The second cover member has a guide rail for accommodating the guide rod.

17. The storage system according to claim 16, wherein, The guide rod has a first stop. The guide rail has a second stop, and When the map bag assembly is in the extended position, the first stop of the guide rod contacts the second stop of the guide rail.

18. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a rack and pinion mechanism to assist movement of the map pocket assembly. in, The rack and pinion mechanism includes a rack disposed on the door and a pinion rotatably mounted on the map pocket assembly, and The pinion meshes with the rack.

19. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising: A magnet is installed on the vehicle door; as well as Magnetic metal is mounted on the map pocket assembly. When the map pocket assembly is attached to the vehicle door, the map pocket assembly is held on the vehicle door by the magnet and the magnetic metal.

Images