Storage assembly for a vehicle, vehicle and method of closing a cover of a storage assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a storage assembly (12) for a vehicle (10). The storage assembly (12) comprises a storage container (16), a lid (18) configured for moving between an open position and a closed position closing the storage container (16), a sealing device (22) located at the storage container (16) or the lid (18) such that in the closed position of the lid (18) the sealing device (22) seals the storage container (16) against the lid (18), and a closing facilitating mechanism (26) configured for reducing a force to bring the lid (18) from the open position into the closed position. Furthermore, a vehicle (10) comprising such a storage assembly (12) is provided. Moreover, a method for closing a lid (18) of a storage assembly (12) of a vehicle (10) is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to storage components for use in vehicles.

[0002] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a vehicle having such a storage component.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for closing a cover for a storage component of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Storage components can form the front luggage compartment of a vehicle. Such a luggage compartment can be called a front frunk. Additionally, storage components can form the rear luggage compartment of a vehicle. Such a luggage compartment can be called a rear luggage compartment. Of course, storage components can also form any other type of luggage compartment, such as the side luggage compartment of a bus.

[0005] Especially if the storage unit and the luggage compartment formed therefrom are accessible from the outside, care must be taken to ensure that the storage unit is reliably sealed when closed. In doing so, water, moisture, dirt, or other unwanted substances are prevented from entering the storage volume of the storage unit. Of course, the storage unit should also be simple and comfortable to use; that is, its operation and control should require minimal force. Therefore, human users should be able to operate and control the storage unit with minimal physical effort.

[0006] It has been found that there is a certain conflict between achieving a tight and reliable seal in such storage compartments and comfortable use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem this disclosure aims to address is to mitigate or resolve these conflicting objectives.

[0008] The subject matter disclosed herein addresses or mitigates this problem at least partially.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a storage assembly for a vehicle is provided. The storage assembly includes a storage container. Furthermore, the storage assembly includes a cover configured to move between a closed position and an open position where the storage container is closed. Additionally, the storage assembly includes a sealing device disposed at the storage container or the cover, such that in the closed position of the cover, the sealing device seals the storage container relative to the cover. Furthermore, the storage assembly includes a closing actuation mechanism configured to reduce the force required to bring the cover from the open position to the closed position. In the open position, the cover opens the storage container, allowing access to the storage volume from outside the storage assembly.

[0010] In one example, the container can be cup-shaped. A cup-shaped container should be understood as a container that forms a storage volume, wherein the container defines the storage volume on all sides except one side. In other words, the storage volume is accessible or openable only on one side. The storage volume formed by the cup-shaped container and the cup-shaped container itself can have any form. In one example, the storage volume can be generally block-shaped or generally cylindrical, or have any other regular or irregular form. An alternative term for cup-shaped is bowl-shaped.

[0011] The findings of this disclosure relate to the fact that when the lid of such a storage assembly is closed, the lid needs to contact the sealing device shortly before reaching the closed position. Otherwise, the sealing device cannot be compressed and provide the required sealing effect. In this case, air is trapped inside the storage volume of the storage assembly defined by the storage container and the lid. To eventually reach the closed position, compression is required on both the sealing device and the air trapped in the storage volume. Both the sealing device and the air act as springs resisting the lid's closure. Herein, the trapped air causes overpressure inside the storage volume. Therefore, a large force is required to bring the lid into the closed position. This force needs to gradually compensate for the spring effect of the sealing device and the trapped air.

[0012] Therefore, the idea behind this disclosure is to provide a closing facilitator configured to reduce the force required to close the cover. As a result, the user of the storage unit only needs to apply a reduced force to close the cover. This makes operation comfortable and simple. Another advantage of such a closing facilitator is that it significantly reduces the risk of deforming or damaging the cover. Clearly, the force required to close the cover needs to be applied to a point, line, or area of ​​the cover. The greater the force, the greater the risk of damage or deformation to that area. This is especially true if the cover is part of the vehicle's hood or trunk deck.

[0013] The shutdown facilitator of the storage component disclosed herein can also be designated as a shutdown auxiliary mechanism.

[0014] In one example, the sealing device may be located at the edge of the storage container. Alternatively, the sealing device may be located inside the storage container.

[0015] In one example, the storage component can form the front trunk of the vehicle. In another example, the storage component can form the rear trunk of the vehicle. In yet another example, the storage component can form a side luggage compartment.

[0016] In one example, the lid could be plate-shaped.

[0017] In one example, the closing mechanism may include a deformable element that forms part of the wall of the storage container or is located on the inner surface of the lid, thereby defining a storage volume. It is important to note that in both alternative embodiments, the deformable element defines the storage volume. Due to its deformability and its location, the deformable element can selectively increase the storage volume. Therefore, it is possible to fully or partially compensate for and resist the force generated by the compression of trapped air towards the closed position. As described above, the trapped air forms a spring. When the lid is moved to the closed position with the sealing device already in contact with it, the spring is compressed from one side. In this case, the deformable element can deform, thereby increasing the storage volume, and the spring formed by the trapped air is less compressed or not compressed at all.

[0018] In one example, the deformable element is mounted to a storage container or lid by means of a frame. Therefore, the deformable element is reliably mounted to the storage container or lid. Furthermore, the frame can hold the deformable element in a shape and / or position, allowing it to deform as needed.

[0019] In one example, the frame can be additionally configured to retain the sealing device. This allows for a compact design of the storage components.

[0020] In one example, the frame is made of plastic material. Such a frame is mechanically stable and strong, while being lightweight.

[0021] In one example, the deformable element can be configured to occupy a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the deformable element is flat or bulges towards the storage volume; and in the second position, the deformable element is bulges away from the storage volume. Therefore, if the deformable element is in the first position, the storage volume is smaller than if the deformable element is in the second position. In the context of this disclosure, the deformable element occupies the first position when the cover is in its open position and when the cover is being closed but has not yet contacted the sealing device and / or storage container. Therefore, the deformable element is in the first position if air can move between the storage volume and the outside of the storage assembly. The deformable element shifts or transitions to the second position if the cover is located relative to the sealing device and / or storage container in a position where air cannot move between the storage volume and the outside, and if the cover moves towards its closed position. This also applies if air transfer between the storage volume and its outside cannot be performed quickly enough.

[0022] In one example, the first and second positions of the deformable element are predetermined positions. Furthermore, the deformable element can be configured to be located in either the first or the second position. Such a deformable element can be designated as a bistable element.

[0023] In one example, the deformable element in a first position can be a dome shape pointing towards the storage volume. Alternatively or additionally, the deformable element in a second position can be a dome shape pointing away from the storage volume. Therefore, the deformable element can be generally dome-shaped, where it is capable of inverting its shape. Thus, the storage volume can be selectively increased with high reliability. Furthermore, the increase in volume is definite. Therefore, it facilitates the closing of the lid in a simple and reliable manner.

[0024] In one example, the deformable element is pre-tensioned toward a first position. This has the effect that when outside the first position, for example in a second position, the deformable element can return to the first position. Of course, another condition for returning to the first position is that the force generated by the compression of the trapped air has been reduced to a predetermined level or eliminated. Therefore, the closing mechanism is reversible.

[0025] In one example, pretensioning is achieved by preforming a deformable element in a first position.

[0026] A pre-tensioned deformable element is useful when air trapped in the closed position of the lid can slowly leak out (i.e., leave the storage volume). Therefore, the deformable element can return to the first position as the storage assembly is closed. Subsequently, if the storage assembly is opened and about to close again, the closing facilitator operates again.

[0027] In one example, the deformable element includes at least one of a plastic material, a rubber material, and a fabric material. Using such materials allows for the efficient manufacture of deformable elements. Furthermore, these materials provide deformability in a simple and reliable manner. It should be understood that other materials capable of providing deformability can also be used. Therefore, it facilitates the closing of the lid in a simple and reliable manner.

[0028] In one example, the deformable element is elastically deformable. In such a configuration, deformation requires only a small force, thus largely compensating for the forces generated by trapped air in the storage volume. Furthermore, such a deformable element is capable of reliable operation over a long lifespan.

[0029] In one example, the deformable element can be plate-shaped. Therefore, it can be easily integrated into the storage component. Moreover, it requires minimal space.

[0030] Note that if the height of the dome is small compared to the size of the dome's base, the deformable element in the shape of a dome can also be specified as a plate.

[0031] In one example, the cover is formed from a portion of the vehicle's hood or a portion of the vehicle's rear trunk lid. Therefore, the cover is implemented in a space-saving manner.

[0032] According to a second aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes a storage component according to the present disclosure. The storage component can form a front luggage compartment, and the cover can be formed by at least a portion of the vehicle's hood. Alternatively, the storage component can form a rear luggage compartment, and the cover can be formed by at least a portion of the vehicle's tailgate. For example, the vehicle is a sedan or convertible. In such a vehicle, the user of the storage component only needs to apply minimal force to close the cover. This makes operation comfortable and simple. Furthermore, the risk of deforming or damaging the cover is greatly reduced. Additionally, the storage volume is reliably sealed relative to its exterior.

[0033] According to a third aspect, a method is provided for closing a cover of a storage component in a vehicle. The cover is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover closes the storage container via a sealing device inserted between the storage container and the cover. The method includes:

[0034] - By moving the lid toward the storage container, the sealing device is compressed, thereby reducing the storage volume of the storage component, and

[0035] - The reduction in storage volume is compensated by deforming at least a portion of the wall of the storage container or by deforming at least a portion of the inner surface of the lid.

[0036] As explained in conjunction with the storage assembly according to the invention, compression of the sealing device results in compression of the air trapped in the storage volume of the storage assembly. These conditions generate a force resisting the closing of the lid. By compensating for the reduction in storage volume, the magnitude of this force is reduced, i.e., fully or partially compensated. It should be noted that deformation occurs when the sealing device has already provided a sealing effect. Therefore, the storage assembly is reliably sealed. At the same time, closing the lid is both comfortable and simple. Furthermore, the risk of lid deformation or damage is greatly reduced.

[0037] In one example, the lid is locked once it reaches the closed position.

[0038] In one example, compensating for a reduction in storage volume involves switching a portion of the storage container's wall or the inner surface of its lid from a predetermined first position to a predetermined second position. This results in a predetermined and reliable compensation for the volume reduction.

[0039] In one example, the method may include removing a volume of gas from the storage volume of the storage component and returning said portion of the wall of the storage container or said portion of the inner surface of the lid to its respective original shape. Thus, said portion is ready to be used again to compensate for volume reduction. Note that the removal of gas volume can occur passively, for example, by a volume of gas leaking from the storage volume to the outside.

[0040] It should be noted that the above examples can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved.

[0041] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the examples described below, and will be illustrated with reference to the examples described below. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the following figures.

[0043] Figure 1 The illustration shows relevant components of the front of a vehicle according to the present disclosure, including a storage component according to a first example of the present disclosure, the storage component being operable by a method according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The vehicle's hood, which includes Figure 1 The cover of the storage component,

[0045] Figure 3 The illustration shows relevant components of the front of a vehicle according to the present disclosure, including a storage component according to a second example of the present disclosure, the storage component being operable by a method according to the present disclosure, and

[0046] Figure 4 The steps of a method for closing a cover for a storage component of a vehicle according to this disclosure are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] These accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are intended to illustrate examples of this disclosure only. Identical or equivalent elements generally have the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 1 The front of the vehicle 10, including the storage component 12, is shown.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, storage component 12 forms the front luggage compartment 14, which may also be referred to as the front trunk. It should be understood that this is just an example. Storage component 12 can also form the rear luggage compartment of vehicle 10.

[0050] The storage component 12 includes a storage container 16 and a cover 18, the cover 18 being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the cover closes the storage container 16; and in the open position the cover opens the storage container 16 to allow a user to access it.

[0051] In the example shown in the figure, storage container 16 is cup-shaped.

[0052] Since the storage component 12 forms the front trunk in this example, the cover 18 is formed by a portion of the hood 20 of the vehicle 10. This means that the cover 18 and the hood 20 form an integral structure. In the case where the storage component 12 forms the rear trunk, the cover 18 may be formed by a portion of the rear trunk lid of the vehicle 10.

[0053] The storage component is provided with a sealing device 22. The sealing device 22 is located at the edge 24 or the cover 18 of the storage container 16.

[0054] In any case, the sealing device 22 is configured such that... Figure 1 In the closed position of the depicted lid 18, the sealing device 22 is compressed between the storage container 16 and the lid 18.

[0055] The storage component 12 also includes a closing actuation mechanism, typically indicated by reference numeral 26. The closing actuation mechanism is configured to reduce the force required to move the cover 18 into the closed position.

[0056] Closing facilitator 26 includes a deformable element 28 located on the inner surface 18a of cover 18.

[0057] In this position, the deformable element 28, together with the lid and the rest of the container 16, defines the storage volume 30 of the storage assembly 12.

[0058] In this example, the deformable element 28 is made of rubber material and is elastically deformable.

[0059] Furthermore, when the deformable element 28 occupies the first position P1, the deformable element 28 is approximately dome-shaped. In this position, the dome shape points towards the storage volume 30.

[0060] Note that the height H of the dome shape is very small compared to the length L of the base surface of the deformable element 28.

[0061] Therefore, the deformable element 28 is also plate-shaped.

[0062] The deformable element 28 is also configured to occupy a second position P2, in which it is also dome-shaped. However, in the second position P2, the dome shape points away from the storage volume 30.

[0063] The deformable element 28 is pre-tensioned toward the first position P1. Therefore, without external force, the dome shape points toward the storage volume 30.

[0064] In this example, the deformable element 28 is mounted to the cover 18 by means of a frame 32. The frame 32 is made of plastic material.

[0065] The cover 18 of the storage component 12 can be closed using the same method used to close the cover of the vehicle's storage component.

[0066] In the first step S1, the method includes compressing the sealing device 22 by moving the lid 18 toward the edge 24 of the storage container 16 (see [link]). Figure 4 This occurs if the cover 18 moves toward its closed position.

[0067] In this configuration, the cover 18 and the sealing device 22 are in a sealed contact, preventing air inside the storage volume 30 from flowing into the outside of the storage assembly 12, and vice versa.

[0068] Therefore, when the cover 18 is moved further toward its closed position, the storage volume 30 of the storage component 12 is reduced.

[0069] In the second step S2 of the method, this reduction in storage volume 30 is compensated for.

[0070] Therefore, the deformable element 28 is switched from its first position P1 to its second position P2.

[0071] As the cover 18 moves further into its closed position, the reduction in the compensating storage volume 30 results in a decrease in the force generated by the compression of the air trapped in the storage volume 30. This force resists the closing of the cover 18.

[0072] Therefore, cover 18 can be closed with only a small amount of force. Thus, cover 18 reaches its closed position.

[0073] When the cover 18 is in its closed position, a certain volume of gas can be removed from the storage volume 30 of the storage assembly 12. Due to leakage, this can occur without any action, simply by waiting.

[0074] The pre-tensioning of deformable element 28 to the first position P1 causes it to return to its original shape, i.e., the first position P1, if a sufficient volume of gas has been removed. Then the facilitating mechanism 26 is closed, ready for reuse.

[0075] Alternatively, if the cover 18 is opened, the deformable element 28 can return to its first position. In the same case, the closing facilitator 26 becomes ready for reuse.

[0076] Figure 3 The front of the vehicle 10, including the storage component 12 according to the second example, is shown.

[0077] In the following text, only explanations will be provided. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference between the second example and the first example is shown. For the rest, please refer to the explanation above.

[0078] The second example differs from the first example in that the deformable element 28 forms part of the wall 34 of the storage container 16.

[0079] In this example as well, the deformable element 28 is mounted to the storage container 16 by means of the frame 32. It is worth noting that this is just an example. Of course, the deformable element 28 could also be part of the wall 34 itself or part of the base of the storage container 16.

[0080] The deformable element 28 is formed as a first example deformable element 28. It is also configured to switch between a first position P1 and a second position P2.

[0081] Therefore, the method described above for closing the cover 18 of the storage component 12 of the vehicle 10 can also be combined with the second example application (see Figure 4 ).

[0082] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples in practice. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural. The fact that certain measures are stated in mutually different dependent claims does not in itself imply that a combination of these measures cannot be advantageous. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0083] List of reference numerals

[0084] 10 vehicles

[0085] 12 Storage Components

[0086] 14. Front luggage compartment

[0087] 16 Storage Containers

[0088] 18 lids

[0089] 18a inner surface

[0090] 20 Engine Hood

[0091] 22 Sealing device

[0092] 24 Edges

[0093] 26 Closure Promotion Agency

[0094] 28 Deformable elements

[0095] 30 storage volume

[0096] 32 Frames

[0097] 34 wall

[0098] H height

[0099] L length

[0100] P1 First Position

[0101] P2 Second Position

[0102] S1 Step

[0103] S2 Step

Claims

1. A storage component (12) for a vehicle (10), comprising: Storage container (16). A cover (18) is configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the cover (18) closes the storage container (16). A sealing device (22) is positioned at the storage container (16) or the lid (18) such that, in the closed position of the lid (18), the sealing device (22) seals the storage container (16) relative to the lid (18), and Closing facilitator (26), which is configured to reduce the force required to bring the cover (18) from the open position to the closed position, The closing mechanism (26) includes a deformable element (28) that forms part of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or is located on the inner surface of the cover (18), such that the deformable element (28) defines the storage volume (30). The deformable element (28) is configured to occupy a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), wherein in the first position (P1), the deformable element (28) protrudes toward the storage volume (30); and in the second position (P2), the deformable element (28) protrudes away from the storage volume (30).

2. The storage component (12) according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable element (28) is mounted to the storage container (16) or the cover (18) by means of the frame (32).

3. The storage component (12) according to claim 2, wherein the frame (32) comprises a plastic material.

4. The storage component (12) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The deformable element (28) is dome-shaped at the first position (P1) and the dome shape points toward the storage volume (30), and / or the deformable element (28) is dome-shaped at the second position (P2) and the dome shape points away from the storage volume (30).

5. The storage component (12) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The deformable element (28) is pre-tensioned toward the first position (P1).

6. The storage component (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the deformable element (28) comprises at least one of a plastic material, a rubber material, and a fabric material.

7. The storage component (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the deformable element (28) is elastically deformable.

8. The storage component (12) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the deformable element (28) is plate-shaped.

9. The storage component (12) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the cover (18) is formed from a portion of the hood (20) of the vehicle (10) or a portion of the rear trunk lid of the vehicle (10).

10. A vehicle (10) comprising a storage component (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage component (12) forms a front luggage compartment (14) and the cover (18) is formed by at least a portion of the hood (20) of the vehicle (10), or wherein the storage component (12) forms a rear luggage compartment and the cover (18) is formed by at least a portion of the rear trunk lid of the vehicle (10).

11. A method for closing a cover (18) of a storage component (12) of a vehicle (10), the cover (18) being configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the cover (18) closes the storage container (16) via a sealing device (22) between the storage container (16) and the cover (18), comprising: - By moving the lid (18) toward the storage container (16), the sealing device (22) is compressed, thereby reducing the storage volume (30) of the storage assembly (12), and - The reduction in the storage volume (30) is compensated by deforming at least a portion of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or by deforming at least a portion of the inner surface of the cover (18). The compensation for the reduction in the storage volume (30) includes switching the portion of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or the portion of the inner surface of the cover (18) from a predetermined first position (P1) to a predetermined second position (P2), wherein in the first position (P1), the portion of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or the portion of the inner surface of the cover (18) bulges toward the storage volume (30); and in the second position (P2), the portion of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or the portion of the inner surface of the cover (18) bulges away from the storage volume (30).

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: -Remove a certain volume of gas from the storage volume (30) of the storage component (12), and - Return the portion of the wall (34) of the storage container (16) or the portion of the inner surface of the lid (18) to its corresponding original shape.

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