Vehicle interior assembly

Abstract

A vehicle interior assembly includes a storage compartment and a slat cover that changes shape via movement of a slat about one or more hinge joints when the slat cover is moved between a closed condition and an open condition. The cover may support and / or charge a portable electronic device in both the open state and the closed state, and may include an embedded wireless charger or an opening through which a wired charger extends. The cover may assume a plurality of open states in which at least one slat is tilted to support the portable electronic device over the storage compartment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle interior components and, more particularly, to closable storage compartments in vehicle interiors. Background Art

[0002] Interior vehicle storage compartments typically include a lid or door that a user can open to access the storage area and close to conceal stored items when not in use. These doors typically employ a hinge that connects one end of a rigid door to one end of the storage area so that the entire length of the door pivots about the hinge during opening and closing motions, much like a typical glove box door.

[0003] Another type of storage compartment door is a sliding door (tambour door) as described by Piccin et al. in US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0167676. A sliding door includes a plurality of hinged slats having ends that slide along a curved track during opening and closing movements so that at least a portion of the door slides out of sight when opened, in the manner of a roll-top desk. The individual slats of a sliding door must be relatively small to facilitate the sliding movement, and the ends of the slats must be constrained on two opposing faces of the door to hold the door in the track. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one or more embodiments, a vehicle interior assembly includes a storage compartment and a cover attached to the storage compartment for movement between an open state and a closed state. The cover includes a plurality of slats spanning an opening of the storage compartment. Each slat is capable of pivoting away from the storage compartment about a hinge joint independently of an adjacent slat on opposite sides of the hinge joint.

[0005] In various embodiments, the cover is configured to support the portable electronic device over the opening in both the open state and the closed state.

[0006] In various embodiments, the assembly is configured to charge the portable electronic device while the cover supports the device over the opening in both the open state and the closed state.

[0007] In various embodiments, the assembly includes a wireless charger positioned along one of the slats and configured to charge a portable electronic device placed on the charger.

[0008] In various embodiments, the assembly includes an opening formed through the cover to accommodate a charging cable for the portable electronic device.

[0009] In various embodiments, the lid is flat in the closed state and forms an apex pointing away from the storage compartment in the open state.

[0010] In various embodiments, the open state is one of a plurality of open states, and the lid forms a vertex pointing away from the storage compartment in each of the open states. The vertex is in a different position relative to the storage compartment in each of the open states.

[0011] In various embodiments, the lid is flat in the closed state and forms two vertices that both point away from the storage compartment in the open state.

[0012] In various embodiments, the hinge joint allows 180 degrees of rotation so that adjacent slats can be stacked on top of each other.

[0013] In various embodiments, the storage compartment includes: a flange along the periphery of the opening, the flange supporting the lid above the opening; and a guide extending from the flange to constrain the lid in the extension direction of the hinge joint.

[0014] In various embodiments, the storage compartment includes lid stops spaced apart along the opening. The lid engages one of the stops in the open state and engages another of the stops in a different open state so that the lid has multiple open states.

[0015] In various embodiments, at least one of the slats and the hinge joint about which the at least one slat pivots are not attached to the storage compartment.

[0016] In various embodiments, the hinge joint is a living hinge formed from a material that is more flexible than each of the slats.

[0017] In various embodiments, the outer surface of the cover comprises an elastomeric material.

[0018] In various embodiments, at least one of the slats is larger than another of the slats.

[0019] It is contemplated that any number of the individual features of any other embodiment reflected in the drawings or description of the above embodiments can be combined in any combination to define the invention, except where the features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Example embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle interior component in a closed position;

[0022] Figure 2 is in open state Figure 1A perspective view of the internal components of

[0023] Figure 3 It is in the first open state Figure 1 and Figure 2 a schematic side view of a cover of an internal assembly;

[0024] Figure 4 It is in the second open state Figure 3 A schematic side view of a cover;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the internal components of the Figure 3 The first open state;

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a cover of a vehicle interior component moving from a closed state to an open state;

[0027] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a cover moving from a closed state to another open state;

[0028] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a cover moving from a closed state to another open state;

[0029] Figure 9 It shows Figures 6 to 8 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a cover moving from one open state to another open state;

[0030] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another example of a vehicle interior component in an open state;

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an internal component of;

[0032] Figure 12 is shown in another open state Figure 10 and Figure 11 a schematic cross-sectional view of the cover; and

[0033] Figure 13 is in open state Figures 10 to 12 Schematic cross-sectional view of a variant of the cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Described below is a vehicle interior assembly having a slatted cover that is movable to open or close a storage compartment. The cover can have a variety of shapes and can support and / or charge a portable electronic device located above the compartment when the compartment is open or closed. Unlike the slats of a sliding door, the cover includes slats that can be disengaged from their guide surface to form an inclined surface against which the portable electronic device can rest.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle interior assembly 10 including a storage compartment 12 and a lid 14 shown in a closed state. Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 1 and 2. The assembly 10 is shown with the lid 14 in an open position. The assembly 10 shown is part of a center console that is positioned between laterally spaced passenger seats in a vehicle passenger compartment, rearward of the vehicle instrument panel, and forward of the passenger armrest. The lateral direction (x) of the assembly 10 is aligned with the lateral (left to right) direction of the vehicle, the longitudinal direction (y) of the assembly is aligned with the longitudinal or front (F) to rear (R) direction of the vehicle, and the vertical direction (z) of the assembly is aligned with the vertical direction of the vehicle. The assembly 10 is not limited to this orientation relative to the vehicle, and the assembly may be, or may be a portion of, a different vehicle interior component (such as an instrument panel, door panel, etc.).

[0036] The storage compartment 12 includes a plurality of walls (eg, a bottom wall, side walls, and a top wall) and an opening 16 that is visible when the lid 14 is in a position such as Figure 2 In the open position shown, the storage volume can be accessed through the opening. In this example, the opening 16 lies in the xy plane and is defined by a flange 18 that limits the extent of the opening 16. The opening 16 shown is generally rectangular, and the flange 18 extends along all four sides of the opening. In other embodiments, the flange 18 extends only along two opposite transverse sides of the opening 16 or along two opposite longitudinal sides of the opening. The flange 18 is configured to support the lid 14 above the opening 16.

[0037] The storage compartment also includes a guide or guide surface 20 extending vertically between the flange 18 and the upper surface of the storage compartment 12. The guide surface 20 effectively provides a recess in the upper surface of the storage compartment 12, in which the flange 18 supports the lid 14. The guide surface 20 can also constrain the lid 14 in a direction perpendicular to the direction M of the lid's opening and closing movement. In this case, the direction of opening and closing movement is the longitudinal (y) direction, and the guide surface 20 constrains the lid 14 in the transverse (x) direction.

[0038] The illustrated cover 14 is a foldable cover and is attachable to the storage compartment 12 to move between a closed position and one or more open positions. In the closed position, the cover 14 conceals and covers the storage compartment opening 16, thereby preventing access to the storage volume. In the open position, access to the storage volume is possible through the opening 16 and through the space defined between the rear edge of the opening 16 and the rear edge of the cover 14. In the illustrated example, the cover 14 is Figure 1 In the closed state, it is unfolded and flat, and Figure 2 The open state of the cover 14 includes the vertex 22. The cover 14 does not have to be completely flat in the closed state. The cover 14 can be supported in the yz plane and / or the xz plane, for example, along a large radius of curvature (e.g., 250 mm to 500 mm). Figure 2 Portions of the lid 14 are also shown in different open positions (shown in phantom) with the apex 22 ′ at different locations relative to the storage compartment 12 (ie, vertically below and longitudinally behind the apex 22 ).

[0039] The lid 14 includes a plurality of slats 24 and one or more hinge joints 26. Each hinge joint 26 is located between adjacent slats 24 in the plurality of slats and interconnects them. Each slat 24 spans the storage compartment opening 16, with its two laterally opposing ends supported by the storage compartment flange 18. The lid 14 has a first end 28 and a second end 30 that are opposite and longitudinally spaced apart. The first end 28 of the lid 14 can be pivotally attached to the storage compartment 12 via an end slat 24a, and the second end 30 of the lid 14 can be a free end that is not attached to the storage compartment. Alternatively, the first end 28 of the lid 14 can be an unattached free end, or the end slat 24a can be attached to the storage compartment 12 in a fixed position and cannot be pivoted away from the storage compartment. In this case, "attached" means "cannot be manually removed," and "unattached" or "unattached" means that the slat can be manually removed so as not to contact the storage compartment. In this example, each of the slats 24 between the end slat 24a and the free end 30 is also not attached to the storage compartment 12, ie, they are not constrained from vertical movement in a direction away from the storage compartment.

[0040] Each slat 24 can be pivoted away from the storage compartment 12 about one of the hinge joints 26 independently of the adjacent slats on the opposite side of the same hinge joint. This independence of pivotal movement away from the storage compartment 12 is provided in part by the ability of the hinge joint 26 to move away from the storage compartment 12. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , which schematically shows the cover 14 in a first open state and a second open state, respectively, and wherein the storage compartment 12 is omitted.

[0041] Figure 3The lid 14 is shown moving from a closed position (shown in phantom) to a first open position. The rearmost slats 24d-24f move forward by an amount approximately equal to their slat width (measured in the y-direction), while the frontmost slat 24a does not move. Thus, the slats 24a and 24d-24f maintain the same orientation they had in the closed position. Since the vertical movement of the slats 24b, 24c and the hinge joint 26c away from the storage compartment is unconstrained, the hinge joint 26c moves vertically away from the storage compartment 12, and the slats 24b and 24c assume an inclined orientation by pivoting about their respective hinge joints 26b and 26d to form a hinge joint along the hinge joint 26c. Figure 2 The storage volume of the assembly 10 is accessible through the opening 16 at the previous location of the slat 24f.

[0042] Figure 4 1 and 2. The lid 14 is shown moved from a first open state (shown in dotted lines) to a second open state. The rearmost slats 24d-24f are again moved forward by an amount approximately equal to their slat width (two slat widths from the closed state), while the frontmost slat 24a does not move. Thus, slats 24a and 24d-24f maintain the same orientation they had in the closed state and the first open state. The unconstrained hinge joint 26c moves vertically further away from the storage compartment 12, and slats 24b and 24c assume a more inclined orientation. The storage volume of the assembly 10 is accessible through the opening 16 at the previous (closed state) position of the slats 24e-24f.

[0043] During each of these movements, each slat 24 that pivots away from the storage compartment 12 about a hinge joint 26 pivots independently of the adjacent slat on the opposite side of the hinge joint. Specifically, slat 24b pivots away from the storage compartment 12 about a hinge joint 26b independently of adjacent slat 24a, which does not pivot away from the storage compartment or change position. In addition, slat 24c pivots away from the storage compartment 12 about a hinge joint 26d independently of slat 24d, which does not pivot away from the storage compartment and only moves longitudinally. Because the end slat 24a is attached to the storage compartment via the hinge joint 26a, in the illustrated example, the only slat 24 that cannot pivot away from the storage compartment 12 independently of the other slats is this end slat. In embodiments where both ends 28 , 30 of the lid 14 are unattached free ends, all of the slats 24 can pivot away from the storage compartment 12 about one of the hinge joints independently of adjacent slats on opposite sides of the same hinge joint.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the cover 14 is configured to support the portable electronic device 32 in a stable position, i.e., the device will not slide off the inclined slats 24c against which it rests. In one or more open positions of the cover, the device 32 is supported above the opening 16. Figure 2 In the open position, the bottom edge of the device 32 is located on and supported by the cover 14 at or near one of the hinge joints 26, while the back of the device 32 is supported by one of the inclined slats 24c and / or by the vertex 22.

[0045] The stability of the device support can be enhanced by other features of the cover 14, such as the presence of an elastomer or other high-friction material along the outer surface 35 of the cover. Additionally, one or more hinge joints 26 can be positioned along a locally reduced thickness portion of the cover 14, effectively forming a groove 34 in the cover to help stabilize the supported device 32. Additionally, the width W of one or more slats 24 can be sized so that the apex 22 is located at or above the midpoint of the back of the device 32. For example, a slat width W of approximately 8 cm or greater will support a typical smartphone at or above the midpoint of its back in the portrait orientation shown. A slat width W of approximately 9 cm or greater will support a medium-sized tablet at or above the midpoint of its back in the landscape orientation.

[0046] Thus, when the lid is in the open position, the lid 14 is capable of supporting the portable electronic device 32 on and / or over the opening 16 in the storage compartment 12 at a plurality of tilt angles, and when the lid is in the closed position, e.g., when the device is lying flat on the lid, supporting the device on and / or over the opening in the storage compartment 12. The device 32 can be supported by the lid 14 in a manner that allows access to the storage volume of the storage compartment 12 or when the storage volume is in an accessible position.

[0047] The assembly 10 can also be configured to charge a portable electronic device 32 while supporting the device over the storage compartment opening 16 in both the open and closed positions of the lid 14. In one embodiment, the assembly 10 includes a wireless charger 36 positioned along the lid and configured to wirelessly charge a portable electronic device equipped with wireless charging capabilities. For example, the charger 36 can utilize the Qi wireless charging standard, or any other suitable wireless charging standard or protocol. At least a portion of the charger 36, such as one or more inductive charging coils, can be embedded in the lid 14. In the example shown, the charging coil is embedded in the lid 14 along one of the slats 24c, the location of which is shown for illustrative purposes only.

[0048] The lid 14 can include more than one charger 36 or charging coil positioned along the same slat 24 for charging more than one device 32 in parallel, or positioned along different slats. Power and control can be provided to the chargers 36 via wiring embedded in the lid 14 or routed along a non-visible side of the lid. Thus, devices 32 can be charged regardless of whether the storage compartment 12 is open or closed. Even devices too large to be supported by the inclined slats 24 of the lid 14 can be wirelessly charged when the lid is closed, or in an embodiment where the chargers 36 are positioned along a portion of the lid that remains flat when open.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the assembly 10 can be equipped to charge a portable electronic device using a wired charger. For example, an opening 38 can be formed through the lid 14 to accommodate a charging cable (e.g., USB / USB-C). The charging cable can be powered by a USB port or other suitable power source. The storage compartment can, for example, include one or more USB ports located within the storage compartment 12 for charging the device and / or for establishing a wired communication link with another vehicle system (e.g., an audio or navigation system). Here again, the device 32 can be charged with the lid 14 in a closed state or in an open state, with the device supported on the inclined slats 24 or on the flat portion of the lid.

[0050] Figure 5 The cover 14 is in Figure 3 FIG2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the flange 18 of the storage compartment 12 in the open position of the lid 14. As shown, the assembly 10 may include one or more lid stops 40 configured to secure the lid 14 in a stable open position, wherein the apex 22' is retained when some slats 24 are tilted relative to the xz plane. The stops 40 are configured to prevent the non-tilted slats from moving in the rearward longitudinal direction. In other words, the stops 40 prevent the weight of the tilted slats 24 from forcing the lid 14 back into the closed position.

[0051] In this example, the stop 40 magnetically maintains the longitudinal position of the non-tilted slats 24 by cooperating with the stop element 42 of the lid 14. Both the stop 40 and the stop element 42 can be magnetic, with opposite magnetic poles facing each other. Alternatively, the stop 40 can be magnetic and the stop element 42 can be ferromagnetic (e.g., steel), or vice versa. In this example, the lid stop 40 is positioned along the flange and spaced longitudinally along the storage compartment opening 16. When the lid is unfolded or laid flat, the stop elements 42 of the lid 14 have the same spacing. Similar stops 40 can be arranged along the lateral opposite sides of the opening 16. In this way, the lid 14 can present multiple stable open states along the storage compartment 12. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 12 includes multiple stops 40 spaced along the opening 16, while the lid 14 includes one or more stop elements 42 along only one of the slats 24. The stop 40 and / or the stop element 42 may take different forms, such as a stop, a recess or a groove along the storage compartment 12 or the lid 14 , with a corresponding protrusion along the lid 14 or storage compartment, respectively.

[0052] Figure 5 Also shown is an exemplary construction of the foldable cover 14. The slats 24 and the hinge joints 26 include or are made of materials having different rigidities. Each slat 24 is made rigid enough to serve as a storage compartment cover capable of supporting its own weight and the weight of one or more portable electronic devices without significant deformation. Each hinge joint 26 is made flexible enough to allow each adjacent slat 24 to rotate about an axis in the transverse (x) direction. Each slat 24 may be made of or may include a rigid or semi-rigid plastic or plastic composite material, such as polycarbonate (PC), ABS, PC / ABS, polypropylene or other suitable rigid materials. Other sufficiently rigid materials include metallic materials or natural materials, such as wood.

[0053] Hinge joint 26 can be a living hinge formed from a material that is more flexible than the slat material. One example is a polymer-based material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or rubber. Other sufficiently flexible materials include fabrics or textiles containing, for example, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and / or metal fibers. Hinge joint 26 is not limited to a living hinge and can, for example, include a pin joint in the manner of a conventional door hinge.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the cover 14 includes a plurality of separate, discrete slats 24 that are overmolded with a continuous elastomeric material along the entire length and width of the cover, completely encapsulating the slats 24 in the elastomer to form a single, integrated cover. In other words, the slats 24 are embedded in a layer of elastomeric material. The thickness of the elastomeric material along each slat 24 can be approximately the same as the thickness between the slats, resulting in the cover 14 having a locally reduced thickness at each hinge joint 26. The elastomeric material can provide the aforementioned high-friction outer surface 35 to help maintain the portable electronic device in a stable tilted position and / or prevent the device from sliding when resting on top of the flat portion of the cover 14. Other configurations are also possible. For example, the slats 24 can be attached to a continuous fabric or film layer at sufficient intervals to allow the fabric or film to function as a hinge joint. Alternatively, the slats 24 can be sandwiched between two fabric or film layers, sewn together with the slats occupying the recess between the fabric layers.

[0055] Figure 5 Also shown is a wireless charger 36 embedded in the lid 14, with a power cord 44 routed internally through the lid 14. Here, the wireless charger 36 is embedded in the lid as one of the slats 24c, i.e., overmolded with an elastomeric material. The wireless charger 36 may, for example, be in the form of an induction coil encapsulated in a material sufficiently rigid to serve as a slat 24. Alternatively, the charger 36 may be formed as a distinct layer along the respective slat 24.

[0056] The dimensions of the slats 24 can vary along the length of the lid 14. In the example shown, the slat 24c containing the charger 36 is larger than some of the other slats 24. This particular slat 24c is sized to accommodate the charger 36 and provide a sufficiently large surface to support a portable electronic device when the lid is tilted in the open position. Other slats 24, particularly those located behind the charger 36 or device-supporting slats 24, can have a reduced width, effectively providing more unique open and / or folded positions of the lid 14 than would be the case if all slats had a width sufficient to accommodate the wireless charger and / or support the electronic device.

[0057] The lid 14 can be configured so that each hinge joint 26 allows one slat 24 to rotate relative to an adjacent slat by at least 180 degrees and up to 360 degrees so that adjacent slats can overlap each other and overlap in one or more open states of the lid. The width of each hinge joint 26, or the distance between adjacent slats 24, can be made large enough to accommodate this rotation. Figures 6 to 9 Some non-limiting examples of various open states of the lid 14 are provided, with the slats 24 and hinge joints 26 schematically illustrated.

[0058] exist Figure 6In FIG, the cover 14 is shown moving from a closed state to an open state, wherein the closed state and intermediate states are shown in dashed lines. Figure 6 In the open state, some of the slats 24d-24f are folded over other slats 24b-24c, and the cover 14 is not supporting or charging the portable electronic device to facilitate communication with the portable electronic device. Figures 2 to 5 Compared to the open state of the storage compartment 14, more openings 16 can be used to enter the storage volume of the storage compartment 14. In a similar example, only one slat 24f is folded onto slat 24e, or two slats 24e-24f are folded onto slats 24c-24d.

[0059] exist Figure 7 , the cover 14 is shown moving from a closed state to a state similar to Figure 6 Another open state, wherein the closed state and the intermediate state are shown in dashed lines. In this open state, some of the slats 24d-24f are folded under the rest of the cover 14 to expose the slats 24d-24f. Figure 6 The same degree of opening 16 is provided in the lid 14, which additionally enables a wireless charger 36 (if so equipped) to be used with the portable electronic device 32. To achieve this open condition, the user can pivot the front portion of the lid 14 (i.e., the slats 24a-24c) away from the lip 18 of the storage compartment and fold the other slats 24d-24f under them to contact the lip. Figure 6 The open state and Figure 7 The difference between the open states demonstrates that the hinge joint 26 provides the ability for the slat 24 to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to adjacent slats.

[0060] exist Figure 8 , the lid 14 is shown moving from a closed state to an open state, with the closed state and intermediate state shown in dashed lines. In this open state, more of the lid 14 folds back onto itself from the closed state, providing greater access to the storage compartment 12 than in the previous figures. Here, the lid 14 includes a double 180-degree fold, with one large slat 24c overlapping another large slat 24b and three layers of slats.

[0061] exist Figure 9 In the figure, the cover 14 is shown from Figure 2 and Figure 4 The tilted lid 14 is tilted to move from one open position (shown in dashed lines) to another open position. In this open position, some of the slats 24e-24f are folded around one of the hinge joints 26e while the lid 14 is supporting and / or charging the portable electronic device 32, exposing more of the storage compartment opening 16. Thus, the user can expand the accessible portion of the storage compartment opening 16 without having to remove the device 32 from the tilted lid 14. Other open positions are possible and are limited only by the number of slats 24 and hinge joints 26.

[0062] Figure 10 is a perspective view of another example of a vehicle interior assembly 10 including a storage compartment 12 and a cover 14, which is shown in an open position and supports and / or charges a portable electronic device 32. The cover 14 is constructed in the same or similar manner as the previous example, with a plurality of slats 24 spanning an opening 16 of the storage compartment 12, with their opposite ends supported by a flange 18 that at least partially defines the opening 16. The cover 14 has a first end 28 and a second end 30 that are opposed and laterally spaced apart. In this example, the first end 28 of the cover 14 is a free end that is not attached to the storage compartment 12, and the second end 30 of the cover 14 is pivotally attached to the storage compartment via an end slat 24e. For clarity, Figure 10 Half of the guide surface 20 in the foreground is omitted. Figures 1 to 9 Features described in the examples (e.g., details of slat and hinge construction and function, features for charging wired devices, high friction surfaces, etc.) apply to the examples described below and are not repeated here.

[0063] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the slats 24 and hinge joints 26 extend in the longitudinal (y) direction so that the longitudinally spaced ends of each slat are supported by the storage compartment 12. The slats 24 may have a more rigid construction than in the previous examples by having a stiffer material, greater thickness, and / or convex curvature.

[0064] As in the previous example, and with reference to Figure 11 , the lid 14 is unfolded and generally flat in the closed state, shown in dotted lines. Also as in the previous example, all of the slats 24 except the end slat 24e are capable of pivoting away from the storage compartment 12 about one of the hinge joints 26, independently of the adjacent slats on the opposite side of the same hinge joint. In this particular example, slat 24b pivots away from the storage compartment 12 about hinge joint 26b, independently of the adjacent slat 24c on the opposite side of the same hinge joint. Slat 24c has the same orientation as in the closed state, but is translated toward the second end 30 of the lid relative to the closed state. The same independent pivoting motion relative to hinge joint 26c and slat 24c is applied to slat 24d.

[0065] exist Figure 11 In the open state, the cover 14 forms two vertices 22, 122. This example also includes the above-mentioned wireless charger 36 along one of the strips 24. Figure 10 As shown, when a portable electronic device 32 is supported on or above the storage compartment opening 16 and / or charged, the double-apex shape can help prevent the device from sliding around and / or falling off the cover 14 during vehicle steering maneuvers. The same is true for other items temporarily placed on top of the cover 14.

[0066] As described above, assembly 10 may include one or more lid stops 40 configured to secure lid 14 in a stable open position, wherein apex 22, 122, and 122 are retained even when some slats 24 are tilted relative to the xz plane. Stops 40 are configured to prevent lateral movement of the slats to prevent the weight of the tilted slats 24 from forcing lid 14 back into a closed position. In this example, stops 40 are slots or recesses that mechanically maintain the position of the tilted slats 24 by cooperating with the free ends of the slats. Alternatively or additionally, the underside of lid 14 may include protrusions that engage stops 40, or the stops may be in the form of ridges against which the free ends of the slats abut to maintain the apex's shape. If lid 14 includes a wireless charger 36 or other power or electronic control features, wiring may be routed through lid attachment end 30.

[0067] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Some other non-limiting examples of different opening states of the longitudinal slat cover 14 are provided. Figure 12 , the cover 14 is shown moving from the closed state to the Figure 10 and Figure 11 The open state is different from the open state, where the closed state is shown in dotted lines. Figure 12 In the open position, some of the slats 24a-24b are folded over the central slat 24c around the hinge joint 26b, and the cover 14 is not supporting or charging the portable electronic device to communicate with the portable electronic device. Figures 10 and 11 More openings 16 are available for accessing the storage volume of the storage compartment 12 than in the open state. The lid 14 can be similarly opened when supporting or charging a device. Figure 8 Similar to the example of , the cover 14 can also be folded double 180 degrees.

[0068] Figure 13 A variation of the longitudinal slatted cover 14 is shown in which the large slats are offset from the center. Here, the cover 14 is shown moving from a closed position to a position aligned with the longitudinal slats. Figures 2 to 5 The open state is similar to the open state of FIG, wherein the closed state is shown in dashed lines. The open state includes the vertex 22, some slats 24a-24b are translated, and some slats 24c-24d are tilted relative to their positions and orientations in the closed state. Although not shown here, one or more of the slats 24 can include one or more wireless chargers 36, as described above.

[0069] Combine Figures 10 to 13 The features described in the example also apply to Figures 1 to 9 For example, it is contemplated that the transverse slat cover 14 may be configured to form more than one apex in one or more open states of the cover. -13.

[0070] It should be understood that the above is a description of one or more embodiments of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but is limited only by the following claims. In addition, the statements contained in the foregoing description relate to specific embodiments and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present invention or on the definitions of terms used in the claims, unless a term or phrase is clearly defined above. Various other embodiments and various changes and modifications to the embodiments disclosed by the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. All such other embodiments, changes and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0071] As used in this specification and claims, the terms "example," "for example," "for instance," "such as," and "similar," and the verbs "comprise," "have," "include," and their other verb forms, when used in conjunction with a list of one or more components or other items, should each be interpreted as open-ended, meaning that the list should not be construed to exclude other additional components or items. Other terms should be interpreted using their broadest reasonable meaning unless they are used in a context that requires a different interpretation.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior component, the vehicle interior component comprising: Storage compartments; and a cover attached to the storage compartment for movement between an open state and a closed state, the cover comprising a plurality of slats spanning an opening of the storage compartment, Each slat is capable of pivoting away from the storage compartment about the hinge joint independently of an adjacent slat on an opposite side of the hinge joint. 2 . The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cover is configured to support a portable electronic device above the opening in both the open state and the closed state.

3. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is configured to charge a portable electronic device while the lid supports the device above the opening in both the open state and the closed state.

4. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless charger positioned along one of the slats and configured to charge a portable electronic device placed on the charger.

5. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, further comprising an opening formed through the cover to accommodate a charging cable for a portable electronic device. 6 . The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cover is flat in the closed state and forms an apex pointing away from the storage compartment in the open state.

7. The vehicle interior component of claim 1, wherein the open state is one of a plurality of open states, and the cover forms a vertex pointing away from the storage compartment in each of the open states, wherein the vertex is at a different position relative to the storage compartment in each of the open states. 8 . The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cover is flat in the closed state and forms two vertices both pointing away from the storage compartment in the open state.

9. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein the hinge joint allows for 180 degree rotation so that adjacent slats can be stacked on top of each other.

10. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises: a flange along a perimeter of the opening, the flange supporting the cover over the opening; and a guide extending from the flange to constrain the cover in an extending direction of the hinge joint.

11. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 , wherein the storage compartment includes lid stops spaced apart along the opening, the lid engaging one of the stops in the open state and engaging another of the stops in a different open state so that the lid has multiple open states.

12. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the slats and the hinge joint about which the at least one slat pivots are not attached to the storage compartment.

13. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1 wherein the hinge joint is a living hinge formed of a material more flexible than each of the slats.

14. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the cover comprises an elastomeric material.

15. The vehicle interior assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the slats is larger than another of the slats.

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