Vehicle center console with electric storage cabin cover and method

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle center console with an electrically powered storage compartment cover and a method. A vehicle includes: a console having a base housing having a first cabin with an open top end; a motorized cover coupled to the base housing and configured to move between an open cabin position exposing the first cabin and a closed cabin position covering the first cabin; at least one sensor including an imaging camera located in the vehicle and oriented to capture an image of the first cabin when the cover is in the open cabin position; and image processing for processing the captured image and detecting one or more objects located within the first compartment that are determined as valuables. The controller controls the motorized lid to move the motorized lid from an open cabin position to a closed cabin position upon detecting that the valuables are located within the first cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to consoles and, more particularly, to a console having a removable cover for transporting items in a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles are often equipped with storage compartments, such as consoles. For example, a center console is often mounted between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the front row of seats in a passenger motor vehicle. The center console often has a main storage compartment with a lid (the lid often also serves as an armrest) and may include one or more other storage compartments. It would be desirable to provide a center console that provides an actuatable lid for covering items in a storage compartment in a motor vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle comprises: a console having a base shell having a first compartment with an opening; a power cover connected to the base shell and configured to move between an open compartment position exposing the opening of the first compartment and a closed compartment position covering the opening of the first compartment; at least one sensor, the at least one sensor including an imaging camera located in the vehicle and oriented to capture an image of the first compartment when the cover is in the open compartment position; image processing for processing the captured image and detecting one or more objects determined to be valuables located in the first compartment; and a controller, which controls the power cover to move the power cover from the open compartment position to the closed compartment position when a valuable is detected to be located in the first compartment.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - the motorized lid is operably coupled to an actuator that actuates the lid between the open compartment position and the closed compartment position;

[0006] - the actuator comprises a linear actuator;

[0007] - the actuator has a motor;

[0008] - the opening is an open top end of the first chamber;

[0009] - the vehicle has a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, wherein the console is a center console disposed in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly;

[0010] - The first tray is disposed within the first compartment for holding one or more items;

[0011] - The image processing compares the captured image with a known image stored in the memory;

[0012] - A second compartment is disposed within the base housing, wherein the second compartment has a pivotable lid that pivots between an open lid position and a closed lid position;

[0013] - The pivotable lid, which serves as an armrest; and

[0014] - The second compartment is located behind the first storage compartment.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes: a center console having a base housing that includes a first compartment with an open top; a power lid coupled to the base housing and having an actuator configured to move between an open compartment position exposing the first compartment and a closed compartment position covering the first compartment; at least one sensor including an imaging camera located within the vehicle and oriented to capture an image of the compartment when the lid is in the open compartment position; an image processor for processing the captured image and detecting one or more objects located within the first compartment determined to be valuable items; and a controller that controls the power lid to move from the open compartment position to the closed compartment position when a valuable item is detected within the first compartment.

[0016] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features:

[0017] - The actuator has a motor;

[0018] - The actuator has a linear actuator;

[0019] - The vehicle has a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, wherein the console is a center console disposed within a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly;

[0020] - A first tray is disposed within the first compartment for holding one or more items;

[0021] - The image processing compares the captured image with a known image stored in the memory;

[0022] - a second storage compartment is disposed in the base housing, wherein the second compartment further comprises a pivoting lid that pivots between an open lid position and a closed lid position;

[0023] - the pivoting cover further acts as an armrest; and

[0024] - The second storage compartment is located behind the first compartment.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objectives of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a top view schematically illustrating the interior of a cabin of a motor vehicle equipped with a center console in an open console position, the center console having a power cover, according to one example;

[0028] Figure 1A is an enlarged side perspective view of the interior of a cabin of a motor vehicle further illustrating a center console in an open console position;

[0029] Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the center console shown in an open storage compartment position;

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a motor vehicle shown with a center console in a position covering a storage compartment;

[0031] Figure 2A is an enlarged side perspective view of the interior of the vehicle cabin, further illustrating the center console in a closed storage compartment position;

[0032] Figure 2B is a schematic side elevation view of the center console shown in a closed storage compartment position;

[0033] Figure 3A is a side perspective view of the interior of a cabin of a vehicle showing the center console in an open storage compartment position with a large item extending from the storage compartment;

[0034] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A schematic side view of the center console shown with large items extending out of the storage compartment;

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing controls for controlling movement of a cover of a center console; and

[0036] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for controlling movement of a center console according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the various drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain parts are enlarged relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0038] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0039] For the purpose of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall refer to the following: Figure 1 The concepts of orientation in the drawings are presented in detail. However, it should be understood that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0040] The embodiments shown in the present disclosure mainly exist in the combination of method steps and device components related to the vehicle center console with a powered lid and the method of controlling the powered lid. Therefore, the device components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0041] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0042] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used singly to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements may include not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising ..." does not, in the absence of further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0043] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantity and characteristics are not exact, nor need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Whether or not the endpoints of a numerical value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the numerical value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0045] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] refer to Figure 1, generally showing a wheeled automobile or motor vehicle 10, which is configured with passenger seats for transporting one or more passengers including the driver of the motor vehicle 10 and for further transporting one or more items on the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a body 12 that generally defines a cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 may include various features and decorative components. The cabin interior 14 is shown as having a certain arrangement of front passenger seats, the front passenger seats including a first seat assembly 20A configured to seat the driver and a second seat assembly 20B configured to seat the passenger. The first seat assembly 20A and the second seat assembly 20B may be configured, for example, as independent seats that are laterally spaced apart and separated by a space, the space including a center console 30 that may be configured according to various embodiments shown and described herein. The motor vehicle 10 shown in the example also includes additional seats, such as a second row of seats, the second row of seats including a third seat assembly 20C and a fourth seat assembly 20D that may be spaced apart or connected to the middle seat. The motor vehicle 10 may include additional rows of seats, which are common for large SUVs, vans, or buses. It should be understood that the motor vehicle 10 may be, for example, a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, van, or bus, or an airplane, train, boat, or other vehicle capable of transporting one or more passengers and items.

[0047] The motor vehicle 10 is shown with a front row of seats having a first seat assembly 20A, which is located on one lateral side (e.g., left side) of the front row and behind the vehicle of the dashboard 26 and the steering wheel 22 and is configured to seat the driver of the motor vehicle 10. The first seat assembly 20A generally includes a seat base and a seat back, which can be hinged relative to the seat base and can be adjusted in various positions. The second seat assembly 20B is shown as being positioned on the opposite lateral side (e.g., right side) of the front row of seats, behind the vehicle of the dashboard 26, and has a seat base and a seat back configured to seat a passenger. The second seat assembly 20B can also be hinged and adjusted between multiple positions. The vehicle body 12 has a plurality of side doors 16, which allow the driver and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle interior 14 to access the seat assemblies 20A to 20F. In the example shown, the driver's seat assembly 20A is positioned adjacent to the lateral left door 16, and the passenger seat assembly 20B is positioned adjacent to the opposing lateral right door 16. Passengers may enter or exit the second row seat assemblies 20C-20D via the rear door 16.

[0048] The vehicle interior 14 is shown as being equipped with a center console 30 located in the space between the driver's first seat assembly 20A and the passenger second seat assembly 20B in the first front seat. It should be understood that the center console 30 or additional center consoles can be located at various locations within the motor vehicle 10, such as between other adjacent seat assemblies. For example, the center console can be located in the space between the third seat assembly 20C and the fourth seat assembly 20D.

[0049] Center console 30 in Figures 1 to 3B 1 is shown having a lower housing 32 that can be fixedly connected to the lower floor 18, such as via fasteners. The lower housing 32 has various side walls and defines a first compartment 34 having an open top. The first storage compartment 34 can have a generally rectangular shape or other shapes and sizes. A first tray 36 and a second tray 38 in front of the first tray 36 are located within the first storage compartment 34. In the example shown, a first item 52 is shown as being located in the first tray 36, and a second item 52 is shown as being located in the second tray 38. The first storage compartment 34 can be used to hold one or more items, including valuables.

[0050] The center console 30 has an upper housing 40 located above and operably coupled to the lower housing 32, the upper housing serving as a powered lid or top cover that can be powered to translate and move forward and backward relative to the lower housing 32. The upper housing 40 has a bottom wall 41 and side walls defining a second storage compartment 43. The second storage compartment 43 can be at least slightly behind the first storage compartment 34. The second storage compartment 43 has an open top end covered with a pivoting lid 42 that can be pivoted around a rear end to an open position to allow access to the second storage compartment 43 or to a closed position to close the second storage compartment 43. The lid 42 can also serve as an armrest for a vehicle occupant seated in the driver's seat 20A or the passenger seat 20B. The upper housing 40 also includes a plurality of beverage holders 44 and 54, and can include other accessories.

[0051] The upper housing 40 is coupled to the lower housing 32 and is configured to Figures 1 to 1B The rearward opening compartment position shown is similar to Figures 2 to 2B The center console 30 is linearly movable between the forward closed compartment position shown. In the open compartment position, the upper housing 40 is positioned above the lower housing 32 and at least partially behind the lower housing to expose the first storage compartment 34 in the open storage compartment position. In this position, the lower bottom wall 41 of the upper housing 40 exposes at least a portion of the open first storage compartment 34. The center console 30 has a linear actuator 50, such as a drive or worm gear, which is configured to move in the open storage compartment position. Figures 1 to 1BOpen storage compartment shown in position with Figures 2 to 2B The upper housing 40 is driven between the closed storage compartment position shown. In the closed storage compartment position, the upper housing 40 acts as a cover that covers the upper opening of the first storage compartment 34 with the bottom wall 41 to hide the items stored in the first storage compartment 34. According to one example, in order to activate the upper housing 40 relative to the lower housing 32, the linear actuator 50 may include an electric motor 46, which is operably connected to the worm gear 48 to drive the linear actuator 50. It should be understood that other types of linear actuators and other types of actuators can be used to actuate the upper housing 40 between the open compartment position and the closed compartment position. It should also be understood that the upper housing 40 can be connected to the lower housing 32 via tracks or other connectors that allow sliding movement.

[0052] The motor vehicle 10 is equipped with at least one sensor 62, which includes an imaging camera 60, which is located in the motor vehicle 10 and is oriented to capture an image of the first storage compartment 34 when the upper housing 40 defining the lid is in the open storage compartment position. According to one example, the imaging camera 60 is generally shown as being generally located in front of and above the center console 30 above the touch screen display 24 in the instrument panel 26 of the motor vehicle 10. The imaging camera 60 may include one or more cameras located at various locations, such as in an overhead console, a roof, a mirror housing or mounting, inside the console compartment 34, or elsewhere with a view of the first storage compartment 34. The imaging camera 60 captures an image of the first storage compartment 34 to capture any items 52 contained within the first storage compartment 34. In addition, the sensor 62 may also include a radar sensor 64 for sensing the size of the items in the first storage compartment 34, such as whether the items are too large (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 3B The upper housing 40 may be positioned to move toward the closed cabin position and interfere with the closing of the lid. The door sensor 66 may sense the door open or closed state to determine whether an occupant is leaving the vehicle. For example, the motor current sensor 68 may sense the current of the actuator motor to determine whether an interfering force is experienced during the closing of the lid. If the camera 60, the motor current sensor 68, or other sensor detects the obstacle as an obstruction, the lid may be closed as much as possible or may be retracted to a previous position, and a notification may be sent to the user.

[0053] The various sensors 62 generate outputs in the form of signals that are input to and processed by the controller 70, such as Figure 4As shown. According to one example, the controller 70 may include a microprocessor 72 and a memory 74. A stored image of the valuables and one or more routines 100 may be stored in the memory 74, the one or more routines for processing sensing signals including the captured image to detect one or more objects determined to be valuables within the first storage compartment and controlling the center console motor 46, and providing a notification 80, which may be transmitted to the owner or user, such as, for example, to a cell phone. The notification may notify the user that the valuables were detected and the lid was closed. It should be understood that other shared or dedicated controllers having analog and / or digital circuits may be employed to process the transmitted signals and generate control signals to control the lid and provide notifications, as described herein.

[0054] Figure 5 An example of a routine 100 for controlling a lid of a center console is shown. The routine 100 begins at step 102 and proceeds to step 104 when the vehicle detects that an occupant has left the vehicle. Next, at step 106, the routine 100 checks for any valuables left in the first storage compartment of the center console. This is accomplished by generating or capturing an image and processing the image to determine whether an item is present in the first storage compartment and whether the item is identifiable as a valuable item (such as a wallet, handbag, wallet, cell phone, computer, etc.). The image processing may compare the captured image with known valuables to detect the valuables. Valuables may be determined based on the cost value of the identifiable item or a designation by a user such as an owner that the item is more valuable (i.e., has commercial value or sentimental value). If a valuable item is detected in the open first storage compartment when in the open compartment position, the routine 100 commands an actuator to drive an upper housing defining the lid to move to a closed storage compartment position to cover one or more detected valuables. Next, in step 110, the routine 100 disables the switch to open the lid, and then records any objects taken from or placed into the compartment while the owner is away at step 112. Thus, the vehicle can automatically cover any valuables left in the first storage compartment, especially when the occupant of the vehicle has left the motor vehicle 10 and may leave such items in view. The movable upper housing defining the lid thus forms a safe that can be locked in a closed position until authorized by the owner. The lid switch disabling can be triggered by an electronic device lock (i.e., a key fob or a mobile phone as a key (PaaK) phone) or an external passive entry / passive start (PEPS) lock or an external keypad lock. The switch can be re-enabled by an unlock command from a roaming key or external keypad or by entering a key code on the interior screen of the cabin, or the lid switch can be passively re-enabled when a PEPS key fob or PaaK phone that left the vehicle while disabled is detected again in the cabin.

[0055] Once the top cover is in the closed state and covers the object, the forward and reverse switches can be ignored until the vehicle is unlocked. The user can also configure the system to ignore the forward and reverse switches until a PIN code is entered into the touch screen, external keypad, or an authorized mobile phone is detected inside the vehicle compartment. Vehicles using internal cameras can record objects placed in and taken out of the compartment when the owner is away, and can play pictures / video clips when the owner returns. The vehicle can also notify the owner or send a video to the owner's mobile phone when the compartment is touched. Once the vehicle owner / registered occupant returns to the vehicle, the cover will return to the unlocked state and return to the previous position. The center console locking mechanism can also be used at any time when the vehicle is unlocked, when the vehicle is towed, when washing the car, when in valet parking mode, etc., to ensure that unauthorized users cannot access the user's belongings. In some embodiments, in a setting where the occupant uses a lockable center console cover to store items, the cover can be reopened only for that user or for the owner of the vehicle.

[0056] Therefore, the motor vehicle 10 is advantageously equipped with a center console 30 having a powered lid and image processing that identifies valuables and automatically closes the lid on the first storage compartment to cover the identified valuables. This ensures that the valuables are protected and not easily accessible to unauthorized occupants.

[0057] It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the aforementioned structures without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it should be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0058] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a console, the console having a base shell, the base shell including a first compartment having an opening; a power cover, the power cover is connected to the base shell and is configured to move between an open compartment position exposing the opening of the first compartment and a closed compartment position covering the opening of the first compartment; at least one sensor, the at least one sensor including an imaging camera, the imaging camera is located in the vehicle and is oriented to capture an image of the first compartment when the cover is in the open compartment position; image processing, the image processing is used to process the captured image and detect one or more objects determined to be valuables located in the first compartment; and a controller, when it is detected that a valuable is located in the first compartment, the controller controls the power cover to move the power cover from the open compartment position to the closed compartment position.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the powered lid is operably coupled to an actuator that actuates the lid between the open compartment position and the closed compartment position.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the actuator comprises a linear actuator.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the actuator comprises a motor.

[0062] According to an embodiment, said opening is an open top end of said first chamber.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the vehicle further includes a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, wherein the console is a center console disposed in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a first tray disposed within the first compartment for holding one or more items.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the image processing compares the captured image with known images stored in a memory.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the invention is also characterized by a second compartment disposed in the base housing, wherein the second compartment further comprises a pivoting lid that pivots between an open lid position and a closed lid position.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the pivoting cover further acts as an armrest.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the second compartment is located behind the first storage compartment.

[0069] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a center console, the center console having a base shell, the base shell including a first compartment with an open top end; a power cover, the power cover is connected to the base shell and has an actuator, the actuator is configured to move between an open compartment position exposing the first compartment and a closed compartment position covering the first compartment; at least one sensor, the at least one sensor including an imaging camera, the imaging camera is located in the vehicle and is oriented to capture an image of the compartment when the cover is in the open compartment position; image processing, the image processing is used to process the captured image and detect one or more objects determined to be valuables located in the first compartment; and a controller, when it is detected that a valuable is located in the first compartment, the controller controls the power cover to move the power cover from the open compartment position to the closed compartment position.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the actuator comprises a motor.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the actuator is a linear actuator.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the vehicle further includes a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, and wherein the console is a center console disposed in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a first tray disposed within the first compartment for holding one or more items.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the image processing compares the captured image with known images stored in a memory.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the invention also features a second storage compartment disposed in the base housing, wherein the second storage compartment further comprises a pivoting lid that pivots between an open lid position and a closed lid position.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the pivoting cover further acts as an armrest.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the second storage compartment is located behind the first compartment.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a console having a base housing including a first compartment having an opening; a powered cover coupled to the base housing and configured to move between an open compartment position exposing the opening of the first compartment and a closed compartment position covering the opening of the first compartment; at least one sensor including an imaging camera located in the vehicle and oriented to capture an image of the first compartment when the lid is in the open compartment position; image processing for processing the captured image and detecting one or more objects located within the first compartment that are determined to be valuables; as well as A controller controls the electric cover to move from the open compartment position to the closed compartment position when it is detected that a valuable item is located in the first compartment.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the powered lid is operably coupled to an actuator that actuates the lid between the open compartment position and the closed compartment position.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a linear actuator.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the actuator comprises a motor.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the opening is an open top end of the first compartment.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises a first seat assembly and a second seat assembly, wherein the console is a center console disposed in a space between the first seat assembly and the second seat assembly.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises a first tray disposed within the first compartment for holding one or more items.

8. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image processing compares the captured image to known images stored in a memory.

9. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a second compartment disposed in the base housing, wherein the second compartment further comprises a pivoting lid that pivots between an open lid position and a closed lid position.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the pivoting cover further acts as an armrest.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the second compartment is located rearward of the first storage compartment.

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