Storage assembly for vehicle interior
By designing a combination of engaging elements and soft components on the tray, the problem of noise generated by vibration of vehicle storage components is solved, resulting in a quieter in-vehicle experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422773493.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-28
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle storage components are prone to generating noise and rattling sounds when vibrating, affecting the passenger's in-vehicle experience.
A storage assembly is designed in which the second surface of the tray has a coupling element adapted to receive a receiving portion of a soft component, so that the soft component is firmly engaged with the tray and can only travel in the longitudinal or width direction to avoid detachment, while the soft cushioning portion frictionally engages with the inner wall of the storage box to reduce noise.
It effectively reduces noise and rattling between the tray and storage box, providing a quieter in-vehicle environment and improving passenger comfort.
Smart Images
Figure CN223631431U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present utility model relates to a storage assembly for use in a vehicle interior. More particularly, the present utility model relates to a storage assembly for holding articles such as cups or beverage containers. BACKGROUND
[0002] Integration of storage assemblies within vehicles to hold beverage containers or cups or any other similar articles has become an important aspect of modern automobile design, which can improve the comfort and convenience of the occupants / passengers during travel. Such storage assemblies provide dedicated space to safely store beverage containers within the vehicle so that the passengers can carry beverages or refreshments during the journey. The primary purpose of these storage assemblies is to hold beverage containers such as cups, bottles or cans or other similar articles safely during travel. This ensures that the beverages remain stable, minimizing spillage and potential disturbance to the driver.
[0003] However, with the development of vehicles, to improve comfort and convenience, vehicles can accommodate various accessories and facilities, and it is increasingly popular to incorporate cup holders into larger storage assemblies. This integration makes the use of interior space of the vehicle more orderly and efficient.
[0004] The addition of a tray above the storage component not only provides a designated space to place cups, but also extends the utility of the cup holder by providing an area to place small items or creating an orderly storage space. Such cup holders, especially those with integrated trays above the storage component, must ensure stability and prevent rattling due to friction between the tray and the storage housing of the storage component. However, in most cases, when items are placed in the tray or cup holder, movement or vibration during vehicle travel can cause unnecessary rattling or effects.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a storage assembly that allows passengers or occupants to keep articles stable and allows them to easily use the articles while driving.
[0006] The utility model discloses
[0007] The purpose of the present utility model is to provide a storage assembly for use in a vehicle interior, which effectively minimizes the noise and rattling generated between the detachable trays arranged above the housing or storage space of the storage box of the storage assembly, to ensure that passengers enjoy a quieter and more enjoyable in-vehicle experience.
[0008] Another purpose of the present utility model is to provide a soft component arranged on the engagement element of the detachable tray, so that the soft component can only travel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or width direction of the tray, thereby avoiding accidental detachment of the soft component from the tray. SUMMARY
[0009] According to the present application, a storage assembly for a vehicle interior is provided. The storage assembly can include a storage box defining a storage space for storing items, and a tray having a first surface and a second surface extending substantially perpendicular or obliquely from the first surface. The tray is detachably arranged over the storage space of the storage box.
[0010] The second surface of the tray can have an engagement element adapted to receive a receiving portion of a soft component so as to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray and an inner wall of the storage box when the tray is mounted over the storage space. The engagement element can extend substantially perpendicular from the second surface to configure the soft component thereon. This particular arrangement of the engagement element allows the soft component to only travel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray, thereby avoiding accidental disengagement of the soft component from the tray.
[0011] In one aspect of the present application, the engagement element on the second surface of the tray can be a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped protrusion extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface. In one aspect, the soft component is a block-like structure and the receiving portion of the soft component is a cavity aligned and complementary to the engagement element such that the soft component is securely engaged with the tray. In one aspect of the present application, the engagement element on the second surface of the tray can be a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicular from the second surface, the soft component is a block-like structure and the receiving portion of the soft component is a protrusion aligned and complementary to the engagement element such that the soft component is securely engaged with the tray. This particular design of the engagement element allows the soft component to only travel in a direction parallel to the longitudinal or width direction of the tray, thereby avoiding accidental disengagement of the soft component from the tray and allowing replacement if only one soft component is damaged.
[0012] In one aspect, the engagement elements can protrude from at least the diagonal corners of the tray, each engagement element being arranged within a recessed portion of a respective corner formed by two second surfaces mating obliquely to each other.
[0013] In one aspect, the soft component can include a cavity / U-shaped cavity aligned and complementary to a protrusion / U-shaped protrusion of the engagement element, thereby enabling secure engagement between the soft component and the engagement element. In another aspect, the soft component can include a protrusion / U-shaped protrusion aligned and complementary to a cavity / U-shaped cavity of the engagement element, thereby enabling secure engagement between the soft component and the engagement element.
[0014] In one aspect, the receiving portion of the soft component can be engaged with the engagement element such that a portion of the soft component is located above the engagement element of the tray while a portion is located below the engagement element and the soft component wraps and covers the recessed portion. The soft component is surrounded by the three surfaces of the recessed portion at least on the diagonal corners to lock the rotational movement of the soft component within the recessed portion.
[0015] In one aspect, the soft component can have a soft cushioning portion or two soft cushioning portions. When the tray is assembled on the storage space of the storage box, the soft cushioning portion can be in abutment with the inner wall portion of the storage box to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray with the storage box.
[0016] In one aspect, the snap element can be located on the engagement element which is adapted to be securely fastened or snap fit with the corresponding opening located at the bottom section of the soft component. The soft component can be a square rubber bushing.
[0017] In one aspect, the storage box can include a protruding portion extending from the inner wall of the storage box towards the storage space, wherein the tray is positioned on the protruding portion of the storage box, thereby ensuring the defined space between the tray and the base of the storage box.
[0018] In another aspect, the tray can include a circular opening to accommodate a cup or similar item within the space between the tray and the storage box. The circular opening is adapted to receive and hold the item therein such that a portion of the item is located above the tray to facilitate easy removal of the cup from the storage assembly.
[0019] In another aspect, a method of assembling a soft component onto a tray within a storage assembly of a vehicle interior is provided. The storage assembly includes a tray having a first surface and a second surface, the tray being removably arranged over a housing of a storage box. The second surface of the tray has an engagement element adapted to receive the soft component to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray and the storage box.
[0020] First, the soft component is installed by pushing the soft component along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tray such that the engagement element is pushed into the receiving portion of the soft component. In addition, the tray is installed vertically over the storage space, ensuring a secure friction fit between the tray and the storage box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] The advantages and features of the present application will be better understood through a consideration of the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements in which:
[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view of a storage assembly for a vehicle interior according to the present application is shown;
[0023] Figure 2 Another view of the storage assembly is shown when the tray is not engaged with the storage box;
[0024] Figure 3 A perspective view of the tray according to the present utility model is shown, with the soft component arranged on each corner of the tray;
[0025] Figure 4 Another arrangement view of the soft component with the buffer portion is shown;
[0026] Figure 5 An arrangement of the engagement element on the recessed portion of the tray according to the present utility model is shown;
[0027] Figure 6 A perspective view of the soft component with the receiving portion and the snap element engaged with the snap element portion of the engagement element is shown;
[0028] Figure 7 An assembly direction of the soft component with the engagement element according to the present utility model when the soft component is not engaged with the engagement element is shown;
[0029] Figure 8 An engagement position of the soft component when the soft component is engaged with the engagement element is shown;
[0030] Figure 9 An arrangement of the tray with the soft component of the present utility model on the top of the storage box is shown; and
[0031] Figure 10 An assembly method of the tray of the storage assembly according to the present utility model is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Embodiments of the present utility model will now be described in detail to explain its features. The words "comprise", "have", "contain" and "include" and other forms thereof should have the same meaning and are open-ended because the items following any one of the words are not meant to be an exhaustive list of such items, nor are they meant to be limited to only the items specified.
[0033] The terms "first", "second", and the like in this document do not denote any order, number, or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "one" and "an" in this document do not denote a limitation of quantity, but denote the existence of at least one reference item.
[0034] The disclosed embodiments are only examples of the present utility model, which can be embodied in various forms.
[0035] The utility model provides a kind of for the storage assembly in vehicle interior, it effectively minimizes the noise and rattle usually emitted between detachable tray and the shell of storage assembly, to ensure that passenger obtains more quiet and more pleasant in-car experience.
[0036] Referring to Figure 1 , a storage assembly 100 for use in a vehicle interior according to the utility model is shown. The storage assembly includes a storage box 200 and a tray 110. The storage assembly 100 can be arranged on an interior panel of the vehicle for easy access by the driver, front seat passenger and rear seat passengers. In one embodiment, the storage assembly 100 is arranged on an armrest of the vehicle, specifically below the armrest storage. In one embodiment, the storage assembly 100 is arranged on a center console of the vehicle, for example between the driver and front passenger seats.
[0037] Referring to Figure 2 , the storage box 200 includes a base 200a, side walls 210 and an open top 220 which define a housing having a storage space for storing items such as phones, pens, clothes, books and the like.
[0038] The side walls 210 of the storage box 200 have a protrusion 215 which protrudes inwardly from an inner surface of the side walls 210 towards the storage space of the storage box 200. The tray 110 is detachably or releasably secured over the storage space of the storage box 200. Specifically, the tray 110 is positioned on the protrusion 215 which extends from the inner wall 220 of the storage box towards the storage space, thereby ensuring that there is a defined space between the tray 110 and the base 200a of the storage box 200. The tray 110 has a generally rectangular shape which corresponds to the storage space of the storage box 200 such that when the tray 110 is placed over the storage box 200, the tray 110 is aligned with the protrusion 215 of the storage box 200. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the tray 110 can be made in any different shape to align with the protrusion 215 of the storage box 200 such that the tray 110 can be configured as a lid of the storage box 200.
[0039] In one embodiment (not shown), the tray 110 can include a snap-fit or locking mechanism. In such an embodiment, the tray 110 can include a lock, snap or latch which engages with a corresponding part on the storage box 200 to ensure a secure fit. The tray 110 can be released by pressing a button or releasing the latch.
[0040] Further, the tray 110 includes a first surface 110a and a second surface 110b extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface 110a. The first surface 110a is a top portion of the tray 110, which provides a means for placing an article. More specifically, the first surface 110a has substantially circular openings 112a, 112b adapted to receive and hold an article 300 therein such that a portion of the article 300 is positioned above the tray 110. The circular openings 112a, 112b are adapted to hold articles 300, such as a beverage cup or can, and the like. In the present embodiment, the first surface 110a includes two circular openings 112a, 112b. In an embodiment (not shown), the first surface 110a is a flat surface for holding and containing articles, such as books, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and the like.
[0041] The second surface 110b of the tray 110 is a bottom side portion of the tray 110, which extends substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface 110a. The second surface 110b of the tray 110 has engagement elements 120, which are extension members extending along a width direction of the tray 110, as shown in Figure 5 In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engagement elements 120 extend along a longitudinal direction of the tray 110. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 5 the engagement elements 120 are U-shaped protrusions extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface 110b. In an alternative embodiment, the engagement elements are I-shaped or H-shaped. In an embodiment, the engagement elements 120 are U-shaped protrusions extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction or a width direction of the tray 110.
[0042] Further, the engagement elements 120 protrude from at least the diagonal corners of the tray 110. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2 , 5 the engagement elements 120 protrude from all corners 150 of the second surface 110b, and each engagement element 120 extends substantially perpendicularly to the second surface 110b. In one embodiment, the engagement elements 120 protrude from each corner 150 of the second surface 110b, and each engagement element 120 extends substantially perpendicularly to the second surface 110b. In the present embodiment, the engagement elements 120 are disposed within recessed portions 140 of respective corners 150 formed by two second surfaces 110b-1 and 110b-2 that are obliquely mated to each other. In one embodiment, the tray includes four engagement elements 120, each extending from each corner of the tray 110.
[0043] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4The engaging elements 120 are adapted to receive the receiving portions 132 of the soft components 130 so as to form a secure friction fit between the tray 110 and the inner walls of the storage box 200 when the tray 110 is installed over the storage space. In the present embodiment, the engaging elements 120 extend substantially perpendicularly from the second surface 110b to configure the soft components 130 thereon.
[0044] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 2 there are four soft components 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d that are engaged with the respective engaging elements 120 arranged on each corner of the tray 110. In an embodiment (not shown), two soft components are arranged corresponding to the engaging elements 120 arranged on the opposite diagonal corners of the tray 110. The soft components 130 can be flexible elements made of rubber or rubber-like materials that are known for their flexibility, softness, and ability to absorb vibrations. The soft components 130 can also have properties that allow for easy molding and shaping to fit the engaging elements 120 of the tray 110. In the present embodiment, the soft components 130 are block-like structures, and the receiving portions 132 of the soft components 130 are cavities that are aligned and complementary to the engaging elements 120, such that the soft components 130 are able to securely engage with the tray 110. In one embodiment, the soft components 130 are square rubber bushings with chamfered ends, and the assembly direction of the soft components 130 is parallel to the longitudinal direction or width direction of the tray 110 and substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the tray 110.
[0045] Referring to Figure 6 , the soft components 130 include cavities 132 that are aligned and complementary to the protrusions of the engaging elements 120, thereby enabling secure engagement between the soft components 130 and the engaging elements 120. In the present embodiment, the soft components 130 have U-shaped cavities 132 that are aligned and complementary to the U-shaped protrusions of the engaging elements 120. In an alternative design (not shown), the engaging elements 120 are I-shaped structures.
[0046] Furthermore, when the soft components 130 are engaged with the engaging elements 120, a portion of the soft components 130 is above the engaging elements 120, while a portion is below the engaging elements 120. In the engaged position, the soft components 130 wrap around and cover the recessed portions 140. The soft components 130 are enclosed by the three surfaces 140a, 110b-1, and 110b-2 of the recessed portions 140 on each corner 150 to lock rotational movement of the soft components 130 within the recessed portions 140.
[0047] In the engaged position, the engaging elements 120 are engaged with the soft components 130, causing the soft components 130 to cover the three surfaces 140a, 110b-1, 110b-2 of the recessed portions 140 on each corner 150, as Figure 4 ,8 and 9.
[0048] Reference is now made to Figure 4 and 6 The soft component 130 has soft cushioning portions arranged on the adjacent sides of the soft component 130 which are not in contact with the tray 110 when installed on the tray 110. In the present embodiment, the two cushioning portions 134a, 134b are adapted to abut with the inner wall portions of the storage case 200 when the tray is assembled over the storage space of the storage case 200. The soft cushioning portions 134a, 134b are protruding mounts on the adjacent sides of the soft component 130 which can have a circular or semi-circular shape to ensure a firm but detachable friction fit between the tray 110 and the storage case 200. When the tray 110 is assembled over the storage space of the storage case 200, the soft cushioning portions 134a, 134b engage with a portion of the housing 200, in particular, with the inner wall portions or inner side walls 220 of the storage case 200 to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray 110 with the storage case 200 as shown in Figure 9 Meanwhile, the arrangement of the soft component 130 with the soft cushioning portions 134a, 134b minimizes the noise and rattling sound emitted between the tray 110 and the housing of the storage case 200.
[0049] Further, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 A snap-in member 122 is provided at the bottom section of the engagement element 120. The snap-in member 122 is adapted to securely snap with the corresponding opening 136 located at the bottom section of the soft component 130. The snap-in member 122 is a protrusion protruding downwardly from the engagement element 120 and snaps with the corresponding opening 136 of the soft component to ensure interlocking between the soft component 130 and the engagement element 120. When the soft component 130 is installed onto the engagement element 120, the snap-in member 122 securely snaps into the opening 136 with interlocking formed therebetween to prevent the soft component 130 from detaching with the engagement element 120.
[0050] In one aspect of the present utility model, a method 500 of assembling a tray of a storage assembly 100 according to the present utility model is provided. The method 500 is described in conjunction with the above-mentioned storage assembly 100. The storage assembly 100 comprises a tray 110 having a first surface 110a and a second surface 110b extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface 110a. The tray 110 is detachably arranged over the housing or storage space of the storage case 200, the second surface 110b of the tray 110 has an engagement element 120 adapted to receive a receiving portion 132 of a soft component 130 to facilitate a firm friction fit between the tray 110 and the storage case 200. The method 500 starts from step 510:
[0051] At step 520, the tray is provided with an engagement element 120.
[0052] At step 530, the soft component 130 is provided with a receiving portion 132.
[0053] At step 540, the installation is performed by pushing the soft component 130 along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the tray 110, such that the engagement element 120 is pushed into the receiving portion 132 of the soft component 130.
[0054] At step 550, the tray 110 is installed vertically above the storage space, ensuring a firm friction fit between the tray 110 and the inner walls of the storage box 200. The method ends at step 560.
[0055] Thus, the present application provides a storage assembly for use in a vehicle interior that effectively minimizes the noise and rattle emitted between the tray and the housing of the storage assembly, ensuring that the passengers have a quieter and more enjoyable in-vehicle experience. It further maximizes the space utilization within the storage space by effectively organizing the items such as beverage containers within the tray. The tray in the storage assembly can be provided as a separate accessory, which can be altered as per the user's requirements, enhancing the modularity and customization of the storage assembly. The user can adjust the tray to suit their specific needs and preferences, thereby providing a personalized experience.
[0056] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the present application is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the application and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the application, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the application be defined by the claims and their equivalents, and it is understood that all equivalents within the scope of the claims are embraced by the claims.
Claims
1. A storage assembly (100) for use in a vehicle interior, the storage assembly (100) comprising: a storage box (200) defining a storage space for storing items therein, a tray (110) having a first surface (110a) and a second surface (110b) extending substantially perpendicularly or obliquely from the first surface (110a), the tray (110) being removably arranged over the storage space of the storage box (200); wherein the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) has an engagement element (120) adapted to receive a receiving portion (132) of a soft component (130) to facilitate a secure friction fit between the tray (110) and an inner wall of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is installed over the storage space, wherein the engagement element (120) extends substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b) to configure the soft component (130) thereon or therein.
2. The storage assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The engagement element (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped protrusion extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b), and wherein the soft component (130) is a block-like structure and the receiving portion (132) of the soft component (130) is a cavity aligned and complementary to the engagement element (120) such that the soft component (130) is securely engaged with the tray (110).
3. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, At least the diagonal corners (150) of the tray (110) have an engagement element (120), each engagement element (120) being arranged within a recessed portion (140) of a respective corner (150) formed by two second surfaces (110b-1, 110b-2) obliquely mating with each other.
4. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, The engagement element (120) on the second surface (110b) of the tray (110) is a U-shaped or I-shaped or H-shaped cavity extending substantially perpendicularly from the second surface (110b), wherein the soft component (130) is a block-like structure and the receiving portion (132) of the soft component (130) is a cavity aligned and complementary to the engagement element (120) such that the soft component (130) is securely engaged with the tray (110).
5. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, The receiving portion (132) of the soft component (130) engages with the engagement element (120) of the tray (110) such that a portion of the soft component (130) is above the engagement element (120) and a portion is below the engagement element (120) such that the soft component (130) wraps around and covers the recessed portion (140) such that the soft component (130) is enclosed by three surfaces (140a, 110b-1 and 110b-2) of the recessed portion (140) on each corner (150) to lock rotational movement of the soft component (130) within the recessed portion (140).
6. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, The soft component (130) has two cushioning portions (134a, 134b) that abut against inner wall portions of the storage box (200) when the tray (110) is assembled over the storage space of the storage box (200) to enhance the friction fit installation of the tray (110) with the storage box (200).
7. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, A snap member (122) is located on the engagement element (120), which is adapted to securely snap with a corresponding opening (136) of the soft component (130).
8. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, The storage box (200) includes a protruding portion (215) extending from an inner wall (220) of the storage box towards the storage space, wherein the tray (110) is positioned on the protruding portion (215) of the storage box (200) to ensure a defined space between the tray (110) and a base (200a) of the storage box (200).
9. The storage assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein, The tray (110) includes circular openings (112a, 112b) adapted to receive and hold items (300) therein such that a portion of the items (300) is located above the tray (110).