STORAGE COMPARTMENT AND HANGING STORAGE MODULE WITH ILLUMINATED RIDER

Abstract

A storage compartment (20), comprising: a compartment; a storage module (30) supported on a support structure within the compartment and electrically coupled to a power source, the storage module (30) comprising: a storage pocket (33); a support arm (34) connected to the storage pocket (33) and configured to be supported on the support structure; and a tab (40) comprising a light source (42) and a user input sensor, the light source (42) illuminating the storage pocket (33) when the user input sensor detects a user input.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle storage compartment system and, more particularly, to a storage compartment incorporating illuminated storage modules such as hanging files. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Motor vehicles typically contain storage compartments arranged throughout the vehicle's interior for holding and storing objects such as paper documents, writing utensils, and portable electronic devices. Storage compartments are often cluttered and disorganized. Furthermore, it is often difficult to view the contents within the storage compartment. It is therefore desirable to provide a vehicle storage compartment with storage modules that are organized and easily visible by one or more occupants within the vehicle.

[0003] DE 20 2014 103 372 U1 is known from the prior art. This document describes a vehicle center console with a compartment, in which a partition with a tab can be inserted at one of several predefined positions.

[0004] US 5 018 057 A describes a touch-controlled light module that can be attached to a pocket using a clip.

[0005] Furthermore, JP 2004-344 629 A describes a storage compartment for documents, which includes storage pockets with a tab, which can be mounted on a non-electrically conductive support structure, whereby individual documents can be searched for by means of an electronic memory.

[0006] DE 10 2014 225 694 A1 describes a vehicle control device which includes an operating unit, wherein a capacitive proximity sensor can be used to detect an object within a predetermined proximity to the operating unit. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a storage compartment includes a compartment and a storage module supported on a support structure within the compartment and electrically coupled to a power source. The storage module includes a storage pocket, a support arm connected to the pocket and configured to be supported on the support structure, and a rider including a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle storage compartment system includes a compartment having a support structure and power contacts, and a storage module supported on a support structure within the compartment. The module includes a storage pocket, a support arm connected to the pocket and configured to be supported on the support structure, an electrical circuit coupled to the power contacts, and a tab including a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates at least a portion of the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage module includes a storage pocket, a support member supporting the pocket and configured to be supported on a support structure of a storage compartment, and a tab including a light source and a user input sensor, wherein the light source illuminates the pocket when the user input sensor detects a user input.

[0010] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after reading the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is an elevated front perspective view of a vehicle interior having a storage compartment with storage modules shown in register, according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is an enlarged front perspective view of the storage compartment, shown with a register partially removed; Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the storage compartment further illustrating the registers carried on a support structure on the base; Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a tab section of the register taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 3 and which shows an electrical circuit and components formed therein; Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the register light illumination system employed on the rider; Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a light control routine for controlling the illumination on the tab according to one embodiment; and Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a routine for controlling the illumination of the rider illumination light according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof refer to the invention in its orientation in Fig. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is capable of various alternative forms unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0013] Regarding the Fig. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally designates a motor vehicle equipped with a storage compartment 20 configured to hold illuminable storage modules 30, such as hanging files, according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an interior 12 of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10 is shown in an exemplary configuration with a driver seat 14 laterally spaced from a front passenger seat 16 on opposite left and right sides of the vehicle 10. As generally understood in the art, the storage compartment 20, shown in one embodiment as a center console storage compartment, is disposed longitudinally between the driver seat 14 and the front passenger seat 16 and extends rearwardly generally from a center console of the vehicle instrument panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 20 is supported by a floor of the vehicle 10 and is disposed in front of the rear passenger seats in the vehicle 10.As illustrated, the storage compartment 20 may be provided in an assembly that includes a gear shift lever and one or more cup holders positioned forward of the storage compartment 20, although it is contemplated that these features may alternatively be positioned on the storage compartment 20 or may otherwise not be included on the storage compartment 20. It is also contemplated that a forward portion of the storage compartment 20 may not be connected to the center console, and that the storage compartment 20 may alternatively be positioned within other portions of the vehicle 10, such as within a folded seatback of a center seat, a rear row of seats, a middle row of seats, a glove box 18, or other areas that may be configured to include an encloseable storage compartment 20 that can accommodate storage modules.

[0014] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the storage compartment 20 includes a base 22 generally having four side walls and a floor defining an interior storage space 25. In the embodiment shown, the base 22 has a cross-sectional configuration in the shape of a rectangle. A lid 28 is hinged to the base 22 about a hinge at the upper rear end to allow the lid 28 to pivot between an open position, as shown, and a closed position covering the base 22 and enclosing the storage space 25. The lid 28 can be lockably closed relative to the base 22 by a latch 27 at the upper front end and can be opened by a user (e.g., driver or passenger) manipulating the latch 27.The storage compartment 20 may further include a compartment lid switch 29 for detecting when the lid 28 is in the open position and for providing a closed electrical circuit for conducting electrical current to the power circuit within the storage compartment 20. When the lid 28 is in the closed position, the compartment lid switch 29 provides an open electrical circuit that prevents electrical current from being conducted into the storage compartment 20. The compartment lid switch 29 may include a proximity sensor or a mechanical switch.

[0015] The storage compartment 20 is configured, according to one embodiment, to receive one or more storage modules 30, shown as hanging files. The storage compartment 20 is configured to include first and second support rails 26A and 26B extending on opposite sides near the top of the base 22. The support rails 26A and 26B extend parallel to each other along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 and are spaced apart from each other at a distance sufficient to receive and support the storage modules 30. It is understood that the support rails 26A and 26B may otherwise be oriented in other directions, such as along a lateral direction of the vehicle 10.Each of the first and second support rails 26A and 26B includes an electrically conductive material, such as metal, that can be configured to form an electrical contact or contact strip that allows electrical current to flow thereon. One (e.g., the first) of the conductive support rails 26A and 26B is supplied with electrical power from the vehicle battery supply, and the other (e.g., the second) of the electrically conductive support rails 26A and 26B is grounded such that electrical current can be conducted via the conductive support rails 26A and 26B to the storage modules 30 within the storage compartment 20. The compartment lid switch 29 can be arranged in series with one of the conductive support rails 26A and 26B such that electrical power is only conducted to the support rails 26A and 26B when the compartment lid switch 29 detects that the lid 28 is in the open position.

[0016] The storage modules 30 are installed in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 as a hanging file, each having elongated support arms 34 connected to lower storage sections 32. The support arms 34 are each configured as an elongated member having first and second L-shaped sections 36A and 36B at opposite terminal ends 38 that engage the corresponding first and second conductive support rails 26A and 26B on the base 22 in such a manner that the storage module 30 rests on the support rails 26A and 26B and hangs suspended within the storage space 25. It should be understood that the lower storage section 32 may, according to some embodiments, include a U- or V-shaped binder, or, according to another embodiment, may include an accordion-like pull-out binder. The lower storage section 32 defines a storage pocket 33 between first and second walls 32A and 32B of folded binder material.The first and second walls 32A and 32B may be made of a filing material, such as pressed paper or cardboard, and connect at the upper end to the support arms 34. The storage module 30 can be easily disposed within the storage space 25 and supported on the conductive support rails 26A and 26B such that the storage module 30 hangs in a stowed position and can be removed from the storage space 25 by a user, as shown in FIG. Fig. 2 shown.

[0017] The support arms 34 extend the entire upper length of the storage module 30 and extend a distance behind the lower storage section 32. The storage module 30 also includes a tab 40 connected to or formed as a part of one of the first and second upper support arms 34. The tab 40 preferably extends above the corresponding support arms 24 so that it is visible behind the other storage modules 30 and can serve as a label or identification of the storage module 30. The tab 40 can include indicia printed thereon to uniquely identify the particular storage module or the contents stored therein, and the tab 40 can be illuminated, as described herein.

[0018] The rider 40 is the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, with various components formed on the tab 40 and encased within an overmold material 58. The tab 40 may include a first light source 42, which may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to illuminate an area proximate the storage module 30, such as the storage pocket 33 within the storage module 30. In the embodiment shown, the first light source 42 is shown illuminating a light 43 downwardly of the tab 40 toward the storage pocket 33 such that a user can view the contents within the storage pocket 33 of the storage module 30. The first light source 42 is shown positioned on a lower surface of the tab 40 to project a beam of light 43 downwardly from between the two upper support arms 34 into the lower storage pocket 33 between the first and second walls 32A and 32B.The tab 40 also includes a second light source 56, which may include one or more LEDs. In the illustrated embodiment, the second light source 56 includes an RGB light source that generates red, green, and blue light, and can generate mixtures thereof to produce different selectable light colors or hues. The second light source 56 can illuminate the tab 40 with a specific light color and light intensity such that the tab 40 is visibly illuminated and easily identifiable.

[0019] The rider 40 includes an electrical circuit for receiving electrical power slid through the electrical traces or contacts 36 within the associated support arm 34. A first proximity sensor 52 is shown provided near the upper side portion of the rider 40. The first proximity sensor forms a first switch for detecting a user activation input and for controlling the activation of the first light source 42. The first proximity sensor 52 may be configured as a capacitive sensor for detecting contact or close proximity of a person (e.g., finger) relative to the rider 40. The first proximity sensor 52 may be a capacitive sensor including first and second capacitive sensor electrode strips 52A and 52B energized and arranged to form a capacitive sensor array.The first and second capacitive sensor electrode strips 52A and 52B may be configured to include conductive fingers arranged such that the fingers of the first capacitive sensor electrode strip 52A interlock with the fingers of the second capacitive sensor electrode strip 52B. The first proximity sensor 52 may be configured as a capacitive sensor that generates a capacitive field. The first proximity sensor 52 provides a capacitive sensing activation field that can detect a user (person) in contact with or in close proximity to the tab 40.The sensing activation field of the first proximity sensor 52 is a capacitive field in the exemplary embodiment, and the user's finger and hand exhibit electrical conductivity and dielectric properties that result in a change or disturbance in the sensing activation field, which should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that additional or alternative types of proximity sensors may be used, such as, but not limited to, inductive sensors, optical sensors, temperature sensors, resistive sensors, or the like, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, it should be understood that other types of sensors or switches, including mechanical switches, may be employed according to further embodiments.The first proximity sensor 52 can be activated by a user to turn on the first light source 42 to thereby illuminate light 43 within the corresponding storage module 30 such that a user can view the contents stored within the illuminated storage module 30.

[0020] In addition, the tab 40 further includes a color selection switch 54 that allows a user to select a color of the light illumination of the tab 40 generated by the second light source 56. A user can activate the color selection switch 54 to change to a different light color. The color selection switch 54 may include a second proximity sensor and may be configured as a capacitive switch or proximity switch and may be located along a side or edge of the tab 40. Alternatively, the color selection switch may be a mechanical switch selector. The various components within the tab 40 may be encapsulated and protected with an overmold material 58, such as optical-grade silicone, which may include one or more transparent sections to allow light to shine therethrough.

[0021] In relation to Fig. 5 illustrates in more detail the light illumination control for the storage compartment 20 according to one embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 20 includes a controller 44, which is shown generally configured to include a microprocessor 46 and a memory 48. Stored on the memory 48 are a light control routine 100 and a flashlight routine 200, which are executed by the microprocessor 46. The light control routine 100 controls the illumination of the first light source 42 provided in the tab. The flashlight routine 200 controls the illumination of the tab's second illumination light source 56. The controller 44 may include analog and / or digital control circuitry for processing various inputs and controlling the light sources as outputs according to the routines 100 and 200.In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 44 receives electrical power 50 from the vehicle power supply when the compartment lid switch 29 is closed when the lid is in the open position. The electrical power is supplied to the hanging file via an electrical circuit extending across the support arms and the tab 40. Additionally, the capacitive proximity sensor 52 provides the controller 44 with a signal indicating whether a user is in contact with or in close proximity to the sensor for the purpose of controlling the first light source to illuminate the storage region (e.g., pocket) of the storage module. Additionally, the color selection switch 54 provides a signal to the controller 44 indicating user input for entering a tab light color selection.The controller 44 processes the various inputs and controls the light illumination provided to the register by the first light source 42 and also controls the intensity 56A and color 56B of the rider light source 56.

[0022] The light control routine 100, which is Fig. 6, begins at step 102 and proceeds to decision step 104 to determine if the storage compartment lid is in the open position and, if not, returns to the start. Electrical power is supplied to the support rails, and thus preferably to the tab, only when the storage compartment lid is in an open position, as determined by the compartment lid switch 29. If the storage compartment lid is in the open position and thus electrical power is supplied to the tab, routine 100 proceeds to step 106 to initialize the microprocessor and then proceeds to decision step 108 to determine if the tab selection flag is set. The tab selection flag indicates whether the tab was touched when the storage compartment lid was last opened.If the tab selection flag is set, routine 100 proceeds to decision step 110 to determine if the second turn-on flag is set and, if so, clears the second turn-on flag at step 116. The second turn-on flag indicates whether the tab was touched and therefore illuminated during the previous turn-on when the storage compartment lid was last opened and a tab was touched. If the second turn-on flag is not set, routine 100 proceeds to step 112 to execute the light-up subroutine and then to step 114 to set the second turn-on flag before the routine proceeds to decision step 120. Once the second turn-on flag is cleared, or if the tab selection flag is not set, routine 100 proceeds to step 118 to turn on the tab-color LED light source at a normal brightness or intensity.Next, routine 100 proceeds to decision step 120 to determine if the capacitive touch switch is enabled and, if not, waits for the switch to be enabled. If the capacitive touch switch is enabled, routine 100 proceeds to step 122 to turn on the tab LED, invoke the light-up routine, and set the tab selection marker. Next, at decision step 124, routine 100 determines if the capacitive touch switch is disabled and, if not, returns to step 122. If the capacitive touch switch is disabled, routine 100 proceeds to step 126 to turn off the folder LED light source and clear the second power-on marker.

[0023] The illumination routine 200, which is Fig.7, begins at step 202 when the flashing routine is activated. The flashing routine 200 is activated for a period of time when the storage compartment lid is detected to be in the open position to control the second light source on the tab to repeatedly flash to indicate the most recently used tab and thereby direct the user's attention. This allows the user to easily notice the storage module that was most recently used, which is advantageous in the event that the user wishes to access the same storage module, for example, to insert contents into the folder recently removed from it. Routine 200 proceeds to step 204 to turn on the selected tab LED light source at high intensity and then to step 206 to begin flashing the tab LED and start the flashing timer.The timer may be set to a fixed period of time, such as ten seconds according to one example. Next, at decision step 208, routine 200 determines whether the flash timer has expired. If not, it proceeds to decision step 210 to determine whether the user has touched the tab. If the user has not touched the tab, routine 200 returns to step 208. If a user has touched the tab or if the timer has expired, routine 200 proceeds to step 212 to stop flashing the tab LED and return to the normal light intensity. Thereafter, routine 200 ends at step 214.

[0024] Accordingly, the storage compartment 20 advantageously provides an electrically operated storage compartment 20 that supports and operates one or more hanging file or other storage modules 30 within a vehicle 10. The storage module 30 advantageously includes electrical circuitry and a tab 40 that includes a first light source and a user input sensor such that the light source can illuminate at least a portion of the storage module when the user input sensor detects a person in contact or close proximity. Further, the tab 40 can be illuminated with a second light source 56 to enable a user to quickly locate a particular storage module 30. Accordingly, the storage compartment 20 is particularly useful in a vehicle 10 to allow organized storage and access to items stored within the storage module 30.

[0025] It is to be understood that variations and modifications of the foregoing structure may be made without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless such claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Claims

[1] Storage compartment (20), comprising: simply; a storage module (30) supported on a support structure in the compartment and electrically coupled to a power source, the storage module (30) comprising: a storage pocket (33); a support arm (34) connected to the storage pocket (33) and configured to be supported on the support structure; and a tab (40) comprising a light source (42) and a user input sensor, wherein the light source (42) illuminates the storage pocket (33) when the user input sensor detects a user input. [2] The storage compartment (20) of claim 1, further comprising electrical conductors (36) provided on the support arms (34) and electrically coupled to the electrical contacts on the support structure. [3] Storage compartment (20) according to claim 1, wherein the storage module (30) is a hanging file. [4] Storage compartment (20) according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is a storage compartment (20) in a vehicle (10). [5] Storage compartment (20) according to claim 4, wherein the storage compartment (20) is a center console of the vehicle (10). [6] The storage compartment (20) of claim 1, wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor (52) for detecting a person who is in close proximity to the tab (40). [7] Storage compartment (20) according to claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor (52) comprises a capacitive sensor. [8] The storage compartment (20) of claim 1, further comprising another light source (56) disposed on the tab (40) for illuminating the tab (40). [9] Vehicle storage compartment system, comprising: a storage compartment (20) with a support structure and power contacts and a storage module (30) carried on the support structure in the compartment, the storage module (30) comprising: a storage pocket (33); a support arm (34) connected to the storage pocket (33) and configured to be supported on the support structure; an electrical circuit coupled to the power contacts; and a tab (40) comprising a light source (42) and a user input sensor, wherein the light source (42) illuminates at least a portion of the storage pocket (33) when the user input sensor detects a user input. [10] Vehicle storage compartment system according to claim 9, wherein the storage module (30) is a hanging file. [11] The vehicle storage compartment system of claim 9, wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor (52) for detecting a person in close proximity to the tab (40). [12] The vehicle storage compartment system of claim 11, wherein the proximity sensor (52) comprises a capacitive sensor. [13] Storage module (30), comprising: a storage pocket (33); a support member supporting the storage pocket (33) and configured to be supported on a support structure of a storage compartment (20); and a tab (40) comprising a light source (42) and a user input sensor, wherein the light source (42) illuminates the storage pocket (33) when the user input sensor detects a user input. [14] The storage module (30) of claim 13, further comprising electrical conductors (36) configured to receive electrical power (50). [15] Storage module (30) according to claim 13, wherein the storage module (30) is a hanging file. [16] Storage module (30) according to claim 13, wherein the storage module (30) is arranged in a storage compartment (20) in a vehicle (10). [17] Storage module (30) according to claim 16, wherein the storage compartment (20) is a center console of the vehicle (10). [18] The storage module (30) of claim 13, wherein the user input sensor comprises a proximity sensor (52) for detecting a person who is in close proximity to the rider (40). [19] Storage module (30) according to claim 18, wherein the proximity sensor (52) comprises a capacitive sensor. [20] Storage module (30) according to claim 13, further comprising a further light source (56) arranged on the tab (40) for illuminating the tab (40).

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