Vehicle storage device with vibration dissipator

Abstract

Vehicle storage device with vibration dissipator The present invention relates to a storage device comprising: a receptacle and a cover; a latch (42), movable relative to the cover between a locking position and an unlocking position; a pusher (46, 62), movable relative to the cover between a rest position and an actuating position; and an elastic return means (68), tending to move the pusher (62) towards the rest position. A movement of the pusher (62) towards the actuating position leads to a rotation of the latch (42) towards the unlocking position. The device further comprises a tab (66) extending from the pusher (62) to one end in contact with the latch (42), said tab (66) deforming elastically during the movement of the pusher (62) between the rest position and the actuating position. Figure for abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle storage device with vibration dissipator

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage device intended for fitting a vehicle interior, of the type comprising: a receptacle; a cover, movable relative to the receptacle between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a latch, movable in rotation relative to the cover, between a locking position and an unlocking position; a first elastic return means, tending to move the latch relative to the cover towards the locking position; a pusher, movable relative to the cover between a rest position and an actuating position; and a second elastic return means, tending to move the pusher relative to the cover towards the rest position; the storage device being configured so that a movement of the pusher from the rest position towards the actuating position leads to a rotation of the latch from the locking position towards the unlocking position.

[0002] The invention applies particularly to storage devices intended for fitting a vehicle interior, such as glove boxes. Such storage devices are integrated into the interior of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. Such a storage device is described in particular in document US2007 / 0080553.

[0003] However, it is common for the locking mechanism of such a storage device to be sensitive to vibrations produced when the vehicle is moving. This results in parasitic noises, or even an untimely opening of the cover in the event of a particularly strong jolt. In order to resolve these problems, it is common to equip the locking mechanism with felt pad type shock absorbers, or to grease said mechanism.

[0004] The present invention aims to propose a storage device less sensitive to vehicle vibrations than existing devices. To this end, the invention relates to a storage device of the aforementioned type, further comprising at least one tab extending between a first and a second end, the first end being integral with the pusher, the second end being in contact with the latch in each of the rest and actuated positions of the pusher, said at least one tab being configured to deform elastically when the pusher moves between the rest position and the actuated position.

[0005] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the storage device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0006] - the storage device is configured so that, the pusher being in the rest position and the latch being in the locking position, the at least one tab exerts an elastic force on the latch, tending to move the pusher away from said latch;

[0007] - the pusher is movable in rotation relative to the cover between the rest position and the actuation position;

[0008] - the pusher is movable in translation relative to the cover between the position of rest and actuation position;

[0009] - the pusher and the at least one tab are formed in one piece;

[0010] - the second elastic return means is formed in one piece with the pusher and at least one leg;

[0011] - the storage device further comprises an assembly member secured to the re receptacle, such that the latch in the locking position is capable of being engaged with the assembly member to maintain the cover in the closed configuration; and in the unlocking position, the latch is dissociated from said assembly member, allowing movement of said cover in the open configuration;

[0012] - the assembly member comprises at least one opening formed in the re receptacle; the latch comprises at least one hook; and in the locking position of the latch, the at least one hook is adapted to be engaged in the at least one opening to maintain the cover in a closed configuration;

[0013] - the storage device further comprises a third elastic return means, tending to move the cover relative to the receptacle toward the open configuration;

[0014] - the receptacle is intended to be arranged in the vehicle so that the cavity is open upwards.

[0015] The invention further relates to a vehicle interior trim, comprising a storage device as described above.

[0016] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0017] [Fig. 1][Fig.2] Figures 1 and 2 are exploded perspective views of a storage device according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.4] Figures 3 and 4 are detailed views of the storage device of the Figures 1 and 2.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show a storage device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] The device 10 is particularly intended for the interior trim of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0021] The storage device 10 comprises: a receptacle 12; a cover 14; and a locking mechanism 16. In the embodiment shown, the storage device 10 further comprises an elastic return means 18, for example a spring 18.

[0022] The receptacle 12 forms a cavity 20 intended to receive objects stored by users of the vehicle equipped with the storage device 10. In particular, the receptacle 12 comprises an upper edge 22, with a closed contour, defining said cavity 20. In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 12 is intended to be arranged in the vehicle so that the cavity 20 is preferably open upwards.

[0023] In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 12 comprises an assembly member 24. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the assembly member 24 comprises two openings 26 formed in the receptacle 12, near the upper edge 22. The assembly member 24 will be described in more detail below.

[0024] The cover 14 is movable relative to the receptacle 12 between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the cover 14 is assembled to the upper edge 22 of the receptacle 12, so as to close the cavity 20. In the open configuration, not shown, the cover 14 is spaced from the upper edge 22 of the receptacle 12, so as to allow access to the cavity 20.

[0025] In the embodiment shown, the cover 14 is rotatable relative to the receptacle 12 along a first axis 28. Preferably, the first axis 28 is arranged opposite the assembly member 24 relative to the cavity 20.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the device is configured so that the first axis 28 is arranged substantially horizontally and the cover 14 pivots upwards to move into the open configuration.

[0027] In the embodiment shown, the spring 18 tends to rotate the cover 14 relative to the receptacle 12 towards the open configuration. In a variant not shown, the device 10 does not include a spring and the cover can be manually pivoted relative to the receptacle 12.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, the cover 14 comprises a lower element 30 and an upper element 32. In the closed configuration of the cover 14, the lower element 30 is oriented towards the cavity 20.

[0029] The lower element 30 and the upper element 32 are assembled to each other so as to form an internal compartment 34.

[0030] The lower element 30 comprises at least one orifice 36 opening onto the internal compartment 34. In the embodiment shown, the lower element 30 comprises two orifices 36. In the closed configuration of the cover 14, each of the orifices 36 is arranged opposite an opening 26 of the receptacle 12, as will be described below.

[0031] The upper element 32 comprises: an external surface 37, opposite the internal compartment 34; a cutout 38 with a closed contour, formed in said external surface and opening onto the internal compartment 34; and a lug 40, projecting into said internal compartment 34.

[0032] The locking mechanism 16 is intended to maintain the cover 14 in the closed configuration and to allow said cover to be opened by actuation by a user of the vehicle.

[0033] The locking mechanism 16 comprises: a latch 42; a first elastic return means 44; and an actuating element 46.

[0034] The latch 42 comprises a body 50 and at least one hook 52.

[0035] The body 50 has an elongated shape, extending between two ends 54. The body 50 is arranged in the internal compartment 34 of the cover 14 and each of the two ends 54 is articulated to the lower compartment 30. The latch 42 is thus movable in rotation relative to the cover 14 along a second axis 56, substantially parallel to the first axis 28.

[0036] The body 50 comprises a bearing surface 58, extending between the two ends 54. In a plane perpendicular to the second axis 56, the bearing surface 58 preferably has a curved section.

[0037] The at least one hook 52 forms a projection relative to the body 50, opposite the bearing surface 58. In the embodiment shown, the latch 42 comprises two hooks 52, each of said hooks being arranged close to one end 54 of the body 50. Each of said hooks 52 is arranged in one of the orifices 36 of the lower element 30 of the cover 14, so as to form a projection outside the internal compartment 34.

[0038] The latch 42 is rotatable relative to the cover 14 between a locking position and an unlocking position. Figures 1, 2 and 4 show the latch 42 in the locking position.

[0039] The latch 42 in the locking position is adapted to be engaged with the assembly member 24 to maintain the cover 14 in the closed configuration. In the embodiment shown, in the locking position of the latch 42, each of the hooks 52 is adapted to be engaged in an opening 26 of the receptacle 12 to maintain the cover 14 in the closed configuration.

[0040] As will be described below, in the unlocked position, the latch 42 is dissociated from the assembly member 24.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the latch 42 described above is made in a single piece, preferably in a plastic material of the PA6-GF30 type.

[0042] The first elastic return means 44 tends to move the latch 42 relative to the cover 14 towards the locking position. In the embodiment shown, the first elastic return means 44 is in the form of an elastic blade fixed to the lower element 30, arranged in the internal compartment 34 and in contact with the body 50 of the latch.

[0043] The actuating element 46 is arranged in the internal compartment 34 and comprises: a support 60; a pusher 62; an actuating bar 64; at least one tab 66; and a second elastic return means 68.

[0044] The support 60 is articulated to the upper element 32 of the cover 14, along a third axis 70 substantially parallel to the first 28 and second 56 axes. The support 60 extends substantially in a plane comprising the third axis 70.

[0045] As described below, the actuating element 46 is rotatable relative to the cover 14 along the third axis 70, between a rest position and an actuating position. Figures 2-4 show the actuating element 46 in the rest position. The rest and actuating positions will be described in more detail below.

[0046] The pusher 62 forms a relief relative to the support 60 and has an actuating surface 72, substantially parallel to said support. The pusher 62 is received in the cutout 38 of the upper element 32, so that in the rest position of said pusher 62, the actuating surface 72 is flush with the external surface 37 of said upper element 32.

[0047] Pressure exerted on the actuating surface 72, in the direction of the lower element 30, is capable of pivoting the actuating element 46 from the rest position to the actuating position.

[0048] In a variant not shown, the pusher 62 is movable in translation relative to the cover, between the rest position and the actuating position.

[0049] The actuating bar 64 extends substantially parallel to the third axis 70. The actuating bar 64 forms a relief relative to the support 60, opposite the pusher 62 relative to the plane in which said support 60 extends. In said plane, the actuating surface 72 is substantially arranged between the third axis 70 and the actuating bar 64.

[0050] In the rest position of the actuating element 46, the actuating bar 64 is at a distance from the bearing surface 58 of the body 50 of the latch 42. As described below, when said element 46 moves from the rest position to the actuating position, the actuating bar 64 comes into contact with said bearing surface 58.

[0051] The at least one tab 66 extends projecting relative to the support, on the side of the actuating bar 64. More precisely, the at least one tab 66 extends between a first end, integral with the support 60, and a second free end 76. Preferably, the at least one tab 66 has a curved shape between the first and second 76 ends.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 46 comprises two tabs 66, located on either side of the actuating bar 64 in a direction parallel to the third axis 70.

[0053] The second end 76 of each of the legs 66 is in contact with the bearing surface 58 of the body 50 of the latch 42. Each of the legs 66 is capable of deforming elastically during a movement of the actuating element 46 between the rest position and the actuating position.

[0054] Preferably, when the actuating element 46 is in the rest position and the latch 42 in the locking position, each of the tabs 66 exerts an elastic force on the bearing surface 58, tending to pivot the actuating element 46 so as to move the pusher 62 away from the latch 42.

[0055] The second elastic return means 68 tends to move the pusher 62 relative to the cover 14 towards the rest position.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the second elastic return means 68 extends relative to the support 60 substantially in the plane of said support. More precisely, the second elastic return means 68 has the shape of a C-shaped strip, each end of said strip being integral with the support. The second elastic return means 68 is arranged opposite the pusher 62 relative to the third axis 70.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the strip forming the second elastic return means 68 comprises a central portion 78, arranged between the two ends of said strip. The central portion 78 is in contact with the lug 40 of the upper element 32. As described below, said central portion 78 is capable of deforming elastically in contact with said lug 40 during rotation of the actuating element 46 around the third axis 70.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the actuating element 46 described above is made in a single piece, preferably from a plastic material.

[0059] Preferably, the actuating element 46 and the latch 42 are made of different materials. For example, the plastic material used for the actuating element 46 is of the P / E-MD18 type.

[0060] An operation of the storage device 10 will now be described.

[0061] When moving the vehicle equipped with the storage device 10, the cover 14 is generally arranged in the closed configuration. The latch 42 is then in the locking position, each of the hooks 52 being engaged in an opening 26 of the receptacle 12.

[0062] The actuating element 46 is in the rest position, the actuating bar 64 being spaced from the bearing surface 58 of the body 50 of the latch.

[0063] On the other hand, the second end 76 of each of the legs 66 of said actuating element is in contact with said bearing surface 58.

[0064] The vibrations of the vehicle, which are transmitted to the latch 42, are thus absorbed by the cover 14 via the lugs 66 and the entire actuating element 46. This results in a reduction of the parasitic noises which could be generated by the locking mechanism 16 when the vehicle is moving. Similarly, the dissipation of the vibrations prevents untimely unlocking of the latch 42.

[0065] When a user of the vehicle wishes to access the cavity 20 of the receptacle 12, he exerts pressure on the actuating surface 72 of the pusher 62. The actuating element 46 then pivots relative to the cover 14 around the third axis 70, from the rest position to the actuating position.

[0066] During the pivoting of said actuating element 46, the actuating bar 64 comes into contact with the bearing surface 58 of the body 50 of the latch 42. As the pivoting continues, the actuating bar 64 tilts the latch 42 around the second axis 56, from the locking position to the unlocking position. During this tilting, the tabs 66 slide along the curved bearing surface 58.

[0067] The tilting of the latch 42 causes the hooks 52 to disengage from the openings 26 of the receptacle 12. The spring 18 then relaxes, causing the cover 14 to pivot, for example, upwards, from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0068] Furthermore, during the pivoting of the actuating element 46 and before the actuating bar 64 and the latch 42 come into contact, the tabs 66 deform elastically in a constrained manner. More precisely, the tabs 66 undergo constrained bending, the second ends 76 of said tabs pressing on the bearing surface 58 of the latch.

[0069] Furthermore, during the pivoting of the actuating element 46, the central part 78 of the second elastic return means 68 deforms elastically in a constrained manner, by pressing on the lug 40.

[0070] When the latch 42 is in the unlocked position, the user stops exerting pressure on the pusher 62. The second elastic return means 68 then returns to its initial shape, returning the actuating element 46 to the rest position relative to the cover 14. Similarly, the first elastic return means 44 returns the latch 42 to the locked position, the cover 14 remaining in the open configuration.

[0071] Similarly, the legs 66 return to their initial configuration, the first ends of said legs moving away from the bearing surface 58. The second ends 76 of said legs remain in contact with said bearing surface.

[0072] In order to close the cover 14, the user folds said cover against the upper edge 22 of the receptacle, while exerting further pressure on the pusher 62, in order to re-engage the hooks 52 with the openings 26.

[0073] Such a locking mechanism 16 ensures dissipation of the vibrations transmitted to the latch 42, due to the permanent contact between said latch and the tabs 66 of the actuating element 46, connected to the cover. Interference noises are thus eliminated, without requiring the addition of additional elements to the device.

Claims

Claims

1. Storage device (10) for vehicle interior trim, comprising: a receptacle (12) forming a cavity (20); a cover (14), movable relative to the receptacle between an open configuration and a closed configuration; a latch (42), movable in rotation relative to the cover (14), between a locking position and an unlocking position; a first elastic return means (44), tending to move the latch (42) relative to the cover (14) towards the locking position; a pusher (46, 62), movable relative to the cover (14) between a rest position and an actuating position; and a second elastic return means (68), tending to move the pusher (62) relative to the cover (14) towards the rest position;the storage device (10) being configured so that a movement of the pusher (62) from the rest position to the actuating position leads to a rotation of the latch (42) from the locking position to the unlocking position; the storage device (10) being characterized in that it further comprises at least one tab (66) extending between a first and a second end, the first end being integral with the pusher (62), the second end being in contact with the latch (42) in each of the rest and actuating positions of the pusher (62), said at least one tab (66) being configured to deform elastically during the movement of the pusher (62) between the rest position and the actuating position.;

2. Storage device (10) according to claim 1, configured so that, the pusher (62) being in the rest position and the latch (42) being in the locking position, the at least one tab (66) exerts an elastic force on the latch (42), tending to move the pusher (62) away from said latch (42).

3. Storage device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pusher (46, 62) is rotatable relative to the cover (14) between the rest position and the actuating position.

4. Storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the pusher (62) and the at least one tab (66) are formed from a single piece (46).

5. Storage device (10) according to claim 4, in which the second elastic return means (68) is formed of a part (46) with the pusher (62) and the at least one tab (66).

6. Storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an assembly member (24, 26) integral with the receptacle (12), such that the latch (42) in the locking position is capable of being engaged with the assembly member (24, 26) to maintain the cover (14) in the closed configuration; and in the unlocking position, the latch (42) is dissociated from said assembly member (24, 26), allowing movement of said cover (14) in the open configuration.

7. A storage device according to claim 6, wherein: the assembly member (24, 26) comprises at least one opening (26) formed in the receptacle (12); the latch (42) comprises at least one hook (52); and in the locking position of the latch (42), the at least one hook (52) is adapted to be engaged in the at least one opening (26) to maintain the cover (14) in the closed configuration.

8. Storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third elastic return means (18), tending to move the cover (14) relative to the receptacle (12) towards the open configuration.

9. Storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (12) is intended to be arranged in the vehicle so that the cavity (20) is open upwards.

10. Vehicle interior trim, comprising a storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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