Vehicle storage device

Abstract

Vehicle storage device The present invention relates to a vehicle storage device (1) comprising a flap (11), the locking mechanism comprising: - a bolt linked to the flap (11) and having an outer end (33) projecting and having a cam surface; - for each bolt, a locking relief having a counter-cam surface; - for each bolt, a return member; the outer end (33) of each bolt occupying an initial position when the movable structure (10) occupies an approach position;the cam surface cooperating with the counter-cam surface to move the outer end (33) from its initial position to an intermediate position when the moving structure (10) moves from its approach position to its closing position; when the moving structure (10) has reached its closing position, the return member actuates the outer end (33) from the intermediate position to a locking position. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2;

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle storage device

[0001] The invention relates generally to a vehicle storage device, typically for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Such a storage device comprises:

[0003] - a fixed structure delimiting a dwelling and having an access opening to accommodation,

[0004] - a mobile structure equipped with a flap, movable relative to the fixed structure between a position where the opening is clear and a position where the shutter closes the opening, and

[0005] - a reversible locking mechanism for the moving structure in position of obturator.

[0006] The locking mechanism may include two bolts linked to the shutter and movable transversely relative to the shutter.

[0007] This mechanism is relatively complex. It uses springs, foams to dampen vibrations, stops and pivots.

[0008] In this context, the invention aims to provide a storage device whose locking mechanism is less complex.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a storage device, in which the flap is delimited by two lateral edges opposite each other, the flap moves in a first direction when the movable structure reaches its closed position, the locking mechanism comprising:

[0010] - at least one bolt linked to the shutter and movable relative to the shutter, the bolt or each bolt having an outer end protruding in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction with respect to one of the two lateral edges, the outer end having a cam surface and a locking surface;

[0011] - for the bolt or each bolt, a locking relief fixed to the fixed structure and provided for cooperate with the bolt, the locking relief presenting a counter-cam surface and a complementary locking surface;

[0012] - for the bolt or each bolt, a return mechanism;

[0013] the outer end of the bolt or each bolt occupying an initial position relative to the corresponding locking relief when the moving structure occupies an approach position close to its closing position;

[0014] the cam surface cooperating with the counter-cam surface to move the outer end of the bolt along a third direction from its initial position to an intermediate position when the moving structure moves from its approach position to its shutter position, the third direction being not aligned with the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction;

[0015] when the moving structure has reached its closing position, at least one return member actuates the outer end of the bolt from the intermediate position to a locking position in which the blocking surface cooperates with the complementary blocking surface to prevent the movement of the moving structure to the release position.

[0016] In the locking mechanism, the bolt is linked to the shutter by a mechanism with very simple kinematics. Only one degree of freedom of the bolt relative to the shutter is sufficient. Consequently, the cost is reduced and assembly is simplified.

[0017] The storage device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0018] - the locking mechanism includes a control actuated by a user, configured to move the outer end of the bolt or each bolt from its locking position to its intermediate position against the return force of the corresponding return member.

[0019] - the bolt or each bolt is linked to the shutter by a rotating link.

[0020] - the rotating link allows a rotation of said bolt relative to the shutter around a axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first direction in the shutter closure position.

[0021] - the displacement of the outer end of said bolt from its initial position up to an intermediate position results from a rotation of said bolt relative to the shutter around said axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation combined with a displacement of the moving structure relative to the fixed structure towards the closing position.

[0022] - the control is configured to move the rotating bolt relative to the shutter around said axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation.

[0023] - the displacement of the outer end of said bolt from its intermediate position until the locking position results from a rotation of said bolt relative to the shutter.

[0024] - the return member or members are a spring blade made of material with the bolt corresponding.

[0025] - the locking mechanism comprises:

[0026] - two identical bolts linked to the shutter, the outer ends of the two bolts protruding from both lateral edges along the second direction in opposite directions;

[0027] - two blocking reliefs fixed to the fixed structure and intended to cooperate with the two bolts;

[0028] - two return elements.

[0029] - each bolt is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the second direction.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: - [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is a simplified schematic representation of a cross-section of a storage device according to the invention; - [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a simplified schematic representation in view front of the flap of the storage device of the [Fig.1] and part of the locking mechanism; - [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic representation intended to face of the fixed structure of the storage device of the [Fig.l]; - [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a side view illustrating the movement of the end of the bolt when the moving structure reaches its closing position.

[0031] The storage device shown in [Fig.1] is intended to be installed on board a vehicle.

[0032] This vehicle is typically a motor vehicle such as a car, a truck, a bus, etc.

[0033] Alternatively, this vehicle is a train, a boat or an airplane.

[0034] The storage device 1 is, for example, intended to be installed in the board of dashboard 3 of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is located in a central console of the vehicle, or in an opening, or in any other suitable location.

[0035] The storage device 1 comprises a fixed structure 5 delimiting a compartment 7 and having an opening 9 for access to the compartment 7.

[0036] The storage device 1 further comprises a movable structure 10 provided with a flap 11, the movable structure 10 being movable relative to the fixed structure 5 between a position of clearance of the opening 9 and a position of closure of the opening 9.

[0037] In the shutter position, the flap 11 closes the opening 9.

[0038] More specifically, the flap 11 extends into the opening 9, and completely closes this opening 9.

[0039] The mobile structure 10 is linked to the fixed structure 5 by a link 12 allowing the movement of the mobile structure 10 between the clearance and closure positions.

[0040] The storage device 1, according to a first variant, is of the "fixed bin" type.

[0041] According to this first variant, the housing 7 is a receptacle intended for storing small objects on board the vehicle, such as a pair of glasses, a safety vest, a vehicle user manual, etc.

[0042] The opening 9 is provided so that a user can place objects inside the receptacle and remove them from the receptacle. When the storage device is installed in the dashboard 3 of the vehicle, the access opening 9 is facing the rear of the vehicle.

[0043] The mobile structure 10 is limited to the flap 11.

[0044] The link 12 is typically a pivot link about a pivot axis.

[0045] The storage device 1, according to a second variant, is of the "swing bin" type » (swivel bin).

[0046] The mobile structure 10 includes a receptacle attached to the flap 11, and moved with the flap 11.

[0047] The housing 7 is configured to receive the receptacle in the closing position of the opening 9. The receptacle is intended for storing small items on board the vehicle, such as a pair of glasses, a safety vest, a vehicle user manual, etc.

[0048] The link 12 is typically a pivot link about a pivot axis.

[0049] The storage device 1, according to a third variant, is of the “drawer” type.

[0050] The mobile structure 10 is a drawer, and includes a receptacle attached to the flap 11, and moved with the flap 11.

[0051] The housing 7 is configured to receive the receptacle in the closing position of the opening 9. The receptacle is intended for storing small items on board the vehicle, such as a pair of glasses, a safety vest, a vehicle user manual, etc.

[0052] The link 12 is a sliding link, configured so that the mobile structure 10 moves in translation relative to the fixed structure 5.

[0053] In all embodiment variants, the flap 11, as seen in [Fig.3], is delimited by two lateral edges 13, 14 opposed to each other.

[0054] It is also delimited by an upper edge 15 and a lower edge 17, connecting the two lateral edges 13, 14 to each other.

[0055] In the closed position, the upper edge is turned upwards and the lower edge is turned downwards.

[0056] The opening 9 has a contour substantially identical to the contour of the flap 11, as seen in [Fig.3]. It is delimited by two lateral sides 19, an upper side 21 and a lower side 23.

[0057] When the link 12 is of the pivoting type, the pivot axis of the link 12 passes close to the lower side 23.

[0058] The flap 11 moves along a first direction Dl, shown on [Fig.4], when the movable structure 10 reaches its closing position.

[0059] The first direction Dl corresponds to the orientation of the velocity vector of the flap 11 when the movable structure 10 reaches its closing position. In other words, it is the direction of movement of the flap 11 relative to the fixed structure 5.

[0060] The storage device 1 further includes a reversible locking mechanism 25 for the mobile structure 10 in the closed position.

[0061] The locking mechanism 25 comprises:

[0062] - at least one bolt 27 linked to the flap 11 and movable relative to the flap 11;

[0063] - for the bolt or each bolt 27, a locking relief 29 fixed to the fixed structure 5 and provided to cooperate with the corresponding bolt 27;

[0064] - for the bolt or each bolt 27, a return mechanism 31.

[0065] The bolt or each bolt 27 has an external end 33 projecting along a second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the first direction Dl with respect to one of the two lateral edges 13, 14 of the flap.

[0066] The second direction D2 is shown in [Fig. 2]. It is substantially parallel to the vehicle's rolling plane. Typically, it is parallel to the rotational axis when the link 12 is of the pivoting type.

[0067] When the storage device 1 is installed in the dashboard 3, the second direction D2 is, for example, transverse. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of normal movement of the vehicle and perpendicular to the direction normal to the vehicle's running surface.

[0068] In the example shown, the locking mechanism 25 comprises:

[0069] - two identical bolts 27 linked to the flap 11, the outer ends 33 of the two bolts 27 protruding from the two lateral edges 13,14 along the second direction D2 in opposite directions;

[0070] - two blocking reliefs 29 fixed to the fixed structure 5 and intended to cooperate with the two bolts 27;

[0071] - two return elements 31.

[0072] In this case, the two blocking reliefs 29 are identical to each other. They are arranged, for example, at the lateral sides 19 of the opening 9.

[0073] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the outer end 33 has a cam surface 34 and a locking surface 35.

[0074] Fig. 4 illustrates the end 33 of the bolt in section, perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0075] The end 33 is delimited towards the upper edge 15 by an upper surface 36, and towards the lower edge 17 by a lower surface 37.

[0076] The blocking surface 35 is a substantially flat surface. It delimits the end 33 towards the outside of the housing in the shutter's closed position, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. It is substantially perpendicular to the first direction DI in the shutter's closed position.

[0077] The cam surface 34 extends in a plane containing the second direction D2 and inclined with respect to the locking surface 35. It is substantially flat.

[0078] It extends, from the lower surface 37, opposite the blocking surface 35 and towards the upper surface 36.

[0079] In the closed position, the cam surface 34 extends in a plane containing the second direction D2 and a third direction D3 materialized on the [Fig.4].

[0080] The third direction D3 is inclined with respect to the first direction DI and is perpendicular to the second direction D2.

[0081] The third direction D3 forms with the first direction DI an angle between 15° and 75°, preferably between 25° and 65°, even more preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0082] In the closed position, the cam surface 35 is offset towards the inside of the housing 7 relative to the blocking surface 37.

[0083] In the representation of [Fig.4], the arrow materializing the first direction DI points from the outside of housing 7 towards the inside of housing 7.

[0084] A fourth direction D4 has been marked by an arrow on [Fig.4]. It is perpendicular to the second direction D2 and to the first direction DI. The arrow points towards the upper side 21 of the opening 9, that is to say towards the upper edge 15 of the shutter in the closed position.

[0085] Typically, the fourth direction D4 is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle's rolling surface.

[0086] The blocking relief 29, as seen in [Fig.4], has a counter-cam surface 39 and a complementary blocking surface 4L. The counter-cam surface 39 has substantially the same orientation as the cam surface 34 when the movable structure 10 occupies its closing position.

[0087] In other words, the counter-cam surface 39 extends parallel to the second direction D2 and parallel to the third direction D3. The counter-cam surface 39, from its lower edge, extends upwards and into the interior of the housing 7.

[0088] The additional blocking surface 41 is perpendicular to the first direction Dl. It is offset towards the inside of the housing 7 with respect to the counter-cam surface 39.

[0089] The bolt 27 is a rod, elongated along the second direction D2 ([Fig.2]).

[0090] The bolt 27 is linked to the shutter 11 by a rotating link 43 around a pivot 44. The rotary link 43 allows rotation of the bolt 27 around an axis substantially parallel to the first direction Dl in the closing position of the mobile structure 10.

[0091] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the bolt 27 has, opposite the outer end 33, an inner end 45. A central part 47 of the bolt delimits an orifice in which the pivot 44 is mounted.

[0092] The return member 31 is a spring blade formed from the material with the bolt 27. One end 50 of the return member 31 is integral with the bolt 27. A free end 51 of the return member rests on a rib 53 formed on the flap.

[0093] The spring blade 31 extends from its end 50 attached to the bolt 27 towards the upper edge 15 of the shutter and towards the outer end 33.

[0094] In other words, when the outer end 33 of the bolt 27 pivots towards the upper edge 15 of the flap, the return member 31 is compressed and tends to stress the outer end 33 downwards.

[0095] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the two bolts 27 are identical to each other.

[0096] The blocking reliefs 29 are also identical to each other, and the organs of reminder 31 associated with the two bolts are identical to each other.

[0097] Advantageously, the bolt 27 is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the second direction D2. Thus, each bolt 27 carries two spring blades 31.

[0098] As a result, a given bolt 27 can be mounted indifferently on either of the two opposite lateral edges 13, 14 of the flap 11.

[0099] The outer end 33 of the bolt 27 occupies an initial position relative to the locking relief 29 when the mobile structure 10 occupies an approach position close to its closing position.

[0100] The initial position corresponds to position 1 shown in [Fig.4].

[0101] The approach position of the mobile structure 10 is a position in which The outer end 33 of the bolt comes into contact with the locking relief 29, without any force being exerted between the outer end 33 and the locking relief 29. In other words, the outer end 33 is simply resting on the locking relief 29. The moving structure 10 is then very close to its closing position, but has not yet reached its closing position.

[0102] When the moving structure 10 moves from its approach position to its closing position, the cam surface 34 cooperates with the counter-cam surface 39 to move the outer end 33 of the bolt along the third direction D3 from the initial position to an intermediate position.

[0103] The intermediate position is position 2 shown in [Fig.4]. The movement of the outer end 33 of the bolt from the initial position to the intermediate position results from a rotation of the bolt 27 relative to the flap 11 around the axis of rotation of the link 43, in a first direction of rotation RI shown in [Fig.2], combined with a movement of the mobile structure 10 relative to the fixed structure 5 towards the closing position.

[0104] The rotation of the bolt in the RI direction moves the outer end 33 towards the upper edge 15 of the flap, along the direction D4. This rotation causes the return member 31 to be compressed.

[0105] When the movable structure 10 has reached its closing position, the return member 31 forces the outer end 33 of the bolt 27 from the intermediate position to a locking position in which the blocking surface 35 cooperates with the complementary blocking surface 41 to prevent the movement of the movable structure 10 towards the release position.

[0106] The blocking surface 35 cooperates with the complementary blocking surface 41 to prevent the movement of the flap 11 along the first direction DI outwards from the housing.

[0107] The movement of the outer end 33 of the bolt from the intermediate position to the locking position results from a rotation of the bolt 27 relative to the flap 11 around the axis of rotation of the linkage 43.

[0108] This rotation is carried out in the direction of rotation R2 shown in [Fig.2].

[0109] The outer end 33 moves towards the lower edge 17 of the flap 11, along the direction D4.

[0110] In the locked position, the locking surface 35 is in contact with the additional locking surface 4L. It is offset towards the inside of the housing relative to the additional locking surface 4L.

[0111] More generally, the outer end 33 of the bolt is offset towards the inside of the housing relative to the locking relief 29.

[0112] The movement of the outer end 33 towards the locking position begins when the outer end 33 has passed the locking relief 29 along the first direction DI.

[0113] The locking mechanism 25 further includes a user-operable control 55 ([Fig. 1]), configured to move the outer end 33 of the bolt 27 from its locking position to its intermediate position against the return force of the return member 31.

[0114] The command 55 is configured to move the bolt 27 in rotation relative to the shutter 11 in the first direction of rotation RI.

[0115] The rotation of the bolt 27 in the RI direction moves the outer end 33 towards the upper edge 15 of the shutter.

[0116] The control is of any suitable type. For example, it is a pivoting paddle mounted on a surface of the shutter 11 accessible to users. The paddle is pivotally mounted on the shutter, the pivoting of the paddle allowing a lever to bear against the inner end 45 of the bolt 27. Such a mechanism is known and will not be described in detail here.

[0117] Once the end 33 is in the intermediate position, the user can manually move the movable structure 10 from the closing position to the clearance position.

[0118] The storage device described above has multiple advantages.

[0119] When the locking mechanism includes a user-operated control configured to move the outer end of the bolt(s) from its locked position to its intermediate position against the return force of the corresponding return member, the storage device can be opened very simply by the user. The user simply needs to operate the control and pull the flap to its open position.

[0120] The fact that the bolt is linked to the shutter by a pivot joint makes the locking mechanism particularly simple. It is particularly convenient to assemble.

[0121] When the displacement of the outer end of the bolt from its initial position to an intermediate position results from a rotation of said bolt relative to the shutter around said axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation combined with a displacement of the moving structure relative to the fixed structure towards the closing position, the kinematics are particularly simple. The bolt may have only one degree of freedom relative to the shutter.

[0122] The fact that the movement of the outer end of said bolt from its intermediate position to the locking position results from a rotation of said bolt relative to the shutter also contributes to the simplicity of the kinematics.

[0123] When the return member or members are a spring blade made of material with the corresponding bolt, the locking mechanism is particularly economical to manufacture and assemble.

[0124] The fact that each bolt is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the second direction allows the bolt to be used indifferently on either side of the shutter.

[0125] The storage device described above can have multiple variants.

[0126] In the example described above, the locking device has two bolts. Alternatively, it has a single bolt, or three bolts, or another number of bolts. It then has the same number of locking points and the same number of return mechanisms. The bolts are all identical and are all as described above. The locking mechanisms are all identical and are all as described above. The return mechanisms are all identical and are all as described above.

[0127] The orientation of directions DI and D2 depends on the arrangement of the housing and the moving structure on board the vehicle. The first direction DI can be longitudinal and parallel to the running surface. It can be inclined upwards relative to the running surface.

[0128] In the kinematics described above, the end of the bolt moves from its initial position to its intermediate position along direction D3, inward and upward within the housing, i.e., toward the upper edge of the shutter. Alternatively, the end of the bolt moves from its initial position to its intermediate position along direction D3, inward and downward within the housing, i.e., toward the lower edge of the shutter. In this case, the orientation of the cam and counter-cam surfaces differs from that shown in [Fig. 4]. The end of the bolt moves from its intermediate position to its locking position upward, i.e., toward the upper edge of the shutter.

[0129] The blocking surface and the complementary blocking surface are not necessarily perpendicular to the direction DI. They could be slightly inclined with respect to the perpendicular to DI.

[0130] According to a non-preferred embodiment, the connection of the bolt or bolts to the shutter is not a rotational connection about a pivot. For example, the connection of the bolt or bolts to the shutter is a connection allowing translation of the bolt relative to the shutter along the fourth direction D4 in the shutter's closed position. The movement of the bolt's end between its intermediate position and its locked position is a translational movement.

[0131] According to a non-preferred embodiment, the return element or elements are not made of material with the corresponding bolt. The return element is a leaf spring mounted on the bolt, or a spiral spring, or a helical spring, or any other suitable elastic element.

Claims

1. Demands Vehicle storage device (1), comprising: - a fixed structure (5) delimiting a dwelling (7) and presenting an opening (9) for access to the dwelling (7), - a movable structure (10) provided with a flap (11), the movable structure (10) being movable relative to the fixed structure (5) between a position of opening clearance (9) and a closing position in which the flap (11) closes the opening (9); and - a reversible locking mechanism (25) for the movable structure (10) in the closing position; the flap (11) being delimited by two lateral edges (13, 14) opposed to each other, the flap (11) moving along a first direction (Dl) when the movable structure (10) reaches its closing position, the locking mechanism (25) comprising: - at least one bolt (27) linked to the flap (11) and movable relative to the flap (11), the bolt or each bolt (27) having an outer end (33) projecting along a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (Dl) relative to one of the two lateral edges (13, 14), the outer end (33) having a cam surface (34) and a locking surface (35); - for the bolt or each bolt (27), a locking relief (29) fixed to the fixed structure (5) and intended to cooperate with the bolt (27), the locking relief (29) having a counter-cam surface (39) and a complementary locking surface (41); - for the bolt or each bolt (27), a return mechanism (31); the outer end (33) of the bolt or each bolt (27) occupying an initial position relative to the corresponding locking relief (29) when the moving structure (10) occupies an approach position close to its closing position; the cam surface (34) cooperating with the counter-cam surface (39) to move the outer end (33) of the bolt (27) along a third direction (D3) from its initial position to an intermediate position when the moving structure (10) moves from its approach position to its closing position, the third direction (D3) being non-aligned with the first direction (D1) and perpendicular to the second direction (D2); when the movable structure (10) has reached its closing position, at least one return member (31) exerts pressure on the outer end (33) of the bolt (27) from the intermediate position to a locking position in which the blocking surface (35) cooperates with the complementary blocking surface (41) to prevent the movement of the movable structure (10) to the release position.

2. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism (25) includes a user-operable control (55) configured to move the outer end (33) of the bolt or each bolt (27) from its locking position to its intermediate position against the return force of the corresponding return member (31).

3. Storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bolt or each bolt (27) is linked to the flap (11) by a rotating link (43).

4. Storage device according to claim 3, wherein the rotating link (43) permits rotation of said bolt (27) relative to the flap (11) around an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the first direction (Dl) in the shutter (11) closing position.

5. Storage device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the displacement of the outer end (33) of said bolt (27) from its initial position to an intermediate position results from a rotation of said bolt (27) relative to the flap (11) around said axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation (RI) combined with a displacement of the movable structure (10) relative to the fixed structure (5) towards the closing position.

6. Storage device according to claim 5 combined with claim 2, wherein the control (55) is configured to move the bolt (27) in rotation relative to the flap (11) around said axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation (RI).

7. Storage device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the displacement of the outer end (33) of said bolt (27) from its intermediate position to the locking position results from a rotation of said bolt (27) relative to the flap (11).

8. A storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return member or members (31) is a spring blade made of material with the corresponding bolt (27).

9. A storage device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking mechanism (25) comprises: - two identical bolts (27) linked to the flap (11), the outer ends (33) of the two bolts (27) projecting from the two lateral edges (13, 14) along the second direction (D2) in opposite directions; - two locking reliefs (29) fixed to the fixed structure (5) and intended to cooperate with the two bolts (27); - two return members (31).

10. Storage device according to claim 9, wherein each bolt (27) is symmetrical with respect to a plane parallel to the second direction (D2).

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