Pivoting door module for universal adapter

Abstract

A pivoting door module for a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle provides a receptacle for mounting a plug-in element. The pivoting door module includes a bezel with an opening, a housing fixedly coupled to the bezel and containing the receptacle, and the door assembly pivotably coupled to the bezel for enclosing the opening, wherein the door assembly automatically locks to the bezel and encloses the opening when not in use.

Description

PIVOTING DOOR MODULE FOR UNIVERSAL ADAPTERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 713,537, filed on October 29, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a pivoting door module for use in a seat assembly of an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a pivoting door module integrated within an automotive seat assembly and which provides an automatically locking door when not in use.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] There are a variety of aftermarket products that mount to the vehicle seat, and which are configured to support an accessory device or to provide for cargo management. Certain aftermarket products include a plug-in element having a common adapter interface that can attach to a receptacle within the seat assembly in a similar manner.

[0004] It is common for the seat assembly to include an attachment device integrated within a vehicle seat assembly which releasably couples with the plug-in element for supporting an accessory device. A first known attachment device for a vehicle seat assembly is illustrated in German Patent Publication No. DE102014206125A1. The first known attachment device includes a receptacle having an opening formed in the seatback which is configured to receive the plug-in element. The first known attachment device also includes a sliding cover which encloses the opening to protect the receptable from contamination when not in use.

[0005] A second known attachment device is illustrated in China Patent Publication No. 111891041 A. The second known attachment device includes a receptacle having an opening which is enclosed by a hinged door when not in use.

[0006] However, protecting the receptacle with a sliding cover or a simple hinged door can allow intrusion of debris within the receptacle, which may contaminate the receptacle and prevent proper functioning. Further, fingers may be pinched by the hinged door or the sliding cover. In addition, the sliding cover and the hinged door often have a poor cosmetic appearance.144868488.1 / 147714.01340

[0007] It is desirable for the attachment device to have an improved receptacle and housing which includes an automatically locking door when not in use. It is also desirable to improve the cosmetic appearance of the locking door and to prevent intrusion of debris within the receptacle.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to one embodiment, there is provided a pivoting door module for a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The pivoting door module includes a bezel having an opening, a housing fixedly coupled to the bezel and containing a receptacle, and a door assembly pivotably coupled to the bezel for enclosing the opening. The door assembly automatically locks to the bezel and encloses the opening when not in use.

[0009] According to another embodiment, there is provided a pivoting door module for a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle. The pivoting door module includes a bezel having an opening, a housing fixedly coupled to the bezel and containing a receptacle, and a door assembly pivotably coupled to the bezel for enclosing the opening. The door assembly automatically locks to the bezel and encloses the opening when not in use. The door assembly is pivotable away from the opening while the opening is in use. The door assembly includes a door, a cover fixedly coupled to the door and defining a door cavity therebetween, and a latch spaced at least partially within the door cavity and including a latch ramp. The latch is movable between a latched position locking the door assembly to the bezel and an unlatched position unlocking the door assembly from the bezel. The door assembly also includes a pillar projecting into the door cavity, a slider spaced within the door cavity, and a slider magnet fixedly coupled to the slider. The slider has a slider ramp operatively coupled to the latch ramp. The slider is transposable along the pillar between an unactuated position spaced apart from the door and an actuated position adjacent to the door.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly having a pivoting door module, according to one embodiment of the present invention;244868488.1 / 147714.01340

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pivoting door module of Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the pivoting door module of Figure 2;

[0014] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a door assembly of Figure 3;

[0015] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a cover of Figure 4;

[0016] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a slider of Figure 4;

[0017] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 2, taken along line 7-7 in Figure 2;

[0018] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional front view of the pivoting door module of Figure 2 taken along line 8-8 in Figure 2, showing the door assembly in a locked condition;

[0019] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 9 of the pivoting door module of Figure 7 taken along line 9-9 in Figure 8, showing the door assembly in the locked condition;

[0020] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 9 of the pivoting door module of Figure 7 taken along line 10-10 in Figure 8;

[0021] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 9 of the pivoting door module of Figure 7 taken along line 11-11 in Figure 8;

[0022] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 10, showing the door assembly in the locked condition with a slider in an unactuated position and a latch in a latched position;

[0023] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 12, showing the slider in an actuated position and the latch in the latched position;

[0024] Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 13, showing the slider in the actuated position, the latch in an unlatched position, and the door assembly in an unlocked condition;

[0025] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 7, showing a plug-in element partially inserted into a receptacle within the pivoting door module;344868488.1 / 147714.01340

[0026] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the pivoting door module of Figure 15, showing the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle; and

[0027] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional top view of the pivoting door module of Figure 16 taken along line 17-17 in Figure 2, showing the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Figures 1-17 illustrate a pivoting door module 10 for use in a vehicle seat assembly 12, according to embodiments described herein. Directional references employed or shown in the description, figures, or claims, such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, lengthwise, widthwise, left, right, and the like, are relative terms employed for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any respect. Referring to the Figures, like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0029] Figure 1 shows the pivoting door module 10 integrated within the vehicle seat assembly 12, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The seat assembly 12 includes a seatback 14 having a back surface 16 supported by back frame 18, as is commonly known in the art. The pivoting door module 10 is fixedly coupled to the back surface 16 of the seatback 14. It will be appreciated that the pivoting door module 10 might be integrated within the seat assembly 12 in other locations without altering the scope of the present invention. The pivoting door module 10 provides a receptacle 20 configured to support and optionally to provide power to a known universal adapter 22 having a plug-in element 24 with a common adapter interface. The pivoting door module 10 also includes a door assembly 26 configured to automatically lock and enclose an opening 28 to the receptacle 20 when not in use. In addition, the pivoting door module 10 optionally includes an auxiliary power port 30, such as a USB power port, which is configured to provide power to auxiliary devices (not shown), as is commonly known in the art.

[0030] Depicted in Figures 1-3, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a bezel 32, which is fixedly coupled to the back surface 16 of the seatback 14. The bezel 32 includes an exterior surface 36, an interior surface 38, a recessed cavity 40, a cavity wall 42, and the opening 28. The exterior and interior surfaces 36, 38 adjacent the opening 28 face in a rearward direction and a forward direction of the seat assembly 12, respectively. Depicted in Figures 3 and 9, the recessed cavity 40 is formed in the interior surface 38 and includes the cavity wall 42 extending circumferentially therearound. The opening 28 is formed in the recessed cavity 40 spaced apart444868488.1 / 147714.01340from the cavity wall 42, extends between the exterior and interior surfaces 36, 38, and has a rounded rectangular shape. The bezel 32 also includes a left tab 60, a right tab 62, a left pocket 64, a right pocket 66, a left support 68, a right support 70, a left hook 76, and a right hook 78. The left and right tabs 60, 62 are U-shaped tabs projecting from the interior surface 38 of the bezel 32, which are laterally spaced apart and spaced vertically below the opening 28. The left and right pockets 64, 66 are formed in the tabs 60, 62, respectively. The left and right supports 68, 70 project away from the interior surface 38 of the bezel 32 and are spaced laterally apart and above the opening 28. The supports 68, 70 include a respective pin hole 72, 74 extending laterally therethrough. The left and right hooks 76, 78 project from the interior surface 38 of the bezel 32, are spaced laterally apart between the supports 68, 70 and vertically above the opening 28. The hooks 76, 78 include a respective spring notch 84, 86 along an upper surface.

[0031] Depicted in Figures 3 and 7, the bezel 32 also includes a first boss 100, a second boss 102, a third boss 104, and a fourth boss 106. The first through fourth bosses 100, 102, 104, 106 project from the interior surface 38 of the bezel 32 in the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart. Each of the bosses 100, 102, 104, 106 includes a boss ledge 108 extending in a generally vertical direction and a clip feature 110 extending longitudinally therefrom.

[0032] Depicted in Figures 3-11, the door assembly 26 is pivotably coupled to the bezel 32 and selectively encloses the opening 28 in the bezel 32. The door assembly 26 includes a door 114 configured to abut against and extend into the opening 28. The door 114 includes a base 116, an outer perimeter 118, a rear face 126, a front face 128, and a door boss 130. The base 116 extends between the rear and front faces 126, 128 and the outer perimeter 118. The door boss 130 has a rounded rectangular shape and projects away from the rear face 126. As assembled, the rear face 126 of the base 116 abuts the recessed cavity 40 and the door boss 130 extends through the opening 28 in the bezel 32, which seals the opening 28 and prevents intrusion of debris through the opening 28 in the bezel 32.

[0033] Depicted in Figure 4, the door 114 also includes a slider recess 134, a recess wall 136, a left hinge 138, a right hinge 140, a left guide pin 150, a right guide pin 152, a left cylinder 154, a right cylinder 156, and a plurality of guide ribs 170. The slider recess 134 is formed in the front face 128 of the base 116 with the recess wall 136 extending circumferentially therearound. The hinges 138, 140 are laterally spaced apart and project upwardly from an upper portion of the base 116. Each one of the hinges 138, 140 includes a pin aperture 142, 144 and a spring aperture 146, 148 extending laterally therethrough and which are spaced apart. The544868488.1 / 147714.01340guide pins 150, 152 project away from the front face 128 of the base 116 with the slider recess 134 spaced laterally therebetween. The cylinders 154, 156 project away from the front face 128 and are spaced laterally apart. Each one of the cylinders 154, 156 includes a threaded aperture 162, 164 extending in an axial direction from an end surface 166, 168. The guide ribs 170 project from the front face 128 and are spaced apart.

[0034] Depicted in Figures 4, 5, and 8-11, the door assembly 26 also includes a cover 174 fixedly coupled to the door 114 and defining a door cavity 176 therebetween. The cover 174 is U-shaped and includes a cover wall 178, a left end 180, a right end 182, top flange 184, a bottom flange 186, a top rim 188, a bottom rim 190, a left screw hole 196, and a right screw hole 198. The cover wall 178 extends laterally between the left and right ends 180, 182 of the cover 174. The top and bottom flanges 184, 186 project away from an upper end and a lower end, respectively, of the cover wall 178. The top and bottom rims 188, 190 extend along the distal ends of the top and bottom flanges 184, 186, respectively. The left and right screw holes 196, 198 are laterally spaced apart and extend through the cover wall 178.

[0035] The cover 174 also includes a left pillar 200, a right pillar 202, an inner surface 204, a left guide slot 214, a right guide slot 216, a first tab 218, a second tab 220, a third tab 226, a fourth tab 228, a left hinge notch 234, a right hinge notch 236, and a plurality of stop walls 238. The left and right pillars 200, 202 have a generally rectangular-shaped cross section and which project away from the inner surface 204 of the cover wall 178 and are laterally spaced apart. Each one of the pillars 200, 202 includes a track wall 206, 208 and a guide wall 210, 212, respectively. The left and right track walls 206, 208 are generally parallel to the top flange 184 and laterally offset from each other. The left and right guide walls 210, 212 are generally perpendicular to the adjacent track wall 206, 208, are laterally spaced apart, and oppose each other. The left and right guide slots 214, 216 are formed in the bottom rim 190 and are laterally spaced apart. The first and second tabs 218, 220 are laterally spaced apart, extend between the bottom flange 186 and the inner surface 204 of the cover wall 178, and include a respective guide surface 222, 224 extending from and adjoining the left guide slot 214. The third and fourth tabs 226, 228 are laterally spaced apart, extend between the bottom flange 186 and the inner surface 204 of the cover wall 178, and include a respective guide surface 230, 232 extending from and adjoining the right guide slot 216. The hinge notches 234, 236 are formed in the top rim 188 and are laterally spaced apart. The plurality of stop ribs 238 project away644868488.1 / 147714.01340from the inner surface 204 of the cover wall 178, are laterally spaced apart, and define internal stop features as described below.

[0036] Depicted in Figures 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, the door assembly 26 also includes a slider 240, which is transposable along the left and right pillars 200, 202 within the door cavity 176. The slider 240 is generally cuboid-shaped and includes a forward wall 242, a rearward wall 244, a first end 246, a second end 248, a top surface 250, a bottom surface 252, a slider ramp 254, a left channel 256, and a right channel 258. The forward and rearward walls 242, 244 oppose each other and extend laterally between the first and second ends 246, 248. The forward wall 242 extends between the top and bottom surfaces 250, 252. The rearward wall 244 extends between the bottom surface 252 and a lower end of the slider ramp 254. The slider ramp 254 includes a ramped surface that extends between the rearward wall 244 and the top surface 250. The left and right channels 256, 258 are formed in the first and second ends 246, 248, respectively and extend between the forward and rearward walls 242, 244. Each of the channels 256, 258 includes an upright wall 260, 262 extending between a top wall 264, 266 and an opposing a bottom wall 268, 270. The pillars 200, 202 on the cover 174 extend through the adjacent channels 256, 258 on the slider 240. The slider 240 is transposable along the pillars 200, 202 in a forward direction (arrow 369) and a rearward direction (arrow 538). The slider 240 also includes a cavity opening 271, a magnet cavity 272, a first hook 274, and a second hook 276. The cavity opening 271 is formed in the bottom surface 252 and adjoins the magnet cavity 272. The first and second hooks 274, 276 project away from the bottom surface 252 adjacent the cavity opening 271 and oppose each other.

[0037] Depicted in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the door assembly 26 also includes a slider magnet 280 inserted into the magnet cavity 272 in the slider 240. The slider magnet 280 is generally cuboidshaped and includes a north side 282 opposing a south side 284. The slider magnet 280 is formed out of a magnetic material which is magnetically polarized with a north polarity facing the north side 282 and a south polarity facing the south side 284, as is commonly known in the art. The slider magnet 280 is oriented within the magnet cavity 272 in the slider 240 with the north side 282 facing the forward wall 242. The first and second hooks 274, 276 retain the slider magnet 280 within the magnet cavity 272 after assembly. It will be appreciated that the relative positions and polarity of the north and south sides 282, 284 might be reversed without altering the scope of the present invention.744868488.1 / 147714.01340

[0038] Depicted in Figures 4 and 8-11, the door assembly 26 also includes a latch 286, which is operatively coupled to the slider 240 within the door cavity 176, slidably coupled to the guide slots 214, 216 and the guide surfaces 222, 224, 230, 232 on the cover 174, and slidably coupled to the guide ribs 170 on the door 114. The latch 286 is generally U-shaped and includes a cross member 288, a left leg 290, a right leg 292, a first travel slot 298, and a second travel slot 300. The cross member 288 extends laterally between the upper ends of the left and right legs 290, 292. Each of the left and right legs 290, 292 includes a respective leg end 294, 296 spaced apart from the cross member 288. The leg ends 294, 296 are configured to releasably couple with the left and right bezel pockets 64, 66, respectively. The first and second travel slots 298, 300 are formed in the left and right legs 290, 292, respectively, and spaced between the cross member 288 and the adjacent leg end 294, 296. The first and second travel slots 298, 300 include an upper end 302, 304 spaced apart from a lower end 306, 308, respectively. The left and right guide pins 150, 152 on the door 114 project through the first and second travel slots 298, 300, respectively. The latch 286 is transposable along the guide slots 214, 216 and the guide surfaces 222, 224, 230, 232 in the cover 174 and along the guide pins 150, 152 extending through the travel slots 298, 300. The upper and lower ends 302, 304, 306, 308 of the travel slots 298, 300 define a range of motion of the latch 286.

[0039] The latch cross member 288 has a generally triangular shape in cross-section and includes a lateral surface 310, an upright surface 312, a latch ramp 314, and a plurality of spring bosses 316, 318, 320, 322. The lateral surface 310 generally projects at a right angle from the upright surface 312 with the latch ramp 314 including a ramped surface extending between a distal end of the upright surface 312 and a lower end of the upright surface 312. The ramped surfaces on the latch ramp 314 and the slider ramp 254 are operatively coupled to each other. The plurality of spring bosses 316, 318, 320, 322 project upward from the lateral surface 310 and are spaced laterally apart. Each one of the spring bosses 316, 318, 320, 322 include a respective spring recess 324, 326, 328, 330 having an opening in the upper end of the spring boss 316, 318, 320, 322.

[0040] Depicted in Figure 4 and 7-11, the door assembly 26 also includes a pivot pin 332, which pivotably couples the door assembly 26 to the left and right supports 68, 70 of the bezel 32. The pivot pin 332 has a cylindrical shape and includes a pin wall 334 extending in a circumferential direction and extending axially between a first pin end 336 and an opposing second pin end 338. The pivot pin 332 extends through the pin holes 72, 74 in the supports 68,844868488.1 / 147714.0134070 of the bezel 32 and through the pin apertures 142, 144 in the left and right hinges 138, 140 of door 114.

[0041] The door assembly 26 also includes a first spring 340, which spring-biases the door assembly 26 about the pivot pin 332 in a clockwise direction (arrow 341) toward the opening 28 in the bezel 32. The first spring 340 is a U-shaped torsion spring, as is commonly known in the art. The first spring 340 (hereinafter, “torsion spring”) includes a first coil 342, a first leg 344, a second leg 346, a second coil 348, a third leg 350, a fourth leg 352, and a center portion 354. The first coil 342 extends between the first and second legs 344, 346. The second coil 348 extends between the third and fourth legs 350, 352. The center portion extends 354 laterally between the outer ends of the second and third legs 346, 350. Depicted in Figure 8, the center portion 354 of the torsion spring 340 abuts the spring notches 84, 86 in the left and right hooks 76, 78 on the bezel 32. The pivot pin 332 extends axially through the first and second coils 342, 344. In addition, the first and fourth legs 344, 352 of the torsion spring 340 project into the left and right spring apertures 146, 148, respectively, in the door 114.

[0042] Depicted in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the door assembly 26 also includes a second spring 356, 358, 360, 362, which is operatively coupled between the latch 286 and the top flange 184 of the cover 174 and spring-biases the latch 286 downward towards the left and right pockets 64, 66 in the bezel 32. The second spring 356, 358, 360, 362 optionally includes a plurality of compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362, wherein each one of the plurality of compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 is a coiled spring having an upper end 364 and a lower end 366, as is commonly known in the art. The upper ends 364 of the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 abut the top flange 184 of the cover 174. Further, the lower end 366 of each one of the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 is inserted into the spring recess 324, 326, 328, 330 of the adjacent spring boss 316, 318, 320, 322. It will be appreciated that the torsion spring 340 and the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 might vary in quantity, specific configuration, and spring type, without altering the scope of the present invention. Depicted in Figure 11, the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 spring-bias the latch 286 in a downward direction (arrow 367). The spring-bias force (arrow 367) applied by the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 onto the latch 286 is transferred to the slider 240 via the interface between the ramped surfaces on the latch ramp 314 and the slider ramp 254, as illustrated by arrow 368. The transferred spring-bias force (arrow 368) spring-biases the slider 240 in a forward direction944868488.1 / 147714.01340(arrow 369) along the pillars 200, 202 towards the stop ribs 238 on the cover 174 such that the slider magnet 280 is spaced apart from the door 114.

[0043] Depicted in Figures 4 and 9, the door assembly 26 also includes a pair of cover screws 370, 371, which fixedly couple the cover 174 to the door 114. Each one of the pair of cover screws 370, 371 includes a threaded shaft 372 projecting axially from a screw head 374, as is commonly known in the art. The threaded shafts 372 of the cover screws 370, 371 are inserted into the cover screw holes 196, 198 and are fixedly coupled to the threaded apertures 162, 164, respectively, in the door 114.

[0044] Depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a housing assembly 376, which is fixedly coupled to the bezel 32 and to the back frame 18 in the seat assembly 12. Depicted in Figures 3, 7, and 17, the housing assembly 376 includes a housing 378, which contains and supports a receptacle cavity 380. The housing 378 includes a face frame 382 configured to mount to the bezel 32 and a receptacle housing 384 projecting away from the face frame 382. The face frame 382 includes a left side portion 386, a right side portion 388, an upper rail 390, a lower rail 392, a left upper slot 394, a right upper slot 396, a left lower slot 400, and a right lower slot 402. The side portions 386, 388 are spaced laterally apart and extend between a lower end of the upper rail 390 and an upper end of the lower rail 392. The upper slots 394, 396 are spaced laterally apart along the upper rail 390. The lower slots 400, 402 are spaced laterally apart along the lower rail 392. The clip features 110 on the bosses 100, 102, 104, 106 of the bezel 32 extend through the respective slots 394, 396, 400, 402 on the face frame 382 with the boss ledges 108 abutting the adjacent upper and lower rails 390, 392. Depicted in Figures 2, 4, and 7, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a plurality of clips 406, which fixedly couple the housing 378 to the bezel 32. The clips 406 are configured as is commonly known in the art. In addition, each one of the clips 406 is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the clip feature 110 on the respective one of the bosses 100, 102, 104, 106. Depicted in Figures 3 and 17, the housing 378 also includes a first fastener hole 408 and a second fastener hole 410. The fastener holes 408, 410 extend through the left and right side portions 386, 388, respectively.

[0045] Depicted in Figures 3, 7, and 17, the receptacle housing 384 also includes a passageway 412, a perimeter wall 414, and a back wall 416, which contains and supports the receptacle cavity 380. The receptacle housing 384 and the receptacle cavity 380 form the receptacle 20. The passageway 412 extends through the receptacle housing 384 and adjoins the receptacle1044868488.1 / 147714.01340cavity 380. The perimeter wall 414 extends circumferentially along the passageway 412 and adjoins the back wall 416. The housing 378 also includes a first mounting hole 422, a second mounting hole 424, a connector hole 426, a first housing stop 428, a second housing stop 430, a first bore 432, and a second bore 434. The mounting holes 422, 424 are laterally spaced apart and extend through the back wall 416. The connector hole 426 extends through the back wall 416 and is spaced laterally between the mounting holes 422, 424. The housing stops 428, 430 are formed in the perimeter wall 414 of the receptacle housing 384, oppose each other, and extend into the receptacle cavity 380. The first and second bores 432, 434 extend laterally through the perimeter wall 414 and are spaced adjacent to the housing stops 428, 430, respectively.

[0046] Depicted in Figures 3, 7, and 17, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a wiring harness 436 configured to selectively provide power and / or transfer a signal. The wiring harness 436 includes a connector 438 fixedly coupled to a wire 440. The pivoting door module 10 also includes a plurality of connector screws 442. The connector 438 is fixedly coupled to the connector hole 426 in the housing 378 by the plurality of connector screws 442, as is commonly known in the art.

[0047] Depicted in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a mounting bracket 444, which is fixedly coupled to the housing 378. In addition, the mounting bracket 444 is configured to be fixedly coupled to the back frame 18 of the seat assembly 12. It will be appreciated that the mounting bracket 444 might vary in shape and features for specific mounting configurations. The mounting bracket 444 is a U-shaped bracket and includes an upper flange 446, a lower flange 448, a central portion 450, a receptacle hole 452, a first fastener aperture 454, a second fastener aperture 456, a first bracket slot 458, and a second bracket slot 460. The upper and lower flanges 446, 448 project away from an upper end and a lower end, respectively, of the central portion 450. The receptacle hole 452 extends through the central portion 450. The first and second fastener apertures 454, 456 extend through the central portion 450 and are spaced laterally apart with the receptacle hole 452 spaced therebetween. The bracket slots 458, 460 are laterally spaced apart and extend through the upper flange 446. Depicted in Figure 3, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a first bolt 462 and a second bolt 464, as is commonly known in the art. Depicted in Figures 7 and 17, the bolts 462, 464 are fixedly coupled to the respective fastener holes 408, 410 in the housing 3781144868488.1 / 147714.01340and to the respective fastener apertures 454, 456 in the mounting bracket 444. The receptacle housing 384 extends through the receptacle hole 452 in the mounting bracket 444.

[0048] Depicted in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 17, the pivoting door module 10 also includes a support bracket 466, which fixedly couples the back wall 416 of the housing 378 to the mounting bracket 444. The support bracket 466 is an H-shaped bracket, which includes a left support leg 468, a right support leg 470, a main member 472, a left mounting tab 474, a right mounting tab 476, a left aperture 482, and a right aperture 484. The support legs 468, 470 are laterally spaced apart and project downward from opposing ends of the main member 472. The mounting tabs 474, 476 are laterally spaced apart and proj ect upward from opposing ends of the main member 472. The left and right apertures 482, 484 extend through the respective support legs 468, 470. The pivoting door module 10 also includes a first bracket screw 486 and a second bracket screw 488. The bracket screws 486, 488 are inserted through the respective mounting holes 422, 424 in the back wall 416 of the receptacle housing 384 and fixedly coupled to the respective apertures 482, 484 in the support bracket 466. Next, the mounting tabs 474, 476 on the support bracket 466 are inserted into the respective bracket slots 458, 460 on the upper flange 446 and fixedly coupled to the upper flange 446 by a weld 490. It will be appreciated that the mounting bracket 444 and the support bracket 466 may be integrally formed as one piece without altering the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Depicted in Figures 1, 16, and 17, the exemplary known universal adapter 22 includes the plug-in element 24 having a common adapter interface for mounting a variety of receptacles, as is commonly known in the art. The exemplary known universal adapter 22 includes an outer housing 492, an end wall 494, an internal cavity 496, a first release pin 500, a second release pin 502, a first prong 512, a second prong 514, an adapter magnet 516, and a terminal 518. The outer housing 492 has a rounded rectangular shape in cross-section and extends circumferentially along the end wall 494 defining the internal cavity 496. The release pins 500, 502 oppose each other and project from the outer housing 492. The prongs 512, 514 project laterally from the outer housing 492. The prongs 512, 514 are retracted towards and / or into the outer housing 492 in response to the occupant pushing the release pins 500, 502 inward (arrows 519, 520), as is commonly known in the art. The adapter magnet 516 is positioned within the internal cavity 496 adjacent to the end wall 494. The adapter magnet 516 is formed out of magnetic material that has been magnetically polarize with a north polarity 521 facing the end wall 494 of the known universal adapter 22. It will be appreciated that the adapter1244868488.1 / 147714.01340magnet 516 might be positioned within the internal cavity 496 with the north polarity 521 facing away from the end wall 494. The terminal 518 is fixedly coupled to the outer housing 492 along an outer surface thereof.

[0050] The operation of the pivoting door module 10 is described below in reference to Figures 8-17. The pivoting door module 10 is shown in Figures 8-12 with the door assembly 26 in a locked condition 522, the slider 240 in an unactuated position 524, and the latch 286 in a latched position 526. The pivoting door module 10 provides a receptacle 20 for supporting and interfacing with the known universal adapter 22 while providing an automatically locking door 114 to protect the opening 28 to the receptacle 20 while not in use. The pivoting door module 10 has an improved cosmetic appearance since the door 114 fits flush to the opening 28 in the bezel 32. Further, the automatically locking door 114 prevents intrusion of debris into the receptacle 20. In addition, the door 114 on the pivoting door module 10 automatically unlocks and allows for easy insertion of the known universal adapter 22 into the receptacle 20.

[0051] Depicted in Figure 12, the door assembly 26 is initially in the locked condition 522, the slider 240 in the unactuated position 524, and the latch 286 in the latched position 526. The door 114 initially abuts the interior surface 38 in the recessed cavity 40 with the door boss 130 projecting into the opening 28 in the bezel 32 such that the door 114 encloses and overlaps the opening 28. Further, the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 spring-bias the latch 286 in a downward direction (arrow 367) towards the latched position 526. The door assembly 26 is pivotably coupled to the bezel 32 by the pivot pin 332. The torsion spring 340 is operatively coupled between the door 114 and the bezel 32 and spring-biases the door assembly 26 in the clockwise direction (arrow 341) towards the opening 28 in the bezel 32. The guide pins 150, 152 initially abut the upper ends 302, 304 of the respective travel slots 298, 300. In addition, the distal ends 294, 296 of the legs 290, 292 are initially inserted into the bezel pockets 64, 66. The slider 240 is initially spaced adjacent to the cover wall 178 and spaced apart from the door 114.

[0052] Depicted in Figure 12, to insert the known universal adapter 22 into the receptacle 20, the occupant initiates operation of the pivoting door module 10 by abutting the end wall 494 of the known plug-in element 24 against the door 114 on the pivoting door module 10 (arrow 544). Next and as depicted in Figure 13, the adapter magnet 516 magnetically attracts the slider magnet 280 inserted into the slider 240, which causes the slider 240 to move along the pillars 200, 202 in the rearward direction (arrow 538) to an actuated position 546.1344868488.1 / 147714.01340

[0053] Depicted in Figure 14, as the slider magnet 280 moves towards the adapter magnet 516 (arrow 538), the ramped surface on the slider ramp 254 causes latch 286 to lift vertically (arrow 550) against the force of the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362, causing the legs 290, 292 to retract out of the pockets 64, 66 and unlock the door assembly 26. Next, the latch 286 is transposed upward along the guide ribs 170 and the guide surfaces 222, 224, 230, 232 and the travel slots 298, 300 are transposed upward relative to the guide pins 150, 152. The latch 286 continues to move upward (arrow 550) until the guide pins 150, 152 abut the lower end 306, 308 of the respective travel slots 298, 300 and the latch 286 arrives at an unlatched position 552. The upward movement of the latch 286 retracts the distal ends 294, 296 of the legs 290, 292 away from the bezel pockets 64, 66, which repositions the door assembly 26 to an unlocked condition 554. Next, the occupant pushes the door assembly 26 open (arrow 556) with the known plug-in element 24 and flips the door assembly 26 upwards (arrow 558) against the force of the torsion spring 340.

[0054] Next, the occupant slides the known plug-in element 24 (arrow 560) into the receptacle 20 to a limit position engaged with the receptacle housing 384, as depicted in Figures 16 and 17. In addition, the terminal 518 on the known universal adapter 22 interfaces with the connector 438 in the receptacle 20, such that power and / or a signal may be transferred between the terminal 518 and the connector 438. The prongs 512, 514 on the known universal adapter 22 frictionally engage with the housing stops 428, 430 on the receptacle housing 384, which retains the known universal adapter 22 within the receptacle 20.

[0055] The process to disengage the known universal adapter 22 from the receptacle 20 is depicted in Figures 12-17. Initially, the known universal adapter 22 is inserted into the receptacle 20 with the door assembly 26 rotated upward and away from the opening 28 in the bezel 32, as depicted in Figures 16 and 17. To disengage the known universal adapter 22 from the receptacle 20, the occupant presses on the release pins 500, 502 (arrows 519, 520), causing the prongs 512, 514 to disengage from the housing stops 428, 430. After the prongs 512, 514 disengage from the housing stops 428, 430, the occupant removes the known universal adapter 22 from the receptacle 20 (arrow 538). Next, the torsion spring 340 causes the door assembly 26 to flip downward (arrow 341 in Figure 14) towards the opening 28. Next, the compression springs 356, 358, 360, 362 cause the latch 286 to move downward and engage with the pockets 64, 66 in the bezel 32, causing the slider 240 to move in the forward direction (arrow 369) along the pillars 200, 202. The door assembly 26 is returned to the locked condition 522 when1444868488.1 / 147714.01340the door 114 abuts the opening 28, the slider 240 is in the unactuated position 524, and the latch 286 is in the latched position 526.

[0056] As discussed above, the pivoting door module 10 of the present invention provides an improved receptacle 20 and housing assembly 378 with an automatically locking door assembly 26 when not in use. The receptacle 20 is configured to support a known plug-in element 24 of a known universal adapter 22. The pivoting door module 10 provides an improved cosmetic appearance of the locking door assembly 26 since the door boss 130 extends into the opening 28 in the bezel 32 and has an outer surface flush with the surrounding bezel 32. In addition, the automatically locking door assembly 26 prevents intrusion of debris within the receptacle 20 since the door assembly 26 automatically locks when not in use and the door assembly 26 overlaps the interior surface 38 surrounding the opening 28 of the bezel 32. The door assembly 26 is pivotably coupled to the bezel 32 and includes a slider 240 slidably coupled to pillars 200, 202 extending from a door cover 174 and having a slider magnet 280 and a slider ramp 254. The door assembly 26 also includes a latch 286 having spaced apart legs 290, 292 configured to selectively engage with bezel pockets 64, 66 and a latch ramp 314 which is operatively coupled to the slider ramp 254.

[0057] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.1544868488.1 / 147714.01340

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A pivoting door module for a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle, the pivoting door module comprising: a bezel including an opening; a housing fixedly coupled to the bezel and including a receptacle; and a door assembly pivotably coupled to the bezel for enclosing the opening; wherein the door assembly automatically locks to the bezel and encloses the opening when not in use.

2. The pivoting door module as set forth in claim 1, the door assembly further comprising: a door; a cover fixedly coupled to the door and defining a door cavity therebetween; a latch including a latch ramp, the latch spaced at least partially within the door cavity between the door and the cover and movable between a latched position locking the door to the bezel and an unlatched position unlocking the door from the bezel; and a slider including a slider ramp, the slider spaced within the door cavity with the slider ramp operatively coupled to the latch ramp.

3. The pivoting door module as set forth in claim 2, further comprising: a pillar projecting into the door cavity; wherein the slider is transposable along the pillar between an unactuated position spaced apart from the door and an actuated position adjacent to the door.

4. The pivoting door module as set forth in claim 3, further comprising: a slider magnet fixedly coupled to the slider; wherein the slider is automatically transposed along the pillar towards the actuated position in response to an adapter magnet positioned adjacent to an exterior surface of the door magnetically attracting the slider magnet towards the opening.

5. The pivoting door module as set forth in one of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: the slider ramp pushes the latch ramp upward as the slider is transposed along the pillar towards the door, causing the latch to move to the unlatched position which unlocks the door assembly.

6. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 3 through 5, wherein:1644868488.1 / 147714.01340the latch is spring biased towards the latched position; the door assembly is spring biased toward a locked condition with the bezel; and the slider is spring biased towards the unactuated position by the latch ramp operatively coupled to the slider ramp.

7. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 6, wherein: the bezel further comprises a pocket; the latch further comprises a leg having a leg end; the leg end extends into the pocket while the latch is in the latched position; and the leg end is spaced apart from the pocket while the latch is in the unlatched position.

8. The pivoting door module as set forth in one of claim 2 through 7, wherein: the door extends into the opening and overlaps the opening along an interior surface of the bezel while the door assembly is locked to the bezel.

9. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 8, wherein: the door assembly is pivotable away from the opening while the latch is in the unlatched position.

10. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 9, wherein: the latch further comprising a travel slot having an upper end and a lower end; the door further comprising a guide pin extending at least partially through the travel slot; and the latch is transposable along the guide pin between the upper end and the lower end.

11. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 10, wherein: the cover further comprising a guide slot; and the latch is transposable along the guide slot.

12. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 11, the housing further comprising: a receptacle housing which supports and contains a receptacle cavity; and a connector fixedly coupled to the receptacle housing for providing power and / or a signal.

13. The pivoting door module as set forth in any one of claim 2 through 12, further comprising:1744868488.1 / 147714.01340a first spring which spring-biases the door assembly towards the opening; and a second spring which spring-biases the latch towards the latched position.

14. A pivoting door module for a seat assembly for use in an automotive vehicle, the pivoting door module comprising: a bezel including an opening; a housing fixedly coupled to the bezel and including a receptacle; a door assembly pivotably coupled to the bezel for enclosing the opening, wherein the door assembly automatically locks to the bezel and encloses the opening when not in use, and wherein the door assembly is pivotable away from the opening while the opening is in use; and the door assembly comprising: a door, a cover fixedly coupled to the door and defining a door cavity therebetween, a latch spaced at least partially within the door cavity and including a latch ramp, the latch movable between a latched position locking the door assembly to the bezel and an unlatched position unlocking the door assembly from the bezel, a pillar projecting into the door cavity, a slider spaced within the door cavity and including a slider ramp operatively coupled to the latch ramp and transposable along the pillar between an unactuated position spaced apart from the door and an actuated position adjacent to the door, and a slider magnet fixedly coupled to the slider.

15. The pivoting door module as set forth in claim 14, wherein: the slider is automatically transposed along the pillar towards the actuated position in response to an adapter magnet being positioned adj acent to the door which magnetically attracts the slider magnet towards the opening; the slider ramp pushes the latch ramp upward as the slider is transposed along the pillar towards the door, causing the latch to move to the unlatched position which unlocks the door assembly; and the latch is spring-biased downward such that the latch ramp pushes the slider ramp away from the opening when the opening is not in use.1844868488.1 / 147714.01340

Images