Stowage compartment
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026053588_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] STOWAGE COMPARTMENT
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a stowage compartment. Aspects of the invention relate to a stowage compartment for inside the cabin of an automobile, and a vehicle comprising said stowage compartment.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] It is known to provide inertia locks for use in vehicles, for example, for use in a console of an automobile where the closure is not held in a closed position by a latch or lock. Such inertia locks are activated by inertia, for example in the event of a collision, causing the closure to be locked in the closed position during the collision. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a stowage compartment for an inside of an automobile, and a vehicle comprising said stowage compartment, as claimed in the appended claims.
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an automobile stowage compartment comprising:
[0009] a body partially defining a stowage volume of the stowage compartment;
[0010] a closure defining a boundary of the stowage volume;
[0011] a shaft, wherein the closure is rotatable about an axis of the shaft between an open position and a closed position, the shaft being fixed relative to one of the closure or the body, wherein the shaft comprises a locking radial recess in an outer surface thereof;
[0012] a latch mechanism slidably mounted to the other of the closure or the body such that a latching portion of the latch mechanism is locatable in the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position;
[0013] a latch biasing member configured to urge the latching portion into the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position; and
[0014] an inertia lock located adjacent to the latch mechanism, the inertia lock having an active state in which it prevents sliding of the latch mechanism and an inactive state where it allows sliding of the latch mechanism.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an automobile stowage compartment comprising:
[0016] a body partially defining a stowage volume of the stowage compartment;
[0017] a closure defining a boundary of the stowage volume;
[0018] a shaft, wherein the closure is rotatable about an axis of the shaft between an open position and a closed position, the shaft being fixed relative to one of the closure or the body, wherein the shaft comprises a locking radial recess in an outer surface thereof;
[0019] a latch mechanism slidably mounted to the other of the closure or the body such that a latching portion of the latch mechanism is locatable in the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position;a latch biasing member configured to urge the latching portion into the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position; and
[0020] an inertia lock located adjacent to the latch mechanism, the inertia lock having an active state in which it prevents sliding of the latch mechanism and an inactive state where it allows sliding of the latch mechanism;
[0021] wherein the locking radial recess and the latching portion comprise cooperating surfaces for causing the latch mechanism to move against the force exerted by the latch biasing member when the closure is rotated about the axis of the shaft from the closed position towards the open position, when the inertia lock is the inactive state, such that the latching portion moves out of the locking radial recess; and
[0022] wherein the latching portion is prevented, by the inertia lock, from moving out of the locking radial recess when the lock is in the active state.
[0023] Advantageously, the aforementioned combination of features may allow for the provision of a stowage compartment that automatically locks in the event of a collision or overturning of the automobile. Additionally, this combination of features may allow a greater degree of opening of the closure, compared to other closures which have inertia locks.
[0024] The expression “recess’1may otherwise be referred to as an “aperture”, “cut-out, “hole”, “groove”, “cavity” or “channel”. The expression “radial recess” is to be understood to mean a recess in an cross-section of the shaft which may extend partially or fully down the length of the shaft and which has a recessed direction aligned with a radial direction.
[0025] Optionally, the locking radial recess may have a semicircular cross-sectional shape. The locking radial recess may have a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to, or which is configured to cooperate with, a cross-sectional shape of the latching portion of the latch mechanism. Advantageously, the locking radial recess and the latching portion of the latch mechanism may cooperate with one another.
[0026] The expression “closed position” is to be understood to mean a position of the closure relative to the body wherein the stowage volume of the stowage compartment is partially or fully inaccessible. The expression “inertia lock” is to be understood to mean a lock which can be actuated to either lock or unlock by the application of an inertial force to the inertia lock. The expression “stowage compartment for an inside of an automobile” may otherwise be referred to as an automobile stowage compartment. The term “stowage” may be replaced by “storage” herein.
[0027] The shaft may be located towards, or proximal to, an end of the closure. The inertia lock may move from the inactive state to the active state upon an application of an inertial force along a length of the closure in a direction from, e.g., away from, the shaft. Advantageously, this may provide locking in the event of high inertial load.
[0028] The inertia lock may move from the inactive state to the active state upon the application of an inertial force. The inertia lock may move from the inactive state to the active state upon the application of an inertial force,for example an impulse, applied along the length of the closure in a direction from, e.g., away from, the shaft. In embodiments, the inertia lock may move i.e. change from the inactive state to the active state, upon an application of a force or an impulse greater than a threshold. It will be appreciated that a force refers to an influence tending to change the motion of a body or to produce motion or stress in a stationary body. It will be appreciated that an impulse refers to an increase in momentum from a first momentum to a second momentum. Advantageously, in use, in the event of a collision, the inertia lock may change to the active state, preventing the closure of the stowage compartment from opening. This may improve the safety of the stowage compartment.
[0029] The inertia lock may comprise a pivot axis located at one end of the inertia lock, the inertia lock being pivotably mounted to either the closure or the body about the pivot axis. The inertia lock may comprise an abutment portion positioned at another end of the inertia lock. The abutment portion may be for abutting an abutment part of the latch mechanism to prevent sliding of the latch mechanism when the inertia lock is in the active state. A centre of mass of the inertia lock may be located between the abutment portion and the pivot axis. A centre of mass of the inertia lock may be vertically offset from the pivot axis. Advantageously, this combination of features may mean that the locking mechanism is a failsafe system as it may only change from the inactive state to the active state due to inertia, for example an impulse.
[0030] Optionally, when the latch mechanism is horizontal, in the inactive position the abutment portion of the inertia lock may be located below the abutment part of the latch mechanism such that when the inertial force includes a directional component along a sliding direction of the latch mechanism, this may cause the inertia lock to rotate about the pivot axis, causing the abutment portion to become adjacent to the abutment part of the latch mechanism. Advantageously, the inertia lock may remain inactive due to gravity, and may change from the inactive state to the active state due to inertia.
[0031] In embodiments, the latch mechanism and the inertia lock may be mounted to the closure and the shaft may be fixed relative to the body. Advantageously, the closure may be a lid that is prevented from opening during a collision, due to the inertia lock moving to the active state and so preventing the latch mechanism from disengaging from the radial locking recess in the shaft.
[0032] Optionally, the automobile stowage compartment may comprise: a detent mechanism slidably mounted to the closure or the shaft; and a detent biasing member.
[0033] The shaft may comprise one or more detent radial recess circumferentially offset from, and axially adjacent or offset from, the locking radial recess. The detent biasing member may be configured to urge the detent mechanism into a said detent radial recess when it is aligned therewith.
[0034] Optionally, the detent radial recess may have a semicircular cross-sectional shape. The detent radial recess may have a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to, or which is configured to cooperate with, a cross-sectional shape an end portion of the detent mechanism.The expression detent mechanism may otherwise be referred to as a catch . The expression detent mechanism" is to be understood to mean a means to resist or arrest movement of a mechanical device until released. The detent biasing member may comprise or be a spring. The detent mechanism may be mounted to the closure.
[0035] The expression “circumferentially offset" is to be understood to mean positioned at different points around the circumference of the shaft. The expression “axially offset" is to be understood to mean positioned at different points along the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft. The expression “axially adjacent" is to be understood to mean positioned adjacent, along the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft. Advantageously, this may provide sticking positions, where the closure is temporarily held at particular open positions. Locating one or more offset radial recess axially adjacent or offset from the locking radial recess may prevent the inertia lock from engaging with the detent radial recess at the one or more particular open positions, whilst still allowing the sticking positions. This may also prevent the closure being stuck in one of the particular open positions because the latch mechanism is unable to slide to a position where the inertia lock can become active, because the latching portion of the latch mechanism abuts an outer, or non-recessed, surface of the shaft.
[0036] In embodiments, the shaft may comprise one or more aligned radial recess circumferentially offset from, and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess such that, at one or more particular open position corresponding to each of the one or more aligned radial recess, the latch biasing member may urge the latching portion of the latch mechanism into the respective aligned radial recess.
[0037] Optionally, each aligned radial recess may have a semicircular cross-sectional shape. Each aligned radial recess may have a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to, or which is configured to cooperate with, a cross-sectional shape of the latch portion of the latch mechanism.
[0038] Optionally, the shaft may comprise two or more aligned radial recesses circumferentially offset from, and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess. For example, there may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 aligned radial recesses. The shaft may comprise two aligned radial recesses circumferentially offset from and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess. Advantageously, the shaft comprising one or more aligned radial recess may allow the closure to be retained in a variety of configurations about the axis of the shaft, due to the latching portion of the latch mechanism being locatable in each one of the aligned radial recesses. This may advantageously provide sticking points, as the closure is rotated about the axis of the shaft.
[0039] Optionally, a pivot axis of the shaft may be closer to the locking radial recess than any one of the one or more aligned radial recess. Advantageously, this means that when the closure is at any one of the one or more particular open position the latching mechanism may not slide sufficiently far for the inertia lock to become active. This may prevent the closure being stuck in the respective particular open position.
[0040] In embodiments, the inertia lock may comprise a contact member extending from a side of the inertia lock in a direction away from the pivot axis of the inertia lock. The shaft may comprise a contact portion axially adjacent or offset from the locking radial recess and located on a side of the locking radial recess corresponding to thecontact member of the inertia lock. The contact portion of the shaft may have a cross-section which is shaped such that: when the closure is rotated to any one of the one or more particular open position, contact between the contact member of the inertia lock and a radially outer surface of the contact portion of the shaft prevents the inertia lock from moving to the active state; and when the closure is in the closed position, the inertia lock is able to move to the active state. Advantageously, this means that when the closure is at any one of the one or more particular open position the inertia lock may not become active. This may prevent the closure being stuck in the respective particular open position.
[0041] In embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the contact portion of the shaft may be partially circular with a radial cut-out. The radial cut-out may be located such that it is able to contact the contact member of the inertia lock when the closure is in the closed position. The partially circular part of the cross-sectional shape may be located such that it is able to contact the contact member of the inertia lock when the closure is in any one of the one or more particular open position. The expression “radial cut-out“ is to be understood to mean a cutout in an cross-section of the contact portion of the shaft which may extend partially or fully along the length of the shaft.
[0042] Optionally, the radial cut-out of the contact portion may intersect with the locking radial recess of the shaft. Optionally, a centre of the partial circle of the cross-sectional shape may be offset from the central axis of the shaft. Advantageously, this may be simple to manufacture because there is no eccentricity in a turning process, and the radial cut-out may be manufactured in the same manufacturing step which provides any of the other radial recesses.
[0043] In embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the contact portion of the shaft may be elliptical. A centre of the elliptical cross-sectional shape may be offset from the axis of the shaft. The elliptical cross-sectional shape may be orientated such that: contact between the contact portion of the shaft and the contact member of the inertia lock prevents the inertia lock moving to the active state when the closure is in any one of the one or more particular open position; and contact between the contact portion of the shaft and the contact member of the inertia lock allows the inertia lock to move to the active state when the closure is in the closed position. Advantageously, this may be easier to manufacture due to an elliptical shape being relatively simple to turn.
[0044] In embodiments, any two of: the locking radial recess; one of the one or more detent radial recess; and one of the one or more aligned radial recess; may be circumferentially offset by between 75° and 105° about the axis of the shaft.
[0045] For example, any two of: the locking radial recess; one of the one or more detent radial recess; and one of the one or more aligned radial recess; may be circumferentially offset by 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100° or 105°.
[0046] For example, a first aligned radial recess may circumferentially offset from the locking radial recess by 90° and a second aligned radial recess may be circumferentially offset from the first aligned radial recess by 90°. For example, a first detent radial recess may be circumferentially offset from the locking radial recess by 90°, and a second detent radial recess may be circumferentially offset from the first detent radial recess by 90°.Advantageously, this may allow the closure to be retained in a variety of desirable configurations. For example so that the length of closure is vertical (where the stowage volume is accessible, whilst the closure is of the way), and / or so that closure is rotated about the axis of the shaft by 180 degrees, (allowing an inner surface of the closure to serve as a tray table, whilst providing access to stowage volume).
[0047] The locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a first radial recess by between 75° and 105°. The locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a second radial recess by between 165° and 195°. The first radial recess may be either an axially offset radial aperture or an axially aligned radial recess. The second radial recess may be either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess.
[0048] For example, the locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a first radial recess by 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100° or 105°. The locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a second radial recess by 165°, 170°, 175°, 180°, 185°, 190° and 195°. The first radial recess may be either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess. The second radial recess may be either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess.
[0049] For example, the locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a first radial recess by 90°. The locking radial recess may be circumferentially offset from a second radial recess by 180°. The first radial recess may be either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess. The second radial recess may be either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess.
[0050] In embodiments, the closure may be a lid and / or an armrest. Optionally the closure may be a lid. Optionally the closure may be an armrest. Optionally, the stowage compartment may be a central console, for example between a driver seat and a front passenger seat. Optionally the stowage compartment may be located between two rear passenger seats.
[0051] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the aforementioned stowage compartment.
[0052] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 shows a first example of a stowage compartment, in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0055] Figure 2 shows the stowage compartment of Figure 1 , in an open position;
[0056] Figure 3 shows the stowage compartment of Figure 1 in a closed position, with an inertia lock in an active state;
[0057] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a shaft of another example of a stowage compartment and shows a latch mechanism, biasing member and the shaft of the same stowage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0058] Figure 5 shows operation of the inertia lock of the stowage compartment of Figure 1 ;
[0059] Figure 6 shows cross-sectional views of a shaft and shows a detent mechanism, a latch mechanism and a shaft of another example of a stowage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 shows an inertia lock, a shaft and a latch mechanism of another example of a stowage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0060] Figure 8 shows an inertia lock, a shaft and a latch mechanism of another example of the stowage compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0061] Figure 9 shows another example of a stowage compartment, with an inertia lock in an inactive state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0062] Figure 10 shows the example stowage compartment of Figure 9, with an inertia lock in an active state;
[0063] Figure 11 shows another example of a stowage compartment, with an inertia lock in an inactive state, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0064] Figure 12 shows the example stowage compartment of Figure 11 , with an inertia lock in an active state.
[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] With reference to Fig. 1-3, there is illustrated a stowage compartment for an inside the cabin of an automobile, which may be referred to as an automobile stowage compartment 1. The automobile stowage compartment 1 has a body 2 partially defining a stowage volume V of the stowage compartment 1 , a closure 3, which in this example is a lid, defining a boundary of the stowage volume V. The stowage compartment 1 also has a shaft 4. The closure 3 is rotatable about an axis of the shaft 4 between an open position (as shown in Fig. 2) and a closed position (as shown in Fig. 1 and 3). In the open position, the storage volume V is accessible from above. In this example, the closure 3 has no user-operated latch to hold the closure closed until a user operates the latch to allow the closure 3 to open. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide an inertia device in order to secure the closure 3 in the closed position in the event of a high impulse event, such as a collision.
[0067] In this example, the shaft 4 is fixed relative to the body 2. In this example, the shaft 4 is mounted in the closure 3 towards a first end 31 of the closure 3. In this example, the shaft 4 has a central bore therethrough, which receives a pin or another shaft (not shown) which is mounted to the body 2. Therefore, the closure 3 is rotatable about the pin to rotate the closure 3 between the open and closed positions. In this example the closure 3 has an internal volume which is open at a side facing the shaft 4, or in which the shaft 4 is located. The closure may be made of plastic, for example injection moulded plastic.
[0068] The shaft 4 comprises a locking radial recess 41 extending radially inwardly from a radial outer surface of the shaft. The locking radial recess 41 faces approximately along a centreline of the closure 3 when the closure 3is closed, the centreline being shown with a dashed line in Fig. 1 and 2. When the vehicle is on a horizontal surface the centreline of the closure 3 is also horizontal, and the locking radial recess 41 faces in a substantially horizontal direction. In this example, the locking radial recess 41 has a triangular cross-sectional shape. In this example, the shaft 4 comprises two aligned radial recesses 42, 43 circumferentially offset from, and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess 41 , the axial direction being defined along an axis of the shaft 4. A first of the two aligned radial recesses 42 faces in a direction perpendicular to the centreline of the closure 3, such that this first aligned radial recess 42 faces vertically upwards when the vehicle is on a horizontal surface and the closure 3 is closed. A second of the two aligned radial recessed 43 faces in a direction along the centreline of the closure 3 and opposite to the locking radial recess 41. In this example the two aligned radial recesses 42, 43 are triangular in cross-section, and extend into the shaft by less radial distance than the locking radial recess 41. The shaft may be made of metal, for example steel.
[0069] The stowage compartment 1 comprises a latch mechanism 5 slidably mounted to the closure 3 inside the internal volume of the closure 3. A slidable plane of the latch mechanism 5 is along the centreline of the closure 3 as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 1-3. The latch mechanism 5 is retained in the closure 3 by retaining means (not shown) which allow the latch mechanism 5 to slide, but which prevent the latch mechanism 5 from moving away from the closure 3. In this example the latch mechanism 5 is elongated in shape and has a latching portion 51 at a first end thereof. In this example, the latch mechanism 5 has a recessed area (not shown) which is located on a lower side thereof when the latch mechanism 5 is horizontal. The recessed area of the latch mechanism 5 has an abutment end or abutment portion 52 closest to the shaft 4. In this example, the latching portion 51 has a triangular cross-section which corresponds to the shape of the radial recesses 41 , 42, 43 in the shaft 4. The latch mechanism 5 may be made of plastic, for example injection moulded plastic. The stowage component 1 comprises a latch biasing member BM, which, in this example, is a coil spring. When the stowage compartment 1 is assembled, the latch biasing member BM is captive between a fixed part (not shown) of the closure 3 and a second end of the latch mechanism 5 such that the latch biasing member BM urges the latch mechanism 5 away from the fixed part of the closure 3 and towards the shaft 4.
[0070] The stowage compartment 1 comprises an inertia lock 6 which has a hole at one end 61 to receive a shaft or pin (not shown), such that the inertia lock 6 is rotatable about the shaft or pin to provide a pivot axis PAIL. At the other end of the inertia lock 6 is an abutment portion 62. In this example the inertia lock 6 has a first section extending from the hole, and a second section extending from the abutment portion 62. The first and second portions meet at an obtuse angle to one another. Therefore, a centre of mass of the inertia lock 6 is located between the abutment portion 62 and the pivot axis PAIL and is vertically offset from the pivot axis PAIL when the abutment portion 62 and the hole are located along a common horizontal line.
[0071] The inertia lock 6 is located in the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5. The inertia lock 6 is mounted about the pin which is fixed to the closure 3 and is not fixed to the latch mechanism 5. The pin is received in the hole of the inertia lock 6. The inertia lock 6 is orientated such that the abutment portion 62 is closest to the shaft 4 and the hole is furthest from the shaft 4.
[0072] The operation of the stowage compartment 1 will now be described. When the vehicle is stationary or moving with relatively low amounts of impulse, and the closure 3 is closed, gravity causes the inertia lock 6 to pivotabout its pin such that the abutment portion 62 thereof is beneath and further from the shaft 4 than the abutment portion 52 of the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5. This means that the abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 6 is not located in the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5. In this case, the abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 6 may rest on an inside surface of the closure 3 such that a distance between the centre of mass of the inertia lock 6 and the shaft 4 is less than a distance between the hole of the inertia lock 6 and the shaft 4. This may be referred to as an inactive state of the inertia lock 6. The abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 6 may be prevented from pivoting significantly far away from the abutment portion 52 of the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5 and, in the inactive state, is proximal the abutment portion 52 of the recessed area.
[0073] When the closure 3 is closed, the latch biasing member BM urges the latching portion 51 of the latch mechanism 5 into the locking radial recess 41 . When the closure 3 is opened, whilst the vehicle is stationary or moving with relatively low amounts of impulse, the cooperating surfaces of the locking radial recess 41 and the latching portion 51 are angled such that they cause the latch mechanism 5 to move against the force exerted by the latch biasing member BM until the latching portion 51 is outside of the locking radial recess 41 . This means that a force is required to move the latching portion 51 out of the locking recess 5, and so this provides a ‘sticking point’ when the closure 3 remains in the closed position, until an opening moment is provided which is sufficient to move the latch mechanism 5 against the force exerted thereon by the latch biasing member. Therefore, the closure 3 is urged into the closed position but can be moved out of the closed position. For this reason, the locking recess 5 may otherwise be referred to as a ‘detent’.
[0074] In a high impulse event, such as a collision or a rapid increase in acceleration or deceleration, if the inertia lock 6 was not present, enough of a moment may be provided to the closure 3 to open the closure. However, when the inertia lock 6 is present, when inertia above a certain amount is applied to the stowage compartment 1 with a directional component along the sliding direction of the latch mechanism 5, this causes the inertia lock 6 to rotate about the pivot axis PAIL in an upwards direction, causing the abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 62 to become adjacent to the abutment part 52 of the latch mechanism 5. This is referred to as an active state of the inertia lock 6. In this active state, the latching portion 51 of the latch mechanism 5 is prevented, by the inertia lock 6, from moving out of the locking radial recess 41 because abutment between the abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 6 and the abutment part 52 of the latch mechanism 5 prevents the latch mechanism 5 from moving the direction away from the shaft 4. Furthermore, the inertia lock 6 may also become active when gravity acts in a direction to cause the abutment portion 62 of the inertia lock 62 to become adjacent to the abutment part 52 of the latch mechanism 5, for example if the vehicle is rolled over.
[0075] Once the high impulse event is finished, the moment being applied to the closure 3 is reduced or removed, and so the force applied onto the latch mechanism 5 in a direction away from the shaft 4 is removed, and thus the latch biasing member BM reduces contact between the abutment portion 63 of the inertia lock 6 and the abutment part 52 of the latch mechanism 5. Therefore, gravity causes the inertia lock 6 to move out of the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5. Accordingly, the inertia lock 6 returns to the inactive state and the closure 3 can be opened by a user.
[0076] When the closure 3 is opened, whilst the vehicle is stationary or moving with relatively low amounts of impulse, the latching portion 51 of the latch mechanism 5 moves out of the locking radial recess 41 and the latch biasingmember BM urges the latching portion 51 into contact with an outer surface of the shaft 4. In the example of Fig. 1-3 there are two aligned radial recesses 42, 43 which have smaller depths than the locking radial recess 41 . When the closure 3 is rotated such that the latching portion 51 of the latch mechanism 5 arrives at either aligned radial recess 42, 43, the latch biasing member BM urges the latching portion 51 into the respective aligned radial recess 42, 43. This provides more ‘sticking points’ to hold the closure 3 in the respective position until a sufficient moment is applied to the closure 3 to move the latching portion 51 out of the respective aligned radial recess 42, 43. The smaller depth of these aligned radial recesses 42, 43 means that the latch mechanism 5 is urged towards the shaft 4, by the latch biasing member BM, by less distance than when the latching portion 51 is located in the locking radial recess 41 . This difference in distance is such that, when the latching portion 51 is located in one of the aligned radial recesses 42, 43, the abutment portion 63 of the inertia lock 6 is unable to enterthe recessed area of the latch mechanism 5. This prevents the closure 3 becoming stuck in one of the particular open positions corresponding to the aligned radial recesses 42, 43. For example, if the inertia lock 6 was able to move into the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5 due to gravity, in one of the particular open positions, it may not be possible to remove it without disassembling the closure 3.
[0077] In this example the inertia lock 6 is pivotably mounted to the closure 3 about the pivot axis PAIL. However, it will be appreciated that in embodiments where the shaft 4 is fixed relative to the closure 3 and the latch mechanism 5 is slidably mounted to the body 2, the inertia lock is pivotably mounted to the body 2 about the pivot axis PAIL.
[0078] Referring now to Fig. 4, the view on the left shows a cross-sectional view of a shaft 4’ and the view on the right shows a detailed view of the shaft 4’, latch mechanism 5’, latch biasing means BM’, and inertia lock 6’ of another example of a stowage compartment. Features in this example which are similar to features in the stowage compartment 1 of the previous example, are denoted with the same reference numerals with a succeeding prime (’ ).
[0079] As in the previous example, the shaft 4’ of this example comprises two aligned radial recesses 42’, 43’ circumferentially offset from, and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess 41 ’, such that, at one or more particular open position corresponding to each of the aligned radial recesses 42’, 43’, the latch biasing member BM urges the latching portion 51 ’ of the latch mechanism 5’ into the respective aligned radial recess 42’, 43’ to provide ‘sticking points’.
[0080] This example differs from the previous example in that the locking and aligned radial recesses 41’, 42’, 43’ are the same depth as one another, but a pivot axis PA’Sof the shaft 4’ is offset from the centre of the shaft 4’. More specifically, the pivot axis PA’Sof the shaft 4’ is closer to the locking radial recess 41’ than either one of the aligned radial recesses 42’, 43’. This has a similar effect to providing recesses with different depths, in the previous example, whereby the latch mechanism 5’ is not able to be urged as far in the direction towards the shaft 4’ in the aligned radial recesses 42’, 43’ as it is able to be urged in the locking radial recess 41’. This means that the inertia lock 6’ cannot be activated in the particular open positions corresponding to the aligned radial recesses 42’, 43’, and so the closure does not become stuck in an open position. This is explained in more detail subsequently, with reference to Fig. 5.This example also differs from the previous example in that the locking and aligned radial recessed 41 , 42 , 43’ of this example have arc-shaped cross-sections, and the latching portion 5T of the latch mechanism 5’ has a corresponding arc-shaped cross-section. However, the interaction between the latching portion 5T of the latch mechanism 5’ and the corresponding recess 41 ’, 42’, 43’ is the same as that described with reference to Figs. 1-3, in that a moment applied to the closure causes the latch mechanism 5’ to move against the force of the latch biasing member BM’ and out of the respective recess 41’, 42, 43’. It will be appreciated that the triangular shaped cross-sections shown in Figs. 1-3 could be used in this example instead, and similarly, the arc-shaped cross-sections of this example could be used in the example of Figs. 1-3 instead.
[0081] Referring now to Fig. 5, the interaction between the inertia lock 6’ and the latch mechanism 5’ of the embodiment of Fig. 4 is described, when the closure 3 is closed, as shown in Fig. 5. (a), and when the closure is rotated about the pivot axis PA’Sof the shaft 4’ to the particular open position at by 90° as shown in Fig. 5 (b), and the particular open position at 180°, as shown in Fig. 5 (c).
[0082] In Fig. 5(a), the closure (not shown) is in the closed position, and the latching portion 5T of the latch mechanism 5’ is located in the locking radial recess 41 ’. The locking radial recess 41 ’ is the radial recess 41 ’ closest to the pivot axis PA’sof the shaft 4’. In this position, the inertia lock 6’ is operable to adopt the active state upon the application of inertia along the sliding direction of the latch mechanism 5’, wherein the abutment portion 63’ located at an end 62’ of the inertia lock 6’ abuts the abutment part 52’ of the latch mechanism 5’, preventing sliding of the latch mechanism 5’.
[0083] In Fig. 5(b), the closure is rotated about the pivot axis PASof the shaft 4’ by 90° from the closed position shown in Fig. 5(a) to a particular open position. The latching portion 5T of the latch mechanism 5’ is located in a first one of the aligned radial recesses 42’. In this position, the inertia lock 6’ is not operable to adopt the active state, since the abutment portion 63’ of the inertia lock 6’ extends past the abutment part 52’ of the latch mechanism 5’. This is because the respective aligned radial recess 42’ is further from the pivot axis PASof the shaft 4’ than the locking radial recess 41 ’. Thus, the inertia lock 6’ cannot prevent sliding of the latch mechanism 5’, and the latch mechanism 5’ is prevented from getting stuck in the aligned radial recess 42’, and so the closure may not get stuck in the respective particular open position.
[0084] In Fig. 5(c), the closure has moved about the pivot axis PA’Sof the shaft 4’ by 180° from the closed position shown in Fig. 5(a), and by 90° from the open position shown in Fig. 5(b) to another particular open position. The latching portion 5T of the latch mechanism 5’ is located in a first one of the aligned radial recesses 43’. In this position, the inertia lock 6’ is not operable to adopt the active state, since the abutment portion 63’ of the inertia lock 6’ extends past the abutment part 53’ of the latch mechanism 5’. Again, this is because the respective aligned radial recess 43’ is further from the pivot axis PA’Sof the shaft 4’ than the locking radial recess 41 ’. Thus, the inertia lock 6’ cannot prevent sliding of the latch mechanism 5’, and the latch mechanism 5’ is prevented from getting stuck in the aligned radial recess 43’, and so the closure does not get stuck in the respective particular open position.
[0085] Referring now to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a latch mechanism 5”, inertia lock 6”, shaft 4” and a detent mechanism 7” of another example of a stowage compartment. Features in this example which are similar tofeatures in the stowage compartments of the previous examples are denoted with the same reference numerals a succeeding double prime (”) instead of no primes or instead of a single prime (’ ).
[0086] In this example, the automobile stowage compartment further comprises a detent mechanism 7“ slidably mounted to the closure 3”, for example in the same way that the latch mechanism 5 is slidably mounted to the closure. The detent mechanism 7" is mounted to the closure alongside, or parallel to and spaced from, the latch mechanism 5“. The detent mechanism 7“ has an end portion at a first end, and a detent biasing member DBM" is located at a second end of the detent mechanism 7". Similarly to the latch biasing member BM, the detent biasing member DBM" in this example is a coil spring, captivated between the second end of the detent mechanism 7“ and a fixed part of the closure. However, it will be appreciated that other resilient biasing means may be used.
[0087] In this example, the shaft 4” comprises two detent radial recesses 71", 72“ circumferentially offset from, and axially offset from, the locking radial recess 41”. The circumferential offset of the detent radial recesses 71", 72“ from the locking radial recess 41“ is the same as in the previous examples, namely 90° and 180° respectively. The axial offset distance of the detent radial recesses 71“, 72“ from the locking radial recess 41 ", along the axial direction of the shaft 4“, is such that the detent radial recesses 71“, 72“ align with the detent mechanism 7“ and the locking radial recess 41 “ aligns with the latch mechanism 5“. Similarly to in the example of Figs. 4 and 5, all of the recesses 41“, 71“, 72“ have arc-shaped cross-sections, but it will be appreciated that the cross-sectional shapes may be different, for example triangular, as shown in Figs. 1-3. In this example, the recesses 41“, 71“, 72“ are all of the same depth, and the pivot axis PA“Sof the shaft 4“ is central in the shaft 4".
[0088] The detent biasing member DBM“ is configured to urge the detent mechanism 7“ into each of the detent radial recesses 71“, 72“ when aligned therewith, and the latch biasing member BM“ urges the latching portion of the latch mechanism 5“ into the locking radial recess 41“ as in previous examples.
[0089] In use, when the inertia lock 6" is inactive and the closure is rotated from the closed position to a particular open position, the latch mechanism 5“ moves against the force exerted thereon by the latch biasing member BM“ in the same manner as in the previous examples. When there is a high inertia event, the inertia lock 6“ prevents movement of the latch mechanism 5“ in the same way as in the previous examples.
[0090] This example differs from the previous examples in that, in a particular open position corresponding to one of the detent radial recesses 71", 72“, the detent mechanism 7“ is urged into the respective detent radial recess 71 ”, 72“ . This provides “sticking points" at the particular open positions. Further, at any open position of the closure, the latch mechanism 5“ is urged, by the latch biasing member BM“, against an outer surface of the shaft 4“ and not into a recess, and so the closure cannot become stuck open because the inertia lock 6“ cannot enter the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5" and cannot become activated, when the closure is at an open position. Therefore, there is no need to offset the pivot axis PA“Sof the shaft 4” from the central axis of the shaft 4”, or to make recesses of different depths, as in previous examples.
[0091] Referring now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a schematic of the operation of an inertia Iock6”’ of another example of a stowage compartment. Features of this example which are similar to features of previous examples are detonated with the same reference numerals a triple prime (”’). In Fig. 6, the latch mechanism 5“’ is shown inthree separate positions on the same figure, namely when the closure is rotated about the pivot axis PASof the shaft 4”’ from the closed position shown in (a), rotated by 90° as shown in (b) and rotated by 180° as shown in (c). For the avoidance of doubt, there is only one latch mechanism 5’” and inertia lock 6“’.
[0092] The inertia lock 6”’ of this example embodiments differs from the inertia lock of the previous examples in that it comprises a contact member 64’” extending from a side of the inertia lock 6”’ in a direction away from the pivot axis PA’"IL of the inertia lock 6”’. The contact member 64’” is rigidly connected to the inertia lock 6’”, or may be integral or unitary therewith. The contact member 64’” of this example has two straight rods connected together at ends thereof, such that the rods extend at obtuse angles to one another. The other end of one of the rods is connected to the remainder of the inertia lock 6’”, and the other end of the other rod provides a free end of the contact member 64’”. The obtuse angle between the rods means that the contact member 64’” extends around the latching portion 5T” of the latch mechanism 5’” when the inertia lock 6’” is in an active state.
[0093] The shaft 4’” of this example differs from shafts of previous examples in that it comprises a contact portion axially adjacent or axially spaced from the locking radial recess 41 ’”, the axial direction referring to an axial direction of the shaft 4’”. The contact portion 44’” of the shaft 4’” is located on the side of the locking radial recess 41 ’” corresponding to the contact member 64’” of the inertia lock 6’”. The pivot axis of PA’”Sof the shaft 4’” is a central axis of a part of the shaft 4’” which has the locking and aligned radial recesses 4T”, 42’”, 43’”. In this example the contact portion 44’” of the shaft 4’” has an elliptical cross-section and is located relative to the remainder of the shaft 4’” such that a major axis of the ellipse is on a side of the shaft 4’” corresponding to the locking radial recess 4T”, and a minor axis of the ellipse is aligned with the aligned radial recess 42’” corresponding to the closure being open at 90°. The contact portion 44’” of the shaft is offset from the pivot axis PA’”Sof the shaft 4’” in a direction towards the aligned radial recess 42’” corresponding to the closure being open at 90°.
[0094] In use, when the closure is in a closed position and there is a load with high inertia, the inertia lock 6’” becomes active as has been described previously, and the latching portion 52’” of the latch mechanism 5’” is retained in the locking radial recess 4T”, as has also been described previously.
[0095] When the closure is rotated to a particular open position, (as shown in (b) and (c))), contact between the contact member 64’” of the inertia lock 6”’and a radially outer surface of the contact portion 44’” of the shaft 4’” prevents the inertia lock 6’” from moving to the active state. This means that the latch mechanism 5’” is prevented from getting stuck in the aligned radial recesses 42’”, 43’”.
[0096] Referring now to Fig. 8, there is shown another example which is similar to the example of Fig. 7, where similar features are denoted with the same reference numerals with a quadruple prime (””) instead of a triple prime (’”).
[0097] This example differs from the previous example in that the cross-sectional shape of the contact portion 44’“‘ of the shaft 4’” is partially circular with a radial cut-out. The radial cut-out is located partially overlapping the locking radial recess 41’“‘ on a side of the shaft 4’“‘ facing away from the aligned radial recesses 42’“‘, 43’“‘.In use, when the closure is in a closed position and there is a load with high inertia, the inertia lock 6 becomes active as has been described previously, and the latching portion 52’“‘ of the latch mechanism 5’”’ is retained in the locking radial recess 41 as has also been described previously. In this position the contact member 64’“‘ is adjacent or abutting the radial cut-out and so the inertia lock 6““ is allowed to move into the recessed area of the latch mechanism 5’“‘ and so into the active state.
[0098] When the closure is rotated to a particular open position, (as shown in (b) and (c)), contact between the contact member 64“” of the inertia lock 6”” and a radially outer surface of the contact portion 44“” of the shaft 4”” prevents the inertia lock 6”” from moving to the active state. As in the previous example, this prevents the closure form being stuck in any particular open position.
[0099] Referring now to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, there is shown another example of a stowage compartment 11 , which is similar to the example shown in Fig. 1-3 except that the shaft 14 is fixed relative to the closure 13 and the latch mechanism 15 is slidably mounted to the body 12. Similar features of this example are denoted with the same reference numerals as in the example of Fig. 1-3, with a preceding ‘1’. The shaft 14 ofthis example may be as per any previously described shaft, instead of that shown in Figs. 11 and 12.
[0100] A slidable plane of the latch mechanism 15 ofthis example is along a vertical line when the vehicle is horizontal. As in the previous example, the stowage component 11 comprises a latch biasing member 1 BM, which, in this example, is a coil spring. The latch biasing member 1BM is captivated between a fixed part (not shown) of the body 12 and a second end of the latch mechanism 15 such that the latch biasing member 1BM urges the latch mechanism 15 away from the fixed part of the body 12 and towards the shaft 14.
[0101] As in the previous example the stowage compartment 11 comprises an inertia lock 16 which has a hole to receive a shaft or pin (not shown), such that the inertia lock 16 is rotatable about the shaft or pin. In this example the shaft or pin is partway along the length of the inertia lock 16 and there is an abutment portion 162 at one end. The side of the inertia lock 16 on the opposite side of the shaft or pin to the abutment portion 162 is referred to as a counterweight 165. The counterweight 165 is heavier than the side of the inertia lock 16 with the abutment portion 162, such that the shaft or pin is located between a centre of mass of the inertia lock 16 and the abutment portion 162. The counterweight 165 extends away from the shaft or pin at an angle to the side of the inertia lock 16 which has the abutment portion 162, and in a direction away from the latch mechanism 15.
[0102] When the vehicle is horizontal and there are no significantly high levels of inertia acting on the inertia lock 16, gravity acting on the counterweight 165 causes the inertia lock 16 to pivot about the shaft or pin such that the abutment portion 162 is outside of the recessed area of the latch mechanism 15. This means that the closure 13 can be opened by hand, because the interaction between the shaft 14 and the latch mechanism 15 is as per one of the previously described examples. This means that the inertia lock 16 cannot become activated when the closure 13 is at an open position.When there is an event with a high level of inertia, the counterweight 165 causes the inertia lock 16 to pivot about its shaft or pin, and thus activates the inertia lock 16 by causing the abutment portion 162 to enter the recessed area of the latch mechanism 15. The closure 13 is therefore prevented from opening, as described with reference to previous examples.
[0103] Referring now to Fig. 11 and 12, there is shown another example of a stowage compartment 21 , which is similar to the example shown in Fig. 1-3 except that the shaft 24 is fixed relative to the closure 23 and the latch mechanism 25 is slidably mounted to the body 22. Similar features of this example are denoted with the same reference numerals as in the example of Fig. 1-3, with a preceding ‘2’. The shaft 24 of this example may be as per any previously described shaft, instead of that shown in Figs. 11 and 12.
[0104] In this example, the body 22 has a protruding portion 221 which protrudes into a corresponding recessed portion of the closure 23. The latch mechanism 25 is slidably mounted to the protruding portion 221 of the body 22 and is oriented horizontally when the vehicle is horizontal. This enables the latch mechanism 25, inertia lock 26, latch biasing member 2BM and shaft 14 all work in the same way as in the example of Fig. 1-3.
[0105] More specifically, when the vehicle is stationary or moving with relatively low amounts of impulse, and the closure 23 is closed, gravity causes the inertia lock 26 to pivot about its pin such that it is in the inactive state. In a high impulse event, when inertia above a certain amount is applied to the stowage compartment 21 with a directional component along the sliding direction of the latch mechanism 25, or when the vehicle rolls over, this causes the inertia lock 26 enter the active state.
[0106] Once the high impulse event is finished, the moment being applied to the closure 23 is reduced or removed, and so the force applied onto the latch mechanism 25 in a direction away from the shaft 4 is removed, and thus the latch biasing member 2BM reduces contact between the abutment portion 263 of the inertia lock 26 and the abutment part 252 of the latch mechanism 25. Therefore, gravity causes the inertia lock 26 to move out of the recessed area of the latch mechanism 25. Accordingly, the inertia lock 26 returns to the inactive state and the closure 23 can be opened by a user.
[0107] It will be appreciated that the example depicted in Fig. 6 may be used in the stowage compartment of any of Fig. 9-12, by providing a detent mechanism alongside the latch mechanism.
[0108] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and / or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.
Claims
CLAIMS1. A stowage compartment for an inside of an automobile, the stowage compartment comprising: a body partially defining a stowage volume of the stowage compartment ;a closure defining a boundary of the stowage volume ;a shaft , wherein the closure is rotatable about an axis of the shaft between an open position and a closed position, the shaft being fixed relative to one of the closure or the body , wherein the shaft comprises a locking radial recess in an outer surface thereof;a latch mechanism slidably mounted to the other of the closure orthe body such that a latching portion of the latch mechanism is locatable in the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position;a latch biasing member configured to urge the latching portion into the locking radial recess when the closure is in the closed position; andan inertia lock located adjacent to the latch mechanism, the inertia lock having an active state in which it prevents sliding of the latch mechanism and an inactive state in which it allows sliding of the latch mechanism;wherein the locking radial recess and the latching portion comprise cooperating surfaces for causing the latch mechanism to move against the force exerted by the latch biasing member when the closure is rotated about the axis of the shaft from the closed position towards the open position, when the inertia lock is the inactive state, such that the latching portion moves out of the locking radial recess; and wherein the latching portion is prevented, by the inertia lock, from moving out of the locking radial recess when the inertia lock is in the active state.
2. A stowage compartment according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft is located towards an end of the closure, wherein the inertia lock moves from the inactive state to the active state upon an application of an inertial force along a length of the closure in a direction from the shaft.
3. A stowage compartment according to claim 2, wherein the inertia lock comprises:a pivot axis located at one end of the inertia lock, the inertia lock being pivotably mounted to either the closure or the body about the pivot axis;an abutment portion positioned at another end of the inertia lock, the abutment portion for abutting an abutment part of the latch mechanism to prevent sliding of the latch mechanism when the inertia lock is in the active state;wherein a centre of mass of the inertia lock is located between the abutment portion and the pivot axis and is vertically offset from the pivot axis.
4. A stowage compartment according to claim 3, wherein, when the latch mechanism is horizontal, in the inactive state the abutment portion of the inertia lock is located below the abutment part of the latch mechanism such that when the inertial force includes a directional component along a sliding direction of the latch mechanism, this causes the inertia lock to rotate about the pivot axis, causing the abutment portion to become adjacent to the abutment part of the latch mechanism.
5. A stowage compartment according to claim 4, wherein the latch mechanism and the inertia lock are mounted to the closure and wherein the shaft is fixed relative to the body .
6. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, comprising:a detent mechanism slidably mounted to the closure or the lid; anda detent biasing member;wherein the shaft comprises one or more detent radial recess circumferentially offset from, and axially adjacent or offset from, the locking radial recess;wherein the detent biasing member is configured to urge the detent mechanism into a respective one of the one or more detent radial recess when it is aligned therewith.
7. A stowage compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the shaft comprises one or more aligned radial recess circumferentially offset from, and axially aligned with, the locking radial recess such that, at one or more particular open position corresponding to each of the one or more aligned radial recess, the latch biasing member urges the latching portion of the latch mechanism into the respective aligned radial recess.
8. A stowage compartment according to claim 7, wherein a pivot axis of the shaft is closer to the locking radial recess than any one of the one or more aligned radial recess.
9. A stowage compartment according to claim 7 or claim 8 when dependent upon claim 3, wherein the inertia lock comprises a contact member extending from a side of the inertia lock in a direction away from the pivot axis of the inertia lock ;wherein the shaft comprises a contact portion axially adjacent or offset from the locking radial recess and located on a side of the locking radial recess corresponding to the contact member of the inertia lock;wherein the contact portion of the shaft has a cross-section which is shaped such that:when the closure is rotated to any one of the one or more particular open position, contact between the contact member of the inertia lock and a radially outer surface of the contact portion of the shaft prevents the inertia lock from moving to the active state; and when the closure is in the closed position, the inertia lock is able to move to the active state.
10. A stowage compartment according to claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the contact portion of the shaft is partially circular with a radial cut out, wherein the radial cut-out is located such that it is able to contact the contact member of the inertia lock when the closure is in the closed position, and wherein the partially circular part of the cross-sectional shape is located such that it is able to contact the contact member of the inertia lock when the closure is in any one of the one or more particular open position.
11. A stowage compartment according to claim 9, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the contact portion of the shaft is elliptical, wherein a centre of the elliptical cross-sectional shape is offset from the axis of the shaft, and wherein the elliptical cross-sectional shape is orientated such that:contact between the contact portion of the shaft and the contact member of the inertia lock prevents the inertia lock moving to the active state when the closure is in any one of the one or more particular open position; andcontact between the contact portion of the shaft and the contact member of the inertia lock allows the inertia lock to move to the active state when the closure is in the closed position.
12. A stowage compartment according to any of claims 6 to 11, wherein any two of:the locking radial recess;one of the one or more detent radial recess; andone of the one or more aligned radial recess;are circumferentially offset by between 75° and 105° about the axis of the shaft .
13. A stowage compartment according to any of claims 6 to 12, wherein the locking radial recess is circumferentially offset from a first radial recess by between 75° and 105°, the locking radial recess is circumferentially offset from a second radial recess by between 165° and 195°, and wherein the first radial recess is either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess , and wherein the second radial recess is either an axially offset radial recess or an axially aligned radial recess.
14. A stowage compartment according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure is a lid and / or an armrest.
15. A vehicle comprising a stowage compartment according to any preceding claim.18