Patent Application
20240123906
The present invention relates to component for a vehicle interior.
The present invention also relates to component for a vehicle interior with a hinge/pivot mechanism.
It is known to provide a component in a vehicle interior with a component such as a console with a base providing a compartment and a cover movable relative to the base to facilitate access to the compartment.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved component for a vehicle interior with a base and a cover and an improved hinge/pivot mechanism.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved component for a vehicle interior with a base and a cover and an improved hinge/pivot mechanism so that the cover is movable between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved component for a vehicle interior with a base and a cover and an improved hinge/pivot mechanism so that the cover is movable from the closed position toward the intermediate position by a drive mechanism.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved component for a vehicle interior with a base and a cover and an improved hinge/pivot mechanism so that the cover is retained and/or movable between the intermediate position and the open position by manual/hand action.
It would be advantageous to provide an improved component for a vehicle interior with a base and a cover and an improved hinge/pivot mechanism so that the cover is retained and/or movable from the open position toward the closed position by manual/hand action.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a cover moveable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position; a composite mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism; and a pivot joint to couple the cover to the base. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The drive mechanism may be disengaged by the clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism may comprise a link on the pivot joint. The clutch mechanism may be configured to retain in position with the base when the cover is moved between the intermediate position and the open position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to engage the drive mechanism to move the cover from the base in movement between the closed position and the intermediate position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the retaining mechanism; the cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the intermediate position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the retaining mechanism. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be engaged to provide a force to move the cover from the closed position to the intermediate position. The drive mechanism may be disengaged by the clutch mechanism when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The component may comprise a latch to retain the cover in the closed position. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one of (a) a spring mechanism or (b) a set of springs or (c) a torsion spring. The retaining mechanism may comprise at least one of (a) friction plates; (b) a set of friction plates; (c) a set of aligned friction plates. The clutch mechanism may be configured to disengage the retaining mechanism in movement between the intermediate position and the closed position.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior comprising a base; a cover connected with the base through a rotating shaft and configured to rotate between a first position and a third position relative to the base and through a second position between the first position and the third position; a clutch mechanism configured (1) to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position and/or (2) to keep stationary such that the cover stays at any position between the second position and the third position; and a drive mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first position to the second position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to retain in position with the base when the cover is moved between the second position and the third position. The clutch mechanism may comprise a link on the rotating shaft. The base may comprise a slot and the clutch mechanism may comprise a pin in the slot and configured to move within the slot as the cover rotates between the first position and the second position. The cover may rotate to the second position when the pin moves to an upper end of the slot. The clutch mechanism may comprise a support plate that may rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft; the pin may be configured to be connected with the support plate and/or the rotating shaft. The support plate may comprise a circular hole; the rotating shaft may comprise a shaft segment matching with the circular hole and having a circular cross section. The base may comprise a stop flange; the cover may be in contact with the stop flange and may be retained in the third position when the cover rotates to the third position. The drive mechanism may be a torsion spring; the torsion spring may be on the base. One end of the torsion spring may be connected with the base and the other end may be under the pin. The cover may have a shaft hole matching with the circular shaft segment; the shaft hole may be formed by the intersection and overlap of two circular holes; the shaft hole may comprise opposing first and third edges and opposing second and fourth edges. Two sides of the circular shaft segment may be in contact with the first edge and the third edge when the cover is located in the first position; two sides of the circular shaft segment may be in contact with the second edge and the fourth edge when the cover is located in the third position.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a cover moveable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; and a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the closed position to the intermediate position by the drive mechanism. The component may comprise a latch to retain the cover in the closed position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the retaining mechanism. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the intermediate position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the retaining mechanism. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant against resistance from the drive mechanism. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant against force from the drive mechanism. The closed position may comprise a latched position. The cover may be configured to be retained in the latched position against force from the drive mechanism. The cover may be configured to be retained in the latched position against force from a spring of the drive mechanism. The component may comprise a clutch mechanism configured to be engaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the closed position toward the intermediate position and to be engaged with the retaining mechanism for the cover for movement from the intermediate position toward the open position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to disengage the drive mechanism between the cover from the base in movement between the intermediate position and the open position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to rotate in position with the cover when the cover is moved between closed position and the intermediate position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to disengage the retaining mechanism between the cover from the base in movement between the intermediate position and the closed position. The clutch mechanism may be configured to retain in position with the base when the cover is moved between the intermediate position and the open position. The component may comprise a pivot joint configured to couple the cover for rotary movement relative to the base. The pivot joint may comprise at least one of (a) a shaft; (b) a set of posts; (c) a set of pins; (d) a set of axles; (e) a set of bearings; (f) a retainer. The pivot joint may comprise a set of posts configured to engage a set of bearings. The component may comprise a pivot mechanism comprising the pivot joint. The component may comprise a pivot mechanism configured to couple the cover for rotary movement relative to the base. The pivot mechanism may comprise a shaft. The pivot mechanism may comprise a set of posts. The pivot mechanism may comprise a set of posts configured to engage a set of bearings. The pivot mechanism may be configured to engage the retaining mechanism and at least one of the drive mechanism or the clutch mechanism. The pivot mechanism may be configured to engage a clutch mechanism. The component may comprise a cover bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The component may comprise a base bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The cover bracket may comprise a plate and a set of arms. The cover bracket may comprise a plate attached to the cover and a set of arms attached to the base bracket. The base bracket may comprise a plate and a set of arms. The base bracket may comprise a plate attached to the base and a set of arms attached to the cover bracket. The cover bracket may be attached to the base bracket by the pivot mechanism. The cover bracket may be attached to the base bracket by the pivot mechanism so that the cover is movable relative to the base. The cover bracket may be coupled to the base bracket by at least one of (a) a pivot joint; (b) a pivot mechanism. The cover bracket may be configured to engage the drive mechanism. The cover bracket may be configured to engage at least one of (a) a spring of the drive mechanism; (b) a torsion spring of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one of (a) a spring mechanism; (b) a set of springs; (c) a torsion spring. The drive mechanism may comprise a spring engaged when the cover is between the closed position and the intermediate position. The component may comprise a pivot joint coupling the cover to the base. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one of a spring on the pivot joint; (b) a torsion spring on the pivot joint; (c) a torsion spring on the pivot joint configured to engage the cover and the base; (d) a spring on the pivot joint configured to provide a force to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; (e) a torsion spring on the pivot joint configured to be compressed when the cover is moved to the closed position and provide a force to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position. The drive mechanism may be engaged to provide a force when the cover is between the closed position and the intermediate position. The drive mechanism may be engaged to provide a force to move the cover from the closed position to the intermediate position. The drive mechanism may be engaged to provide a force to resist movement of the cover from the intermediate position to the closed position. The drive mechanism may be disengaged when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The drive mechanism may be disengaged by the clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism may be configured to disengage the drive mechanism between the cover from the base. The retaining mechanism may comprise at least one of (a) friction plates; (b) a set of friction plates; (c) a set of aligned friction plates. The retaining mechanism may be engaged with a pivot joint between the cover and the base. The pivot joint may comprise a shaft; the retaining mechanism may comprise friction plates on the shaft. The retaining mechanism may comprise a set of friction plates engaged when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The retaining mechanism may be engaged when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The retaining mechanism may be disengaged when the cover is between the closed position and the intermediate position. The retaining mechanism may be disengaged by the clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism may be configured to disengage the retaining mechanism between the cover from the base. Disengagement of the retaining mechanism may comprise disengagement of friction plates. Engagement of the retaining mechanism may comprise engagement of friction plates. The retaining mechanism may be configured to provide resistance to movement of the cover between the intermediate position and the open position. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain position of the cover between the intermediate position and the open position. The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising the drive mechanism and the retaining mechanism. The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising a link. The link may comprise a body and a pin and stop and an aperture. The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism may comprise the link. The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising a clutch mechanism; The clutch mechanism may comprise the link. The component may comprise a link movable with the cover. The component may comprise a link on the pivot joint. The component may comprise a link comprising a body and a pin and a stop and an aperture configured to engage the pivot joint. The aperture may comprise at least one of (a) a slot; (b) a hole. The aperture may be configured to engage an engagement element. The aperture may comprise a set of edges configured to engage the engagement element. The body may comprise at least one of (a) a plate; (b) a plate surface; (c) a flat surface; (d) a flange; (e) the aperture. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with the retaining mechanism. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with the retaining mechanism when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with friction plates of the retaining mechanism. The body may comprise a plate surface configured to engage with friction plates of the retaining mechanism. The body may be configured to engage the retaining mechanism. The body may be aligned with friction plates of the retaining mechanism. The stop may comprise at least one of (a) a projection; (b) a flange; (c) a stop flange. The stop may be configured to engage with the base. The stop may be configured to engage with a base bracket of the base. The stop may be configured to engage when the cover is moved to a fully-open position. The open position may comprise a fully-open position when the stop is engaged with the cover. The stop is configured to define the fully-open position. The pin may be configured to at least one of (a) engage with the base; (b) engage with a base bracket of the base; (c) fit within a slot of a base bracket of the base; (d) fit within a slot for the base. The pin may be configured to move within the slot when the cover is moved between the closed position and the intermediate position. The link may be configured to be retained to the base when the pin moves in the slot as the cover moves between the open position and the intermediate position. The pin may be configured to be retained in position relative to the slot when the cover is in the intermediate position. The pin is engaged within the slot when the cover is moved from the closed position to the intermediate position. The pin is within the slot when the cover is moved from the intermediate position to the open position. The pin may be disengaged for movement within the slot when the cover is moved between the open position and intermediate position. The link may be configured to move in position with the cover when the pin is engaged within the slot. The link may be configured to retain in position with the base when the pin is within the slot. The slot may comprise a slot length; The slot length defines the intermediate position of the cover. The slot length provides a stop for the pin. The pin may be configured to engage the drive mechanism. The pin may be configured to engage a spring of the drive mechanism. The pin may be configured to engage a torsion spring of the drive mechanism. The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising a pivot joint to couple the cover to the base. The composite mechanism may comprise a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may a pivot joint to couple the cover to the base. The hinge mechanism may comprise the drive mechanism and the retaining mechanism. The hinge mechanism may comprise a clutch mechanism.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a cover moveable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; and a composite mechanism comprising a drive mechanism and a retaining mechanism and a link. The drive mechanism may be configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position. The link may be configured to be engaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the closed position toward the intermediate position and to be disengaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the intermediate position toward the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The link may comprise a body and a pin and stop and an aperture. The aperture may comprise a slot. The aperture may be configured to engage an engagement element. The aperture may comprise a set of edges configured to engage the engagement element. The body may comprise a plate. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with the retaining mechanism. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with the retaining mechanism when the cover is between the intermediate position and the open position. The body may comprise a surface configured to engage with friction plates of the retaining mechanism. The stop may comprise a projection. The stop may be configured to engage with the base. The stop may be configured to engage with a base bracket of the base. The open position may comprise a fully-open position when the stop is engaged with the base. The stop and base are configured to define the fully-open position. The pin may be configured to engage with the base. The pin may be configured to engage with a base bracket of the base. The pin may be configured to fit within a slot for the base. The pin may be configured to move within the slot when the cover is moved between the closed position and the intermediate position. The pin may be within the slot when the cover is moved from the intermediate position to the open position. The pin is within the slot when the cover is moved between the open position and intermediate position. The slot may comprise a slot length; The slot length defines the intermediate position of the cover. The slot length provides a stop for the pin. The pin may be configured to engage the drive mechanism. The pin may be configured to engage a spring of the drive mechanism.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a cover moveable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position; and a link configured to be engaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the closed position toward the intermediate position and to be engaged with the retaining mechanism for the cover for movement from the intermediate position toward the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a clutch mechanism comprising the link. The component may comprise a pivot joint to couple the cover to the base. The link may comprise a body and a pin and a stop and an aperture configured to engage the pivot joint.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a cover moveable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position; and a clutch mechanism configured to be engaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the closed position toward the intermediate position and to be engaged with the retaining mechanism for the cover for movement from the intermediate position toward the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The clutch mechanism may be engaged for movement of the cover between the closed position and the intermediate position and engaged with the retaining mechanism for movement of the cover between the intermediate position and the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the closed position to the intermediate position by the drive mechanism. The component may comprise a latch to retain the cover in the closed position. The component may comprise a cover bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The component may comprise a base bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The cover bracket may comprise a plate attached to the cover and a set of arms attached to the base bracket. The base bracket may comprise a plate attached to the base and a set of arms attached to the cover bracket. The cover bracket may be coupled to the base bracket at a pivot joint between the cover and the base.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior configured to be operated by a vehicle occupant comprising a base; a pivot joint; a cover moveable relative to the base at the pivot joint between a closed position and an open position through an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position; a drive mechanism configured to move the cover from the closed position toward the intermediate position; a retaining mechanism configured to retain the cover in position between the intermediate position and the open position; and a clutch mechanism configured to be engaged with the drive mechanism for the cover for movement from the closed position toward the intermediate position and to be engaged with the retaining mechanism for the cover for movement from the intermediate position toward the open position. The cover may be configured to be moved from the intermediate position to the open position by the vehicle occupant. The cover may be configured to be moved from the open position to the closed position by the vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a pivot mechanism comprising the pivot joint. The pivot mechanism may comprise a shaft. The pivot mechanism may comprise a set of posts. The pivot mechanism may comprise a set of posts configured to engage a set of bearings. The pivot mechanism may be configured to engage the retaining mechanism and at least one of the drive mechanism or the clutch mechanism. The pivot mechanism may be configured to engage a clutch mechanism. The component may comprise a cover bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The component may comprise a base bracket configured to attach the cover to the base. The cover bracket may comprise a plate attached to the cover and a set of arms attached to the base bracket. The base bracket may comprise a plate attached to the base and a set of arms attached to the cover bracket. The cover bracket may be coupled to the base bracket by the pivot joint. The cover bracket may be configured to engage the drive mechanism. The cover bracket may be configured to engage a spring mechanism of the drive mechanism. The component may comprise a link comprising a body and a pin and a stop and an aperture configured to engage the pivot joint.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior comprising a base; a cover rotatably connected with the base and configured to rotate between a first position and a third position relative to the base and through a second position between the first position and the third position; and a drive mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first position to the second position. The cover may be configured to rotate between the second position and the third position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand. The cover may be configured to be retained at any position between the second position and the third position. The component may comprise at least one clutch mechanism; the clutch mechanism may be configured for the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the clutch mechanism to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position. The clutch mechanism may be restricted by the base against a driving force of the drive mechanism on the cover when the cover rotates from the second position to the third position. The cover may be configured to rotate from the second position to the first position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand. The base may comprise a storage compartment; the storage compartment may be covered by the cover when the cover is in the first position. The drive mechanism may comprise at least one of a spring, a torsion spring, a coil spring, a compression spring, a motor, or an air support.
The present invention relates to a component for a vehicle interior comprising a base; a cover connected with the base through a rotating shaft and configured to rotates between a first position and a third position relative to the base and through a second position between the first position and the second position; and a clutch mechanism configured (1) to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position and/or (2) to keep stationary such that the cover stays at any position between the second position and the third position. The component may comprise a drive mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first position to the second position. The base may comprise a slot and the clutch mechanism may comprise a pin in the slot and configured to move within the slot as the cover rotates between the first position and the second position. The cover rotates to the second position when the pin moves to upper end of the slot. The clutch mechanism comprising a support plate that rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft; the pin may be configured to be connected with the support plate and/or the rotating shaft. The support plate may comprise a circular hole; the rotating shaft may comprise a shaft segment matching with the circular hole and having a circular cross section. The base may comprise a stop flange; the cover may be in contact with the stop flange and retained in the third position when the cover rotates to the third position. The drive mechanism may comprise a torsion spring; the torsion spring may be on the base. One end of the torsion spring may be connected with the base and the other end may be under the pin. The cover may comprise a shaft hole matching with the circular shaft segment; the shaft hole may be formed by the intersection and overlap of two circular holes; the shaft hole may comprise opposing first and third edges and opposing second and fourth edges. Two sides of the circular shaft segment are in contact with the first edge and the third edge when the cover is located in the first position; two sides of the circular shaft segment are in contact with the second edge and the fourth edge when the cover is located in the third position. The component may comprise a turnover mechanism.
The present invention relates to a turnover mechanism comprising a base, a cover rotatably connected with the base and configured to rotate between a first position and a third position relative to the base during which the cover passes through a second position; a driving mechanism configured for driving the cover to rotate from the first position to the second position. The cover may rotate between the second position and the third position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand; may stay at any position between the second position and the third position. The turnover mechanism may comprise at least one clutch mechanism configured for the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism may drive the clutch mechanism to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position. The clutch mechanism may be restricted by the base against a driving force of the driving mechanism on the cover when the cover rotates from the second position to the third position. The cover may rotate from the second position to the first position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand. The base may comprise a storage compartment. The storage compartment may be covered by the cover when the cover is located in the first position. The driving mechanism may comprise a spring, a torsion spring, a coil spring, a compression spring, a motor, or an air support.
The present invention relates to a turnover mechanism comprising a base and a cover connected with the base through a rotating shaft. The cover may rotate between a first position and a third position relative to the base, during which the cover passes through a second position. The turnover mechanism may comprise a clutch mechanism configured to: (1) rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft to rotate the cover from the first position to the second position; and/or, (2) keep stationary such that the cover stays at any position between the second position and the third position. The turnover mechanism may comprise a driving mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first position to the second position. The base may comprise a long hole; the clutch mechanism may comprise a pin that passes through the long hole and moves within the long hole as the cover rotates between the first position and the second position. The cover may rotate to the second position when the pin moves to upper end of the long hole. The clutch mechanism may comprise a support plate that rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft; the pin may be configured to be connected with any one of the support plate and the rotating shaft. The support plate may comprise a waist circular hole; the rotating shaft may comprise a shaft segment matching with the waist circular hole and having a waist circular cross section. The base may comprise a stop flange; the cover may be in contact with the stop flange and retained in the third position when the cover rotates to the third position. The driving mechanism may comprise a torsion spring; the torsion spring may be disposed on the base. One end of the torsion spring may be connected with the base; the other end may be pressed under the pin. The cover may comprise a shaft hole matching with the waist circular shaft segment; the shaft hole may be formed by the intersection and overlap of two waist circular holes and may comprise two sets of opposing first and third edges; second and fourth edges. Two sides of the waist circular shaft segment may be in contact with the first edge and the third edge, respectively, when the cover is located in the first position. Two sides of the waist circular shaft segment may be in contact with the second edge and the fourth edge, respectively, when the cover is located in the third position.
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As indicated schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in 2, 2A-2H, 3A-3F, 4A-4B, 8A-8B, 9A-9B, 10A-10B, 14A, 15A, 16A-16D, 17A-17C, 18A-18D and 19A-19C, a component C for a vehicle interior may comprise a base B with a base bracket BB and a cover CV with a cover bracket CB connected through a rotating shaft PP/PPx in a pivot joint PJ (that may comprise an aperture APx) and configured to rotate between a first/closed position and a third/open position and through a second/intermediate position. See also TABLE A and
The component may comprise a composite mechanism comprising a hinge/turnover mechanism. See generally TABLE B and TABLE C (
As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As indicated schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As shown schematically in
As indicated schematically in
As indicated schematically in
According to an exemplary embodiment, the component comprising the hinge/pivot mechanism is configured to provide the features of assisted movement between a closed position and an intermediate position using a drive mechanism and position retention using a retaining mechanism between an intermediate and open position.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the component comprising the hinge/pivot mechanism may comprise a pivot/hinge mechanism comprising a base and a cover rotatably connected with the base; the cover rotates between a first/closed position and a third/open position relative to the base during which the cover passes through a second/intermediate position; and a drive mechanism configured for driving the cover to rotate from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position. The cover may rotate between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand; the cover may stay at any position between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position. The pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise at least one clutch mechanism; the clutch mechanism may be configured for the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and the drive mechanism; the drive mechanism may drive the clutch mechanism to rotate the cover from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position; the clutch mechanism may be restricted by the base against a driving force of the drive mechanism on the cover when the cover rotates from the second/intermediate position to the third/open position; the cover may rotate from the second/intermediate position to the first/closed position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand. See TABLE A.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the base may comprise a storage compartment; the storage compartment may be covered by the cover when the cover is in the first/closed position. The drive mechanism may comprise a spring, a torsion spring, a coil spring, a compression spring, a motor, or an air support.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the component comprising the hinge/pivot mechanism may comprise a pivot/hinge mechanism comprising a base and a cover connected with the base through a rotating shaft; the cover may rotate between a first/closed position and a third/open position relative to the base during which the cover passes through a second/intermediate position; the pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a clutch mechanism configured to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft to rotate the cover from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position and/or to keep stationary such that the cover is retained at any position between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position. The pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a drive mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position. The base may comprise a slot (long hole); the clutch mechanism may comprise a pin that passes through the long hole and moves within the long hole as the cover rotates between the first/closed position and the second/intermediate position; the cover may rotate to the second/intermediate position when the pin moves to an upper end of the long hole; the clutch mechanism may comprise a support plate that rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft; the pin may be configured to be connected with any one of the support plate and the rotating shaft; the support plate may comprise a mid-circular hole; the rotating shaft may comprise a shaft segment matching with the mid-circular hole and having a mid-circular cross section; the base may comprise a stop flange; the cover may be in contact with the stop flange and retained in the third/open position when the cover rotates to the third/open position. The drive mechanism may comprise a torsion spring; the torsion spring may be secured on the base; one end of the torsion spring may be connected with the base; the other end may be pressed under the pin. The cover may comprise a shaft hole matching with the mid-circular shaft segment; the shaft hole may be formed by the intersection and overlap of two mid-circular holes and may comprise two sets of opposing first edge and third edge and second edge and fourth edge; two sides of the mid-circular shaft segment may be in contact with the first edge and the third edge when the cover is located in the first/closed position; two sides of the mid-circular shaft segment may be in contact with the second edge and the fourth edge when the cover is located in the third/open position. See
According to an exemplary embodiment, component with a pivot/hinge mechanism may automatically (i.e. without an external/applied force) spring to the second/intermediate position through the drive mechanism such as a torsion spring to realize a first opening stage, then the pivot/hinge mechanism may be manually rotated (by hand) to start a second opening stage to turn over the pivot/hinge mechanism to the third/open position; in the second opening stage, the pivot/hinge mechanism may stop at any position after the hand is released for preventing the pivot/hinge mechanism (e.g. cover/armrest) from closing automatically (i.e. without an external/applied force which closing would not be not conducive to taking and placing items in a compartment in the base). See TABLE A.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a component with a pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a base, a cover rotatably connected with the base and configured to rotate between a first/closed position and a third/open position relative to the base during which the cover passes through a second/intermediate position; a drive mechanism configured for driving the cover to rotate from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position. The cover may rotate between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand; the cover may stay at any position between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position. The pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise at least one clutch mechanism configured for the coupling and uncoupling of the cover and the drive mechanism; the drive mechanism may drive the clutch mechanism to rotate the cover from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position; the clutch mechanism may be restricted by the base against a driving force of the drive mechanism on the cover when the cover rotates from the second/intermediate position to the third/open position; the cover may rotate from the second/intermediate position to the first/closed position in response to a force applied to the cover by a hand. See TABLE A.
According to an exemplary embodiment, component with a pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a base and a cover connected with the base through a rotating shaft. The cover may rotate between a first/closed position and a third/open position relative to the base, during which the cover passes through a second/intermediate position. The pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a clutch mechanism configured to rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft to rotate the cover from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position and/or to keep stationary such that the cover stays at any position between the second/intermediate position and the third/open position. The pivot/hinge mechanism may comprise a drive mechanism configured to drive the cover to rotate from the first/closed position to the second/intermediate position. The base may comprise a long hole; the clutch mechanism may comprise a pin that passes through the long hole and moves within the long hole as the cover rotates between the first/closed position and the second/intermediate position. The cover may rotate to the second/intermediate position when the pin moves to upper end of the long hole. The clutch mechanism may comprise a support plate that rotates synchronously with the rotating shaft; the pin may be configured to be connected with any one of the support plate and the rotating shaft. The support plate may comprise a mid-circular hole; the rotating shaft may comprise a shaft segment matching with the mid-circular hole and having a mid-circular cross section. The base may comprise a stop flange; the cover may be in contact with the stop flange and retained in the third/open position when the cover rotates to the third/open position. The drive mechanism may comprise a torsion spring; the torsion spring may be disposed on the base. One end of the torsion spring may be connected with the base; the other end may be pressed under the pin. The cover may comprise a shaft hole matching with the mid-circular shaft segment; the shaft hole may be formed by the intersection and overlap of two mid-circular holes and may comprise two sets of opposing first and third edges and second and fourth edges; two sides of the mid-circular shaft segment may be in contact with the first edge and the third edge when the cover is located in the first/closed position; two sides of the mid-circular shaft segment may be in contact with the second edge and the fourth edge when the cover is located in the third/open position.
According to an exemplary embodiment, the pivot/hinge mechanism (for such as a vehicle floor console armrest or a floor console) will provide two functions of both spring-assisted opening and retaining position at any position (rather than a single function, one or the other as is conventional). See TABLE A.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a component with a base coupled to a cover by a pivot/hinge mechanism having drive mechanism providing a spring-assisted opening function may comprise two opening stages; in a first stage, the drive mechanism comprising an energy storage mechanism (such as a torsion spring) is used to provide force/energy to assist to open/rotate the cover relative to the door until to a certain angle at an intermediate position; then in a second opening stage, an external force of a hand is used to open/rotate the cover to the maximum/fully-open angle/position. See
It is important to note that the present inventions (e.g. inventive concepts, etc.) have been described in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES of the present patent document according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present inventions are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present inventions. The construction and/or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concepts embodied in the present inventions as described in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES is illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in the present patent document, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and contemplated as being within the scope of the present inventions; all such subject matter (e.g. modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. It should also be noted that various/other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, changes, omissions, etc. may be made in the configuration and/or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g. in concept, design, structure, apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function, system, process/method, steps, sequence of process/method steps, operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition, combination, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present inventions; all such subject matter (e.g. modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present inventions. The scope of the present inventions is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g. details, structure, functions, materials, acts, steps, sequence, system, result, etc.) described in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES of the present patent document. It is contemplated that the claims of the present patent document will be construed properly to cover the complete scope of the subject matter of the present inventions (e.g. including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be understood that the terminology used in the present patent document is for the purpose of providing a description of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments rather than as a limitation on the scope of the present inventions.
It is also important to note that according to exemplary embodiments the present inventions may comprise conventional technology (e.g. as implemented and/or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) or may comprise any other applicable technology (present and/or future) with suitability and/or capability to perform the functions and processes/operations described in the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES. All such technology (e.g. as implemented in embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is considered to be within the scope of the present inventions of the present patent document.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202110719690.6 | Jun 2021 | CN | national |
The present application is a continuation of PCT/International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2022/101934 titled “COMPONENT FOR VEHICLE INTERIOR” filed Jun. 28, 2022, which claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110719690.6 filed Jun. 28, 2021. The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference in full the following patent applications: (a) Chinese Patent Application No. 202110719690.6 filed Jun. 28, 2021; (b) PCT/International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2022/101934 titled “COMPONENT FOR VEHICLE INTERIOR” filed Jun. 28, 2022.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CN2022/101934 | Jun 2022 | US |
| Child | 18391609 | US |
