Patent Application
20070133217
The present invention relates to interior vehicle assemblies and consoles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular storage bin for use with a powerstrip within a configurable module console of a vehicle.
Modern vehicles typically include an overhead console assembly. The overhead console assembly is generally an elongated structure disposed along a center longitudinal axis of a headliner. The headliner includes an upper surface mounted to an interior roof structure of the vehicle and a lower surface having an overlay applied thereon. The overhead console assembly is mounted to the lower surface and provides additional storage space for items, such as eyeglasses, garage door openers, audio cassettes, and compact discs. The overhead console assembly also may provide amenities or electronic accessories, such as overhead lights, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) controls, audio and video displays and controls, compasses, and temperature displays.
Overhead console assemblies have evolved to support a series of modules for storing and containing the above-stated items and accessories. Such modules are typically limited in use in that they are incapable of being repositioned relative to each other without completely rebuilding the console assemblies. Fixed modules restrict passengers from rearranging the position of the modules based on driver and passenger preferences.
Modular overhead console assemblies have been created to allow for physical relocating of overhead storage modules. Some assemblies even permit electronic modules to be relocated. However, such assemblies do not address the need to direct light to items and accessories stored in storage modules without illuminating the entire vehicle.
Thus, there exists a need for an improved configurable module console that allows for the relocating or repositioning of a modular storage bin and the provision of light directly to the storage bin without illuminating the entire vehicle.
The present invention is directed towards an overhead storage bin for a vehicle that meets the foregoing needs. The overhead storage bin according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention comprises a storage bin bezel, a door movable in relation to the storage bin bezel between a closed position and an opened position, a storage compartment accessible by a vehicle passenger when the door is in the opened position, and a lamp carried by the storage bin bezel, the lamp being focused to the storage compartment when the door is in the open position.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
For a more complete understanding of this invention reference should now be had to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying figures and described below by way of examples of the invention wherein:
In each of the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components. While the present invention is described primarily with respect to a modular storage bin for use with a powerstrip within a configurable overhead module console for a vehicle, the present invention may be adapted to various vehicle consoles including fore, center, and aft located consoles, and other vehicle consoles known in the art. The present invention may be applied to ground-based vehicles, aeronautical vehicles, watercraft, and other vehicle applications known in the art.
In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for one constructed embodiment. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting.
Referring now to
The modular storage bin 14 may be of various types, styles, shapes, and sizes. The modular storage bin 14 may include a storage compartment 16, such as an eyeglass holder, a garage door opener holder, and audio cassette, CD, and DVD holder, as well as other storage compartments known in the art. The modular storage bin 14 may further include a light assembly 18 for casting light on the storage compartment 16.
Referring now to
The overhead module console 10 is shown as one illustrated example, as is the modular storage bin 14, which may be one of a plurality of modular storage bins. The upper track 20 is coupled to the headliner and the vehicle support structure. The vehicle support structure refers to a frame, a unibody, or a body structure of a vehicle. The lower track 22 and the modular storage bin 14 are coupled to the upper track 20. The modular storage bin 14 is coupled to and receives power from the powerstrip 12, which allows it to be in various positions longitudinally along the centerline of the vehicle. The modular storage bin 14 may be in various fore and aft positions within the overhead module console 10.
The powerstrip 12 includes an overhead attachment strip 24, which may be coupled to the upper track 20 or to the support structure. Multiple electrically conductive strips 26 reside within and are coupled to the attachment strip 24 and provide power to electrical contacts 28 of a modular connector 30. The modular connector 30 is coupled to the modular storage bin 14 and may be manually snapped into or coupled to the attachment strip 24. The modular connector 30 has an infinite number of attachment positions along the attachment strip 24.
The attachment strip 24 extends fore and aft longitudinally along the centerline of the vehicle. The attachment strip 24 may be a single extruded component as shown or may be formed of multiple components. The attachment strip 24 may be formed of various materials. In one sample embodiment, the attachment strip 24 includes a base 32 having a main center member 34 and a pair of flanges 36. The base 32 and the flanges 36 are integrally extruded and formed as a single component using techniques known in the art.
The flanges 36 have upper portions 38 and lower portions 40. The lower portions 40 are formed of a flexible material such that they may be deflected to allow insertion of the electrical contacts 28a into the attachment strip 24 and connection with the conductive strips 26a. In the embodiment as shown, the flanges 36 are curled inward toward the main center member 34 and are deflected by and apply pressure on the electrical contacts 28a. The flanges 36 apply pressure on the electrical contacts 28a to aid in maintaining contact between the electrical contacts 28a and the associated conductive strips 26a. The flanges 36 also aid in preventing body parts of a passenger, such as fingers of the passenger, from contacting the conductive strips 26a. The flanges 36 in addition provide an esthetically pleasing look to the overhead module console 10 when overhead modules, such as the modular storage bin 14, are removed therefrom by covering and hiding from passenger view the conductive strips 26a.
The conductive strips 26 also extend fore and aft longitudinally along the centerline of the vehicle. The conductive strips 26 may also be of various types, styles, sizes, and shapes. The conductive strips 26 may be formed at least partially of brass, copper, aluminum, a half hard brass, or some other conductive material known in the art and may be controlled with the attachment strip 24. The conductive strips 26, which are merely exemplary of conducting strips having application with the present invention, include round or cylinder strips, although other shapes, including for example rectangular or flat strips, may be suitable for application with the present invention. The conductive strips 26 may be selected based on ease of manufacturing and availability or commonality thereof.
In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, two positively charged conductive strips, such as conductive strips 26a, are mounted within vertical recessed portions 42 of the main center member 34. A third negatively or neutrally charged conductive strip 26b, such as a ground strip, a common strip, or a return strip, is coupled horizontally along a groove 44 of the main center member 34. The conductive strips 26b may be adhesively coupled to the main center member 34 or coupled via some other technique known in the art. For example, the conductive strips 26a, 26b may have an attachment tab (not shown) that may be depressed or snapped into a channel of the main center member 34.
The modular connector 30 may have multiple electrical terminals or contacts. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of contacts 28a extends vertically and is hooked to have spring characteristics. When coupling the contacts 28a to the attachment strip 24, the contacts 28a are inserted into recessed portions or contact channels 42 of the attachment strip 24, through the flanges 36, and are in contact with the conductive strips 26a. The contact channels 42 are formed via channel surfaces 50 of the attachment strip 24 and the conductive strips 26a. Hooked areas 52 of the contacts 28a may be compressed when inserted into the contact channels 42 and may remain at least somewhat compressed or relaxed and in a normal state when in the contact channels 42. When compressed, the contacts 28a may apply additional pressure on the conductive strips 26a. The contacts 28a also may have a physical spreading resistance therebetween, such that the contacts 28a are further separated when inserted into the contact channels 42, again increasing pressure of the contacts 28a on the conductive strips 26a.
The modular connector 30 may also have a vertical ground contact 28b, as shown in the drawing, which is in contact with the ground strip 26b. The modular connector 30 may have any number of contacts and the contacts may be in various configurations, other than that shown in the drawings.
Continuing with reference to
As stated above, the modular connector 30 is irregularly U-shaped. The modular connector 30 has a pair of vertical electrically conductive positive contacts 28a and a vertical ground contact 28b, which are separated by an insulator stack or block 60. The vertical contacts 28a extend within the contact channels 42 and are in contact with the conductive strips 26a. The vertical contacts 28a extend around the sides of and are coupled to the insulator block 60. The vertical contacts 28a are coupled to and may be integrally formed with positive or end terminals 64a. The ground contact 28b is pressed against the ground strip 26b and is coupled to a ground plate 66. The ground plate 66 resides on the insulator block 60 and is coupled to a ground terminal 64b. The ground contact 28b, the ground plate 66, and the ground terminal 64b may be formed as a signal unit as shown or may be separate components. The ground contact 28b extends about the center of the modular connector 30 and curls inward in a fore and aft direction. The ground contact 28b also has spring characteristics such that it is at least partially in compression when in contact with the ground strip 26b. The terminals 64a, 64b extend horizontally and protrude from the modular connector 30. An electrical connector (not shown) may be attached to the terminals 64a and used to supply power to electronic devices, such as the modular storage bin 14.
The contacts 28a, 28b and the terminals 64a, 64b may be formed of conductive materials, including but not limited to spring steel and are zinc plated.
The vertical contacts 28a, 28b, the insulator box 86, and the ground plate 66 may have holes 72 extending therethrough for which module studs or stakes, such as the stakes 74 shown in
Now referring back to
On the top wall 86 there is arranged in the vicinity of the rear wall 84 a downwardly shining lamp 98, which in
The lamp 98 is arranged on the inside of the bin module bezel 78 in such a manner that in the swung-down position of the door 82, which is shown in
The exemplary switch paddle 102, as shown in the drawings, has an inverted, substantially J-shaped configuration and is supported for pivotal movement relative to the lamp module bezel 100 by pivots 108 that extend transversely from opposing sides of the switch paddle 102, as shown in
The modular storage bin 14, with its door 82 in the closed position, is shown in a partial sectional side perspective view in
The present invention provides a vehicle overhead module powerstrip that allows for rearrangement of overhead modules within an overhead console without rebuilding the console. The powerstrip allows electronic modules to be repositioned in an infinite number of positions along an overhead console. The present invention provides multiple features to maintain electrical contact between the module and power strip assembly and also accounts for esthetic satisfaction of and prevents electrical physical contact with a vehicle passenger. In accordance with the present invention, the module can be moved along the powerstrip with its contact points hidden and without breaking electrical contact with the powerstrip, even with the door open and the lamp on, and may be locked in place with a lock assembly, such as the console latch assembly described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/946,712, to Lear Corporation, filed on Sep. 22, 2004, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.
