DOOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/935,737, entitled "LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE COMPARTMENT DOOR," filed February 4, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates generally to a latching mechanism for use within a vehicle interior.

[0003] Vehicle storage compartments may be positioned throughout an interior of a vehicle to store cargo and other small items. For example, a center console may include a storage compartment suitable for storing sunglasses, driving glasses, or other items. Other storage compartments may be located within an overhead console, an armrest, seats, door panels, a dashboard, or other areas of the vehicle interior. Certain storage compartments include a door configured to secure the contents of the compartment and/or hide the contents from view. A variety of latches may be employed to secure the door in an open or closed position. However, certain latches may be difficult to operate and/or expensive/time- consuming to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a latch for use in a compartment for an interior of a vehicle that includes a button configured to travel in a first direction in response to a depressing force and a first side arm configured to translate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first arm includes a first side pin, a first wedge coupled to the first side pin and configured to drive the first side arm in the second direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a first interlocking section coupled to the wedge. The latch also includes a second side arm configured to translate along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second side arm includes a second side pin, a second wedge coupled to the second side pin and configured to drive the second side arm in the third direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a second interlocking section. The latch also includes a linkage configured to interlock with the first interlocking section and the second interlocking section and substantially equalize the translation of the first side arm in the second direction to the translation of the second side arm in the third direction.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a sliding track door that includes a substrate configured to mount between a first track and a second track and translate between the first track and second track. The sliding track door also includes a latch housing coupled to the substrate having a button configured to travel in a first direction in response to a depressing force, and a first side arm configured to translate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first side arm has a first side pin configured to secure the sliding track door in a locked position within the first track and second track, a first wedge coupled to the first side pin and configured to drive the first side arm in the second direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a first interlocking section coupled to the wedge. The sliding track door also includes a second side arm configured to translate along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction having a second side pin configured to secure the sliding track door in a locked position within the two tracks, a second wedge coupled to the second side pin and configured to drive the second side arm in the third direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a second interlocking section. The sliding track door also includes a linkage configured to interlock with the first interlocking section and the second interlocking section and substantially equalize the translation of the first side arm in the second direction to the translation of the second side arm in the third direction.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a compartment door for use within a vehicle a panel configured to hold a contour, and a latch housing coupled to the panel. The latch includes a button configured to travel in a first direction in response to a depressing force, and a first side arm configured to translate along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first side arm has a first side pin, a first wedge coupled to the first side pin and configured to drive the first side arm in the second direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a first interlocking section coupled to the wedge. The sliding track door also includes a second side arm configured to translate along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction having a second side pin, a second wedge coupled to the second side pin and configured to drive the second side arm in the third direction in response to movement of the button in the first direction, and a second interlocking section. The sliding track door also includes a linkage configured to interlock with the first interlocking section and the second interlocking section and substantially equalize the translation of the first side arm in the second direction to the translation of the second side arm in the third direction.

DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle that may include one or more storage compartments each having a latchable compartment door.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary center console that may be located within an interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the center console of FIG. 2 with a flexible door in an open position.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible door with a latch assembly which may be employed within the center console of FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4, in an uncompressed position, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in an uncompressed position, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in a compressed position. [0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in an uncompressed position.

[0015] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1 having a glove compartment that may use a latch assembly.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a latch assembly, in an uncompressed position.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11, in a compressed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10, including an interior 12 having seats 14, a center console 16, and a dash 18. As discussed in detail below, the center console 16, the dash 18, and/or other areas within the interior 12 may include a storage compartment having a latch assembly that selectively secures a door of the storage compartment. For example, certain storage compartments may employ a tambour door having a latch assembly that secures the tambour door in one or more track locations. In certain embodiments, pins may be configured to engage the track at one or more securing points, thereby enabling the tambour door to be secured along an opening of the storage compartment. The latch assembly may also include a button that urges the pins laterally inward, out of the track as the button is depressed. Removal of the pins enables movement of the tambour door. Additionally, the dash 18 may include a glove compartment that is secured by a door that is held in a closed position by a latch assembly.

[0020] As will be appreciated, typical compartment doors include a number of methods of securing the covers and/or doors to the compartment in a desired position. Typical compartments, however, can suffer from accidental unlatching during use. For example, when an occupant of the vehicle 10 rests an arm or an elbow on the center console 16, the center console compartment may undesirably open. Furthermore, the door may include a latching mechanism that forms an unsightly, loose, or uncomfortable bump above the surface of the door. As explained in detail below, a latch assembly according to the described embodiments increases aesthetic appeal and mechanical functionality through a low-profile mechanical apparatus.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary center console 16 that may be located within an interior of the vehicle of FIG. 1. As discussed in detail below, the center console 16 may include a storage compartment 20 enclosed by a tambour door 22 having a latch assembly 24. As illustrated, the console 16 is coupled to a floor of the vehicle interior 12 between a driver seat 26 and a passenger seat 26. In the present configuration, the console 16 is configured to provide a storage area and an armrest for an occupant of one or both seats 26. The console 16 is generally prismatic, having a front wall 28, a rear wall 30, two opposed and generally symmetrical side walls 32 and a top surface 34.

[0022] The console 16 also includes two side panels 36 which form the main body of the console 16. In the present configuration, each side panel 36 provides one of the side walls 32 of the console 16 and portions of the rear wall 30, the front wall 28 and the top surface 34. As illustrated, the side walls 32 include a compound-curved upper contour having both convex and concave portions, thereby transitioning between the raised rear wall 30 and the lower front wall 28. The top surface 34 includes an opening 32 that enables an occupant to access an interior of the console 16.

[0023] In the present configuration, the console 16 includes a door 22 configured to transition between an open position and the illustrated closed position. The door 22 includes a latch 24 that may enable an occupant to secure the door 22 at a number of positions between and including the open and closed positions. As discussed in detail below, sliding the door 22 toward the open position in the direction 42 will expose an interior of a storage compartment located within the console 16. In certain configurations, the door 22 is a tambour door having a series of substantially parallel ribs coupled to a substrate. The ribs are configured to engage a track within the side walls 20, while the substrate enables the door 22 to flex and accommodate the contours of the opening 38. While the present tambour door is described with reference to the center console 16, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may employ similar tambour doors positioned throughout the interior 12 of the vehicle 10. For example, a storage compartment located within an overhead console, door panel, instrument panel, the dash 18, or other region of the interior 12 may include a door having a latch assembly 24. Furthermore, other interior trim components, in addition to the tambour doors described above, may include similar latch assemblies 24. As discussed in detail below, providing such a latch may enable a vehicle occupant to retain the door (e.g., tambour door 22) in a desired position over the storage compartment without accidental unlatching.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the center console 16 of FIG. 2 with the flexible door 22 in an open position. As illustrated, the side walls 20 include rails or tracks 40 configured to facilitate movement of the door 22 in the direction 42. In certain configurations, the tracks 40 include a C-shaped cross section, and may be coupled to the side panels 36 or integrally formed within the side panels 36. The substantially parallel ribs of the tambour door 22 include protrusions which engage the tracks 40 and support the door 22, while the attached substrate enables the door 22 to flex, thereby accommodating the contours of the opening 32. As illustrated, transitioning the door 22 to the open position exposes an interior 44 of the storage compartment within the center console 16.

[0025] As will be appreciated, a vehicle occupant may close the door 22 by grasping the latch 24 or handle and moving the door 22 toward the front wall 20 of the center console 16. As the occupant pulls the door 22 forward, side pins of the latch 24 may engage securing holes 46 (e.g., recesses) positioned along the tracks 40. Each securing hole 46 in one track 40 has a corresponding securing hole in the opposite track 40 (e.g., the securing holes are longitudinally aligned) so that the side pins in the door 22 may both enter the securing holes 46 at the same time. As explained in detail below, the side pins of the latch 24 move in and out together. This paired movement enables the pins to remain secured in the securing holes 46 until both pins are extracted, which reduces wear on the latch 24 and reduces the possibility that the door 22 will accidentally unlatch and come open. Once in the closed position, the show surface of the door 22 may provide a suitable surface for writing and/or storage of small items.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a flexible door with a latch assembly which may be employed within the center console of FIG. 2. As illustrated, the flexible door 22 includes multiple substantially parallel ribs 48 coupled to a substrate 50. The ribs 48 are configured to engage the tracks 40 of the console 16 to support the door 22 and to facilitate movement of the door 22 across the opening 38. The ribs 46 are coupled to a surface of the substrate 50 facing the interior 44 of the console 16, thereby forming a unitary structure. In this configuration, the door 22 may flex in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the substantially parallel ribs 46, thereby enabling the tambour door to match the contours of a curved storage compartment opening.

[0027] As previously discussed, the flexible door 22 includes a latch 24 configured to selectively block movement of the door 22 in a desired position (e.g., the open position, the closed position, partly closed position, etc.). The latch assembly 24 includes a button 52 in the illustrated embodiment, but as will be appreciated, alternative embodiments may employ other components (e.g., knobs, recesses, etc.) in place of the button 52 to control movement of the door 22. The latch 24 includes side pins 54 that engage the securing holes 46 in the tracks 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the button 52 is constructed to be flush with the substrate 50 while in a raised position. This enables an occupant of the vehicle 10 to rest an arm or an elbow on the substrate 50 of the door 22 without accidentally opening the door 22. Furthermore, the aesthetic appearance may be enhanced. As discussed in detail below, the button 52 may be designed to receive a force from an occupant of the vehicle 10 to release the side pins 54. The illustrated embodiment shows a button 52 capable of receiving a force downward 56, perpendicular to the surface of the substrate 50. As the button 50 moves in the downward direction 56 the side pins 54 retract, thereby extracting the side pins 54 from the recesses and facilitating movement of the door 22.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4, in an uncompressed position, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. The latch 24 includes the button 52, and the side pins 54 that engage the track 40 of a compartment within the vehicle 10. As illustrated, the latch 24 also includes an upper housing 58 and a lower housing 60 that contain the mechanical pieces of the latch 24. The upper housing 58 may be coupled to the substrate 50 such that the button 52 is flush with the substrate 50 and moves below the level of the substrate 50 when an occupant applies a depressing force to the button 52. The embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates the latch 24 in the raised position. In this position, the button 52 is up and the side pins 54 are extended outwardly to the left and the right. Each side pin 54 is part of either a right side arm 62 or a left side arm 64 that both respond to movement of the button 50 in the downward direction 56. The right side arm 62 includes a right wedge 66 while the left side arm includes a left wedge 68. Each wedge (e.g., 66, 68) forms an angle (e.g., first angle 70, second angle 72) in relation to its respective side arm (e.g., 62, 64). The angle 70, 72 may be configured to match an angle formed on matching surfaces 74 of the button 52. When the button 52 moves downward 56, the matching surfaces 74 engage with the wedges 66, 68 and apply a translational force to the wedges 66, 68.

[0029] The translational force from the button 52 drives the right wedge 66 to slide to the left 76 as the matching surface 74 slides down the surface of the wedge 66. The movement of the wedge 66 pulls the right side arm 62 to the left 76 as well, which includes the side pin 54. The same is true of the left wedge 68 and the left side arm 64. That is, the left wedge 68 engages the matching surface 74 of the button 52, and slides to the right 78. Movement of the left wedge 68 in the direction to the right 78 drives the left side arm 64 and the side pin 54 to the right 78 as well. While the left side arm 64 and the right side arm 62 are shown in FIG. 5 as being 180 degrees from one another, other embodiments may include other angles and thus the left direction 76 and the right direction 78 are not necessarily opposite one another. The button 52 includes a cavity 80 that is configured to receive the wedges 66, 68 when the right side arm 62 slides to the left 76 and the left side arm 64 slides to the right 78. The movement of the side arms 62, 64 extracts the side pins 54 from the recesses and enables movement of the compartment door.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, each side arm 62, 64 includes an interlocking section 82. In FIG. 5, only the interlocking section 82 of the left side arm 64 is visible. The relationship between the interlocking section 82 and a pinion 83 is explained more fully in the description of FIG. 6. The latch 24 also includes a spring 86 coupled to, or coupled between, the right side arm 62 and the left side arm 64. The spring 86 urges the right side arm 62 in the opposite the left direction 76 and urges the left side arm 64 opposite the right direction 78. The spring 86 thus provides a restoring force that returns the side arms 62, 64 and the button 52 to the position shown in FIG. 5. Other mechanisms may be used to restore the side arms 62, 64 and the button 52 as well. For example, each side arm 62, 64 may include an individual spring, each arm 62, 64 may include an elastic band connected to the housing 58, 60, or a compressible material may be placed between the side arms 62, 64. Other options may also be used to restore the side arms 62, 64, and the button 52.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in an uncompressed position, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4. The latch 24 includes the right side arm 62, the left side arm 64, the side pins 54, and the lower housing 60. FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration, like FIG. 5, in which the button is in the raised position with the side arms 62, 64 extended outward. From the top view of FIG. 6, the interlocking section 82 of the left side arm 64 and an additional interlocking section 84 of the right side arm 62 are visible. The interlocking sections 82, 84 include interlocking teeth 86 that match corresponding teeth 88 that surround the pinion 83. The pinion 83 is rotatably coupled to the lower housing 60 so that it may rotate in response to the movement of the side arms 62, 64. The pinion gear 83 ensures that the movement of the right side arm 62 in the left direction 76 and the movement of the left side arm 64 in the right direction 78 are substantially equal. For example, the distance that one side arm 62, 64 moves, the other side arm 62, 64 moves between 95 percent and 105 percent of that distance. This small disparity in movement between side arms 62, 64 enables the latch 24 to more stably secure a door (e.g., door 22). That is, the pins 54 are inserted and extracted from the corresponding recesses concurrently. Furthermore, the interlocking of the side arms 62, 64 enables the latch 24 to apply equal force to the sides of the track 40 when the latch 24 is used in conjunction with a tambour door. That is, when the side pins 54 are not secured within securing holes 46, they push against the track 40 and center the latch 24 and the tambour door 22 laterally within the track. This keeps the tambour door 22 from rattling which may reduce noise and reduce wear the tambour door 22.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in a compressed position. As illustrated, the button 52 is depressed. As discussed above, when the button 52 is moved downward 56, the right side arm 62 is translated to the left 76 and the left side arm 64 is translated to the right 78. This translation of the side arms 62, 64 also pulls the wedges 66, 68 together such that the wedges 66, 68 fit into the cavity 80 of the button 52. The movement of the side arms 62, 64 extracts the side pins 54 from the recesses and enables movement of the compartment door. [0033] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of the latch assembly of FIG. 4 in an uncompressed position. FIG. 8 shows the latch 24 from the top after the button 52 is moved downward 56 and the side arms 62, 64 are moved together. The right side arm 62 moves in the left direction 76 and the teeth 86 of the interlocking section 84 rotate the pinion 83 while interacting with the pinion teeth 88. As shown in FIG. 8, the left side arm 64 and the right side arm 62 move substantially equal distances due to the interaction of the interlocking sections 82, 84 with the pinion 83. Again, the substantially equal movement of the side arms 62, 64 provides benefits such as increased securing of the latch 24 and self-centering of the latch 24 and the door 22 into which the latch 24 is installed.

[0034] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the latch assembly 24 of FIG. 4. The illustrated embodiment of the latch 24 includes the upper housing 58, the lower housing 60, and the latching mechanics that may be installed within the housing 58, 60. The right side arm 62 and the left side arm 64 may be installed, as shown, with the spring 86 therebetween to ensure that, at rest, the side arms 62, 64 are extended away from each other. The latch 24 also includes a pinion 83 to ensure that the movement of the right side arm 62 is substantially equal to the movement of the left side arm 64. The latch 24 also includes a button 52 to receive a depressing force from an occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the interior 12 of the vehicle of FIG. 1 having a glove compartment 90 that may use the latch 24. The glove compartment 90 includes a door 91 that may slide open along a track, as the tambour door 22 described above. The door 91 may also be a firm panel door configured to hold a contour of the dash 18. Furthermore, the panel door 91 may be installed in other areas of the interior of the vehicle 10. The door 91 may pop open, rotating down with a hinge 92 at the bottom of the compartment 90. In either case, the latch 24 may include the right side arm 62, the left side arm 64, and the button 52. The side pins 54 are connected to the side arms 62, 64 and are received by receptacles 94 that lock the compartment 90 closed. When the button 52 is depressed, the side arms 62, 64 pull the side pins 54 out of the receptacles 94 and the compartment 90 comes open. To assist in opening the compartment 90, a bumper 96 may be installed behind the latch 24. The bumper 96 may be compressed while the compartment 90 is forced closed, pushing against the compartment 90. Thus, when the button 52 is pushed and the side pins 54 exit the receptacles 94, the bumper 96 pushes the compartment 90 away from the dash 18. Furthermore, the latch assembly 24 may be installed within the dash 18 of the vehicle 10 with the receptacles installed within the panel door 91. This configuration enables the panel door 91 to be constructed with less material, creating a cleaner look when the panel door 91 is in an open position.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a latch assembly, in an uncompressed position. The latch assembly 24 includes the button 52 and the side pins 54 that engage the track 40 of a compartment within the vehicle 10, as is the case with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. As illustrated, the latch assembly 24 also includes an upper housing 58 and a lower housing 60 that contain the mechanical pieces of the latch assembly 24. The upper housing 58 may be coupled to the substrate 50 such that the button 52 is flush with the substrate 50 and moves below the level of the substrate 50 when an occupant applies a depressing force to the button 52. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the latch assembly 24 is in the raised or uncompressed position. In this position, the button 52 is up, and the side pins 54 are extended outwardly to the left and the right. Each side pin 54 is part of either a right side arm 62 or a left side arm 64 that both respond to movement of the button 52 in the downward direction 56. The right side arm 62 includes a right wedge 66, while the left side arm 64 includes a left wedge 68. Each wedge (e.g., 66, 68) forms an angle (e.g., first angle 70, second angle 72) in relation to its respective side arm (e.g., 62, 64). The angles 70, 72 may be configured to match angles of respective matching surfaces 74 of the button 52. When the button 52 moves downward 56, the matching surfaces 74 engage with the wedges 66, 68 and apply a translational force to the wedges 66, 68. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the right side arm 62 and the left side arm 64 includes a supporting flap 100 that substantially matches the angle (e.g., first angle 70, second angle 72) of the matching surfaces 74 of the wedges 66, 68. Each supporting flap 100 engages a respective angled tab 102 that extends laterally outward from the button 52 toward the side pins 54. The engagement of the supporting flap 100 and the angled tab 102 blocks lateral shifting of the button 52 in relation to the side arms 62, 64. Additionally, each angled tab 102 may be aligned via engagement with a respective aligning slit 104 in the upper housing 58 of the latch 24. Each angled tab 102 protrudes through the respective aligning slit 104, and lateral movement of the tab 102 relative to the upper housing 58 is substantially blocked by the slit 104. [0037] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of FIG. 11, in a compressed position. As illustrated, the button 52 is depressed. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5-8, when the button 52 moves downward 56, the right side arm 62 translates to the left 76 and the left side arm 64 translates to the right 78. This translation of the side arms 62, 64 also pulls the wedges 66, 68 together such that the wedges 66, 68 fit into the cavity 80 of the button 52. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the supporting flaps 100 translate with the side arms 62, 64, while maintaining contact with an edge 106 of each angled tab 102. The contact along the edge 106 secures the button 52 in the depressed position, while the side arms are positioned laterally inward. That is, the button 52 is blocked from traveling upward 108 while the right side arm 62 and the left side arm 64 are positioned laterally inward. For example, if the tambour door 22 is opened slightly and the side pins 54 are held inward (i.e., right side arm 62 is dispalced to the left 76, and left side arm 64 is displaced to the right 78), then the button 52 is blocked from moving upward via the supporting flaps 100. Even in embodiments in which the latch assembly 24 is installed upside down (e.g., in which the button faces downwardly), the supporting flaps 100 block button movement along the direction 108, opposite of the direction of depression 56. When the side arms 62, 64 are not blocked, the spring 86 forces the side arms 62, 64 outward and the wedges 66, 68 force the button 52 to move along the direction 108, maintaining a secure fit that minimizes shaking of the button 52.

[0038] While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.