Bidirectional open armrest with friction hinge

Abstract

The bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge according to the present invention is installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of a vehicle and comprises: a storage box (200) having the shape of a box with an open top and a rectangular horizontal cross-section; a side cover (300) formed on both sides of the upper part of the storage box (200), having a rounded outer surface and a coupling hole provided on the side facing the flat shape; an armrest (100) that selectively opens or closes the top of the storage box (200) and is fixed or rotated by selectively inserting or removing a locking hook (141) protruding or recessing from the side into the coupling hole of the side cover (300); a conical shock-absorbing bumper (C) made of an elastic material provided on the bottom surface of the armrest (100); and a cylindrical operating part fixing projection (162) coupled to the bottom surface of the armrest (100) so as to be able to protrude and retract; The gist of the invention is that a friction hinge (143) is fixed to the inner surface of a friction guide cover (144) with a hook (141) penetrating through the center, and a guide projection (116) provided on an upper operating rod (110) and a lower operating rod (110) installed in a separated state is inserted therein, and a rod cam (120) is provided to connect the upper operating rod (110) and the lower operating rod (110).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest for an automobile, and more specifically, to a bidirectional opening armrest equipped with a friction hinge that allows the armrest to be selectively opened or closed from the front or the rear. Background Technology

[0003] It is common for a console to be installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of a vehicle. This console consists of a storage box installed at the bottom and an armrest for opening and closing the top of the storage box. The armrest consists of side lids on both sides fixed to the storage box at the bottom and a center lid installed between these side lids that opens and closes.

[0004] Generally, since armrests are primarily used in the driver's seat, they are configured to open only in one direction from front to rear; however, structures are known that allow them to be opened selectively from either the front or the rear due to various needs.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional armrest.

[0006] As described above, the console installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the vehicle consists of a storage box (S) which can be described as a storage space, and an armrest (A) for opening and closing the upper open part of the storage box (S).

[0007] The armrest (A) is composed of a center lid (10) for opening and closing the storage box (S) and a pair of side lids (20) on both sides that are fixed to the storage box (S) to support the opening and closing of the center lid (10). When the center lid (10) of the armrest (A) is configured to be openable in both directions, if either of the release buttons (14a, 14b) installed at the front and rear ends of the center lid (10) is pressed, the connection of one side of the center lid (10) to the side lids (20) is released, and the center lid (10) is opened for a certain portion. This configuration is known.

[0008] However, the conventional armrest described above had the problem of poor aesthetics because some structural parts remained at the top of the storage space depending on the opening direction of the armrest, and the problem of the armrest detaching from the storage space when the front and rear release buttons were pressed simultaneously. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2624617 (Published Jan. 12, 2024) The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a bidirectional opening armrest equipped with a friction hinge that improves product quality by forming a uniform exterior surface regardless of the direction in which the armrest is opened, and prevents the armrest from detaching from the storage space when the release button is operated simultaneously. means of solving the problem

[0013] The bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge according to the present invention is installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of a vehicle and comprises: a storage box having the shape of a housing with an open top and a rectangular horizontal cross-section; side covers formed on both sides of the upper portion of the storage box, having rounded outer surfaces, and having coupling holes on the opposing flat sides; an armrest that selectively opens or closes the upper portion of the storage box and is fixed or rotated by selectively inserting or removing a locking hook protruding or recessing from the side into the coupling hole of the side cover; a conical shock-absorbing bumper made of an elastic material provided on the bottom surface of the armrest; a cylindrical operating part fixing projection coupled to the bottom surface of the armrest so as to be able to protrude and retract; an operating button provided on the outer surface of the upper and lower portions of the armrest; a fixing bracket having the structure of a 'U'-shaped plate and fixed to the inner surface of the armrest with a screw; and an operating rod connected to the operating button, which moves in one direction when the operating button is pressed, wherein the operating rod is provided in a shape penetrating one end of the operating rod. It is characterized by including an incision, a pressure projection provided in a shape protruding from the inner side of the incision, a side operating rod provided in a shape protruding from both sides of the operating rod, and a guide projection provided in a shape protruding from the longitudinal center of the operating rod.

[0014] In addition, the device is further provided with a base plate having the shape of a plate and rotatably coupled to a fixing bracket, and a knob cam having a shape integrally protruding from the center of the upper surface of the base plate, protruding through the cut portion of the operating rod, and including reinforcing ribs that improve the strength of the cut portion, and the knob cam having a vertical arc surface of an arc protrusion that is in surface contact with the pressure protrusion of the operating rod, wherein the knob cam is provided between the two locking rods.

[0015] In addition, one end of the locking rod is provided with an L-shaped bent portion that is rotatably coupled to the bottom plate of the knob cam and is provided with a projection protruding from the upper surface of the locking rod, and is characterized by having a locking rod spring coupled thereto that is inserted into an elongated hole of the operating part cover installed on the upper surface of the locking rod.

[0016] In addition, it is characterized by having a cylindrical shape, being connected to an L-shaped bent portion, and having a locking hook that is inserted into or removed from a coupling hole formed in the side cover.

[0017] In addition, the invention is characterized by having a hinge housing that is fixed to a fixed bracket in a state where a locking hook is slidably penetrated through the center and is shaped like a plate, and includes two guide pins that are cylindrical in shape and protrude from one side of the hinge housing, with a stopper protruding outwardly from one end of the guide pin, and includes a friction guide cover that is fixed in a state where a locking hook is slidably penetrated through the center and is slidably penetrated through the guide pins on both sides, and includes a friction hinge fixed to the inner side of the friction guide cover in a state where a locking hook is slidably penetrated through the center.

[0018] In addition, it is characterized by having a plate shape and having bending through holes provided at the top and bottom, into which guide protrusions provided on the upper operating rod and lower operating rod installed in a separated state are inserted, and a rod cam is provided to connect the upper operating rod and the lower operating rod.

[0019] In addition, an operating fixing part is provided that is inserted into a movable through-hole of a side operating rod, and a connecting bar is provided in a protruding state at the center of the bottom surface of the operating fixing part and is fitted and coupled into a fixing groove provided on one side of the movable through-hole, wherein the operating fixing part has the shape of a rectangular housing, the movable through-hole is rectangular, the connecting bar is in the shape of a rectangular prism, and the fixing groove is in the shape of a recessed rectangle with one side open.

[0020] In addition, the connecting bar is characterized by being connected to an operating part fixing projection protruding from the bottom surface of the armrest. Effects of the invention

[0022] The present invention has the effect of improving product quality by forming the same exterior surface regardless of which direction the armrest is opened.

[0023] In addition, it has the effect of preventing the armrest from coming out of the storage compartment when the operation buttons are operated simultaneously. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional armrest. FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of the armrest of the present invention in a closed state and an open state. Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the armrest. Fig. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the upper part of the armrest. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the upper part of the armrest with a cover attached. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the operating state of the right side of the upper part of the armrest. Figure 7 is an operating state diagram of the knob cam. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the knob-gam operating state. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the operating rod, the operating fixing part, and the rod cam. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, the size, line thickness, etc., of the components illustrated in the drawings referenced for describing the present invention may be depicted somewhat exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0027] Furthermore, the terms used in the description of the present invention are defined considering their functions within the invention and may vary depending on the user's or operator's intent, convention, etc. Accordingly, it is appropriate to define these terms based on the entire content of this specification.

[0028] Furthermore, in this application, terms such as 'comprising' and 'having' refer to the existence of specific numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms, and the embodiments provided are merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention.

[0030] Therefore, the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, and embodiments (aspects or examples) are to be described in detail in the specification. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the technical scope of the present invention, and singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] However, in describing the present invention, specific descriptions of well-known or known functions or configurations are omitted in order to clarify the gist of the invention.

[0032] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of the armrest of the present invention in a closed and open state, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the armrest, FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the upper part of the armrest, FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the armrest with a cover attached, FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of the operating state of the right side of the upper part of the armrest, FIG. 7 is a diagram of the operating state of the knob cam, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the operating state of the knob cam, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the operating rod, the operating fixing part, and the rod cam.

[0034] As described, the armrest (100) of the present invention is organically combined with a storage box (200) and a side cover (300).

[0035] The storage box (200) is installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle and has the shape of a box with an open top and a rectangular horizontal cross-section.

[0036] The side cover (300) is formed on both sides of the upper part of the storage box (200), and its outer surface is rounded. On the opposite flat side, a connecting hole (not shown) is provided, which functions as a passage through which a hook (141) described later is inserted or removed.

[0037] The armrest (100) has the function of selectively opening or closing the upper part of the storage box (200), and fixing or rotating the armrest (100) by selectively inserting or removing a locking hook (141) protruding or recessed from the side of the armrest (100) into or out of the coupling hole of the side cover (300).

[0038] In addition, the bottom surface of the armrest (100) is provided with a conical shock-absorbing bumper (C) made of an elastic material, having a vertex portion cut horizontally and a hollow portion formed in the center, so that when the armrest (100) rotates to close the open upper surface of the storage box (200), it prevents damage caused by collision with the storage box (200) and has the effect of minimizing noise generation.

[0039] That is, the important feature of this configuration is that it is specified as a conical shock-absorbing bumper (C) made of an elastic material, having a vertex portion cut horizontally and a hollow portion formed in the center. When the shock-absorbing bumper (C) having a conical shape comes into contact with the upper surface of the storage box (200) and is elastically compressed, the shock-absorbing bumper (C) is elastically deformed outward from the central axis due to its conical shape, thereby offsetting the impact force and preventing the shock-absorbing bumper (C) from buckling in one direction, and maximizing the shock attenuation effect through the compression resistance of the air present in the hollow portion formed in the center.

[0040] In addition, a cylindrical operating part fixing projection (162) is coupled to the bottom surface of the armrest (100) so that it can extend and retract. The specific configuration of the operating part fixing projection (162) and the interlocking relationship will be described later.

[0041] Looking specifically at the structure of the armrest (100), the armrest (100) includes an operating button (B), an operating rod (110), a rod cam (120), a knob cam (130), a locking rod (140), a fixing bracket (150), and an operating fixing part (160).

[0042] Except for the road cam (120), the above configurations are identically installed in the upper and lower parts, so only the configuration regarding the upper part is described here.

[0043] The operating button (B) is provided on the outer surface of the upper and lower parts of the armrest (100), and the upper surface of the storage box (200) is opened as the armrest (100) rotates due to the interlocking action of the configuration caused by the user's pressure.

[0044] The fixing bracket (150) has a structure of a 'U'-shaped plate and is fixed to the inner surface of the armrest (100) with a screw, and has the function of improving the bonding strength of the parts by fixing and installing the parts on the upper surface of the fixing bracket (150).

[0045] The operating rod (110) is connected to the operating button (B), and when the operating button (B) is pressed, the operating rod (110) moves in one direction. Specifically, the operating rod (110) includes a pressure projection (111), a reinforcing rib (112), a side operating rod (113), a fixing groove (114), a moving through hole (115), a guide projection (116), and an incision (117).

[0046] The above-mentioned cut portion (117) is provided in a shape that penetrates one end of the operating rod (110), so that the arc-shaped projection (132) of the knob cam (130) is inserted into the cut portion (117) and protrudes. (See FIG. 7)

[0047] The above reinforcing rib (112) allows for smooth operation while in contact with the bottom surface of the operating member (400).

[0048] The above pressure projection (111) is provided in a shape protruding from the inner side of the cut portion (117), and the end portion of the pressure projection (111) is provided in a state of contact with the arc-shaped projection (132) of the knob cam (130), so that when the operating rod (100) is moved by the operating button (B), the pressure projection (111) rotates the arc-shaped projection (132), thereby having the function of rotating the knob cam (130).

[0049] The above-mentioned side operating rod (113) is provided in a shape protruding from both sides of the operating rod (110). (See FIG. 9)

[0050] The above-mentioned movable through hole (115) is provided in the shape of a square through hole at the end of the side operating rod (113), and has a structure in which a square operating fixing part (160) can be inserted.

[0051] The above-mentioned fixed groove (114) is provided with a recessed shape in which a horizontal cross-section of a square is formed on one side of the inner surface of a movable through hole (115), so that a connecting bar (161) in the shape of a square column provided in the center of the operating fixing part (160) is fitted and connected.

[0052] The guide projection (116) is provided in a shape that protrudes from the longitudinal center of the operating rod (110) and is fitted and coupled to the bending through hole (121) of the rod cam (120) so as to be able to slide.

[0053] The knob cam (130) is composed of a base plate (131) and an arc-shaped projection (132).

[0054] The above-mentioned bottom plate (131) is shaped like a plate with a certain thickness and is rotatably coupled to a fixed bracket (150) between two locking rods (140). Since one side of the bent portion (147) of the locking rod (140), which is bent into an L-shape, is rotatably coupled to both sides of the bottom plate (131), when the knob cam (130) rotates, the locking rod (140) can reciprocate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal operating rod (110).

[0055] The above-mentioned arc-shaped projection (132) is provided in a shape that protrudes integrally from the center of the upper surface of the base plate (131), and protrudes through the cut portion (117) of the operating rod (110). Since the vertical arc surface of the arc-shaped projection (132) is in surface contact with the pressure projection (111) of the operating rod (110), it rotates by the pressure of the pressure projection (111), thereby rotating the base plate (131) that is connected and fixed to the arc-shaped projection (132).

[0056] One end of the locking rod (140) is provided with an L-shaped bent portion (147) and is rotatably coupled to the bottom plate (131) of the knob cam (130), and includes a locking hook (141), a hinge housing (142), a friction hinge (143), a friction guide cover (144), a guide pin (145), and a projection (146). (See FIG. 6)

[0057] The above projection (146) is provided in a shape protruding from the upper surface of the locking rod (140), and the locking rod spring (S) is coupled in a state where it is inserted into an elongated hole (not shown in the drawing) of the operating part cover (400) installed on the upper surface of the locking rod (140). (See FIG. 5 and FIG. 8)

[0058] The above-mentioned hook (141) has a cylindrical shape and is connected to an L-shaped bent portion (147) formed at one end, and is inserted into or removed from a coupling hole formed in the side cover (300).

[0059] The hinge housing (142) has the shape of a plate and is fixed to a fixing bracket (150) with a hook (141) in the center that is slidably through.

[0060] The above guide pin (145) has a cylindrical shape and is provided with two protruding from one side of the hinge housing (142).

[0061] In addition, a stopper (not shown in the drawing) protruding outwardly from one end of the guide pin (145) is provided, which prevents the friction guide cover (144), described later, from detaching from the guide pin (145).

[0062] The friction guide cover (144) has the shape of a plate, is fixed in the center with a hook (141) penetrating it, and is provided on both sides with guide pins (145) penetrating it so that they can slide.

[0063] The friction hinge (143) is fixed to the inner surface of the friction guide cover (144) with a hook (141) penetrating through the center.

[0064] Since the friction hinge (143) described above is a well-known and conventional configuration commonly used in this technical field (hinge), the description of the specific configuration's interlocking relationship is omitted here.

[0065] When examining the operation relationship of the locking rod (140) as described above, when the locking rod (140) moves perpendicular to the operating rod (110) by the rotation of the knob cam (130), the locking hook (141) inserted into the coupling hole of the side cover (300) is disengaged from the insertion hole by the elastic pressure of the locking rod spring (S), thereby allowing the armrest (100) to be opened.

[0066] In addition, when the locking hook (141) is disengaged, the friction guide cover (144) and the friction hinge (143) connected to the locking hook (141) slide along the guide pin (145). Therefore, while the friction hinge (143) provided at the upper part of the armrest (100) does not perform the function of friction, the friction hinge (143) provided at the lower part has the function of friction, thus having the effect of minimizing the sudden opening of the armrest (100).

[0067] The rod cam (120) has the shape of a plate and is provided with a bending through hole (121) at the top and bottom, so that a guide projection (116) provided on the upper operating rod (110) and the lower operating rod (110), which are installed in a separated state, is inserted to connect the upper operating rod (110) and the lower operating rod (110).

[0068] That is, when the upper operating rod (110) moves by the operating button (B), the guide projection (116) provided on the upper operating rod (110) is inserted into the bending through hole (121) provided on the upper part of the rod cam (120), so that the rod cam (120) rotates, the upper operating rod (110) moves in a movable state, and the lower operating rod (110) maintains a fixed state.

[0069] The operating fixing part (160) has a square housing shape at its upper end and can be inserted into the movable through hole (115) of the side operating rod (113). A connecting bar (161) in the shape of a square column is provided protruding from the center of the bottom surface of the operating fixing part (160) and is fitted and coupled into a fixing groove (114) provided on one side of the movable through hole (115), which has one side open and a horizontal cross-section in the shape of a square.

[0070] Additionally, the connecting bar (161) is connected to an operating part fixing projection (162) protruding from the bottom surface of the armrest (100).

[0071] When examining the operation relationship of the operation fixing part (160) as described above, when the armrest (100) is in a state where it seals the upper surface of the storage box (200), the operation fixing projection (162) is pressed and inserted into the interior of the armrest (100). Therefore, the connecting bar (161) connected to the operation fixing projection (162) is also in a state where it protrudes to the upper surface of the movable through hole (115) of the side operation rod (113), and the connecting bar (161) is inserted into the fixing groove (114).

[0072] When the user presses the operation button (B), the armrest (100) rotates to open the storage box (200), and as the connecting bar (161) is disengaged from the fixing groove (114) by the movement of the operation rod (110), the operation fixing part (160) descends by the elastic force of the spring and is inserted into the movable through hole (115), and the operation part fixing projection (162) remains protruding from the bottom surface of the armrest (100) while the operation rod (110) is fixed.

[0073] When the armrest (100) is rotated to seal the storage box (200), the operating part fixing projection (162) is pressed as described above, and the operating part (160) is coupled to the fixing groove (114) by the connecting bar (161).

[0074] The present invention, as described above, has the effect of improving product quality by forming a uniform exterior surface regardless of the direction in which the armrest is opened, and additionally has the effect of preventing the armrest from detaching from the storage space when the operation button is operated simultaneously. Explanation of the symbols

[0076] 100:Armrest 110:Operating rod 111: Pressure projection 112: Reinforcing rib 113: Side operating rod 114: Fixing groove 115:Mobile penetration hole 116:Guide projection 117: Incision 120: Road cam 121: Bending through hole 130: Knob cam 131: Base plate 132: Arc-shaped projection 140: Hooking rod 141: Hooking hook 142: Hinge housing 143: Friction hinge 144: Friction guide cover 145: Guide pin 146:Protrusion 147:Bend 150: Fixed bracket 160: Operating fixing part 161: Connecting bar 162: Operating part fixing projection 200: Storage box 300: Side cover 400: Operating part cover B: Operating button C: Shock-absorbing bumper S: Locking rod spring

Claims

Claim 1 A storage box (200) installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of a vehicle, having a box shape with an open top and a rectangular horizontal cross-section; a side cover (300) formed on both sides of the upper part of the storage box (200), having a rounded outer surface, and a coupling hole provided on the side facing the flat shape; an armrest (100) that selectively opens or closes the upper part of the storage box (200) and is fixed or rotated by selectively inserting or removing a locking hook (141) protruding or recessing from the side into the coupling hole of the side cover (300); and a cylindrical operating part fixing projection (162) coupled to the bottom surface of the armrest (100) so as to be able to protrude or retract. In this configuration, an operating button (B) provided on the outer surface of the upper and lower parts of the armrest (100), a fixing bracket (150) fixed to the inner surface of the armrest (100) with a screw, and a fixing bracket (150) connected to the operating button (B) so that the operating button (B) A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge, characterized by including an operating rod (110) that moves in one direction when pressed, wherein the operating rod (110) includes a cut portion (117) formed in a shape penetrating one end of the operating rod (110), a pressure projection (111) formed in a shape protruding inside the cut portion (117), a side operating rod (113) formed in a shape protruding on both sides of the operating rod (110), and a guide projection (116) formed in a shape protruding in the longitudinal center of the operating rod (110). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge applied, wherein, in claim 1, a reinforcing rib (112) is provided in a shape protruding from the upper surface of the operating rod (110) on both sides of the cut portion (117) to improve the strength of the cut portion (117), and the reinforcing rib (112) is further provided with a knob cam (130) which includes a base plate (131) rotatably coupled to a fixed bracket (150), and a shape integrally protruding from the center of the upper surface of the base plate (131) so as to protrude through the cut portion (117) of the operating rod (110), and the vertical arc surface of the arc protrusion (132) is in surface contact with the pressure protrusion (111) of the operating rod (110), and the knob cam (130) is provided between the two locking rods (140). Claim 5 In claim 4, one end portion of the locking rod (140) is provided with an L-shaped bend (147) and is rotatably coupled to the bottom plate (131) of the knob cam (130), and is provided with a projection (146) that is protruding from the upper surface of the locking rod (140) and is coupled with a locking rod spring (S) while inserted into an elongated hole of the operating part cover (400) installed on the upper surface of the locking rod (140), and a locking hook (141) that is cylindrical in shape, connected to the L-shaped bend (147), and inserted into or removed from a coupling hole formed in the side cover (300). A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge, characterized by including a hinge housing (142) fixed to a fixed bracket (150) with a locking hook (141) that is penetrated to allow sliding movement, and two guide pins (145) provided protruding from one side of the hinge housing (142). Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge, characterized in that, in claim 5, one end portion of the guide pin (145) is provided with a stopper protruding outwardly. Claim 9 A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge applied, characterized in that, in claim 8, the friction guide cover (144) is formed in the shape of a plate, fixed in the center with a locking hook (141) penetrating through it, and provided on both sides with a guide pin (145) penetrating through it so that it can slide. Claim 10 A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge applied, characterized in that, in claim 9, a friction hinge (143) fixed to the inner surface of a friction guide cover (144) is provided with a hook (141) passing through the center. Claim 11 ◈Claim 11 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge applied, characterized in that, in Claim 10, the armrest has the shape of a plate and is provided with a bending through hole (121) at the top and bottom, and a guide projection (116) provided on an upper operating rod (110) and a lower operating rod (110) installed in a separated state is inserted therein, and a rod cam (120) is provided to connect the upper operating rod (110) and the lower operating rod (110). Claim 12 ◈Claim 12 was abandoned upon payment of the registration fee.◈ A bidirectional opening armrest with a friction hinge applied, characterized in that, in Claim 11, an operating fixing part (160) inserted into a movable through hole (115) of a side operating rod (113). Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete

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