Armrest for vehicle seat and method of using same
By designing a foldable and deployable armrest structure, the lack of support flexibility of existing vehicle seat armrests is solved, and a variety of support methods are provided, improving the comfort and convenience of the occupants.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410207813.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
AI Technical Summary
The armrests of existing vehicle seats are difficult to provide flexible support during use to meet the needs of different occupants, especially when supporting arms or other items are required, which lacks convenience and comfort.
A foldable and deployable handrail structure is designed, with multiple members connected by a pivot joint allowing the handrail to be switched between foldable, deployable and intermediate configurations, providing a variety of support methods to suit different usage needs.
It realizes the flexible use of handrails in different configurations, improves the comfort and convenience of the occupants, can support arms or other items, and enhances the functionality of the vehicle seat.
Smart Images
Figure CN120245843A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicle seats, and more particularly to armrests for vehicle seats that can be deployed to position a portion thereof above the vehicle seat and support a load thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern automobiles provide a range of amenities designed to enhance occupant comfort. Examples of such features include adjustable seats that can be customized to fit a particular occupant, including adjustments to seat height, recline angle, lumbar support, and headrest height.
[0003] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide systems and methods that can promote occupant comfort in a vehicle. Additionally, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A method for using an armrest of a vehicle seat is provided. In one example, the method includes transitioning the armrest from a folded configuration to an extended configuration. The armrest includes a first member fixed in a stationary position, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member. In the folded configuration, the first member, second member, and third member are stacked. Transitioning the armrest from the folded configuration to the extended configuration includes pivoting the second member relative to the first member to position the armrest in an intermediate configuration, pivoting the third member relative to the second member to position the armrest in the extended configuration, and applying a load to the second member and / or the third member. When the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, the second member and the third member project cantilevered from the first member and extend across a first portion of the vehicle seat. When the armrest is in the extended configuration, the third member projects cantilevered from the second member and extends across a second portion of the vehicle seat.
[0005] In various examples, the method may include: transitioning the armrest from the extended configuration to the folded configuration by pivoting the third member relative to the second member such that the third member stacks with the second member and extends across a first portion of the vehicle seat, and pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member stack with the first member; and supporting an occupant's arm of the vehicle seat on the armrest.
[0006] In various examples, a first portion of the armrest may be coupled to the vehicle seat, a second portion of the armrest may include the first member, the second member, and the third member, and the first member may be fixed to the first portion. In such an example, pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member stack with the first member may position adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion in an aligned position.
[0007] In various examples, the second member is pivoted relative to the first member such that the second and third members are stacked with the first member, and a first adjacent outer surface of the first and second members can be set in a first alignment position, and a second adjacent outer surface of the second and third members can be set in a second alignment position.
[0008] In various examples, pivoting the second member relative to the first member can include pivoting the second member 180 degrees.
[0009] In various examples, pivoting the third member relative to the second member can include pivoting the third member 180 degrees.
[0010] In various examples, in a folded configuration, the second member is disposed between the first and third members such that a first face of the first member faces a second face of the second member, and a third face of the second member, which is opposite the second face of the second member, faces a fourth face of the third member. In such an example, transitioning the armrest from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration can include aligning a first face of the first member, a second face of the second member, and a fifth face of the third member, which is opposite the fourth face of the third member, in a geometric plane.
[0011] In various examples, when the armrest is in an intermediate configuration, a first face of the first member and a second face of the second member can be aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member may not be disposed in the geometric plane.
[0012] An armrest for a vehicle seat is provided. In one example, the armrest includes a first portion configured to be coupled to a vehicle seat, and a second portion having a first member fixed to the first portion, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member. The second portion is configured to selectively transition between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration. When the armrest is in the folded configuration, the first, second, and third members are stacked and configured to support an occupant's arm of the vehicle seat. When the armrest is in the deployed configuration, the second and third members project cantilevered from the first member, extend across at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to support a load thereon.
[0013] In various examples, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, the second member can be disposed between the first and third members such that a first face of the first member faces a second face of the second member, and a third face of the second member, which is opposite the second face of the second member, faces a fourth face of the third member.
[0014] In various examples, when the armrest is in the deployed configuration, a first face of the first member, a second face of the second member, and a fifth face of the third member, which is opposite the fourth face of the third member, can be aligned in a geometric plane.
[0015] In various examples, the second portion can be configured to transition from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member above the vehicle seat to set the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member above the vehicle seat. When the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, a first face of the first member and a second face of the second member can be aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member can be not be disposed in the geometric plane.
[0016] In various examples, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion can be aligned.
[0017] In various examples, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, a first adjacent outer surface of the first member and the second member can be aligned, and a second adjacent outer surface of the second member and the third member can be aligned.
[0018] In various examples, the second portion can be configured to transition from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member above the vehicle seat to set the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member above the vehicle seat.
[0019] In various examples, the second member can be configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the first member.
[0020] In various examples, the third member can be configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the second member.
[0021] A vehicle is provided that, in one example, includes a vehicle seat and an armrest. The armrest includes a first portion coupled to the vehicle seat and a second portion having a first member fixed to the first portion, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member. The second portion is configured to selectively transition between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. When the armrest is in the folded configuration, the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked and configured in combination to support the arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat. When the armrest is in the unfolded configuration, the second member and the third member project cantilevered from the first member, extend across at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to support a load thereon.
[0022] In various examples, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, the second member can be disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first face of the first member faces a second face of the second member and a third face of the second member, which is opposite to the second face of the second member, faces a fourth face of the third member. In such an example, when the armrest is in the deployed configuration, the first face of the first member, the second face of the second member, and a fifth face of the third member, which is opposite to the fourth face of the third member, can be aligned in a geometric plane.
[0023] In various examples, the second portion can be configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member above the vehicle seat to set the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member above the vehicle seat. In such an example, when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, the first face of the first member and the second face of the second member can be aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member may not be disposed in the geometric plane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:
[0025] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle having a seat with an armrest according to an example;
[0026] Figure 2 is according to an example Figure 1 of a perspective view of a seat with an armrest;
[0027] Figure 3 is according to an example of Figure 1 and Figure 2 a first perspective view of an armrest in a folded configuration;
[0028] Figure 4 is according to an example of Figures 1-3 an armrest in a folded configuration;
[0029] Figure 5 is according to an example of Figures 1-4 an armrest in an intermediate configuration;
[0030] Figure 6 is according to an example of Figures 1-5 an armrest in a deployed configuration; and
[0031] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of using an Figures 1-6 armrest according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction or the following detailed description.
[0033] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to an example is shown. In some examples, the vehicle 10 comprises an automobile. In various examples, the vehicle 10 can be any of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a van, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in some examples can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and / or various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms.
[0034] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG. 1 , an exemplary vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotationally coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14.
[0035] The vehicle 10 may include a steering system 24. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 16-18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel 24a for purposes of illustration, in some examples contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.
[0036] The vehicle 10 may include a seat 30 configured to support an occupant of the vehicle 10 seated thereon. The seat 30 may include a frame (not shown) secured to the floor of the vehicle 10, a seat cushion 32 coupled to the frame, a seat back 34 secured at its lower end to the seat cushion 32 and / or the frame, and a headrest (not shown) secured to an upper end of the seat back 34. The seat cushion 32 may be configured to support the back and / or thighs of an occupant seated thereon, the seat back 34 may be configured to support the back of the occupant when the occupant sits on the seat cushion 32, and the headrest may be configured to support the head of the occupant. The seat 30 may include a system that provides for adjusting various components of the seat 30, such as for adjusting the height of the seat 30 relative to the floor of the vehicle, the tilt angle of the seat back 34, lumbar support, and the height of the headrest relative to the upper end of the seat back 34. Although the vehicle 10 is depicted as including a single seat 30, the vehicle 10 may include more than one seat 30, such as two, four, six, or more seats 30.
[0037] The seat 30 includes armrests 40 configured to support an occupant's arms when the occupant is seated on the seat cushion 32. The armrest 40 includes a first portion 42 configured to be fixed to the frame and / or the seat back 34 on either side of the seat back 34. In some examples, the seat 30 may include two armrests 40, each fixed to a corresponding side of the seat 30. The armrest 40 may be fixed at various positions along the side of the seat back 34 to provide various dimensions (e.g., height) between the seat cushion 32 and the armrest 40. In some examples, the height of the armrest 40 may be adjustable, for example, by sliding the armrest 40 along the side of the seat back 34 and locking it in various positions. In some examples, the first portion 42 may be rotatably coupled to the seat 30. For example, the first portion 42 may rotate between a first and a second position, where, in the first position, its distal end is adjacent to or side by side with the seat back 34, and in the second position, the distal end extends away from the seat back 34 (e.g., as shown in Figure 2 ). In such an example, when the armrest 40 is not desired to be used, the occupant may rotate the first portion 42 to the first position, and when the armrest 40 is desired to be used, rotate the first portion 42 to the second position.
[0038] The armrest 40 includes a second portion 44 having a first member 46 fixed to the first portion 42, a second member 48 pivotally coupled to the first member 46, and a third member 50 pivotally coupled to the second member 48. The first member 46 and the second member 48 may be coupled with a first pivot joint 52. The second member 48 and the third member 50 may be coupled with a second pivot joint 54. The second portion 44 is configured to selectively transition between a folded configuration (e.g., as shown in Figures 2-4 ) and an unfolded configuration (as shown in Figure 6 ).
[0039] In the folded configuration, the first member 46, the second member 48, and the third member 50 are stacked and configured to support an occupant's arm of the seat 30. In the example of Figures 2-4 , when stacked, the second member 48 is disposed between the first member 46 and the third member 50. In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the first pivot joint 52 is disposed on the side of the first member 46 and the second member 48 closest to the seat 30, referred to as the seat side of the armrest 40. In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the second pivot joint 54 is disposed on the side of the first member 46 and the second member 48 farthest from the seat 30, referred to as the outer side of the armrest 40.
[0040] In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the first adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 44, i.e., the outer surfaces adjacent to the distal end of the first portion 42 and the proximal end of the second portion 44, are aligned or flush. In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the second adjacent outer surfaces of the first member 46 and the second member 48, i.e., along the sides or edges of the first member 46 and the second member 48, are aligned or flush. In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the third adjacent outer surfaces of the second member 48 and the third member 50, i.e., along the sides or edges of the second member 48 and the third member 50, are aligned or flush. In Figures 2-4 examples where the first adjacent surface, the second adjacent surface, and the third adjacent surface are each aligned or flush, the exterior of the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 is contoured in a manner that provides an appearance and / or function similar to that of an armrest formed from a single unitary piece. In some examples, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, the exposed surfaces of the first pivot joint 52 and the second pivot joint 54 are configured to be flush with the adjacent outer surface of the second portion 44.
[0041] Figure 5 shows the second portion 44 in an intermediate configuration between the Figures 2-4 folded configuration and the Figure 6 deployed configuration. The second portion 44 can be transitioned from the folded configuration to the intermediate configuration by pivoting the second member 48 (on which the third member 50 is stacked) relative to the first member 46 until the edges thereof coupled by the first pivot joint 52 contact or are otherwise adjacent to each other. Since the first pivot joint 52 is located on the seat side of the armrest 40 in the folded configuration, pivoting of the second member 48 positions the second member 48 above the seat 30 while the third member 50 is disposed below the second member 48.
[0042] The second portion 44 can be transitioned from the intermediate configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 until the edges thereof coupled by the second pivot joint 54 contact or are otherwise adjacent to each other. Since the second pivot joint 54 is located on the seat side of the armrest 40 in the intermediate configuration, pivoting of the third member 50 positions the third member 50 further above the seat 30.
[0043] In Figures 2-6In an example, the first member 46 includes a first face 60, the second member 48 includes a second face 62 and a third face (not shown) opposite the second face 62, and the third member 50 includes a fourth face 64 and a fifth face (not shown) opposite the fourth face 64. In the folded configuration, the first face 60 and the second face 62 contact or are otherwise adjacent and face each other, and the third face and the fifth face contact or are otherwise adjacent and face each other. In the intermediate configuration, the first face 60 and the second face 62 are aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member 50 is not disposed in the geometric plane. In the deployed configuration, the first face 60, the second face 62, and the fourth face 64 are aligned in a geometric plane.
[0044] In the intermediate and deployed configurations, the second member 48 and the third member 50 project cantilevered from the first member 46, extend across at least a portion of the seat 30, and are configured to support a load thereon. That is, in the intermediate configuration, the first face 60 and the second face 62 define a first support area, and in the deployed configuration, the first face 60, the second face 62, and the fourth face 64 define a second support area. Thus, depending on the desired size of the support area, an occupant can use the second portion 44 converted to the intermediate or deployed configuration and place a portion of the occupant's body and / or other objects thereon, such as other objects like electronic devices (e.g., laptop computers, tablet computers, smart phones, etc.).
[0045] In some examples, one or both of the first pivot joint 52 and the second pivot joint 54 can be lockable or otherwise configured to hold the second member 48 and the third member 50 in a fixed position when a load is applied to one or both of the second face 62 and the fourth face 64. In some examples, the first pivot joint 52 and the second pivot joint 54 are biaxial torque hinges.
[0046] Now referring to Figure 7 and continuing to refer to Figures 1-6 , according to various examples, the flowchart provides a method 100 for operating the armrest 40. It can be understood from the present disclosure that the order of operations within the method 100 is not limited to being performed in the order shown in Figure 7 but can be performed in one or more variant orders as applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0047] In one example, method 100 may begin at 110. At 112, method 100 may include converting armrest 40 from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration. During the conversion, the first member 46 is fixed in a stationary position by the first portion 42. Converting armrest 40 from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration includes pivoting the second member 48 relative to the first member 46 to define an intermediate configuration, wherein the second member 48 and the third member 50 project cantilevered from the first member 46 and extend across a first portion of the seat 30, and pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 to define the unfolded configuration, wherein the third member 50 projects cantilevered from the second member 48 and extends across a second portion of the seat 30. At 114, method 100 includes applying a load to the second member 48 and / or the third member 50. For example, an occupant of seat 30 may place a part of their body (e.g., head, arm, hand, etc.) and / or another object (e.g., book, laptop computer, smart phone, etc.) on the second member 48 and / or the third member 50.
[0048] At 116, method 100 may include converting armrest 40 from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 such that the third member 50 stacks with the second member 48 and extends across a first portion of the seat 30, and pivoting the second member 48 relative to the first member 46 such that the second member 48 and the third member 50 stack with the first member 46. At 118, method 100 may include supporting an occupant's arm on the armrest 40. Method 100 may end at 120.
[0049] The systems and methods disclosed herein provide various benefits over certain existing systems and methods. For example, an occupant of seat 30 may deploy the armrest 40 into the unfolded configuration to provide support for a part of their body and / or another object. This may improve the comfort of the occupant and / or the convenience of various activities, such as reading a book, using a smart phone, tablet computer, or laptop computer, sleeping, eating, etc. Additionally, the occupant may fold the armrest into the folded configuration for use in a manner similar to a conventional armrest.
[0050] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit in any way the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Claims
1. A method, comprising: Converting an armrest coupled to a vehicle seat from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration, the armrest including a first member fixed in a fixed position, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member, wherein, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked, and wherein converting the armrest from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration includes: Pivoting the second member relative to the first member to set the armrest to an intermediate configuration, wherein, when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, the second member and the third member project cantilevered from the first member and extend across a first portion of the vehicle seat; and Pivoting the third member relative to the second member to set the armrest to the unfolded configuration, wherein, when the armrest is in the unfolded configuration, the third member projects cantilevered from the second member and extends across a second portion of the vehicle seat; and Applying a load to the second member and / or the third member.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Converting the armrest from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration by: Pivoting the third member relative to the second member such that the third member stacks with the second member and extends across the first portion of the vehicle seat; And Pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member stack with the first member; And Supporting the arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat on the armrest.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, A first portion of the armrest is coupled to the vehicle seat, a second portion of the armrest includes the first member, the second member, and the third member, and the first member is fixed to the first portion, wherein pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member stack with the first member aligns adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion, wherein pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member stack with the first member aligns a first adjacent outer surface of the first member and the second member in a first alignment position and aligns a second adjacent outer surface of the second member and the third member in a second alignment position.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein Pivoting the second member relative to the first member includes pivoting the second member 180 degrees, and pivoting the third member relative to the second member includes pivoting the third member 180 degrees.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein In the folded configuration, the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first face of the first member faces a second face of the second member, and a third face of the second member, which is opposite to the second face of the second member, faces a fourth face of the third member. Wherein, converting the armrest from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration includes aligning the first face of the first member, the second face of the second member, and a fifth face of the third member, which is opposite to the fourth face of the third member, in a geometric plane. Wherein, when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, the first face of the first member and the second face of the second member are aligned in the geometric plane, and the third member is not disposed in the geometric plane.
6. An armrest for a vehicle seat, comprising: a first portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle seat; and a second portion having a first member fixed to the first portion, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member, wherein the second portion is configured to selectively convert between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. Wherein, when the armrest is in the folded configuration, the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked and configured to support the arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat. Wherein, when the armrest is in the unfolded configuration, the second member and the third member project cantileveredly from the first member, extend across at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to support a load thereon.
7. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein, When the armrest is in the folded configuration, the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first face of the first member faces a second face of the second member, and a third face of the second member, which is opposite to the second face of the second member, faces a fourth face of the third member. Wherein, when the armrest is in the unfolded configuration, the first face of the first member, the second face of the second member, and a fifth face of the third member, which is opposite to the fourth face of the third member, are aligned in a geometric plane. Wherein, the second portion is configured to convert from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member above the vehicle seat to set the armrest to an intermediate configuration, and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member above the vehicle seat. Wherein, when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration, the first face of the first member and the second face of the second member are aligned in the geometric plane, and the third member is not disposed in the geometric plane.
8. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein When the armrest is in the folded configuration, adjacent outer surfaces of the first part and the second part are aligned, wherein when the armrest is in the folded configuration, a first adjacent outer surface of the first member and the second member are aligned, and a second adjacent outer surface of the second member and the third member are aligned.
9. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein, The second part is configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member above the vehicle seat to set the armrest in an intermediate configuration, and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member above the vehicle seat.
10. The armrest according to claim 6, wherein, The second member is configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the first member, and the third member is configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the second member.