Armrest box assembly, armrest box safety air bag system, operation method of armrest box safety air bag system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an armrest box assembly, an armrest box safety air bag system, an operation method of the armrest box safety air bag system and a vehicle in one or more embodiments. The armrest box assembly comprises an armrest box body which comprises a containing space with an opening; the first cover body is arranged on the armrest box body and can move relative to the armrest box body; the first cover body can move between a first deflection position and a second deflection position; and the safety air bag is arranged in the first cover body. At the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover body deflects at a first angle relative to the bottom surface of the armrest box body on the first side of the armrest box body so as to provide support in a first direction during the unfolding of the safety air bag; an upper surface of the first cover body deflects at a second angle relative to a bottom surface of the armrest box body on a second side of the armrest box body to provide support in a second direction during deployment of the airbag.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention with the applicant being Ford Global Technologies, LLC, the invention name being Armrest Box Assembly, Armrest Box Airbag System and Operating Method Thereof, the application number being 201910111005.4, and the application date being February 12, 2019. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an armrest box assembly, an armrest box airbag system, an operating method thereof, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] During a side collision of a vehicle, a passenger or a driver will move horizontally inside the vehicle. For example, when the passenger side of the vehicle is collided, due to inertia, the upper body of the driver will move in a direction opposite to the collision direction, that is, move towards the passenger side of the vehicle. In this way, the driver may come into contact with the passenger.

[0004] US 8210566B2 discloses an airbag device arranged at the rear of an intermediate armrest box between vehicle seats. During a side collision, the airbag device deploys an airbag to inhibit the movement of the driver or the passenger in the lateral direction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an armrest box assembly. The armrest box assembly includes: an armrest box body including a receiving space having an opening; a first cover movably disposed on the armrest box body and movable between a first deflection position and a second deflection position; and an airbag disposed in the first cover. In the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover deflects a first angle relative to the bottom surface of the armrest box body on a first side of the armrest box body to provide support in a first direction during the deployment of the airbag, and in the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover deflects a second angle relative to the bottom surface of the armrest box body on a second side of the armrest box body to provide support in a second direction during the deployment of the airbag.

[0006] In one embodiment, the armrest box assembly further includes a second cover disposed under the first cover and a driving device disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and the second cover is movably connected to the armrest box body to open and close the opening.

[0007] In another embodiment, the second cover includes a recess for receiving the driving device.

[0008] In another embodiment, the driving device includes a link mechanism and a driver connected to the link mechanism. The link mechanism includes a first link mechanism adjacent to a first side of the armrest box body and a second link mechanism adjacent to a second side of the armrest box body. The driver includes a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

[0009] In another embodiment, the first link mechanism includes a first link and a second link connected to the first cover body, and a third link and a fourth link connected to the second cover body. The first driver includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion that are telescopic. The first rod portion is connected to the first link and the third link, and the second rod portion is connected to the second link and the fourth link. The second link mechanism includes a fifth link and a sixth link connected to the first cover body, and a seventh link and an eighth link connected to the second cover body. The second driver includes a third rod portion and a fourth rod portion that are telescopic. The third rod portion is connected to the fifth link and the seventh link, and the fourth rod portion is connected to the sixth link and the eighth link.

[0010] In another embodiment, the driving device includes a driving airbag device. The driving airbag device includes a first driving airbag adjacent to the first side of the armrest box body and a second driving airbag adjacent to the second side of the armrest box body. The driving airbag device adjusts the inflation amount of the second driving airbag to be greater than that of the first driving airbag to move the first cover body to the first deflection position, and adjusts the inflation amount of the first driving airbag to be greater than that of the second driving airbag to move the first cover body to the second deflection position.

[0011] In another embodiment, the driving device can adjust the height of the first cover body.

[0012] In another embodiment, in the first deflection position, the first side of the first cover body is lower than the second side of the first cover body, and the first side is substantially parallel to the length direction of the handbox body. In the second deflection position, the first side of the first cover body is higher than the second side of the first cover body, and the second side is substantially parallel to the length direction of the handbox body.

[0013] In another embodiment, a tear line or a flap is provided on the upper surface of the first cover body to facilitate the deployment of the airbag.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an armrest box airbag system for a vehicle. The armrest box airbag system includes: an armrest box assembly disposed between a first seat and a second seat, including: an armrest box body including a receiving space having an opening; a first cover disposed on the armrest box body, the first cover being movable to a first deflection position and a second deflection position, in the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the first seat, and in the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the second seat; and a driver for driving the first cover; an airbag assembly disposed within the first cover. The airbag assembly includes an airbag and a gas generator connected to the airbag; a first pre-collision sensor adjacent to the first seat; a second pre-collision sensor adjacent to the second seat; and a controller configured to, in response to a signal from the second pre-collision sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the first deflection position, and in response to a signal from the first pre-collision sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the second deflection position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the armrest box airbag system further includes a second cover disposed under the first cover and a first link mechanism, a second link mechanism disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and a driver connected to the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism. The first link mechanism is adjacent to a first side of the armrest box body, the second link mechanism is adjacent to a second side of the armrest box body, and the driver includes a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

[0016] In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to instruct the driver to return the first cover to the normal position after a predetermined time.

[0017] In another embodiment, the armrest box airbag system further includes a collision sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to a signal from the collision sensor, instruct the gas generator to inflate the airbag.

[0018] In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to, in response to a passenger height signal received by a camera in the vehicle and in response to a signal from the collision sensor, instruct the driver to raise the first cover to a predetermined position.

[0019] In another embodiment, the first seat is a driver's seat and the second seat is a passenger seat, and the controller is further configured to, in response to a second seat occupancy sensor signal and a first pre-collision sensor signal, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the second deflection position.

[0020] In another embodiment, the armrest box airbag system further includes a reminder device disposed on the first cover, wherein the reminder device reminds the driver or passenger to remove their hand from the first cover in response to signals from the first pre-collision sensor and the second pre-collision sensor.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating an armrest box airbag system, wherein the airbag is located within a cover body of the armrest box. The method includes: in response to a signal indicating that the passenger seat side will be impacted, instructing a driver to move the cover body of the armrest box to a first deflection position such that the upper surface of the cover body faces the driver's seat; and in response to a signal indicating that the driver's seat side will be impacted, instructing the driver to move the cover body of the armrest box to a second deflection position such that the upper surface of the cover body faces the passenger seat.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes, in response to a signal indicating that the passenger seat side or the driver's seat side will be impacted, instructing a vibration device located within the cover body to vibrate to alert the passenger and the driver to remove their hands from the armrest box.

[0023] In another embodiment, the method further includes, in response to a signal that the vehicle has received an impact, instructing the airbag system to deploy the airbag.

[0024] In another embodiment, the method further includes, in response to a signal that the vehicle has not received an impact, instructing the driver to move the cover body of the armrest box from the first deflection position or the second deflection position to a normal position.

[0025] In another embodiment, the cover body of the armrest box includes a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism connected to the driver. The first link mechanism is adjacent to a first side of the armrest box body, and the second link mechanism is adjacent to a second side of the armrest box body. The driver includes a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle. The vehicle includes: a first seat; a second seat; an armrest box assembly disposed between the first seat and the second seat, including: an armrest box body including a receiving space having an opening; a first cover body disposed on the armrest box body, the first cover body being movable to a first deflection position and a second deflection position. In the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover body faces the first seat, and in the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover body faces the second seat; a driver for driving the first cover body; an airbag assembly disposed within the first cover body, the airbag assembly including an airbag and a gas generator connected to the airbag; a first pre-crash sensor adjacent to the first seat; a second pre-crash sensor adjacent to the second seat; and a controller configured to, in response to a signal from the second pre-crash sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover body to the first deflection position, and in response to a signal from the first pre-crash sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover body to the second deflection position.

[0027] One or more features and / or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a vehicle, showing an armrest box assembly installed between the front seats of the vehicle according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the vehicle shown in undergoing a right-side collision, showing the first cover of the armrest box assembly in a first deflected position and the airbag in a deployed position.

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the vehicle shown in undergoing a left-side collision, showing the first cover of the armrest box assembly in a second deflected position and the airbag in a deployed position.

[0031] Figure 4A is Figure 1 a perspective schematic view of the armrest box assembly shown in , showing the first cover in a deflected position.

[0032] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a perspective schematic view of the armrest box assembly from another angle shown in .

[0033] Figure 5A is a perspective schematic view of an armrest box assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the first cover in a deflected position.

[0034] Figure 5B is Figure 5A a perspective schematic view of the armrest box assembly from another angle shown in .

[0035] Figure 6 is a system block diagram of an armrest box airbag system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a control flowchart of an armrest box airbag system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As needed, specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in this specification; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are only examples of the present invention and can be implemented in various alternative forms. The drawings do not need to be drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to implement the present invention in various forms.

[0039] During a side collision of a vehicle, due to inertia, the upper body of the driver or passenger will move in a direction opposite to the collision direction. In this way, the driver may come into contact with the passenger. Existing solutions are to set up airbags between the seats to slow down this movement. For example, the airbag is set on the center console or on the seat. However, after the airbag is deployed, the airbag lacks effective support, resulting in limited effects. The console assembly of the present invention sets the airbag inside the cover body of the console. The console cover is movable between a first deflection position and a second deflection position. In the first deflection position, the upper surface of the cover body faces a first direction so as to provide support in the first direction during the deployment of the airbag. In the second deflection position, the upper surface of the cover body faces a second direction different from the first direction so as to provide support in the second direction during the deployment of the airbag. Therefore, the console assembly of the present invention can adjust the position of the cover body according to the position of the side collision so as to provide improved protection during the side collision, and an airbag assembly can slow down the movement of the driver and the passenger during the side collision.

[0040] Figure 1 A partial schematic view of a vehicle 100 implemented according to one or more examples of the present invention is shown, showing the console assembly 200 installed inside the vehicle 100. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 includes a first seat 102 and a second seat 104 arranged side by side with the first seat 102. In one or more embodiments, the first seat 102 may be, for example, a driver's seat, and the second seat 104 may be, for example, a passenger seat. The console assembly 200 is located between the first seat 102 and the second seat 104 to provide storage space and support the elbows of the front-row passengers or the driver.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the console assembly 200 includes a console body 202 and a cover body 204 connected to the console body 202. The console body 202 includes a receiving space 206 having an opening 208 for storing items such as bags, driver's licenses, etc. The cover body 204 can be movably opened or closed to the opening 208 between a first position and a second position. For example, the cover body 204 can be pivotally opened or closed to the opening 208 between a first position and a second position via a hinge mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the cover body 204 can be slidably opened or closed to the opening 208 between a first position and a second position via a slide rail mechanism.

[0042] Further refer to Figures 2 to 4B, in one or more embodiments, the cover body 204 further includes a first cover body 210 disposed on the armrest box body 202 and movable relative to the armrest box body 202, a second cover body 212 disposed under the first cover body 210, a link mechanism 214 disposed between the first cover body 210 and the second cover body 212, and a driver 216 connected to the link mechanism 214. The second cover body 212 is movably connected to the armrest box body 202 to open and close the opening 208.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the vehicle 100 shown in experiencing a right (passenger side) collision, showing the first cover body 210 of the armrest box assembly 200 in a first deflection position P1 and the airbag 218 in a deployed position. Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic view of the vehicle 100 shown in experiencing a left (driver side) collision, showing the first cover body 210 of the armrest box assembly 200 in a second deflection position P2 and the airbag 218 in a deployed position. The first cover body 210 is connected to the second cover body 212 via the link mechanism 214 and is movable between the first deflection position P1 and the second deflection position P2. In one or more embodiments, the armrest box assembly 200 further includes an airbag assembly disposed in the first cover body 210 of the cover body 204. The airbag assembly includes an airbag 218 and a gas generator (not shown) connected to the airbag 218. In the first deflection position P1, the upper surface 220 of the first cover body 210 is deflected by a first angle γ relative to the bottom surface 203 of the armrest box body 202 on the first side 224 of the armrest box body to provide support for the airbag 218 in the first direction D1 during the deployment of the airbag 218. In the second deflection position P2, the upper surface 220 of the first cover body 210 is deflected by a second angle δ relative to the bottom surface 203 of the armrest box body 202 on the second side 228 of the armrest box body to provide support for the airbag 218 in the second direction D2 during the deployment of the airbag 218. The first direction D1 is different from the second direction D2. In one or more embodiments, the first direction D1 may be generally towards the first seat 102, and the second direction D2 may be generally towards the second seat 104.

[0044] Refer to Figure 4A and 4B , Figure 4A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the armrest box assembly 200 shown in showing the first cover body 210 in a deflected position such as the first deflection position P1. Figure 4B is Figure 4AA perspective schematic view of another angle of the armrest box assembly 200 shown in the figure. In one or more embodiments, the second cover 212 includes a recess 222 for receiving the link mechanism 214 and the driver 216 such that the link mechanism 214 and the driver 216 are not visible when the first cover 210 is in the normal position P0, so as to improve the overall aesthetics. The term "normal position" refers to the position where the first cover 210 is not deflected when there is no risk of side impact. Figure 1 The first cover 210 is shown in the normal position P0. Further, in one or more embodiments, the link mechanism 214 includes a first link mechanism 226 adjacent to the first side 224 of the armrest box body 202 and a second link mechanism 230 adjacent to the second side 228 of the armrest box body 202. In one or more embodiments, the driver 216 can be an electric linear driver. The driver 216 includes a first driver 232 connected to the first link mechanism 226 and a second driver 234 connected to the second link mechanism 230.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the first link mechanism 226 includes a first link 236 and a second link 238 connected to the first cover 210, and a third link 240 and a fourth link 242 connected to the second cover 212. The first driver 232 includes a first main body portion 233 and a first rod portion 244 and a second rod portion 246 that can be telescopic relative to the first main body portion 233, wherein the first rod portion 244 is connected to the first link 236 and the third link 240, and the second rod portion 246 is connected to the second link 238 and the fourth link 242. The second link mechanism 230 includes a fifth link 248 and a sixth link 250 connected to the first cover 210, and a seventh link 252 and an eighth link 254 connected to the second cover 212. The second driver 234 includes a second main body portion 235 and a third rod portion 256 and a fourth rod portion 258 that can be telescopic relative to the second main body portion 235, wherein the third rod portion 256 is connected to the fifth link 248 and the seventh link 252, and the fourth rod portion 258 is connected to the sixth link 250 and the eighth link 254.

[0046] When the first cover 210 is in the normal position P0, the first angle α between the first link 236 and the third link 240 of the first link mechanism 226, the first angle α between the second link 238 and the fourth link 242, the second angle β between the fifth link 248 and the seventh link 252 of the second link mechanism 230, and the second angle β between the sixth link 250 and the eighth link 254 are substantially the same and as small as possible so that the first link mechanism 226 and the second link mechanism 238 can be accommodated without a deep recess 222. In one or more embodiments, in the normal position, the first angle α and the second angle β can be less than 30 degrees. As shown in the figure, the first rod portion 244 and the second rod portion 246 of the first actuator 232, and the third rod portion 256 and the fourth rod portion 258 of the second actuator 234 can move between the retracted position and the extended position to adjust the magnitudes of the first angle α and the second angle β. In one or more embodiments, the adjustment range of the first angle α and the second angle β can be between 15 degrees and 180 degrees. It should be understood that the adjustment ranges of the first angle α and the second angle β can be set as needed.

[0047] When the first rod portion 244 and the second rod portion 246 of the first actuator 232, and the third rod portion 256 and the fourth rod portion 258 of the second actuator 234 are in the retracted position, the cover 210 is in the normal position P0. When the first rod portion 244 and the second rod portion 246 of the first actuator 232, and the third rod portion 256 and the fourth rod portion 258 of the second actuator 234 are in the extended position, and the first angle α and the second angle β are not the same, the first cover 210 is in the deflected position, that is, the first deflected position P1 or the second deflected position P2. Specifically, when the first angle α is less than the second angle β, the first cover 210 is in the first deflected position P1. When the first angle α is greater than the second angle β, the first cover 210 is in the second deflected position P2. In the first deflected position P1, the first side 260 of the first cover 210 is lower than the second side 262 of the first cover 210, so that the first cover 210 has a first deflection angle γ with respect to the horizontal plane or the second cover 212 (as Figure 2 shown). In the second deflected position P2, the first side 260 of the first cover 210 is higher than the second side 262 of the first cover 210, so that the first cover 210 has a second deflection angle δ with respect to the horizontal plane or the second cover 212 (as Figure 3 shown). In one or more embodiments, a tear line or a flap is provided on the upper surface 220 of the first cover 210 to facilitate the deployment of the airbag 218.

[0048] Further referring to Figure 5A and 5B , Figure 5AIs a perspective view of the console box assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the first lid 310 in a deflected position. Figure 5B Is Figure 5A A perspective view of another angle of the console box assembly 300 shown in. For simplicity, only the parts different from the console box assembly 200 will be described. In one or more embodiments, the console box assembly 300 may include a first lid 310 and a second lid 312. The console box assembly 300 may further include a driving airbag device 314 for deflecting the first lid 310. The driving airbag device 314 may be disposed between the first lid 310 and the second lid 312. In one or more embodiments, the second lid 312 includes a recess 322 for receiving the driving airbag device 314 such that the driving airbag device 314 is not visible when the first lid 310 is in the normal position P0, so as to improve the overall aesthetics. In one or more embodiments, the driving airbag device 314 includes a first driving airbag 326 adjacent to the first side 324 of the console box body 302, a second driving airbag 330 adjacent to the second side 328 of the console box body 202, and a gas generator (not shown) for inflating the first driving airbag 326 and the second driving airbag 330. One side of the first driving airbag 326 and the second driving airbag 330 close to the first lid 310 is connected to the first lid, and the other side of the first driving airbag 326 and the second driving airbag 330 close to the second lid 312 is connected to the second lid 312. In other embodiments, on the first side 324 of the console box body 302, the first lid 310 may be pivotally connected to the second lid 312. On the second side 328 of the console box body 302, the first lid 310 may be pivotally connected to the second lid 312. The first lid 310 may be pivotally connected to the second lid 312 by any suitable means, such as a linkage mechanism (not shown). It should be understood that in order to save costs, the driving airbag device 314 may also share the gas generator with the airbag (not shown) of the console box assembly 300.

[0049] When the driving airbag device 314 is in the non-inflated state, the first lid 310 is in the normal position P0. When it is necessary to deflect the first lid 310, the inflation amounts of the first driving airbag 326 and the second driving airbag 330 can be adjusted by the gas generator. For example, at the first deflected position P1, the inflation amount of the second driving airbag 330 is greater than that of the first driving airbag 326. At the second deflected position P2, the inflation amount of the first driving airbag 326 is greater than that of the second driving airbag 330. At the same time, the adjustment of the inflation amounts of the first driving airbag 326 and the second driving airbag 330 can also change the height of the first lid 310, such as Figure 2 H1 shown in Figure 3 or H2 shown in

[0050] Further referring toFigure 6 , Figure 6 is a system block diagram of the armrest box airbag system 500 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, the armrest box airbag system 500 includes an armrest box cover 502, an airbag assembly 503 disposed within the armrest box cover 502, a driving device 504 connected to the armrest box cover 502 for driving the armrest box cover 502, a plurality of sensors, and a controller 506. The airbag assembly 503 may include a gas generator 510, an airbag 512, and other components used in the prior art for airbag assemblies.

[0051] The controller 506 is configured to control the driving device 504 and the airbag assembly 503 in response to signals from the plurality of sensors. The controller 506 is a conventional microcomputer, for example, including a microprocessor unit, input / output ports, read-only memory, random access memory, keep-alive memory, and a conventional data bus. In one or more embodiments, the controller 506 may be a dedicated controller for controlling the movement of the armrest box cover 502. It should be understood that the controller 506 may also be part of a vehicle system controller (VSC).

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the driving device 504 may be any suitable device for deflecting the armrest box cover 502. The driving device 504 and the armrest box cover 502 may have the same or similar structure as the armrest box assembly 200. For example, the driving device 504 may include, for example Figure 4A and 4B the link mechanism 214 in Figure 5A and 5B the drive actuator 216 connected to the link mechanism 214. Of course, the driving device 504 may also be a drive airbag device 314 as shown in

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the armrest box airbag system 500 may include a pre-crash sensor 514 and a crash sensor 516. In one or more embodiments, the pre-crash sensor 514 may be a radar sensor. In response to information on the side crash risk from the pre-crash sensor 514, the controller 506 controls the deflection of the driving device 504 to move the armrest box cover 502 to a suitable position to provide suitable conditions for the deployment of the airbag 512, for example, deflecting the armrest box cover 502 at a certain angle laterally to provide support for the airbag to be deployed.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the console airbag system 500 may include a reminder device 508. The reminder device 508 may be disposed on the console lid 502 and communicatively connected to the controller 506. The reminder device 508 may be any suitable vibration device. After the controller 506 receives a signal indicating that a side collision may occur from the pre-collision sensor 514, it may instruct the reminder device 508 to activate and emit vibrations to remind the driver or passenger to remove their hands from the console lid 502.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the console airbag system 500 may include a seat occupancy sensor 518. The seat occupancy sensor 518 may be any suitable sensor such as a weight sensor or a pressure sensor. After the controller 506 receives a signal indicating that a collision on the driver's side may occur from the pre-collision sensor 514 and a signal indicating the occupancy of the passenger seat, it may instruct the driving device 504 to deflect the console lid 502 so that the upper surface of the console lid 502 faces the passenger.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the console airbag system 500 may include a camera 520. The camera 520 may capture images of the driver and the passenger, estimate the heights of the driver and the passenger, and determine the angle at which the console lid 502 is raised or deflected based on the heights. The distance between the deflected console lid 502 and the driver and the passenger is related to the supporting force provided by the console lid 502. For example, when the distance between the deflected console lid 502 and the body of the driver and the passenger (e.g., at the shoulder of the passenger) is smaller, the supporting force provided by the console lid 502 is more effective. Thus, when the passenger is taller, the console lid 502 may be raised higher to maintain a desired distance between the console lid 502 and the passenger's shoulder.

[0057] It should be understood that the controller 506, the pre-collision sensor 514, the collision sensor 516, the seat occupancy sensor 518, and the camera 520 may also be part of the vehicle system, so that there is no need to separately provide these devices for controlling the console lid 502, which can effectively reduce costs and system complexity.

[0058] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 7Schematic diagram of a vehicle 600 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle 600 may include a first seat 602, a first pre-crash sensor 604 and a first crash sensor 606 on the side of the first seat, a second seat 608, a second pre-crash sensor 610 and a second crash sensor 612 on the side of the second seat. The first pre-crash sensor 604 and the second pre-crash sensor 610 may be located at the front of the vehicle 600, such as near the A-pillar. In one or more embodiments, the pre-crash sensors 604 and 610 may be radar sensors. The first pre-crash sensor 604 and the second pre-crash sensor 610 may be configured to detect impacts at an angle to the side of the vehicle and impacts substantially at 90 degrees to the side of the vehicle and estimate the direction and position of the side collision. The controller of the console airbag system may be communicatively connected to the first pre-crash sensor 604 and the second pre-crash sensor 610, the first crash sensor 606 and the second crash sensor 612.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 600 may include a first passenger occupancy sensor 614 located within the first seat 602, a second passenger occupancy sensor 616 located within the second seat 608. In one or more embodiments, the first passenger occupancy sensor 614 and the second passenger occupancy sensor 616 may be weight sensors. The controller of the console airbag system may be communicatively connected to the first passenger occupancy sensor 614 and the second passenger occupancy sensor 616.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 600 includes a camera 618 located within the vehicle. The camera 618 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the rearview mirror on the front windshield of the vehicle. The controller of the console airbag system may be communicatively connected to the camera 618.

[0061] Further, the vehicle 600 further includes a reminder device 620 located on the console. In one or more embodiments, the reminder device 620 may be a vibration device or a voice device. In other embodiments, the reminder device 620 may also be a combination of a vibration device and a voice alarm device. The controller of the console airbag system may be communicatively connected to the reminder device 620. The controller is configured to receive signals from multiple sources to control the console lid.

[0062] Figure 8 Control flowchart of a method 700 for controlling a console airbag system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The method 700 may be implemented by Figure 6 the console airbag system 500 shown and completed by a program set by the controller 506. The method 700 may also be implemented by Figure 7 the console airbag system shown. The method starts at 702. The method 700 proceeds with Figure 6The implementation of the center console airbag system shown, method 700 receives information at 704 from the pre-collision sensor 514 that a potential side collision may occur. For example, the controller 506 may receive information from the pre-collision sensor 514. Next, method 700 determines at 706 whether there is a risk of a side collision. In one or more embodiments, method 700 may estimate based on the distance of the target vehicle detected by the pre-collision sensor 514 (such as a radar sensor) located on the vehicle body from the host vehicle 100 and whether the speed of the target vehicle relative to the host vehicle 100 exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the answer is no, method 700 returns to 704 to continue receiving potential side collision information from the pre-collision sensor 514. In one or more embodiments, if the answer is yes, method 700 proceeds to 708. At 708, method 700 includes sending a signal to the reminder device 508 to remind the user (such as the driver or passenger) to move their arm away from the center console, so as to provide a good user experience. In one or more embodiments, if the answer is yes, method 700 may directly proceed to 710.

[0063] Next, at 710, method 700 further includes instructing the drive device 504 to start an operation to adjust the position of the center console cover 502. In a vehicle with the driver on the left side (such as Figure 6 the vehicle shown), the driver sits in the first seat or on the left side, and the passenger or the second passenger sits in the second seat or on the right side. In one or more embodiments, if method 700 receives information that a collision may occur on the left side of the first pre-collision sensor on the first seat side (i.e., the driver side), and method 700 receives a signal from the second passenger occupancy sensor that there is a passenger, method 700 proceeds to 712. At 712, method 700 includes instructing the drive device 504 to move the center console cover so that the upper surface of the center console cover is offset towards the right (for example, the second deflection position P2) towards the second seat 104 (such as Figure 3 shown).

[0064] In one or more embodiments, method 700 includes receiving a height signal of the passenger P from the camera 520 located inside the vehicle, and in response to the height signal of the passenger P, instructing the drive device 504 to raise the first cover 210 to a second predetermined height H2 and causing the first cover 210 to have a second deflection angle δ relative to the horizontal plane or the second cover 212. Therefore, it should be understood that the size of the second predetermined height H2 and the second deflection angle δ can be adjusted according to the height of the passenger P to better provide a protective effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the camera 520 may also be omitted, and instead, the signal of the weight sensor is received to estimate the height of the passenger P to adjust the position of the first cover.

[0065] Next, the method proceeds to 714. At 714, method 700 determines whether a left-side collision has occurred by receiving a signal from the second collision sensor. If the answer is no, method 700 proceeds to 716. At 716, method 700 includes instructing the drive device 504 to return the cover 210 to the normal position. Next, method 700 returns to 704. If the answer of method 700 at 714 is yes, method 700 proceeds to 724. At 724, method 700 instructs the gas generator 510 to inflate the airbag 512 of the console box to deploy the airbag 512. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the airbag 218 deploys from the upper surface 220 of the first cover 210. Since the first cover 210 deflects towards the second seat 104, after the airbag 218 deploys, the first cover 210 can provide better support for the airbag 218 to resist the movement of the passenger P towards the driver D. Next, method 700 proceeds to 726 to end.

[0066] If method 700 receives information at 710 from the second pre-collision sensor 510 on the side of the second seat 508 that a collision may occur on the right side, method 700 proceeds to 718. At 718, method 700 includes instructing the drive device 604 to move the console box cover so that the upper surface of the console box cover is offset towards the left (i.e., the first deflection position P1 towards the first seat 102 (as Figure 2 shown)). Further referring to Figure 2 , in one or more embodiments, method 700 includes receiving a height signal of the driver D from the camera 518 located inside the vehicle, and in response to the height signal of the driver D, instructing the drive device 604 to raise the first cover 210 to the first predetermined height H1 and causing the first cover 210 to have a first deflection angle γ with respect to the horizontal plane or the second cover 212. Therefore, it should be understood that the magnitudes of the first predetermined height H1 and the first deflection angle γ can be adjusted according to the height of the driver D to better provide a protection effect. Of course, in other embodiments, the camera 520 can also be omitted, and instead, the signal of the weight sensor is received to estimate the height of the driver D.

[0067] Next, the method proceeds to 720. At 720, method 700 determines whether a right-side collision has occurred on the second seat side (passenger side) by receiving a signal from the second collision sensor. If the answer is no, method 700 proceeds to 722. At 722, method 700 includes instructing the drive device 504 to return the cover 210 to the normal position. Next, method 700 returns to 704. If the answer of method 700 at 720 is yes, method 700 proceeds to 724. At 724, method 700 includes instructing the gas generator 510 to inflate the airbag 512 to deploy the airbag 512. For example, referring toFigure 2 , the airbag 218 deploys from the upper surface 220 of the first cover body 210. Since the first cover body 210 deflects towards the first seat 102, after the airbag 218 deploys, the first cover body 210 can provide better support for the airbag 218 to resist the movement of the driver D towards the second seat 104. Next, the method 700 proceeds to 726 and ends.

[0068] The armrest box airbag system of the present invention uses an airbag assembly to deploy a distal airbag on both the left and right sides during side collisions to slow down the movement of the driver and passengers during side impacts. The armrest box airbag system can adjust the cover of the armrest box according to whether the collision will occur on the left or right side. The offset and / or raised cover provides stronger support for the deployed airbag and can enable the airbag to have a desired trajectory. The pre-collision sensor detects and predicts possible side collisions to adjust the cover of the armrest box, making the airbag system more actively respond to potential collisions.

[0069] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An armrest box assembly, comprising: An armrest box body, including a receiving space having an opening; A first cover movably disposed on the armrest box body and movable relative to the armrest box body, the first cover being movable between a first deflection position and a second deflection position; An airbag disposed within the first cover; Among them, In the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover deflects a first angle relative to the bottom surface of the armrest box body on the first side of the armrest box body to provide support in a first direction during deployment of the airbag, and in the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover deflects a second angle relative to the bottom surface of the armrest box body on the second side of the armrest box body to provide support in a second direction during deployment of the airbag.

2. The armrest box assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a second cover disposed under the first cover and a driving device disposed between the first cover and the second cover, the second cover being movably connected to the armrest box body to open and close the opening.

3. The armrest box assembly according to claim 2, wherein the second cover includes a recess for receiving the driving device.

4. The armrest box assembly according to claim 2, wherein the driving device includes a link mechanism and a driver connected to the link mechanism, the link mechanism includes a first link mechanism adjacent to the first side of the armrest box body and a second link mechanism adjacent to the second side of the armrest box body, and the driver includes a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

5. The armrest box assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first link mechanism includes a first link and a second link connected to the first cover and a third link and a fourth link connected to the second cover, the first driver includes a first rod portion and a second rod portion that are telescopable, wherein the first rod portion is connected to the first link and the third link, and the second rod portion is connected to the second link and the fourth link, and wherein the second link mechanism includes a fifth link and a sixth link connected to the first cover and a seventh link and an eighth link connected to the second cover, the second driver includes a third rod portion and a fourth rod portion that are telescopable, wherein the third rod portion is connected to the fifth link and the seventh link, and the fourth rod portion is connected to the sixth link and the eighth link.

6. The armrest box assembly according to claim 2, wherein the driving device includes a driving airbag device, the driving airbag device includes a first driving airbag adjacent to the first side of the armrest box body and a second driving airbag adjacent to the second side of the armrest box body, and the driving airbag device adjusts the inflation amount of the second driving airbag to be greater than that of the first driving airbag to move the first cover to the first deflection position, and adjusts the inflation amount of the first driving airbag to be greater than that of the second driving airbag to move the first cover to the second deflection position.

7. The console box assembly according to claim 2, wherein the driving device is capable of adjusting the height of the first cover.

8. The console box assembly according to claim 4, wherein, in the first deflection position, the first side of the first cover is lower than the second side of the first cover, and the first side is substantially parallel to the length direction of the console body. In the second deflection position, the first side of the first cover is higher than the second side of the first cover, and the second side is substantially parallel to the length direction of the console body.

9. The console box assembly according to claim 1, wherein a tear line or a flap is provided on the upper surface of the first cover to facilitate the deployment of the airbag.

10. An armrest box airbag system for a vehicle, comprising: A console box assembly disposed between a first seat and a second seat, including: A console box body including a receiving space having an opening; A first cover disposed on the console box body, the first cover being movable to a first deflection position and a second deflection position. In the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the first seat. In the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the second seat; And A driver for driving the first cover; An airbag assembly disposed in the first cover, the airbag assembly including an airbag and a gas generator connected to the airbag; A first pre-collision sensor adjacent to the first seat; A second pre-collision sensor adjacent to the second seat; A controller configured to, in response to a signal from the second pre-collision sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the first deflection position, and in response to a signal from the first pre-collision sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the second deflection position.

11. The console box airbag system according to claim 10, further comprising a second cover disposed under the first cover and a first link mechanism, a second link mechanism disposed between the first cover and the second cover, and a driver connected to the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism. The first link mechanism is adjacent to a first side of the console box body, the second link mechanism is adjacent to a second side of the console box body, and the driver includes a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

12. The console box airbag system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to instruct the driver to return the first cover to the normal position after a predetermined time.

13. The console box airbag system according to claim 10, further comprising a collision sensor, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to a signal from the collision sensor, instruct the gas generator to inflate the airbag.

14. The armrest box airbag system according to claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to, in response to the passenger height signal received by the in-vehicle camera and in response to the signal of the collision sensor, instruct the driver to raise the first cover to a predetermined position.

15. The armrest box airbag system according to claim 10, wherein the first seat is a driver's seat, the second seat is a passenger seat, and the controller is further configured to, in response to the second seat occupancy sensor signal and the first pre-collision sensor signal, instruct the driver to move the first cover to the second deflection position.

16. The armrest box airbag system according to claim 10, further comprising a reminder device provided on the first cover, wherein the reminder device reminds the driver or the passenger to move the hand away from the first cover in response to the signals of the first pre-collision sensor and the second pre-collision sensor.

17. An operating method of an armrest box airbag system, the airbag being located in the cover of the armrest box, the method comprising: In response to the signal that the passenger seat side will be collided, instruct the driver to move the cover of the armrest box to the first deflection position so that the upper surface of the cover faces the driver's seat; and In response to the signal that the driver's seat side will be collided, instruct the driver to move the cover of the armrest box to the second deflection position so that the upper surface of the cover faces the passenger seat.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising, in response to the signal that the passenger seat side or the driver's seat side will be collided, instructing the vibration device located in the cover to vibrate to remind the passenger and the driver to move the hand away from the armrest box.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising, in response to the signal that the vehicle has received a collision, instructing the airbag system to deploy the airbag.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising, in response to the signal that the vehicle has not received a collision, instructing the driver to move the cover of the armrest box from the first deflection position or the second deflection position to the normal position.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein the cover of the armrest box comprises a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism connected to the driver, the first link mechanism is adjacent to the first side of the armrest box body, the second link mechanism is adjacent to the second side of the armrest box body, and the driver comprises a first driver connected to the first link mechanism and a second driver connected to the second link mechanism.

22. A vehicle, comprising: A first seat; A second seat; An armrest box assembly disposed between the first seat and the second seat, comprising: An armrest box body, comprising a receiving space having an opening; A first cover disposed on the armrest box body, the first cover being movable to a first deflection position and a second deflection position, in the first deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the first seat, and in the second deflection position, the upper surface of the first cover faces the second seat; and A driver for driving the first cover An airbag assembly disposed within the first cover body, the airbag assembly including an airbag and a gas generator connected to the airbag; A first pre-crash sensor adjacent to the first seat; A second pre-crash sensor adjacent to the second seat; A controller configured to, in response to a signal from the second pre-crash sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover body to the first deflection position, and in response to a signal from the first pre-crash sensor, instruct the driver to move the first cover body to the second deflection position.

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