VEHICLE CONSOLE WITH COUPLED MOTION AND IMPROVED STORAGE FEATURES

Abstract

Device for a vehicle interior, comprising: a seat (14) that can be moved in one direction of travel; a seat actuator (60) for moving the seat (14) in the direction of travel; a console (10) that can be moved in the direction of travel; and a console actuator (64) for moving the console (10) in the direction of travel in coordination with the movement of the seat (14), characterized by the fact that the console (10) includes a foldable section (10b) at the front end of the console (10) for folding when a body section (10a) moves with the movable seat (14) in the direction of travel, and the collapsible section (10b) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, parallel side walls (10c), wherein the side walls (10c) comprise a pair of vertically spaced supports (10d) for supporting a net-like or mesh material (10e).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This document generally concerns the motor vehicle sector and in particular a console for a vehicle that is coupled to a vehicle seat for movement and also provides improved storage capabilities. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Consoles in the interior of a motor vehicle are typically fixed relative to the passenger or driver's seat. Therefore, moving the seat relative to the fixed console to achieve a comfortable position may not optimally position the driver or passenger for accessing controls or storage compartments (containers, cup holders, etc.) associated with the console. A typical console includes a fixed "pass-through" storage space that would not allow any movement. Furthermore, if the console were moved forward, it would not be easily accessible to rear passengers in the vehicle.

[0003] Accordingly, a need is identified for a console that addresses the problem of driver or passenger access when the corresponding seat is moved back and forth in one direction of travel, and which also provides improved storage capabilities independently of this.

[0004] Movable center consoles are known, for example, from DE 10 2006 005 951 B3, US 6 203 088 B1, and JP H09- 207 677 A.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2016 111 814 A1 discloses a stowable storage device located between a bulkhead and a fixed center console. US patent US 2010 / 0 090 491 A1 discloses a vehicle floor console with a storage compartment that can be rotated between a vertical storage position and a horizontal operating position. JP 2000-255 323 A relates to a storage box formed at the rear end of a console body that can be pulled out to the rear. SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a device for a vehicle interior according to claim 1 comprises a seat designed for movement within the vehicle interior in a direction of travel. A console, also located within the interior, is coupled to the seat. The console includes a foldable section for folding when a body section moves with the movable seat in the direction of travel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the collapsible section comprises a pass-through storage compartment with an open top. The volume of the pass-through storage compartment changes based on the position of the console's body section in a direction of travel. The collapsible section may include side walls that are at least partially contained within the console's body section, the side walls comprising a mesh-like material.

[0008] The device may further include a base for supporting the console. The base may include a front section to which a front end of the foldable section is attached. The base may be stationary relative to the console and may house components such as HVAC ducts, electronic components or wiring, or other auxiliary equipment.

[0009] In one embodiment, the console includes a holder for the detachable mounting of a mobile computer with a display. The holder has a stowed position and an extended position, the holder presenting the display for viewing by a vehicle passenger seated in the movable seat. The body section of the console may also include a rear sliding extension containing a tilting door to allow access by rear passengers in the vehicle interior.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for a vehicle interior according to claim 5, comprising a floor with a seat designed for movement in a direction of travel and a console for coupling to the movable seat. A stationary base is provided for housing auxiliary components (such as HVAC ducts, cables, etc.). The stationary base extends above the floor and supports the console for movement in the direction of travel, for example by sliding.

[0011] In one embodiment, the stationary base may have a length in a direction of travel that is greater than the length of a body of the console in that direction of travel. The stationary base may include spaced-apart guide rails for guiding the console. The console may further include: (a) a holder for detachably receiving a mobile handheld computer with a display, wherein the holder has a stowed position and an extended position, the holder presenting the display for viewing by a vehicle passenger seated in the moving seat; or (b) a rear sliding extension that includes a tilting door.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a device for a vehicle interior according to claim 13 includes a seat designed for movement in a direction of travel. A console is coupled to the movable seat. The console includes a holder for detachably receiving and holding a mobile computer with a display, the holder having a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the holder presents the display for viewing by a vehicle passenger seated in the movable seat.

[0013] In one embodiment, the console includes a storage compartment for the holder in its stowed position. The console can also be designed to guide the holder from its stowed position to its extended position. The console can be coupled to the movable seat via a stepped connection point, or a seat actuator for moving the seat in the direction of travel and a console actuator for moving the console in the direction of travel can be configured to operate in a coordinated or synchronized manner.

[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure concerns a device for a vehicle interior, comprising a seat for movement in one direction and a console for movement in one direction. The console includes a rear sliding extension containing a tilting door. The extension can thus be slid rearward relative to the console and the door tilted to allow access for passengers in a rear section of the vehicle interior.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for a vehicle interior, comprising a movable seat and a console designed for coupling with the movable seat. A stepped connection point for connecting the console to the movable seat is provided. In one possible embodiment, the stepped connection point comprises a pair of brackets, each including a lower section designed for connecting to a section of the movable seat, an intermediate section above the lower section extending transversely to the direction of travel, and an upper section above the intermediate section for connecting to the console.

[0016] One aspect of the disclosure also relates to a device for a vehicle interior, comprising a seat that can be moved in a direction of travel and a seat actuator for moving the seat in that direction. A console is provided and can be moved in the direction of travel. A console actuator for moving the console in the direction of travel in coordination with the movement of the seat is also provided.

[0017] In one embodiment, a control system is provided to coordinate the actuation of the console actuator and the seat actuator. The seat and console actuators can include motors to effect the coordinated movement.

[0018] The invention is based on the objective of providing a console movable with a seat, which independently provides improved storage capabilities.

[0019] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a method according to claim 1, a method according to claim 5 and a method according to claim 13.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0021] The accompanying drawings, included herein and forming part of the patent specification, illustrate various aspects of the console with coupled movement and improved storage capabilities and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle passenger compartment, which includes the console with coupled motion and enhanced storage capabilities, forming one aspect of the revelation; Fig. Figure 2 is a partially cutaway view looking from the front of the cell to the rear, illustrating a stepped connection point for linking the seat to the console for coupled movement; Fig. Figure 3 is a rear view of the coupled console, which rests on a stationary base for a sliding movement; The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 5A illustrates the foldable nature of the console; Fig. 6 is a top view of the console; The Fig. 7, Fig. 7A and Fig. Figure 7B illustrates a rear pull-out with a swing door that forms part of the console; The Fig. 8, Fig. 8A and Fig. Figure 8B illustrates a holder for holding a mobile computer, which can also form part of the console; The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 9A are schematic views illustrating the reach zones and the driver's view in relation to the coupled movement of the seat and console; and Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment for providing the coupled motion.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the inventive aspects of the console disclosed herein, for which examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Regarding the Fig. Figures 1-2 illustrate a console 10 representing the vehicle interior or passenger compartment 12 of a vehicle. The passenger compartment 12 includes typical structures such as a seat 14 in which a driver or passenger can sit, a floor 16 to support the seat, a steering wheel 18 for steering the vehicle, and a dashboard 20, which may contain controls for the passenger compartment, and other items. As is perhaps best understood in relation to Fig. As can be understood, the seat 14 can be mounted for movement along a guide rail 22 in a direction of travel D, so that the driver can move towards and away from the steering wheel 18 or other controls, such as the accelerator and brake pedal, and a suitable locking mechanism can also be provided to lock the seat in place once the desired position is reached.

[0024] According to one aspect of the revelation, console 10 is coupled to seat 14 for movement. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, which is a rear view from below the seat 14, this coupling can be achieved by providing a connecting piece between a body section 10a of the console 10 and a support 24 for carrying the seat and engaging with the guide rail 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting piece comprises a stepped connection point, which can take the form of a pair of brackets 26, 27 spaced apart in a direction of travel D of the seat 14. The first or front bracket 26 can include a lower end section 26a, which is connected to and generally projects from the support 24, an intermediate transverse section 26b, which generally extends perpendicular to the lower end section 26a, and an upper section 26c for connecting to the console 10.In particular, the upper section 26c can extend both vertically and laterally to connect with the console 10 and, in particular, with a lower section of the body section 10a. The second bracket 27 can have similarly oriented sections; however, the intermediate section 27b can be shorter in the transverse direction as a result of the inward projection of a corresponding part of the seat support 24 at the rear point where the connection is made. Thus, the back-and-forth movement of the seat 14 in the direction of travel D causes the console 10 to move accordingly, the various advantages of which will be understood by reading the following description.

[0025] With renewed reference to Fig. Figure 1 can be understood as allowing the console 10 to move relative to a stationary base 28 supported by the vehicle floor 16 (and in particular a support 16a forming part of the floor). The base 28 has a length L2 in the direction of travel D that is greater than the length L1 of the body section 10a of the console 10. Thus, when the seat 14 is moved back and forth in the direction of travel D, the body section 10a of the console 10 also moves back and forth, for example by sliding along the stationary base 28. To provide guidance for achieving repeatable and reliable movement, the base 28 can have guide rails 28a, 28b, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the base includes a component for intervening in part of the body section 10a of the console 10. As further shown, the base 28 can contain or accommodate vehicle components, such as lines or ducts 30 that form part of the vehicle HVAC system air, cables 32, or both for transmitting air or power from the front to the rear section of the passenger compartment 12.

[0026] According to another aspect of the revelation, console 10 can be manufactured to extend during coupled movement in the direction of travel D. In particular, how possibly best with regard to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 5A and Fig. As can be understood from Figure 6, the console 10 can include a foldable section 10b, such as at the front end next to the instrument panel 20. In one embodiment, this foldable section 10b comprises laterally spaced, generally parallel side walls 10c. Each side wall 10c can include a pair of vertically spaced supports 10d for supporting a net-like or mesh material 10e. Together with the upper surface of the base 28, the side walls 10c form a "pass-through" storage space for holding items or objects, which can be accessed through an open top by either the driver or a passenger when seated in the appropriate seat 14.

[0027] The supports 10d can be attached at one front end to a surface of the interior, such as an upright section of the base 28, or they could be attached to a part of the dashboard 20. The rear ends of the supports 10d can be partially received and supported within channels 10f, 10g formed in the lower section of the body section 10a. When the body section 10a moves back and forth in the direction of travel D together with the seat 14 as a result of the coupled movement, the side walls 10c can thus be positioned within the channels 10f, 10g (see Fig. 4) move and be more completely recessed within the body section 10a of the console 10. As can be understood, this reduces the resulting storage volume by an amount that depends on the relative movement (but, as discussed above, may increase accessibility by improving the extent of a driver's or passenger's reach). However, an alternative is to make the supports 10d flexible and connect them directly to a surface of the console body section 10a, such that the side walls 10c simply fold and lower during the relative movement, instead of being recessed further within the body section 10a.

[0028] As can be understood, forward movement in this manner may restrict the ability of passengers in the rear of the cell to access console 10. To address this potential problem, body section 10a can optionally be equipped with an extendable extension 36. By considering the Fig. 7 and Fig. 7A can be understood to mean that the extension 36 can be pushed backwards from an interior space in the body section 10a of the console 10, such that in an extended position it can overlap a section of the base 28 when the console is moved forwards together with the seat. To allow access to the extension 36 from the rear, a tilting door 38 can also be provided. The door 38 can form a closed end of the extension in a stowed position and can pivot into an extended position, as shown in Fig. 7B shown. This improves the ability of the rear passenger to access objects in extract 36. From a comparison of the Fig. 7, Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B can also be understood to mean that an upper section of the console 10, which forms an armrest 39 for the driver or passenger, can be pivoted into an open position to provide access to the extension 36 when stowed. Furthermore, it can be understood that, since the armrest 39 moves with the console 10, it is always correctly positioned for use by a driver or passenger in the seat, given the coordinated movement.

[0029] Regarding the Fig. 8 and Fig. 8A relates to a further aspect of the disclosure: the provision of a console 10 with a retractable holder 40 connected to the console 10 for holding a mobile computer 42 (e.g., a "smart" phone) with a visible display. The holder 40 may include an open-topped compartment dimensioned and shaped to at least partially accommodate the mobile computer 42 (including any adapters or inserts for accommodating devices of various sizes), such that, in a stowed position of the holder in a compartment 10h in the upper section of the console 10, and in particular the body section 10a thereof, the display faces upward. A retaining device, such as a tab 40a, may be provided along a rear or lower end of the holder 40 for retaining the computer 42 in the compartment.

[0030] To extend the holder 40, it can be moved forward and pivoted into an angled position while remaining connected to and supported by the console 10. To achieve this repositioning, an elongated slot 10i in the console 10 can extend along each side of the shelf 10h for the sliding reception of outwardly directed projections 40b extending in opposite directions from the holder 40 (see one side of the shelf 10h as in Fig. (8b shown). The storage compartment 10h can further include a recess 10j at one end for holding the holder 40 at an angle that presents the screen of the computer 42 in such a way that it is easily visible to the driver and passenger. Thus, in this position, the computer 42 can essentially serve as an auxiliary device that allows the driver or passenger to play media, view navigation instructions, communicate hands-free, or perhaps even view images wirelessly received from a remote camera (such as a vehicle reversing camera). When not used for such purposes, the holder 40 can be easily stowed in the storage compartment 10h by sliding the attachments 40b into the slots 10i.The removal of the computer 42 can also be made possible by a finger-sized recess 40c in the front end of the holder 40, which allows the computer 42 to be easily removed from the compartment.

[0031] As through the Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be understood in 9A, as a result of the coupling of the seat 14 and the console 10, and the extension created by the folding section 10b, all storage compartments (including cup holders and the like) and controls on the console remain within the full reach of a driver or passenger. In particular, the console 10 remains completely and consistently within the "reach zone," as indicated by the arc-shaped line Z, regardless of the repositioning of the seat 14 (comparing positions 10, 14 with the forward positions 10', 14'). Furthermore, the upper section of the console 10, including in particular the holder 40, always remains completely within the driver's field of vision V due to the coupled movement.

[0032] In relation to Fig.An alternative embodiment for providing coupled movement between a console 10 and a seat 14 without the need for a mechanical connection, such as a bracket 26, is provided. In this embodiment, a seat actuator 60, such as a motor (rotary or linear), is provided for moving the seat position based on an input from a driver or passenger. A position signal for the seat 14, based on the movement of the seat actuator 60, can trigger a corresponding activation of a console actuator 64, such as a similar motor, to move the console 10 together with the seat 14. The signal can be provided to a common controller 62 or transmitted directly between the actuators 60 and 64 as an encoding signal.As can be understood, this avoids the need for a mechanical connection and can also allow the driver or passenger to adjust or fine-tune the relative movement using the control 62 (such that the console 10 moves by a specified amount based on the movement of the seat 14).

[0033] In summary, an improved, movable, and extendable console 10 is provided, offering enhanced storage, visibility, and accessibility. The console 10 can be connected to the vehicle seat 14 for coupled movement, either through a direct mechanical connection or an indirect connection using coupled motors, and can simultaneously be extended in one direction of travel by moving (sliding) along a stationary base 28 supported by a floor 16 of the vehicle. A rear extension 36 with a swing door 38 can be used to provide improved access for passengers in the rear seats. A holder 40 for a mobile computer 42 can also be provided, such that it remains visible to a seated driver or passenger regardless of the position of the corresponding seat 14.Overall, an improved storage arrangement is provided for the interior of a vehicle without significantly increasing the cost or complexity of manufacturing.

[0034] The foregoing description is given for illustrative purposes only. It makes no claim to completeness and is not intended to limit the embodiments to the exact form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted according to the breadth to which they are legally, properly, and equitably entitled.

Claims

[1] Device for a vehicle interior, comprising: a seat (14) that can be moved in one direction of travel; a seat actuator (60) for moving the seat (14) in the direction of travel; a console (10) that can be moved in the direction of travel; and a console actuator (64) for moving the console (10) in the direction of travel in coordination with the movement of the seat (14), characterized by , that the console (10) includes a foldable section (10b) at the front end of the console (10) for folding when a body section (10a) moves with the movable seat (14) in the direction of travel, and the collapsible section (10b) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, parallel side walls (10c), wherein the side walls (10c) comprise a pair of vertically spaced supports (10d) for supporting a net-like or mesh material (10e). [2] Device according to claim 1 further comprising a control (62) for coordinating the actuation of the console actuator (64) and the seat actuator (60). [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the seat actuator (60) comprises a motor. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein the console actuator (64) comprises a motor. [5] Device for a vehicle interior comprising a floor (16): a seat (14) designed to move in a direction of travel; a seat actuator (60) for moving the seat (14) in the direction of travel; a console (10) designed to move in coordination with the movable seat (14); a console actuator (64) for moving the console (10) in the direction of travel in coordination with the seat (14); and a stationary base (28) for accommodating auxiliary components, wherein the base (28) extends above the floor (16) and supports the console (10) for movement in the direction of travel, characterized by , that the console (10) includes a foldable section (10b) at the front end of the console (10) for folding when a body section (10a) moves with the movable seat (14) in the direction of travel, the collapsible section (10b) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, parallel side walls (10c), wherein the side walls (10c) comprise a pair of vertically spaced supports (10d) for supporting a net-like or mesh material (10e), and the side walls (10c) together with an upper surface of the base (28) form a passage storage space for holding items or objects. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the auxiliary components comprise channels (30) or cables (32). [7] Device according to claim 5, wherein the stationary base (28) supports the console (10) for relative sliding movement. [8] Device according to claim 5, wherein the stationary base (28) has a length (L2) in the direction of travel which is greater than a length (L1) of a body section (10a) of the console (10) in the direction of travel. [9] Device according to claim 5, wherein the stationary base (28) includes spaced-apart guide rails (28a, 28b) for guiding the console (10). [10] Device according to claim 5, wherein the console (10) comprises a holder (40) for detachably receiving a mobile hand computer (42) with a display, wherein the holder (40) has a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the holder (40) presents the display for viewing by a passenger sitting in the seat (14). [11] Device according to claim 5, wherein the console (10) includes a rear sliding extension (36) which includes a tilting door (38). [12] Device according to claim 5, further comprising a stepped connection point for connecting the console (10) to the movable seat (14). [13] Device for a vehicle interior, comprising: a seat (14) designed to move in a direction of travel; and a movable console (10), a seat actuator (60) for moving the seat (14) in the direction of travel; and a console actuator (64) for moving the console (10) in the direction of travel in coordination with the seat (14), characterized by , that the movable console (10) includes a holder (40) for detachably picking up and holding a mobile computer (42) with a display, wherein the holder (40) has a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the holder (40) presents the display in both the extended and the stowed position for viewing by a vehicle passenger sitting in the movable seat (14). [14] Device according to claim 13, wherein the console (10) includes a storage area (10h) for receiving the holder (40) in the stowed position. [15] Device according to claim 13, wherein the console (10) is designed to guide the holder (40) from the stowed position to the extended position. [16] Device according to claim 13, wherein the console (10) is coupled to the seat (14). [17] Device according to claim 13, wherein the console (10) includes a foldable section (10b) for folding relative to a body section (10a) of the console (10).

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