ARMREST ARRANGEMENT ON A CONSOLE OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

An armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle may include a console main body provided with a storage box in which a space is formed and installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle, an armrest pivotally installed in the storage box and configured to support an arm of a passenger in the vehicle and open and close an upper portion of the storage box, a button member installed in the console main body and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest, an operation unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest from the console main body when the button member is operated, and a console cover configured to cover an area,in which the key element and the operating unit are installed in the console main body and expose an upper end of the key element.,

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE Field of the present disclosure

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an armrest assembly mounted on a console in an interior of a vehicle to support an arm of a passenger. More particularly, it relates to an armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle that is operable to unlock an armrest from the console at the same level as an upper end of the armrest. Description of the state of the art

[0002] An armrest that supports an arm of a passenger is installed in a console that separates a driver's seat from a front passenger seat in the middle of a first row of seats of a vehicle.

[0003] Specifically, a storage box for storing various items is built into the console, and the armrest serves as a cover for the storage box. In this case, the armrest is locked to the storage box as usual (when the storage box is used as the armrest), and when the storage box is opened, the armrest is unlocked and then pivoted.

[0004] To describe a structure for locking or unlocking the armrest to the storage box, an operation knob is installed at a front end of the armrest and a locking hook operated by the operation of the knob is installed.

[0005] Because the button is located under the front end of the armrest, a space is required for a passenger to operate the button. Accordingly, the armrest has a console-mounted shape, and consequently, the front end of the armrest is not naturally connected to the console, making it difficult to create a beautiful interior.

[0006] Furthermore, since the button is located under the front end of the armrest, the passenger would have to bend his wrist excessively to unlock the armrest, causing inconvenience when using it.

[0007] From JP 2020 - 001 510 A, an armrest assembly is known which is mounted on a console of a vehicle, comprising: a console main body provided with a storage box in which a space is formed, wherein the console main body is installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle; an armrest pivotally connected to the storage box, wherein the armrest is configured to support an arm of a passenger traveling in the vehicle, and wherein the armrest is further configured to open and close an upper portion of the storage box; a button element connected to the console main body and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest, wherein the button element is slidably connected to the console main body;an operation unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest from the console main body when the button member is operated; and a console cover configured to cover an area where the button member and the operation unit are installed in the console main body, the console cover further configured to expose an upper end of the button member; wherein an upper end of the armrest, a surface of the console cover, and the upper end of the button member are arranged on the same surface from the armrest to the console cover.

[0008] KR 10 2014 0 096 867 A further discloses a device for opening and closing an armrest cover for vehicles, comprising a fixed plate installed on the front upper part of an armrest housing; first and second rotary shafts installed on both rear upper sides of the fixed plate; an operating wire installed between the two rotary shafts; a first cover plate with the outer front part connected to the first rotary plate; a second cover plate with the outer front part connected to the first rotary plate; a second cover plate with the outer front part connected to the second rotary plate; a tensioning unit installed inside the fixed plate and automatically opening both cover plates by pulling the operating wire; a cover plate closing unit installed in the center of the rear part of the fixed plate;and a tension control unit installed in the fixed plate to control the tension of the actuating wire. The device is capable of improving the quality and reliability of the vehicle armrest and increasing user comfort by opening and closing both cover plates simultaneously, regardless of the distance between the hinge shafts of both covers. OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an armrest assembly that is mounted on a console of a vehicle and that is actuated to unlock an armrest from the console at the same level as an upper end of the armrest. This object is achieved by an armrest assembly having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following description and will become apparent upon reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be realized by the claimed means and combinations thereof.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, an armrest assembly is provided that is mounted on a console of a vehicle, comprising a console main body provided with a storage box in which a space is formed and installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle; an armrest pivotally installed in the storage box and configured to support an arm of a passenger traveling in the vehicle and to open and close an upper portion of the storage box; a button member installed in the console main body and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest; an operation unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest from the console main body depending on whether the button member is operated; the button member is slidably connected to the console main body;and a console cover configured to cover an area where the button member and the operation unit are installed in the console main body and expose an upper end of the button member, wherein an upper end of the armrest, a surface of the console cover, and the upper end of the button member are arranged on the same surface from the armrest to the console cover. The operation unit includes a locking hook pivotally installed in the console main body and configured to lock one side of the armrest and unlock the armrest when an operating force is transmitted from the button member. The locking hook is installed as one or more locking hooks at intervals in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The armrest assembly further includes a hook connecting rod configured toto transfer the operating force of the key element to the one or more locking hooks. Furthermore, a bracket is formed on an outer side of the storage box, to which the locking hook is pivotally connected to the hook connecting rod.

[0012] A surface on which the upper end of the armrest, the surface of the console cover, and the upper end of the button member are arranged may be a curved surface.

[0013] The button element can be slidably installed in the console main body.

[0014] The armrest assembly may further include a button guide configured to guide sliding of the button member in the console main body.

[0015] The locking hook may be elastically supported to be pivotable in the locking direction of the armrest.

[0016] A torsion spring configured to elastically support the locking hook may be installed in a rotation center of the locking hook.

[0017] The hook connecting rod can be installed coaxially to the locking hook and can be pivoted.

[0018] A pressing member may be formed on one side of the hook connecting rod to be in contact with a lower end of the key member and to transmit the operating force of the key member to the hook connecting rod.

[0019] The button member may include a push button having an upper end exposed to the console cover and configured to be operated by the passenger, and a button rod shaped to extend from the push button in a sliding direction of the button member and configured to transmit the operating force applied to the push button to the operating unit.

[0020] A hook engaging part to which an end portion of the locking hook is hooked and fastened may be formed in the armrest.

[0021] The locking hook and the armrest may be arranged in multiple locations in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and each of the locking hooks may be designed to lock each of the armrests.

[0022] The armrests may be installed so that they can be opened and closed to the left and right in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and the locking hooks may be installed at both ends of the hook connecting rod.

[0023] A hinge pin may be installed that passes through the locking hook, connecting rod and bracket.

[0024] A stopper configured to restrict pivoting of the hook connecting rod and the locking hook at a predetermined angle or more may be formed on an outer side of the hook connecting rod.

[0025] A cover mounting bracket on which the console cover is mounted may be connected to the bracket.

[0026] A button guide configured to guide the sliding of the button member may be mounted on the cover mounting bracket in the console main body.

[0027] An armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle includes a console main body having a storage box in which a space is formed and installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle, an armrest pivotably installed in the storage box and configured to support an arm of a passenger riding in the vehicle and to open and close an upper portion of the storage box, a console cover configured to cover a part of an upper portion of the console main body, a button member slidably installed in the console main body and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest, and a locking hook pivotably installed in the console main body and configured to lock one side of the armrest and unlock the armrest.when an operating force is transmitted from the button element, wherein the locking hook is installed as one or more locking hooks at intervals in a transverse direction of the vehicle, the armrest assembly further comprises a hook connecting rod pivotally mounted coaxially with the locking hook and configured to transmit the operating force of the button element to the one or more locking hooks, and a pressure element can be formed on a side of the hook connecting rod to be in contact with a lower end of the button element and to transmit the operating force of the button element to the hook connecting rod. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle is locked according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle is unlocked and an armrest is partially pivoted according to the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view for illustrating a part in which a button member is installed in the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view for illustrating a part in which the button member is installed in the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle according to the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a state in which the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle is locked according to the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating the state in which the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle is operated according to the present disclosure. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views illustrating the button member and a locking hook in the armrest assembly mounted on the console of the vehicle according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, an armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a storage box 12 in which a space is formed, a console main body 11 installed between a driver's seat and a passenger seat of the vehicle, an armrest 15 pivotally installed in the storage box 12 and configured to support the arm of a passenger riding in the vehicle and to open and close an upper portion of the storage box 12, a button member 21 installed in the console main body 11 and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest, an operation unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest 15 to or from the console main body 11 depending on whether the button member 21 is operated, and a console cover 13 configured to cover an area,in which the button element 21 and the operating unit are installed in the console main body 11 and expose an upper end of the button element 21. An upper end of the armrest 15, a surface of the console cover 13, and the upper end of the button element 21 are arranged on the same surface of the armrest 15 up to the console cover 13.

[0030] The console main body 11 is installed between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat of the vehicle. The console main body 11 divides the driver's seat and the passenger's seat, and a shift lever, various operation buttons, and the like are installed in the console main body 11, or a storage space such as a cup holder is installed in the console main body 11.

[0031] The storage box 12, in which a space is formed in which various items can be stored, is installed in the console main body 11.

[0032] A rear cover 14 is preferably provided on one side of the console main body 11.

[0033] The armrest 15 is pivotally installed with respect to the upper portion of the storage box 12. The armrest 15 is formed of a cushioning material. Accordingly, the armrest 15 serves to support the passenger's arm and serves as a cover for opening and closing the upper portion of the storage box 12. That is, since the armrest 15 is locked to one side of the console main body 11 as usual, the armrest 15 blocks the upper portion of the storage box 12 and simultaneously supports the passenger's arm. When the armrest 15 is unlocked, the armrest 15 pivots relative to the storage box 12 to open the upper portion of the storage box 12, allowing an item to be stored or removed from the storage box 12.A pop-up member 15b may be provided to absorb a shock generated between the armrest 15 and the storage box 12 when the armrest 15 blocks the storage box 12, and to pop up the armrest 15 when the armrest 15 is unlocked. Furthermore, a buffer member 15c formed of an elastic material is preferably provided to absorb a shock generated upon locking a locking hook 23, which will be described later, and to eliminate a gap between the locking hook 23 and the armrest 15.

[0034] The Fig. The button member 21 shown in Fig. 4 is slidably installed in the console main body 11. Since the button member 21 can be vertically raised and lowered, the passenger presses the button member 21 to operate. When the passenger presses the button member 21, the armrest 15 is unlocked.

[0035] The operating unit unlocks the armrest 15 from the console main body 11 due to an operating force acting on the button element 21.

[0036] The console cover 13 is connected to an upper part of the console main body 11. The console cover 13 is connected to the upper part of the console main body 11 to cover the upper part or a part of the upper part of the console main body 11. Preferably, the console cover 13 covers a part where the button element 21 and the operation unit are installed in the console main body 11.

[0037] A through hole is formed on one side of the console cover 13 so that the upper end of the button element 21 is exposed.

[0038] In the present disclosure, the upper end of the armrest 15, the surface of the console cover 13, and the upper end of the button member 21 are located on the same surface. Preferably, the surface on which the upper end of the armrest 15, the surface of the console cover 13, and the upper end of the button member 21 are arranged is a curved surface. Since the upper end of the armrest 15, the surface of the console cover 13, and the upper end of the button member 21 are located on the same surface, a front end of the armrest 15 is naturally connected to the console cover 13 to create a beautiful interior.

[0039] The button element 21 includes a push button 21a that can be pressed by the passenger, and a button rod 21b that is shaped to extend from the push button 21a in a sliding direction of the button element 21 and transmit an operating force to the push button 21a. The button element 21 is installed in the console main body 11 of the console so as to be slidable in the operating direction of the passenger.

[0040] Furthermore, after operation, the button element 21 is elastically supported on a button return spring 21c or the like to return to an initial position.

[0041] An upper end of the push button 21a is exposed on the console cover 13. The upper end of the push button 21a and the surface of the console cover 13 are formed on the same surface. The upper end of the push button 21a is formed with a predetermined area to allow the passenger to operate. The button return spring 21c is installed on one side of the push button 21a.

[0042] The button rod 21b extends from a lower end of the push button 21a in an operating direction of the button element 21. Since the button element 21 slides substantially vertically, the button rod 21b extends downward from the lower end of the push button 21a. A lower end of the button rod 21b is in contact with one side of the operation unit or is adjacent to the operation unit.

[0043] A button guide 22 is mounted in the console main body 11 to guide the sliding of the button member 21. Since the button rod 21b passes through the button guide 22, the button guide 22 guides the sliding of the button rod 21b. In a state where the button guide 22 is installed in a cover fixing bracket 16 formed and mounted on a bracket 12a of the storage box 12, the button guide 22 is mounted on the button member 21, so that the button member 21 is installed in a slidable state in the console main body 11.

[0044] The control unit includes the locking hook 23, which is pivotally installed in the console main body 11 and is designed to lock one side of the armrest 15 as usual and to unlock the armrest 15 when the button element 21 is operated.

[0045] The locking hook 23 is pivotally installed in the console main body 11, preferably in the bracket 12a formed on one side of the storage box 12.

[0046] An intermediate part of the locking hook 23 is pivotable with respect to the bracket 12a, and an upper end thereof is shaped to define one side of the armrest 15. Further, the locking hook 23 is elastically supported to be pivotable toward the end of the armrest 15. Thus, when the operating force is not applied, the locking hook 23 is pivoted toward the end of the armrest 15 (clockwise in Fig. 5).

[0047] At this time, a hook engaging portion 15a, which is locked due to the locking hook 23, is formed in the armrest 15. Since the hook engaging portion 15a is formed in a shape that is caught on an upper end of the locking hook 23 while receiving the upper end thereof, the armrest 15 is locked when the upper end of the locking hook 23 is received in the hook engaging portion 15a, and the armrest 15 is unlocked when the locking hook 23 is released from the hook engaging portion 15a.

[0048] Furthermore, the operating unit preferably includes a hook connecting rod 24 to transmit the operating force of the button element 21 to the locking hook 23.

[0049] The hook connecting rod 24 absorbs the operating force of the button element 21 and transmits the applied operating force to the locking hook 23, so that a plurality of locking hooks 23 can be actuated with a single button element 21.

[0050] The hook connecting rod 24 is pivotally connected to the bracket 12a formed in the storage box 12, and when the button element 21 is operated, the hook connecting rod 24 is pivoted.

[0051] A pressing member 24a is formed in the hook connecting rod 24 to contact the lower end of the knob rod 21b, and thus the operating force is transmitted from the knob rod 21b to the hook connecting rod 24 via the pressing member 24a.

[0052] The hook connecting rod 24 enables simultaneous pivoting of the plurality of spaced-apart locking hooks 23 upon actuation of the button element 21. For this purpose, the locking hooks 23 are arranged at intervals in the transverse direction of the vehicle and are connected to one another by means of the hook connecting rod 24, so that the plurality of locking hooks 23 are actuated simultaneously. Thus, if a plurality of armrests 15 are arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the locking hooks 23 can be assigned to the armrests 15. If, for example,the armrest 15 is divided into two parts and arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle and the armrests 15 are installed so as to be opened and closed to a left and a right side of the vehicle, the locking hooks 23 attached to both ends of the hook connecting rod 24 are provided to lock the armrests 15 which are installed so as to be opened and closed to the left and the right side.

[0053] The locking hook 23 is coupled to the hook connecting rod 24 with a coupling pin 23a, so that the hook connecting rod 24 and the locking hook 23 are pivoted integrally.

[0054] A stopper 24b is formed on an outer side of the hook connecting rod 24 to limit pivoting of the hook connecting rod 24 and the locking hook 23 at a predetermined angle or more. The stopper 24b is caught on a side of the console main body 11, so that the hook connecting rod 24 and the locking hook 23 are prevented from pivoting at the predetermined angle or more. In a state where the armrest 15 is unlocked and then opened, when the operating force with which the button member 21 is pressed is released, the locking hook 23 is pivoted excessively (clockwise in Fig. 5) and when the armrest 15 is closed, the button member 21 is pressed by a lower part of the armrest 15, so that the locking hook 23 cannot lock the armrest 15. Therefore, even in a state where the armrest 15 is pivoted, the stopper 24b limits the pivoting of the hook connecting rod 24, so that the locking hook 23 assumes a position as shown in Fig. 5, so that the pivoting of the locking hook 23 is also limited.

[0055] A hinge pin 25 is installed so as to pass through the bracket 12a formed in the storage box 12, the locking hook 23 and the hook connecting rod 24, and thus the locking hook 23 and the hook connecting rod 24 can be pivoted about the hinge pin 25.

[0056] The cover fixing bracket 16, on which the console cover 13 is mounted, is engaged with the bracket 12a. One side of the console cover 13 is mounted on the cover fixing bracket 16, and thus the console cover 13 is mounted on the console main body 11.

[0057] The key guide 22 can be mounted on the cover mounting bracket 16.

[0058] Operation of the armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle having the above configuration according to the present disclosure will be described as follows.

[0059] Fig. 5 illustrates a state in which the armrest 15 is locked. In a state in which the locking hook 23 locks the armrest 15, the armrest 15 can support the passenger's arm. Furthermore, the armrest 15 blocks the upper portion of the storage box 12.

[0060] Thereafter, when the passenger wants to open the upper section of the storage box 12, the passenger presses the push button 21a to unlock the armrest 15.

[0061] When the passenger presses the push button 21a, which is located on a front side of the armrest 15 and is on the same surface as the upper end of the armrest 15 in a state where the passenger's arm is resting on the armrest 15, the armrest 15 is unlocked. Since the push button 21a is located on the same surface as the upper end of the armrest 15 at the front side of the armrest 15, the passenger can easily operate the push button 21a with his hands.

[0062] As in Fig. 6, when the key button 21a is pressed, the key element 21 is lowered in a state in which it is guided by the key guide 22.

[0063] When the button element 21 is lowered, the lower end of the button rod 21b presses on the pressure element 24a.

[0064] When the pressing member 24a is pressed, the hook connecting rod 24 and the locking hook 23 are pivoted. When the locking hook 23 pivots, the upper end of the locking hook 23 is separated from the hook engaging part 15a of the armrest 15, so that the armrest 15 enters a pivotable state.

[0065] When the armrest 15 is unlocked, the armrest 15 folds upward, and the passenger pivots the unlocked armrest 15 to open the upper portion of the storage box 12. When the upper portion of the storage box 12 is opened, an object can be inserted into the storage box 12 or an object stored in the storage box 12 can be removed.

[0066] In the present disclosure, the hook connecting rod 24 may be omitted, and the button member 21 may be configured to directly operate the locking hook 23. That is, in a state where one side of the storage box 12 is pivotally installed and the lower end of the button rod 21b is installed to be in contact with one side of the locking hook 23, when the passenger presses the button member 21, the operating force is transmitted to the locking hook 23, so that the locking hook 23 can be pivoted.

[0067] In this case, when the locking hook 23 is in an intermediate position in the transverse direction of the vehicle and the armrest 15 is opened to both sides, a single locking hook 23 can lock or unlock two armrests simultaneously.

[0068] According to the present disclosure, in accordance with an armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle and having the above configuration, a button member for unlocking an armrest is operated on the same surface as an upper end of the armrest, so that inconvenience of bending a wrist when unlocking the armrest can be eliminated and operation becomes easy.

[0069] Furthermore, the upper end of the armrest and a console cover are designed in a continuous surface, creating a beautiful interior of the vehicle.

Claims

[1] An armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle, comprising: a console main body (11) provided with a storage box (12) in which a space is formed, the console main body (11) being installed between a driver's seat and a passenger's seat of a vehicle; an armrest (15) pivotally connected to the storage box (12), the armrest (15) being configured to support an arm of a passenger traveling in the vehicle, and the armrest (15) being further configured to open and close an upper portion of the storage box (12); a button element (21) connected to the console main body (11) and adapted to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest (15), the button element (21) being slidably connected to the console main body (11); an operating unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest (15) from the console main body (11) when the button element (21) is operated; and a console cover (13) configured to cover an area in which the button element (21) and the operation unit are installed in the console main body (11), the console cover (13) further configured to expose an upper end of the button element (21); wherein an upper end of the armrest (15), a surface of the console cover (13) and the upper end of the button element (21) are arranged on the same surface from the armrest (15) to the console cover (13), wherein the operating unit has a locking hook (23) pivotally installed in the console main body (11) and configured to lock one side of the armrest (15) and unlock the armrest (15) when an operating force is transmitted from the button member (21); wherein the locking hook (23) is installed as one or more locking hooks (23) at intervals in the transverse direction of the vehicle; wherein the armrest assembly further comprises a hook connecting rod (24) configured to transmit the operating force of the button element (21) to the one or more locking hooks (23); and wherein a bracket (12a) to which the locking hook (23) is pivotally connected to the hook connecting rod (24) is formed on an outer side of the storage box (12). [2] The armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the same surface on which the upper end of the armrest (15), the surface of the console cover (13) and the upper end of the button member (21) are disposed is a curved surface. [3] Armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking hook (23) is elastically supported to be pivotable in the locking direction of the armrest (15). [4] Armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein the button element (21) comprises: a push button (21a) having an upper end exposed to the console cover (13) and adapted to be operated by the passenger; and a button rod (21b) shaped to extend from the push button (21a) in a sliding direction of the button element (21) and designed to transmit the operating force acting on the push button (21a) to the operating unit. [5] The armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein a hook engaging part (15a) to which an end portion of the locking hook (23) is hooked and fixed is formed in the armrest (15). [6] Armrest assembly according to claim 1, wherein a cover mounting bracket (16) on which the console cover (13) is mounted is connected to the bracket (12a).

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