Armrest arrangement for a vehicle and vehicle including the armrest arrangement

Abstract

An armrest assembly (100) includes an armrest member (110) and a wireless charging interface assembly (130) coupled to the armrest member (110). The wireless charging interface assembly (130) includes an outer housing (132) coupled to the armrest member (110). The outer housing (132) has a compartment (140) formed by at least a pair of opposing walls (144, 146) and defining a longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the pair of opposing walls (144, 146). The wireless charging interface assembly (130) further includes a wireless coupler (160) pivotally coupled to and disposed within the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). The wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is configured to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the outer housing (132).The pivoting movement provides better visibility of the mobile device screen to the user, avoids any glare / reflection on the mobile device screen and preserves privacy.

Description

[0001] The following description particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be carried out.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of motor vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an armrest assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose that the armrest assembly includes a wireless charging interface assembly in which a wireless charging induction coil unit is pivotably configured.

[0003] Nowadays, the demand for automobiles is increasing rapidly. With the development of society, automobiles have become a necessity for transporting goods and people from one place to another. People's living standards are constantly improving, and at the same time, people's demands regarding the functionality and comfort provided by automobiles or vehicles are also increasing. Some elements or components of the automobile / vehicle have now become standard, so that car manufacturers include them in the respective vehicle category. These elements have become standard elements because they provide comfort to the occupants in the vehicle and add aesthetic value to the vehicle. Some of these components or elements include the front and rear air conditioning vents, armrests next to the vehicle seats, headrests, and the like.

[0004] The armrest provides additional support for the arm of the occupant sitting in the vehicle. The armrest is generally provided between the driver's seat and the adjacent passenger seat of the vehicle. The armrest provides comfort to the occupants, especially the driver, while driving the vehicle on a long journey. In the rear row of seats, the armrest is generally provided in the center of the rear seat and provides ample space for the passengers sitting there to rest their arms on the armrest. Furthermore, the armrest is configured to move from a closed to an open position. The armrest provided on the rear seat can be used as a backrest for the passenger sitting in the rear seat when the armrest is in the closed position.

[0005] Furthermore, mobile devices such as cell phones, remote controls, tablet computers, and the like with rechargeable electrical energy storage devices can be charged through inductive coupling. For this purpose, the mobile device must be stored in a designated charging cradle so that electrical energy can be transferred to the mobile device without contact using inductive energy transfer techniques. The vehicle offers the driver and / or passengers the option of charging the battery of the mobile device while driving. By placing the mobile device on a surface of the charging cradle, the mobile device can be charged contactlessly or wirelessly. In conventional vehicles, however, the charging cradle is not within reach of the driver or other vehicle occupants.

[0006] Vehicle manufacturers have sought, proposed, and implemented various solutions to address the problems disclosed above. One of the existing armrest assemblies for a vehicle is disclosed in German patent document DE102016224883A1 [hereinafter referred to as patent document "DE'883"].

[0007] Patent document DE'883 discloses a charging device for contactless charging of a mobile device in a vehicle. The charging device of patent document DE'883 comprises a charging surface on which at least one induction coil for contactless electrical charging of the mobile device is arranged. Furthermore, patent document DE'883 discloses an adjustment mechanism that serves to adjust the surface of the charging device against an interior element of the vehicle in order to adjust the positioning and orientation of the charging device. However, in patent document DE'883, the charging cradle is also located out of reach of the vehicle driver or other passengers.

[0008] There is also a risk that privacy may be invaded when charging the mobile device.

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the above limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art.

[0010] The information disclosed in this Background of the Disclosure section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that this information represents prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0011] One or more deficiencies of the conventional armrest assembly for a vehicle are overcome, and additional advantages are provided, by the armrest assembly and vehicle incorporating the armrest according to the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed disclosure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, an armrest assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The armrest assembly includes an armrest member configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle and a wireless charging interface assembly adapted to be coupled to the armrest member. The wireless charging interface assembly includes an outer housing coupled to the armrest member at a first arm member end of the armrest member. The outer housing has a compartment formed by at least a pair of opposing walls and defining a longitudinal axis extending through the pair of opposing walls. The wireless charging interface assembly further includes a wireless charging induction coil unit pivotally coupled to and disposed within the compartment of the outer housing.The wireless charging induction coil unit is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the outer casing.

[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the compartment of the outer housing defines a plurality of holes extending from a first surface to a second surface. The plurality of holes are configured to facilitate ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil assembly.

[0014] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil assembly includes a wireless charging induction coil pad and a holder for holding the wireless charging induction coil pad. The holder has a first holder end and a second holder end opposite the first holder end. The wireless charging induction coil assembly further includes a first elastomer and a second elastomer, respectively, couplable to the first holder end and the second holder end to facilitate pivotal coupling of the holder to the pair of opposing walls of the compartment of the outer housing.

[0015] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of opposing walls of the compartment includes a first wall having a first mounting feature for receiving the first elastomer of the wireless charging induction coil unit and a second wall having a second mounting feature for receiving the second elastomer of the wireless charging induction coil unit. The longitudinal axis of the compartment passes through the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature. Further, the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature allow rotation of the first elastomer and the second elastomer about the longitudinal axis of the compartment.

[0016] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second mounting provision comprises a flexible attachment interface for receiving the second elastomer.

[0017] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible attachment interface comprises a combination of retractable wall segments configured to retain the second elastomer for coupling the wireless charging induction coil unit to the outer housing.

[0018] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil unit includes a chrome frame adapted to be placed around the wireless charging induction coil pad and to be snapped into place with the holder.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil unit includes a non-slip pad disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the armrest member comprises an armrest member housing covered with an armrest top. The armrest member further comprises one or more electrical wires and associated circuitry housed within the armrest member housing and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a floor panel, two or more seats disposed on the floor panel, and at least one armrest assembly disposed adjacent a seat of the two or more seats. Each armrest assembly of the at least one armrest assembly includes an armrest member configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle and a wireless charging interface assembly adapted to be coupled to the armrest member. The wireless charging interface assembly includes an outer housing that is coupleable to the armrest member at a first arm member end of the armrest member.The outer housing has a compartment formed by at least one pair of opposing walls and defining a longitudinal axis extending through the pair of opposing walls. The wireless charging interface assembly further includes a wireless charging induction coil unit pivotally coupled to and disposed within the compartment of the outer housing. The wireless charging induction coil unit is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the outer housing.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the compartment of the outer housing defines a plurality of holes extending from a first surface to a second surface. The plurality of holes are configured to facilitate ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil assembly.

[0023] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil assembly includes a wireless charging induction coil pad and a holder for holding the wireless charging induction coil pad. The holder has a first holder end and a second holder end opposite the first holder end. The wireless charging induction coil assembly further includes a first elastomer and a second elastomer, respectively, couplable to the first holder end and the second holder end to facilitate pivotal coupling of the holder to the pair of opposing walls of the compartment of the outer housing.

[0024] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the pair of opposing walls of the compartment includes a first wall having a first mounting feature for receiving the first elastomer of the wireless charging induction coil unit and a second wall having a second mounting feature for receiving the second elastomer of the wireless charging induction coil unit. The longitudinal axis of the compartment passes through the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature. Further, the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature allow rotation of the first elastomer and the second elastomer about the longitudinal axis of the compartment.

[0025] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the second mounting provision comprises a flexible attachment interface made from a combination of retractable wall segments configured to retain the second elastomer for coupling the wireless charging induction coil unit to the outer housing.

[0026] In a further non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil unit includes a chrome frame adapted to be placed around the wireless charging induction coil pad and to be snapped into place with the holder, and a non-slip pad disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad.

[0027] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the armrest member comprises an armrest member housing covered with an armrest top. The armrest member further comprises one or more electrical wires and associated circuitry housed within the armrest member housing and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly.

[0028] Within the scope of the present disclosure, the armrest assembly of the present disclosure provides a luxurious charging cradle solution associated with the vehicle's armrest assembly.

[0029] Furthermore, the armrest assembly of the present disclosure facilitates the pivotal movement of the wireless charging induction coil unit within the compartment of the outer housing, thus providing better visibility of the mobile device screen to the user, avoiding any glare / reflection on the mobile device screen, and maintaining privacy.

[0030] Furthermore, the wireless charging interface assembly of the armrest assembly of the present disclosure is easily reachable and accessible to the driver / passenger, and the user can operate the mobile device while the mobile device is placed on the wireless charging interface assembly.

[0031] It is understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may also be used in any combination with one another. Multiple aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] The foregoing summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, other aspects and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0033] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, the disclosure itself, as well as a method of use, further objects and advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective assembly view of an armrest assembly for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 an exploded view of the armrest assembly of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an outer housing of a wireless charging interface assembly of the armrest assembly of Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 an enlarged view of a second mounting arrangement of the outer casing of Fig. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the objects of the disclosure described herein.

[0035] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and are described below. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0036] It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art will be motivated by the present disclosure to modify the design of an armrest assembly for a vehicle, and that the design of the armrest assembly may vary depending on the application. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure in order not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who would benefit from the description herein. For the sake of simplicity, neither the complete vehicle nor the vehicle's powertrain are shown in the drawings.

[0037] The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system comprises a list of components that not only includes those components, but may also include other components not expressly listed or inherent in such an assembly, method, system, or apparatus. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by the statement "comprises... a" do not exclude, without further limitation, the existence of other or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, an armrest assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The armrest assembly includes an armrest member configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle and a wireless charging interface assembly adapted to be coupled to the armrest member. The wireless charging interface assembly includes an outer housing coupled to the armrest member at a first arm member end of the armrest member. The outer housing has a compartment formed by at least a pair of opposing walls and defining a longitudinal axis extending through the pair of opposing walls. The wireless charging interface assembly further includes a wireless charging induction coil unit pivotally coupled to and disposed within the compartment of the outer housing.The wireless charging induction coil unit is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the outer housing. In one embodiment, the compartment of the outer housing defines a plurality of holes extending from a first surface to a second surface. The plurality of holes are configured to facilitate ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil unit.

[0039] In another embodiment, the wireless charging inductor assembly comprises a wireless charging inductor pad and a holder for holding the wireless charging inductor pad. The holder has a first holder end and a second holder end opposite the first holder end. The wireless charging inductor assembly further comprises a first elastomer and a second elastomer, respectively couplable to the first holder end and the second holder end, to facilitate pivotally coupling the holder to the pair of opposing walls of the compartment of the outer housing. Further, the pair of opposing walls of the compartment includes a first wall having a first mounting feature for receiving the first elastomer of the wireless charging inductor assembly and a second wall having a second mounting feature for receiving the second elastomer of the wireless charging inductor assembly.The longitudinal axis of the compartment passes through the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature. Furthermore, the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature allow rotation of the first elastomer and the second elastomer about the longitudinal axis of the compartment. In one embodiment, the second mounting feature includes a flexible mounting interface for receiving the second elastomer. The flexible mounting interface includes a combination of retractable wall segments configured to retain the second elastomer for coupling the wireless charging induction coil assembly to the outer housing.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wireless charging induction coil assembly includes a chrome frame adapted to be disposed around the wireless charging induction coil pad and engageable with the holder. The wireless charging induction coil assembly further includes a non-slip pad disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad. The armrest member further includes an armrest member housing covered with an armrest top. The armrest member further includes one or more electrical wires and associated circuitry housed within the armrest member housing and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body having a floor panel, two or more seats disposed on the floor panel, and at least one armrest assembly disposed adjacent a seat of the two or more seats. Each armrest assembly of the at least one armrest assembly includes an armrest member configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle and a wireless charging interface assembly adapted to be coupled to the armrest member. The wireless charging interface assembly includes an outer housing that is coupleable to the armrest member at a first arm member end of the armrest member.The outer housing has a compartment formed by at least a pair of opposing walls and defining a longitudinal axis extending through the pair of opposing walls. The wireless charging interface assembly further includes a wireless charging induction coil unit pivotally coupled to and disposed within the compartment of the outer housing. The wireless charging induction coil unit is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the outer housing. In one embodiment, the compartment of the outer housing defines a plurality of holes extending from a first surface to a second surface. The plurality of holes are configured to facilitate ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil unit.

[0042] In one embodiment, the wireless charging inductor assembly comprises a wireless charging inductor pad and a holder for holding the wireless charging inductor pad. The holder has a first holder end and a second holder end opposite the first holder end. The wireless charging inductor assembly further comprises a first elastomer and a second elastomer, respectively couplable to the first holder end and the second holder end, to facilitate pivotally coupling the holder to the pair of opposing walls of the compartment of the outer housing. Further, the pair of opposing walls of the compartment includes a first wall having a first mounting feature for receiving the first elastomer of the wireless charging inductor assembly and a second wall having a second mounting feature for receiving the second elastomer of the wireless charging inductor assembly.The longitudinal axis of the compartment passes through the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature. Furthermore, the first mounting feature and the second mounting feature allow rotation of the first elastomer and the second elastomer about the longitudinal axis of the compartment. The second mounting feature includes a flexible mounting interface constructed from a combination of retractable wall segments configured to retain the second elastomer for coupling the wireless charging induction coil assembly to the outer casing.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wireless charging induction coil assembly includes a chrome frame adapted to be placed around the wireless charging induction coil pad and engageable with the holder, and a non-slip pad disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad. The armrest member further includes an armrest member housing covered with an armrest top. The armrest member further includes one or more electrical wires and associated circuitry housed within the armrest member housing and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly.

[0044] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Fig. 1 to 4. In the figures, identical elements or elements with a similar function are given the same reference numerals.

[0045] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is understood that the disclosure is capable of various alternative orientations and step sequences unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical characteristics are not to be considered limiting with respect to the embodiments that may be disclosed, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some specific terms are used to indicate a particular direction, the use of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention from the drawings. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the meaning of these terms or words is not intended to unduly limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0046] It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be considered limiting. Unless otherwise indicated or limited, the terms "received," "attached," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," and variations thereof, are used broadly to include both direct and indirect attachments, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.In the following description, various embodiments are described. For purposes of explanation, certain configurations and details are outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the described embodiment. The system will now be described with reference to . Fig. 1 to 4 are explained in detail.

[0047] According to the present disclosure, an armrest assembly (100) for a vehicle (not shown) is disclosed. The vehicle may be defined as any vehicle, for example, transportation, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and the like. Further, the vehicle may include vehicles powered by various energy sources, for example, internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and the like. In some examples, the vehicle may be a luxury segment of the vehicle, for example, autonomous, semi-autonomous, or manually powered passenger vehicles.

[0048] The vehicle may include a body frame or chassis or body-in-white configured to support components of the vehicle, including power generation units, air conditioning systems, exhaust systems (for vehicles with internal combustion engines), and the like. The vehicle may include a front portion, an intermediate portion, and a rear portion such that the power generation unit and other related components are mounted on the front portion of the vehicle. The power generation unit is preferably covered by a hood of the vehicle. Further, the front portion of the vehicle may include at least two headlights mounted on the body frame of the vehicle to provide illumination when the vehicle is traveling, for example, in dark environments.The vehicle further includes at least four wheels, two of which are rotatably mounted on the front portion of the vehicle and are thus defined as the front wheels of the vehicle. The other two wheels are rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the vehicle and are thus defined as the rear wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle may be defined as a front-wheel drive vehicle. The front-wheel drive vehicle may be defined as a vehicle in which the power generating unit transmits power to the front wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle may be defined as a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The rear-wheel drive vehicle may be defined as a vehicle in which the power generating unit transmits power to the rear wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle.Further, the vehicle is defined as a four-wheel drive vehicle if the power generating unit is configured to transmit power to all wheels of the vehicle to drive the vehicle on rough terrain, preferably to perform off-road and adventure activities and the like.

[0049] In one embodiment, the power generation unit may be an internal combustion (IC) engine configured to generate power by burning hydrocarbon fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, and the like. In another embodiment, the power generation unit may be a traction motor powered by a high-voltage battery / battery module that supplies power to the vehicle's traction motor. The traction motor is operably coupled to the front wheels, the rear wheels, or all of the vehicle's wheels to propel the vehicle. Vehicles powered by the traction motor are defined as electric vehicles.

[0050] The intermediate portion and / or the rear portion of the vehicle comprise the passenger compartment, which extends from the front portion to the rear portion of the vehicle. The passenger compartment may form a cabin with a plurality of seats to facilitate seating of the passengers or the driver in the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment also includes a steering system to maneuver the vehicle in a desired direction, as well as an instrument panel with a plurality of buttons, switches, display units, and the like to operate functions of the vehicle and also to enhance the aesthetics and comfort of the driver or passengers seated in the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes a floor panel mounted to the body frame of the vehicle. The floor panel may have a front portion in the front portion of the vehicle and a rear portion in the rear portion of the vehicle.The passenger compartment may further include at least two rows of seats mounted to the floor panel such that each of the at least two rows of seats includes at least two seats arranged side by side. The seats arranged in the passenger compartment may be mounted back-to-back or opposite each other on the floor panel. Alternatively, the seats may be movably mounted on the floor panel of the passenger compartment using various mechanisms to facilitate movement, including linear and rotational movement of the seats. In one embodiment, at least two rows of seats are mounted back-to-back on the floor panel. Each seat of the at least two seats of the at least two rows of seats may include a seat bottom and a backrest to provide support and comfort to the passenger sitting on the seat.The seat may further comprise a headrest, preferably a movable headrest, to support a head of the passenger sitting on the seat.

[0051] Furthermore, the rear portion of the vehicle may include at least two taillights configured to illuminate in various situations, such as when the brakes are applied, etc. The at least two taillights are mounted in corresponding recesses defined in the body frame of the vehicle or in a trunk lid of the vehicle.

[0052] The body frame of the vehicle may further include side sill structures extending across the sides of the floor panel. In one embodiment, the body frame may include a left side sill structure and a right side sill structure. The left side sill structure may extend along a left side of the floor panel. The right side sill structure may extend across a right side of the floor panel. Both the left side sill structure and the right side sill structure of the body frame may include an energy absorption composite structure formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy absorption composite structure includes a collection of hollow sill compartments formed by wall segments. The energy absorption composite structure may be configured to have progressive energy absorption capability.In the event of an impact, for example a side impact, the energy absorption composite structure of the left side sill and the right side sill can be deformed to prevent the impact from being transmitted to the battery module and the vehicle's high-voltage components.

[0053] According to the present disclosure, the vehicle may include at least one armrest assembly (100) disposed adjacent to one of the two or more seats. With reference to Fig. 1 to 4, an armrest assembly (100) of the vehicle is illustrated and disclosed. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the vehicle may include more than one armrest assembly (100), each of which has the same structural and functional features as those shown in Fig. 1 to 4 and described in the following paragraphs.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the armrest assembly (100) of the present disclosure is illustrated. The armrest assembly (100) includes an armrest member (110) and a wireless charging interface assembly (130). According to the present disclosure, the armrest member (110) may be configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the armrest member (110) may be coupled to one of the two or more seats of the vehicle. The armrest member (110) may be formed as a cuboid-shaped member having a first arm member end (112) of the armrest member and a second arm member end (114) opposite the first arm member end (112) of the armrest member.According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the armrest element (110) may be coupled to the interior of the vehicle at one end of the armrest element (110), for example, at the second armrest element end (114) of the armrest element (110). With reference to . Fig. 2, the armrest element (110) may include an armrest element housing (116) covered with an armrest top (118). The armrest element housing (116) may be coupled to the interior, for example, the seat, of the vehicle. The armrest element (110) may further include one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuitry housed in the armrest element housing (116). The one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuitry may be configured to supply the wireless charging interface assembly (130) of the armrest assembly (100) with power from a power source (not shown), for example, a secondary battery of the vehicle.

[0055] With further reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the wireless charging interface assembly may be adapted to be coupled (130) to the armrest member (110). The wireless charging interface assembly (130) may include an outer housing (132) and a wireless charging induction coil unit (160) adapted to be disposed within the outer housing (132). As shown in Fig. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the wireless charging interface assembly (130) may be coupled to the armrest element (110) at the first armrest element end (112) of the armrest element (110). In particular, the outer housing (132) of the wireless charging interface assembly (130) may be coupled to the armrest assembly (110) at the first arm element end (112) of the armrest element (110). Furthermore, the outer housing (132), as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, a first housing end (134) and a second housing end (136) opposite the first housing end (134). The outer housing (132) of the wireless charging interface (130) can be coupled to the first armrest element end (112) of the armrest assembly (110) at the second housing end (136) of the outer housing (132).

[0056] According to the present disclosure, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the outer housing (132) may be configured to have a compartment (140) defined by at least one pair of opposing walls (144, 146). In one embodiment, the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) includes a base plate (142) and two pairs of opposing walls (144, 146) that together define a space (S) for mounting the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) within the outer housing (132). The pair of opposing walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) includes a first wall (144) at the first housing end (134) of the outer housing (132) and a second wall (146) at the second housing end (136) of the outer housing (132). The first wall (144) has a first mounting provision (150), and the second wall (146) has a second mounting provision (152) for mounting the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) within the outer housing (132).Furthermore, the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) defines a longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the pair of opposing walls (144, 146). In the embodiment shown in . Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) defines the longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the first wall (144) and the second wall (146) of the compartment (140). In particular, the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140) passes through the first mounting feature (150) and the second mounting feature (152) of the compartment (140).

[0057] Further, according to the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is adapted to be disposed in the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). In particular, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is adapted to be disposed in the space (S) defined in the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). In one embodiment, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). The wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is configured to be pivotable within the space (S) about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the outer housing (132). Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the first mounting feature (150) and the second mounting feature (152) of the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132).The wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the first mounting feature (150) and the second mounting feature (152) of the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132).

[0058] According to the present disclosure, the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) may be configured to facilitate ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). With reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the compartment (140) may define a plurality of holes (143) in the base plate (142) of the compartment (140). The plurality of holes (143) may extend from a first surface (148) to a second surface (not shown) opposite the first surface (148) of the base plate (142). The plurality of holes (143) may be configured to facilitate airflow to the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) and to allow ventilation of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) to prevent overheating of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) during operation.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 2, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may include a wireless charging induction coil pad (170). The wireless charging induction coil pad (170) may be coupled to one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuitry housed within the housing (116) of the armrest member to receive power from the power source. In particular, the wireless charging induction coil pad (170) may have a charging coil (not visible) disposed therein, which is disposed beneath a top pad surface (172) of the wireless charging induction coil pad (170). The charging coil may be coupled to one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuitry housed within the housing (116) of the armrest member to receive power from the power source.Further, during operation, a mobile device (not shown) may be placed on the upper pad surface (172) so that the coil charge may interact with the mobile device by inductive coupling to charge the mobile device.

[0060] Still referring to Fig. 2, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may include a holder (180) to hold the wireless charging induction coil pad (170). The holder (180) may have a first holder end (182) and a second holder end (184) opposite the first holder end (182). The holder (180) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may be coupled to the outer housing (132) to couple the wireless charging induction coil pad (170) to the armrest member (110). In one embodiment, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may include a first elastomer (186) and a second elastomer (188). The first elastomer (186) may be coupled to the first holder end (182) of the holder (180). The second elastomer (188) can be coupled to the second holder end (184) of the holder (180).In one embodiment, the first elastomer (186) is coupled to the first retainer end (182) of the retainer (180), and the second elastomer (188) is coupled to the second retainer end (184) of the retainer (180). The first elastomer (186) and the second elastomer (188) facilitate the pivotal coupling of the retainer (180) to the pair of opposing walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132).

[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first mounting feature (150) of the compartment (140) is configured to receive the first elastomer (186) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). Further, the second mounting feature (152) of the compartment (140) is configured to receive the second elastomer (188) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). According to the present disclosure, the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140) passes through the first mounting feature (150) and the second mounting feature (152). The first mounting feature (150) and the second mounting feature (152) enable rotation of the first elastomer (186) and the second elastomer (188) about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140).

[0062] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the second mounting feature (152) of the compartment (140) may include a flexible mounting interface (154) for receiving the second elastomer (188). Further, the first mounting feature (150) may be a cylindrical sleeve (150) provided on the first wall (144) of the compartment (140) for receiving the first elastomer (186). In one embodiment, the first elastomer (186) may be received in the first mounting feature (150) to couple the holder (180) to the compartment (140), and thereafter, the second elastomer (188) may be press-fitted into the flexible mounting interface (154) of the second mounting feature (152). With reference to Fig. 4, in one embodiment, the flexible mounting interface (154) may comprise a combination of retractable wall segments (156) configured to retain the second elastomer (188) for coupling the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) to the outer housing (132). In a working implementation, the retractable wall segments (156) may move away from each other during compression of the second elastomer (188) into the flexible mounting interface (154) of the second mounting provision (152) to allow the second elastomer (188) to pass therethrough and subsequently move toward each other to retain the second elastomer (188).

[0063] With reference to Fig.2, in one embodiment, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may further comprise a chrome frame (162) that can be arranged around the wireless charging induction coil pad (170). The chrome frame (162) may be adapted to snap into the holder (180) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). The chrome-plated frame (162) further improves the visibility of the mobile device screen and helps prevent any glare / reflection on the mobile device screen. Furthermore, the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) may comprise a non-slip pad (164) arranged on the wireless charging induction coil pad (170) to prevent slipping of the mobile device, for example, when the vehicle is moving.Furthermore, a coupling connection (102) of the wireless charging interface assembly (130) and the armrest element (110) can be covered with a cover element (104) to prevent foreign particles / agents from becoming entangled in the coupling connection (102) and to improve the appearance of the armrest assembly (100).

[0064] In one embodiment, the armrest assembly (100) of the present disclosure provides a luxurious charging cradle solution associated with the vehicle's armrest assembly.

[0065] In one embodiment, the armrest assembly (100) of the present disclosure allows the gravitational movement of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) within the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132), thus providing better visibility of the mobile device screen to the user, avoiding any glare / reflection on the mobile device screen, and maintaining privacy.

[0066] In one embodiment, the wireless charging interface assembly (130) of the armrest assembly (100) of the present disclosure is easily reachable and accessible to the driver / passenger, and the user can operate the mobile device while the mobile device is placed on the wireless charging interface assembly (130).

[0067] It should be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could develop an armrest assembly for a vehicle of similar configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0068] With regard to the use of substantially all plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art may translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural, depending on the context and / or application. For clarity, the various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body portions of the appended claims), are generally intended to be "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "comprising" as "at least comprising," the term "comprises" as "comprises, but is not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a particular number of an introductory claim recitation is intended, that intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such a recitation, such intent will not be present. To aid understanding, for example, in the following appended claims, the introductory terms "at least one" and "one or more" may be used to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted to mean that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits a particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only such a recitation, even if the same claim contains the introductory expressions "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should normally be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim recitations. At the very least, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly stated, it is apparent to a person skilled in the art that such a recitation is normally to be interpreted as meaning at least the recited number (e.g.,the mere recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations or two or more recitations). Further, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.," is used, such construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but not be limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art further understand that virtually all disjoint words and / or expressions representing two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to encompass the possibility of incorporating one of the terms, each of the terms, or both of them.For example, the term "A or B" should be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and not limiting; the true scope is indicated by the following claims. List of reference symbols: 100 armrest arrangement 102 coupling connection 104 Cover element 110 armrest element 112 first armrest element end 114 second armrest element end 116 Armrest element housing 118 Armrest upper part 120 electrical wires 130 wireless charging interface arrangement 132 outer casing 134 first housing end 136 second housing end 140 compartments 142 base plate 143 holes 144 first wall 146 second wall 148 first surface 150 first assembly precautions 152 second assembly precaution 154 flexible mounting interface 156 retractable wall segments 160 wireless charging induction coil unit 162 chrome frames 164 non-slip pad 170 wireless charging induction coil pad 172 upper pad surface 180 holders 182 first holder end 184 second holder end 186 first elastomer 188 second elastomer S room XX' Longitudinal axis QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102016224883A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Armrest assembly (100) for a vehicle, the armrest assembly (100) comprising: an armrest member (110) configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle; and a wireless charging interface assembly (130) adapted to be coupled to the armrest member (110), the wireless charging interface assembly (130) comprising: an outer housing (132) adapted to be coupled to the armrest member (110) at a first armrest member end (112) of the armrest member (110), the outer housing (132) having a compartment (140) formed from at least a pair of opposing walls (144, 146) and defining a longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the pair of opposing walls (144, 146); and a wireless charging induction coil unit (160) adapted to be pivotally coupled to the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132), wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is configured to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the outer housing (132). [2] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) defines a plurality of holes (143) extending from a first surface (148) to a second surface, the plurality of holes (143) configured to facilitate ventilation for the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). [3] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) comprises: a wireless charging induction coil pad (170); a holder (180) for holding the wireless Charge induction coil pads (170), wherein the holder (180) has a first holder end (182) and a second holder end (184) opposite the first holder end (182); and a first elastomer (186) and a second elastomer (188) which are couplable with the first holder end (182) and the second holder end (184) of the holder (180) respectively to facilitate the pivotal coupling of the holder (180) to the pair of opposite walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). [4] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the pair of opposing walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) comprises: a first wall (144) having a first mounting means (150) for receiving the first elastomer (186) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160); and a second wall (146) having a second mounting means (152) for receiving the second elastomer (188) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160), wherein the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140) passes through the first mounting device (150) and the second mounting device (152), and the first mounting means (150) and the second mounting means (152) enable rotation of the first elastomer (186) and the second elastomer (188) about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140). [5] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the second mounting provision (152) comprises a flexible mounting interface (154) for receiving the second elastomer (188). [6] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the flexible mounting interface (154) comprises a combination of retractable wall segments (156) configured to retain the second elastomer (188) for coupling the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) to the outer housing (132). [7] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) includes a chrome frame (162) adapted to be disposed around the wireless charging induction coil pad (170) and to be snapped into place with the holder (180). [8] The armrest assembly (100) of claim 3, wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) comprises a non-slip (164) disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad (170). [9] Armrest assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the armrest element (110) comprises: an armrest element housing (116) covered with an armrest top (118); and one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuits housed in the armrest member housing (116) and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly (130). [10] Vehicle comprising a vehicle body with a floor panel; two or more seats arranged on the floor plate; and at least one armrest assembly (100) disposed adjacent to a seat of the two or more seats, each armrest assembly (100) of the at least one armrest assembly (100) comprising: an armrest member (110) configured to be coupled to an interior of the vehicle; and a wireless charging interface assembly (130) adapted to that it can be coupled to the armrest element (110), wherein the wireless charging interface assembly (130) comprises: an outer housing (132) adapted to be coupled to the armrest member (110) at a first armrest member end (112) of the armrest member (110), the outer housing (132) having a compartment (140) formed from at least a pair of opposing walls (144, 146) and defining a longitudinal axis (X-X') passing through the pair of opposing walls (144, 146); and a wireless charging induction coil unit (160) adapted to be pivotally coupled to the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132), wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) is configured to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the outer housing (132). [11] The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132) defines a plurality of holes (143) extending from a first surface (148) to a second surface, the plurality of holes (143) configured to facilitate ventilation for the wireless charging induction coil unit (160). [12] The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) comprises: a wireless charging induction coil pad (170); a holder (180) for holding the wireless charging induction coil pad (170), the holder (180) having a first holder end (182) and a second holder end (184) opposite the first holder end (182); and a first elastomer (186) and a second elastomer (188) which are couplable with the first holder end (182) and the second holder end (184) of the holder (180) respectively to facilitate the pivotal coupling of the holder (180) to the pair of opposite walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) of the outer housing (132). [13] The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the pair of opposing walls (144, 146) of the compartment (140) comprises: a first wall (144) having a first mounting means (150) for receiving the first elastomer (186) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160); and a second wall (146) having a second mounting means (152) for receiving the second elastomer (188) of the wireless charging induction coil unit (160), wherein the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140) passes through the first mounting device (150) and the second mounting device (152), and the first mounting means (150) and the second mounting means (152) enable rotation of the first elastomer (186) and the second elastomer (188) about the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the compartment (140). [14] The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the second mounting provision (152) comprises a flexible mounting interface (154) made from a combination of retractable wall segments (156) configured to retain the second elastomer (188) for coupling the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) to the outer housing (132). [15] The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the wireless charging induction coil unit (160) comprises a chrome frame (162) that can be arranged around the wireless charging induction coil pad (170) and snapped into the holder (180); and a non-slip pad (164) disposed on the wireless charging induction coil pad (170). [16] A vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the armrest element (110) comprises: an armrest element housing (116) covered with an armrest top (118); and one or more electrical wires (120) and associated circuits housed in the armrest member housing (116) and configured to power the wireless charging interface assembly (130).

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