Armrest system for a vehicle.
The armrest system addresses the issue of rear passenger comfort by allowing the armrest to retract into the console, providing adjustable comfort and access to storage, thus enhancing user adaptability and reducing intrusion into the rear passenger area.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RENAULT SA
- Filing Date
- 2019-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle center consoles with adjustable armrests encroach on the passenger area intended for rear passengers, reducing their comfort.
An armrest system with a console and an adjustable armrest that rolls up into the rear part of the console, featuring a sliding and pivoting connection, driven by flexible elastic means, allowing it to move between deployed and stowed positions, and includes a guiding mechanism to prevent intrusion into the rear passenger area.
The armrest system adapts to different users, ensuring comfort for both front and rear passengers by minimizing its footprint in the rear area and allowing access to storage bins.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Armrest system for a vehicle.
[0001] The invention relates to an armrest system for a vehicle. The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such an armrest system.
[0002] Some motor vehicles are equipped with a center console, located in the vehicle's passenger compartment on the floor, between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. Such a center console is primarily intended for storing various items. It can also serve as a support for an armrest to improve the comfort of the driver or a front passenger. This armrest can be adjusted from a forward to a rearward position depending on the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, corresponding to the direction in which the vehicle normally travels in a straight line.
[0003] However, known center consoles equipped with an armrest have drawbacks. In particular, when the armrest is in the retracted position, part of it encroaches on the passenger area intended for a rear passenger. This results in reduced comfort for a passenger seated in the rear of the vehicle.
[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an armrest system that overcomes the above drawbacks and improves upon known prior art systems. In particular, the invention makes it possible to create an armrest system whose position is adjustable along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, notably to accommodate different drivers of a vehicle, and which prevents the armrest from encroaching on the area intended for a rear passenger of the vehicle.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the invention relates to an armrest system for a vehicle, comprising a console and an armrest extending along a longitudinal direction and comprising a successive arrangement of a plurality of independent bars arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which the armrest is movably mounted on the console between an adjustable deployed position and a stowed position, the armrest being able to roll up into the rear part of the console to move from a deployed position to the stowed position.
[0006] The console may include at least one guiding means on which the plurality of bars are mounted in a sliding and pivoting connection.
[0007] The armrest system may further include a means for driving translational movement along the longitudinal direction of at least a part of the plurality of bars.
[0008] The drive means may be a flexible elastic connecting means, in particular a strip, for example made of fabric.
[0009] At least one guiding means may include a groove or a rail extending in the longitudinal direction.
[0010] The at least one guiding means may further include a pin or a roller or a pin disposed at the location of each bar.
[0011] Each bar may comprise a core and a sheath, the sheath at least partially surrounding the core of each bar.
[0012] The sheath of each bar may be a foam, in particular of the TEP type, and / or may have a uniform thickness.
[0013] The armrest system may further include at least one storage bin intended to be placed inside the console, said stowed position of the armrest allowing the opening of the storage bin to be clear.
[0014] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an armrest system as defined above.
[0015] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of an armrest system according to the invention.
[0016] [fig. 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view representing one embodiment of an armrest system.
[0017] [fig.2] Figure 2 is a perspective view representing a first mode of realization Installation of an armrest of a system of the type of that in figure 1.
[0018] [fig.3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view representing a method of Installation of a bar for an armrest of the type shown in figure 2.
[0019] [fig.4a] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an armrest according to the invention, representing the armrest in the closed position.
[0020] [fig.4b] Figure 4b is a view analogous to figure 4a, schematically representing the armrest during a translational movement.
[0021] An embodiment of an armrest system 1 is described below with reference to Figure 1. The armrest system 1 is particularly intended to be placed in a vehicle 100, for example a motor vehicle.
[0022] The armrest system 1 comprises an armrest 2 and a console 3.
[0023] A direct orthonormal coordinate system is defined in which the X-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, in which the vehicle usually moves in a straight line. The X-axis is oriented from the rear to the front of the vehicle, from the rear to the front of the console 3. The Y-axis corresponds to the transverse direction of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from the right side to the left side of the vehicle and of the console 3. The Z-axis is a substantially vertical axis, and is oriented from bottom to top, from the lower part to the upper part of the vehicle and of the console 3.
[0024] Advantageously, the armrest system 1 may further include a storage bin or compartment 4, intended to be located inside the console 3 under the armrest 2. The storage bin 4 is, for example, intended for storing various objects in the console 3. The technical elements of the console 3, for example ventilation ducts, an antenna system, one or more computer housings, are located, for example, in the console 3 under the storage compartment 4.
[0025] Console 3 is for example a central console of a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle.
[0026] By center console of a vehicle, we mean a console located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle on the floor of the vehicle, between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.
[0027] At least a portion of the armrest 2 extends along the longitudinal direction X.
[0028] The armrest 2 comprises a successive arrangement of a plurality of independent bars 6 hanging from each other. The bars 6 are arranged along the transverse direction Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, as can be clearly seen in figure 2.
[0029] The armrest 2 is movably mounted on the console 3 between a first adjustable deployed position and a second stowed position. The armrest is able to roll up into the rear of the console 3 to move from the deployed to the stowed position. This results in a reduced footprint in the area intended for a rear passenger of the vehicle when the armrest is moved to the rear. The transition from the deployed to the stowed position is represented by arrows 8, and the transition from the stowed to the deployed position is represented by arrows 10 in Figure 1.
[0030] The deployed position of the armrest 2 is adjustable or modular along the longitudinal direction X. As a result, the armrest 2 can adapt to different users of a vehicle, according to their morphology and their needs, in particular according to the position chosen for the seat.
[0031] Reference numeral 6a designates the bar of the bar arrangement 6 forming the armrest 2 located at the end that is in the most forward position along the longitudinal axis X when the armrest 2 is in the deployed position. Reference numeral 6b designates the bar located at the other end of the bar arrangement 6.
[0032] The position of the armrest 2 is adjustable along the longitudinal direction X, i.e., the position of the bar 6a can vary along the longitudinal direction X, at the level of the upper part of the console 3. The number of bars 6 located at the level of the upper part of the console 3, and aligned along the longitudinal axis X, varies according to the position of the armrest 2. The set of bars 6 that winds into the rear part of the console 3 corresponds to the "stroke" of armrest 2.
[0033] The stowed position of the armrest 2 allows access to the storage bin 4 by clearing the upper opening of the storage bin 4. A vehicle user can thus view and / or place and / or remove objects from the storage bin 4.
[0034] In a deployed position, the armrest 2 allows at least partial closure of the upper opening of the console 3 or the storage bin 4. This makes it possible in particular to retain objects placed in the console 3 or the storage bin 4. The armrest 2, intended to improve the comfort of a vehicle user, also has the function of closing the console 3 or a compartment 4 intended for the storage of various objects.
[0035] Advantageously, the armrest 2 travel is intended to be disposed in the console 3 in the stowed or partially deployed position of the armrest 2. In other words, the portion of the armrest 2 which is not at the level of the upper part of the console 3, and which does not serve as an armrest, is concealed in the console 3. This results in a reduced footprint of the armrest 2, and no intrusion into the area of a rear passenger of the vehicle.
[0036] The armrest system 1 may further include a means of driving 5 in translational movement along the longitudinal direction X of the plurality of bars 6.
[0037] The drive means 5 may be a flexible elastic connecting means 21, in particular a band, for example made of fabric. Such a drive means 5 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4a and 4b.
[0038] The movement of the armrest 2 relative to the console 3, to achieve the deployment and storage of the armrest 2, preferably has a sliding curtain type kinematic, for example of the shutter or shutter type.
[0039] An embodiment of an armrest 2 of a system of the type of that of Figure 1 is described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
[0040] The armrest 2 extends along the longitudinal direction X and comprises a successive arrangement of a plurality of independent bars 6 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, along the transverse direction Y.
[0041] The bars 6 of the armrest 2 are independent of each other and the set of bars 6 is capable of being set in motion by means of at least one guiding means 11.
[0042] Advantageously, each bar 6 comprises a core 7 and a sheath 9. For each bar 6, the sheath 9 at least partially surrounds the core 7. The core 7 of each bar 6 is notably intended to provide mechanical rigidity to the bar 6. The sheath 9 is intended to improve the comfort of a driver or a passenger of the vehicle resting his arm on the armrest 2.
[0043] The console 3, not shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises at least one guide means 11. The bars 6 are mounted by sliding and pivoting connection on the at least one guide means 11.
[0044] The console 3 includes, for example, a left side wall and a right side wall, intended to be arranged substantially parallel to the right and left sides of the vehicle.
[0045] A guiding means 11 is disposed at least on one of the lateral sides of the console 3.
[0046] At least one guiding means 11 is for example of the annular linear type.
[0047] The at least one guiding means 11 may comprise a groove or a rail 12, 13 extending along the longitudinal direction X.
[0048] Preferably, a first groove or rail 12 is integrated into the right side wall of the bracket 3, and a second groove or rail 13 is integrated into the left side wall of the bracket 3. The grooves 12 and 13 are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The right side edge of each bar 6 is, for example, intended to be mounted on the first rail 12. The left side edge of each bar 6 is, for example, intended to be mounted on the second rail 13.
[0049] The core 7 of each bar 6 comprises, for example, a main part 7a of parallelepiped shape. The main dimension or length L of each bar 6 is intended to be arranged along the transverse axis Y. The cross-section of the main part 7a of the core 7 of each bar 6 is, for example, rectangular.
[0050] Other shapes may be provided for the main part 7a of the web 7 of each bar 6, for example a triangular, round, oval shape, these examples being non-limiting. For example, the cross-section of the main part 7a of the web 7 of each bar 6 may be square or rectangular as illustrated, or U-shaped, V-shaped, M-shaped, etc.
[0051] W is called the width of each bar 6, corresponding to the dimension of each bar 6 along the longitudinal direction X.
[0052] As an example of the order of magnitude of dimensions, for each bar 6, the length L is for example between 100 mm and 300 mm, and the width W is for example between 10 mm and 50 mm, these values not being limiting.
[0053] The core 7 of each bar 6 may include at least one connecting portion 7b. The connecting portion 7b of the core 7 of each bar 6 is intended for mounting the bar 6 in a sliding and pivoting connection on at least one guiding means 11.
[0054] Preferably, the core 7 of each bar 6 comprises at least a first connecting portion 7b on the right lateral side of the bar 6 and a second connecting portion 7b on the left lateral side of the bar 6. The first connecting portion 7b is intended for the The sliding and pivoting joint mounting of the bar 6 on the first rail 12. The second connecting part 7b is intended for the sliding and pivoting joint mounting of the bar 6 on the second rail 13.
[0055] For each bar 6, at least one connecting part 7b includes, for example, a pivot point 15.
[0056] The bars 6 are in particular configured to be arranged transversely to the rails 12, 13 and mounted between the first rail 12 and the second rail 13 one after the other along the rails 12, 13.
[0057] Advantageously, in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the at least one guiding means 11 may further comprise, at the location of each bar 6, a pin 14 or a roller or a pin movably engaged in the corresponding groove 12, 13. The plurality of pins 14 is particularly intended to prevent the uncontrolled disengagement of one or more bars 6 of the armrest 2 from one or both of the grooves 12, 13, especially during vehicle movement (bumps, shocks).
[0058] A bar 6 of an armrest 2 of the type of that in Figure 2 is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.
[0059] Advantageously, for each bar 6, the sheath 9 surrounds at least in part the main part 7a of the core 7.
[0060] Preferably, the sheath 9 covers the rear longitudinal edge 17, the front longitudinal edge 19 and the upper surface 18 of the core 7 of each bar 6.
[0061] Preferably, the thickness of the sheath 9 is uniform.
[0062] The thickness of the portion of the sheath 9 covering the rear longitudinal edge 17 is denoted by el, the thickness of the portion of the sheath 9 covering the front longitudinal edge 19 by e3, and the thickness of the portion of the sheath 9 covering the upper surface 18 of the core 7 by e2. Preferably, the thicknesses el, e2, and e3 are substantially equal. The average thickness of the sheath 9 is denoted by e.
[0063] As an example of the order of magnitude of dimensions, the thickness e of the sheath 9 is for example between 5 mm and 12 mm, particularly in the case of a sheath 9 in TEP foam, acronym for Textile Coated Plastic.
[0064] As an example of material, the core 7 of each bar 6 is for example made of plastic or metal.
[0065] For the core 7 of each bar 6, a material may be chosen that has a rigidity enabling it to support a force along the vertical axis Z of the order of 400 N at the location of the median plane of the armrest perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.
[0066] The sheath 9 is for example made of a foam, in particular of the TEP type (acronym for Textile Coated Plastic).
[0067] The sheath 9 comprises, for example, a main part made of foam, surrounded by a peripheral part made of polyethylene or any textile, leather, or flexible plastic.
[0068] The operation of an armrest system 1 of the type described above is described below with reference to Figures 4a and 4b. Figure 4a shows the armrest 2 in a retracted position, for example, when the armrest 2 is in the stowed position or in a deployed position selected by a user. Figure 4b shows the armrest system 1 during a translational movement of the armrest 2, allowing it to move from the stowed position to a deployed position and vice versa.
[0069] The sheath 9 may include, in addition to a main part 9a made of foam and a peripheral part 9b made of textile or leather or plastic, a part 9c intended to serve as a support for the main part 9a.
[0070] Advantageously, the bars 6 can be belted to each other by a drive means 5, for example a flexible elastic connecting means 21, in particular a band, for example made of fabric.
[0071] The band 21 is for example made of a thermoplastic polymer, for example poly-oxymethylene, commonly referred to by the acronym POM, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly referred to by the acronym ABS, or any material allowing movement of parts between them.
[0072] The width of the band 21, corresponding to the dimension of the band 21 in the transverse direction Y, is for example substantially equal to the width W of the bars 6.
[0073] Advantageously, for each bar 6, the band 21 is arranged between the core 7 and the sheath 9. A portion 21a of the band 21 at least partially surrounds the rear longitudinal edge 17, the front longitudinal edge 19, and the upper surface 18 of the core 7 of each bar 6. The band 21 is preferably continuous. Between two adjacent bars 6, a portion 21b of the band 21 connects the portion 21a of the band 21 surrounding the core 7 of one bar 6 to the portion 21a of the band 21 surrounding the core 7 of the next bar 6.
[0074] The main function of the band 21 is to drive each bar in translational movement along the longitudinal direction X. The band 21 allows the armrest 2 to move forward, that is to say, it allows the armrest 2 to move from the stowed position to a deployed position, and allows the armrest 2 to move backward, that is to say, it allows the armrest 2 to move from a deployed position to the stowed position.
[0075] Advantageously, the deployed position of the armrest 2 is adjustable or modular. As a result, a vehicle user can position the armrest according to their preferences and body shape.
[0076] Advantageously, the armrest 2 is designed to roll up into the rear part of the console 3, particularly around the rear surface or wall or the bottom of the storage compartment 4 when moving from the deployed to the stowed position. This prevents the armrest 2 from intruding into the rear passenger area, especially if the console 3 is a center console. Furthermore, this results in a reduced footprint for the armrest system 1 when the armrest 2 is stowed.
[0077] In the retracted position of the armrest 2 (Figure 4a), the sheaths 9 of two adjacent bars 6 are in contact or close to each other. This ensures optimal comfort for a vehicle user when the armrest 2 is in a selected extended position.
[0078] The band 21, in addition to its function as a drive means, also has a secondary function as a shutter, particularly when the sheaths 9 of the bars 6 are not in contact with each other. This ensures improved closure of the upper opening of the console 3 or the storage bin 4. Advantageously, the width of the band 21 is chosen to be substantially equal to or less than that of the bars 6.
[0079] Advantageously, the armrest system 1 may further include guide pins 23, 24. A first guide pin 23 and a second guide pin 24 are, for example, located at the position of each bar 6, against or near the right lateral edge of each bar 6 and against or near the left lateral edge of each bar 6. A first guide pin 23 is, for example, located below the first rail 12 and a second guide pin 24 is, for example, located above the first rail 12. A first guide pin 23 is, for example, located below the second rail 13 and a second guide pin 24 is, for example, located above the second rail 13.
[0080] Each bar 6 is movable in translation on the rails 12, 13. For example, for each bar 6, an upper part of the web 7 is located above the rail 12, 13, and a lower part of the web 7 is located below the rail 12, 13. The guide pins 23, 24 allow the translational movement of the bars 6 to be guided along the rails 12, 13.
[0081] The armrest system 1 may further include, for each bar 6, a screw hole 26 allowing a shutter to be fixed and the technical areas to be hidden from the view of a user.
[0082] During the translational movement of the armrest 2 (Figure 4b), particularly when moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the distance along the longitudinal direction X between two adjacent bars 6 increases, compared to the state of the armrest system 1 shown in Figure 4a. The bars 6 move further apart from each other. other and the sheaths 9 of two adjacent bars 6 are no longer in contact.
[0083] The translational movement of the bars 6 to move the armrest 2 from the stowed position to a deployed position is represented by an arrow 22 in Figure 4b.
[0084] In the closed position of the armrest 2 (Figure 4a), the portions 21b of the band 21 connecting two adjacent bars 6 are not under tension. The length of each portion 21b is greater than the distance dl along the longitudinal direction X separating, in the closed position, the front longitudinal edge 19 of one web 7 from the rear longitudinal edge 17 of the next web 7.
[0085] During the translational movement of the armrest 2 (Figure 4b), the portions 21b of the band 21 connecting two adjacent bars 6 are under tension. The length of each portion 21b is substantially equal to the distance d2 along the longitudinal direction X separating the front longitudinal edge 19 of one web 7 from the rear longitudinal edge 17 of the next web 7.
[0086] One advantage of an armrest system 1 of the type described above is that it can be adapted to all users of a vehicle.
[0087] Another advantage of an armrest system 1 of the type described above is that it prevents the armrest 2 from intruding into the area of a rear passenger. This eliminates the constraints of the "knee impact" type when designing such an armrest system 1.
[0088] Another advantage of an armrest system 1 of the type described above is that the stroke of the armrest 2 can be adjusted according to the customer's wishes (depending on their height, the position of their seat, their preferences, their habits, etc.). This is particularly advantageous in the case of autonomous vehicles.
[0089] An armrest system 1 has been described above, in which the console 3 is a center console of a vehicle. The console 3 may, of course, be a console other than a center console, that is to say, a console that can be placed on any rigid surface delimiting the interior or passenger compartment of a vehicle, in any location in the passenger compartment of the vehicle other than the area between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.
[0090] An armrest system 1 of the type described below can be used in all types of motor vehicles.
Claims
Demands
1. Armrest system (1) for a vehicle, comprising a console (3) and an armrest (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (X) and comprising a successive arrangement of a plurality of independent bars (6) disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which the armrest (2) is movably mounted on the console (3) between an adjustable deployed position and a stowed position, the armrest (2) being able to roll into the rear part of the console (3) to move from a deployed position to the stowed position.
2. Armrest system according to claim 1, wherein the console (3) includes at least one guide means (11) on which the plurality of bars (6) are mounted in a sliding and pivoting connection.
3. Armrest system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a drive means (5) for translational movement along the longitudinal direction (X) of at least a part of the plurality of bars (6).
4. Armrest system according to claim 3, wherein the drive means (5) is a flexible elastic connecting means (21), in particular a band, for example made of fabric.
5. Armrest system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one guide means (11) comprises a groove or rail (12, 13) extending along the longitudinal direction (X).
6. Armrest system according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one guiding means (11) further comprises a pin or roller or pin (14) disposed at the location of each bar (6).
7. Armrest system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each bar (6) comprises a core (7) and a sheath (9), the sheath (9) at least partially surrounding the core (7) of each bar (6).
8. Armrest system according to the preceding claim, wherein the sheath (9) of each bar (6) is a foam, in particular of the TEP type, and / or has a uniform thickness.
9. Armrest system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one storage bin (4) intended to be disposed inside the console (3), said stowed position of the armrest (2) allowing the opening of the storage bin (4) to be clear.
10. Vehicle (100), in particular motor vehicle, comprising an armrest system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.