Arrangement of a screen support on a central console of a motor vehicle.

Abstract

Arrangement of a support (7) for a screen (8) on a central console (1) in a motor vehicle (HV) passenger compartment in which the central console (1) comprises a device (9) for driving and guiding the support (7) on an external face (6) of the central console (1), between first and second guide positions (PGH, PGB), distant from each other; one (PGH) of the first and second guide positions (PGB, PGH), called the high guide position, being arranged in the vicinity of the dashboard (4); said arrangement further comprising means for modifying the inclination of the support (7) relative to the external face (6) of the central console (1) so as to straighten the support (7) when the latter is in the vicinity of the high guide position (PGH) to improve the visual comfort of the screen (8) intended to be carried by the support (7). (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Arrangement of a screen support on a central console of a motor vehicle.

[0001] The present invention relates to the interior arrangements of motor vehicles and relates more particularly to an arrangement of a screen support, in particular for a touch screen, on a central console of a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle generally comprises a dashboard, located transversely, at the front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and a central console, integral with the dashboard and extending from the dashboard, between the front seats of the vehicle.

[0003] The dashboard generally carries display devices such as screens, and control buttons. The central console generally carries control buttons, storage spaces, cup holders, a hand rest, an armrest, etc.

[0004] It is desirable that the arrangement of the various equipment present on the dashboard and on the central console be practical and ergonomic in order to facilitate their use and ensure the comfort of the vehicle's passengers.

[0005] In some vehicles, the depth of the dashboard is greatly reduced, which results in a greater distance separating the front passengers from the dashboard. Information display devices such as screens and controls which are generally present on deeper dashboards are no longer accessible or difficult to access for "row 1" passengers, i.e. the driver and the front passenger with a dashboard further away from them. It is therefore no longer possible to position electronic equipment such as a touch screen which provides both the display of information and the control of certain functions linked to the vehicle or to entertainment information intended for the front passenger, for example.

[0006] One solution is therefore to provide a support arrangement for this type of equipment which can be mobile to meet the accessibility and ergonomic constraints for row 1 passengers while respecting regulatory requirements in terms of safety, particularly in the event of impacts (vehicle crash).

[0007] Known in particular from document FR3066447A is a central console configured to be mounted mobile in translation on a vehicle floor between the front seats of the vehicle.

[0008] This mobile central console serves as a support for a display screen, a storage space and a hand rest. The mobile central console also allows the screen support to pivot around the vertical axis of the support.

[0009] The integration of such a solution in a vehicle requires reviewing the design of the passenger compartment, in particular to provide a specific arrangement in the floor of the vehicle in order to ensure translation of the console on the floor of the vehicle and, on the other hand, such an arrangement must meet regulatory safety requirements, in particular in the event of a "vehicle crash".

[0010] The invention therefore aims in particular to provide a simple, secure and easily adaptable solution in interior arrangements of vehicles comprising fixed central consoles.

[0011] The invention has as its first object, an arrangement of a screen support on a central console in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising a dashboard and the central console secured to the dashboard, said central console extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, from the dashboard and between the two front seats of the vehicle, in which the central console comprises a device for driving and guiding the support on an external face of the central console, between first and second guide positions, distant from each other; one of the first and second guide positions, called the high guide position, being arranged in the vicinity of the dashboard;said arrangement further comprising an articulation for modifying the inclination of the support relative to the external face of the central console so as to straighten the support when the latter is in the vicinity of the high guide position to improve the visual comfort of the screen intended to be carried by the support.;

[0012] According to one characteristic, the support defines an arm extending vertically relative to the external face of the central console and a free end portion of which comprises a plate intended to accommodate the screen, articulated by means of a joint arranged on the free end portion of the arm, so as to have at least two axes of rotation for the plate around the free end portion of the arm: an axis of rotation extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle making it possible to modify the inclination of the plate relative to the external face of the central console and an axis of rotation extending vertically making it possible to orient the plate at least towards the front passenger of the vehicle.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the device for driving and guiding the support is integrated inside the central console; said arm of the support exiting the central console through a rectilinear opening arranged in the external face of the central console and extending at least between the first and second guide positions.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the external face of the central console defines a rolling ramp for the plate which comprises at least one rolling element cooperating with said ramp; and in which return spring means are arranged between the plate and the free end of the arm of the support, around the transverse axis, to constrain the rolling element of the plate against the ramp; the return force exerted by the spring means being determined to maintain the plate in contact with the external face of the central console whatever the guiding position of the support between the guiding positions.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the drive and guide device comprises a motorized carriage, comprising a first part, called the upper part, guided in translation in a rectilinear guide rail extending opposite the rectilinear opening of the external face of the central console, between the first and second guide positions and the opening of the rail of which is arranged opposite the rectilinear opening of the external face of the central console; said upper part of the carriage being integral with the arm which extends outside the central console through the opening of the central console.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the carriage comprises a second part, called the lower part, driven by a cable secured to the lower part of the carriage, wound around two end pulleys arranged respectively in the vicinity of the respective ends of the guide rail; at least one of the pulleys being coupled to a drive motor.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the drive and guide device comprises a housing formed of two half-shells which, once assembled together, define a first housing receiving the assembly formed by the two pulleys, the drive cable and the lower part of the carriage and a second housing defining the guide rail for the upper part of the carriage.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the slope of the bottom of the guide rail is greater than the slope of the ramp, which has the effect, in cooperation with the articulation of the free end of the arm around the transverse axis of rotation and the means forming a return spring, of straightening the plate towards a position close to the vertical in the vicinity of the dashboard.

[0019] According to another characteristic, a control button is arranged on the rear part of the central console to control the drive and guidance device.

[0020] Another subject of the present invention is a motor vehicle comprising an arrangement as described above.

[0021] The objective of the present invention is to be able to provide a solution allowing to have a touch screen accessible to passengers in row 1 but also to allow to push the screen back into the so-called "comfort" position towards the dashboard, i.e. a screen usage position which does not require touch control but which allows you to view information that is not essential for driving: guidance, watching films, internet searches, etc.

[0022] A target of the present invention is also to provide an arrangement solution meeting the standards or future standards regarding the recoil of the driving position in a fully autonomous driving mode.

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawing, in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] illustrates, in a perspective view, an arrangement of a screen support according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] illustrates, in a perspective view, the support of the arrangement according to the invention in a low guiding position;

[0026] [Fig.3] illustrates, in a perspective view, the support of the arrangement according to the invention in a high guiding position;

[0027] [Fig.4] illustrates, in a longitudinal sectional view, the central console of the arrangement according to the invention;

[0028] [Fig.5] illustrates, in an exploded view, an embodiment of a device for driving and guiding the support of the arrangement according to the invention;

[0029] [Fig.6] illustrates, in a perspective view, a first detail of the embodiment of [Fig.5];

[0030] [Fig.7] illustrates, in a perspective view, a second detail of the method of realization of [Fig.5];

[0031] [Fig.8] illustrates, in a perspective view, partially in section, a first detail of the articulation of the plate; and

[0032] [Fig.9] illustrates, in a perspective view, a second detail of the articulation of the turntable.

[0033] The elements represented in the figures are oriented within the same orthonormal XYZ reference frame and identical elements are designated by the same alphanumeric references.

[0034] For this purpose and unless otherwise specified, reference is made to the orthonormal reference frame XYZ to identify the directions of extension of the vehicle and the associated relative notions, including a longitudinal direction (along X), a transverse direction (along Y) and a vertical direction (along Z). The longitudinal direction X extends between the front and the rear of the vehicle, the transverse direction Y extends between the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle identified relative to the driver in the vehicle driving situation, and the vertical direction Z defines the extension of the vehicle in elevation from its rolling plane on the ground. Consequently, the relative notions front and rear are identified longitudinally, the lateral concept and the relative concepts right and left are identified transversely, the concepts such as upper and lower or other related relative concepts such as low and high, ... are defined vertically in relation to the rolling plane of the vehicle on the ground.

[0035] In the remainder of the description, it will be considered that the support arranged on the central console supports a touch screen allowing the display of information and / or the control of vehicle functions.

[0036] [Fig.l] illustrates, in perspective, an arrangement of a central console 1 according to the invention, in a passenger compartment of an HV motor vehicle.

[0037] The central console 1 extends towards the front passengers, between the two front seats of the vehicle 2 and 3, represented respectively by their seats. Such a console 1 is called a “central console” because of its central position between the two front seats 2 and 3.

[0038] It extends from the dashboard 4, towards the rear of the vehicle (along X) stopping approximately between the two front seats 2 and 3: the rear part 5 of the central console 1 defining a support 51 for the hand, the wrist or even the forearm of the front passengers.

[0039] The central console 1 is fixedly mounted on the floor of the vehicle, not shown. It generally separates the front of the passenger compartment of the HV vehicle into two spaces dedicated respectively to the driver and the front passenger of the vehicle. The central console 1 can be integral with the dashboard 4 or be attached to the latter. It extends in a direction (along X) perpendicular to the dashboard 4 which extends in a direction (along Y) transverse to the vehicle. The central console 1 is made from a hollow plastic shell which hides a certain number of technical elements: electrical harnesses, gearbox control, etc. It is generally parallelepiped in shape.

[0040] In the embodiment described, the central console 1 defines, starting from the dashboard 4, an external face 6 which is flat and inclined towards the floor of the vehicle, with a determined slope, to join the support 51 of the rear part 5 of the central console 1.

[0041] The external face 6 defines a guide ramp for a support 7 supporting a touch screen 8. A device 9 for driving and guiding the support 7 is integrated into the central console 1 under the external face 6. The device 9 is symbolized in [Fig.l] by a closed outline in broken line. It is thus hidden from the occupants of the vehicle. Only a rectilinear opening 10, or slot, extending between the dashboard 4 and the part 51 forming the support for the rear part 5 of the central console 1 remains visible.

[0042] The device 9 makes it possible to drive and guide the support 7 of the screen 8 on the external face 6 of the central console 1, through the opening 10, between a so-called low guide position PGB ([Fig.2]) and a so-called high guide position PGH ([Fig.3]), distant from the previous one, arranged in the vicinity of the dashboard 4, and vice versa.

[0043] The low guide position PGB is located in the vicinity of the support 51 defining a hand / wrist / forearm rest for the user of the screen, and allows the latter to be able to touch the touch surface of the screen 8 in an accessible and ergonomic manner with the fingertips.

[0044] The device 9 therefore makes it possible to move the screen 8 away from, or closer to, the front passengers. When a front passenger no longer intends or needs to use the touch function of the screen 8, he or she can control, for example by a control button, not shown, arranged on the central console 1, the movement of the screen 8 towards the dashboard 4.

[0045] [Fig.4] illustrates a longitudinal sectional view (along X) of the central console 1 in perspective, passing through the longitudinal median plane of symmetry of the central console 1. This view makes it possible to observe an embodiment of a drive and guide device 9 of the support 7 in the low guide position PGB of the support 7.

[0046] The device 9 comprises guide means which, by cooperating with the support 7 and the ramp 6 (external face) of the central console 1, make it possible to modify the inclination of the support 7 relative to the ramp 6 so as to straighten the support 7 when the latter arrives in the vicinity of the dashboard 4 in the high guide position PGH. The straightening of the support 7, and therefore of the screen 8 carried by the support, has the effect of improving the visual comfort of the screen 8 for the front passengers.

[0047] [Fig. 5] illustrates by an exploded view, the detailed embodiment of the device 9.

[0048] The device 9 comprises a housing formed by two half-shells 11 and 12 which assembled together define two housings superimposed on each other: a first housing 13, or lower housing, and a second housing 14, or upper housing. These two housings 13 and 14 respectively accommodate the lower 15 and upper 16 parts of a carriage 17 which defines the base of the support 7.

[0049] The first housing 13 receives the lower part 15 of the carriage 17 and a drive cable 18 wound around two end pulleys 19 and 20 arranged respectively in the vicinity of the ends of the first housing 13. The drive cable 18 is integral with the lower part 15 of the carriage 17. One 20 of the pulleys 19, 20, designated by driving pulley, is coupled to a drive motor 21 with which it shares the same drive axis oriented along Y. The drive cable 18 and the pulleys 19 and 20 extend in the same plane along ZX.

[0050] The second housing 14, wider than the first, in the transverse direction of the housing (along Y), defines a rectilinear guide rail 22 (along X) of “U” cross-section, for the upper part 16 of the carriage 17 which is wider along Y, than the lower part 15 and which slides on the bottom of the guide rail 22 (bottom of the “U”).

[0051] The upper part of the “U” shaped rail is open over the entire length of the rail 22 with a width along Y corresponding to the width of the first housing 13. The upper part 16 of the carriage 17 can therefore slide in the bottom of the guide rail 22 while being driven by its lower part 15 by the drive cable 18.

[0052] The device 9 is arranged under the external face 6 so as to present the opening of the guide rail 22 opposite the opening 10 formed in the external face 6 of the central console 1, between the first and second guide positions PGH and PGB.

[0053] The upper part 16 of the carriage 17 extends outside the central console 1 through the opening 10 and defines an arm 23 whose free end part 24 ([Fig.6]) is arranged to support a plate 25 whose rear face 26 is articulated around the free end part 24 of the arm 23 to be able to pivot around a first axis YY' of rotation of the plate 25, supported by the free end 24 of the arm 25, relative to the flat external face 6 of the central console 1.

[0054] The front face 27 of the plate 25 is arranged to receive and hold the touch screen 8. The plate 25 is generally rectangular in shape. Its lower edge 28 comprises at least one rolling element 29 cooperating with the ramp defined by the external face 6.

[0055] As illustrated in [Fig.6] and 7, two return springs 30 and 31 (spring 31 is not visible) are arranged around the first axis of rotation YY' of the plate 25 on either side of the free end 24 of the arm 23. The first free ends 32 and 33 of the springs 30 and 31 respectively bear on stops, or locking lugs, 34 and 35 secured to the rear face 26 of the plate 25 and the second free ends (only the free end 36 is visible) of the springs 30 and 31 respectively bear on stops or locking lugs (only the locking lug 38 is visible) secured to the free end portion 24 of the arm 23.The return force exerted by the springs 30 and 31 being determined to maintain the lower edge 28 of the plate 25, in permanent contact with the ramp 6 (external face of the central console 1) whatever the position of the support 7 along the ramp 6, between the guide positions PGB and PGH respectively PGH and PGB.

[0056] The inclination of the plate 25, by pivoting the plate around the axis YY', and therefore of the touch screen 8, relative to the external face 6 of the central console 1, is determined by the slope of the ramp 6 and by the inclination of the bottom of the guide rail 22 relative to the ramp 6.

[0057] Thus and as illustrated in [Fig.4], the bottom of the guide rail 22 is more inclined than the ramp: the slope of the bottom of the guide rail 22 is greater than the slope of the ramp 6.

[0058] The bottom of the guide rail 22 is closer to the ramp 6 in the vicinity of the high guide position PGH than in the vicinity of the low guide position PGB.

[0059] This specific arrangement of the rail 22 relative to the ramp 6 has the effect of causing the arm 23 to protrude from the opening 10 (along Z) with a greater height relative to the ramp 6 in the vicinity of the high guide position PGH, than in the vicinity of the low guide position PGB. The plate 25 gradually straightens by pivoting around the axis YY', approaching a substantially vertical position (along Z). The arrangement of the return springs 30 and 31 ensures stable maintenance of the inclination of the screen 8 on the central console 1 and the fluidity of the change in inclination which is continuous and progressive between the two guide positions PGB, PGH and vice versa PGH, PGB.

[0060] As illustrated in [Fig.8] and as an advantageous variant, the articulation 40 of the plate 25 on the free end part 24 of the arm 23, comprises a second axis of rotation ZZ', extending vertically (along Z) and makes it possible to orient the plate 25 (and therefore the screen 8) at least towards the front passenger of the vehicle.

[0061] The articulation 40 thus allows a double rotation: a rotation around YY' and a rotation around ZZ'.

[0062] The free end portion 24 of the arm 23 is arranged to support the articulation 40 allowing the double rotation of the plate 25 and therefore of the screen 8 supported by the plate 25: a first rotation around the axis YY' and a second rotation around the axis ZZ'. For this purpose, the end of the free end portion 24 has a flat 41 at the rear of the free end portion 24. This flat 41 carries a fixed cylindrical stud, or pivot, 42, extending vertically upwards along the axis ZZ'. The pivot 42 receives in rotation a generally cylindrical sleeve 43 which is centered on the pivot 42 and which rests by its lower base on the flat 4L. The upper base of the cylindrical sleeve 43 extends in the same plane XY as the upper face of the end of the free end portion 24.

[0063] As illustrated in [Fig.9], the sleeve 43 is shaped to receive in rotation the axis of rotation 44 secured to the rear face 26 of the plate 25. It extends in the direction of the axis YY'. The sleeve 43 has, towards the rear, a flat face 45 starting from the upper base of the sleeve 43 to the receptacle 46 of the axis of rotation 44 of the plate 25. The face 45 has a determined inclination relative to the flat 4L. It serves as a support face and a stop for the rear face 26 of the plate 25. It determines the inclination of the plate 25 in the low guide position PGB. The angular adjustment of the inclination of the plate 25 is made possible by means of an adjustable stop 47 arranged on the sleeve 43 and capable of cooperating with a tab 48 ([Fig.8]) projecting from the rotation axis 44 of the plate 25.

[0064] A ball stop 49 is arranged vertically in the sleeve 43 so as to cooperate with three notches (only the notches 50 and 54 are visible) arranged on the upper face 53 of the pivot 42. These means 49-52 make it possible to index the rotation of the plate 25, and therefore of the screen 8, according to three determined angular positions around the axis ZZ': a first angular position in which the screen 8 is oriented in the direction X (no rotation of the screen around the axis ZZ') and second and third angular positions in which the screen 8 is oriented respectively towards the driver or towards the front passenger.

[0065] These three angular positions are stable due to the indexing provided by the ball bearing 49 and the three notches (only the notches 50 and 54 are visible). The rotation angle towards the driver or towards the front passenger is typically of the order of 45° relative to the first angular position (0°).

Claims

1. Claims Arrangement of a support (7) for a screen (8) on a central console (1) in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (HV) comprising a dashboard (4) and the central console (1) secured to the dashboard (4), said central console (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (XX') of the vehicle, from the dashboard (4) and between the two front seats (2, 3) of the vehicle, in which the central console (1) comprises a device (9) for driving and guiding the support (7) on an external face (6) of the central console (1), between first and second guide positions (PGH, PGB), distant from each other; one (PGH) of the first and second guide positions (PGB, PGH), called the high guide position, being arranged in the vicinity of the dashboard (4);said arrangement further comprising an articulation (40) making it possible to modify the inclination of the support (7) relative to the external face (6) of the central console (1) so as to straighten the support (7) when the latter is in the vicinity of the high guide position (PGH) to improve the visual comfort of the screen (8) intended to be carried by the support (7);said support (7) defining an arm (23) extending vertically relative to the external face (6) of the central console (1) and a free end portion (24) of which comprises a plate (25) intended to accommodate the screen (8), articulated by means of a joint (40) arranged on the free end portion (24) of the arm (23), so as to have at least two axes of rotation for the plate (25) around the free end portion (24) of the arm (23): an axis of rotation (YY') extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction (XX') of the vehicle making it possible to modify the inclination of the plate (25) relative to the external face (6) of the central console (1) and an axis of rotation (ZZ') extending vertically making it possible to orient the plate (25) at least towards the front passenger of the vehicle; the drive and guide device (9) of the support (7) being integrated inside the central console (1);said arm (23) of the support (7) emerging from the central console (1) through a rectilinear opening (10) arranged in the external face (6) of the central console (1) and extending at least between the first and second guide positions (PGH, PGB); the arrangement being; characterized in that the external face (6) of the central console (1) defines a rolling ramp for the plate (25) which comprises at least one rolling element (29) cooperating with said ramp (6); and in which return spring means (30, 31) are arranged between the plate (25) and the free end (24) of the arm (23) of the support (7), around the transverse axis (YY'), to force the rolling element (29) of the plate (25) against the ramp (6); the return force exerted by the spring means (30, 31) being determined to maintain the plate (25) in contact with the external face (6) of the central console (1) whatever the guiding position of the support (7) between the guiding positions (PGH; PGB).

2. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, in which the drive and guide device (9) comprises a motorized carriage (17), comprising a first part, called the upper part (16), guided in translation in a rectilinear guide rail (22) extending opposite the rectilinear opening (10) of the external face (6) of the central console (1), between the first and second guide positions (PGB, PGH) and the opening of the rail (22) of which is arranged opposite the rectilinear opening (10) of the external face (6) of the central console (1); said upper part (16) of the carriage (17) being integral with the arm (23) which extends outside the central console (1) through the opening (10) of the central console (1).

3. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, in which the carriage (17) comprises a second part, called the lower part (15), driven by a cable (18) integral with the lower part (15) of the carriage (17), wound around two end pulleys (19, 20) arranged respectively in the vicinity of the respective ends of the guide rail (22); at least one (20) of the pulleys (19, 20) being coupled to a drive motor (21).

4. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, in which the drive and guide device (9) comprises a housing formed of two half-shells (11, 12) which, once assembled together, define a first housing (13) receiving the assembly formed by the two pulleys (19, 20), the drive cable (18) and the lower part (15) of the carriage (17) and a second housing (14) defining the guide rail (22) for the upper part (16) of the carriage (17).

5. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, in which the slope of the bottom of the guide rail (22) is greater than the slope of the ramp (6), which has the effect, in cooperation with the articulation of the free end (24) of the arm (23) around the transverse axis of rotation (YY') and the return spring means (30, 31), of straightening the plate (25) towards a position close to the vertical (Z) in the vicinity of the dashboard (4).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control button is arranged on the rear part (5) of the central console (1) for controlling the drive and guidance device (9).

7. Motor vehicle comprising an arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

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