HAND REST WITH STORAGE SPACE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

HAND REST WITH STORAGE SPACE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES The present invention relates to a hand rest (10) for a center console (8) of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: - a housing; - a cover (14) configured to pivot between a closed position suitable for receiving the palm of a hand of a motor vehicle occupant and an open position revealing a storage space in the housing; notable in that the cover has a rounded upper longitudinal profile, rounded downwards and towards the rear, at a rear portion (14.2) of said cover, and the pivoting to the open position is towards the rear. (Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: HAND REST WITH STORAGE SPACE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, more particularly the field of central consoles of motor vehicles. Prior art

[0002] Modern vehicles offer an unparalleled driving experience, but they often have one common drawback: the lack of storage options tailored to the needs of passengers. It is not uncommon to end up with a messy interior, due to the lack of adequate storage solutions.

[0003] Traditionally, center consoles and palm rests were designed for their basic function as passive support elements, with little emphasis on maximizing their storage potential. This limited approach has long deprived passengers of an effective way to keep their belongings well organized and easily accessible during their journeys.

[0004] However, there is now a growing awareness of the imperative need to create more storage space in the passenger compartment of vehicles. Car manufacturers are increasingly offering solutions to optimize the use of available space, transforming center consoles into functional and practical storage spaces.

[0005] The published patent document FR 2 890 349 A1 discloses a console for a motor vehicle, comprising a cover movable relative to a housing between a closed position and an open position giving access to a bottom of the housing, the cover being movable in rotation along a pivot axis arranged under the bottom of the housing.

[0006] However, the solution proposed by the document has room for improvement, particularly in terms of ergonomics of use in the passenger compartment. This is because the housing cover cannot be used functionally by an occupant of the motor vehicle, for example, as an armrest or hand rest. Statement of the invention

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the invention aims to propose a simple, efficient and economical solution making it possible to provide a hand rest comprising a useful and functional storage space.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a hand rest for a central console of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a case; - a cover configured to pivot between a closed position capable of receiving the palm of a hand of an occupant of the motor vehicle and an open position revealing a storage space in the housing; remarkable in that the cover has an upper longitudinal profile rounded downwards and rearwards, at a rear portion of said cover, and the pivoting to the open position is towards the rear.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the hand rest further comprising: - a fixed wall comprising an inclined portion located at the rear of the cover and connecting with the rear portion of said cover in the closed position, so as to receive the palm.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the fixed wall comprises two lateral portions on either side of the inclined portion and raised relative to said inclined portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the two lateral portions extend forward along the cover in the closed position.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the pivoting of the cover is around a transverse pivot axis located at a lower part of the housing.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the hand rest further comprising: - elastic means tending to return the cover to the closed position; and - a cover lock in the open position, configured to activate when said cover is pivoted to the open position, and to deactivate when said cover is pivoted to said open position.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the elastic means comprise at least one rotary spring arranged on a pivot axis of the cover.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the lock comprises a mechanism rigidly connected to a lower part of the housing and a movable part connected to the cover and capable of engaging with said mechanism.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the hand rest further comprising: - damping means configured to slow down the end of pivoting towards the open position.

[0017] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a central console comprising: - a dashboard; - a central armrest; - a hand rest located downstream of the central armrest; remarkable in that the hand rest is according to the invention, and in that the rest- hand is preferably arranged in an intermediate position between the dashboard and the central armrest, so that the palm of the hand of the occupant of the motor vehicle is directly arranged on the cover of the hand rest when the central armrest receives an elbow of said occupant.

[0018] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that the hand rest allows a storage space to be integrated into a housing advantageously arranged within the central console. The pivoting of the cover as well as the rounded shape of its rear portion make it possible to improve comfort and ergonomics of use.

[0019] The hand rest of the invention provides the motor vehicle with a gain in style and storage, improving the comfort of use and the overall functionality of the interior of the vehicle.

[0020] The present invention contributes to the advancement of the design of motor vehicle interiors, thereby raising the standard of interior storage and ergonomics. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] [Fig-1] represents a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising a central console comprising a hand rest according to the invention;

[0022] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of a cover of the palm rest;

[0023] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view of a fixed wall and a housing of the rest- hand ;

[0024] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of the hand rest, in which the cover is in a closed position;

[0025] [Fig.5] represents another perspective view of the hand rest of [Fig.4];

[0026] [Fig.6] represents a sectional view along axis AA of the hand rest of [Fig.l], wherein the cover is in a closed position capable of receiving the palm of a hand of an occupant of the motor vehicle;

[0027] [Fig.7] represents a sectional view along axis AA of the hand rest of [Fig.l], in which the cover is in an open position revealing a storage space in the housing. Detailed description

[0028] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of a passenger compartment 4 of a motor vehicle 2 comprising a central console 8 comprising a hand rest 10 according to the invention.

[0029] The motor vehicle 2 comprises a dashboard 6 and a central armrest 12 at a rear part of the central console 8. The vehicle 2 also comprises a touch zone 16 arranged upstream of the central console 8, this zone allows the occupants of the vehicle to control, among other things, a device infotainment (not shown) that can be placed on the dashboard 6.

[0030] Advantageously, the hand rest 10 of the invention is arranged downstream of the central armrest 12 in an intermediate position between the dashboard 6 and said central armrest 12, so that the palm of a hand of an occupant of the motor vehicle 2 is directly arranged on a cover 14 of the hand rest 10 when the central armrest 12 receives an elbow of said occupant.

[0031] In this configuration, the hand rest 10 is ideally located in the passenger compartment 4 in order to provide better ergonomics for the occupant, in particular when using the touch zone 16.

[0032] Conventionally, hand rests have generally been designed as elements of the passenger compartment providing only their basic support functions. To overcome this intrinsic limitation, the hand rest 10 of the present invention proposes an innovative solution for arranging a functional storage space therein, while improving the ergonomics of use.

[0033] The construction and mechanisms of the hand rest 10 will be detailed in depth in this description.

[0034] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of the cover 14 of the hand rest 10 visible in [Fig.l].

[0035] Advantageously, the cover 14 is configured to pivot between a closed position capable of receiving the palm of the occupant of the motor vehicle, and an open position revealing a storage space in a housing visible in the following figures.

[0036] In this regard, the cover 14 comprises two articulation arms 14.1 having an arcuate shape and extending from a rear portion 14.2 of said cover 14, the latter having an upper longitudinal profile rounded downwards and towards the rear. This makes it possible to improve the comfort of use of the hand rest.

[0037] The two articulation arms 14.1 extend internally in the central console, and on either side of the cover 14, said articulation arms 14.1 are configured to be mounted astride the housing, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, and thus to be articulated around a transverse pivot axis 13.

[0038] [Fig. 3] represents a perspective view of a fixed wall 20 and a housing 22 belonging to the hand rest 10. The latter is here represented without its cover 14 illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0039] The fixed wall 20 comprises an inclined portion 20.1 positioned at the rear of the cover and follows the inclination of its rear portion 14.2 (visible in [Fig.2]) in the closed position, so as to receive the palm of the occupant.

[0040] The fixed wall 20 further comprises two lateral portions 20.2 extending on either side and on the other side of the inclined portion 20.1 and which are raised relative to said inclined portion 20.1, in a vertical direction of the motor vehicle.

[0041] Advantageously, the housing 22 forms a passage 24 for the cover in the closed position, said passage corresponding to an opening 24 arranged at a crossing between the rear portion of the cover and the inclined portion 20.1 of the fixed wall 20.

[0042] The housing 22 comprises a lower part 22.1 at the level of which the articulation arms of the cover are articulated around the pivot axis 13. Thus, to access the storage space in the housing 22, the cover retracts completely inside the central console by passing through the opening 24.

[0043] [Fig. 4] shows a perspective view of the hand rest 10, in which the cover 14 is in the closed position. This is a view of a right lateral side of said hand rest 10.

[0044] It can be seen that the two lateral portions 20.2 of the fixed wall 20 extend forward along the cover 14, thus forming a total curved surface for receiving the palm.

[0045] Preferably, the hand rest 10 comprises elastic means 26 which comprise at least one rotary spring 26 arranged on a pivot axis 13 of the cover 14, and more preferably comprises two rotary springs 26 configured to exert a resistive force making it possible to offer resistance to the opening of the cover 14, which improves the perceived quality, and also makes it possible to return the cover 14 to the closed position from the open position and / or from an intermediate position, for example, when the user begins to open the hand rest 10 but interrupts the opening.

[0046] The housing 22 comprises a lower end 22.2 extending from a bottom of its lower part 22.1, said lower end 22.2 receiving a fixed mechanism 28.1 of a lock 28 of the cover 14 configured to keep it in the open position, its operation will be explained according to figures 6 and 7.

[0047] [Fig. 5] shows another perspective view of the hand rest 10. This is a view of a left lateral side of said hand rest 10, from which damping means 30 can be seen configured to slow down the end of the pivoting of the cover 14 towards the closed position.

[0048] The damping means 30 comprise a guide surface 30.1 preferably corresponding to a toothed sector 30.1 cooperating with a toothed wheel 30.2 (partially illustrated in [Fig.5]) mounted on one of the two articulation arms 14.1 in a corresponding housing 14.3.

[0049] The toothed wheel 30.2 may comprise a rod (not shown) extending through the toothed sector 30.1 to reach an internal portion 22.3 of the housing 22 which may comprise a viscous material, such as grease for example, in order to ensure a more uniform slowdown and a silent pivoting of the cover 14. This improves the quality of the pivoting and gives the user a feeling of robustness of the opening mechanism.

[0050] [Fig.6] represents a sectional view along the axis AA of the hand rest 10 of the [Fig.l], in which the cover 14 is in the closed position.

[0051] It can be observed at its rear portion 14.2 of the cover, the movable part 28.2 of the lock, intended to engage with the fixed mechanism 28.1 mounted on the lower end 22.2.

[0052] Preferably, the rear portion 14.2 forms a hook, and the fixed mechanism 28.1 comprises a holding jaw configured to hold the hook of the rear portion 14.2 as soon as the latter is inserted into the fixed mechanism 28.1.

[0053] In this configuration, the occupant wishing to open the cover and access the storage space in the housing 22 will press backwards on a front portion 14.4 of the cover 14 to cause it to pivot to its open position illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0054] With reference to [Fig.7], the lock 28 is here activated, and the cover 14 having passed through the opening 24, is completely retracted inside the central console 8, thus giving free access to the interior of the housing 22.

[0055] Advantageously, this innovative design allows the secure and convenient storage of the occupant's personal belongings within the housing 22. It is therefore a storage solution improving accessibility, and ensuring that the stored objects remain within reach of the occupants, thus promoting a more pleasant driving experience of the motor vehicle.

[0056] The occupant wishing to close the storage space and return the cover 14 to its closed position, will simply press on the front portion 14.4 (in the rear direction of the motor vehicle), the fixed mechanism 28.1 will thus release the hook of the movable part 28.2 (deactivation of the lock 28), and the rotating springs will automatically return the cover 14 to its closed position illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0057] The hand rest 10 of the present invention advantageously solves the challenges of limited space in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles while preserving aesthetics and ergonomic comfort. With a user-centered design, this patent application aims to establish a new standard for interior storage solutions in motor vehicles.

Claims

Claims

1. Hand rest (10) for a central console (8) of a motor vehicle (2), comprising: - a housing (22); - a cover (14) configured to pivot between a closed position capable of receiving the palm of a hand of an occupant of the motor vehicle (2) and an open position revealing a storage space in the housing (22); characterized in that the cover (14) has an upper longitudinal profile rounded downwards and towards the rear, at a rear portion (14.2) of said cover (14), and the pivoting towards the open position is towards the rear.

2. Hand rest (10) according to claim 1, further comprising: - a fixed wall (20) comprising an inclined portion (20.1) located at the rear of the cover (14) and connecting with the rear portion (14.2) of said cover (14) in the closed position, so as to receive the palm.

3. Hand rest (10) according to claim 2, wherein the fixed wall (20) comprises two lateral portions (20.2) on either side of the inclined portion (20.1) and raised relative to said inclined portion (20.1).

4. A hand rest (10) according to claim 3, wherein the two side portions (20.2) extend forwardly along the cover (14) in the closed position.

5. Hand rest (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pivoting of the cover (14) is around a transverse pivot axis (13) located at a lower part (22.1) of the housing (22).

6. Hand rest (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: - elastic means (26) tending to return the cover (14) to the closed position; and - a lock (28) of the cover (14) in the open position, configured to activate during a pivoting of said cover (14) to the open position, and to deactivate during a pivoting movement of said cover (14) towards said open position.

7. Hand rest (10) according to claim 6, wherein the elastic means (26) comprise at least one rotary spring (26) arranged on a pivot axis (13) of the cover (14).

8. Hand rest (10) according to one of claims 6 and 7, in which the lock (28) comprises a mechanism (28.1) rigidly connected to a lower part (22.1) of the housing (22) and a movable part (28.2) connected to the cover (14) and capable of engaging with said mechanism (28.1).

9. Hand rest (10) according to one of claims 1 and 8, further comprising: - damping means (30) configured to slow down the end of the pivoting towards the open position.

10. Motor vehicle (2) comprising a central console (8) comprising: - a dashboard (6); - a central armrest (12); - a hand rest (10) arranged downstream of the central armrest (12); characterized in that the hand rest (10) is according to one of claims 1 to 9, and in that the hand rest (10) is, preferably arranged in an intermediate position between the dashboard (6) and the central armrest (8), so that the palm of the hand of the occupant of the motor vehicle (2) is directly arranged on the cover (14) of the hand rest (10) when the central armrest (12) receives an elbow of said occupant.

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