Modular center console

Abstract

Modular Center Console The center console comprises: - a lower base (2) defining a first reception zone (12) and a second reception zone (14), - a first upper module (4) fixed to the first reception zone (12) of the base (2), - a second upper module (6) and a third upper module (8) that can be fixed to the second reception zone (14) of the base (2), the center console being configurable in at least one first configuration, in which the first module (4) is fixed to the first reception zone (12) and the second module (6) is fixed to the second reception zone (14), and a second configuration, in which the first module (4) is fixed to the first reception zone (12) and the third module (8) is fixed to the second reception zone (14). Figure for abbreviation: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular center console

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular center console.

[0002] The invention also relates to a range of center consoles comprising at least two of these center consoles.

[0003] In a known manner, such a central console is used to offer several functions to the vehicle's passengers, for example a support surface formed by an armrest, one or more storage volumes, an electrical charging device for a portable device, a display device, one or more cup holders, etc.

[0004] Depending on the number of functions offered and / or the vehicle configuration, which may vary depending on the vehicle range, the center console has a different shape, dimensions, and / or components. Therefore, the center console may differ from one vehicle to another, and specific center consoles must be manufactured for each vehicle model.

[0005] Consequently, for an automotive manufacturer or subcontractor, it is necessary to have several models of center consoles and to be able to equip each model with different components depending on the vehicle in which it is to be installed. This complicates inventory management and results in significant assembly times.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by offering a modular center console that can be adapted to several vehicles using common components.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a modular center console comprising:

[0008] - a lower base defining at least a first receiving zone and a second reception zone, adjacent to each other along a longitudinal direction,

[0009] - at least one first upper module fixed to the first receiving zone of the base,

[0010] - at least one second upper module and one third upper module that can be fixed on the second receiving area of ​​the base,

[0011] the central console being configurable in at least a first configuration, in which the first module is fixed on the first reception area and the second module is fixed on the second reception area, and a second configuration, in which the first module is fixed on the first reception area and the third module is fixed on the second reception area.

[0012] Thus, starting from a common base and at least three different modules, presenting For example, by using different shapes and / or components, it's possible to offer two types of center consoles of the same type but with different configurations. It's clear, then, that by adding extra modules, it's possible to increase the number of possible configurations from common elements. Inventory management is therefore simplified, and assembly times can be reduced.

[0013] The central console according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination: - the second module and the third module each have a longitudinal dimension, measured along the longitudinal direction, which is substantially equal, said longitudinal dimension being substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the second reception zone; - the second module and the third module each include at least one fixing element to the base, said base including, in the second receiving area, at least one additional fixing element to the fixing elements of the second module and the third module; - the fixing element of the second module is of a different nature from the fixing element of the third module, the base comprising, in the second receiving area, at least one additional fixing element of the fixing element of the second module and at least one additional fixing element of the fixing element of the third module; - the central console includes at least a fourth upper module that can be fixed to the first reception area, the trim element being further configurable in at least a third configuration, in which the fourth module is fixed to the first reception area and the second module is fixed to the second reception area, and a fourth configuration, in which the fourth module is fixed to the first reception area and the third module is fixed to the second reception area; - the first module and the fourth module each have a longitudinal dimension, measured along the longitudinal direction, that is substantially equal, said longitudinal dimension being substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the first reception zone; - the first module and the fourth module each include at least one fixing element to the base, said base including, in the first receiving area, at least one additional fixing element to the fixing elements of the first module and the fourth module; - the module fixed to the first reception area and the module fixed to the second receiving zone are butted against each other at the transition between the first receiving zone and the second receiving zone in all configurations of the trim element;

[0014] at least one of the modules includes at least one of an armrest, a storage compartment, a charging device for a portable electronic device, a display device and / or a cup holder. According to another aspect, the invention relates to a range of center consoles comprising at least a first center console and a second center console as described above, the base of the first and second center consoles being identical and at least one module among the first, second and third modules being different between the first center console and the second center console.

[0015] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] - [Fig.1] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a bracket central unit according to the invention in a first configuration,

[0017] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a central console according to the invention in a second configuration,

[0018] [Fig.3] - [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a central console according to the invention in a third configuration, and

[0019] [Fig.4] - [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional representation of a central console according to the invention in a fourth configuration.

[0020] With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a modular center console 1 is described, comprising a base 2, at least one first upper module 4, a second upper module 6, and a third upper module 8, which can be configured in a first configuration ([Fig. 1]) and in a second configuration ([Fig. 2]). Such a vehicle center console is, for example, installed behind a dashboard 10.

[0021] The base 2 is arranged to receive the first upper module 4 on the one hand and the second upper module 6 or the third upper module 8 on the other. For this purpose, the base 2 comprises a first receiving area 12 and a second receiving area 14 adjacent to each other along a longitudinal direction. In the case of a center console, the longitudinal direction corresponds, for example, to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. As will be described in more detail later, the first receiving area 12 is arranged to receive the first module 4 and the second receiving area 14 is arranged to receive, depending on the configuration of the center console, the second module 6 or the third module 8. In the figures, the first receiving area 12 is adjacent to the dashboard 10, but it is understood that this representation is given only as an example and that the second reception area 14 could be adjacent to the dashboard or that the entire center console 1 could be separated from the dashboard.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first receiving zone 12 and the second receiving zone 14 extend continuously from one another, substantially in the same plane, preferably horizontal when the vehicle rests on a horizontal ground.

[0023] The base 2 can have any shape suitable for receiving the modules. Thus, by way of example, the base 2 comprises longitudinal walls 16 delimiting a hollow internal volume and connected to each other at their longitudinal ends by transverse walls 18, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and corresponding, for example, to the width of the vehicle when the longitudinal direction corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. In the case of a center console, the lower ends 20 of the longitudinal walls 16 and transverse walls 18 rest, for example, on the vehicle floor, while the upper ends 22 define an access opening to the internal volume of the base 2.The terms "lower" and "upper" are defined according to a direction of elevation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions and corresponding, for example, to the height of the vehicle. The first and second reception zones 12, 14 correspond to portions of the internal volume and / or the upper ends 22 of the longitudinal walls 16.

[0024] The first, second, and third upper modules 4, 6, and 8 correspond to parts of the center console 1 whose shape and / or equipment are adapted to provide a complete center console 1 of a particular type when the first module 4 is combined with the second module 6 or with the third module 8. The center console has a different layout, shape, appearance, and / or functionality depending on the modules combined. Thus, each module may include at least one armrest, a storage compartment, a charging port for a portable electronic device, a display, and / or a cup holder. The modules of a particular type of center console can be combined according to the equipment and functionality desired for vehicle users.

[0025] The first module 4 is fixed to the first receiving area 12. Thus, in the case of a base 2 comprising an internal volume accessible through an opening defined by longitudinal walls 16, the first module 4 closes the internal volume in the first receiving area 12 by extending over and between the upper ends 22 of the longitudinal walls. In other words, the first module 4 covers the entire first receiving area 12. More specifically, the first module 4 has a longitudinal dimension, measured along the longitudinal direction, sen possibly equal to the longitudinal dimension of the first receiving zone 12. The longitudinal dimension of the first receiving zone 12 corresponds, where applicable, to the length of the upper end 22 of the longitudinal wall 16 in the first receiving zone 12 and the longitudinal dimension of the first module 4 is the length of the part of the first module 4 extending over this upper end 22. According to one embodiment, in particular when the first module 4 includes a storage volume, the first module 4 extends into at least a part of the internal volume of the base 2 in the first receiving zone 12.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first upper module 4 is reversibly fixed to the base 2. To allow the reversible fixing of the first module 4, i.e., to allow the mounting and dismounting of the first module 4 on the base 2 without damaging the first module 4 or the base 2, the first module 4 comprises at least one reversible fixing element (not shown) for the base 2, cooperating with a complementary fixing element provided in the first receiving area 12 of the base 2. The fixing element and the complementary fixing element allow the first module 4 to be positioned and fixed on the base 2 so that the first module 4 extends into and onto the first receiving area 12. The fixing element and the complementary fixing element may be mechanical fixing elements, requiring or not the use of a tool to ensure their cooperation and / or to undo it.Several fixing elements and as many additional fixing elements can be provided.

[0027] When the first module 4 is fixed on the base, a longitudinal edge 24 of the first module 4 then extends along the transition between the first receiving zone 12 and the second receiving zone 14. The longitudinal edge 24 defines an end of the first module 4 in the longitudinal direction, namely the end of the first module 4 adjacent to the second or third module 6, 8.

[0028] In a first configuration of the central console, shown in [Fig.1], the second upper module 6 is fixed on the second receiving area 14 with the first upper module 4 fixed on the first receiving area 12.

[0029] In the case of a base 2 comprising an internal volume accessible through an opening defined by longitudinal walls 16, the second module 6 closes the internal volume in the second receiving zone 12 by extending over and between the upper ends 22 of the longitudinal walls. In other words, the second module 6 covers the entire second receiving zone 14. More specifically, the second module 6 has a longitudinal dimension substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the second receiving zone 14. The definition of the longitudinal dimensions of the second receiving zone 14 and of the second module 6 is the same as that of the longitudinal dimensions of the first receiving zone. 12 and the first module 4. According to one embodiment, in particular when the second module 6 includes a storage volume, the second module 6 extends into at least a part of the internal volume of the base 2 in the second receiving area 14.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the second upper module 6 is reversibly fixed to the base 2. To allow the reversible fixing of the second module 6, the second module 6 includes at least one reversible fixing element (not shown) for the base 2, cooperating with a complementary fixing element provided in the second receiving area 14 of the base 2. The fixing element and the complementary fixing element allow the second module 6 to be positioned and fixed on the base 2 so that the second module 6 extends into and onto the second receiving area 14. The fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the second module 6 and the base 2 are, for example, of the same type as the fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the first module 4 and the base 2.Alternatively, these fixing elements are of a different nature, i.e. the second module 6 is fixed to the base 2 in a different way than the first module 4.

[0031] When the second module 6 is fixed to the base, a longitudinal edge 26 of the second module 6 extends along the transition between the first receiving zone 12 and the second receiving zone 14. The longitudinal edge 26 defines one end of the second module 6 in the longitudinal direction, namely the end of the second module 6 adjacent to the first module 4. In one embodiment, the longitudinal edge 26 of the second module 6 is substantially complementary to the longitudinal edge 24 of the first module 4, and the two edges are pressed against each other when the first and second modules 4, 6 are fixed to the base 2. Thus, in the first configuration, the central console 1 presents a harmonious transition between the first module 4 and the second module 6, this transition being rendered practically invisible by the contact between the longitudinal edges and by giving a coherent appearance to the first and second modules 4, 6.

[0032] In the first configuration, the central console 1 has, in the first reception area 12, the appearance conferred by the first module 4 from the outside of the central console and offers the functionalities provided in the first module 4 and has, in the second reception area 14, the appearance conferred by the second module 6 from the outside of the central console and offers the functionalities provided in the second module 6.

[0033] In a second configuration of the central console, shown in [Fig.2], the third upper module 8 is fixed on the second receiving area 14 with the first module 4 fixed on the first receiving area 12.

[0034] The third module 8 differs from the second module 6, at least in that it has a different appearance and / or in that it offers at least one different function. In the example shown in the figures, the third module 8 has a different shape from the second module 6 and, in particular, is taller than the second module and includes a support surface formed by an armrest 28. In other words, by switching from the first configuration to the second configuration, a central console with a different appearance and / or functionality is provided.

[0035] The third module 8 is arranged to replace the second module 6 in the second receiving zone 14 by extending over and between the upper ends 22 of the longitudinal walls in the second receiving zone 14. Thus, the third module 8 has a longitudinal dimension substantially equal to that of the second module 6 and a longitudinal edge 30 having substantially the same shape as that of the second module 6. It is understood, however, as previously suggested, that the third module 8 does not necessarily occupy the same space as the second module 6, although the third module 8 also closes the upper opening of the base 2 in the second receiving zone 14 when such an upper opening exists. Thus, by way of example, the second module 6 may extend into the interior volume of the base 2, whereas the third module 8 does not necessarily extend into it.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the third module 8 is reversibly fixed to the base 2. The third module 8 then comprises at least one reversible fixing element to the base 2, which includes at least one complementary fixing element to this fixing element in the second receiving zone 14. The fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the third module 8 and the base 2 are, for example, of the same type as the fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the second module 6 and the base 2. Alternatively, these fixing elements are of a different type, i.e., the third module 8 is fixed to the base 2 in a different way than the second module 6.In this case, the base 2 includes, in the second receiving area, at least one additional fixing element for the fixing element of the second module 6 and at least one additional fixing element for the fixing element of the third module 8.

[0037] In the second configuration, the center console 1 has, in the first reception area 12, the appearance conferred by the first module 4 from the outside of the center console and offers the functionalities provided in the first module 4 and has, in the second reception area 14, the appearance conferred by the third module 8 from the outside of the center console and offers the functionalities provided in the third module 8. By providing a longitudinal edge 30 of the same shape as that of the second module 6, the transition between the first module 4 and the third module 8 in the second configuration can be as harmonious as that between the first module 4 and the second module 6 in the first configuration.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the central console 1 further comprises a fourth upper module 32 arranged to replace the first module 4 in the first receiving area 12 by extending over and between the upper ends 22 of the longitudinal walls in the first receiving area 12. Thus, the fourth module 32 has a longitudinal dimension substantially equal to that of the first module 4 and a longitudinal edge 34 having substantially the same shape as that of the first module 4. It is understood, however, that the fourth module 32 does not necessarily occupy the same space as the first module 4, although the fourth module 32 also closes the upper opening of the base 2 in the first receiving area 12 when such an upper opening exists. Thus, by way of example, the first module 4 may extend into the interior volume of the base 2, whereas the fourth module 32 does not necessarily extend into it.

[0039] The fourth module 32 differs from the first module 4, at least in that it has a different appearance and / or in that it offers at least one different function. In the example shown in the figures, the fourth module 32 has a different shape from the first module 4 and is, in particular, arranged to attach to the dashboard 10 in a different way than the first module 4.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the fourth upper module 32 is reversibly fixed to the base 2. The fourth module 32 then comprises at least one reversible fixing element to the base 2, which includes at least one complementary fixing element to this fixing element in the first receiving zone 12. The fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the fourth module 32 and the base 2 are, for example, of the same type as the fixing element(s) and the complementary fixing element(s) between the first module 4 and the base 2. Alternatively, these fixing elements are of a different type, i.e., the fourth module 32 is fixed to the base 2 in a different way than the first module 4.In this case, the base 2 includes, in the first receiving area, at least one additional fixing element for the fixing element of the first module 4 and at least one additional fixing element for the fixing element of the fourth module 32.

[0041] Such a fourth module 32 further increases the modularity of the center console 1. Thus, the center console 1 is also configurable in a third configuration ([Fig. 3]), in which the fourth module 32 is fixed to the first reception area 12 and the second module 6 is fixed to the second reception area 12. reception 14, and in a fourth configuration ([Fig.4]), in which the fourth module 32 is fixed on the first reception zone 12 and the third module is fixed on the second reception zone 14. It will be understood that the aspect and functions of the fourth module 32 are thus combined with the aspect and functions of the second or third modules 6, 8 in the third or fourth configuration.

[0042] By providing a longitudinal edge 34 of the same shape as that of the first module 4, the transition between the fourth module 32 and the second module 6 in the third configuration, and between the fourth module 32 and the third module 8 in the fourth configuration, can be as smooth as in the first and second configurations. Thus, according to one embodiment, the module fixed to the first receiving zone 12 and the module fixed to the second receiving zone 14 are butted against each other at the transition between the first receiving zone 12 and the second receiving zone 14 in all configurations of the center console.

[0043] The modularity of the central console 1 according to the invention can be further increased by providing additional modules and / or additional reception areas.

[0044] Thus, starting from a limited number of common elements, the invention makes it possible to offer a plurality of trim elements having different appearances and / or functionalities. The invention also relates to a range of center consoles comprising at least a first center console and a second center console as described above, the base 2 of the first and second center consoles being identical and at least one module among the first, second, and third modules being different between the first and second center consoles.

[0045] Alternatively, the first, second, third and / or fourth modules are fixed in a non-reversible manner to the base 2, for example by welding, riveting or any other non-reversible means of fixing.

[0046] The different modules are self-supporting structural modules, that is to say, they provide by themselves the rigidity and the necessary resistance of said module.

[0047] The invention improves the repairability, interchangeability, recyclability, and reuse of the various modules of the center console. Furthermore, since the base is common to several vehicles, the production of such a standard part reduces the carbon footprint of the center console compared to a console dedicated to a specific vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Modular central console (1) comprising: - a lower base (2) defining at least a first receiving zone (12) and a second receiving zone (14), adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction, - at least a first upper module (4) fixed to the first receiving zone (12) of the base (2), - at least a second upper module (6) and a third upper module (8) fixable to the second receiving zone (14) of the base (2), the central console being configurable in at least a first configuration, in which the first module (4) is fixed to the first receiving zone (12) and the second module (6) is fixed to the second receiving zone (14), and a second configuration, in which the first module (4) is fixed to the first receiving zone (12) and the third module (8) is fixed to the second receiving zone (14).

2. Central console according to claim 1, in which the second module (6) and the third module (8) each have a longitudinal dimension, measured in the longitudinal direction, which is substantially equal, said longitudinal dimension being substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the second receiving zone (14).

3. Central console according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second module (6) and the third module (8) each comprise at least one element for fixing to the base (2), said base (2) comprising, in the second receiving zone (14), at least one fixing element complementary to the fixing elements of the second module (6) and of the third module (8).

4. Central console according to claim 3, in which the fixing element of the second module (6) is of a different nature from the fixing element of the third module (8), the base (2) comprising, in the second receiving zone, at least one fixing element complementary to the fixing element of the second module (6) and at least one fixing element complementary to the fixing element of the third module (8).

5. Central console according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one fourth upper module (32) fixable on the first receiving area (12), the central console being further configurable in at least a third configuration, in which the fourth module (32) is fixed on the first receiving area (12) and the second module (6) is fixed on the second receiving area (14), and a fourth configuration, in which the fourth module (32) is fixed on the first receiving area (12) and the third module (8) is fixed on the second receiving area (14).

6. Central console according to claim 5, in which the first module (4) and the fourth module (32) each have a longitudinal dimension, measured in the longitudinal direction, which is substantially equal, said longitudinal dimension being substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the first receiving zone (12).

7. Central console according to claim 5 or 6, in which the first module (4) and the fourth module (32) each comprise at least one element for fixing to the base (2), said base (2) comprising, in the first receiving zone (12), at least one fixing element complementary to the fixing elements of the first module (4) and of the fourth module (34).

8. A center console according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the module attached to the first receiving area (12) and the module attached to the second receiving area (14) abut against each other at the transition between the first receiving area (12) and the second receiving area (14) in all configurations of the center console.

9. Central console according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which at least one of the modules (4, 6, 8, 32) comprises at least one of an armrest (28), a storage volume, an electrical charging device for a portable electronic device, a display device and / or a cup holder.

10. Range of central consoles comprising at least a first central console according to one of the preceding claims and a second central console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) of the first and second central consoles is identical and that at least one module among the first, second and third modules (4, 6, 8) is different between the first central console and the second central console.

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