Folding table for vehicle with support arm and piston

Abstract

Folding table for vehicle with support arm and piston The present invention relates to a folding table comprising: - two shelves (12) each comprising a translation track (26); - a table leg (14), each shelf (12) being rotatable relative to the table leg (14); - a piston (16) received in the table leg (14) and capable of sliding relative to the table leg (14); - for each shelf (12), a support arm (18) connecting the shelf (12) to the piston (16), the support arm (18) comprising a translation end (46) and a rotation end (48), the translation end (46) being movable along the translation track (26), the rotation end (48) being rotatable relative to the piston; the support arms extending opposite each other relative to the piston. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Folding table for vehicle with support arm and piston

[0001] The present invention relates to a folding table for a vehicle.

[0002] In order to improve the comfort and functionality of vehicle interiors, it is known to provide folding tables, which can be connected to a seat back or arranged between seats.

[0003] Tables connected to a seat backrest are not entirely satisfactory, due to the poor load capacity, the dependence of the angle of the unfolded table on the inclination of the front seats. In addition, the perceived quality is degraded by the fact that the table and its mechanism usually remain visible to the user.

[0004] Tables arranged between seats typically comprise two shelves extending opposite one another, the deployment of which is carried out by a complex mechanism. These tables usually leave their deployment mechanism visible, which degrades the quality perceived by the user. In addition, the known mechanisms require each of the shelves to be deployed individually, which causes discomfort for the user.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to propose a folding table for vehicles improving comfort of use, while guaranteeing good perceived quality for the user and good load capacity.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a folding table for a vehicle comprising:

[0007] - at least two shelves, each shelf comprising a translation track;

[0008] - a table leg comprising, for each shelf, at least one pivot, the shelf being movable in rotation relative to the table leg following the pivot;

[0009] - a piston received in the table leg and capable of sliding relative to the table leg table ;

[0010] - for each tablet, a support arm connecting the tablet to the piston, the arm of support comprising a translation end and a rotation end, the translation end being received in the translation track of the tablet and being movable along the translation track, the rotation end being connected to the piston and rotatable relative to the piston; the tablet support arms extending opposite each other relative to the piston.

[0011] Such a folding table structure allows the table to be deployed or closed by operating only one of the two shelves, for improved user comfort. In addition, the mechanism is compact and leaves none of the elements visible to the user. mechanical chain connections allowing the table to be deployed. The support arm also ensures good load capacity for the tablet.

[0012] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the table comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0013] - the piston is able to slide relative to the table leg along an axis of piston translation and each tablet is movable in rotation relative to the table leg along a tablet rotation axis perpendicular to the piston translation axis;

[0014] - each support arm is rotatable relative to the table leg according to a arm rotation axis parallel to each tablet rotation axis;

[0015] - the piston comprises, for each support arm, a fin cooperating with the rotational end of the support arm, the rotational end comprising at least two guide fingers gripping the fin;

[0016] - each tablet also includes an envelope defining an interior volume in which the translation track is arranged;

[0017] - the support arms are longitudinally offset relative to each other without su perposition;

[0018] - each tablet comprises a tray having a flat upper surface and the table is adapted to have an extended configuration, in which the upper surface of each shelf is perpendicular to an elevation direction of the table, and a closed configuration, in which the upper surface of each shelf is parallel to the elevation direction;

[0019] - the table leg comprises, for each shelf, two pivots extending on either side on the other side of the support arms; and, the table leg comprises two shoulders, arranged on either side of the support arms, each shoulder receiving one of the pivots of each shelf;

[0020] - the table leg has, at the level of each shoulder, an upper surface shoulder, the upper shoulder surface being flush with the upper surface of each tabletop, when the table is in the extended configuration; and

[0021] - the table also includes a covering skin, the covering skin being attached on the upper surface of the top of each shelf and having a free zone at least opposite the table leg, the free zone being taut when the table is in the deployed configuration.

[0022] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a table according to a mode of carrying out the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic sectional view, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, of the table of [Fig.l]; and

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic detail view in perspective of an example of making a hinge for the table in [Fig.l].

[0026] A folding table 10 according to one embodiment is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0027] The table 10 is for example integrated into a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle.

[0028] The table 10 is for example arranged between two seats of the vehicle, for example rear seats. Table 10 is then preferably integrated into an armrest.

[0029] We define an elevation direction Z, a longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the elevation direction Z, and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and elevation Z.

[0030] The elevation direction Z is typically perpendicular to the rolling plane of the vehicle, when the table 10 is integrated into the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is for example parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0031] Hereinafter, the terms "above" and "below" are understood in relation to the elevation direction Z. The terms "length", "longitudinal" or "longitudinally" are understood in relation to the longitudinal direction X. The terms "width" or "transverse" are understood in relation to the transverse direction Y.

[0032] Table 10 is suitable for presenting a deployed configuration, illustrated in [Fig.l], and a closed configuration, not illustrated.

[0033] The table 10 comprises at least two shelves 12, a table leg 14 and a piston 16. The table 10 also comprises, for each shelf 12, a support arm 18 connecting the shelf 12 to the piston 16.

[0034] Preferably, the table 10 comprises, for each support arm 18, a hinge 19 connecting the support arm 18 to the table leg 14.

[0035] The table 10 preferably has a symmetrical plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and parallel to the elevation direction Z.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the table 10 comprises only two shelves 12. The shelves 12 are preferably substantially identical in dimensions. Each of the shelves 12 corresponds, for example, to substantially the same room.

[0037] Each shelf 12 is suitable for serving as a support or rest, for example for placing objects on the shelf 12.

[0038] Each tablet 12 is movable in rotation relative to the table leg 14 along a tablet rotation axis. The tablet rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0039] Each tablet 12 comprises a tray 20 having a flat upper surface 22.

[0040] In the deployed configuration of the table, illustrated in [Fig.l], the upper surface 22 of each plate 20 extends perpendicular to the elevation direction Z. In particular, the upper surface 22 of each plate 20 then extends perpendicular to the piston translation axis 16.

[0041] In the deployed configuration, the upper surfaces 22 of the trays 20 are level with each other and preferably extend parallel to each other.

[0042] In the deployed configuration, the trays 20 join along a line of approach 24, and are spaced apart from each other along the line of approach 24.

[0043] The profiles of the plates 20 which are opposite each other along the approach line 24 are complementary. The spacing between the plates 20 has a constant width along the approach line 24. The width of the spacing is for example less than 2.0 cm, for example less than 1.0 cm.

[0044] In the closed configuration, the upper surfaces 22 of the plates 20 extend for example parallel to the elevation direction Z.

[0045] As illustrated in [Fig.2], each tablet 12 comprises a translation track 26.

[0046] The translation track 26 is for example rectilinear and extends along a directrix perpendicular to the elevation direction Z, in the deployed configuration of the table 10.

[0047] The translation track 26 extends for example in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0048] The translation track 26 has a bottom 28 and is open opposite the bottom 28, in the transverse direction Y.

[0049] The translation track 26 is not visible to the user. In particular, preferably, each tablet 12 also comprises an envelope 30 defining an interior volume in which the translation track 26 is arranged.

[0050] The envelope 30 is closed by the plate 20.

[0051] The envelope 30 has, for each support arm 18, an opening for passage of the support arm 18, crossed by the support arm 18.

[0052] In the deployed configuration, each passage opening extends in a plane perpendicular to the elevation direction Z.

[0053] The table leg 14 comprises, for each shelf 12, at least one pivot 32. Each shelf 12 is then movable in rotation relative to the table leg 14 according to the or each of its pivots 32.

[0054] The table leg 14 is preferably movable relative to the vehicle seats. example the table leg 14 is movable relative to the armrest in which it is integrated.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the table leg 14 comprises, for each shelf 12, two pivots 32 extending longitudinally on either side of the support arms 18. In the example illustrated, the table leg 14 thus comprises four pivots 32.

[0056] The pivots 32 of the same shelf 12 are aligned along the axis of rotation of the shelf 12 relative to the table leg 14.

[0057] Each pivot 32 is an elongated part, for example cylindrical, defining the tablet rotation axis.

[0058] Each pivot 32 of one of the shelves 12 is arranged longitudinally opposite one of the pivots 32 of the other shelf 12.

[0059] The table leg 14 comprises walls 34 extending in the elevation direction Z and delimiting between them a receiving space 36 for the piston 16. The piston 16 is then received in the receiving space 36.

[0060] The walls 34 comprise at least two side walls, extending perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.

[0061] The table leg 14 has, for each support arm 18, for example an opening for the passage of the support arm 18, crossed by the support arm 18.

[0062] Each passage opening extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. Each passage opening is in particular delimited in one of the side walls of the table leg 14.

[0063] The passage openings are offset longitudinally relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X. In projection onto the longitudinal direction X, the passage openings are preferably offset without superposition.

[0064] The table leg 14 comprises, for example, two shoulders 38, arranged on either side of the support arms 18, each shoulder 38 receiving one of the pivots 32 of each shelf.

[0065] The table leg 14 has, at the level of each shoulder 38, an upper shoulder surface 40.

[0066] The upper shoulder surface 40 is flush with the upper surface 22 of each plate 20, when the table 10 is in the deployed configuration.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.l], in the deployed configuration, the approach line 24 joins the two upper shoulder surfaces 40.

[0068] The piston 16 is capable of sliding relative to the table leg 14 along a piston translation axis.

[0069] The piston translation axis is parallel to the elevation direction Z. The piston translation axis is thus perpendicular to the tablet rotation axis of each tablet.

[0070] The piston translation axis is centered longitudinally in the table leg 14. In particular, the piston translation axis is arranged longitudinally halfway between the pivots 32. It should thus be noted that [Fig.2] is a sectional view of the table 10 taken in the longitudinal middle of the table 10.

[0071] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the piston 16 comprises, for each support arm 18, a fin 42 cooperating with the rotation end 48 of the support arm 18 detailed below.

[0072] In the example of [Fig.2], the piston 16 comprises two fins 42 extending on either side of the longitudinal direction X.

[0073] The piston 16 also comprises an elongated base body 44, extending along the piston translation axis. The elongated base body 44 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, for example of revolution along the piston translation axis.

[0074] The elongated base body 44 is preferably received in a guide orifice delimited by the table leg 14. The guide orifice has a section, taken perpendicular to the elevation direction Z, complementary to the section of the elongated base body 44.

[0075] Each fin 42 extends from the elongated base body 44.

[0076] The piston 16 has a general shape, for example a T.

[0077] The piston 16 forms a rigid part, for example a single piece.

[0078] Any hinge 19 connecting the support arm 18 to the table leg 14 is conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0079] The hinge 19 is received in the table leg 14. In particular, the hinge 19 is then received in the receiving space 36 of the table leg 14.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the table 10 comprises, for each support arm 18, at least two hinges 19 connecting the support arm 18 to the table leg 14.

[0081] A preferred embodiment of a hinge 19 is illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 3]. In this optional embodiment, each hinge 19 comprises a damping system 60 for damping the rotation of the support arm 18 relative to the table leg 14 in at least one direction of rotation.

[0082] The damping system 60 comprises for example a foot insert 62 secured to the table leg 14 and an arm insert 64 secured to the support arm 18, the arm insert 64 being movable in rotation relative to the foot insert 62.

[0083] The inserts are aligned to define the axis of rotation of the support arm 18 relative to the table leg 14.

[0084] Preferably, the foot insert 62 is force-fitted into the table leg 14 and the arm insert 64 is force-fitted into the support arm 18.

[0085] The foot insert 62 comprises a projection, for example longitudinal, and the table leg 14 has a slot in which the projection of the foot insert 62 is force-mounted.

[0086] The damping system 60 is configured to dampen the rotation of the support arm 18 relative to the table leg 14 at least in the direction of rotation corresponding to the transition of the table from the closed configuration to the deployed configuration.

[0087] More specifically, the damping system 60 is configured to dampen the rotation of the arm insert 64 relative to the foot insert 62.

[0088] The damping system 60 is capable of exerting a damping torque, for example greater than or equal to 0.25 Nm and / or less than or equal to 6.0 Nm.

[0089] The damping torque is preferably a function of the direction of rotation of the support arm 18 relative to the table leg 14. Advantageously, the damping torque exerted when the table 10 moves from the closed configuration to the deployed configuration is greater than the damping torque exerted when the table 10 moves from the deployed configuration to the closed configuration.

[0090] The damping system 60 is for example a friction damping system. The friction is in particular exerted between the two inserts foot 62 and arm 64 to produce the damping torque.

[0091] Each hinge 19 is for example a hinge having a damping system 60 for the adjustable damping torque.

[0092] It is thus possible to deploy the table 10 without the user having to accompany it by hand, for improved user comfort. In addition, the mechanism is compact and does not leave the hinge 19 used visible to the user.

[0093] In the deployed configuration, the support arm 18 supports the weight of the shelf 12. It also supports the weight of the objects which are placed on the tray 20.

[0094] The support arms 18 of the tablets 12 extend opposite each other relative to the piston 16.

[0095] The support arms 18 are longitudinally offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction X. In projection onto the longitudinal direction X, the support arms 18 are preferably offset without overlapping.

[0096] Only one support arm 18 is thus visible in [Fig.2], since it is a section in the longitudinal middle of the table 10.

[0097] Each support arm 18 is rotatable relative to the table leg 14 along an arm rotation axis, the arm rotation axis being parallel to the respective tablet rotation axis.

[0098] Each support arm 18 forms a rigid part, for example a single piece.

[0099] The arm rotation axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[0100] The arm rotation axis is stationary relative to the table leg 14, during any rotation of the respective tablet 12 relative to the table leg 14.

[0101] Each support arm 18 is rotatable relative to the table leg 14 by means of the respective hinge 19. To do this, the support arm 18 comprises, for example, for each hinge 19, a sheath 66 surrounding the hinge 19.

[0102] The base body of the support arm 18 then extends from each sleeve 66. When the support arm 18 rotates relative to the table leg 14, each sleeve 66 rotates around the hinge 19 and thus drives the base body.

[0103] The sheath 66 surrounds and is integral with the arm insert 64.

[0104] The sheath 66 has a section of complementary shape to the arm insert 64.

[0105] The sheath 66 has a groove 68, for example longitudinal. The arm insert 64 comprises for example a projection, the projection being received in the groove 68. In particular, the projection is force-fitted in the groove of the sheath 66.

[0106] When the support arm 18 rotates relative to the table leg 14, the sheath 66 rotates the arm insert 64 relative to the table leg 14 which rotates the foot insert 62 relative to the table leg 14, the damping torque then being applied by the damping system 60.

[0107] Each support arm 18 comprises a translation end 46 and a rotation end 48.

[0108] Each support arm 18 also comprises a base body 50 secured to the translation end 46 and the rotation end 48.

[0109] In the deployed configuration of Figures 1 and 2, the base body 50 of the support arm 18 extends below the plate 20.

[0110] The part of the support arm 18 extending between the passage opening of the table leg 14 and the passage opening of the tablet 12 is for example visible to a user.

[0111] The translation end 46 of the support arm 18 is received in the interior volume of the envelope 30 of the tablet 12. The translation end 46 is thus not visible to a user.

[0112] The translation end 46 comprises a translation finger 52 extending from the base body 50 in the longitudinal direction X. Thus, the base body 50 of the support arm 18 extends until it is opposite the translation track 26.

[0113] The translation finger 52 is received in the translation track 26.

[0114] The translation finger 52 has a section complementary to the track of translation 26.

[0115] As illustrated in [Fig.2], when the table 10 is in the deployed configuration, the translation finger 52 is disposed closer to the bottom 28 of the translation track 26 than it is when the table 10 is in the closed configuration.

[0116] The rotation end 48 of the support arm 18 is received in the table leg 14 of the table leg 14. More specifically, the rotation end 48 is received in the space of reception 36 of the table leg 14 which receives the piston 16. The rotation end 48 is thus not visible to a user.

[0117] The rotation end 48 comprises at least two guide fingers 54 extending in the longitudinal direction X, the guide fingers 54 enclosing the respective fin 42. The fin 42 of the piston 16 is thus arranged between the guide fingers 54 of the rotation end 48.

[0118] The guide fingers 54 preferably extend from the sheath 66 of the support arm 18. This is in particular the sheath 66 arranged opposite the piston 16. The sheath 66 is capable of driving the guide fingers 54 in rotation relative to the table leg 14 and vice versa.

[0119] The fin 42 of the piston 16 is in contact with the guide fingers 54 throughout the kinematics of the table 10 moving from one of the configurations to the other. The guide fingers 54 thus make it possible to operate the piston 16, that is to say to move it along the piston translation axis, when the table 10 moves from one of the configurations to the other.

[0120] In projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the guide fingers 54 and the fin 42 have external contours having complementary profiles.

[0121] The outer contour of the fin 42 has a concave profile opposite each guide finger 54. In other words, the fin 42 is hollow at the level of each of the guide fingers 54.

[0122] In projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the location of the point of contact between the fin 42 and each guide finger 54 changes depending on the position of the tablet 12 relative to the table leg 14.

[0123] A kinematics of transition from one of the configurations to the other will now be described.

[0124] The piston 16, each support arm 18 and each translation track 26 together form a mechanical control chain capable of controlling the kinematics of passage of the table 10 from one of the configurations to the other.

[0125] This kinematics is typically controlled by a user by grasping one of the tablets 12, the other tablet 12 being ungrasped. The user then prints a rotation of the grasped tablet 12 around the tablet rotation axis relative to the table leg 14.

[0126] The rotation of the tablet 12 gripped relative to the table leg 14 simultaneously causes the translation end 46 (and therefore the translation finger 52) of the support arm 18 of the tablet 12 gripped in the respective translation track 26 to move. This movement simultaneously causes the entire support arm 18 to rotate relative to the table leg 14 along the arm rotation axis. In par In particular, the rotation end 48 (and therefore the guide fingers 54) is driven in rotation relative to the table leg 14.

[0127] The rotation of the rotation end 48 then causes the piston 16 to move relative to the table leg 14. This movement jointly causes the rotation end 48 of the other support arm 18 to move relative to the table leg 14.

[0128] This rotation of the rotation end 48 of the other support arm 18 simultaneously causes the entirety of this other support arm 18 to rotate relative to the table leg 14 along the arm rotation axis. Consequently, the translation end 46 (and therefore of the translation finger 52) of the support arm 18 of the non-gripping tablet 12 is moved in the respective translation track 26, which causes the rotation of the non-gripping tablet 12 around its tablet rotation axis relative to the table leg 14.

[0129] Thus, it is possible to deploy or close the table 10 by operating only one of the two tablets 12, for improved user comfort. In addition, the control chain is compact and does not leave any of the articulations of the table 10 visible to the user.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the table 10 comprises the two shelves 12 and also a lining skin.

[0131] The upholstery skin is attached, for example glued, to the upper surface 22 of the top 20 of each shelf 12 and has a free zone at least opposite the table leg 14. The upholstery skin is, for example, fully glued to the tops 20 outside the free zone.

[0132] The free zone corresponds to a portion of the lining skin capable of moving away from the plate 20.

[0133] The free zone extends at least opposite the line of approach 24 of the trays 20, in the deployed configuration of the table.

[0134] The free zone extends along the longitudinal direction X over the entire length of the lining skin.

[0135] The free zone has a width taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, the width of the zone being greater than the width presented by each upper shoulder surface 40.

[0136] The width of the free zone is preferably constant, along the longitudinal direction X.

[0137] The upholstery skin is flexible.

[0138] By “flexible” is meant that the free zone of the lining skin is able to fold back without generating residual mechanical stress.

[0139] The free area of ​​the upholstery skin is taut when the table 10 is in the deployed configuration. Thus, the upholstery skin is inscribed in a plane, when the table 10 is in deployed configuration.

[0140] The upholstery skin thus makes it possible to provide a table 10 without a visible junction between the shelves 12, which greatly improves the quality perceived by the user.

[0141] In the closed configuration of the table 10, the free zone of the upholstery skin in fact hangs by gravity and is folded back on itself due to the bringing together of the shelves 12.

[0142] The upholstery skin is a single piece.

[0143] The upholstery skin is for example made of a textile material, an elastomeric material, or leather. A person skilled in the art will know which glue to use depending on the material chosen for the upholstery skin.

[0144] Preferably, the table leg 14 delimits a housing for receiving the upholstery skin. The receiving housing is arranged so that, in the closed configuration of the table, the free area of ​​the upholstery skin is received in the receiving housing.

[0145] In the deployed configuration of the table, the trays 20 extend above the receiving housing.

[0146] The receiving housing thus makes it possible to accommodate the upholstery skin in a closed configuration.

Claims

Claims

1. Folding table (10) for a vehicle comprising: - at least two shelves (12), each shelf (12) comprising a translation track (26); - a table leg (14) comprising, for each shelf (12), at least one pivot (32), the shelf (12) being rotatable relative to the table leg (14) along the pivot (32); - a piston (16) received in the table leg (14) and capable of sliding relative to the table leg (14); - for each tablet (12), a support arm (18) connecting the tablet (12) to the piston (16), the support arm (18) comprising a translation end (46) and a rotation end (48), the translation end (46) being received in the translation track (26) of the tablet (12) and being movable along the translation track (26), the rotation end (48) being connected to the piston (16) and rotatable relative to the piston (16);the support arms (18) of the tablets (12) extending opposite each other with respect to the piston (16).;

2. Folding table (10) according to claim 1, in which the piston (16) is able to slide relative to the table leg (14) along a piston translation axis and each shelf (12) is rotatable relative to the table leg (14) along a shelf rotation axis (12) perpendicular to the piston translation axis.

3. A folding table (10) according to claim 2, wherein each support arm (18) is rotatable relative to the table leg (14) along an arm rotation axis parallel to each table rotation axis.

4. Folding table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the piston (16) comprises, for each support arm (18), a fin (42) cooperating with the rotation end (48) of the support arm (18), the rotation end (48) comprising at least two guide fingers (54) gripping the fin (42).

5. Folding table (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each shelf (12) also comprises an envelope (30) defining an interior volume in which the translation track (26) is arranged.

6. A folding table (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support arms (18) are longitudinally offset relative to each other without overlapping.

7. A folding table (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each shelf (12) comprises a top (20) having a planar upper surface (22) and the table (10) is adapted to have an extended configuration, wherein the upper surface (22) of each shelf (12) is perpendicular to an elevation direction (Z) of the table (10), and a closed configuration, wherein the upper surface (22) of each shelf (12) is parallel to the elevation direction (Z).

8. A folding table (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the table leg (14) comprises, for each shelf (12), two pivots (32) extending on either side of the support arms (18); and, the table leg (14) comprises two shoulders (38), arranged on either side of the support arms (18), each shoulder (38) receiving one of the pivots (32) of each shelf.

9. A folding table (10) according to claim 8, in combination with claim 7, wherein the table leg (14) has, at each shoulder (38), an upper shoulder surface (40), the upper shoulder surface (40) being flush with the upper surface (22) of each top (20), when the table (10) is in the deployed configuration.

10. A folding table (10) according to any preceding claim, taken in combination with claim 7, wherein the table (10) also comprises a lining skin, the lining skin being attached to the upper surface (22) of the top (20) of each shelf (12) and having a free area at least opposite the table leg (14), the free area being taut when the table (10) is in the deployed configuration.

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