Upholstery element including an anti-intrusion drawer

Abstract

Trim element comprising an anti-intrusion drawer. The invention relates to a vehicle trim element (10), comprising a body (12) delimiting an internal volume (22), and a movable element (18) sliding along a direction of movement (D) relative to the body between an extended position, in which the movable element extends outside the internal volume, and a retracted position, in which the movable element extends into the internal volume, and a cover (26) closing at least partially the movable element. At least a portion of the cover has a non-rectilinear cross-section in a transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of movement, the cross-section of at least a portion of an upper surface (20) of the body in said transverse plane being substantially complementary to the cross-section of the cover. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Upholstery element comprising an anti-intrusion drawer

[0001] The present invention relates to a trim element of the type comprising:

[0002] - a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface along a thickness direction, the upper and lower surfaces delimiting an internal volume between them, and

[0003] - a movable element comprising a base and a lid extending at least partly away from the bottom along the thickness direction, the moving element being mounted sliding along a direction of displacement relative to the body between a deployed position, in which the moving element extends mainly outside the internal volume, and a retracted position, in which the moving element extends mainly into the internal volume.

[0004] The invention applies for example to a vehicle seat, a center console or a dashboard, comprising a trim element, forming for example a support element such as an armrest.

[0005] It is known to have an armrest comprising a movable element relative to a body, for example a telescopic part or a drawer defining a storage space. The drawer, for example, slides between a deployed position, in which the storage volume is accessible, and a retracted position, in which the storage space is closed.

[0006] However, it is possible that, during the deployment and / or retraction of the moving element, small objects, such as the vehicle occupant's personal belongings (coins, tokens, parking tickets, etc.) intended for the drawer, or placed on a sliding part of the armrest in the case of a telescopic armrest, may become lodged in the sliding mechanism and fall behind the drawer, into the occupant's body. Such an intrusion may, on the one hand, lead to the loss of the object in question by the occupant, and on the other hand, obstruct, hinder, or even prevent the deployment and / or retraction of the moving element. In more extreme cases, such an intrusion may damage the deployment system of the moving element so that the moving element can no longer move from the retracted to the deployed position and / or vice versa.

[0007] We know from the literature of solutions proposing the addition of flexible parts, such as foam, or rubber blades, arranged between a cover of the moving element, and a surface of the body against which the moving element is translated. These added parts limit the intrusion of objects, but constitute only a partially satisfactory solution.

[0008] Indeed, the addition of such parts creates friction between the moving element and the body and degrades the user experience. Furthermore, they complicate the manufacture of the trim element and increase its manufacturing cost.

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose an inexpensive trim element, comprising a sliding element which limits the intrusion of small objects into the sliding system.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention relates to a trim element in which at least a part of the cover has a non-rectilinear cross-section in a transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of movement, the cross-section of at least a part of the upper surface of the body in said transverse plane being substantially complementary to the section of the cover.

[0011] The cover and the upper surface of the body having substantially complementary sections, they cooperate during the deployment and storage of the moving element so as to limit, or even prevent, the intrusion of objects between the cover and the upper surface.

[0012] Furthermore, since the intrusion of objects is limited by the complementary nature of the lid and the upper surface, there is no need to add a sealing piece. The manufacture of the filling element is thus simplified and its production costs are minimized.

[0013] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the filling element comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0014] - the lid and the upper surface are fitted together at least in the retracted position of the moving element;

[0015] - the base delimits a storage space and a rear space, the lid extending in relation to the rear space along the thickness direction and closing the rear space, the storage space being closed by the upper surface in the retracted position and being accessible in the deployed position of the moving element;

[0016] - at least a part of the lid is fitted into a part of the surface superior in all positions of the moving element between the deployed and retracted positions;

[0017] - the upper surface and the lid are separated from each other in the direction thickness;

[0018] - in at least one transverse plane, the lid has a section presenting a succession of repeating patterns, each repeating pattern extending in at least two distinct directions;

[0019] - the repetition pattern is chosen from a tooth and / or a crenellation and / or a rib;

[0020] - each repeating pattern extends from a first end to a second end of the lid, the first and second ends being opposite in the direction of movement;

[0021] - in each transverse plane, the upper surface has a non-cross-section straight; and

[0022] - the moving element comprises a slide, the body comprising a slide of guidance, the slide being mobile in translation in or on the guide slide between the retracted position and the deployed position of the moving element.

[0023] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a cross-sectional representation along a longitudinal plane of a trim element according to the invention, the trim element comprising a movable element in the retracted position,

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional representation along a longitudinal plane of the filling element of [Fig.1], the movable element being in the deployed position,

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the movable element isolated from the filling element of [Fig.1], and

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic cross-sectional representation along the IV-IV transverse cutting plane of [Fig.1].

[0028] With reference to figures 1 and 2, a vehicle trim element 10 is described comprising a body 12 having an external surface 14 and a lower surface 16 opposite the external surface 14 along a thickness direction E, and a movable element 18 relative to the body 12.

[0029] In the example where the trim element 10 forms a seat armrest, and the seat armrest is lowered, the external surface 14 extending substantially horizontally, the thickness direction E corresponds to a floor-ceiling direction of the vehicle.

[0030] Such a trim element 10 forms, for example, an armrest for a passenger in a vehicle seat. It is understood, however, that the invention applies to any type of vehicle trim element capable of receiving a deployable movable element.

[0031] In the example where the trim element 10 forms a seat armrest, the external surface 14 defines a support surface on which a user can, for example, rest their arm.

[0032] The body 12 extends between a first end 12A and a second end 12B. The first end 12A is, for example, fixed to a seat support, not shown. The second end 12B is free. The direction from the first end 12A to the second end 12B is designated by the longitudinal direction L.

[0033] In the example where the trim element 10 forms a seat armrest, and the seat armrest is lowered, the external surface 14 extending substantially horizontally, the longitudinal direction L corresponds for example to the rear-front direction of the vehicle.

[0034] The body 12 comprises an upper surface 20, opposite the lower surface 16 along the thickness direction E. The upper surface 20 is an internal surface of the body 12, disposed between the lower surface 16 and the external surface 14, along the thickness direction E.

[0035] The upper surface 20 and the lower surface 16 are separated from each other along the thickness direction E and delimit an internal volume 22 between them, intended to receive at least in part the movable element 18.

[0036] The movable element 18 comprises a base 24 and a cover 26 extending at least partially away from the base 24 along the thickness direction E. The base 24 of the movable element 18 is defined as the set of lower surfaces of the movable element 18, opposite the cover 26 along the thickness direction E.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bottom 24 of the movable element 18 delimits a storage space 27 and a rear space 28. The bottom 24 is defined as the entire lower surface of the movable element 18.

[0038] The cover 26 extends opposite the rear space 28 along the thickness direction E, and at least partially closes off the rear space 28 for a user. "At least partially closes off the rear space 28 for a user" means that at least a portion of the rear space 28 is not accessible from above by a user.

[0039] The storage space 27 is advantageously open, i.e. not closed by the cover 26, so as to be accessible to a user.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the movable element 18 comprises a wall 29 extending outward from the bottom 24 and separating the storage space 27 from the rear space 28. The rear space 28 is then defined as any part of the movable element 18 located behind the wall 29, as opposed to the storage space 27 located in front of the wall 29, along the longitudinal direction L. The rear space 28 is then not accessible to the user from outside the trim element 10, by a movement carried out along the longitudinal direction L, and allows, for example, a movement system for the movable element 18 to be concealed.

[0041] In one embodiment, the rear space 28 is connected to the storage space 27, but is inaccessible to a user by a movement along the thickness direction E. In other words, the rear space 28 is not accessible over the rear space 28 for the user, but only through the storage space 27.

[0042] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the body 12 includes a guide slide 32 extending along a direction of movement D on the lower surface 16 of the body 12, between the first end 12A and the second end 12B. The guide slide 32 is intended to receive the movable element 18 and to allow the movable element 18 to move relative to the body 12.

[0043] The direction of displacement D is, in the example of the figures, parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0044] The movable element 18 is mounted to slide along the direction of movement D relative to the body 12 between a deployed position, in which the movable element 18 extends mainly outside the internal volume 22, and a retracted position, in which the movable element 18 extends mainly into the internal volume 22.

[0045] By "mainly outside", it is meant that a larger part of the moving element 18 along the direction of movement D extends outside the internal volume 22 in the vehicle cabin than the remaining part of the moving element 18 which extends inside the internal volume 22.

[0046] Similarly, by "mainly inside" it is meant that a larger part of the moving element 18 along the direction of displacement D extends inside the internal volume 22 than the remaining part of the moving element 18 which extends outside the internal volume 22.

[0047] In the example of [Fig.1], when the moving element 18 is in the retracted position, the moving element 18 extends fully inside the internal volume 22, between the first end 12A and the second end 12B of the body 12.

[0048] In the example of [Fig.2], when the movable element 18 is in the deployed position, the movable element 18 extends at least partially outward from the body 12 from the second end 12B, along the direction of movement D, outward from the internal volume 22. Thus at least a part of the movable element 18, in particular a part forming at least part of the storage space 27, is accessible by an occupant of the vehicle, in the deployed position.

[0049] In particular, in the example of [Fig.1], the rear space 28 is always housed in the internal volume 22, regardless of the position of the movable element 18 between the retracted position and the deployed position, and is inaccessible to the user from the top of the movable element 18.

[0050] In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the movable element 18 further comprises a slide 36 movable in translation within or on the guide slide 32 between the retracted and extended positions. The slide 36 is, for example, fixed to an edge of the moving element 18, preferably at the edge closest to the first end 12A of the body 12 when the moving element 18 is in the retracted position.

[0051] When the movable element 18 is in the retracted position, the slide 36 is located at one end of the guide slide 32 close to the first end 12A of the body 12.

[0052] When the movable element 18 is in the deployed position, the slide 36 is located away from the first end 12A of the body 12.

[0053] Advantageously, the slide 36 guides the translation of the moving element 18, on the slide 32, during the deployment and withdrawal of the moving element 18.

[0054] The movement of the movable element 18 between the retracted position and the deployed position can be motorized and / or manual.

[0055] When the movable element 18 is in the retracted position, the storage space 27 is closed by the body 12, in particular by the upper surface 20 of the body 12, and is inaccessible to the user. In addition, the storage space 27 is concealed by the outer surface 14 of the trim element 10.

[0056] When the movable element 18 is in the deployed position, at least part of the storage space 27, advantageously the entire storage space 27, is accessible to the user to insert or remove objects from the storage space 27.

[0057] In all positions of the movable element 18, the upper surface 20 and the cover 26 are separated from each other along the thickness direction E. For example, a gap of between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, is defined, along the thickness direction E, between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20.

[0058] This clearance helps to avoid friction between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 when the movable element 18 slides in and / or out of the internal volume 22. Thus, the deployment and withdrawal of the movable element 18 is facilitated and friction damage to the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 is limited.

[0059] According to the invention, at least a part of the cover 26 has a non-rectilinear cross-section in a transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of movement D.

[0060] By "non-rectilinear cross-section", it is understood that the section of the cover 26 has at least one change of direction in the transverse plane.

[0061] For example, in at least one transverse plane, the lid 26 has a section having a succession of repeating patterns 44, each repeating pattern 44 extending in at least two distinct directions.

[0062] The repeating motif 44 is, for example, a tooth and / or a crenellation and / or a rib.

[0063] The motif 44 extends outward from the cover 26 towards the upper surface 20 or away from the upper surface 20.

[0064] For example, the cross-section of the cover 26 is similar to a comb, comprising teeth projecting from the cover 26.

[0065] In the example of Figures 3 and 4, the cover 26 defines a plurality of successive slots along a transverse direction T extending in the transverse plane. Each slot extends projecting from the cover 26 towards the upper surface 20.

[0066] In a particular embodiment, each repeating motif 44 has a width, taken along the transverse direction T, of between 0.5 mm and 20 mm.

[0067] In general, the width of each pattern 44 is chosen so as to limit the intrusion of small objects, such as personal effects of a vehicle occupant (tokens, coins, parking tickets, hair clips, etc.) between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20.

[0068] Advantageously, each repeating pattern 44 extends from a first end 26A to a second end 26B of the cover 26, the first and second ends 26A, 26B being opposite along the direction of movement D.

[0069] In other words, each repeating pattern 44 extends over the entire length of the cover 26, taken along the direction of movement D.

[0070] Advantageously, the succession of motifs 44 also extends over the entire width of the lid 26, taken along the transverse direction T.

[0071] According to the invention also, the cross-section of at least a part of the upper surface 20 of the body 12, in said transverse plane, is substantially complementary to the cross-section of the cover 26.

[0072] For example, the upper surface 20 has a section having a succession of complementary patterns 46 of repetition, of shape, size and / or position complementary to the patterns 44 of repetition defined by the lid 26.

[0073] The cover 26 and the upper surface 20 are fitted together at least in the retracted position of the moving element.

[0074] By "interlocking," it is meant that the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 have shapes that cooperate and fit together. More specifically, when the movable element 18 is moved between the deployed and retracted positions, the motifs 44 of the cover 26 slide into the complementary motifs 46 of the upper surface 20.

[0075] In other words, the motifs 44 are nested within the complementary motifs 46 in order to prevent objects from entering between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20.

[0076] Indeed, the complementary motifs 44, 46 of the lid 26 and the upper surface 20, particularly by virtue of their specific width, form an obstacle to the intrusion of objects, for example stored in the storage space 27 and which, during storage of the mobile element 18 in the internal volume 22, would be likely to get stuck between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20.

[0077] In the example of [Fig.2], in all positions of the movable element 18 between the deployed and retracted positions, at least a part of the cover 26 is fitted into a part of the upper surface 20.

[0078] Thus, regardless of the position of the movable element 18, the cooperation of the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 limits the intrusion of objects between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20.

[0079] In a particular embodiment, the upper surface 20 has a non-rectilinear section in each transverse plane.

[0080] In other words, each complementary repeating pattern 46 extends from a first end 20A to a second end 20B of the upper surface 20, the first and second ends 20A, 20B being opposite along the direction of displacement D.

[0081] Thus, each complementary pattern 46 of repetition extends over the entire upper surface 20, over the entire length of the upper surface 20, taken along the direction of movement D.

[0082] Advantageously, the succession of complementary motifs 46 also extends over the entire width of the upper surface 20, taken along the transverse direction T.

[0083] In an alternative, not shown, the cross-section of the cover 26 and / or the upper surface 20 is non-rectilinear along a segment of the cover 26 and / or the upper surface 20 only in the direction of movement D. Thus, the cooperation of the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 does not occur along the entire length, taken in the direction of movement D, of the cover 26 and / or the upper surface 20, but only in the segment(s) having the non-rectilinear cross-section.

[0084] Advantageously, in this example, the non-rectilinear section segment is located at the second end 26B of the cover 26, and / or at the second end 20B of the upper surface 20. Thus, when the non-rectilinear section segment is carried by the cover 26, said segment is located on the end of the cover 26 which separates the storage space 27 from the rear space 28.

[0085] According to this variant, the intrusion of an object is limited as soon as, during the translation of the mobile element 18 in the internal volume 22, the non-rectilinear section of the lid 26 is fitted into the non-rectilinear section of the upper surface 20.

[0086] The filling element 10 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0087] The cover 26 and the upper surface 20 of the body 12 having substantially complementary cross-sections, fitting one inside the other, a relatively watertight seal is ensured and makes it possible to limit the intrusion of objects between the cover 26 and upper surface 20 during deployment and withdrawal of the movable element 18.

[0088] By "relatively tight" means that the play existing between the cover 26 and the upper surface 20 of the body 12, allowing the deployment of the moving element 18 relative to the body 12 to be facilitated, without generating friction which would make the movements of the moving element 18 more laborious, is maintained.

[0089] Thus, the trim element 10 according to the invention is simple and inexpensive to produce, offers modular access to a storage space, facilitates and prevents any intrusion of objects.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle trim element (10), comprising: - a body (12) comprising an upper surface (20) and a lower surface (16) opposite the upper surface (20) along a thickness direction (E), the upper surface (20) and the lower surface (16) delimiting an internal volume (22) between them, and - a movable element (18) comprising a base (24) and a cover (26) extending at least partly away from the base (24) along the thickness direction (E), the movable element (18) being mounted to slide along a direction of movement (D) relative to the body (12) between a deployed position, in which the movable element (18) extends mainly outside the internal volume (22), and a retracted position, in which the movable element (18) extends mainly within the internal volume (22);characterized in that at least a part of the cover (26) has a non-rectilinear cross-section in a transverse plane perpendicular to the direction of movement (D), the cross-section of at least a part of the upper surface (20) of the body (12) in said transverse plane being substantially complementary to the cross-section of the cover (26).

2. Filling element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (26) and the upper surface (20) are fitted together at least in the retracted position of the movable element (18).

3. A trim element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (24) delimits a storage space (27) and a rear space (28), the cover (26) extending opposite the rear space (28) along the thickness direction (E) and closing the rear space (28), the storage space (27) being closed by the upper surface (20) in the retracted position and being accessible in the deployed position of the movable element (18).

4. A trim element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the cover (26) is fitted into a portion of the upper surface (20) in all positions of the movable element (18) between the deployed and retracted positions.

5. A filling element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface (20) and the cover (26) are separated from each other along the thickness direction (E).

6. A trim element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in at least one transverse plane, the cover (26) has a section having a succession of repeating patterns (44), each repeating pattern (44) extending in at least two distinct directions.

7. Filling element (10) according to claim 6, wherein the repeating pattern (44) is selected from a tooth and / or a slot and / or a rib.

8. Filling element (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein each repeating pattern (44) extends from a first end (26A) to a second end (26B) of the cover (26), the first and second ends (26A, 26B) being opposite along the direction of movement (D).

9. A trim element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in each transverse plane, the upper surface (20) has a non-rectilinear section.

10. A trim element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable element (18) comprises a slide (36), the body (12) comprising a guide slide (32), the slide (36) being movable in translation in or on the guide slide (32) between the retracted position and the deployed position of the movable element (18).

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