Vehicle armrest

Abstract

A vehicle armrest assembly can provide features such as storage and device charging. The armrest assembly can also include a wing cover configured to conceal the bracket and a pivot axis about which the armrest rotates. The armrest assembly can further include a locking system to lock the armrest in a stowed position to prevent unintentional movement of the armrest from the stowed position to the folded position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 417,256, filed October 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This application relates to vehicle armrests. [Background technology]

[0003] Many vehicle armrests are designed with limited functionality and exposed pivots and cutouts. It is desirable to provide additional functionality to the armrest, such as storage and device charging. There is also still a need to control the movement of the vehicle armrest so that the armrest does not move unexpectedly during a sudden stop or impact. Summary of the Invention

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle armrests.

[0005] One aspect relates to an armrest assembly for a vehicle. The armrest assembly includes a console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position. The armrest assembly further includes two wing covers configured to hide the two pivot axes from the top and front of the vehicle seats, the two wing covers being positioned between the console and the vehicle seats. The armrest assembly also includes a charging station configured to receive and charge one or more electric devices, the charging station being positioned on the top surface of the console.

[0006] A variation of the above aspect is that the armrest assembly further includes a locking system having one or more locking pins and an actuator assembly configured to move the one or more locking pins between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration when the console is in the stowed position, such that the console is locked in the stowed position when in the locked configuration, and the console is movable between the stowed position and the folded position when in the unlocked configuration.

[0007] A variation of the above aspect is for the armrest assembly to further include a release button configured to allow a user to unlock the console when the console is in the stowed position.

[0008] A variation of the above aspect is that the armrest assembly further includes a storage compartment and a storage lid configured to cover at least a portion of the storage compartment.

[0009] A variation of the above is for the storage lid to be releasably locked to the console.

[0010] A variation of the above embodiment is for the armrest assembly to further include one or more cup holders located on the console.

[0011] A variation of the above aspect is that the armrest assembly further includes a resilient gap hider configured to hide the locking system from the top and front of the vehicle seat.

[0012] A variation of the above aspect is for the charging station to include a charging tray located on the console and an induction charger unit located within the console below the charging tray.

[0013] A variation of the above embodiment is that the two adjacent vehicle seats are located in the second row of the vehicle.

[0014] A variation of the above embodiment is that the armrest assembly further includes a bracket located on the rear surface of the armrest assembly, and the two wing covers are configured to hide the bracket from the top and front surfaces of the vehicle seat.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an armrest assembly for a vehicle, the armrest assembly including a console and two wing covers, the console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position, and the two wing covers configured to at least partially conceal the two pivot axes.

[0016] A variation of the above aspect is that each of the two wing covers has a lid configured to hide the pivot axis from the top and front of the vehicle seat, and a cutout configured to allow the pivot axis to rotate within and relative to the cover.

[0017] A variation of the above embodiment is for the armrest assembly to further include a storage compartment located on the console.

[0018] A variation of the above aspect is that the armrest assembly further includes a storage lid configured to cover at least a portion of the storage compartment and releasably engaged with the console.

[0019] A variation of the above embodiment is that the armrest assembly further includes a bracket, and the two wing covers are configured to at least partially conceal the bracket.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an armrest assembly for a vehicle, the armrest assembly including a console and a charging station, the console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position, and the charging station configured to receive and charge one or more electric devices, the charging station positioned on the console.

[0021] A variation of the above aspect is for the charging station to include a charging tray located on the console and an induction charger unit located within the console below the charging tray.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an armrest assembly for a vehicle, the armrest assembly including a console and a locking system. The console is configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and to be rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position. The locking system includes one or more locking pins and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to move the one or more locking pins between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration when the console is in the stowed position. When the console is in the locked configuration, it is locked in the stowed position, and when the console is in the unlocked configuration, it is movable between the stowed position and the folded position.

[0023] A variation of the above aspect is for the armrest assembly to further include a release button configured to allow a user to unlock the console when the console is in the stowed position.

[0024] A variation of the above aspect is for the armrest assembly to further include a resilient gap hider configured to at least partially hide the locking system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements.

[0026] [Figure 1A] 1A and 1B are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of an armrest assembly in both a folded position and a stowed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the trim of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0028] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a foam insert of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0029] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a substrate of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0030] [Figure 1E] 1B is an illustration of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A positioned between vehicle seats.

[0031] [Figure 2A] 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first wing cover of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A. FIG.

[0032] [Figure 2B] 1B is a perspective view of a first wing cover and a second wing cover of the armrest assembly of FIG. 1A. FIG.

[0033] [Figure 3A] FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of an armrest assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 3B] 3B is a cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly of FIG. 3A along plane BB.

[0035] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the armrest assembly of FIG. 3A along plane HH.

[0036] [Figure 3D] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the armrest assembly of FIG. 3A in a locked configuration.

[0037] [Figure 4A]FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the induction charger unit of the armrest assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0038] [Figure 4B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a charging station tray of the armrest assembly of FIG. 3A.

[0039] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an armrest assembly according to the present disclosure showing a storage lid in both a closed and an open position.

[0040] [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the armrest assembly gap cover in the folded position.

[0041] [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the armrest assembly gap cover in the stowed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to vehicle armrests. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to advanced features of second-row vehicle armrests. Conventional vehicle armrests may simply include a cut-out piece of foam connected to the vehicle seat via an exposed pivot. Armrest embodiments disclosed herein may include additional features, such as a locking mechanism and a phone charger.

[0043] 1A-1C, armrest assembly 100 can include a console 5 having a foam insert 6 and a trim 7. In certain embodiments, console 5 can include pivots 40 located on either side of a first end of console 5. In some embodiments, armrest assembly can further include brackets 47 (see FIG. 1D) located on a backside of the armrest assembly for support. In some embodiments, pivots 40 can be configured to connect armrest assembly 100 to adjacent vehicle seats 1 and 2 (see FIG. 1E) and / or a portion of the vehicle frame.

[0044] In various embodiments, the pivot axis 40 may be configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats 1 and 2. In some embodiments, the console 5 may be flush with the vehicle seats 1 and 2 when in the stowed position 120. In use, the console 5 may rotate about the pivot axis 40 to reach the folded position 110. In some embodiments, the console 5 may be substantially horizontal in the folded position 110. In some embodiments, the armrest assembly 100 may include first and second wing covers 45, 46 configured to cover exposed portions of the bracket 47 and / or the pivot axis 40 between the console 5 and the vehicle seats 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 1E , when in the folded position 110, the wing covers 45 and 46 may be positioned in the gap between the console 5 and the vehicle seats 1 and 2 to conceal the bracket 47 and / or the pivot axis 40 in both the stowed position 120 and the folded position 110.

[0045] 2A is a cross-sectional view of the interaction between the armrest console 5 and the wing cover 46, illustrating that the wing cover 46 can be positioned between the console 5 and the vehicle seat 2. In some embodiments, there can be a gap having a width W between the console 5 and the wing cover 46. In some embodiments, the gap can have a width of 2 mm.

[0046] 1E, 2B, and 3C, in some embodiments, wing covers 45 and 46 may include hoods 43 and 44, respectively, to hide bracket 47 and / or pivot shaft 40 from the top and front of vehicle seats 1 and 2. In some embodiments, wing covers 45 and 46 may further include notches 41 and 42, respectively, to allow pivot shaft 40 to rotate within and relative to wing covers 45 and 46.

[0047] A vehicle armrest may unexpectedly move toward the folded position during a collision or when an object strikes the armrest assembly from behind the vehicle seat. For example, a suitcase in the trunk of the vehicle may strike the vehicle seat from behind during a sudden stop of the vehicle. In various embodiments, as shown in Figures 3A and 3D, the armrest assembly 200 may include a locking system 35. The locking system 35 may be configured to lock the console 5 in the stowed position 120 to prevent the armrest from unexpectedly rotating from the stowed position 120 to the folded position 110.

[0048] In some embodiments, the locking system 35 may include an actuator assembly 34 configured to lock the console 5 in the storage position 120. In some embodiments, the locking system 35 may further include one or more locking pins 31 connected to the actuator assembly 34. In certain embodiments, the actuator assembly 34 is configured to selectively extend or retract the one or more locking pins to lock or unlock the console 5 in the storage position 120. In some embodiments, the console 5 may include one or more pin brackets 33 (see FIG. 3D ) configured to receive the one or more locking pins 31. In some embodiments, the one or more pin brackets 33 may be part of bracket 47. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3D , when the one or more locking pins 31 are extended and engaged with the one or more pin brackets 33, the armrest console is in a locked configuration. When the one or more locking pins 31 are retracted and not engaged with the one or more pin brackets 33, the armrest console is in an unlocked configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D , the locking pins 31 may be in the form of a spring plunger. In certain embodiments, the actuator assembly 34 connects to a spring plunger.

[0049] 3A, 3B, and 5A, the locking system 35 can further include a release button 32 electrically connected to the actuator assembly 34 such that pressing the release button 32 causes the actuator assembly 34 to unlock the console 5. In some embodiments, the release button 32 can be located on a top surface of the console 5. In some embodiments, the top surface faces the rear of the vehicle when the console 5 is in the stowed position 120 to prevent accidental actuation of the release button 32. For example, when the console 5 is in the stowed position 120, a user can press the release button 32, which causes the actuator assembly 34 to retract the locking pin 31 from the pin bracket 33, allowing the console 5 to be moved from the stowed position 120 by an external force.

[0050] Armrest assemblies according to this disclosure may also include features such as storage and phone charging. As shown in FIG. 1E, the console 5 of the armrest assembly 100 may include a storage compartment 28. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 28 may be located proximate a first end of the console 5. The console 5 may further include one or more cup holders 18 located at a second end of the console 5 opposite the first end.

[0051] In some embodiments, the console 5 may further include a charging station configured to receive one or more electrical devices and provide power to the electrical devices. In certain embodiments, the charging station may include a charging tray 29 (see FIG. 4B ) configured to receive and hold one or more electrical devices (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet, an electric clock, etc.). In some embodiments, the charging tray 29 may be located on an upper surface of the console 5. In some embodiments, the charging station may include an inductive charger unit 30 (see FIG. 4A ) such that when an inductively chargeable device is placed on the charging tray 29, the inductive charger unit 30 can provide power to the device. In some embodiments, the inductive charger unit 30 may be coupled to the charging tray 29. The inductive charger unit 30 may be located inside the console 5 below the charging tray 29. In some embodiments, the charging station may also include one or more charging ports located on the charging tray 29 for providing power via a cable. In some embodiments, the charging station may be located in a central portion of the console 5.

[0052] In certain embodiments, console 5 may further include a storage lid configured to cover the storage compartment in a closed position. In some embodiments, armrest assembly 300 may include a storage lid 8 configured to be movable between a closed position 50 and an open position 60, as shown in FIG. 5 , to allow convenient access to the storage compartment. In some embodiments, storage lid 8 may also partially or completely cover charging tray 29 to provide coverage for the charging station.

[0053] In some embodiments, the storage lid 8 may also include a locking assembly 14 configured to releasably secure the storage lid 8 in the closed position 50. The locking assembly 14 may prevent sudden movement of the storage lid 8 caused by an external force. As shown in FIG. 3B , the locking assembly 14 may include a locking mechanism 9 disposed on a bottom surface of the storage lid 8. The locking mechanism 9 may be configured to engage with a notch 10 disposed on a top surface of the console 5. In some embodiments, the notch 10 may be located between the storage compartment 28 and the charging station.

[0054] Finally, as shown in FIG. 6A , the armrest assembly 400 disclosed herein can further include a gap hider 49 configured to hide the bracket, components of the locking system 35, and / or other components from view when the console 5 is in the folded position 110. In some embodiments, the gap hider 49 can include an elastic portion that allows the gap hider 49 to move (e.g., extend and / or retract) with the armrest console 5 between the folded position 110 and the stowed position 120 (see FIG. 6B ). In some embodiments, the gap hider 49 can be formed from a fabric material. In some embodiments, the gap hider 49 can be connected to the armrest console 5 at one end. In some embodiments, the gap hider 49 can be connected to a portion of the vehicle frame at the other end. In some embodiments, the gap hider 49 can be at least partially hidden behind the vehicle seat back panel 48.

[0055] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise form or particular field of use disclosed. Accordingly, it is contemplated that various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, may be envisioned in light of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0056] In the foregoing specification, the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or embodied in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description should be considered illustrative and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art how to make and use various embodiments of the disclosed glove box actuation assembly. It should be understood that the forms of the disclosure shown and described herein should be construed as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those typically shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of the present disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the present disclosure. The terms "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "have," "is," and the like, used to describe and claim the present disclosure, are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., to allow for the presence of items, components, or elements not expressly described. Also, references to the singular are to be construed as relating to the plural as well.

[0057] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be construed in an exemplary and explanatory sense and in no way as limiting the present disclosure. All joint references (e.g., attached, fastened, coupled, connected, etc.) are used solely to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and do not create limitations with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein in particular. Accordingly, any joint references should be interpreted broadly. Furthermore, such joint references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected to one another. Furthermore, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "main," or any other conventional and / or numerical terminology, should be construed solely as identifiers to aid the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications of the present disclosure and, in particular, may not create any limitations with respect to the order or preference of any element, embodiment, variation, and / or modification relative to or over other elements, embodiments, variations, and / or modifications.

[0058] It is also understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / diagrams may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner as may be useful according to a particular application, or may even be removed or rendered inoperable in particular cases.

Claims

1. 1. An armrest assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and to be rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position; two wing covers positioned between the console and the vehicle seat, configured to hide the two pivot shafts from the top and front of the vehicle seat; a charging station located on a top surface of the console configured to receive and charge one or more electrical devices; An armrest assembly comprising:

2. The locking system further comprises: one or more locking pins; an actuator assembly configured to move the one or more locking pins between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration when the console is in the stowed position; Equipped with the console is locked in the storage position when in the locked configuration, and the console is movable between the storage position and the folded position when in the unlocked configuration. The armrest assembly of claim 1 .

3. The armrest assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a release button configured to allow a user to unlock the console when the console is in the stowed position.

4. The armrest assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a storage compartment and a storage lid configured to cover at least a portion of the storage compartment.

5. The armrest assembly of claim 4 , wherein the storage lid is releasably locked to the console.

6. The armrest assembly of claim 1 further comprising one or more cup holders located on the console.

7. The armrest assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a resilient gap hider configured to hide the locking system from the top and front of the vehicle seat.

8. The armrest assembly of claim 1 , wherein the charging station comprises a charging tray positioned on the console and an induction charger unit disposed within the console below the charging tray.

9. The armrest assembly of claim 1 , wherein the two adjacent vehicle seats are located in a second row of the vehicle.

10. The armrest assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a bracket located on a rear surface of the armrest assembly, the two wing covers configured to hide the bracket from the top and front of the vehicle seat.

11. 1. An armrest assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and to be rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position; two wing covers configured to at least partially hide the two pivot shafts; An armrest assembly comprising:

12. 12. The armrest assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the two wing covers comprises a lid configured to hide the pivot shaft from the top and front of the vehicle seat, and a cutout configured to allow the pivot shaft to rotate within and relative to the cover.

13. The armrest assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a storage compartment disposed on the console.

14. The armrest assembly of claim 12, further comprising a storage lid configured to cover at least a portion of the storage compartment and releasably engaged to the console.

15. The armrest assembly of claim 11, further comprising a bracket, the two wing covers configured to at least partially conceal the bracket.

16. 1. An armrest assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and to be rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position; a charging station positioned on the console configured to receive and charge one or more electrical devices; An armrest assembly comprising:

17. 17. The armrest assembly of claim 16, wherein the charging station comprises a charging tray located on the console and an induction charger unit disposed within the console below the charging tray.

18. In a vehicle armrest assembly, a console configured to be positioned between two adjacent vehicle seats and to be rotatable about two pivot axes between a stowed position and a folded position; A locking system, one or more locking pins; an actuator assembly configured to move the one or more locking pins between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration when the console is in the stowed position; Equipped with The armrest assembly, wherein the console is locked in the stowed position when in the locked configuration, and the console is movable between the stowed position and the folded position when in the unlocked configuration.

19. 20. The armrest assembly of claim 18, further comprising a release button configured to allow a user to unlock the console when the console is in the stowed position.

20. 20. The armrest assembly of claim 18, further comprising a resilient gap hider configured to at least partially hide the locking system.

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