Armrest

Abstract

To provide an armrest that can support portable electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets in a way that is easy for the seated person to view. [Solution] The armrest 1 has a recess 8 formed in the front part of the top plate that forms the elbow rest surface. The bottom surface 8A of the recess 8 has a forward-sloping surface. With this configuration, the recess 8 can function as a stand for placing a portable electronic device M such as a smartphone or tablet in an orientation that is easy for the seated person to view. Specifically, because the bottom surface 8A of the recess 8 is sloped upward at the front, the portable electronic device M can be propped up at a rear-upward angle that makes the screen easy for the seated person to view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest. Specifically, the present invention relates to an armrest having a recess at a front portion of a top plate that forms an elbow rest surface.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an armrest having a recessed cup holder at a front portion of a top plate of the armrest. The cup holder supports the bottom of a drink container by the bottom surface of its recess. In addition, the cup holder surrounds the drink container by the inner peripheral surface of its recess to prevent the drink container from tipping over or slipping.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The configuration described in Patent Document 1 does not have a configuration that allows a portable electronic terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet to be set in an orientation easy for a seated person to view, and thus has poor convenience. Accordingly, the present invention provides an armrest that can support a portable electronic terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet in an orientation easy for a seated person to view.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] As a means for solving the above problems, the armrest of the present invention adopts the following configurations.

[0006] That is, a first invention of the present invention is an armrest having a recess formed at a front portion of a top plate that forms an elbow rest surface, wherein a bottom surface of the recess has an inclined surface that rises forward.

[0007] According to the first invention, the recess can function as a stand for placing a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet in an orientation that is easy for a seated person to view. Specifically, by tilting the bottom surface of the recess upwards towards the front, the portable electronic device can be propped up at a rearward-upward angle that makes the screen easy for a seated person to view.

[0008] The second invention of the present invention is an armrest in which, in the first invention described above, the forward-sloping edge of the bottom surface becomes the upper edge of the recess.

[0009] According to the second invention, the recess has a shape without a front wall that rises from the tip of the bottom surface which slopes upward. This allows the portable electronic device to be set in broad and stable surface contact with the bottom surface of the recess.

[0010] The third invention of the present invention is an armrest in which the entire bottom surface is made up of the inclined surface, in the first or second invention described above.

[0011] According to the third invention, the portable electronic terminal can be set in a state where it is in wider and more stable surface contact with the bottom surface of the recess.

[0012] The fourth invention of the present invention is an armrest in the first or second invention described above, wherein the recess has an expanding recess that extends so as to slide under the top plate.

[0013] According to the fourth invention, it is possible to ensure the length of the top plate that serves as the elbow rest surface of the armrest while also ensuring an appropriate width for the recess.

[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is the first or second invention described above, further comprising an operating section provided at the front of the top plate and an opening / closing lid that allows the rear of the top plate to be opened and closed, wherein the recess is an armrest disposed between the operating section and the opening / closing lid.

[0015] According to the fifth invention, while the opening / closing lid is provided on the top plate that serves as the elbow rest surface of the armrest, the recessed portion and the operation portion can be appropriately arranged at positions that are easy for a seated person to see.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the armrest according to the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the armrest is a center armrest that is provided so as to be deployable and stowable in a central portion of a seat back of a three-person bench seat.

[0017] According to the sixth invention, it is possible to appropriately provide a stand on the armrest that is used as a seat back when stowed, the stand allowing a portable electronic terminal to be placed in an orientation that is easy for a seated person to see. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the armrest according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the armrest. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] «First Embodiment» (Schematic Configuration of Armrest 1) First, the configuration of the armrest 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In the following description, when directions such as front, rear, up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the respective directions shown in the respective drawings. The directions shown in the respective drawings are directions as viewed from a seated person of a bench seat to be described later. Further, when directions are indicated with "seat" added thereto, such as in "seat width direction", they refer to the respective directions based on the bench seat.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the armrest 1 according to the present embodiment is configured as a center armrest provided at the central portion of the seat back 10 of a rear side seat of an automobile. The seat back 10 is configured as the backrest of a bench seat capable of seating three people in the same row.

[0022] The armrest 1 is provided at the central portion of this seat back 10 so as to be deployable and stowable. Specifically, the armrest 1 can be stowed in a vertically long stowage recess 11 formed in the central portion of the seat back 10, and can be deployed so as to be tilted forward therefrom.

[0023] When stowed in the stowage recess 11, the armrest 1 serves as the backrest of the center seat. In addition, when the armrest 1 is tilted forward from the stowage recess 11, it becomes in a state that can be used as an elbow rest by the occupants of each of the left and right seats.

[0024] The armrest 1 is rotatably connected to a base 12 that forms the inner peripheral wall of the stowage recess 11 of the seat back 10. The base 12 is configured by integrally combining a metal frame that is integral with the frame of the seat back 10 and a resin panel that forms the inner peripheral wall of the stowage recess 11.

[0025] At the lower part of the base 12, support arms 12A protruding forward from the respective left and right side walls are formed. Each side portion of the base part of the armrest 1 is rotatably connected to each support arm 12A by a rotation shaft 12B extending in the seat width direction.

[0026] Thereby, the armrest 1 is configured to be switchable between a stowed position and a deployed position around the rotation shaft 12B relative to the base 12. The armrest 1 includes a resin base material 2 forming its skeleton, a urethane foam pad 3 placed over the base material 2, and a fabric cover 4 placed over the pad 3.

[0027] The armrest 1 has a base portion, each side of which is connected to each support arm 12A, formed from a base material 2. The top plate portion of the armrest 1, which forms the elbow rest surface when extended, is made of an openable / closable lid 5. The lower rear edge of the openable / closable lid 5 is hinged to the upper rear edge of the base material 2 of the armrest 1 so as to be rotatable. Here, the openable / closable lid 5 corresponds to the "top plate" of the present invention.

[0028] When the opening / closing lid 5 of the armrest 1 is opened, the concave housing portion 5A formed in the base material 2 is exposed to the outside. When the opening / closing lid 5 of the armrest 1 is closed, the housing portion 5A is closed and the opening / closing lid 5 can be used as an elbow rest.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the opening / closing lid 5 constitutes the top plate area from approximately the center of the armrest 1 in the front-to-back direction to the rear. A touch-type operation panel 6 is provided on the front of the top plate of the armrest 1. Here, the operation panel 6 corresponds to the "operation unit" of the present invention.

[0030] The control panel 6 is positioned so that its panel surface faces upward, making it easy for occupants in each seat on the left and right to operate by touch. The control panel 6 is configured to allow remote operation of in-vehicle equipment (not shown) by touch operation. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the control panel 6 is formed in the shape of a horizontally elongated rectangular plate, with its panel surface extending over almost the entire width of the seat in the top plate area of ​​the armrest 1.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the operation panel 6 is positioned so that its panel surface is lower than the opening / closing lid 5. Specifically, the operation panel 6 is provided so that its panel surface is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper edge of the housing portion 5A of the base material 2.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, a cup holder 7 is provided at the front of the armrest 1, which can be pulled out forward when the armrest 1 is extended. The cup holder 7 is incorporated directly below the control panel 6 of the armrest 1. When the cup holder 7 is pulled out forward from the armrest 1, it unfolds to a state where two beverage containers can be placed side by side from above.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, a rectangular recess 8 is formed in the top surface area between the control panel 6 and the opening / closing lid 5 of the armrest 1. The recess 8 is formed from the base material 2. The recess 8 functions as a stand that allows a portable electronic device M (see Figure 3), such as a smartphone or tablet, to be set in an orientation that is easily visible to the seated person.

[0034] The recess 8 is formed in such a way that there is almost no gap in the front-to-back direction between the operation panel 6 and the opening / closing lid 5. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the recess 8 is formed as a concave shape that is recessed to approximately the same width as the operation panel 6, just behind the operation panel 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the entire bottom surface 8A of the recess 8 is an inclined surface that rises upwards towards the front.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the recess 8 has an inclined surface where the entire width of its bottom surface 8A is uniformly sloped upwards towards the front. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the recess 8 is shaped such that the upward-sloping edge of its bottom surface 8A becomes the upper edge of the recess 8. In other words, the recess 8 has a tapered shape without a front wall. The recess 8 is shaped such that the upward-sloping edge of its bottom surface 8A almost coincides with the rear edge of the control panel 6.

[0036] The recess 8 has a shape that includes an expanding recess 8B that extends rearward so as to tuck under the opening / closing lid 5. The expanding recess 8B is opened upward when the opening / closing lid 5 is opened upward. The expanding recess 8B is covered from above when the opening / closing lid 5 is closed. The bottom surface 8A of the expanding recess 8B is an inclined surface that is continuous with the bottom surface 8A of the recess 8.

[0037] The recess 8 is shaped in such a way that it is possible to prop up the portable electronic device M at a rearward-upward angle that makes the screen easily viewable for occupants in the seats on either side. More specifically, the entire bottom surface 8A of the recess 8 is inclined, allowing the portable electronic device M to be set in a state where it is in surface contact with almost the entire bottom surface 8A.

[0038] Furthermore, since the recess 8 has an expanded recess 8B, it is possible to insert the portable electronic terminal M deeply at an oblique angle along the bottom surface 8A while appropriately ensuring the length of the opening / closing lid 5 that serves as an elbow rest. As a result, the recess 8 can be set in a state where the portable electronic terminal M is in broad surface contact with the bottom surface 8A of the recess 8.

[0039] Furthermore, the recess 8 is configured such that the front edge of the bottom surface 8A is positioned to almost coincide with the rear edge of the operation panel 6. As a result, the recess 8 allows the portable electronic terminal M to be propped up at an appropriate tilt angle within the limited space between the operation panel 6 and the opening / closing cover 5.

[0040] In summary, the armrest 1 according to this embodiment has the following configuration. The reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.

[0041] In other words, the armrest (1) has a recess (8) formed in the front part of the top plate (5) which forms the elbow rest surface. The bottom surface (8A) of the recess (8) has an upward sloping surface. With the above configuration, the recess (8) can function as a stand for placing a portable electronic device (M) such as a smartphone or tablet in an orientation that is easy for the seated person to view. Specifically, because the bottom surface (8A) of the recess (8) is sloped upward at the front, the portable electronic device (M) can be propped up at an angle that is easy for the seated person to view, with the screen facing diagonally upward and backward.

[0042] Furthermore, the upward-sloping edge at the front of the base surface (8A) becomes the upper edge of the recess (8). With the above configuration, the recess (8) has a shape without a front wall rising from the upward-sloping front of the base surface (8A). As a result, the portable electronic device (M) can be set in a state where it is in broad and stable surface contact with the base surface (8A) of the recess (8).

[0043] Furthermore, the entire bottom surface (8A) consists of an inclined surface. With the above configuration, the portable electronic terminal (M) can be set in a state where it is in wider and more stable surface contact with the bottom surface (8A) of the recess (8).

[0044] Furthermore, the recess (8) has an expanding recess (8B) that extends so as to tuck under the tabletop (5). With the above configuration, it is possible to ensure the length of the tabletop (5), which serves as the elbow rest surface for the armrest (1), while also ensuring an appropriate width for the recess (8).

[0045] Furthermore, the armrest (1) has an operating section (6) provided on the front of the top plate (5) and an opening / closing cover (5) that allows the rear of the top plate (5) to be opened and closed. The recess (8) is positioned between the operating section (6) and the opening / closing cover (5). With the above configuration, the opening / closing cover (5) can be set on the top plate (5), which is the elbow rest surface of the armrest (1), while the recess (8) and the operating section (6) can be appropriately positioned in a location easily visible to the seated person.

[0046] Furthermore, the armrest (1) is a center armrest that can be unfolded and stored in the central part of the seat back (10) of the three-seater bench seat. With the above configuration, a stand can be appropriately set on the armrest (1), which is used as the seat back (10) when stored, so that a portable electronic device (M) can be placed in an orientation that is easily visible to the occupant.

[0047] Regarding other embodiments: Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above using one embodiment, the present invention can be implemented in various forms other than those described above.

[0048] 1. The armrest of the present invention may be applied not only to automobile seats, but also to seats used in other vehicles such as trains, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the armrest may be configured to be a center armrest of a three-seater bench seat, or to be a cantilevered type attached to the side of the seat back of a single-seater seat. The armrest may be configured to be deployed and retracted by rotation, or to be fixed in the deployed position in a way that prevents it from being retracted.

[0049] 2. The recess does not have to consist entirely of an inclined surface on its bottom; it may consist only of an inclined surface on a portion of its bottom. Specifically, the bottom of the recess should have an upward-sloping surface that allows a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet to be propped up at a rearward-upward angle that makes the screen easily viewable by the seated person.

[0050] The recess does not necessarily have to be an expandable recess that extends to tuck under the top of the armrest. The recess may be located in front of the control panel. The recess may be located at the front end of the top of the armrest.

[0051] 3. The top of the armrest may consist of a rotating opening / closing lid or a sliding opening / closing lid. Alternatively, the top of the armrest may be a fixed type that cannot be opened or closed. The control section of the armrest may consist of a control panel or a mechanical type such as a toggle switch or lever. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Armrest 2 Base material 3 pads 4 Covers 5. Opening / closing lid (top panel) 5A Storage Area 6. Control Panel (Operating Unit) 7 Cup Holder 8 recesses 8A bottom 8B Expanded recess 10 Seatback 11 Storage recess 12 bass 12A Support Arm 12B Rotation axis M Mobile electronic device

Claims

1. It is an armrest, It has a recess formed in the front part of the tabletop that forms the armrest surface, An armrest in which the bottom surface of the recess has an upward-sloping surface.

2. The armrest according to claim 1, The armrest has an upward-sloping edge at the front of the bottom surface, which becomes the upper edge of the recess.

3. An armrest according to claim 1 or claim 2, An armrest in which the entire bottom surface is made up of the inclined surface.

4. An armrest according to claim 1 or claim 2, An armrest having an expandable recess that extends so as to tuck under the top plate.

5. An armrest according to claim 1 or claim 2, The system further includes an operating section provided at the front of the top panel, and an opening / closing cover that allows the rear of the top panel to be opened and closed. The recessed portion is an armrest positioned between the operating section and the opening / closing lid.

6. An armrest according to claim 1 or claim 2, The armrest in question is a center armrest that is retractable and stowable in the central part of the seat back of a three-seater bench seat.

Images