System for retracting a control console of a vehicle upon impact

Abstract

A retractable control console system for a vehicle, which may include: a control console column rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a control console extending from the control console column; and an arm coupled to the control console column; wherein upon impact, the arm causes the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle cabin.

Description

SYSTEM FOR RETRACTING A CONTROL CONSOLE OF A VEHICLE UPON IMPACTFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field systems for retracting a control console of a vehicle, and more particularly, to systems for retracting a control console of a vehicle upon impact.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In a vehicle collision, there is a risk that a driver may hit a control console or a steering wheel of the vehicle with a considerable force which may lead to an injury of the driver. Airbags are typically used to protect occupants of passenger vehicles. Typically, such airbags inflate quickly to provide soft cushioning and restraint during collision.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a retractable control console system for a vehicle, which may include: a control console column rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a control console coupled to the control console column; and an arm extending from the control console column; wherein upon impact, the arm causes the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle.

[0004] In some embodiments, the control console, the control console column and the arm are disposed within a vehicle cabin.

[0005] In some embodiments, the control console includes a steering wheel, a control panel or both.

[0006] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arm is disposed between the rotation axis and the front end of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arm is disposed adjacent to the front end of the vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, upon the impact, the arm pulls the control console column so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

[0010] In some embodiments, an end of the arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, an end of the arm is disposed adjacent to the front end of the vehicle.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the arm and a floor of a vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, upon the impact, the arm pushes the control console column so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arm is disposed between the control console column and a floor of a vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0015] In some embodiments, the arm is coupled to a floor of the vehicle cabin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system includes a second arm extending from the control console column, wherein the second arm pulls the control console column, after the control console column has been pushed by the arm, to further cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the arm and at least a portion of the second arm along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system includes a retaining mechanism to at least one of lock the control console column and prevent the control console column from unintentionally rotating about the rotation axis.

[0019] In some embodiments, the arm is engaged by a front wall of a vehicle cabin or a component of one of systems of the vehicle upon the impact to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis.

[0020] Some embodiments of the invention may provide a vehicle cabin which may include the retractable control console system disclosed herein.

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a retractable control console system for a vehicle, which may include: a control console column rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle cabin; a control console coupled to the control console column; a first arm extending from the control console column; and a second arm extending from the control console column; wherein upon impact: the first arm causes the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle cabin; and the second arm pulls the control console column, after the control console column has been pushed by the first arm, to further cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle cabin.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control console, the control console column, the first arm and the second arm are disposed within a vehicle cabin.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control console includes a steering wheel, a control panel or both.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and at least a portion of the second arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm are disposed between the rotation axis and the front end of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first arm is disposed between the control console column and a floor of the vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the second arm and at least a portion of the first arm along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first arm is coupled to a floor of a vehicle cabin.

[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention may provide a vehicle cabin which may include the retractable control console system disclosed herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same can be carried into effect, reference is made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. In the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figs. 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of a front portion of a vehicle and a retractable console system which includes an arm that pushes a control console column upon impact, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0032] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of the front portion of the vehicle and a retractable console system which includes an arm that pulls the control console column upon impact, according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0033] Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic illustrations of the front portion of the vehicle and a retractable console system which includes a first arm and a second arm that pushes and pulls the control console column upon impact, respectively, according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0034] Figs. 4A-4B, Figs. 4C-4D and Figs. 4E-4F are schematic illustrations of a retractable console system for the vehicle, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0035] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] In the following description, various aspects of the present invention are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features can have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. With specific reference to the drawings, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention can be embodied in practice.

[0037] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments that can be practiced or carried out in various ways as well as to combinations of the disclosed embodiments. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention may improve a safety of a vehicle by retracting a control console away from a driver seat upon impact.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a retractable control console system for a vehicle. The system may include a control console, a control console column coupled to the control console and an arm extending from (e.g., coupled to) the control console column. The control console may include a steering wheel, a control panel or both. The control console column may be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to a transverse bar disposed in a vehicle cabin. The control console column may rotate with respect to the transverse bar about a rotation axis that is perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin. The system may include a retaining mechanism that may lock the control consolecolumn and / or prevent the control console column from unintentionally rotating about the rotation axis.

[0040] Upon impact (e.g., high speed impact, for example of 55 kilometers per hour or more) caused by, for example, a collision, one or more components of the vehicle may engage with the arm and move or displace the arm. When moved or displaced, the arm may cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin or a front wall of the vehicle cabin and away from a driver seat. The one or more components that may engage with the arm upon the impact may be the front wall of the vehicle cabin and / or a component of one of vehicle’s systems disposed between the front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin and the arm.

[0041] In some embodiments, the arm pushes the control console column upon the impact so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin or the front wall of the vehicle cabin. In some embodiments, the arm pulls the control console column upon the impact so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin or the front wall of the vehicle cabin. In some embodiments, the system includes a first arm that pushes the control console column upon the impact and a second arm that pulls the control console column, after the control console column has been pushed by the first arm, so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin.

[0042] One advantage of the invention can include no delay (or at most there is a very small delay, for example of less than 1 millisecond) between the impact and the engagement of the one or more components of the vehicle with the arm and subsequent rotation of the control console column and the control console coupled thereto towards the front end of the vehicle or the vehicle cabin or the front wall of the vehicle cabin and away from the driver seat caused by the arm. It may take less than 40 milliseconds or less than 35 milliseconds for the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate away from the driver seat. The retractable control console system may replace or may be supplemental to the conventional airbag-based safety system for protecting the driver and / or other occupants of the vehicle cabin upon impact.

[0043] Reference is made to Figs. 1A and IB, which are schematic illustrations of a front portion of a vehicle 90 and a retractable console system 100 which includes an arm 130 that pushes a control console column 120 upon impact, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0044] According to some embodiments, system 100 includes a control console 110, a control console column 120 and an arm 130. In some embodiments, components of system 100 are disposed within a vehicle cabin 92. Vehicle cabin 92 may be a compartment of vehicle 90 where a driver and / or passengers are seated. Vehicle cabin 92 may include seating, controls, and safety features.

[0045] Control console 110 may include a steering wheel, a control panel (e.g., one or more of instruments panel, screen, touch panel, touch screen) or both.

[0046] Control console column 120 may be coupled to control console 110. Control console column 120 may be coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled) to a transverse bar 94. Transverse bar 94 may be disposed in vehicle cabin 92. Transverse bar 94 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to a longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. Longitudinal axis 92a may also be the longitudinal axis of vehicle 90. Longitudinal axis 92a may extend between a front end 92c and a rear end 92e of vehicle cabin 92. Front end 92c may also be the front end of vehicle 90. Rear end 92e may also be the rear end of vehicle 90. Transverse bar 94 may define a rotation axis 122 of control console column 120. Rotation axis 122 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. Control console column 120 may rotate about rotation axis 122. Control console column 120 may rotate between an operational position 112 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 1A) and a non-operational emergency position 114 (e.g., as shown in Fig. IB).

[0047] System 100 may include a retaining mechanism 140. Retaining mechanism 140 may lock control console column 120 (e.g., in operational position 112). Retaining mechanism 140 may prevent control console column 120 from unintentionally rotating about rotation axis 122. In the example of Figs. 1A and IB, retaining mechanism 140 includes a rigid connection (e.g., such as a shear pin, a shear plate, a bolt or any other suitable rigid connection) interconnecting control console column 120 and transverse bar 94. In another example, control console column 120 and transverse bar 94 may be tightly coupled to each other so as to prevent control console column 120 from unintentionally rotating with respect transverse bar 94 due to a friction force between control console column 120 and transverse bar 94. The strength of the rigid connection and / or themeasure of the tight coupling may be set to ensure that a force that is required to break the rigid connection and / or to overcome the friction force to allow rotation of the control console column 120 is lower than a force caused by a high speed impact (e.g., of 55 kilometers per hour or more) of vehicle 90 and higher than a force caused by a low speed impact (e.g., of 15 kilometers per hour or less) and / or any other scenario that is less aggressive than the high speed impact (e.g., such as pull, push, hard maneuver, etc.). For example, the force that is required to break the rigid connection and / or to overcome the friction force to allow rotation of the control console column 120 may be within a range of 15 to 20 kilonewton. The force may depend on the mass of vehicle 90 and kinetic energy absorption capabilities of vehicle’s 90 structures.

[0048] Arm 130 may extend from control console column 120. For example, arm 130 may be an extension of control console column 120. In another example, arm 130 may be coupled to control console column 120. Upon impact (e.g., high speed impact, for example of 55 kilometers per hour or more) caused by, for example, a collision, one or more components of vehicle 90 may engage with arm 130 and move or displace arm 130. When moved or displaced, arm 130 may cause control console column 120 and control console 110 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 122 towards front end 92c or a front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 and away from a driver seat 98 (e.g., from operational position 112 as shown in Fig. 1A towards non-operational emergency position 114 as shown in Fig. IB). The one or more components that may engage with arm 130 upon the impact may be front wall 92g (e.g., one or more beams that are part of front wall 92g) of vehicle cabin 92 and / or a component 92i of one of vehicle’s 90 systems and / or vehicle’s 90 structures disposed between front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 and arm 130. In the example of Figs. 1A and IB, component 92i (e.g., such as brake pedal simulator (BPS) or any other component that can be disposed front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 and arm 130) engages with arm 130 upon the impact.

[0049] In the example of Figs. 1A and IB, arm 130 pushes control console column 120 upon the impact (e.g., as indicated by arrow 136 in Fig. IB) so as to cause control console column 120 and control console 110 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 122 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of arm 130 may be disposed between control console column 120 and a floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92 along a vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92. Vertical axis 92b may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to longitudinal axis 92a. Vertical axis 92b may also be the vertical axis of vehicle 90. In someembodiments, floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92 is a top surface of a chassis of vehicle 90. At least a portion of arm 130 and at least a portion of control console column 120 may be disposed on opposing sides of rotation axis 122 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. A point (or points) 134 at which arm 130 extends from (or at which arm 130 is coupled to) control console column 120 and an end 132 of arm 130 that is opposite to point(s) 134 may be disposed on opposing sides of rotation axis 122 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of arm 130 may be disposed between rotation axis 122 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. End 132 of arm 130 (e.g., the end that is opposite to point(s) 134 at which arm 130 extends from control console column 120) may be disposed between rotation axis 122 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., as shown in Figs. 1A and IB). In some embodiments, for example if arm 130 is engaged directly by front wall 92g upon the impact, end 132 of arm 130 is adjacent (or substantially adjacent) to front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. In various embodiments, end 132 of arm 130 is coupled to floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92 and / or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92.

[0050] Arm 130 may have different shapes. The shape of arm 130 may be dictated by the shape of vehicle cabin 92 and / or position of components of vehicle’s 90 systems.

[0051] Reference is made to Figs. 2 A and 2B, which are schematic illustrations of the front portion of vehicle 90 and a retractable console system 200 which includes an arm 230 that pulls a control console column 220 upon impact, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0052] According to some embodiments, system 200 includes a control console 210 (e.g., such as control console 110 described hereinabove), a control console column 220 (e.g., such as control console column 120 described hereinabove) and an arm 230.

[0053] Control console column 220 may be coupled to control console 210. Control console column 220 may rotate about rotation axis 222 (e.g., defined by transverse bar 94 as described hereinabove), for example between an operational position 212 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2A) and a non-operational emergency position 214 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2B). System 200 may include a retaining mechanism 240 that may lock control console column 220 (e.g., in operational position 212) and prevent control console column 220 from unintentionally rotating about rotation axis 222 (e.g., either by means of the rigid connection and / or the friction force as described hereinabove).

[0054] Arm 230 may extend from control console 220. For example, arm 230 may be coupled to control console column 220. Upon impact (e.g., high speed impact) caused by, for example, a collision, one or more components of vehicle 90 may engage with arm 230 and move or displace arm 230. When moved or displaced, arm 230 may cause control console column 220 and control console 210 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 222 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 and away from a driver seat 98, for example from operational position 212 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2A) towards non-operational emergency position 214 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2B). In the example of Figs. 2A and 2B, front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 engages with arm 230 upon the impact.

[0055] In the example of Figs. 2A and 2B, arm 230 pulls control console column 220 upon the impact (e.g., as indicated by arrow 236 in Fig. 2B) so as to cause control console column 220 and control console 210 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 222 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of control console column 220 may be disposed between arm 230 and floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92 along vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of arm 230 and at least a portion of control console column 220 may be disposed on opposing sides of rotation axis 222 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. A point (or points) 234 at which arm 230 is coupled to control console column 220 and an end 232 of arm 230 that is opposite to point(s) 234 may be disposed on opposing sides of rotation axis 222 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of arm 230 may be disposed between rotation axis 222 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. End 232 of arm 230 may be disposed between rotation axis 222 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. End 232 of arm 230 may be adjacent (or substantially adjacent) to front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 2A).

[0056] Arm 230 may have different shapes. The shape of arm 230 may be dictated by the shape of vehicle cabin 92 and / or position of components of vehicle’s 90 systems.

[0057] Reference is made to Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, which are schematic illustrations of the front portion of vehicle 90 and a retractable console system 300 which includes a first arm 330 and a second arm 340 that pushes and pulls a control console column 320 upon impact, respectively, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0058] According to some embodiments, system 300 includes a control console 310 (e.g., such as control console 110, 210 described hereinabove), a control console column 320 (e.g., such as control console column 120, 220 described hereinabove), a first arm 330 (e.g., such as arm 130 described hereinabove) and a second arm 340 (e.g., such as arm 230 described hereinabove).

[0059] Control console column 320 may be coupled to control console 310. Control console column 320 may rotate about rotation axis 322 (e.g., defined by transverse bar 94 as described hereinabove), for example between an operational position 312 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 3A) and a non-operational emergency position 314 (e.g., as shown in Fig. 3C). System 300 may include a retaining mechanism (e.g., such as retaining mechanism 140, 240 described hereinabove) that may lock control console column 320 (e.g., in operational position 312) and / or prevent control console column 320 from unintentionally rotating about rotation axis 322 (e.g., either by means of the rigid connection and / or the friction force as described hereinabove). The retaining mechanism is not shown in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C for simplicity.

[0060] First arm 330 (e.g., such as arm 130 described hereinabove) may extend from control console column 320. For example, first arm 330 may be coupled to control console column 320. Upon impact (e.g., high speed impact) caused by, for example, a collision, one or more components of vehicle 90 (e.g., such as component 92i of one of vehicle’s 90 systems as shown in Fig. 3A or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 as described hereinabove) may engage with first arm 330 and move or displace first arm 330. When moved or displaced, first arm 130 may push control console column 320 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 336 in Fig. 3B) to cause control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 322 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., towards an intermediate position 316 as indicated in Fig. 3B).

[0061] Second arm 340 (e.g., such as arm 230 described hereinabove) may extend from control console column 320. For example, second arm 240 may be coupled to control console column 320. After control console column 320 has been pushed by first arm 330, one or more components of vehicle 90 (e.g., such as front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 as shown in Fig. 3B or one or more components of one of vehicle’s 90 systems) may engage with second arm 340 and move or displace second arm 340. When moved or displaced, second arm 340 may pull control console column 320 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 346 in Fig. 3C) so as to further cause control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto to rotate about rotation axis 322towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 towards non-operational emergency position 314 and away from driver seat 98 and / or enhance the rotation thereof (e.g., as shown in Fig. 3C).

[0062] Second arm 340 and first arm 330 may be coupled to control console column 320 on opposing sides of control console column 320. At least a portion of control console column 320 may be disposed between at least a portion of first arm 330 and at least a portion of second arm 340 along vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of first arm 330 (e.g., an end 332 of first arm 330 such as end 132 of arm 130 described hereinabove) may be disposed between rotation axis 322 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of second arm 340 (e.g., an end 342 of second arm 340 such as end 232 of arm 230 described hereinabove) may be disposed between rotation axis 322 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. In the example of Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, the portion of second arm 340 that is engaged by front wall 92g upon the impact (e.g., free end 342 of second arm 340) is disposed closer to front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 than the portion of first arm 330 that is engaged by component 92i upon the impact (e.g., free end 332 of first arm 330). However, other configurations of first arm 330 and second arm 340 are also possible to ensure that first arm 330 is engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90 before second arm 340. For example, if both first arm 330 and second arm 340 are engaged by front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92, the portion of first arm 330 that may be engaged by front wall 92g upon the impact (e.g., end 332 of first arm 330) may be disposed closer to front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 than the portion of second arm 340 that may be engaged by front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 upon the impact (e.g., end 342 of second arm 340) to ensure that first arm 330 is engaged by front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 before second arm 340.

[0063] In the example of Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C, first arm 330, engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90 upon the impact, pushes control console column 320 to initiate the rotation of control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto about rotation axis 322 away from driver seat 98 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. After control console column 320 has been pushed by first arm 330, second arm 340, engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90, pulls control console column 320 to enhance the rotation of control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto about rotation axis 322away from driver seat 98 towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. Control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto may have a wight of more than 10 kg. Therefore, further rotation of control console column 320 and control console 310 coupled thereto by second arm 340 may be advantageous to enhance the removal of control console 310 away from driver seat 98 upon the impact. In various embodiments, second arm 340 may extend closer to front wall 92 or component 92i, such that second arm 340 engages an impact element prior to arm 330.

[0064] The shape of first arm 330 and the shape of second arm 340 may be dictated by the shape of vehicle cabin 92 and / or position of components of vehicle’s 90 systems.

[0065] Reference is made to Figs. 4A-4B, Figs. 4C-4D and Figs. 4E-4F, which are schematic illustrations of a retractable console system 400 for the vehicle, according to some embodiments of the invention.

[0066] Fig. 4A, 4C and 4E show a perspective view of retractable console system 400. Figs. 4B, 4D and 4F show a side view of retractable console system 400. Figs. 4B, 4D and 4F further schematically indicate front wall 92g and floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92.

[0067] In the example of Figs. 4A and 4B, system 400 includes a control console 410 (e.g., such as control console 110, 210, 310 described hereinabove), a control console column 420 (e.g., such as control console column 120, 220, 320 described hereinabove) and a first arm 430 (e.g., such as arm 130, 330 described hereinabove).

[0068] Control console column 420 may be coupled to control console 410. Control console column 420 may rotate about rotation axis 422 (e.g., such as rotation axis 122, 222, 322 defined by transverse bar 94 as described hereinabove). System 400 may include a retaining mechanism (e.g., such as retaining mechanism 140, 240 described hereinabove; not shown in Figs. 4A-4B and Figs. 4C-4D for simplicity) that may lock control console column 420 and / or prevent control console column 420 from unintentionally rotating about rotation axis 422 (e.g., either by means of the rigid connection and / or the friction force as described hereinabove).

[0069] Arm 430 may extend from control console column 420. For example, arm 430 may be coupled to control console 420. Arm 430, engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90 upon impact (e.g., high speed impact), may push control console column 420 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 436 in Fig. 4B, 4D, 4F) to rotate control console column 420 and control console 410coupled thereto about rotation axis 422 away from the driver seat towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., as described hereinabove).

[0070] The shape of arm 430 may be dictated by the shape of vehicle cabin 92 and / or position of components of vehicle’s 90 systems. In the example of Figs. 4A-4B, Figs. 4C-4D and Figs. 4E- 3F, arm 430 includes a first portion 432 (e.g., which may include one or more bars). First portion 432 of arm 430 may extend in a direction that is transverse to floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92. For example, first portion 432 of arm 430 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92. First portion 432 of arm 430 may be disposed between rotation axis 422 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. In some embodiments, first portion 432 of arm 430 is coupled to floor 92k. In some embodiments, first portion 432 of arm 430 is rotatably coupled floor 92k. In some embodiments, first portion 432 of arm 430 is not coupled to floor 92k. Arm 430 may include a second portion 434 (e.g., which may include one or more bars). Second portion 434 may be transverse to first portion 432 of arm 430. Second portion 434 of arm 430 may extend from first portion 432 towards control console column 420. Second portion 434 of arm 430 may be coupled to control console column 420. First portion 432 of arm 430 and one or more points at which second portion 434 of arm 430 is coupled to control console column 420 may be disposed on opposing sides of rotation axis 422 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. First portion 432 and second portion 434 of arm 430 may be at least partly disposed between floor 92k of vehicle cabin 92 and control console column 420 along vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92.

[0071] In the example of Figs. 4C and 4D, system 400 includes a second arm 440 (such arm 230, 340 described hereinabove). Second arm 440 and arm 430 may be coupled to control console column 420 on opposing sides of control console column 420 along vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of control console column 420 may be disposed between at least a portion of arm 430 and at least a portion of second arm 440 along vertical axis 92b of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of arm 430 may be disposed between rotation axis 422 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. At least a portion of second arm 440 may be disposed between rotation axis 422 and front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92.

[0072] Arm 430, engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90 upon impact (e.g., high speed impact), may push control console column 420 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 436 in Fig. 4D)to rotate control console column 420 and control console 410 coupled thereto about rotation axis 422 away from the driver seat towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., as described hereinabove). After control console column 420 has been pushed by arm 430, second arm 440, engaged by one or more components of vehicle 90, may pull control console column 420 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 446 in Fig. 4D) to enhance the rotation of control console column 420 and control console 410 coupled thereto about rotation axis 422 away from the driver seat towards front end 92c or front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 (e.g., as described hereinabove). The shape of second arm 440 may be dictated by the shape of vehicle cabin 92 and / or position of components of vehicle’s 90 systems.

[0073] In the example of Figs. 4C and 4D, an end 442 of second arm 440 is disposed closer to front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 than first portion 432 of arm 430 along longitudinal axis 92a of vehicle cabin 92. In this case, arm 430 may be engaged by component 92i of vehicle cabin 92 before second arm 440 is engaged by front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 upon the impact (e.g., as described hereinabove). In various embodiments, second arm 440 may extend closer to front wall 92 or component 92i, such that second arm 440 engages an impact element prior to arm 430.

[0074] In the example of Figs. 4E and 4F, no components of vehicle 90 are disposed between first portion 432 of arm 430 and front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92 and first portion 432 of arm 430 is not adjacent to front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. In the example of Figs. 4E and 4F, first portion 432 of arm 430 includes one or more projections 438 extending from first portion 432 towards front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92. An end 438a of one or more projections 438 may be adjacent to front wall 92g of vehicle cabin 92.

[0075] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment”, "an embodiment", "certain embodiments" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention can be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features can also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention can be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment. Certain embodiments of the invention can include features from different embodiments disclosed above, and certain embodiments can incorporate elements from other embodiments disclosed above. The disclosure of elements of the invention in the context of a specific embodiment is not to be takenas limiting their use in the specific embodiment alone. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in certain embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

[0076] Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms “plurality” and “a plurality” as used herein can include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. The terms “plurality” or “a plurality” can be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. The term set when used herein can include one or more items.

[0077] The invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retractable control console system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a control console column rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a control console coupled to the control console column; and an arm extending from the control console column; wherein upon impact, the arm causes the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the control console, the control console column and the arm are disposed within a vehicle cabin.

3. The system of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the control console comprises a steering wheel, a control panel or both.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least a portion of the arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least a portion of the arm is disposed between the rotation axis and the front end of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least a portion of the arm is disposed adjacent to the front end of the vehicle.

7. The system of claim any one of claims 1-6, wherein upon the impact, the arm pulls the control console column so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein an end of the arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

9. The system of any one of claims 7-8, wherein an end of the arm is disposed adjacent to the front end of the vehicle.

10. The system of any one of claims 7-9, wherein at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the arm and a floor of a vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein upon the impact, the arm pushes the control console column so as to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the arm is disposed between the control console column and a floor of a vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

13. The system of any one of claims 11-12, wherein the arm is coupled to a floor of the vehicle cabin.

14. The system of any one of claims 11-13, comprising a second arm extending from the control console column, wherein the second arm pulls the control console column, after the control console column has been pushed by the arm, to further cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the arm and at least a portion of the second arm along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

16. The system of any one of claims 1-15, comprising a retaining mechanism to at least one of lock the control console column and prevent the control console column from unintentionally rotating about the rotation axis.

17. The system of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the arm is engaged by a front wall of a vehicle cabin or a component of one of systems of the vehicle upon the impact to cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis.

18. A vehicle cabin comprising the retractable control console system according to any one of claims 1-17.

19. A retractable control console system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a control console column rotatable about a rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle cabin; a control console coupled to the control console column; a first arm extending from the control console column; and a second arm extending from the control console column; wherein upon impact: the first arm causes the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards a front end of the vehicle cabin; and the second arm pulls the control console column, after the control console column has been pushed by the first arm, to further cause the control console column and the control console coupled thereto to rotate about the rotation axis towards the front end of the vehicle cabin.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the control console, the control console column, the first arm and the second arm are disposed within a vehicle cabin.

21. The system of any one of claims 19-20, wherein the control console comprises a steering wheel, a control panel or both.

22. The system of any one of claims 19-21, wherein at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and wherein at least a portion of the second arm and at least a portion of the control console column are disposed on opposing sides of the rotation axis along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

23. The system of any one of claims 19-22, wherein at least a portion of the first arm and at least a portion of the second arm are disposed between the rotation axis and the front end of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

24. The system of any one of claims 19-23, wherein at least a portion of the first arm is disposed between the control console column and a floor of the vehicle cabin along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

25. The system of any one of claims 19-23, wherein at least a portion of the control console column is disposed between at least a portion of the second arm and at least a portion of the first arm along a vertical axis of the vehicle, the vertical axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

26. The system of any one of claims 19-25, wherein the first arm is coupled to a floor of a vehicle cabin.

27. A vehicle cabin comprising the retractable control console system according to any one of claims 19-26.

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