GB2539501A

GB2539501A - Armrest assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2539501A
Application number: GB1510804.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brown Christopher; Hosegood James
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-19
Filing date: 2015-06-19
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-19
Also published as: GB201510804D0; GB2539501B

Abstract

An armrest assembly 100 for the rear seating assembly (14, figure 5) of a passenger vehicle, the assembly comprises an armrest support structure 60 for supporting a vehicle armrest (30) and armrest drive means 120 coupled to the support structure, wherein the drive means is arranged to reposition the armrest support structure, e.g. between stowed (figure 7) and deployed (figure 12) configurations. Preferably the support structure is pivotally moveable and the drive means comprises a drive unit 122 driving a coupling member 130, which is coupled to the support structure. The coupling member may comprise an armrest drive shaft 128 having a threaded outer surface portion, which is engaged with a complementary threaded portion of the drive unit. The armrest drive may comprise an electric motor. A control module for the armrest assembly, as well as a combination of a bulkhead assembly (34, figure 4) and a seat comprising a powered linkage assembly (42) is also disclosed.

Description

ARMREST ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an armrest assembly. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an armrest assembly in the rear passenger seating assembly in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, for example a saloon car or sport utility vehicle (SUV). Aspects of the invention relate to an armrest assembly, a control system for controlling an armrest assembly, a vehicle comprising an armrest assembly and/or a control system, and a method of operating an armrest assembly.

BACKGROUND

The large amount of space available in a standard sport utility vehicle (SUV) allows the user of the SUV to reconfigure the seating of the SUV to carry passengers or a large load. However, the ability to reconfigure the seating in luxury SUVs, and luxury vehicles generally, is often compromised as the seats are often more bulky than those used in standard passenger cars as they are optimised for comfort over versatility. The materials and components used in the seating of luxury vehicles do not readily allow reconfiguration of the seating of luxury vehicles. As a consequence, a luxury vehicle is typically unsuitable for carrying a large load, which reduces the ways in which a user may use the vehicle.

In particular, rear seat assemblies in passenger cars comprise an armrest assembly located between the rear seats of the passenger vehicle. The armrest is moveable between a rearward stowed position and a forward deployed position. The presence of the armrest adds to the complexity of the rear seating assembly in luxury cars, and prevents the seating assembly from being easily reconfigurable to adequately increase the loadspace available to a user of the car. For example, it is typically not possible to carry long objects such as skis in a luxury car due to the inability to reconfigure the seating.

An aim of the present invention is to provide an armrest assembly which enables the easy reconfiguration of the rear seats in an automobile to facilitate the carrying of elongated loads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an armrest assembly for a seating assembly of a passenger vehicle. The armrest assembly may comprise an armrest support structure for supporting a vehicle armrest cushion, and a drive means coupled to the armrest support structure. The drive means may be an armrest drive means which may comprise a linkage. The drive means may be arranged to reposition the armrest support structure.

The invention enables the position of the armrest support structure to be varied. The armrest support structure may support an armrest cushion. Consequently, the armrest cushion may be positioned optimally with respect to the seating assembly in which the armrest assembly may be incorporated. For example, a user of the vehicle may easily reconfigure the armrest assembly between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to allow the carrying of long objects, such as a pair of skis, within the vehicle. In addition, the user may reposition the armrest support structure, and consequently any armrest cushion supported thereon, so that the armrest cushion is reclined to match the backrests of an adjacent reclined seat.

The armrest drive means may be powered to reposition the armrest support structure. The armrest assembly may be operable by a user of the vehicle to configure the vehicle between a four-seat system in which the armrest is deployed, and a five-seat system in which the armrest is stowed.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the armrest support structure is pivotally moveable. The armrest drive means may be arranged to be activated by a user of the vehicle. Activation of the armrest drive means may cause repositioning movement of the armrest support structure.

The armrest drive means may comprise a drive unit which drives a coupling member coupled to the armrest support structure. The armrest support structure comprises an attachment portion and the coupling member is coupled to the attachment portion. The coupling member may comprise an armrest driveshaft. The armrest driveshaft may comprise a threaded portion on its outer surface engaged with a complementary threaded portion of the drive unit. In an embodiment of the invention, movement of the coupling member in one direction may cause movement of the armrest support structure in a first direction, and movement of the coupling member in an opposite direction may cause movement of the armrest in a second direction. The armrest drive means may comprise a motor which may be an electric motor.

The armrest drive means and the armrest support structure may be mounted on a seat support structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the drive unit of the linkage may be mounted on the support structure. The armrest support structure may be pivotally mounted on the seat support structure. The armrest drive means may extend between the seat support structure and the armrest support structure. In an embodiment of the invention the coupling member may be coupled to the armrest support structure. The armrest drive means may be arranged to vary the position of the armrest support structure relative to the seat support structure.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an armrest drive means for repositioning an armrest support structure. The armrest drive means may be installed in a rear seating assembly of a passenger vehicle. The armrest drive means may be coupled to the armrest support structure and may be arranged to reposition the armrest support structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the armrest drive means may be arranged to switch the armrest support structure between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

The seat support structure may be arranged to reposition the seating assembly in cooperation with the reconfiguration of the armrest support structure. The seat support structure may be arranged to relocate a portion of the seating assembly to provide a recess into which a portion of the armrest support structure and/or an armrest cushion rests in the deployed configuration. This provides the appearance of an integrated armrest between rear seats of a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a control module for controlling the armrest assembly. Accordingly, the armrest assembly may comprise a controller for controlling the armrest assembly.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating an armrest assembly as described above, the method may comprise driving the drive means, which in certain embodiments may comprise driving the linkage, to reposition the armrest support structure.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of (i) a bulkhead assembly and/or a seating assembly and/or a seat, comprising a powered linkage assembly for respectively reconfiguring the bulkhead assembly and/or the seating assembly and/or the seat, between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; and (ii) an armrest assembly as described above. Activation of the powered linkage assembly may activate the armrest drive linkage. In the folded configuration, the armrest assembly may be in a stowed configuration. In the unfolded configuration, the armrest assembly may be in a deployed configuration. Any one or more of the bulkhead assembly, the seating assembly, and the seat may be powered.

The armrest assembly may be linked to a control system of respectively the bulkhead assembly and/or the seating assembly and/or the seat. The armrest assembly may be arranged to send one or more signals to respectively the bulkhead assembly and/or the seating assembly and/or the seat, to allow and/or prevent switching between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. Accordingly, the invention ensures that a clash condition does not occur if the bulkhead assembly and/or the seating assembly and/or the seat, switch between configurations when the armrest is in the deployed configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising an armrest assembly as described above.

The embodiments of the present invention enable an armrest located between two rear passenger seats to be powered from a stowed position to a deployed position and vice versa. This enables a user of the vehicle to quickly and easily stow the armrest in the event that the rear seating assembly requires reconfiguration, for example, to increase the loadspace of the vehicle.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the luggage compartment and rear portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle, wherein the rear seating apparatus is in a ski-hatch configuration and the armrest is in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the luggage compartment and rear portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the rear seating apparatus is in a partially folded configuration; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the luggage compartment and rear portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle of Figures 1 and 2, wherein the rear seating arrangement is in a fully folded configuration; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a perspective view of the internal components of the major portion of a rear seating assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic cutaway side view diagram of the components of the major portion of the rear seating assembly, comprising an armrest cover, wherein the armrest is shown in a stowed position, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a schematic cutaway side view diagram of the internal components of the major portion of the rear seating assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figures 7 to 12 are magnified views of a powered armrest assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention, and illustrate the operation of an armrest from a stowed position to a deployed position; Figure 13 is a schematic cutaway side view diagram of the internal components of the major portion of the rear seating assembly of Figure 5, wherein the armrest is shown in a deployed position, according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a side sectional view of a rear seating assembly which shows the separating portion of the rear seating assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the armrest is in the stowed position; Figure 15 is a side sectional view of the rear seating assembly shown in Figure 14, wherein the armrest is in the deployed position; and Figure 16 is a perspective view of the rear seating assembly shown in Figure 15, wherein the armrest is in the deployed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows the rear portion of a passenger compartment 2 and a luggage compartment 4 of a vehicle 6, according to an embodiment of the invention. The terms "forwards", "backwards'", "forwardmost" and "rearmost" are used to describe positions or locations of features relative to the vehicle 6. For example, the terms "forwards" and "forwardmost" refer to locations or positions towards or nearer the front of the vehicle 6, and "backwards" and "rearmost" refer to locations or positions towards or nearer the rear of the vehicle 6.

The passenger compartment 2 is separated from the luggage compartment 4 by a bulkhead 8, which extends from one side of the vehicle 6 to the other. The luggage compartment 4 is commonly referred to as the "trunk" or "boot" or "cargo space" of a vehicle. The bulkhead 8 has a first surface 10 and a second surface 12. Luggage and other items are typically loaded into the luggage compartment 4 by opening a hinged hatch or door (not shown) at the rear of the vehicle 6 to provide access to the luggage compartment 4.

The rear portion of the passenger compartment 2 includes a seating assembly 14 which is shown in a ski-hatch configuration in Figure 1. In the ski-hatch configuration the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8 faces the passenger compartment 2 and the second surface 12 faces the luggage compartment 4. The seating assembly 14 comprises a first seat 16 and a second seat 18. A separating portion 20 is located between the first seat 16 and the second seat 18. Each seat 16, 18 comprises a seat cushion 22, a backrest 24, also referred to as a squab, and a headrest 26. The separating portion 20 comprises a separating cushion 28 and an armrest 30. The armrest 30 is shown in a deployed configuration in Figure 1. When the armrest 30 is in the stowed configuration, described in detail below, the armrest 30 forms a separating backrest for the separating portion. The seating assembly 14 is referred to in the art as a 40-20-40 split: the first seat 16 comprises 40% of the seating of the seating assembly 14, the separating portion 20 comprises 20% of the seating of the seating assembly 14 and the second seat 18 comprises 40% of the seating of the seating assembly 14. The backrests 24, 30 are located adjacent to the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8.

The bulkhead 8 defines an opening (not shown) to allow skis 31 to be transported inside the vehicle 6. The backrest 24 and armrest 30 are located adjacent to the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8.

The seating assembly 14 is shown in Figure 2 in a partially folded configuration. The bulkhead 8 is asymmetrically divided into a major bulkhead portion 17a and a minor bulkhead portion 19a. Accordingly, the seating assembly 14 is divided into corresponding portions: a major portion 17 and a minor portion 19 (shown in Figure 1). The major portion 17 comprises the second seat 18, the separating portion 20 and the major bulkhead portion 17a. The minor portion 19 comprises the first seat 16 and the minor bulkhead portion 19a.

The seats 16, 18 and separating portion 20 are arranged so that the backrests 24 and armrest 30 may each fold forward about an axis 33 parallel to the plane of the bulkhead 8. The bulkhead 8 is also arranged to fold forward in cooperation with the seats 16, 18 and separating portion 20.

In the partially folded configuration the first seat 16 is in a folded configuration so that its backrest 24 rests on its corresponding seat cushion 22. The separating portion 20 and the second seat, i.e. the major portion, is in an unfolded configuration. In this configuration the corresponding minor portion of the bulkhead 8 is folded forward to lie on top of the backrest 24 so that the first surface 10 of the minor portion of the bulkhead 8 generally faces the floor of the passenger compartment 2 and the second surface 12 of the minor portion of the bulkhead 8 generally faces the roof of the passenger compartment 2. The partially folded configuration allows a long load 32 to be carried by the vehicle 6 while allowing the second seat 18 to carry a passenger.

The seating assembly 14 is shown in Figure 3 in a fully folded configuration. In the fully folded configuration both of the backrests 24 and the armrest 30 are folded forward about the folding axis 33 so that each backrest 24 and the armrest 30 rests on its corresponding cushion 22, 28. In the fully folded configuration both the minor and major portions of the bulkhead 8 are folded forward to lie on top of the backrests 24 and armrest 30 so that the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8 generally faces the floor of the passenger compartment 2, and the second surface 12 generally faces the roof of the passenger compartment 2. The fully folded configuration allows a larger load (not shown) to be carried by the vehicle 6, than the partially folded configuration.

The seats 16, 18 and separating portion 20 of a seating assembly 14 are supported by a bulkhead assembly 34. The bulkhead assembly 34 is divided into a major portion and a minor portion corresponding to the major and minor portions described above. Figure 4 shows the internal components of the major portion of the bulkhead assembly 34 in an unfolded configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

The bulkhead assembly 34 comprises a seat support structure 36. The seat support structure 36 comprises an upper support structure 38 and a lower support structure 40. The upper support structure 38 and the lower support structure 40 of the major portion of the bulkhead assembly 34 are connected by a powered linkage assembly 42. The powered linkage assembly 42 is arranged to reconfigure the major portion of the bulkhead assembly 34 from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration, and vice versa. A corresponding powered linkage assembly (not shown) reconfigures the minor portion of the bulkhead assembly between folded and unfolded configurations. As a consequence, the bulkhead assembly 34 reconfigures the seating assembly between folded and unfolded configurations. The bulkhead assembly 34 also comprises a bulkhead 8.

As shown in Figure 4, in an unfolded configuration the upper support structure 38 and the bulkhead 8 of the major portion of the bulkhead assembly 34 each generally form an obtuse angle relative to the lower support structure 40. The upper support structure 38 comprises an armrest support structure in the form of an armrest frame 60 arranged to support an armrest 30.

The upper support structure 38 includes a frame 44 and a U-shaped first bulkhead bracket 46 and a U-shaped second bulkhead bracket 48. The planes of the bulkhead brackets are parallel. The frame 44 and bulkhead brackets 46, 48 are attached to the first surface 10 of the bulkhead S. The lower support structure 40 comprises a first rail 50 and a second rail 51.

The rails 50, 51 form a seat cushion track for a seat cushion. The rails 50, 51 are secured to the body structure of the vehicle 6. A first rail bracket 52 extends from the first rail 50 and a second rail bracket 54 extends from the second rail 51. The first rail bracket 52 is pivotally coupled to the first bulkhead bracket 46 by a pivot 55. The second rail bracket 54 is pivotally coupled to the second bulkhead bracket 48. A bulkhead driveshaft 56 extends between, and is mounted in, the bulkhead brackets 46, 48. The bulkhead driveshaft 56 is powered by a bulkhead electric motor 58, which the vehicle user operates using a control system (not shown) comprising a bulkhead switch. The control system may be part of the seat reclining system used for passenger adjustment of the backrest 24 for comfort.

Figure 5 is a side view of the components of the major portion of the rear seating assembly 14, which includes an armrest 30 mounted on the armrest frame 60. The armrest 30 is shown in the stowed configuration.

As shown most clearly in Figures 6 to 12, the first bulkhead bracket 46 has a generally planar U-shape with a first arm portion 62, a middle portion 64 and a second arm portion 66.

The second bulkhead bracket 48 has a shape and configuration identical to the first bulkhead bracket 46, and its configuration with the second rail bracket 54 is substantially the same as described herein for the first rail bracket 52.

The first arm 62 of the first bulkhead bracket 46 is longer than the second arm 66 of the first bulkhead bracket 46. The first arm 62 has an expanded width portion 70. The expanded width portion 70 of the first arm 62 is attached to the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8 so that the plane of the first bulkhead bracket 46 is perpendicular to the first surface 10 of the bulkhead 8. The bulkhead frame 44 is attached to the first arm portion 62 of the first bulkhead bracket 48.

The middle portion 64 of the first bulkhead bracket 46 has a bore 72 through which the bulkhead driveshaft 56 extends perpendicularly to the plane of the first bulkhead bracket 46. As mentioned above, the bulkhead driveshaft 56 extends from the first bulkhead bracket 46 to the second bulkhead bracket 48, where it is powered by the bulkhead electric motor 58.

An engagement member 74 is mounted coaxially with the bulkhead driveshaft 56. The engagement member 74 comprises a first radius portion 76, which matches the radius of the bore 72 to form a rotating pivot portion in the first bulkhead bracket 44. The engagement member 74 comprises a second radius portion 78 which is coaxial with the first radius portion 76 and the bulkhead driveshaft 56.

The second radius portion 78 is mated to an elongate portion 79 in the form of a lobe. A first end of a curved connection rod 80 is pivotally connected to the elongate portion 79 by a pivot 82 (see Figure 7). The elongate portion 79 forms a crank mounted on the driveshaft 56 adjacent to the inner surface of the first bulkhead bracket 46.

The first bulkhead bracket 46 is pivoted with the first rail bracket 52 by the pivot 55 which extends through the first bulkhead bracket 46 where the second arm portion 66 of the first bulkhead bracket 46 meets the middle portion 64 of the first bulkhead bracket 46.

The first rail 50 has a slot 84 which enables a seat cushion 22 to be moved forwards and backwards on the lower support structure 40. As shown in Figure 4, the first rail 50 comprises two parallel flanges: a first rail bracket flange 86 and a connecting rod flange 88. The first rail bracket 52 is attached to the first rail bracket flange 86 by an attachment plate 90, and the second end of the connecting rod 80 is pivotally attached to the connecting rod flange 88 by a pivot 89.

In order to change the configuration of the bulkhead assembly 34 from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, power is supplied to the bulkhead electric motor 58 which drives the bulkhead driveshaft 56, so that the bulkhead driveshaft 56 rotates anticlockwise, as viewed in Figures 6 to 12, about its longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the configuration of the bulkhead assembly 34 may be transformed from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration by rotation of the bulkhead driveshaft 56 by the bulkhead electric motor 58 in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 6 to 12, about the longitudinal axis of the bulkhead driveshaft 56.

When the bulkhead driveshaft 56 rotates in an anticlockwise direction along its longitudinal axis, as indicated by arrow 91 the elongate portion 79 pushes against the connecting rod 80. Since the connecting rod 80 is fixed to the elongate portion 79 and is fixed to the connecting rod flange 88 so that it cannot move along its longitudinal axis with respect to the pivots 82, 89, the disk 74 is urged to rotate in the bore 72 of the first bulkhead bracket 46. This action forces the first bulkhead bracket 46 to move about the pivot 55 relative to the first rail bracket 52. An identical action takes place at the second bulkhead bracket 48. As a consequence the upper support structure 38 rotates forward about the pivot 55 towards the lower support structure 40.

The upper support structure 38 comprises an armrest assembly 100, which comprises an armrest frame 60 arranged to support an armrest 30 which is not shown in Figures 4 and 6 to 12. In the embodiments described herein, in the stowed position, the armrest 30 forms a backrest between the backrests 24 of the seats 16, 18.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), an armrest may form a portion of a separating portion backrest between the backrests 24 of the seats 16, 18. In the stowed configuration the armrest is located in a cavity in the separating portion backrest between the backrests 24 of the seats 16, 18. In the deployed position the armrest folds down from the separating portion backrest, which remains located between the backrests 24 of the seats 16, 18.

As shown most clearly in Figure 4, the armrest frame 60 comprises a first armrest bar 102, a second armrest bar 104, a first armrest connecting member 106 and a second armrest connecting member 108. The first armrest bar 102, the second armrest bar 104, the first armrest connecting member 106 and the second armrest connecting member 108 are arranged in the same plane. The first armrest bar 102 and the second armrest bar 104 are parallel, and the first armrest bar 102 is slightly longer than the second armrest bar 104. The ends of the armrest bars 102, 104 located at the same end are connected by the first armrest connecting member 106 and the other ends of the armrest bars 102, 104 are connected by the second armrest connecting member 108. Each armrest connecting member 106, 108 has a first bar portion 110 and a second bar portion 112 connected by an angled portion 114 to allow for the different lengths of the armrest bars 102, 104.

The armrest frame 60 is pivotally mounted by a pivot 116 (see Figures 6 to 12) near the outermost end of the first arm portion 66 of the first bulkhead bracket 46. The armrest frame 60 is arranged with respect to the first bulkhead bracket 46 so that the first armrest bar 102 extends perpendicularly from the plane of the first bulkhead bracket 46. The armrest frame is arranged to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the first armrest bar 102. Mounted on the first armrest bar 102 is an attachment portion 118 which extends from the outer curved surface of the first armrest bar 102 at an obtuse angle to the direction that the armrest connection members 106, 108 extend from the first armrest bar 102.

The armrest assembly 100 comprises an armrest drive means in the form of an armrest drive linkage 120 (see Figures 7 to 12), which is arranged to drive the armrest frame 60 between a stowed position, in which the armrest assembly 100 is in a stowed configuration, and a deployed position, in which the armrest assembly 100 is in a deployed configuration.

The armrest drive linkage 120 comprises an armrest drive unit 122 and a coupling member (see Figures 8 to 12). The armrest drive unit 122 is pivotally mounted in an armrest drive housing 124. The armrest drive housing 124 is mounted on a drive platform 126 which is attached to the bulkhead frame 44 of the upper support structure 38. The coupling member 130 comprises an armrest driveshaft 128, which rotates about its longitudinal axis when it is driven by the armrest drive unit 122. The coupling member 130 pivotally couples one end of the armrest driveshaft 128 to the attachment portion 118, which allows the armrest driveshaft 128 to rotate about its longitudinal axis while remaining coupled to the attachment portion 118. The other end of the armrest driveshaft 128 comprises a threaded portion (which is obscured by the armrest drive unit). The threaded portion of the armrest driveshaft 128 is engaged with a complementary threaded bore in the armrest drive unit 122.

The armrest drive unit 122 is arranged to rotate the armrest driveshaft 128 in a first direction. Rotation of the armrest driveshaft 128 in the first direction draws the armrest driveshaft 128 towards and through the armrest drive unit 122 to shorten the distance between the armrest drive unit 122 and the attachment portion 118. Rotation of the armrest driveshaft 128 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, urges the armrest driveshaft 128 through and away from the armrest drive unit 122 to increase the distance between the armrest drive unit 122 and the attachment portion 118.

The armrest assembly 100 comprises an armrest electric motor (not shown) to power the armrest drive unit 122. The armrest electric motor may be controlled by a control unit which comprises a switch (not shown). In another embodiment of the invention, the armrest drive unit 122 is powered manually.

Operation of the armrest assembly 100 is now described in further detail with reference to Figures 7 to 12. The armrest frame 60 in Figures 7 to 12 is shown without an armrest 30 to aid clarity.

Figure 7 shows the armrest frame 60 in its most rearward position. In this configuration the armrest 30 is in a stowed position. When the armrest electric motor is not in operation the armrest electric motor acts as a locking means to prevent inadvertent deployment of the armrest 30.

In order to move the armrest frame 60 from the stowed position to the deployed position the user operates the switch which supplies an electric current to the armrest electric motor.

Since the armrest frame 60 is at its rearmost position, activation of the switch causes the armrest electric motor to rotate the armrest driveshaft 128 in the first direction. This reduces the distance between the armrest drive unit 122 and the attachment portion 118.

The armrest drive housing 124 is mounted on a drive platform 126 which is fixed to the bulkhead frame 44. Since the attachment portion 118 is pivotally mounted on the second arm portion 66 of the first bulkhead bracket 46, reducing the distance between the armrest drive unit 122 and the attachment portion 118 results in clockwise movement of the armrest frame 60, as viewed in Figure 8, illustrated by arrow 132. Continued operation of the armrest electric motor compels the armrest driveshaft 128 to further move rearwardly through the armrest drive unit 122, as shown in Figure 9, which causes the armrest frame 60 to rotate further. The rearward movement of the armrest driveshaft 128 through the armrest drive unit 122 and corresponding rotational movement of the armrest frame 60 are illustrated further in Figures 10 to 12.

Figure 12 illustrates the final forwardmost position of the armrest frame 60 in the deployed configuration so that an armrest 30 may be used by passengers seated in the seats 16, 18. The armrest 30 is illustrated in the deployed position in Figure 13. When the armrest frame and the armrest 30 reach the deployed configuration, the armrest electric motor ceases operation.

To move the armrest 30 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration, the armrest electric motor is engaged so that the armrest driveshaft 128 rotates in the second direction. This urges the armrest driveshaft 128 to move forwards through the armrest drive unit 122 resulting in the armrest frame 60 moving about the first arm 102 in an anticlockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 6 to 12 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration. Operation of the armrest assembly 100 from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration is the reverse of the operation of the armrest assembly 100 from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration described previously.

If one or both of the seats 16, 18 are in a reclined position, the armrest assembly 100 may be used to ensure that the position of the armrest 30 corresponds with the position of one or both of the backrests 24. The armrest electric motor is activated, either automatically when one or both of the seats 16, 18 are reclined, or manually by a user of the vehicle 6, to cause the armrest driveshaft 128 to be rotated in the second direction. Thus, the armrest 30 moves rearwardly from its stowed position to a position complementing the reclined seat 16, 18.

The armrest assembly 100 may be controlled in cooperation with the powered linkage assembly 42 of the bulkhead assembly 38. If the armrest 30 is in the deployed configuration when the bulkhead assembly 38 is switched between an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, the armrest assembly 100 moves the armrest 30 from its deployed position to its stowed position. Likewise, when the bulkhead assembly 38 is switched between the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration, the armrest assembly 100 may move the armrest 30 to a deployed position.

The armrest assembly 100 is linked to the control system of the bulkhead assembly 38 to ensure that the bulkhead assembly 38 does not switch between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration when the armrest 30 is in the deployed configuration. When the armrest 30 is in the deployed configuration, the armrest assembly 100 sends a stop signal to the control system of the bulkhead assembly 38 which prevents activation of the powered linkage assembly 42. When the armrest 30 is progressing to the stowed configuration, or is in the stowed configuration, the armrest assembly 100 sends a go signal to the control system of the bulkhead assembly 38 which allows activation of the powered linkage assembly 42.

Figures 14 to 16 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the separating cushion 28 is moved as the armrest 30 repositions from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration. Features shown in Figures 14 to 16 which correspond to features of the previous embodiments are given the same reference numerals.

Figure 14 shows a separating portion 20 of a seating assembly 14. The separating portion 20 comprises a separating cushion 28 and an armrest 30. A bulkhead 8 is located behind the armrest 30. The seating assembly 14 is shown in Figure 14 in the stowed configuration, wherein the armrest 30 is in the stowed position. The armrest 30 is mounted on a pivot 116 which enables the armrest 30 to pivot between the stowed position and the deployed position. In the stowed position, the armrest 30 and the separating cushion 28 are aligned respectively with the backrests 24 and seat cushions 22 (shown in Figures 15 and 16) either side of the armrest 30 and separating cushion 28, so that the separating portion 20 may be used as a passenger seat.

Figure 15 shows the seating assembly 14 in a deployed configuration. The backrests 24 and seat cushions 22 of the seats adjacent to the separating portion 20 are illustrated in Figure 15. In the present embodiment of the invention, the seating assembly 14 is arranged to alter the position of the separating cushion 28 as the armrest 30 switches between the stowed position and the deployed position. The separating cushion 28 rotates about a separating cushion pivot 135. Alternatively, the separating cushion 28 may be mounted on a moveable mounting which is arranged to reposition the separating cushion 28 as the armrest 30 switches between the stowed position and the deployed position.

When the seating assembly 14 moves from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration the armrest 30 rotates forwards about the pivot 116. At the same time the separating cushion 28 drops so that a recess is formed between the seat cushions 22, which receives the armrest 30. The armrest 30 overlaps the seat cushions 22, which is illustrated by the hatched area 136. This gives the visual appearance of an armrest which is fully integrated with the adjacent seats.

The integrated appearance of the present embodiment of the invention is further illustrated in Figure 16. As can be seen in Figure 16, a portion of the armrest 30 is located between the seat cushions 22 of the first seat 16 and the second seat 18, which gives the appearance of the armrest being integral with the seats 16, 18.

The invention may comprises anti-trap and/or anti-clash sensors (not shown) linked to the control unit and arranged to halt movement of the armrest 30 if an object is or is about to become trapped between the armrest 30 and its surroundings. Examples of suitable sensors include pinch strips and Hall effect sensors which may be located in the motors. The motors may include clutches or a motor stall load (also known as stall torque) value to prevent continues operation of the apparatus in the event that a foreign body is trapped by movement of the armrest 30.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example and for the purposes of illustration only. The aforementioned embodiments are not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims, which follow. It is contemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An armrest assembly (100) for a seating assembly (14) of a passenger vehicle (6), wherein the armrest assembly (100) comprises: an armrest support structure (60) for supporting a vehicle armrest (30); and an armrest drive means (120) coupled to the armrest support structure (60), wherein the armrest drive means (120) is arranged to reposition the armrest support structure (60).
2. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 1, wherein the armrest drive means (120) is arranged to reposition the armrest support structure (60) between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.
3. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the armrest support structure (60) is pivotally moveable.
4. The armrest assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein activation of the armrest drive means (120) causes repositioning movement of the armrest support structure (60).
5. The armrest assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the armrest drive means (120) comprises a drive unit (122) which drives a coupling member (130) coupled to the armrest support structure (60).
6. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 5, wherein the armrest support structure (60) comprises an attachment portion (118) and the coupling member (130) is coupled to the attachment portion (118).
7. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 5 or 6, wherein the coupling member (130) comprises an armrest driveshaft (128).
8. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 7, wherein the armrest driveshaft (128) comprises a threaded portion on its outer surface engaged with a complementary threaded portion of the drive unit (122).
9. The armrest assembly (100) of any of Claims 5 to 8, wherein movement of the coupling member (130) in one direction causes movement of the armrest support structure (60) in a first direction, and movement of the coupling member (130) in an opposite direction causes movement of the armrest support structure (60) in a second direction.
10. The armrest assembly (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the armrest drive means (120) comprises a motor.
11. The armrest assembly (100) of Claim 10, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
12. A control module for controlling the armrest assembly (100) of any preceding claim. 10
13. A method of operating the armrest assembly (100) of any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises driving the armrest drive means (120) to reposition the armrest support structure (60).
14. A combination of (i) a bulkhead assembly (34) and/or a seat (16, 18) comprising a powered linkage assembly (42) for reconfiguring respectively the bulkhead assembly (34) and/or the seat (16, 18) between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration; and (ii) the armrest assembly (100) of any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein activation of the powered linkage assembly (42) activates the armrest drive means (120).
15. A vehicle comprising the armrest assembly (100) of any of Claims 1 to 12.
16. An armrest assembly (100) substantially as described herein, and/or as illustratedin any of the accompanying drawings.
17. A method of operating an armrest assembly (100) substantially as described herein, and/or as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.