CN107472152B

CN107472152B - Vehicle interior device with armrest unlocked by translation

Info

Publication number: CN107472152B
Application number: CN201710423589.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 夏尔·布里; 皮埃尔·科斯特; 朱利安·布勒克
Original assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie SAS
Current assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie SAS
Priority date: 2016-06-08
Filing date: 2017-06-07
Publication date: 2022-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2037-06-07
Also published as: FR3052407A1; DE102017111240B4; FR3052407B1; DE102017111240A1; CN107472152A

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle interior device having an armrest that is unlocked by translation. The armrest (13) is locked by a transverse head (19). The armrest (13) includes: a cover (25); an inner liner (27); a connection (29) connecting the lid (25) to the liner (27), the connection (29) being configured such that the lid (25) is translationally displaceable along a longitudinal direction relative to the liner (27) between a neutral position and an unlocked position; and a transmission (41), the transmission (41) being configured such that displacement of the cover (25) from the neutral position to the unlocked position drives the cross head (19) of the armrest (13) from a locked position to a released position.

Description

Vehicle interior device with armrest unlocked by translation

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle interior device that includes an armrest forming a lid for a container.

More precisely, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an interior device of a vehicle of the type comprising:

-a structure comprising a container having an opening;

-an armrest;

-a connection connecting the armrest to the structure, configured such that the armrest is movable relative to the structure between a closed position, in which the armrest encloses the opening, and a disengaged position, in which the armrest does not enclose the opening;

-a locking device with a cross head

The cross head is displaceable between a locking position in which the armrest in the closed position is locked to the structure and a release position in which the armrest is freely displaceable relative to the structure from the closed position towards the disengaged position.

Background

When such interior devices are integrated in the center console of the vehicle, the locking device must hold the armrest in the closed position, even in the event of a crash. The locking device must be of the barrier type, having a member of the horizontal head type which must be displaced in order to allow the opening of the container. Typically, in this case, the internal means comprise a button or a disc to ensure displacement of the crosspiece.

The addition of such unlocking buttons or such unlocking disks implies a limitation in styling since the buttons or disks must be harmonically integrated in their environment. This also means a limitation in terms of economy, since the button or disc must be easily accessible for the user. Finally, the addition of such buttons or disks causes packaging constraints, since the buttons or disks occupy a certain volume.

On this background, the object of the present invention is to propose an internal device that does not have these limitations.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention relates to an internal arrangement of the above-mentioned type, characterized in that the armrest comprises: a cover; a liner; a connector connecting the lid to the liner, the connector configured such that the lid is translationally displaceable along the longitudinal direction relative to the liner between a neutral position and an unlocked position; and a transmission configured such that displacement of the cover from the neutral position to the unlocked position drives the crosshead from its locked position to its released position.

Thus, by longitudinally displacing the cover of the armrest, unlocking may be achieved. This eliminates the need for a button or disk in the internal device. Such opening kinematics is intuitive and natural for the user. This solution is particularly economical when the armrest is of the position-adjustable type.

The internal device also has one or more of the following features, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

the connection connecting the armrest to the structure is a pivot connection;

the armrest comprises a main elastic member interposed between the lid and the liner, which returns the lid to its neutral position when the lid is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocked position;

the armrest comprises a secondary elastic member interposed between the crosshead and the liner, which returns the crosshead to its locking position, the primary elastic member having a first stiffness and the secondary elastic member having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness;

the locking means comprise a groove receiving the crosspiece, provided on the structure, the top of which is delimited by the upper wall, the crosspiece having a cam surface which cooperates with the upper wall to displace the crosspiece towards its release position against the return force of the secondary elastic member when the armrest is brought back from the disengaged position to the closed position;

the transmission means comprise a foot associated with the crosspiece and a support associated with the cover, said support coming to longitudinally press against the foot when the cover is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocked position; and

-the connection connecting the lid to the liner is configured such that the lid is translationally displaceable in the longitudinal direction from the neutral position in a direction opposite to the unlocked position relative to the liner, thereby permitting adjustment of the position of the lid.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle center console comprising an interior device having the above-mentioned features.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising an internal device having the above-mentioned features, oriented such that the displacement of the cover from the neutral position to the unlocked position is rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a method for using an internal device having the above characteristics, said method comprising the steps of:

-placing the crosspiece in the release position by longitudinally displacing the lid with respect to the liner from its neutral position to its unlocked position;

-displacing the armrest from its closed position towards its disengaged position.

Drawings

Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, provided by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle in which a center console includes an interior device of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the internal arrangement with the armrest in its closed position and the cover in a neutral position.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to fig. 2, showing the lid in its unlocked position.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to fig. 2 showing the armrest in an intermediate position between the closed position and the disengaged position.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to fig. 2, showing the armrest as it is closed toward its closed position.

Detailed Description

The interior arrangement 1 schematically shown in fig. 1 is intended to be mounted as a motor vehicle, typically a car or truck, for example, on board a vehicle.

The interior device 1 is generally installed in the cabin of the vehicle.

In the example shown, the interior device 1 is a center console, which is arranged between two front seats 5 of the vehicle.

Alternatively, this interior device is mounted elsewhere in the cockpit, for example between two seats in row 2 or 3 of the vehicle, or even in the door panel.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the inner device 1 comprises a structure 7 having a container 9, which container 9 is provided with an opening 11. The opening 11 is generally oriented to face upward.

The structure 7 is a fixed structure, for example fixed to the floor of the cockpit. The container 9 is any suitable type of container. For example, it is an empty bag, or a container intended to receive a cup holder or a bottle holder, or even a container intended to receive an electronic device such as a computer, a mobile phone, a GPS, etc.

The internal arrangement 1 further comprises an armrest 13 and a connection connecting the armrest 13 to the structure 7, which is configured such that the armrest 13 is movable relative to the structure 7 between a closed position, in which the armrest 13 closes the opening 11, and a disengaged position, in which the armrest 13 does not close the opening 11.

Typically, the connection 15 connecting the armrest 13 to the structure 7 is a pivotal connection, for example about a transverse axis.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction are with respect to the normal running direction of the vehicle. Above and below are in a direction perpendicular to the plane of travel of the vehicle.

The internal device 1 further comprises a locking device 17, which locking device 17 is provided with a cross-head 19, which cross-head 19 is displaceable between a locking position, in which the armrest 13 in the closed position is locked to the structure 7, and a release position, in which the armrest 13 is freely displaceable relative to the structure 7 from the closed position towards the disengaged position.

The locking position of the cross head is shown in fig. 2 and 4. The release position is shown in fig. 3.

The locking means 17 further comprise a recess 21 for receiving the cross head 19, which is provided on the structure 7. The top of the recess 21 is delimited by an upper wall 23. The recess is open towards the rear.

Upper wall 23 prevents upward displacement of cross head 19 when cross head 19 is engaged in recess 21. Thus, the armrest 13 cannot be displaced from its closed position to its disengaged position.

As can be seen in fig. 2, in the example shown, a connection 15 connects the longitudinal rear end of the handrail 13 to the structure 7. The connecting member 15 is longitudinally offset towards the rear of the container 9.

For example, the groove 21 is formed recessed in the wall of the container 9, flush with the opening 11, or slightly above the opening 11. For example, the recess 21 is supported by the wall of the container 9 that delimits this container 9 forward.

The cross head 19 is accommodated in the armrest 13 at a longitudinal front end portion of the armrest 13 and projects longitudinally forward relative to the armrest 13 in the lock position.

As can be seen in the figures, the armrest comprises a cover 25, a lining 27 and a connection 29 for connecting the cover 25 to the lining 27, which connection 29 is configured such that the cover 25 is translationally displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the lining 27 between a neutral position and an unlocked position of the armrest. The neutral position is shown in fig. 2, and the unlocked position is shown in fig. 3.

The cover 25 is oriented to face upward. The cover 25 defines an upper surface of the armrest intended for receiving an elbow of a vehicle occupant. The cover 25 generally comprises a rigid insert 31, for example made of plastic material, and at least one layer (not shown) made of flexible material covering the insert 31.

The liner 27 is oriented to face downward and defines a lower surface of the armrest 13. For example, the liner 27 is made of a rigid plastic material. Connector 15 connects liner 27 to structure 7.

The cover 25 and the liner 27 define a hollow volume 33 therebetween, the various components being housed in this hollow volume 33, including the transverse head 19.

In the example shown, the connection 29 connecting the lid to the liner comprises a longitudinal guide tube 35, which is coupled to the liner 27 and is arranged in the volume 33. Tube 35 is rigidly secured to liner 27 by way of feet (pattern) 37 formed on liner 27. The cover 25 is also provided with a foot 39, which foot 39 has a hole in which the tube 35 is received and is free to slide longitudinally. Legs 39 are formed on the insert 31 and are disposed longitudinally between the legs 37.

Armrest 13 further includes a transmission 41, transmission 41 being configured such that displacement of cover 25 from the neutral position to the unlocked position drives crossbar 19 from its locked position to its released position.

In the example shown, the displacement of the cover 25 from its neutral position to the unlocked position is a longitudinal translation towards the rear (i.e. towards the pivot connection 15). The foot 39 slides along the tube 35.

As can be seen in the figures, for example, the transmission 41 comprises a foot 43 associated with the crosspiece and a support 45 associated with the cover. The support 45 is typically formed on the insert 31.

The support 45 is longitudinally forward of the foot 43. When the cover 25 is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocked position (see fig. 2, 3), the support 45 comes to press longitudinally against the foot 43.

The support 45 is longitudinally displaced towards the rear together with the cover 25 and causes the crosspiece 19 to longitudinally translate towards the rear by means of the feet 43. This retraction causes the transverse head 19 to disengage from the recess 21. When the cross head 19 leaves the recess 21, the locking means 17 is in its disengaged position.

In the example shown, the cross head 19 is mounted on the lining 27 by means of a connection piece sliding in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the crosspiece 19 is displaced between its locking position and its release position by a longitudinal translational movement with respect to the lining 27.

As can be seen in the figures, in the example shown, the lining 27 is provided, close to the front, with a partition 47, which partition 47 has an aperture 49, wherein the crosspiece 19 engages in this aperture 49. In the locked position, the cross-head 19 protrudes through the aperture 49 out of the volume 33. Conversely, in the release position, the cross-head 19 is completely retracted inside the volume 33.

The armrest 13 further comprises a primary elastic member 51 interposed between the cover 25 and the inner lining 27. When the cover 25 is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocked position, the main resilient member 51 returns this cover 25 to its neutral position.

In the example shown, the primary elastic member 51 is a helical compression spring. The primary elastic member 51 surrounds the rear end of the tube 35. The primary resilient member 51 is supported by one end thereof on one of the legs 39 and the opposite other end thereof on one of the legs 37. The compression axis of the primary elastic member 51 is longitudinal.

The armrest 13 further comprises a secondary elastic member 53 interposed between the cross head 19 and the inner lining 27. The secondary elastic member 53 returns the cross head 19 to the locked position.

In the example shown, the secondary elastic member 53 is housed in the volume 33. Which is interposed between the transverse head 19 and one of the legs 37 of the liner.

The secondary elastic member 53 is, for example, a helical compression spring, and has a longitudinal compression axis.

Alternatively, the

elastic members

51, 53 are any other type of member, and are, for example, blocks made of an elastic material such as rubber.

The main resilient member 51 has a first stiffness. The secondary elastic member 53 has a second rigidity that is smaller than the first rigidity.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the crosspiece 19 has a cam surface 55, which cam surface 55 cooperates with the upper wall 23 to displace the crosspiece 19 to its release position, against the return force of the secondary elastic member 53, when the armrest 13 is brought back to its closed position from its disengaged position. This situation is shown in fig. 5.

In the closed position of the armrest, the cam surface 55 is facing forward and downward. Thus, the cam surface 55 converts the supporting force applied to the cam surface from below upward into a longitudinal force from front to back.

The operation of the internal device will now be described.

It is assumed that the initial situation corresponds to the situation of fig. 2.

The armrest 13 is in its closed position, the cross head 19 being in the locked position, i.e. engaged in the groove 21.

In this position, the position of the cover 25 can be adjusted longitudinally. The cover 25 can be displaced longitudinally forward by the user from the neutral position shown in fig. 2. The leg 39 is displaced longitudinally forward along the tube 35. In the neutral position of the cover, the support 45 is longitudinally immediately in front of the foot 43 and contacts the foot 43. When the cover 25 is longitudinally displaced toward the front, the support 45 is disengaged from the leg 43 and is not hindered in its movement by this leg 43.

When the user desires to access the contents of the container 9, it then displaces the lid 25 longitudinally rearwardly relative to the liner 27. If the cover 25 is longitudinally offset towards the front relative to the neutral position, it is first returned to its neutral position. Then, when the user continues the longitudinally rearward movement of the cover 25, the cover 25 is displaced from the neutral position to the unlocked position with respect to the liner 27. This movement counteracts the restoring force of the primary elastic member 51, which primary elastic member 51 is compressed between the lid 25 and the liner 27, and in the example shown between the

feet

37 and 39.

This backward movement of the lid requires a large force to be applied by the user, due to the greater rigidity of the main resilient member 51. Thus, by merely adjusting the longitudinal position of the cover 25, the user cannot displace the cover 25 to its unlocked position.

As a result of the displacement of the cover 25 up to its unlocking position, the transverse head 19 is driven into its release position by means of the transmission 41. In particular, the support 45 is displaced towards the rear together with the cover 25 and drives the translation of the crosspiece 19 through the feet 43. The situation shown in fig. 3 is then reached, in which the cross head 19 is in the release position. The cross head 19 is fully retracted inside the volume 33. The displacement of the cross head 19 up to its release position is performed against the restoring force of the secondary elastic member 53.

Thus, the user can displace the armrest from the closed position toward the disengaged position while maintaining the lid in its unlocked position.

In the example shown, this corresponds to a rotation of the armrest 13 upwards.

Thereby achieving the situation of fig. 4. The user can release the force applied to the cover 25 and the cover 25 returns to its neutral position under the restoring force of the main resilient member 51. The cross head 19 returns to its locking position under the restoring force of the secondary elastic member 53.

In order to return armrest 13 into its closed position, the user does not need to displace lid 25 relative to liner 27 until its unlocked position.

In particular, during the displacement of the armrest 13 from its disengaged position to its closed position, the cam surface 55 comes to bear against the upper wall 23 of the recess 21. If the user presses the armrest 13 and forces the armrest 13 downward, a generally vertically oriented force is exerted by the upper wall 23 on the cam surface 55 of the cross head. Due to the orientation of the cam surface 55, this vertical force is converted into a rearward longitudinal force, thereby displacing the cross head 19 from its locked position to its released position against the restoring force of the secondary elastic member 53.

Since the secondary resilient member 53 is much less rigid than the primary resilient member 51, this rearward movement does not require a significant downward force from the user.

Once the cross head 19 is in its release position, the armrest 13 ends its displacement up to the closed position. When this closed position is reached, the transverse head 19 faces directly towards the groove 21. The cross head 19 is brought back inside the groove 21 in its locking position by the secondary elastic member 53.

The inner device 1 thus comprises a locking device which ensures that the armrest is completely locked to the structure. Unlocking of the armrest does not require an operating button or disk. Unlocking may be achieved by longitudinally translating the lid relative to the liner. This movement is simple, natural and easy for the user to handle. It can be easily installed, in particular by using components provided for adjusting the position of the cover.

The internal device may have a variety of variations.

The connection connecting the armrest to the structure need not be a pivotal connection, but may include one or more rotations in combination with one or more translations.

The direction of displacement of the cover relative to the inner liner does not necessarily correspond to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Displacement in any direction, transverse, or both relative to the transverse direction and relative to the longitudinal direction may be provided.

The crossbars may be any suitable type of crossbars. In particular, the crosspiece may be brought from its locking position into its release position by a circular movement or by any other suitable type of movement.

The transmission means, which allow to convert the translational movement of the cover into a movement of the crossbar, may be any suitable type of transmission means. The cover may be supported directly on the member associated with the cross head, or this movement may be transmitted through an intermediate member. The cam surface may be used to change the orientation of the transmitted force.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior device (1) comprising:

a structure (7) comprising a container (9) having an opening (11);

a handrail (13);

a first connection (15) connecting the armrest (13) to the structure (7) configured such that the armrest (13) is movable with respect to the structure (7) between a closed position, in which the armrest (13) closes the opening (11), and a disengaged position, in which the armrest (13) does not close the opening (11); and

a locking device (17) having a crossbar (19) which is displaceable between a locking position in which the armrest (13) in the closed position is locked to the structure (7), and a release position in which the armrest (13) is freely displaceable relative to the structure (7) from the closed position to the disengaged position,

the vehicle interior device is characterized in that,

the armrest (13) includes: a cover (25); an inner liner (27); a second connection (29) connecting the cover (25) to the liner (27), the second connection (29) being configured such that the cover (25) is translationally displaceable along the longitudinal direction relative to the liner (27) between a neutral position and an unlocked position; and a transmission (41), the transmission (41) being configured such that displacement of the cover (25) from the neutral position to the unlocked position drives the crosshead (19) from its locked position to its released position.

2. The vehicle interior arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connection (15) connecting the armrest (13) to the structure (7) is a pivot connection.

3. The vehicle interior apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the armrest (13) comprises a main elastic member (51) interposed between the lid (25) and the inner lining (27), the main elastic member (51) returning the lid (25) to its neutral position when the lid (25) is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocked position.

4. The vehicle interior apparatus according to claim 3,

the armrest (13) comprises a secondary elastic member (53) interposed between the crosshead (19) and the liner (27), the secondary elastic member (53) returning the crosshead (19) to its locking position, the primary elastic member (51) having a first stiffness, the secondary elastic member (53) having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

5. The vehicle interior arrangement according to claim 4,

the locking device (17) comprises a recess (21) receiving the crosspiece (19) and provided on the structure (7), the upward boundary of said recess being delimited by an upper wall (23), the crosspiece (19) having a cam surface (55) which cooperates with the upper wall (23) to displace the crosspiece (19) towards its release position against the return force of the secondary elastic member (53), when the armrest (13) is brought back from its release position to its closed position.

6. The vehicle interior apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the transmission means (41) comprise a foot (43) associated with the crosspiece (19) and a support (45) associated with the cover (25), the support (45) reaching to press longitudinally against the foot (43) when the cover (25) is displaced from its neutral position to its unlocking position.

7. The vehicle interior apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

a second connection (29) connecting the lid (25) to the liner (27) is configured such that the lid (25) is translationally displaceable in the longitudinal direction from the neutral position relative to the liner (27) in a direction opposite to the unlocked position, thereby permitting adjustment of the position of the lid (25).

8. A vehicle center console, characterized in that,

comprising a vehicle interior arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A vehicle, characterized in that,

vehicle interior arrangement comprising one of claims 1 to 7, the vehicle interior arrangement (1) being oriented such that the displacement of the cover (25) from the neutral position to the unlocked position is towards the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

10. A method for using the vehicle interior device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by comprising the steps of:

-placing the crosspiece (19) in a release position by longitudinally displacing the cover (25) with respect to the lining (27) from its neutral position to its unlocked position; and

displacing the armrest (13) from its closed position towards its disengaged position.