FR3066730B1 - CONSOLE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE INCORPORATING A MACHINE SUITABLE FOR PREPARING HOT DRINKS OF A RETRACTABLE TYPE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a console for a motor vehicle comprising an elongate body (2) intended to extend longitudinally in the passenger compartment of said vehicle between two seats of a row of seats and having an internal receptacle (3) open on the top, said console further incorporating a machine for preparing hot drinks (40); characterized in that said machine (40) is movably mounted between an expanded use configuration in which it extends out of said receptacle (3) and a retracted storage configuration in which it is fully accommodated in said receptacle (3).

Description

CONSOLE FOR. MOTOR VEHICLE INCORPORATING A MACHINE SUITABLE FOR PREPARING HOT DRINKS OF A RETRACTABLE TYPE.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to the arrangement of the passenger compartment of motor vehicles comprise at least one row of seats. The invention aims in particular a console having an elongate body for extending longitudinally in the passenger compartment of a vehicle between the two seats of such a row of seats and incorporating a machine for preparing hot drinks.

Background of the invention

It is known according to the prior art and in particular from the US Pat. No. 3,955,713 portable machines capable of preparing hot drinks such as coffee and intended to be installed temporarily or permanently in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

This type of portable machine, usually located at the level of the cellar on the front of a seat (for example, the passenger seat), is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via an electric cable provided at the end of a plug suitable to come plug in the cigarette lighter plug powered 12V of this vehicle.

However, its size significantly limits the space available for the front passenger's legs which negatively impacts its seating comfort.

The German patent application discloses a motor vehicle having a machine to provide hot water completely integrated into the dashboard on the front passenger side.

This solution has the disadvantage of requiring specific dimensioning of the dashboard, which is complex and expensive, because the dashboard is a large room and carrying many constraints, particularly in terms of safety.

Moreover, because of their positioning, these first two types of machines are only accessible by the front passenger of the vehicle.

French Patent Application FR 2 929 190 discloses a motor vehicle comprising a portable machine capable of preparing hot drinks and a docking base fixed on a console extending between two front seats and designed to receive detachably said machine.

Also known from Korean Application KR 10-2012-0124289 a console for a motor vehicle having an elongate body for extending longitudinally in the passenger compartment of said vehicle between the two driver and passenger seats, and a capsule coffee machine mounted rotating permanently on the body projecting vertically above the latter.

This implementation has the advantages of allowing access to the machine to prepare hot drinks by the two passengers sitting on either side of the console and not to impact the sitting comfort.

However, the presence of such a machine projecting vertically from the body of the console distorts the overall harmony of the cabin and significantly harms the level of perceived quality by users, which is detrimental especially for vehicles high range with a refined design.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention therefore aims to improve the integration of such a machine to produce hot drinks in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

It proposes for this purpose a console for a motor vehicle comprising an elongated body intended to extend longitudinally in the passenger compartment of said vehicle between two seats of a row of seats and having an internal receptacle open on top, said console further incorporating a machine for preparing hot drinks; characterized in that said machine is movably mounted between a deployed use configuration in which it extends out of said receptacle and a retracted storage configuration in which it is fully housed in said receptacle. The invention therefore makes it possible to integrate in a particularly elegant manner a machine for preparing hot drinks in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the latter remaining entirely concealed from the eyes of passengers outside of its periods of use.

According to preferred features, taken alone or in combination: said console comprises a hot-drink preparation module comprising, in addition to said machine, an open-top casing and removably housed in said inner receptacle, said machine being mounted articulated on said housing via hinge means between said deployed use configuration and said retracted storage configuration in which it is fully housed in a dedicated compartment of said housing; said articulation means comprise two deployable arms each connecting a lateral cheek of said casing to said machine; each said arm comprises a first connecting rod whose first end is articulated in rotation about a first transverse axis on a said corresponding cheek, while its second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on the first end of a second link whose second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on said machine; the two lateral flanges of said housing have two respective symmetrical recesses extending transversely to two recessed side walls, the two links of each said hinge arm being arranged so as to be folded on themselves and housed in a said corresponding lateral recess when said machine occupies said retracted storage configuration; said hinge means are electrically controlled; said module comprises a trashcan formed in said housing and accessible via a pivoting opening / closing flap; said machine comprises an internal battery provided with a recharging connector capable of automatically connecting to a charging socket when said machine comes to occupy said retracted storage configuration; said body of the console comprises, in line with the position taken by said machine in said deployed configuration of use, at least one reception impression for a cup or a cup; and / or - said console comprises a pivotally hinged lid on said body and adapted to close said receptacle when said machine occupies said retracted storage configuration.

Brief description of the drawings The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, given below by way of illustration but without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. a perspective view of the rear part of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising a central console according to the invention provided with a receptacle housing an extractable module for preparing hot drinks and being closed by an armrest cover; - Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but on which the cover of the console is shown in the open position so as to glimpse the extractable module and the machine to prepare hot drinks it comprises; - Figure 3 shows a perspective view from another angle of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle showing the machine for preparing hot drinks in its deployed configuration of use; - Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view and in perspective of the receptacle housing the extractable module in the configuration of Figure 3; and FIG. 5 represents a top view in perspective of the only extractable module from which the machine for preparing hot drinks occupies its retracted storage configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The console 1 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 extends longitudinally in the middle part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle between the two side seats forming the rear row of seats of this vehicle. .

By convention, the terms "front", "rear", "longitudinal" and "transverse" are defined relative to the mounting position of this console 1 in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

The console 1 comprises a fixed rigid body 2 comprising in its rear part a substantially parallelepipedal inner receptacle 3 open on the top to the outside.

The console 1 also comprises a module 10 for the preparation of hot drinks, shown alone in FIG. 5 and comprising a parallelepipedal housing 20 that is extractably housed in the internal receptacle 3 and having a shape and dimensions complementary to those of the latter.

The housing 20, open on the top, is delimited by a bottom wall 21, a front wall 22, a rear wall 23, and two lateral flanges 24, 25.

These two lateral cheeks 24, 25 have, in the upper front part, two respective symmetrical recesses 26, 27 extending transversely to two side walls 28, 29 set back from the cheeks 24, 25 and parallel to these same cheeks. .

The module 10 also comprises a coffee machine 40 of pod type adapted to be housed in a compartment 30 of the housing 20 located in its front portion and partially defined by the two recessed side walls 28, 29.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the pods consist of sealed packaging capsules 41 (see FIG. 3) containing a predetermined quantity of coffee, such as those marketed under the Nespresso® trademark owned by Nestlé®.

The coffee machine 40 comprises a hollow frame 42 with an oval section housing the entire mechanism of the machine and a removable tank for water, this frame being closed by a removable cover 43 for access to the tank.

The mechanism, not visible in the figures but well known per se, comprises a pump connected to the reservoir and adapted to send the water to a heating element, the latter being itself connected to an extraction module comprising a half-jaw fixed and a movable half-jaw associated with means for closing it on the fixed half-jaw.

The movable half-jaw is actuable by an external lever 44 comprising a C-shaped stirrup 44A pivotally mounted about a transverse axis on the upper end of the frame 42 and a handle 44B projecting from one side of this stirrup 44A and intended to facilitate the gripping of the lever by a user.

From its upper position illustrated in Figure 3, the pivoting downwards of 90 ° lever 44 (so that the handle 44B extends parallel to the frame 41) causes the closure of the two half-jaws Tune on the other, and vice versa.

The mechanism also comprises an outlet duct for the coffee connected to the extraction module and opening on a spout (not visible in the figures) projecting at the lower end of the frame 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the introduction and removal of the capsules 41 in the machine 40 takes place via an access hatch 45 pivotally mounted at the bottom and at the rear of the frame 42 and on the inside of which is provided a reception support 46 for such a capsule 41.

This reception support 46 is advantageously slidably mounted on the inner face of the access door 45 so as to allow the user, after extraction of the coffee, to temporarily remove the support 46 carrying a used capsule 41 to come to deposit it in a bin 31 formed in the housing 20 at the rear of the compartment 30 and accessible via an opening / closing flap 32 pivotally mounted in this housing 20 about a transverse axis (Figure 4).

The presence of such a removable home support 46 thus allows to discard the used capsule without having to handle it and thus avoiding any risk of burn or dirt for the user.

The coffee machine 40 is articulated on the housing 20 by means of two hinge arms 47, 48 each constituted by a pair of rods 47A, 47B, 48A, 48B.

More specifically, each arm 47, 48 comprises a first link 47A, 48A whose first end is articulated in rotation around a first transverse axis on the front part of the recessed side wall 28, 29 of a corresponding recess 26, 27, while its second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on the first end of a second link 47B, 48B whose second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on the frame 42 of the machine 40.

Thanks to these hinge arms 47, 48, the coffee machine 40 is able to pass from an expanded configuration of use in which it extends vertically in front of and above the receptacle 3 housing the module 10 ( Figures 3 and 4), a retracted storage configuration in which it is fully housed vertically in the compartment 30 (Figures 1, 2 and 5).

In the retracted configuration of the machine 40 and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the two links 47A, 47B, 48A, 48B of each articulation arm 47, 48 are folded on themselves and housed in a respective lateral recess 26, 27 and thus do not interfere with the side walls of the receptacle 3.

In the deployed configuration of use and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the two links 47A, 47B, 48A, 48B of each articulation arm 47, 48 extend in the extension of one another in a direction diagonally forward and upward.

The deployment of the machine 40 is done here manually by simply pulling the handle 44B of the lever 44.

Alternatively, this deployment of the machine can be assisted for example by one or more pneumatic cylinders cooperating with the connecting rods of the arms.

The module 10 may also include an electrical deployment system comprising for example a motorized transmission mechanism associated with gears or a hydraulic cylinder and being actuatable by a control button.

In order to ensure the power supply of the machine 40, the frame 42 also includes an internal battery (not visible in the figures) with a suitable recharging connector, when the machine 40 comes to occupy its retracted storage configuration, to automatically connect to a charging socket located in the bottom wall of the housing 20 and connected to a voltage converter itself connected to the vehicle battery.

The characteristics of the internal battery housed in the frame 42 of the machine 40 are advantageously defined so that the latter is capable of successively preparing several coffees (for example, at least four) for the passengers before having to be repositioned in its retracted configuration. storage and reloading.

The module 10 also advantageously comprises a storage tray 50 for cups or cups 51 adapted to be removably disposed inside the housing 20 above the trash can 31 (FIGS. 4 and 5), the lateral ends of this tray 50 then resting on two ribs not visible in the figures and protruding from the internal face of the two lateral cheeks 24, 25.

The console 1 further comprises a cover 4 articulated to pivot about a transverse axis on the rear end of the body 2 and adapted to close the receptacle 3 when the machine 40 occupies its retracted storage configuration.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, this cover 4 forms, when it occupies its substantially horizontal closed position, an armrest for the occupants of the two lateral seats located on either side of this console 1.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the inner face of the cover 4 of the console 1 comprises a display 5 comprising several rows of superposed support collars 6 for capsules 41. At the front of the receptacle 3 and plumb the position taken by the coffee machine 40 in its deployed configuration of use, the body 2 of the console 1 comprises two cylindrical imprints 7, 8 laterally contiguous and intended to accommodate cups or cups 51 and cans or even small bottles (Figure 3).

Note that the nozzle of the machine 40 is preferably rotatable between two selected positions located above the two cavities 7, 8 so as to ensure a perfect flow of coffee in the cup or the corresponding cup.

According to alternative embodiments not shown, the console according to the invention can be mounted between the two front seats of a motor vehicle, particularly when the vehicle has a fully autonomous driving system allowing the driver and the front passenger to use the coffee machine even when the vehicle is in the driving phase.

According to other embodiments not shown, the machine is a teapot preparing tea or a multi-drink machine capable of preparing for example tea, coffee, chocolate or any other hot drink depending on the substance contained in the pod.

This machine can also use pods of different types constituted for example by a filter paper package containing a predetermined amount of a substance to extract.

According to still other embodiments not shown, the machine is devoid of internal battery and permanently supplied by an electric cable connected to the vehicle voltage converter. This option is not preferred because the presence of such a cable would significantly impair the level of quality perceived by users.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but also encompasses all variants within the scope of those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle console comprising an elongate body (2) intended to extend longitudinally in the passenger compartment of said vehicle between two seats of a row of seats and having an internal receptacle (3) open on top, said console further comprising a machine for preparing hot drinks (40); characterized in that said machine (40) is movably mounted between an expanded use configuration in which it extends out of said receptacle (3) and a retracted storage configuration in which it is fully accommodated in said receptacle (3). 2. Console for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a hot drink preparation module (10) comprising, in addition to said machine (40), a housing (20) open on the top and sheltered so extractable in said inner receptacle (3), said machine (40) being hingedly mounted on said housing (20) via articulation means (47, 48) between said deployed use configuration and said retracted storage configuration in which it is entirely housed in a dedicated compartment (30) of said housing (20). 3. Console for a motor vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that said hinge means comprise two deployable arms (47, 48) each connecting a side cheek (24, 25) of said housing (20) to said machine (40) . 4. Console for a motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that each said arm (47, 48) comprises a first link (47A, 48A) whose first end is articulated in rotation about a first transverse axis on a said corresponding cheek (24, 25), while its second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on the first end of a second link (47B, 48B) whose second end is articulated in rotation about a second transverse axis on said machine (40). 5. Console for a motor vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the two side flanges (24, 25) of said housing (20) have two respective symmetrical recesses (26, 27) extending transversely to two side walls located recessed (28, 29), the two links (47A, 47B, 48A, 48B) of each said hinge arm (47, 48) being arranged to be folded on themselves and housed in a said corresponding lateral recess (26, 27) when said machine (40) occupies said retracted storage configuration. 6. Console for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said hinge means (47, 48) are electrically controlled. 7. Console for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that said module (10) comprises a trash can (31) formed in said housing (20) and accessible via a flap opening / closing (32) pivoting . 8. Console for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said machine (40) comprises an internal battery with a recharging connector adapted to be automatically connected to a charging socket when said machine (40). ) occupies said retracted storage configuration. 9. Console for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said body (2) of the console comprises, in line with the position taken by said machine (40) in said deployed configuration of use, at least one impression (7, 8) for a cup or a cup (51). 10. Console for a motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a cover (4) pivotally articulated on said body (2) and adapted to close said receptacle (3) when said machine (40) occupies said retracted storage configuration.