FR3082152A1 - ROTATING MOVABLE ARMREST MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

Armrest module (40) configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation (Y) at least between a first position and a second position, the armrest module (40) having a center of gravity (G) arranged in the vicinity of the axis of rotation (Y).

Description

Armrest module rotatable

The present invention relates to an armrest module and a seat comprising such an armrest module.

Vehicle seats are known, in particular motor vehicle seats, which include an armrest module. The armrest module can be rotated about an axis of rotation relative to a part of the seat, for example the seat or the back of the seat.

A rotation motor can allow the armrest module to move around the axis of rotation. It is thus possible to retract the armrest module into a first position so that the user can easily access the seat, while benefiting from support for his arm once he is seated in the seat and when the armrest module is arranged in a second position.

However, the rotation motor must be able to exert a relatively high torque to allow the rotary movement of the armrest module, and must therefore be of relatively high power.

In addition, the torque to be exerted by the rotation motor to rotate the armrest module can vary during the rotational movement. The speed of rotation of the armrest module is then likely to vary, in particular during movement between the first and second positions. This generates a variation in mechanical noise, in particular related to the rotation motor, potentially annoying for the user.

The present invention aims in particular to at least partially overcome these drawbacks.

The invention aims in particular to allow passage without variation in speed and noise of the armrest module between the first position and the second position.

To this end, according to the invention, the armrest module has a center of gravity arranged in the vicinity of the axis of rotation.

Thanks to this arrangement, the torque which must be exerted to move the armrest module between the first and the second position, is relatively lower. It is then possible to use a rotation motor having a torque, that is to say a lower power, or else to decrease the torque exerted. In addition, this reduces the speed variation of the armrest module and noise, particularly related to the rotation motor.

In various embodiments of the invention, one can optionally have recourse to one and / or the other of the following provisions:

the distance between the center of gravity and the axis of rotation, projected in a plane orthogonal to the direction of the force of gravity acting on the center of gravity of the armrest module, is less than or equal to 80 millimeters, in particular less than or equal to 50 millimeters, preferably less than or equal to 45 millimeters;

the armrest module has a mass of less than five kilograms, in particular less than 3.5 kilograms, preferably less than 2.5 kilograms;

the armrest module comprises a body and an armrest, the armrest being configured to be moved in translation along a longitudinal axis relative to the body, to be adjustable in height at least between a low position and a high position;

the armrest module comprises a translation motor configured to move the armrest in translation relative to the body along the longitudinal axis; and the rotational movement of the armrest module is carried out when the armrest is in the low position.

The invention also relates to a seat comprising an armrest module and a rotation motor configured to allow the rotation of the armrest module around the axis of rotation relative to a part of the seat.

In various embodiments of the invention, it is also possible to have recourse to one and / or the other of the following provisions:

the rotation motor is configured to exert a torque at the axis of rotation less than or equal to 2 N.m, in particular less than or equal to 1.75 N.m, preferably or equal to 1.5 N.m;

the rotation motor is disposed between the armrest module and the part of the seat, in particular centered on the axis of rotation; and the part of the seat is a seat and:

o the first position corresponds to a reception position, the armrest module extending the seat laterally or lying lower than the seat, and o the second position corresponds to a rest position, the armrest module located higher than the seat.

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of an embodiment shown by way of nonlimiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the armrest module in a first position and the armrest in a low position;

Figure 2 is a side view of the seat of Figure 1 with the armrest module in a second position and the armrest in a low position;

Figure 3 is a side view of the seat of Figures 1 and 2 with the armrest module in second position and the armrest in a high position;

Figure 4 is a side view of the internal part of the armrest module in the same position as the armrest module of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a side view of the internal part of the armrest module in the same position as the armrest module of Figure

2.

It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments can have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

Unless specified otherwise, the expressions approximately, substantially, approximately, of the order of, in the vicinity of, etc. mean that a slight variation from the nominal value considered is possible, in particular by a small percentage, in particular to within 10%.

In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" and their synonyms are understood to refer to the front and rear of the seat when the seat is in its usual position, the rear edge of the seat being the edge which is extended vertically by the seat back, and the front edge being the edge opposite the rear edge.

The terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" and their synonyms are defined with respect to the seat of the seat in its usual horizontal position.

FIG. 1 represents a seat 10 of a vehicle according to the invention, for example of a motor vehicle.

The seat 10 includes a seat 20 adapted to receive a user. Seat 20 includes a front edge and a rear edge opposite the front edge. The seat 10 also includes a backrest 30 which is connected to the rear edge and which extends the seat 20 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat 20.

In the following description and in the figures, the seat 10 is in its usual position, with the seat 20 extending substantially in a horizontal plane, the backrest 30 extending in a substantially vertical plane.

The seat 20 extends transversely in a transverse direction T visible in FIG. 1 from a first lateral edge 21 to a second lateral edge 22.

The backrest 30 can be articulated on the rear edge of the seat 20, so that the backrest 30 is configured to pivot around an axis extending in the transverse direction T, by tilting forwards or forwards. rear relative to the seat 20.

The seat 10 further comprises an armrest module 40. The armrest module 40 more particularly comprises an internal part 46, optionally covered with a lining and a covering. The internal part 46 of the armrest module 40 comprises in particular an armature 47, as well as possibly other elements arranged inside the armrest module 40, such as housings 45 and a translation motor 43, such as this will be described later.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3, the armrest module 40 is shown covered by a coating while in Figures 4 and 5, only the internal part 46 is shown.

The armrest module 40 is situated against a lateral edge of the seat 20. As illustrated in the figures, the armrest module 40 is situated at the level of the first lateral edge 21 of the seat 20. However, this embodiment n is not limiting and the armrest module 40 can be located at the second lateral edge 22 of the seat 20, or an armrest module 40 can be located on each side of the seat 10.

The armrest module 40 has a substantially planar shape, in a vertical plane, with a thickness which extends in the transverse direction T.

The armrest module 40 is configured to be moved relative to the seat 20 at least between a first position and a second position.

According to the embodiment of Figures 1, 2 and 3, the movement between the first position and the second position comprises a rotational movement so that the armrest module 40 pivots relative to the seat 20.

The armrest module 40 is pivoted with respect to the seat 20 around an axis of rotation Y directed in the transverse direction T.

The passage of the armrest module 40 from the first position to the second position is effected by a pivoting of the armrest module 40 according to the arrow R1 shown in FIG. 2, clockwise.

The passage of the armrest module 40 from the second position to the first position is effected by a pivoting of the armrest module 40 according to the arrow R2 shown in FIG. 3, in the counterclockwise direction.

In the figures, the axis of rotation Y connects the armrest module 40 to the seat 20. However, as a variant, the axis of rotation Y can connect the armrest module 40 to the backrest 30 or to another part seat 10.

As shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the armrest module 40 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis X perpendicular to the axis of rotation Y. The longitudinal axis X extends substantially horizontally in the first position and substantially vertically in the second position.

According to one embodiment, the first position corresponds to a reception position, the armrest module 40 laterally extending the seat 20 or lying lower than the seat 20. The second position corresponds to a rest position, the module armrest 40 located higher than the seat 20.

The reception position is shown in FIG. 1. The upper surface of the armrest module 40 is located in the extension of the upper surface of the seat 20 in the transverse direction T, and therefore contributes to widening the surface of the seat 20 in the transverse direction T. The upper surface of the armrest module 40 may alternatively be situated lower vertically than the upper surface of the seat 20.

Thus, a user who usually enters the vehicle in the transverse direction T can rest on the armrest module 40 in his movement to sit on the seat 20. The installation of the user on the seat 10 is thus facilitated.

The rest position is shown in Figures 2 and 3. In the rest position, the armrest module 40 is vertically higher than the side edge 21 of the seat 20 so as to be able to receive an arm d a user seated on the seat 20.

According to one embodiment, the armrest module 40 further comprises a body 41 and an armrest 42.

The armrest 42 can be moved in translation, in particular along the longitudinal axis X. The armrest 42 can be moved between two extreme positions, a low position and a high position. The movement between the low position and the high position includes a translational movement of the armrest 42 so that the armrest 42 slides relative to the body 41.

The armrest 42 is connected and guided in its translational movement by two rods 44, visible in FIG. 3. The rods 44 slide respectively in housings 45 arranged in the body 41 of the armrest module 40, visible in the internal part 46 in Figures 4 and 5.

The armrest 42 can thus be adjustable in height at least between the low position and the high position, in particular when the armrest module 40 is in the rest position. According to one embodiment, the rotational movement of the armrest module 40 is possible when the armrest 42 is in the low position.

The low position is shown in FIG. 2. In the low position, the armrest 42 is relatively close to the body 41, in particular rests on the body 41.

The high position is shown in FIG. 3. In the high position, the armrest 42 is relatively more distant from the body 41, in particular is raised relative to the body 41. The armrest 42 thus makes it possible to support the weight of an arm of the user leaning or resting on the armrest 42.

According to one embodiment, the armrest 42 can also be in intermediate positions between the low position and the high position.

According to one embodiment, in order to move the armrest 42, the armrest module 40 comprises a translation motor 43. The translation motor 43 is configured to allow the movement in translation of the armrest 42 between the low position and the position high. The drive motor 43 is advantageously arranged in the body 41 of the armrest module 40, as visible in the internal part 46 in FIGS. 4 and

5.

The seat 10 includes at least one rotation motor 50 configured to allow the armrest module 40 to move in rotation around the axis of rotation Y. According to one embodiment, the rotation motor 50 is advantageously an electric motor.

The rotation motor 50 is disposed between the armrest module 40 and the seat 20. The rotation motor is more particularly centered on the axis of rotation Y, as shown in FIG. 2.

The rotation motor 50 is configured to exert a torque C on the armrest module 40 at the level of the axis of rotation Y.

In order to move the armrest module 40 in rotation, the rotation motor 50 must exert a torque Cm greater than the moment M of the terrestrial gravity force F exerted on the armrest module 40, so that:

Cm> m

The terrestrial gravity force F exerted on the armrest module 40 is equal to the mass m of the armrest module 40 multiplied by the value of the acceleration of gravity g (equal to 9.81 N.kg ' ¹ ).

The point of application of the earth gravity force F is the center of gravity G of the armrest module 40, shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The moment M of the terrestrial gravity force F with respect to the axis of rotation Y can thus be calculated by multiplying the value of the terrestrial gravity force F by a lever arm d. The lever arm d of the earth gravity force F corresponds to the distance GZ between the axis of rotation Y and the center of gravity G, projected in a plane P. The plane P is more particularly orthogonal to the direction of the force of terrestrial gravity F.

The formula of the moment M of the terrestrial gravity force F is then the following:

M = Fxd = m xg xd

Note that in Figures 4 and 5, the torque Cm that the rotation motor 50 must exert is maximum when the armrest module 40 is in the reception position. Indeed, in the reception position, the lever arm d is relatively higher than in the rest position, for example.

If the rotation motor 50 exerts too low a torque C, it may then appear, during displacement, a variation in the speed of rotation of the armrest module 40. In fact, the rotation motor 50 has more difficulty in making pivot the armrest module 42 close to the reception position, in which the required torque Cm is high, than close to the rest position, in which the required torque Cm is relatively lower. This variation in speed is likely to cause the appearance of mechanical noise of variable intensity, in particular related to the rotation motor 50.

By decreasing the lever arm d, that is to say generally by bringing the center of gravity G closer to the axis of rotation Y, the moment M of the earth's gravitational force F is then reduced. The torque Cm that must be exerted by the rotation motor 50 to move the armrest module 40 in rotation can thus be lower.

Thus, the center of gravity G of the armrest module 40 according to the invention is located in the vicinity of, or even close to, the axis of rotation Y.

More particularly, the lever arm d is advantageously less than or equal to 80 millimeters, or even less than or equal to 50 millimeters, or even less than or equal to 45 millimeters, in particular whatever the position of rotation of the armrest module 40 around the axis of rotation Y, and in particular when the armrest module 40 is in the reception position.

This thus makes it possible to reduce the necessary torque Cm that the rotation motor 50 must exert. It is then possible to use a relatively less powerful rotation motor 50 to exert a lower torque C, while reducing mechanical noise.

As a variant, it is otherwise possible to use a fraction of the maximum torque of the rotation motor 50. The rotation motor 50 may for example have a maximum torque of approximately 15 Nm (newtons-meter), or even 1.5 daN .m (decanewton.meter),

Thus, the rotation motor 50 is configured to exert a torque C less than or equal to 12%, preferably less than or equal to 8%, of its maximum torque, in order to move the armrest module 40 in rotation.

Thus, for an internal part 46 of armrest module 40, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, having a mass of 2.4 kilograms, and for a lever arm equal to 45 millimeters, the torque Cm of rotation motor 50 must be greater than 1.06 Nm, or 0.106 daN.m, in order to rotate the armrest module 40.

For an armrest module 40 having a mass of 3.5 kilograms, for example further comprising a covering and a lining, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, and for a lever arm equal to 45 millimeters, the torque Cm of the rotation motor 50 must be greater than 1.54 Nm, or 0.154 daN.m, in order to rotate the armrest module 40.

Advantageously, the rotation motor 50 is configured to exert a torque C less than or equal to 2 N.m, in particular less than or equal to 1.75 N.m, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 N.m.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants which a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the present invention and in particular any combination of the different operating modes described above, which can be taken separately or in combination.

In particular, although the present invention has been described for a rotational movement of the armrest module 40 by means of a rotation motor 50, the invention may also be of interest for the manual movement of the armrest module 40. In this possibility, the presence of the center of gravity G in the vicinity of the axis of rotation Y makes it possible to reduce the force which the user must exert to rotate the armrest module 40.

Claims (10)

1. armrest module (40) configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation (Y) at least between a first position and a second position, characterized in that the armrest module (40) has a center of gravity (G) located near the axis of rotation (Y). 2. armrest module (40) according to claim 1, in which the distance (d) between the center of gravity (G) and the axis of rotation (Y), projected in a plane (P) orthogonal to the direction the force of gravity (F) exerted on the center of gravity (G) of the armrest module (40), is less than or equal to 80 millimeters, in particular less than or equal to 50 millimeters, preferably less than or equal to 45 millimeters. 3. armrest module (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a mass of less than five kilograms, in particular less than 3.5 kilograms, preferably less than 2.5 kilograms. 4. armrest module (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a body (41) and an armrest (42), the armrest (42) being configured to be moved in translation along a longitudinal axis (X ) relative to the body (41), to be adjustable in height at least between a low position and a high position. 5. armrest module (40) according to claim 4, comprising a translation motor (43) configured to move in translation the armrest (42) relative to the body (41) along the longitudinal axis (X). 6. armrest module (40) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the rotational movement of the armrest module (40) is carried out when the armrest (42) is in the low position. 7. Seat (10) comprising an armrest module (40) according to any one of the preceding claims and a rotation motor (50) configured to allow the movement in rotation of the armrest module (40) around the axis of rotation (Y) relative to a part of the seat (10). 8. Seat (10) according to claim 7, wherein the rotation motor (50) is configured to exert a torque (C) at the level of the axis of rotation (Y) less than or equal to 2 Nm, in particular less or equal to 1.75 Nm, preferably less than or equal to 1.5 Nm 9. Seat (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotation motor (50) is disposed between the armrest module (40) and the part of the seat (10), in particular centered on the axis of rotation (Y). 10. Seat (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the part of the seat (10) is a seat (20) and in which: o the first position corresponds to a reception position, the armrest module (40) laterally extending the seat (20) or lying lower than the seat (20), and o the second position corresponds to a position rest, the armrest module (40) being higher than the seat (20).