WO2006051209A2

WO2006051209A2 - Motor vehicle passenger compartment console comprising a jointed armrest

Info

Publication number: WO2006051209A2
Application number: PCT/FR2005/002776
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre Guerreiro; Tony Ercolano
Original assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
Priority date: 2004-11-09
Filing date: 2005-11-07
Publication date: 2006-05-18
Also published as: WO2006051209A3; FR2877615A1; FR2877615B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a console, comprising a fixed body (3) and an armrest (5A, 5B), jointed to the body (3) such as to rotate about an adjustment axis (13), such as to be able to adopt at least two stable adjustment positions for adjustment of height of the rest. The armrest (5A, 5B) comprises at least two separate rest surfaces (31, 32), relatively inclined about the adjustment axis (13) and selectively defining the rests in respective stable positions at different heights with relation to the adjustment axis (13).

Description

Automotive vehicle interior console comprising an articulated armrest.

The present invention relates to a cabin console of a motor vehicle, comprising a fixed body, and an armrest articulated in rotation on the body around an adjustment axis, so as to be able to take at least two stable positions of height adjustment d 'support. Consoles of this type are known in the state of the art, for example by the document FR 2 792 890.

Generally, in such consoles, the armrest has a single, continuous bearing face, and the adjustment of the height of support is achieved by changing the inclination of the bearing face. The user can not change the height of support of the armrest maintaining the same inclination, for example a horizontal bearing surface.-

Other consoles of known type allow to keep the armrest adjustment tilt, while changing the height of the support face. Nevertheless, these consoles require complex articulation mechanisms, having very high manufacturing and assembly costs. The invention aims to solve these disadvantages, and to provide a console having a simple articulation mechanism, which allows to adjust the armrest to at least two different support heights, without necessarily changing the inclination of the face support. This object is achieved by the invention, which relates to a console of the type previously exposed, wherein the armrest comprises at least two distinct bearing faces, inclined relative to each other about the axis and selectively defining bearings in the respective stable positions at different heights relative to the adjustment axis.

According to other features of the invention, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination:

the fixed body has a hollow part defining a storage volume, and the armrest is articulated in rotation on the body around a second axis different from the adjustment axis, so that the armrest can be moved between operating positions, and an unobstructed position allowing free access to the storage volume;

the second axis is substantially orthogonal to the adjustment axis; the console comprises an intermediate piece, articulated in rotation on the fixed body around the second axis, and which supports the armrest to pivot about the axis of adjustment, so that the armrest is articulated on the body via the intermediate piece around the adjustment axis, and integrally with the latter, around the second axis;

- The intermediate part forms a lid at least partially closing the storage volume, when in the closed position corresponding to the service positions of the armrest; the console comprises releasable locking means for the intermediate piece in the closed position on the body; - The adjustment axis is provided to correspond to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

the second axis is intended to correspond to a transverse axis of the vehicle; - the armrest has an L section; the armrest has a U-shaped section, and the adjustment axis of said armrest crosses the end of the branch of the U closest to the seat on which the armrest depends;

the armrest has a U-shaped section and the adjustment axis of said armrest extends in the vicinity of the branch of the U furthest from the seat on which the armrest depends;

the console comprises a second such armrest, articulated symmetrically to the first, with respect to a plane of the console intended to be a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle; and

- The two armrests are articulated on the body around the second axis integrally with the intermediate piece.

A particular embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a central console vehicle front, according to the invention, the two armrests of the console being in the low position;

- Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view, in the direction 2-2, in a longitudinal vertical plane passing through one of the two armrests, the console of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a partial schematic perspective view of the console of Figure 1, the two armrests being raised to allow free access to the storage space of the console; - Figure 4 is a sectional view in a vertical transverse plane, in the direction 4-4, of the console of Figure 1, the two armrests being in the lower position; - Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, with one of the armrests in the upper position and the other armrest in the low position;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4, with both armrests in the high position; - Figure 7 shows a variant of the invention where the section of the armrests has been modified; and Figures 8 and 9 are views similar respectively to Figures 4 and 6, illustrating another embodiment of the invention. In Figure 1, there is shown schematically a central console 1 of a motor vehicle, of the type intended to be fixed in the passenger compartment between the driver's seat and that of the front passenger.

In FIG. 1, a system of axes X, Y, Z, which corresponds to the conventional orientation of the vehicle, and in which: the axis X is the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, oriented from behind in before;

- the Y axis is the transverse horizontal axis, oriented from right to left; and

the Z axis is the vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top.

Throughout the following description, the console will be assumed mounted in the vehicle, and the terms of orientation and position will agree with respect to this system of axes.

The console 1 comprises a fixed body 3, a rear portion 3A is a hollow body, for example of shape parallelepipedal general, and two armrests 5A, 5B articulated on the part 3A of the fixed body.

As will be better seen in Figures 2 and 3, the portion 3A of the fixed body internally defines a storage volume 7, access to which is provided by a generally rectangular opening in the upper face of the parallelepiped shape. This access can be cleared or closed by the armrests 5A, 5B.

The console 1, and in particular the armrests 5A, 5B ₇ have a symmetry with respect to a longitudinal and vertical median plane (XZ), so that the description can be limited to one half of the console, and in particular to the one or the other of the two armrests.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the console 1 comprises a substantially rectangular frame 9 that can be coplanarly engaged in the access opening to the storage volume 7. The frame 9 is pivotally mounted on the body portion 3A. fixed by means of a hinge 11 embodying a transverse axis 12, this pivot axis being located at the rear edge of the access opening to the storage volume 7.

The armrest 5A (similarly the armrest 5B) is pivotally mounted on the frame 9 about a longitudinal axis 13, materialized by two coaxial journals 14 each engaging in a respective bearing 15.

Thus, the armrest 5A is articulated on the fixed body

3, through the frame 9 forming an intermediate hinge, rotatable about a transverse axis 12, and rotatable about a longitudinal axis 13 connected to the frame 9.

It will be noted that the frame 9 is integral, at the front, with an elastic hook 17 that can releasably engage with a complementary shoulder, formed by a transverse edge before the access opening to the storage volume 7. The hook 17 is releasable by maneuvering means that have not been represented, and which may be of any suitable type. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, each of the two armrests 5A, 5B comprises a rigid structure 21, and a padding portion 23.

The structural part 21 essentially comprises an upper wall 25, folded along a substantially longitudinal line 27, and a lower wall 29 integral.

The padding 23 is applied externally to the upper wall 25, and has a corresponding shape, defining a first bearing face 31, and a second bearing face 32, between which extends longitudinally a folding region 33 in correspondence with the fold line 27 of the wall. The folding region 33 is characterized by a curvature, considered in a plane of transverse and vertical cross section, much greater than the average curvature of the bearing faces 31, 32. These bearing faces 31, 32 each have, extending from the folding region 33, a quasi-planar region. These quasi-planar regions are inclined relative to one another about the adjustment axis 13, with an angle α which is, in the example shown, slightly less than 90 °, in particular between 70 ° and 90 ° (see Figure 5).

Each armrest 5A, 5B is designed such that the distance between the adjustment axis 13 of the first bearing face 31, in particular the quasi-planar region located near the folding region 33, is less than distance separating the same axis 13 from the second bearing face 32, in particular its quasi-planar region. It is understood that the frame 9, integrally with the two armrests 5A, 5B, can pivot relative to the body 3 between a closed position (Figure 1) and a raised position (Figure 3). In the closed position, the frame 9 extends in the access opening to the storage volume 7, and the armrests 5A, 5B completely close (Figure 4) or partially (Figures 5 and 6) this access opening. This position of the frame 9 can be locked by the hook 17 in engagement on the edge of the opening.

The closed position of the frame 9 corresponds to the service positions of the armrests 5A, 5B, in which the latter can be used as supports.

In the raised position, as shown in FIG. 3, the frame 9, and integrally the armrests 5A, 5B, are disengaged from the opening, leaving free access to the storage space 7.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show the armrests 5A, 5B in several possible configurations, the frame 9 being closed and locked on the fixed body 3.

These configurations are stable service positions of the armrests.

In Figure 4, there is shown the two armrests 5A, 5B in low support configuration. The armrests 5A, 5B carry by the lower wall 29 of the structure on the longitudinal branches of the frame 9, and offer a bearing on the face 31. The face 32 is then folded against the similar face of the other armrest, according to a plan mutual contact between the two armrests substantially vertical. In this configuration, the bearing faces 31 of the two armrests 5A, 5B provide continuity of shape on either side of the median axis of symmetry. The adjustment of the support height is the same for armrest 5A, respectively 5B, dedicated to the driver, and for the armrest 5B, respectively 5A, dedicated to the front passenger.

In the configuration illustrated in Figure 5, the armrest 5A is in the low support position, while the armrest 5B is in the up position. The height adjustment here is differentiated for the driver's armrest and for the passenger's armrest.

It is understood that to reach the stable position of high support in which the armrest 5B is located, it is sufficient to rotate the latter around its adjustment axis 13, from its low support position, to that the armrest is stopped in rotation. Stopping in rotation is achieved by stop means between the armrest. on the one hand, and the frame 9 or the fixed body 3 on the other hand (these abutment means not being shown). For this position to be stable, it suffices to provide with the abutment means, a rotational stop, or more simply as has been illustrated, a center of gravity of the armrest offset transversely outwards, by relative to the vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation 13.

The support offered to the user by the armrest 5B then consists of the face 32, which extends to a height greater than that of the face 31 of the other armrest 5A. In Figure 6, there is illustrated the configuration in which the two armrests 5A, 5B are in the high support position. The support height adjustment is then identical for the two armrests, the latter both offering their second support surface 32 as a support surface for the user.

Naturally, the passage of an armrest 5A, 5B from its high stable position (Figure 6.) to its low stable position (Figure 4) is made by pivoting about the axis 13 in the opposite direction, compared to that indicated above.

In an alternative embodiment, the hinge intermediate part 9 is constituted not of a hollow frame, but of a lid. This cover is provided to be able to close, at least partially, the "storage volume 7, when the lid is in the closed position corresponding to the service positions of the armrests.

It will be understood that the invention which has just been described makes it possible not only to ensure, by simple means, the possibility of adjusting the height of the armrests of the console, but also makes it possible to separate the height adjustment of the armrests for each of the users located on both sides of the console. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 6, the ^armrests' 5A, 5B generally have a cross section L-shaped but, as shown in Figure 7, it can alternatively impart a ϋ-shaped, by positioning the longitudinal axis of rotation (adjustment axis) 13 of each of them at the end of a branch of the U, in this case of the outer branch 34 of the U (that close to the seat on which the armrest 5A, 5B when it is in low stable position). This configuration has the advantage of allowing the release of a larger space above the storage volume 7 when the armrests 5A, 5B are in the raised position. It is thus easier for the user to access the contents of the storage volume 7. In the example shown, the structural part 21 is formed by a simple wall on which the padding 23 is fixed.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, the hinge intermediate piece 109 is integral with a cover 108 for closing the storage volume 7, and the armrests 5A, 5B have a U-shape.

For the sake of simplification, it has been shown that

Figures 8 and 9 the structural walls and padding portions of an armrest in the form of a single piece, the surfaces 31, 32 show the support surfaces of the armrests.

The adjustment axis 13 extends longitudinally close to the plane of symmetry between the two armrests, that is to say towards the inside. In other words, the armrests 5A, 5B are articulated each at the branch of the U furthest from the seat on which depends the respective armrest.

In the low position (Figure 8), a spacing 110 is provided transversely between the two armrests, so as to allow the rotation of the armrests to their upper position (Figure 9).

The position of the adjustment pins 13, as provided in the configuration of Figures 8 and 9, provides greater stability of the armrests, because the support force is taken directly by the hinges. It also ensures a reduction in the spacing between the armrests in the high position.

Claims

Motor vehicle cabin console, comprising a fixed body (3), and an armrest (5A, 5B) rotatably articulated on the body (3) about an adjustment axis (13), so as to be able to take at least two stable positions of support height adjustment, characterized in that the armrest (5A, 5B) comprises at least two distinct bearing faces (31, 32), inclined with respect to the other around the adjustment axis (13), and which selectively define bearings in the respective stable positions, at different heights relative to the adjustment axis (13).

2. Console according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed body (3) has a hollow portion (3A) defining a storage volume (7), and the armrest (5A, 5B) is articulated in rotation on the body (3) around a second axis (12) different from the adjustment axis (13), so that the armrest (5A, 5B) can be moved between service positions, and an open position allowing free access to the storage volume (7).

3. Console according to claim 2, characterized in that the second axis (12) is substantially orthogonal to the adjustment axis (13).

4. Console according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate piece

(9), articulated in rotation on the fixed body (3) about the second axis (12), and which supports the armrest (5A, 5B) to pivot about the adjustment axis (13), so that the armrest (5A, 5B) is articulated on the body (3) via the intermediate piece (9) around the adjustment axis (13), and integrally with the latter, around the second axis (12) .

5. Console according to claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate piece (9) forms a lid at least partially closing the storage volume (7), when in the closed position corresponding to the service positions of the armrest ( 5A, 5B).

6. Console according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises releasable means (17) for locking the intermediate piece (9) in the closed position on the body (3).

7. Console according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the adjustment axis (13) is provided to correspond to a longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle.

8. Console according to any one of claims 1 to 1, characterized in that the second axis

(12) is provided to correspond to a transverse axis (Y) of the vehicle.

9. Console according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the armrest (5A, 5B) has an L section.

10. Console according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the armrest (5A, 5B) has a U-shaped section, and in that the axis of adjustment

(13) of said armrest (5A, 5B) passes through the end of the branch (34) of the ϋ closest to the seat on which depends the armrest (5A, 5B).

11. A console according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the armrest has a U-shaped section, and in that the adjustment axis of said armrest extends in the vicinity of the U-shaped branch. away from the seat on which the armrest depends.

12. Console according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a second such armrest (5A, 5B), articulated symmetrically to the first, relative to a plane (XZ) of the bracket (1) provided to be a longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle.

13. Console according to claims 4 and 9 taken together, characterized in that the two armrests (5A, 5B) are articulated on the body (3) about the second axis (12) integrally with the intermediate piece (9).