WO2014183077A1

WO2014183077A1 - Vehicle armrest system with a tambour door

Info

Publication number: WO2014183077A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/037566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald A. Bozio; Craig D. Flowerday; Jason M. Hipshier; David John Mccarthy; Rick A. Anderson
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date: 2013-05-10
Filing date: 2014-05-09
Publication date: 2014-11-13

Abstract

A vehicle armrest system is designed to allow for sliding movement of an armrest as desired by a vehicle occupant. One vehicle armrest system includes a support structure (20) and an armrest (21) slidingly supported by the support structure and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. The vehicle armrest system also includes a tambour door (28) slidingly disposed on the armrest and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween. The vehicle armrest system includes a track (46, 48) slidingly supporting the tambour door. The tambour door is slidingly disposed in the track, and the track includes a first track portion extending into a second track portion to provide a continuous track to support the tambour door in the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

VEHICLE ARMREST SYSTEM WITH A TAMBOUR DOOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/821,880, entitled "VEHICLE ARMREST SYSTEM WITH A TAMBOUR DOOR", filed May 10, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The invention relates generally to vehicle interior components, and more particularly to a vehicle armrest system with a tambour door.

[0003] Over recent years, many different vehicle consoles having armrests have been developed, particularly for use in cars and trucks. Many of these are designed to be placed between front vehicle seats, although some are placed in other locations, such as between rear seats. Such consoles often provide for storage of various articles and may conveniently offer functionality as a cushioned armrest. More recent developments in the area include the ability to adjust or slide an armrest to a comfortable position. In such sliding armrests, one or more parts of the armrest may be slid forward or aft as desired by a vehicle occupant. Unfortunately, sliding armrests may interfere with objects placed under the armrest. For example, the sliding armrest may extend directly over a cup holder. Accordingly, the sliding armrest may interfere with a beverage container placed in the cup holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a vehicle armrest system. The vehicle armrest system includes a support structure and an armrest slidingly supported by the support structure and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. The vehicle armrest system also includes a tambour door slidingly disposed on the armrest and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween. The vehicle armrest system includes a track slidingly supporting the tambour door. The tambour door is slidingly disposed in the track, and the track includes a first track portion extending into a second track portion to provide a continuous track to support the tambour door in the retracted position and the extended position.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a vehicle armrest system having a support structure. The vehicle armrest system also includes an armrest slidingly coupled to the support structure. The armrest is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. The vehicle armrest system includes a track coupled to an inner portion of the support structure. The track includes a stationary track portion extending into a moveable track portion. The vehicle armrest system also includes a tambour door slidingly disposed in the track and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween. The stationary track portion and the movable track portion provide a continuous track to support the tambour door in the retracted position and the extended position.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a vehicle armrest system having a support structure. The vehicle armrest system also includes an armrest slidingly coupled to the support structure. The armrest is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. The vehicle armrest system includes a tambour door slidingly disposed on the armrest and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween. An end of the armrest is positioned directly over a cup holder while the armrest is in the extended position, and a thickness of the end of the armrest is less than approximately 2.5 cm while in the extended position. DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle that may incorporate an adjustable armrest.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest in a retracted position.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the armrest of FIG. 2 with a tambour door in an opened position.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the armrest of FIG. 2 in an extended position.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of tracks used to support a tambour door, shown in a retracted position.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of tracks used to support a tambour door, shown in an extended position.

[0014] FIGS. 7-10 are cross-sectional views through the armrest of FIG. 4, showing the relative position of various assembly components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 that may incorporate an adjustable armrest. The vehicle 10, in this case a car, has an interior volume 12 in which various interior components are situated, such as seats 14 and a floor console 16. The floor console 16 may support an armrest that is designed to be adjustably extendable and retractable for the convenience of one or more vehicle occupants. As also described below, the armrest allows for access into one or more interior storage volumes by manipulation of a tambour door. As illustrated, the floor console 16 is positioned between forward seats of the vehicle, although armrests, tambour doors, and indeed entire consoles may be positioned between rear seats, and/or in various positions within trucks, busses, aircraft, boats, and any other suitable vehicles.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an armrest in a retracted position. As illustrated, an armrest system 18 is generally supported by the floor console 16. The floor console 16 includes a support structure 20 on which an armrest 21 is disposed. The support structure 20 may be part of the floor console 16, or the support structure 20 may be part of a sub-assembly secured to the floor console 16 during final assembly. A stationary portion 22 of the armrest system 18 does not move with respect to the support structure 20, while a movable portion 24 is designed to enable the armrest 21 to be extended and retracted. The movable portion 24 is shown in a retracted position. In general, the movable portion 24 may be considered the actual armrest 21, while the overall support structure 20 may be considered to include the stationary portion 22. Here again, the base 26 may include all or a portion of the floor console 16 that is designed to be secured to the vehicle floorboard, or to a seat structure, or any other internal securement point. As also shown in FIG. 2, a tambour door 28 is disposed over at least a part of the movable portion 24. As described more fully below, the tambour door 28 may be opened and closed by sliding. When opened, the tambour door 28 is at least partially disposed within the support structure 20, passing through or into the stationary portion 22. Furthermore, in the retracted position of the armrest system 18, the rear segment of the tambour door 28 is disposed within the stationary portion 22 of the armrest, or within the base 26, or both. As illustrated, a beverage container 30 may be disposed in a cup holder 32. The cup holder 32 is integrally formed into the base 26. In other embodiments, the cup holder 32 may be integrated into any portion of the support structure 20, another structure, and/or the floor console 16. The movable portion 24 of the armrest 21 is designed to be vertically slim, such that when the armrest 21 is extended, the movable portion 24 does not interfere with the beverage container 30 that may be disposed in the cup holder 32.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the armrest 21 of FIG. 2 with the tambour door 28 in an opened position. As illustrated, with the tambour door 28 in the opened position, a storage volume 34 is accessible. Moreover, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the armrest 21 of FIG. 2 in an extended position. As noted above, by pulling the movable portion 24 of the armrest system 18 in an extension direction, the movable portion 24 advances, thereby changing the position at which the vehicle occupant may rest his or her arm on the structure. This movement to the extended position is indicated by arrow 36. As illustrated, a rear portion 38 of the tambour door 28 is exposed by extension of the movable portion 24.

[0018] As illustrated, in the extended position, an end 40 of the armrest 21 extends directly over the beverage container 30 and the cup holder 32 without interfering with the beverage container 30. Moreover, a thickness 42 of the end 40 enables extension of the movable portion 24 without interfering with the beverage container 30. In certain embodiments, the thickness 42 may be within the range of approximately 0.5 to 2.0 cm, 1.5 to 2.5 cm, or 2.0 to 3.0 cm. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the thickness 42 may be less than approximately 2.5 cm. The thickness 42 of the armrest 21 is sufficient to enable the armrest 21 to provide support to one or more vehicle occupants using the armrest 21.

[0019] It should be noted that the particular arrangement illustrated in the figures and described herein is intended to be exemplary only. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the tambour door 28 extends between or within frame-like sides or edges of the armrest 21. In variations of the armrest system 18, the tambour door 28 may not extend as far forward as illustrated, or may cover only a portion of the armrest 21. Similarly, the tambour door 28 may fit under concealing portions of the armrest elements, where desired. Still further, the armrest 21, or any or all of the components illustrated may be padded to provide added comfort. In general, the components illustrated may be made of an injection moldable plastic material which may be assembled in any suitable conventional manner, such as via fasteners, adhesives, welding, and so forth. For example, the tambour door 28 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a molded plastic, a hard material, a flexible material, and so forth. Moreover, the tambour door 28 may be wrapped in a material, such as leather, vinyl, or fabric. In certain embodiments, the tambour door 28 may include a foam to provide passenger comfort. As another example, portions of the armrest system 18 may be formed from one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, a carbon fiber, and/or a plastic.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of tracks 44 used to support the tambour door 28, shown in a retracted position. In particular, in a presently contemplated design, a stationary track 46 is fixed to the support structure 20 and extends rearwardly from the slidable armrest into the support structure 20, such as at some nonzero angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary track 46 is generally vertical with a smooth bend to accommodate movement of the tambour door 28. A movable track 48 is provided that is contiguous with the stationary track 46 and facilitates sliding support of the tambour door 28, while the armrest 21 is in the retracted position of FIG. 3, the extended position of FIG. 4, or a position therebetween. As illustrated, the movable track 48 includes a support 50 that connects sides of the movable track 48 together, thereby forming a u-shape. Wings 52 extend from the movable track 48 for mounting to the support structure 20 to provide support to the movable track 48. As illustrated, the vertical thickness of the support 50 is less than the vertical thickness of the wings 52, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the possibility of interference with objects such as the beverage container 30 disposed in the cup holder 32.

[0021] The tracks 44 include a channel 54 that enables the tambour door 28 to slidably move therein. Furthermore, a portion 56 of the stationary track 46 extends into a portion 58 of the movable track 48 to enable movement of the track 44 from the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 5 to the extended position illustrated in FIG. 6. In addition, the portions 56 and 58 enable the tambour door 28 to slide back and forth within the channel 54. As may be appreciated, while, in the illustrated embodiments, the portion 56 of the stationary track 46 extends into the portion 58 of the movable track 48, in certain embodiments, a portion of the movable track 48 may extend into a portion of the stationary track 46. FIGS. 5 and 6 also illustrate rails 60 for mounting the movable track 48 to the support structure 20. Specifically, a sliding rail 62 is attached to each wing 52. Moreover, each sliding rail 62 is slidably coupled to a stationary rail 64. During assembly, each stationary rail 64 is secured to the support structure 20, thereby providing support to the movable track 48. Accordingly, the armrest 21 may be advanced and retracted using the sliding rail 62 and may provide continuous support for the tambour door 28. As may be appreciated, in certain embodiments, the rails 60 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic, a metal, or a metal alloy, such as steel. Moreover, in some embodiments, the rails 60 may be integrated into, or integrated with, the stationary portion 22, the movable portion 24, the stationary track 46, the movable track 48, and/or any components that slide relative to one another.

[0022] FIGS. 7-10 are cross-sectional views through the armrest of FIG. 4, showing the relative position of various assembly components. The cross-section of FIG. 7, for example, illustrates the movable track 48 forward of a point where the movable track 48 and stationary track 46 intersect. The channel 54 receives and supports the tambour door 28. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the tambour door 28 includes an undercut portion 66 having a series of ribs 68 over which a cushioned finishing material is secured. The ribs 68 terminate in bearings, such as small protrusions 70 that are received within the channel 54. As the tambour door 28 is displaced the protrusions 70 move fore and aft within the channel 54. It should also be noted that this entire structure may be slid fore and aft by movement of the movable track 48.

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the assembly at a farther aft position. The support structure 20 is shown as including an outer wall 72 and an inner wall 74 with the rails 60 disposed therebetween. Specifically, the sliding rail 62 is coupled to the wing 52, and the stationary rail 64 is coupled to the inner wall 74. The outer wall 72 is adjacent to the wing 52. In certain embodiments, the floor console 16 may have symmetrical sides of similar construction, each having inner and outer walls 74 and 72 and mirror-image slide assemblies. Various asymmetries in these structures could, of course, be designed. Moreover, the storage volume 34 may be defined by the inner wall 74. Furthermore, multiple storage volumes may be defined such that various articles may be conveniently stored within the support structure 20 or the floor console 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the tambour door 28 is supported by the rails 60 above the storage volume 34.

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates the same structure at a farther aft position. As illustrated, the portion 56 of the stationary track 46 extends within the portion 58 of the movable track 48. The movable track 48 is supported by the inner wall 74. Finally, FIG. 10 illustrates the aft portion of the assembly when the armrest 21 is in its extended position. Here only the stationary track 46 is visible, the movable track 48 having been advanced by movement of the armrest 21. The channel 54 is visible in the stationary track 46 and is used to support the aft portion of the tambour door 28. By having the movable track 48 extend into the stationary track 46, the channel 54 supports the tambour door 28 along its length in all of the positions of the armrest 21 and the tambour door 28. That is, the tambour door 28 remains supported in both the retracted and extended positions of the armrest 21 and in the opened and closed positions of the tambour door 28 whether the armrest 21 is extended or retracted.

[0025] By manufacturing the armrest system 18 as described herein, the armrest 21 may extend over the cup holder 32 without interfering with a beverage container 30 disposed in the cup holder 32, due to the thin profile of the end 40 of the armrest 21. Furthermore, the tambour door 28 may be supported continuously by having the stationary track 46 extend into the movable track 48.

[0026] While only certain features and embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle armrest system comprising:

a support structure;

an armrest slidingly supported by the support structure and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position;

a tambour door slidingly disposed on the armrest and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween; and

a track slidingly supporting the tambour door, wherein the tambour door is slidingly disposed in the track, and the track comprises a first track portion extending into a second track portion to provide a continuous track to support the tambour door in the retracted position and the extended position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a vehicle floor console.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the vehicle floor console comprises an interior storage volume accessible while the tambour door is in the open position and the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the tambour door comprises an extension that is stored in at least one of the support structure and the armrest while the armrest is in the retracted position.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first track portion comprises a stationary track, and the second track portion comprises a movable track.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the movable track is supported on a movable rail of the armrest.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first track portion comprises a movable track, and the second track portion comprises a stationary track.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein a thickness of an end of the armrest is less than approximately 2.5 cm while in the extended position.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the tambour door is undercut to enable protrusions to move within the track.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a cup holder.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein an end of the armrest is positioned directly over the cup holder while the armrest is in the extended position.

12. A vehicle armrest system comprising:

a support structure;

an armrest slidingly coupled to the support structure, wherein the armrest is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position;

a track coupled to an inner portion of the support structure, wherein the track comprises a stationary track portion extending into a moveable track portion; and

a tambour door slidingly disposed in the track and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween, wherein the stationary track portion and the movable track portion provide a continuous track to support the tambour door in the retracted position and the extended position.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the support structure comprises a cup holder.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein an end of the armrest is positioned directly over the cup holder while the armrest is in the extended position.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the end of the armrest comprises a thickness of less than approximately 2.5 cm while in the extended position.

16. A vehicle armrest system comprising:

a support structure;

an armrest slidingly coupled to the support structure, wherein the armrest is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position; and

a tambour door slidingly disposed on the armrest and slidable with respect to the armrest between an opened position and a closed position while the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position, or a position therebetween;

wherein an end of the armrest is positioned directly over a cup holder while the armrest is in the extended position, and a thickness of the end of the armrest is less than approximately 2.5 cm while in the extended position.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the tambour door is undercut to enable protrusions to move within the track.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the support structure comprises a vehicle floor console.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the vehicle floor console comprises an interior storage accessible while the tambour door is in the open position and the armrest is in the retracted position, the extended position , or a position therebetween.

20. The system of claim 16, wherein the tambour door comprises an extension that is stored in the support structure while the armrest is in the retracted position.