FR3134549A1 - Vehicle interior - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle interior The interior (1) comprises: - a rail (3) defining first and second grooves (9, 11); - a support (5) configured to support an accessory (7), the support (5) being movable along of the rail (3); - a mechanism (35) for reversibly blocking the support (5) relative to the rail (3), comprising: * a one-piece rotating part (39) having first and second support members (41, 43);* an elastic member (47) urging the one-piece part (39) to rotate relative to the support (5), towards a blocking position in which the first and second support members (41, 43) are in support respectively against the bottoms (13, 15) of the grooves; * a control (49) linked to the support (5) and movable manually relative to the support (5) between a rest position and an unlocking position; and* a kinematic chain (51) moving the one-piece part (39) in rotation relative to the support (5) from the blocking position against the restoring force of the elastic member (47) when the control (49) is moved from its rest position to its unlocking position. Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Vehicle interior

The invention generally relates to a vehicle interior, equipped with a mobile support designed to receive an accessory.

It is possible in a vehicle to provide a support for an accessory such as a portable electronic device, which can be moved along a rail, for example on the dashboard. The electronic device can thus be arranged either near the driver or near the front passenger, depending on needs.

In this case, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for blocking the support relative to the rail, so that the support does not move along the rail unintentionally.

This mechanism must be simple, effective and inexpensive.

In this context, the invention aims to propose a vehicle interior comprising a rail and a support movable along the rail, and making it possible to satisfy the above requirements.

To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle interior, the interior comprising:

- a rail defining first and second grooves extending in a main direction, the first and second grooves having respective first and second bottoms;
- a support configured to support an accessory, the support being movable along the rail;
- a reversible locking mechanism for the support relative to the rail, the locking mechanism comprising:

* a one-piece piece having first and second support members;

* a rotary connection of the one-piece part to the support;

* an elastic member urging the one-piece part to rotate relative to the support, towards a blocking position in which the first and second support members are in support respectively against the first and second bases;

* a control linked to the support and manually movable relative to the support between a rest position and an unlocking position; And

* a kinematic chain moving the one-piece part in rotation relative to the support from the blocking position against the restoring force of the elastic member when the control is moved from its rest position to its position unlocking...

The locking mechanism is simple in design, and is inexpensive. It allows effective locking of the support in position.

The interior may also have one or more of the characteristics below, considered individually or in any technically possible combination:

- the first and second support members are simultaneously in support respectively against the first and second funds;

- the first and second funds are parallel to each other and opposite each other;

- the first and second funds face each other in a secondary direction perpendicular to the main direction;

- the control moves relative to the support between its rest position and its unlocking position according to one:

* a translation movement in the main direction;

* a translation movement in a secondary direction perpendicular to the main direction;

* a rotational movement around an axis of rotation of the one-piece part or another axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the one-piece part;

- the kinematic chain comprises a lever integral with the control and forming a cam, and a cam follower formed on the one-piece part and cooperating with the cam;

- the blocking mechanism comprises a return member elastically returning the control to its rest position;

- the first and/or second support members carry pins engaged in holes distributed along the first and/or second grooves in the locking position of the one-piece part;

- the first and second support members carry friction pads and are supported on the first and second bases via the friction pads;

- the support comprises slides engaged in the first and second grooves. .

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description given below, for information only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures among which:

• There is a perspective view of the dashboard of a vehicle interior according to the invention.
• There is a simplified schematic representation, in perspective, of the rail, the support and the blocking mechanism of the interior of the , only part of the elements of the support and the blocking mechanism being shown for greater clarity;
• There is a schematic representation, in front view, of the locking mechanism of the , the one-piece part being in the locked position;
• There is a view similar to that of the , the one-piece part being in the release position;
• There is a view similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, for an embodiment in which the control moves between its rest position and its unlocking position by translation perpendicular to the main direction;
• There is a view similar to that of the , for an embodiment in which the control moves in rotation between its rest position and its unlocking position; And
• There is a simplified schematic representation of an alternative embodiment, in which the support member carries a blocking pin.

The interior of vehicle 1 partially shown on the comprises a rail 3 and a support 5 configured to support an accessory 7, the support 5 being movable along the rail 3.

The accessory 7 is typically a portable electronic device such as a tablet, a mobile phone, a GPS or any other portable electronic device of the same type. Accessory 7 as a variant is a cup, the support being in this case a cup holder, or any other suitable non-electronic accessory.

The accessory 7 can be separated from the support 5, for example when the occupant leaves the vehicle. Alternatively, accessory 7 cannot be separated from support 5.

In the example shown, the rail 3 is integrated into the dashboard 2 of the vehicle interior. Alternatively, the rail 3 is integrated into another structure of the vehicle interior, for example an opening, or the back of a seat, or part of the trunk of the vehicle or any other suitable structure.

The vehicle is typically a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle is a truck, a bus, a train, a boat, or any other type of suitable vehicle.

In the example shown, rail 3 is transverse. It extends over most of the width of the dashboard 2. It thus allows the support 5 to be transferred selectively either near the driver of the vehicle or in front of the front passenger.

Alternatively, the rail 3 is not transverse but can have any other orientation: following the longitudinal direction of movement of the vehicle, or following the vertical direction, or following any other direction.

As visible on the , the rail 3 defines first and second grooves 9, 11 extending in a main direction P materialized on the .

The first and second grooves 9,11 have respective first and second bases 13, 15.

Typically, the first and second grooves 9,11 are U-shaped grooves, open opposite their respective bottoms 13, 15.

The first and second grooves 9,11 are connected to each other by a flat core 17.

The first groove 9 is delimited on one side by the core 17. Opposite the core 17, it is delimited by a wall 19. The wall 19 is connected to the core 17 by the first bottom 13. The core 17 and the wall 19 are parallel to each other and are offset relative to each other in a direction of thickness E, shown on the .

The direction E is perpendicular to the main direction P.

Likewise, the second groove 11 is delimited on one side by the core 17. Opposite the core 17, it is delimited by another wall 21. The other wall 21 is connected to the core 17 by the second bottom 15. The core 17 and the other wall 21 are parallel to each other and are offset relative to each other in the thickness direction E.

In the example shown, the core 17 extends in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction E.

Wall 19 and the other wall 21 extend in the same plane. This plane is parallel to the plane in which the soul extends 17.

Alternatively, the core 17 and the first and second grooves 9,11 are curved, for example to follow the shape of the dashboard.

The wall 19 and the other wall 21 each have a small width compared to their respective lengths in the main direction P. This width is taken in a secondary direction S, shown on the .

The secondary direction S is perpendicular to the main direction P and to the thickness direction E.

The wall 19 and the other wall 21 delimit between them an opening 23, through which the support 5 is engaged in the rail 3. This opening 23 extends substantially over the entire length of the rail 3.

The first and second funds 13, 15 are parallel to each other and are located opposite each other.

They face each other in the secondary direction S.

The support 5 comprises a structure 25 for supporting and blocking the accessory 7.

The structure 25 is of any suitable type.

In the example shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the part 25 comprises a support wall 26 against which the rear face of the portable electronic device 7 is placed, a support edge 27 ( ) on which one side of the portable electronic device 7 rests, and locking members 29 ( ) now the portable electronic device 7 pressed against the support wall 26.

Advantageously, the support 5 also includes slides 31 engaged in the first and second grooves 9, 11.

The slides 31 are typically integral with the support wall 26. They are free to move in translation along the first and second grooves 9,11.

In the example shown, the slides 31 are elongated profiles in the secondary direction S. Each slide 31 has one end engaged in the first groove 9 and an opposite end engaged in the second groove 11. Each slide 31 bears against the core 17. Each slide 31 is rigidly fixed to the support wall 26 by a spacer 33.

The interior 1 also includes a mechanism 35 for reversible blocking of the support 5 relative to the rail 3.

As visible in Figures 2 to 4, the blocking mechanism 35 comprises:

- a one-piece part 39, having first and second support members 41, 43;

- a rotary connection 45 of the one-piece part 39 to the support 5;

- an elastic member 47 urging the one-piece part 39 to rotate relative to the support 5, towards a blocking position illustrated on the in which the first and second support members 41, 43 bear respectively against the first and second bases 13, 15;

- a control 49 linked to the support 5 and movable manually relative to the support 5 between a rest position and an unlocking position; And

- a kinematic chain 51 moving the one-piece part 39 in rotation relative to the support 5 from its blocking position against the restoring force of the elastic member 47 when the control 49 is moved from its position rest towards its unlocked position.

The rotary connection 45 comprises an axis 52 secured to the support 5. The axis 52 is shown in Figures 3 or 4, and has been omitted in the to clarify more. It extends in the thickness direction E. The one-piece part 39 is rotatable around the axis 52.

The one-piece part 39 comes from material, for example from injection of a plastic material.

In the example shown, it comprises a central hub 53 and arms 55, 57 defining the first and second support members 41, 43.

The rotary connection 37 includes an orifice provided in the central hub 53, in which the axis 52 is received.

The central hub 53 is typically circular.

The arms 55, 57 extend from two opposite zones of the central hub 53.

The first and second support members 41, 43 constitute the end parts of the arms 55, 57. They are connected to the central hub 53 by intermediate portions 59, 61 of the arms 55, 57.

The first and second support members 41, 43 are simultaneously in support respectively against the first and second bases 13, 15 in the blocking position of the one-piece part 39.

The first and second support members 41, 43 have first and second support surfaces 63, 65 bearing against the funds 13, 15 in the blocking position of the one-piece part.

Advantageously, the first and second support members 41, 43 carry friction pads 67 and are supported on the first and second bases 13, 15 via the friction pads 67.

The friction pads 67 are made of a material having a high coefficient of friction with respect to the material constituting the first and second bases 13, 15. For example, they are made of a rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer.

The friction pads 67 are fixed to the first and second bearing surfaces 63, 65 and cover them. In the blocking position, they are interposed between the first and second support surfaces 63, 65 and the first and second bases 13, 15.

In the blocking position, shown on the , the first and second bearing surfaces 63, 65 are substantially parallel to the first and second bottoms 13,15. They are arranged in the main direction P respectively on a first side and a second side of the central hub 53, the first and second sides being opposite each other.

The elastic member 47 is of any suitable type.

In the example shown, the elastic member 47 is a clothespin type torsion spring. It comprises an end strand 69 resting against a relief 71 carried by the central hub 53. It has another end strand 73, resting against another relief (not shown) provided on the support 5. The member elastic 47 is configured so that the end strands 69, 73 are stressed circumferentially around the axis 52 in the direction of a spacing relative to each other. This results in a stress applied to the one-piece part 39, in the direction of a rotation around the axis 52 in the direction R shown on the . In the representation of Figures 3 and 4, this direction of rotation is clockwise.

The one-piece part 39 is capable of being moved relative to the support 5 in rotation around the axis 52 from the blocking position towards a release position shown on the . In this release position, the first and second support members 41, 43 are no longer supported against the first and second funds 13, 15.

The support 5 is thus free to move along the rail 3.

The one-piece part 39 passes from the blocking position to the release position by rotating against the restoring force exerted by the elastic member 47, that is to say in the opposite direction of the arrow R materialized on the .

In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, the control 49 moves between its rest position and its unlocking position in a translational movement following the main direction P.

The control 49 is for example a button, a pull tab, or any other organ capable of being manually operated by an occupant of the vehicle.

The control 49 in the example shown projects in the main direction P from one side of the support 5. Alternatively, it projects in the secondary direction S or in any other direction relative to the support 5.

In the rest position, the control 49 is relatively further away from the support 5 in the main direction. In the unlocked position, the control 49 is relatively less separated from the support 5 in the main direction.

To activate the control, the occupant of the vehicle therefore presses the control 49 in the main direction P, in the direction of inward depression of the support 5.

Advantageously, the control mechanism 35 comprises a return member 75 elastically returning the control 49 to its rest position ( ).

For example, this return member 75 is a compression spring interposed between the support 5 and the control member 49.

When an occupant manually moves the control 49 from the rest position to the unlocked position, the return member 75 is compressed. When the occupant releases the control 49, the return member 75 returns the control 49 to its rest position by relaxation.

The control 49 is for example linked to the support wall 26 via a slide connection not shown, oriented in the main direction P.

The kinematic chain 51 advantageously comprises a lever 77 secured to the control 49 and forming a cam, and a cam follower 79 (Figures 3 and 4) formed on the one-piece part 39 and cooperating with the cam.

In the example shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lever 77 is a rod extending in the thickness direction E. It moves with the control 49, in the main direction P.

As visible in Figures 3 and 4, the cam follower 79 is a surface formed on the one-piece part 39.

More precisely, it is formed on arm 55.

In the example shown, the cam follower 79 is formed on the intermediate part 59 of the arm 55.

The control 49 moves from its rest position to its unlocking position in the main direction P, from the second side towards the first side in the example of the . The cam follower 79 is formed on a surface of the arm 55 facing the second side in the main direction P.

When the control 49 moves from its rest position to its unlocking position, the lever 77 presses on the surface 79, so that the one-piece part 39 is rotated away from its blocking position.

The operation of the vehicle interior described above will now be detailed.

Initially, support 5 is at an initial position along rail 3.

The mobile electronic device 7 is placed on the support 5.

Control 49 is in its rest position. It is held in this rest position by the return member 75.

The one-piece part 39 is in its locked position. The first and second support members 41, 43 are urged against the first and second bases 13, 15 by the elastic member 47.

Due to this support, the support 5 is blocked in translation in the main direction P relative to the rail 3. The coefficient of friction between the first and second support members and the first and second funds is such that the accelerations resulting from Normal movement of the vehicle cannot cause movement of the support 5 along the rail 3.

When an occupant wishes to modify the position of the support 5 along the rail 3, he manually moves the control 49 relative to the support 5. He moves this control 49 from the rest position to the unlocking position.

To do this, he presses command 49.

In the first embodiment, it moves the control 49 in translation in the main direction P towards the support 5, against the return force exerted by the return member 75.

This results in a movement of the lever 77 in the main direction, towards the first side. The lever 77 cooperates with the surface 79 forming a cam follower, which results in a movement of the one-piece part 39 in rotation around the axis 52, against the restoring force of the elastic member 47.

The one-piece part 39 is therefore driven from its blocking position to its release position.

The support members 41, 43 are then no longer in support against the first and second bottoms 13, 15. When the control 49 occupies its unlocking position, the one-piece part 39 occupies the position illustrated on the . The support surfaces 63, 65 are away from the first and second funds 13, 15.

The occupant can then move the support 5 along the rail 3. The slides 31 move along the grooves 9, 11.

When the support 5 occupies the position desired by the occupant, it releases the control 49, in the sense that it stops applying a force to the control 49 towards the unlocking position.

Under the effect of the restoring force of the elastic member 47, the one-piece part 39 returns to its locked position. The return member 75 returns the control 49 to its rest position.

A second embodiment will now be described, with reference to the . Only the points by which this second embodiment differs from the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 will be detailed below. Identical elements or elements providing the same function will be designated by the same references.

In the second embodiment, the control 49 moves between its rest position and its unlocking position in a translational movement following the secondary direction S.

The control 49 is linked to the support 5 by an orientation slide connection in the secondary direction S.

For example, the control 49 projects in the main direction P relative to one side of the support 5, as illustrated in the . To activate the control 49, the occupant moves this control 49 towards the second groove 11.

The return member 75 requests the command 49 in the secondary direction S.

The cam follower 79 is for example arranged as illustrated in the . The hub 53 carries a projecting relief 81, formed on the first side of the hub 73 in the main direction P. The cam surface 79 is formed by the surface of the relief 81 facing the first groove 9. When the control 49 moves along the direction T materialized on the , that is to say in the secondary direction S towards the second groove 11, the lever 77 comes to bear against the cam surface 79 and urges it towards the second groove 11. This causes the one-piece part 39 to rotate. , towards its release position.

A third embodiment of the invention will now be described, with reference to the . Only the points by which this third embodiment differs from the first embodiment will be detailed below. Elements that are identical or provide the same functions in the two embodiments will be designated by the same references.

In the third embodiment, the control 49 moves relative to the support 5 between its rest position and its unlocking position following a rotational movement around the axis of rotation of the one-piece part 39, or around a another axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the one-piece part 39.

For example, the lever 77 rigidly fixes the one-piece part 39 to the control 49.

The control 49 is linked to the support 5 by a pivot connection, the lever 77 constituting the axis of the pivot. The lever 77 is mounted to rotate freely in a bearing not shown, formed on the support 5.

In the example shown, the control 49 projects in the main direction from one side of the support 5. The rest position of the control 49 is shown on the . The control 49 moves from its rest position to its unlocking position by rotation around the lever 77, in a counterclockwise direction, that is to say towards the first groove 9.

Due to the fact that the control 49 is integral with the one-piece part 39, the elastic member 47 also acts as a return member 75. It makes it possible to return both the one-piece part to its blocking position and the control to its position rest.

A variant embodiment will now be described, with reference to the . This variant is applicable to all embodiments of the invention.

The first and/or second support members 41, 43 carry pins 83.

The pins 83 are carried by the first and/or second support surfaces 63, 65.

Furthermore, holes 85 are distributed along the first and/or second grooves 9, 11.

The holes 85 are provided in the first and/or second funds 13, 15.

The holes 85 are typically distributed over the entire length of the first and/or second grooves 9, 11, and are advantageously regularly spaced along the latter.

The pins 83 are engaged in the holes 85 in the blocking position of the one-piece part 39. This contributes to the blocking of the support along the rail.

The pins 83 are not engaged in the holes 85 in the release position of the one-piece part 39.

The set of supports can have multiple variations.

The first and second support members could be directly supported on the first and second bases, without the interposition of a friction pad.

Whatever the embodiment, the elastic member can be confused with the return member, that is to say ensuring the function of the return member. In this case, for the first and second embodiments, the surfaces forming the cam follower are arranged so that the restoring force applied by the elastic member to the one-piece part is transmitted by the cam follower to the lever secured to the control body.

The kinematic chain could be different from the cam - cam follower assembly described above. The drive could be toothed type, or any other type.

The invention described above has multiple advantages.

Due to the fact that the first and second support members are simultaneously in support respectively against the first and second funds, the blocking is particularly effective.

When the first and second funds are parallel to each other and opposite each other, the first and second support members are buttressed against the first and second funds. Blocking is particularly effective.

When the control moves between its rest position and its unlocking position in a translational movement following the main direction or following the secondary direction, it is particularly convenient for the occupant to operate the control. Furthermore, the kinematic chain in this case is particularly simple.

When the control moves following a rotational movement around an axis, coincident with the axis of rotation of the one-piece part or parallel to the axis of rotation of the one-piece part, the kinematic chain is also very simple.

When the kinematic chain includes a lever integral with the control and forming a cam, and a cam follower formed on the one-piece part and cooperating with the cam, the blocking mechanism is particularly simple. It has few parts, and is therefore particularly economical.

When the control mechanism includes a return member elastically returning the control to its rest position, the control automatically returns to this rest position. Use for the occupant is particularly simple.

When the first and second support members carry friction pads and are supported on the first and second bottoms via the friction pads, the support is blocked particularly effectively in position along the rail.

When the support includes slides engaged in the first and second grooves, guiding the support along the rail is particularly effective.

Claims (10)

Vehicle interior, the interior (1) comprising:
- a rail (3) defining first and second grooves (9, 11) extending in a main direction (P), the first and second grooves (9, 11) having respective first and second bottoms (13, 15) ;
- a support (5) configured to support an accessory (7), the support (5) being movable along the rail (3);
- a mechanism (35) for reversibly blocking the support (5) relative to the rail (3), the blocking mechanism (35) comprising:
* a one-piece piece (39) having first and second support members (41, 43);
* a rotary connection (45) of the one-piece part (39) to the support (5);
* an elastic member (47) urging the one-piece part (39) to rotate relative to the support (5), towards a blocking position in which the first and second support members (41, 43) are supported respectively against the first and second funds (13, 15);
* a control (49) linked to the support (5) and movable manually relative to the support (5) between a rest position and an unlocking position; And
* a kinematic chain (51) moving the one-piece part (39) in rotation relative to the support (5) from the blocking position against the return force of the elastic member (47) when the command (49) is moved from its rest position to its unlocking position. Interior according to claim 1, in which the first and second support members (41, 43) are simultaneously in support respectively against the first and second bases (13, 15). Interior according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first and second funds (13, 15) are parallel to each other and opposite each other. Interior according to claim 3, in which the first and second funds (13, 15) face each other in a secondary direction (S) perpendicular to the main direction (P). Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control (49) moves relative to the support (5) between its rest position and its unlocking position according to one:
- a translation movement in the main direction (P);
- a translation movement in a secondary direction (S) perpendicular to the main direction (P);
- a rotational movement around an axis of rotation of the one-piece part (39) or another axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the one-piece part (39). Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the kinematic chain (51) comprises a lever (77) integral with the control (49) and forming a cam, and a cam follower (79) formed on the one-piece part ( 39) and cooperating with the cam. Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the blocking mechanism (35) comprises a return member (75) elastically returning the control (49) to its rest position. Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and/or second support members (41, 43) carry pins (83) engaged in holes (85) distributed along the first and/or second grooves (9, 11) in the locking position of the one-piece part (39). Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first and second support members (41, 43) carry friction pads (67) and are supported on the first and second bases (13, 15) by the intermediate friction pads (67). Interior according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (5) comprises slides (31) engaged in the first and second grooves (9, 11).