Patent Description:
Vehicle interior design and functionality aim to provide for a visually appealing interior for vehicle occupants travelling with the vehicle while at the same time enhancing the experience by providing assisting and entertaining functions. For example, speakers may be integrated in the vehicle in a design-oriented way while at the same time providing audio functions for the infotainment system of the vehicle.

Another area of importance for the vehicle interior is ergonomics, i.e. to make travelling with the vehicle comfortable for the occupants. For example, it is often desirable for vehicle occupants to be able to rest his/her arm on an arm rest. Such arm rest may for example be included in the vehicle door panels. Further, <CIT> discloses a dual mug and cup holder accessible from an armrest.

In addition, an often-sought-after function is the ability to place items on a dedicated support surface, i.e. a table. Such items may include food items, electronics, books, etc. It has proven difficult to combine the ergonomics aspect with adequate support surfaces for items.

The disclosed subject matter generally relates to a vehicle center console comprising a fixed top structure providing an arm rest for vehicle occupants, and at least one planar component adapted to support items placed thereon. The proposed vehicle center console provides the planar component for the vehicle occupant without compromising the ergonomics provided by the fixed top structure providing the arm rest for the vehicle occupant.

The fixed top structure advantageously provides for an arm rest for the occupant that can be designed in nearly any desired shape as long as it is fixed. The fixed top structure advantageously allows for the at least one planar component to slide with respect to the fixed top structure into a stowed position below the fixed top structure, and to slide to a use position such that an item is placeable on a substantially planar surface of the planar component.

With regards to the above, the inventors propose a vehicle center console comprising a fixed top structure providing an arm rest for vehicle occupants. The proposed center console also comprises at least one planar component adapted to support items placed thereon. The planar component includes a substantially planar surface for receiving the items, wherein the planar component is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the planar component to slide in under the fixed top structure when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface is exposed.

Advantageously, a further planar component is included in the vehicle center console. The inventors thus also propose that the planar component is a first planar component, the vehicle center console comprising a second planar component adapted to support items placed thereon. The second planar component includes a substantially planar surface for receiving the items, wherein the second planar component is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the second planar component to slide in under the fixed top structure when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface is exposed.

For example, the first planar component may provide a slidable planar component for occupants in the front seats and the second planar component may provide a slidable planar component for occupants in the rear seats. Thus, the proposed vehicle center console may provide improved ergonomics for vehicle occupants in the front seats by means of the fixed top structure that provides an arm rest. At the same time as providing the improved ergonomics, the proposed vehicle center console may provide improved planar components for the vehicle occupants in the front seats and in the rear seats. The fixed top structure may be clean of any pockets, storage compartments, or other functional structures to thereby be adapted primarily as an arm rest.

Further features of, and advantages with, the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description.

In the present detailed description, various embodiments of a vehicle center console according to the present invention are described.

<FIG> conceptually illustrates vehicle center console <NUM> according to embodiments not forming part of the invention. The vehicle center console <NUM> comprises a fixed top structure <NUM> providing an arm rest for vehicle occupants. Further, the vehicle center console <NUM> comprises at least one planar component <NUM> comprising a substantially planar surface <NUM> adapted to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle center console <NUM> is mounted in a vehicle. The planar component <NUM> is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the planar component <NUM> to slide in under the fixed top structure <NUM> when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface <NUM> is exposed.

The guide structure may be a guide structure of the vehicle center console <NUM> itself, or the guide structure may be comprised in a separate part.

That the substantially planar surface <NUM> is exposed means that it is visible and, in a location, where an item may be placed on the surface <NUM>, i.e. the planar component <NUM> is in a use position, and is not blocked by the top structure <NUM>.

The top structure is fixed meaning that it does not include moving parts that may compromise the arm rest function of the top structure. In other words, the top structure is adapted to be fixed or static in position in a vehicle so that a vehicle occupant may at all times use the top structure as an arm rest. Thus, the fixed top structure may be the arm rest.

The planar component slides in under the fixed top structure for being placed in a stowed position. Thus, in the stowed position the planar component is at least partly covered by the fixed top structure. For example, a larger portion of the planar component is covered by the fixed top structure when the planar component is in the stowed position compared to the portion of the planar component that is covered by the fixed top structure when the planar component is in a use position. The term "under" the fixed top structure relates to a vertical relationship, i.e. the planar component is located vertically below the fixed top structure.

The planar component includes a substantially planar surface. The surface is substantially planar such that it provides for supporting of items thereon without them sliding off the surface or falling over. A small deviation from planar is allowed as long as the surface provides for supporting of items in a similar manner as a table or a tray. The planar component is adapted to have the planar surface substantially horizontal when the vehicle center console is mounted in a vehicle, standing on a substantially horizontal ground.

The stowed position of the planar component may equally well be considered a retracted position or a storage position, generally referring to a position of the planar component in which it is not intended to be fully used or not used at all for placing items thereon.

A use position of the planar component generally relates to a sliding position of the planar component in which the planar component is intended to be used. In other words, the planar component has been withdrawn or pulled out from the stowed position such that an item may be placed on the substantially planar surface of the planar component.

An arm rest may be designed or shaped in various ways and generally provides a structure which a vehicle occupant may use for resting his/her arm or elbow. The shape and design of an arm rest depends on the specific implementation, thus the herein proposed fixed top structure advantageously provides for many possible shapes and designs of an arm rest.

The inventors realized that a fixed top structure provides for an arm rest for the occupants in the seats next to the fixed top structure. The arm rest may be formed to provide a comfortable and ergonomic arm rest that is not affected by moving parts that interfere with an arm rest or even prevent the presence of an arm rest. Further, the inventors realized to provide at least one planar component that is slidable with respect to the fixed top structure. In this way are surfaces provided onto which the vehicle occupants may place items. Thus, embodiments herein provide for an ergonomic arm rest as well as planar components for the occupants to place items on. The herein disclosed embodiments provide for relatively large planar components.

Turning again to <FIG>, the vehicle center console <NUM> includes fixed side structures <NUM> and <NUM> formed in one piece with the top structures 102a and 102b respectively. Here one side structure <NUM> is formed in one piece with top structure 102a and side structure <NUM> is formed in one piece with top structure 102b. That the top structure <NUM> includes two pieces 102a-b, separated by a gap <NUM> is not strictly required. The top structure <NUM> may equally well be provided in a single piece, with no gap. The single piece top structure may in such case be formed in one piece with the side structures <NUM> and <NUM>.

The side structures <NUM> and <NUM> are adapted to extend substantially vertically when the vehicle center console <NUM> is mounted in a vehicle and the vehicle stands on a horizontal ground. The top structures 102a-b forms an angle with the respective side structures <NUM>, <NUM> such that the top structure provides a top surface <NUM> that is substantially horizontal, or at least closer to a horizontal orientation than the orientation of the side structures <NUM> and <NUM>. The side structures <NUM> and <NUM> together with the top structure <NUM> may form a general U-shape, providing a see-through duct <NUM> in the sliding direction of the planar component <NUM>. The see-through duct <NUM> forms a tunnel below the planar component <NUM> and the top structure <NUM>. The planar component <NUM> may be arranged in the duct <NUM> at least when in the stowed position.

In some embodiments, the vehicle center console includes a storage compartment below the at least one planar component <NUM>. The storage compartment advantageously allows for storing items therein when travelling with the vehicle. The storage compartment is advantages formed by the duct <NUM>. In other words, the storage compartment is formed by the side structures <NUM> and <NUM> and vertically delimited by the at least one planar component <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may be relatively large, thereby providing for storing relatively large items in the storage compartment <NUM>. The duct is generally air filled such that it may receive items for storage.

The planar component <NUM> includes the substantially planar surface <NUM> for receiving items. The surface <NUM> is delimited by a surrounding rim <NUM> or edge <NUM> that assists in maintaining items on the planar surface <NUM> if the items starts sliding due to violent vehicle motions. In <FIG>, the planar component <NUM> is shown in a use position, i.e. withdrawn from below the top structure such that items may be placed on the substantially planar surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a vehicle center console <NUM> according to the present invention. In addition to the elements described with reference to <FIG>, the vehicle center console <NUM> comprises a second planar component <NUM>. Accordingly, the planar component <NUM> is a first planar component <NUM>, wherein the vehicle center console <NUM> comprises a second planar component <NUM> adapted to support items placed thereon. The second planar component <NUM> includes a substantially planar surface <NUM> for receiving the items. The second planar component <NUM> is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the second planar component <NUM> to slide in under the fixed top structure <NUM>, 102a, 102b, when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface <NUM> is exposed.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the vehicle center console <NUM>. The top structure <NUM> is the uppermost part of the vehicle center console <NUM> in a vertical direction. Below the top structure <NUM> is the first planar component <NUM> located, here in a stowed position directly below the top structure <NUM>. Next is an attachment member <NUM> located, interleaved between the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> which is located on an opposite side of the sliding mechanism <NUM> from the first planar component <NUM>. The attachment member attachment member <NUM> may be fixedly attached to the side structure <NUM> and <NUM> and is configured to enable a slidable motion for the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> as will be described with reference to subsequent drawings.

In <FIG> are the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> in their respective use position. The first planar component <NUM> is withdrawn in a first direction <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> is withdrawn in a second direction <NUM>. The directions <NUM> and <NUM> are in opposite directions, i.e. the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> are arranged to slide in opposite directions when sliding out from the stowed positions illustrated in <FIG> to the use position illustrated in <FIG>. This advantageously provides for planar components on two sides of the top structure <NUM>, i.e. providing two separate planar components that may provide occupants in different parts of the vehicle to place items on a planar component.

The stowed positions of the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. In the stowed position, one of the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> is arranged below the other one of the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM>. In the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, the first planar component <NUM> is arranged vertically closer to the top structure <NUM> than the second planar component <NUM>. Thus, in the stowed position of the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the first planar component <NUM> is interleaved between the top structure <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM>.

The first planar component <NUM> and the first planar component <NUM> are arranged in the duct <NUM> at least when in the stowed position shown in <FIG>. The duct <NUM> may further be a storage compartment for storing larger items such as suit cases and shopping bags.

The first planar component <NUM> may be arranged to slide forward in the vehicle heading direction when sliding out from the stowed position and towards a use position. Thus, the first planar component <NUM> may provide a surface <NUM> for a vehicle occupant in the front parts of the vehicle to place items on.

Further, the second support <NUM> structure may be arranged to slide rearwards, opposite the vehicle heading direction when sliding out from the stowed position and towards a use position. Thus, the second planar component <NUM> may advantageously provide a surface <NUM> for a vehicle occupant in the rear parts of the vehicle to place items on.

The heading direction is parallel to the travelling direction of the vehicle when the vehicle is travelling forward.

The guide structures may be provided as part of the side structures <NUM> and <NUM>, i.e. as guiding rails in the side structures that engages slidably with rails or side protrusions or side ridges of the planar components <NUM> and <NUM>.

Another possibility for providing guide structures is to provide an attachment member <NUM> fixedly attachable with respect to the fixed top structure <NUM>, the attachment member includes the guide structures for providing the sliding motion of the first planar component <NUM> and the sliding motion of the second planar component <NUM>. An example attachment member <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. The attachment member <NUM> provides for a convenient way for providing a sliding motion capability for both the planar components <NUM> and <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the fixed top structure <NUM> may include an attachment surface <NUM> configured for the attachment of an electronics unit <NUM> thereon, the attachment surface <NUM> is located facing the first planar component <NUM> at least when in the stowed position. Accordingly, for enhanced user experience, an electronics unit <NUM> that may serve as a control panel for controlling various functions of the vehicle, e.g. included in an entertainment system or a climate control system, may be attached to the vehicle center console <NUM>. The electronics unit may be attached to the attachment surface <NUM> using e.g. screws inserted through the though holes <NUM> of the electronics unit <NUM> and tightened to the attachment surface <NUM>.

The location of the electronics unit <NUM> in the vehicle center console <NUM> provides for convenient access to the electronics unit <NUM> for occupants seated on both sides of the vehicle center console <NUM>, that is, both to the left and to the right of the vehicle center console <NUM>, thereby providing for improved access and user-friendliness for controlling functions in the vehicle.

The electronics unit <NUM> may be included in the vehicle center console <NUM>.

In <FIG> illustrating an exploded view of the vehicle center console <NUM> including the electronics unit <NUM>, the electronics unit <NUM> is located directly below the top structure <NUM>, e.g. attached to the attachment surface <NUM> which is the surface on the opposite side of the top structure <NUM> relative the upper surface of the top structure <NUM>. The first planar component <NUM> is located directly below the electronics unit <NUM>, slidably attached to the attachment member <NUM>. The attachment member <NUM> is located in between the first planar component <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of the vehicle center console <NUM> including the electronics unit <NUM>. The electronics unit <NUM> includes at least one input device <NUM> to receive input from a user for controlling electric sub-systems of the vehicle such as a climate control system or an entertainments system. In some embodiments, the electronics unit <NUM> includes a first input device <NUM> arranged at a first side 306a of the electronics unit and a second input device <NUM> arranged at a second side 307a of the electronics unit <NUM>, the first side being arranged in front of the fixed top structure <NUM> in the vehicle heading direction, and the second side being arranged rearwards of the fixed top structure <NUM>. In other words, the electronics unit <NUM> is adapted to extend beyond the fixed top structure <NUM> rearwards, and to extend to in front of the fixed top structure <NUM> forwards. This provides convenient access to the first input device <NUM> for vehicle occupants in the front seats, and for convenient access to the second input device <NUM> of the same electronics unit <NUM> for vehicle occupants in the rear seats.

<FIG> is a side-view of the vehicle center console <NUM>. The first planar component <NUM> is arranged in a first plane <NUM> and the second planar component <NUM> is arranged in a second plane <NUM>. The first plane <NUM> is spatially separate from the second plane <NUM>, in other words, the first plane <NUM> and the second plane may not intersect in at least some possible implementations of embodiments of the present invention. Further, first planar component <NUM> is arranged to slide in the first plane <NUM>, when the first planar component <NUM> is displaced from a use position to a stowed position or vice versa. The second planar component <NUM> is arranged to slide in the second plane <NUM>, when the second planar component <NUM> is displaced from a use position to a stowed position or vice versa. The first plane <NUM> is preferably parallel with the second plane <NUM>. The first plane <NUM> and the second plane <NUM> are preferably horizontal, when the vehicle center console is arranged in a vehicle.

<FIG> conceptually illustrates an example attachment member <NUM> for providing a sliding mechanism for the first and second planar components. The attachment member <NUM> includes a guiding structure in the form of a guiding trace <NUM> or groove for providing the sliding motion for the first planar component. The attachment member <NUM> further includes an additional guiding structure in the form of a guiding trace <NUM> for providing the sliding motion of the second planar component. The guiding traces <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged on opposite sides, in other words, the guiding trace <NUM> provides a sliding motion for the first planar component arranged on one side of the attachment member, and the guiding trace <NUM> provides a sliding motion for the second planar component arranged on the other side of the attachment member <NUM>. The guiding traces <NUM> and <NUM> are parallel with each other. In this example embodiment, the guiding traces <NUM> and <NUM> share an inner wall <NUM> that separates the guiding rails <NUM>, <NUM>.

The attachment member <NUM> includes fastening holes <NUM> for attaching the attachment member <NUM> to the side structures <NUM> and <NUM> of the vehicle center console. Here, only the holes <NUM> on one side are shown, but there are of course holes on the opposite side of the attachment member, such that the attachment member <NUM> may be attached to both side structures <NUM> and <NUM>. Further, a first mounting structure <NUM> and a second mounting structure <NUM> are included for attaching the first planar component and the second planar component respectively thereon. Thus, in this example embodiment, the first mounting structure <NUM> includes a matching guiding rail <NUM> or flange that is adapted to slide in the first guiding trace <NUM> of the attachment member <NUM>, the second mounting structure <NUM> includes a matching guiding rail <NUM> or flange that is adapted to slide in the second guiding trace <NUM> of the attachment member <NUM>. The rails <NUM> and <NUM> are thus adapted to slide along the guiding traces <NUM> and <NUM> respectively. The first mounting structure <NUM> may be included in the first planar component and the second mounting structure <NUM> may be included in the second planar component. In other possible implementations, the first planar component includes the rails <NUM>, and the second planar component includes the rails <NUM>.

The guiding rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in various ways. Here, the guiding rail <NUM> of the first mounting structure is one flange of a U-shaped structure seen in a cross-section of the first mounting structure <NUM>. The first mounting structure <NUM> includes a planar main body <NUM> and a side wall portion <NUM> that extends away from the plane of the main body <NUM> at the edge <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> extends as a flange away from the side wall portion <NUM> in at an angle, preferably orthogonally from the side wall <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> or flange, the side wall <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> forms a trace in which one flange <NUM> that forms the guiding trace <NUM> of the attachment member <NUM> may engage. The rail <NUM> or flange is preferably parallel with the main plane of the main body <NUM>.

In the same way, the guiding rail <NUM> of the second mounting structure is one flange of a U-shaped structure seen in a cross-section of the second mounting structure <NUM>. The second mounting structure <NUM> includes a planar main body <NUM> and a side wall portion <NUM> near the edge <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, the side wall portion <NUM> is generally perpendicular to the main body <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> extends away from the side wall portion <NUM> as a flange at an angle, preferably orthogonally from the side wall portion <NUM>. The guiding rail <NUM> or flange, the side wall <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> forms a trace in which one flange <NUM> that forms the guiding trace <NUM> of the attachment member <NUM> may engage. The rail <NUM> or flange is preferably parallel with the main plane of the main body <NUM>.

In other words, the sliding engagement between the first mounting structure <NUM> and the attachment member <NUM> may be formed by a U-shape in the first mounting structure <NUM> that engages with a first U-shape in the attachment member <NUM>. In addition, the sliding engagement between the second mounting structure <NUM> and the attachment member <NUM> may be formed by a U-shape in the second mounting structure <NUM> that engages with a second U-shape in the attachment member <NUM>.

In the above description of the example attachment member the rails and traces along one side of the attachment member and mounting structures are shown. However, as is understood to the skilled person, similar structures that are parallel to the rails and traces described with reference to <FIG> are present along the opposite side <NUM> of the attachment member and mounting structures.

The attachment member described with reference to <FIG> provides one example attachment member. Other possible implementations include telescopic holding beams or rails that are supported on rollers for providing the sliding motion, or beams or rails that are arranged to roll on rollers. For this, beams or rails may be attached directly or indirectly to the first planar component and the second planar component, respectively, and supporting beams or rails may be attached the side structures of the vehicle center console. The supporting beams or rails may hold rollers that provide for the beams on the first planar component and the second planar component to roll thereon, to in this way provide for the first planar component and the second planar component to slide between the stowed position and a use position.

<FIG> conceptually illustrates a vehicle <NUM> including a vehicle center console <NUM> according to embodiments of the present invention. Here, a mobile phone <NUM> is shown on the first planar component, e.g. the tray <NUM>, in a use position. The mobile phone is connected to the control panel <NUM> e.g. for charging. The duct <NUM> is shown which forms a storage compartment for larger items, e.g. shopping bags, suit cases, carry-on luggage etc. A second planar component, e.g. tray <NUM> is shown in a stowed position. In a use position, second planar component <NUM> is easily accessible to vehicle occupants in the rear seat.

The planar component <NUM> and <NUM> are sufficiently rigid for supporting e.g. handheld items thereon. More specifically, the planar component <NUM> and <NUM> may generally be provided as trays or tables configured to support items placed in the trays or tables. The planar components may be made from biologically compatible materials such as bio-composites including natural fiber polypropylene (NFPP) and reinforced flax. The planar components may be made from polymers or other relatively rigid materials suitable for trays and tables. The planar components may for example be made by molding or 3D-printing.

The planar components may be generally rectangular providing for a somewhat elongated shape such that the planar surface may reach a distance forward/rearward in the vehicle in the use position.

The side structures and top structure may be made from biologically compatible materials such as bio-composites including natural fiber polypropylene (NFPP) and reinforced flax. Other possible materials for the side structures and top structure include polymers or other relatively rigid materials.

There is further provided a vehicle comprising any one of the herein disclosed vehicle center consoles.

There is further provided an electronics unit comprising at least one input device to receive input from a user for controlling electric sub-systems of the vehicle, the electronics unit is adapted to be attached to a vehicle center console including a fixed top structure providing an arm rest for vehicle occupants, and at least one planar component adapted to support items placed thereon, the planar component including a substantially planar surface for receiving the items, wherein the planar component is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the planar component to slide in under the fixed top structure when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface is exposed, wherein the electronics unit includes attachment portions for attaching the electronics unit to an attachment surface of the fixed top structure the attachment surface is located facing the planar component at least when in the stowed position.

A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claim 1:
A vehicle center console (<NUM>;<NUM>) comprising:
a fixed top structure (<NUM>) providing an arm rest for vehicle occupants,
at least a first planar component (<NUM>) comprising a substantially planar surface (<NUM>) adapted to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle center console is mounted in a vehicle, wherein the first planar component is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the first planar component to slide in under the fixed top structure when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface is exposed; and
a second planar component (<NUM>) comprising a substantially planar surface (<NUM>) adapted to be substantially horizontal when the vehicle center console is mounted in a vehicle, wherein the second planar component is slidably attached to a guide structure to allow for the second planar component to slide in under the fixed top structure when in a stowed position, and to slide out from the stowed position such that the substantially planar surface is exposed,
an attachment member (<NUM>) fixedly attachable with respect to the fixed top structure, the attachment member includes the guide structures for providing the sliding motion of the first planar component and the sliding motion of the second planar component.