Armrest module with human-machine interface for vehicle seat

{
  "publication_number": "US11285850B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Armrest module with human-machine interface for vehicle seat",
  "abstract": "An armrest module for a motor vehicle. The armrest module includes an armrest arm able to support the arm of an occupant of the motor vehicle, the armrest arm extending primarily in a longitudinal direction (X); a pad, the pad being pivotable relative to the armrest arm about two axes (A 1, A 2) which are perpendicular to each other, the two axes (A 1, A 2) also being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the armrest arm; and a human-machine interface provided by the pad.",
  "claims": [
    "1. Armrest module for a vehicle, comprising: an armrest arm able to support the arm of an occupant of the vehicle, the armrest arm extending primarily in a longitudinal direction; a pad, the pad being pivotable relative to the armrest arm about two axes that are perpendicular to each other, the two axes also being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the armrest arm; and a human-machine interface supported by the pad, wherein the pad is able to be moved relative to the armrest arm along said longitudinal direction.",
    "2. Armrest module according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface comprises at least one among: one or more buttons; one or more screens; one or more joysticks; one or more touch screens.",
    "3. Armrest module according to claim 1, wherein the pad is shaped to be received in the armrest arm.",
    "4. Armrest module according to claim 3, wherein the pad is shaped to be received in the armrest arm by translational movement in the longitudinal direction.",
    "5. Armrest module according to claim 1, wherein the pad is shaped to be received under the armrest arm.",
    "6. Armrest module according to claim 5, wherein the pad is shaped to be received under the armrest arm by translational movement in the longitudinal direction.",
    "7. Armrest module according to claim 1, wherein the pad is fixed to a connecting rod so as to pivot about two axes which are perpendicular to each other.",
    "8. Armrest module according to claim 7, wherein the connecting rod is mounted to move freely in translation relative to the armrest arm.",
    "9. Armrest module according to claim 7, wherein the armrest arm forms a housing for receiving the connecting rod.",
    "10. Armrest module according to claim 7, wherein the armrest arm forms a housing for receiving the connecting rod and the pad.",
    "11. Armrest module according to claim 8, wherein the armrest arm forms a housing for receiving the connecting rod.",
    "12. Armrest module according to claim 8, wherein the armrest arm forms a housing for receiving the connecting rod and the pad.",
    "13. Armrest module according to claim 1, wherein the human-machine interface is adapted to control at least one among: a car radio of the vehicle; ventilation of the vehicle; climate controls of the vehicle; interior lighting of the vehicle; a position of a vehicle seat; a smartphone.",
    "14. Vehicle seat comprising a seat portion with a seat portion frame and/or a backrest with a backrest frame, and an armrest module according to claim 1, fixed to the seat portion frame or backrest frame.",
    "15. Vehicle console comprising an armrest module according to claim 1.",
    "16. Vehicle door, to which is fixed an armrest module according to claim 1.",
    "17. Armrest module for a vehicle, comprising: an armrest arm able to support the arm of an occupant of the vehicle, the armrest arm extending primarily in a longitudinal direction; a pad, the pad being pivotable relative to the armrest arm about two axes that are perpendicular to each other, the two axes also being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the armrest arm; and a human-machine interface supported by the pad, wherein the pad is fixed to a connecting rod so as to pivot about two axes which are perpendicular to each other with regard to the rod, wherein the pad is shaped to be received in or under the armrest arm.",
    "18. Vehicle seat comprising a seat portion with a seat portion frame and/or a backrest with a backrest frame, and an armrest module according to claim 17, fixed to the seat portion frame or backrest frame.",
    "19. Vehicle console comprising an armrest module according to claim 17.",
    "20. Vehicle door, to which is fixed an armrest module according to claim 17."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to an armrest module for a motor vehicle seat with a human-machine interface, and a seat, console, and door of a motor vehicle which are provided with such an armrest module.\n\nIn the automotive field, a vehicle seat is known comprising a seat portion and a backrest, the backrest being mounted so as to pivot relative to the seat portion about an axis extending transversely relative to the seat.\n\nIt is known to provide this type of vehicle seat with an armrest allowing a seat occupant to rest his or her arm on the armrest. At its end, the armrest may have a human-machine interface such as buttons for controlling the position of the seat, particularly the relative position of the backrest relative to the seat portion.\n\nSuch an armrest generally has a low degree of positional adjustment. Most often, the armrest is simply mounted on the backrest and is pivotable about an axis extending transversely relative to the seat.\n\nThis simple rotation does not ensure the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle seat nor easy access to the human-machine interface in all adjustment positions of the armrest.\n\nAn object of the present invention is therefore to provide an armrest module for a motor vehicle seat which facilitates access to the human-machine interface of the armrest.\n\nThis object of the invention may be achieved by means of an armrest module for a vehicle, particularly for a motor vehicle, in particular intended to be fixed on a vehicle seat, on a motor vehicle console, or on a motor vehicle door, comprising:",
  "cpc": [
    "B60N 2/797",
    "B60N 2/767",
    "B60N 2/773",
    "B60N 2002/022",
    "B60R 2011/001",
    "B60R 2011/0014",
    "B60R 2011/0082",
    "B60R 2011/0084"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60N 2/75"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Faurecia Interieur Industrie SAS"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "David Gayon",
    "Cedric Caravano"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2018-09-07",
  "publication_date": "2022-03-29",
  "grant_date": "2022-03-29",
  "priority_date": "2017-09-08",
  "application_number": "US-201816125123-A",
  "family_id": "59974708",
  "cited_by_count": 5,
  "citations": [
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  ]
}