Longitudinal extension mechanism of armrest

• US 7,104,609 B2
• Filed: 12/28/2004
• Issued: 09/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Inventors: Kim, Seok-Hwan
• Primary Examiner(s): White, Rodney B.
• Application Number:
  US11/024,865
• Publication Number:
  US 20060006722A1
• Time in Patent Office: 623 Days
• Field of Search: 297/411.35, 297/411.32, 297/411.2, 297/411.21, 297/411.3, 297/411.36, 297/411.37, 297/411.38, 297/188.17, 297/188.16, 297/188.15, 297/284.11
• US Class Current: 297/411.35
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 1/03 the parts being arm-rests conversion into a bed A47C17/12
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 1/0308 adjustable by rotation
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/753 movable to an inoperative position
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/773 Longitudinal adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/79 Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/102 storable or foldable in a non-use position

Abstract

There is provided a longitudinal extension mechanism of an armrest that includes a main body of an armrest, a fixed hinge shaft being non-rotatably fixed to a bracket and serving as a rotation axis of the armrest main body, an armrest extension provided at an end of the armrest main body so as to straightly move in the longitudinal direction of the armrest main body, and a length extending apparatus for allowing the armrest extension to straightly move with respect to the arm rest main body due to rotation of the armrest main body about the fixed hinge shaft. Therefore, when the armrest rotates to a horizontal posture, the armrest extension automatically protrudes by a certain length and the total length of the armrest is increased, thereby maximizing the convenience to a user. In addition, when the armrest rotates to a vertical posture, the total length of the armrest is decreased, thereby improving a reception ability and appearance.

Claims

1. A longitudinal extension mechanism of an armrest comprising:

a main body of an armrest;

a fixed hinge shaft being non-rotatably fixed to a bracket and serving as a rotation axis of the armrest main body;

an armrest extension provided at an end of the armrest main body so as to move in a longitudinal direction of the armrest main body; and

length extending means for moving the armrest extension in the longitudinal direction of the arm rest main body;

wherein rotation of the armrest main body about the fixed hinge shaft causes said moving.

2. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 1, wherein the length extending means comprises;

a fixed bevel gear fixed to the fixed hinge shaft;

a rotational bevel gear engaging with the fixed bevel gear and having a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the armrest main body;

a lead screw having a screw integrally connected to the rotational bevel gear and serving as a rotation axis of the rotational bevel gear; and

a connecting member connecting a nut of the lead screw to the armrest extension.

3. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 1, wherein the armrest extension comprises a cup holder.

4. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 1, further comprising a cover covering a gap between the armrest main body and the armrest extension.

5. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 4, wherein the cover is made of an extensible material of which both ends are fixed to the armrest main body and the armrest extension, respectively.

6. A longitudinal extension mechanism of an armrest comprising:

a fixed hinge shaft being non-rotatably fixed to a bracket that is configured to be coupled to a seat back;

a main body having a longitudinal axis between opposing first and second ends, where said first end is rotatably coupled to said fixed hinge shaft;

an armrest extension provided at said second end of said main body and configured to move along said longitudinal axis; and

a length extender that causes the armrest extension to move away from said fixed hinge shaft as a result of said main body rotating into a horizontal position.

7. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 6, wherein the length extender comprises;

a fixed bevel gear fixed to the fixed hinge shaft;

a rotational bevel gear engaged with the fixed bevel gear and having a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body;

a lead screw having a screw integrally connected to the rotational bevel gear and serving as a rotation axis of the rotational bevel gear; and

a connecting member connecting a nut of the lead screw to the armrest extension.

8. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 6, wherein the armrest extension comprises a cup holder.

9. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 6, further comprising a cover covering a gap between the armrest main body and the armrest extension.

10. The longitudinal extension mechanism of the armrest as defined in claim 9, wherein the cover is made of an extensible material whose ends are fixed to the armrest main body and the armrest extension, respectively.