Vehicle interior trim component

Abstract

This invention relates to an interior trim component for a vehicle, having a base fixed to a vehicle body and a pivoting component pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the base. The pivoting component is lockable about the pivot direction by a free-moving mechanism including at least one clamping body arranged in a wedge-shaped clamping gap radially between a first corresponding surface formed by at least one wedge structure fixed to the base and a second corresponding surface of a convex or concave cylindrical shape disposed on the pivoting component, and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each clamping body has a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface, the first abutting surface facing the first corresponding surface and the second abutting surface facing the second corresponding surface. The second corresponding surface has at least one V-shaped structure in a radial section that extends at least partially coaxially with the pivot axis in the circumferential direction, the structure being configured as a gap or a protrusion, and the second abutting surface is formed by a complementary structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle decorative components for the passenger space of a vehicle. In the context of this invention, the term "vehicle" can refer to a land, air, or water vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] A decorative component for the interior space of a vehicle, in the form of a handrail, is known from DE 10 2008 023 751 A1. It has a base and an armrest pivotable relative to the base. Wedge elements with multiple wedge structures are non-rotatably connected to the pivot axis of the armrest. In a clamping gap between the outer surface of the wedge elements and the cylindrical inner surface of the armrest, which is coaxial with the pivot axis, wedge-shaped clamping bodies, movable between a clamping position and an unlocked position, are arranged according to the number of wedge structures. In the clamping position, the movement of the armrest in the pivoting direction is locked. In the unlocked position, the armrest can move in both directions of movement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an arm support that provides better locking of the arm support in the clamping position.

[0004] This task is solved by a handrail featuring the characteristics of this invention.

[0005] This invention relates to a vehicle interior trim component having a base fixed to the vehicle body and a pivoting member pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the base. The pivoting member may be, for example, a pivotable armrest for an armrest, or, for example, a pivotable bracket for a center console.

[0006] The pivoting component can be locked about the pivoting direction by a free-moving mechanism including at least one clamping body. The clamping body can move between a clamping position and an unlocked position within a clamping gap. In the clamping position, the pivoting component is locked about one pivoting direction. In the unlocked position, the pivoting component can move in two pivoting directions.

[0007] Each clamping body has at least one wedge-shaped portion and is arranged in a wedge-shaped clamping gap radially between a first corresponding surface fixed to the base and having at least one wedge structure, and a second corresponding surface that is a convex or concave cylindrical shape disposed for a pivoting component. The clamping body is movable between a clamping position and an unlocked position and has a first abutting surface facing the first corresponding surface and a second abutting surface facing the second corresponding surface.

[0008] The second corresponding surface has at least one structure that is V-shaped in the radial section and extends at least partially coaxially with the pivot axis in the circumferential direction, the structure being configured as a protrusion and / or a void. The second abutment surface that interacts with the second corresponding surface has a complementary structure.

[0009] In the context of this invention, a V-shaped structure should be understood as a structure having two opposing sides that converge toward each other. In the context of this invention, the faces arranged in a blunt V-shape form the V-shaped structure. Each opposing V-shaped face must be able to move freely in contact with the complementary structure without obstruction.

[0010] The advantage of these features is that the V-shaped structure increases the normal force of the V-shaped surface in the radial section and improves friction. In this way, the system can be designed more easily and with greater security, thus achieving self-locking. Therefore, the requirements for the frictional properties of the materials of the second contact surface and the second corresponding surface are lower. For example, the base material of the clamping body or pivoting component having the features according to the invention can have sufficient frictional properties to ensure the reliable function of the decorative component. For example, molding of the V-shaped surface structure is possible. The frictional properties can be affected by varying the wedge angle of the V-shaped surface.

[0011] The at least one V-shaped structure of the second corresponding surface is formed, for example, in a ring-like manner.

[0012] At least one of the second abutment surface and the second corresponding surface, which has a V-shaped structure or a complementary structure, is formed, for example, by the base material of the clamping body or pivoting component or by material additionally applied to the clamping body or pivoting component. In the sense of this invention, the term "applied material" should also be understood as the lining that constitutes the second abutment surface and / or the second corresponding surface.

[0013] The liner can be injection molded or mounted onto the corresponding component, for example. In this way, the corresponding surface can have specific features, while the body with the liner is formed, for example, from other materials. Depending on the type of composite component, advantageous material properties can be provided in this way, albeit at a relatively low cost. For example, the material of the liner can affect braking performance and / or compressive strength.

[0014] For example, at least one wedge element fixedly and immovably connected to the base has at least one wedge structure forming a first corresponding surface. The at least one wedge element is, for example, non-rotatably arranged on a shaft fixed to the base. The wedge element may have at least one wedge structure, each wedge structure forming the first corresponding surface.

[0015] For example, a coaxial cylindrical structure is connected to the pivoting component, with its convex outer surface forming a second corresponding surface. Alternatively, for example, the pivoting component is connected to a hollow cylinder constructed coaxially with the pivoting axis, and the concave inner surface of the hollow cylinder forms a second corresponding surface.

[0016] For example, the V-shaped structure is constructed parallel to the pivot axis of the movable disc segment supported on the pivot component. This allows for tolerance compensation and flush engagement in the case of multiple wedge structures. The disc segments, for example, have axial clearances, allowing them to move optimally with the corresponding structure. This reduces tolerance requirements.

[0017] The clamping body includes, for example, at least one wedge-shaped wedge-shaped portion. For instance, each clamping body has two wedge-shaped portions. This reduces structural costs because not every wedge-shaped portion is constructed as its own clamping body and can be unlocked individually. It also reduces manufacturing costs associated with the clamping body and installation.

[0018] The first contact surface and the first corresponding surface are constructed, for example, in a spiral shape. In other words, the contact surface of the wedge structure of the clamping body has a radial coordinate that increases with the rotation angle about the pivot axis.

[0019] For example, each clamping body is loaded into the locked position by a spring element. Once the clamping body is no longer moved to the unlocked position by the unlocking claw, these clamping bodies are spring-loaded into the locked position, so that these clamping bodies directly occupy the clamping position again after unloading.

[0020] For example, a coefficient of friction between 0.1 and 0.2, particularly between 0.1 and 0.15, is constructed between the second contact surface and the second corresponding surface. For example, this coefficient of friction is constructed between the radial outer surface of the clamping body and the cylindrical inner surface of the hollow cylinder disposed on the base or pivoting component.

[0021] For example, the wedge angle of a V-shaped structure is between 20° and 30°. These values ​​generate high friction without the risk of getting stuck. However, alternative wedge angle values ​​are also suitable.

[0022] For example, an unlocking device is provided, which allows the clamping body to move to the unlocked (disengaged) position.

[0023] The unlocking device has at least one unlocking claw that can move between a passive position and an active position, and uses the unlocking claw to move at least one clamping body into the unlocking position.

[0024] The clamping body can be moved from a clamping position to an unlocked position—for example, against the spring force of at least one spring—by an unlocking device. The unlocking device allows the clamping body to be moved to the unlocked position and held there. In the unlocked position of the clamping body, the pivoting member can move in two pivoting directions without causing undesirable locking due to the clamping body automatically moving to the clamping position.

[0025] For example, the unlocking claw moves parallel to the pivot axis. For example, the unlocking claw has ramps that can engage with the ramps of the gripper to move the gripper to the unlock position.

[0026] For example, the unlocking claws are configured on an unlocking ring, on which all the unlocking claws are held, for example, fixed, or constructed as a single piece. By moving the unlocking ring, all the unlocking claws can move together.

[0027] For example, each unlocking claw individually or the unlocking ring comprising all unlocking claws is loaded to a passive position by at least one spring.

[0028] For example, a control device controls the movement of the unlocking device between a locked position and an unlocked position. This control is, for example, based on the angular position of the pivoting component. In addition to the control device, the unlocking device can also be manually adjusted between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0029] For example, an operating device is provided, through which the unlocking device can be manually operated. This operating device can be configured as the sole means of operating the unlocking device. Alternatively, both a manual operating device and a control device can be provided.

[0030] Decorative components include, for example, armrests or consoles, and pivoting components include armrests for armrests or pivotable supports for consoles.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention are also illustrated in the following description of the accompanying drawings with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, even when different embodiments are involved, the same or similar parts, elements, or areas are labeled with the same reference numerals, some with lowercase letters.

[0032] Within the scope of this invention, features described for only one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention even if not shown in the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] All disclosed features are essential to this invention. The disclosures of relevant prior art documents (copies of the pre-application), as well as the full contents of cited documents and descriptions of prior art devices, are also incorporated into the disclosure of this application, and for this purpose, individual or multiple features of these documents are also included in this application.

[0034] In the attached diagram:

[0035] Figure 1 A perspective view of a vehicle decorative component in the form of a handrail is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 Showing a rear perspective view of the armrest;

[0037] Figure 3 A side view of the handrail is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 The view of arrow A in the view;

[0039] Figure 5 Showing according to Figure 4 A sectional view of section line BB in the diagram;

[0040] Figure 6a Showing according to Figure 3 A sectional view of section line CC in the diagram;

[0041] Figure 6b Showing according to Figure 6a A partial view of the cut line D in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0042] exist Figures 1 to 4 The central decorative component 10 is in the form of an armrest, having a base 11 and a pivoting component 12 in the form of an armrest, pivotable about a geometric pivot axis a. From the base 11... Figure 1 The physical axis 16 can be seen, which is coaxial with the pivot axis a. Axis 16 is fixedly connected to the base 11 without movement. The arm support 12 has an end region 13 near the axis and a free end region 14. Furthermore, the arm support 12 is provided with a support surface 15. A perspective view of the rear side of the handrail 10 is shown in the image. Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0043] Arm support 12 can be from Figure 3 The position shown by the solid line in the middle pivots along direction u1. Figure 3 The position is indicated by the dashed line. The arm support 12 can pivot from the position indicated by the dashed line along direction u2 to... Figure 3 The position is shown in solid line.

[0044] The arm support 12 is equipped with a free-movement (swinging) device 20. It can... Figure 5 As seen in Figure 6. To lock the arm support 12, the wedge element 17 is form-locked to the shaft 16, thereby preventing the wedge element 17 from rotating along directions u1 and u2. The wedge element 17 has a plurality of wedge-shaped wedge structures 18, each having a first corresponding surface 19 that extends radially outward in a helical manner.

[0045] In this embodiment, the shaft wedge 17 includes six wedge structures 18 distributed circumferentially. Each wedge structure 18 is equipped with a first corresponding surface 19. The number of wedge structures 18 is arbitrary and may differ from the number chosen herein. Alternatively, for example, two, three, four, or five wedge structures 18 may be present.

[0046] The arm support 12 has a hollow column 21 with a circular cross-section formed on its end region 13, which is arranged coaxially with the shaft 16. A clamping gap 39 is formed between the inner surface 22 of the hollow column 21 and the wedge element 17, and at least one clamping body 23 is movably arranged in the clamping gap. The outer surface of the wedge element forms a first corresponding surface 19, and the inner surface 22 forms a second corresponding surface 44.

[0047] Each clamping body 23 includes at least one wedge-shaped portion 41. In this example, two wedge-shaped portions 41 are constructed on each clamping body 23. At least one clamping body 23 can be arranged in the clamping gap 39. In particular, at least two, in this example three, clamping bodies 23 are provided in the clamping gap 39.

[0048] The clamping body 23 can move between a clamping position and an unlocked position. According to... Figure 5 In the clamping position, the arm support 12 can only move in direction u1, while movement in direction u2 is locked. In the unlocked position (not shown here), the arm support 12 can move in both directions u1 and u2.

[0049] The first contact surface 43 of each clamping body contacts the first corresponding surface 19, and the second contact surface 27 contacts the second corresponding surface 44.

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the clamping position shown, the clamping body 23 is clamped to the first corresponding surface 19 and the second corresponding surface 22. Due to this clamping relationship, the normal force F acting radially in the direction R... N It is applied to the inner surface 22, which generates a frictional force that prevents the arm support 12 from moving relative to the shaft 16.

[0051] The rotation of the unlocking claw 23 along direction u1 from the clamping position to the unlocking position will reduce the normal force F. N This allows the arm support 12 to move in two directions, u1 and u2, due to the reduced friction.

[0052] exist Figure 5 As can be seen, some of the wedge structures in the wedge structure 18 of the wedge element 17 have protrusions 24 protruding in the circumferential direction. The clamping body 23 forms a gap 25, into which the protrusions 24 can be inserted when the movement reaches the unlocked position. A spring 26 is arranged in the gap 25, which loads the clamping body 23 into the clamping position. Of course, this arrangement can be reversed.

[0053] According to the present invention, the radially outwardly pointing second contact surface 27 of the clamping body 23 is composed of a friction lining 42 fixedly connected to the clamping body 23. On the inner surface 22 of the hollow cylinder 21, the insert is non-rotatably connected to the friction lining 29, which constitutes a second corresponding surface 44 (see FIG. 6).

[0054] The second abutting surface 27 and the second corresponding surface 44, which face each other, are provided with a V-shaped structure, namely, interlocking protrusions 30 and gaps 36. On the second corresponding surface 44, the V-shaped structure extends circumferentially around the pivot axis a in the form of a closed loop. On the second abutting surface 27, the V-shaped structure extends circumferentially over the entire clamping body.

[0055] Due to this V-shape, the normal force F acting radially in the direction R... N (See Figure 6) This increases, thereby increasing friction. For example, the component force F NX When the wedge angle is 45°, it equals 1.3F. N Increased normal force F NX This results in higher friction. Therefore, a significantly better locking effect can be achieved through the interlocking V-shaped structure of friction liner 42 and friction liner 29.

[0056] The operation of the free movement device 20 is described below. This operation can, in principle, be performed manually or automatically. In this example, the free movement device 20 moves between the clamping position and the unlocking position via the control device 40. If the arm support 12 is released from the clamping position according to… Figure 5 When the position of the component pivots along direction u1, the friction liner 29, which is rotatably connected to the arm support 12, also moves along direction u1. The friction liner 29 is provided to the insert, and the cover plate 34 is movably connected to the insert. The cover plate has a protrusion 35. The protrusion 35 can rotate in the gap of the drive member 31 until it engages with the inclined surface.

[0057] As the arm support 12 rotates further along direction u1, the protrusion 35 rotates the drive member 31 along direction u1, wherein, via an inclined plane (not shown), the pawl ring 37 of the unlocking device 32, movably guided along directions y1 and y2 on the shaft 16, moves along direction y1. The pawl ring 37 is provided with an unlocking pawl 38, which, in the active position (not shown), causes the clamping body 23 to move against the force of the spring 26 along direction u1 to the unlocked position. The arm support 12 can then move freely along directions u1 and u2. The drive member 31 holds the pawl ring 37 in the active position (not shown), which is loaded along direction y2 by a spring element 33 supported on the wedge element 17. Figure 6a In the passive position shown.

[0058] To reverse the free-movement mechanism 20, it is pivoted in direction u2 until the drive ring releases the claw ring 37 and causes the claw ring 37 to be actuated by the spring 33 to move in direction y2 back to the passive position. Then, the clamping body 23 is no longer held in the unlocked position by the unlocking claw 38 and is therefore moved to the clamping position by the spring 26.

[0059] The present invention is not dependent on the configuration of the control device 40. Alternatively, the control device may be configured differently.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, it can be unlocked by manually operating the device.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior trim component having a base (11) fixed to a vehicle body and a pivoting component (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (a) relative to the base (11), the pivoting component being lockable about the pivot direction (u2) by a free-moving device (20) including at least one clamping body (23), wherein, The clamping body (23) is arranged in a wedge-shaped clamping gap (39) radially located between a first corresponding surface (19) formed by at least one wedge structure (18) fixed to the base and a convex or concave cylindrical second corresponding surface (44) disposed for the pivoting member (12) and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. Each clamping body (23) has a first abutting surface (43) and a second abutting surface (27), the first abutting surface facing the first corresponding surface (19) and the second abutting surface facing the second corresponding surface (44). The second corresponding surface (44) is characterized by having at least one structure that is V-shaped in the radial section and extends at least partially coaxially with the pivoting axis (a) in the circumferential direction. This structure is configured as a gap (36) or a protrusion (30). The second abutting surface (27) is formed by a complementary structure.

2. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The V-shaped structure of the second corresponding surface (44) is formed in a ring around the pivot axis (a).

3. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one wedge element (17) fixedly and immovably connected to the base (11) includes at least one wedge structure (18) constituting the first corresponding surface (19).

4. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A coaxial cylindrical structure is connected to a pivot component (12), the convex outer surface of which forms the second corresponding surface, or the pivot component (12) is connected to a hollow column (21), the hollow column being constructed coaxially with the pivot axis (a), and the concave inner surface (22) of the hollow column forming the second corresponding surface (44).

5. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The clamping body (23) includes at least one wedge-shaped wedge-shaped part (41).

6. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first contact surface (43) and the first corresponding surface (19) are spirally formed.

7. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each clamp (23) is loaded into the locking position by a first spring (26).

8. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, An unlocking device (32) is provided, by means of which the clamping body (23) can move to at least the unlocking position.

9. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The unlocking device (32) has at least one unlocking claw (38) that is movable between a passive position and an active position, and in the active position, at least one clamping body (23) moves to the unlocking position.

10. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 9, characterized in that, The unlocking device (32) is loaded into the passive position by the second spring (33).

11. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 8, characterized in that, A control device (40) is provided, through which the unlocking device (32) can move between the locked position and the unlocked position according to the angular position of the pivoting member (12).

12. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 8, characterized in that, An operating device is provided, through which the unlocking device (32) can be manually operated.

13. The vehicle decorative component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vehicle trim component (10) forms an armrest or center console, wherein the pivot component (12) is formed by a pivotable arm support.

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