Pivoting bearing type armrest and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivot-mounted armrest (1), comprising: a fixed bearing block (3) on which the armrest (2) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (4) between a folded-down arm-resting position and a folded-up standing position; and a spring-preloaded locking device (10), by means of which the armrest is locked in the upright position in which the armrest is folded up. In order to functionally improve the pivot-mounted armrest (1), the spring-preloaded latching device is combined with an acoustic decoupling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pivot-supported handrail comprising: a fixed support block on which the handrail is pivotally supported about a pivot axis between a folded-down armrest position and a folded-up upright position; and a spring-preloaded locking device for locking the handrail in its folded-up upright position. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a pivot-supported handrail. Background Technology

[0002] German patent specification DE 100 52 838B4 discloses a handrail for a motor vehicle, particularly a center handrail, which is pivotable between a vertical and a horizontal position and can be secured in at least one position under high acceleration by means of a locking device. The locking device includes a extendable latch, and a locking mechanism for positioning the latch is provided. The locking device operates and secures the handrail under low acceleration, and the latch secures the handrail only under higher acceleration. The locking device includes a separate retaining element, particularly a spring element, that applies a retaining force. The locking device is constructed as a locking ball and includes a cam disc with a curved track arranged on the side of the vehicle, wherein the cam disc is arranged in the region of the pivot axis of the handrail. German publication DE 10 2008 030 384 A1 discloses a storage compartment that can be closed by means of a pivotable cover, wherein the cover can be locked in an intermediate position between a basic position and an open position by means of a locking device. German patent document DE 10 2010 005 812 A1 discloses a dashboard with a storage compartment that can be closed by means of a pivotable cover, wherein the cover can be locked in different intermediate positions. German patent specification DE 10 2018 120 087 B3 discloses an armrest located on the center console that can pivot between different positions and cover the storage compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to improve the functionality of pivot-supported handrails.

[0004] The objective is achieved by a pivot-supported armrest comprising: a fixed support block on which the armrest is pivotally supported about a pivot axis between a folded-down armrest position and a folded-up upright position; and a spring-preloaded locking device that locks the armrest in its folded-up upright position, wherein the spring-preloaded locking device is combined with an acoustic decoupling device. The acoustic decoupling device advantageously prevents unwanted noise propagation between the armrest and the support block, and in the opposite direction. The pivot-supported armrest is preferably located within the center console of a motor vehicle. For example, in a sedan, the pivot-supported armrest is positioned between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. Depending on the implementation, the pivot-supported armrest may be positioned above a storage compartment in the center console of the motor vehicle so that the storage compartment can be closed when in the armrest position.

[0005] A preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the acoustic decoupling device includes at least one ramp, which, when connected intermediately to a spring-preloaded locking body, is mechanically coupled to a pressure element of the spring-preloaded locking device. The desired locking function of the spring-preloaded locking device is achieved through the mechanical coupling of the pressure element with the locking body and the ramp. Furthermore, the acoustic decoupling device is realized through the design and construction of the ramp, locking body, and pressure element. Therefore, the ramp, locking body, and pressure element perform a dual function: mechanical coupling and acoustic decoupling.

[0006] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the ramp and the pressure element of the spring-preloaded locking device are made of plastic material. This provides the advantage that the ramp and pressure element can be mass-produced simply and cost-effectively, for example, by means of injection molding. Furthermore, when the handrail is locked in its folded-up upright position, the ramp and pressure element made of plastic material effectively prevent undesirable acoustic coupling between the pivot-supported handrail and the fixed support block.

[0007] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the spring-preloaded locking body is implemented as a locking ball and preloaded against the ramp. The size of the locking ball, combined with the ramp geometry on the ramp, easily ensures that the pivot-supported handrail is stably locked in its upright position. The previously described function of the acoustic decoupling device prevents the generation of unwanted noise, even at high speeds and on uneven driving surfaces.

[0008] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the spring-preloaded locking body is made of ceramic material. Depending on the implementation and cost constraints, the locking body may also be made of steel. However, the claimed ceramic material offers advantages in terms of acoustic decoupling.

[0009] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the pressure element of the spring-preloaded locking device has a flange sleeve with a radially inwardly projecting inner flange, a compression spring supported on the inner flange, the compression spring being preloaded against the locking body, and the locking body being guided in the axial end section of the flange sleeve at the end opposite to the inner flange. Therefore, stable mechanical coupling and effective acoustic decoupling can be achieved using a simple manufacturing method.

[0010] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the pressure member, implemented as a flanged sleeve, has an outer flange with a radially outwardly projecting outer flange at its end opposite to the inner flange, and the pressure member, implemented as a flanged sleeve, is supported on a support block by means of the outer flange. This significantly simplifies the assembly of the spring-preloaded locking device combined with the acoustic decoupling device.

[0011] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that a ramp is fastened to a pivot body, which supports a shaft, and the handrail is fastened to the pivot body. For example, the ramp is fastened to the pivot body by at least one screw. The handrail is preferably fastened to the pivot body not directly, but with its lower portion connected in the middle. The shaft can be fixedly arranged in the pivot body. Thus, the shaft can also be referred to as a pivot pin or pivot axis. This shaft is advantageously combined with a spring mechanism in the pivot body. This shaft preferably protrudes from the pivot body with its two opposing shaft ends, which are also referred to as journals. By means of these shaft ends or journals, the pivot body and the handrail are supported on a support block in a manner that allows them to pivot about the pivot axis.

[0012] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the ramp body comprises two ramps rising toward each other, the two ramps meeting at their highest points. The ramps preferably have different slopes. Advantageously, the ramp that functions when pivoting upwards or pivoting upright has a lower slope than the second ramp that functions when closing from the upright position or pivoting downwards. When the handrail is pivoted downwards from its upright position, the locking mechanism achieved by means of the two ramps and the highest point advantageously has significantly greater resistance than in the opposite direction (i.e., when pivoting upright or pivoting upwards). A locking recess is advantageously provided between the steeper ramp and the highest point, which ensures that the handrail is locked in its upright position.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment of the pivot-supported handrail is characterized in that the support block is fastened to the center console support structure of the motor vehicle. The combination of the support block and the pivot body forms a hinge for the pivot-supported handrail. On the support block, preferably near the two ends of the pivot axis, a spring-preloaded locking device is combined with the previously described acoustic decoupling device, respectively.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a support block, pivot body, locking device, and / or acoustic decoupling device for a pivot-supported handrail as described above, particularly a pressure element, locking body, and ramp body. These components can be purchased separately.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having the pivot-supported handrail described above. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will arise from the following description, in which various embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a pivot-supported handrail is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-section of a spring-preloaded locking device combined with an acoustic decoupling device is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the ramp body of the spring-preloaded locking device combined with the acoustic decoupling device is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of the pressure element of a spring-preloaded locking device combined with an acoustic decoupling device is shown; and

[0021] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 Exploded view of the pivot-supported handrail in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figures 1 to 5 The pivot-supported handrail 1 is shown in various views and details. The pivot-supported handrail 1 is designed to be able to wrap around ( Figure 5 The pivot axis (indicated by reference numeral 4 in the attached figure) is located at ( Figure 1 The arm that is folded down and placed as shown is in the same position as ( Figure 1 It is supported on a fixed support block 3 by pivoting between the upright positions 19 (indicated only by vertical lines) that are folded up.

[0023] exist Figure 1 In the armrest folded down armrest position shown, armrest 1 forms armrest 2. The armrest 1 with armrest 2 is attached to the center console of a motor vehicle (not shown). In a motor vehicle implemented as a sedan, the center console and armrest 1 are arranged between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

[0024] The armrest 1 with the armrest 2 is advantageously also used in motor vehicles to cover storage compartments integrated into the center console. Figure 1In the armrest-supported position shown, with the armrest folded down, the armrest 1 closes the storage compartment located below. In its upright position 19, the pivot-supported armrest 1 releases the storage compartment.

[0025] exist Figure 5 In the exploded view, it can be seen that the armrest 1 with the arm support 2 is fastened to the lower part 9 of the armrest. The fastener 8 of the pivot 7 is also fastened to the lower part 9 of the armrest. The fastener 8 is fastened to the lower part 9 of the armrest by means of, for example, four screws. The fastener 8 fastened to the lower part 9 of the armrest is covered by the armrest 1 with the arm support 2.

[0026] The fastener 8 is integrally connected to the pivot 7, which, together with the support block 3, forms a hinge for pivotally supporting the armrest 1. The pivot 7 is equipped with a shaft 5, which protrudes from the pivot 7 at its opposing shaft ends or journals. Within the pivot 7, the shaft 5 is combined with a spring mechanism 6 (not described in detail).

[0027] Slightly below the shaft end of the shaft 5 protruding from the pivot 7, ramps 13 and 14 are fastened to both sides of the pivot 7. The fastening of ramps 13 and 14 to the pivot 7 is achieved by at least one screw 29 or 30, preferably in combination with a shape-locking part.

[0028] See Figure 2 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the ramps 13 and 14 interact with the locking body 11 and the pressure members 15 and 16 to form a locking device 10, which locks the handrail 1 in its vertical position. Figure 2 In the figure, only the locking body 11 is visible, which is pre-tightened against the ramp body 13 by a compression spring 24. The second locking body, which interacts with the ramp body 14 and the pressure member 16, is not shown. The two pressure members 15 and 16 are implemented as flange sleeves 17 and 18.

[0029] Figure 2 As can be seen, the flange sleeve 17 has the shape of a straight cylindrical sheath. In the flange sleeve 17... Figure 2 An inner flange 21 is formed at the left end of the sleeve 17, and a compression spring 24 is supported on the inner flange. An outer flange 22 is formed at the opposite end of the flange sleeve 17, and the flange sleeve 17 is supported on the peripheral edge of the corresponding receiving part of the support block 3 by the outer flange.

[0030] like Figure 2 As can be seen, the locking body 11, which is implemented as a locking ball, is in Figure 2 It is guided to move left and right in the axial end section. Figure 2 In the middle, the compression spring 24 pre-tightens the locking body 11 to the right against the ramp body 13.

[0031] Figure 3As can be seen, slope 13 comprises two slopes 25 and 26 with opposite gradients. The two slopes 25 and 26 meet at the highest point 27. See also Figure 2 The ramp 13 has a locking recess 28 at its highest point 27. Figure 2 It can also be seen how the locking body 11 locks onto the slope body 13 in front of the highest point 27 between the two slopes.

[0032] When the handrail 1 with the armrest 2 is pivoted upwards, a locking mechanism is achieved by two locking bodies 11 that interact with the ramps 13 and 14. The locking bodies 11 are pressed against the ramps 13 by the compression spring 24 in the pressure member 15. When the handrail 1 is pivoted upwards, the locking bodies 11 are locked past the highest point 27, thus holding the handrail 1 with the armrest 2 in its upright position.

[0033] Unlocking is achieved by pulling the armrest 1 with the armrest support 2 in the opposite direction with a correspondingly greater force. For acoustic reasons, the locking body 11, implemented as a locking ball, is made of ceramic material. The ramps 13 and 14 and the pressure members 15 and 16 are formed of plastic material. The plastic material is preferably polyoxymethylene (POM).

[0034] On the one hand, this plastic has optimized sliding properties. On the other hand, this plastic enables effective acoustic decoupling.

[0035] The locking body 11, implemented as a locking ball, is particularly advantageously acoustically decoupled in two directions, namely in the direction of the corresponding pressure element and in the direction of the ramp. Therefore, the unwanted propagation of mechanical noise at this location can be reliably prevented.

[0036] List of reference numerals

[0037] 1 Handrail

[0038] 2. Arm support section

[0039] 3 support blocks

[0040] 4 Pivot axis

[0041] 5-axis

[0042] 6-Spring Mechanism

[0043] 7 pivot body

[0044] 8 solids

[0045] 9. Lower part of the handrail

[0046] 10-card locking device

[0047] 11-card lock body

[0048] 13. Slope

[0049] 14. Slope

[0050] 15 Pressure components

[0051] 16 Pressure components

[0052] 17 Flange sleeve

[0053] 18 Flange Sleeve

[0054] 19. Erect position

[0055] 20 Acoustic decoupling device

[0056] 21 Inner flange

[0057] 22 Outer flange

[0058] 23 Axial end section

[0059] 24 Compression Springs

[0060] 25 Slope

[0061] 26. Slope

[0062] 27 Highest Points

[0063] 28 Locking recess

[0064] 29 Screws

[0065] 30 screws.

Claims

1. A pivot-supported handrail (1), comprising: A fixed support block (3) is provided on which the armrest (2) is supported in a manner that allows it to pivot about a pivot axis (4) between a folded-down arm support position and a folded-up upright position; and A spring-loaded locking device (10) is used to lock the handrail in its folded-up, upright position. Its features are, The spring-preloaded locking device (10) is combined with the acoustic decoupling device (20).

2. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acoustic decoupling device (20) includes at least one ramp (13, 14), which is mechanically coupled to the pressure element (15, 16) of the spring preloaded locking device (10) when a spring preloaded locking body (11) is connected in the middle.

3. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The ramp bodies (13, 14) and the pressure members (15, 16) of the spring-preloaded locking device (10) are made of plastic material.

4. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The spring-preloaded locking body (11) is implemented as a locking ball and is preloaded against the ramp (13, 14).

5. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, The spring-preloaded locking body (10) is made of ceramic material.

6. The pivot-supported handrail according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The pressure element (15, 16) of the spring-preloaded locking device (10) is implemented as a flange sleeve (17, 18) with a radially inwardly projecting inner flange (21), a compression spring (24) supported on the inner flange, the compression spring being preloaded against the locking body (13, 14), and the locking body being guided in the axial end section (23) of the flange sleeve (17, 18) at the end opposite to the inner flange (21).

7. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure member (15, 16) implemented as a flange sleeve (17, 18) has a radially outwardly projecting outer flange (22) at its end opposite to the inner flange (21), and the pressure member (15, 16) implemented as a flange sleeve (17, 18) is supported on the support block (3) by means of the outer flange.

8. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The ramp (13, 14) is fastened to the pivot (7), the pivot carries the shaft (5), and the handrail (1) is fastened to the pivot.

9. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that, The ramp body (13, 14) comprises two ramps (25, 26) rising toward each other, which meet at the highest point (27).

10. The pivot-supported handrail (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The support block (3) is fastened to the center console load-bearing structure of the motor vehicle.

11. A support block (3), a pivot body (7), a locking device (10) and / or an acoustic decoupling device (20) for a pivot-supported handrail (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, especially a pressure element (15, 16), a locking body (11), and a ramp body (13, 14).

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