Armrest assembly for a vehicle seat and vehicle seat having such an armrest assembly

Abstract

Armrest assembly and vehicle seat. An armrest assembly is known, which has an armrest body connectable with a vehicle seat by means of fastening means, the fastening means having a seat-side fastening receptacle and a fastening projection at the armrest body which is complementary to the fastening receptacle, and having a locking system for detachable fixing of the fastening projection in the fastening receptacle in an assembled end position, in which the fastening projection is inserted coaxially to an assembly axis into the fastening receptacle. According to the invention, the fastening receptacle or the fastening projection has at least one locking body which is movably supported radially to the assembly axis, the fastening projection or the fastening receptacle has at least one locking recess which is complementary to the locking body, the locking body can be inserted radially into the locking recess, and a control mechanism is provided which is linearly movably supported coaxially to the assembly axis or axially parallel thereto, the control mechanism being operatively connected to the at least one locking body for moving the locking body into a locking position or a release position. Use in passenger cars.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an armrest assembly for a vehicle seat, comprising an armrest body capable of being connected to the vehicle seat by means of a fastening device. The fastening device has a fastening receiving portion on the seat side and a fastening protrusion on the armrest body that complements the fastening receiving portion. The armrest assembly also includes a locking system for detachably securing the fastening protrusion in the fastening receiving portion in a final assembled position, in which the fastening protrusion is inserted into the fastening receiving portion coaxially with an assembly axis. Furthermore, this invention relates to a vehicle seat having such an armrest assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle seats for passenger cars are generally known. A vehicle seat has a seat surface and a backrest. Furthermore, the vehicle seat has at least one armrest assembly having an armrest body. The armrest body can be connected to the vehicle seat by means of a fastening device. The fastening device includes a fastening receiving portion on the seat side and a fastening protrusion at the armrest body, the fastening protrusion moving along the assembly axis in the assembly direction into the fastening receiving portion for assembly. A locking system is used to secure the fastening protrusion in the fastening receiving portion and to release the fastening for removal of the fastening protrusion from the fastening receiving portion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an armrest assembly and a vehicle seat of the type mentioned at the beginning, which are easy to assemble and disassemble.

[0004] For the handrail assembly, this objective is achieved by having a fastening receiving portion or fastening protrusion having at least one locking body supported in a radially movable manner relative to the assembly axis, the fastening protrusion or fastening receiving portion having at least one locking recess complementary to the locking body, the locking body being radially inserted into the locking recess, and an operating mechanism supported in a linearly movable manner coaxially or axially parallel to the assembly axis, the operating mechanism being effectively connected to at least one locking body to move the locking body to a locked position or a released position. In the locked position, the locking body is radially inserted into the locking recess. In the case of multiple locking bodies, depending on the design, all locking bodies can be inserted into the same locking recess, or into corresponding locking recesses belonging to each individual locking body. The locking body then protrudes radially relative to the outer contour of the fastening protrusion or fastening receiving portion from the assembly axis and extends into the locking recess. The locking body engages axially with the fastening receiver or fastening protrusion from the rear, forming a form-locking connection between the fastening receiver and the fastening protrusion. This secures the fastening protrusion at the fastening receiver to prevent movement against the assembly direction. To release the lock, the operating mechanism is moved coaxially or axially parallel to the assembly axis, thereby adjusting the locking body from the locked position to the released position. In the released position, the locking body retracts from the locking recess, preventing it from extending further into the recess. The locking system then allows the armrest body to be removed from the vehicle seat. This provides a reliable and stable fastening of the armrest body to the vehicle seat, while simultaneously enabling removal of the armrest body from the vehicle seat. The operating mechanism allows for easy operation of the locking system. If multiple locking bodies are provided, they can be spaced apart from each other circumferentially or along the assembly axis. Advantageously, multiple locking bodies are arranged at the same axial height.

[0005] The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageously applicable to wheeled vehicles in the form of buses, large passenger cars, or vans. Similarly, the solution according to the invention can be used in rail vehicles or aircraft, where it is advantageously used in the passenger area, i.e., the passenger transport area. The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageously applicable to minibuses, campervans, or station wagons. Use in the cabs of commercial vehicles is also specified, for example, on construction sites or in the field. Vehicle seats equipped with armrest assemblies according to the invention preferably have armrest assemblies on both sides of the seating area.

[0006] In the design of this invention, at least one locking body is constructed as a spherical shape or a columnar shape with rounded ends. This results in relatively low friction at the support of the locking body at the fastening receiver or fastening protrusion. Furthermore, it prevents the locking body from tilting during its radial movement. This ensures a particularly smooth locking system on the one hand, and reliable operation of the locking system on the other. Moreover, a spherical locking body is relatively robust compared to a pin-shaped locking body. This keeps the risk of damage or breakage of the locking body due to improper use of the handrail assembly low. The columnar locking body is capable of transmitting relatively large forces, particularly along the assembly direction, between the fastening protrusion and the fastening receiver. Each columnar locking body includes two rounded ends and a columnar central section extending between them along a longitudinal axis. This central section preferably has a cylindrical cross-section. The ends of the columnar locking body are particularly constructed as spherical sections, preferably hemispherical. This results in a uniform transition between the columnar central section and the rounded ends of the columnar locking body, particularly without sharp edges.

[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening protrusion and the fastening receiver have complementary, non-rotationally symmetrical cross-sections that ensure anti-torsional axial assembly or disassembly relative to the assembly axis. "Non-rotationally symmetrical" means that the cross-section deviates from a circular shape. This prevents the fastening protrusion from twisting relative to the fastening receiver when it is inserted deep enough. Furthermore, the non-rotationally symmetrical, complementary cross-sections allow the fastening protrusion to be guided at the fastening receiver during assembly or disassembly.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening protrusion and the fastening receiver have complementary, continuously tapering profiles along the assembly direction. This reduces or avoids the risk of the fastening protrusion becoming misaligned in the fastening receiver during assembly or disassembly. Here, the fastening protrusion and the fastening receiver may also, if necessary, taper along the assembly direction only within a portion of their length. The change in cross-section can optionally be implemented continuously or incrementally, or include a combination of both.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening protrusion or fastening receiver has a plurality of spherical receivers distributed around its periphery for a corresponding number of spherical or cylindrical locking bodies. These spherical receivers are designed such that they allow for restricted radial movement of the spherical or cylindrical locking bodies. The use of a plurality of locking bodies and their distribution around the periphery improves the reliability of the locking system. Advantageously, the spherical receivers are arranged at equal intervals around the periphery to uniformly fix the position of the fastening protrusion relative to the fastening receivers. The cylindrical locking bodies are received in the spherical receivers such that their respective longitudinal axes are radially oriented relative to the assembly axis.

[0010] In other designs, the fastening protrusions or fastening receptacles have multiple elongated receptacles distributed around their periphery for a corresponding number of cylindrical locking bodies. These receptacles are designed to allow for restricted radial movement of the cylindrical locking bodies. The cylindrical locking bodies are received in the receptacles such that their respective longitudinal axes are oriented along the assembly axis, and in particular parallel to the assembly axis.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the spherical receiving portion has a restraining function radially outward. This restraining function prevents the locking body from accidentally moving out of the spherical receiving portion, for example, during the assembly or disassembly of the armrest assembly. The restraining function is designed such that the locking body, in the locked position, extends partially from the outside of the fastening protrusion. In a preferred embodiment, the spherical receiving portion has a restraining ring radially outward, which has an opening for the spherical or cylindrical locking body to pass through radially, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the spherical or cylindrical locking body. In the locked position, the end of the spherical or cylindrical locking body protrudes through the opening in the restraining ring in a spherical section and protrudes from the profile of the fastening protrusion in that portion. The locking body is inserted into the locking recess with the protruding portion, blocked by the restraining ring to prevent further radial movement. As an alternative to the restraining ring, a separate restraining element can also be provided for each spherical receiving portion, which restricts the movement of the locking body in the same manner. The diameter of the cylindrical locking body is defined by the diameter of the central cylindrical section or the diameter of the rounded end, depending on whether the end has a larger diameter than the central cylindrical section. In a corresponding design, the constraint function is similarly configured for the elongated receiving portion.

[0012] As an alternative to the restraint ring, in other advantageous embodiments, the spherical or elongated receiving portion has at least one plastically deformable portion radially outward, such that the deformable portion extends into the radial movement path of the locking body within the spherical receiving portion. The material structure of the fastening protrusion surrounding the edge of the spherical receiving portion is plastically deformed such that the deformed material structure extends into the opening. The locking body, in the locked position, collides with the material structure, which prevents the locking body from moving further outward radially. Advantageously, each spherical receiving portion has multiple plastically deformable portions distributed around the edge of the opening. After the locking body is inserted into the spherical receiving portion, the edge region can be plastically deformed, for example, using a tool at one or more locations distributed around the periphery of the opening.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the fastening receiving portion has a plurality of axially extending groove sections distributed around its periphery as locking recesses. These groove sections have an arcuate groove cross-section matching the diameter of the spherical locking body or the cylindrical locking body, and an axial stop at the axial height of the locking body in the assembly position. In the locked position, the locking body is situated within the substantially complementary groove sections. The groove sections thus facilitate a small-gap or gapless locking system. In the locked position, the locking body abuts against the axial stop and thereby prevents axial movement of the fastening protrusion. In the released position, the locking body can retract radially to such an extent that when the fastening protrusion is removed from the fastening receiving portion, the locking body does not come into contact with the corresponding axial stop. If the locking body does not retract radially into the spherical or elongated receiving portion in the released position, the axial stop acts as a guide for the locking body and pushes the locking body back into the corresponding spherical or elongated receiving portion as the fastening protrusion moves against the assembly direction.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the axial stop has a rounded longitudinal section shape, the radius of which corresponds, in particular, at least to a large extent, to the radius of the spherical locking body or the radius of the spherical end of the cylindrical locking body. This further reduces the possible clearance of the locking body. Furthermore, this radius helps to press the locking body back into the spherical or elongated receiving portion and thereby facilitates the removal of the fastening protrusion.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the operating mechanism is arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the fastening protrusion, and the fastening device or operating mechanism has a manually operable button element on the rear side relative to the assembly direction. This button element can be accessed from the rear side of the fastening protrusion to move the operating mechanism. The button element is advantageously designed as a pressure-receiving element for pressing or a tension-receiving element for pulling, such as a mushroom-shaped element. The button element is formed at the operating mechanism or is a separate component. The coaxial arrangement of the operating mechanism in the fastening protrusion allows for the simultaneous movement of multiple locking elements distributed peripherally, if necessary, between locked and released positions in a particularly easy manner. Preferably, the spherical receiving portion is formed in the form of through openings in the fastening protrusion that lead into the space where the operating mechanism is supported in the fastening protrusion. The operating mechanism can be manually operated from an easily accessible location via the button element. In the final position of the fastening protrusion, the central longitudinal axis and the assembly axis are advantageously collinear or at least axially parallel, however, this is not mandatory.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism has a radial protrusion in the axial height of at least one locking body, which compresses the locking body radially outward according to the linear movement of the actuating mechanism. In the region of the radial protrusion, the actuating mechanism has a larger radius than the axially adjacent shaft segment. In the locked position of the locking body, the actuating mechanism occupies an axial position in the fastening protrusion, in which the radial protrusion is radially arranged within the locking body and compresses the locking body radially outward in a spherical or elongated receiving portion. To move the locking body to the released position, the actuating mechanism moves along the assembly axis within the fastening protrusion until the adjacent shaft segment is radially arranged within the locking body. Due to the smaller radius, the actuating mechanism allows the locking body to move radially inward. Thus, the locking body can retract radially in the spherical or elongated receiving portion in the released position. In this way, the actuating mechanism interacts directly with the locking body to move the locking body between the locked and released positions.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism is implemented as a piston rod, and the radial protrusion is formed by an annular shoulder that extends radially outward at the end of the piston rod. The radial protrusion is thus very easy to manufacture. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured with a manually operable button element at the end of the piston rod opposite the annular shoulder. In the design where the button element is a pressure-bearing element, the piston rod moves along the assembly direction and disengages the annular shoulder from the locking body through a pressing motion applied to the pressure-bearing element.

[0018] In other embodiments, the annular shoulder is constructed in an axial end region of the piston rod that is axially spaced from the end end. The piston rod has a smaller radius in the axial section adjacent to the annular shoulder and the end end than the annular shoulder. In a design where the button element is a pull element, the piston rod moves against the assembly direction and disengages the annular shoulder from the locking body by a pulling motion acting on the pull element.

[0019] In another embodiment of the invention, the annular shoulder has an outer contour that tapers tapering from the end of the piston rod toward the button element or from the button element toward the end. Thus, during operation of the actuating mechanism, the annular shoulder continuously presses the locking body into the locking recess in the fastening receiving portion. This reduces the risk of the locking body getting stuck when moving from the released position to the locked position.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, the actuating mechanism has a parabolic profile along the axial direction between the radial protrusion and the section of the actuating mechanism adjacent to the radial protrusion. The parabolic profile causes the locking body to be uniformly and thus gently pressed back into the locking recess when the actuating mechanism is operated. Furthermore, this profile causes compensation for manufacturing tolerances of the actuating mechanism.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the button element has a first guide section and / or a second guide section effectively connected to a complementary first guide section and / or second guide section arranged at the operating mechanism and / or fastening protrusion to hold the button element axially movable at the operating mechanism and / or fastening protrusion, and the button element is supported at the operating mechanism by means of a compensating spring. Since the button element is arranged separately from the operating mechanism and supported relative to the operating mechanism by the compensating spring, tolerance compensation is achieved for the operating mechanism along the central longitudinal axis of the fastening protrusion. Pressure can be transmitted to the operating mechanism via the button element for operating the mechanism. After operation, the compensating spring returns the button element to its rest position. If the operating mechanism has a complementary first guide section, the button element is indicative of the position of the operating mechanism. Because the button element is identifiable to the user from outside the fastening protrusion, the user can infer the position of the operating mechanism based on the position of the button element. When the fastening protrusion has a complementary second guide section, the final position of the button element and thus the operating mechanism relative to the fastening protrusion is defined. Therefore, the button element will not protrude beyond the fastening protrusion to a degree greater than predetermined by the final position. This allows for a design flush with the outer side of the armrest. Furthermore, the button element and the operating mechanism are then fixed at the fastening protrusion. If a complementary first guide section is provided at both the operating mechanism and the fastening protrusion, the operating mechanism can additionally be rotated and fixed relative to the fastening protrusion.

[0022] In another embodiment of the invention, the operating mechanism has a plurality of axially extending recessed sections distributed around its periphery. These recessed sections have arc-shaped groove cross-sections that match the diameter of the spherical locking body or the cylindrical locking body. This creates line contact between the locking body and the operating mechanism. Therefore, the fastening device can withstand greater forces in directions transverse to the assembly axis and transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the fastening protrusion. In the case of a single locking body, this locking body is received in a single recessed section.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the operating mechanism is persistently loaded axially along or against the assembly direction by a return spring arranged in the fastening protrusion. The return spring automatically returns the operating mechanism to its starting position after being operated by the button element. Furthermore, the return spring prevents the operating mechanism from accidentally moving along the central longitudinal axis of the fastening protrusion, and thereby prevents the operating mechanism from accidentally allowing the locking body to move from the locked position to the released position. Depending on whether the button element is implemented as a pressure element or a tension element, the reset of the operating mechanism occurs either against or along the assembly direction.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, a releasable locking device is provided, which locks the operating mechanism in the locked position when the locking body moves to the release position. The locking device also locks the operating mechanism in the operating position. This avoids the need for persistent manipulation of the operating mechanism to keep the locking body in the release position, allowing the fastening protrusion to be positioned in the final assembled position within the fastening receiver. Alternatively, the operating mechanism can be manipulated once, causing the locking body to move to the release position and lock in the operating position. The fastening protrusion can then be inserted into the fastening receiver without further manipulation of the operating mechanism, and the locking body will not collide with the fastening receiver. Once the fastening protrusion is in the final assembled position, the locking device is released, causing the return spring to return the operating mechanism to its initial position, in which the operating mechanism moved the locking body to the locked position. The fastening protrusion is then locked in the fastening receiver. Preferably, the locking device includes an axially projecting locking protrusion at the end of the operating mechanism, which extends along the central longitudinal axis through an end-side opening in the fastening protrusion when the operating mechanism is actuated and locks in that position at the fastening protrusion. Upon release, the operating mechanism moves axially back within the fastening protrusion against the assembly direction, and the locking protrusion is received within the interior of the fastening protrusion. Particularly preferably, the locking device further includes a locking stop on the fastening receiving side, against which the locking protrusion abuts in the final assembled position of the fastening protrusion, thereby automatically releasing the locking protrusion from its position at the fastening protrusion.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, the locking device has a locking element that locks the operating mechanism at the fastening protrusion in the locking position, and releases the locking on the operating mechanism upon impact with a locking stop at the fastening receiving portion. The locking force can be set by selecting the locking element. Furthermore, the locking element can be replaced as needed. The locking element is particularly securely connected to the fastening protrusion and constructed for locking at a complementary locking section of the operating mechanism, or vice versa. Preferably, the locking element is designed as a clamp or clip, and particularly preferably made of metal or steel. If a locking element is arranged non-rotationally symmetrically with respect to the operating mechanism, it is advantageous that the operating mechanism is rotatably and fixedly received in the fastening protrusion.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the return spring is implemented as a compression spring, which applies axial pressure to the end of the piston rod. This axial pressure is less than the oppositely oriented pressure that can be manually applied to the button element of the operating mechanism. This arrangement of the compression spring is a particularly simple implementation of the return spring. In embodiments where the button element is a tension element, the return spring is preferably designed as a tension spring. In embodiments where the button element is a tension element, the loading direction of the compression spring can also be reversed, allowing the compression spring to continue functioning as a compression spring against the pulling direction.

[0027] Regarding vehicle seats, the objective of this invention is achieved by providing at least one armrest assembly as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A portion of an embodiment of the handrail assembly according to the invention, having a handrail body and fastening protrusions, is shown in three-dimensional form. Figure 2 It shows in three dimensions the following according to Figure 1 A portion of the armrest assembly according to an embodiment of a vehicle seat of the present invention. Figure 3 The exploded diagram shows the following according to Figure 1 The fastening device for the handrail assembly. Figure 4 A schematic longitudinal sectional view shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The handrail assembly's fastening device, wherein the locking body is in the locked position. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A schematic longitudinal sectional view shows the arrangement according to Figure 1 and Figure 3 As part of the fastening device of the handrail assembly, the locking body is in a locked position and a released position. Figure 7 A schematic longitudinal sectional view illustrates a fastening device according to another embodiment of the handrail assembly based on the invention. Figure 8 The enlarged diagram shows Figure 7 Region A in Figure 9 A portion of the fastening protrusion of a further embodiment of the armrest assembly according to the invention is shown in a schematic side view. Figure 10 The fastening protrusion of another embodiment of the armrest assembly according to the invention is shown in three dimensions. Figure 11 A schematic longitudinal sectional view is shown according to Figure 10 The handrail assembly's fastening device, wherein the locking body is in the locked position. Figure 12 A schematic longitudinal sectional view is shown according to Figure 11 The fastening device, wherein the locking body is in the released position, and Figure 13 It shows the basis in a three-dimensional way. Figures 10 to 12 The local part of the fastening protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The vehicle seating arrangement, not shown in detail, is for passenger vehicles in the form of spacious sedans, vans, or minibuses. The vehicle seats have a seat surface, with a backrest 2, shown only partially, adjacent to the seat surface at the rear. The backrest 2 and seat surface are fixedly and, if necessary, adjustable in the passenger vehicle. The backrest 2 has sidewalls on its opposite sides, where armrest assemblies 10 are arranged. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different arrangement.) Figure 2 In the diagram, only the left sidewall of the backrest 2 is provided with an armrest assembly 10. However, the opposite right sidewall of the backrest 2 can be provided with a mirror-symmetrical armrest assembly 10, but otherwise identical.

[0030] In embodiments of the invention not shown, the armrest assembly 10 is not arranged in the area of ​​the side wall of the backrest, but more precisely in the area of ​​the support structure for the seat surface. However, the basic structure and basic function of this armrest assembly are similar to those of the present invention. Figures 1 to 13 The armrest component 10 is no different.

[0031] according to Figures 1 to 6The armrest assembly 10 has an armrest body 12 that can be connected to the vehicle seat by means of a fastening device 14. The fastening device 14 includes a fastening receiving portion 16 that is fastened to the vehicle seat in a region of the load-bearing structural section of the side wall of the backrest 2. Furthermore, the fastening device 14 includes a fastening protrusion 18 complementary to the fastening receiving portion 16, which itself is connected to the armrest body 12, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. For assembly, the fastening protrusion 18 is moved along the assembly axis M in the assembly direction, i.e., toward the fastening receiver 16, until it is inserted into the fastening receiver 16. In its final position within the fastening receiver 16, the locking system secures the fastening protrusion 18 to prevent it from falling out of or being removed from the fastening receiver 16.

[0032] To achieve the locking system, multiple spherical locking bodies 20 are provided, which are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction at the fastening protrusions 18, such as by... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen from the overview, the locking body 20 is supported in the ball-shaped receiving portion 22 associated with the fastening protrusion 18 in a manner that allows it to move radially relative to the assembly axis M between a locked position and a released position. In the released position, the locking body 20 is fully received in the ball-shaped receiving portion 22 such that it does not protrude beyond the outer contour of the fastening protrusion 18 or is at least not hindered from retracting into the ball-shaped receiving portion 22. In the released position, the fastening protrusion 18 can be easily moved out and in place from the fastening receiving portion 16. In the locked position, the locking body 20 is radially outwardly compressed relative to the assembly axis M, such that a portion, i.e., a ball-shaped segment, protrudes beyond the outer contour of the fastening protrusion 18. The locking body 20 interacts with the fastening receiving portion 16 with the protruding segment and in this way prevents the fastening protrusion 18 from moving out of the fastening receiving portion 16 along the assembly axis M.

[0033] Specifically, the fastening receiving portion 16 has a locking recess 24 that complements the locking body 20, and the locking body 20 and the locking recess work together to lock the device. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the locking body 20, in the locked position, is arranged in the locking recess 24 as a section protruding beyond the outer contour of the fastening protrusion 18 and axially engages the rear-mounted receiving portion 16 relative to the assembly axis M. The locking body 20 prevents axial movement of the fastening protrusion 18 in this manner. The locking system is formed by the locking body 20 and the corresponding locking recess 24, whose shapes interlock.

[0034] An operating mechanism 26 is arranged inside the fastening protrusion 18, and the operating mechanism is supported along the central longitudinal axis L of the fastening protrusion 18, such as... Figures 3 to 6 As shown in the diagram, the operating mechanism 26 has a radial protrusion 28 at its end (which faces the fastening receiver 16 in the final assembled position), which, in the locked position, radially presses the locking body 20 into the locking recess 24 relative to the assembly axis M and the central longitudinal axis L, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. To release the lock, the operating mechanism 26 is moved along the central longitudinal axis L within the fastening protrusion 18 until the radial protrusion 28 moves axially beyond the spherical receiving portion 22 and can no longer abut against the locking body 20. In the axial section adjacent to the radial protrusion 28, the operating mechanism 26 has a smaller radius, thereby allowing the locking body 20 to retract radially into the spherical receiving portion 22. If the locking body 20 is positioned above the central longitudinal axis L, it falls back into the space within the spherical receiving portion 22 released by the operating mechanism 26 due to gravity.

[0035] For the plurality of locking bodies 20 distributed around the periphery of the fastening protrusion 18, in the released position, the locking body 20 positioned above the central longitudinal axis L falls downward, that is, radially inward, into the spherical receiving portion 22. The locking body 20 positioned below the central longitudinal axis L is initially held in a position in which it is also in the locked position and extends into the locking recess 24. Once the fastening protrusion 18 moves out of the fastening receiving portion 16 along the assembly axis M, these locking bodies 20 are pressed back into the spherical receiving portion 22 while in axial contact with the fastening receiving portion 16. Therefore, even if the locking body 20 protrudes from the outer contour of the fastening protrusion 18 in the released position, it does not impede the axial movement of the fastening protrusion 18. Thus, in the final position, the fastening protrusion 18 is not secured by the locking system.

[0036] The locking recess 24 is constructed in the form of a groove section 30, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in the diagram, the groove section 30 extends parallel to the assembly axis M and has an arc-shaped groove cross-section that matches the diameter of the spherical locking body 20. This determines the circumferential position of the locking body 20 in the locking recess 24. The groove section 30 terminates axially at its end toward the fastening protrusion 18 with an axial stop 32. In the locked position, the spherical locking body 20 abuts against the corresponding axial stop 32, thereby locking the fastening protrusion 18 at the fastening receiving portion 16. The axial stop 32 has a rounded longitudinal section shape, the radius of which substantially corresponds to the radius of the locking body 20. In the released position, as the fastening protrusion 18 moves against the assembly direction, the longitudinal section shape of the axial stop 32 supports the compression of the locking body 20 back into the spherical receiving portion 22.

[0037] The operating mechanism 26 is implemented as a piston rod and has a button element 34 in the form of a pressure-bearing element at the end opposite to the fastening receiving part 16, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. By manually pressing the button element 34, the operating mechanism 26 is moved coaxially with the central longitudinal axis L toward the fastening receiving portion 16, and the locking element 20 is able to retract into the ball-shaped receiving portion 22, thus allowing the fastening protrusion 18 to be removed from or inserted into the fastening receiving portion 16. The button element 34 can then be operated, for example, from the side of the armrest body 12 away from the fastening device 14, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Once the button element 34 is no longer operated, the return spring 36, implemented as a pressure spring, returns the operating mechanism 26 to its initial position, in which the radial protrusion 28 presses the locking body 20 in the ball-shaped receiving portion 22 radially outward. In an attempt to move the fastening protrusion 18 to its final position in the fastening receiving portion 16, the locking body 20 will collide with the fastening receiving portion 16 as it extends from the outer contour of the fastening protrusion 18. Therefore, the fastening protrusion 18 cannot be fully inserted into the fastening receiving portion 16 when the operating mechanism 26 is not operated. Therefore, operation of the operating mechanism 26 is required for assembly. The return spring 36 is supported on one side of the operating mechanism 26 away from the radial protrusion 28, and on the other side of the fastening protrusion 18.

[0038] The radial protrusion 28 is constructed as an annular shoulder protruding outward at the end of the piston rod. For example... Figure 3As shown, the annular shoulder has an outer contour that tapers tapering towards the button element 34 from the end side of the piston rod. This causes the locking body 20 to be continuously pressed outward upon contact with the annular shoulder as the operating mechanism 26 retracts within the fastening protrusion 18. The return spring 36 applies axial pressure to the end side of the piston rod, which must be overcome for the operating mechanism 26 to move linearly.

[0039] The fastening protrusion 18 has a tapering profile along the assembly axis M, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Furthermore, the fastening protrusion 18 has a non-circular cross-section, designed essentially in the shape of a triangle with truncated angles. The fastening receiver 16 is constructed complementaryly to the fastening protrusion 18. The complementary design of the outer contours of the fastening protrusion 18 and the fastening receiver 16 enables axial guidance of the fastening protrusion 18 and prevents relative rotation.

[0040] A surrounding sealing ring 38 is arranged at the fastening protrusion 18, spaced axially from the locking body 20. In its final position, the sealing ring 38 additionally supports the fastening protrusion 18 relative to the fastening receiver 16 and reduces potential clearance. Furthermore, the sealing ring 38 prevents the fastening protrusion 18 from accidentally slipping out of the fastening receiver 16 when the lock is released.

[0041] Furthermore, the fastening device 14 has a restraining function in the form of a restraining ring 40, which is radially positioned outside the spherical receiving portion 22 at the fastening protrusion 18. The restraining ring 30 prevents the locking body 20 from accidentally dislodging from the spherical receiving portion 22. Each restraining ring 40 is provided with an opening 42 that allows the locking body 20 to extend from the spherical receiving portion 22. For this purpose, the diameter of the opening 42 is correspondingly smaller than the diameter of the associated spherical locking body 20.

[0042] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates another embodiment of the handrail assembly according to the invention. The handrail assembly includes a fastening device 114 having a fastening receiving portion 116 and a fastening protrusion 118, in which an actuating mechanism 126, in the form of a piston rod, is supported in the fastening protrusion in a manner capable of longitudinal movement along the axial direction. Unless otherwise stated herein, the handrail assembly has the same characteristics as according to the invention. Figures 1 to 6 It operates on the same principle as the handrail assembly 10.

[0043] The operating mechanism 126 has a button element 134 at one end, which is in the form of a pressure-bearing element. A locking protrusion 144, comprising a plurality of locking arms 146, is provided at the end opposite to the button element 134. Figure 7 and Figure 8Two locking arms of the locking arms 146 are visible. The fastening protrusion 118 has an end-side opening 147 into which the locking protrusion 144 extends when the operating mechanism 126 moves to the locking position (in which the operating mechanism 126 moves axially forward within the fastening protrusion 118). In the locking position, the radial protrusion 128, configured as an annular shoulder, disengages from the plurality of locking bodies 120, allowing the locking bodies 120 to retract radially within the associated spherical receiving portion 122. The restraint ring 140 secures the locking bodies 120 within the spherical receiving portion 122. In the locking position, the locking arms 146 extend through the end-side opening 147 in the fastening protrusion 118 and engage axially from the rear with the end-side end region of the fastening protrusion 118 surrounding the end-side opening 147, as shown. Figure 8 The enlarged view of region A is shown in the diagram. The return spring 136 preloads the operating mechanism 126 into its initial position against the assembly direction and thus presses the locking arm 146 against the end-side region. The operating mechanism 126 is thus locked at the fastening protrusion 118 by the locking protrusion 144, preventing the operating mechanism 126 from moving axially away from the end-side of the fastening protrusion 118. In this way, the operating mechanism 126 is fixed in the locked position, and the fastening protrusion 118 can easily move along the assembly axis M into and out of the fastening receiver 116 without obstructing this movement.

[0044] A locking stop 148 is provided in the end-side region of the fastening receiving portion 116 facing the end of the fastening protrusion 118. This locking stop is complementary to and works in conjunction with the locking protrusion 144 to release the locking protrusion 144 from locking at the fastening protrusion 118. The locking stop 148 includes one or more inclined stop surfaces 150 associated with the locking arm 146, which press the locking arm 146 radially inward during axial movement of the locking protrusion 144, allowing the locking arm 146 to move through the end-side opening 147 in the fastening protrusion 118. The operating mechanism 126 can then move along the central longitudinal axis L in the fastening protrusion 118 until the radial protrusion 128 engages with the locking body 120 and compresses the locking body radially outward in the spherical receiving portion 122. When the fastening protrusion 118 reaches its final assembled position in the fastening receiving portion 116, the locking protrusion 144 at the end region of the fastening protrusion 118 works in conjunction with the locking stop 148 to release the lock. The return spring 136 then automatically returns the operating mechanism 126 to its initial position, in which the locking protrusion 144 no longer extends through the end opening 147.

[0045] This design enables the fastening protrusion 118 to be assembled and automatically locked in the fastening receiving part 116 without requiring the user to simultaneously hold the operating mechanism 126 in a position that moves forward axially.

[0046] exist Figure 9 A third embodiment of the armrest assembly according to the present invention is shown. Specifically, in Figure 9 The image shows a portion of the fastening protrusion 208 of the armrest assembly facing the fastening receiver. The fastening protrusion 208 includes a plurality of locking bodies 220, which are received in associated spherical receivers 222. The spherical receivers 222 each have radially outwardly receiving openings 251. As per... Figures 1 to 6 The alternative to the constraint ring 40 in the handrail assembly, in accordance with Figure 9 The handrail assembly provides a restraining function through three corresponding deformable portions 252. Each deformable portion 252 is manufactured by machining the material of the fastening protrusion 208 such that the material protrudes radially inward from the edge of the receiving opening 251 relative to the receiving opening 251. The deformable portions 252 are arranged in the movement path of the locking body 220 received in the spherical receiving portion 222 and block the receiving opening 251, preventing the locking body 220 from easily moving out of the spherical receiving portion 222. The three deformable portions 252 are distributed at equal intervals along the edge of the receiving opening 251.

[0047] exist Figures 10 to 13 The diagram illustrates another embodiment of the handrail assembly according to the invention. The handrail assembly includes a fastening device 314 having a fastening receiving portion 316 and a fastening protrusion 318, in the form of a piston rod, supported in the fastening protrusion in a manner capable of longitudinal movement along the axial direction. Unless otherwise stated herein, the handrail assembly has the same characteristics as according to the invention. Figures 1 to 6 as well as Figure 7 and Figure 8 It operates on the same principle as the handrail assembly 10.

[0048] In addition to the operating mechanism 326, the fastening device 324 also has a separate button element 334. The button element 334 is T-shaped in cross-section and is constructed on one side for pressure actuation and on the other side engages along the central longitudinal axis L in an axial receiving section 353 of the operating mechanism 326, as shown below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in the diagram. A compensating spring 354 is arranged in the receiving section 353, and the button element 334 is axially supported at the operating mechanism 326 by the compensating spring.

[0049] At the portion where the button element 334 engages with the receiving section 353, a first guide section 356 is formed on the circumferential side in the form of a radially projecting pin, see [reference]. Figure 10 and Figure 13 A first guide section 356 radially engages with a slit-shaped complementary first guide section 358, which is constructed along a receiving section 353 at the operating mechanism 326. The combined action of the first guide section 356 and the complementary first guide section 358 enables axial guiding movement of the button element 334 relative to the operating mechanism 326. Simultaneously, the button element 334 is held at the operating mechanism 326 by the first guide sections 356 and 358. After operation, a compensating spring 354 returns the button element 334 to a rest position in the direction of exiting the receiving section 353. In the rest position, the first guide section 356 abuts against the edge contour of the complementary first guide section 358.

[0050] like Figure 13 As shown, the complementary first guide section 358 opens outward in the axial direction through a right-angled, slit-like opening. The first guide section 356 can be introduced into the complementary first guide section 358 via the right-angled opening through a combination of axial and rotational movements. The button element 334 is then detachably held at the operating mechanism 326 by a bayonet connection.

[0051] In the pressure-operated portion of the button element 334, a plurality of second guide sections 360 are formed in the form of axially extending tabs. The plurality of second guide sections 360 are arranged circumferentially. The second guide sections 360 extend axially parallel to the central longitudinal axis L between the operating mechanism 326 and the fastening protrusion 318. The second guide sections 360 are snap-fitted into complementary second guide sections 362 at the fastening protrusion, see [reference needed]. Figure 10 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 The second guide section 360 can be bent radially inward so that it can be removed from the complementary second guide section. Through the second guide sections 360, 362, the button element 334 is axially guided and detachably held at the fastening protrusion 318.

[0052] Spherical locking bodies 320 are supported in corresponding recessed sections 364 that extend along the actuating mechanism 326. The recessed sections 364 have an arc-shaped cross-section whose radius matches the radius of the locking bodies 320. This allows for... Figure 12As can be seen in the figure, two radially opposed groove sections 364 are visible, with longitudinal sections extending along the groove walls at different heights. The locking body 320 abuts against the operating mechanism 326 along a line oriented transversely to the central longitudinal axis L.

[0053] The groove section 364 terminates at the end side with a radial protrusion 328. Here, the groove section 364 transitions to the radial protrusion 328 along a parabolic profile. This results in the locking body 320 being continuously and at a variable speed pressed back into the spherical receiving portion 322 when the operating mechanism 326 moves axially, and vice versa.

[0054] As per Figure 7 and Figure 8 An alternative to the locking arm 146 in the implementation method, in accordance with Figures 10 to 13 In this embodiment, a locking element in the form of a clip 366 is provided. The clip 366 is fastened at one end to a fastening protrusion 318 and extends axially into the fastening protrusion 318 at its end side with a middle section. At the other end, the clip 366 has a locking protrusion that can be releasably locked behind a complementary locking protrusion formed at the end side of the operating mechanism 326, such as... Figure 12 As shown in the image. Clip 366 is made of steel and is capable of elastic deformation.

[0055] When the button element 334 is operated, the button element 334 is pressed against the operating mechanism 326, causing the operating mechanism to move axially along the assembly axis M until the locking protrusion of the clip 366 engages the complementary locking protrusion of the operating mechanism 326 from the rear. See [reference needed] Figure 12 The operating mechanism 326 then locks into the fastening protrusion 318 in this position. In this position of the operating mechanism 326, the locking body 320 is released and moves radially inward. Thus, the fastening protrusion 318 can move freely into or out of the fastening receiving portion 316.

[0056] A locking stop 348 is constructed in the fastening receiving portion 316. When the fastening protrusion 318 is fully inserted into the fastening receiving portion 316, the locking stop presses against the middle section of the clip 366. The locking stop 348 causes the clip 366 to lift radially and thereby releases the clip 366 from the operating mechanism 326. A return spring 336 arranged in the fastening protrusion 318 moves the operating mechanism 326 toward the button element 334. Here, the locking body 320 slides along the groove section 364 and is continuously pressed back into the spherical receiving portion 322 along a parabolic contour. In the final position of the operating mechanism 326, the radial protrusion 328 is at the axial height of the locking body 320 and presses the locking body 320 back into the spherical receiving portion 322 to such an extent that the locking body 320 protrudes radially from the fastening protrusion 318, see [reference needed]. Figure 11 The locking body 320 is thus in the locked position.

[0057] In one embodiment not shown, the locking body is disposed at the fastening receiving portion and engages in the locked position with a corresponding locking recess of the fastening protrusion. In order to press the locking body radially toward the locking recess, an operating mechanism that is supported in a linear manner parallel to the assembly axis can be provided.

Claims

1. An armrest assembly (10) for a vehicle seat, the armrest assembly having an armrest body (12) connectable to the vehicle seat by means of fastening devices (14, 114, 314), wherein, The fastening devices (14, 114, 314) have fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316) on the seat side and fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) on the armrest body (12) that are complementary to the fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316). The armrest assembly has a locking system for removably securing the fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) in the fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316) in their final assembled position, in which the fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) are inserted coaxially with the assembly axis (M) into the fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316). The fastening receiving portion (16, 116, 316) or the fastening protrusion (18, 118, 218, 318) is characterized in that it has at least one locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) supported in a manner that allows it to move radially relative to the assembly axis (M), and the fastening protrusion (18, 118, 218, 318) or the fastening receiving portion (16, 116, 316) has at least one locking recess complementary to the locking body (20, 120, 220, 320). (24, 124, 324), the locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) can be inserted radially into the locking recess and is provided with an operating mechanism (26, 126, 326) that is supported in a linear manner coaxially or axially parallel to the assembly axis (M), the operating mechanism being in effective connection with at least one locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) to move the locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) into a locked position or a released position.

2. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) is implemented as a spherical shape or a column with rounded ends.

3. The handrail assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) and the fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316) have complementary, non-rotationally symmetric cross sections that ensure anti-torsional axial assembly or disassembly relative to the assembly axis (M).

4. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) and the fastening receiving portions (16, 116, 316) have complementary profiles that taper continuously along the assembly direction.

5. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) have distributed around their periphery multiple spherical receiving portions (22, 122, 222, 322) for a corresponding number of spherical locking bodies (20, 120, 220, 320) or cylindrical locking bodies, which are designed to allow restricted radial mobility of the spherical locking bodies (20, 120, 220, 320) or cylindrical locking bodies.

6. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spherical receiving portion (22, 122, 222, 322) has a restraining function on the outer side in the radial direction, in particular a restraining ring (40, 140), which has an opening (42) for the spherical locking body (20, 120, 320) or the cylindrical locking body to partially pass through radially, the diameter of the opening being smaller than the diameter of the spherical locking body (20, 120, 320) or the cylindrical locking body, or the spherical receiving portion has at least one plastic deformation portion (252) such that the deformation portion (252) extends into the radial movement path of the locking body (220) in the spherical receiving portion (222).

7. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening receiving portion (16, 116, 316) has a plurality of axially extending groove sections distributed on the periphery of the fastening receiving portion (16, 116, 316) as locking recesses (24, 124, 324). These groove sections have arc-shaped groove cross sections that match the diameter of the spherical locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) or the diameter of the columnar locking body. Furthermore, these groove sections are provided with axial stops (32, 332) at the axial height of the mounting position of the locking body (20, 120, 220, 320).

8. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The axial stops (32, 332) have a rounded longitudinal section shape, the radius of which corresponds, in particular, at least to a large extent, to the radius of the spherical locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) or the radius of the spherical end of the columnar locking body.

9. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating mechanisms (26, 126, 326) are arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis (L) of the fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) in the fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318), and the fastening device (314) or the operating mechanism (26, 126) has a manually operable button element (34, 134, 334) on the rear side relative to the assembly direction, which can be accessed from the rear side of the fastening protrusions (18, 118, 218, 318) to move the operating mechanism (26, 126, 326).

10. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (26, 126, 326) has a radial protrusion (28, 128, 328) at the axial height of at least one locking body (20, 120, 220, 320), which radially protrudes outwardly to press the locking body (20, 120, 220, 320) radially according to the linear movement of the operating mechanism (26, 126, 326).

11. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (26, 126, 326) is implemented as a piston rod, and the radial protrusion (28, 128, 328) is formed by an annular shoulder that protrudes radially outward at the end of the piston rod or in an axial end region spaced axially from the end.

12. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The annular shoulder has an outer contour that tapers tapering from the end of the piston rod toward the button element (34, 134) or from the button element (34, 134) toward the end.

13. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (326) has a parabolic profile along the axial direction between the radial protrusion (328) and the section of the operating mechanism (326) adjacent to the radial protrusion.

14. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The button element (334) has a first guide section and / or a second guide section (356, 360) which are effectively connected to complementary first guide sections and / or second guide sections (358, 362) arranged at the operating mechanism (326) and / or the fastening protrusion (318) to hold the button element (334) at the operating mechanism (326) and / or the fastening protrusion (318) in an axially movable manner, and the button element (334) is supported at the operating mechanism (326) by means of a compensating spring (354).

15. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (326) has a plurality of axially extending groove sections (364) distributed around its periphery, the groove sections having an arc-shaped groove cross-section that matches the diameter of the spherical locking body (320) or the diameter of the columnar locking body.

16. The armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The operating mechanism (26, 126, 326) is persistently loaded axially along or against the assembly direction by a return spring (36, 136, 336) arranged in the fastening protrusion (18, 118, 218, 318).

17. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, A releasable locking device is provided, which fixes the operating mechanism (126, 326) in the locking position when the locking body (120, 320) moves to the release position.

18. The armrest assembly (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The locking device has a locking element (366) that locks the operating mechanism (326) at the fastening protrusion (318) in the locking position, and releases the locking of the operating mechanism (326) when it collides with the locking stop (348) of the fastening receiving portion (316).

19. A vehicle seat having an armrest assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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