Center console between two vehicle seats and motor vehicle with such a center console and method for rotating a vehicle seat with such a center console

Abstract

A center console (2) between two seats (3a, 3b) in a motor vehicle, which is movable from a first, upright position to a second position, wherein the center console (2) is lowered in the second position relative to a floor surface (8) between the seats (3a, 3b), wherein the center console (2) is arranged in the second position substantially parallel to the floor surface (8), characterized by five elements (4-6; 14-16, 24-26), comprising • a central element (4, 14, 24) which, in the first upright position, runs substantially parallel to the ground surface (8), • two end elements (6, 16, 26) which, in the first upright position, run substantially parallel to the ground surface (8) and are at least partially lowered into the ground surface (8), and • two side elements (5, 15, 25) between the end elements (6, 16, 26) and the middle element (4, 14, 24), wherein ◯ either the elements (14-16) are connected so as to be movable relative to one another and are rigid and have a folding mechanism in which the end elements (16) of the rigid elements (14-16) can be pulled apart to change from the first position to the second position and can be compressed to change from the second position to the first position, or ◯ the elements (24-26) have a folding mechanism with a lamella structure (23), the side elements (25) have the lamella structure (23), and ◯ Arranging the center console (2) in the second position in a flat position within a recess in the vehicle floor (9), so that the second position is a second, lowered position in which all elements (24-26) of the center console (2) lie flat in the same plane.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a center console between two vehicle seats according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle with such a center console and a method for rotating a seat with such a center console.

[0002] Partially or fully automated driving of motor vehicles creates potential for alternative uses and, relatedly, a different design of a vehicle interior compared to the design of vehicle interiors of conventional motor vehicles without automated driving functions. In automated driving mode, for example, a driver can devote their attention to the other vehicle occupants, so that rotating a driver's seat toward the other seats or rotating the seats of a front row toward a rear row can promote communicative and social interaction among the vehicle occupants.

[0003] A center console located next to the seats hinders the rotation of vehicle seats. In a conventionally large vehicle with a center console, a complex mechanism is required to allow the seats and center console to move past each other.

[0004] DE 10 2014 224 560 A1 discloses an arrangement for a vehicle interior, comprising a first row of seats having at least one seat, and a second row of seats arranged in the vehicle interior in front of or behind the first row of seats, said second row having at least one seat, wherein the first row of seats is arranged in or on a plate rotatably mounted in or on a floor of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, this arrangement provides for at least one displaceably mounted bracket which is displaceable along at least one rail arranged in or on the floor of the vehicle, which rail is in turn constructed in several parts and is arranged at least partially in or on the plate. For displacing the bracket, in particular for electric motor displacement, the bracket is preferably also assigned a drive device which has a push chain guided in or on the rail and connected to the bracket.The push chain, which is operated by the drive device, allows the console to be moved to any position along the rail.

[0005] In one described embodiment, when the plate is rotated, two seats forming a row on the plate are moved against each other and toward each other to prevent the seats from interfering with the side walls of the vehicle interior and to ensure that the seats can be rotated in the smallest possible space. To ensure that no console is in the path of movement of the seats, the drive device automatically moves the console to a release position away from the plate, for example, on a dashboard.

[0006] The arrangement known from the prior art and the resulting method of moving a rigid center console from the area between two vehicle seats to another position within the vehicle interior can only be used in motor vehicles with a sufficiently large, even particularly large, interior. Lowering the rigid center console would also be impossible due to a conventional vehicle floor that is narrow relative to its height, especially in electric vehicles, whose floor is primarily intended for batteries.

[0007] US 2014 / 0 091 589 A1 discloses a storage console for a vehicle, which may include a housing movable from a stowed position to an upright position. The housing may have a top surface that is substantially flush with a floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and spaced from the floor in the upright position.

[0008] According to US 2017 / 0 217 351 A1, a vehicle includes a floor, a rear seat, and a front seat that is rotatable relative to the rear seat from a first position facing the rear seat to a second position facing away from the rear seat. An inflatable cushion is supported by the floor and is disposed between the front seat and the rear seat. A pressure control device communicates with the inflatable cushion. The inflatable cushion can be used by an occupant of the vehicle as a footrest and / or bed.

[0009] DE 44 38 909 C1 claims a transport device for motor vehicles, namely with a sack-like or similar container for elongated cargo, such as skis, which can be reduced to a storage volume, in particular can be pushed together or folded, and with a frame housing which at least partially accommodates the container storage volume and encloses a through-loading channel, which frame housing, in its rest position, is accommodated together with the reduced-size container in a receiving space and rests against an installation field and which, in its operating position released from the receiving space, projects from the installation field.

[0010] A stowable cup holder tray assembly for a vehicle having an interior floor structure is known from US 7 891 623 B2. The cup holder assembly includes a storage compartment having a floor portion with a plurality of opposed side walls extending therefrom and defining a storage volume. The storage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of the plurality of opposed side walls and causes the storage volume to be substantially closed. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The storage volume is sufficiently configured to accommodate the cup holder tray member when in the stowed position.

[0011] DE 10 2016 010 469 A1 claims an interior of a vehicle with at least one seat and with a console, wherein at least one seat is adjustable in such a way that it can be moved from a first position in which it is aligned with the direction of travel into a second position, and at least a part of the console is movably mounted in such a way that it can be moved from a primary position in which it is arranged next to the seat into a secondary position in which it is arranged outside the movement path of the seat during the movement of the seat between the first position and the second position.

[0012] The object of the invention is to further develop the generic center console in such a way that it enables the rotation of at least one vehicle seat in small vehicle interiors and in a design that is elegant for vehicle occupants.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterising part of claim 1.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the center console according to the invention are described in claims 2 to 11.

[0015] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a center console according to the invention movably arranged next to a rotatable seat.

[0016] Finally, the invention also provides a method for rotating at least one seat in a motor vehicle having a center console according to the invention arranged next to the seat, wherein before or during the rotation of the seat, the center console is lowered at least far enough that the center console does not hinder the rotation of the seat and the seat and center console can be moved past each other.

[0017] A foldable center console performs the same functions as conventional rigid center consoles, such as providing storage and support for the arms of vehicle occupants, providing controls, and even stowage and storage options, but with the advantage that no area of ​​the vehicle interior needs to be kept clear or occupied in order not to hinder the rotation of a vehicle seat located next to the center console.

[0018] The invention and its preferred embodiments are explained in more detail below using schematic drawings: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle interior with a center console according to the invention in an upright position between two seats; Fig. 2 shows in sectional views the sequence of a position change of a first embodiment of a center console according to the invention; and Fig. 3 shows in sectional views as in Fig. 2 shows the sequence of a position change of a second embodiment of a center console according to the invention.

[0019] In Fig. 1 shows a front area of ​​a vehicle interior 1 from the perspective of a rear area in the direction of travel, looking towards a windshield and a vehicle cockpit with a steering wheel. In a front row of seats, consisting of a first seat 3a as the driver's seat on the left and a second seat 3b as the passenger seat on the right, a foldable center console 2 is located in an upright position between the seats 3a, 3b. The center console 2 is symmetrically constructed and consists of a center element 4, two side elements 5, and two end elements 6 that are connected to one another. The end elements 6 assume a flat position flush with a floor surface 8 of the vehicle interior 1 and merge into the side elements 5, which assume an upright position and between which the center element 4 is clamped in an elevated position parallel to the floor surface 8.The central element 4 is designed with a touchscreen 7 as a control element, which can be operated by vehicle occupants from the seats 3a, 3b.

[0020] An embodiment of the foldable center console 2 is shown in Fig. 2 at three different times t 0 , t 1 , t 2during a position change of the center console 2. The center console 2 is symmetrically constructed and consists of a center element 14, two side elements 15, and two end elements 16. The center element 14 is movably connected to a side element 15 on opposite sides via a first pivot axis 13a, and the side elements 15 are each movably connected to an end element 16 on a side opposite the connection to the center element 14 via a second pivot axis 13b. During the position change, the installation angle α, which is defined between each side element 15 and a plane parallel to the floor surface 8, as well as the height of the center element 14 in relation to the floor surface 8, change.

[0021] At time t 0The center console 2 is in a lowered position below the floor surface 8 in a recess of a vehicle floor 9 and is concealed by a cover plate 18. The installation angle α is greater than zero, so that not all elements of the center console 2 are flat and in the same plane. The change in position is effected by means of actuators (not shown), in which the two end elements 16 are moved toward each other to raise the center console 2 and away from each other to lower it.

[0022] Before raising the center console 2 from the lowered position, as at time t 1As shown, the cover plate 18 has already been moved and the center console 2 located in the vehicle floor 9 has been exposed. Due to the symmetrical structure of the center console 2, the center element 14 clamped between the side elements 15 and an initial installation angle α greater than zero, when the end elements 16 are moved towards each other, the side elements 15 straighten up and lift the center element 14, whereby the center console 2 is straightened up as a whole.

[0023] At time t 2 Stops (not shown) in the four movable connections on the rotation axes 13a, 13b block a progressive change in position, thus defining a maximum installation height of the center console 2 and providing feedback to the actuators to stop the displacement of the end elements 16. The end elements 16 remain in a flat position within the vehicle floor 9 at all positions of the center console 2.

[0024] Another embodiment of the foldable center console 2 is shown in Fig. 3, which is analogous to Fig. 2 the sequence of a change in position of the center console 2 from a lowered position at time t 0 about an upright position at time t 1 into an upright position at time t 2 shows. The center console 2 is symmetrically constructed and consists of a center element 24, two side elements 25, and two end elements 26, wherein the side elements 25 have a folding mechanism with a slatted structure 23. The center element 24 is connected to a side element 25 on opposite sides, and the side elements 25 are each connected to an end element 26 on a side opposite the connection to the center element 24.

[0025] In the lowered position at time t 0The center console 2 is located below the floor surface 8 in a recess of the vehicle floor 9 and is covered by a two-part cover plate 28. All elements of the center console 2 lie flat in the same plane, with a lifting cylinder 27 located below the center element 24. Before the center console 2 is raised from the lowered position, as at time t 1 As shown, a first cover plate part 28a and a second cover plate part 28b of the two-part cover plate 28 are displaced away from each other in opposite directions, exposing the center console 2 located in the vehicle floor 9. Erecting is achieved by lifting the center element 24 from below using the lifting cylinder 27, whereby the slatted structure 23 of the side elements 25 folds to adjust the height, so that the end elements 26 are pulled and displaced within the vehicle floor 9 in a flat position. At time t 2the maximum installation height of the center console 2 is reached, at which the end elements 26 remain within the vehicle floor 9.

[0026] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, claims and drawings may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments.

Claims

[1] A center console (2) between two seats (3a, 3b) in a motor vehicle, which is movable from a first upright position to a second position, wherein the center console (2) is lowered in the second position relative to a floor surface (8) between the seats (3a, 3b), wherein the center console (2) is arranged in the second position substantially parallel to the floor surface (8), characterized by five elements (4-6; 14-16, 24-26), comprising • a central element (4, 14, 24) which, in the first upright position, runs substantially parallel to the ground surface (8), • two end elements (6, 16, 26) which, in the first upright position, run substantially parallel to the ground surface (8) and are at least partially lowered into the ground surface (8), and • two side elements (5, 15, 25) between the end elements (6, 16, 26) and the middle element (4, 14, 24), wherein ◯ either the elements (14-16) are connected so as to be movable relative to one another and are rigid and have a folding mechanism in which the end elements (16) of the rigid elements (14-16) can be pulled apart to change from the first position to the second position and can be compressed to change from the second position to the first position, or ◯ the elements (24-26) have a folding mechanism with a lamella structure (23), the side elements (25) have the lamella structure (23), and ◯ Arranging the center console (2) in the second position in a flat position within a recess in the vehicle floor (9), so that the second position is a second, lowered position in which all elements (24-26) of the center console (2) lie flat in the same plane. [2] Center console according to claim 1, characterized bythat the center console (2) in the recess in the vehicle floor (9) can be covered by at least one, preferably movable, cover plate (18, 28). [3] Center console according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the center console (2) has a symmetrical structure relative to its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the floor surface (8) and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. [4] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one stop element for defining the first upright position and / or a maximum installation height of the center console (2). [5] Center console according to claim 4, characterized by that one of the five elements (4-6; 14-16, 24-26) comprises the stop element or is connected to it, in particular movably. [6] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one actuator for translating at least one of the end elements (16) of the center console (2) for the purpose of changing between the first and second position of the center console, wherein the actuator preferably comprises a linear motor and / or a threaded spindle or push chain driven by an electric motor. [7] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one lifting cylinder (27) for lowering and raising for the purpose of changing between the first and second position of the center console (2), wherein the lifting cylinder (27) preferably comprises an electromechanical lifting cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, and / or preferably the lifting cylinder (27) engages the center element (24) or is connected to the same. [8] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya self-locking system so that an external force exerted on the center console (2) does not cause the center console (2) to lower or raise. [9] Center console according to claim 8, characterized by that the self-locking system includes a reduction gear. [10] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an elastic surface cover stretched over at least some of the elements (4-6; 14-16, 24-26), and / or at least one touchscreen (7) on the central element (4, 14, 24), and / or at least one storage fixation which fixes objects placed thereon, in particular within the central console (2), when the central console (2) is moved. [11] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the center console (2) is lowered in the second, lowered position relative to a floor surface between the seats (3a, 3b) such that at least one of the seats (3a, 3b) can be moved past the center console (2) by at least 45°, preferably at least 90°, about its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the floor surface (8). [12] Motor vehicle with a center console (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is movably arranged next to a rotatable seat (3a, 3b). [13] Method for rotating at least one seat (3a, 3b) in a motor vehicle with a center console (2) arranged next to the seat (3a, 3b) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein before or during the rotation of the seat (3a, 3b) the center console (2) is lowered at least far enough that the center console (2) does not hinder the rotation of the seat (3a, 3b) and the seat (3a, 3b) and the center console (2) can be moved past one another.

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