Center console for a vehicle, as well as vehicle with a center console

Abstract

Proposed, among other things, is a center console (5) for a vehicle (1), comprising an upwardly open storage compartment (8) and a first and a second cover element (9, 10) covering the same and pivotably mounted thereon. Associated with the cover elements (9, 10) is a locking and unlocking mechanism arranged on the center console (5) and / or on the storage compartment (8), which has an actuating button (22) that is operatively connected both to a first latch (19) associated with the first cover element (9) and to a second latch (20) associated with the second cover element (10).It is advantageously provided that the actuating button (22) is operatively connected to the latches (19, 20) by means of a synchronization mechanism (24a, 24b) arranged on the center console (5) or on the storage compartment (8) in such a way that when the actuating button (22) is actuated, the latches (19, 20) simultaneously emerge from a corresponding locking device (18) of the relevant cover element (9, 10) and release the latter.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a center console of a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. According to claim 8 of the invention, the same further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with such a center console.

[0002] Center consoles are known from US 2010 / 0 154 309 A1 and CN 204 161 223 U.

[0003] DE 103 54 645 B3 discloses a locking device for a lid of a storage compartment in motor vehicles, which lid is pivotally mounted on an associated frame. The lid has two opposing latches which, when closed, hold the lid to the frame by locking portions of the latches engaging behind a corresponding locking contour of the frame. To open the lid, an actuating element is arranged on the frame, by means of which the latches can be synchronously moved from their locked position to a release position. For this purpose, the latches are each operatively connected to a common gear via a rack portion thereof. One of the latches is spring-loaded in the locking advance direction by a return spring. The actuating element arranged on the frame side engages axially on a free end of one of the latches, said free end having the locking portion.

[0004] DE 10 2016 110 943 A1 discloses a locking device for a glove compartment lid pivotably mounted on a wall in a motor vehicle. Similar to the previously described solution, the lid has a latch on each of two opposite sides, which latches engage with associated catches in the wall. In contrast to the previously described solution, the actuating element is arranged on the lid and operatively connected to one of the latches.

[0005] DE 102017 111 025 A1 discloses a console, in particular a center console, for a vehicle, which has a base and an armrest as a cover for closing off an interior space within the base. The armrest has two separate cover plates, which are positioned directly adjacent to one another and are pivotally connected to opposite side walls of the base of the console in order to be able to move them between an open and a closed position. In the specialist world, such an armrest is occasionally also referred to as a butterfly armrest. The cover plates each contain a so-called preload assembly, which in this case has a preloaded spring element. The spring elements are preloaded in the opening direction of the cover plates of the armrest.The base of the console contains a latching mechanism configured to engage and hold the armrest cover plates in the closed position. It is intended that, upon actuation of the latching mechanism by a vehicle occupant, the latching mechanism releases the associated cover plates. This document is silent on the specific design of the latching mechanism.

[0006] The object of the invention, particularly with regard to the last-described prior art (DE 10 2017 111 025 A1), is to provide a center console for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, with an upwardly open storage compartment and with a first and a second cover element that covers or can be covered and is pivotably mounted, which has a simple and cost-effective locking and unlocking mechanism for said cover elements that requires minimal installation space. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with such a center console.

[0007] The stated object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1 and 8 respectively. Advantageous further developments or embodiments of the invention emerge from the subordinate claims.

[0008] Starting from a center console for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle, with an upwardly open storage compartment, with a first and a second cover element covering or coverable for the storage compartment, wherein the cover elements are mounted on oppositely arranged side walls of the storage compartment so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis running in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction) from a closed position to an open position and back, and are spring-loaded in the opening direction thereof (spring force "F1"), as well as with a locking and unlocking mechanism assigned to the cover elements and arranged on the center console and / or on the storage compartment, wherein the locking and unlocking mechanism of the cover elements has an actuating button which is operatively connected both to a first latch assigned to the first cover element and to a second latch assigned to the second cover element,The stated task is initially solved by the fact that the actuating button is operatively connected to the latches via a synchronisation mechanism arranged on the centre console or on the storage compartment in such a way that when the actuating button is actuated, the latches simultaneously emerge from a corresponding locking mechanism of the relevant cover element and release it.

[0009] This simple and cost-effective measure allows both lid elements to be released simultaneously by pressing a single button. Because the latches are located on the center console or on the storage compartment, they are largely invisible to vehicle occupants. In contrast, the prior art describes latches on lid elements that disadvantageously protrude from the respective lid element, impairing its handling and / or reducing comfort in the vehicle.

[0010] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the synchronization mechanism comprises a synchronization disc pivotally mounted on the center console or on the storage compartment, which, on the one hand, is connected to the actuation button via a gear train for rotatable actuation of the same. On the other hand, it comprises two force transmission pins arranged offset from one another by a specific pitch circle of the synchronization disc and connected to a fastening end of each latch such that the latches are moved in opposite directions as a result of a rotational movement of the synchronization disc. This advantageously creates a simple mechanical translation of a translatory movement of the actuation button into a movement of the latches oriented transversely to the direction of movement of the actuation button.

[0011] Preferably, the force transmission pins are each slidably mounted in a slotted hole in the synchronization disc. This has the advantage of allowing the cover elements to close independently of each other. The slots act as a freewheel for the associated latch, allowing the associated latch to retract within the slotted hole while the respective cover element is closing.

[0012] As further provided by the invention, the force transmission pins are each mounted in the respective elongated hole so that they can be displaced against a spring force "F2," whereby the respective spring force "F2" is configured to act in a closing direction of the respective bolt. As a result, the bolts are permanently subjected to spring force in the closing direction, effectively preventing undefined release of the lock.

[0013] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the synchronization mechanism comprises a synchronization disc rotatably mounted on the center console or on the storage compartment, and a drive ring rotatably mounted on the center console or on the storage compartment or on the synchronization disc relative to the same and concentrically enclosing the synchronization disc, wherein, for the rotatable actuation of the synchronization disc, the actuation button is operatively connected to the drive ring via a gear mechanism and, secondly, directly via a separate first extension and indirectly via a second extension of the drive ring to the synchronization disc, and wherein the synchronization disc has two force transmission pins arranged offset from one another by a specific pitch circle of the synchronization disc and each connected to a fastening end of a latch,that the bolts are moved in opposite directions as a result of a rotation of the synchronization disc.

[0014] This measure creates a particularly secure and robust synchronization mechanism.

[0015] With regard to said second embodiment of the invention, the first and second extensions are each slidably mounted in a recess or groove extending in the circumferential direction of the synchronization disc. This measure creates a freewheel, so to speak, such that, during the closing of a cover element of the synchronization disc, together with the connected latch, it is possible to retract within the extension area of ​​the recess or groove without involving the actuating button in the movement.

[0016] In a further development of the second embodiment of the invention, the synchronization disc and the drive ring are designed to be spring-loaded relative to one another (spring force “F4”), advantageously assuming a defined initial position relative to one another.

[0017] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the first and second embodiments of the invention, the force transmission pins are arranged on the synchronization disk at 180° offsets. This allows for a defined and reproducible movement pattern of the two force transmission pins per synchronization disk and the connected locking bars.

[0018] In order to enable a relative movement of the bolts to the synchronization disc, the force transmission pins are preferably rotatably mounted on the synchronization disc and / or articulated to the associated bolt.

[0019] In solving the problem posed, the invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, with a center console of the type described above.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in the drawings. However, it is not limited to these, but covers all configurations defined by the patent claims. For the purposes of the present description, the usual direction of travel of a motor vehicle is denoted by "-x" ("minus x"), the direction opposite to its usual direction of travel is denoted by "+x" ("plus x"), starting from the usual direction of travel (-x) the horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction to the right is denoted by "+y", starting from the usual direction of travel (-x) the horizontal direction perpendicular to the x-direction to the left is denoted by "-y", the vertical direction perpendicular to the x-direction upwards is denoted by "+z", and the vertical direction perpendicular to the x-direction downwards is denoted by "-z".This Cartesian coordinate system for spatial directions corresponds to the coordinate system commonly used in the automotive industry. Furthermore, terms such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," and similarly connoted terms, including "right" and "left," are used in the manner commonly used to indicate directions on a motor vehicle. The figures show: Fig. 1 an interior view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle with a view from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle, including a center console of the vehicle designed according to the invention, which has an upwardly open storage compartment that is covered by two cover elements, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the center console according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows very schematically a locking and unlocking mechanism for the cover elements according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 4 shows very schematically a locking and unlocking mechanism for the cover elements according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a passenger compartment 1 of a vehicle 2, viewed from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle, showing a dashboard 3, a windshield 4, and a center console 5 arranged between two front vehicle seats 6, 7. The center console 5 has an upwardly open storage compartment 8, which is covered by a first and a second cover element 9, 10. According to this exemplary embodiment, the cover elements 9, 10 form an armrest and are preferably padded for this purpose.

[0022] The cover elements 9, 10 are pivoted on oppositely arranged side walls 11, 12 of the storage compartment 8, viewed in the vehicle transverse direction (y-direction), about a pivot axis 13, 14 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction) from a Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 into an open position not shown in the drawing and back again. The cover elements 9, 10 are spring-loaded in the opening direction 15 with a spring force "F1" (cf. Fig. 3). Said spring force "F1" is applied to the respective cover element 9, 10, for example, by means of a helical spring (not shown in the drawing here) which is supported at one end on an axis 16, 17 which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the respective cover element 9, 10 and at the other end on the storage compartment 8.

[0023] According to Fig. 3, the axis 16 of the first cover element 9 has a tumbler 18 for a first latch 19 of a locking and unlocking mechanism, and the axis 17 of the second cover element 10 has a tumbler 18 for a second latch 20 of the locking and unlocking mechanism. The tumblers 18 are each formed by a projection oriented in the radial direction of the respective axis 16, 17, which projection corresponds to a free end of the respective associated latch 19, 20, functioning as a locking end 21.

[0024] As from Fig. 3, the locking and unlocking mechanism of the cover elements 9, 10 also has a Fig. 2, which, according to this exemplary embodiment, is mounted on a front end wall 23 of the storage compartment 8 so as to be translationally displaceable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction). The actuating button 22 is operatively connected to both the first and the second latch 19, 20. In particular, the actuating button 22 is operatively connected to both latches 19, 20 via a synchronization mechanism 24a such that, starting from a closed position of the cover elements 9, 10, upon actuation of the actuating button 22 in the direction of the directional arrow 25, the latches 19, 20 simultaneously emerge from their associated locking mechanism 18 and release the respective cover element 9, 10, whereby the latter pivots into the open position (opening direction 15) due to spring force "F1". The bolts 19, 20 move transversely to the direction of movement of the actuating button 22 and in opposite directions to each other (see direction arrows 26, 27). Variant 1 (Fig. 3):

[0025] According to the Fig. In the first embodiment of the synchronization mechanism 24a shown in Figure 3, the synchronization mechanism has a highly schematically illustrated synchronization disk 28 which is rotatably mounted on the storage compartment 8 by way of example. This disk is connected to the actuation button 22 via a gear train 29 for rotatable actuation. The gear train 29 in this case has a rack 29a of the actuation button 22, which meshes with a gear 29b or a gear section or a pitch circle of a gear 29b that is connected to the synchronization disk 28 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0026] Secondly, the synchronization disc 28 has two force transmission pins 31 arranged offset from one another by a specific pitch circle of the synchronization disc 28 and connected to a fastening end 30 of each latch 19, 20 arranged opposite the respective locking end 21 in such a way that the latches 19, 20 are moved in the opposite direction (cf. directional arrows 26, 27) as a result of a rotational movement of the synchronization disc 28 (directional arrow 32) effected by the gear transmission 29. Preferably, the force transmission pins 31 are arranged offset by 180° on the synchronization disc 28. As will certainly be easily understood by those skilled in the art, it is also advantageous that the force transmission pins 31 are rotatably mounted on the synchronization disc 28 and / or are articulated to the respective associated latch 19, 20.

[0027] The force transmission pins 31 are each slidably mounted in a slot 33 of the synchronization disk 28. This has the advantage that, as already explained above, the cover elements 9, 10 can be closed independently of one another without affecting the synchronization mechanism 24a. The slots 33 act as a freewheel for the associated latch 19, 20, in that, during the closing of the respective cover element 9, 10, the associated latch 19, 20 is allowed to retract within the slot 33 against a spring force "F2" applied by a spring element 34, for example, a helical compression spring. The spring force "F2" therefore acts permanently in the closing direction of the respective latch 19, 20 on the latch or its force transmission pin 31. The functionality of this variant of the synchronization mechanism 24a is as follows:

[0028] Assuming that the cover elements 9, 10 are to be opened from a closed position, allowing access to or insight into the storage compartment 8, after actuating the actuation button 22 (directional arrow 25), the synchronization disc 28 is rotated according to the directional arrow 32, in this case counterclockwise, and the latches 19, 20 are pulled out of their locking mechanism 18 (see directional arrows 26, 27). This releases the cover elements 9, 10 and allows them to pivot into their open position due to spring force "F1."

[0029] The actuating button 22 is as shown Fig. 3 is evidently spring-loaded against its actuating direction (spring force “F3”), for example by means of a spring element 35 in the form of a compression spring, so that the actuating button 22 and also the bolts 19, 20 operatively connected to it automatically return to their initial position or closed position after actuation.

[0030] If, for example, one of the cover elements 9, 10 is to be closed again, it is manually pivoted into the closed position, whereby a radius 36 formed on the tumbler 18 of the axis 16, 17, which is designed as an extension, contacts a corresponding radius 37 formed on the locking end 21 of the relevant bolt 19, 20 and pushes this bolt 19, 20 back against the spring force "F2" of the spring element 34 until the locking end 21 blocks the tumbler again as a result of the spring force "F2". Variant 2 (Fig. 4):

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the synchronization mechanism 24b, wherein functionally identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals as in the previous drawing figures, so that for their explanation, reference is also made to the above description of the first embodiment of the invention. For the sake of clarity, the illustration of the tumblers 18 of the axle 16, 17 of the cover elements 9, 10 and the locking ends 21 of the associated bolts 19, 20 has been omitted, since these are preferably shown in accordance with the Fig. 3 shown first embodiment of the invention.

[0032] In contrast to the first embodiment of the invention, the synchronization mechanism 24b has a synchronization disk 28, for example, rotatably mounted on the storage compartment 8, and a drive ring 38 rotatably mounted on the center console 5 or on the storage compartment 8 or on the synchronization disk 28 relative to the same and concentrically enclosing the synchronization disk 28. For rotatable actuation of the synchronization disk 28, the actuation button 22 is operatively connected, on the one hand, via a gear transmission 39 to the drive ring 38 and, on the other hand, directly via a separate first extension 40 and indirectly via a second extension of the drive ring 38 to the synchronization disk 28. The gear transmission 39 has a rack 39a of the actuating button 22, which meshes with a gear 39b or a gear section or a pitch circle of a gear 39b that is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive ring 38.The said first extension 40 is arranged on the rack 39a.

[0033] In accordance with the first embodiment, the synchronization disc 28 has two force transmission pins 31 arranged offset from one another by a certain pitch circle of the synchronization disc 28 and connected to one end of each of a bar 19, 20 in such a way that the bars 19, 20 are moved in opposite directions as a result of a rotational movement of the synchronization disc 28.

[0034] The first and second extensions 40, 41 are each slidably mounted in a recess 42 extending in the circumferential direction of the synchronization disc 28 or, alternatively, in a groove not shown in the drawing. This measure creates a freewheel, so to speak, such that, during the closing of a cover element 9, 10, the synchronization disc 28, together with the connected latches 19, 20, is allowed to retract within the extension area of ​​the recess 42 or groove without the drive ring 38 and the actuation button 22 being additionally included in the movement.

[0035] The synchronization disk 28 and the drive ring 38 are spring-loaded relative to each other (spring force "F4"), assuming a defined initial position relative to each other, in this case by means of a spring element 43 designed as a tension spring. The spring element 43 causes the extensions 40, 41 to rest against an associated stop surface 44 of the recess 42 or groove in a spring-loaded manner. Alternatively, it may also be advantageous, and is accordingly encompassed by the invention, to assign each extension 40, 41 its own spring element, which is supported at one end on the respective extension 40, 41 and at the other end on the synchronization disk 28 (not shown in the drawing). However, the first embodiment advantageously eliminates one spring element.

[0036] The processes 40, 41 engage as in Fig.4, at radially opposite force application points of the synchronization disc 28. This advantageously results in a uniform load on the synchronization disc 28 and an axle 45 supporting the same, which in turn creates a particularly reliable and robust synchronization mechanism 24b.

[0037] Based on the first embodiment of the invention, the force transmission pins 31 are preferably arranged offset by 180° on the synchronization disc 28 and, more preferably, are rotatably mounted on the synchronization disc 28 and / or pivotally connected to the respectively associated latch 19, 20. Furthermore, the actuating button 22 is also spring-loaded (spring force "F3") in the opposite direction to its actuating direction, for example by means of a compression spring 35, so that the actuating button 22 and the latches 19, 20 operatively connected to it automatically return to their initial or closed position after actuation.

[0038] Regarding the functioning of this second embodiment of the invention, it should be noted that it differs from the first embodiment essentially in the manner in which the actuating forces are transmitted to the synchronization disc 28. Thus, according to the first embodiment, a direct transmission is provided by means of a gear transmission 29, whereas according to the second embodiment, a direct transmission of force from the actuating button 22 to the synchronization disc 28 is additionally combined with an indirect transmission of force via said drive ring 38 to the synchronization disc 28.

[0039] By means of the actuating button 22 and the gear transmission 39, the synchronization disc 28 and the drive ring 38 are synchronously rotated in the same direction (see directional arrows 32a, 32b), and the latches 19, 20 are pulled out of their locking mechanism 18 (not shown here) (see directional arrows 26, 27). This releases the cover elements 9, 10 and allows them to pivot into their open position due to spring force "F1." The return of the cover elements 9, 10 occurs in the manner described above against the spring force "F4," whereby the synchronization disc 28 of the synchronization mechanism 24b and the connected latches 19, 20 are set in motion. List of reference symbols 1 passenger compartment 2 vehicles 3 Dashboard 4 Windscreen 5 Center console 6 vehicle seat 7 Vehicle seat 8 storage compartment 9 Cover element 10 cover element 11 Side wall 12 side wall 13 Swivel axis 14 Swivel axis 15 Opening direction (cover element 9, 10) 16 Axis (cover element 9) 17 Axis (cover element 10) 18 Tumbler 19 bars 20 bars 21 Locking end (bolts 19, 20) 22 Actuation button 23 Front wall (storage compartment 8) 24a synchronization mechanism 24b synchronization mechanism 25 Direction arrow (actuator button 22) 26 Direction arrow (bar 19) 27 Direction arrow (bar 20) 28 Synchronization disc 29 Gear transmission 29a Rack 29b Gear 30 Fastening end (bars 19, 20) 31 Power transmission pin 32 Direction arrow (synchronization disc 28) 32a Direction arrow (synchronization disc 28) 32b Direction arrow (drive ring 38) 33 slot 34 spring element 35 Spring element (actuating button 22) 36 radius (tumbler 18) 37 radius (locking end 21) 38 Drive ring 39 gear transmission 39a Rack 39b Gear 40 Extension (actuating button 22) 41 Extension (drive ring 38) 42 recess 43 Spring element 44 Stop surface 45 Axis “F1” spring force “F2” spring force “F3” spring force “F4” spring force

Claims

[1] A center console (5) for a vehicle (2), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a storage compartment (8) open at the top, comprising a first and a second cover element (9, 10) covering or coverable for the storage compartment (8), wherein the cover elements (9, 10) are mounted on oppositely arranged side walls (11, 12) of the storage compartment (8) so as to be pivotable from a closed position to an open position and back about a pivot axis (13, 14) running in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (x-direction) and are subjected to spring force (spring force "F1") in the opening direction (15) thereof, and comprising a locking and unlocking mechanism associated with the cover elements (9, 10) and arranged on the center console (5) and / or on the storage compartment (8), wherein the locking and unlocking mechanism of the cover elements (9, 10) has an actuating button (22),which is operatively connected both to a first latch (19) associated with the first cover element (9) and to a second latch (20) associated with the second cover element (10), wherein the actuating button (22) is operatively connected to the latches (19, 20) via a synchronization mechanism (24a, 24b) arranged on the center console (5) or on the storage compartment (8) in such a way that upon actuation of the actuating button (22), the latches (19, 20) simultaneously emerge from a corresponding locking device (18) of the respective cover element (9, 10) and release it, characterized bythat the synchronization mechanism (24a) has a synchronization disc (28) which is rotatably mounted on the center console (5) or on the storage compartment (8), which, on the one hand, is connected to the actuation button (22) via a gear transmission (29) for the rotatable actuation of the same, and, on the other hand, has two force transmission pins (31) which are arranged offset from one another by a certain pitch circle of the synchronization disc (28) and are each connected to a fastening end (30) of a bar (19, 20) in such a way that the bars (19, 20) are moved in opposite directions as a result of a rotary movement of the synchronization disc (28),or that the synchronization mechanism (24b) has a synchronization disk (28) rotatably mounted on the center console (5) or on the storage compartment (8) and a drive ring (38) rotatably mounted on the center console (5) or on the storage compartment (8) or on the synchronization disk (28) relative to the same and concentrically enclosing the synchronization disk (28), wherein for the rotatable actuation of the synchronization disk (28), the actuation button (22) is operatively connected, on the one hand, via a gear transmission (39) to the drive ring (38) and, on the other hand, directly via a separate first extension (40) and indirectly via a second extension (41) of the drive ring (38) to the synchronization disk (28), and wherein the synchronization disk (28) has two locking elements arranged offset from one another by a specific pitch circle of the synchronization disk (28) and each having a fastening end (30) of a latch (19,20) connected force transmission pins (31), that the bars (19, 20) are moved in opposite directions as a result of a rotational movement of the synchronization disc (28). [2] Center console (5) according to claim 1, characterized by that the power transmission pins (31) are each displaceably mounted in a slot (33) of the synchronization disc (28). [3] Center console (5) according to claim 2, characterized by that the force transmission pins (31) are each displaceably mounted in the respective elongated hole (33) against a spring force “F2”, wherein the respective spring force “F2” is arranged to act in a closing direction of the respective bolt (19, 20). [4] Center console (5) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first and the second extension (40, 41) are each displaceably mounted in a recess (42) or groove extending in the circumferential direction of the synchronization disc (28). [5] Center console (5) according to claim 1 or 4, characterized by that the synchronization disc (28) and the drive ring (38), assuming a defined starting position relative to one another, are spring-loaded relative to one another (spring force “F4”). [6] Center console (5) according to claim 1, characterized by that the power transmission pins (31) are arranged offset by 180° on the synchronization disc (28). [7] Center console (5) according to claim 1 or 6, characterized by that the force transmission pins (31) are rotatably mounted on the synchronization disc (28) and / or are articulated to the associated bolt (19, 20). [8] Vehicle (2), in particular motor vehicle, with a center console (5) according to one of the preceding claims.

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