vehicle seat

Abstract

A vehicle seat (10a, 10b) with a fold-out armrest (14b, 20) which is pivotably mounted on the vehicle seat (10a, 10b) about a pivot axis via at least one bearing and is pivotable between a folded-in position and a folded-out position, wherein the vehicle seat (10a, 10b) is designed as a rear seat bench and the armrest (14b, 20) is arranged at the middle seat and thus forms an armrest (14b, 20) for two seating areas to the left and right of the armrest (14b, 20), wherein a cushion (16) separate from the armrest (14b, 20) is provided, which is detachably attached to the armrest (14b, 20) without tools and without damage, characterized in that the attachment of the cushion (16) to the armrest (14b, 20) allows the cushion (16) to be positioned on a top or a lower side of the armrest (14b, 20) allows.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with a fold-out armrest according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Vehicle seats for motor vehicles are known from the prior art, wherein the vehicle seats include a pivotably mounted armrest. An armrest is a padded part on the upper side against which, for example, an arm or elbow of a vehicle occupant can rest.

[0003] The generic patent DE 10 2004 055 635 A1 discloses a motor vehicle seat in the form of a rear bench seat with a fold-out armrest, in the upper surface of which a recess is formed in which a reversible cushion can be arranged. This cushion has two different surfaces with different functions on opposite sides. The reversible cushion can be locked into the recess by means of locking tabs and corresponding grooves on its end faces, such that either one surface or the other is facing upwards.

[0004] DE 297 09 958 U1 describes an armrest for seats in which a prefabricated sub-body made of foamed plastic material is placed on an armrest base body, which determines the contour, the surface finish and the padding properties of the armrest.

[0005] DE 10 2010 055 596 A1 shows a vehicle seat which has a separately designed cushion with massage function for the neck and shoulder area, which is located in the upper part of a backrest or in the lower part of a headrest.

[0006] DE 10 2008 034 529 A1 discloses a vehicle interior component in the form of an armrest, which has a spring element made of foil material and an additional haptic layer which may consist of a spacer fabric.

[0007] US patent 2013 / 0147245 A1 discloses a padding device with a padding insert that is detachably attached to the top of a vehicle seat armrest, in particular to a console cover of the center console. The padding device has an outer shell with an attached loop that allows the padding device to be slid onto the armrest or console cover.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to further develop a generic vehicle seat in such a way as to create the possibility of a particularly comfortable and individually adaptable use of the vehicle seat by a vehicle occupant.

[0009] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed by the features of the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0010] The invention is based on the understanding that a cushion attached to the armrest offers a vehicle occupant a wealth of individual usage options and therefore significantly contributes to increased user comfort in the vehicle. The invention is further based on the understanding that the cushion offers greater user comfort when it is detachably attached to the vehicle seat. This offers the advantage, firstly, that the cushion has a predetermined, designated place in the vehicle and is therefore easy to locate. Secondly, it offers the advantage that the cushion can be stored in a space-saving manner and used individually.

[0011] The vehicle seat according to the invention comprises a fold-out armrest which is pivotably mounted on the vehicle seat about a pivot axis via at least one bearing. The pivotable bearing allows the armrest to pivot between a folded-in position and an extended position. In the folded-in position, one longitudinal side of the armrest can, for example, be flush with the seat back of the vehicle seat. In the extended position, the longitudinal side of the armrest can then form a predetermined angle with the seat back, wherein the predetermined angle is greater than zero degrees. The armrest can also be pivotable into several extended positions, each forming different predetermined angles with the seat back. The vehicle seat is designed as a rear bench seat, and the armrest is arranged at the center seat, thus forming an armrest for two seating areas to the left and right of the armrest.According to the invention, the vehicle seat further comprises a cushion which is designed separately from the armrest. The cushion is attached to the armrest in a way that is detachable without tools or damage. In other words, the cushion can be moved from a state attached to the armrest to a state detached from the armrest. This requires no tools, removal devices, or other objects not belonging to the cushion and / or the armrest. The cushion can thus be attached to and removed from the armrest. A thin layer of padding, typically forming part of the armrest, is provided on its upper surface, upon which the separate cushion can rest. According to the invention, the attachment of the cushion to the armrest allows the cushion to be positioned on either the upper or lower surface of the armrest.In the extended position of the armrest, the top side is the side that faces the vehicle ceiling when the seat is installed. The top side is suitable, for example, for supporting a passenger's arm. The bottom side is the opposite side of the armrest. In the extended position, the bottom side faces the vehicle floor. At least one fastening mechanism allows the cushion to be attached to the top and / or bottom of the armrest. For example, an elastic band surrounding the armrest can be rotated around the armrest along with the cushion. This advantageously provides further positioning options for the cushion on the armrest, offering the vehicle passenger additional comfortable uses.

[0012] By attaching the cushion to the armrest, it provides additional padding without slipping out of its secured position. Furthermore, the armrest offers a secure storage location for the cushion. The cushion's detachable feature allows for additional uses, enabling the vehicle occupant to position the cushion freely within the vehicle according to their preferences. Overall, the vehicle seat according to the invention offers a multitude of advantageous comfort options. Additionally, cushions of varying heights can be used.

[0013] The invention also includes further developments of the vehicle seat according to the invention, the features of which provide additional advantages.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat according to the invention provides that the cushion is attached to the armrest by at least one fastening means on its back side. The back side refers to the side of the cushion that faces the armrest.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one fastening means is designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit closure and / or as a releasable closure. The armrest and / or the cushion can individually or together comprise the at least one fastening means. In particular, the at least one fastening means preferably comprises an elastic band surrounding the armrest and / or at least a hook-and-loop fastener and / or at least a magnetic closure and / or at least a button closure. However, the at least one fastening means can also comprise a combination of the aforementioned closures.

[0016] Preferably, the armrest is provided with fastening means for attaching the cushion to the top and fastening means for attaching the cushion to the underside. The armrest thus has at least one fastening means on both the top and the underside. Advantageously, the cushion can be attached either to the top or the underside.

[0017] A further advantageous improvement provides for the cushion to be filled with a fibrous material, such as cotton wool. Alternatively or additionally, the improvement provides for the cushion to be filled with a viscoelastic material, particularly a foam material. The cushion thus advantageously exhibits greater flexibility than the armrest itself, thereby ensuring a high level of user comfort.

[0018] A further advantageous development involves incorporating a spacer fabric into the pillow. In other words, the pillow has an internal structure that includes spacer-maintaining connecting threads, thus giving the pillow a third dimension. The spacer fabric gives the pillow elastic properties. Another advantage of the spacer fabric is its high moisture conductivity, which makes the pillow particularly breathable and thermoregulating.

[0019] A further advantageous improvement provides that the length and / or width of the cushion corresponds to the length or width of the top surface of the fold-out armrest. This allows the cushion's surface to be positioned flush with the top surface of the armrest. When the armrest is folded, the cushion can thus be completely concealed by it.

[0020] The respective vehicle seats can also each have two armrests, with one armrest being shared by two vehicle seats.

[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment in which the vehicle seat is designed as a rear seat of a motor vehicle, wherein the rear seat comprises a fold-out armrest and a cushion; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the vehicle seat according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic rear view of the cushion with an elastic band for attaching it to the armrest of the vehicle seat according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic rear view of the cushion with a Velcro fastener for attaching it to the armrest of the vehicle seat according to the invention; and Fig. 5 a schematic rear view of the cushion with a button closure for attaching it to the armrest of the vehicle seat according to the invention.

[0022] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a vehicle seat 10a according to an optional embodiment in a perspective view. The vehicle seat 10a is designed as a rear bench seat of a motor vehicle. The rear bench seat comprises three seats arranged side by side: a right seat 12a, a middle seat 12b, and a left seat 12c. Seats 12a, 12b, and 12c each have a backrest 14a, 14b, and 14c, respectively.

[0023] The backrest 14b of the middle seat 12b, or a part thereof, also serves as an armrest. For this purpose, the backrest 14b of the middle seat 12b is pivotally mounted on the rear seat bench about a pivot axis A via a bearing (not shown). Thus, the backrest 14b of the middle seat 12b can be moved from a folded-down position, in which the backrest 14b is parallel to the backrests 14a, 14c of the other two seats 12a, 12c, to a folded-out position.

[0024] In the unfolded position, the backrest 14b forms a predetermined angle with the other two backrests 14a and 14c. For example, the predetermined angle is a right angle. In the unfolded position, the backrest 14b, or a foldable part of the backrest, thus functions as an armrest.

[0025] The armrest formed by the backrest 14b in its folded-out position can be used by a vehicle occupant, for example, sitting on seat 12a or 12c, to support their arm or elbow. A cushion 16, which can be detached without tools or damage, is attached to the armrest or backrest 14b.

[0026] Pillow 16 can have a filling made of a fibrous material and / or a viscoelastic material. Optionally, pillow 16 can include a spacer fabric.

[0027] As seen here in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cushion 16 extends over the entire length and width of the backrest 14b. However, the cushion 16 can also have smaller dimensions than the backrest 14b.

[0028] The cushion 16 is attached to the armrest by means of at least one fastening element 18. The fastening is designed such that the cushion 16 can be detached or removed from the backrest 14b without the use of tools and without damage.

[0029] In this example, the fastening element 18 is designed as a loop or an elastic band that encircles the backrest 14b. In other words, the fastening element 18 can completely encircle the backrest 14b. The cushion 16 can thus be used or rotated around the circumference of the backrest 14b. The cushion 16 can therefore be positioned on the top or bottom of the backrest 14b using the fastening element 18. Furthermore, the cushion 16 can be completely detached from the backrest 14b and positioned freely in space.

[0030] The cushion 16 or the armrest may also have additional or alternative fastening means 18.

[0031] Examples of such fasteners 18 are in Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows 16 different fastening devices 18a, 18b and 18c in a schematic rear view of the cushion. The cushion 16 can be used as a fastening device 18, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 1 shows an elastic band 18a surrounding the backrest 14b. Alternatively or additionally, the cushion 16 can have a hook and loop fastener 18b on the back of the cushion, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 2 shown. However, combinations of several different fastening means 18 are also conceivable. The rubber band 18a, for example, can additionally have the hook and loop fastener 18b.

[0032] The Velcro fastener 18b can also be composed of two Velcro straps, with one Velcro strap permanently attached to the arm support and the other to the cushion 16.

[0033] In combination, the elastic band can consist of two parts that are joined together with a Velcro fastener to form a ring.

[0034] As a further fastening means 18, the cushion 16 can have a button closure 18c on the back of the cushion 16 for fastening to the armrest, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows the button closure 18c, for example, which may include snap fasteners.

[0035] Furthermore, the fastening element 18 can have a magnetic closure. The button and / or magnetic closure can also be formed by the cushion 16 and the armrest together.

[0036] In total, the cushion 16 and / or the backrest 14b can have one fastening device 18 or a combination of several fastening devices 18.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle seat 10b. The vehicle seat 10b is designed for a rear seat of a motor vehicle. The vehicle seat 10b has a seat or seat surface 12d and a backrest 14d. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 10b has an armrest or arm support 20. The arm support 20 is pivotally mounted on the backrest 14d of the vehicle seat 10b via a bearing about a pivot axis. The arm support 20 can thus be folded in and / or out by means of the pivoting movement. In the folded-in position, one longitudinal direction of the arm support 20 is, for example, parallel to the backrest 14d. In the unfolded position, the longitudinal direction of the arm support 20 then forms a predetermined angle with the backrest 14d.

[0038] The cushion 16 is attached to the armrest 20 of the vehicle seat 10b in a way that can be removed without tools or damage. Here in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cushion 16 has a length and a width that correspond to the length and width of the armrest 20, respectively. However, the cushion 16 can also have smaller dimensions than the armrest 20.

[0039] To attach the cushion 16 to the armrest 20, the cushion 16 and / or the armrest 20 can have at least one of the fastening means 18, 18a, 18b and 18c already described. For example, the cushion 16 has an elastic band 18a that encompasses the armrest 20. The elastic band 18a allows the cushion 16 to be rotated or turned around the armrest 20, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this with the arrows. The force-fit and / or form-fit and / or releasable fastener, which attaches the cushion 16 to the armrest 20, allows the cushion 16 to be firmly positioned on the armrest 20 as well as being freely positionable in space.

[0040] Overall, the exemplary embodiments show how a vehicle seat with a fold-out armrest and a cushion that can be detached without tools and without damage creates a particularly high level of user comfort for a vehicle occupant.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) with a fold-out armrest (14b, 20) which is mounted on the vehicle seat (10a, 10b) via at least one bearing so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and which is pivotable between a folded-in position and a folded-out position, wherein the vehicle seat (10a, 10b) is designed as a rear seat bench and the armrest (14b, 20) is arranged at the middle seat and thus forms an armrest (14b, 20) for two seating areas to the left and right of the armrest (14b, 20), wherein a cushion (16) separate from the armrest (14b, 20) is provided which is attached to the armrest (14b, 20) in a way that is detachable without tools and without damage, characterized by , that the attachment of the cushion (16) to the armrest (14b, 20) allows the cushion (16) to be positioned on a top or a bottom of the armrest (14b, 20). [2] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the cushion (16) is attached to the armrest (14b, 20) at its rear by at least one fastening means (18). [3] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to claim 2, characterized by , that at least one fastening means (18) is designed as a force-fit and / or form-fit closure and / or as a releasable closure. [4] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the at least one fastening means (18) comprises at least an elastic band (18a) surrounding the arm support (14b, 20) and / or at least a Velcro fastener (18b) and / or at least a magnetic fastener and / or at least a button fastener (18c). [5] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that fastening means (18) are provided for attaching the cushion (16) to the top and fastening means (18) for attaching the cushion (16) to the bottom. [6] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pillow (16) has a filling made of a fibrous material, in particular wadding, and / or of a viscoelastic material, in particular a foam material. [7] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pillow (16) includes a spacer fabric. [8] Vehicle seat (10a, 10b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one length and / or width of the cushion (16) corresponds to one length or width of the top of the fold-out armrest (14b, 20).

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