Center console

Abstract

A center console comprising a receiving area (12) for receiving objects, which is delimited by a receiving area wall (13) and a pivotable cover element (22), wherein the pivotable cover element (22) is pivotable between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis (24), and a shape memory actuator (30) having a shape memory element (34) and being operatively connected to the pivotable cover element (22), wherein the pivotable cover element (22) is movable between the open position and the closed position by the shape memory actuator (30), wherein the shape memory element (30) is fastened at a first axial end to a rigidly arranged support (48) and at a second axial end to a drive element (38) pivotable about a pivot axis (39) and operatively connected to the pivotable cover element (22),wherein the at least one shape memory element (34) is attached to the drive element (38) at a radial distance from the pivot axis (39) of the drive element (38).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a center console, with a receiving area for receiving objects, which is delimited by a receiving area wall and a pivotable cover element, wherein the pivotable cover element can be pivoted about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position, and a shape memory actuator which has a shape memory element and is operatively connected to the pivotable cover element, wherein the pivotable cover element can be moved between the open position and the closed position by the shape memory actuator.

[0002] Motor vehicles typically have a center console, which extends approximately at knee height between the two footwells of the front seats and forms part of a dashboard. A gearshift lever and various control and display elements for operating an air conditioning system, a car radio, or a navigation device, for example, are located on the center console. Furthermore, the center console typically includes at least one storage area, such as a storage compartment or a cup holder, which is defined by a storage area wall consisting of a floor and four side walls.Furthermore, the receiving area can be closed by a cover element, wherein the cover element is pivotally mounted so that objects can be placed in the receiving area when the cover element is in an open position and are then invisibly stowed in the receiving area when the cover element is subsequently moved into a closed position. Such a center console is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2009 041 521 A1.

[0003] Such cover elements can be adjusted between their positions manually or by an actuator. Typically, an electromechanical actuator is used for this purpose, which moves the cover element between the open and closed positions. Such an electromechanical actuator requires a large installation space and is relatively heavy. Furthermore, the cover element can be moved between the open and closed positions using a shape memory actuator. Such a shape memory actuator is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2019 115 561 B3, wherein a drive shaft rigidly connected to a center armrest interacts with a control ring via a thread. The control ring can be translationally displaced via two shape memory wires, allowing the center armrest to be adjusted between two positions.Furthermore, DE 10 2012 000 913 A1 discloses a closure device which has a hook-shaped functional element and several shape memory wires.

[0004] A shape memory actuator is further disclosed in DE 10 2009 041 521 A1, wherein a translationally displaceable armrest provided on the cover element can be moved between its different positions by such a shape memory actuator. The shape memory actuator has a shape memory element that is operatively connected to the armrest via a multi-stage gear system with several gear-to-gear pairs and gear-to-rack pairs. The gear system is essential to convert the relatively small changes in the length of the shape memory element into a large adjustment movement required to adjust the armrest, compared to the change in length of the shape memory element.

[0005] The disadvantage of the shape memory actuator disclosed in DE 10 2009 041 521 A1 is that it requires a large installation space and is heavy due to the mandatory and complex gearing with multiple gear ratios. Furthermore, such a shape memory actuator has high manufacturing costs due to the large number of components and the multitude of gears.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a center console with a shape memory actuator for adjusting a cover element, wherein the shape memory actuator is designed to be cost-effective and space-saving and has a low weight.

[0007] This object is achieved by a center console having the features of independent claim 1.

[0008] Because the shape memory element is fastened with a first axial end to a rigidly arranged support and is fastened with a second axial end to a drive element that can pivot about a pivot axis and is operatively connected to the pivotable cover element, wherein the shape memory element is fastened to the drive element at a radial distance from the pivot axis of the drive element, a center console is provided with a space-saving and cost-effective shape memory actuator for adjusting the cover element.

[0009] By applying current to the shape memory element and the resulting shortening of the shape memory element, the cover element is moved between the open and closed positions. The shape memory element is attached to the drive element at a distance from the pivot axis of the drive element and thus eccentrically, converting a relatively small change in length of the shape memory element into a large rotational movement of the drive element compared to the change in length of the shape memory element. The relationship between the change in length of the shape memory element and the rotation of the drive element depends on the radial distance between the pivot axis of the drive element and the attachment point of the shape memory element on the drive element. As the radial distance decreases, the rotation of the drive element increases with a constant change in length.

[0010] With such a design of the shape memory actuator, an actuator for adjusting the cover element is created which can be manufactured in a space-saving and cost-effective manner, whereby the eccentric fastening of the shape memory element to the drive element makes it possible to save separate components for converting the relatively small change in length of the shape memory element into a relatively large rotation of the drive element.

[0011] Preferably, the drive element is connected via a gear stage to an output element that is rotationally fixed to the cover element. This allows the opening angle of the cover element to be increased in a simple manner.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, a spring element is provided which biases the lid element into its closed position, wherein the shape memory element, when energized, biases the lid element into its open position. When the shape memory element is de-energized, the lid element is arranged in its closed position. When the shape memory element is de-energized, the shape memory element shortens, and the lid element is pivoted into its open position, counter to the spring force of the spring element. When the shape memory element is subsequently de-energized, the lid element moves back into its closed position due to the spring force of the spring element, wherein the shape memory element is stretched back to its original length. This provides a simple and cost-effective way of closing and opening the lid element.

[0013] Preferably, a second shape memory element is provided, which is fastened to the carrier with a first axial end and to the drive element with a second axial end, wherein the shape memory element is connected to the drive element with its first axial end radially spaced from the pivot axis of the drive element and opposite to the first shape memory element. In a preferred embodiment, the second shape memory element, when energized, loads the cover element into its closed position, and the first shape memory element, when energized, loads the cover element into its open position. As a result, the cover element can be adjusted into both positions as required by the shape memory actuator, wherein the cover element remains in its open position and in its closed position without either of the two shape memory elements having to be energized.

[0014] Preferably, the second shape memory element is energized in the closed position, the first shape memory element is energized in the open position, and both shape memory elements are energized in an intermediate position. This allows the lid element to be additionally adjusted to an intermediate position.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a control unit is provided that controls and monitors the power supply to the shape memory element. This allows the lid element to be reliably adjusted between the closed and open positions.

[0016] Preferably, the control unit is designed such that a change in the electrical resistance of the shape memory element due to a change in the length of the shape memory element can be detected, and the position of the cover element can be determined from this. This allows the position of the cover element to be monitored and detected without the need for additional sensors.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the pivotable cover element is a center armrest.

[0018] This creates a center console with a space-saving and cost-effective shape memory actuator for adjusting a cover element.

[0019] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a section of a center console in a perspective view, and Fig. 2 shows a shape memory actuator according to the invention in a perspective view.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a center console 10 of a motor vehicle. The center console 10 is usually arranged in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the two footwells of the front seats and extends from the vehicle floor to the knee height of a vehicle occupant. Different, in the Fig. 1, display and control elements for a navigation system or for an air conditioning device are arranged. Furthermore, the center console 10 comprises at least one receiving area 12. The receiving area 12 serves, for example, as a storage compartment for objects, as an ashtray, or as a cup holder, with the receiving area 12 typically being open or closable.

[0021] The receiving area 12 is delimited by a receiving area wall 13, which has two longitudinal side walls 14, 18, two transverse side walls 16, 20, and a floor 21. On the side facing the passenger compartment, the receiving area wall 13 has no wall, so that objects can be fed into the receiving area 12 and deposited therein via the side facing the passenger compartment.

[0022] A cover element 22 is provided on the side of the receiving area wall 13 facing the passenger compartment. The cover element 22 is pivotally mounted at one longitudinal end, wherein the cover element 22 can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position about a pivot axis 24. For pivotally mounting the cover element 22, a hinge 26, 28 is provided at each of the two ends of the cover element 22 extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0023] The pivoting movement of the cover element 22 between the closed and open positions is effected by actuating a shape memory actuator 30 according to the invention, wherein the shape memory actuator 30 is operatively connected to the hinge 28.

[0024] The Fig. 2 shows the shape memory actuator 30. The shape memory actuator 30 comprises a rigidly arranged support 48. A drive element 38 is arranged on the support 48 and is mounted on the support 48 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 39. The drive element 38 is connected to an output element 52 via a toothing 50, whereby a pivoting movement of the drive element 38 causes a resulting pivoting movement of the output element 52. The output element 52 is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the hinge 28 and thus to the cover element 22, for example, via a positive connection.

[0025] Furthermore, a first power connection 32 and a second power connection 33 are provided on the carrier 48. The first power connection 32 is electrically connected via a first connecting element 44 to a first axial end of a wire-like, first shape memory element 34, which is fixedly arranged on the carrier 48. The first shape memory element 34 is fixedly connected to a second axial end of the drive element 38 via a screw 42.

[0026] The second power connection 33 is electrically connected via a second connecting element 46 to a first axial end of a wire-like, second shape memory element 36, which is fixedly arranged on the carrier 48. The second shape memory element 36 is fixedly connected to the drive element 38 at a second axial end via a screw 40.

[0027] Both shape memory elements 34, 36 are fastened to the drive element 38 eccentrically, ie spaced a1 or a2 from the pivot axis 39, wherein the fastening points of the shape memory elements 34, 36 on the drive element 38 are spaced from the pivot axis 39 in mutually opposite directions.

[0028] During operation of the shape memory actuator 30, the first shape memory element 34 is energized via the first power connection 32 to adjust the cover element 22 from the closed position to the open position. The electrical current flowing through the first shape memory element 34 causes the first shape memory element 34 to heat up. Once the first shape memory element 34 reaches a predefined heating level, it contracts to a predefined length. By contracting the first shape memory element 34 and the eccentric fastening of the first shape memory element 34 to the drive element 38, the drive element 38 and the output element 52, which is connected to the drive element 38 via the toothing and to the hinge 28, rotate. In order to adjust the cover element 22 from the open position to the closed position, the second shape memory element 36 is energized via the second electrical connection 33.The second shape memory element 36 heats up due to the current flow and shortens to a predefined length. This twists the drive element 38 and thus the output element 52, and stretches the first shape memory element 34 to its original length. Additionally, the cover element 22 can be adjusted to an intermediate position, with both shape memory elements 34, 36 energized in the intermediate position.

[0029] The power supply of the first shape memory element 34 and the second shape memory element 36 is controlled by a control unit 35. Furthermore, the position of the cover element 22 can be determined via the control unit 35 by evaluating the electrical resistance, which depends on the length of the shape memory element 34, 36.

[0030] Other structural embodiments than those described are also possible, which fall within the scope of protection of the main claim.

Claims

[1] Center console, with a receiving area (12) for receiving objects, which is delimited by a receiving area wall (13) and a pivotable cover element (22), wherein the pivotable cover element (22) is pivotable between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis (24), and a shape memory actuator (30) which has a shape memory element (34) and is operatively connected to the pivotable cover element (22), wherein the pivotable cover element (22) is movable between the open position and the closed position by the shape memory actuator (30), characterized bythat the shape memory element (34) is fastened with a first axial end to a rigidly arranged support (48) and is fastened with a second axial end to a drive element (38) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (39) and operatively connected to the pivotable cover element (22), wherein the shape memory element (34) is fastened to the drive element (38) at a radial distance from the pivot axis (39) of the drive element (38). [2] Center console according to claim 1, characterized by that the drive element (38) is connected via a gear stage (50) to an output element (52) which is connected to the cover element (22) in a rotationally fixed manner. [3] Center console according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a spring element is provided which loads the cover element (22) into its closed position, wherein the shape memory element (34) loads the cover element (22) into its open position when energized. [4] Center console according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that a second shape memory element (36) is provided, which is fastened with a first axial end to the carrier (48) and with a second axial end to the drive element (38), wherein the second shape memory element (36) is connected with its second axial end to the drive element (38) radially spaced from the pivot axis (39) of the drive element (38) and opposite to the first shape memory element (34). [5] Center console according to claim 4, characterized by that the second shape memory element (36) in the energized state loads the cover element (22) into its closed position and the first shape memory element (34) in the energized state loads the cover element (22) into its open position. [6] Center console according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the second shape memory element (36) is energized in the closed position, the first shape memory element (34) is energized in the open position and both shape memory elements (34, 36) are energized in an intermediate position. [7] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a control unit (35) is provided which controls the power supply to the shape memory element (34, 36). [8] Center console according to claim 7, characterized by that the control unit (35) is designed such that a change in the electrical resistance of the shape memory element (34, 36) due to a change in the length of the shape memory element (34, 36) can be detected and the position of the cover element (22) can be determined therefrom. [9] Center console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pivotable cover element (22) is a center armrest.

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