Armrest for a vehicle seat

Abstract

Armrest (10) for a vehicle seat (12) of a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (14) and an armrest (20) arranged on the base body (14) with a support surface (16) which is adjustable between a state of use (G), in which at least one inflatable air element (18) arranged on the base body (14) is inflated to form the support surface (16), and a state of non-use (N), in which the at least one inflatable air element (18) is at least partially deflated, characterized in that a length (L) of the support surface (16) can be extended from the state of non-use (N) to the state of use (G) by inflating the at least one inflatable air element (18), wherein the air element (18) forms the armrest (20) and in the state of use (G) is designed to be unfolded forward from a side bolster of the backrest (28) in the direction of seating.

Description

The invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. High-end luxury vehicles typically feature comfort seats that allow for a relaxed seating position with legs elevated. Various other seating positions are also possible, but in reclined or lying positions, space constraints can arise, particularly between a center console and an armrest or arm support. This lack of space can negatively impact passenger comfort. Fixed, mechanical armrests can also cause injury to the occupant in the event of an accident. However, for comfort reasons, armrests are a particularly desirable feature of a comfort seat. Fixed or mechanically adjustable armrests, attached to the sides of the backrest of the comfort seat, are a common feature. They can be folded upwards and / or downwards, for example. When in use, they allow the occupant to comfortably rest and support their arms on either side. Alternatively, the armrest function can also be implemented via the center console or a door panel. However, a disadvantage is that, in combination with a variable, longitudinally adjustable, and / or tiltable comfort seat, the armrest may collide with the center console in certain seating positions. From DE 10 2013 015 852 A1, an armrest with an arm pad is known which has a cushion layer with a pneumatic bladder to adjust the firmness of the arm pad. By increasing the internal pressure, the surface area of ​​the arm pad that can be used as a tabletop can also be enlarged. German patent application DE 10 2007 026 380 A1 discloses a motor vehicle interior fitting with an armrest, which has a base body supported within the motor vehicle and includes an armrest surface. At least one inflatable and / or ventilated cushion is provided on the base body to form the armrest surface. Furthermore, DE 10 2013 015 853 A1 shows a center armrest in which, in order to realize a tabletop function, an armrest part is mechanically moved from a storage position in order to extend the armrest. DE 10 2013 224 197 A1 relates to a vehicle seat in which an airbag is arranged in the front area of ​​a seat cushion in order to extend the length of the seat cushion and to implement an ottoman function. The object of the invention is to create an armrest for a vehicle seat that provides a comfortable, length-adjustable support surface when needed, but integrates itself into the seat structure in a particularly space-saving and unobtrusive manner when not in use, in order to avoid installation space conflicts. This object is achieved according to the invention by an armrest with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims. One aspect of the invention relates to an armrest that is adjustable between a state of use, in which at least one inflatable air element arranged on the base body is inflated to form the armrest with an armrest surface, and a state of non-use, in which the at least one inflatable air element is at least partially deflated. To further develop the armrest in such a way that it is integrated in a particularly space-saving manner in the state of non-use, the invention provides that the length of the support surface can be extended from the state of non-use to the state of use by inflating the at least one inflatable air element, and that the air element forms the armrest and, in the state of use, is designed to be unfolded forward from a side panel of the backrest in the direction of seating.This means that when not in use, the base unit is stored within the seat bolster, and the air element is housed within the base unit. When in use, the air element is inflated and unfolds forward in the direction of seating, thus providing the armrest and support surface for the user's arm. A particular advantage of this design is the exceptionally space-saving and unobtrusive storage of the entire armrest within the side bolster when not in use. A vehicle seat, or more specifically a comfort seat, can have two such armrests. One of the two armrests can also be located, for example, on the inside of a vehicle door facing the occupant or on a center console in the vehicle's interior. In particular, the armrests extend forward in the direction of travel, providing the occupant with sufficient space to rest their arms. The armrest comprises a base and a support surface for the user's arm, located within the base. The base is, for example, a plastic housing, which is permanently installed inside the vehicle seat, such as inside the backrest, especially in one of its side bolsters. An armrest is attached to the base, which can be folded down, for example, around the axis of a hinge between the base and the armrest. The armrest is adjustable between a state of use, in which at least one inflatable air element, arranged on the base body, is inflated to form the armrest with a support surface, and a state of non-use, in which the at least one inflatable air element is at least partially deflated. In other words, during the state of use, the armrest, through the arm support and the resulting support surface, allows the occupant to rest their arm. For this purpose, the air element is inflated, in particular by means of a mass of air, especially compressed air, although a fluid can also be used. The air mass expands the volume of the air element to such an extent that the volume of the air element provides a support surface with sufficient space for resting the arm. The volume of the air element can be limited, for example, by the amount of air, the elasticity of an outer skin of the air element, and / or by a covering of the air element, or by other means. The inflation process can be controlled, for example, by means of a pump that is at least partially electronically operated. When not in use, the volume of the air element is minimized, or the inflatable air element is at least partially deflated, or the air is released from within the air element, so that, relative to an inflated state, the armrest occupies as little space as possible. This means that the armrest, and thus the armrest surface, is reduced to a minimum, allowing only partial arm support. As a result, the armrest is no longer bothersome to the occupant.This is particularly advantageous in the event of an accident, for example, as the armrest is therefore not, or only slightly, an obstacle when getting out of the vehicle. To further develop the armrest in such a way that the inflatable arm support is both available and extendable, the invention provides that the length of the support surface can be extended from the unused state to the used state by inflating the at least one inflatable air element. This means that by inflating the inflatable air element, it is further extended in its own longitudinal direction, thus enlarging the arm support and consequently the support surface. In the used state, the occupant can ergonomically rest their arm on the support surface and thus use the armrest as a support. Here, the air element represents the comfort element that comes into contact with the occupant, and the arm support is a support structure designed to absorb the forces exerted when the arm is placed on it.The armrest is permanently attached to the base. When the armrest is no longer needed, it can be moved into its deflated state, in which the inflatable air element is deflated to minimize its volume and free up the space it previously occupied. To extend the length of the armrest, the cover can be designed to be particularly taut along the outer edge of the air element. Inflating the air element increases its length, with the cover exerting a counterforce. The cover's tubular design can be configured so that, where ergonomic support for the arm is desired, the tautness is relaxed, creating desired curves.It is also possible to attach additional foam-shaped cushions to the cover, which allows for a particularly high degree of conformity between the curvature and the cushion. The air element can form the armrest and, when in use, can be deployed forward from a side panel of the backrest in the direction of seating. The main body is permanently installed in the side panel, with an opening in the main body and a corresponding opening in the side panel allowing the air element to unfold. This means that when not in use, the main body is stored within the seat panel and the air element is stored within the main body, which acts as a housing. When in use, and thus when adjusted to the functional position, the air element is inflated and unfolded forward in the direction of seating, specifically first unrolled and then inflated, so that the armrest and the support surface for the user's arm are provided by the inflated air element.According to the invention, the support surface has no fixed support structure, and thus the strength of the support surface and the inflatable air element is provided solely by the internal pressure of the inflatable air element. This is particularly advantageous because the air element can be folded to save space and stored within the base body when not in use, allowing the entire armrest to be stored within the side panel. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a base body with a hinged armrest to which at least one inflatable air element is attached. Analogous to conventional armrests, the hinged armrest is rotatable or foldable forward by means of a joint, thus providing a simple support structure. In use, the inflatable air element is inflated such that the support structure formed by the hinged armrest, together with the inflatable air element, provides an ergonomic function for the armrest. For example, the armrest is first hinged and the air element is then inflated, the air element being expandable only in its longitudinal direction and upwards in its longitudinal direction.Therefore, a cover is only necessary for predefined expansion areas, with the armrest limiting downward expansion in an elongated direction. In particular, it is possible to position the fold-out armrest within the seat bolster, so that when not in use, the armrest is stowed away and thus invisible. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body has an extendable armrest on which at least one inflatable air element is arranged. This means that, in the non-use state, the armrest is stored within the base body, which is arranged in the seat bolster and designed as a housing. When the armrest is moved into the use state, it is extended forward, for example by means of an actuator, and thus forms the support structure. This support structure, together with the inflatable air element, provides the ergonomic armrest.Alternatively, the armrest can initially be rotated or folded forward via a joint, and then a first section of the armrest can be extended, for example, by means of a telescopic pole that can be operated at least partially automatically, so that the first section and a second, rotatable section of the armrest attached to the joint lengthen and / or shorten the overall length of the armrest. The air element is attached to both sections, for example, and can be inflated so that the support surface extends between the sections. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention has proven to be one in which the armrest is at least partially covered with an elastic material. This design provides a support surface that is both ergonomic and elastic, while the covering partially limits the volume change of the inflatable air element. For this purpose, the expansion of the air element is limited, for example, by a combination of elasticity and firmness in the covering. The surface area of ​​the covering can be varied to provide the desired ergonomics. In addition, it is also possible to incorporate a damping material and / or cushion-shaped areas alongside the elastic material, thereby further enhancing the ergonomics of the armrest. Finally, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the base body has a releaseable joint for an additional rotatable armrest. The armrest is rotatably mounted to the base body by means of the joint, which can be released in the event of an accident. In other words, the armrest can be rotated around a fixed locking angle and then releasably locked. Thus, the joint is locked at the locking angle during normal use, but can be released, for example, by a mechanism and / or by pressing a button, allowing the armrest to rotate further in any direction. This means, for example, that in an emergency evacuation after an accident, the space occupied by the armrest can be instantly cleared. In other words, the armrest, which is integrated into the backrest of the comfort seat and can be unfolded and inflated as needed, consists of a support structure and an inflatable air element. The relatively simple mechanical support structure ensures the stability and firmness of the armrest surface, while the shape and comfort are achieved through the inflatable air element or structure. This is then covered with an elastic fabric. For example, compressed air, which is already present in the comfort seat, is blown or introduced into the armrest. The armrest inflates and forms a soft yet stable support for the occupant's forearm. The occupant can adjust the pressure of the compressed air to their personal needs using an actuator, such as a button, a switch, or at least partially electrically.In the event of an accident, the armrest can be evacuated and folded down by releasing a locking mechanism. A particularly advantageous feature is the minimal space required in the seat backrest, preventing collisions with components such as the center console. Furthermore, the comfort and softness of the inflatable, integrated armrest are individually adjustable. Climate control is also possible by filling the armrest with, for example, heated or cooled air. In the event of an accident, the armrest can be evacuated or folded away in seconds, ensuring it does not interfere with the deployment of side airbags, such as those used in the pyrotechnic uprighting of the seat from a reclined position to a safe crash position.Finally, there are cost and weight advantages compared to a mechanical armrest with conventional kinematics, and it is also possible to accommodate the shape of the arm through the inflatable air element, thus increasing ergonomics. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an armrest according to the invention for a vehicle seat of a motor vehicle; Figure 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of the armrest according to the invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a further embodiment of the armrest according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a first perspective view of a further embodiment of a foldable armrest according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a second perspective view of a further embodiment of a folding armrest according to the invention; and Figure 6 shows a third perspective view of a further embodiment of the extendable armrest according to the invention. In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of an armrest 10 for a vehicle seat 12 of a motor vehicle. The armrest 10 has a base body 14 and a support surface 16 arranged on the base body 14, which is adjustable between a usage state G, in which at least one inflatable air element 18 arranged on the base body 14 is inflated to form the support surface 16, and a non-usage state N, in which the at least one inflatable air element 18 is at least partially, and preferably at least approximately completely, deflated. The armrest 10 shown in Fig. 1 is in the operating state G, in which a length L of the support surface 16 is extended by inflating the at least one inflatable air element 18. The base body 14 has a hinged armrest 20 on which the at least one inflatable air element 18 is arranged, the inflatable air element 18 being expanded in the operating state by the introduction of compressed air. Of course, another fluid could also be introduced into the air element 18. Here, the armrest 20 serves as a support structure and is attached to the base body 14 by means of a releasable joint 22, allowing for at least partial rotation. Fig. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of the armrest 10 according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1. This is arranged in particular on a side bolster of the backrest 28 of the vehicle seat 12, wherein an elongated extension direction y of the armrest 10 is directed in particular axially to the seating direction. Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of a further embodiment of the armrest 10 according to the invention, in which both the arm support 20 and the inflatable air element 18 are shown in particular. The inflatable air element 18 has a line 24 through which compressed air can be introduced into the inflatable air element 18. The compressed air is blown into the interior 26 of the air element 18 by means of the line 24, so that the volume of the air element 18 increases and thus the armrest 10 is brought into the operating state G. The line 24 is also designed to release the compressed air from the interior 26, making the inflatable air element 18 deflateable. The inflatable air element 18 can only be extended in the longitudinal direction y and upwards in the longitudinal direction, since the armrest 20 limits the extension downwards in relation to the longitudinal direction. Fig. 4 shows a first perspective view of a further embodiment of a foldable armrest 10 according to the invention. The inflatable air element 18 forms the armrest 20 and, in the use state G, is designed to unfold forward from a side panel of the backrest 28 in the seating direction. The base body 14 is fixedly installed in the side panel, with an opening in the base body 14 and a corresponding opening in the side panel enabling the unfolding of the inflatable air element 18. In the non-use state N, the base body 14 is stored within the seat panel and the inflatable air element 18 is stored within the base body 14, which is designed as a housing.By inflating the inflatable air element 18, the inflatable air element 18 unfolds forward in the direction of seating, in particular first unrolling it and then inflating it, so that the armrest 20 and the support surface 16 for the user's arm are provided by the inflated air element 18. It is intended that the support surface 16 has no rigid support structure and thus the rigidity of the support surface 16 and the inflatable air element 18 is provided solely by the internal pressure of the inflatable air element 18. Fig. 5 shows a second perspective view of a further embodiment of a fold-out armrest 10 according to the invention. The base body 14 has the fold-out armrest 20, on which the at least one inflatable air element 18 is arranged. The fold-out armrest 20 is rotatable by means of a joint 22 or can be folded forward by a predetermined angle 23, so that a simple support structure is provided by the armrest 20. In the operating state G, the inflatable air element 18 is inflated accordingly, such that the support structure represented by the fold-out armrest 20, together with the inflatable air element 18, provides an ergonomic function for the armrest 10. The armrest 20 is first unfolded and the inflatable air element 18 is then inflated, whereby the inflatable air element 18 is expandable only in the longitudinal direction y and in the longitudinal direction upwards.Thus, a cover is only necessary for predefined expansion areas, whereby the armrest 20 limits the expansion downwards in an elongated direction. Fig. 6 shows a third perspective view of a further embodiment of the extendable armrest 10 according to the invention. The base body 14 has an extendable armrest 20 on which the at least one inflatable air element 18 is arranged. This means that the armrest 20 is stored within the base body 14, which is arranged in the seat bolster and designed as a housing, when not in use (N). When adjusted to the use state (G), the extendable armrest 20 is extended forward in the longitudinal direction y, for example by means of an actuator 30, and thus forms the support structure, with this support structure, together with the inflatable air element 18, providing the ergonomic armrest 10.Furthermore, the armrest 20 is initially rotatable or foldable forward by means of a joint 22, and subsequently a first section 32a of the armrest 20 can be extended by means of a telescopic rod 34 that can be operated at least partially automatically, so that the first section 32a and a second section 32b of the armrest 20, which is attached to the joint 22 and is rotatable, length L of the armrest 20 and / or shorten it. The inflatable air element 18 is, for example, attached to both sections 32a and 32b and can be inflated so that the support surface 16 extends between the sections 32a and 32b.

Claims

Armrest (10) for a vehicle seat (12) of a motor vehicle, comprising a base body (14) and an armrest (20) arranged on the base body (14) with a support surface (16) which is adjustable between a state of use (G), in which at least one inflatable air element (18) arranged on the base body (14) is inflated to form the support surface (16), and a state of non-use (N), in which the at least one inflatable air element (18) is at least partially deflated, characterized in that a length (L) of the support surface (16) can be extended from the state of non-use (N) to the state of use (G) by inflating the at least one inflatable air element (18), wherein the air element (18) forms the armrest (20) and in the state of use (G) is designed to be unfolded forward from a side bolster of the backrest (28) in the direction of seating. Armrest (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (14) has a foldable armrest (20) on which the at least one inflatable air element (18) is arranged. Armrest (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (14) has an extendable armrest (20) on which the at least one inflatable air element (18) is arranged. Armrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface (16) is at least partially covered with an elastic material. Armrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (14) has a releaseable joint (22) for an at least partially rotatable armrest (20).

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