ARMREST FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

Armrest (1) for a vehicle, comprising - A height-adjustable support surface (2), - a guide device (3) with a support unit (10) for supporting the support surface (2) and a guide unit (20) for guiding the support unit (10) along a guide path defined by the guide unit (20), - at least one mechanical force element (30) for applying a force to displace the support unit (10) along the defined guide path of the guide unit (20), so that the support surface (2) of the armrest (1) carried by the support unit (10) is mechanically height-adjustable and - at least one electrical locking device (40) with which a position of the carrier unit (10) relative to the guide unit (20) can be locked, so that the support surface (2) of the armrest (1) carried by the carrier unit (10) can be electrically locked, wherein - the guide unit (20) comprises at least three guide sections (22) which define a linear guide path along which the support unit (10) is displaceable, and - each guide section (22) of the guide unit (20) is assigned a mechanical force element (30).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] It is already known to equip armrests for vehicles with a function for adjusting the height of the support surface. For example, such armrests are provided for motor vehicles in which they are an integral part of a center console in the interior of the vehicle or are arranged on a center console in the interior of the vehicle.

[0003] Armrests, especially for motor vehicles, are usually designed as a purely mechanical construction, since the cost-effective aspect in the procurement of the mechanical components and their manufacture is often paramount.

[0004] The design of such a purely mechanical armrest typically involves the armrest's support surface being mounted on a center console, allowing it to pivot around a central axis. This pivoting mechanism serves to adjust the height of the support surface relative to the center console. Furthermore, the mechanism includes a locking mechanism to maintain the position of the support surface relative to the center console. A mechanical switch or lever located on or near the armrest releases this locking mechanism, thus freeing the support surface for height adjustment. Once the locking mechanism is released, a vehicle occupant can pivot the support surface up or down within a defined range relative to the center console to adjust its height.It is also known that for the purpose of pivoting the support surface, one or more mechanical force elements in the form of compression or tension springs may be provided to assist the occupant in adjusting the armrest.

[0005] A problem with such purely mechanical designs is that the pivoting mechanism, in particular, is especially susceptible to wear, which can lead to play in the locking mechanism. This can result in unreliable or insufficient locking. Furthermore, such mechanical designs require the occupant to exert the force necessary to move the actuating arm and disengage the wedge element from the teeth of the gear or gear section when activating the switch.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known that the height adjustment mechanism of an armrest for a motor vehicle can incorporate electrical components, particularly to provide a corresponding level of luxury in luxury vehicles. Such electrically adjustable armrests typically include at least one electric drive that moves the armrest's support surface relative to the vehicle's center console, to which the armrest is attached. The electric drive is, for example, designed as a threaded drive. A control unit for the electric drive is mounted on the armrest or the center console, allowing the height of the armrest's support surface to be adjusted at the touch of a button.To prevent stress on the electric drive when the vehicle occupant rests their arm on the armrest, and thus avoid potential damage, electrically adjustable armrests also incorporate an electric locking mechanism. This mechanism locks the armrest's position relative to the center console immediately after the electric drive is activated. Pressing a button on the control unit releases the lock, allowing for height adjustment. The locking mechanism is achieved, for example, through frictional engagement or positive engagement via a suitable actuator.

[0007] Disadvantages of such an electrical design include the high manufacturing and acquisition costs of the components, as well as the high complexity of the entire system.

[0008] DE 39 30 270 A1 relates to an armrest for vehicles with an armrest body that is height-adjustable along a linear guide, the movement of which is supported by spring means and fixed by means of electromagnetically releasable locking means.

[0009] DE 10 2018 211 944 A1 relates to a height-adjustable center console of a vehicle with an armrest, the vertical adjustment of which is realized by a motor-driven linear guide between an upper and a lower body unit. Description of the invention

[0010] One object of the invention is therefore to provide an armrest for a vehicle which combines the use of structurally simple and cost-effective means, a reliable height adjustment of a support surface and a comfortable use of the support surface.

[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0012] An armrest according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a height-adjustable support surface, a guide device, at least one mechanical force element, and at least one electrical locking device. The height-adjustable support surface serves to rest, for example, a hand or forearm of a vehicle occupant, and the height adjustability ensures that occupants of different statures can use an ergonomically adjusted position of the support surface. The guide device has a support unit for carrying the support surface and a guide unit for guiding the support unit along a guide path defined by the guide unit. The at least one mechanical force element serves to apply a force to move the support unit along the defined guide path of the guide unit, so that the support surface of the armrest, carried by the support unit, is mechanically height-adjustable.The at least one electrical locking device serves to lock a position of the carrier unit relative to the guide unit, so that the support surface of the armrest carried by the carrier unit can be electrically locked.

[0013] This means that the armrest according to the invention uses a combination of electrical and mechanical components to adjust and hold the height of the support surface.

[0014] The use of mechanical components makes it possible for the armrest according to the invention to have a simple design and be inexpensive to purchase.

[0015] At the same time, the use of electrical components offers a certain level of comfort and ensures reliable use of the armrest, as the electrical components perform a consistent and uniform movement even with repeated use.

[0016] One design of the armrest may provide that the armrest includes a first actuating element which is designed to release the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device when actuated.

[0017] The first actuating element can be a switch that is operated by a vehicle occupant, for example by hand, or alternatively the first actuating element can also be a pressure plate that is arranged on or integrated into the contact surface and is actuated when a defined pressure is applied, for example by placing an arm of a vehicle occupant on it.

[0018] Designing the first actuating element as a switch or pressure plate allows the vehicle occupant to release the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device with a simple actuation. In particular, its placement on or integration into the armrest makes it easily accessible and operable for the vehicle occupant.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the armrest can also have a second actuating element which, when actuated together with the first actuating element, releases the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device. This means that the locking mechanism is only released when both the first and second actuating elements are actuated simultaneously.

[0020] The combination of two actuating elements thus acts as an additional safety feature, so that the release of the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device does not occur unintentionally due to the accidental activation of one of the two actuating elements.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first actuating element can be a switch that would be consciously actuated by the vehicle occupant, whereas the second actuating element can be a pressure plate that would be unconsciously actuated by the occupant resting their arm on it. A scenario in which a vehicle occupant releases the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device using the armrest according to the invention would, according to the embodiment with two actuating elements, occur in two steps. In a first step, the vehicle occupant rests their arm on the support surface of the armrest, thereby actuating the pressure plate integrated into the support surface. In a second step, the occupant uses their hand to actuate the ergonomically positioned switch.The two actuating elements are thus actuated together and the electrical locking device releases the locking mechanism.

[0022] The guide unit comprises at least three guide sections, which define a linear guide path along which the carrier unit can be moved.

[0023] Because the guide sections define a linear guide path, the armrest can provide an ergonomically advantageous and uniform support for, for example, an occupant's arm, regardless of the set height of the support surface, since, contrary to the pivoting of the armrest known from the prior art, no change in the inclination of the support surface occurs at different positions of the height setting.

[0024] In particular, it is provided that in a preferred embodiment with at least three guide tracks, these run essentially parallel to each other, so that a blocking or wedging of the guide of the carrier unit in the guide unit is avoided.

[0025] By providing at least three guide sections, preferably four guide sections, it can be ensured that the carrier unit is secured against tilting in its guidance within the guide element and offers sufficient stability.

[0026] Each guide section of the guide unit is assigned a mechanical force element.

[0027] The carrier unit, guided by the guide unit, is thus connected to the guide unit via at least three, and preferably four, mechanical force elements. The use of one mechanical force element per guide section ensures stable guidance and a substantially homogeneous guiding movement when the height of the carrier unit is adjusted.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical force element can be a compression spring.

[0029] In particular, it may be provided that the compression spring is supported with its first longitudinal end on the carrier unit and with its second longitudinal end on the guide unit in order to realize a movement of the carrier unit relative to the guide unit under deformation.

[0030] This means that the force provided by the compression spring creates a displacement of the support unit relative to the guide unit, thereby assisting a vehicle occupant in adjusting the height of the support surface connected to the support unit.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the electrical locking device is connected to the guide unit and comprises at least one locking element which can be mechanically connected to the carrier unit for locking the carrier unit relative to the guide unit.

[0032] This means that an electrical actuation of the electrical locking device establishes or releases a mechanical connection between the locking element and the carrier unit.

[0033] Because the electrical locking device uses a locking element that creates a mechanical connection between the carrier unit and the guide unit, the electrical locking device only needs to ensure reliable movement of the locking element to provide reliable locking of the carrier unit.

[0034] Furthermore, the arrangement of the electrical locking device on the guide unit makes it easy to route the electrical lines necessary for the electrical actuation of the electrical locking device, since the guide unit is preferably fixedly connected to, for example, a center console in the interior of a vehicle, whereas the carrier unit is moved relative to the center console.

[0035] In a complementary embodiment, it is also conceivable that each guide section of the guide unit is assigned an electrical locking device. The carrier unit guided by the guide unit is thus locked relative to the guide unit by at least three, preferably four, electrical locking devices. The use of one electrical locking device per guide section ensures stable and tilt-proof locking of the carrier unit.

[0036] In addition, an electrical control unit may be provided which, when an actuating element is activated, provides for the actuation of the electrical locking devices, so that it is ensured that actuation of all electrical locking devices takes place essentially simultaneously.

[0037] This means that the actuators are electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit is electrically connected to the electrical detent devices. This allows the actuation of an actuator to be sent to the electrical control unit as an electrical signal, or as information about the actuation of the respective actuator. Conversely, a signal to actuate an electrical detent device can be centrally transmitted from the electrical control unit to all electrical detent devices. In a simple embodiment, a signal could, for example, be the closing of an electrical circuit and the resulting flow of current.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the electrical locking device of the armrest according to the invention can comprise an actuator and a locking element designed as a wedge.

[0039] In particular, it may be provided that the carrier unit has several notches, wherein each notch of the carrier unit is assigned a position of the carrier unit along the guide track, and that the wedge of the electrical locking device is designed to engage in each of these notches in order to achieve a positive locking of the carrier unit at a defined position on the guide track. Brief character description

[0040] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a center console with an armrest according to the invention, Fig. 2 a perspective exploded view of the armrest according to the invention, Fig. 3 a perspective view of the support unit of the armrest according to the invention, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the guide unit of the armrest according to the invention and Fig. 5 a perspective cross-sectional view of the armrest according to the invention.

[0041] The figures are merely schematic representations and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical or equivalent elements are consistently identified by the same reference numerals.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a center console 60 with an armrest 1 according to the invention.

[0043] The center console 60 has a first longitudinal end 61 and a second longitudinal end 62. The first longitudinal end 61 of the center console 60 corresponds to the end of the center console 60 that, when integrated into the interior of a motor vehicle, abuts the instrument panel. The second longitudinal end 62 of the center console 60 corresponds to the end of the center console 60 that, when integrated into the interior of a motor vehicle, is positioned adjacent to or between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat.

[0044] The armrest 1 is accordingly Fig. 1 is arranged at the second longitudinal end 62 of the center console 60, so that the driver or the front passenger can use the armrest 1 to, for example, rest their arm on a support surface 2 of the armrest 1.

[0045] The armrest 1 also comprises a first actuating element 50 and a second actuating element 51, which are shown schematically here as circles. If one of the vehicle's occupants actuates both actuating elements 50 and 51 simultaneously, a locking mechanism of an electrically operated detent device (not shown here) of the armrest 1 is released, allowing the height of the support surface 2 to be adjusted.

[0046] The first actuating element 50 is designed as a pressure plate integrated into the support surface 2, so that the first actuating element 50 can be actuated under defined pressure, for example, by an occupant placing their arm on the support surface 2. The second actuating element 51, on the other hand, is designed as a switch that can be actuated by a vehicle occupant, for example, by hand. For ergonomic ease of operation, the second actuating element 51 is arranged together with the first actuating element 50 on a side of the armrest 1 facing the first longitudinal end 61 of the center console 60.This allows a vehicle occupant, after placing their arm on the support surface 2 of the armrest 1, which actuates the pressure plate integrated in the support surface 2, to easily reach and activate the switch with the hand of the resting arm in order to release the locking mechanism of the electrical locking device.

[0047] The two actuating elements 50, 51 ensure that actuation of only one of the two actuating elements 50, 51 does not result in an unintentional release of the locking mechanism of the electrical latching device.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the armrest 1 according to the invention. The armrest 1 comprises a guide device 3 with a support unit 10 and a guide unit 20, as well as four mechanical force elements 30 and a cover 4. The contact surface of the armrest 1 is not shown here.

[0049] The support unit 10 of the guide device 3 serves to support the bearing surface, with the guide unit 20 being designed to guide the support unit 10. The four mechanical force elements 30 are arranged between the support unit 10 and the guide unit 20, as shown in the exploded view. These mechanical force elements 30 apply a force that allows the support unit 10 to be displaced relative to the guide unit 20, thus enabling the bearing surface of the armrest 1, supported by the support unit 10, to be mechanically height-adjustable. The cover 4 is also arranged between the support unit 10 and the guide unit 20. Its purpose is to conceal the assembly consisting of the support unit 10, the guide unit 20, and the force elements 30, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing design for the armrest 1 and protecting these components from contaminants such as dirt particles.The cover 4 is designed equivalently to a bellows, so that its longitudinal extension adjusts accordingly with changes in the relative height of the support unit 10 to the guide unit 20 when the height of the support surface is adjusted.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the support unit 10 of the armrest according to the invention. The support unit 10 in Fig. 3 corresponds to a more detailed representation of the in Fig. The support unit 10 shown in Figure 2 comprises a body 11 and four support guide elements 12. The body 11 of the support unit 10 is designed as a rectangular tube, which forms a transversely projecting edge at one of its longitudinal ends. This edge serves as the first cover stop 13 of the cover (not shown here) of the armrest on the support unit 10. The four support guide elements 12 are distributed at the corners of the rectangular support unit 10, so that one of the four support guide elements 12 is positioned at each corner and connected there to the projecting edge of the body 11 of the support unit 10. The four support guide elements 12 extend essentially parallel to each other and essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tubular body 11 of the support unit 10. Due to the perspective view of Fig. Figure 3 shows only three of the four support guide elements 12. The support guide elements 12 are designed as cylindrical rods and serve to guide the support unit 10 through the guide unit. In addition, the support guide elements 12 have several locking notches 41 arranged at regular intervals along their longitudinal extent. The locking notches 41 are designed as slots extending transversely to the longitudinal extent of the support guide elements 11, into which a locking element of a locking device (not shown here) can engage to lock the position of the support unit 10 relative to the guide unit 20.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the guide unit 20 of the armrest according to the invention. The guide unit 20 in Fig. 4 corresponds to a more detailed description of the Fig. The guide unit 20 shown in Figure 2 comprises a body 21, four guide sections 22, and four electrical locking devices 40. The body 21 of the guide unit 20 is designed as a rectangular ring with an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, with the transversely extending section of the body 21 serving as a second cover stop 23. The four guide sections 22 are distributed across the corners of the body 21 of the guide unit 20, such that one guide section 22 is located at each corner. The four guide sections 22 extend substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the body 21 of the guide unit 20. The guide sections 22 are designed as cylindrical, hollow rods and have an opening 24 at their end facing the body 21 of the guide unit 20.A carrier guide element of the carrier unit (not shown here) can be inserted into a respective opening 24 for the purpose of guiding the carrier unit by the guide unit 20. Each guide section 22 thus defines a guide path along which a carrier guide element of the carrier unit can be guided. The four electrical locking devices 40 are fixedly connected to the body 21 of the guide unit 20, with each electrical locking device 40 being arranged adjacent to and assigned to a guide section 22, so that the carrier guide elements inserted into the guide sections 22 can be locked at all four guide sections 22.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the armrest 1 according to the invention. The cross-sectional view of the armrest 1 corresponds to a composite view of the exploded view of the armrest 1 according to [reference to relevant document]. Fig.2. The section of the cross-sectional view passes through two of the support guide elements 12 of the support unit 10, through two of the guide sections 22 of the guide unit 20, and through two mechanical force elements 30. The guide paths defined by the two cut guide sections 22 of the guide unit 20 run accordingly in the section plane of the cross-sectional view. The mechanical force elements 30 are arranged completely within the hollow guide sections 22 of the guide unit 20, and the support guide elements 12 of the support unit 10 are inserted section by section into the guide sections 22. Each guide section 22 is closed at its longitudinal end opposite its opening 24, so that a first force element stop 33 is formed there to support a first longitudinal end 31 of a mechanical force element 30.Each support guide element 12, with its longitudinal end inserted into the guide section 22, forms a second force element stop 34, against which a mechanical force element 30 is supported with its second longitudinal end 32. Thus, because a mechanical force element 30 is supported on one side by a support guide element 12 and on the other side by a guide section 22, a force provided by the mechanical force element 30 can displace the support unit 10 relative to the guide unit 20. To perform such a height adjustment, the electrical locking devices 40 must first be actuated so that the locking of the support unit 10 relative to the guide unit 20 is electrically released.Subsequently, the carrier unit 10 can be moved along the defined guide paths of the guide unit 20 with the help of the mechanical force elements 30, thereby mechanically adjusting the height of the support surface (not shown here) of the armrest 1 carried by the carrier unit 10.

[0053] The armrest according to the invention for a vehicle provides a reliable height adjustment of a support surface using structurally simple means. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 armrest 2 Support surface 3 Guide device 4 Cover 10 carrier units 11 Body of the carrier unit 12 support guide elements 13 first cover stop 20 Command Unit 21 bodies of the command unit 22 Leadership section 23 second cover stop 24-hour opening 30 mechanical force element 31 first longitudinal end of the mechanical force element 32 second longitudinal end of the mechanical force element 33 first force element strike 34 second force element attack 40 electric locking device 41 Notch 50 first actuating element 51 second actuating element 60 Center console 61 first longitudinal end of the center console 62 second longitudinal end of the center console

Claims

Armrest (1) for a vehicle, comprising: - A height-adjustable support surface (2), - a guide device (3) with a carrier unit (10) for supporting the support surface (2) and a guide unit (20) for guiding the carrier unit (10) along a guide path defined by the guide unit (20), - at least one mechanical force element (30) for applying a force to displace the carrier unit (10) along the defined guide path of the guide unit (20), such that the support surface (2) of the armrest (1) supported by the carrier unit (10) is mechanically height-adjustable, and - at least one electrical locking device (40) with which a position of the carrier unit (10) relative to the guide unit (20) can be locked, such that the support surface (2) of the armrest (1) supported by the carrier unit (10) can be electrically locked, wherein - the guide unit (20) comprises at least three guide sections (22) which define a linear guide path.along which the carrier unit (10) is displaceable, and a mechanical force element (30) is assigned to each guide section (22) of the guide unit (20). Armrest (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the armrest (1) comprises a first actuating element (50) which is configured to release the locking mechanism of the electrical detent device (40) when actuated. Armrest (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the armrest (1) has a second actuating element (51) which, when actuated together with the first actuating element (50), releases the locking mechanism of the electrical locking device (40). Armrest (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical force element (30) is a compression spring. Armrest (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical locking device (40) is connected to the guide unit (20) and comprises at least one locking element which can be mechanically connected to the carrier unit (10) for locking the carrier unit (10) relative to the guide unit (20). Armrest (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each guide section (22) of the guide unit (20) is assigned an electrical locking device (40). Armrest (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical locking device (40) comprises an actuator and a locking element designed as a wedge.

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