Device for a motor vehicle to support a part of a user's body

Abstract

The device (2) for a motor vehicle (6) serves to support a body part of a user (4) and has a support device (8) which includes a support part (10) with a support area (24, 26) for the body part, namely a leg support or a footrest, wherein the support device (8) is designed as a multifunctional support device (8) which, in addition to the support area (24, 26) for the body part, has a further functional area for a further comfort function for the user.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle for supporting a body part of a user, wherein the body part is a foot or a leg.

[0002] To ensure a comfortable sitting or reclining position, it's common to configure the seat, for example, with an extendable seat extension that serves as a legrest. Footrests located in the footwell are also known, allowing the user to rest their feet. Such a footrest is exposed to greater levels of dirt, as it must withstand road grime such as dust and moisture that clings to shoes.

[0003] Newer vehicle concepts provide a reclining or reclining seat function for one or more seats, such as the front passenger seat or seats in the second row. Such reclining seats often feature a so-called "long seat rail" for longitudinal seat adjustment, allowing the seat to be adjusted over a very wide longitudinal range.

[0004] Based on this, the invention is based on the object of providing a leg rest and / or footrest with high comfort value and low construction effort.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a device for a motor vehicle for supporting a body part of a user, which device has a support device which has a support part with a support area for the body part. The support part is a leg rest or a footrest. The support device is designed as a multifunctional support device which, in addition to the support area for the body part, has a further functional area for a further comfort function for the user. A first functional area is defined by the support area with the function of supporting the body part, for example the foot or a leg. The further, second functional area provides a further comfort function which is independent of this. Independent comfort functions are generally understood to mean that a further function is provided in addition to the first function.

[0006] In this context, an additional functional area is generally understood to mean a defined local area of ​​the support device through which the additional comfort functions are provided. This additional functional area is preferably an area spatially separated from the support area. Alternatively, the additional functional area partially or completely overlaps with the support area.

[0007] This multifunctional design of the support system offers the unique advantage of combining several functions within a single unit and within a very small space. This results in a compact overall design, creating additional space and clearance in the vehicle.

[0008] The device, and in particular the support device, is a prefabricated unit that is installed during the (final) assembly of the vehicle. In the final assembly state, the device is therefore part of the vehicle. Prefabrication of this multifunctional support device minimizes the overall assembly effort during the final assembly of the vehicle.

[0009] Preferably, a vehicle is provided with several such devices with support structures, for example, in both the first and second row of seats. These devices are, in particular, identical or at least largely identical, so that costs are kept low by using identical parts.

[0010] To create the additional functional area, the support element preferably has a functional unit that is integrated into the support element. This functional unit provides additional comfort functions.

[0011] Preferably, this is an electrical functional unit. This could be, for example, a massage unit that provides a massage function, for example, through vibrations.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, a heating device, specifically a heating element, is provided as an electrical functional unit, with which in particular a surface of the support part and, for example, the support area is heated.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, an air conditioning element is preferably integrated, for example ventilation elements, through which cool or warm air can flow out of the support part and / or flow through the support part.

[0014] In addition to these additional comfort functions that directly affect the user's physical well-being, a preferred development alternatively or additionally integrates at least one other electrical functional unit that does not directly impact physical well-being. For example, a lighting element, in particular for (ambient) lighting, specifically for a footwell, is integrated. Alternatively or additionally, an electrical charging and / or communication interface for connecting a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. is preferably integrated. This can be a wireless or a wired interface. In particular, this is, for example, a USB port.

[0015] At least one of these electrical functional units, and preferably several of these functional units, is integrated into the support part. Overall, this achieves a high functional density in a single component, namely within the support part.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the electrical functional unit is integrated directly into the support area. This ensures the most direct contact possible with the body part.

[0017] The support part is preferably designed in the manner of a roller and is cylindrical, wherein the support area is formed by at least a partial area of ​​a lateral surface of the support part.

[0018] Alternatively or in addition to the electrical functional unit, the support part has a mechanical functional unit that forms a mechanical shelf or storage compartment. This provides a shelf or storage space for additional components, such as small devices or safety elements. These safety elements include, for example, high-visibility vests, first aid kits, a warning triangle, or even a fire extinguisher. These safety elements are therefore conveniently located and arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0019] Conveniently, the support part has a hollow space that forms the storage compartment. Specifically, as mentioned above, the support part is cylindrical, similar to a roller or cylinder. In this embodiment, the roller or cylinder is designed as a cylindrical hollow body.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the support part has, in addition to the support area, at least one further support area for a further body part, wherein the further support area is active in the further comfort position. Active here means that the further support area is in a position in which it is oriented to support the further body part. The support part is therefore in particular a combined support part which forms both a support area for a foot and a support area for a leg. The support part is preferably adjusted between a leg support position and a footrest position using the aforementioned adjustment mechanism. One position forms the support position and the other position forms the further comfort position.

[0021] The two support areas are preferably located at separate positions on the support part. Alternatively, the two support areas are formed by identical areas, and their function as a leg rest or footrest is achieved simply by being moved to a different area in the footwell using the adjustment mechanism, so that the (shared) support area can be used as a foot rest and a leg rest. The combined leg rest and foot rest create a combined component within the support part, where previously two separate components were required.

[0022] Preferably, the two support areas are designed differently, in particular as a clean side for the leg rest and a dirty side for the footrest. The change between the two support areas preferably occurs automatically when adjusting from the leg rest position to the footrest position and vice versa. This automatic change occurs, for example, mechanically forcibly or, alternatively, by an electric motor.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the support part has a table area, and the support device can be used as a table in the additional comfort position. The table area is moved into a suitable position, in particular, by the previously described adjustment mechanism. In particular, a superimposed rotary adjustment movement is provided. Specifically, the support part is designed, for example, as a padded plate part, which has an upper side that forms the support area for the body part, and which has a lower side that forms a tabletop.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the support element can assume three different positions: in one position it serves as a footrest, in another position as a leg rest, and in a third position as a table. When used as a table, the support element is generally raised by a suitable adjustment mechanism. The various positions are generally achieved by adjusting the adjustment mechanism.

[0025] In addition to the support area and the additional functional unit, the support device in a preferred embodiment generally comprises the aforementioned adjustment mechanism, so that the support part can be adjusted spatially, i.e., in the interior of the motor vehicle. This is done in such a way that the support part can be adjusted from a support position, in which the support part performs its function of supporting the body part, into a further comfortable position for performing the additional comfort function. The adjustment movement is carried out, for example, by a rotary or pivoting movement, alternatively or additionally by a linear adjustment movement or by a superimposed movement. The adjustment mechanism is suitably designed for this purpose and comprises, for example, a pivoting lever, a guide rail, and / or a telescopic element, etc.

[0026] The adjustment mechanism is preferably designed as an articulated arm mechanism, in which preferably several articulated arms are pivotally connected to one another. In the simplest embodiment, only one articulated arm is pivotally attached to a support structure. However, the articulated arm mechanism preferably has at least two articulated arms that are pivotally attached to one another. In one embodiment, three pivotally mounted articulated arms are provided, or the third articulated arm is formed by the support part or has this.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is designed for attachment to a side panel, such as a center console, and is secured thereto in the final assembled state. The adjustment mechanism is rotatably attached to the side panel, for example, via a pivot point, and / or is height-adjustable or longitudinally adjustable.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the support device, specifically the adjustment mechanism, is designed for attachment to a seat longitudinal rail and, in the final assembled state in the motor vehicle, is also attached to this seat longitudinal rail. In the final assembled state, a seat, to which the support device belongs, is also attached. The support device is, in particular, attached to the seat longitudinal rail in a longitudinally displaceable manner. For example, the support part is attached to the seat longitudinal rail via a lever, in particular a pivoting lever. The lever here also forms an adjustment mechanism. The seat longitudinal rail typically has a few rails, and the support device is attached either to just one rail or to both rails.

[0029] Overall, the adjustment mechanism and / or the attachment to the seat's longitudinal rail provide flexible, individual adjustment options for the support element, especially within the footwell. The support element can therefore be positioned anywhere in front of the seat. The seat's longitudinal rail is, in particular, a so-called long rail, as mentioned above, and the seat itself is a special comfort seat with a reclining function.

[0030] The support device and in particular the adjustment mechanism is preferably adjustable by electric motor or alternatively manually.

[0031] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B shows partial views of a first embodiment of a device with a multifunctional support device, the support part of which is designed as a combined leg rest and footrest with additional comfort functions and is shown in different positions, Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B show partial views of a second embodiment of such a device in different positions, in which the support device is attached to a center console, and Fig. 3A - 3D partial views of a third embodiment of such a device in different positions, wherein the support part assumes three different positions and functions via an adjustment mechanism.

[0032] In Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shows a section of a device 2 for supporting a body part of a user 4. The device 2 is part of a motor vehicle 6, which is only indicated by the dashed line.

[0033] The device 2 has a support device 8. This in turn comprises a support part 10 and an adjustment mechanism 12, with which the support part 10 is fastened to a fastening structure of the motor vehicle 6. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, the adjustment mechanism 12 has at least one lever 14 pivotable about a pivot axis 13. The support device 8 is mounted on a longitudinal seat rail 16 for longitudinal displacement, to which a seat 18 (cf. Fig. 3A - 3D) is longitudinally displaceably mounted on a support element 10, which is assigned to the support device 8. The seat's longitudinal rail 16 typically comprises a pair of rails. Preferably, the support part 10 is connected to a respective rail via a lever 14.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the support part 10 is cylindrical and, in particular, designed as a roller or cylinder. Specifically, the support part 10 is hollow. It comprises a particularly hollow-cylindrical support 20, on which a cover 22 is attached. The cover 22 is circumferentially divided into a first support area, hereinafter referred to as the clean side 24, and a second support area, hereinafter referred to as the dirty side 26. The dirty side 26 serves as a support area for supporting a foot, and the clean side 24 serves as a support area for supporting a leg.

[0035] The two support areas 22, 24 are spatially separated from each other and cover different peripheral areas. Furthermore, they preferably have different properties, in particular different materials for the cover 22. In addition to or as an alternative to different materials, the two support areas 22, 24 have different hardnesses. In the area of ​​the clean side 24, the cover 22 is particularly softer.

[0036] Fig. 1A shows the support device 8 in a footrest position and the Fig. Figure 1B shows the support device in a leg rest position. Adjusting the support device 8 between these two positions is achieved by pivoting the lever 14 about the pivot axis 13 located in the area of ​​the seat's longitudinal rail 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the support part 10 is connected to the lever 14 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0037] By pivoting the lever 14, a switchover between the clean side 24 and the dirty side 26 as the active support area occurs automatically. The respective support area is referred to as active if it is directed towards the foot to be supported ( Fig. 1A) or in the direction of the leg to be supported ( Fig. 1B) is oriented.

[0038] As an alternative to the rotationally fixed attachment of the support part 10, in a preferred variant, the change between the two support areas 22, 24 is achieved by actively adjusting, in particular at least the cover 22 or even the entire support part 10. According to one embodiment, only the cover 22 is adjusted relative to the carrier 20. Alternatively, the entire support part 10 is adjusted, in particular rotated about a center axis of the roller. This adjustment is particularly controlled by an electric motor.

[0039] In the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B also shows a floor 28, specifically a carpeted floor, which defines the lower edge of the passenger compartment. The seat longitudinal rail 16 and, in particular, the pivot axis 13 are arranged below this floor 28.

[0040] In addition to its function as a footrest and leg rest, the support device 8 preferably also has a further comfort function. In particular, a functional part, in particular an electrical functional part 30, is integrated into the support part 10. This is, for example, a heating element. In addition, it is also possible to integrate a massage function or an air conditioning unit, such as for cooling or ventilation. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical functional unit 30 is arranged only in the area of ​​the clean side 24.

[0041] The support part 10 is preferably designed as a hollow part, with a cavity 32, which is also provided and designed as a storage space and / or storage compartment. Alternatively or additionally, an electric motor for the electric motorized switching between the two support areas 24, 26 can also be arranged in this cavity. In the case of a storage space, at least one safety element, such as first aid supplies, safety vests, a warning triangle, or, as indicated in the figures, a fire extinguisher 34, is preferably accommodated in the cavity 32.

[0042] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, an alternative embodiment is shown. In this case, the support device 8 is attached to a side part, specifically to a center console 36. The support part 10 is in particular again a roller. In this case, an articulated mechanism with preferably several, in the exemplary embodiment two, articulated arms 38 connected to one another in an articulated manner is provided as the adjustment mechanism 12. An end-side articulated arm 38, to which the support part 10 is attached, is generally arranged so as to be pivotable about a (horizontal) pivot axis 13 and can be pivoted from the footrest position according to Fig. 2A into the leg rest position according to Fig. 2B.

[0043] The adjustment mechanism 12 is attached to the center console 36 via a pivot point 40. The pivot point 40 is designed, for example, as a pivot bearing. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment mechanism 12 is also attached to the center console 36 via the pivot point 40 in a height-adjustable and / or longitudinally adjustable manner.

[0044] The change between the two support areas 24, 26 takes place, for example, automatically by the pivoting movement of the end-side articulated arm 38 or alternatively by a controlled, in particular electromotive, adjustment, for example by a rotation of the roller (support part 10) about a central axis of the roller, which in this case also forms a rotation axis 13.

[0045] The Fig. 3A to 3D show a design variant in which the support device 8 and especially the support part 10 can assume a total of three different positions and thus also functions. Fig. 3A shows a situation in which the support device 8 and the support part 10 are in a footrest position. Fig. 3B shows a situation in which the support device 8 and the support part 10 are in a leg rest position. Fig. 3C and Fig. 3B each show a situation in which the support part 10 is used as a table.

[0046] The support part 10 is connected to a support structure, in the exemplary embodiment to the seat longitudinal rail 16, via an adjustment mechanism 12 and is mounted thereon, preferably in a longitudinally displaceable manner. In the exemplary embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 12 is only attached to a rail on one side (compare Fig. 3D).

[0047] The adjustment mechanism 12 is designed as an articulated arm mechanism with a total of three articulated arms 38A - 38C, each of which is pivotally movable relative to the other about a horizontal pivot axis 13. The attachment of the lowest lever arm 38A to the support structure (seat longitudinal rail 16) is also preferably via a pivot axis 13.

[0048] The support part 10 is designed as a whole in an approximately plate-like manner, with one side, namely a top side, preferably being convexly curved and / or in particular padded. The opposite underside, in contrast, is designed as an at least largely flat plate, which defines a table area 42 and thus also a table surface. The top and underside therefore preferably have different hardnesses. In this table area 42, for example, recesses for receiving beverage containers are introduced, as can be seen from the Fig. 3D can be recognized.

[0049] By suitable pivoting movements of the articulated arms 38A - 38C, the support part 10 can be moved into the various positions in the Fig. 3A - 3C shown positions. In the footrest position according to Fig. 3A, the support part is arranged in a lower position oriented towards the seat 18 and the (curved) upper side is oriented inclined towards the seat 18 and in this orientation forms the (first) support area for the foot and thus a footrest.

[0050] In the leg rest position according to Fig. 3B, the adjustment mechanism 12 is preferably partially extended upwards and the support part 10 is, compared to the footrest position in Fig. 3A, is raised upwards and is preferably in a middle position. In this position, the upper side is oriented diagonally forward and thus tilted away from the seat 18. In this position, the upper side forms a second support area for supporting the leg. This leg support function, in addition to the footrest function, provides another comfort function. In this design variant, the upper side of the support part 10 is used for both the footrest and the legrest.

[0051] At the table position according to Fig. 3C, the adjustment mechanism 12 is in an extended position—compared to the two previous positions—in which the support part 10 is in an upper position. The uppermost lever arm 38C is pivoted about its associated pivot axis 13 such that the support part 10 is turned over and the underside, and thus the table area 42, is now oriented upward. The table area 42 is preferably aligned horizontally in the table position.

[0052] By means of the adjustment mechanism 12, in particular in combination with its particularly displaceable arrangement on the seat longitudinal rail 16 (in the embodiment of the Fig. 1A, Fig.1B and 3A to 3D), the support part 10 is freely adjustable over a wide range, allowing the support part 10 to assume different positions. Therefore, 18 different positions can be assumed and moved to in the area in front of the seat, thus achieving a large adjustment range.

[0053] In addition to or as an alternative to the variation options between the leg rest position and the footrest position, the additional comfort function provided by the electrical functional unit 30 is particularly noteworthy as a further comfort function. In addition or as an alternative, the hollow space 32 as a storage option and / or the table area 42 are to be highlighted as a mechanical functional unit, whereby each of the integrated additional functions provides a further comfort function.

[0054] With regard to the at least one electrical functional unit 30, a massage device, and / or a heating element, and / or an air conditioning device, and / or at least one air duct are arranged in the support part 10, which directly influence the well-being of the user 6.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, a lighting element, for example for ambient lighting in the footwell, or a communication and / or charging interface are provided as further electrical functional units 30. This may be, for example, a USB interface. An integrated charger, for example, wired or wireless (inductive), may also be provided. This interface is used in particular for connecting a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0056] As additional comfort functions, mechanical comfort functions are also integrated, such as a storage space formed by the cavity 32.

[0057] Overall, the support part 10 has several integrated functions, in particular electrical and / or mechanical comfort functions, in addition to the comfort functions achieved by the adjustment possibility between footrest position and leg rest position.

[0058] The support device is, in particular, a prefabricated unit with a high degree of functionality that is delivered to the vehicle manufacturer's production line and assembled there as a single unit. The support device 8 comprises the support part 10 with its integrated functions, as well as, in particular, the adjustment mechanism 12. List of reference symbols 2 Device 4 users 6 Motor vehicle 8 Support device 10 support part 12 adjustment mechanism 13 Swivel axis 14 levers 16 Seat longitudinal rail 18 seats 20 carriers 22 Reference 24 Clean side 26 Dirty side 28 Floor 30 electrical functional unit 32 cavity 34 fire extinguishers 36 Center console 38A-C articulated arm 40 articulation point 42 table area

Claims

[1] Device (2) for a motor vehicle (6) for supporting a body part of a user (4) with a support device (8) which has a support part (10) with a support area (24, 26) for the body part, namely a leg rest or a footrest, wherein the support device (8) is designed as a multifunctional support device (8) which, in addition to the support area (24, 26) for the body part, has a further functional area for a further comfort function for the user. [2] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support part (10) has an electrical functional unit (30) for the further comfort function. [3] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical functional unit (30) is selected from one or more of the following functional units - a massage unit, - a heating device, - an air conditioning element or a ventilation element, - a lighting element, in particular for illuminating a footwell, - an electrical charging and / or communication interface for connecting a portable device. [4] Device (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the electrical functional unit (30) is integrated into the support area (24, 26). [5] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support part (10) is cylindrical and the support area (24, 26) is formed by at least a partial area of ​​a lateral surface of the support part (10). [6] Device (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein for the further comfort function the support part (10) has a mechanical functional unit which forms a mechanical shelf or a storage compartment. [7] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support part (10) has a hollow space (32) as a mechanical functional unit, which forms the storage compartment. [8] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support part (10) provides, in addition to the support area (26) for the body part, a further support area (24) for a further body part which is active in the further comfort position, wherein the support area (26) serves as a footrest and the further support area (24) serves as a leg rest. [9] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support part (10) has a table area (42) and the support device (8) can be used as a table in the further comfort position. [10] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support part (10) can assume three different positions in which it serves as a footrest, as a leg rest and as a table. [11] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support device (8) has an adjustment mechanism (12) for adjusting the support part (10) so that the support part (10) can be adjusted from a support position in which the support part (10) performs its function of supporting the body part into a further comfort position for performing the further comfort function. [12] Device (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment mechanism (12) is designed as an articulated arm mechanism. [13] Device (2) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (12) is designed for attachment to a side part, such as a center console (36). [14] Device (2) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the support device (8) is designed for fastening, in particular in a longitudinally displaceable manner, to a seat longitudinal rail (16). [15] Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in a motor vehicle (6).

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