center console

Abstract

The invention relates to a center console (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (12) and a container (13) arranged in the housing (12) with a closure element (14) which is adjustable between an open position and a covering position and opens and closes a receiving space of the container (13), wherein the closure element (14) comprises a display device (16) and / or operating elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a center console according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Known prior art includes center consoles with various cover options for containers, in particular roller blinds, as can be seen from DE4220670A1, in which a roller blind is provided as a cover element for a telephone arranged in the container.

[0003] The object of the invention is to expand the operating options through a new type of center console and to provide additional storage space.

[0004] This object is achieved by means of a center console having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be found in the dependent claims, the description of advantages, and the description of the figures.

[0005] One aspect of the invention relates to a center console for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising a housing and a container arranged therein with a closure element that is adjustable between an open position and a cover position and opens and closes the receiving space of the container. In addition to conventional receptacles for objects, such as cup holders or compartments, an additional container with a lid is provided, within which receiving spaces for holding elements, etc., are arranged.

[0006] To achieve the object of the invention, the closure element comprises a display device and / or operating elements. Conventional closure elements from the prior art include, for example, simple plate elements or roller blinds that can bend along the contour of the center console and are therefore particularly practical. The innovation now lies in using a lid element with a display device instead of a roller blind to cover the container opening.

[0007] The closure element with the indicator can be pivoted or linearly adjusted between the open position and a covering position. The covering element with the indicator is fixed and does not consist of multiple parts, as with a roller blind, but rather pivots around an axis. Alternatively, it can be moved forward or backward along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and, in the open position, disappears beneath an outer skin component of the center console. The closure element can also be equipped with an ergonomic retaining element for pivoting or sliding.

[0008] In one embodiment in which, for example, the closure element is designed as a frame element holding the display device, it is provided that the frame element is attached to the outside, in particular detachably, and is arranged, for example, on a hinge element for pivoting or on rail elements for sliding. The frame element holds the display device in a central region and thus the display device is not covered downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This enables a configuration in which the display device is designed as an at least partially transparent, touch-sensitive display device. This creates a view into the container and enables the display of operating elements and functions on the display device for infotainment, etc.

[0009] Furthermore, the transparent, touch-sensitive display device can be adjusted from transparent to opaque. The invention thus describes a new and technologically innovative center console concept in which a transparent OLED / mini-LED display serves as a lid / locker that can be switched to either fully or gradually transparent mode or to opaque mode. It serves as a direct, operable (direct touch) full-surface display and thus offers a wide range of options for displaying information and enabling convenient operation and interaction with the vehicle. The direct touch-capable display / display device can be used to enter commands to remotely control functions of the cockpit displays. This could be enabled using capacitive or resistive touchscreen technology.

[0010] Using the transparent display surface as a cover for a center console or a refrigerator located in the container results in a multifunctional application. The transparent display can be used not only for information purposes but also serves a practical function by being used as a cover.

[0011] Finally, it is possible to make a light source in the container adjustable depending on the operation of the display device. This means that, in addition to adjusting the display device, a light source is provided inside the container, for example, to enable or improve viewing through it. This way, mobile devices (mobile phones) located inside the container can also be monitored, for example, to check their charging status, etc. A light interplay between the display device, the transparency, and the light in the container can ensure particularly good ergonomic use of the container, with more controls provided by the display device.

[0012] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figure, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0013] It shows: Fig. 1 Perspective view of a possible design of a center console for a motor vehicle with an integrated transparent display device.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a center console 10 for a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car. The housing 12 of this center console 10 can be made of a combination of plastics and metals, as shown here, providing a robust exterior structure that blends harmoniously with the design of the vehicle interior.

[0015] The center console 10 thus comprises the housing 12 and a container 13 arranged in the housing 12 with a closure element 14, which is adjustable between an open position and a cover position and opens and closes a receiving space of the container 13. In Fig. 1 shows in particular the covering position, which enables the following advantages and configurations.

[0016] The closure element 14, or closure cover, comprises a display device 16, which can be designed as a transparent OLED / mini-LED display. The closure element 14 is designed, for example, as a frame element 15, which holds the display device 16 on the outer circumference. This frame element 15 can be made of aluminum, for example, to enable light and stable support during the intended adjustment. The geometry of the frame element 15 is matched to the dimensions or geometry of the display device 16, so that the display device 16 is completely enclosed and held by the frame element 15.

[0017] The design of the frame element 15 thus enables direct attachment to the housing 12 of the center console 10. Furthermore, the frame element 15 can be configured to form a uniform surface with the surrounding structure of the center console 10. This centers and secures the display device 16 within the frame element 15, while the attachment points and connecting elements used to secure the display device 16 are not visible, especially from the outside.

[0018] Thus, the closure element 14 can be designed as a frame element 15, which can be attached to a rail device or rail elements for displacement in the vehicle longitudinal direction X back and forth or to a hinge element for pivoting.

[0019] The display device 16 can also switch between a transparent and an opaque setting, whereby a storage space 17 of the container 13 located underneath in the vehicle's vertical direction Z can be made visible or concealed as required.

[0020] The storage compartment 16 is designed to securely store various items and is characterized by its easy accessibility. To enable the operation of various functions of the motor vehicle, control elements 18 are arranged not only around the center console 10, but also on the closure element 14. These control elements are provided by the display device 16 and are arranged thereto, providing controls for infotainment and other functions.

[0021] An integrated light source 20 in the storage compartment can be activated depending on the setting of the locking element 14, which improves the visibility inside the storage compartment and at the same time increases the functionality of the center console 10.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the display device 16 of the center console 10 can be integrated with a transparent surface or a transparent outer skin component 19 to create a seamless transition between the two components. This design decision allows the display device 16 to visually blend with the rest of the center console 10 by minimizing the boundaries between the display device 16 and the adjacent components.

[0023] In summary, the invention proposes a center console 10 with a transparent display or display device 16 or a center console 10 with optional use as a cooling compartment and direct touch control elements. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 4220670A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Center console (10) for a motor vehicle with a housing (12) and a container (13) arranged in the housing (12) with a closure element (14) which is adjustable between an open position and a covering position and opens and closes a receiving space of the container (13), characterized by that the closure element (14) comprises a display device (16) and operating elements. [2] Center console (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the closure element (14) with the display device (16) is pivotable or linearly adjustable between the open position and a covering position. [3] Center console (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the closure element (16) is designed as a frame element (15) holding the display device (16). [4] Center console (10) according to claim 3, characterized bythat the display device (16) is designed as an at least partially transparent, touch-sensitive display device (16). [5] Center console (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the transparent, touch-sensitive display device (16) can be adjusted from its transparent setting to opaque. [6] Center console (10) according to any preceding claim, characterized by that a light source (17) in the container (13) is adjustable depending on the operation of the display device (16).

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