Functional device with a cover element

Abstract

The invention relates to a functional device for the interior (5) of a passenger transport vehicle, with boundary walls (1, 2, 3, 4) that define a volume within the interior and with a cover element (6) that can be placed in two different positions on an edge (7) of the boundary walls in such a way that it covers the volume, wherein the cover element has at least two separate surface areas (6a, 6b) opposite each other on different sides of the cover element and in each of the two positions a first or a second of the surface areas faces the interior and the other surface area faces away from the interior.Space-saving rotation of the cover element is achieved by mounting it rotatably in two pivot bearings (8, 9) at the ends of two swivel arms (12, 13) about a pivot axis (14) and by mounting the swivel arms pivotally on two opposite sides of the volume about a pivot axis (15).

Description

[0001] The invention lies in the field of mechanical engineering and mechanics and is particularly applicable to the equipment of passenger transport vehicles, for example motor vehicles.

[0002] Passenger compartments or interiors of public transport vehicles typically offer limited space, which must be utilized as efficiently as possible. Functional elements with cover elements are already known for some applications. These elements combine multiple functions, allowing a person inside the vehicle to selectively access or direct one of several available surface areas, thus offering the user a specific function of the functional device. Such a cover element can also be rotated to direct the person to a different surface area, for example, one with a different function.

[0003] Patent document CN205573805U discloses, for example, an armrest device with an armrest that is rotatable about an axis, thereby offering one of two opposing surface areas of the armrest on its upper side. The user can thus choose between different usage options by rotating the armrest. During rotation, the armrest is supported by pins that slide in a guide of a box-like substructure.

[0004] One problem with this design is the relatively large amount of space required to rotate the armrest, as it is quite wide. Depending on how the rotation is performed, the base is only accessible from one side at a time.

[0005] Against the background of the prior art, the present invention is based on the objective of creating a functional device that can be rotated with the smallest possible space requirement.

[0006] The problem is solved by a functional device according to claim 1. The dependent claims present possible embodiments of a functional device.

[0007] The invention therefore relates to a functional device for the interior of a means of passenger transport, comprising boundary walls that define a volume within the interior and a cover element that can be placed in two different positions on an edge of the boundary walls in such a way that it covers the volume, wherein the cover element has at least two separate surface areas opposite each other on different sides of the cover element and in each of the two positions a first or a second of the surface areas faces the interior and the other surface area faces away from the interior, wherein the cover element is rotatably mounted in two pivot bearings at the ends of two pivot arms about an axis of rotation and wherein the pivot arms are each pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation on two opposite sides of the volume.

[0008] Because the cover element is mounted at the ends of two pivot arms, it can be moved sufficiently far away from the boundary walls and the covered volume by pivoting the arms together, allowing it to rotate freely around its axis. In many cases, the length of the pivot arms is at least half the width of the cover element. When the cover element is moved away from the boundary walls and the covered volume, the volume between the boundary walls can be accessed and viewed from various sides.

[0009] After a 180-degree rotation around its axis, the cover element can be pivoted back onto the edge of the boundary walls to re-cover the volume. Due to the 180-degree rotation, a different surface area of ​​the cover element now faces the interior. The position of the axis of rotation within the cover element can be freely chosen based on the available space, allowing the rotation itself to be performed in a space-saving manner.

[0010] In a functional device of the aforementioned type, it may be provided that the axis of rotation runs parallel to the pivot axis.

[0011] In this way, rotary and pivoting movements can be combined effectively to minimize the total space required for a movement up to the point of reversal, and to keep the volume covered by the cover element easily accessible even in intermediate positions.

[0012] It can also be provided that the axis of rotation runs symmetrically through the center of the cover element.

[0013] Although it is also conceivable that the axis of rotation runs asymmetrically through the cover element, the space requirement is minimized if the axis of rotation runs through the center of the cover element.

[0014] With an asymmetrical arrangement of the axis of rotation, the covered volume may be more easily accessible from one side than from the opposite side during a rotation of the cover element. In this case, even a smaller rotation of the cover element, for example by 10 or 15 degrees, may be sufficient to create adequate access to the volume beneath the cover element from one side.

[0015] A symmetrically arranged axis of rotation has the advantage, among others, that the weight of the cover element is balanced and no imbalance arises during rotation that would have to be overcome.

[0016] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the pivot axis runs through the volume that is bounded by the boundary walls or that the pivot axis runs at least partially within one of the boundary walls.

[0017] This provides a simple way to mount the swivel arms in rotary bearings, which can be arranged and attached in or to the boundary walls.

[0018] It may further be provided that one or two of the boundary walls are aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation and / or perpendicular to the axis of pivoting and each form a guide surface on their edge, on which a section of the cover element slides during a rotational movement and / or during a pivoting movement and / or during a combined rotational and pivoting movement of the cover element.

[0019] Such an arrangement of the boundary walls allows for simple placement and mounting of the pivot bearings. The upper edges of the boundary walls, which are oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis, can be straight and all lie on a straight line and / or in a common horizontal plane.

[0020] Furthermore, one implementation method may provide for the boundary walls to form a container.

[0021] For this purpose, for example, four boundary walls can be provided, forming a rectangular box. The cover element can completely cover the volume enclosed between the four boundary walls in at least one or both positions in which the cover element is horizontally oriented, and the space between the boundary walls can thus be completely enclosed.

[0022] It may also be provided that a mechanical coupling of the two swivel arms is provided, which synchronizes the swiveling movement of the two swivel arms.

[0023] A mechanical coupling of the two swivel arms is useful to ensure a straight movement of the cover element when swiveling.

[0024] Another implementation can provide that the two swivel arms are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0025] This design automatically ensures that the rotation angles of both swivel arms are synchronized. This also prevents certain rotational positions of the swivel arms and the cover element.

[0026] In a functional device of the aforementioned type, it may also be provided that the two swivel arms are connected to a common shaft in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0027] Such a connection between the two swivel arms automatically ensures a straight movement of the cover element and prevents it from tilting.

[0028] Another form of implementation can provide for a first electric motor drive for the swiveling movement and / or a second electric motor drive for the rotary movement.

[0029] This allows the covered volume to be opened or the cover element to rotate 180 degrees largely automatically, eliminating the need for increased attention from, for example, the driver of the passenger vehicle. The drive can be controlled, for instance, by an electric switch on the steering wheel or dashboard of a vehicle.

[0030] It may also be provided that an electrical line runs along at least one of the swivel arms to connect at least one electrical unit arranged in the cover element to an electrical connection.

[0031] This allows electrical components attached to the cover element to be easily supplied with electrical energy. Signals can also be transmitted in this way if, for example, sensors or an electrical display unit such as a screen are located in the cover element.

[0032] Another implementation option is for the cover element to function as an armrest in at least one position. For this purpose, padding can be provided on one side of the armrest.

[0033] It may also be provided that the cover element has the function of a display device, an open container, a writing surface, or a decorative surface in at least one position.

[0034] Furthermore, it may be intended that the boundary walls form a center console in a motor vehicle.

[0035] Especially on a center console, a rotating, flippable cover element can offer some interesting functions.

[0036] It may also be provided that the axis of rotation and / or the pivot axis is aligned parallel to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

[0037] In this case, with a partial swiveling and / or rotating movement of the cover element, the volume underneath may already be visible and / or accessible from one or both sides of the center console.

[0038] The invention is shown below with reference to exemplary embodiments in figures of a drawing and then described.

[0039] This shows: Fig. 1: A functional device in the form of a center console in a motor vehicle in a front view with a partially rotated cover element, Fig. 2: a part of the center console Fig. 1 in a perspective view with a cover element placed on top, Fig. 3: a part of the center console with a partially rotated cover element, Fig. 4: the center console in a similar view to in Fig. 3 after another turn, as well as Fig. 5: the center console with the cover element removed, the cover element opposite the one in Fig. The position shown in point 1 is rotated by 180 degrees.

[0040] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a functional device in the form of a center console with a cover element in a motor vehicle, shown in a front view. In the foreground, a boundary wall 1 of the center console is shown, on the upper edge 7 of which the cover element 6 is placed and on which it can slide during a rotational or pivoting movement. A shaft 16 is rotatably mounted on the boundary wall 1 in a pivot bearing 10, 11, to which the two pivot arms 11, 12 are connected, in particular non-rotatably connected, and which defines the pivot axis 15 of the pivot arms.

[0041] The rotationally fixed connection of the two swivel arms to each other ensures that the cover element can be swivelled as a whole, with its axis of rotation 14 remaining parallel to the pivot axis 15 and thus also to the direction of travel 21 of the vehicle.

[0042] The mechanical coupling of the two swivel arms to each other can be achieved not only by means of the rotationally fixed common connection with the shaft 16, but also by an alternative mechanical coupling, for example in the area of ​​the cover element.

[0043] The cover element 6 is shown in a partially upward-swinging position, with one edge sliding on the edge 7 of the boundary wall 1. It has a padded first surface area 6a which, when positioned on the top, can serve as an armrest.

[0044] Surface area 6b is opposite surface area 6a and, as shown in the example, carries a surface area 6b opposite surface area 6a, as can be seen in more detail in the diagram. Fig. As can be seen in section 4, there is a screen 20.

[0045] To illustrate an electrical supply line that can connect a component of the cover element to a vehicle wiring harness, line 19 is shown as a line looped around the swivel arm 12. However, in many cases it is more practical to route a line inside a cavity of the swivel arm 12 or in a groove running lengthwise along it.

[0046] The cover element further comprises a pad designated 6c and a base plate to which the pad is connected, designated 6d. A circumferential edge of the base plate 6d projects beyond the pad 6c on one, two or all sides and can be placed on the edge 7, 7a of the boundary walls in a position of the cover element 6 when the pad 6c projects into the volume between the boundary walls 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0047] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the cover element 6 in a position where it rests on the boundary walls 1, 2, 3, 4, specifically on their upper edges, such that the surface area 6a, formed by the padding 6c, faces upwards and towards the interior 5 of the vehicle. In this example, the base plate 6d rests on the edge of the boundary walls. A push button 19 is shown on the side of the cover element, which serves to unlock the cover element when it is to be moved. The locking mechanism is not shown in detail; however, it may, for example, have a movable locking hook that can be pivotally mounted in the cover element or in the boundary walls and that can engage in the other part behind a locking lug.

[0048] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the axis of rotation 14, the pivot axis 15 running parallel to it and the shaft 16 as well as the pivot bearings 10, 11 in which the shaft 16 is supported.

[0049] The bearings 8 and 9 are designated as pivot bearings in which the cover element 6 is rotatably mounted at the ends of the swivel arms 12 and 13.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 3 shows in a perspective view the position of the cover element, which is located in the Fig. 1 is shown in a front view. In the Fig. In Figure 3, both swivel arms 12, 13 and all boundary walls 1, 2, 3, 4 of the center console are at least partially visible. It is also apparent that the interior volume of the center console, which contains a storage compartment, is clearly visible and accessible from one side when the cover element is partially swiveled. It is also readily apparent that the cover element 6 can be rotated 90 degrees about its axis of rotation so that the interior of the center console / storage compartment is equally visible and accessible from the other side of the center console.

[0051] Such a position of the cover element 6 is exemplified in the Fig. Figure 4 shows the cushion 6c with surface area 6a already facing downwards in this position, and a display screen 20 is shown as a dashed line on the upper base plate 6d, which forms the other surface area 6b. The cover element 6 moves between the two swivel arms 12, 13 and can be rotated between them.

[0052] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the cover element 6 in a position where the pad 6c is directed downwards and projects into the volume between the boundary walls 1, 2, 3, 4. The edge of the base plate 6d, which projects laterally beyond the pad 6c, rests on the edges 7, 7a of the front and rear boundary walls 1, 3 or on the upper edges of all boundary walls.

[0053] In the Fig.Figure 5 schematically shows the two electric drives 18 for the rotary movement of the cover element and 17 for the pivoting movement of the pivoting arms 12, 13, each comprising controllable electric motors and gearboxes. The drive 18 can, for example, be arranged entirely inside the cover element.

[0054] Basically, the two surface areas 6a, 6b of the cover element are provided with decorative surface designs regardless of what functions or elements they provide in the positions in which they are visible. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 205573805U

[0003]

Claims

[1] Functional device for the interior (5) of a passenger transport vehicle, comprising boundary walls (1, 2, 3, 4) that define a volume within the interior and comprising a cover element (6) that can be placed in two different positions on an edge (7) of the boundary walls in such a way that it covers the volume, wherein the cover element has at least two separate surface areas (6a, 6b) opposite each other on different sides of the cover element and in each of the two positions a first or a second of the surface areas faces the interior and the other surface area faces away from the interior, wherein the cover element is rotatably mounted in two pivot bearings (8, 9) at the ends of two pivot arms (12, 13) about an axis of rotation (14) and wherein the pivot arms are each pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation (15) on two opposite sides of the volume. [2] Functional device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the axis of rotation (14) runs parallel to the axis of pivoting (15). [3] Functional device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the axis of rotation (14) runs symmetrically through the center of the cover element (6). [4] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the pivot axis (15) passes through the volume which is bounded by the boundary walls (1, 2, 3, 4) or that the pivot axis passes at least partially within one of the boundary walls. [5] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that one or two of the boundary walls (1, 3) are aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation (14) and / or perpendicular to the axis of pivoting (15) and each form a guide surface at their edge (7, 7a) on which a section of the cover element slides during a rotational movement and / or during a pivoting movement and / or during a combined rotational and pivoting movement of the cover element (6). [6] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the boundary walls (1, 2, 3, 4) form a container. [7] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a mechanical coupling of the two swivel arms (12, 13) is provided, which synchronizes the swiveling movement of the two swivel arms. [8] Functional device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the two swivel arms (12, 13) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. [9] Functional device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the two swivel arms (12, 13) are connected to a common shaft (16) in a rotationally fixed manner. [10] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that a first electric motor drive (17) is provided for the swiveling movement and / or a second electric motor drive (18) for the rotary movement. [11] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that an electrical line (19) runs along at least one of the pivot arms (12, 13) for connecting at least one electrical unit (20) arranged in the cover element (6) to an electrical connection. [12] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the cover element (6) has the function of an armrest in at least one position. [13] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by, that the cover element (6) has the function of a display device or an open container or a writing surface or a decorative surface in at least one position. [14] Functional device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the boundary walls (1, 2, 3, 4) form a center console in a motor vehicle. [15] Functional device according to claim 14, characterized by that the axis of rotation (14) and / or the pivot axis (15) is aligned parallel to the direction of travel of the motor vehicle.

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