Rear armrest or rear center console for a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicle

Abstract

A rear armrest or rear center console for a motor vehicle is described, comprising at least one folding table arranged on the rear armrest or rear center console, wherein the rear armrest or rear center console can be moved from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the folding table is arranged on a side of the rear armrest or rear center console that forms a top surface in the use position, wherein the folding table can be pivoted about a pivot bearing in the forward area of ​​the rear armrest or rear center console into a use position in which the folding table is arranged with a larger part of its planar extent in front of the rear armrest or rear center console in the direction of travel, wherein a circumferential rail is provided on at least two sides of the rear armrest or rear center console.wherein both sides are arranged essentially vertically, one transverse to the direction of travel and the other longitudinal to the direction of travel, wherein a mounting slide is slidably attached to the rail, to which the folding table is slidably attached, so that the folding table can be moved from the operating position arranged in the direction of travel in front of the rear armrest or rear center console to a laterally offset operating position, in which the folding table is arranged at least partially in front of one of the rear seats.

Description

[0001] A rear armrest or rear center console for a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle, are described.

[0002] Rear armrests or rear center consoles for motor vehicles, as well as motor vehicles of the type mentioned above, are known in the prior art.

[0003] Rear bench seats for three people, which can be divided into a bench for two by folding down an armrest, have long been standard in vehicle design. Fold-out work tables have also been a feature of motor vehicles for a long time, in a wide variety of designs. These are usually integrated into the center console, armrests of individual seats, or the backrests of the front seats. While tables that extend from the center console or armrests of individual seats only allow for the transport of two people in the rear, as the middle seat is usually occupied by a folded-down table, designs that extend from the backrest of the front seats often present the problem in longer vehicles of an excessively large gap between the unfolded table and the rear passenger, especially since this distance can change depending on the individual seat adjustments of the front seats.The concepts used often involve very complex, elaborate, and therefore very expensive technical solutions.

[0004] From DE 10 2021 123 145 A1 a folding table arrangement for a motor vehicle is known, comprising at least one folding table which includes a tabletop arranged on a swivel arm which can be pivoted from a stow position to a working position, wherein a pivoting direction of the tabletop differs temporarily from the pivoting direction of the swivel arm, wherein the tabletop is rotationally fixed to a sleeve element which is rotatably held on the swivel arm.

[0005] US Patent 6,220,660 B1 discloses an activity center for a vehicle that is mounted on a seat back. It comprises a base and a platform mounting element to which two platforms are pivotally attached. These platforms can be fanned outward from a stowed position into a horizontal working position. However, this arrangement lacks a continuous rail on the armrest itself along which the entire table unit could be laterally moved by means of a mounting slide.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2013 207 930 A1 discloses a center armrest with a pivotally mounted storage device. This storage device can be folded down from a non-use position behind the armrest to a use position on top of the armrest. The storage device comprises a table element that is pivotable and slidable on a support element. This arrangement also lacks a pivot bearing in the direction of travel and a circumferential rail integrated into the armrest with a mounting slide guided on it, for laterally displacing the folding table.

[0007] However, such arrangements are relatively complex and sometimes not particularly robust.

[0008] The task therefore is to further develop rear armrests for motor vehicles and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above in such a way that a folding table can be provided to rear passengers, which is arranged in a rear armrest, whereby the folding table is versatile in its adjustment and use.

[0009] The problem is solved by a rear armrest or rear center console for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to the dependent claim 8.

[0010] Further developments and training are subject to dependent claims.

[0011] A rear armrest or rear center console for a motor vehicle is described, comprising at least one folding table arranged on the rear armrest or rear center console, wherein the rear armrest or rear center console can be moved from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the folding table is arranged on a covering side of the rear armrest or rear center console that forms a top surface in the use position, wherein the folding table can be pivoted about a pivot bearing in the front area of ​​the rear armrest or rear center console in the direction of travel into a position that is either folded forward, steeply rising or at least slightly raised, in which at least one hinge of the folding table, or a mounting slide to which the folding table is attached, is arranged in the direction of travel in front of the rear armrest or rear center console or in a front part.wherein a circumferential rail is provided on at least two sides of the rear armrest or rear center console, wherein both sides are steeply rising and one is arranged transversely to the direction of travel and the other longitudinally to the direction of travel, wherein a mounting slide is slidably attached to the rail, to which the folding table is slidably attached, so that the folding table can be moved from the position arranged in front of the rear armrest or rear center console in the direction of travel to a laterally offset operating position, in which the folding table is arranged at least partially in front of one of the rear seats.

[0012] The folding table itself, when in the concealed position, sits on top of the rear armrest or center console and is designed to be positioned in front of or beside the armrest, facing forward. Thanks to the swivel mechanism at the front of the armrest, the table can be rotated approximately 180 degrees.

[0013] Another feature is the presence of a continuous rail on at least two sides of the rear armrest or rear center console. This rail is arranged so that one part runs transversely to the direction of travel and the other part parallel to it, allowing the folding table to be adjusted along the rail. A mounting bracket is attached to this rail, to which the folding table is attached and which allows it to be moved. The rail is otherwise essentially horizontally oriented.

[0014] This design allows the user to move the table from its position in front of the rear armrest or center console to a laterally offset position, thereby positioning at least part of the table directly in front of one of the rear seats. The horizontal orientation does not change the tilt of the folding table.

[0015] This system offers a high degree of flexibility and versatility. It allows for easy adjustment as needed, whether for right- or left-hand use in the vehicle. Such a configuration makes the folding table particularly practical for activities such as eating meals, working while driving, or playing board games.

[0016] Furthermore, the robust construction of this solution is advantageous in terms of both durability and user-friendliness. The use of sturdy materials and an intuitive mechanism ensures that the folding table is easy to operate without compromising stability – even when frequently moved or stored.

[0017] Overall, the described design offers a space-saving and versatile extension to the vehicle interior. It significantly improves the user experience by integrating additional functionality into an otherwise limited space without compromising existing structures or comfort.

[0018] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that the circumferential rail is provided on at least three sides of the rear armrest or rear center console and is essentially U-shaped.

[0019] This allows the folding table to be swivelled to a driver's seat and to a passenger's seat.

[0020] In a further refinement, it is provided that the folding table can be folded up, at least in the laterally offset position of use.

[0021] This allows rear passengers to easily get in and out without the need to fold the folding table back into the unused position.

[0022] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the mounting carriage is mounted on the circumferential rail in a rolling manner.

[0023] The rollers can be designed to roll along the U-shaped rail.

[0024] In a further, more advanced embodiment, the mounting slide is designed as a U-shaped bracket with two bearing areas.

[0025] Such a bar is compact and can be guided around curves.

[0026] In a further, more advanced embodiment, it is provided that the pivot bearing has a damped hinge.

[0027] This prevents the folding table from falling down.

[0028] The mounting carriage can be designed so that the rollers are blocked when subjected to a minimum force in order to prevent the folding table from rolling away unintentionally.

[0029] The minimum force required may be less than the weight of the folding table, which means the folding table needs to be slightly relieved of pressure for adjustment.

[0030] In a further alternative embodiment, it is provided that the fastening slide is self-locking when loaded on the folding table.

[0031] A first independent item relates to a motor vehicle with a rear armrest or rear center console of the type described above.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawing – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0033] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a top view of a rear armrest or rear center console with the folding table folded down; Fig. 2 a top view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with unfolded folding table; Fig. 3 a top view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with the folding table extended in various positions; Fig. 4. a side view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with folding table folded in; Fig. 5 a side view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with unfolded folding table; Fig. 6. a side view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with unfolded, laterally swiveled folding table, as well as Fig. 7 a side view of the rear armrest or rear center console Fig. 1 with the folding table unfolded, swivelled to the side and folded up.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 2 with a rear armrest or rear center console 4.

[0035] The rear armrest or rear center console 4 has a folding table 6 which is fixed to a mounting slide 8 and can be folded into a front area 4.1 in front of the rear armrest or rear center console 4 by means of a hinge 10.

[0036] The mounting slide 8 is slidable on a U-shaped rail 12, so that the folding table 6 can be moved into different positions as shown in the following figures, in particular towards a left side 4.2 and a right side 4.3. The U-shaped rail 12 is flat, i.e., aligned in the plane of the image.

[0037] The folding table 6 can be made of a solid material, e.g., wood or wood laminate, so that items such as a computer or a plate can be placed on it. The folding table 6 may have recesses or a raised edge.

[0038] The mounting carriage 8 is essentially U-shaped and has rollers 8.1, 8.2 arranged at its two end regions, which are guided in the U-shaped rail 12. The mounting carriage 8 can thus also be guided around curves along the U-shaped rail 12.

[0039] Rollers 8.1 and 8.2 can, in principle, move freely within the U-shaped rail – but only as long as they are not under load. As soon as a certain load acts on the system, the movement is blocked.

[0040] At least one of the rollers 8.1, 8.2 is rotatably mounted on an axle or in a housing that is mounted in such a way that it performs a defined evasive movement under load – for example, it tilts or cants slightly. This cant can be used intentionally to wedge the roller(s) 8.1, 8.2 under load in the U-shaped rail 12 or to press them against a rail wall. This blocks the rotation of the roller(s) 8.1, 8.2, and they can no longer move freely in the U-shaped rail 12.

[0041] Upon unloading, the system returns to its initial position: The roller(s) 8.1, 8.2 realign themselves correctly, release the clamp, and can now roll freely again in the U-shaped rail 12. This behavior can be mechanically supported by elastic elements such as springs or flexible bearings, which repeatedly return the roller(s) 8.1, 8.2 to their free, unloaded starting position.

[0042] The hinge 10 is dampened to prevent the folding table 6 from falling downwards if it is accidentally released.

[0043] A damped hinge is designed to integrate damping in addition to its actual rotational function, ensuring smooth and controlled movement of the connected components. Various designs are possible. A common design is based on a hydraulic principle: Inside the hinge is a small cylinder with a piston that operates in an oil medium. As the piston moves, the oil is forced through fine throttle orifices, creating a uniform, viscous damping effect. The damping effect can be precisely adjusted by varying the viscosity of the oil and the geometry of the orifices.

[0044] Alternatively, a hinge can also be viscoelastically damped. In this case, materials such as silicone gel or special rubber compounds are used, which deform when moved and thus exert a braking effect. This form of damping is particularly simple in design, maintenance-free, and cost-effective, but usually offers less controllability than hydraulic systems.

[0045] Another possible design combines a return spring with a friction element. The spring assists or slows down the movement—for example, during automatic closing—while friction surfaces within the hinge slide against each other, thus dissipating energy. Magnetic damping is also possible: Here, for example, a magnetic field is used to slow down a movement without contact, such as through eddy current brakes or magnetic retaining forces.

[0046] These different principles can also be combined, depending on the application, to enable both controlled movement and a defined end position.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows the rear armrest or rear center console 4 with the folding table 6 extended.

[0048] The unfolded folding table 6 is located mostly in front of a base 4.4 of the rear armrest or rear center console 4 in the front area 4.1. The folding table 6 is held by the mounting slide 8 on the base 4.4.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 shows the rear armrest or rear center console 4 with the folding table 6 in different possible positions.

[0050] Thus, the folding table 6 can be moved from its original unfolded position, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown, pivoting to the left side 4.2 or to the right side 4.3 by moving the mounting slide 8 along the U-shaped rail 12 to the left side 4.2 or to the right side 4.3.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the rear armrest or rear center console 4 as viewed from the left side 4.2.

[0052] The base 4.4 has an ergonomic shape and may include compartments or similar features for storing items. The rear armrest or rear center console 4 can be folded down into a rear seat backrest (not shown) of the vehicle 2. In the illustrated state, the folding table 6 rests on a surface 4.6 on a top surface 4.5 of the base 4.4.

[0053] Fig. Figure 5 shows the process of unfolding the folding table 6 in a side view. Fig. 4.

[0054] In this illustration, the folding table 6 is unfolded counterclockwise into the front area 4.1, with the hinge 10 holding the folding table 6 in its respective position. As already mentioned, the U-shaped rail 12 is horizontally oriented.

[0055] Fig. Figure 6 shows the front armrest 4 with the folding table 6 on the left side 4.2.

[0056] In this position, the folding table 6 can be used by the person sitting on the left side at the back.

[0057] Fig. Figure 7 shows the folding table 6 in its folded-up position.

[0058] In the position shown, the passenger can easily get in and out without having to completely stow away the folding table 6.

[0059] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description.

Claims

[1] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) for a motor vehicle (2), with at least one folding table (6) arranged on the rear armrest or rear center console (4), wherein the rear armrest or rear center console (4) can be moved from a non-use position to a use position and vice versa, wherein the folding table (6) is arranged on a side of the rear armrest or rear center console (4) which in the use position forms a top (4.5), wherein the folding table (6) can be pivoted about a pivot bearing (10) in the forward area (4.1) of the rear armrest or rear center console (4) into a use position in which the folding table (6) is arranged with a larger part of its planar extent in the direction of travel in front of the rear armrest or rear center console (4), characterized by, that a circumferential rail (12) is provided on at least two sides (4.1, 4.2) of the rear armrest or rear center console (4), wherein the sides (4.1, 4.2) of the rear armrest or rear center console (4) are both steeply rising and one of them is arranged transversely to the direction of travel and the other longitudinally to the direction of travel, and wherein a mounting slide (8) is slidably attached to the rail (12), to which the folding table (6) is slidably attached, so that the folding table (6) can be moved from a position with a pivot bearing (10) arranged laterally on the armrest in the front part of the rear armrest or rear center console (4) in the direction of travel to a laterally offset operating position in which the pivot bearing (10) of the folding table (6) is arranged at least partially in front of one of the rear seats. [2] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the circumferential rail (12) is provided on at least three sides of the rear armrest or rear center console (4) and is essentially U-shaped. [3] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the folding table (6) can be folded up in at least one of the positions, either the position in front of the armrest or the laterally offset operating position. [4] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mounting carriage (8) is mounted in a rolling manner on the circumferential rail (12). [5] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mounting slide (8) is designed as a U-shaped bracket with two bearing areas. [6] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pivot bearing (10) has a damped hinge. [7] Rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening slide (8) is self-locking when loaded on the folding table (6). [8] Motor vehicle (2) with a rear armrest or rear center console (4) according to any of the preceding claims.

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