CENTER CONSOLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a center console, comprising a support component and an armrest arranged on the upper side of the support component and pivotable about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center console, said armrest having an upper side and a lower side supporting an operating device. The armrest can be moved by pivoting about the axis from a closed position, in which the upper side of the armrest forms a first armrest surface, into an open position enabling operation of the operating device, and vice versa. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] The use of display and / or control devices in motor vehicles is well known. These are often used to display information relevant to the driver or user regarding the journey, such as speed or similar. Display and control devices are also frequently used to display data or information from a navigation system. Due to the increasing importance of autonomously driving vehicles, it can be assumed that display and control devices will also be used in the future to entertain vehicle occupants as part of a vehicle entertainment system or to enable the occupants to work on a computer.

[0003] Control devices are often pivotally mounted on vehicle center consoles and can be moved from a folded to an extended position, allowing the passenger to use the control device in the unfolded position. Several systems in this regard are already known from the prior art: US Pat. No. 6,663,155 B1 discloses a console having a console body with a pivoting flap on its upper side. By pivoting the pivoting flap open, a storage compartment in the console is exposed. A fold-out display is provided on the underside of the pivoting flap, which is also exposed in this way.

[0004] Another console is disclosed in DE 101 61 663 A1. This comprises a first and a second armrest, which are mounted so as to rotate about the same transverse axis. In a non-use position, the second armrest is covered by the first armrest. To transfer the console into a use position, the two armrests are first pivoted open about a transverse axis. A screen, which is hinged to the first armrest, is then pivoted out so that it can be viewed by passengers in the rear seats. The second armrest is then pivoted back again so that the person sitting in the seat has an armrest surface available next to the console even when the console is in the use position.

[0005] FR 2917352 A1 discloses another center console in which a screen can be moved from an open to a rest position. In the rest position, the display is positioned at the front of the console, oriented toward the floor of the vehicle.

[0006] DE 10 2014 212 881 A1 discloses further prior art.

[0007] A problem with the systems known from the prior art is that the control devices are not easily accessible or operable by the user while in the comfortable, natural position usually assumed while driving. Therefore, in order to operate the control device with their hand, the user must leave their usual position and, in particular, move their arm or hand in the direction of the control device.

[0008] The task therefore arises to provide an improved center console, particularly with regard to user-friendliness.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention in that, in a center console of the type mentioned at the outset, the support component has a second armrest surface, wherein the second armrest surface is covered by the armrest when the armrest is in the closed position and is arranged adjacent to the operating device when the armrest is in the open position.

[0010] When the armrest is in the closed position, the center console forms a compact unit, with the second armrest surface and the operating device, which can be a touchscreen or a keypad, stowed away, i.e. neither accessible nor visible to the user. Only the first armrest surface is then visible and accessible to the user, as it is located on top of the center console when the armrest is in the closed position. A user, who can in particular be a driver or another passenger in a motor vehicle, can rest their arm on the first armrest surface. The closed position is useful when the user does not want to use the operating device because they need to concentrate on the traffic, or in the case of an autonomously operated vehicle, to relax or is busy with other things.

[0011] If the user wishes to use the operating device, they can pivot the armrest into the open position, which exposes both the operating device and the second armrest surface. In this case, the first armrest surface can naturally no longer be used to rest the user's arm, as it is pivoted forward along its longitudinal axis. The second armrest surface is then located approximately at the point on the center console where the first armrest surface is when the armrest is in the closed position. The user can then comfortably rest their arm on the second armrest surface instead of the first armrest surface. Since, according to the invention, the second armrest surface is arranged adjacent to the operating device, their hand is then automatically and advantageously in a position that enables operation of the operating device.This means they don't have to leave their comfortable seating position, in which they rest their arm on the center console or the second armrest, to use the control device. This is significantly more user-friendly than having to raise their arm and possibly even move from a comfortable seating position to reach the control device with their hand.

[0012] In a center console according to the invention, it is conceivable for the operating device to be pivotably arranged on the armrest, wherein the operating device can be transferred from a pivoted-in position into a laterally pivoted operating position and vice versa. The operating device preferably assumes the pivoted-in position when the armrest is in the closed position. In this case, the operating device can, in particular, be arranged completely recessed into the armrest to save space. In contrast, the operating device advantageously assumes the operating position when the armrest is in the open position, i.e., when the operating device can be operated by the user.

[0013] The lateral pivoting out of the operating device, i.e. the transfer of the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the operating position, can be carried out in particular by pivoting the operating device about an axis which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the armrest, wherein the operating device is in a position facing the user in the operating position. This makes the operating device more visible to the user, as the user has a more favorable viewing angle of the user interface. The pivoting of the operating device can expediently only take place far enough to ensure that the operating device can be comfortably operated by the user's hand even in the operating position when the user has comfortably placed their arm on the second armrest surface.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the operating device can assume not just one, but possibly several possible operating positions. These can be fixed, for example, by predetermined locking points of the pivoting mechanism. Alternatively, they can also be continuously adjustable, whereby the operating device can be fixed in the operating position, for example, by locking means such as a clamping device. The operating position can thus be optimally adjusted for each individual user, in particular with regard to the user's current position in the seat, the user's height, or even the position of the seat, or the like.

[0015] For the purpose of better movement guidance of the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and vice versa, additional mechanical connecting components coupling the operating device to the armrest, such as toggle levers or other suitable coupling means, can be provided.

[0016] It can also be provided that the operating device can be automatically transferred from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa. This automatic transfer eliminates the need for an additional operating action by the user, which would otherwise be required. This further increases user comfort. In a particularly expedient embodiment of the invention, the automatic transfer of the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the operating position can occur when the armrest is pivoted from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0017] In addition, a spring element can be provided which is connected on the one hand to the operating device and on the other hand to the armrest, wherein the spring element preloads the operating device in the pivoted-in position. The preload can expediently be used to ensure that the transfer of the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa takes place automatically. In this case, it is conceivable for the operating device to be clamped or locked accordingly in the pivoted-in position, whereby this is automatically released, for example, upon transfer into the operating position, whereby the force resulting from the preload can move the operating device into the operating position. The spring element can, for example, be a torsion spring, a coil spring, or another suitable component.

[0018] In the center console according to the invention, it can be provided that the operating device can be transferred from the operating position into the pivoted-in position by the operating device running against the support component when the armrest is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. Already existing parts or components of the center console are therefore used to automatically transfer the operating device into the pivoted-in position when the armrest is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. The operating device therefore comes into contact with the support component or with the second armrest surface when the armrest is folded down. Since padding or the like is usually provided on such armrest surfaces anyway, the operating device cannot be scratched by contact with the armrest surface.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous possible embodiment, the transfer of the operating device from the operating position to the pivoted-in position occurs counter to the force of the spring element, whereby the preload of the spring element occurs when the operating device is pivoted in. The clamping or locking of the operating position is achieved simply by the positive engagement of the operating device with the second armrest surface or the support component, which occurs when the armrest is in the closed position.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment of a center console according to the invention, a coupling mechanism can be provided which couples the operating device and the armrest to one another, which causes the operating device to be transferred from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa during the transfer of the armrest from the closed position to the open position. Here, too, the transfer of the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the pivoted-out position takes place automatically, although no spring element is required, as in the previously described embodiment. In this case, the coupling mechanism can couple the axis of rotation of the armrest about the support component to the axis of rotation of the operating device about the armrest. For this purpose, for example, interacting gears and / or other suitable coupling means can be used.

[0021] The coupling mechanism can be decoupled, particularly manually, using a suitable coupling device, for example. This makes it possible to deactivate the automatic transfer. For example, another person, particularly a passenger, located on the other side of the center console, opposite the user or driver, cannot optimally view the control device when it is in the operating position, as in this case, the other person is looking at the control device at an unfavorable angle.In particular, if the operating device is simultaneously a display device via which, for example, a film is to be viewed simultaneously by the user and the other person, then the automatic transfer can be switched off, whereby the operating device is not transferred into the swung-out operating position when the armrest is swung from the closed position to the open position, but remains in the swung-in position in which the user and the other person can look at the operating device from the same angle.

[0022] Within the scope of the present invention, it can also be provided that an electromechanical actuator is provided for transferring the operating device from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa. Here, too, it is conceivable that, during the transfer of the armrest from the closed position to the open position, the operating device is transferred from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa. However, this coupling is not purely mechanical, which also advantageously allows the automatic transfer to be deactivated.

[0023] As a further development of this, a control device can be provided which, for example, detects the movement of the armrest by sensor, wherein the control device is designed to control the electromechanical actuating element accordingly in this case.

[0024] As an alternative to the automatic transfer of the operating device, the operating device can be manually transferable from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and / or vice versa. In this case, the user can simply decide for themselves, in particular without having to decouple any existing coupling mechanisms or the like, in which situations the operating device is in the pivoted-in position and in which situations the operating device is in the operating position and make the appropriate adjustments. In this case, the manual transfer of the operating device can be carried out, in particular, manually by the user.

[0025] As a further development of this, it can be provided that a spring element is connected on the one hand to the operating device and on the other hand to the armrest, wherein the spring element preloads the operating device in the operating position. The preload is expediently applied in particular with respect to the pivoted-in position of the operating device. This ensures that the manual pivoting of the operating device from the pivoted-in position into the operating position occurs counter to the spring force. The operating device can be locked in the operating position by suitable locking means. The spring element can be a torsion spring, a coil spring, or the like.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to couple the operating device to the armrest via a push-push connection, in which the operating device is in the pivoted-in position when the push-push connection is engaged.

[0027] For a center console according to the invention, it is further conceivable that the operating device can be moved from the pivoted-in position into the laterally pivoted-out operating position as well as into an oppositely pivoted-out operating position, and vice versa, wherein the pivoting movement of the operating device when pivoting into the oppositely pivoted-out operating position occurs opposite to the pivoting movement of the operating device when pivoting into the operating position. This makes it possible for the operating device to be moved not only into an operating position in which the operating device can be operated by the user orNot only is the control device optimally visible and operable by the driver, but the control device can also be pivoted out in the opposite direction, allowing the control device to be optimally visible and operable by the driver or another person, such as a passenger, while resting their arm on the second armrest. This is particularly useful when the driver of the motor vehicle must concentrate on driving and cannot use the control device anyway, whereas the passenger can use the control device without difficulty.

[0028] It is conceivable here for the operating device to be arranged in a recess in the armrest so that it can pivot with respect to its central vertical axis, whereby the operating device can be pivoted to the left and right and can therefore be brought into both the laterally pivoted operating position and the oppositely pivoted operating position. The connection between the operating device and the armrest can be achieved via a torsion spring, whereby the torsion spring is relaxed when the operating device is in the pivoted-in position. This ensures that the torsion spring is tensioned both when the operating device is in the pivoted-out operating position and when the operating device is in the oppositely pivoted operating position.In both cases, the restoring force caused by the torsion spring causes the operating device to be pushed back into the pivoted position, which can be prevented by a suitable locking device.

[0029] Alternatively, the operating device can be connected to the armrest via a frame with two pivot axes, particularly those provided laterally on the frame, for pivoting in both directions. Here, too, the operating device can be preloaded by at least one spring element in the laterally pivoted operating position and in the oppositely pivoted operating position.

[0030] In a center console according to the invention, it can be provided that the second support surface is fixed in position with respect to the support component or can be transferred from a stowed position into a raised position and vice versa. If the second support surface is fixed in position with respect to the support component, the second armrest surface is somewhat lower than the first armrest surface, depending on the width of the armrest. Alternatively, the armrest can be moved into a stowed position as well as a raised position. In one expedient exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the second armrest surface is in the stowed position when the armrest is in the closed position and that the second armrest surface is in a raised position when the armrest is in the open position.Regarding the height at which the user can rest his arm, it makes no noticeable difference whether he rests his arm on the first armrest surface or on the second armrest surface.

[0031] It is also conceivable that the second armrest could be moved automatically from the stowed position to the raised position and / or vice versa. This further simplifies the process for the user, who therefore does not have to perform this movement themselves.

[0032] In this case, it can be expediently provided that at least one actuating element is provided which causes the second armrest surface to be transferred from the stowed position to the raised position and / or vice versa during the pivoting of the armrest from the closed position to the open position. The actuating element can, for example, be a hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder, the operation of which can be controlled, for example, by the control device or a control unit. This control unit can be configured to evaluate the sensor-detected pivoting of the armrest and, depending on this, to generate a control command which causes the armrest surface to be transferred from the closed position to the open position or vice versa.

[0033] Alternatively, the actuating element can also be a spring element arranged along the vertical axis of the center console, for example, located in a cavity of the support component, and connecting the second armrest surface to the support component. In a suitable refinement of this, when the armrest is moved from the open position to the closed position, the second armrest surface can be pressed down by the armrest against the restoring force of the spring element.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the adjusting element is a driver, in particular a toggle lever or the like, which connects the armrest to the second armrest surface.

[0035] In a center console according to the invention, a locking device can be provided by which the armrest can be locked in the closed position relative to the support component. The locking device, which can be designed, for example, as a latching or snap-in connection, advantageously prevents the armrest from being inadvertently moved from the closed position to the open position due to forces typically encountered during travel.

[0036] For the center console according to the invention, it can also be provided that the armrest is arranged so that it can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the center console. This advantageously provides the possibility of adjusting the position of the operating device relative to the user's hand, whose position naturally depends on the length of the arm, by correspondingly moving the armrest longitudinally. Furthermore, moving the armrest and thus the operating device forward makes it easier for the user to see it, since in this case, the user hardly has to turn their head.

[0037] If it is intended that the second armrest surface can be automatically moved from the stowed position to the raised position and / or vice versa, it is conceivable that an additional automatic displacement along the longitudinal axis takes place.

[0038] For the center console according to the invention, the armrest can also be connected to the support component via a four-bar linkage. This advantageously results in further design options, since in this case the armrest not only performs a pivoting movement around, for example, the axis on which the armrest is hinged to the support component, but instead describes an arcuate movement.

[0039] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a center console as described above.

[0040] The features described for the center console according to the invention can be transferred to the motor vehicle according to the invention with the advantages mentioned.

[0041] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings, which schematically show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a center console according to the invention with an armrest in the closed position, Fig. 2 a perspective view of the center console from Fig. 1 , with the armrest in the open position, Fig. 3 a sectional view of the center console from Fig. 1 along the line III - III, Fig. 4 a sectional view of the center console from Fig. 2 along the line IV - IV, Fig. 5 a sectional view through the armrest of the center console from Fig. 1 along the line V - V, Fig. 6 a sectional view through the armrest of the center console from Fig. 2along the line VI - VI, Fig. 7 a sectional view through the armrest of a second embodiment of a center console according to the invention, wherein the operating device is in the pivoted-in operating position, Fig. 8 a sectional view through the armrest of the second embodiment of a center console according to the invention, wherein the operating device is in the laterally pivoted-out operating position, Fig. 9 a sectional view through the armrest of the second embodiment of a center console according to the invention, wherein the operating device is in the oppositely pivoted-out operating position, Fig. 10 a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of a center console according to the invention, wherein the armrest is in the closed position, and Fig. 11 a longitudinal section of the third embodiment of a center console according to the invention, wherein the armrest is in the open position.

[0042] In the Figures 1 and 2is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a center console 1 according to the invention, in particular for a motor vehicle. Figures 3 and 4 each show a longitudinal section through the Figures 1 and 2 The center console 1 comprises a support component 2 and an armrest 3 pivotably mounted on the upper side of the support component 2.

[0043] The armrest 3 is pivotally mounted relative to the support component 2 about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support component 2 or the center console 1, and has a top side forming a first armrest surface 4 and a bottom side supporting an operating device 5, which may be, for example, a touchscreen or a keypad. The armrest 3 is movable from a closed position, as shown in Fig. 1 and in Fig. 3 shown, in an open position, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4represented, and vice versa, transferable.

[0044] If the armrest 3 is in the closed position, a second armrest surface 6 of the support component 2 is concealed by the armrest 3. Furthermore, in this case, the operating device 5 is not visible or operable for a user (not shown), who is in particular the driver of the motor vehicle, but is stowed inside the center console 1. For the user, who is, for example, sitting on a seat arranged to the side of the center console 1, this provides the opportunity to comfortably rest their arm on the first armrest surface 4.

[0045] If the armrest 3 is in the open position, the second armrest surface 6 is exposed, allowing the user to rest their arm on it instead of the first armrest surface 4. Furthermore, the operating device 5 is then no longer stored inside the center console 1, but can be operated by the user. The operating device 5 is expediently arranged on the armrest 3 such that it is adjacent to the second armrest surface 6. The operating device 5 is therefore advantageously positioned precisely such that the user can comfortably reach it with their hand 7 when they have rested their arm on the second armrest surface 6. The user can therefore comfortably operate the operating device 5 without having to change their seating position or remove their arm from its rested position.

[0046] This results in the advantage that, when the armrest 3 is in the open position, the user does not have to leave the comfortable, natural posture normally assumed during the journey in order to operate the control device 5. Instead, the user can continue to make himself comfortable in his seat and, particularly if the journey is controlled autonomously, devote himself to the control device 5.

[0047] The operating device 5 is arranged, for example, in a pivotable manner on the armrest 3. The operating device 5 can pivot about an axis 8 that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the armrest 3. The operating device 5 is in a laterally pivoted operating position facing the user when the armrest 3 is in the open position, and in a pivoted-in position when the armrest 3 is in the closed position. The pivotability of the operating device 5 about the axis 8 makes it possible for the operating device 5 to face the user, who is typically located on a seat next to the center console 1, in the operating position, whereby the operating device 5 is more easily visible or operated by the user.

[0048] In order to clarify the pivoted position and the operating position of the operating device 5, Fig. 5 a sectional view through the armrest 3 of the Fig. 1shown center console 1 along the line V - V, while the armrest 3 is in the closed position. In Fig. 6 is the same sectional view through the armrest 3 along the line VI - VI from Fig. 2 shown while the armrest 3 is in the open position. Advantageously, but not necessarily, a recess 9 is provided in the armrest 3, in which the operating device 5 is completely accommodated in a space-saving manner when the operating device is in the pivoted-in position.

[0049] In the Figures 1 to 6In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is provided by way of example that the transfer of the operating device 5 from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and vice versa takes place automatically, which represents a simplification for the user. It is expediently provided that the automatic transfer takes place when the armrest 3 is transferred from the open position to the closed position and vice versa.

[0050] For this purpose, as described in the Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment shown, a spring element 10, which is designed, for example, as a torsion spring, can be arranged along the axis 8, wherein the spring element 10 couples the armrest 3 to the operating device 5. The spring element 10 preloads the operating device 5 in the pivoted-in position, whereby a force acting on the operating device 5 in the direction of the operating position acts.

[0051] The operating device 5 is transferred from the operating position to the pivoted-in position by the operating device 5 running against the support component 2 or the second armrest surface 6 when the armrest is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. This pivoting of the operating device 5 from the operating position to the restricted position occurs counter to the force of the spring element 10, which is pretensioned when the operating device 5 is in the pivoted-in position. The user therefore no longer needs to worry about transferring the operating device 5 from the operating position to the pivoted-in position; instead, this occurs automatically when the armrest 3 is pivoted in.

[0052] Conversely, the spring element 10 causes the operating device 5 to be automatically moved from the pivoted-in position to the operating position when the armrest is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. The operating position of the operating device 5 can be achieved by running against a stop (not shown) when the operating device 5 is pivoted open.

[0053] In order to improve the movement guidance of the operating device 5 when transferring from the operating position to the pivoted-in position and vice versa, the operating device 5 is connected to the armrest 3 in addition to the spring element 10, for example via a toggle lever 15 arranged in the recess 9.

[0054] Furthermore, it is conceivable that further possible operating positions that can be assumed by the operating device 5 are provided. This can be achieved, for example, by allowing the user to change and fix the position of the stop as needed. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that, instead of a stop, a locking means or a clamping device is provided, by which the operating device 5 can be fixed in a desired operating position, which can be adjusted continuously and individually for each user.

[0055] In a further embodiment, not shown here, it can be provided that, instead of the spring element 10, an automatic transfer of the operating device 5 from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and vice versa takes place by a coupling mechanism which causes the operating device to be transferred from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and vice versa during the transfer of the armrest 3 from the closed position to the open position. For this purpose, the coupling mechanism can accordingly couple the pivot axis of the armrest 3 to the axis 8 around which the operating device 5 is pivoted.

[0056] In a further alternative embodiment, not shown here, it is conceivable that the transfer of this operating device 5 from the pivoted-in position to the operating position and vice versa takes place via an electromechanical actuating element. In this embodiment, sensors are expediently provided to detect the transfer of the armrest 3 from the open position to the closed position, with a control device configured to control the electromechanical actuating element in dependence thereon.

[0057] The Figures 7, 8 and 9 show schematically a Figures 5 and 6corresponding section through the armrest 3 of a second embodiment of a center console 1, wherein identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, too, the operating device 5 is accommodated in a recess 9 of the armrest 3. The operating device 5 is connected centrally to the armrest 3 via a spring element 10 designed as a torsion spring. The spring element 10 is in the Fig. 7 The pivoted-in position of the operating device 5 is relaxed. The transfer of the operating device 5 into the operating position, which is shown in Fig. 8 is shown, is done manually by the user, that is, he turns the operating device 5 manually into the position shown in Fig. 8 shown position against the force of the spring element 10. A Figures 7 to 9 A locking means (not shown) is provided to clamp the operating device 5 in the operating position.

[0058] It should be noted that the spring element 10 is not absolutely necessary in this embodiment. However, it has the effect that when the locking means is released, the operating device 5 automatically returns to the pivoted-in position, as shown in Fig. 7 is shown. Further variants are certainly conceivable. For example, it can be provided that the operating device 5 is transferred from the operating position into the pivoted-in position by the user manually transferring the operating device 5 into the pivoted-in position, with a push-push connection then holding the operating device 5 in the pivoted-in position. Pressing the operating device 5 again causes the push-push connection to release and the operating device 5 to move back into the operating position.

[0059] Another useful and optional feature of the Figures 7 to 9The illustrated embodiment is shown in Fig. 9 Accordingly, the operating device 5 can not only be moved into the Fig. 8 Not only can the operating device 5 be transferred to the laterally swung-out operating position shown, but it is also possible to move the operating device 5 into an oppositely swung-out operating position. This is particularly useful when the center console 1 is located between two seats, whereby the oppositely swung-out operating position also allows another user in the second seat to comfortably operate the operating device 5. All advantages and features explained with regard to the laterally swung-out operating position can of course also be applied to the oppositely swung-out operating position.

[0060] The realization of a laterally pivoted operating position and additionally an oppositely pivoted operating position can also be realized alternatively by using an adjusting frame in which the operating device 5 is accommodated and connects it to the armrest 3 and which can be pivoted about two axes of rotation provided laterally on the adjusting frame.

[0061] In the Figures 10 and 11 a longitudinal section through a third embodiment of a center console 1 according to the invention is shown, which shows the Figures 3 and 4 In contrast to the longitudinal section shown in the Figures 1 to 4 In the third embodiment, the second arm support surface 6 is not fixed in position with respect to the support component 2, but can be moved from a storage position ( Fig. 10 ) to a raised position ( Fig. 11) and vice versa. In this case, the second armrest surface 6 is in the stowed position when the armrest 3 is in the closed position. In this case, the second armrest surface 6 is recessed in the support component 2 of the center console 1. In contrast, the second armrest surface 6 is in the raised position when the armrest 3 is in the open position. From the user's point of view, therefore, the first armrest surface 4, when the armrest 3 is in the open position, has the same position as the second armrest surface 6 when the armrest 3 is in the open position.

[0062] To transfer the second armrest surface 6 from the stowed position to the raised position, two adjusting elements 12, designed as compression springs, are provided, for example. These actuate the armrest 3 during pivoting from the open position to the closed position, pushing it downward into a cavity 13 of the support component 2 against the force of the adjusting elements 12, thereby transferring it to the stowed position. When the second armrest surface 6 is in the stowed position, it is preloaded by the adjusting elements 12.

[0063] Instead of a compression spring, the adjusting element 12 can equally be a hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder or the like. It is also conceivable for the adjusting element to be a driver connecting the second armrest surface 6 to the armrest 3, such as a toggle lever.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiments shown, a locking device 14 is provided, which fixes the armrest 3 against the force of the adjusting elements 12 when the armrest is in the closed position. Furthermore, the locking device 14 serves the purpose of preventing unwanted opening of the armrest 3 due to acceleration forces occurring during travel. The locking device 14 is in the Figures 1 to 6 shown embodiment is provided as a locking or snap connection cooperating with the carrier component 2, whereas the locking device 14 in the embodiment shown in the Figures 10 and 11 illustrated embodiment is a locking lever that is to be operated manually by the user.

[0065] The armrest 3 can be connected to the support component 2 via a four-bar linkage 14, as in the illustrated embodiments. Although it is also conceivable for the armrest 3 to be connected to the support component 2 so that it can pivot about only one axis, the four-bar linkage 14 enables the armrest 3 to be additionally displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the center console 1. This advantageously allows the user to adjust the position of the armrest 3, and thus of the operating device 5 when the armrest 3 is in the open position, to suit their individual arm length.

Claims

1. Center console, comprising a support component (2) and an armrest (3) arranged on the upper side of the support component (2) and pivotably about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the center console (1) with an upper side and a lower side supporting an operating device (5), wherein the armrest (3) can be transferred by pivoting about the axis from a closed position, in which the upper side of the armrest (3) forms a first armrest surface (4), into an open position, which facilitates operation of the operating device (5), and vice versa, wherein the support component (2) has a second armrest surface (6), characterized in that, when the armrest (3) is in the closed position, the second armrest surface (6) is covered by the armrest (3) and, when the armrest (3) is in the open position, it is arranged adjacent to the operating device (5).

2. Center console according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating device (5) is arranged pivotably on the armrest (3), wherein the operating device (5) can be transferred from a pivoted-in position into a laterally pivoted-out operating position and vice versa.

3. Center console according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating device (5) can be automatically transferred from the pivoted-in position into the operating position and / or vice versa.

4. Center console according to claim 3, characterized in that a spring element (10), which is connected on the one hand to the operating device (5) and on the other hand to the armrest (3), is provided, wherein the spring element (10) pretensions the operating device (5) in the pivoted-in position.

5. Center console according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the operating device (5) can be transferred from the operating position into the pivoted-in position, whereby the operating device (5) runs against the support component (2) when the armrest (3) is pivoted from the open position into the closed position.

6. Center console according to claim 3, characterized in that a coupling mechanism linking the operating device (5) and the armrest (3) to one another is provided, which causes the operating device (5) to be transferred from the pivoted-in position into the operating position and / or vice versa during the transfer of the armrest (3) from the closed position into the open position.

7. Center console according to claim 3, characterized in that an electromechanical actuating element for transferring the operating device (5) from the pivoted-in position into the operating position and / or vice versa is provided.

8. Center console according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating device (5) can be manually transferred from the pivoted-in position into the operating position and / or vice versa.

9. Center console according to claim 8, characterized in that a spring element (10), which is connected on the one hand to the operating device (5) and on the other hand to the armrest (3), is provided, wherein the spring element (10) pretensions the operating device (5) in the operating position.

10. Center console according to any one of claims 2, 8 or 9, characterized in that the operating device (5) can be transferred from the pivoted-in position both into the laterally pivoted-out operating position as well as into an opposite pivoted-out operating position and vice versa, wherein the pivoting motion of the operating device (5) during pivoting into the opposite pivoted-out operating position is performed counter to the pivoting motion of the operating device (5) during pivoting into the operating position.

11. Center console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second armrest surface (6) is positionally fixed relative to the support component (2) or can be transferred from a stowed position into a raised position and vice versa.

12. Center console according to claim 11, characterized in that the second armrest surface (6) can be automatically transferred from the stowed position into the raised position and / or vice versa.

13. Center console according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one actuating element (12) is provided, which causes the second armrest surface (6) to be transferred from the stowed position into the raised position and / or vice versa during pivoting of the armrest (3) from the closed position into the open position.

14. Center console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating device (5) is a touchscreen or a keypad.

15. Center console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a locking device (14) is provided, by which the armrest (3) can be locked in the closed position relative to the support component (2).

16. Center console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrest (3) is arranged so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the center console (1).

17. Center console according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrest (3) is connected by a four-bar linkage (15) to the support component (2).