Center console between two vehicle seats and motor vehicle with such a center console

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor vehicle with a center console according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Partially or fully automated driving of motor vehicles creates potential for alternative uses and, consequently, a different design of the vehicle interior compared to the interiors of conventional vehicles without automated driving functions. In automated driving mode, for example, a driver can devote their attention to the other vehicle occupants, so that swiveling the driver's seat to face the other seats or swiveling the seats of a front row to face a rear row can promote communicative and social interaction among the vehicle occupants.

[0003] A center console located next to the seats hinders the swiveling motion of vehicle seats. In a conventionally sized vehicle with a center console, a complex mechanism is required to allow the seats and the center console to move past each other.

[0004] WO 2014 / 055257 A1 describes a motor vehicle with a storage console according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the storage console comprises a housing that is movable from a stowed position to an upright position and wherein the housing has an upper surface that is substantially flush with the floor of the vehicle in the stowed position and is spaced away from the floor in the upright position.

[0005] From DE 10 2014 224 560 A1, an arrangement for a vehicle interior is known, comprising a first row of seats having at least one seat and a second row of seats arranged in the vehicle interior in front of or behind the first row, also comprising at least one seat. The first row of seats is arranged in or on a plate rotatably mounted in or on the floor of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, this arrangement provides for at least one slidably mounted console, which is slidable along at least one rail arranged in or on the floor of the vehicle. This rail is in turn multi-part and is arranged at least partially in or on the plate. For moving the console, in particular for moving it by an electric motor, a drive device is preferably also associated with the console. This drive device has a push chain guided in or on the rail and connected to the console.The push chain, actuated by the drive unit, allows the console to be moved to any desired position along the rail. In one described embodiment, when the platform is rotated, two seats forming a row on the platform are moved relative to each other and towards each other. This prevents the seats from interfering with the side walls of the vehicle interior and ensures that the seats can be rotated in the smallest possible space. To prevent the console from obstructing the movement of the seats, the drive unit automatically moves it to a release position away from the platform, for example, near the dashboard.

[0006] DE 20 2004 013 633 U1 describes a center console of a motor vehicle with at least one container-shaped storage compartment that can be closed with a lid element. This compartment is guided longitudinally by at least two spaced-apart linear guide elements attached to the center console and parallel to each other, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The linear guide elements have a continuously rising or arc-shaped profile when viewed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, so that when the storage compartment and lid element are moved, they move both longitudinally and vertically. The lid element can be designed as an armrest, and the storage compartment and lid element can be moved longitudinally manually or by an electric motor.

[0007] US Patent 7,543,871 B2 discloses a center console for an instrument panel, comprising a housing with a display area and an associated actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism allowing movement of the housing relative to the instrument panel. The center console assumes an upright position relative to the vehicle floor, and the display area includes a control device.

[0008] German patent DE 103 34 999 A1 also describes an adjustable center console located in a vehicle between two front seats and adjacent to a dashboard. At least one section of the center console, or the entire center console, is adjustable from a front end position between the front seats in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to any intermediate position or to a rear end position in front of or between the rear seats and back again. The center console can be adjusted manually or via a drive mechanism, in particular an electric motor equipped with a self-locking gearbox. For this purpose, guide elements are provided in the adjustable center console that engage in a guide provided in the vehicle floor.

[0009] German patent DE 101 37 036 A1 shows an instrument panel and a container that can be moved longitudinally within a vehicle. The instrument panel has a recess for inserting the container, such that the container is flush with the instrument panel when inserted. The container is movable on at least one rail embedded in the vehicle floor, extending at least in the area between the front seats and their footwells, but also potentially into the vehicle's trunk. The rail can also be equipped with a power supply for the container, and the container itself can be fitted with electrical connections.

[0010] An information sheet for Audi's Pikes Peak quattro concept study, presented at the 2003 North American International Motor Show, mentions a rear center console that can be lowered and retracted between the individual seats of a second row, without providing further details.

[0011] The arrangements and methods known from the prior art for moving a rigid center console from the area between two vehicle seats to another position in the vehicle interior can only be applied to motor vehicles with a sufficiently large, even exceptionally large, interior. Lowering or recessing rigidly designed center consoles into the vehicle floor would not be possible due to the relatively narrow conventional vehicle floor compared to their height, particularly in electric vehicles, whose floor is preferably designed to house batteries.

[0012] The object of the invention is to further develop the generic motor vehicle in such a way that it enables the rotation of at least one vehicle seat in small vehicle interiors and in a design that is elegant for vehicle occupants.

[0013] This problem is solved according to the invention by the characterizing features of claim 1. Preferred motor vehicles according to the invention are described in claims 2 to 5.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of a center console in a motor vehicle according to the invention relate to the center console between two seats in the motor vehicle, which can be moved via a folding mechanism from a first, upright position, which defines a first state of use, to a second, folded position, which defines a second state of use, wherein the center console in the second position is lowered relative to a floor surface between the seats, wherein the center console in the second position is arranged substantially parallel to the floor surface and in a flat position within a recess in the vehicle floor.

[0015] Preferably, the center console in the recess in the vehicle floor can be covered by at least one, preferably movable, cover plate.

[0016] Motor vehicles according to the invention have five elements of the center console, comprising a central element which in the first, upright position runs substantially parallel to the floor surface, two end elements which in the first, upright position run substantially parallel to the floor surface and / or are at least partially lowered into the floor surface, and two side elements between the end elements and the central element.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the center console has a symmetrical structure relative to its longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the floor surface and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0018] Embodiments of the invention can be characterized by at least one stop element for defining the first, upright position and / or a maximum installation height of the center console, wherein preferably one of the five elements comprises the stop element or is connected to it, in particular movably.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is proposed that the elements are connected in a way that allows them to move relative to each other, in particular by means of pivot axes and / or hinges arranged on opposite sides, wherein the elements are preferably rigid.

[0020] In other embodiments, it may be provided that the end elements of the rigid elements can be pulled apart to change from the first position to the second position and can be pressed together to change from the second position to the first position.

[0021] Center consoles can also have at least one actuator for translationally moving at least one of the end elements of the center console for switching between the first and second position of the center console, wherein the actuator preferably comprises a linear motor and / or a threaded spindle or push chain driven by an electric motor.

[0022] According to the invention, the elements have a folding mechanism with a lamellar structure, wherein preferably the side elements have the lamellar structure.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, at least one lifting cylinder is provided for lowering and raising in order to switch between the first and second position of the center console, wherein preferably the lifting cylinder comprises an electromechanical lifting cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, and / or preferably the lifting cylinder acts on or is connected to the central element.

[0024] Preferably, according to the invention, a self-locking system is provided, in particular comprising a reduced gear ratio, so that an external force exerted on the center console does not cause the center console to lower or raise.

[0025] Furthermore, a center console can have an elastic surface covering, in particular stretched over at least part of its elements, and / or at least one touchscreen, in particular on the central element, and / or at least one storage mechanism that secures objects placed on it, in particular within the center console, when the center console is moved. A storage mechanism can, for example, be an elastic surface of the center console that, when flat, prevents objects from falling out.

[0026] The invention enables a method for rotating at least one seat in the motor vehicle with a center console arranged next to the seat, wherein before or during the rotation of the seat the center console is lowered at least to such an extent that the center console does not impede the rotation of the seat and the seat and center console can be moved past each other.

[0027] This ensures that no area of ​​the vehicle interior needs to be kept clear or occupied in order to avoid obstructing the rotation of a vehicle seat located next to the center console.

[0028] The invention and its preferred embodiments are explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to schematic drawings: Figure 1a shows a vehicle interior with a first embodiment of a center console in a first state of use next to a seat; Figure 1b shows as in Figure 1aFigure 2a shows the vehicle interior with the center console in a second state of use in front of a dashboard; Figure 2b shows a vehicle interior with a second embodiment of a center console in a first state of use next to a seat; Figure 2b shows as in Figure 2a the vehicle interior with the center console in a second state of use in front of a dashboard; Figure 3a shows a vehicle interior with a third embodiment of a center console in an upright position in a first position next to a seat; Figure 3b shows as in Figure 3a the vehicle interior with the center console in a lowered position in the first position next to the seat; Figure 3c shows how in Figures 3a and 3bFigure 4a shows the vehicle interior with the center console in the lowered position at a second position in a garage; Figure 4a shows a vehicle interior with a fourth embodiment of a center console in an upright position at a first position next to a seat; Figure 4b shows as in Figure 4a the vehicle interior with the center console in a lowered position at a second position in a garage; Figure 5 shows a toggle lever device; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the four embodiments of the center console as in the Figures 4a and 4b with a rail; Figure 7a shows a sectional view of the center console with rail as in Figure 6 with the toggle lever device as in Figure 5 in an upright position; Figure 7b shows a sectional view of the center console with rail as in Figure 6 with the toggle lever device as in Figure 5in a lowered position; Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a center console with a rail; Figure 8b shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a center console with a rail; Figure 9 shows a vehicle interior of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a center console in an upright position between two seats; Figure 10 shows, in sectional views, the sequence of a change in position of a seventh embodiment of a center console at three points in time; and Figure 11 shows, in sectional views as in Figure 10 the sequence of a change in position of a center console of the motor vehicle according to the invention, at three points in time.

[0029] In the Figures 1a and 1bFigures 2a and 2b show, from a perspective view, a vehicle interior 1 with a vehicle occupant 2 in a seat 3, in particular a driver in a driver's seat, as well as a windshield 4 and a vehicle cockpit 5 with steering wheel and dashboard 6. Below the dashboard 6 is a space 7. Furthermore, a rail 8 in the vehicle floor 9 is visible, along which a center console 10, 20 can be moved.

[0030] The Figure 1aFigure 1 shows a first embodiment of a movable and foldable center console 10 in a first state of use, wherein the center console 10 assumes an upright position in a first position next to the vehicle occupant 2 and the seat 3. The center console 10 has a base 11, a column 12, and a projection 13 extending from the upper end of the column 12. The projection 13 forms a fixed unit with the column 12 and provides a storage surface 14 in a horizontal position with a touchscreen 15. The column 12 is connected to the base 11 via a pivot joint 16, the axis of rotation of which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column 12 and transversely to the course of the rail 8. The base 11 is connected to an active motor drive (not shown), for example, a belt drive located in the vehicle floor 9, by means of which the center console 10 can be moved along the rail 8.

[0031] In Figure 1bThe center console 10 is shown in a second configuration in front of the dashboard 6. In this configuration, the center console 10 is folded down, with the base 11 in a second position and part of the column 12 inclined towards the vehicle floor 9 in the space 7 below the dashboard 6. Due to the inclined position of the column 12, the projection 13 is in an upright position, allowing the storage surface 14 and the touchscreen 15 to assume an almost vertical position in front of the dashboard 6, enabling the touchscreen 15 to be operated by the vehicle occupant 2. In this second configuration, the center console 10 leaves space next to the seat 3, allowing the seat 3 to be rotated.

[0032] The Figure 2aFigure 2 shows a second embodiment of a movable and foldable center console 20 in a first state of use, wherein the center console 20 assumes an upright position in a first position next to the vehicle occupant 2 and the seat 3. The center console 20 has a base 21, a column 22, and a projection 23 extending from the upper end of the column 22. The projection 23 is connected to the column 22 via a pivot joint 26, in particular a hinge, and provides a storage surface 24 in a horizontal position with a touchscreen 25. The column 22 and the base 21 form a fixed unit, wherein the base 21 is wider than the column 22 along the path of the rail 8. Furthermore, the base 21 is connected to an active motor drive (not shown), for example, a belt drive located in the vehicle floor 9, by means of which the center console 20 can be moved along the rail 8.

[0033] In Figure 2bThe center console 20 is shown in a second configuration in front of the dashboard 6. The projection 23 assumes a folded-up position in front of the dashboard 6, with the pillar 22 and the base 21 in a second position, moved close to the dashboard 9. This places the storage area 24 and the touchscreen 25 in an almost vertical position, allowing the touchscreen 25 to be operated by the vehicle occupant 2, and also creates space next to the seat 3, enabling the seat 3 to be rotated.

[0034] In the Figures 3a to 3cFigures 4a and 4b show, from a perspective view, a vehicle interior 101 with a vehicle occupant 102 in a seat 103, in particular a driver in a driver's seat, as well as a windshield 104 and a vehicle cockpit 105 with steering wheel and dashboard 106. In a space below the dashboard 106 is a garage 107, which can accommodate a center console 110, 120, the center console 110, 120 having a storage compartment 111 and a knee lever 112. Furthermore, a rail 108 is visible in the vehicle floor 109, along which the center console 110, 120 can be moved.

[0035] The Figures 3a to 3c Figure 1 shows a sequence of changes in state of a third embodiment of a lowerable and movable center console 110 from a use state to a stowed state at three different times t0, t1, t2. At time t0, shown in Figure 1 Figure 3aThe center console 110 is in its operational state, in an upright position, in a first position next to the vehicle occupant 102 and the seat 103. A storage compartment 111 of the center console 110 is supported by toggle levers 112, which are in a inserted position and freely visible. At time t1, shown in Figure 3b The center console 110 is in a lowered position in the first position next to the seat 103, with the knee levers 112 in a bent state. This lowers the storage compartment 111, and the dimensions of the center console 110 are smaller compared to the upright position. By means of a motor drive (not shown), the center console 110 is moved in the lowered position along the rail 108 in the vehicle floor 109 to a second position in the garage 107. At time t2, shown in Figure 3c, the center console 110 in the stowed state is in the lowered position in the second position in garage 107, which creates a space next to seat 103 that allows the seat 103 to be rotated.

[0036] The Figures 4a and 4b Figure 1 shows a fourth embodiment of a lowerable and movable center console 120, wherein the fourth embodiment has a cover in addition to the third embodiment of the center console 110. Figure 4a The center console 120 is shown in its operating state in an upright position next to the vehicle occupant 102 on seat 103. A first cover 121 encloses the storage compartment 111, and a second cover 122 encloses the knee levers 112. Furthermore, the first cover 121 also partially encloses the second cover 122. Figure 4bThe center console 120, when stowed, is shown in a lowered position in a second position in garage 107. The first cover 121 completely encloses the second cover 122. Next to seat 103, just as in Figure 3c , a space that allows the seat 103 to be rotated.

[0037] In Figure 5Figure 130 shows a toggle lever device by means of which a center console 120 can be lowered and raised. A first toggle lever 131a and a second toggle lever 131b are arranged symmetrically opposite each other with their toggle joints facing each other. Each of the toggle levers 131a, 131b consists of a first lever element 132a and a second lever element 132b. The lever elements 132a, 132b are fork-shaped and have two fork legs, which are connected at one end by a fork bridge and are open and unconnected at the opposite end.The knee joint of a knee lever 131a, 131b is formed by a pivot pin 133 and the open ends of the first lever element 132a and the open ends of the second lever element 132b, wherein the pivot pin 133 is enclosed between the open end of the first lever element 132a and the open end of the first lever element 132a together with the pivot pin 33 is enclosed between the open end of the second lever element 132b and the respective adjacent fork legs of the lever elements 132a, 132b are rotatably connected to the pivot pin 133 in the knee joint axis.The closed ends of the first lever elements 132a are rotatably connected to a base plate 135 via first connecting elements 134a, and the closed ends of the second lever elements 132b are rotatably connected to the underside of a storage compartment floor 136 via second connecting elements 134b, such that the planes of the base plate 135 and the storage compartment floor 136 are parallel to each other and the toggle levers 131a, 131b are arranged between the base plate 135 and the underside of the storage compartment floor 136. The respective pivot pins 133 have threaded nuts 137, the threads of which are opposed to each other.The pivot pins 133 are connected to each other via a threaded spindle 138, which has two sections with opposing threads that are complementary to the respective threads of the threaded nuts 137, so that, depending on the direction of rotation of the threaded spindle 138, the pivot pins 133 can be moved towards or away from each other. The threaded spindle 138 is rotated by a motor 139 located on the threaded spindle 138. The threaded spindle 138 and the motor 139 are connected to a mounting guide 141 via a bracket 140, whereby the threaded spindle 138 passes through a hole in the bracket 140 and the motor 139 is attached to the bracket 140. The mounting guide 141 is arranged vertically on the base plate 135, whereby the mounting 140 with the threaded spindle 138 and the motor 139 is guided in a lowering and raising manner.

[0038] As soon as the motor 139 sets the threaded spindle 138 into rotation such that the pivot pins 133 are moved towards each other, the first lever elements 132a tilt relative to the base plate 135 from an upright position to an inclined position. This exerts a downward force on the threaded spindle 138, which lowers the bracket 140, through which the threaded spindle 138 passes, along the bracket guide 141. Conversely, a counter-rotation of the threaded spindle 138 causes the pivot pins 133 to move away from each other and the first lever elements 132a to rise from an inclined position relative to the base plate 135 to an upright position. This exerts an upward force on the threaded spindle 138, which lifts the bracket 140 along the bracket guide 141. Figure 5Guide rails 155 (not shown), which guide the storage compartment floor 136 perpendicular to its plane, cause the second lever elements 132a to tilt or rise relative to the storage compartment floor when the first lever elements 131a are tilted or raised. Overall, when the pivot pins 133 move towards each other, the toggle levers 131a and 131b bend and the storage compartment floor 136 lowers relative to the base plate 135. Conversely, when the pivot pins 133 move away from each other, the toggle levers 131a and 131b extend and the storage compartment floor 136 rises relative to the base plate 135.

[0039] The storage compartment floor 136 has a recess 142 through which the support guide 141 can pass when the storage compartment floor 136 is lowered. The base plate 135 has a recess in its interior area, over which webs 143 connected to the top of the base plate 135 are arranged. Strap holders 144 are attached to these webs and are aligned through the recess towards the underside of the base plate 135, so that the strap holders 144 can be attached to a strap 147 (not shown) below the toggle lever device 130. Guide elements 146 for movement along a rail 148 (not shown) are arranged on the sides of the base plate 135.

[0040] In Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the center console 120 is from the Figures 4a and 4b shown on a rail in which the toggle lever device 130 is made Figure 5is installed. A storage compartment 151 is enclosed by the first cover 121 and is shown with an open two-part lid 152. The storage compartment floor 136 is visible in the storage compartment 151, with the recess 142 of the storage compartment floor 136 being provided with a recess cover 153. When the center console 120 is lowered, the recess cover 153 receives the section of the mounting guide 141 that passes through the recess 142, thus preventing the mounting guide 141 from contacting objects located in the storage compartment 151. The second cover 122 encloses the toggle lever device 130 and is partially enclosed by the first cover 121. The center console 120 is located on a rail 148, at the end of which a drive 149 is attached, which drives a belt 147. The belt 147 moves in a recess in the rail 148 and can thus move the center console 120, which is attached to the belt 147, along the rail 148.

[0041] A sectional view of the in Figure 6 The fourth embodiment of the center console 120 with rail 148 and toggle lever device 130 is shown in Figure 7a in an upright position and in Figure 7b The center console 120 is shown in a lowered position. The storage compartment 151 is closed by the lid 153, which, together with the first cover 121 and the second cover 122, forms a housing for the center console 120. The first cover 121 and the second cover 122 have guide rails 155, which guide the first cover 121 over the second cover 122 when the center console 120 is lowered. The guide rails 155 and the housing also stabilize the toggle lever mechanism 130 by guiding the storage compartment floor 136, with its second connecting elements 134b and the associated second lever elements 132b, along the guide rails 155 when the center console 120 is lowered and raised.

[0042] In the upright position, see Figure 7a The motor 139, the bracket 140, and the threaded spindle 138 are located at the upper end of the bracket guide 141. The pivot pins 133 are located at the ends of the threaded spindle 138, which positions the knee joints of the mirror-symmetrically opposed toggle levers 131a and 131b as far apart as possible, causing the toggle levers 131a and 131b to be in a jammed position. In this jammed position, the first lever elements 132a and the second lever elements 132b form an angle of less than 180° to each other at the knee bend. The first cover 121 encloses the storage compartment 151 and partially encloses the second cover 122, which encloses the toggle lever assembly 130.

[0043] In the lowered position, see Figure 7bThe motor 139, the bracket 140, and the threaded spindle 138 are located at the lower end of the bracket guide 141. The pivot pins 133 are located at the center of the threaded spindle 138, which positions the knee joints of the mirror-symmetrically opposed toggle levers 131a and 131b as close together as possible, causing the toggle levers 131a and 131b to assume a bent position. In the bent position, the first lever elements 132a and the second lever elements 132b form an angle greater than 0° to each other at the bend. Furthermore, the first cover 121 and the second cover 122 are shifted into one another to such an extent that the first cover 121 completely encloses the second cover 122, and both covers 121 and 122 completely enclose the storage compartment 151 and the toggle lever assembly 130. The recess cover 153 accommodates the section of the mounting guide 141 that has passed through the exit 142.

[0044] The Figures 8a and 8bFigure 5 and Figure 6 show a fifth and a sixth embodiment of a lowerable and movable center console 160, which differ from each other in their lifting mechanism. The center console 160 has a cuboid box 160a, which has an open storage compartment 161 on its upper side and open channels 160b at its lower side corners. Furthermore, the center console has a base plate 165, which is guided on a rail 168 by means of guide elements 166 and is movable along the rail 168 by means of a belt 167 that moves in a recess in the rail 168.

[0045] In the fifth embodiment, see Figure 8aRods 162 are arranged vertically on the base plate 165, extending into the channels 160b of the box 160a. Slide elements 163 are attached to the rods 162 and can slide along them. The slide elements 163 are moved by means of Bowden cables 164a and Bowden cable actuators 164b. The slide elements are rigidly connected to the box 160a in the channels 160b, so that the movement of the slide elements 163 allows the box 160a, and thus the center console 160, to be lowered and raised.

[0046] In the sixth embodiment, see Figure 8b Linear actuators 169 are arranged vertically on the base plate 165, extending into the channels 160b of the box 160a. The ends of the linear actuators 169 are rigidly connected to the box, so that their movement can lower and raise the box 160a and thus the center console 160.

[0047] In Figure 9The figure shows a front area of ​​the interior 1001 of a motor vehicle according to the invention, viewed from the rear in the direction of travel, looking towards a windshield and a vehicle cockpit with a steering wheel. In a front row of seats, consisting of a first seat 1003a as the driver's seat on the left and a second seat 1003b as the passenger seat on the right, a hinged or foldable center console 1002 is located between the seats 1003a and 1003b in an upright position. The center console 1002 is symmetrically constructed and comprises a central element 1004, two side elements 1005, and two end elements 1006, which are connected to one another. The end elements 1006 assume a flat position flush with the floor surface 1008 of the vehicle interior 1001 and transition into the side elements 1005, which assume an upright position and between which the central element 1004 is clamped in an elevated position parallel to the floor surface 1008.The central element 1004 is designed with a touchscreen 1007 as a control element, which can be operated by vehicle occupants from seats 1003a, 1003b.

[0048] A seventh embodiment of the folding or collapsible center console 1002 is described in Figure 10The diagram shows the process of changing the position of the center console 1002 at three different times t₀, t₁, and t₂. The center console 1002 has a symmetrical structure and consists of a central element 1014, two side elements 1015, and two end elements 1016. The central element 1014 is movably connected to a side element 1015 on opposite sides via a first pivot axis 1013a, and each side element 1015 is movably connected to an end element 1016 on a side opposite to its connection to the central element 1014 via a second pivot axis 1013b. During the change in position, the angle α, defined between each side element 1015 and a plane parallel to the floor surface 1008, and the height of the central element 1014 relative to the floor surface 1008 change.

[0049] At time t 0, the center console 1002 is in a lowered position below the floor surface 1008 in a recess of a vehicle floor 1009 and is covered by a cover plate 1018. The angle of inclination α is greater than zero, so that not all elements of the center console 1002 are flat and in the same plane. The change in position is effected by actuators (not shown) by moving the two end elements 1016 towards each other to raise the center console 1002 and away from each other to lower it.

[0050] Before the center console 1002 is raised from its lowered position, as shown at time t 1, the cover plate 1018 has already been displaced and the center console 1002, located in the vehicle floor 1009, is exposed. Due to the symmetrical design of the center console 1002, the central element 1014 clamped between the side elements 1015, and an initial tilting angle α greater than zero, when the end elements 1016 are moved towards each other, the side elements 1015 align themselves and lift the central element 1014, thereby raising the center console 1002 as a whole.

[0051] At time t 2, stops (not shown) in the four movable connections on the pivot axes 1013a, 1013b block any further change in position, thus defining a maximum installation height of the center console 1002 and providing feedback to the actuators to stop the movement of the end elements 1016. The end elements 1016 remain in a flat position within the vehicle floor 1009 at all positions of the center console 1002.

[0052] A foldable center console 1002 of the motor vehicle according to the invention is in Figure 11 depicted, analogous to Figure 10Figure 1 shows the process of a change in position of the center console 1002 from a lowered position at time t0, through an upright position at time t1, to an upright position at time t2. The center console 1002 has a symmetrical design and consists of a central element 1024, two side elements 1025, and two end elements 1026, wherein the side elements 1025 have a folding mechanism with a lamellar structure 1023. The central element 1024 is connected to a side element 1025 on opposite sides, and each side element 1025 is connected to an end element 1026 on a side opposite to its connection to the central element 1024.

[0053] In the lowered position at time t 0, the center console 1002 is located below the floor surface 1008 in a recess in the vehicle floor 1009 and is concealed by a two-part cover plate 1028. All elements of the center console 1002 lie flat in the same plane, with a lifting cylinder 1027 located below the central element 1024. Before the center console 1002 is raised from the lowered position, as shown at time t 1, a first cover plate part 1028a and a second cover plate part 1028b of the two-part cover plate 1028 are moved away from each other in opposite directions, thus exposing the center console 1002 located in the vehicle floor 1009.The erection process is achieved by lifting the central element 1024 from below using the lifting cylinder 1027, whereby the lamellar structure 1023 of the side elements 1025 folds to adapt to the height, so that the end elements 1026 are pulled and moved within the vehicle floor 1009 in a flat position. At time t 2, the maximum erection height of the center console 1002 is reached, at which point the end elements 1026 remain within the vehicle floor 1009. Reference symbol list

[0054] 1 Vehicle interior 2 Vehicle occupant 3 Seat 4 Windshield 5 Vehicle cockpit 6 Dashboard 7 Clearance 8 Rail 9 Vehicle floor 10 Center console 11 Base 12 Pillar 13 Protrusion 14 Storage area 15 Touchscreen 16 Swivel joint 20 Center console 21 Base 22 Pillar 23 Protrusion 24 Storage area 25 Touchscreen 26 Swivel joint 101 Vehicle interior 102 Vehicle occupant 103 Seat 104 Windscreen 105 Vehicle cockpit 106 Dashboard 107 Garage 108 Rail 109 Vehicle floor 110 Center console 111 Storage compartment 112 Knee lever 120 Center console 121 First cover 122 Second cover 130 Knee lever assembly 131a First knee lever 131b Second knee lever 132a First lever element 132b Second lever element 133 Hinge bolt 134a First connecting element 134b Second connecting element 135 Base plate 136 Storage compartment floor 137 Threaded nut 138 Threaded spindle 139 Motor 140 Bracket 141 Bracket guide 142 Recess 143 Web 144 Belt bracket 146 Guide element 147 Belt 148 Rail 149 Drive 151 Storage compartment 152 Cover 153 Recess cover 155 Guide rail 160 Center console 160a Box 160b Channel 161 Storage compartment 162 Rod 163 Slide element 164a Bowden cable 164b Bowden cable drive 165 Base plate 166 Guide element 167 Belt 168 Rail 169 Linear actuator 1001 Vehicle interior 1002 Center console 1003 a First seat 1003 b Second seat 1004 Center element 1005 Side element 1006 End element 1007 Touchscreen 1008 Floor surface 1009 Vehicle floor 1013 a First pivot axis 1013 b Second pivot axis 1014 Center element 1015 Side element 1016 End element 1018 Cover plate 1023 Lamellar structure 1024 Center element 1025 Side element 1026 End element 1027 Lifting cylinder 1028 Cover plate 1028 a First cover plate part 1028 b Second cover plate part αAssessment angle

Claims

1. A motor vehicle having a center console (1002) movably arranged next to a rotatable seat (1003a, 1003b), wherein the center console (1002) is provided with at least a storage surface, a lid, a monitor, a control panel and / or a touch screen (1007), between two seats (1003a, 1003b) in a motor vehicle, wherein the center console (1002) is movable from a first use state at a first position to a second use state at a second position, wherein the position of the storage surface, the lid, the monitor, the control panel and / or the touch screen (1007) changes between the first use state and the second use state and the center console (1002) leaves an open space between the seats (1003a, 1003b) in the second use state, and wherein the storage surface, the lid, the monitor, the control panel and / or the touch screen (1007) is / are movable from a first, substantially horizontal position in the first use state to a second folded, substantially horizontal position in the second use state when the center console (1002) is moved, wherein the center console (1002) is movable by means of a folding mechanism from the first, upright position, which determines the first use state, to the second, folded position, which determines the second use state, wherein, in the second position, the center console (1002) is lowered relative to the floor surface (1008) between the seats (1003a, 1003b), characterized in that the folding mechanism has five elements (1024-1026), comprising • a center element (1024) which runs substantially parallel to the floor surface (1008) in the first, upright position, • two end elements (1026) which run substantially parallel to the floor surface (1008) in the first, upright position and which are at least partially lowered into the floor surface (1008), and • two side elements (1025) between the end elements (1026) and the center element (1024), wherein the elements (1024-1026) have a folding mechanism with a lamellar structure (1023), and at least one lifting cylinder (1027) for lowering and raising for the purpose of changing between the first and second positions of the center console (1002).

2. The motor vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the second use state, the center console (1002) leaves an open space between the seats (1003a, 1003b) such that at least one of the seats (1003a, 1003b) is movable past the center console (1002) by at least 45°, preferably at least 90°, around its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the vehicle floor (1009).

3. The motor vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the center console (1002) has a symmetrical structure relative to its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the floor surface (1008) and perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

4. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one stopper element for defining the first, upright position and / or a maximum height of the center console (1002) in said upright position, wherein preferably the folding mechanism, in particular one of the five elements (1004-1006, 1014-1016, 1024-1026) thereof, comprises the stopper element or is connected to the same, in particular movably.

5. The motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a self-locking system, in particular comprising a reduction gear, such that an external force acting on the center console (1002) does not cause lowering or raising of the center console (1002).