DE102006018537B4 - Control console on an armrest of a vehicle seat - Google Patents

Abstract

Control console on an armrest (2) of a vehicle seat (3), wherein the control console (1) in, in the seat direction (15) viewed, the front portion (2a) of the armrest (2) is fixed and a pivoting control lever (5) and one opposite a surface (18) of the control console (1) pivotable support element (6) for laying a hand (19), said pivotal movements (20-23) of the control lever (5) and of the at least partially surrounding him in the lower support element (6) synchronized characterized by a pivotable support element (6) upstream keyboard (17) which is arranged between the control lever (5) and a screen (7) on the control console surface (18) non-pivoting, wherein the keyboard (17) coincident with the pivoting (20-23) of the control lever (5) can be operated with the same hand resting on the supporting element (6), the control console (1) being opposite the armrest (2) with an angle away from the vehicle seat ( α), which is in an angular range of 5 ° -40 °, is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a control console on an armrest of a vehicle seat, which, viewed in the seating direction, front portion of the armrest is attached thereto and a pivotable control lever and a screen and a keyboard for entering data, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Out EP 0 841 211 B1 For example, a sliding control panel for an operator's seat is known, which is attached to a horizontal armrest. Sliding devices mounted on the one hand on an inclined plate, which are fastened either directly or indirectly to seat-mounting assemblies, and on the other hand on the control console, allow a sliding movement of the control console in an inclined longitudinal direction relative to the driver's seat. During such sliding movement, the armrest is held in a horizontal position.

Such a control panel also has an upwardly-oriented control lever in the form of a joystick that can be swiveled, and a keyboard for inputting data. While the joystick and keyboard are located in close proximity to each other, entering data into the keyboard necessarily requires releasing the joystick due to the highly spaced arrangement of these two elements.

Thus, the vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor, a combine harvester or the like, temporarily not under the control of the driver, if the control lever for guiding, for example, for steering and forward and reverse driving of the vehicle is used. During this time there is an increased risk of accidents and / or accidental breaking out of the commercial vehicle from the intended track on the field to be processed. This danger exists in particular when a reprogramming is to take place in the course of the current harvesting process by means of inputting data into the keyboard, for which purpose the operator has to release the control lever.

WO 01/53904 A1 discloses a rigidly connected to a support plate handle for a control device, wherein the handle is preferably arranged symmetrically on this. The keyboard is not located in the control panel surface. In addition, no screen is shown. The arrangement of the keyboard on the support plate allows the keyboard is pivotable and not unverschwenkbar present.

DE 92 04 392 U1 shows an armchair for driver's cabs of machines, which has armrests on which at the front end in each case a control lever is arranged. In the front area control panels are provided in addition to the control lever, which extend obliquely following the armrest. The input keyboard is in this case provided in the surface of the control panel and a monitor or screen is arranged laterally and close to the front end of the control panel.

Other control devices are from the publications DE 101 40 975 A1 . DE 1 178 258 A . EP 0 813 993 A2 . DE 43 08 556 A1 and DE 199 82 961 T1 known.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control console on an arm rest of a vehicle seat which conveniently allows operation of a pivotal control lever by a person operating the control console while simultaneously inputting data into a keyboard provided therefor performs.

This object is achieved according to the features of claim 1.

The essence of the invention can be seen in the fact that in a control console on an armrest of a vehicle seat, which, viewed in the sitting direction, front portion of the armrest is attached thereto and a pivotable control lever, a screen and a keyboard for data input, in addition a relative to a surface of the control console pivotable support element for placing a hand is arranged. This support element at least partially surrounds the control lever in its lower region and is synchronized in its pivoting movements with the pivoting movements of the control lever. In this way, by pivoting the control lever, which may be in the form of a joystick, by means of a hand of the control console serving person at the same time the support element, which is hand-trained for the support of the handball on its surface, pivoted so as to the joystick between thumb and forefinger, while the remaining fingers of the resting on the support element hand for further activities are available.

If immediately below the remaining four fingers of this hand, the keyboard upstream of the support element is arranged such that in each case at least two consecutively arranged keys are operable by each finger stored on the keyboard, while guiding the joystick by the thumb and the rear area of the index finger entering numbers into the keyboard. For example, this allows you to enter a different parameter value for the Carrying out a harvesting process on the field without having to stop the tractor having the control console or the second hand of the driver must be used.

The keyboard may preferably be slightly arcuate in order to perform the entry of data through the fingers in a more relaxed form.

Ideally, the keys furthest away from the hand are spaced apart from the hand so that a driver with average long fingers in the extended state can easily reach those keys with their fingers.

The keyboard can be arranged not only before, but also laterally of the support element for a more relaxed hand position.

In the keyboard according to a preferred embodiment, the two consecutively arranged keys for entering the numbers 1 and 5, 2 and 6, 3 and 7 and 4 and 8 are provided.

For better orientation when operating the keyboard in the dark, the two keys arranged one behind the other are arranged within each finger-shaped, trough-like recess. This allows the keyboard to be operated without the operator looking at the keyboard during this operation.

Ideally, the keyboard is located between the control lever and the screen, which is flexibly adjustable with respect to the control console surface angled toward the vehicle seat, so that, due to the perceived orientation of the keyboard-handling hand, the operator immediately knows which direction to look to read an on-screen display.

In order to allow an even more relaxed attitude of the keyboard-handling hand, the surface of the keyboard is slightly inclined downwards in their seen in the vehicle direction front region relative to the horizontal, so that a Nachoben-angling the hand in her wrist area is not necessary.

The support element is viewed in the direction of travel primarily located to the right of the pivot lever to allow a filing of the hand on her outer palm. This can advantageously affect the control of the control lever and the simultaneous input of data to the keyboard.

The support element is adjusted in its pivoting movement, ie in its inclination relative to the surface of the control console, either by means of the applied hand pressure or electrically driven.

The support element can be synchronized by the pivoting movement of the control lever by scanning the degree of pivotal movement in its tilt position accordingly. In this context, it is conceivable that the direction of inclination of the support element follows the pivoting direction of the control lever. Alternatively, the direction of inclination of the support member opposite to the control lever pivoting direction can be synchronized to thereby still have the hand in a left-facing pivotal movement of the control lever relative to the unchanged arranged on the control console surface keyboard and continue to serve the little finger associated keys , This applies to an arrangement of the control console on the right armrest and must be considered accordingly for a control console on the left armrest, as it may be arranged for left-handers, for example.

Preferably, the control lever is connected to a first pivotable component on the underside, wherein the first pivotable member about a first pivot axis, which extends perpendicular to the orientation of the control console and horizontally, can be pivoted. A second pivotable member is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis extending longitudinally of the control console orientation and horizontally. At the second pivotable component, a support member for receiving the support element is directly attached. By such an arrangement, when the first pivot axis is disposed within the second pivotable member, advantageously achieved that a common left and right-handed pivotal movement of the support element and control lever when operating the control lever to increase the ease of use is possible, but at a forward and rearward pivotal movement of the control lever only this alone and not the support element is pivoted.

The support element is preferably mounted on the underside within an at least partially spherical bearing shell, in order thereby to allow a pivoting movement of the support element in all directions, ie to the left, to the right, to the front and to the rear. This bearing shell with remaining storage facilities are mounted below the surface of the control console in a housing of the control console.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Advantages and advantages can be found in the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

Hereby show:

1 a perspective view of an armrest with a control console according to an embodiment of the invention;

2 in a side view, the control console according to the embodiment of the invention;

3 a plan view of the control console according to the embodiment of the invention in a first operating section;

4 in a plan view of the control console according to an embodiment of the invention in a second operating section;

5 a schematic representation of a keyboard cutout for the inventive control console;

6 in a perspective view a section of the control console with a control lever and a support element; and

7 in a schematic representation of the underside storage of the control lever and the support element within the control console according to the invention according to an embodiment of the invention.

In 1 is shown in a perspective view of an armrest together with a control console. The control console 1 is in the front area of the armrest 2 attached and slightly inclined outwards to allow a relaxed position of the hand of the control console operator.

The armrest 2 is on a vehicle seat not shown here 3 attached and has a surface 4 for storing an arm.

The control panel has an upwardly directed control lever 5 and a support element arranged next to it 6 in their surface area.

In addition, there is a screen 7 for displaying various data, such as parameter values for a sequence of a harvesting operation to be carried out.

The screen can be adjusted with the adjustment knobs 8th and 9 in its display parameters, such as brightness and contrast, are set at the beginning of a work process.

The control lever 5 has a knob on its upper part 10 to operate a tool provided for this purpose. There are also keys 11 . 12 . 13 and 14 arranged to regulate a driving operation by means of a thumb.

As represented by the reference character α, the control panel is 1 opposite the actual armrest 2 with one from the vehicle seat 3 weggewandten angle arranged such that in a comfortable hand position, the operation of keys and the simultaneous tilting of the control lever 5 is possible. This angle α can be adjusted by means of a pivotable suspension, not shown here, which can be locked in its current position, advantageously individually. Such an angle has proved to be advantageous to be able to adjust the control lever in its inclination by means of the grip between the thumb and the rest of the hand in a comfortable way, while at the same time the keys of the control console are operated. The angle is in an angular range of 5 ° -40 °, preferably in an angle range of 10 ° -30 °.

In 2 In a page view, the control panel becomes 1 according to the embodiment of the invention. The illustration clearly shows that the control console 1 at the front area 2a the armrest 2 is attached.

The control console has a surface 18 on, opposite to a keyboard 17 tilted forward down to thereby a relaxed hand position while the operator of the keyboard 17 to enable. The gradient of the keyboard 17 is denoted by the reference numeral 17b reproduced, this inclination course relative to a horizontal by an angle 17a is inclined. This angle can be advantageously adjusted by the person operating the control console to allow adaptation to a desired hand position.

The screen 7 can be compared to a seat direction 15 individually inclined, as indicated by the double arrow 16 is hinted at.

The support element 6 Predominantly performs a left and right-handed pivoting movement, as indicated by the double arrow 6a is indicated.

In 3 Fig. 2 is a plan view of the control console according to the embodiment of the invention shown in a first operating section. It is This drawing shows that in a left-handed pivotal movement of the control lever 5 as well as the support element 6 is tilted to the left. At the same time are the keys 11 . 12 . 13 and 14 through the thumb of a hand 19 to use, without this, the control lever 5 must be let go.

The control lever can, as indicated by the arrows 20 . 21 . 22 and 23 is indicated to be used by a left, right, forward and backward pivoting movement for changing the direction of travel or varying the direction of travel of the commercial vehicle.

The keyboard 17 has the respective successively arranged keys 25a . 25b . 26a . 26b . 27a . 27b such as 28a and 28b on.

By an arrangement of the keys 25a . 25b . 26a . 26b . 27a . 27b such as 28a and 28b in front of the support element 6 that's how it gets out 4 shows that the ring, middle, index and little fingers make it possible to operate the numbers 1-8, thereby making entries in the keyboard for display on the screen 7 to enable.

Advantageously in the keyboard are finger-sized hollows 29 . 30 . 31 and 32 also preferably has a slightly arcuate orientation, as denoted by the reference numeral 24 is indicated. Thus, it is easy to find the keys even in the dark by keying the keyboard 17 possible.

The hand is opposite to the rest of the arm 1 known angle α to the outside, ie away from the vehicle seat, angled to allow comfortable handling of the control lever in the grip between the thumb and the rest of the hand, while the fingers in the wells 29 . 30 . 31 and 32 to operate the keys 25a . 25b . 26a . 26b . 27a . 27b such as 28a . 28b lie.

The in 4 shown operating section shows that an input of data by means of the keyboard 17 is possible while the joystick 5 held in a tilted position and can even be controlled. This is done by the thumb and the rest of the hand, which are arranged on the under the hand tilting support element 6 lies.

In 5 is a schematic representation of the keyboard 17 shown in detail. This illustration clearly shows that between the successively arranged keys 25a . 25b . 26a . 26b . 27a . 27b such as 28a and 28b each of the bars 33 . 34 . 35 and 36 are arranged to facilitate the user by keying a separation between the front and the rear button. In this way, for example, the ring finger of the hand 19 when touching the bridge 35 just be stretched forward to the number 3 to be able to enter.

In 6 is a perspective view of a section of the control console with the control lever 5 and the support element 6 shown. The support element 6 is together with the control lever 5 pivoting in left and right direction with reference to the orientation of the control console, as indicated by the double arrow 6a is pictured. In addition, the control lever 5 pivoted in the longitudinal direction of the control console forward and backward, without this pivotal movement of the support element 6 is followed up. This is done by means of the double arrow 6b played. Rather, the control console 6 preferably along the direction 6a but not along the direction 6b , swiveling.

In 7 is a schematic representation of a bearing of the support element 6 and the control lever 5 represented as a possible embodiment. This Fig. It can be clearly seen that the control lever 5 on the underside with a first pivoting component 37 , which is two downwardly extending legs 37a and 37b has, is connected, wherein this first pivotable component 37 around a first pivot axis 38 in the direction of the double arrow 6b is mounted pivotally.

The first pivot axis 38 is in turn in an equally pivotally mounted second component 39 arranged, which by means of a directly associated support member 43 with the support element 6 connected is.

The second swiveling component 39 is along the double arrow 6a swiveling by moving it on a second pivot axis 40 is stored.

The second pivot axis 40 is by means of two support elements 41 . 42 with a base element 44 , which is connected to a control console base frame, not shown here, connected. Thus, the first pivotable component 37 within the second pivotable component 39 pivoted and is not on the base member 44 directly attached. This results in a pivoting movement in the direction of the double arrow 6a a simultaneous pivoting movement of the support element 6 or of the support structure 43 together with the control lever 5 , With a pivoting movement in the direction of the double arrow 6b however, only the control lever 5 but not the support element 6 and thus the supporting component 43 pivoted.

All disclosed in the application documents features are claimed as essential to the invention, provided they are new individually or in combination over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

control panel

2

armrest

2a

front area of the armrest

3

vehicle seat

4

Surface of the armrest

5

control lever

6

support element

6a, 6b

Pivoting movement of the support element

7

screen

8, 9

Adjustment knobs for screen

10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Controls of the control lever

15

seat direction

16

Pan direction of the screen

17

keyboard

17a

Tilt angle of the keyboard

17b

Alignment of the keyboard

18

Surface of the control console

19

hand

20, 21, 22, 23

Pivoting directions of the control lever

24

curved orientation of the keyboard

25a, 25b, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, 28a, 28b

Keys

29, 30, 31, 32

Troughs of the keyboard

33, 34, 35, 36

Webs between the keys

37, 37a, 37b

first pivotable component

38, 40

swivel axis

39

second pivotable component

41, 42

support element

43

supporting member

44

base

Claims (13)

Control console on an armrest ( 2 ) of a vehicle seat ( 3 ), whereby the control console ( 1 ) in, in sitting direction ( 15 ), front area ( 2a ) of the armrest ( 2 ) and a pivoting control lever ( 5 ) and one opposite to a surface ( 18 ) of the control console ( 1 ) pivotable support element ( 6 ) to hang up a hand ( 19 ), wherein pivoting movements ( 20 - 23 ) of the control lever ( 5 ) and at least partially surrounding him in the lower area support element ( 6 ) are synchronized, characterized by a pivotable support element ( 6 ) upstream keyboard ( 17 ), which between the control lever ( 5 ) and a screen ( 7 ) on the control console surface ( 18 ) is arranged unschwenkbar, wherein the keyboard ( 17 ) at the same time as pivoting ( 20 - 23 ) of the control lever ( 5 ) with the same on the support element ( 6 ), whereby the control console ( 1 ) opposite the armrest ( 2 ) with an angle away from the vehicle seat (α), which is in an angular range of 5 ° -40 °, is arranged. Control console according to claim 1, characterized in that the support element ( 6 ), in the direction of travel ( 15 ), primarily to the right of the pivot lever ( 5 ) and primarily to the left and right ( 6a ) is tiltable. Control console according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support element ( 6 ) by applying a hand pressure or electrically driven in synchronization with pivoting movements ( 20 - 23 ) of the control lever ( 5 ) is tiltable. Control console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control lever ( 5 ) on the underside with a first pivotable component ( 37 . 37a . 37b ), which at a first substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel ( 15 ) and substantially horizontally extending pivot axis ( 38 ) is pivotally mounted. Control console according to claim 4, characterized in that the support element ( 6 ) on the underside with a second pivotable component ( 39 ) is connected, which at a substantially in the direction of travel ( 15 ) extending second pivot axis ( 40 ) is pivotally mounted, wherein the first pivot axis ( 38 ) within the pivotable second component ( 39 ) is arranged. Control console according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the support element ( 6 ) is mounted on the underside within an at least partially spherical bearing shell. Control console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on a surface ( 18 ) of the control console, ( 1 ) in sitting direction ( 15 ), in front of and at the side of the support element ( 6 ) the keyboard ( 17 ) is preferably arcuate ( 24 ), is arranged such that when filing the fingers on the keyboard ( 17 ) at least two consecutively arranged keys ( 25a . 25b ; 26a . 26b ; 27a . 27b ; 28a . 28b ) are operated by each finger while the hand ( 19 ) on the support element ( 6 ) rests. Control console according to claim 7, characterized in that the two keys arranged one behind the other ( 25a . 25b ; 26a . 26b ; 27a . 27b ; 28a . 28b ) are provided for inputting the numbers 1 and 5, 2 and 6, 3 and 7 and 4 and 8. Control console according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the keyboard ( 17 ) on the upper side, preferably four, finger-shaped, trough-like recesses ( 29 - 32 ), in each of which two of the keys ( 25a . 25b ; 26a . 26b ; 27a . 27b ; 28a . 28b ) are arranged. Control console according to one of claims 7-9, characterized in that the keyboard ( 17 ) between the control lever ( 5 ) and the screen ( 7 ), which faces the surface ( 18 ) of the control console ( 1 ) angled ( 16 ) to the vehicle seat ( 3 ) is arranged. Control console according to one of claims 7-10, characterized in that the surface ( 17b ) of the keyboard ( 17 ) inclined downwards in front of the horizontal ( 17a ). Control console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with the control lever ( 5 ) as a joystick by left, right, forward and backward pivoting ( 20 - 23 ) the direction of travel of the vehicle is controllable. Control console according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control lever ( 5 ) in its upper area key elements ( 10 - 14 ) for their operation by the thumb of the hand ( 19 ) having.

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