DE102013217901A1 - Center console for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a center console (100) for a motor vehicle, wherein the center console (100) has two adjoining lateral cheeks (200), a storage space (206) located between the cheeks (200) and a pivotable cover element (102) Cover element (102) by a helical movement between a closed position and an open position is pivotable, wherein the lid member (102) is adapted to cover in the closed position, the storage space (206), wherein in the open position of the storage space (206) free of the Cover by the lid member (102), wherein in the open position, the lid member (102) rests against one of the cheeks (200).

Description

The invention relates to a center console for a motor vehicle, as well as a motor vehicle with such a center console.

Center consoles in motor vehicles typically run above the transmission tunnel between the front seats. The instrument panel often goes seamlessly into the center console, in which case the area of the instrument panel, which begins at about knee height between the two front foot wells and extends to the position of the armrest between the front seats, is referred to as the center console.

Center consoles are used to hold functional and switching elements of the motor vehicle, as well as the provision of storage compartments. Storage compartments are used to store articles. So that these storage compartments can be closed usually an openable cover element is provided. In the following it is assumed that, according to the usual notation for motor vehicles, the z direction of the motor vehicle indicates the direction perpendicular to the motor vehicle, the x direction of the motor vehicle is given by the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the y direction is given by the transverse direction of the motor vehicle is.

From the prior art it is known to open the cover element by a folding movement upwards via a hinge between the rear end of the lid member and the center console. This corresponds to a movement of the cover element about the y-direction through the transverse direction of the motor vehicle. There are also center consoles, in which the hinge is struck laterally on the center console, so that the lid member can be opened to the right or left. This corresponds to a movement of the cover element about the x-direction through the transverse direction of the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, it is known that the cover element is divided into two, so that the two parts can fold up to the right and left in each case about their own axes in the x direction.

The US 3,356,409 shows another form of center console with a two-part flap, the axes pointing in the y-direction. The EP 1 170 177 A1 shows a center console, in which the cover element is arranged displaceably in the x-direction on an inclined plane.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved center console and a corresponding motor vehicle with such a center console. The objects underlying the invention are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims.

It is stated a center console for a motor vehicle, wherein the center console has two adjacent side cheeks, a storage space located between the cheeks and a pivotable lid member, wherein the lid member is pivotable by a helical movement between a closed position and an open position, wherein the lid member thereto is formed to cover the storage space in the closed position, wherein in the open position of the storage space is free from the overlap by the lid member, wherein in the open position, the lid member at least partially rests on one of the cheeks.

Embodiments of the invention could have the advantage that the accessibility of the storage space of the center console to be mounted between the vehicle seats of the motor vehicle is increased. In the open position, there are no components which protrude disturbing in the vehicle interior and z. B. could mean a risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash. Furthermore, it could be avoided that, in the open position, functional elements of the center console or of the instrument panel merging into the center console are covered by the cover element. The helical movement comprises that the cover element moves on the one hand in the x-direction and at the same time is also pivoted about the x-axis. The movement in the x direction could contribute to the fact that no collision of the cover element with the motor vehicle seats located next to the storage space can take place. Furthermore, could be made possible by the helical movement a particularly ergonomic operation of the lid member for the opening or closing operation.

It should be noted that the cover element in the open position can rest on both the cheeks, as well as on the transmission tunnel or the instrument panel. This depends on how far the cover element has moved in the x direction during the movement process into the open position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console further comprises a helical slide guide for the lid member, wherein the helical movement of the lid member is effected by the slide guide. Through the slotted guide a precise, stable and mechanically simple design of the center console could be possible. Preferably, the slotted guide has a helical curve shape with uniform curvature.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the slotted guide is arranged on a support structure of the center console, wherein the cover element has at least one sliding block for the slotted guide.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the sliding block on a clamp shape with C-shaped ends. This could have the advantage that a guide could be ensured both against unintentional twisting of the cover element and against lifting of the cover element from the center console by a single component. The C-shaped ends prevent the lifting of the cover element from the center console and the extending transversely to the helix axis extension direction of the staple shape ensures that rotation of the cover member is prevented in the slotted guide.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console further comprises a sliding block arranged on the power transmission element, wherein the center console further comprises a drive element, wherein the force transmission element is coupled to the drive element, wherein the force transmission element is adapted to actuate the drive element, a pushing or pulling force from the drive element to exercise on the sliding block. For example, the power transmission element comprises a rod.

This could make it possible for the storage compartment to be automatically closed and released by the cover element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the slotted guide on an integrated guide for the power transmission element. Preferably, the integrated guide has a recess of the slotted guide for fully receiving the force transmission element. This could result in the advantage that in an inexpensive manner an automated actuation of the lid member could be ensured: through the recess of the guide slot is a stable storage and management of the power transmission element by the slide guide itself.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the slotted guide is realized by an extruded profile.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console further comprises a spring between the lid member and a support structure of the center console, wherein the lid member is pivotable against the force of the spring between the closed position and the open position. For example, the center console further includes a push-push mechanism for fixing the lid member in the closed position and / or the open position. In this way, an operating comfort of the cover element could be increased, since a user only has to apply a force in one direction for displacing and transferring the cover element between the closed position and the open position. After the end position is reached, due to the push-push mechanism, an automatic locking, by which the lid member is fixed. Upon renewed pressure movement on the cover element, this locking is released again and the spring force guides the cover element back to its original position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console further comprises a sensor and a control unit, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a hand gesture, wherein the control unit is adapted to automatically cause the movement between the closed position and the open position upon detection of the hand gesture by the sensor ,

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover element is pivoted in the open position at least 40 degrees relative to the closed position in the direction of the cheek, on which the lid member rests in the open position. This could be sufficiently freed up the storage space, so that a comfortable removal of objects therein is possible.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console can be mounted on a motor vehicle, wherein the helix axis of the helical movement has in particular in a horizontal plane in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. This could support that during the folding movement of the cover element about the x-axis, the cover element can not collide with located next to the cheeks seats of the motor vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the center console can be mounted on a motor vehicle, wherein the helical axis of the helical movement is offset laterally to a pointing in the direction of travel symmetry of the center console. This could have the advantage that the clearance of the cover element is increased past the center console when carrying out the movement. As a result, it is thus avoided that the cover element collides with the center console during the movement process. Nonetheless, the lid member closely adjacent to the center console can perform the moving action without being overly lifted from the center console.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the support structure is given by the cheek, to which abuts the lid member in the open position. Due to the fact that the cheek forms the support structure, it would be possible to dispense with further complex structural components of the center console. The slide guide can therefore run on the outside of the cheek.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the lid member is adapted to act in the open position as a knee pad. In the footwell of the motor vehicle could thus be provided on request knee height of a vehicle occupant pivotable knee pad. If the driver knows that he needs special lateral support for his legs in the footwell due to high expected accelerations, he can transfer the cover element into the open position. This could then serve as a lateral support for a knee of this occupant.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cover element is an armrest.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a center console as described above.

In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a motor vehicle interior,

2 a perspective view of a center console,

3 a view of the center console with closed storage compartment,

4 a view of the center console with open storage compartment,

5 a cross-sectional view of a center console,

6 a cross-sectional view of a center console.

Hereinafter, similar elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

The 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle interior. The interior shows next to a driver's seat 106 a passenger seat 104 , where between the two seats a center console 100 is installed. The center console stands with her side cheeks 200 on the ground 108 of the vehicle interior.

Not apparent in 1 a storage space inside the center console 100 which extends below a cover element 102 the center console 100 located. The storage space is used to hold objects such as maps or mobile phones, which should be housed safely in the vehicle interior.

In order to gain access to these objects, the storage space must be opened by the cover element 102 from in the 1 shown closed position is transferred to an open position. For this purpose, it is provided that the cover element is pivotable by a helical movement between the closed position and the open position. Specifically, this means that by a forward-looking force in the x direction of the motor vehicle on the cover element 102 the lid member along a helical line in both the x-direction, and in the yz plane in the direction of the bottom 108 of the motor vehicle can be moved.

Reason for this type of movement is z. B., that through a theoretically pure circular pivoting movement of the lid member 102 in the yz-plane (ie about the x-axis) the storage space could also be opened. However, in this case, the range would have to be 110 between the cheek 200 and the seat 106 be chosen so wide that the cover element 102 actually in the area 110 can dive. This would either be a slim fit 106 or a narrow center console 100 entail.

The fact that now takes place during the pivoting movement about the x-axis at the same time a forward movement in the x-direction, the cover element undergoes 102 during the pivoting movement a feed in the x direction. So it's not a dip in the field 110 necessary.

The cover element 102 can serve as an armrest for the occupants of the vehicle.

The 2 shows a perspective view of a center console 100 in which the cover element 102 concerning the 1 described helical movement in the with reference numerals 204 can perform marked direction. A backdrop tour 300 serves to the helical movement of the lid member 102 to lead and to effect. By transfer of the cover element 102 from the in 2 shown closing position in an open position, the below the lid member 102 located storage space 206 be released.

This will continue in the following 3 and 4 understandable, which in a view in X-direction seen the center console 100 in a perspective view from behind. The in 3 shown state of the center console corresponds to the state of 2 in which the lid element 102 This is the storage space 206 through the lid element 102 covered and closed in the direction of the vehicle interior. In the 4 however, the lid element became 102 transferred by said helical movement from the closed position to the open position, so that now the storage space 206 is accessible to a motor vehicle occupant.

It should be noted at this point that in the open position, the cover element 102 not completely from a top edge of the center console 100 and in particular the storage space 206 has to be swung away. In particular, therefore, no pivoting movement about the x-axis must be performed by 90 degrees from the closed position to the open position. Here 40-50 degrees could be enough to allow easy access to items within the storage space 206 to enable.

In the in 4 shown open position is the storage space 206 free from the overlap by the cover element 102 , Further, in the open position, the lid member 102 on the cheek 200 at. By the movement process so slides the lid member 102 on the cheek 200 along towards the bottom of the motor vehicle.

To enable the movement process helical is provided that a slide guide 300 a sliding block 302 the lid element 102 receives. This is in the cross-sectional view of 5 clearly visible. During the slide tour 300 is vehicle-proof, can the Kulissenstein 302 , which with the cover element 102 is connected, in the leadership of the slotted guide 300 slide.

For this purpose, the sliding block in the form of a clip with C-shaped ends. With its C-shaped claws, which are arranged at opposite ends of the bracket, clasps and engages behind the sliding block guide the backdrop. This prevents lifting of the sliding block from the slotted guide 300 , Due to the elongated clip, which is guided within the backdrop, it is also ensured that an inadvertent self-twisting of the sliding block 302 is prevented in the leadership.

The leadership of the scenery 300 preferably has a helical curve with uniform curvature and pitch, so that a user through a uniform movement of the storage space 206 open and close.

By in the 3 - 5 As shown in the guide slot, it is possible that the cover element in the course of the forward movement in the x direction to the central region of the center console 100 pivots around and nestled in the footwell of the driver's side or the passenger side of the transmission tunnel or the center console assumes its open position.

The movement process can also be carried out with motor assistance. For this purpose, it is provided that the center console further comprises a drive element, wherein a rod-shaped power transmission element is coupled to the drive element. When the drive element is actuated, the force transmission element can exert a pushing or pulling force from the drive element on the sliding block. For this purpose, the power transmission element with the sliding block 302 connected.

Both the power transmission element and the drive element are in the 2 - 5 for the sake of clarity not shown in detail. Visible, however, is in the 3 - 5 an additional recess 304 in the slide tour. Through the recess 304 a guide integrated in the slide guide is provided for the rod-shaped power transmission element. By motor driven pushing the rod-shaped power transmission element in the recess 304 is therefore the backdrop stone 302 in the 3 shifted in the x direction, so that the cover element 102 from the closed position to the in 4 moved open position shown.

Analogously, by a corresponding pulling movement of the force transmission element, the cover element can be retracted again by a motor into the closed position.

The recess 304 can also serve for laterally stabilized recording of a spring, which is mounted fixed to the vehicle with one end and with its other end to the sliding block 304 is fixed. By transfer from the closed position to the open position, the spring in the recess 304 curious; excited. In the open position, the cover element should be held against the spring force in its position by appropriate locking means. After user-side release of the locking means, the spring can then again independently the cover element 102 from its open position to the closed position.

It should be noted, however, that a corresponding spring is not necessarily in the recess 304 must pass and elsewhere on a power transmission to the cover element 102 can cause.

In the 5 is on the cover element 102 a sensor 500 arranged. The sensor 500 but can also be arranged elsewhere in the vehicle interior and in particular the center console. The sensor is with a control unit 502 coupled, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a hand gesture. In case of detection of the hand gesture by the sensor 500 the control unit is capable of motor movement of the cover element 102 automatically effect between the closed position and the open position.

In the 6 is another view of a center console 100 shown. In this type of center console 100 is unlike the center console of the 5 the storage space completely through the cover element 102 completed. In the 5 the storage space was only through the cover element 102 covered and left and right was a space between cover element 102 and up towards the lid element 102 extending cheek 200 , In the 5 So the cover element served the predominant function of an armrest, whereas in the 6 the lid member primarily as a lid for the storage space 206 serves.

The scenery tour 300 is in the variant of 6 in the center console in an area between the storage space 206 and the cheek 200 integrated, with the cheek 200 there is a recess 600 where the Kullissenstein 302 with the cover element 102 connected is. This recess 600 extends oblong in the helical direction of movement of the lid member 102 and thus the Kullissenstein 302 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

center console

102

cover element

104

Seat

106

Seat

108

ground

110

Area

200

cheek

204

direction

206

storage space

300

link guide

302

sliding block

304

recess

500

sensor

502

control unit

600

recess

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3356409 [0006]
• EP 1170177 A1 [0006]

Claims (15)

Center console ( 100 ) for a motor vehicle, the center console ( 100 ) two adjacent lateral cheeks ( 200 ), one between the cheeks ( 200 ) storage space ( 206 ) and a pivotable cover element ( 102 ), wherein the cover element ( 102 ) is pivotable by a helical movement between a closed position and an open position, wherein the cover element ( 102 ) is designed to, in the closed position, the storage space ( 206 ), wherein in the open position the storage space ( 206 ) free of the cover by the cover element ( 102 ), wherein in the open position the cover element ( 102 ) on one of the cheeks ( 200 ) is present. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 1, further comprising a helical slotted guide ( 300 ) for the cover element, wherein the helical movement of the cover element ( 102 ) through the slotted guide ( 300 ) is feasible. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 2, wherein the slotted guide ( 300 ) on a support structure of the center console ( 100 ) is arranged, wherein the cover element ( 102 ) at least one sliding block ( 302 ) for the slide guide ( 300 ) having. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the sliding block ( 302 ) has a clip shape with C-shaped ends. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a sliding block ( 302 ) arranged force transmission element, wherein the center console ( 100 ) further comprises a drive element, wherein the force transmission element is coupled to the drive element, wherein the force transmission element is adapted to, upon actuation of the drive element, a pushing or pulling force from the drive element on the sliding block ( 302 ) exercise. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 5, wherein the slotted guide ( 300 ) an integrated leadership ( 304 ) has for the power transmission element. Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 6, wherein the integrated guide ( 304 ) a recess of the slotted guide ( 300 ) for completely receiving the force transmission element. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring between the cover element ( 102 ) and a support structure of the center console ( 100 ), wherein the cover element ( 102 ) is pivotable against the force of the spring between the closed position and the open position. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor ( 500 ) and a control unit ( 502 ), whereby the sensor ( 500 ) is designed to detect a hand gesture, wherein the control unit ( 502 ) is adapted, upon detection of the hand gesture by the sensor ( 500 ) automatically effect the movement between the closed position and the open position. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element ( 102 ) in the open position at least 40 degrees to the closed position in the direction of the cheek ( 200 ) is pivoted, on which the cover element ( 102 ) is in the open position. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the center console ( 100 ) is mountable on a motor vehicle, wherein the helical axis of the helical movement points in the direction of travel of the motor vehicle. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the center console ( 100 ) is mountable on a motor vehicle, wherein the helical axis of the helical movement is offset laterally to a pointing in the direction of travel symmetry of the center console ( 100 ). Center console ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the support structure through the cheek ( 200 ) is given, on which the cover element ( 102 ) is in the open position. Center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover element ( 102 ) is designed to act in the open position as a knee pad. Motor vehicle with a center console ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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