DE102018207036A1 - Height-adjustable armrest with motorized drive device and motor vehicle with such an armrest - Google Patents

Abstract

An armrest is described for a seat of a vehicle (50), in particular a center armrest for a rear bench seat (52) of a vehicle (50), with a backrest section (12) pivotable about an axis of rotation (DA), the backrest section (12) being folded in one Position (ES) in an unfolded position (AS) or vice versa is pivotable, and wherein the backrest portion (12) in its unfolded position (AS) relative to the seat (36) is adjustable in height and at different altitudes (HL) can be positioned, characterized characterized in that the armrest (10) has a motorized drive device (16) which is adapted to perform the pivotal movement of the backrest portion (12) and the height adjustment of the backrest portion (12) in the deployed position (AS), in particular consecutively as a continuous movement perform.

Description

The invention relates to an armrest for a seat of a vehicle, in particular a center armrest for a rear seat of a vehicle, with a pivotable about a pivot axis backrest portion, wherein the backrest portion of a folded position in an unfolded position or vice versa is pivotable, and wherein the backrest portion in his unfolded position is designed to be adjustable in height relative to the seat and can be positioned at different altitudes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such an armrest.

An armrest formed from a pivotable backrest section and a separate, height-adjustable support section is made of DE 100 38 204 A1 known. In this case, the backrest portion is mounted on the support portion manually pivotable, and the support portion is made height adjustable by means of an adjustment.

Another example of a center armrest is from the DE 10 2006 056651 A1 known. This center armrest is made schenkbar, and in the unfolded position upper part of the armrest can be manually moved in height relative to a fixed base of the center armrest.

The known armrests have the disadvantage that the height adjustment in the unfolded position must be done manually. In this case, forces usually have to be overcome or mechanical interlocks are to be released, which serve to hold the armrest at a certain height. Furthermore, previously known, swivel and height-adjustable armrests usually have two separate mechanisms, one of which serves the pivoting movement and the other of the height adjustment. Accordingly, such armrests on a large number of components. Furthermore, in the known concepts of armrests often high manually apply forces, which is usually associated with an unergonomic attitude of the armrest serving vehicle occupants.

The object underlying the invention is seen to provide an armrest in which the above disadvantages can be avoided.

This object is achieved by an armrest having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments are specified in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, an armrest is proposed for a seat of a vehicle, in particular center armrest for a rear seat of a vehicle, with a pivotable about a rotation axis backrest portion, the backrest portion from a retracted position to a deployed position or vice versa is pivotally, and wherein the backrest portion in its unfolded Position is executed adjustable in height relative to the seat and can be positioned at different altitudes. It is provided that armrest has a motorized drive device which is adapted to carry out the pivotal movement of the backrest portion and the height adjustment of the backrest portion in the unfolded position, in particular consecutively execute as a continuous movement.

According to this construction, a motorized drive device is thus used, which can execute both the pivoting movement and the height adjustment of the armrest. The motorized drive device may comprise an electric motor, the rotational movement of which is transmitted or translated by means of a transmission device into the pivoting movement and the height adjustment movement. There is thus provided a single drive device which can be used for both types of movement of the armrest. The drive device can be accommodated in the backrest section. In this case, the drive axis of the drive device can be arranged parallel to the axis of rotation, but offset from the axis of rotation.

The armrest may comprise a guide element which is in engagement with a gear of the drive device and which has a folding section bent around the rotation axis and a height adjustment section adjoining the flap section. The transmission may have a pinion. Such a pinion can be in engagement with a correspondingly formed, in particular rack-like, guide element, so that pivoting or height adjustment of the armrest is made possible by the rotational movement of the pinion along the guide element. The Höhenverstellabschnitt can be made partially or completely linear. But it can also be curved or curved, for example, with a different, in particular larger radius than the flap section. It is also conceivable that the Höhenverstellabschnitt is bent or curved in a different direction than the flap portion.

The axis of rotation can be movable in the height adjustment of the backrest portion along a slotted guide. This allows the lifting of the backrest portion, after he has reached the unfolded position, by pivoting about the hitherto immovable axis of rotation is obtained. The slotted guide, which can also be referred to as a rotary axis guide, can be formed linear or curved or curved. The course of the rotary axis guide can be selected in particular depending on the configuration of the height adjustment section. In particular, the rotation axis guide can be designed such that the axis of rotation is subject to a desired relative to the pinion movement, which leads to a change in the position of the axis of rotation and thus the altitude of the backrest portion.

The height adjustment portion of the guide member and the slotted guide of the rotation axis can be performed inclined to each other. This results in the height adjustment of the armrest a superimposed slight tilting movement of the armrest.

The slotted guide may have a lower stop, in which the axis of rotation is mounted during pivoting of the backrest portion. Furthermore, the slotted guide may have an upper stop, against which the axis of rotation rests in a maximum height position of the backrest section. The lower stop thus serves in particular as a pivot bearing when the armrest between the folded position and the unfolded position (back and forth) is moved. The upper stop limits the lifting of the armrest in its unfolded position.

The backrest portion may have a support portion which rests in the deployed position of the backrest portion and in each height-adjusted position on a seat cushion of the seat. The support section can be provided at a front region, in particular in the front half, of the backrest section. The support section serves, in particular, to support forces acting on the armrest in the unfolded position, so that the acting loads need not only be absorbed by the rotation axis or the drive device. Regardless of their shape (e.g., linear and / or arcuate), the height adjustment portion and the rotation axis guide may have a decreasing distance as the distance from the flap portion increases, such that the rest portion of the back portion also contacts the seat cushion during height adjustment.

The backrest portion may be supported during pivoting at the mounted in the lower stop rotation axis and the drive device and be supported in the height adjustment of the support portion and the drive device. As a result, the minimum possible forces acting on the drive device in the respective state of the armrest.

The support portion of the backrest portion may be formed convex toward the seat cushion, so that the backrest portion undergoes a rolling movement along the support portion in the height adjustment. This prevents that the support section is pressed into the cushion of the seat, so that corresponding opposing forces would have to be supported on the drive device.

The drive device can be set up such that, starting from the folded-in position of the backrest section, it is always driven in the same direction until a maximum height position of the backrest section is reached. Thus, the transfer of the armrest can be carried out continuously from the folded position to a desired altitude without another drive must be activated. This simplifies the control and operation of such a drive.

The backrest portion may be connected to a box-like receptacle which is attachable to the seat, wherein the backrest portion is pivotable relative to the receptacle. In this case, the receptacle may have the guide element for the transmission element and the slotted guide for the axis of rotation. As a result, the armrest can be provided as a finished functional module.

A vehicle with a seat, in particular with a rear bench seat, can have an armrest described above. Furthermore, in such a vehicle, a control device may be provided, which is set up to control the drive device, so that an automated pivoting and an automated height adjustment of the armrest is made possible. Further, the vehicle may comprise at least one operating element which is adapted to trigger the pivoting and the height adjustment of the armrest. Such an operating element may for example be installed in a center console of a vehicle. Alternatively, such an operating element can be arranged in a rear side door or its side door trim, so that it can be easily operated by a passenger in the rear of the vehicle.

• 1 eine vereinfachte, schematische Schnittdarstellung einer Armlehne in ihrer eingeklappten Stellung;
• 2 eine vereinfachte, schematische Schnittdarstellung der Armlehne in ihrer ausgeklappten Stellung;
• 3 eine vereinfachte, schematische Schnittdarstellung der Armlehne in ihrer maximalen Höhenlage;
• 4 eine vereinfachte, schematische Draufsicht auf ein Fahrzeug mit einer Armlehne.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. Showing:

• 1 a simplified, schematic sectional view of an armrest in its folded position;
• 2 a simplified, schematic sectional view of the armrest in its unfolded position;
• 3 a simplified, schematic sectional view of the armrest in its maximum height position;
• 4 a simplified, schematic plan view of a vehicle with an armrest.

In 1 is schematic and simplifies an armrest 10 shown. The armrest 10 has a backrest section 12 on. The backrest section 12 is in 1 in its folded position IT shown. In this position is the backrest section 12 in a bowl-like receptacle 14 recorded, which can also be referred to as a holder. The recording 14 Can together with the recorded therein backrest section 12 be installed in a vehicle seat, in particular a rear seat of a vehicle.

The backrest section 12 is about a rotation axis THERE pivoted. This allows a pivoting of the backrest section 12 from the in 1 illustrated folded position IT in an in 2 illustrated unfolded position AS ,

The armrest 10 has a motorized drive device 16 on, which is adapted to the pivotal movement of the backrest section 12 to enable. For this purpose, the drive device 16 an electric motor 18 exhibit. At an output shaft of the electric motor 18 is a gear, especially in the form of a pinion 20 appropriate. The drive device 16 is in the backrest section 12 , especially in a rear area 22 arranged or picked up, the rear area 22 , about a rear quarter to third of the backrest section 12 includes. A drive axle AA the drive device 16 is parallel to the axis of rotation THERE aligned. The drive axle AA and the rotation axis THERE are arranged offset to each other.

The pinion 20 is engaged with a guide element 24 , The guide element 24 has a pinion guide 26 and a gearing 28 on. Furthermore, the guide element 24 divided into a curved or bent flap section 30 and a to the flap section 30 subsequent height adjustment section 32 , The height adjustment section 32 is here exemplified linearly. However, the height adjustment section can also be curved or curved, for example, with a different, in particular larger radius than the flap section 30 , It is also conceivable that the Höhenverstellabschnitt is bent or curved in a different direction than the flap portion 30 , The folding section 30 goes fluently in the Höhenverstellabschnitt 32 above.

When pivoting the backrest section 12 from the folded position ES ( 1 ) in the unfolded position AS ( 2 ), the drive means is operated so that the pinion 20 along the guide element 24 , in particular along the curved flap portion 30 moves or rolls. By this movement of the pinion 20 along the folding section 30 becomes the backrest section 12 around the axis of rotation THERE pivoted. The pivoting movement from the folded position ES to the deployed position AS is completed when the pinion 20 in the transition region of the flap section 30 to the height adjustment section 32 of the guide element 24 has arrived. In the unfolded position, as in 2 is shown, is the backrest section 12 with a support section 34 on a seat cushion 36 a vehicle seat, not shown in detail, in particular a rear seat on.

Starting from the unfolded position AS of the 2 can the drive device 16 the pinion 20 continue to rotate so that the pinion 20 along the Höhenverstellabschnitts 32 of the guide element 24 moved upwards. By the in this example substantially linear movement of the pinion 20 becomes the backrest section 12 relative to the recording 14 moved upwards. This is the axis of rotation THERE of the backrest section 12 along a rotary axis guide 40 , which can be designed as a slide guide, also moved upwards. Thus, the backrest section 12 starting from the unfolded position ES in a height-adjusted altitude HL to be brought. The rotary axis guide 40 can be linear or curved or curved. The course of the rotary axis guide 40 can in particular depending on the configuration of the Höhenverstellabschnitts 32 to get voted. In particular, the rotation axis guide can be designed such that the axis of rotation THERE one to the pinion 20 desired relative movement is subject, which leads to a change in the position of the axis of rotation THERE and thus the altitude of the backrest section 12 leads.

Exemplary is in 3 a maximum altitude HLmax shown. At this altitude HLmax is the pinion 20 at an upper end of the Höhenverstellabschnitts 32 of the guide element 24 reached. Furthermore, in this altitude HL the axis of rotation THERE at an upper stop 42 the rotary axis guide 40 arrived. Accordingly, by the configuration of the guide element 24 and the rotary axis guide 40 another movement of the backrest section 12 prevented at the top.

The example here linear height adjustment section 32 and the exemplary linear axis of rotation guide 40 are arranged inclined to each other. It is an acute angle a between the height adjustment section 32 and the rotary axis guide 40 is formed, so chosen that the back portion 12 in the height adjustment of a slight tilting movement about the axis of rotation THERE subject. Here are the Höhenverstellabschnitt 32 and the rotary axis guide 40 aligned with each other so that the support section 34 in the tilting movement constantly in contact with the seat cushion 36 remains. Expressed differently, the support section 34 on the seat cushion 26 unrolled. For this purpose, the support section 34 based on the seat cushion 36 convex. As already mentioned above, the Höhenverstellabschnitt 32 and the rotary axis guide 40 also be non-linear or only partially linear or bent or curved.

The height difference of the backrest portion between a minimum height HLmin, the unfolded position AS of the 2 corresponds to, and the maximum altitude HLmax , in the 3 is shown, is dependent on the length of Höhenverstellabschnitts 32 , As the height adjustment section 32 inclined to a vertical direction, the Höhenverstellabschnitt has 32 a slightly longer length than the maximum height difference to be achieved. The height adjustment of the backrest section 12 allows a maximum adjustment of the altitude by a few centimeters, preferably by about 3 to 12 cm.

The rotary axis guide 40 indicates in addition to the upper stop 42 a lower stop 44 on. The rotation axis THERE is in the lower stop 44 stored when the backrest section 12 is pivoted about the axis of rotation DA. In other words, the bottom stop forms 44 the slide tour 40 a pivot bearing in which the axis of rotation is mounted. The curved or bent folding section 30 of the guide element 24 has one to the axis of rotation THERE constant distance and describes a circular arc around the axis of rotation THERE , The length of the arc is slightly more than π / 2 in radians. In other words, that of the arc of the folding section 30 described angle β just over 90 °.

How easy from the synopsis of 1 to 3 results, is at the armrest 10 a single drive device 16 needed to the backrest section 12 between the folded position IT ( 1 ) and the unfolded position AS ( 2 ) and about the height of the backrest section 12 starting from the unfolded position AS with minimal altitude HLmin ( 2 ) in a maximum altitude HLmax ( 3 ) bring to. It should be noted that the backrest section 12 Of course, in any altitude HL, that is in any position of the pinion 20 along the Höhenverstellabschnitts 32 can be adjusted. Accordingly, the backrest section 12 continuously between the unfolded position AS ( 2 ) and the maximum altitude HLmax ( 3 ) adjustable and adjustable. Starting from the folded position IT ( 1 ), the drive device can be operated continuously and with the same sense of rotation until the backrest section 12 in the maximum altitude HLmax ( 3 ) is brought.

Starting from the maximum altitude HLmax ( 3 ), the drive device 16 be driven in reverse rotation, so that the backrest section 12 back to the folded position IT ( 1 ) can be brought. The drive device 16 is therefore in the interaction of pinion 20 , Guide element 24 and rotary axis guide 40 designed such that the pivoting movement of the backrest portion 12 and the height adjustment of the backrest section 12 in the unfolded position AS can be executed consecutively as a continuous movement. This continuous movement can of course be carried out in both directions.

4 shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle 50 , The vehicle 50 can in the area of his rear seat 52 a schematically indicated armrest 10 with her backrest section 12 have as above with reference to the 1 to 3 has been described. The backrest section 12 is illustrated in its unfolded position, in which he is seated on the seat 37 the rear seat 52 rests. The vehicle 50 can be a control device 54 have, which is adapted to the drive means 16 ( 1 to 3 ) head for. To move the backrest section 12 to cause the vehicle, at least one operating element 56 which can be operated by a vehicle occupant. Possible positions of such a control element 56 are in the 4 shown purely illustratively, such as in a front or rear center console or door panels, it being noted that such a control element 56 one or more times in a vehicle 50 can be provided.

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

• DE 10038204 A1 [0002]
• DE 102006056651 A1 [0003]

Claims (13)

Armrest for a seat of a vehicle (50), in particular a center armrest for a rear bench seat (52) of a vehicle (50), with a backrest section (12) pivotable about an axis of rotation (DA), wherein the backrest section (12) is pivoted from a folded position (ES ) in an unfolded position (AS) or vice versa, and wherein the backrest portion (12) in its unfolded position (AS) relative to the seat (36) is adjustable in height and can be positioned at different altitudes (HL), characterized in that Armrest (10) has a motorized drive means (16) which is adapted to perform the pivotal movement of the backrest portion (12) and the height adjustment of the backrest portion (12) in the deployed position (AS), in particular consecutively execute as a continuous movement. Armrest after Claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a guide member (24) engaged with a gear (20) of the drive means (16), comprising a folding portion (30) bent about the rotation axis (DA) and adjoining the flap portion (30) Height adjustment section (32). Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation (DA) in the height adjustment of the backrest portion (12) along a slotted guide (40) is movable. Armrest after Claim 2 and 3 , characterized in that the Höhenverstellabschnitt (32) of the guide element (24) and the slotted guide (40) of the rotation axis (DA) are designed inclined to each other. Armrest after Claim 3 or 4 , characterized in that the slide guide (40) has a lower stop (44) in which the axis of rotation (DA) during pivoting of the backrest portion (12) is mounted. Armrest after one of the Claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the slide guide (40) has an upper stop (42) against which the axis of rotation (DA) in a maximum height position (HLmax) of the backrest portion (12). Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest portion (12) has a support portion (34) which in the unfolded position (AS) of the backrest portion (12) and in each height-adjusted position (HL) on a seat cushion (36). of the seat rests. Armrest after Claim 5 and 7 , characterized in that the backrest portion (12) during pivoting on the in the lower stop (44) mounted axis of rotation (DA) and the drive means (16) is supported and in the height adjustment on the support portion (34) and the drive means (16) is supported. Armrest after Claim 7 or 8th , characterized in that the support portion (34) of the backrest portion (12) to the seat cushion (36) is formed convex, such that the backrest portion (12) during the height adjustment undergoes a rolling movement along the support portion (34). Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive device (16) is arranged such that it always starting from the folded position (ES) of the backrest portion (12) to reach a maximum height position (HLmax) of the backrest portion (12) is driven in the same direction. Armrest according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest portion (12) is connected to a housing-like receptacle (14) which can be fastened to the seat, wherein the backrest portion (12) relative to the receptacle (14) is pivotable. Armrest after Claim 11 , wherein the receptacle (14) has the guide element (24) for the transmission element (20) and the slotted guide (40) for the axis of rotation (DA). Vehicle with a seat, in particular with a rear bench seat (52), with an armrest (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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