WO2020035213A1

WO2020035213A1 - Armrest assembly for a vehicle seat structure

Info

Publication number: WO2020035213A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/067933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bogdan Tutelea; Wolfgang Sitzler; Tanja Pink; Andreas Göbbels; Hartmut Bohlke; Jan Boddenberg
Original assignee: Bos Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2018-08-16
Filing date: 2019-07-04
Publication date: 2020-02-20
Also published as: DE112019004127A5; CN112638706B; CN112638706A; DE102018213763A1

Abstract

Such an armrest assembly, comprising a support structure, which is fixed to the vehicle in the installed state, and comprising an armrest body, which is mounted for pivoting relative to the support structure between an idle position and a support position by means of a carrier structure, the support structure having a profiled shaft, which is fixed to the vehicle in the installed state and about the longitudinal axis of which the carrier structure is pivotably mounted, is known. According to the invention, at least one locking element is mounted on the profiled shaft for positively guided longitudinal movement between a release position and a locking position, in which the locking element interlockingly blocks the pivotability of the carrier structure, and a mechanical control device is provided, which interacts with the at least one locking element in such a way that the locking element can be transferred from the release position into the locking position by the control device in dependence on pivoting movement of the carrier structure. The invention further relates to the use thereof for passenger vehicles.

Description

Armrest arrangement for a vehicle seat structure

The invention relates to an armrest arrangement for a vehicle seat structure with a support structure which is fixed to the vehicle in the assembled state and with an armrest body which is pivotably mounted between a rest position and a support position by means of a support structure, the support structure having an axle profile which is fixed to the vehicle in the mounted state the longitudinal axis of the support structure is pivotally mounted. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat structure with such an armrest arrangement.

From DE 10 2014 226 472 A1 an armrest arrangement is known which serves as a center armrest in the area of a rear bench seat of a passenger car. The armrest arrangement has an armrest body which is pivotally mounted on a support section of the rear bench seat fixed to the vehicle between a rest position which plunges into a backrest of the rear bench seat and a forward and downward folded back position. In order to prevent the armrest body from swinging out of its rest position in the event of a strong vehicle deceleration, in particular as a result of strong braking or an impact, a balancing mass device is provided which, when the armrest body is correspondingly accelerated, locks the armrest body in the rest position. In this way, a crash protection is achieved for the armrest body.

The object of the invention is to provide an armrest arrangement and a vehicle seat structure of the type mentioned at the outset which enable a compact structure and a crash protection.

This object is achieved in that at least one locking element between the release position and a locking position is positively and longitudinally mounted on the axle profile, in which the locking element positively blocks the pivoting mobility of the support structure, and in that a mechanical control device is provided which interacts with the at least one locking element in this way cooperates that the locking element can be transferred by the control device depending on a pivoting movement of the support structure from the release position into the locking position. The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageously suitable for the use of the armrest arrangement in a vehicle seat structure in the form of a rear bench seat in which the armrest arrangement forms a center armrest. In the same way, the solution according to the invention can be used in a vehicle seat structure in the form of a single seat, in which the armrest arrangement is arranged laterally in the area of a backrest of the individual seat. The solution according to the invention enables a space-saving and compact arrangement of the locking element directly on the axle profile. The locking element can be mounted on the axle profile in an area which is covered by the armrest body, so that the locking element is arranged invisibly and, moreover, does not require any installation space laterally outside the armrest body. In the assembled state, the axle profile advantageously extends within a motor vehicle and thus on the vehicle seat structure in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The at least one locking element is thus also positively guided in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Since strong vehicle decelerations are effective in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the locking element is not influenced by deceleration forces which occur in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and can maintain its locking position, provided that it is in its locking position at the time of the vehicle deceleration occurring. Advantageously, the locking element in the rest position of the armrest body and in the support position of the armrest body is inevitably converted into the locking position by the control device. On its swivel path between the two end positions, the locking element is controlled by the control device into the release position in order not to hinder a swiveling movement of the support structure and thus of the armrest body. Locking the armrest body in its rest position by means of the at least one locking element displaced in the transverse direction of the vehicle enables the armrest body to be secured in the rest position in a crash. Because - as already stated above - the locking element is positively guided in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so that vehicle deceleration forces occurring in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle have no influence on the locking element. The locking element can secure the armrest body with its support structure in a form-fitting manner relative to the axle profile fixed to the vehicle. This ensures crash safety without the need for additional crash protection elements such as a balancing mass device. This keeps the armrest arrangement inexpensive to manufacture and assemble without having to do without the additional function of crash safety.

According to the invention, the axle profile can also be formed by two axle profile stubs which are coaxial to one another but separate from one another and spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and which then each carry further functional sections according to the invention analogously to the continuous axle profile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure has at least one radial support which projects radially relative to the axis profile and with which the locking element interacts. The radial carrier projects from the axis profile in a radial plane to the pivot axis defined by a central longitudinal axis of the axis profile, the radial carrier having an end region encloses the axle profile. The radial support is preferably made of metal, in particular as a sheet steel part. The radial support is dimensionally stable and forms a support part for the armrest body. The armrest body preferably has a foam surrounding the support structure, a beverage cup holder and / or similar functional sections. The armrest body is preferably covered with a seat cover, the material of which is matched to a cover material of the vehicle seat structure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the support structure has two radial supports which are axially spaced apart, between which two locking elements are arranged, each of which is axially opposite to one another and movable between the release position and the locking position to one of the two radial supports. As a result, a locking element is assigned to each radial carrier, which enables a synchronous locking of both radial carriers. The two axially spaced-apart radial supports, based on a central longitudinal axis of the axle profile, each project freely in their radial plane in parallel alignment from the axle profile and are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a transverse stiffening. The cross stiffening can be achieved by a cup holder holder or a similar functional section or by a simple cross member. Due to the fact that the two locking elements are arranged between the radial supports, the two locking elements are mounted within the support structure and thus within the armrest body, which results in a very compact structure for the armrest arrangement. The at least largely synchronous locking of the two radial supports by the two locking elements also enables particularly secure positive retention of the support structure in the rest position or the support position of the armrest body.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each locking element is ring-shaped and coaxially surrounds the axle profile. The axis profile is rotationally asymmetrical in order to bring about a positively guided longitudinal displacement of the respective locking element. The axle profile is preferably provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves distributed over its circumference, into which the annular locking element engages with complementary longitudinal profiles such as, in particular, cams or slot nuts projecting radially inwards. The cams or slot nuts are provided on the inner circumference of the annular locking element and are preferably integrally formed on the locking element. The axle profile is advantageously designed as a light metal profile or as a sheet steel profile. For weight reasons, the axle profile is tubular and is therefore designed as a hollow profile. Seen in cross section, the axis profile is non-rotationally symmetrical, since it is provided with longitudinal grooves or similarly shaped longitudinal profiles. Nevertheless, there is an outer contour of the axle profile provided on a circular path in such a way that the at least one radial support can rotate in the radial plane to the axis profile on the axis profile.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each locking element is axially spring-loaded in the direction of its locking position by a spring device. The spring device is preferably formed by a helical compression spring which coaxially surrounds the axle profile and is supported on the one hand on a support member fixed to the axle profile and on the locking element on the other. The spring device is advantageous both in the locking position and in the release position of the locking element under prestress.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each radial support and the associated locking element have a plurality of coordinated axial engagement profiles which are arranged in a circumferential direction and which define a plurality of contact surfaces in the circumferential direction. The coordinated engagement profiles are formed in particular by axially projecting engagement cams on the one hand and axially open engagement recesses on the other. Stop surfaces of the complementary engagement profiles seen in the circumferential direction form contact surfaces in the sense of the embodiment. The engagement recesses in the circumferential direction are advantageously larger than the extent of the engagement cams in the circumferential direction in order to control the only axially movable locking element when the radial carrier pivots. Each radial support is advantageously provided with a circular passage through which the axle profile passes coaxially and which enables the radial support to be pivoted on the outer contour of the axle profile. This passage is distributed over its circumference radially outwards with corresponding engagement recesses which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The axial engagement cams of the locking element engage in these engagement recesses and project outwards from an end face of the locking element parallel to the axis along the central longitudinal axis of the axis profile. At least one axial engagement cam is advantageous - seen in the axial direction

- Shorter than the other engagement cams of each locking element. This enables different levels of support forces in different locking positions, since more engagement cams can be engaged in one locking position than in the other locking position

- Relating to a pivot position of the radial carrier. A prerequisite for this is a different axial displacement of the locking element in the different locking positions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control device has at least one control element which is non-rotatable with the radial carrier and which cooperates with the locking element by means of a mechanical control link. The control element is preferably at least one largely annular control sleeve which coaxially surrounds the locking element. The mechanical control link creates the operative connection between the locking element, which can only move linearly coaxially to the axis profile, and the rotatable control sleeve.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the control link has a control contour on the control element and a complementary control profile on the locking element, which cooperate in such a way that the locking element can be controlled in positive engagement with the radial carrier when the rest position or the supporting position of the support structure is reached, and that the locking element between the rest position and the support position of the support structure is controlled out of engagement with the radial support. Alternatively, the control contour can be provided on the locking element and the complementary control profile on the control element. Both the control element and the locking element are advantageously designed in a ring or sleeve shape and enclose the axis profile coaxially, so that the control contour is effective in the direction of rotation in the event of a relative rotation between the control element and the locking element. A control cam protruding from an outer circumference of the locking element is advantageously provided as the control profile, and a corresponding groove-like depression is provided on the control element as the control contour.

In a further embodiment of the invention, each locking element is assigned a control element which is designed as a control ring which coaxially surrounds the axis profile and which is provided with the control contour. The control ring is sleeve-shaped and rotatable relative to the likewise annular locking element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, between the two annular locking elements, a support sleeve coaxially enclosing the axle profile is provided, on the opposite end regions of which the locking elements are axially supported against one another. The support sleeve can be formed in one or more, axially adjoining ring sections, which are preferably held in a rotationally secured manner on the axle profile. The support sleeve forms a support for the respective spring device, which is assigned to the respective locking element. On the other hand, the support sleeve forms an axial support for the respective locking element towards the axial center of the axle profile, so that axial forces acting on the respective locking element from the outside coaxially with the axle profile are transmitted to the opposite locking element by means of the support sleeve. Any side impact load can thus press out one locking element from the positive engagement, ie the toothing, with the one radial carrier. At the same time, however, the opposing locking element would be pressed particularly deeply into the engagement profiles of the opposite radial carrier by means of the support sleeve, so that despite a side impact, a locking of the armrest body relative to the vehicle-fixed support structure is maintained.

In a further embodiment of the invention, an actuating device is provided for axially controlling the at least one locking element from the engagement position with the associated radial carrier. The engagement position of the locking element with the associated radial carrier corresponds to the locking position of the locking element. The

Actuating device preferably engages on the control element or directly on the locking element in order to shift the locking element from the locking position into the release position. The actuating device can be designed mechanically or electrically. In the electrical version, the actuating device preferably has an electromagnetic control of the locking element from the engaged position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuating device has a manually operable actuating member and a transmission device which is operatively connected to the control device. An actuating button is preferably provided as the actuating member, which is movably mounted on a front edge region of the armrest body. The transmission device is preferably designed mechanically. Alternatively, the transmission device can also be designed electrically or electronically, in that the actuating element functions as an electrical switch and the transmission device is formed by electrical control or data lines with additional electrical or electronic components.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transmission device has a tension or compression train that engages the actuator on the one hand and at least one control element of the control device on the other. In this embodiment, the transmission device is designed mechanically. The tensile or pressure string can transmit tensile forces and / or compressive forces to the control element of the control device. A Bowden cable is particularly advantageously provided as a pulling or pushing line, which acts on the actuating member on the one hand and on the control element or the locking element on the other hand. The pulling or pushing line preferably extends from the actuating member to both locking elements or both control elements if two locking elements and control elements are provided in order to achieve an at least largely synchronous transmission of the movement of the actuating member to the two locking elements. In a further embodiment of the invention, the support structure is supported relative to the support structure by means of a swivel angle limitation, the end stops of which are positioned in the respective swivel direction outside of a swivel range which is defined by the rest position and the support position of the support structure relative to the support structure. The swivel angle limitation is provided in the area of a swivel bearing for the respective radial support of the support structure. The limitation of the swivel angle is preferably achieved by additional components which — based on a longitudinal extent of the axial profile — are positioned outside the respective radial carrier, ie opposite to the engagement of the respective locking element on the respective radial carrier.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved for the vehicle seat structure in that the vehicle seat structure is provided with an armrest arrangement, as is embodied in accordance with the paragraphs described above.

Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated with the aid of the drawings.

1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle seat structure according to the invention with an embodiment of an armrest arrangement according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 2 in a partially cut, perspective view

1,

Fig. 3 in a perspective view of parts of the armrest arrangement according to

2 omitting an armrest body,

4 shows the representation according to FIG. 3 in a rest position of the armrest arrangement,

Fig. 5 in an enlarged view a portion of the armrest arrangement according to

Fig. 4,

Fig. 6 in an enlarged view and in a different perspective, a section of the

Armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 2 to 5, 7 shows a partial area of the armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 2 to 6 with a

Support structure, an axle profile, two radial supports and two locking elements,

Fig. 8 is a perspective, enlarged view of another section of the

Armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 2 to 7,

9 shows a detail similar to FIG. 8 in a different perspective view,

Fig. 10 shows a detail similar to FIGS. 8 and 9 with further details of

Armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 2 to 9,

Fig. 1 1 in a side view of a radial support of the armrest assembly on the

Axial profile in the rest position of the radial carrier,

12 is a plan view of the illustration of FIG. 1 1,

13 is the representation according to FIG. 1 1 in the support position of the radial carrier,

14 is a plan view of the illustration of FIG. 13,

Fig. 15 in an enlarged perspective view of a locking element for the

Armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 2 to 14 and

16 shows a partial area of a further embodiment of an inventive device

Armrest assembly.

According to FIG. 1, a passenger car has a vehicle seat structure 1 in the form of a rear bench seat, which has an armrest arrangement 2 in the center in the region of its backrest arrangement. The armrest arrangement 2 has an armrest body 4 which is pivotally mounted between a support position shown in FIG. 1 and a rest position, in which the armrest body 4 dips into a recess 3 in the backrest arrangement of the vehicle seat structure 1 and is flush with edge regions of the recess 3. In this rest position immersed in the recess 3, the armrest body 4 forms a central part of the backrest arrangement of the vehicle seat structure 1. For pivoting the armrest body 4, the armrest body 4 is pivotally mounted in a manner described in more detail below on a support structure 5 fixed to the vehicle about a pivot axis S extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The support structure 5 is only shown schematically in FIG. 1. In detail, the armrest arrangement is designed according to FIGS. 2 to 15.

The support structure 5 is arranged in the assembled state on a dimensionally stable support part of the seat back arrangement in a vehicle-fixed manner. The support structure 5 has two spaced-apart, dimensionally stable bearing blocks, in the present case in the form of sheet steel angles. An axle profile 6 extends between the bearing blocks of the support structure 5 in the transverse direction of the vehicle and is held in a form-locked manner in each bearing block of the support structure 5 in a rotationally secured manner. The axle profile 6 is designed as a hollow profile, in the present case in the form of a metal tube, and is provided with several groove-shaped longitudinal profiles 26 over its length (FIG. 10). The axle profile 6 has a cylindrical outer contour which is only interrupted by the groove-shaped longitudinal profiles 26. The groove-shaped longitudinal profiles 26 are formed in one piece in the axis profile 6. In the illustrated embodiment, a total of six longitudinal profiles 26 are provided on the outer circumference of the axle profile 6, with two adjacent longitudinal profiles 26 - viewed in the circumferential direction - being arranged at a greater distance from one another than the other adjacent longitudinal profiles 26. All longitudinal profiles 26 are identical in cross-section to one another , A wall thickness of the tubular axle profile 6 is the same over the entire circumference of the axle profile 6, i.e. both in the area of the cylindrical outer contour sections and in the area of the longitudinal profiles 26.

The support structure 5 has passages in the area of the support angles of the bearing blocks protruding in a radial plane to the pivot axis S, the free cross section of which is matched to the cross section of the axle profile 6 in such a way that the axle profile 6 with its respective end region in the circumferential direction is positive and thus secured against rotation in the corresponding manner Passage is recorded. The axle profile 6 is held at least largely without play in the passages of the support structure 5. The pivot axis S corresponds to a central longitudinal axis of the axis profile 6.

On the axle profile 6, two radial supports 8 of a support structure of the armrest body 4 are rotatably mounted about the pivot axis S. The radial supports 8 are designed as sheet steel supports. Each radial support 8 is provided with a circular passage, from which radially outwardly extending engagement recesses 27 serving as engagement profiles extend radially outward, each extending in the manner of a circular arc Punch out over a portion of the circumference of the passage. Between the mutually spaced engagement recesses 27 - viewed in the circumferential direction - remain in the region of each passage of the radial supports 8 support webs, which are not specified in any more detail and are supported on the cylindrical outer circumference of the axle profile 6 so as to be rotatable. The unsupported support webs in the circumferential direction between the engagement recesses 27 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction such that a sufficient number of support webs is always supported on the cylindrical outer circumference of the axle profile 6, regardless of a rotational position of the radial support 8 relative to the axle profile 6. This is reliably prevented that one of the support webs of the respective radial support 8 dips into a groove-shaped longitudinal profile 26 and hooks there. The support webs extending in the circumferential direction between the engagement recesses 27 have the same width except for one support web in the circumferential direction. A total of five support webs with the same width and one support web with at least four times the width are provided. The engagement recesses 27, which extend in the circumferential direction between the support webs of the respective radial support 8, all have the same width.

The two radial supports 8 enclose the axle profile 6 at a parallel distance from one another in each case in a radial plane to the swivel axis S. Each radial support 8 is supported on the outside - on a longitudinal extent of the axle profile 6 - by a swivel angle limitation 7, which is held on the axle profile 6 and next to it a secure swivel mounting of the respective radial support in the radial plane of the swivel axis S limits the maximum swivel path of the respective radial support 8 relative to the axis profile 6. This pivoting path is at least slightly larger than a pivoting path of the radial supports between the rest position and the supporting position of the armrest body 4 in order not to impair the function of a locking element 19 described below.

The armrest body 4 has a foam body 9 and an unspecified cover, which forms an outer skin for the foam body 9. In addition, the armrest body 4 is provided with a beverage container receptacle 10, as can be seen in FIG. 2. The beverage container receptacle 10 is open at the top in the support position of the armrest body 4 shown in FIG. 2.

To be able to lock the armrest body 4 in the rest position (Fig. 4, 8, 11, 12) and in the support position (Fig. 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14) each radial carrier 8 is assigned an annular locking element 19 (see FIG. 7), which is arranged on the inside relative to the respective radial carrier 8 relative to the longitudinal extent of the axle profile 6. The annular locking element 19 encloses the axle profile 6 and is by means of guide cams 24, 28 turned and held longitudinally displaceably on the respective axle profile 6. Each locking element 19 has a total of six guide cams projecting inwards over an inner circumference of the annular locking element 19, which are arranged over the circumference of the locking element 19 in such a way that in each case one guide cam is slidably immersed in a groove-shaped longitudinal profile 26 of the axle profile 6. The guide cams 24, 28 (see in particular FIGS. 1 1 to 15) also extend axially outward from an end face of the annular locking element 19 parallel to one another. The guide cams 28 are shorter in the axial direction than the guide cams 24. The axially protruding sections of the guide cams 24, 28 form engagement profiles in the form of engagement cams, which interact with the engagement recesses 27 of the passage of the respective radial carrier 8. The engagement cams of the guide cams 24, 28 are designed to be considerably narrower in the circumferential direction than the engagement recesses 27 of the passage of the respective radial carrier 8, so that the respective radial carrier 8 can be rotated over a limited pivoting angle when the engagement cams engage the engagement recesses 27.

Each radial support 8 is additionally connected via a sleeve-shaped control element 15a relative to the axle profile 6 and the locking elements 19 in the circumferential direction, i.e. in the direction of rotation, positively driven. For this purpose, each locking element 19 has a control cam 20 on opposite sides of its outer circumference. The two control cams 20 of each locking element 19 each interact with a control link 23, 31 of the respective sleeve-shaped control element 15a, which is also provided on opposite sides, analogously to the control cam 20. The respective sleeve-shaped control element 15a is held in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the radial carrier 8 by means of a support extension 21. The support extension 21 and the control element 15a are preferably made in one piece with one another. The sleeve-shaped support element 15a coaxially surrounds the axle profile 6 (see in particular FIG. 9). The respective control element 15a is rotatably supported relative to the axis profile 6. The control link 23, 31 has an axially closed pocket 32 on the one hand and on the other hand an axial groove 31 along which the control cam 20 can be axially displaced. A control contour 23 extending obliquely over the circumference of the control element 15a extends between the pocket 32 and the axial groove 31.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, each locking element 19 is assigned a support sleeve 16 as an axially inward limitation, which is held axially and non-rotatably on the axle profile 6. The support sleeve 16 coaxially surrounds the axle profile 6 and forms an annular collar 25 on the side facing the locking element 19. The annular collar 25, which is provided on the end face on the support sleeve 16 and faces axially outward, forms together with the control contour 23 of the control element 15a, a control link for the two control cams 20 of the respective locking element 19 in the respective pivoting direction of each radial carrier 8, in order to control the locking element 19 out of engagement with the radial carrier 8 and thus to enable a pivoting movement of the respective radial carrier 8.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, the respective control cam 20 of each locking element 19 projects radially upward beyond the control link 23, 31 of the control element 15a. This section of the respective control cam 20 is provided in a locking position of the respective locking element 19, i.e. in the support position and in the rest position of the radial carrier 8, to achieve an unlocking of the radial carrier 8 in order to be able to pivot the armrest body 4. For this purpose, an actuating device is provided which has two actuating sleeves 15b, each of which is assigned to a locking element 19 (see in particular FIGS. 3 to 6 and 8). Each actuating sleeve 15b can be displaced coaxially linearly on the support sleeve 6, which is held in a rotationally and axially fixed manner relative to the axle profile 6, and coaxially surrounds the sleeve-shaped control element 15a on the outside. The actuating sleeve 15b is rotatable relative to the control element 15a. each

Actuating sleeve 15b in the area of the respective control cam 20 has one - seen in the peripheral direction - open in one direction of rotation and in the opposite direction

Rotation direction closed support slot 30, which seen in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the pivot axis S, the respective control cam 20 surrounds on both sides. On the support sleeve 16, guide webs 22 are provided for the actuating sleeve 15b, which define a forced guidance in the axial direction for the respective actuating sleeve 15b. The guide webs 22 can also serve as axial stops for limiting the axial travel of the respective actuating sleeve 15b.

Each actuating sleeve 15b is subjected to permanent spring force axially outwards by means of a spring device, which is formed by a helical compression spring 17. The helical compression spring 17 is axially supported on support areas 18 of the support sleeve 16 on the one hand and on an annular collar 13 of the respective actuation sleeve 15b. The collar 13 is firmly connected to the respective actuating sleeve 15b.

In order to pull the two actuating sleeves 15b to unlock the two radial carriers 8 axially towards the center of the support sleeve 16 and thus towards the center of the axle profile 6, a transmission device in the form of a Bowden cable 12 is provided, which is located on receiving sections 14 of the two annular collars 13 of the two actuating sleeves 15b supports. The Bowden cable 12 has a wire core, the front end of which is held in a form-fitting manner in the one receptacle 14 of the ring collar 13 on the right in FIG. 5 of the right actuating sleeve 15b. On the opposite receptacle 14 is axially positively supported by a tubular sheathing of the wire core of the Bowden cable. The Bowden cable is part of a transmission device in the sense of the invention and is guided on the inside along the one radial support 8 to a front side of the armrest body 4, as can be seen well in FIGS. 2 to 4. The opposite end of the wire core of the Bowden cable 12 is articulated on a pivot lever of an actuation button 1 1. The actuation button 1 1 is guided in the front of the armrest body 4 linearly. By pressing the actuation button 11, the actuation lever is pivoted and thereby the front end of the wire strand of the Bowden cable 12 is pulled towards the front. As a result, the stranded wire of the Bowden cable 12 inevitably pulls the right-hand annular collar 13 of the right actuating sleeve 15b in FIGS. 3 and 4 axially inward. At the same time, the deflection of the wire strand of the Bowden cable 12 within the hose of the Bowden cable causes an opposing axial load on the opposite receptacle 14 of the opposite collar 13 of the actuating sleeve 15b on the left in FIGS. 3 and 4. As a result, the two actuating sleeves 15b are pulled at least largely synchronously against opposing compressive forces of the helical compression springs 17 axially inwards toward the center of the axle profile 6. The driving slots 30, which flank the control cams 20 of the locking elements 19 with their edge regions, thereby inevitably also pull the two locking elements 19 axially towards the center, as a result of which the engagement cams 24, 28 come out of the engagement recesses in the area of the passage of each radial carrier 8. As a result, the radial supports 8 are released for a pivoting movement, so that the armrest body 4 can be pivoted out of the rest position or the support position accordingly. After the manual load on the actuating button 11 has been removed, the helical compression springs 17 act again on the actuating sleeves 15b, so that the actuating sleeves 15b can axially control the locking elements 19 into a locking position in the area of the engagement recesses of the radial carrier 8 via the driving slots 30 and the control cams 20, as soon as the corresponding other end position, ie the rest or support position of the armrest body, is reached.

11 and 12 it can be seen that the locking elements 19 in the rest position of the radial carrier 8 and thus the armrest body 4 are inserted less deeply into the engagement recesses 27 of the respective radial carrier 8 than in the support position according to FIGS. 13 and 14. Da Two of the axial engagement cam sections of the guide cams 24, 28 are designed shorter in the axial direction than the other engagement cam sections of the guide cams 24, 28, in the rest position according to FIGS. 11 and 12, only four guide cams 24 engage in the engagement recesses 27 in a form-fitting manner. Four contact surfaces 29 are thus formed in the circumferential direction, which support the respective radial support 8 in the rest position. In 13 and 14, on the other hand, the locking element 19 is driven into the respective radial carrier 8 to such an extent that the two shorter engagement cam sections of the guide cams 28 are also immersed in the engagement recesses 27 of the radial carrier 8. This results in a total of six contact surfaces 29 between the radial support 8 and locking element 19 for the support position. A corresponding supporting force in the circumferential direction is consequently distributed over more contact surfaces 29 than in the rest position of the radial support 8. This is desirable since the armrest body 4 lies in its support position the elbow or forearms should be taken up by one or two vehicle occupants, so that greater support forces are required for the support position than for the rest position of the armrest body, in which the own weight of the armrest body only has to be absorbed via the corresponding contact surfaces 29 in the event of a strong vehicle deceleration. The different axial movements of the locking elements 19 in the two end positions are controlled by the respective control link 23, 31, which axially displaces the respective control cam 20. The respective control cam 20 is axially blocked in the area of the pocket 32, while in the area of the axial groove 31 the control cam 20 can plunge deeper axially outward into the engagement recesses 27 of the radial carrier. By immersing the control cams 20 in the circumferentially extending support slots 30 of the respective actuating sleeve 15b in both end positions, it is ensured that the actuating sleeve 15b can pull the control cams 20 and thus the locking elements 19 axially inward again out of the engagement recesses 27.

In the armrest arrangement according to FIG. 16, which is only partially shown, parts and sections having the same function as the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 15 are provided with the same reference numerals with the addition of the letter a. The armrest arrangement according to FIG. 16 also has two radial supports 8a which are mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis relative to a support structure 5a. The two radial supports 8a are connected to one another via a cross connection, not specified. A significant difference from the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 15 is that an axle profile 6a, which is only indicated in FIG. 16, is formed by two axle profile stubs, which are each held on a bearing block of the support structure 5a. Starting from the respective bearing block of the support structure 5a, the two axle profile stubs extend inwards in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the center of the armrest arrangement, so that the two axle profile stubs point towards one another and are arranged coaxially to one another. The two axle profile stubs are designed in such a way that corresponding functional parts and functional sections, which are provided analogously to the armrest arrangement according to FIGS. 1 to 15, are mounted thereon and are movably mounted in a suitable manner. The only difference is the arrangement of an actuating device, not shown, in order to achieve a synchronous unlocking or locking of the two radial carriers 8a.

It is advantageous in this embodiment that when this armrest arrangement is used as a center armrest in the area of a rear bench seat, a softer support for a spine of a vehicle occupant located on the rear bench seat is guaranteed than is the case with a continuous axle profile according to FIGS. 1 to 15. Between the two radial supports 8a, a container holder (cup holder) can be accommodated in a corresponding armrest body of the armrest arrangement, which cup holder forms an additional transverse connection between the two radial supports 8a and consequently improves transverse rigidity.

Claims

claims

1. Armrest arrangement (2) for a vehicle seat structure (1) with a support structure (5) which is fixed to the vehicle in the assembled state and with an armrest body (4) which is pivotably mounted between a rest position and a support position relative to the support structure (5) by means of a support structure , wherein the support structure (5) has an axle profile (6) which is fixed to the vehicle in the assembled state, about the longitudinal axis of which the support structure is mounted so as to be pivotable, characterized in that on the axle profile (6) at least one locking element (19) can move longitudinally between a release position and a locking position is positively guided, in which the locking element (19) blocks the pivoting movement of the support structure in a form-fitting manner, and that a mechanical control device is provided which interacts with the at least one locking element (19) in such a way that the locking element (19) is dependent on one of the control devices Schwenkbe movement of the support structure from the release position into the locking position can be transferred.

2. Armrest arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Carrier structure has at least one radial carrier (8) which projects radially relative to the axle profile (6) and with which the locking element (19) interacts.

3. Armrest arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the

Carrier structure has two radial supports (8) axially spaced from one another, between which two locking elements (19) are arranged, each of which can be moved axially in opposite directions to one another between the release position and the locking position relative to one of the two radial supports (8).

4. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each locking element (19) is ring-shaped and coaxially surrounds the axle profile (6).

5. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each locking element (19) is axially spring-loaded directly or indirectly in the direction of its locking position by a spring device.

6. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each radial support (8) and the respectively associated locking element (19) several, arranged in the circumferential direction, arranged one on top of the other have coordinated, axial engagement profiles which define a plurality of contact surfaces (29) in the circumferential direction.

7. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device has at least one with the radial support (8) non-rotatable control element (15a) which cooperates with the locking element (19) by means of a mechanical control link.

8. Armrest arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the control link has a control contour (23) on the control element (15a) and a complementary control profile (control cam 20) on the locking element (19), which interact such that the locking element (19) when reached the rest position or the support position of the support structure can be controlled in positive engagement with the radial support (8), and that the locking element (19) between the rest position and the support position of the support structure is controlled out of engagement with the radial support (8).

9. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each locking element (19) is assigned a control element (15a) which is designed as the axis profile (6) coaxially surrounding control ring which is provided with the control contour (23).

10. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that axially between the two annular locking elements (19) a coaxially surrounding the axle profile (6) supporting sleeve (16) is provided, which forms axial stops for the locking elements (19).

1 1. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating device for axially controlling the at least one locking element (19) from the engagement position with the associated radial carrier (8) is provided.

12. Armrest arrangement according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

Actuating device has a manually operable actuator and a transmission device which is operatively connected to the control device.

13. Armrest arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the

Transmission device has a tension or compression strand, which on the Actuator on the one hand and on at least one actuating element interacting with the locking element (19) on the other.

14. Armrest arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure is supported relative to the support structure (5) by means of a swivel angle limitation (7), the end stops of which are positioned in the respective swivel direction outside of a swivel range which is determined by the rest position and the support position of the Support structure is defined relative to the support structure (5).

15. Vehicle seat structure (1) with an armrest arrangement (2) according to one of the preceding claims.