WO2008142116A1

WO2008142116A1 - Height-adjustable center arm rest

Info

Publication number: WO2008142116A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/056269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dalibor Rietdijk
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg
Priority date: 2007-05-22
Filing date: 2008-05-21
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: DE102007024000A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a center arm rest disposed between two motor vehicle seats, having an arm support (3) that can be adjusted relative to a base part (1, 2) affixed to the chassis, said armrest comprising an intermediate part (4) that is articulated on the base part (1, 2) and disposed between the arm support (3) and the base part (1, 2) and is adjustable relative to the base part (1, 2), preferably about a horizontal pivoting axis, with the arm support (3) resting on said intermediate part, the height of which is adjustable relative to the base part (1, 2). A closed construction between the arm support (3) and the base part is created by the intermediate part (4) in any vertical position of the arm support (3), and a simple, finely adjustable adaptation mechanism is enabled for the transfer of low adjusting forces during the height adjustment of the center arm rest.

Description

Height-adjustable center armrest

description

The invention relates to a center armrest according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

From DE 10 2005 012 336 A1 discloses a height-adjustable center armrest with a support body with a support surface and with a known. In order to make available a storage compartment provided below the center armrest and / or a beverage holder, the support body is displaceable in the vertical direction along the guide means. On a support body of the height-adjustable center armrest in vertical positions releasably fixing locking device acts an overload protection solving a, when the vertical component of a force acting on the support surface force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

In the known height-adjustable center armrest, the space available between the storage compartment and the support body with increasing distance of the support body from the storage compartment, so that during violent driving maneuvers there is a risk that objects located in the storage compartment are ejected from the storage compartment. In addition, a conclusion of the storage compartment located below the support tray is possible only when lowered and resting on the storage compartment support body. In addition, the power transmission to the height adjustment of the center armrest via the articulation of the support body on the arranged between the vehicle seats center console, which requires a solid construction of the guiding and locking device due to the leverage.

From DE 198 1 1 783 C1 a container for arrangement as a center console between the front seats of a motor vehicle with a box-shaped, open-topped housing, a pivotable about a housing-fixed pivot axis and designed as an armrest flap to cover the housing opening and with a between the housing and the flap effective locking device for locking the flap in the altitude of the armrest changing pivotal positions on the housing known. The latching device is arranged on the side opposite the pivot axis of the flap side of the housing and consists of a longitudinally displaceable guided on the flap locking pin and a locking bar, which is arranged on a transverse to the direction of displacement of the locking bolt extending housing wall of the housing.

task

Against the background of this prior art, the present invention is based on the object, a center armrest of the type mentioned in each vertical position of the armrest closed construction between the armrest and a trained example as a console or shelf base and with a simple, feinstufig adjustable adjusting mechanism for the transmission of low adjustment forces to create.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a center armrest with the features of claim 1.

The solution according to the invention provides an intermediate part which is arranged between the armrest and the base part and which is adjustable relative to the base part, whereby a construction which is closed in any vertical position of the armrest is made possible between the armrest and the base part. By inserting the intermediate part between the base part and the armrest, the integration of a simple, fine stage adjustable adjusting mechanism with a transmission allows low adjustment forces, since the adjustment mechanism can be integrated into parts of the intermediate part or in the entire intermediate part.

By closed in any vertical position of the armrest construction of the center armrest safe storage of objects in the trained between the armrest and the base container is possible and created the premise that a hinged armrest also closed and thus before the objects in the container external access can be secured.

By a height adjustment of the intermediate part and / or armrest relative to the base part both an optimal adaptation to the ergonomics of the vehicle occupant and an adaptation of the container formed between the armrest and the base part is guaranteed to be deposited therein objects.

In a preferred embodiment, the height adjustment of the armrest via a height adjustment of the intermediate part, on which the armrest rests.

A height adjustment of the center armrest on the arranged between the armrest and the base part intermediate part allows optimal distribution of applied for the adjustment forces, so that the components of the center armrest are only slightly loaded, which is a prerequisite for low material thickness and thus for a low weight and for a optimal design, which does not have to pay particular attention to force transmission criteria. In addition, the mechanism for opening and closing the armrest can be separated from the adjustment mechanism for the height adjustment of the center armrest and thus the construction can be simplified.

Furthermore, either the intermediate part or the armrest about a horizontal axis pivotally on the base part, both the intermediate part and the armrest are pivotable about a common axis pivotally mounted on the base part or the armrest on the intermediate part.

With the about a horizontal axis pivotable articulation of the armrest and / or the intermediate part of the base part is a simple construction and a lightweight, ie with low power and high precision, adjustable height adjustment via a tilt adjustment of the center armrest connected.

Preferably, the intermediate part is formed as a veneer in the space between the arm-Aufläge and the base part.

This embodiment of the invention enables a closed container between the armrest and the base part and an optimal distribution of applied for the adjustment forces with a simple mechanical construction, since the adjusting forces are transmitted through the intermediate part, so that the components of the center arm only slightly loaded become.

Preferably, the base part and the intermediate part form a box-shaped container whose container opening can be covered by the armrest so that the center armrest is closed in any vertical position of the armrest and thus a secure placement of objects in the formed between the armrest and the base part Container allows.

The intermediate part, which bridges the free space between the armrest and the waist part as a panel and / or forms a box-shaped container in connection with the base part, has a cylinder-section-shaped surface lying opposite the horizontal axis, which forms a front panel of the intermediate part, and two Kreissektorförmi- ge surfaces extending between the cylinder portion-shaped surface and the horizontal axis and form side panels of the intermediate part.

In a further embodiment of the invention may be provided on the intermediate part as a push-button, toggle or knobs controls and storage compartments, bags or mounting hardware for receiving objects that increase the functionality of the height-adjustable center armrest and ease of use. In this case, the controls can ergonomically be arranged on a front extended extension of the intermediate part for triggering various operating functions such as entertainment functions, adjustment functions or the like, so that the driver of a motor vehicle can operate these controls while driving problem-free and without distraction. For exact guidance in the height adjustment of the intermediate part and resting on the intermediate part armrest cooperating guide elements are provided in the base part and intermediate part in the adjustment direction.

The guide elements preferably consist of a guide rail arranged in a front-side section of the base part and directed onto the front surface of the intermediate part and a guide groove extending in the adjustment direction in the front face of the intermediate part, in which the guide rail slidably engages in the adjustment direction.

In order to ensure tilting of the armrest and secure merging of the closure parts of the armrest when they are connected to the intermediate part, an anti-rotation device is provided which has a recess in the upper edge of the intermediate part and a recess on the aligned pin on the lower edge of the armrest, which for safe insertion into the recess, it tapers from its connection with the armrest to the tip.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the armrest and the intermediate part are articulated to a connecting part, which is non-positively and / or positively connected to the base part.

The articulation of the armrest and the intermediate part of a connecting part allows easy mounting of the armrest and the intermediate part on the base part by inserting the connecting part in the base part and its latching with the base part.

Preferably, the intermediate part transmits the forces from the armrest via the support body to the base part and / or a body part.

In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting part has a plurality of locking and / or insertion hooks arranged on a pivoting or pivoting axis of the armrest and the intermediate part, which latching and / or plug-in receptacles of the base part are connectable.

To adjust the height of the center armrest, in a first variant, a manually actuable adjusting device is provided, which has an adjusting mechanism connected to the intermediate part and an adjusting lever connected to the arm rest for actuating the Includes adjusting mechanism, the functional parts between the intermediate part and the base part are effective and adjust the height or inclination angle of the center armrest with an actuation of the actuating lever and positively and / or positively connect with each other when the actuating lever is not actuated.

The manually operable adjusting device allows height and / or tilt adjustment of the center armrest by mechanical means, so that no electrical connection is required for height adjustment. This makes it possible to simply retrofit a height-adjustable center armrest, in particular in the embodiment of a closed and closable container. The activation of the adjustment by operating the control lever and the automatic force and / or positive locking the functional parts of the adjustment in a set position of the center arm ensures a simple and safe operation in the height adjustment of the center armrest.

Preferably, the adjusting lever is pivotally mounted on the armrest, while the adjusting mechanism includes a rocker connected to the actuating lever, which converts a pivoting movement of the actuating lever into a pushing movement of a rocker connected to the push rod, which is connected to a crankshaft, hinged to the at least one locking element is, which engages in a connected to the base part or integrated in the base part and extending in the adjustment direction of the intermediate part counter-locking element.

This variant of the adjusting device converts in a simple manner the pivotal movement of the actuating lever via the rocker in a translatory thrust movement, which in turn is transferred to a pivoting movement of the crankshaft with the locking element arranged thereon, which engages in corresponding stages of a counter-locking element. As a result, the power transmission is transmitted from the adjusting lever to the arranged at any distance from the adjusting lever locking mechanism and secured each set height of the center armrest by the positive engagement of the locking element in the counter-locking element.

In a further embodiment of this embodiment, at least a part of the functional parts of the adjusting mechanism is biased in the direction of a rest position of the actuating lever such that upon actuation of the actuating lever adjusts the intermediate part and upon completion of the actuation of the actuating lever, the at least one latching element engages in the counter-latching element.

The bias of functional parts of the adjustment mechanism allows a secure, fine-pitched adjustment of the center armrest and a secure locking in the set height of the center armrest. In this case, the bias voltage can be set so that when an overload occurs, the functional parts of the adjustment disengage and slip, so that when exceeding a predetermined, acting on the armrest force is ensured that the adjusting the Armläläge and the intermediate part in a Adjusted deeper position and thereby both damage to the center armrest and the adjustment as well as injuries to vehicle occupants, for example, avoided in the event of a crash.

The counter-latching element can be arranged in at least one vertically oriented guide groove and have toothed elements in which engages the preferably designed as a pivotable latching hook latching element, so that the positive locking of the adjusting device can be easily performed in conjunction with a single guide.

The arrangement of two mutually offset, arranged on the crankshaft locking elements, of which each engages a detent element in the toothed elements, the height adjustment of the center armrest can be particularly finely graded.

By a double execution of the locking of the adjusting device by two connected to the crankshaft, spaced apart locking elements, which are associated with two counter-locking elements having in the adjustment direction extending toothing elements, in which engage the locking elements, can dispense with a guide and the strength structure the functional parts of the adjusting device are halved with respect to the embodiment with a single guide groove.

To increase the ease of operation, the adjusting device in a second

Variant can be designed as an electromotive adjusting device, which is effective between the base part and the intermediate part and is preferably made of an electric motor drive connected to the base part and one with the intermediate part connected, driven by the electric motor drive drive element.

The adjusting device can be used as a spindle drive with a spindle driven by the electromotive drive and a stationary spindle, as a rack drive with a toothed rack connected to the intermediate part and a pinion, a cable drive or a Bowden drive in the manner of a toothed rack engaging with the rack toothing and driven by the electromotive drive Power window drive or the like can be formed.

To avoid the risk of destruction of the electromotive adjustment or functional parts of the height-adjustable center armrest and to prevent injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a crash by a raised center armrest, the drive element is connected to an overload protection or contains an overload protection.

If the electromotive adjusting device designed as a spindle drive, wherein the drive element consists of a spindle which cooperates with a connected to the intermediate part, fixed spindle nut, the overload protection is preferably made of a teethed engagement with the spindle, split spindle nut with wedge-shaped outer surfaces, the abut wedge-shaped guide surfaces of a spindle nut receptacle, and formed a spring acting in the wedge direction.

This type of overload protection causes at a perpendicular to the surface of the armrest, d. h., In the Z-direction of the motor vehicle, acting force or force component which is greater than a predetermined maximum force, the split spindle nut slips on the spindle until the electromotive adjusting device has reached the home position, d. h., the height adjustment of the center armrest is minimal. In the home position, the spring of the overload protection pushes the spindle nut back into position, i. h., In the meshing engagement with the spindle, so that again a height adjustment can take place without that due to the overload functional elements of the adjustment are destroyed or damaged and must be replaced.

To compensate for movement in the height adjustment of the center armrest, the spindle nut is rotatably mounted about an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the spindle axis. Preferably, the electromotive drive is rotatably mounted about an axis extending in the direction of the Y-axis of the motor vehicle axis and thereby allows optimal utilization of the available space and the possibility of using an electromotive adjusting even in tight spaces, so that when not sufficiently available Space is the possibility, for example, to align the electric motor drive horizontally and so save space.

An advantageous development and use of an electromotive adjusting device is to connect the height adjustment of the center armrest with a memory function, so that for example, a preset vehicle seat adjustment, exterior and interior mirror adjustment and the like can be done on one of several people aligned height adjustment of the center armrest.

For locking and unlocking the intermediate part and / or the armrest, the armrest has a latch.

Due to the design of the adjusting lever of the adjusting and coupled to the latch button as a split handle, which is arranged on the horizontal axis of the armrest opposite end of the armrest, both controls are brought together and arranged in an ergonomically favorable position at the front end of the center armrest. This also allows a pleasing design and a simple height adjustment of the center armrest by the driver of the motor vehicle while driving, as a one-hand operation is possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the front-side section of the base part and an adjoining the front-side section base part box are formed body-mounted or mounted.

Exemplary embodiments

Further features of the invention as well as achievable with the subject invention advantages are explained below with reference to the schematic figures of the drawing. Show it: 1 is a perspective view of a manually height-adjustable center armrest with an armrest, an intermediate part and a base part.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the armrest and the intermediate part and the means for securing the armrest and the intermediate part to the base part.

3 is a perspective view of the intermediate part with parts of the adjusting device, connecting and fastening means and a split handle.

Fig. 4 is an isolated perspective view of the adjusting device;

Figures 5 and 6 isolated perspective views of the adjustment mechanism.

7 shows a diagrammatic, isometric view of an electromotive height-adjustable center armrest with an arm rest, an intermediate part and a base part;

8 and 9 show a schematic-perspective front and side view of the height-adjustable center armrest according to FIG. 7 in a lowered basic position;

10 is a schematic perspective side view of the height-adjustable center armrest according to FIG. 7 with maximum height adjustment of the center armrest;

Fig. 1 1 is an isometric partial view of the center armrest of Figure 7 at maximum height adjustment of the center armrest.

12 shows a schematic perspective view of the center armrest according to FIG. 11 with the armrest unfolded; 13 to 15 different perspective views of the electric motor height adjustable central armrest without front side portion of the base part for explaining the electromotive adjusting device;

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the overload protection with a split spindle nut;

17 and 18 are partially sectional side views of the overload protection in the normal case and in the event of overloads;

19 to 27 are schematic longitudinal sections through the invention manually or electric motor height adjustable central armrest in different height positions, positions of the armrest and with various additional controls.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a height-adjustable center armrest is shown in schematic perspective views of the front and rear, consisting of a connected to a motor vehicle body base part 1, 2 an armrest 3 and between the base part 1, 2 and the armrest 3 arranged intermediate part 4 is composed. The base part 1, 2 consists of a front-side section 1 and an insertable, for example in a center console box or a container 2, on or on the vehicle body via a connecting part 6, the armrest 3 and the intermediate part 4 are hinged. The connecting part 6 has a plurality of connecting elements 61 to 65 arranged as hooks distributed on a connecting part wall 60, which can be inserted into corresponding receptacles of a part fixed to the body and a non-positive and / or positive connection between the body-fixed part and the intermediate part 4 make the armrest 3.

The articulation of the armrest 3 via a horizontal axis, which is formed from two mutually aligned, arranged on the connecting part wall 60 pivot axes 33, 34. In the same way, the intermediate part 4 is articulated on the connecting part wall 60 via two pivoting axes 43, 44, which are aligned with one another and likewise form a horizontal axis.

The armrest 3 is composed of a support body 30 and a support pad 31 at the top of the support body 30 and has a front cut 32, in which a split handle 5 is inserted, a button 51 for locking and unlocking the armrest 3 with the front portion 1 of the base part 1, 2 and a lever 52 for height adjustment of the intermediate part 4 and on the intermediate part. 4 resting armrest 3 contains.

The omitted in the schematic perspective view of FIG. 2 container 2 is composed of two substantially mutually parallel side walls and a front wall, which may be formed as parts of a center console or connected to the vehicle body.

The front-side section 1 of the base part 1, 2 contains on its the inner part 10 facing the intermediate part 4 a part of a below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 explained in more detail manual adjustment 7, the other functional parts are connected to the intermediate part 4 and by means of the adjusting lever 52 of split handle 5 are operated.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the intermediate part 4 and the body to be anchored connection part 6, on which via the pivot axes 43, 44, the intermediate part 4 and the pivot axes 33, 34, the armrest 3 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 is articulated , The intermediate part 4 is composed essentially of two side walls 41, 42 and a front wall 40 into which the side walls 41, 42 pass continuously. The shape and mutual orientation of the side walls 41, 42 corresponds substantially to the shape of the front-side portion 1 and the container 2 of the base part 1, 2 and can be made for example of a plastic material. The intermediate part 4 forms a diaphragm whose front wall 40 is reinforced to securely receive the functional parts of the manual adjusting device 7 according to FIG. 4 and the divided handle 5. At the upper edge of the front wall 40, two recesses 46, 47 are arranged, engage in the two associated with the armrest support 3 1 1, 12, when the armrest 3 is closed.

The articulated about the pivot axes 33, 34 on the connecting part 6 and thus to the vehicle body or on the body-mounted base part 1, 2 arm rest 3 is front over the support body 1 1, 12 on the upper edge of the side walls 41, 42 and the front wall 40 of the intermediate part. 4 and can be locked therewith by means of a locking and unlocking mechanism shown in FIG. 4, which engages on the intermediate part 4 when the armrest 3 is pressed on and by lifting or lowering the armrest Buttons 51 is unlocked, so that the armrest 3 can be pivoted about the pivot axes 33, 34 and in the unfolded position of the armrest 3 through the front-side section 1, the container 2 and the intermediate part 4 formed storage container is accessible.

For adjusting the height of the armrest 3, the adjusting lever 52 is raised and lowered, for example spring-loaded, so that the manual adjusting device 7 according to FIGS. 4 to 6, the intermediate part 4 and thus resting on the upper edge of the intermediate part 4 Armauflage 3 relative to the body-mounted base part 1, 2 is raised or lowered. In this case, the intermediate part 4 closes the gap or the gap between the armrest 3 and the base part 1, 2 when the center armrest is raised from its lowest position. The intermediate part 4 designed as a panel not only leads to a pleasing design, but also allows an enlargement of the storage space between the container 2 of the base part 1, 2 and the armrest 3 and ensures that no objects between the armrest 3 and the container 2 or ., the front-side section 1, so that the risk of injury to persons or damage to objects is turned off.

The construction and the function of the manual adjusting device 7 for height adjustment of the center armrest and the locking mechanism for locking the armrest 3 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

The manual adjusting device 7 is composed of a rocker 70 connected to the adjusting lever 52 and hinged to the armrest 3, a push rod 72 connected to the rocker 70, a crankshaft 73 actuated by the push rod 72, a shaft 731 and a crank 732, on the crankshaft 73 via flanges 76, 77 hinged latching hooks 74, 75 and on the inner surface 10 of the front portion 1 of the base part 1, 2 in the adjustment direction, d. H. substantially vertically aligned toothing elements 78, 79 together, which cooperate as counter-locking elements with the detent elements 74, 75 formed as latching elements.

If the adjusting lever 52 is actuated to adjust the height of the armrest 3 via the intermediate part 4, then the rocker 70 is pivoted about its axis of rotation against the bias of the rocker 70 by a torsion spring 71 connected to the axis of rotation of the rocker 70 and the rotary or pivoting movement into one Pushing movement implemented, which is transmitted to the likewise biased push rod 72. The push rod 72 transmits the translational movement on the crankshaft 73, which moves the latching hooks 74, 75 connected to the crankshaft 73 via the flanges 76, 77 in a closed loop, in which the latching hooks 74, 75 alternately plunge into the toothed elements 78, 79 assigned to them abut on the toothed elements 78, 79, raise the adjusting mechanism together with the intermediate part 4 and the armrest 3 and again dive out of the toothing elements 78, 79 and return to the initial position. As a result of the mutual engagement of the latching hooks 74, 75 and the toothed elements 78, 79 assigned to them, in each case one latching hook 74, 75 engages with the toothed elements 78, 79 assigned to it and thus secures the respective position of the height adjustment of the center armrest.

By raising the control lever 52 thereby raising the intermediate part 4 and thus the armrest 3 relative to the base part 1, 2, while lowering of the control lever 52, a lowering of the intermediate part 4 and the Armauflage 3 takes place.

If an overload occurs in which a presettable threshold value of a force acting on the armrest 3 is exceeded, the construction of the manual adjusting device 7 causes the latching hooks 74, 75 to slip on the toothed elements 78, 79 assigned to them, so that the armrest 3 is moved to the intermediate part 4 in a lowered position.

Since the manual adjusting device 7 is arranged on the pivot axes 33, 34 and 43, and 44 opposite ends of the armrest 3 and the intermediate part 4, occur due to the leverage only small adjustment forces, so that the individual, above in their construction and their function described functional parts of the manual adjusting device 7 can be designed for recording low adjustment forces. This creates the prerequisite for the use of simple plastic parts for the manual adjustment device 7, which can thus be produced inexpensively and lightweight.

To lock the armrest 3 with the intermediate part 4 is connected to the button 51 locking and unlocking mechanism, which consists of a latch 13 which engages in a corresponding recess of the intermediate part 4 and a biasing spring 14, which is a locking of the bolt 13th causes in the recess of the intermediate part 4 in the rest position of the button 51 and against the bias of the button 51 for unlocking the armrest 3 can be actuated. As an alternative to the manual adjusting device 7 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, an electromotive adjusting device shown in FIGS. 7 to 18 may be provided. The height-adjustable center armrest is shown in an isometric view in FIG. 7, in a front view in FIG. 8 and in a side view in FIG. 9, and has a base part 1 connected to a motor vehicle body analogously to the previously described height-adjustable central armrest with manual adjustment. 2 an armrest 3 and an intermediate part 4 arranged between the base part 1, 2 and the armrest 3. The base part 1, 2 consists of a front-side section 1 and an insertable, for example in a center console box or a container 2, on or on the vehicle body via a connecting part 6, the armrest 3 and the intermediate part 4 are hinged. The connecting part 6 has a plurality of connecting elements arranged distributed on a connecting wall 60, which are insertable into corresponding receptacles of the body-mounted part and produce a non-positive and / or positive connection between the body-fixed part and the intermediate part 4 with the armrest 3.

The armrest 3 is articulated via a horizontal axis either to the connecting part 6 or to the intermediate part 4, while the intermediate part 4 is articulated to the connecting part 6 via two pivotal axes aligned with one another and also forming a horizontal axis, of which FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, a pivot axis 44 is visible.

The armrest 3 is composed of a support body 30 and a support pad 31 at the top of the support body 30 and has a front cutout 32, in which a split handle 5 is inserted, which has a button 51 for locking and unlocking the armrest 3 the front-side portion 1 of the base part 1, 2 and an adjusting lever 52 for adjusting the height of the intermediate part 4 and resting on the intermediate part 4 arm rest 3 contains.

The container 2 is composed of two substantially mutually parallel side walls and a front wall, which may be formed as parts of a center console or connected to the vehicle body.

The intermediate part 4 is composed, as shown in FIG. 8, essentially of two side walls 41, 42 and a front wall 40, into which the side parts 41, 42 are continuous. pass over. The shape and mutual orientation of the side parts 41, 42 substantially corresponds to the shape of the front-side portion 1 and the container 2 of the base part 1, 2 and can be made for example of a plastic material. The intermediate part 4 forms a diaphragm, the front wall 40 of which is reinforced to reliably receive the functional parts of the electromotive adjusting device 8 and the divided handle 5. At the upper edge of the front wall 40, two recesses 46, 47 are arranged, engage in the two associated with the armrest support 3 1 1, 12, when the armrest 3 is closed.

The armrest 3 is located on the front side on the support body 1 1, 12 on the upper edge of the side walls 41, 42 and the front wall 40 of the intermediate part 4 and can be locked with this via a locking and unlocking mechanism when pressing the armrest 3 on the intermediate part 4 engages and is unlocked by raising or lowering the button 51, so that the armrest 3 can be pivoted about its articulation on the base part 1, 2 or on the intermediate part 4 and in the unfolded position of the armrest 3 through the front-side section 1, the container 2 and the intermediate part 4 formed storage container is accessible.

In contrast to the illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 and described above and explained in their function manual adjusting device 7 for height adjustment of the center arm, shown in Figs. 7 to 9 in a lowered basic position height-adjustable center armrest for height adjustment in FIG. 13 to 15 detailed electromotive adjusting device 8, from which in Figs. 7 to 9, a portion of the housing of the electric motor drive 80 can be seen, which is analogous to minimizing the adjustment of the manual adjustment 7 on the horizontal pivot axis of the armrest 3 or the intermediate part 4 opposite side, that is, in the region of the front portion 1 of the base part 1, 2 is located. According to the changed function of the electromotive adjusting device 8, the split handle 5 next to the locking and unlocking of the armrest 3 serving button 51 a toggle switch 53, upon actuation of the electromotive adjusting device 8 is activated to adjust the height of the center armrest. This can be done for example in such a way that by raising the toggle switch 53, the intermediate part 4 and resting on the intermediate part arm rest 3 is raised, while depressing the toggle switch 53, the intermediate part 4 and with it the armrest 3 is lowered. In order to ensure an exact guidance and assignment of the intermediate part 4 relative to the base part 1, 2 in the electromotive height adjustment of the center armrest, a guide device is provided, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 from one of the inner surface of the front portion. 1 the base part 1, 2 centrally projecting guide rail 15 and a recessed into the front of the intermediate part 4 guide groove 45, in which the guide rail 15 slidably engages. Since the guide rail 15 and the guide groove 45 extend at least over the length of the height adjustment of the intermediate part 4 relative to the base part 1, 2, a secure guidance of the intermediate part 4 is ensured over the entire height adjustment of the center armrest.

10 shows in a perspective side view and FIG. 11 in an isometric view the functional parts of the height-adjustable center armrest in the maximum height adjustment position, i. at maximum in the direction of the Z axis of the motor vehicle displaced center armrest, in which the intermediate part 4 maximally with respect to the front-side portion 1 and the container 2 of the base part 1, 2 raised, d. h., With its leading edge is pivoted about the maximum horizontal axis.

10 shows the orientation of the electromotive drive 80, which in this embodiment, according to the pivoting of the intermediate part 4 and the armrest 3 supported on the intermediate part 4, is inclined about the horizontal axis with respect to the vertical, d. H. is aligned with respect to the Z-axis of the motor vehicle. To accommodate different installation conditions or to allow the use of different drive systems, the electric motor drive 80 about the Y-axis of the motor vehicle, d. H. rotatably mounted perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The rotatable mounting of the electromotive drive 80 also compensates for required by the height adjustment movement tolerances.

1 1 illustrates the design and arrangement of the guide device 15, 45 with the guide groove 45 recessed centrally in the intermediate part 4 and the guide rail 15 slidably engaging in the guide groove 45 on the inner surface of the front-side section 1 of the base part 1, 2 1 1, the support of the armrest 3 by means of the recessed into the bottom of the armrest support body 1 1, 12, which engage in the recessed at the upper edge of the front side of the intermediate part 4 nen recesses 46, 47. 12 shows a perspective view of the height-adjustable center armrest with a partial height adjustment with the armrest 3 unfolded, and FIG. 13 shows a perspective front view of the height-adjustable center armrest with an electromotive adjusting device 8.

By pressing the button 51 of the split handle 5, the prestressed in Aufklapprichtung by torsion springs armrest 3 can be solved by their locking with the intermediate part 4 and works according to the schematic representation of Figure 12 under the action of the tensioned when closing the armrest 3 spring, so that the receptacle formed by the container 2 and the intermediate part 4 for the storage or removal of objects is accessible.

In order to ensure an exact connection with the intermediate part 4 when pivoting the armrest 3 by pivoting it against the spring preload in the opening direction, a torsional or canting protection is provided which consists of a recess provided in the upper end side of the front side of the intermediate part 4 48 and a tapered pin 16 at the lower edge of the armrest 3, so that the armrest 3 is guided when closing in the exact position and orientation with respect to the intermediate part 4 and on the one hand in the armrest 3 recessed support body 1 1, 12th exactly in the space provided for recesses 46, 47 at the upper edge of the front of the intermediate part 4 come to rest and on the other hand connected to the button 51 bolt 13 engages exactly in the space provided for this purpose locking opening 48 at the upper edge of the intermediate part 4.

The electromotive adjusting device 8 for adjusting the height of the center armrest by raising or lowering the intermediate part 4 and interposed on the intermediate part 4 and locked with this by the button 51 Armauflage 3 contains the connected to the base part 1, 2 electromotive drive 80, the one in the direction The Y-axis of the motor vehicle oriented rotational axis 81 is rotatably mounted about the Y-axis of the motor vehicle, as well as a connected to the intermediate part 4 drive element of a spindle drive shown in Figs. 13 to 18.

The spindle drive comprises according to FIG. 14 a spindle 82 driven by the electric motor drive 80 and a split spindle nut 83 mounted in the intermediate part 4, which is arranged in a spindle nut housing 86 and prestressed by means of a compression spring 84. According to FIG. 15, the spindle nut housing 86 is fastened to the intermediate part 4 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 87 to compensate for the movement of the functional parts of the electromotive adjusting device 8 when the intermediate part 4 is raised and lowered.

The split spindle nut 83 in meshing engagement with the spindle 82 serves for overload protection and, in particular according to the perspective, isolated representation of the connection of the spindle 82 with the split spindle nut 83, has two spindle nut halves 831, 832 with cylindrical shell-shaped inner surfaces with one in the toothing of the spindle 82 engaging teeth and wedge-shaped outer surfaces which abut wedge-shaped guide surfaces 851, 852 of a Spindelmutteraufnahme 85. For overload protection further includes acting in the wedge compression spring 84, which is arranged according to the longitudinal sections shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 between the split spindle nut 83 and the spindle nut housing 86.

The overload protection causes, at a perpendicular to the surface of the armrest, d. h., In the Z direction of the motor vehicle, acting force or force component which is greater than a predetermined maximum force, the split spindle nut 83 slips on the spindle 82 until the electromotive adjusting device 8 has reached the home position, d. h., the height adjustment of the center armrest is minimal. In the home position, the compression spring 84 of the overload protection pushes the spindle nut 83 back into position, i. h., In the meshing engagement with the spindle 82, so that again a height adjustment can take place without that due to the overload functional elements of the adjustment are destroyed or damaged and must be replaced.

17 shows in a longitudinal section the spindle drive in the normal state in which the split spindle nut 83 composed of the spindle nut halves 831, 832 is in toothing engagement with the spindle 82 and the compression spring 84 is the spindle nut halves 831, 832 in the wedge direction of the spindle nut receptacle 85 in FIG the toothing engagement with the spindle 82 presses.

Fig. 18 shows in a longitudinal section through the spindle drive the overload case in which the teeth of the split spindle nut 83 is out of engagement with the teeth of the spindle 82, since they are due to the overload force against the bias of

Compression spring 84 on the wedge-shaped guide surfaces 851, 852 of the Spindelmutterauf- would have been moved 85. If the overload force is eliminated, the compression spring 84 acts on the split spindle nut 83 in such a way that it is again brought into meshing engagement with the spindle 82.

To illustrate the function and various applications of the height-adjustable center armrest according to the invention, the schematic longitudinal sections of Figs. 19 to 27 show the height-adjustable center armrest in different positions of their functional parts and the use and the arrangement of additional connectable with the height-adjustable center armrest controls.

Fig. 19 shows the height-adjustable center armrest in a basic position in which the intermediate part 4 is lowered with the armrest 3 supported thereon and the armrest 3 is substantially flush with the upper edge of the body-mounted base part 1, 2, resulting from the front section 1 and the container 2 assembles.

The arm rest 3 rotatable about an axis of rotation 33 can, according to FIG. 20, be pivoted from the closed position shown in FIG. 19 into an open position in which the interior space of the receptacle formed by the container 2 and the intermediate part 4 is accessible.

Preferably, the armrest 3 is biased in the open position shown in Fig. 20 by means of a spring, against the action of the armrest 3 is transferred to the closed position shown in FIG. 19 and locked by means of the button, which is also spring-loaded, so that at Pressing the armrest 3 on the intermediate part 4 of the button, the armrest 3 with the intermediate part 4 locked.

Fig. 21 shows the height-adjustable center armrest in a raised position of the intermediate part 4 and resting on the intermediate part 4 arm rest 3 relative to the base part 1, 2. The axis about a horizontal, ie perpendicular to the plane extending axis with the base part 1, 2 or a body part Connected intermediate part 4 is adjusted in height by means of a manual or electromotive adjusting device arranged at the opposite end, ie on the front side, ie pivots about the horizontal axis into the position shown schematically in FIG. 21. By modifications of the intermediate part 4 additional controls, mounting devices or mounting receptacles can be provided on the intermediate part 4, which increase the functionality of the height-adjustable center armrest and ease of use. A few examples are shown in FIGS. 22 to 27, which, however, are only to be understood by way of example, since the inclusion of an intermediate part in a height-adjustable center armrest offers further possible applications.

22 shows the connection of a rotary knob 91 with a front-extended extension of the intermediate part 4 in a lowered position of the height-adjustable center armrest and FIG. 23 in a raised position of the intermediate part 4 and resting on the intermediate part 4 Armauflage 3 relative to the base part first , 2.

Fig. 24 shows the position shown in Fig. 23 of the height-adjustable center armrest with unfolded armrest.

In Fig. 25, instead of a rotary knob 91, a key switch 92 is provided on the extended in the direction of the front part of the intermediate part 4, with the various operating functions can be triggered.

FIG. 26 shows the height-adjustable center armrest shown in FIG. 25 with a push-button switch 92 in the raised position of the intermediate part 4 and the arm rest 3 resting on the intermediate part 4.

In Fig. 27, instead of a rotary knob 91 or a key switch 92, a plurality of rocker switches 93 are provided in conjunction with press studs 94 with which various entertainment functions, adjustment functions or the like can be triggered and / or controlled.

_{* * * * *} LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Front section of the base

2 containers of the base part

3 armrest

4 intermediate part

5 split handle

6 connecting part

7 Manual adjustment device

8 Electromotive adjusting device

10 inner surface

1 1, 12 support body

13 bars

14 biasing spring

15 guide rail

16 pen

30 support bodies

31 cushion

32 Front section

33, 34 pivot axes

40 front wall

41, 42 side walls

43, 44 pivot axes

45 guide groove

46, 47 wells

48 recess

51 buttons

52 levers

53 toggle switch

60 connection part wall

61 - 65 connecting elements

70 seesaw

71 torsion spring

72 push rod

73 crankshaft 74, 75 snap hooks

76, 77 flanges

78, 79 gear elements

80 Electric motor drive

81 axis of rotation

82 spindle

83 split spindle nut

84 compression spring

85 Spindle nut receptacle

86 Spindle nut housing

87 pivot axis

91 knob

92 pushbutton

93 toggle switch

94 push button

701, 702 guide grooves

731 wave

732 crank

831, 832 Spindle nut halves

851, 852 Wedge-shaped guide surfaces

Claims

claims

1. center armrest between two motor vehicle seats with an armrest adjustable relative to a body-fixed base part,

marked by

a between the armrest (3) and the base part (1, 2) arranged and relative to the base part (1, 2) adjustable intermediate part (4).

2. center armrest according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) and / or the armrest (3) adjustable in height relative to the base part (1, 2) is or are.

3. center armrest according to claim 2, characterized in that the height adjustment of the armrest (3) by means of a height adjustment of the intermediate part (4) takes place, on which the armrest (3) rests.

4. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) about a horizontal axis (43, 44) pivotally on the base part (1, 2) is articulated.

5. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrest (3) about a horizontal axis (33, 34) pivotally on the base part (1, 2) or on the intermediate part (4) is articulated.

6. center armrest according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) and the armrest (3) are pivotable about a common axis pivotally mounted on the base part (1, 2).

7. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) as a veneer in the space between the armrest (3) and the base part (1, 2) is formed.

8. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part (1, 2) and the intermediate part (4) form a box-shaped container as a storage compartment, the container opening through the armrest (3) can be covered.

9. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) one of the horizontal axis (43, 44) opposite cylindrical portion-shaped front wall (40) which forms a front panel of the intermediate part (4), and two circular sector-shaped side walls (41, 42) extending between the cylinder-portion-shaped front wall (40) and the horizontal axis (43, 44) and form side panels of the intermediate part (4).

10. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) as a rotary knob (91), key switch (92), toggle switch (93), push button (94) or the like formed controls.

1 1. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) receiving compartments, pockets or fastening parts for receiving objects.

12. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by in the base part (1, 2) and in the intermediate part (4) arranged in the adjustment direction cooperating guide elements (15, 45).

13. middle armrest according to claim 12, characterized in that the guide elements of a in a front-side section (1) of the base part (1, 2) arranged on the front wall (40) of the intermediate part (4) directed guide rail (15) and a in the front wall (40) of the intermediate part (4) in the adjustment direction extending guide groove (45), in which the guide rail (15) engages in the adjustment direction slidably.

14. central armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rotation of the armrest (3) with a in the upper edge of the front portion (1) of the base part (1, 2) recessed recess (48) and one on the underside of the armrest ( 3) arranged in the recess (48) engaging pin (16).

15. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arm support (3) and the intermediate part (4) on a connection part (6) are articulated, the non-positively and / or positively connected to the base part (1, 2 ) and / or a body part is connectable.

16. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (4) transmits the forces of the armrest (3) on the support body (1 1, 12) on the base part (1, 2) and / or a body part ,

17. center armrest according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the connecting part (6) a plurality of on a pivot axes (33, 34, 43, 44) of the armrest (3) and the intermediate part (4) containing connecting surface (60) arranged connecting elements (61 to 65), which are connectable with counter-connecting elements of the base part (1, 2).

18. Center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a manual adjusting device (7) whose adjusting mechanism is connected to the intermediate part (4).

19. Center armrest according to claim 18, characterized in that the adjusting device (7) has an armrest (3) connected to the adjusting lever (52) which actuates the adjusting element connected to the intermediate part (4), the functional parts between the intermediate part (4). and the base part (1, 2) are effective and adjust the height or the inclination angle of the center armrest with an actuation of the adjusting lever (52) and force and / or positively connect with each other when the adjusting lever (52) is not actuated.

20. center armrest according to claim 19, characterized in that the adjusting lever (52) is pivotally articulated to the armrest (3), that the adjusting mechanism comprises a rocker (70) connected to the adjusting lever (52), the pivoting movement of the adjusting lever (52 ) in a pushing movement of a rocker (70) connected to the push rod (72), and in that the push rod (72) is connected to a crankshaft (73) on which at least one latching element (74, 75) is articulated in a with the base part (1, 2) connected or in the base part (1, 2) integrated and in the adjustment direction of the intermediate part (4) extending counter-latching element (78, 79) engages.

21 center armrest according to claim 20, characterized in that at least a part of the functional parts of the adjusting mechanism in the direction of a rest position of the actuating lever (52) is biased such that upon actuation of the actuating lever (52) the intermediate part (4) adjusted and at the end the actuation of the adjusting lever (52), the at least one latching element (74, 75) into the counter-latching element (78, 79) engages.

22 center armrest according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the counter-latching element in at least one vertically oriented guide groove (701, 702) is arranged and toothed elements (78, 79), in which preferably as a pivotable latching hook (74, 75 ) engages locking element engages.

23 center armrest according to claim 22, characterized by two mutually offset, arranged on the crankshaft locking elements, of which in each case a detent element in the toothed elements (78, 79) engages.

24. The center armrest according to claim 16, characterized by two latching hooks (74, 75), which are spaced apart from one another with the crankshaft (73) and to which two counter-latching elements are assigned, the toothing elements (78, 79) extending in the adjustment direction ), in which the latching hooks (74, 75) engage.

25. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 17, characterized by a with the intermediate part (4) and the base part (1, 2) connected to the electromotive adjusting device (8).

26 center armrest according to claim 25, characterized in that the electromotive-adjusting device (8) between the base part (1, 2) and the intermediate part

(4) is effective and preferably includes an electric motor drive (80) connected to the base part (1, 2) and a drive element (82) connected to the intermediate part (4) and driven by the electric motor drive (80).

27 center armrest according to claim 26, characterized in that the electromotive adjusting device (8) has an overload protection.

28. center armrest according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the drive element consists of a spindle (82) which cooperates with a with the intermediate part (4), fixed spindle nut (83).

29 center armrest according to claim 28, characterized in that the spindle nut (83) is rotatably mounted about a perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the spindle (82) extending pivot axis (87).

30. center armrest according to one of the preceding claims 26 to 29, characterized in that the electromotive drive (80) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation extending in the direction of the Y-axis of the motor vehicle (81).

31 center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims 27 to 30, characterized in that the overload protection of a toothed engagement with the spindle (82) stationary, split spindle nut (83) whose spindle nut halves (831, 832) with wedge-shaped outer surfaces of wedge-shaped guide surfaces (851, 852) abut a spindle nut receptacle (85), and a wedge acting compression spring (84) consists.

32. The center armrest according to claim 31, characterized in that the spindle nut receptacle (85) is arranged in a spindle nut housing (86) between which and the base surface of the split spindle nut (83), the compression spring (84) is arranged.

33. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims 25 to 32, characterized in that the control device for the electromotive adjusting device (8) has a memory function.

34. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armrest (3) has a bolt (13) for locking and unlocking the armrest (3).

35. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting lever (52) of the manual adjusting device (7) or a toggle switch (53) of the electromotive adjusting device (8) and connected to the latch (13) button (51) are formed as a divided handle (5), opposite to the horizontal axis of the armrest (3)

End of the armrest (3) is arranged.

36. center armrest according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front-side portion (1) of the base part (1, 2) and adjoining the front portion 1 of the base part 1, 2 container (2) formed or mounted body-mounted.

_{* * * * ** * * * *}