DE102010054218A1 - Movable functional element for arrangement at cockpit of motor vehicle, is locked in brought in position with outer contour of cockpit cover and extends itself in driven out position into passenger compartment - Google Patents

Abstract

The movable functional element (1) is locked in a brought in position with an outer contour of a cockpit cover and extends itself in a driven out position into a passenger compartment within a center console range. The functional element of front seat passenger side of the motor vehicle is movable toward cockpit center. A linear extension is provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a movable functional element, in particular a storage compartment, for arrangement on a cockpit of a motor vehicle.

In the design of modern motor vehicles, it is important to make reasonable use of available volumes also in the motor vehicle interior. In many cases, storage compartments and storage options are therefore installed in the interior trim. In the area of the passenger, there is the well-proven so-called glove compartment for many years: Already many years ago was integrated into the cockpit of motor vehicles, a small compartment with a flap, could be stowed in the necessary details. Today's modern storage compartments have long had complex functionalities and are also suitable for storing chilled drinks, for example by being coupled to the air conditioning system of the motor vehicle. This makes the design of the former glove compartment more complex and also voluminous. Thus, the formerly small compartment, which could be closed with a cover, now often replaced by a bulging in the foot of the passenger down voluminous compartment, which offers a lot of comfort. However, the increased comfort of the compartment results in a loss of legroom, especially when the rear seat is occupied. In the case of four- or multi-passenger vehicles, it may then be necessary for the front passenger seat to be brought into an advanced position. In many cases, such a fitted storage compartment proves to be annoying, especially since it can hardly be operated in such cases while driving.

To counter this, or to create additional storage options, more subjects of different sizes are often mounted on the cockpit, or on the so-called dashboard. Such a storage compartment, which can be extended for use from the dashboard is in the GB 24 36 545 A In a stowed position, it is loaded into a recess in the cockpit. It may also, when it is arranged in the extended position, be pivoted in the extension plane, so that it is arranged facing the driver or the passenger.

Based on this prior art, it is desirable to use the available at the cockpit in the passenger footwell storage space of the cockpit, or the dashboard for the installation of a functional element that can provide a storage space, and that with increased space in the passenger footwell without Further provides the required space.

This object is achieved by a movable functional element having the features of claim 1.

Further developments of the subject are set forth in the subclaims.

A first embodiment of the device according to the invention relates to a movable functional element which can be arranged on a cockpit or a dashboard of a motor vehicle so that it closes in a retracted position with the outer contour of a cockpit cover. When it is to be used, it is put in an extended position and then comes to lie in the passenger compartment in the area of the center console. This ensures advantageous that even when using the functional element passenger-legroom is guaranteed.

This functional element advantageously has, in order to provide as much space as possible for the desired functionalities, a greater length than width. A suitable length is at least one and a half times the width. In principle, the functional element could have a length which is only slightly smaller than the maximum width of the foot space in the region of the knees of a passenger.

The elongate functional element may be in one embodiment with one end in a central region of the cockpit, based on the overall width of the cockpit, about a pivot axis substantially horizontally movable, or in this case pivotally mounted. Thus, the functional element to bring it into a pivoted position, can be pivoted about the pivot axis in the direction of the passenger footwell, so that it can be accommodated in the cockpit and does not interfere in the passenger footwell. If it is to be swung out so that certain functionalities, as described below, can be used, it is swiveled so far around the swivel axis that either its second end protrudes into the region of the center console, or that it is displaced parallel to the pivoted-in position the center console area is positioned.

Thus, the functional element for driver and front passenger accessible to be transferred to the center console area and a driver, if he wants to use about from a present in the functional element compartment, do not bow in the direction of the passenger compartment. This increases driving safety. For the passenger, there is the advantage that he, if it seems convenient to him to obtain greater legroom, the functional element that closes in the passenger compartment, the lower portion of the dashboard when it is pivoted, swing out of this area or move and transfer to the center console area. Thus, the entire volume of space that was previously occupied by the functional element, release, and even a large passenger can now find room for his knee.

Since the movement of the functional element to be performed is to be provided in the horizontal, the pivoting mechanism can be arranged on a pivoting arm, which can also be telescopic, which is connected to the longitudinal or "pivoting end" of the functional element, wherein the pivoting arm is a narrower and stable element is that occupies little space in the execution of the movement within the cockpit.

The swivel arm can also be arranged by means of an eccentric eccentrically pivoting on the vertically oriented axis; This is one way to realize a parallel displacement movement of the functional element so that the functional element is positioned in the extended position parallel to the cockpit alignment in the center console area.

Alternatively, the functional element can also be moved via two pivot points: Even so, the functional element is positioned in the extended position parallel to the cockpit alignment in the center console area. It may have, via its first longitudinal end about a first, in the central region of the cockpit, based on its longitudinal extent, lying vertically oriented axis by means of a first pivot mechanism and about its second longitudinal end about a second in the cockpit lying, also vertically oriented axis by means of a second Pivoting mechanism be pivotally arranged so that it comes to lie in the cockpit in the pivoted or -gefahrenen position on a passenger footwell, and is positioned in the pivoted position offset parallel to the pivoted position in the center console area.

A further alternative to the movement of the functional element is to position a horizontally arranged rail with an S-shaped course in the cockpit, by means of which a runner, referred to here as a displacement element, which is arranged on the functional element, will move the functional element in the rail can. For this purpose, the rail may be arranged in the cockpit in a passenger area near a central cockpit longitudinal axis and extend in a horizontal plane in the direction of a cockpit outside near the center console. It thus provides, together with the displacement element, a translatory movement of the functional element over at least its first longitudinal end. Thus, the functional element can also be positioned in the extended position parallel offset to the retracted position in the center console area and grant legroom in the passenger area.

Under "functional element" can be understood in addition to a storage compartment and an arm rest, a support plate and a holder for vessels or combinations of the above. So it is quite possible to provide an elongate functional element having an at least partially hollow interior, which is covered by a cover plate, which serves as a storage surface, and, when released, a compartment or a storage tray of the inner shell releases. The inner shell can also be designed with cylindrical or conical recesses, which are particularly suitable for receiving cylindrical or conical vessels such as cups or cans.

If the functional element in the non-use position, ie retracted, so it can be completed when a locking element pair is present. In this case, one element is arranged on the cockpit and a second on the functional element, so that the elements which provide the lock - a plurality of such locking devices are known to those skilled - can be brought into engagement with each other.

To ensure that the functional element is not undesirably moved from the extended or pivoted to the retracted or pivoted position, a locking device may be provided on the pivoting mechanism, which ensures at least in the extended, respectively pivoted position of the functional element that the element remains there as long as it is desired.

It is also conceivable that the functional element in the alternatives, in which it comes along the vehicle longitudinal axis for alignment, even closer to the handle area of a passenger can be telescoped by the pivot arm, or in the case of the presence of two pivot points both pivot arms are.

These and other advantages are set forth by the following description with reference to the accompanying figures.

The reference to the figures in the description is to facilitate understanding of the subject matter. The figures are merely a schematic representation of an embodiment of the invention.

Showing:

1 a schematic side view of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle with swung-out functional element,

2 a top view of the driver and passenger compartment of the motor vehicle with the functional element in both possible end positions,

3 a perspective view of the dashboard with a storage compartment according to the invention in both possible end positions,

4 a view from above of a pivotable by means of two pivot points functional element,

5 a view from above of an eccentrically pivotable functional element,

6 a view from above of a movable by means of a rail functional element.

The subject invention relates to a movable functional element which is arranged on a cockpit of a motor vehicle. This concludes in a pivoted position with an outer contour of the cockpit, or the cockpit cover, and extends in an extended position in front of the center console; either in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis or parallel to the cockpit longitudinal axis.

The functional element is always moved away from the passenger compartment in the direction of the center console. It is longer than it is wide, so it has enough volume to be used as a storage compartment, as an arm rest, as a support plate or as a holder for vessels. With clever design, it is quite possible to combine several of the aforementioned functionalities on a single functional element.

The functional element can be arranged in various alternatives by means of a pivoting mechanism 'about its first longitudinal end about a lying in a central region of the cockpit - based on its longitudinal extent - vertically oriented pivot axis pivotally, so that it is substantially horizontal in the at least 90 ° is movable. In this case, it can be converted into a pivoted-in position, in which it is integrated into the cockpit area, which lies above the passenger footwell, or it can be transferred into a swung-out position, in which the second longitudinal end points into the area of the center console.

As 1 shows, according to the invention, via a pivotable movable functional element 1 be transferred in a use position by pivoting in the area of the center console, so that it comes to rest parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis in the center console area.

There shows the functional element 1 a storage compartment 4 , with appropriate design of the interior as a holder for beverage cups 30 can serve. The storage compartment shown here 4 is over a swivel warm 2 in the horizontal about a vertical pivot axis pivotally attached to a pivot mechanism, so that it how 2 clarified, can be pivoted about the pivot point A in the direction indicated by arrow a. It can act from a pivoted position, in which it is at a bottom of the cockpit 10 over the passenger footwell 20 comes to rest and in which it forms a conclusion of the cockpit facing with appropriate design, are pivoted in the so-called center console area. The pivot mechanism will be provided due to the geometry specifications in the vehicle in a central region B of the cockpit, since only then a suitable pivoting is possible.

Especially at the in 2 indicated seat arrangement, the device of the invention proves to be particularly advantageous: Here, the passenger seat has been moved forward, so that the volume of space occupied by the front seat, the available volume for the legs in the passenger compartment 20 is very low. By swinging the functional element 1 and releasing the corresponding volume at the bottom of the cockpit 10 , now generous free space is created in the knee area, so that even when fully occupied vehicle on the one hand comfortable sitting in the passenger seat is possible, and on the other hand, the use of the functional element 1 is possible.

This is especially important when, as in 3 shown the functional element 1 as a storage compartment 4 is designed. 3 incidentally also shows the use of the functional element 1 in its two positions, the on and the swung out, wherein the swiveling movement is shown by the arrow a. In this case, the functional element is pivoted about the axis of rotation AA, which lies in the vertical within the cockpit. There, a corresponding pivot mechanism is provided, not figuratively shown, which may include a vertical pivot axis.

How special 2 becomes clear, the functional element may advantageously be considerably longer than wide; Suitably, its length will be at least one and a half times its width. With a suitable design, the functional element can cover the entire, in the knee room of the Cockpit area of the passenger's available width.

To the rotation of the functional element 1 to make the axis AA suitably executable, the functional element has 1 in 1 at its coupled with the pivoting mechanism end a slim arm 2 on, which is sufficiently stable and yet designed little volume engaging.

In addition, it is conceivable to make the swivel arm telescopic, so that the functional element, which may well be designed as an armrest or as a shelf, such as a table in the central area to make extensible, so that, if desired, further in the vicinity of the grip area of a passenger can be performed.

As 5 shows, the pivoting mechanism may also be arranged eccentrically rotating. The eccentric disc 11 , by means of this on a swivel arm 2 arranged functional element 1 is rotationally moved, allows the functional element 1 in the deployed position (shown in phantom) offset parallel to the pivoted position (shown in solid line) is positioned in the center console area. It is easily accessible from the driver and passenger side and does not disturb when not in use.

Alternatively, the functional element 1 , please refer 4 can also be pivoted by means of two pivot points A, A ': It can be about its first longitudinal end about a first in the central region B of the cockpit 10 relative to its longitudinal extension lying, vertically oriented axis by means of a first pivot mechanism and via its second longitudinal end to a second in the cockpit 10 lying, vertically oriented axis by means of a second pivoting mechanism about the pivot point A 'be arranged pivotally. It is from the pivoted position in which it is above a passenger footwell 20 in the cockpit 10 is received, by parallel offset, see arrows b, pivotable in front of the center console area, as indicated by dashed lines.

Again, the pivot arms can be made telescopic. Accordingly, then each of the two pivot mechanisms via a respective telescopic arm with a longitudinal end of the functional element 1 connected.

In addition, a movable functional element 1 also by means of a horizontally arranged rail 12 be realized with S-shaped course, such as 6 shows.

The rail 12 in the cockpit 10 is arranged in a passenger area near a central cockpit longitudinal axis and which extends in a horizontal plane towards a cockpit outside near the center console, comprises a sliding element 13 , respectively a rotor to the translational movement of the functional element 1 to allow in the rail. Of course, several runners 13 be provided. In the presence of a runner 13 this is about the first longitudinal end of the functional element 1 associated with this. So can the functional element 1 in the retracted position above a passenger footwell 20 in the cockpit 10 be positioned and in the extended position parallel offset with respect to the retracted position in the center console area be positioned.

In addition, when the functional element is in the retracted position, it can be completed in all embodiments if corresponding locking elements, usually paired, are provided in the cockpit or in the cockpit panel and on the functional element. Such locking devices are known in the art.

In order for the pivoting mechanism or alternatively the rotor to remain in the pivoted-out position, corresponding latching devices for the releasable latching of the functional element can additionally be provided which fix the functional element in the target area for the duration of the desired positioning.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• GB 2436545 A [0003]

Claims (10)

Movable functional element ( 1 ) for placement on a cockpit ( 10 ) of a motor vehicle, wherein the functional element ( 1 ) in a retracted position with an outer contour of a cockpit cover and extends in an extended position into a passenger compartment in a center console area, characterized in that the functional element ( 1 ) is movable from a passenger side of the motor vehicle in the direction of a cockpit center and has a longitudinal extent that exceeds its width extension by at least one and a half times. Functional element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional element ( 1 ) via its first longitudinal end about at least one in a central region (B) of the cockpit ( 10 ), with respect to its longitudinal extent, vertically oriented axis (AA) is pivotally mounted by means of a pivoting mechanism, wherein the functional element ( 1 ) in the - pivoted position above a passenger footwell ( 20 ) is received in the cockpit, - pivoted-out position with its second longitudinal end projects into a center console area or - is positioned in the pivoted-out position parallel to the pivoted-in position in the center console area. Functional element ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivot mechanism via a single pivot arm ( 2 ), in particular via a telescopic pivot arm, is connected to the first longitudinal end. Functional element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pivoting mechanism is an eccentric disc ( 11 ), on which the swivel arm ( 2 ) is arranged. Functional element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the functional element ( 1 ) via its first longitudinal end about a first middle section (B) of the cockpit ( 10 ), based on its longitudinal extent, lying, vertically oriented axis (AA) by means of the first pivot mechanism and via its second longitudinal end to a second in the cockpit ( 10 ) lying vertically oriented axis (A'-A ') is pivotally mounted by means of a second pivot mechanism, wherein the functional element ( 1 ) is received in the cocked position over a passenger footwell in the cockpit, and is positioned in the deployed position offset parallel to the pivoted position in the center console area. Functional element ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the two pivoting mechanisms via a respective pivoting arm ( 2 ), in particular via a telescopic arm, each having a longitudinal end is connected. Functional element ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a horizontally arranged rail ( 12 ) with S-shaped course, which in the cockpit ( 10 ) is arranged in a passenger area near a central cockpit longitudinal axis and which extends in a horizontal plane in the direction of a cockpit outside near the center console, a displacement element ( 13 ) for providing a translational movement of the functional element ( 1 ) over at least over its first longitudinal end, wherein the functional element ( 1 ) in a - retracted position above a passenger footwell ( 20 ) is received in the cockpit, and positioned in a - extended position offset parallel to the retracted in the center console area. Functional element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the functional element ( 1 ) a storage compartment ( 4 ), in particular a storage compartment ( 4 ) with an inner shell, an armrest, a support plate or a holder for vessels provides. Functional element ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the inner shell has cylindrical or conical recesses for holding receiving cylindrical or conical vessels. Functional element ( 1 ) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that on the functional element ( 1 a first element of a locking element pair is arranged which can be brought into engagement with a second element of the locking element pair arranged on the cockpit and / or in that the pivot mechanism has a detent device for releasably locking the functional element ( 1 ) comprises at least in the pivoted position.

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