ARMREST ELEMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to an armrest element of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat, having a base body, the armrest element having at least one first connection interface of predetermined design to which an exchangeable extension module having a second connection interface of predetermined design can be fixed, the first connection interface and the second connection interface being designed in such a way that at least one positive connection between the first connection interface and the second connection interface is made possible.

Claims

1. An armrest element of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat, with a base body, wherein the armrest element has at least one first connection interface of predetermined design to which an exchangeable extension module having a second connection interface of predetermined design can be fixed, the first connection interface and the second connection interface being designed in such a way that at least one positive connection is made possible between the first connection interface and the second connection interface.

2. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the base body comprises an outer long side extending along a longitudinal axis (X), a front side extending along a width axis (Y) and a rear side extending along the width axis (Y), wherein a first connection interface is arranged on the front side of the base body and/or on the rear side of the base body.

3. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein a first positive connection in the form of a fitting connection is provided between the first connection interface and the second connection interface, one of the connection interfaces comprising a receptacle in which a connecting section of the further connection interface is accommodated.

4. The armrest element according to claim 3, wherein the first connection interface comprises the connecting section and the second connection interface comprises the receptacle.

5. The armrest element according to claim 3, wherein at least one second positive connection is provided between the first connection interface and the second connection interface, the at least one second positive connection being a screw connection, the receptacle of a connection interface and the connecting section of the further connection interface each have at least one first side wall, wherein the side walls of the connection interfaces adjoin each other and each have aligned holes which enable the second positive connection.

6. The armrest element according to claim 3, wherein a guide connection is provided between the first connection interface and the second connection interface, the guide connection comprising a pin element and a receptacle.

7. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the first connection interface is formed integrally or in one piece by the base body or the extension module, wherein the second connection interface is formed integrally or in one piece by the extension module or the base body.

8. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the first connection interface and/or the second connection interface is provided on an adapter element, the adapter element being arranged on the base body or the extension module.

9. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one extension module is or comprises an active extension module, wherein the active extension module is selected from the group comprising: a input and/or output device, a joystick, a steering wheel, a pushbutton and/or switching element, a touch screen, a display device or combinations of the aforementioned elements.

10. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one extension module is or comprises a passive extension module, wherein the passive extension module is selected from the group comprising: a storage element, a holder element, a hook element, a pocket, a net, an ashtray, an additional pad or combinations of the aforementioned elements.

11. The armrest element according to claim 2, wherein at least one further extension module can be arranged on the outer long side of the base body, the at least one further extension module being an active extension module, a passive extension module or a combination of an active and a passive extension module.

12. The armrest element according to claim 11, wherein a third connection interface of predetermined design is provided which is arranged or formed on the outer long side of the base body, wherein the at least one further extension module has a fourth connection interface of predetermined design which is compatible with the third connection interface.

13. The armrest element according to claim 11, wherein the third connection interface comprises an adapter element on which detent openings are provided in which at least one detent projection of an extension module can engage.

14. The armrest element according to claim 1, wherein the at least one extension module and/or the at least one further extension module is configured in such a way that at least an additional extension module can be arranged thereon.

15. The vehicle seat with an armrest element according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention are explained with reference to the following description of the accompanying figures. Similar components may have the same reference signs in the various embodiments.

[0033] Show in the figures:

[0034] FIG. 1 an exploded view of an armrest element according to one embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 2a an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 2b an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 2c an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 2d an armrest element according to one embodiment

[0039] FIG. 3a-3e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 4a-4e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 5a-5e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 6a-6e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 7a-7e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 8a-8e different views of an armrest element according to an embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 9a-9e different views of a multifunctional rail according to one embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 10 a vehicle seat with the armrest element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the figures, identical components are to be understood with the corresponding reference signs. For the sake of clarity, some components may not have a reference sign in some figures, but have been designated elsewhere.

[0048] FIGS. 1 to 8e show an armrest element 1 of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat 100, with a base body 2, wherein the armrest element 1 has at least one first connection interface 3 of predetermined design, to which an exchangeable extension module 4 with a second connection interface 5 of predetermined design can be fixed, wherein the first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5 are designed in such a way that at least one positive connection is made possible between the first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5. At least one positive connection is provided between the first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5. By means of such a predefined, preferably even standardised connection interface, a multitude of different extension modules 4 can be arranged on the armrest element 1.

[0049] The armrest element 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X, a width axis Y and a height axis Z. The armrest element 1 can be arranged on a seat 100. This is shown in FIG. 10. For this purpose, a fastening element 29 is provided, which is attached to the base body 2. A tilt adjustment device can be provided by means of which the tilt of the armrest element 1 relative to the seat 100 can be adjusted. The inclination adjustment device can be operated with an operating element 30 in the form of a rotatably arranged cylinder element. This operating element 30 is arranged on an upper side 2b of the base body 2. The base body 2 has a recess 31 for this purpose.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment, the armrest element 1 comprises a support element 32 which is arranged on the base body 2. The base body 2 is arranged along the height axis Z under the support element 32. The support element 32 comprises or is a cushioning element. The support element 32 provides the occupant with a surface to rest the arm on. An upper side 2a of the base body 2 faces the support element 32. The upper side 2b of the base body 2 is opposite to the upper side 2a. The base body 2 includes a lower section from which side walls 11 extend along the height axis Z. On the upper side 2a, the base body 2 is open and covered by the support element 32.

[0051] The base body 2 comprises an outer long side 6 extending along a longitudinal axis X. The outer long side 6 is spaced along the width axis Y from an inner long side 6a and is substantially opposite the latter. The inner long side 6a faces an occupant. Furthermore, the base body 2 comprises a front side 7 extending along the width axis Y and a rear side 8 extending along the width axis Y. The front side 7 is spaced from the rear side 8 along the longitudinal axis X and is substantially opposite thereto.

[0052] According to the embodiments shown in the figures, a first connection interface 3 is provided both on the front side 7 of the base body 2 and on the rear side 8 of the base body 2. Of course, embodiments are also envisaged in which the first connection interface 3 is provided on the front side 7 of the base body 2 or on the rear side 8 of the base body 2.

[0053] A first positive connection in the form of a fitting connection is provided between the first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5. The fitting connection comprises a connection interface 3, 5 designed as a receptacle 9. In the embodiments shown, the second connection interface 5 is designed as a receptacle 9. Furthermore, the first connection interface 3 is designed as a connecting section 10. The connecting section 10 can be pushed into the receptacle 9 and is received by it. The first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5 are thus compatible.

[0054] The first connection interface 3 is formed integrally or in one piece by the base body 2. Likewise, the second connection interface 5 is formed integrally or in one piece by the extension module 4. However, it would also be conceivable for the first connection interface 3 and/or the second connection interface 5 to be provided on an adapter element 37. The adapter element 37 could then be arranged on the base body 2 or the extension module 4.

[0055] In a first connection interface 3, which is arranged on the front side 7 of the base body 2, the connecting section 10 is essentially rectangular in shape. Of course, other shapes such as a triangular shape or any other polygonal shape would also be conceivable. The connecting section 10 comprises two first side walls 11 spaced along the width axis Y, which extend along the longitudinal axis X and the height axis Z. The first side wall 11 is a second side wall 33. A second side wall 33, which extends substantially along the width axis Y and the height axis Z, connects the two first side walls 11. The two first side walls 11 and the second side wall 33 are arranged on a plate-like element 42 or are formed integrally or in one piece therewith.

[0056] In a second connection interface 5 compatible with this first connection interface 3, the receptacle 9 is also substantially rectangular in shape and comprises two first side walls 11 extending along the longitudinal axis X and the height axis Z. Furthermore, a second side wall 33 integrated in the extension module 4 is provided (not visible in the views), which extends along the width axis Y and the height axis Z and connects the two first side walls 11. The receptacle 9 also comprises at least the first two side walls 11, and preferably also the second side wall 33, which are arranged on the receptacle 9 or are formed integrally or in one piece therewith.

[0057] Furthermore, a guide connection 13 is provided between the first connection interface 3 and the second connection interface 5. This guide connection 13 comprises a pin element 14 and a receptacle 15. In the case of a first connection interface 3, which is arranged on the front side 7 of the base body 2, the receptacle 15 is provided in the second side wall 33 of the connecting section 10. The receptacle 15 is arranged substantially centrally along the width axis Y. The pin element 14 is provided on the second side wall 33 of the second connection interface 5.

[0058] When the extension module 4 is pushed onto the base body 5, the connecting section 10 enters the receptacle 9. The guide connection 13 correctly positions the connecting section 10 relative to the receptacle 9. The guide connection 13 thus facilitates the assembly of a corresponding extension module 4. In an end position, the plate-like element 42 of the connecting section 10 lies against the plate-like element 42 of the receptacle 9, wherein the plate-like element 42 of the connecting section 10 lies along the height axis Z above the plate-like element 42 of the receptacle 9. Further, the first side walls 11 of the connecting section 10 abut the first side walls 11 of the receptacle 9, the first side walls 11 of the connecting section 10 lying along the width axis Y within (i.e. closer to an imaginary centre line) the first side walls 11 of the receptacle 9. The first side walls 11 of the connecting section 10 and the first side walls 11 of the receptacle 9 each have aligned holes 12 which enable the second positive connection. These holes 12 are preferably threaded so that a screw can be screwed in. This second positive connection secures the extension module 4 to the base body 2.

[0059] It can be seen, among other things, from FIG. 1 that the first side walls 11 of the connecting section 10 and of the receptacle 9 have a curved course along the height axis Z. If the extension module 4 is located on the base body 2, there is thus a kind of recess into which the downwardly extending section of the support element 32 can be inserted.

[0060] A first connection interface 3, which is provided on the rear side 8 of the base body 2, is formed as a connecting section 10. The connecting section 10 comprises first side walls 11 which are integrated in the base body 2. The second connection interfaces 5 compatible therewith also comprise first side walls 11. These side walls 11 extend forward along the longitudinal axis X.

[0061] The receptacle 9 is substantially trapezoidal or parabolic in shape. Here too, the first side walls 11 of the receptacle 9 embrace the first side walls 11 of the connecting section 10 when the extension module 4 is guided onto the base body 2. A guide connection 13 with a pin element 14 (shown in FIG. 6e) and a receptacle 15 is also provided, whereby the pin element 14 is arranged in the second connection interface 5 designed as a receptacle 15. In the case of the connection interfaces 3, 5 provided for the rear side 8, it may be advantageous for only one opposite pair of first side walls 11 to have a hole 12 for a second positive connection. These side walls 11 face the outer long side 6. A screw can be conveniently screwed in here. The other pair of opposite side walls 11 face the inner long side 6a. Here, in the case of an armrest element 1 mounted on a seat 100, the backrest can make it difficult to insert or remove a screw.

[0062] Furthermore, at least one further extension module 24 can be arranged on the outer long side 6 of the base body 2.

[0063] The at least one extension module 4 can be an active extension module 4, a passive extension module 4 or a combination of an active and a passive extension module 4. The at least one further extension module 24 can also be an active extension module 24, a passive extension module 24 or a combination of an active and a passive extension module 24.

[0064] An active extension module 4, 24 may be an input and/or output device 16, a joystick 17, a steering wheel, a pushbutton and/or switching element 23, a touch screen 18, a display device 19 or a combination of the aforementioned elements. A passive extension module 4, 24 may be a storage element 20, a holder element 21, for example a cup holder, a hook element 22, a bag, a net, an ashtray, an extra pad or combinations of the aforementioned elements. FIG. 1 shows some of these active and passive extension modules 4, 24.

[0065] For fastening the further extension module 24 to the outer long side 6 of the base body 2, a third connection interface 25 of predetermined design is provided, which is arranged or formed on the outer long side 6 of the base body 2. The at least one further extension module 24 comprises a fourth connection interface 26 of predetermined design, which is compatible with the third connection interface 25.

[0066] The third connection interface 25 can be a single section 34 of a side wall of the base body 2. In this side wall 34, at least one hole 36 is provided, preferably two holes 36, more preferably three holes 36. Preferably, these holes 36 are provided with a thread. A fourth connection interface 26 has a side wall 35 correspondingly compatible with the section 34 of a side wall of the base body 2. This side wall 35 also has corresponding holes 36 which, in a state in which the further extension module 24 is arranged on the base body 2, are aligned with the holes 36 of the base body 2, so that at least one positive connection, preferably a screw connection, can be produced. An extension module 24 which can be arranged in this way is, for example, a net storage element 27. This can be seen in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 4a to 4e.

[0067] The third connection interface 25 can further comprise an adapter element 37, which can be designed as a multi-functional strip. The adapter element 37 comprises a plurality of detent openings 38 into which at least one detent projection 39 can engage. This is clearly shown in FIG. 9b. The adapter element 37 can be attached to the base body 2 using at least one hole 36, preferably two holes 36, more preferably three holes 36.

[0068] The at least one extension module 4 and/or the at least one further extension module 24 is designed in such a way that at least one additional extension module 28 can be arranged thereon. For this purpose, openings and/or projections can be provided, for example, which enable a non-positive connection, for example a clamp connection, with an additional extension module 28. Accordingly, the at least one extension module 4 and/or the at least one further extension module 24 are or comprise a fifth connection interface 40. Thus, many common additional extension modules 28 can be indirectly attached to the base body 2 by means of a non-positive connection. FIG. 2d shows, for example, an additional extension module 28 in the form of a holder for a smartphone. This holder is force-fitted in an extension module 4 in the form of a holder element/cupholder 21 by means of a clamping connection against the inner wall of the holder element/cupholder 21.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows an extension module 4, which is designed as an adapter module 41. The adapter module 41 has a front side with various holes 12, which are equipped with an internal thread. By means of these holes 12, various other elements can be attached to the adapter module 41.

[0070] FIGS. 2a to 8e show various combinations of extension modules 4 and further extension modules 24 in different views.

[0071] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of an armrest element 1 with a first connection interface 3 and a third connection interface 25. FIGS. 3a to 3e show further views of such an armrest element 1. FIG. 3a is a side view, FIG. 3b a bottom view, FIG. 3c a top view, FIG. 3d a front view and FIG. 3e a rear view.

[0072] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of such an armrest element 1 with a third connection interface 25 comprising an adapter element 37.

[0073] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of an armrest element 1 with an extension module 4 in the form of a cup holder or holder element 21, which is arranged on the front side 7 of the base body 2 by means of first and second connection interfaces 3, 5. An extension module 4 in the form of a hook element 22 is arranged on the rear side 8 of the base body 2 by means of first and second connection interfaces 3, 5. FIGS. 5a to 5e show further views of such an armrest element 1. FIG. 5a is a side view, FIG. 5b a bottom view, FIG. 5c a top view, FIG. 5d a front view and FIG. 5e a rear view.

[0074] FIGS. 4a to 4e show views of an armrest element 1 on which a further extension module 24 in the form of a net storage element 27 is arranged. The net storage element 27 has a fourth connection interface 26, which is arranged on the third connection interface 25 of the base body 2. FIG. 4a is a side view, FIG. 4b a bottom view, FIG. 4c a top view, FIG. 4d a front view and FIG. 4e a rear view.

[0075] FIGS. 6a to 6e show views of an armrest element 1 on which two further extension modules 24 in the form of storage elements 20 are arranged. The two further extension modules 24 each have a fourth connection interface 26, which is arranged on the third connection interface 25 with an adapter element 37. The further extension modules 24 have at least one detent projection 39 which engages in detent openings 38 of the adapter element 37. FIG. 6a is a side view, FIG. 6b a bottom view, FIG. 6c a top view, FIG. 6d a front view and FIG. 6e a rear view. FIGS. 9a to 9e show only the two further extension modules 24 in the form of storage elements 20 and the adapter element 37. FIG. 9a is a side view, FIG. 9b a bottom view, FIG. 9c a top view, FIG. 9d a front view and FIG. 9e a rear view.

[0076] FIGS. 6a to 6e show views of an armrest element 1 which essentially corresponds to the armrest element 1 shown in FIGS. 6a to 6e. However, an extension module 4 in the form of a cup holder or holder element 21 is also provided, which is arranged on the front side 7 of the base body 2 by means of first and second connection interfaces 3, 5. An extension module 4 in the form of a hook element 22 is arranged on the rear side 8 of the base body 2 by means of first and second connection interfaces 3, 5. FIG. 7a is a side view, FIG. 7b a bottom view, FIG. 7c a top view, FIG. 7d a front view and FIG. 7e a rear view.

[0077] FIGS. 8a to 8e show views of an armrest element 1 which is substantially the same as the armrest element 1 shown in FIGS. 6a to 6e. However, instead of two further extension modules 24 in the form of storage elements 20, there is a further extension module 24 in the form of an elongated storage element 20. FIG. 8a is a side view, FIG. 8b a view from below, FIG. 8c a view from above, FIG. 8d a view from the front and FIG. 8e a view from behind.

[0078] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention, provided that they are individually or in combination new compared to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0079] 1 Armrest element [0080] 2 Base body [0081] 2b Upper side of the base body [0082] 2a Upper side of the base body [0083] 3 First connection interface [0084] 4 Extension module [0085] 5 second connection interface [0086] 6 outer long side [0087] 6a inner long side [0088] 7 Front side [0089] 8 Rear side [0090] 9 Receptacle [0091] 10 Connecting section [0092] 11 Side wall [0093] 12 Holes [0094] 13 Guide connection [0095] 14 Pin element [0096] 15 Receptacle [0097] 16 Input and/or output device [0098] 17 Joystick [0099] 18 Touch screen [0100] 19 Display device [0101] 20 Storage element [0102] 21 Holder element [0103] 22 Hook element [0104] 23 Pushbutton and/or switching element [0105] 24 Further extension module [0106] 25 Third connection interface [0107] 26 Fourth connection interface [0108] 27 Net storage element [0109] 28 Additional extension module [0110] 29 Fastening element [0111] 30 Operating element [0112] 31 Base body recess [0113] 32 Support element [0114] 33 Second side wall [0115] 34 Section of a side wall of the base body [0116] 35 Side wall [0117] 36 Holes [0118] 37 Adapter element [0119] 38 Detent openings [0120] 39 Detent projection [0121] 40 Fifth connection interface [0122] 41 Adapter module [0123] 42 Plate-like element [0124] 100 Seat [0125] X Longitudinal axis [0126] Y Width axis [0127] Z Height axis