DE102009000117A1 - Rotatable console for motor vehicle i.e. motorcar, has end piece inserted in vehicle for manual actuation in inserted condition of console, and body rotated around axis by rotational movement of end piece - Google Patents

Abstract

The console (100) has a console body (104) arranged at a console holder (102) and rotated around an axis (114), and control elements (110) and a support arranged one behind other at the console body for a portable data processing unit e.g. mobile telephone. The console body is provided with an end piece (106) at an axial end, where the end piece is freely inserted in a motor vehicle for a manual actuation by a user in an inserted condition of the console. The console body is rotated around the axis by rotational movement of the end piece.

Description

The The invention relates to a console for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a console.

Various consoles for motor vehicles are known from the prior art. For example, the US 5,823,599 a console containing a rotatable drum-shaped element with three chambers for receiving devices.

A rotatable console is also out of the US Pat. No. 7,111,883 B1 known.

In contrast, The invention has for its object the underlying, an improved console and to provide an improved motor vehicle.

The The objects underlying the invention are each with the Characteristics of the independent claims solved. Preferred embodiments of the invention are in the specified dependent claims.

According to the invention created a console for a motor vehicle, wherein the Console a console body and a console mount having on the console body controls and a Mounted for a portable data processing unit are. The console body is rotatably mounted about an axis arranged on the console bracket, with the controls and the Recording in the direction of rotation of the console body in a row are arranged on the console body. The console body has at least one axial end a first end piece on, with the first end piece over its entire End piece circumference for a manual operation by a user in a built-in state of the console in the vehicle is freely accessible, wherein the console body by a rotational movement of the first end piece around the Axle is rotatable.

Under a "portable computing device" is in the following understood any type of device, which at least about has a processor to handle various data processing tasks perform. For example, it may be in the portable Data processing unit with a PDA (personal digital assistant), a mobile phone or even a remote control, in particular for Control of various functions of the motor vehicle, act.

embodiments The invention has the particular advantage that due to the freely accessible tail a simple turn the console body is possible about its axis. For example, in a functional position, the first Console bracket in the vehicle interior, thereby creating a user capable of producing a corresponding technical device, such as a PDA, to use in this recording. At the Insertion preferably locks the PDA in the receptacle, so that upon rotation of the console body about its axis Falling out of the PDA is prevented. In addition, points preferably receiving a power supply for the PDA or generally for the portable data processing unit so that the portable data processing unit also over be operated in the holder for a long period of time can.

By Turning the console body around its axis can now transferred the controls of the console body in their functional position in which position a user is more comfortable in Way the controls can operate.

For example If the controls are switches, buttons, knobs, Indicators or sliders that allow a user to to operate various functions of the motor vehicle. For example You can also use audio features, navigation functions or Climatic functions of the motor vehicle are regulated.

about the end pieces is a user now anytime in the Able to turn the console body so that it is in optimal position Way to the controls or even his data processing unit can access. in a special way, it is advantageous that the user from a variety of different seating positions a manual override of the console body rotation can perform. This will be the user during such a manual operation of the actual Driving events are less distracted during operation of the motor vehicle, thus a corresponding accident risk is significantly minimized. In this case, the user only has to grasp an arbitrary point of the end piece circumference and about a rotation of the tail and thus of the console body.

It should be appreciated that the use of the portable computing device in conjunction with the console body may serve various purposes. In the case of a mobile phone, for example, the receptacle can replace a conventional additional mount for a mobile phone including an integrated charger. The corresponding holder can furthermore interact with a corresponding hands-free device. If the console body is rotated with the mobile phone in a corresponding functional position in which an operation of the mobile phone is possible, visually different display functions of the Mobilte lefons. In general, however, since the viewing of various display functions of the mobile phone as well as the operation of the mobile phone itself affect the concentration consciousness of the driver while driving, it suffices in this case to move the console body with the inserted mobile telephone into a parking position for the mobile telephone rotate, the parking position of the mobile phone corresponds to the functional position of the now emerging controls. With the now in the vehicle interior, preferably pointing to the user controls now simple functions of the motor vehicle, such as the volume of an audio radio, can be controlled in a simple and non-distracting manner.

To an embodiment of the invention are incorporated in the State of the console in the motor vehicle from a sitting position in the motor vehicle interior by the user in a first Rotational position of the console body, the control element operable and in a second rotational position of the console body the data processing unit can be used in the recording. Preferably However, in the installed state of the console in the motor vehicle by the spatial arrangement of the controls and the Recording either the controls themselves in the first rotational position operable or it is an insertion of the data processing unit in the recording in the second rotational position possible. In In other words, preferably close the operation the controls and the insertion of the data processing unit in the inclusion in a given rotational position of the console body mutually exclusive. It is either possible in the given Position to operate the controls or else it is possible the controls not to press and instead have access to the Data processing unit - if used - or to gain access to the data processing unit. A third possibility is that in an intermediate position the rotated console neither access the controls nor an access to the recording or the data processing unit even possible.

This may according to one embodiment of the invention in particular in addition to a corresponding special geometric arrangement of Recording and controls also by a corresponding activation or disabling the controls depending on the rotational position are regulated. For example, it may be provided that deactivated in the second rotational position, the controls or even more generally exclusively in the first rotational position the controls are activated. is For example, the console body in the second rotational position, so it is an unintentional operation of individual Controls prevented. This basic principle can also be applied to one Operation of the data processing unit to be extended so that in the interaction of data processing unit and console Operating the data processing unit exclusively in the second rotational position is possible. Is it for example the portable computing device is a mobile phone, so, when the console body is outside the second rotational position is, for example, the key lock on the mobile phone, causing unwanted pressure corresponding keys is prevented.

To an embodiment of the invention runs the Console axis transverse to the motor vehicle, wherein the first end piece has a speaker. This has several advantages. One Advantage is, for example, that a speaker in a motor vehicle door so that is no longer necessary, since the function of this speaker is now taken over by the speaker of the console. In order to can corresponding vehicle doors thinner be designed or with other essential functional elements be provided. Another advantage is in this, this Speakers of the console as an additional surround speaker to operate, whereby the sound conditions in a motor vehicle be significantly improved. An appropriate user of the Motor vehicle can thus a spatial sound experience be offered.

To An embodiment of the invention includes the console Control on, where the control is for a wireless Communication between the controls and / or the data processing unit and / or an external motor vehicle component is formed. For example, it is possible via Bluetooth or infrared commands entered on the controls corresponding motor vehicle components such as an air conditioner or to transmit a car radio. This eliminates one complex cabling of the corresponding operating elements, which in particular with regard to a corresponding contact of the console body is essential because the contacting even with a rotation of the console body must be guaranteed to the axis. Thus, neither occur Material fatigue still causes wear and tear corresponding contacts on. Also, it is possible that a communication between the data processing unit and the console even in a wireless way. This is especially so a preferred variant, since for example many mobile phones and PDAs already today over wireless data transmission techniques feature.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is also possible that via the Datenverarbei processing unit motor vehicle functions are operable. For example, the PDA can be used to undertake corresponding navigation tasks of the motor vehicle. The PDA can be used here, for example, as input means for inputting a corresponding route selection during navigation or else it is possible to use the PDA as a display unit for a corresponding route guidance. Corresponding route calculation processes can either be performed by the PDA itself or calculated by a corresponding processor unit of the motor vehicle.

Especially provides the use of a PDA for navigation tasks with a view to incorporation into the invention Console significant advantages, since a firm connection to the automotive electronics is possible. While common navigation solutions based on PDA systems based on that the PDA systems have corresponding navigation modules, so can now Navigation modules, such as a GPS receiver, be integrated in the motor vehicle itself, bringing with it the possibility offers, a corresponding more exact route calculation under input further vehicle-specific driving data, such as measured speed and steering movement, perform. The PDA serves with his Display only as a display unit, bringing on additional expensive and permanently installed display solutions in motor vehicles can be waived. However, it is also possible to provide the PDA with the said vehicle-specific driving data, wherein the PDA performs the route calculation.

To Another embodiment of the invention are over the data processing unit vehicle functions operable. For example, it is possible to use the data processing unit Adjust comfort functions of the motor vehicle, due to the ability to process complex things, for example high-resolution on a PDA represent a user in a simple way put in place, these comfort features for the motor vehicle. Under it falls the unique basic setting of various climate functions, the Configure audio features to provide an overview of corresponding maintenance intervals of the motor vehicle and much more.

Possible It is also, as a data processing unit any form of a Remote control, which is not necessarily over Must have display means. This remote control can, for example have a special form of keyboard over which corresponding functions of the motor vehicle are adjustable or operable.

To According to one embodiment of the invention, the console is barrel-shaped formed, wherein the longitudinal axis of the barrel shape of the axis of rotation corresponds to the console. The barrel shape, which by a larger Radius of the console in the center of the keg as marked on the drum ends is, has the advantage that due to the curvature of the surface Overall, a larger surface area Is available on which appropriate controls can be arranged. Due to this enlargement of the Surface controls can be less dense crowded on the surface of the console become. This ensures better clarity.

To a further embodiment of the invention, the Console body at another axial end a second Tail on, with the second end over its entire tail circumference for a manual override by a user in a built-in state of the console in the Motor vehicle is freely accessible, the console body by a rotational movement of the second end piece is rotatable about the axis, wherein the second end of the first end piece spaced opposite arranged the further axial end of the console body is. By using the second end piece ensures that both a passenger and a driver of the motor vehicle in the Location are, a corresponding manual operation of the console make. Preferably, in this case, the console in the middle of Motor vehicle arranged below the instrument panel. In other In words, the console is preferably near the center console arranged.

To a further embodiment of the invention have that first and / or second end piece a circular radial extent. This ensures that in any Rotary position in the same way by accessing the tail a rotation of the console body can be effected. Indeed It is also possible that the first and / or second tail have a cross shape or a spoke shape.

To Another embodiment of the invention is the first and / or the second end piece on the console body attachable, wherein through the first and / or second end piece a side guide for the console body is formed on the holder. This can be two different Things are done together, namely, on the one hand a simple Mounting the console body to the console bracket and on the other hand, a guide of the console body on the bracket itself.

According to a further embodiment of the invention is a rotational movement of the console Body guided on the bracket through a slotted guide.

To Another embodiment of the invention are the recording and the controls radially opposite each other arranged on the console body. This can on the one hand a maximum spatial separation between recording and controls be achieved. On the other hand, it is possible, the controls and the recording as large as possible without being in any of the operating positions for the data processing unit or the operating elements are the operating elements and the data processing unit interfere with each other.

To Another embodiment of the invention take the first and the second rotational position an angle of at least 90 ° to each other, so that a spatial separation of data processing unit and controls is guaranteed.

To Another embodiment of the invention is the console holder U-shaped, wherein the legs of the U-shape the Take over leadership of the console body.

In In another aspect, the invention relates to a motor vehicle a console according to the invention.

in the The following are preferred embodiments of the invention explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 a schematic view of a console with controls,

2 a schematic view of a console with a receptacle for a portable data processing unit,

3 a schematic view of a console with controls and recording,

4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a console,

5 a schematic view of a vehicle interior with instrument panel and console.

in the Below are similar elements with the same Reference number marked.

The 1 shows a schematic view of a console 100 , The console 100 consists of a console body 104 and a console bracket 102 wherein the console holder for rotatably supporting the console body 104 is trained. The console body 104 is by a rotational movement in the direction 112 around his axis 114 rotatable on the console bracket 102 stored.

Visible in the 1 are now controls 110 , which on the console body 104 are arranged. These controls 110 For example, they may serve to control various functions of a motor vehicle, such as audio or climate functions.

At the console body 104 are laterally tails 106 arranged, with the end pieces 106 over its entire tail circumference for manual operation by a user in a built-in state of the console 100 are freely accessible in a motor vehicle. By turning the end pieces 106 It is possible a rotational movement of the console body 104 in the direction 112 to effect.

Laterally at the tails 106 are also speakers 108 arranged. The speaker 108 thus form the "cover" of the barrel-shaped console body 104 , On the one hand, this is due to the console body 104 a resonance chamber for the speakers 108 educated. On the other hand, as already mentioned above, the speakers 108 replace other speakers, which were previously housed in a motor vehicle door itself. Alternatively, it is also possible to use the speakers 108 in addition to use as a surround speaker.

In the 2 was now the console body 104 in the direction 112 rotated, which now makes the recording 200 comes to light. The recording 200 is radially opposite to the controls 110 of the 1 arranged. The recording 200 consists of a rectangular recess of the console body 104 , being a stop 202 serves a defined end position for a in the 2 not to be defined portable data processing unit to define. The portable data processing unit is in the recording 200 used, for example, clipped. This can also be done on the console body 104 be provided further locking elements, so that the portable data processing unit in a secure manner on the console body 104 is fixed - the portable data processing unit does not unintentionally dissolves from the recording 200 in the case of rotation of the console body in the direction 112 ,

The 3a shows a schematic view of the consoles of 1 and 2 from above, where now both the recording 200 as well as the controls 110 which are radially opposite each other on the console body 104 are arranged, become visible.

Also schematically in the 3a shown is a link guide 300 , which are used to guide the console body 104 at the reception 102 serves.

In the 3b Another variant is shown how a console body can be attached to a console bracket: The console bracket 102 has a ring shape with a passage opening through which a connection element 302 can be plugged. The connecting element connects the console body 104 with the respective tail 106 , This comes the tail 106 in addition to a holding function and bearing function, also a guiding function, whereby the holder 102 with her ring between the console body 104 and the tail 106 runs.

The 4 shows a schematic side view of a console 100 , where clearly the controls 110 are visible. By a rotational movement of the console body 104 in the direction 112 can change the relative position of controls 110 and console bracket 102 to be changed.

Not in the 2 the holder for receiving the portable data processing unit, which, however, as shown in the 3 shown in the present example preferably radially to the operating element 102 on the console body 104 is arranged opposite. In the 4 shown is a first rotational position in which the operating element in the in 4 shown position relative to the console body 104 is arranged. By turning the console body 104 in the direction 112 at an angle 400 , which is 180 °, becomes a second rotational position of the console body 104 taken in this case in the perspective view of 4 invisible bracket occupies that position, which so far as in the 4 shown by the control 110 was taken. An operation of the operating element 110 is no longer possible, however, a insertion, operation and removal of an electronic data processing device in the corresponding holder.

Further in the 4 it can be seen the circular radial circumference of the tail 106 which uniformly allows a user in any rotational position of the console body 104 a freely accessible manual operation of the tail 106 can perform.

However, instead of using a tail with a circular circumference, it is also possible to provide an end piece with handles, which are arranged, for example, cross-shaped projecting from the "bottom" of the console body on the bottom of the console body. For example, it is possible here, initially flat, plate-shaped end pieces 106 , like in the 3b shown to use, thus a storage and mounting of the console body 104 in the console holder 102 to ensure. On the plate-shaped end pieces 106 However, then the additional said cross-shaped and projecting from the plates actuators would still be. The end pieces would in this case be formed by the plate-shaped elements and the cross-shaped elements together.

The 5 showed a schematic view of a vehicle interior. Shown in the 5 is first an instrument panel 500 a motor vehicle, which has various display elements, such as a speedometer disk, in a known manner. In the present case, the speedometer disk is arranged centered to the instrument panel. The speedometer disk is thus located above a center console 502 to which, for example, a handbrake and a gearshift is arranged. Between the center console arranged centrally in the motor vehicle 502 and said speedometer disk of the instrument panel 500 is now in the present embodiment, a console 100 arranged. The console 100 is thus below the instrument panel 500 in the Y direction, ie transverse to the motor vehicle, centered in the motor vehicle.

The console 100 again has the console body 104 , which is rotatably mounted on not visible here brackets on the motor vehicle.

The console has tails 106 , by means of which a rotation of the console in the direction 112 or against the direction 112 can be effected. In the in 5a shown position is the console body 104 in a first rotational position, in which the operating elements 110 into the vehicle interior. A user is thus able to actuate the controls 110 make, for example, to regulate the climate functions of the motor vehicle.

Clearly recognizable in the 5a is also the free accessibility of the end pieces in the installed state of the console ( 100 ). A user can perform a manual operation of the end pieces unhindered, ie freely accessible over the entire tail circumference.

By turning in or against the direction 112 can now the console body 104 be brought into a second rotational position, in which the controls 110 are no longer visible. Instead, now is an access to a bracket 200 possible, what in the 5b is shown. In the holder 200 is in the execution example of 5b a portable data processing unit, such as a PDA 504 used. By operating the PDA 504 For example, different vehicle functions can now be controlled. In the second rotational position, in the 5b is shown is an insertion and removal of the electronic data processing unit 504 possible. The controls 110 are switched off in this rotational position, however, so that it is ensured that an unwanted actuation of the operating elements, for example, by objects which between the console body 104 and below the instrument panel 500 arranged motor vehicle floor are advised, is reliably prevented.

100

console

102

console mount

104

console body

106

tail

108

speaker

110

controls

112

direction of rotation

114

axis

200

admission

202

attack

300

link guide

302

connecting element

400

angle

500

dashboard

502

center console

504

PDA

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5823599 [0002]
• - US 7111883 B1 [0003]

Claims (16)

Console ( 100 ) for a motor vehicle, the console having a console body ( 104 ) and a console mount ( 102 ), wherein on the console body ( 104 ) Controls ( 110 ) and a recording ( 200 ) for a portable computing device ( 504 ) are arranged, wherein the console body ( 104 ) about an axis ( 114 ) rotatably mounted on the console bracket ( 102 ), wherein the operating elements ( 110 ) and the recording ( 200 ) in the direction of rotation of the console body ( 104 ) one behind the other on the console body ( 104 ) are arranged, wherein the console body ( 104 ) at at least one axial end a first end piece ( 106 ), wherein the first end piece ( 106 ) over its entire tail circumference for manual operation by a user in a built-in state of the console ( 100 ) is freely accessible in the motor vehicle, wherein the console body ( 104 ) by a rotational movement of the first end piece ( 106 ) is rotatable about the axis. Console according to claim 1, wherein in the installed state of the console in the motor vehicle in a first rotational position of the console body ( 104 ) the controls ( 110 ) are accessible for actuation by the user from a sitting position in the motor vehicle interior and in a second rotational position of the console body ( 104 ) From the sitting position in the vehicle interior of the data processing unit can be inserted by the user in the recording. Console according to claim 2, wherein in the installed state of the console in the motor vehicle by the spatial arrangement of the controls ( 110 ) and the recording ( 200 ) either the controls ( 110 ) can be operated by the user in the first rotational position from the sitting position in the motor vehicle interior or the data processing unit can be inserted into the receptacle in the second rotational position by the user. A console according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the controls ( 110 ) are deactivated in the second rotational position. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console axis extends transversely to the motor vehicle, wherein the first end piece ( 106 ) a speaker ( 108 ) having. A console according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control, wherein the wireless communication control between the controls ( 110 ) and / or the data processing unit ( 504 ) and / or an external motor vehicle component is formed. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein over the data processing unit vehicle functions operable are. Bracket according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console is formed barrel-shaped, wherein the longitudinal axis ( 114 ) corresponds to the barrel shape of the axis of rotation of the console. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console body ( 104 ) at a further axial end a second end piece ( 106 ), wherein the second end piece ( 106 ) is freely accessible over its entire end piece circumference for a manual operation by a user in an installed state of the console in the motor vehicle, wherein the console body ( 104 ) by a rotational movement of the second end piece ( 106 ) is rotatable about the axis, wherein the second end piece ( 106 ) the first end piece ( 106 ) spaced opposite to the other axial end of the console body ( 104 ) is arranged. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second end piece ( 106 ) have a circular radial extent. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second end piece ( 106 ) on the console body ( 104 ) are attachable, wherein by the first and / or second end piece ( 106 ) a lateral guide for the console body ( 104 ) is formed on the holder. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rotational movement of the console body ( 104 ) on the holder by a slotted guide ( 300 ) to be led. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle and the operating elements ( 110 ) radially opposite each other on the console body ( 104 ) are arranged. Bracket according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 13, wherein the first and the second rotational position forms an angle ( 400 ) of at least 90 degrees to each other. Console according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the console holder ( 102 ) Is U-shaped. Motor vehicle with a console to one of the previous Claims.