CN114228584B - Operating device, vehicle armrest, vehicle seat and vehicle system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to an operating device, comprising: a drive element (1) configured for being rotatably mounted to a movable part to be driven and drivable in rotation; a driven element (2) which is in transmission connection with the driving element with a predetermined idle stroke, wherein the movement of the driven element can be converted into the movement of the movable part; a locking element (5) which is movable between a locking position and a release position. The drive element has an initial position in which the locking element is in the locking position; during the period from the initial position to the first rotation direction, the driving element is driven to rotate until the idle stroke is eliminated, the driven element is kept static, and the movement of the driving element can be converted into the movement of the locking element from the locking position to the releasing position; and the driven element can be driven by the driving element while the driving element continues to be driven in rotation in the first rotational direction. The application also relates to a vehicle armrest, a vehicle seat and a vehicle system.

Description

Operating device, vehicle armrest, vehicle seat and vehicle system

Technical Field

The present application relates to an actuating device which can be used for actuating a movable component, in particular a movable vehicle component. The application also relates to a vehicle armrest and a vehicle seat comprising the operating device, and also to a vehicle system comprising a vehicle armrest and a vehicle seat.

Background

In vehicles, in particular in motor vehicles such as passenger cars or trucks, there are moving parts which can be actuated by an actuating device, in particular electrically and/or automatically. In some vehicles, the backrest of the rear seat may be switched between an upright state and a reclined state. In some vehicles, the vehicle armrest may transition between an upright position and a laid-flat position.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present application is to provide an actuating device with a locking function, wherein the unlocking process and the actuating process can be carried out successively by driving the drive element of the actuating device in the same direction.

A first aspect of the present application relates to an operating device, including:

a drive element configured for rotatable mounting to a movable part to be driven and drivable in rotation;

a driven element, wherein the driven element is in transmission connection with a driving element at a preset idle stroke, and the motion of the driven element can be converted into the motion of the movable part; and

a locking element configured for being movably, in particular rotatably, mounted to the movable part and movable between a locking position and a release position;

wherein the drive element has an initial position in which the locking element is in the locking position;

during the driven rotation of the drive element in the first direction of rotation starting from the initial position until the idle stroke is eliminated, the movement energy of the drive element is converted into a movement of the blocking element from the blocking position into the release position, preferably the driven element remains stationary during the unlocking process; and is provided with

The driven element can be driven by the driving element while the driving element continues to be driven in rotation in the first direction of rotation.

In such an actuating device, a locking function is integrated, wherein the unlocking process and the actuating process from the initial position into the end position can be carried out successively by driving a drive element of the actuating device. The actuating device can firmly lock the component to be actuated in the initial position, and the unlocking process and the actuating process from the initial position to the end position can be carried out successively in one and the same operation by one and the same element.

In some embodiments, the drive element may cooperate with the locking element via a cam mechanism.

In some embodiments, a predetermined movement of the drive element in the first rotational direction can be converted into an electrical signal, which can lead to an unlocking of the locking element. Accordingly, a further predetermined movement of the drive element in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction can be converted into a further electrical signal, which can lead to the unlocked locking element being locked again.

In some embodiments, the drive element may cooperate with the locking element via a cam mechanism.

In some embodiments, the drive element may have a cam profile, and the actuating device may comprise a cam follower configured for movably mounting to the movable part, the cam follower cooperating with the cam profile on the one hand and with the blocking element on the other hand.

In some embodiments, the cam follower may have a first part that engages the cam profile and a second part that engages the locking element.

In some embodiments, the driving element and the driven element may have a common first axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the actuating device can comprise a spline shaft which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive element, to the driven element and to the movable part and can be driven in rotation.

In some embodiments, one of the driving element and the driven element may have a protrusion, and the other of the driving element and the driven element may have an elongated groove into which the protrusion is inserted, the protrusion being movable between two ends of the groove. A predetermined idle stroke of the drive element and the driven element relative to each other can be achieved by simple structural measures by means of the projection and the elongated recess.

In some embodiments, the lost motion may be achieved by a coiled flexible cord or belt that is capable of pulling the driven element as the cord or belt is unwound and straightened.

In some embodiments, the steering device includes a carrier element, and the driven element is engaged with the carrier element and is movable along a trajectory defined by the carrier element.

In some embodiments, the driven element may be a gear wheel and the abutment element may have a scalloped portion, the gear wheel meshing with the scalloped portion.

In some embodiments, the stand-off element may be a plate-like element.

In some embodiments, the stand-off element may be fixedly mounted.

In some embodiments, the first and second members may be fixed on a common second rotational axis that is rotatably mounted to the movable member. Preferably, the second axis of rotation defines a second axis of rotation of the cam follower that is parallel to the first axis of rotation of the drive member.

In some embodiments, the first and second components may be integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the locking element may have a recess, and preferably may also have a projection on one side of the recess and a step on the other side of the recess.

In some embodiments, the cam follower may have a portion that protrudes into a recess of the locking member.

In some embodiments, the cam follower, preferably the second part, can have a retracted step, in the locking position the step of the locking element interacts with the step of the cam follower, and during the driven rotation of the drive element from the initial position in the first rotational direction until the idle stroke is eliminated, the part of the cam follower projecting into the recess, preferably the second part, moves from the step of the locking element toward the projection of the locking element and then pushes the projection, so that the locking element is moved, in particular rotated, from the locking position into the release position and preferably is held immediately in the release position.

In some embodiments, the indented step may have a contact surface extending generally tangentially and a stop surface extending generally radially, with reference to the axis of rotation of the cam follower. In the locking position of the locking element, the contact surface can be in contact with a surface of the step of the locking element, and the stop surface can be blocked by a side surface of the recess of the locking element. The stop surface may be formed on a tip of a distal end of the second part of the cam follower with reference to a rotational axis of the cam follower.

In some embodiments, the locking element may have a third axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation and/or the second axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the protrusion may extend substantially radially from the rotational axis of the locking element.

In some embodiments, the locking element may have a body extending generally radially from an axis of rotation of the locking element.

In some embodiments, the protrusion may have an acute included angle with the body.

In some embodiments, the locking element may have a locking pawl.

In some embodiments, the locking element may have a locking pawl projecting substantially tangentially from its body, with reference to the axis of rotation of the locking element.

In some embodiments, the actuating device may further comprise a locking disk which interacts with the locking element.

In some embodiments, the locking disk can have a locking groove, in the locking position of the locking element, a locking claw of the locking element engaging in the locking groove.

In some embodiments, the locking disc can have two stops, the stop element of the movable part being movable between the two stops of the locking disc.

In some embodiments, the locking plate may be fixedly mounted.

In some embodiments, the stop element may be mounted to the movable component as a catch pin.

In some embodiments, the abutment element and/or the locking disc may be fixedly mounted, for example, directly or indirectly to a stationary hinge support of the movable part.

In some embodiments, the follower element and the abutment element may co-act in a first plane, and/or the drive element and the first part of the cam follower may co-act in a second plane, and/or the second part of the cam follower, the blocking element and the blocking disc may co-act in a third plane.

In some embodiments, the actuating device may further comprise a drive device for driving the drive element, for example a manual drive device or an electric drive device, in particular an electric motor. Preferably, the drive means may be configured for mounting to a movable part.

In some embodiments, the manipulation device may be configured for manipulating a movable vehicle component.

In some embodiments, the operator may be configured for use with a motor vehicle. For example, the actuating device can be used for actuating a rear view mirror, a screen, a cover, an armrest, a seat or the like of a motor vehicle.

In the sense of the present application, the term "vehicle" can be understood in general as a means of transport, such as a land vehicle, a water vehicle (or a ship), or an air vehicle (or an aircraft), in particular a motor vehicle, such as a passenger car or a truck.

For example, the term "vehicle armrest" is to be understood in general as an armrest for a vehicle, such as an armrest for a motor vehicle, an armrest for a ship, an armrest for an aircraft, etc.

A second aspect of the present application relates to a vehicle armrest, in particular an armrest for a motor vehicle, comprising a movably, in particular rotatably, supported armrest support and an actuating device according to any of the embodiments of the present application, by means of which the armrest support can be actuated.

In some embodiments, the armrest support may comprise a pair of interconnected support plates, one of which is assigned to the operating device.

In some embodiments, the drive element and the driven element, the first part of the cam follower and the abutment element may be located on the outside of the one carrier plate, and/or the second part of the cam follower and the locking element, the motor for driving the drive element and the locking disk co-operating with the locking element may be located on the inside of the one carrier plate.

A third aspect of the present application relates to a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a movably, in particular rotatably, mounted carrier part and an actuating device according to any of the embodiments of the present application, by means of which the carrier part can be actuated.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seat may comprise a four-bar linkage, a crank of which as the carrier part can be actuated by the actuating device.

In some embodiments, the four-bar linkage may be a parallelogram linkage.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seat may include a seat portion having a seat portion bracket constituting a link connecting two cranks of a four-bar linkage.

A fourth aspect of the present application relates to a vehicle system, in particular an automotive vehicle system, comprising a vehicle armrest according to any of the embodiments of the present application and a vehicle seat according to any of the embodiments of the present application.

In some embodiments, the vehicle armrest is movable between an upright initial position and a flat-lying terminal position by an actuating device of the vehicle armrest, and/or the seat part of the vehicle seat is movable between an initial position in which an occupant can be seated and a terminal position by an actuating device of the vehicle seat.

In some embodiments, the vehicle armrest and the vehicle seat can be controlled independently and/or can be controlled in a coordinated manner, wherein the vehicle armrest is located above a base of the vehicle seat in its end position in which a seat part of the vehicle seat is moved forward relative to an initial position.

In some embodiments, the vehicle armrest and the vehicle seat are jointly movable from an initial position to respective end positions in a coordinated control.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seat may be a vehicle seat in the center of one of three vehicle seats of a rear seat.

In some embodiments, the vehicle system may further comprise two front seats and a center console located between the two front seats, the vehicle armrest being located in its end position above the base of the central vehicle seat, the seat of the central vehicle seat in its end position being located with its front end next to the center console, in particular being supported on the center console, so that the five-seat system is converted into a four-seat system, wherein the vehicle armrest in the respective end positions and the seat of the central vehicle seat separate the vehicle seats on the two outer sides of the rear seat and divide the space in front of the rear seat into two separate spaces.

In some applications, the seat of the original center vehicle seat may be used as a table in a converted four seat system.

In some applications, the seat portion of the otherwise central vehicle seat may serve as a means of transferring items between the occupant of the front seat and the occupant of the rear seat. For example, an occupant of the rear seat may place an article on the seat portion of the center vehicle seat, then maneuver the seat portion of the center vehicle seat from the initial position to the final position, then an occupant of the front seat may take the article from the seat portion, and then the seat portion of the center vehicle seat may return again from the final position to the initial position.

The features already mentioned above, those to be mentioned below and those shown in the figures individually can be combined with one another as desired, provided that the combined features are not mutually inconsistent. All possible combinations of features are the subject matter of the technology explicitly described herein. Any of a plurality of sub-features included in the same sentence may be applied independently, not necessarily together with other sub-features.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle armrest according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the vehicle armrest of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the main components of the manipulating device of the armrest of the vehicle of fig. 1.

Fig. 4-1A to 4-4B are schematic views describing an unlocking process of the manipulation device of fig. 3.

Fig. 5-1A to 5-4B are schematic diagrams describing an operating process of the operating device of fig. 3 following an unlocking process.

Fig. 6-1A to 6-4B are schematic diagrams describing a reverse steering process of the steering device of fig. 3 to return to an initial position immediately after the steering process.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the application in an initial state.

Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the vehicle seat of fig. 7 in a terminal state.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat of fig. 7 in a terminal state.

Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the vehicle seat of fig. 7.

Fig. 11 to 14 are perspective views of a vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present application in different states.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a vehicle system.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle armrest 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. An armrest support for a vehicle armrest 100 is depicted in fig. 1, and the cover material applied to the armrest support, which is comfortably accessible to an occupant of the vehicle, is omitted. The armrest support may be at least partially made of sheet metal. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the vehicle armrest 100 of fig. 1, with the armrest support partially depicted. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the main components of the actuating device 20 of the vehicle armrest 100 of fig. 1, wherein the second support plate 11b of the armrest support, which is associated with the actuating device 20, is additionally depicted in part.

The armrest support may include first and second support plates 11a and 11b that are substantially parallel to each other, and a connecting plate 11C having a C-shaped cross-section and two flat connecting plates 11d that connect the first and second support plates. The first holder plate 11a is provided with a first hinge holder 12a, and the second holder plate 11b is provided with a second hinge holder 12b. The first and second hinge brackets 12a, 12b may be fixed in a vehicle, not shown, and the first and second bracket plates 11a, 11b may rotate about a rotation axis A4 with respect to the first and second hinge brackets 12a, 12b. In a not shown embodiment, the armrest support can also be connected movably, in particular rotatably, to the respective hinge support by a compound hinge.

The second support plate 11b can be assigned an actuating device 20, which can be an electric or manual actuating device. For example, the motor 8 mounted to the second carrier plate 11b can be used as an electric drive. In a non-illustrated embodiment, a manual actuating device, for example a hand crank, is also possible.

As can be seen from fig. 2 and 3, the actuating device 20 comprises a drive element 1, which drive element 1 is rotatably mounted to the second carrier plate 11b and can be driven in rotation by a motor 8. The handling device 20 further comprises a driven element 2. The driving element 1 and the driven element 2 may be arranged coaxially, having a common first axis of rotation A1. The drive element 1 and the driven element 2 can be in driving connection with a predetermined idle stroke. For this purpose, the operating device 20 can comprise a spline shaft 3, which spline shaft 3 can be driven in rotation by the electric motor 8, which spline shaft 3 passes through a mounting hole 31 in the second carrier plate 11b, the drive element 1 being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the spline shaft 3, and the driven element 2 being free on the spline shaft 3. The drive element 1 can have an elongated recess 1a, and the driven element 2 can have a projection 2a, which projection 2a is inserted into the elongated recess 1a, which projection 2a can be moved between the two ends of the recess 1a and thus defines a predetermined free travel of the drive element 1 and the driven element 2 relative to one another.

The handling device 20 may further comprise a seat element 6, which may be fixedly mounted. In the embodiment shown, the carrier element 6 is designed as a plate-shaped element with a scalloping and is fixedly connected to the second hinge bracket 12b via an intermediate connection 13. The output element 2 can be designed as a toothed wheel which meshes with a toothed segment of the carrier element 6. When the driven element 2 is driven by the drive element 1, the driven element 2 can move along a path defined by the segment toothing of the carrier element 6, and the moving driven element 2 can rotate the second carrier plate 11b about the axis of rotation A4. In a not shown embodiment, the driven element 2 can also be designed as a friction wheel, and the bearing element 6 can have a friction surface which cooperates with the friction wheel.

The drive element 1 can interact with the locking element 5 via a cam mechanism. For this purpose, the drive element 1 can have a cam contour, and the cam follower 4 can interact with the cam contour on the one hand and with the locking element 5 on the other hand, which cam follower 4 is movably, in particular rotatably, mounted to the second carrier plate 11b. In the embodiment shown, the cam profile engages with the first part 4a of the cam follower 4. The cam follower 4 may be rotatably mounted to the second bracket plate 11b about a second rotation axis A2. The cam follower 4 also has a second part 4b which co-acts with the locking element 5. The first and second members 4a, 4b are fixed to a common second rotation shaft 4c, the second rotation shaft 4c passing through respective mounting holes 32 in the second bracket plate 11b and defining a second rotation axis A2 of the cam follower 4 parallel to the first rotation axis A1.

In the embodiment shown, the first part 4a and the second part 4b are mounted on both sides of the second bracket plate 11b and are thus two separate parts. In a non-illustrated embodiment, the first component 4a and the second component 4b can also be mounted on the same side of the second carrier plate 11b and can also be formed in one piece.

The actuating device 20 may comprise a locking element 5. The locking element 5 may be rotatably mounted to the second bracket plate 11b about a third axis of rotation A3 by means of rivets 5a, which rivets 5a pass through corresponding mounting holes 33 in the second bracket plate 11b, which may define a third axis of rotation A3 of the locking element 5, which is parallel to the first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2. The locking element 5 may have a body 50. The body 50 may extend substantially radially from the rotational axis A3 of the locking element 5, with reference to the rotational axis A3 of the locking element 5. At the distal end of the body 50, a locking pawl 51 may extend generally tangentially from the body 50.

The operating device 20 may further comprise a locking disk 7. The locking disk 7 can be fixed to a spline shaft 9, which spline shaft 9 can be passed through corresponding mounting holes 34 in the second carrier plate 11b and mounting holes in the carrier element 6 and is fixedly connected to the second hinge carrier 12b. The spline shaft 9 also serves as a pivot axis for the second bracket plate 11b, which may define the already mentioned axis of rotation A4 of the second bracket plate 11b.

The locking disc 7 may have a locking groove 71. When the locking pawl 51 engages in the locking groove 71, the locking element 5 is in the locking position. When the locking pawl 51 is disengaged from the locking groove 71, the locking element 5 is in the release position.

As can be seen clearly in fig. 3, a recess 53 can be formed in the body 50 of the locking element 5, on the side of which recess 53 the locking element 5 can have a projection 52 which extends substantially radially from the axis of rotation A3 of the locking element. On the other side of the recess 53, the body 50 may have a step 54. The second part 4b of the cam follower 4 interacts with the locking element 5. The second part 4b may have a stepped-back 41. With reference to the axis of rotation A2 of the cam follower 4, the retracted step 41 may have a contact surface extending substantially tangentially and a stop surface extending substantially radially, which may be formed on the distal tip of the second part 4b.

In the locking position, the projecting step 54 of the locking element 5 interacts with the recessed step 41 of the second part 4b, wherein the contact surface of the step 41 can come into contact with the surface of the step 54, which can be blocked by the lateral surface of the recess 53.

When the second part 4b is rotated away from the step 54, the second part 4b can come into contact with the projection 52 and then push the projection 52, so that the locking element 5 is rotated about the third rotation axis A3, whereupon the locking pawl 51 of the locking element 5 can disengage from the locking groove 71 of the locking disk 7, to the release position of the locking element 5.

Furthermore, the locking disk 7 interacting with the locking element 5 can have two stops, between which the stop element 10 mounted to the second carrier plate 11b can move, whereby the range of rotation of the second carrier plate 11b and thus the range of movement of the vehicle armrest 100 between the upright position and the laid-flat position can be defined.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the locking element can also be embodied as a translationally movable component or can be moved translationally relative to the second carrier plate and can therefore be moved translationally or translationally relative to the second carrier plate when moving between the locking position and the release position. In the locking position, the second part of the cam follower can press the locking element; during unlocking, the second part can push the locking element out of the locking position. The translationally movable locking element may be spring-loaded.

In a not shown embodiment, the drive element can pull a spring-loaded, translationally movable or rotatable locking element via a wire, so that the locking element can be moved between a locking position and a release position.

In the embodiment shown, the driven element 2 and the abutment element 6 co-act in a first plane, the drive element 1 and the first part 4a of the cam follower 4 co-act in a second plane, and the second part 4b of the cam follower 4, the blocking element 5 and the blocking disc 7 co-act in a third plane. Here, the first plane and the second plane are located outside the second holder plate 11b, the third plane is located inside the second holder plate 11b, and the second plane is located between the first plane and the third plane. The motor 8 is also mounted inside the second bracket plate 11b.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, the first carrier plate 11a and the second carrier plate 11b can each be assigned an actuating device 20, and the two actuating devices 20 can be driven by a common motor, or can also be driven by separate motors and can be controlled synchronously.

In a not shown embodiment, the electric motor 8 may also not be mounted on the second carrier plate 11b, but rather coupled to the spline shaft 3 by means of bowden cables.

In a non-illustrated embodiment, a part of the actuating device 20 can be assigned to the first console plate 11a and another part of the actuating device 20 can be assigned to the second console plate 11b, but not necessarily to the same console plate as in the illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 4-1A to 4-4B are schematic views describing an unlocking process of the manipulation device 20 of fig. 3. The positional relationship of the driving element 1, the driven element 2 and the first part 4a of the cam follower 4 in the initial position of the manipulating device 20 is described in fig. 4-1A. The positional relationship of the various components of the manipulator 20 in the initial position of the manipulator 20 is depicted in fig. 4-1B. In both figures, for the sake of clarity of the description of the positional relationship between the different components, the components that are hidden from the other components are described in transparent form, for example the support element 6 is described in transparent form, so that the components hidden from the support element 6 can be seen in the figures.

In the initial state of the actuating device 20, the projection 2a of the output element 2 is located at one end of the elongate recess 1a of the drive element 1, the second part 4b of the cam follower 4 engages with its retracted step 41 with the step 54 of the locking element 5, the locking pawl 51 of the locking element 5 engages in the locking groove 71 of the locking disk 7, and the second carrier plate 11b and thus the vehicle armrest 100 is locked in the upright initial position.

Fig. 4-2A and 4-2B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 4-1A and 4-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated by a first angle in a first direction indicated by the arrow. The follower element 2 remains stationary due to the idle travel of the driving element 1 and the follower element 2 relative to each other, the cam follower 4 rotates by an angle related to said first angle, the second part 4b of the cam follower 4 has just left the step 54 of the locking element 5 and causes the locking element 5 to rotate slightly.

Fig. 4-3A and 4-3B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 4-1A and 4-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated further by an angle in the first direction indicated by the arrow. The driven element 2 continues to remain stationary. The cam follower 4 continues to rotate, and the second part 4b of the cam follower 4 pushes the projecting portion 52 of the lock member 5, so that the lock member 5 rotates to the release position, and the lock pawls 51 of the lock member 5 disengage from the lock grooves 71 of the lock plate 7.

Fig. 4-4A and 4-4B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 4-1A and 4-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated in a first direction indicated by the arrow to another end position relative to the driven element 2, the projection 2a of the driven element 2 being in contact with the other end of the elongated recess 1A of the drive element 1, so that the lost motion of the drive element 1 and the driven element 2 relative to each other is eliminated. The position of the blocking element 5 can remain substantially unchanged from the position shown in fig. 4-3B, based on the design of the cam profile of the drive element 1 and the design of the profile of the first part 4a of the cam follower 4.

Fig. 5-1A to 5-4B are schematic diagrams illustrating a manipulation process from an initial position to a final position of the manipulation device 20 of fig. 3 following an unlocking process.

Fig. 5-1A and 5-1B depict the same states of the operator 20 as fig. 4-4A and 4-4B, which may be the end of the unlocking process and the beginning of the operating process.

Fig. 5-2A and 5-2B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 5-1A and 5-1B, but with the drive element 1 being rotated further by an angle in a first direction indicated by the arrow. Since the idle stroke of the drive element 1 and the driven element 2 relative to each other has been eliminated, the driven element 2 is rotated together by the drive element 1. As a result of the engagement of the output element 2 with the carrier element 6, the output element 2 moves along a path defined by the toothed segment of the carrier element 6 and thus rotates the second carrier plate 11b about the axis of rotation A4. Based on the design of the cam profile of the drive element 1 and the design of the profile of the first part 4a of the cam follower 4, the locking element 5 can be held in the unlocked position, preferably the locking element 5 can be held stationary relative to the second bracket plate 11b.

Fig. 5-3A and 5-3B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 5-1A and 5-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated further in a first direction indicated by the arrow. The driven element 2 is further entrained by the drive element 1. The driven element 2 moves further along the trajectory defined by the segment toothing of the carrier element 6 and thus brings about a further rotation of the second carrier plate 11b about the fourth axis of rotation A4.

Fig. 5-4A and 5-4B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 5-1A and 5-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated further in a first direction indicated by the arrow. The driven element 2 drives the second carrier plate 11b into the end position, and the stop element 10 of the second carrier plate 11b comes into contact with a stop of the locking disk 7.

Fig. 6-1A to 6-4B are schematic diagrams for describing a reverse steering process of the steering device 20 of fig. 3 from the end position back to the initial position.

Fig. 6-1A and 6-1B depict the same state of the operator 20 as fig. 5-4A and 5-4B, which may be the beginning of a reverse steering process from the end position back to the initial position.

Fig. 6-2A and 6-2B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 6-1A and 6-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, indicated by the arrow, until the lost motion of the drive element 1 and the driven element 2 relative to each other is eliminated, wherein the driven element 2 remains stationary due to the existence of the lost motion. Based on the design of the cam profile of the drive element 1 and the design of the profile of the first part 4a of the cam follower 4, the locking element 5 is held in the unlocked position, preferably the locking element 5 can be held stationary relative to the second bracket plate 11b.

Fig. 6-3A and 6-3B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 6-1A and 6-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated further in a second direction indicated by the arrow. Since the idle stroke of the drive element 1 and the output element 2 relative to one another has been eliminated, the output element 2 is moved back together with the drive element 1 into the initial position.

Fig. 6-4A and 6-4B are schematic views corresponding to fig. 6-1A and 6-1B, but with the drive element 1 rotated further in a second direction indicated by the arrow until returning to the initial position of the operating device 20, in which the locking element 5 is returned into the locking position.

Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of a vehicle seat 200 according to an embodiment of the application in an initial state. Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the vehicle seat 200 of fig. 7 in a terminal state. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle seat 200 of fig. 7 in a terminal state. Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the vehicle seat 200 of fig. 7. A seat bracket of the vehicle seat 200 is described in fig. 7 to 10, and a covering material applied to the seat bracket is omitted. Typically, the seat portion of the vehicle seat may have a cushion applied to the seat support. The seat support may include a four-bar linkage and a seat support. The four-bar linkage is additionally depicted schematically in fig. 7 and 8 as a quadrilateral.

The vehicle seat 200 may be provided with the manipulation device 20. The actuating device can be designed identically or analogously to the actuating device already described in the embodiment of the vehicle armrest 100 and can operate on the same or similar operating principle. For the sake of simplicity, the description of the operating device of the vehicle seat 200 is not repeated here, and the other components of the vehicle seat 200 are mainly described.

The four-bar linkage of the vehicle seat 200 can be designed as a parallelogram linkage. A parallelogram mechanism may be particularly advantageous, whereby the seat part of the vehicle seat 200 may be moved in translation, for example an article placed on the seat part may be moved in translation smoothly with the seat part. The four-bar linkage mechanism may include a pair of first cranks 21a, 21b and a pair of second cranks 22a, 22b. The first and second cranks 21a and 22a are rotatably mounted to the first hinge bracket 24a. The first crank 21b and the second crank 22b are rotatably mounted to the second hinge bracket 24b. The second crank 22b may be provided with an operating device 20. In a not shown embodiment, alternatively or additionally, any of the other three cranks can also be provided with an actuating device 20. For example, it is possible that a pair of first cranks 21a and 21b can each be assigned an actuating device 20, and that both actuating devices 20 can be driven by a common electric motor 8. The first cranks 21a, 21b can each be assigned a return spring 26a, 26b, which can be mounted to the respective hinge bracket 24a, 24b by means of a respective spring support 25a, 25 b. Each return spring may exert a return force to the respective first crank in the direction of the initial position of the vehicle seat 200.

The seat bracket of the vehicle seat 200 may include first and second bracket plates 23a and 23b and a connection plate 27 connecting the first and second bracket plates. The first and second cranks 21a and 22a are connected at their upper end portions to the first hanger plate 23a, and the first and second cranks 21b and 22b are connected at their upper end portions to the second hanger plate 23 b. The seat frame forms with its first frame plate 23a and second frame plate 23b the connecting rod of the four-bar linkage connecting the first crank and the second crank.

Fig. 11 to 14 are perspective views of a vehicle system according to an embodiment of the present application, which may include the aforementioned vehicle armrest 100 and the aforementioned vehicle seat 200, in various states.

Fig. 11 shows only the rear seats of the vehicle, which may comprise three vehicle seats, the central vehicle seat being configured as a vehicle seat 200, as shown in fig. 7 to 10, comprising an actuating device 20. A vehicle armrest 100 as shown in fig. 1 may be provided between two outer vehicle seats 300 of the rear row of seats. In fig. 11, the vehicle armrest 100 and the vehicle seat 200 are both in an initial position. The vehicle armrest 100 in the initial position may be an integral part of the backrest of the rear seat.

Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to fig. 11, wherein the vehicle armrest 100 is in a flat-lying end position and the vehicle seat 200 is in an initial position. Due to the flat-lying vehicle armrest 100, the three-seat system of the rear seat can be converted into a two-seat system, but for the two outer vehicle seats 300, the space in front of the rear seat may not be divided.

Fig. 13 is a view corresponding to fig. 11, and additionally depicts the driver's seat 400 and the center console 500. The passenger seat is omitted in fig. 13. Here, the vehicle armrest 100 is in the upright initial position and the seat of the vehicle seat 200, which can be placed on the center console 500, is in the advanced end position.

Fig. 14 is a view corresponding to fig. 13, but with the vehicle armrest 100 also in a flat-lying terminal position. Fig. 15 is a side view of the vehicle system of fig. 14. In the state shown in fig. 14 and 15, the five-seat system of the vehicle, which includes two front seats and three rear seats, is converted into a four-seat system, which includes two front seats and two rear seats, wherein the vehicle armrest 100 and the seat of the central vehicle seat 200 in the respective end positions separate the vehicle seats 300 on the two outer sides of the rear seat and divide the space in front of the rear seat into two separate spaces.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the manipulation device 20 is applied to a vehicle armrest 100 and a vehicle seat 200. It will be appreciated that the application of the manipulator 20 is not so limited. The actuating device 20 can be used in a wide range of applications, in particular in motor vehicles, such as passenger cars or vans, for actuating movable vehicle parts, such as movable rear-view mirrors, movable screens or movable flaps, etc.

It is noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising," and other similar terms, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term "and/or" as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.

Finally, it is pointed out that the above-described embodiments serve only for the understanding of the present application and do not limit the scope of protection of the present application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made in the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the application.

Claims (37)

1. An operating device, characterized in that the operating device (20) comprises:

a drive element (1) configured for being rotatably mounted to a movable part to be driven and drivable in rotation;

a driven element (2) which is in transmission connection with a driving element with a preset idle stroke, wherein the motion of the driven element can be converted into the motion of a movable part; and

a locking element (5) configured for being movably mounted to the movable part and movable between a locking position and a release position;

wherein the drive element has an initial position in which the locking element is in the locking position;

during the driving rotation of the drive element starting from the starting position in the first direction of rotation until the free travel is eliminated, the driven element remains stationary and the movement of the drive element can be converted into a movement of the blocking element from the blocking position into the release position; and is

The driven element can be driven by the driving element while the driving element continues to be driven in rotation in the first direction of rotation.

2. An operating device according to claim 1, characterised in that the drive element interacts with a locking element via a cam mechanism.

3. An operating device according to claim 2, characterised in that the drive element has a cam profile, the operating device comprising a cam follower (4) which is configured for movable mounting to a movable part, which cam follower cooperates with the cam profile on the one hand and with the blocking element on the other hand.

4. The manipulating device according to claim 3, wherein the cam follower is configured for rotatable mounting to a movable member.

5. An operating device according to claim 3, characterised in that the cam follower has a first part (4 a) which engages with the cam profile and a second part (4 b) which engages with the locking element.

6. An operating device according to claim 5, characterised in that the first and second parts are fixed on a common second axis of rotation (4 c) which is rotatably mounted to the movable part.

7. The manipulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking member is configured for rotatably mounting to a movable member.

8. An operating device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the locking element has a recess (53) into which the cam follower has a portion which projects.

9. An operating device according to claim 8, characterised in that the blocking element has a projection (52) on one side of the recess and a step (54) on the other side of the recess, and the cam follower has a retracted step (41), and in that in the blocking position the step of the blocking element cooperates with the step of the cam follower, and in that during the driven rotation of the drive element from the initial position in the first direction of rotation until the idle stroke is eliminated, the part of the cam follower projecting into the recess moves from the step of the blocking element towards the projection of the blocking element and then pushes the projection, so that the blocking element moves from the blocking position to the release position.

10. The manipulating device according to claim 9, wherein the indented step has a contact surface extending substantially tangentially and a stop surface extending substantially radially with reference to a rotational axis of the cam follower.

11. The manipulating device according to claim 9, wherein the protruding portion protrudes substantially radially from the rotational axis of the locking member.

12. The handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the locking element has a body (50) extending substantially radially from the axis of rotation of the locking element.

13. The operating device according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking element has a locking pawl (51) projecting substantially tangentially from its body with reference to the axis of rotation of the locking element.

14. The actuating device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuating device further comprises a locking disk (7), with which the locking element is locked in its locking position.

15. The actuating device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that the locking plate has a locking groove (71), in the locking position of which the locking pawl of the locking element engages into the locking groove.

16. An operating device according to claim 14, characterised in that the locking disc has two stops, the stop element (10) of the movable part being movable between the two stops of the locking disc.

17. An operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the driving element and the driven element have a common first axis of rotation.

18. Operating device according to claim 17, characterized in that it comprises a spline shaft (3) which is connected rotationally fixed with the drive element, rotatably connected with the driven element and with the movable part and can be driven in rotation.

19. An operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that one of the driving element and the driven element has a projection (2 a) and the other of the driving element and the driven element has an elongate recess (1 a) into which the projection is inserted, the projection being movable between two ends of the recess.

20. The handling device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises a rest element (6), the driven element being engaged with the rest element and being movable along a trajectory defined by the rest element.

21. The manipulating device according to claim 20, wherein the driven member is a gear, and the holder member has a sector-shaped tooth portion, and the gear is engaged with the sector-shaped tooth portion.

22. An operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a drive device for driving a drive element.

23. Operating device according to claim 22, characterized in that the drive means is an electric motor (8).

24. An operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the operating device is configured for operating a movable vehicle component.

25. The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the operating device is configured for a motor vehicle.

26. A vehicle armrest (100) comprising a movably supported armrest support and a handling device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 25, by means of which the armrest support can be handled.

27. The vehicle armrest according to claim 26, characterized in that the armrest support comprises a pair of interconnected support plates (11 a, 11 b), one of which is assigned to the operating device.

28. The vehicle armrest according to claim 26, wherein the armrest support is rotatably supported.

29. A vehicle seat, the vehicle seat (200) comprising a movably mounted carrier part and an actuating device according to one of claims 1 to 25, by means of which the carrier part can be actuated.

30. The vehicle seat of claim 29, wherein the bracket member is rotatably supported.

31. The vehicle seat according to claim 29, characterized in that the vehicle seat comprises a four-bar linkage, one crank of which is operable by the operating device as the bracket component.

32. The vehicle seat of claim 31, wherein the four-bar linkage is a parallelogram linkage.

33. The vehicle seat according to claim 31, characterized in that the vehicle seat includes a seat portion having a seat portion bracket that constitutes a link that connects two cranks of a four-bar linkage.

34. A vehicle system comprising a vehicle armrest according to any of claims 26 to 28 and a vehicle seat according to any of claims 29 to 33, the vehicle armrest being movable between an upright initial position and a flat-lying end position by means of an actuating device of the vehicle armrest, and a seat part of the vehicle seat being movable between an initial position in which an occupant can be seated and an end position by means of an actuating device of the vehicle seat.

35. The vehicle system according to claim 34, characterized in that the vehicle armrest and the vehicle seat are independently controllable and/or cooperatively controllable, wherein the vehicle armrest is in its end position above a base of the vehicle seat, in which end position a seat part of the vehicle seat is advanced relative to an initial position.

36. The vehicle system according to claim 34, characterized in that the vehicle seat is a central vehicle seat among three vehicle seats of the rear seat, the vehicle armrest in its end position being above a base of the central vehicle seat and separating the two outer vehicle seats of the rear seat, wherein the seat of the central vehicle seat in the end position divides a space in front of the rear seat into two separate spaces.

37. The vehicle system according to claim 36, further comprising two front seats and a center console between the two front seats, the seat portion of the center vehicle seat being immediately adjacent to the center console in its end position with its front end, such that a five-seat system with two front seats and three rear seats is converted into a four-seat system with two front seats and two rear seats.

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