Adjustment device for electrically adjusting the position angle of an armrest for a motor vehicle seat, electrically adjustable armrest device, and motor vehicle equipped therewith

Abstract

Disclosed is an adjustment device for electrically adjusting the positional angle of an armrest for a bench seat with a backrest for a motor vehicle, the electrically adjustable armrest, and a motor vehicle equipped therewith. The adjustment device comprises an electric drive motor with a motor housing and a motor drive shaft, wherein the drive motor is configured to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft, and wherein the motor housing is indirectly connectable to a motor vehicle body or to a frame part of the backrest; and a speed-reducing transmission with a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft, wherein the transmission input shaft is directly or indirectly driven and / or rotatable by the motor drive shaft, and wherein the transmission output shaft is rotationally fixed to the armrest.The motor drive shaft, the gearbox output shaft, and the pivot axis of the armrest are arranged parallel, in particular collinearly, to each other. The drive motor, the gearbox, and the gearbox output shaft are located inside the armrest. The adjustment device is designed to pivot the armrest back and forth between a rest position and a working position via the gearbox output shaft.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustment device for electrically adjusting the position angle of an armrest for a seat of a motor vehicle, an electrically adjustable armrest device and a motor vehicle equipped with the adjustment device and with the armrest device.

[0002] CN 118 991 574 A discloses a seating device (such as a pram) comprising a backrest frame, an electrically adjustable or swiveling armrest, and an electric drive motor. The armrest is pivotally connected to the backrest frame about a horizontal pivot axis via a pivoting mechanism and a rotating shaft fixed to the armrest. The electric drive motor is located outside the armrest, more precisely next to the armrest, and within the backrest frame. The drive motor and a drive shaft driven by the drive motor are arranged perpendicular to the rotating shaft and perpendicular to the pivot axis of the armrest. The drive shaft is indirectly connected to the rotating shaft (and via the latter to the armrest) via a bevel gear. The bevel gear is located next to the armrest and within the backrest frame.This arrangement of the drive motor in relation to the swiveling armrest has the disadvantage that the drive motor requires additional lateral space in relation to the armrest, and furthermore, because of its arrangement perpendicular to the pivot axis of the armrest, the drive motor extends far in the radial direction in relation to the pivot axis and thus also requires considerable radial space.

[0003] Furthermore, automotive bench seats are known in the automotive industry, wherein the bench seat has an electrically adjustable armrest, and wherein the armrest can be moved back and forth electrically between a rest position, in which the armrest is aligned within the backrest of the bench seat, and a usage position, in which the armrest is arranged essentially parallel to the seat surface of the bench seat. With these known electrically adjustable armrests, the armrest performs a wobbling or eccentric pivoting movement during its pivoting motion, which is detrimental to the user comfort of such an armrest.

[0004] A first object of the invention is to provide an adjustment device (including an electric drive motor) for an electrically adjustable armrest that offers improved user comfort compared to electrically adjustable armrests previously known from the automotive industry. A second object of the invention is to provide an adjustment device that offers a more compact design compared to the electrically adjustable armrest known from CN 118 991 574 A.

[0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The first problem is solved with an adjustment device for electrically pivoting an armrest by arranging the motor drive shaft parallel to a gearbox output shaft, and in particular parallel to the pivot axis of the armrest. The second problem is solved with an adjustment device for electrically pivoting an armrest by arranging the electric drive motor, the motor drive shaft, the gearbox, the gearbox input shaft, and the gearbox output shaft as a whole in such a way that they are arranged inside the armrest in an assembled state.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, an adjustment device for electrically adjusting a posture angle or pivoting an armrest for a bench seat with a backrest in a motor vehicle is provided. The adjustment device comprises: an electric drive motor with a motor housing and a motor drive shaft, wherein the drive motor is configured to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft, and wherein the motor housing is indirectly connectable to a motor vehicle body or to a frame part of the backrest. The adjustment device further comprises a transmission with a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft, wherein the transmission input shaft is directly or indirectly driven and / or rotatable by the motor drive shaft, and wherein the transmission output shaft is rotationally fixed to the armrest. According to the invention, the motor drive shaft is arranged parallel to the transmission output shaft.This arrangement allows the drive motor (with the motor drive shaft) to not extend far in the radial direction, thus eliminating the need for significant radial space.

[0008] In an embodiment according to the first aspect, the motor drive shaft and the gearbox output shaft are arranged parallel to, and in particular collinearly with, a pivot axis of the armrest. This arrangement allows the pivoting movement of the armrest to be a centric pivoting movement, namely centered around the pivot axis, which is advantageous for the user comfort of the armrest.

[0009] In embodiments according to the first aspect, the adjusting device is designed according to one or more of the following options (A) to (I): Option (A): The adjustment device can be configured to pivot the armrest back and forth between a rest position and a working position via the transmission output shaft and / or to pivot the armrest into an intermediate position, in particular a definable one, between the rest position and the working position. The embodiments according to Option (A) allow the armrest to move to or assume any positional angle between the rest position and the working position. Option (B): The motor drive shaft and the transmission drive shaft can be rotationally fixed to each other and / or integrally formed as a single shaft section. The embodiments according to Option (B) allow for a compact design of the drive motor and transmission. Option (C): The motor input shaft and the transmission output shaft can be arranged collinearly with each other. The embodiments according to Option (C) also allow for a compact design of the drive motor and transmission. Option (D): The motor drive shaft, the transmission output shaft, and the transmission input shaft can be arranged collinearly with each other. The embodiments according to Option (D) also enable a compact design of the drive motor and transmission, particularly compact in the radial direction. Option (E): The motor drive shaft, the transmission drive shaft, the transmission output shaft, and a pivot axis of the armrest can be arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly with each other. The embodiments according to Option (E) allow the armrest to perform a central pivoting movement, which improves user comfort. Option (F): The drive motor, motor drive shaft, gearbox, gearbox input shaft, and gearbox output shaft can be designed to be arranged within the armrest in an assembled state. The embodiments according to Option (F) enable a compact design of the armrest in combination with the adjustment device, whereby, in particular, no installation space beyond the installation space of the armrest is required. Option (G): The drive motor can comprise an electromagnetic stator and an electromagnetic rotor, wherein the stator is integrated into the motor housing and the rotor is integrated into the motor drive shaft. The embodiments according to Option (G) enable a compact design of the drive motor. Option (H): The transmission can have a transmission housing, and the motor housing can be indirectly and rigidly connected to the vehicle body or to the frame part of the backrest via the transmission housing. The embodiments according to Option (H) enable a compact design of the adjustment device and, in particular, the accommodation of the drive motor and transmission within the armrest. Option (I): The transmission can be a speed-reducing transmission. The rotational reduction ratio m:n (where m is the revolutions of the transmission input shaft, n is the revolutions of the transmission output shaft, and m and n are natural numbers greater than zero) can be in the range greater than or equal to 5:1 to less than or equal to 300:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 6:1 to less than or equal to 200:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 7:1 to less than or equal to 150:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 8:1 to less than or equal to 100:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 9:1 to less than or equal to 50:1, and higher, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 10:1 to less than or equal to 20:1. The embodiments according to Option (I) allow the use of a relatively fast-running drive motor, while at the same time the armrest performs a comparatively slow, comfortable swiveling movement.

[0010] In embodiments according to the first aspect, the transmission is a transmission from the group of planetary gears, which includes: an Akbar transmission, a cycloidal transmission, a planetary gear, a tungsten transmission, and a harmonic drive transmission. Another name for an Akbar transmission is an eccentric gear with involute teeth. Other names for cycloidal gears are cyclo gears or cyclo drives. These types of transmissions allow the transmission output shaft to be arranged parallel to the transmission input shaft, which in turn enables a compact design of the transmission, particularly in the radial direction.

[0011] In particularly advantageous embodiments according to the first aspect, the transmission is an Akbar transmission or a cycloidal transmission. These types of transmissions have the advantageous property of so-called self-locking. This means that if a torque acts on the transmission output shaft while the armrest is stationary, the transmission counteracts any rotation of the transmission output shaft and thus any pivoting of the armrest; in other words, it prevents rotation or pivoting of the armrest by a user who, for example, applies muscle force or body weight to the armrest.

[0012] In an embodiment according to the first aspect, the adjustment device has an armrest frame designed as a clamp, particularly an angular one, comprising a first frame arm, a second frame arm, and a connecting section linking the first and second frame arms. The gearbox output shaft is non-rotatably connected to the first frame arm. This allows for a compact design of the adjustment device.

[0013] In an embodiment according to the first aspect, the adjusting device further comprises a fastening device for attaching the adjusting device to the vehicle body or to the frame part of the backrest and a pivot bearing device. The fastening device includes a first fastening jaw and a second fastening jaw, the first and second fastening jaws being fixedly connected to the vehicle body or to the frame part of the seat, and the transmission output shaft being rotatably mounted in the first fastening jaw. The pivot bearing device comprises a bearing unit and a pivot shaft rotatably mounted in the bearing unit, in particular in a bearing bushing, a pivot axis of the armrest being arranged collinearly with the transmission output shaft and with the pivot shaft, the bearing unit being fixedly connected to the second fastening jaw, and the pivot shaft being rotatably connected to the armrest.In particular, in this embodiment of the adjustment device with the armrest frame, the pivot shaft can be non-rotatably connected to the second frame arm. These embodiments allow for a central pivoting movement of the armrest within the mounting device.

[0014] In embodiments according to the first aspect, the drive motor includes an integrated sensor device designed to detect one or more of the following as a measured quantity: (i) an angular position of the engine drive shaft, (ii) an incremental rotation angle of the motor drive shaft, (iii) a rotation angle of the engine drive shaft, (iv) a rotation of the motor drive shaft by an incremental angle of rotation, (v) a rotation of the engine drive shaft by one complete revolution.

[0015] The sensor device is further configured to output a signal or signals corresponding to the measured quantity. These embodiments each enable the angular position of the motor drive shaft to be registered or monitored, which in turn allows for the targeted movement to specific angular positions of the motor drive shaft and thus to specific angular positions of the armrest.

[0016] In an embodiment according to the first aspect, the sensor device comprises a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is configured to detect a rotation of the motor drive shaft by one complete revolution as a measured variable and to output a corresponding signal, in particular a revolution count signal, for each detected complete revolution. This embodiment also makes it possible to register or monitor the angular position of the motor drive shaft and thus to move to specific angular positions of the motor drive shaft or specific angular positions of the armrest.

[0017] In embodiments according to the first aspect, the adjustment device comprises a first microswitch arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest is in its rest position and to output a first switch signal corresponding to this detection, and / or a second microswitch arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest is in its operating position and to output a second switch signal corresponding to this detection. The microswitches enable the device to register whether and when the armrest assumes the rest position or the operating position.

[0018] In embodiments according to the first aspect, the adjustment device further comprises an operating knob, an operating button and / or an operating switch for activating a swiveling movement of the armrest and an electronic control unit configured to accept one or more of the following signals: - an output signal from the control knob, - an output signal from the control button, - an output signal from the control switch, - one or more output signals of the sensor device according to claim 6, - the output signal of the Hall sensor according to claim 7, - the first switching signal of the first microswitch and / or the second switching signal of the second microswitch according to claim 8, - an output signal from an intelligent vehicle control system, in particular an output signal from a touchpad device and / or an output signal from a voice control device, - an output signal from a proximity detection device designed to detect whether a user of the motor vehicle is approaching it from outside.

[0019] Furthermore, the control unit is designed to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft by means of the drive motor, depending on one or more of the received signals, in order to perform one of the following swiveling movements of the armrest: (i) a swiveling of the armrest from the rest position to the working position, (ii) a swiveling of the armrest from the use position to the rest position, (iii) a pivoting of the armrest from a current intermediate position to the operating position, (iv) a swiveling of the armrest from a current intermediate position to the rest position, (v) a pivoting of the armrest from one current intermediate position to another intermediate position.

[0020] The intermediate positions mentioned here are positions of the armrest between the resting position and the working position.

[0021] The ability to execute the swivel movements (i) to (v), as a result of one or more of the signals (assumed by the electrical control unit), enables a high level of user comfort of the electrically adjustable armrest.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, an electrically adjustable armrest device for a bench seat with a backrest for a motor vehicle is provided. The armrest device comprises: an armrest pivotably mounted about a pivot axis and an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention for adjusting a positional angle of the armrest or for pivoting the armrest. The transmission output shaft is rotationally fixed to the armrest, the motor housing being rigidly connected, in particular via the transmission housing, to the vehicle body or to the frame part of the backrest, and the motor drive shaft, the transmission output shaft, and the pivot axis of the armrest are arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly.The advantages of the electrically adjustable armrest according to the second aspect of the invention are the same as the advantages of the adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention described above and are therefore not repeated here.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided which is equipped with a bench seat with a backrest and with an electrically adjustable armrest device according to the second aspect of the invention. The advantages of the motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention are the same as the advantages of the adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention described above and are therefore not repeated here.

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawings – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0025] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a seat for a motor vehicle with an electrically adjustable armrest, wherein the armrest is arranged in its rest position, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a seat for a motor vehicle with an electrically adjustable armrest, wherein the armrest is arranged in its operating position, Fig. 3 a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustment device for an electrically adjustable armrest for a seat for a motor vehicle, wherein the adjustment device has a position corresponding to the armrest in its rest position, Fig. 4 in the same perspective view the adjusting device from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjustment device has a position corresponding to the armrest in its operating position, Fig. 5 in another perspective view the adjustment device from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device is in the same position as in the Fig. 4 Fig. 6. A top view of the adjustment device from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device is in the same position as in the Fig. 4 Fig. 7 in yet another perspective view the adjusting device from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device is in the same position as in the Fig. 4 and wherein the drive motor, the transmission and the rotary bearing assembly with simultaneous sectional representation of a section through the pivot axis and parallel to a YZ plane of a motor vehicle (when the adjustment device is installed therein), Fig. 8 in yet another perspective view a detailed view of the adjustment device from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device is in the same position as in the Fig. 3 has Fig. 9 an exploded view of an Akbar gearbox, which is located in the Fig. The adjustment device shown in 3 to 8 is installed as a gearbox. Fig. 10 a perspective view of an Akbar gear in another embodiment, Fig. 11 an exploded view of an embodiment of a cycloidal gear, and Fig. 12 a perspective view of another embodiment of a cycloidal gear.

[0026] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail above by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the embodiments disclosed above, and other variations can be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a seat 10 for a motor vehicle with an electrically adjustable armrest 18, wherein the armrest 18 is arranged in its rest position 144. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a seat 10 for a motor vehicle with an electrically adjustable armrest 18, wherein the armrest 18 is arranged in its operating position 146.

[0028] Based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows how and where an electrically adjustable armrest 18 is used or arranged in relation to a bench seat 10 with a backrest 14. The electrically adjustable armrest 18 is intended for use in a motor vehicle with a bench seat 10 that has a backrest 14.

[0029] The electrically adjustable armrest 18 is part of an electrically adjustable armrest assembly (not specified) for a bench seat 10 with a backrest 14 for a motor vehicle. The electrically adjustable armrest assembly comprises the armrest 18, which is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 36, and an adjustment device 20 for adjusting a positional angle of the armrest 18 or for pivoting the armrest 18. The adjustment device 20 is located in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 not labelled and not shown, however it is in the Fig. 3 to 8 shown and described in detail.

[0030] The adjustment device 20 is designed to adjust the armrest 18 between a rest position 144 (in the Fig. 1 shown) and a usage position 146 (in the Fig. 2 shown) to pivot back and forth and / or to pivot the armrest 18 into an intermediate position (not shown in the figures) between the rest position 144 and the operating position 146, which can be determined in particular.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustment device 20 for an electrically adjustable armrest 18 for a seat 10 for a motor vehicle, wherein the adjustment device 20 has a position corresponding to the armrest 18 in its rest position 144. Fig. Figure 4 shows the adjustment device 20 from the same perspective view. Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device 20 has a position corresponding to the armrest 18 in its operating position 146.

[0032] The adjustment device 20 is used for electrically adjusting the position angle of an armrest 18 for a bench seat 10 with a backrest 14 for a motor vehicle (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) The adjusting device 20 comprises an electric drive motor 22 with a motor housing 24 and a motor drive shaft 26. The drive motor 22 is designed to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft 26. The motor housing 24 can be indirectly connected to a vehicle body 16 or to a frame part of the backrest 14. The adjusting device 20 further comprises a transmission 28 with a transmission input shaft 32 and a transmission output shaft 34. The transmission input shaft 32 can be driven and / or rotated directly or indirectly by the motor drive shaft 26. The transmission output shaft 34 can be connected to the armrest 18 in a rotationally fixed manner. According to the invention, the motor drive shaft 26 is arranged parallel to the transmission output shaft 34, and in particular parallel to a pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18.

[0033] In the above with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the armrest assembly described in section 2, the transmission output shaft 34 is rotationally fixed to the armrest 18. Furthermore, the motor housing 24 is rigidly connected therein, in particular via the transmission housing 30, to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14. Additionally, the motor drive shaft 26, the transmission output shaft 34, and the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18 are arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly.

[0034] The adjustment device 20 is optimized with regard to its size and kinematics such that the installation space required for the adjustment device 20 itself, as well as for the armrest assembly comprising the armrest 18 and the adjustment device 20, is minimized. Furthermore, the adjustment device 20 is designed to offer or improve user comfort. In accordance with these objectives, the adjustment device 20 can be configured according to one or more of the following options (A) to (I).

[0035] Option (A): The adjusting device 20 is configured to pivot the armrest 18 back and forth between a rest position 144 and a working position 146 via the transmission output shaft 34 and / or to pivot the armrest 18 into an intermediate position between the rest position 144 and the working position 146, which can be determined in particular. Pivoting the armrest 18 about the transmission output shaft 34 involves pivoting about a pivot axis 36 that is fixed in space (i.e., in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle), and thus results in a comfortable, because predictable, central pivoting movement of the armrest 18 for the user. This is in contrast to electrically adjustable armrests known in the prior art, which perform a wobbling or eccentric movement when adjusted.

[0036] Option (B): The motor drive shaft 26 and the gearbox drive shaft 32 are rotationally fixed to each other and / or integrally formed as a single shaft section. This enables a compact design for a unit comprising the drive motor 22 and the gearbox 28.

[0037] Option (C): The motor drive shaft 26 and the transmission output shaft 34 are arranged collinearly with each other. This causes a central pivoting movement of the armrest 18.

[0038] Option (D): The motor drive shaft 26, the gearbox output shaft 34, and the gearbox input shaft 32 are arranged collinearly with each other. This also results in a central pivoting movement of the armrest 18 and furthermore enables a compact design for a single unit comprising the drive motor 22 and the gearbox 28.

[0039] Option (E): The motor drive shaft 26, the transmission drive shaft 32, the transmission output shaft 34, and the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18 are arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly with each other. This also results in a central pivoting movement of the armrest 18 and furthermore enables a compact design for a unit comprising the drive motor 22 and the transmission 28. The motor drive shaft 26, the transmission drive shaft 32, and the transmission output shaft 34 are arranged centered about the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18.

[0040] Option (F): The drive motor 22, the motor drive shaft 26, the gearbox 28, the gearbox input shaft 32, and the gearbox output shaft 34 are designed to be arranged in an assembled state within the armrest 18. This enables a compact design for the armrest assembly comprising the electrically adjustable armrest 18 and the adjustment device 20.

[0041] Option (G): The drive motor 22 comprises an electromagnetic stator and an electromagnetic rotor, the stator being integrated into the motor housing 24 and the rotor being integrated into the motor drive shaft 26. This enables a compact, robust design of the drive motor 22 that protects the functional components of an electric motor.

[0042] Option (H): The transmission 28 has a transmission housing 30 and the engine housing 24 is indirectly fixed to the vehicle body 16 via the transmission housing 30 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) or connectable to the frame part of the backrest 14.

[0043] Option (I): The gearbox 28 is a speed-reducing gearbox 82, 122. Here, the speed reduction m:n (where m is a revolution of the gearbox input shaft 32, n is a revolution of the gearbox output shaft 34, and m and n are natural numbers greater than zero) can be in the range greater than or equal to 5:1 to less than or equal to 300:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 6:1 to less than or equal to 200:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 7:1 to less than or equal to 150:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 8:1 to less than or equal to 100:1, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 9:1 to less than or equal to 50:1, and more, in particular in the range greater than or equal to 10:1 to less than or equal to 20:1. The embodiments according to option (I) allow the use of a relatively fast-running drive motor 22, while at the same time the armrest 18 performs a comparatively slow swiveling movement that creates a feeling of comfort.

[0044] The gearbox 28 can be a gearbox from the group of planetary gearboxes, which group includes the following: an Akbar gearbox 82 (see Fig. 9 and Fig. 10), a cycloidal gear 122 (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12), a planetary gear set, a tungsten gear set, a harmonic drive gear set.

[0045] Preferably, the transmission 28 is a cycloidal transmission 122. Cycloidal transmissions 122 are in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown and described in more detail below. Gearbox 28, an Akbar gearbox 82, is preferred. In the Fig. In the embodiment of an adjusting device 20 shown in Figures 3 to 8, the gearbox 28 is an Akbar gearbox.

[0046] Akbar gearboxes 82 are in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown and described in more detail below. The cycloidal gear and the Akbar gear each offer the following advantages: (i) a compact design, (ii) a parallel, in particular collinear, arrangement of the gear input shaft 32 and the gear output shaft 34, (iii) extremely low to negligible backlash between the gear input shaft 32 and the gear output shaft 34, and (iv) the effect of so-called self-locking.Self-locking of the transmission means that when a torque acts on the transmission output shaft 34, the transmission counteracts any rotation of the transmission output shaft 34 (and, in the case of the use of an Akbar transmission or a cycloidal transmission within an adjusting device 20 according to the invention, any pivoting of the armrest 18). In other words, when a torque is applied to the transmission output shaft 34, this effect is absorbed by the transmission, and rotation of the transmission input shaft 32 by the transmission is prevented. This also protects the drive motor 22 by preventing the torque acting on the transmission output shaft 34 from being transmitted to the motor input shaft 26.In other words, the self-locking mechanism of the gearbox ensures that if a torque acts on the gearbox output shaft 34 while the armrest 18 is stationary, the gearbox 28 counteracts a rotation of the gearbox output shaft 34 and thus a pivoting of the armrest 18; in other words, it prevents a rotation or pivoting of the armrest 18 by a user who, for example, applies muscle force or body weight to the armrest 18.

[0047] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, but also the Fig. Figures 5 to 8 show details of the constructive design of an embodiment of the adjusting device 20.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 shows, in a different perspective view, the adjusting device 20 from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device 20 is in the same position as in the Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the adjusting device 20 from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device 20 is in the same position as in the Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 shows, in yet another perspective view, the adjusting device 20 from the Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device 20 is in the same position as in the Fig. 4 and wherein the drive motor 22, the gearbox 28 and the rotary bearing assembly 74 with simultaneous sectional representation of a section through the pivot axis 36 and parallel to a YZ plane of a motor vehicle (when the adjustment device 20 is installed therein). Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the adjustment device 20 from a different perspective view. Fig. 3, wherein the adjusting device 20 is in the same position as in the Fig. 3.

[0049] To attach an armrest 18, equipped with a tactilely pleasing covering, in particular, for example, a fabric or leather-like covering and padding underneath, to the adjustment device 20, the adjustment device 20 has an armrest frame 38. The armrest frame 38 is designed as a clamp, in particular an angular one, and comprises a first frame arm 40, a second frame arm 42, and a connecting section 44 that connects the first frame arm 40 and the second frame arm 42 to each other. As a special feature of the adjustment device 20 according to the invention, the transmission output shaft 34 is rotationally fixed only to the first frame arm 40 (and not also to the second frame arm 42).

[0050] The gearbox 28 has a gearbox housing 30 and the motor housing 24, in a state of installation of the adjusting device 20 in a motor vehicle, is indirectly fixedly connected via the gearbox housing 30 to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14, as described above as option (H).

[0051] To attach the adjusting device 20 to the vehicle body 16 or to a frame part of the backrest 14, the adjusting device 20 has a fastening device 54. As mentioned, the fastening device 54 serves to fasten the adjusting device 20 to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14. The fastening device 54 comprises a first fastening jaw 56 and a second fastening jaw 58. The first fastening jaw 56 and the second fastening jaw 58 can be firmly connected to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the seat 10.

[0052] The gearbox output shaft 34 is mounted by means of a rotary bearing (see element 106 in Fig. 9), which is designed in particular as a rolling bearing, is rotatably mounted in the first mounting jaw 56. The motor housing 24, in a state of installation of the adjusting device 20 in a motor vehicle, is indirectly and firmly connected to the first mounting jaw 56 via the gearbox housing 30, and the first mounting jaw 56 is in turn directly connected to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14.

[0053] For attaching the second frame arm 42 of the armrest frame 38, the fastening device 54 further comprises a swivel bearing device 74 (in Fig. 6 (designated). As in the Fig. As can be clearly seen in Figure 7, the rotary bearing assembly 74 comprises a bearing unit 76 and a rotary shaft 80 rotatably mounted in the bearing unit 76, in particular in a bearing bushing 78 of the bearing unit 76. The rotary shaft 80 can be connected to the armrest 18 in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotary shaft 80 can be connected to the armrest 18 in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular via the second bearing arm 42 (in Fig. 6 at 80). The bearing unit 76 is firmly connected to the second fastening jaw 58 (in Fig. 6 and 7 at 74). By means of the rotary bearing device 74, which is designed in particular as a rolling bearing, the rotary shaft 80 is rotatably mounted in the second fastening jaw 58.

[0054] The rotary bearing assembly 74, the bearing unit 76, and the pivot shaft 80 are arranged centered around the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18. As already described above under option (E), the motor drive shaft 26, the transmission drive shaft 32, and the transmission output shaft 34 are also arranged centered around the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18. Thus, the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18 is collinear with the transmission output shaft 34 and with the pivot shaft 80.

[0055] To attach the armrest 18 to the armrest frame 38 of the adjustment device 20, the first frame arm 40 has a first armrest mounting section 46 and a third armrest mounting section 50, and the second frame arm 42 has a second armrest mounting section 48. A screw can be passed through each of the first and third armrest mounting sections 46 and 50 of the first frame arm 40 and through the second armrest mounting section 48 of the second frame arm 42 and screwed into a corresponding screw hole in the armrest 18.

[0056] To attach the adjusting device 20 to the vehicle body 16 or to a frame part of the backrest 14 of the seat 10, the fastening device 54 has a first fastening section 60 and a third fastening section 64 on its first fastening jaw 56, and a second fastening section 62 and a fourth fastening section 64 on its second fastening jaw 58. A screw can be passed through each of the first and third fastening sections 60 and 64 of the first fastening jaw 56 and through the second and fourth fastening sections 62 and 66 of the second fastening jaw 58 and screwed into a corresponding screw hole in the vehicle body 16 or a corresponding screw hole in a frame part of the backrest 14.

[0057] Because the drive motor 22, more precisely its motor housing 24, is indirectly connected (via the gearbox housing 30 and the first mounting bracket 56) to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14, and because the gearbox housing is also indirectly connected (via the first mounting bracket 56) to the vehicle body 16 or to the frame part of the backrest 14, and only the gearbox output shaft 34 is indirectly (via the first frame arm 40) non-rotatably connected to the armrest 18, the drive motor 22 is decoupled from and thus protected from any torque acting on and via the armrest 18. If a torque acts on the armrest 18 from an external source (for example, via a force applied by a user), this torque initially acts on the gearbox output shaft 34.The latter is subject to the self-locking mechanism of the Akbar gear 82 or the cycloidal gear 122, so that such a torque effect is counteracted (by the self-locking of the gear), with the gear 28 (Akbar gear 82 or cycloidal gear 122) – and not the drive motor 22 – absorbing the externally applied torque. Thus, the drive motor 22 is protected with respect to a torque applied externally via the armrest 18.

[0058] For safe operation of the electrically adjustable armrest 18, it is necessary to detect, track, or register the current angular position of the armrest 18 in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, i.e., in relation to the vehicle body 16, more precisely the current angular position of the armrest frame 38 in relation to the fastening device 54 (i.e., in relation to the first or second fastening jaw 56, 58).

[0059] For this purpose, among others, the drive motor 22 includes an integrated sensor device (not shown in the figures) configured to detect one or more of the following as measured variables: (i) an angular position of the motor drive shaft 26, (ii) an incremental rotation angle of the motor drive shaft 26, (iii) a rotation angle of the motor drive shaft 26, (iv) a rotation of the motor drive shaft 26 by an incremental rotation angle, and (v) a rotation of the motor drive shaft 26 by one complete revolution. The sensor device is further configured to output an output signal or signals corresponding to the detected measured variable(s). The output signal or signals of the sensor device can then be supplied to an electronic control unit (ECU, not shown) for operating the armrest device, more precisely, for operating the drive motor 22.

[0060] The sensor device can include a Hall sensor, wherein the Hall sensor is configured to detect as a measured variable a rotation of the motor drive shaft 26 by one complete revolution and to output a corresponding output signal, in particular a revolution count signal, for each detected complete revolution.

[0061] Furthermore, for the purpose of ensuring the safe operation of the electrically adjustable armrest 18, a first microswitch 70 and / or a second microswitch 72 may be provided. The first microswitch 70 is arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest 18 is in its rest position 144 and to output a first switching signal corresponding to this detection. The second microswitch 72 is arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest 18 is in its operating position 146 and to output a second switching signal corresponding to this detection. The first switching signal output by the first microswitch 70 and the second switching signal output by the second microswitch 72 can then also be supplied to the electronic control unit for operating the armrest device, more precisely for operating the drive motor 22.

[0062] The first microswitch 70 and the second microswitch 72 are arranged in the adjusting device 20 as follows. The first mounting jaw 56 and the second mounting jaw 58 each have an arcuate groove 68, 68'. The arcuate grooves 68, 68' are located in all Fig. 3 to 5 and 8 are clearly recognizable and in the Fig. 8, and in particular have the form of ring segments, which are arranged centrally in the first mounting jaw 56 and in the second mounting jaw 58 with respect to the pivot axis 36 of the armrest 18. One arc length of the grooves 68, 68' corresponds to the pivot angle of the armrest 18 when it is fully pivoted from its rest position 144 to its operating position 146 (or vice versa). At the opposite ends of at least one of the arc-shaped grooves 68, 68', the first microswitch 70 and the second microswitch 72 are arranged, as best seen in the Fig. 8 for the arc-shaped groove 68 formed in the second fastening jaw 58.

[0063] How best to do that Fig. As can be seen from figure 8, a stop bolt 52 runs in the arc-shaped groove 68, which is firmly connected to the second frame arm 42. The stop bolt 52 is arranged on the second frame arm 42 at a specific position such that (i) the distance of the stop bolt 52 to the pivot axis 36 of the armrest corresponds to a radius of the arcuate groove 68, that (ii) the position of the stop bolt 52 in the arcuate groove 68 is exactly at a first end of the arcuate groove 68 and actuates the first microswitch 70 provided there when the armrest 18 is in its rest position 144, and that (iii) the position of the stop bolt 52 in the arcuate groove 68 is exactly at a second end of the arcuate groove 68 opposite the first end and actuates the second microswitch 72 provided there when the armrest 18 is in its operating position 146.For redundancy, a first microswitch 70 and a second microswitch 72 can not only be provided in the arc-shaped groove 68 in the second mounting jaw 58, but a first microswitch (not shown) and a second microswitch (not shown) can also be provided in the arc-shaped groove 68' in the first mounting jaw 56.

[0064] The first switch signal output by the first microswitch 70 and the second switch signal output by the second microswitch 72 can then also be fed to the electronic control unit for operating the armrest assembly, more precisely for operating the drive motor 22. The electronic control unit can be configured to trigger a limit switch-off of the drive motor 22 when the armrest 18 reaches its rest position 144 or its operating position 146.

[0065] To operate the electrically adjustable armrest assembly or the electrically adjustable armrest 18, the adjustment device 20 comprises a control knob, a push button, and / or a switch for activating a swiveling movement of the armrest 18. The control knob, push button, and / or switch can be integrated into the armrest 18. The electronic control unit can be housed or arranged in the armrest 18.

[0066] The electronic control unit can be configured to accept one or more of the following signals: an output signal from the control knob, an output signal from the control button, an output signal from the control switch, one or more output signals from a sensor device provided in the drive motor 22 (as described above), the output signal from a Hall sensor provided in the drive motor 22 (as described above), and the first switching signal from the first microswitch 70 and / or the second switching signal from the second microswitch 72 (as described above).

[0067] The electronic control unit can further be configured to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft 26 by means of the drive motor, depending on one or more of the assumed signals, in order to perform one of the following pivoting movements of the armrest: (i) pivoting the armrest 18 from the rest position 144 to the operating position 146, (ii) pivoting the armrest from the operating position 146 to the rest position 144, (iii) pivoting the armrest 18 from an intermediate position to the operating position 146, (iv) pivoting the armrest 18 from an intermediate position to the rest position 144, and (v) pivoting the armrest 18 from an intermediate position to another intermediate position. These intermediate positions can be positions of the armrest between the rest position 144 and the operating position 146.

[0068] The electronic control unit can also accept one or more output signals from an intelligent vehicle control system. The intelligent vehicle control system can, in particular, be a touchpad integrated into the dashboard of a motor vehicle, a voice control system, and / or a proximity detection system. The proximity detection system can be configured to detect whether a user of the motor vehicle is approaching it from outside. For example, the electrically adjustable armrest can also be activated via a touchpad, voice control, and / or a proximity detection system.

[0069] Fig. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of an Akbar gearbox 82, which is used in the Fig. The adjusting device 20 shown in Figures 3 to 8 is installed as a gearbox 28, in the sense of a complete disclosure of a preferred embodiment. Another name for Akbar gearboxes is eccentric gearboxes with involute teeth.

[0070] The Akbar gear unit 82 provided in the adjusting device 20 comprises, as shown in the Fig. Figure 9 shows the following individual parts: an Akbar gearbox housing 84, a flange 86, a bearing washer 88, a bushing 90, a ring 91, an Akbar gearbox input shaft 92, a first eccentric gear 94, a second eccentric gear 96, a connection 98 (for connecting to the first frame arm 40), an Akbar gearbox output shaft 100, a screw 102, a first clamping ring 104, a bearing 106 (for supporting the output shaft 100 in the first mounting jaw 56), and a second clamping ring 108. An Akbar gearbox eccentric disc 110 is formed at one output-side end of the Akbar gearbox input shaft 92. Not shown in the Fig. 9 (however, in the Fig. 10) can be seen an Akbar gear output disc 122 and the Akbar gear output rollers 114 arranged on it.

[0071] Furthermore, the Fig. 9 the drive motor 22 with its motor housing 24 and the motor drive shaft 26. In the assembled state of the drive motor 22 and gearbox 28, 82, the motor housing 24 is attached (permanently connected) to the Akbar gearbox housing 84 via the flange 96. The bushing 90 serves to connect the motor drive shaft 26 to the Akbar gearbox drive shaft 92 in a rotationally fixed manner. The connecting part 98 serves to connect the Akbar gearbox output shaft 100 to the first frame arm 40 of the armrest frame 38. The bearing 106 is designed as a rolling bearing and serves to support the Akbar gearbox output shaft 100 in the first mounting jaw 56 of the mounting device 52. The first clamping ring 104 and the second clamping ring 108 serve to fix the bearing 106 in relation to the first frame arm 40.

[0072] Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an Akbar gear unit 82 in another embodiment and serves to illustrate the operation of an Akbar gear unit 82.

[0073] In the Fig. Figure 10 shows the essential components of an Akbar gear unit, which include the following: an Akbar gear unit input shaft 92 with an Akbar gear unit eccentric disc 110 arranged at its output-side end, a first eccentric gear 94, a second eccentric gear 96, an Akbar gear unit housing 84 with an internal toothing (or an internal tooth ring), an Akbar gear unit output disc 122 with a plurality of Akbar gear unit output rollers 114 formed thereon, and an Akbar gear unit output shaft 100 connected to the output disc 122 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0074] For a rotationally fixed connection of the drive shaft 92 to the eccentric disc 110, these two elements can be integrally formed (i.e., integrally formed as a single component), and usually are. For a rotationally fixed connection of the output shaft 100 to the output disc 112, these two elements can be integrally formed (i.e., integrally formed as a single component), and usually are. The drive shaft 92 and the output shaft 100 are arranged parallel to each other and collinear with each other and with an axis of rotation of the Akbar gear 82.

[0075] The first Akbar gear eccentric gear 94 and the second Akbar gear eccentric gear 96 are arranged diametrically opposite to an axis of rotation of the Akbar gear and roll on the toothing (or toothed ring) formed on the inside of the Akbar gear housing 84. The rolling motion of the eccentric gears 94 and 96 in the internal toothing (or toothed ring) is driven by the eccentric disk 110 rotating about the drive shaft 92, with the eccentric gears 94 and 96 rotating in opposite directions (or directions of rotation, shown by arrow 118). Fig. 10) to the direction of rotation (or the direction of rotation, represented by arrow 116 in Fig. 10) turn the drive shaft 92.

[0076] In each of the first and second eccentric gears 94 and 96, a plurality of holes 95 are formed, which are arranged evenly distributed on a respective circumference of an eccentric gear, wherein the holes 95 in the first eccentric gear 94 are congruent with the holes 95 in the second eccentric gear 96 when the two eccentric gears 94 and 96 are assembled.

[0077] A plurality of output rollers 114 are formed on the output disc 112, evenly distributed around a circumference of the output disc 112. The number and distribution of the output rollers 114 on the output disc 112 correspond to the number and distribution of the holes 95 in the respective eccentric gears 94 and 96, so that the output rollers 114 can engage in the holes 95. When the eccentric gears 94 and 96 rotate in their internal teeth during their rolling motion, they drive (via the output rollers 114 engaging in the holes 95) the output disc 112 and thus the output shaft 100. The output shaft 100 therefore rotates in the same direction (or direction of rotation, indicated by arrow 120). Fig. 10) to the direction of rotation (or the direction of rotation, represented by arrow 118 in Fig. 10) of the eccentric gears 94 and 96, and thus in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 92.

[0078] The Akbar gearbox housing 84 is in the embodiment in Fig. 10. For simplification and clarity of the representation, it is designed as a ring. In the Fig. In the embodiment of an Akbar gear shown in Figure 9, the toothing formed on the inside of the Akbar gear housing 84 can be seen, in which the first and second eccentric gears 94 and 96 roll.

[0079] The rolling of the eccentric gears 94 and 96 in the internal toothing of the gearbox housing 84 creates a relatively slow rotary motion of the eccentric gears 94 and 96, which slow rotary motion is driven by a relatively faster rotary motion of the eccentric disc 110 formed on the drive shaft 92. The speed reduction ratio of an Akbar gearbox depends on the ratio of the (outer) radius of an eccentric gear 94 or 96 to the (inner) radius of the gearbox housing 84. Therefore, because the respective teeth of the eccentric gears 94 and 96 mesh precisely with the teeth of the internal gearing of the gearbox housing 84, the speed reduction ratio of an Akbar gearbox depends on the ratio of the number of teeth on the (outer) radius of an eccentric gear 94 or 96 to the number of teeth on the (inner) radius of the gearbox housing 84. The smaller the difference between the (outer) radius of an eccentric gear 94 or 96, the lower the speed reduction ratio.96 and the (inner) radius of the gearbox housing 84, the greater the reduction ratio or the rotational reduction m:n of the Akbar gearbox, where m is a number of revolutions of the gearbox input shaft, n is a number of revolutions of the gearbox output shaft, and m and n are natural numbers greater than zero.

[0080] A dynamic illustration of the rotational movements of the drive eccentric disc and eccentric gear, i.e., how the drive eccentric disc drives the eccentric gear and how an eccentric gear rolls in the internal toothing of a gearbox housing, is illustrated, for example, in a video that can be accessed on the internet platform YouTube at the link https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=crJT1H7YZkl.

[0081] An Akbar gear unit has the property of so-called self-locking. This means that when a torque acts on the gear output shaft 34, 100, the Akbar gear unit counteracts a rotation of the gear output shaft 34, 100 (and, in the use of the Akbar gear unit according to the invention within an adjusting device 20, a rotation of the armrest 18). In other words, when a torque is applied to the gear output shaft 34, 100, this effect is absorbed by the Akbar gear unit, and a rotation of the gear input shaft 32, 92 by the Akbar gear unit is prevented.

[0082] Fig. Figure 11 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a cycloidal gear 122. Other names for cycloidal gears are cyclo gears or cyclogear. Cycloidal gears are eccentric gears in which torques are transmitted by one (or more) cam discs. Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another, but fundamentally identical, embodiment of a cycloidal gear 122.

[0083] The cycloidal gear 122 usable in the adjusting device 20 comprises, as shown in the Fig. Figure 11 shows the following individual parts: a cycloidal gear housing 123, a cycloidal gear input shaft 124 with a cycloidal gear eccentric disc 126 arranged at its output-side end, a bearing ring 128, a cycloidal disc 130, a plurality of cycloidal pins 136, a cycloidal gear output disc 138 with a plurality of cycloidal gear output rollers 140 formed thereon, and a cycloidal gear input shaft 142 connected to the output disc 138 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0084] For a rotationally fixed connection of the drive shaft 124 to the eccentric disc 126, these two elements can be integral (i.e., integrally formed as a single component), and usually are. For a rotationally fixed connection of the output shaft 142 to the output disc 138, these two elements can be integral (i.e., integrally formed as a single component), and usually are. The drive shaft 124 and the output shaft 142 are parallel to each other and collinear with each other and with an axis of rotation of the cycloidal gear 122.

[0085] The cycloidal pins 136 are arranged on, or attached to, or formed on the inner side of the cycloidal gear housing 123. The cycloidal pins 136 together form a ring arranged symmetrically around the axis of rotation of the cycloidal gear 122.

[0086] The cycloidal disk 130 forms an essential element of a cycloidal gear and has a plurality of cycloidal projections 132 and a plurality of cycloidal recesses 134 around its circumference. The cycloidal disk 130 "rolls" on its inner side on the ring formed by the cycloidal pins 136, with the cycloidal projections 132 engaging in the spaces between two adjacent cycloidal pins 136 and the cycloidal pins 136 engaging in the cycloidal recesses 134. During the rolling motion of the cycloidal disk 130 in the ring formed by the cycloidal pins 136, the cycloidal disk 130 rotates in the same direction (or direction of rotation, indicated by an arrow pointing upwards). Fig. 11) to the direction of rotation (or the direction of rotation, represented by another arrow in Fig. 11) of the drive shaft 124.

[0087] In the cycloidal disk 130, a plurality of holes 131 are formed, which are arranged evenly distributed on a circumference in the cycloidal disk 130.

[0088] A plurality of output rollers 140 are formed on the output disk 138, evenly distributed around a respective circumference of the output disk 138. The number and distribution of the output rollers 140 on the output disk 138 correspond to the number and distribution of the holes 131 in the cycloidal disk 130, so that the output rollers 140 can engage in the holes 131. Thus, the output shaft 142 rotates in the same direction (or direction of rotation, indicated by an arrow). Fig. 11) to the direction of rotation (or the direction of rotation, represented by another arrow in Fig. 11) of the cycloidal disk 130, and thus in the same direction of rotation to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 124.

[0089] A cycloidal gear 122 and an Akbar gear 82 have some similarities that allow for a comparison between the Fig. 11 and Fig.10 can be extracted. Thus, the following correspond to: - a cycloidal gear drive shaft 124 with the cycloidal gear eccentric disc 126 of a cycloidal gear 122 of an Akbar gear drive shaft 92 with the Akbar gear eccentric disc 110 of an Akbar gear 82, - the cycloidal disc 130 with the holes 131 of a cycloidal gear 122 the eccentric gears 94 and 96 with the holes 95 of an akbar gear 82, - a ring of cycloidal pins 136 of a cycloidal gear 122 of a toothing on the inside of the housing of an Akbar gear 82, and - a cycloidal gear output shaft 124 with the cycloidal gear output disc 138 of a cycloidal gear 122 of an Akbar gear output shaft 100 with the Akbar gear output disc 112 of an Akbar gear 82.

[0090] A cycloidal gear (like an Akbar gear) has the property of so-called self-locking. This means that when a torque acts on the gear output shaft 34, 100, the cycloidal gear counteracts a rotation of the gear output shaft 34, 100 (and, in the inventive use of the cycloidal gear within an adjusting device 20, a rotation of the armrest 18). In other words, when a torque is applied to the gear output shaft 34, 100, this effect is absorbed by the cycloidal gear, and a rotation of the gear input shaft 32, 92 by the cycloidal gear is prevented.

[0091] However, a functional difference between a cycloidal gear 122 and an Akbar gear 82 is that in a cycloidal gear 122 the cycloidal disk 130 rotates in the same direction of rotation as the cycloidal gear drive shaft 124, while in an Akbar gear 82 the eccentric gears 94 and 96 rotate in the opposite direction of rotation to the Akbar gear drive shaft 92.

[0092] Another difference between a cycloidal gear 122 and an Akbar gear 82 is that an Akbar gear 82 is typically more compact in the radial direction than a cycloidal gear 122. Therefore, in the context of an adjusting device 20 according to the invention, an Akbar gear 82 is more preferred than a cycloidal gear 122.

[0093] According to the third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is further disclosed which is equipped with a seat bench 10 with a backrest 14 and with an electrically adjustable armrest device (comprising an armrest 18) according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein a position angle of the armrest 18 is adjustable by means of an adjustment device according to the first aspect of the invention. Reference symbol list 10 bench seats 12 Seating area 14 Backrest 15 Headrest 16 Motor vehicle body 18 Armrest 20 Adjustment device 22 Drive motor 24 Motor housings 26 Engine drive shaft 28 gearboxes 30 Gearbox housings 32 Gearbox drive shaft 34 Gearbox output shaft 36 Swivel axis 38 armrest frames 40 first frame arm 42 second frame arm 44 Connecting section 46 first armrest attachment section 48 second armrest mounting section 50 third armrest mounting section 52, 52' Stop bolt 54 Fastening device 56 first fastening jaw 58 second fastening jaw 60 first fastening section 62 second fastening section 64 third fastening section 66 fourth fastening section 68, 68 arc-shaped groove 70 first microswitch 72 second microswitch 74 Rotary bearing device 76 storage units 78 Bearing bushing 80° rotating shaft 82 Akbar gearboxes 84 Akbar gearbox housing 86 flange 88 Bearing washer 90 socket 91 Ring 92 Akbar gearbox drive shaft 94 first eccentric gear 95 holes 96 second eccentric gear 98 Connection part 100 Akbar gearbox output shaft 102 screw 104 first clamping ring 106 bearings (for output shaft) 108 second clamping ring 110 Akbar gear eccentric disc 112 Akbar gearbox output disc 114 Akbar gearbox output rollers 116 Drive rotary motion 118 Sequence rotation movement 120 Output rotary motion 122 Cycloidal gears 123 Cycloidal gear housings 124 Cycloidal gear drive shaft 126 Cycloid gear eccentric disc 128 Bearing ring 130 cycloidal disk 131 holes 132 Cycloid protrusion 134 Cycloid return 136 Cycloid pin 138 Cycloid gear output disc 140 cycloidal gear output rollers 142 Cycloidal gear drive shaft 144 Resting position 146 Operating position 148 first arrow / first swivel movement 150 second arrow / second swivel movement QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 118 991 574 A [0002, 0004] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Internet platform YouTube at the link https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=crJT1 H7YZkl

[0080]

Claims

[1] Adjustment device (20) for electrically adjusting a position angle of an armrest (18) for a bench seat (10) with a backrest (14) for a motor vehicle, wherein the adjustment device (20) comprises the following: an electric drive motor (22) with a motor housing (24) and a motor drive shaft (26), wherein the drive motor (22) is configured to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft (26) and wherein the motor housing (24) is indirectly connectable to a motor vehicle body (16) or to a frame part of the backrest (14); and a transmission (28) with a transmission input shaft (32) and a transmission output shaft (34), wherein the transmission input shaft (32) can be driven and / or rotated directly or indirectly by the motor input shaft (26) and wherein the transmission output shaft (34) can be connected to the armrest (18) in a rotationally fixed manner; characterized by, that the motor drive shaft (26) is arranged parallel to the transmission output shaft (34), and in particular parallel to a pivot axis (36) of the armrest (18). [2] Adjustment device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment device (20) is configured according to one or more of the following options (A) to (I): (A) the adjusting device (20) is designed to pivot the armrest (18) back and forth between a rest position (144) and a working position (146) via the transmission output shaft (34) and / or to pivot the armrest (18) into an intermediate position, in particular a determinable one, between the rest position (144) and the working position (146); (B) the motor drive shaft (26) and the transmission drive shaft (32) are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner and / or are integrally formed together as one shaft part; (C) the motor drive shaft (26) and the transmission output shaft (34) are arranged collinearly with each other; (D) the motor drive shaft (26), the transmission output shaft (34) and the transmission input shaft (32) are arranged collinearly with each other; (E) the motor drive shaft (26), the transmission drive shaft (32), the transmission output shaft (34) and the pivot axis (36) of the armrest (18) are arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly with each other; (F) the drive motor (22), the motor drive shaft (26), the gearbox (28), the gearbox drive shaft (32) and the gearbox output shaft (34) are designed to be arranged in an assembled state within the armrest (18); (G) the drive motor (22) comprises an electromagnetic stator and an electromagnetic rotor, wherein the stator is integrated in the motor housing (24) and the rotor is integrated in the motor drive shaft (26); (H) the gearbox (28) has a gearbox housing (30) and the motor housing (24) can be connected to the vehicle body (16) or to the frame part of the backrest (14) indirectly via the gearbox housing (30). (I) the gearbox (28) is a speed-reducing gearbox (82, 122); [3] Adjusting device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transmission (28) is a transmission from the group of planetary transmissions, which group comprises: an Akbar gear (82), a cycloidal gear (122), a planetary gear, a tungsten gear, a harmonic drive gear, in particular wherein the transmission (28) is an Akbar transmission (82) or a cycloidal transmission (122). [4] Adjustment device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an armrest frame (38) which is designed as a, in particular square, clamp and which has a first frame arm (40), a second frame arm (42) and a connecting section (44) connecting the first and the second frame arm (40, 42), wherein the transmission output shaft (34) is connected to the first frame arm (40) in a rotationally fixed manner. [5] Adjustment device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a fastening device (54) for fastening the adjustment device (20) to the motor vehicle body (16) or to the frame part of the backrest (14) and a pivot bearing device (74), wherein the fastening device (54) comprises a first fastening jaw (56) and a second fastening jaw (58), wherein the first and second mounting jaws (56, 58) can be fixedly connected to the motor vehicle body (16) or to the frame part of the seat (10), wherein the transmission output shaft (34) is rotatably mounted in the first mounting jaw (56), wherein the rotary bearing device (74) comprises a bearing unit (76) and a rotary shaft (80) rotatably mounted in the bearing unit (76), in particular in a bearing bushing (78), wherein a pivot axis (36) of the armrest (18) is arranged collinearly with the transmission output shaft (34) and with the rotary shaft (80), wherein the bearing unit (76) is firmly connected to the second mounting jaw (58), and wherein the pivot shaft (80) can be connected to the armrest in a rotationally fixed manner (18), wherein, in particular in the embodiment according to claim 4, the rotating shaft (80) is connected to the second frame arm (42) in a rotationally fixed manner. [6] Adjustment device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the drive motor (22) comprises a sensor device integrated therein, which is configured to detect one or more of the following as a measured variable: (i) an angular position of the motor drive shaft (26), (ii) an incremental rotation angle of the motor drive shaft (26), (iii) a rotation angle of the motor drive shaft (26), (iv) a rotation of the motor drive shaft (26) by an incremental angle of rotation, (v) a rotation of the motor drive shaft (26) by one complete revolution, wherein the sensor device is further configured to output an output signal or output signals corresponding to the detected measured quantity. [7] Adjustment device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the sensor device comprises a Hall sensor, wherein the Hall sensor is configured to detect as a measured variable a rotation of the motor drive shaft (26) by one complete revolution and to output a corresponding output signal, in particular a revolution count signal, for each detected complete revolution. [8] Adjustment device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a first microswitch (70) which is arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest (18) is in its rest position (144) and to output a first switch signal corresponding to this detection and / or a second microswitch (72) which is arranged and configured to detect whether the armrest (18) is in its use position (146), and to output a second switch signal corresponding to this detection. [9] Adjustment device (20) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising: a control knob, a control button and / or a control switch for activating a swiveling movement of the armrest (18) and an electronic control unit that is configured to accept one or more of the following signals: - an output signal from the control knob, - an output signal from the control button, - an output signal from the control switch, - one or more output signals of the sensor device according to claim 6, - the output signal of the Hall sensor according to claim 7, - the first switching signal of the first microswitch (70) and / or the second switching signal of the second microswitch (72) according to claim 8, - an output signal from an intelligent vehicle control system, in particular an output signal from a touchpad device and / or an output signal from a voice control device, - an output signal from a proximity detection device designed to detect whether a user of the motor vehicle is approaching it from outside, and is furthermore equipped to drive and / or rotate the motor drive shaft (26) by means of the drive motor, depending on one or more of the assumed signals, in order to perform one of the following pivoting movements of the armrest: (i) a pivoting of the armrest (18) from the rest position (144) to the operating position (146), (ii) a pivoting of the armrest from the use position (146) to the rest position (144), (iii) a pivoting of the armrest (18) from a current intermediate position to the operating position (146), (iv) a pivoting of the armrest (18) from a current intermediate position to the rest position (144), (v) a pivoting of the armrest (18) from one current intermediate position to another intermediate position, where the aforementioned intermediate positions are positions of the armrest between the rest position (144) and the operating position (146). [10] An electrically adjustable armrest device for a bench seat (10) with a backrest (14) for a motor vehicle, wherein the armrest device comprises the following: an armrest (18) mounted to pivot about a pivot axis (36), an adjustment device (20) according to one of claims 1 to 9 for adjusting a positional angle of the armrest (18), wherein the transmission output shaft (34) is non-rotatably connected to the armrest (18), wherein the motor housing (24), in particular via the gearbox housing (30), is rigidly connected to the motor vehicle body (16) or to the frame part of the backrest (14), and wherein the motor drive shaft (26), the transmission output shaft (34) and the pivot axis (36) of the armrest (18) are arranged parallel to each other, in particular collinearly with each other. [11] A motor vehicle equipped with a seat bench (10) with a backrest (14) and with an electrically adjustable armrest device according to claim 10.

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