VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest element having a first contact surface which is arranged within a first imaginary plane, and a seat element having a second contact surface which is arranged within a second imaginary plane which is defined by a longitudinal axis and a width axis of the vehicle seat, wherein the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane intersect in an intersecting axis, wherein the backrest element is pivotable relative to the seat element about a rotational axis, wherein an inclination angle of the backrest element extends between the first imaginary plane and a central axis which runs perpendicularly to the second imaginary plane, wherein, in a first position of the backrest element, a distance along the longitudinal axis between the rotational axis and the intersecting axis is at least 60 mm, wherein, in the first position of the backrest element, the inclination angle is substantially 10°.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising a backrest element having a first contact surface which is arranged within a first imaginary plane, and a seat element having a second contact surface which is arranged within a second imaginary plane which is defined by a longitudinal axis and a width axis of the vehicle seat, wherein the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane intersect in an intersecting axis, wherein the backrest element is pivotable relative to the seat element about a rotational axis, wherein an inclination angle of the backrest element extends between the first imaginary plane and a central axis which runs perpendicularly to the second imaginary plane, wherein in a first position of the backrest element, a distance along the longitudinal axis between the rotational axis and the intersecting axis is at least 60 mm, wherein, in the first position of the backrest element, the inclination angle is substantially 10°.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the distance is at least 65 mm, wherein the distance is at least 70 mm, wherein the distance is at least 80 mm, wherein the distance is at least 90 mm, wherein the distance is maximally 200 mm.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a seat substructure, wherein the seat substructure comprises a suspension and/or damping device for vertical and/or horizontal vibrations.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the seat element is displaceably arranged on the seat substructure, wherein the seat element is displaced along the longitudinal direction when the backrest element is pivoted by the inclination angle, wherein the seat element comprises a plate-like element which is displaceably arranged on the seat substructure, wherein a cushion element is arranged on the plate-like element.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the rotational axis is spaced apart from the intersecting axis along a height axis.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat has a retaining device, on which the backrest element is pivotably arranged, wherein the retaining device is connected to the seat substructure.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the retaining device comprises a locking device which locks an inclination of the backrest element, wherein an operating device is provided, by means of which the locking device can be operated and by means of which an inclination of the backrest element can be adjusted.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the backrest element has a frame or a shell element, wherein the rotational axis extends along the longitudinal direction behind the frame or the shell element, wherein the backrest element comprises a cushion element which is arranged on the frame or the shell element.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the backrest element and the seat element are mechanically coupled, wherein said mechanical coupling is suitable and provided for causing a translational movement of the seat element along the longitudinal axis when the backrest element is pivoted about the rotational axis, wherein an elastic bridge portion is provided at least in sections between the backrest element and the seat element.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the backrest element comprises a length modification device which is suitable and provided for effecting an expansion of a length of the backrest element when the backrest element is pivoted about the rotational axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further advantages, objectives and characteristics of the present invention shall be explained using the following description of the attached drawings. In the different embodiments, similar components can have the same reference signs.

[0023] In the drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle seat with a first inclination angle;

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a vehicle seat with a second inclination angle;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the backrest element and the seat element;

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a further vehicle seat with a first inclination angle;

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a further vehicle seat with a second inclination angle;

[0029] FIGS. 6a-6h show a vehicle seat with different inclination angles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] FIGS. 1 and 6a show a vehicle seat 1, comprising a backrest element 2 having a first contact surface 3 which is arranged within a first imaginary plane 4, and a seat element 5 having a second contact surface 6 which is arranged within a second imaginary plane 7 which is defined by a longitudinal axis X and a width axis Y of the vehicle seat 1, wherein the first imaginary plane 4 and the second imaginary plane 7 intersect in an intersecting axis SR, wherein the backrest element 2 is pivotable relative to the seat element 5 about a rotational axis RD, wherein an inclination angle α of the backrest element 2 extends between the first imaginary plane 4 and a central axis M which runs perpendicularly to the second imaginary plane 4, wherein, in a first position of the backrest element, a distance A along the longitudinal axis X between the rotational axis RD and the intersecting axis SR is at least 60 mm, wherein, in the first position of the backrest element, the inclination angle α is substantially 10°.

[0031] The distance A is preferably at least 65 mm; further preferably, the distance A is at least 70 mm; further preferably, the distance A is at least 80 mm; further preferably, the distance A is at least 90 mm. The maximum distance A is preferably 200 mm.

[0032] The vehicle seat 1 comprises a seat substructure 8 which is arranged on a vehicle body 14. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a rail system which allows for the vehicle seat to be displaced along the longitudinal axis X. The occupant can therefore change the distance to the dashboard or the pedals. The seat substructure 8 can be, for example, a scissor frame arrangement and/or a frame arrangement which can be arranged on the vehicle bodies. The seat substructure 8 can furthermore comprise a suspension and/or damping device 15 for vertical and/or horizontal vibrations.

[0033] The vehicle seat 1 extends along a height axis Z, a width axis Y, and a longitudinal axis. Two directions are each to be assigned to the respective axes. For example, the height axis Z thus comprises the upward and downward directions, wherein the downward direction leads to the vehicle body. The width axis Y comprises the directions towards the right and towards the left. The longitudinal axis X includes the directions towards the front, i.e., the direction towards the dashboard and the pedals, and towards the rear.

[0034] The seat element 5 is displaceably arranged on a seat substructure 8. This can be achieved, for example, by a rail system. For this purpose, the seat element comprises, for example, a plate-like element 9, on which the rail system is arranged. The rail system can also be fastened to a frame of the seat substructure 8, so that the plate-like element 9 can be displaced along the longitudinal axis X. Alternatively, it would naturally also be conceivable that a frame or a seat shell is used instead of the plate-like element. When the backrest element 2 is pivoted by the inclination angle α, the seat element 5 is displaced along the longitudinal direction X.

[0035] The seat element 5 further comprises a cushion element 10, which is arranged on the plate-like element 9, the frame, the seat shell, etc.

[0036] The backrest element 2 has a frame, a shell element 12, or the like. Furthermore, the backrest element 2 comprises a cushion element 13 which is arranged on the frame, the shell element 12, or the like. Furthermore, a cover can be arranged on the cushion elements 10, 13 of the backrest element 2 and the seat element 5.

[0037] At least in sections, an elastic bridge portion can be provided between the seat element 5 and the backrest element 2, or between the cushion element 10 and the cushion element 13, which bridge portion connects said elements.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows the backrest element 2 having a first contact surface 3 and the seat element 5 having a second contact surface 6. The first contact surface 3 and the second contact surface 6 are suitable and provided for coming into contact with an occupant. The first contact surface 3 extends within a first imaginary plane 4. The second contact surface 6 extends within a second imaginary plane 7.

[0039] In the present case, flat contact surfaces 3, 6 are ideally assumed. It would naturally be conceivable that the contact surfaces of the back element 2, for example, have a curvature or are designed in a shell-like manner. A lateral region of the backrest element 2 can be configured such that it protrudes towards the front along the longitudinal direction X, resulting in the backrest element 2 assuming an ergonomically comfortable shape. In such a configuration, a rear central region of the backrest element 2 can be assumed as the first contact surface, said region extending substantially in a planar manner or parallel to the width axis Y.

[0040] Said imaginary planes 4, 7 intersect in the intersecting axis SR. However, when the backrest element 2 is pivoted about the rotational axis a, the seat element 5 remains within the second imaginary plane 7. However, the first contact surface 6 and thus the first imaginary plane 7 are pivoted by the inclination angle α. When the backrest element 2 is pivoted about the rotational axis a, the seat element 5 is displaced along the longitudinal axis X. Such a displacement can be caused by a mechanical coupling of the backrest element 2 to the seat element 5. Such a mechanical coupling can be a thrust connection, a gear-like connection, or the like. The displacement of the seat element 5 can also be caused by the rotational movement of the occupant 16. The intersecting axis SR is displaced when the backrest element 2 is pivoted along the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the distance A is also changed when the backrest element is pivoted. When the backrest element 2 is pivoted towards the rear, the intersecting axis is displaced towards the front along the longitudinal axis. The distance A is increased accordingly.

[0041] FIG. 2 shows a vehicle seat 1 with an occupant 16. An imaginary pivot point SIP can be assigned to the occupant 16. The upper body of the occupant 16 thus rotates substantially about said imaginary pivot point SIP relative to the lower body parts of said occupant.

[0042] For comparison purposes, FIGS. 4, 5, and 6e to 6h show vehicle seats 1a with a distance A which is smaller than the minimum distance according to the invention of 60 mm at an inclination angle of α=10°. For identifying the individual components, the same reference signs as for the other vehicle seats 1 have been used. FIGS. 1, 2, and 6a to 6d show vehicle seats which have the minimum distance A=60 mm at an inclination angle of α=10°. In these vehicle seats 1, the rotational axis RD is displaced towards the rear along the longitudinal axis X when compared to the vehicle seats 1a shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6e to 6h. In this case, the intersecting axis SR serves as a reference point. The displacement of the rotational axis RD along the longitudinal axis (X) towards the rear results in an upper edge 17 of the backrest element 2 having a large upward displacement in relation to the intersecting axis SR when the backrest element 2 is pivoted towards the rear. Accordingly, the first contact surface 3 is also displaced upwards relative to the occupant 16. Accordingly, a distance between the upper edge of the backrest element and the shoulder joint point 16a of the occupant 16 is reduced. Due to the vehicle seat according to the invention, an upward displacement of the first contact surface is achieved, which is sufficient to ensure appropriate support for the upper back.

[0043] The occupant is assumed to be what is known as a “50 perc person.” The 50th percentile is a standard term and represents the body measurements “medium.” Statistically, 50% of all values are thus above and below this value. A male “50 perc driver” therefore has, for example, a body height of 175.0 cm and a shoulder height of 145.0 cm.

[0044] The lengths L1 and L2 are indicated in the drawings. In this case, the length L1 is the direct length between the intersecting axis SR and the upper edge 17 of the backrest element 2. The length L2 is the distance between the upper edge 17 of the backrest element 2 and a height, at which the shoulder joint point 16a of an occupant 16, or a so-called 50 perc person, is located. It can be clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 that, at an inclination angle of α=45°, the vehicle seat 1 according to the invention has a significantly greater length L1 and a significantly smaller length L2.

[0045] The rotational axis RD is also spaced apart from the intersecting axis (SR) along a height axis (Z). An increase in the distance between the rotational axis RD and the intersecting axis (SR) along the height axis Z can also be an advantage in terms of comfort. A diagonal distance D between the rotational axis RD and the intersecting axis SR can be determined from the horizontal distance A and the height distance H: D=√{square root over (A.sup.2+H.sup.2)}.

[0046] FIGS. 6a to 6d show exemplary vehicle seats 1 with a rotational axis RD displaced towards the rear for different inclination angles α. The corresponding values for the lengths L1 and L2 are provided in the drawings. It goes without saying that the present invention should not be regarded as being reduced to these specific values. FIGS. 6e to 6h show vehicle seats 1a, in which the distance A is smaller than the minimum distance A=60 mm according to the invention. The corresponding values for the lengths L1 and L2 are once again indicated. The following table shows the values of the lengths L1 and L2 for vehicle seats 1 with the rotational axis RD displaced towards the rear, and the values of the comparison vehicle seats:

TABLE-US-00001 Comparison vehicle Vehicle seat 1 seat 1a α [°] L1 [mm] L2 [mm] L1 [mm] L2 [mm] 10 499 139 501 139 22 522 99 508 115 34 551 55 518 89 45 588 4 534 61

[0047] With an inclination angle α=45, a significantly greater length L1 of 588 mm can thus be seen compared to 534 mm. Accordingly, a significantly longer first contact surface is available for the occupant. Furthermore, the length L2=4 mm is significantly shorter in contrast to L2=61 mm. The occupant 16 thus has significantly better support in the region of the shoulder joint point 16a.

[0048] The present invention is naturally not to be reduced to vehicle seats which have such short backrest elements 2. Such a displacement of the first contact surface 3, or such an extension of the first contact surface 3, can also increase the comfort of vehicle seats with higher backrests.

[0049] The backrest element 2 is pivotably arranged on a retaining device 11. The retaining device has two legs which are arranged on the side of the vehicle seat 1 or the seat element 5. The legs are fastened to the seat substructure 8. In this case, a physical rotational axis RD can be provided, which is continuous along the width of the vehicle seat and is mounted in/on the two legs. However, the backrest element 2 can also be rotatably mounted on the laterally arranged legs with short rotational axes or bolts. These rotational axes, or bolts, then lie accordingly on the imaginary rotational axis RD.

[0050] The retaining device 11 can comprise a locking device which locks an inclination of the backrest element 2. Furthermore, a reset device can be provided which displaces the backrest element 2 back into a predeterminable starting position. Furthermore, an operating device can be provided, by means of which the locking device can be operated and by means of which an inclination of the backrest element 2 can be adjusted.

[0051] The backrest element 2 can furthermore comprise a length modification device which is suitable and provided for effecting an expansion of a length of the backrest element 2 when the backrest element 2 is pivoted about the rotational axis RD. In this case, an adjusting element can be provided which can accordingly displace the upper edge 17 of the backrest element 2 upwards. Accordingly, the length L1 could be further increased and the length L2 could be further reduced by the length modification device.

[0052] All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as being essential to the invention, provided that they are, individually or in combination, novel over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0053] 1 Vehicle seat [0054] 1a Vehicle seat (comparison) [0055] 2 Backrest element [0056] 3 First contact surface [0057] 4 First imaginary plane [0058] 5 Seat element [0059] 6 Second contact surface [0060] 7 Second imaginary plane [0061] 8 Seat substructure [0062] 9 Plate-like element [0063] 10 Cushion element [0064] 11 Retaining device [0065] 12 Frame or a shell element [0066] 13 Cushion element [0067] 14 Vehicle body [0068] 15 Suspension and/or damping device [0069] 16 Occupant [0070] 16a Shoulder joint point of the occupant [0071] 17 Upper edge of the backrest element [0072] A Distance [0073] SR Intersecting axis of the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane [0074] RD Rotational axis [0075] M Central axis [0076] Z Height axis [0077] X Longitudinal axis [0078] Y Width axis [0079] α Inclination angle