MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD FOR ABSORBING ENERGY IN A MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

A motor vehicle seat includes an adjusting device for adjusting a first seat component. The adjusting device is configured to adjust the first seat component of the motor vehicle seat into a first adjustment region and a second adjustment region. The motor vehicle seat further includes an energy absorption device, which absorbs energy when a threshold load is exceeded. The energy absorbed by the energy absorption device and/or the threshold load when the first component is in the first adjustment region is different from the energy absorbed by the energy absorption device and/or the threshold load when the first component is in the second adjustment region.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle seat, comprising: a first adjusting device configured to adjust a first seat component in a first adjustment region and a second adjustment region; and an energy absorption device configured to absorb energy when a threshold load is exceeded, wherein the energy absorbed by the energy absorption device and/or the threshold load when the first seat component assumes the first adjustment region is different from the energy absorbed by the energy absorption device and/or the threshold load when the first seat component assumes the second adjustment region.

2. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the energy absorbed by the energy absorption device when the first seat component is positioned in the first adjustment region is smaller than the energy absorbed by the energy absorption device when the first seat component is positioned in the second adjustment region.

3. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the threshold load, when the first seat component is positioned in the first adjustment region, is greater than the threshold load when the first seat component is positioned in the second adjustment region.

4. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the energy absorption device is activated only when the first seat component assumes the second adjustment region.

5. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the energy absorption device is configured as a deformation element, pyro element, resistance element or gas generator.

6. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the first adjustment region and the second adjustment region do not overlap.

7. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the first adjusting device is a longitudinal seat adjustment, with the second adjustment region being arranged on a side of the longitudinal seat adjustment which side is remote from a vehicle front.

8. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the first adjusting device is a backrest inclination adjustment.

9. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the second adjustment region is arranged in a range of a large inclination of a backrest.

10. The motor vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the second adjustment region is in a range of greater than 30 inclination from a perpendicular position of the backrest.

11. The motor vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the second adjustment region is in a range of greater than 40 inclination from a perpendicular position of the backrest.

12. The motor vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the second adjustment region is in a range of greater than 50 inclination from a perpendicular position of the backrest.

13. The motor vehicle seat of claim 1, further comprising a second adjusting device configured to adjust a second seat component, said energy absorption device being arranged on the second adjusting device.

14. A method for absorbing energy in a motor vehicle seat, comprising: determining an adjustment position of a seat component of the motor vehicle seat; detecting an overload situation; and absorbing energy by an energy absorption device.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising associating the determined adjustment position with one of a first adjustment region and a second adjustment region of an adjusting device of the motor vehicle seat.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising activating the energy absorption device when the seat component is in the second adjustment region.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising activating the energy absorption device when the seat component is in the second adjustment region.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the adjustment position of a first seat component is determined and the energy is absorbed by the energy absorption device on an adjusting device of a second seat component.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second seat component is a seat backrest of the motor vehicle seat, with the seat backrest being moved upright by the absorption of energy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0032] FIG. 1a is a schematic illustration of a conventional motor vehicle seat with a seat belt and a backrest in upright position;

[0033] FIG. 1b is a schematic illustration of the conventional motor vehicle seat of FIG. 1, depicting the backrest in a rest position;

[0034] FIG. 2a is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention, depicting the motor vehicle seat in a front adjustment region, with an energy absorption device in a longitudinal seat adjustment;

[0035] FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of the motor vehicle seat of FIG. 2a in a rear adjustment region;

[0036] FIG. 3a is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention, depicting the motor vehicle seat in in a front adjustment region, with an energy absorption device in a backrest;

[0037] FIG. 3b is a schematic illustration of the motor vehicle seat of FIG. 3a in a rear adjustment region;

[0038] FIG. 4a is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention in a front adjustment region, depicting a mode of operation of the motor vehicle seat, with the energy absorption device in a longitudinal seat adjustment;

[0039] FIG. 4b is a schematic illustration of the motor vehicle seat of FIG. 4a in a rear adjustment region;

[0040] FIG. 5a is a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention in a front adjustment region, depicting a mode of operation of the motor vehicle seat, with the energy absorption device in a backrest; and

[0041] FIG. 5b is a schematic illustration of the motor vehicle seat of FIG. 5a in a rear adjustment region.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] Throughout all the figures, same or corresponding elements may generally be indicated by same reference numerals. These depicted embodiments are to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not as limiting in any way. It should also be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments may be illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted.

[0043] Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1a, there is shown a schematic illustration of a conventional motor vehicle seat 1 with a belt system which reduces the risk of injury in the event of a collision by restraining an occupant and preventing the occupant from coming into contact with components in the front region of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen or another motor vehicle seat 1. The motor vehicle seat 1 includes a headrest 2, a seat rest as a first seat component 11, and a second seat component 21 is formed by the backrest. The angle of inclination of the second seat component 21 can be adjusted from the vertical orientation Y by a device 20. The motor vehicle seat 1 is adjusted in a longitudinal direction X by a longitudinal seat adjustment 10 having an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail 10.2. A seat belt 3 is secured to the seat rest 11 and at attachment point 3.2 to the B pillar 8 and fastened by a buckle 3.1. In its upright position, as shown in FIG. 1a and indicated by arrow A, the second seat component 21 extends at a small angle of inclination and an occupant is restrained by the seat belt 3 in the event of a collision. At a large angle of inclination of the second seat component 21, as shown in FIG. 1b, the second seat component 21 is adjusted into a rest position, at most as far back as to assume a substantially horizontal position, as indicated by arrow A. In this rest position, the restraining force of a belt system is significantly reduced in comparison with an upright position of the second seat component 21, because the occupant of the motor vehicle seat 1 can slide forward under the belt strap. The risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a collision is increased.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2a, there is shown a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 200. In the following description, parts corresponding with those in FIGS. 1a and 1b will be identified, where appropriate for the understanding of the invention, by corresponding reference numerals. The motor vehicle seat 200 includes a headrest 2, a seat rest as a first seat component 11, and a backrest as a second seat component 21. The angle of inclination of the second seat component 21 can be adjusted from a vertical orientation by a mechanical or electromechanical device 20. The motor vehicle seat 200 is adjusted, mechanically or electromechanically, in a longitudinal direction into a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position by a longitudinal seat adjustment 10 which includes an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail 10.2. A sensor 9 detects a position of the first seat component 11.

[0045] An energy absorption device 30 is incorporated or integrated in the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. FIG. 2a shows the first seat component 11 as being restricted in a first adjustment region 14 to a front adjustment region of the longitudinal seat adjustment means. It has been found that when the second seat component 21 is at a larger angle of inclination, an occupant of the motor vehicle seat 200 is unconsciously adjusted into a backward position; when the second seat component is at a smaller angle of inclination, and an occupant typically adjusts the first seat component 11 into an upright, substantially vertical position, in order to e.g. reach a steering wheel. In the front adjustment region 14 of the first seat component 11 and at a small angle of inclination of the second seat component 21, the occupant is restrained by the seat belt in the event of a collision. The energy absorption device 30 is not activated. The second adjustment region 15 of the first seat component 11, as shown in FIG. 2b, is restricted to the rear adjustment region of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. In the second adjustment region 15 and at a large angle of inclination of the second seat component 21, the restraining force is compensated only to a small extent by the seat belt in the event of a head-on collision, because the occupant can slide through the belt strap. The energy absorption device 30 is activated as soon as a previously set threshold load is exceeded in response to a high negative acceleration in the event of e.g. a head-on collision. The first adjustment region 14 and second adjustment region 15 of the first seat component 11 do not overlap. In the first adjustment region 14 of the first seat component 11, the energy absorption is realized by a belt system, and: in the second adjustment region 15, energy absorption is realized by the energy absorption device 30.

[0046] In order to activate the energy absorption device 30, it is first established whether the motor vehicle seat 200 is adjusted in the first adjustment region 14 or second adjustment region 15, i.e. whether the motor vehicle seat 200 is in a front or rear position. It is then detected whether the threshold load has been exceeded for the energy absorption device 30 to be activated, i.e. whether a negative acceleration acts on the motor vehicle seat 200 such that there is a risk of injury to an occupant. Finally, the energy of the head-on collision is compensated by the energy absorption device 30 in the longitudinal seat adjustment such that the risk of injury to an occupant is reduced when the first seat component 11 is positioned in the second adjustment region 15.

[0047] FIG. 3a shows a schematic illustration of a motor vehicle seat according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 300. Parts corresponding with those in FIGS. 2a and 2b are denoted by identical reference numerals and not explained again. The motor vehicle seat 300 includes a headrest 2, a seat rest as the first seat component 11, and a backrest as the second seat component 21. The angle of inclination of the second seat component 21 can be adjusted from the vertical by a mechanical or electromechanical device 20. The motor vehicle seat 300 is adjusted, mechanically or electromechanically, in a longitudinal direction into a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position by a longitudinal seat adjustment 10 which includes an upper rail 10.1 and a lower rail 10.2. A sensor 9 detects a position of the first seat component 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, provision is made for an energy absorption device 30 which is integrated in the second seat component or backrest 21 and acts thereon. In the first adjustment region 14, as shown in FIG. 3a, the first seat component 11 is restricted to the front adjustment region of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. In the front adjustment region 14 of the first seat component 11 and at a small angle of inclination of the second seat component 21, the occupant is restrained by the seat belt in the event of a collision and the energy absorption device 30 is not activated. The second adjustment region 15 of the first seat component 11, as shown in FIG. 3b, is restricted to the rear adjustment region of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. In the second adjustment region 15 and at a large angle of inclination of the second seat component 21, the restraining force is compensated only to a small extent by the seat belt in the event of a head-on collision, because the occupant can slide through the belt strap. The energy absorption device 30 is activated as soon as a previously set threshold load has been reached or exceeded. The energy absorption device 30 is in particular activated when the angle of inclination of the backrest 21 is greater than 30, preferably greater than 40 and particularly preferably greater than 50. When the backrest 21 is reclined at a large angle of inclination, the risk increases that an occupant slides under the belt strap.

[0049] In order to activate the energy absorption device 30, it is first established whether the motor vehicle seat 300 is adjusted in the first adjustment region 14 or second adjustment region 15, i.e. whether the motor vehicle seat 300 assumes a front position or a rear position. It is then detected whether the threshold load has been exceeded for the energy absorption device 30 to be activated, i.e. whether a sharp negative acceleration acts on the motor vehicle seat 1 such that there is a risk of injury to an occupant. Finally, the energy of the head-on collision is compensated by the energy absorption device 30 in the backrest 21 such that the risk of injury to an occupant is reduced when the first seat component 11 is positioned in the second adjustment region 15.

[0050] The mode of operation of the energy absorption device 30, which is integrated in the longitudinal seat adjustment, is shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b. The motor vehicle seat 200, 300 includes headrest 2, a seat rest as the first seat component 11, and a backrest as the second seat component 21. The angle of inclination of the second seat component 21 can be adjusted from the vertical by a mechanical or electromechanical device 20. The motor vehicle seat 200, 300 is adjusted, mechanically or electromechanically, in the longitudinal direction into first and second adjustment positions by the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. Sensor 9 detects the position of the first seat component 11. The energy absorption device 30 is integrated here in the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. In the first adjustment region 14 (FIG. 4a), the first seat component 11 is restricted to the front adjustment region of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. In the event of a collision, the energy absorption device 30 is not activated. The second adjustment region 15 (FIG. 4b) of the first seat component 11 is restricted to the rear adjustment region 15 of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10, with the dotted line indicating the front adjustment region 14 to depict the adjustment of the motor vehicle seat 200, 300. The energy absorption device 30 is activated as soon as a previously set threshold load is exceeded by high negative acceleration in the event of e.g. a head-on collision. The energy absorption device 30 leads to such a movement that the motor vehicle seat 200, 300 slides forward in the rails of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10.

[0051] In order to activate the energy absorption device 30, it is first established whether the motor vehicle seat 200, 300 is adjusted in the first adjustment region 14 or second adjustment region 15, i.e. whether the motor vehicle seat 1 is in a front position or rear position. It is then detected whether the threshold load has been exceeded for the energy absorption device 30 to be activated, i.e. whether a sharp negative acceleration acts on the motor vehicle seat 1 such that there is a risk of injury to an occupant. Finally, the energy of the head-on collision is compensated by the energy absorption device 30 in the longitudinal seat adjustment 10 such that the risk of injury to an occupant is reduced when the first seat component 11 is positioned in the second adjustment region 15. The energy absorption device 30 can be e.g. a deformation element, e.g. a spiral spring, which is mounted in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle seat 200, 300. Ridges in the longitudinal seat adjustment 10 are also possible, which ridges are deformed in the event of a collision and compensate the kinetic energy. The provision of a pyro element or a gas generator to generate a force that opposes the force produced in the event of a head-on collision and decelerates the motor vehicle seat 200, 300 is also conceivable.

[0052] The mode of operation of the energy absorption device 30, when integrated in the backrest 21, is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The motor vehicle seat 200, 300 includes headrest 2, a seat rest as the first seat component 11, and a backrest as the second seat component 21. The angle of inclination of the second seat component 21 can be adjusted from the vertical by a mechanical or electromechanical device 20. The motor vehicle seat 200, 300 is adjusted, mechanically or electromechanically, in the longitudinal direction into first and second adjustment positions by longitudinal seat adjustment 10. Sensor 9 detects the position of the first seat component 11. The energy absorption device 30 is integrated in the backrest 21. In the first adjustment region 14, as shown in FIG. 5a and by way of dotted line in FIG. 5b, the first seat component 11 is restricted to the front adjustment region 14 of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. The energy absorption device 30 is not activated in the event of a collision, and an occupant is restrained by the seat belt. The second adjustment region (FIG. 5b) of the first seat component 11 is restricted to the rear adjustment region 15 of the longitudinal seat adjustment 10. The energy absorption device 30 is activated as soon as a previously set threshold load has been reached or exceeded. In the event of a head-on collision, the energy absorption device 30 acts on the backrest 21 to move the backrest 21 from a reclined position, as indicated by arrow A into an upright vertical position, as indicated by arrow A. The occupant is restrained by the belt system.

[0053] In order to activate the energy absorption device 30, it is first established whether the motor vehicle seat 200, 300 is adjusted in the first adjustment region 12 or second adjustment region 13, i.e. whether the motor vehicle seat 200, 300 assumes a front or rear position. It is then detected whether the threshold load has been exceeded for the energy absorption device 30 to be activated, i.e. whether a sharp negative acceleration acts on the motor vehicle seat 1 such that there is a risk of injury to an occupant. Finally, the energy of the head-on collision is compensated for by the energy absorption device 30 in the backrest 21 such that the backrest 21 is adjusted at a smaller pivot angle with respect to the vertical.

[0054] While the invention has been illustrated and described in connection with currently preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and practical application to thereby enable a person skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.