VEHICLE SEAT WITH OPERATING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to an operating device for adjusting seat parameters of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat, wherein the operating device comprises at least one multifunction operating element having at least one selection element, by means of which at least two operating levels are selectable, wherein the multifunction operating element is movable in at least five switching directions, wherein each switching direction can be assigned to a specific function, which belongs to the selected operating level and changes a seat parameter.

Claims

1. An operating device for setting seat parameters of a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, wherein the operating device comprises at least one multifunction operating element, which is movable in at least five switching directions, wherein each switching direction can be assigned to a particular function (8) which changes a seat parameter.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating device comprises at least one selection element by means of which at least two operating levels can be selected, wherein the functions assigned to the switching directions belong to a selected operating level.

3. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating device comprises a single multifunction operating element or two multifunction operating elements or a plurality of multifunction operating elements.

4. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction operating element is movable in six switching directions, wherein the multifunction operating element has three axes of movement (X, Y, Z), wherein each two opposite switching directions are oriented along a movement axis (X, Y, Z), wherein a first and a second switching direction correspond to a translational movement of the multifunction operating element along the first axis of movement, wherein a third and a fourth switching direction correspond to a translational movement of the multifunction operating element along a second movement axis or a rotational movement of the multifunction operating element about the first movement axis, wherein a fifth and a sixth switching direction correspond to a rotational movement of the multifunction operating element about the third axis of movement.

5. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction operating element comprises a reset unit, so that the multifunction operating element is displaceable into its starting position after a deflection along a specific switching direction after a predetermined time by means of the reset unit.

6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the multifunction operating element is designed in tabular form, wherein the selection element is arranged on a surface of the multifunction operating element, wherein the multifunction operating element is equipped with haptic elements and/or a grip layer, wherein the multifunction operating element is provided with at least one identification element, by means of which the switching directions are identifiable and/or an illumination is provided on the multifunction operating element.

7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein a display device is arranged on the multifunction operating element.

8. A seat, in particular vehicle seat, with an operating device for setting seat parameters according to claim 1.

9. The seat according to claim 8, wherein the seat comprises the components seat cushion section, backrest, headrest and at least one armrest, wherein one operating level is assigned to the entire seat or at least to one component, wherein the seat parameter changed by the specific function corresponds to a change in the position of the height of the entire seat or to at least one component and/or to the height of the entire seat or to at least one component and/or to the orientation of the entire seat or to at least one component.

10. The seat according to claim 9, wherein a specific switching direction is assigned to a function of a first operating level of a change in a seat parameter of a first element, which may be the entire seat or may be a component, with respect to a certain seat direction (X1, Y1, Z1) and the same switching direction of a function is assigned to at least one further operating level of a change in a seat parameter of a second element, which may be the entire seat or a component, with respect to a same seat direction (X1, Y1, Z1).

11. The seat according to claim 9, wherein a movement of the multifunction operating element in a switching direction with respect to one of the axes of movement (X, Y, Z) causes a similar change in position and/or orientation of the entire seat or at least of one component with respect to a seating direction (X1, Y1, Z1) parallel to the axes of movement (X, Y, Z).

12. The seat according to claim 8, wherein the operating device comprises a control unit which receives a control signal from the multifunction operating element and controls at least one actuator, which correspondingly alters the parameters relating to the position and or orientation of the entire seat or at least of one component.

13. The seat according to claim 8, wherein an operating level is assigned to at least one spring and/or cushioning device acting in the vertical and/or horizontal direction, wherein the associated functions of the operating level correspond to the parameter settings of the spring and/or cushioning device, wherein the operating device comprises a control unit which receives a control signal from the multifunction operating element and controls the at least one spring and/or cushioning device, wherein one operating level is associated with at least one seat comfort device, wherein the associated functions of the operating level correspond to the parameter settings of the seat comfort device wherein the seat comfort device is a seat air conditioning device and/or a seat shape adjustment device and/or a massage device, wherein the operating device comprises a control unit which receives a control signal from the multifunction control element and controls the at least one seating comfort means.

14. The seat according to claim 8, wherein the multifunction operating element is arranged on the seat cushion section and/or on an armrest, wherein the multifunction operating element is arranged on a lateral portion of the seat cushion section and/or the armrest.

15. The seat according to claim 8, wherein both an operating level is selectable and a specific function is directly operable by means of at least one selection element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages, aims and properties of the present invention are explained with reference to the following description of the attached drawings. Similar components can have the same reference signs in the various embodiments.

[0041] In the drawings:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a seat with an operating device;

[0043] FIG. 2a shows a side view of the multifunction operating element;

[0044] FIG. 2b shows another side view of the multifunction operating element;

[0045] FIG. 2c shows another side view of the multifunction operating element;

[0046] FIG. 2d shows another side view of the multifunction operating element;

[0047] FIG. 3a shows a side view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0048] FIG. 3b shows another side view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0049] FIG. 3c shows another side view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0050] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a seat with an operating device according to a further embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a seat with an operating device according to a further embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a seat with an operating device according to a further embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 7a shows a top view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0054] FIG. 7b shows another top view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0055] FIG. 8a shows a view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0056] FIG. 8b shows another view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0057] FIG. 8c shows another view of the multifunction operating element according to further embodiments;

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a view of the multifunction operating element according to a further embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 10 shows a view of the multifunction operating element according to one further embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 11 shows a view of the multifunction operating element according to one further embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 12 shows a schematic functional overview of the operating device;

[0062] FIG. 13 shows a schematic functional overview of one operating level;

[0063] FIG. 14 shows a schematic illustration of a change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0064] FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0065] FIG. 16 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0066] FIG. 17 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0067] FIG. 18 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0068] FIG. 19 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0069] FIG. 20 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0070] FIG. 21 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions;

[0071] FIG. 22 shows a schematic illustration of another change to a seat parameter with the associated switching directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] FIGS. 1, 4 and 6 show a seat (1), in particular a vehicle seat. The seat (1) comprises the components seat cushion section (12), backrest (13), headrest (14) and at least one armrest (15). The seat is oriented along the seat directions (X1, Y1, Z1). These seat directions are the longitudinal direction (X1), the width direction (Y1) and the height direction (Z1).

[0073] The seat (1), in particular the vehicle seat, is equipped with an operating device (2) for setting seat parameters (3), wherein the operating device (2) comprises at least one multifunction operating element (4), which is movable in at least five switching directions (7), preferably six switching directions (7), wherein each switching direction (7) can be assigned to a specific function (8), which changes a seat parameter (3).

[0074] The operating device (2) can furthermore comprise at least one selection element (5) by means of which at least two operating levels (6) can be selected, wherein the functions (8) assigned to the switching directions (7) are associated with a selected operating level. This allows an even greater number of seat parameters to be changed.

[0075] With the selection element (5), a certain operating level (6) is selected, which is a group of functions, for example, the adjustment of the seat parameters (3) for the entire seat (1) or for a specific component (12, 13, 14, 15) of the seat (1). A corresponding overview is shown in FIG. 13.

[0076] Alternatively, both an operating level (6) can be selected and a specific function (8) can be operated directly by means of the at least one selection element (5).

[0077] The operating device (6) comprises a control unit (16) which receives a control signal from the multifunction operating element (4). Furthermore, a corresponding selection signal or a control signal from the selection element (5) is received, as shown in FIG. 12. The control unit (16) then controls the corresponding devices to change the seat parameters (3) accordingly. Such devices are actuators (17), one or more spring and/or cushioning device(s) (18), or one or more seat comfort device(s) (19).

[0078] The at least one multifunction operating element (4) can be arranged on a lateral section (12a) of the seat cushion section (12). This can be seen in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, for example. Furthermore, the multifunction operating element can be arranged on a lateral section (15a) of the armrest (15). The respective lateral portion is located at the lateral boundary of the seat cushion section (12) or the armrest (15) in the width direction (Y1) of the seat (1).

[0079] The multifunction operating element (4) is designed in a tabular form.

[0080] While a seat (1) with only one multifunction operating element (4) is shown in FIG. 1, FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment in which the seat has two multifunction operating elements (4). In this case, the first multifunction operating element (4a) is arranged on the seat cushion section (12) and the second multifunction operating element (4b) is arranged on the armrest (15). In the case of two existing multifunction operating elements (4, 4a, 4b), both multifunction operating elements (4, 4a, 4b) may have the same operating levels (6) with the associated functions (8) or different operating levels (6).

[0081] The respective multifunction operating element (4) can be moved in six switching directions (7, 7a-7f), wherein the multifunction operating element (4) has three axes of movement (X, Y, Z). This is shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d. Two opposite switching directions (7) are oriented along a movement axis (X, Y, Z) in each case.

[0082] FIG. 2b shows a first (7a) and a second switching direction (7b) of a translational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) along a first movement axis (X) in opposite directions. The multifunction operating element can thus be moved by pulling or pushing along the first (7a) or second switching direction (7b). The first movement axis (X) runs along the horizontal longitudinal direction (X1) of the seat (1).

[0083] The third (7c) and the fourth switching direction (7d) correspond to a translational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) along a second movement axis (Z) in respectively opposite directions.

[0084] Alternatively, the third (7c) and the fourth switching direction (7d) may correspond to a rotational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) about the first movement axis (X) in opposite directions. The second movement axis (Z) runs along the height direction (Z1) of the seat and is perpendicular to the first movement axis (X). Both a translational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) along the second movement axis (Z) and a rotational movement of the multifunction operating element about the first movement axis (X) means a movement of the multifunction operating element up or down for the person in the seat. The multifunction element (4) is connected to the seat cushion section (12, 12a) or the armrest (15, 15a) by means of a joint.

[0085] The fifth (7e) and sixth switching direction (7f) correspond to a rotational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) about the third axis of movement (Y) in opposite directions, respectively. The third movement axis (Y) runs along the width direction (Y1) of the seat (1) and is perpendicular to the first movement axis (X) and the second movement axis (Z).

[0086] The pivot point can be arranged centrally, off-center of the multifunction operating element (4) as shown in FIG. 3c. According to the choice of the pivot point, a certain rotational movement of the multifunction operating element (4) results.

[0087] Alternatively, the pivot point could be located at a front end of the multifunction operating element (4), as shown in FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3b, an embodiment is shown in which the pivot point is arranged at the rear end of the multifunction control element (4).

[0088] The selection element (5) is arranged on a surface of the tabular multifunction operating element (4). In FIG. 8, various possible surfaces are shown. In FIG. 8a, the selection element (5) is arranged on the surface which is bounded by the length (L) and the width (B) of the multifunction operating element (4). In FIG. 8b, the selection element (5) is arranged on the surface which is bounded by the height (H) and the length (L) of the multifunction operating element (4). In FIG. 8c, the selection element (5) is arranged on the surface which is bounded by the height (H) and the width (B) of the multifunction operating element (4). The selection element (5) may be a multi-stage switch or button. For example, a multi-stage slide switch is shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c. FIG. 11 shows a cross-shaped rocker switch. Furthermore, the multifunction operating element (4) can be equipped with haptic elements (9) and/or a grip layer (20).

[0089] FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment in which a display device (11) is arranged on the multifunction operating element (4). The selected operating levels and the selected functions can be displayed by means of such a display device.

[0090] Furthermore, the multifunction operating element (4) is provided with identification elements (10) by means of which the switching directions can be identified. Such identification elements (10) can be seen in FIG. 7 a/b, 8, 9.

[0091] FIG. 7 shows identification elements in the form of recesses (10a) at the front and rear ends of the multifunction operating element (4), which can serve to identify the first and second switching directions (pull/push). Front and rear ends are understood to mean the surfaces bounded by the height (H) and width (B) of the multifunction operating element (4).

[0092] Furthermore, recesses (10b) may be provided on the top and bottom of the multifunction operating element, which can serve to identify the third and fourth switching directions (pull up/push down). The top and bottom are the opposing surfaces bounded by the length (L) and width (B) of the multifunction operating element (4).

[0093] In order to identify the fifth (7e) and the sixth switching direction (7f), a recess (10c) is shown in FIG. 7b with a shape corresponding to the finger position during the rotational movement in the fifth and the sixth switching direction.

[0094] The respective identification elements (10) can also be illuminated.

[0095] A specific switching direction (7) of a function (8) of a first operating level (6) may be associated with a change in a seat parameter (3) of a first element (1, 12, 13, 14, 15), which may be the entire seat (1) or one component (12, 13, 14, 15) with respect to a particular seating direction (X1, Y1, Z1). The same switching direction (7) of a function (8) of at least one further operating level (6) may be a change in a seat parameter (3) of a second element (1, 12, 13, 14, 15), which may be the entire seat (1) or one component (12, 13, 14, 15) with respect to a same seating direction (X1, Y1, Z1).

[0096] Furthermore, a movement of the multifunction operating element (4) in a switching direction (7) with respect to a movement axis (X, Y, Z) may produce a similar change in position and/or orientation of the entire seat (1) or at least one component (12, 13, 14, 15) with respect to a seat direction (X1, Y1, Z1) parallel to the axes of movement (X, Y, Z).

[0097] FIGS. 14 to 22 show corresponding functions with the associated switching directions according to one embodiment. Table 1 gives an overview of this.

[0098] According to FIG. 14a, the first (7a) and second (7b) switching directions (push-pull, shift) of the seat longitudinal adjustment are in the operating level entire seat (1). When pushed, the entire seat (1) moves forward. When pulled, the entire seat (1) moves backwards.

[0099] According to FIG. 14b, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up; push-pull) are assigned to the seat height adjustment in the operating level entire seat (1). When pushed up (pull), the entire seat (1) moves upwards. When pushed down (push), the entire seat (1) moves down.

[0100] According to FIG. 15, the fifth (7e) and sixth (7f) switching directions (flip-over grip) are associated with the backrest inclination adjustment or the entire seat inclination adjustment in the operating level entire seat (1) or backrest (13). When tilted backwards, the backrest (13)/the entire seat (1) tilts backwards. When tilted forward, the backrest (13)/the entire seat (1) tilts forward.

[0101] According to FIG. 16a, the first (7a) and second (7b) switching directions (push-pull, shift) are assigned to the seat cushion length adjustment in the operating level seat cushion section (12). When pushed, the seat cushion length becomes longer. When pulled, the seat cushion length becomes shorter.

[0102] According to FIG. 16b, the fifth (7e) and sixth (70 switching directions (flip-over grip) are assigned to the seat cushion inclination setting in the operating level seat cushion section (12). When tilted backwards, the seat cushion (12) tilts backwards. When tilted forward, the seat cushion (12) tilts forward.

[0103] According to FIG. 17, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up; push-pull) are assigned to the headrest height adjustment in the operating level headrest (14). When pushed up (pull), the headrest (14) moves upwards. When pushed down (push), the headrest (14) moves down.

[0104] According to FIG. 18a, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up; push-pull) are associated with the spring and/or cushioning characteristic in the operating level of the spring and/or cushioning device (18). When pushed up (pull), the spring and/or cushioning characteristic hardens. When pushed down (push), the spring and/or cushioning characteristic softens. Actuation in the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions can take place in several stages, i.e. a further actuation in the same direction makes the spring and/or cushioning characteristic even harder or softer.

[0105] According to FIG. 18b, the first (7a) and second (7b) switching direction (push-pull, shift) are assigned in the X-direction in the operating level spring and/or cushioning device (18). When pushed, the spring and/or cushioning device (18) is turned on. When pulled, the spring and/or cushioning device (18) is turned off.

[0106] According to FIGS. 19a and 19b, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up; push/pull) are assigned to the displacement of the lumbar support peak curvature in the operating level seat comfort device (19), lumbar support. When pushed up (pull), the lumbar support peak curvature is shifted upward. When pushed down (push), the lumbar support peak curvature is shifted down.

[0107] According to FIGS. 19a and 19b, the first (7a) and second (7b) switching directions (push-pull, shift) are assigned to the adjustment of the curvature of the lumbar support in the operating level seat comfort device (19), lumbar support. When pushed, the curvature of the lumbar support becomes stronger. When pulled, the curvature of the lumbar support becomes slighter.

[0108] According to FIG. 20, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up, push-pull) are assigned to the adjustment of the side bolsters of the backrest (13), or the side bolsters of the seat cushion section (12) in the operating level seat comfort device (19), side bolsters of the backrest, side bolsters of the seat cushion section (12). When pushed up (pull), the side bolsters in the backrest (13) or seat cushion section (12) become narrower. When pushed down, the side bolsters in backrest (13) or seat cushion section (12) become wider.

[0109] According to FIG. 21, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up, push-pull) are assigned to the setting of the seat comfort device in the operating level seat comfort device (19), seat air conditioning (seat heating, seat ventilation). By pulling or pushing (push-pull), the seat heating, seat ventilation is switched on, gradually adjusted, and switched off. The following stages are provided: PullHeating (ventilation) on, Pull furtherHeating level (ventilation level) higher, Press: Heating level (ventilation level) lower, Press further: Heating (ventilation) off.

[0110] According to FIG. 22, the third (7c) and fourth (7d) switching directions (push grip down/up; push-pull) are assigned to the adjustment of the massage device in the operating level seat comfort device (19), massage device. By pulling or pushing (push-pull), the massage function is switched on, gradually adjusted, and switched off.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Operating level Function Switching direction FIG. Entire seat (1) Seat forward/backward first (7a)/second (7b) 14a Longitudinal direction (X1) Entire seat (1) Seat up/down third (7c)/fourth (7d) 14b Height direction (Z1) Entire seat (1) Tilt seat fifth (7e)/sixth (7f) With respect to axis along width direction (Y1) Backrest (13) Tilt backrest fifth (7e)/sixth (7f) 15 Seat cushion section Seat cushion length first (7a)/second (7b) 16a (12) Seat cushion section Seat cushion tilt adjustment fifth (7e)/sixth (7f) 16b (12) Headrest (14) Headrest forward/backward first (7a)/second (7b) 17 Longitudinal direction (X1) Headrest (14) Headrest up/down third (7c)/fourth (7d) Height direction (Z1) Headrest (14) Tilt headrest fifth (7e)/sixth (7f) With respect to axis along width direction (Y1) Spring and/or cushioning Spring and/or cushioning third (7c)/fourth (7d) 18a device (18) characteristics become multi-stage in X1, Y1, Z1 direction softer or harder Spring and/or cushioning Switch spring and/or cushioning first (7a)/second (7b) 18b device (18) device on or off in X1, Y1, Z1 direction Seat comfort device Adjustment of the curvature first (7a)/second (7b) 19b (19) Lumbar of the lumbar support support Seat comfort device Lumbar support peak third (7c)/fourth (7d) 19a (19) Lumbar curvature up/down support Seat comfort device Adjusting the side bolsters of third (7c)/fourth (7d) 20 (19), side bolsters the backrest (13), side bolsters of the of the seat cushion backrest (13), side section (12) bolsters of the seat cushion section (12) Seat comfort device Switch seat heating on or off third (7c)/fourth (7d) 21 (19) Seat heating or adjust it multi-stage Seat comfort device Switch seat ventilation on or third (7c)/fourth (7d) 21 (19), Seat ventilation off or adjust it multi-stage Seat comfort device Switch the massage device third (7c)/fourth (7d) 22 (19), Massage on or off or adjust it multi-stage device

[0111] All the features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as being essential to the invention provided that, individually or in combination, they are novel over the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0112] 1 Seat [0113] 2 Operating device [0114] 3 Seat parameters [0115] 4 Multifunction operating element [0116] 4a First multifunction operating element [0117] 4b Second multifunction operating element [0118] 5 Selection element [0119] 6 Operating level [0120] 7 Switching direction [0121] 7a First switching direction [0122] 7b Second switching direction [0123] 7c Third switching direction [0124] 7d Fourth switching direction [0125] 7e Fifth switching direction [0126] 7f Sixth switching direction [0127] 8 Function [0128] 9 Haptic elements [0129] 10 Identification element [0130] 10a Recess [0131] 10b Recess [0132] 10c Recess [0133] 11 Display device [0134] 12 Seat cushion section [0135] 12a Lateral section of seat cushion section [0136] 13 Backrest [0137] 14 Headrest [0138] 15 Armrest [0139] 15a Side section of the armrest [0140] 16 Control unit [0141] 17 Actuator [0142] 18 Spring and/or cushioning device [0143] 19 Seat comfort device [0144] X First movement axis [0145] Y Third movement axis [0146] Z Second movement axis [0147] X1 Longitudinal direction [0148] Y1 Width direction [0149] Z1 Height direction [0150] L Length of the multifunction operating element [0151] B Width of the multifunction operating element [0152] H Height of the multifunction operating element