UNDERFRAME FOR A HEIGHT ADJUSTER, AND HEIGHT ADJUSTER

Abstract

An underframe for a height adjuster of a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, may have a base frame which is connectable to a vehicle floor, a seat frame which is adjustable relative to the base frame and has at least one frame part, and a spindle drive unit for adjusting the seat frame relative to the base frame. The spindle drive unit has a first bearing point, which is connected pivotably to the frame part, and a second bearing point, which is connected pivotably to the base frame. A height adjuster for the vehicle seat is also provided.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. An underframe for a height adjuster of a vehicle seat, comprising: a base frame which is connectable to a vehicle floor, a seat frame which is adjustable relative to the base frame and has at least one frame part, and a spindle drive unit for adjusting the seat frame relative to the base frame, wherein the spindle drive unit has a first bearing point, which is connected pivotably to the frame part, and a second bearing point, which is connected pivotably to the base frame.

14. The underframe as claimed in claim 13, wherein pivot axes of the bearing points are arranged spaced apart from one another and run parallel to one another.

15. The underframe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spindle drive unit comprises at least one spindle, wherein a spindle axis of the spindle is arranged oriented in a manner corresponding to pivot axes defined by the bearing points.

16. The underframe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spindle drive unit is arranged on and/or along a side surface of the frame part.

17. The underframe as claimed in claim 16, wherein the spindle drive unit is arranged on one side of the frame part.

18. The underframe as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spindle drive unit comprises at least one transmission unit for driving the spindle and a holder for receiving the transmission unit.

19. The underframe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the spindle, the motor, the transmission unit and the holder are arranged on the same side of the frame part.

20. The underframe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the holder forms the first bearing point and one end of the spindle forms the second bearing point, wherein the bearing points each have a bearing element.

21. The underframe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the holder comprises at least one web connected to the frame part and a limb protruding perpendicularly from said web, wherein the transmission unit is fastened to the limb.

22. The underframe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the spindle drive unit comprises a motor which is coupled to the transmission unit and extends parallel to the side surface of the frame part.

23. The underframe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the transmission unit drives the spindle perpendicularly to the transmission axis of the transmission unit.

24. A height adjuster for vehicle seat, having an underframe as claimed in claim 13 and a rocker arrangement, wherein a spindle drive unit of the underframe is arranged in the region of a pair of rockers of the rocker arrangement.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS.

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to advantageous exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not restricted to these exemplary embodiments. In the figures:

[0040] FIG. 1: shows a side view of a vehicle seat from the prior art,

[0041] FIG. 2: shows a perspective view of a height adjuster according to the invention for a vehicle seat having an underframe and a spindle drive unit,

[0042] FIG. 3: shows a further perspective view of the height adjuster according to the invention according to FIG. 2,

[0043] FIG. 4: shows a side view of the height adjuster according to the invention according to FIG. 2,

[0044] FIG. 5: shows a section along the line I-I in FIG. 4 of the height adjuster according to the invention,

[0045] FIG. 6: shows a perspective view of a spindle drive unit of the height adjuster according to the invention according to FIG. 2, and

[0046] FIG. 7: shows a further perspective view of the spindle drive unit according to FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Mutually corresponding parts are provided with the same reference signs in all of the figures.

[0048] A vehicle seat 100 which is illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 for the prior art is described below using three directions in space running perpendicularly to one another. When a vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle, a longitudinal direction x runs substantially horizontally and preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle which corresponds to the conventional direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x is likewise oriented horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A vertical direction z runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicularly to the transverse direction y. When a vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z runs parallel to the vertical axis of the vehicle.

[0049] The position details and direction details used, such as for example front, rear, top, bottom and transversely, relate to a viewing direction of an occupant sitting in a customary sitting position on a seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100, wherein the vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle in a use position suitable for conveying people and with an upright backrest 104, and is oriented as customary in the direction of travel. However, the vehicle seat 100 can also be installed in a different orientation, for example transversely with respect to the direction of travel. Unless described differently, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane running perpendicularly to the transverse direction y.

[0050] The vehicle seat 100 furthermore comprises a longitudinal adjuster with a left and right pair of rails 106, 108. The respective pair of rails 106, 108 comprises a floor rail 112, which is fastenable to a vehicle structure, for example to a vehicle floor, and an, in particular longitudinally adjustable, seat rail 110, which is adjustable relative to the floor rail 112. The seat rail 110 is connected, for example, to the seat part 102.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a height adjuster 200 according to the invention for a vehicle seat 100, wherein the height adjuster 200 comprises a rocker arrangement 210 and an underframe 300 having a spindle drive unit 400. The rocker arrangement 210 comprises two pairs of rockers 220.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows two pairs of rails 106, 108. The longitudinal adjuster also comprises an electric motor 114 which is arranged between said two pairs of rails 106, 108 and extends substantially in the transverse direction y. In the present case, the adjustment direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction x, but the adjustment direction may also be oriented at any angle with respect to the longitudinal direction x. An adjustment transmission 116 is accommodated in each pair of rails 106, 108. The adjustment transmission 116 is in each case accommodated within a channel which extends in the longitudinal direction x and is delimited by the pairs of rails 106, 108 and is open on the end side. The adjustment transmission 116 has in each case a rotationally fixed spindle and a spindle nut which is in engagement therewith, wherein the spindle nut is indirectly drivable by the electric motor 114.

[0053] A motor carrier 120 which extends substantially in the transverse direction y is arranged between the two pairs of rails 106, 108, in particular between the two seat rails 110. The motor carrier 120 is in each case fastened to the seat rail 110 and/or to the adjustment transmission 116.

[0054] The underframe 300 comprises a base frame 310 and a seat frame 320 which is adjustable relative to the base frame 310.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, the base frame 310 comprises two base elements 312 per pair of rails 106, 108. Alternatively, the base frame 310 can comprise a single-part base element 312. The base elements 312 can be L-shaped or U-shaped. The base elements 312 form base-holding elements for connecting the rocker arrangement 210 to the respective pair of rails 106, 108. Alternatively, the base frame 310 can be fastened to the vehicle floor. The base frame 310 can be designed in the form of a base plate.

[0056] The base elements 312 are each fastened to the respective seat rail 110. For example, the base elements 312 are screwed to the seat rail 110. The base elements 312 can be connected to the respective seat rail 110 in a force-fitting, integrally bonded and/or form-fitting manner.

[0057] The rear base element 312 on which one of the rear rockers 222 and the spindle drive unit 400 are rotatably mounted is substantially U-shaped. The rear base element 312 comprises two base sides 314, 316 which are opposite each other in parallel, and a base web 318 connecting the base sides 314, 316.

[0058] The rear rocker 222 is mounted rotatably on an inner base side 314. For example, the rear rocker 222 can be mounted rotatably on the inner base side 314 via a bearing element 230, which is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 3, for example in the form of a bearing bolt or bearing pin.

[0059] The spindle drive unit 400 is mounted rotatably on an outer base side 316. For example, the spindle drive unit 400 can be mounted rotatably on the outer base side 316 via a bearing element 410, for example in the form of a bearing bolt or bearing pin.

[0060] The seat frame 320 comprises two lateral frame parts 322, for example lateral seat frame parts. Furthermore, the seat frame 320 can comprise a front frame part 324, for example a front seat frame part. The lateral frame parts 322 are connected to one another via the optional front frame part 324. The optional front frame part 324 can alternatively also be designed as a transverse bar or a transverse tube. Furthermore, the seat frame 320 comprises a rear transverse crosspiece 326, for example a transverse bar or a transverse tube. The transverse crosspiece 326 connects the lateral frame parts 322.

[0061] The seat frame 320 is connected to the base frame 310 via the rocker arrangement 210.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a further perspective view of the height adjuster 200 according to the invention according to FIG. 2.

[0063] The rocker arrangement 210 comprises two pairs or rockers 220, in particular a front pair of rockers 220 and a rear pair of rockers 220. The pairs or rockers 220 each comprise two rockers 222. Each rocker 222, for example in the form of a lever arm, is connected to a base element 312. Each rocker 222 is mounted rotatably on a base element 312.

[0064] The rear pair of rockers 220, alternatively or optionally additionally also the second pair of rockers 220, can be arranged offset in the transverse direction y with respect to the spindle drive unit 400. The spindle drive unit 400 is accordingly located in the region of the rear pair of rockers 220.

[0065] The underframe 300 has a spring element 330 for pretensioning the seat frame 320 into a starting position. The spring element 330 can be formed by a torsion bar spring which is clamped in a manner substantially free from play in a connecting region of the transverse crossbar 326 on the frame part 322.

[0066] The rear pair of rockers 220 is connected at one end to the transverse crossbar 326 and at the other end to the base frame 310.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the height adjuster 200 according to the invention according to FIG. 2.

[0068] The underframe 300 comprises the base frame 310 which is connectable to a vehicle floor and the seat frame 320 which is adjustable relative to the base frame 310 and has two lateral frame parts 322 and optionally a front frame part 324, for example connecting the lateral frame parts 322. Furthermore, the underframe 300 comprises the spindle drive unit 400 for adjusting the seat frame 320 relative to the base frame 310, wherein the spindle drive unit 400 has a first bearing point 420, which is connected pivotably to the lateral frame part 322, and a second bearing point 430, which is connected pivotably to the base frame 310, in particular to a base element 312 of the base frame 310. Each of the bearing points 420, 430 defines a pivot axis 422, 432 which is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 5 and about which the spindle drive unit 400 is pivotable or rotatable.

[0069] The underframe 300 can have a four bar linkage mechanism which is actuable with the aid of the spindle drive mechanism according to the invention.

[0070] A characteristic feature of the underframe 300 is that the spindle drive unit 400 can be arranged completely on and/or along, i.e. that very substantially all of the components of the spindle drive unit 400 can be arranged on and/or along, a side surface of the frame part 322 of the seat frame 320. In order to receive the spindle drive unit 400, the frame part 322 comprises a corresponding receiving structure for receiving the spindle drive unit 400. The receiving structure can be designed in the form of a recess, inward curvature or outward curvature or bulge directed away from the spindle drive unit 400. In the region of the spindle drive unit 400, the frame part 322 can be deformed, bent or punched, for example inward, away from the spindle drive unit 400. The side surface of the frame part 322 can run flat in sections and can have the receiving structure in one section.

[0071] A characteristic feature of the spindle drive unit 400 is that the pivot axes 422, 432 of the bearing points 420, 430 are arranged spaced apart from one another and run parallel to one another. The pivot axes 422, 432 run parallel to a transverse axis. The spindle drive unit 400 can be mounted rotatably about the pivot axes 422, 432 relative to the seat frame 320 and to the base frame 310. This permits a simple height adjustment of the seat, with ergonomic requirements of a person sitting on the seat being able to be met. In addition, a simple and compact four bar linkage mechanism can thereby be formed.

[0072] The spindle drive unit 400 comprises a spindle 440, wherein a spindle axis 442, illustrated in FIG. 5, of the spindle 440 is arranged perpendicularly to the pivot axes 422, 432 defined by the bearing points 420, 430. The spindle 440 can define an adjustment direction. A transmission unit 450 of the spindle drive unit 400 can be moved along the spindle axis 442, with pivoting of the spindle drive unit 400 about the respective pivot axis 422, 432 of the bearing points 420, 430 being brought about. The seat frame 320 is adjusted here relative to the base frame 310.

[0073] The spindle axis 442 runs parallel to a vertical axis with regard to the illustrated starting position.

[0074] The spindle drive unit 400 accordingly comprises a transmission unit 450 for driving the spindle 440 and a holder 460 for receiving the transmission unit 450. The spindle drive unit 400 furthermore comprises a motor 470 which is coupled to the transmission unit 450 and extends parallel to the side surface of the frame part 322. Construction space can thereby be saved.

[0075] The transmission unit 450 can drive the spindle 440 perpendicularly to a transmission axis 452 of the transmission unit 450. The transmission axis 452 runs parallel to a longitudinal axis with regard to the illustrated starting position.

[0076] FIG. 5 shows a section along the line I-I in FIG. 4 of the height adjuster 200 according to the invention.

[0077] The pivot axes 422, 432 of the bearing points 420, 430 can be arranged spaced apart from one another and can run parallel to one another. The spindle drive unit 400 can be mounted rotatably about the pivot axes 422, 432 relative to the seat frame 320 and to the base frame 310.

[0078] The holder 460 has the first bearing point 420. One end of the spindle 440 forms the second bearing point 430. The bearing points 420, 430 each comprise a bearing element 410, 480 which is designed as a bolt. For example, the first bearing point 420 can comprise a bearing element 480 which is designed as a stepped bolt and which is arranged and mounted pivotably in a bearing opening 340 of the frame part 322.

[0079] A protruding first end 482 of the bearing element 480, in particular of the stepped bolt, can be fastened to the frame part 322 by a nut 350. The protruding end 482 of the stepped bolt can have an external thread and the nut 350 an internal thread. A bearing bushing 360 can be arranged in the bearing opening 340. The bearing element 480 which is designed as a stepped bolt is held in a form-fitting and rotatable manner in the bearing opening 340 by the bearing bushing 360. The bearing element 480 has a flange portion 486 at a second end 484 opposite the protruding end 482. The second end 484 is connected to the holder 460. In particular, the second end 484 is guided through a receiving opening formed in the holder 460, with the flange portion 486 being supported on an inner side of the holder 460. For example, the flange portion 486 can be connected inside the holder 460 to the transmission unit 450, for example in an integrally bonded, force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

[0080] The end of the spindle 440 is mounted rotatably on the base frame 310, in particular on the U-shaped base element 312, via the associated bearing element 410. The bearing element 410 is held rotatably in a receiving opening in the base element 312.

[0081] The holder 460 is substantially U-shaped or C-shaped, with the transmission unit 450 being received between two limbs 462 of the holder 460. The bearing element 480 which is connected to the frame part 322 comprises a web 464 connecting the limbs 462. The spindle 440 runs perpendicularly to the limbs 462, wherein each of the limbs 462 has an associated opening for the passage of the spindle 440. Alternatively, the holder 460 can be L-shaped, for example. For example, the holder 460 can have a first holding side connected to the frame part 322 and a holding side connected to the transmission unit 450.

[0082] The transmission unit 450 is fixed to the holder 460 by a connecting element 490. The connecting element 490 can be a screw element, a rivet element, a bolt element or a pin element. The connecting element 490 is fastened to the limbs 462 of the holder 460.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a spindle drive unit 400 of the height adjuster 200 according to the invention according to FIG. 2, and FIG. 7 shows a further perspective view of the spindle drive unit 400 according to FIG. 6.

[0084] The spindle drive unit 400 is mounted directly on the seat frame 320, for example on a seat cushion frame, by a bearing element 480, in particular a stepped bolt, a bearing bushing 360 and a nut 350.

[0085] One end of the spindle 440 is coupled by a further bearing element 410 to the base frame 310, for example in the form of a rail holder or a vehicle floor holder.

[0086] The spindle drive unit 400 has a transmission unit 450 which is driven by a motor 470 which is accommodated in a holder 460, for example in the form of a C bow or a U bow.

[0087] The transmission unit 450 is fixed to the holder 460 by a connecting element 490. The transmission unit 450 drives the spindle 440 up and down perpendicularly to the transmission axis 452.

[0088] The bearing element 480 can be welded to the holder 460 and can serve as a rotation point for the spindle drive unit 400 while it is being actuated in an upward direction and downward direction.

[0089] The spindle drive unit 400 is mounted directly on the seat frame with just two bearing points, as a result of which the number of components, the complexity and the costs are reduced.

[0090] Since the motor 470 for the transmission unit 450 is mounted from the outside along the frame part 322, for example along a longitudinal member of a seat frame, a minimal number of components have to be accommodated inside the seat frame.

[0091] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the figures may be of significance both individually and in combination for implementing the invention in its various configurations to the extent that they remain within the scope of protection of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0092] 100 Vehicle seat [0093] 102 Seat part [0094] 104 Backrest [0095] 106 Pair of rails [0096] 108 Pair of rails [0097] 110 Seat rail [0098] 112 Floor rail [0099] 114 Electric motor [0100] 116 Adjustment transmission [0101] 120 Motor carrier [0102] 200 Height adjuster [0103] 210 Rocker arrangement [0104] 220 Pair of rockers [0105] 222 Rocker [0106] 230 Bearing element [0107] 300 Underframe [0108] 310 Base frame [0109] 312 Base element [0110] 314, 316 Base side [0111] 318 Base web [0112] 320 Seat frame [0113] 322 Frame part [0114] 324 Frame part [0115] 326 Transverse crosspiece [0116] 330 Spring element [0117] 340 Bearing opening [0118] 350 Nut [0119] 360 Bearing bushing [0120] 400 Spindle drive unit [0121] 410 Bearing element [0122] 420 Bearing point [0123] 422 Pivot axis [0124] 430 Bearing point [0125] 432 Pivot axis [0126] 440 Spindle [0127] 442 Spindle axis [0128] 450 Transmission unit [0129] 452 Transmission axis [0130] 460 Holder [0131] 462 Limb [0132] 464 Web [0133] 470 Motor [0134] 480 Bearing element [0135] 482 End [0136] 484 End [0137] 486 Flange portion [0138] 490 Connection element [0139] x Longitudinal direction [0140] y Transverse direction [0141] z Vertical direction