DRIVE DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING AN INTERIOR ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

A drive device for adjusting an interior assembly of a vehicle includes an electromotive adjustment drive configured to adjust the interior assembly and a controller configured to control the adjustment drive. The controller is further configured to control the adjustment drive in a servo operation for providing a supporting force during a manual adjustment of the interior assembly by a user.

Claims

1. A drive device for adjusting an interior assembly of a vehicle, comprising: an electromotive adjustment drive for adjusting the interior assembly and a controller configured to control the adjustment drive, wherein is the controller is further configured to control the adjustment drive in a servo operation for providing a supporting force during a manual adjustment of the interior assembly by a user.

2. The driver device of claim 1, wherein the driver device includes an inhibiting device configured to inhibit an adjusting movement of the interior assembly in a locked position, the control device being further configured to transfer the inhibiting device from the locked position to an unlocked position for adjusting the interior assembly.

3. The driver device of claim 1, wherein the driver device further includes an output element operatively connected to the adjustment drive, wherein the inhibiting device is operatively connected to the output element in order to lock the output element against adjustment in the locked position and to release it for adjustment in the unlocked position.

4. The driver device of claim 1, wherein the interior assembly is a vehicle seat or an assembly of a vehicle seat.

5. The driver device of claim 4, wherein the interior assembly is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis or displaceable along a longitudinal direction.

6. The driver device of claim 5, wherein the interior assembly includes an operating element configured to be operable by a user to adjust the interior assembly.

7. to the driver device of claim 6, wherein the operating element is formed by a pushbutton to be actuated mechanically.

8. The driver device of claim 7, wherein the interior assembly includes a sensor configured to detect a contact, an approach, an acceleration or a movement speed at the interior assembly, wherein the controller is configured to evaluate a detection signal of the sensor to identify an adjustment request of a user.

9. The driver device of claim 8, wherein the driver device further includes a interior monitoring device, wherein the controller is further configured to evaluate a detection signal of the interior monitoring device for detecting an adjustment request of a user.

10. The driver device of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to evaluate a detection signal for detecting a predetermined gesture and, when the predetermined gesture is detected, conclude an adjustment request.

11. The driver device of claim 10, wherein the controller is further configured to activate an adjustment mode to adjust the interior assembly in servo operation as a function of at least one trigger criterion.

12. The driver device of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to evaluate as a trigger criterion an occupancy state of the interior assembly, an opening state of a vehicle door, or a driving state of the vehicle.

13. The driver device of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to drive the adjustment drive with a pulse-width modulated current signal upon or after activation of the adjustment mode.

14. The driver device of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to adapt to control the adjustment drive in the adjustment mode for providing a supporting force in a manual adjustment of the interior assembly by a user in response to an adjustment request of a user is detected after activating the adjustment mode.

15. The driver device of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to generate an indication signal as an indication of the adjustment mode for output to a user after activation of the adjustment mode.

16. The driver device of claim 15, wherein the controller includes a servo controller configured to determine a setpoint in dependence on a load acting on the interior assembly.

17. The drive device of claim 16, wherein the controller includes a current controller configured to control a current of the adjustment drive, wherein the current controller is further configured to adapt to control the current of the adjustment drive based on the setpoint supplied by the servo controller.

18. The driver device of claim 16, wherein the controller includes a load calculation configured to calculate a load acting on the interior assembly as a function of an angle of inclination of the vehicle measured about a vehicle longitudinal axis (X), an angle of inclination of a pivot axis of the interior assembly measured about the vehicle longitudinal axis (X), an angle of inclination of the vehicle measured about a vehicle transverse axis (Y), an angle of inclination of the pivot axis of the interior assembly measured about the vehicle transverse axis (Y), or a position of the interior assembly.

19. The driver device of claim 18, wherein the servo controller is further configured to determine a target force to be provided by the adjustment drive on the basis of a load acting on the interior assembly and a target force value to be applied by a user.

20. The driver device of claim 19, wherein the load acting on the interior assembly is determined by utilizing a static load force acting on the interior assembly and a dynamic load force acting on the interior assembly.

21. The driver device of claim 20, wherein the target force is determined by a force balance of the static load force, the dynamic load force and a user force resulting from the target force value to
F.sub.set=F.sub.stat+F.sub.dyn?F.sub.user, where F.sub.set is the nominal force, F.sub.stat is the static load force, F.sub.dyn is the dynamic load force, and F.sub.user is the user force.

22. to the driver device of claim 21, wherein the servo-controller is configured to determine the setpoint value on the basis of the setpoint force to be provided by the adjustment drive.

23. The driver device of claim 22, wherein the current controller is configured to adjust the current of the adjustment drive using pulse width modulation.

24. A drive device according to claim 23, wherein the current control module is designed to control the current of the adjustment drive on the basis of the supplied setpoint value and the resulting actual motor current.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] The idea underlying the disclosure will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. They show:

[0081] FIG. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle with interior assemblies in the form of vehicle seats;

[0082] FIG. 2 a schematic top view of a vehicle;

[0083] FIG. 3A a view illustrating a slope angle of a vehicle;

[0084] FIG. 3B a view illustrating a tilt angle of a vehicle;

[0085] FIG. 4 a functional view of a control device of a drive device;

[0086] FIG. 5 a graphical view of an adjustment force to be applied by a user over an adjustment path of an interior assembly in a servo operation mode;

[0087] FIG. 6 a schematic view of a drive device for adjusting an interior assembly, for example a vehicle seat;

[0088] FIG. 7 a schematic view of a vehicle seat with sensor devices arranged thereon and an interior monitoring device;

[0089] FIG. 8 a schematic view of an interior assembly in the form of a vehicle seat, designed for electric motor-assisted adjustment of a backrest relative to a seat part of the vehicle seat;

[0090] FIG. 9A a schematic view of an interior assembly in the form of a vehicle seat configured for electric motor-assisted adjustment of the vehicle seat to provide an easy-entry function; and

[0091] FIG. 9B the interior assemblies shown in FIG. 9A, in an adjusted position.

[0092] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1 which forms an interior enclosed by a vehicle body 10, in which various interior assemblies are arranged, for example in the form of vehicle seats 11 and console elements 12, and in addition possibly further interior assemblies such as, for example, monitors, partitions, shelves, storage compartments or the like.

[0093] In the context of new interior concepts, for example in connection with autonomous driving vehicles, interior assemblies 11, 12 can be adjustable in a variable manner in the interior of a vehicle 1.

[0094] For example, an interior assembly 11 in the form of a vehicle seat may be adjustable in a variable manner to adjust the vehicle seat along an adjustment plane defined by a longitudinal direction X of the vehicle and a transverse direction Y of the vehicle, and also to rotate the vehicle seat about a vertical direction Z if necessary, as can be seen from FIG. 1 when viewed together with FIG. 2. In addition, assemblies of the vehicle seat, for example the backrest 112, may be adjustable to adjust the position of the respective assembly. For example, the backrest 112 may be adjustable in its inclination. In addition, the seat assembly 111 may be adjustable in its height position and also in its tilt position.

[0095] In the case of an interior assembly 11, 12, there is a fundamental desire for convenient, intuitive, haptically pleasant adjustment by a user. If possible, the user should be able to adjust the interior quickly and precisely, and the amount of force required for this should be limited.

[0096] As shown schematically in FIG. 1, a drive device 2 is provided for adjusting an interior assembly 11, 12, which is connected to a control device 3. The drive device 2 is designed as an electric motor and can be operated to move an associated interior assembly 11, 12 between different positions by means of an electric motor.

[0097] In principle, each interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted or a subassembly of an interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted, for example the backrest 112 of a vehicle seat, can be assigned its own electromotive drive device 2, wherein the drive devices 2 can be connected to a common control device 3, for example, so that the control device 3 jointly controls the drive devices 2 for adjusting the assigned interior assembly and 11, 12.

[0098] Using the drive device 2, an associated interior assembly 11, 12 can be adjusted along a defined movement path. For example, a vehicle seat can be displaced along the vehicle longitudinal direction X along a movement path defined by guide rails relative to a vehicle floor. A backrest part 112 may also be pivotable about a defined pivot axis 110 relative to the seat part 111.

[0099] However, it is also conceivable that an interior assembly 11, 12 can be moved freely along a vehicle floor of the vehicle 1 and can thus be freely adjusted in the interior and, for example, locked at defined anchor points in the interior. In this respect, it is not mandatory to provide, for example, guide rails for defining a fixed, predetermined path of movement.

[0100] One (each) drive device 2 can, for example, be operated in an automatic mode and a servo operation and can thus effect automatic adjustment of the respectively assigned interior assembly 11, 12 or manual adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 by a user, but supported by the drive device 2 by means of an electric motor. For this purpose, the drive device 2 can, for example, be switchable between different operating modes, with the adjustment drive 20 being controlled in different ways depending on the operating mode set in each case.

[0101] Whereas in automatic mode a control is to be effected, for example, to a predetermined rotational speed in order to move the interior assembly 11, 12 between different positions at a predetermined adjustment speed, in servo operation a force is to be provided by the adjustment drive 20 which causes a user force to be additionally applied by a user to adjust the interior assembly 11, 12. The user force to be applied by the user may be at least approximately the same over the adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 or follow a desired curve in order to allow the user a comfortable, haptically pleasant adjustment.

[0102] FIGS. 3A and 3B show (in representations exaggerated for illustrative purposes) different vehicle positions and resulting positions of an interior assembly 11 in the form of a vehicle seat inside the vehicle 1.

[0103] FIG. 3A shows a vehicle 1 that is parked on a slope with an incline, for example, and accordingly has an angle of slope ?? between the vehicle's vertical axis Z and a vertical line (determined by the direction of gravity). The slope angle ? of the vehicle 1 is measured about the vehicle transverse axis Y (see FIG. 2B).

[0104] In contrast, FIG. 3B shows a vehicle 1 that is inclined about the vehicle longitudinal axis X (see FIG. 3A). In this case, the vehicle vertical axis Z has an angle of inclination ???? to the vertical measured around the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle.

[0105] As will be explained below, the vehicle position is included in the calculation of the force to be provided by the actuator 20 in the servo operation mode to assist a user in adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0106] A controller (i.e. control device) 3 shown in FIG. 4 in an embodiment example for controlling the adjustment drive 20 of the drive device 2 has different control modules which, depending on the operating mode, serve to adjust a current (corresponding to the motor current) of the adjustment drive 20 designed as an electric motor in such a way that an adjustment of an interior assembly 11, 12 takes place in a desired manner depending on the operating mode, namely in automatic mode with a desired adjustment speed and in servo operation in a force-supported manner.

[0107] The control device 3 implements a current control module 34, to which a setpoint I.sub.cmd is supplied, whereby, depending on the operating mode, the current control module 34 receives the setpoint I.sub.cmd from a speed control module 32 or a servo control module 31.

[0108] The speed control module 32 is used in this case to specify the setpoint I.sub.cmd in an automatic mode in such a way that a desired speed results at the variable speed drive 20 and correspondingly a desired variable speed v at the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0109] In contrast, the servo control module 31 serves to specify the setpoint I.sub.cmd in such a way that a manual adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 is supported in servo operation with a force that is set in such a way that the additional force to be applied by a user may be at least approximately the same over the adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 or follows a desired curve.

[0110] The speed control module 32 controls the speed of the variable speed drive 20 in automatic mode. A setpoint speed n.sub.cmd is fed to the speed control module 32 via an input 320, whereby the setpoint speed n.sub.cmd is stored in a memory, for example, and is thus fixed (as a constant value or as a speed curve over the adjustment path), but can also be adapted by a user if necessary. Depending on the setpoint speed n.sub.cmd and the speed actually occurring at the variable speed drive 20 in closed-loop operation, the speed control module 32 determines a setpoint value I.sub.cmd, which it supplies to the current control module 34.

[0111] In automatic mode, the speed control module 32 is connected to the current control module 34 via a switching device 33 by switching the switching device 33 to a switching point 330. The setpoint I.sub.cmd output from the speed control module 32 is thus supplied to the current control module 34, so that the current control module 34 can perform current control based on the setpoint I.sub.cmd received from the speed control module 32.

[0112] The switching device 33 can be physically implemented by a mechanical switch. Advantageously, however, the switching device 33 is implemented in software terms by the software of the control device 3. Likewise, the modules of the control device 3 are may be implemented by software modules.

[0113] The switching device 33 is controlled, for example, via a control module 36 of the control device 3.

[0114] Current control is performed in the current control module 34. The current control module 34 controls the current of the variable speed drive 20 such that it is set to the setpoint value 34 supplied to the current control module 34. The current control module 34 adjusts the current using a voltage set point U.sub.cmd in the form of a load factor (between 0% and 100%) by supplying the voltage set point U.sub.cmd to a pulse width modulation 35, which generates an output voltage based on the vehicle battery voltage U.sub.Bat and the voltage set point U.sub.cmd and supplies it to the adjustment drive 20. The pulse width modulation 35 may operate at a comparatively high frequency, in particular at a frequency between 5 kHz and 30 kHz, for example 20 KHz. Based on the setpoint I.sub.cmd and the actual resulting current I of the actuator 21, the control value U.sub.cmd is adjusted so that the motor current I is regulated to the setpoint I.sub.cmd.

[0115] In automatic mode, control thus takes place in the form of cascade control, in which the speed control module 32 determines an actuating value in the form of a setpoint I.sub.cmd and supplies it to the downstream current control module 34 for current control.

[0116] By switching the switching device 33 to the switching point 331, it is possible to switch to a servo operation in which a setpoint I.sub.cmd is now supplied to the current control module 34 from the servo control module 31, but not from the speed control module 32. On the basis of the setpoint value received from the servo-control module 31, current control is then performed in such a way that the force provided by the adjustment drive 20 assists a user in adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12 and the user has to apply a user force that may be largely uniform over the adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 for the electromotively assisted adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0117] Determination of the setpoint I.sub.cmd by the servo control module 31 is performed as a function of a load acting on the interior assembly 11, 12, which is calculated by a load calculation module 30 as a function of the vehicle position and, for example, a position of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0118] This can be explained, for example, by means of an adjustment in the form of a rotary movement about the vehicle vertical axis Z of an interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of a vehicle seat. Such a rotary movement results in loads on the interior assembly 11, 12 influenced by the vehicle inclination and the vehicle slope, which are taken into account when determining the setpoint I.sub.cmd.

[0119] The load acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 is basically determined by a static load force and a dynamic load force.

[0120] For a rotation about the vehicle vertical axis Z, a static load torque acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 is determined in particular on the basis of a torque resulting from gravity about the vehicle vertical axis Z and additionally on the basis of a frictional torque acting in the bearing of the interior assembly 11. The static torque, referred to as the static load torque, is thus obtained as follows

M.sub.stat=M.sub.inclination*cos(?)+M.sub.slope?M.sub.R,

[0121] where M.sub.stat denotes the static load moment, M.sub.inclination denotes an inclination moment resulting due to a vehicle inclination, M.sub.slope denotes an slope moment resulting due to a vehicle slope, and M.sub.R denotes a friction moment in the bearing of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0122] It should be noted that the term cos ??) in the above equation is only present if the inclination/slope angles are determined according to DIN ISO 8855 (corresponding to the Euler angle, which results from a roll angle, slope angle and yaw angle). If the inclination angle is measured (absolute), the term cos ??) is omitted.

[0123] The slope moment and the inclination moment are calculated as follows:

M.sub.slope=x.sub.sp*m*g*sin(?)*sin(?)

M.sub.inclination=x.sub.sp*m*g*sin(?)*cos(?)

[0124] The values used in these equations represent: [0125] ? current rotation angle [? ]Offset angle [0126] x.sub.SP distance center of gravityrotation axis [m] [0127] m mass of interior assembly group [kg] [0128] g gravity accelartaion [m/s.sup.2] [0129] ? slope rotation axis [0130] ? inclination rotation axis [? ] [0131] M.sub.R friction moment [Nm]

[0132] The angles ?, ? are ? illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The distance x.sub.SP between the center of gravity SP of the interior assembly 11 and the axis of rotation of the interior assembly 11, 12 is drawn in FIG. 2 as an example. The slope of the vehicle 1 and the inclination of the vehicle 1 as well as the current position of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be sensed by sensors 301, 302, 303, and accordingly measured values are fed to the load calculation module 30.

[0133] When determining the static load moment, an occupancy by a user or by objects can also be taken into accountfor example when the interior assembly 11, 12 is designed as a vehicle seat. In this case, the mass of the interior assembly 11, 12 changes in particular. A force acting due to an occupancy can, for example, be determined at least approximately on the basis of a sensor signal of a sensor device of the interior assembly 11, 12 and included in the calculation of the load torque.

[0134] In addition to the static load moment, a dynamic load moment acts when the interior assembly 11, 12 moves, which is calculated as follows:

M.sub.dyn={umlaut over (?)}*I*c

[0135] {umlaut over (?)}denotes the acceleration of interior assembly 11, 12. The acceleration of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be determined from a change in the adjustment angle ?? about the axis of rotation. Alternatively, however, the acceleration can also be calculated from the adjustment speed v of the interior assembly 11, 12 that is supplied to the servo control module 31 during operation.

[0136] In the above equation, I stands for the inertia of the interior assembly 11. The factor c enables dynamic haptics to be set and can assume values between 0% and 100%. When c=100%, a change in dynamic response to acceleration of the interior assembly 11 is essentially compensated for by the motor. If c=0%, a user may apply a change in force himself during acceleration.

[0137] In addition to such static and dynamic load forces, there is a torque on the interior assembly 11, 12 caused by the user force at the point of application on the interior assembly 11, 12. The user torque in this case is given by

M.sub.user=F.sub.user*I.sub.grip

with [0138] F.sub.user desired operation force [N] [0139] I.sub.Grip distance engagement positionpivotal axis [m] [0140] M.sub.user moment generated by user [Nm]

[0141] The distance I.sub.Grip between an engagement position at which a user engages an interior assembly 11, 12 as intended and which can correspond, for example, to the position of an operating element on the interior assembly 11, 12, and the axis of rotation of the interior assembly 11, 12 pointing along the vehicle vertical direction Z is shown schematically in FIG. 2.

[0142] Based on the static load torque, the dynamic load torque and the user torque, a force balance in the form of a torque balance can be established to determine a target load torque to be provided by the variable speed drive 20. The moment balance is calculated as follows:

M.sub.set=M.sub.stat+M.sub.dyn?M.sub.user

[0143] M.sub.set denotes the torque to be provided by the drive device 2 at the rotary axis. From this, the servo-control module 31 calculates the torque to be provided by the positioning drive 20, taking into account a transmission ratio of the drive device 2 to

M.sub.set_drive=M.sub.set*?.sub.lever

[0144] ?lever designates the transmission ratio of the kinematics of the drive device 2 for translating an adjustment force provided by the drive device 2 at the location of an electromotive adjustment drive into an adjustment force at the location of the rotational axis of the interior assembly 11, 12. ?lever can be dependend on ? and can be stored in the system, for example, in the form of a look-up table.

[0145] The setpoint torque of the electromotive variable speed drive is calculated from the setpoint torque of the actuator, taking into account the motor efficiency and a transmission ratio of a motor gearbox to

[00001]$M_{\mathrm{Set\_motor}}=\frac{M_{\mathrm{Set\_drive}}}{{?}_{\mathrm{motor}}*{\stackrel{.Math.}{u}}_{\mathrm{gear}}}$$\mathrm{with}$$\begin{array}{cc}{?}_{\mathrm{motor}}& \mathrm{transmission}\mathrm{efficiency}\left[\right]\\ {\stackrel{.Math.}{u}}_{\mathrm{gear}}& \mathrm{gear}\mathrm{transmission}\left[\right]\end{array}$

[0146] The motor current is basically proportional to the motor torque, so that the setpoint value can be calculated from the setpoint motor torque M.sub.set_motor as follows:

[00002]$I_{\mathrm{set\_motor}}=\frac{M_{\mathrm{Set\_motor}}}{\mathrm{Kt}}+I_o$$\mathrm{with}$$\begin{array}{cc}{K}_t& \mathrm{Motor}\mathrm{constant}\left[\mathrm{Nm}/A\right]\\ I_o& \mathrm{Motor}\mathrm{idle}\mathrm{current}\left[A\right]\end{array}$

[0147] This value is supplied as the setpoint I.sub.cmd from the servo control module 31 to the current control module 34 in servo operation mode.

[0148] For another adjustment, for example for a longitudinal and/or transverse adjustment of an interior assembly 11, 12 along a vehicle floor, i.e. along an adjustment plane spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction X and the vehicle transverse direction Y, a similar system of equations results in which the load on the interior assembly 11, 12 depends on the inclination and slope of the vehicle 1, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0149] In servo operation mode, the setpoint I.sub.cmd is thus determined by taking into account load forces acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 in such a way that a force to be applied by the user over the adjustment path of the interior assembly 11 is the same or follows a desired curve. Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, an at least approximately uniform user force F results over an adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 (recorded in FIG. 5 over an adjustment angle), which can be set to a predetermined value, for example 10 N. A user must therefore apply a controlled, uniform user force of, for example, 10 N over the adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 in order to bring about smooth, electric motor-assisted adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0150] FIG. 6 schematically shows a view of an embodiment of a drive device 2, which is designed for electromotive adjustment of an associated interior assembly 11, 12 and, in particular in a servo operation, enables manual, but electromotively assisted adjustment of the associated interior assembly 11, 12.

[0151] The drive device 2 has an electromotive adjustment drive 20 in the form of an electric motor which is operatively connected to a gear unit 21. The gear 21 is used to drive an output element 23, which acts on a gear element 24 and, above it, on an adjustment assembly 25 for adjusting the associated interior assembly 11, 12.

[0152] For example, the output member 23 may be formed by a worm having worm teeth formed therein which mesh with a gear member 24 in the form of a spindle nut. The spindle nut 24 may, for example, be arranged on an adjustment assembly 25 in the form of a spindle, so that by driving the spindle nut 24 a longitudinal adjustment may be effected between the spindle nut 24 and the spindle 25 and thus an associated interior assembly 11, 12 may be longitudinally adjusted. Such an adjustment kinematics can be realized, for example, in a longitudinal adjustment device of an interior assembly 11, 12, for example in the form of a vehicle seat.

[0153] To provide a servo operation, the adjustment drive 20 with the gear 21 and the adjustment kinematics provided via the output element 23, the gear element 24 and the adjustment assembly 25 is, for example, not self-locking. An associated interior assembly 11, 12 can thus be adjusted manually while the adjustment kinematics of the drive device 2 are also moved.

[0154] In order to be able to effect a locking of the interior assembly 11, 12 in a position which has just been assumed, the drive device 2 in the embodiment shown has an inhibiting device 22 in the form of a brake which is operatively connected to the output element 23 and serves to lock the output element 23 and, above it, the associated interior assembly 11, 12 in a locked position.

[0155] If an adjustment process is initiated, in the course of which a user manually adjusts the interior assembly 11, 12 with electric motor assistance from the drive device 2, the locking device 22 is released from the locked position to an unlocked position. The locking of the interior assembly 11, 12 is thus released, so that an adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be carried out.

[0156] In principle, it should be possible for a user to adjust the interior assembly 11, 12 conveniently by a user engaging the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted and moving it under manual force, the adjustment being supported by an electric motor and, in servo operation of the drive device 2, a user thus only having to apply a comparatively small adjustment force, but an adjustment force required in addition being provided by the drive device 2 in an electric-motor manner. The adjustment process is initiated when a user's desire for adjustment is detected, for example, by detecting whether a user is acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 in a way that indicates a desire for adjustment.

[0157] In one embodiment, the interior assembly 11, 12, as shown schematically in FIG. 7, can have an operating element 13 in the form of a button that is to be actuated by a user in order to initiate an adjustment process. Adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12, for example of a vehicle seat, can be possible here, for example, as long as the user actuates the operating element 13 and keeps it pressed. Alternatively, the adjustment mode can be started after a single actuation, whereby the adjustment mode is automatically ended, for example, after a predetermined time or after a predetermined time following a successful adjustment action.

[0158] Additionally or alternatively, an operating element 14 in the form of a switch can be arranged, for example, centrally in the vehicle interior, for example on a center console. Actuating the operating element 14 can start an adjustment mode for one, several or all interior assemblies 11, 12, so that the interior assemblies 11, 12 can be adjusted in a servo-assisted manner.

[0159] In addition or alternatively to an operating element 13, 14, sensor devices 113-118 for detecting an adjustment request can be arranged on the interior assembly 11, as shown schematically in FIG. 7. Such sensor devices 113-118 can be designed in different ways and arranged at different locations on the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted. The sensor devices 113-118 can be assigned to different subassemblies of the interior assembly 11, 12 in this case, so that an adjustment request for the interior assembly 11, 12 as a whole or a subassembly of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be detected via the sensor devices 113-118.

[0160] For example, sensor devices 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 in the form of proximity sensors or tactile touch sensors can be arranged at different locations on the backrest part 112 and/or on the seat part 111 of the interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of the vehicle seat. Via such sensor devices 113-117, it can thus be detected whether a user with a body part approaches the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted and acts on the interior assembly 11, 12 in order to adjust it, if necessary.

[0161] In the example shown in FIG. 7, sensor devices 113, 114 are arranged offset in height at the rear of the backrest section 112. In contrast, a sensor device 115 is located on a headrest arranged at the upper end of the backrest section 112. A sensor device 116 is arranged at the front of the backrest section 112. A sensor device 117 is arranged on the seat part 111. All sensor devices 113-117 can be designed, for example, as proximity sensors, for example in the form of capacitive sensors, or as tactile touch sensors, it being conceivable that the sensor devices 113-117 are designed in the same way or implement different functional principles.

[0162] Detection signals of the sensor devices 113-117 can be evaluated jointly or separately. For example, if a signal is detected at the rear of the backrest section 112 via the sensor devices 113, 114, this can be interpreted as an adjustment request to swivel the backrest section 112 forward. In contrast, if a signal is detected at the sensor device 115 on the headrest, this can be interpreted as an adjustment request to adjust the headrest. If a signal is detected at the sensor device 116 arranged at the front of the backrest section 112, this can be interpreted as an adjustment request for swiveling back the backrest section 112.

[0163] The sensor device 117 can be used, for example, to detect seat occupancy by a user in order to adjust a force to be provided by the drive device 2 for servo assistance, if necessary, depending on whether an adjustment is to be made with the user on the seat or without the user.

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor device 118 in the form of an acceleration sensor or a speed sensor can be arranged on the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted, with which an acceleration or an adjustment speed can be detected at the interior assembly 11, 12. If a user grips the interior assembly 11, 12 and adjusts it within the scope of the system elasticity present at the interior assembly 11, 12, this can be evaluated and used to detect a request for adjustment.

[0165] Again, in addition or alternatively, an interior monitoring device 119, for example in the form of a camera, a radar system or a lidar system, can be provided in the vehicle 1 to enable interior monitoring of the interior of the vehicle. By image-based evaluation of signals detected via the interior monitoring device 119, a user movement can be evaluated and detected in order to conclude an adjustment request.

[0166] For example, using sensor devices 113-118 and/or an interior monitoring device 119, a user gesture may be detected and interpreted as an adjustment request. For example, one or more user gestures may be predetermined that a user must perform to initiate an adjustment process for adjusting an interior assembly 11, 12. For example, such a gesture may be defined by a movement of a particular body part, for example a user's hand, with a predetermined movement pattern, for example along a particular direction of movement.

[0167] For example, such a gesture may consist of a tapping motion on a backrest portion 112 of a vehicle seat. If a user taps the backrest part 112 twice with the flat of his hand, for example, this can be interpreted as an adjustment request for advancing the vehicle seat or for pivoting the backrest part 112 forward, whereby different gestures are generally defined for different adjustment processes.

[0168] A gesture recognition may start an adjustment mode for adjusting one or more interior assemblies 11, 12, wherein multiple interior assemblies 11, 12 may be moved together. The adjustment mode may be terminated after a predetermined time, for example. Alternatively, the adjustment mode may be terminated after a predetermined time following a last adjustment action. Again alternatively, the adjustment mode may be terminated by a termination gesture to be performed by a user.

[0169] To reduce the requirements for a sensor system to detect an adjustment request and to simplify the initiation of servo operation, it may also be provided that the adjustment mode for adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12 is activated in response to one or more trigger criteria.

[0170] Such trigger criteria can be, for example, the occupancy state of an interior assembly 11, 12, for example a vehicle seat, an opening state of a vehicle door, in particular a vehicle side door or a tailgate, or a driving state of the vehicle. Such trigger criteria can be checked as positive criteria and cause the adjustment mode to be activated. However, such trigger criteria can also be checked as negative criteria (exclusion criteria) and cause the adjustment mode to be started only if such a negative criterion is not given.

[0171] For example, the opening state of a vehicle door can be queried as a positive criterion. For example, the adjustment mode can be activated when a vehicle side door or the tailgate is opened, in which case the adjustment mode is activated for an interior assembly 11, 12 in the area of the opened vehicle side door or tailgate, for example.

[0172] For example, the occupancy state or a driving state of the vehicle can be queried as a negative criterion. For example, activation of the adjustment mode can only be possible if an interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of a vehicle seat is not occupied or if the vehicle is not moving, i.e. at a standstill.

[0173] When the adjustment mode is activated in the presence of a trigger criterion or in the presence of a predetermined combination of trigger criteria, it may be provided that the inhibiting device 22 is unlocked and thus a detection of the interior assembly 11, 12, is cancelled. In addition, for example, the actuator 20 is initially energized with a low energy pulse width modulation to hold the interior assembly 11, 12 in position, for example, while compensating for a gravitational force. If a movement of the interior assembly 11, 12 is then detected, for example by means of a movement detection using Hall sensors on the interior assembly 11, 12, an adjustment request of a user is concluded and the servo operation is started, in that a further adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 is supported electromotively by the adjustment drive 20 in servo operation.

[0174] The current supply when the adjustment mode is activated can be low-energy in such a way that the interior assembly 11, 12 is held in position by an electric motor, but does not initially move. Alternatively, the energization can be such that the interior assembly 11, 12 is caused to move slowly when activated, and the movement can be alternating in different directions of movement by alternating energization. A value for the current flow when the adjustment mode is activated can be predefined by configuration, can be calibrated during production, or can be set adaptively at the start of each adjustment mode.

[0175] A user's adjustment request can be made by simple motion detection at the interior assembly 11, 12 when the adjustment mode is activated. Alternatively, a certain movement behavior at the interior assembly 11, 12 can be assumed and monitored for the start of the servo operation. For example, the servo operation is started when the user performs a predetermined shaking motion or a nudging motion on the interior assembly 11, 12, which is identified accordingly by the control device 3.

[0176] When the adjustment mode is activated, the control device 3 may also be configured to generate an indication signal for a user such that the user is alerted that the adjustment mode has been activated for a particular interior assembly 11, 12 and thus can be adjusted in servo operation. Such an indication may be provided by triggering the adjustment actuator 20 for a slow movement of the interior assembly 11, 12 that is perceptible by a user when the adjustment mode is activated. Alternatively, the control device 3 may provide a signal to, for example, an audio system of the vehicle to alert the user to the servo operation. Again alternatively, the control device 3 may control the actuator 20, for example, to generate a predetermined sound, for example, to play music.

[0177] A drive device 2 of the type described can be used for electric motor-assisted adjustment in servo operation in a wide variety of applications.

[0178] In one application, shown schematically in FIG. 8, the drive device 2 can be designed, for example, for adjusting a backrest 112 relative to a seat part 111 of a vehicle seat 11 with the assistance of an electric motor. In this case, the drive device 2 can in particular provide electromotive support for pivoting the backrest 112 about a pivot axis 110 relative to the seat part 111 in servo operation.

[0179] In this case, it can be provided that the drive device 2 supports in particular an uprighting of the backrest 112 in a swivel direction V from a pre-folded position 112 (shown in FIG. 8 in dashed lines) by electric motor. In contrast, a folding forward of the backrest 112 in a swivel direction V is not supported by the drive device 2 by electric motor, for example, but is performed manually in a gravity-assisted manner.

[0180] In another application, shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the drive device 2 may be configured for electric motor-assisted adjustment of a vehicle seat 11 to provide an easy-entry function. The vehicle seat 11 is arranged in a normal use position, shown in FIG. 9A, on a floor assembly 15 and is locked to the floor assembly 15 via a locking device 151 in the form of an interlocking lock in the region of a rear support of the vehicle seat 11. To provide an easy-entry function, the vehicle seat 11 can be pivoted forward as a whole in a direction of movement A1, and in addition, if necessary, the backrest 112 can also be pivoted forward in a direction of movement A2 with respect to the seat part 111 as part of the easy-entry function. If access to a row of seats located behind the vehicle seat 11 is to be facilitated, a user can access the vehicle seat 11 and move it from the normal use position to an advanced position, as shown in the transition from FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B, in which, firstly, the vehicle seat 11 is pivoted as a whole about a pivot axis 150 relative to the floor assembly 15 and, in addition, the backrest 112 is moved toward the seat portion 111.

[0181] The drive device 2 can, for example, have different adjustment drives 20, each of which can be operated in servo operation. A first adjustment drive 20 can be designed, for example, for adjusting the vehicle seat 11 relative to the floor assembly 15 with the assistance of an electric motor, while a second adjustment drive is designed, for example, for adjusting the backrest 112 relative to the seat part 111 with the assistance of an electric motor.

[0182] The vehicle seat 11 and the backrest 112 can, for example, be adjustable exclusively in a coupled manner specified by a kinematic system as part of the easy entry function. Alternatively, the vehicle seat 11 as a whole and the backrest 112 can be adjusted independently of the seat part 111.

[0183] A kinematic system of the vehicle seat 11 for providing the easy-entry function can be designed, for example, as described in DE 10 2017 215 929 A1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0184] The idea underlying the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0185] The interior assembly can be realized by quite different assemblies in the interior of a vehicle and is in this respect not limited to a vehicle seat or a console element. An interior assembly that can be adjusted via a drive device in a servo operation can also be, for example, a monitor, a shelf (for example in the form of a table or the like), a partition wall, a storage compartment or the like.

[0186] Control in servo operation is not limited to current control of the type described, but can also be designed differently.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0187] 1 Motor vehicle [0188] 10 Vehicle body [0189] 11 Interior assembly (vehicle seat) [0190] 110 Swivel axis [0191] 111 Seat part [0192] 112 Backrest part [0193] 113-117 Sensor device [0194] 118 Sensor device [0195] 119 Interior monitoring system [0196] 12 Interior assembly (console element) [0197] 13, 14 operating element [0198] 15 Floor assembly [0199] 150 Swivel axis [0200] 2 Drive device [0201] 20 Adjustment drive (motor) [0202] 21 Gearbox [0203] 22 Braking device (brake) [0204] 23 Drive element [0205] 24 Gear element [0206] 25 Adjustment assembly [0207] 3 Control device [0208] 30 Load calculation module [0209] 301-303 Sensoreinrichtung [0210] 31 Servo control module [0211] 310 Event detection [0212] 32 Speed control module [0213] 320 Speed input [0214] 33 Switching device [0215] 330, 331 Switching point [0216] 34 Current control module [0217] 35 PWM unit [0218] 36 Control module [0219] ? slope angle of the vehicle vertical axis [0220] ? inclination anglel of the vehicle vertical axis [0221] ? door opening angle [0222] A1, A2 Movement direction [0223] I.sub.cmd Set point [0224] n Speed [0225] SP center of gravity [0226] U.sub.Bat Battery voltage [0227] x.sub.SP Distance between axis of rotation and center of gravity [0228] V Pivot direction [0229] X Longitudinal axis of vehicle [0230] Y Cross axis of vehicle [0231] Z vertical axis of vehicle