SEAT ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE, A VEHICLE WITH THE SEAT ARRANGEMENT AND A METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A VEHICLE SEAT OF A SEAT ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A seat arrangement for a vehicle includes a vehicle seat and a seat backrest. The seat backrest can be switched from an upright position into a folded position with an electric and/or electronic adjusting device for switching the seat backrest from the upright position into the folded position. The vehicle seat can be moved in a seat direction F with a mechanical traveling device for moving the vehicle seat in the seat direction depending on the position of the seat backrest.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A seat arrangement for a vehicle comprising: a vehicle seat movable in a seat direction and having a seat backrest positionable between an upright position and a folded position; an adjusting device configured to switch the seat backrest from the upright position into the folded position; and a mechanical traveling device configured to move the vehicle seat in the seat direction in response to the position of the seat backrest.

17. The seat arrangement according to claim 16, wherein mechanical traveling device is configured to move the vehicle seat exclusively when the seat backrest switches from the upright position into the folded position.

18. The seat arrangement according to claim 16, further comprising a rail assembly with at least one rail and a spring mechanism for biasing the vehicle seat in the seat direction with a spring force along the at least one rail.

19. The seat arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the rail assembly comprises a locking system configured to lock the vehicle seat in the at least one rail, wherein the locking system is unlocked by switching the seat backrest from the upright position into the folded position, so that the vehicle seat is moved by the mechanical traveling device when the locking system is unlocked.

20. The seat arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the adjusting device comprises an operating unit and an actuator unit, wherein the actuator unit is configured to switch the seat backrest from the upright position into the folded position when activating the operating unit.

21. The seat arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the operating unit is situated on the seat backrest.

22. The seat arrangement according to claim 20 wherein the operating unit comprises an operator configured to activate the actuator unit and selected from the group consisting of a control knob, a switch, or a radio remote control.

23. The seat arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the operating unit comprises a sensor device configured to acquire a triggering process which activates the actuator unit.

24. The seat arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the sensor device is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a microphone or a combination thereof.

25. The seat arrangement according to claim 23, wherein the triggering process is selected from the group consisting of a human gesture, a spoken word, a spoken word sequence, a noise or a combination thereof.

26. The seat arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the seat arrangement comprises an indicator configured to display information about a state of the operating unit.

27. A vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a first seat arrangement and a second seat arrangement located behind the first seat arrangement, wherein the first seat arrangement includes: a vehicle seat movable in a seat direction and having a seat backrest positionable between an upright position and a folded position; an adjusting device including an operating unit having an operator configured to activate the actuator unit and a sensor device configured to acquire a triggering process; an actuator unit configured to switch the seat backrest from the upright position into the folded position when activating the operating unit in response to the triggering process; and a mechanical traveling device configured to move the vehicle seat in the seat direction in response to the position of the seat backrest.

28. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the vehicle body comprises a passenger compartment and the operating unit is situated in the passenger compartment.

29. The vehicle according to claim 27, further comprising a vehicle door positionable between an open state into a closed state, wherein the operator is configured to activate the adjusting device based on the state of the vehicle door.

30. The vehicle according to claim 27 wherein the operating unit comprises an operator configured to activate the actuator unit and selected from the group consisting of a control knob, a switch, or a radio remote control.

31. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the operating unit comprises a sensor device configured to acquire a triggering process which activates the actuator unit.

32. The vehicle according to claim 31, wherein the sensor device is selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a microphone or a combination thereof.

33. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the triggering process is selected from the group consisting of a human gesture, a spoken word, a spoken word sequence, a noise or a combination thereof.

34. The vehicle according to claim 27, wherein the seat arrangement comprises an indicator configured to display information about a state of the operating unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a top view of a seat arrangement for a vehicle with a vehicle seat;

[0035] FIG. 2 is a rail assembly of the seat arrangement from FIG. 1 with a rail means and a spring mechanism; and

[0036] FIG. 3 is a section of a framework of a seat backrest of the vehicle seat from FIG. 1, wherein an actuator unit for adjusting the seat backrest is arranged in the section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description.

[0038] FIG. 1 presents a top view of a seat arrangement 1 for a vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, which is configured like a coupe. The seat arrangement 1 has a vehicle seat 2, wherein a framework 3 of the vehicle seat 2 is depicted. The vehicle seat 2 has a seat backrest 4 and a seat cushion 5. The seat backrest 4 can be switched from an upright position S shown on FIG. 1 into a folded position (not depicted). In particular, the seat backrest 3 can be adjusted at an angle of inclination relative to the seat cushion 4.

[0039] The seat arrangement 1 has a rail assembly 6. The rail assembly 6 has a first and second rail 7a, 7b. In the first and second rail 7a, 7b, the vehicle seat 2 can be moved in and opposite a seat direction F from a rearward position H into a forward position V along the rail means 7a, 7b.

[0040] The seat arrangement 1 has an electric and/or electronic adjusting device 8. The adjusting device 8 is configured to switch the seat backrest 4 from the upright position S into the folded position. For this purpose, the electric and/or electronic adjusting device 8 has an operating unit 9 and an actuator unit 10.

[0041] The seat arrangement 1 has a mechanical displacement device 11. The mechanical displacement device 11 is configured to move the vehicle seats 2 in the seat direction F, in particular along the rail 7a, 7b, depending on the position of the seat backrest 4. For this purpose, the mechanical displacement device 11 has a spring mechanism 13.

[0042] For example, the actuator unit 10 is configured as an electric motor, which can be activated by operating and/or activating the operating unit 9, in particular by an electric signal thereby generated, e.g., via a standard two-pin input. FIG. 3 presents a top view from behind of a cutout from the seat backrest 4 of the vehicle seat 2 on FIG. 1. The actuator unit 10 is arranged in a first upper corner area 22 of the framework 3 of the seat backrest.

[0043] The actuator unit 10 is operatively connected with an additional spring mechanism 14 of the seat arrangement. The additional spring mechanism 14 is integrated into the seat backrest 4. The actuator unit 10 is coupled with the additional spring mechanism 14 via a Bowden cable 16 and a recliner 19 of the seat arrangement. When the Bowden cable 16 is exposed to the tensile force generated and/or transmitted by the activated actuator unit 10, the recliner 19 releases the preload of the additional spring mechanism 14, so that the seat backrest 4 is switched by an additional spring force of the additional spring mechanism 14 from the upright position S into the folded position.

[0044] The operating unit 8 is arranged in a second upper corner area 23 of the framework 3 of the seat backrest 4. The second upper corner area 23 is situated adjacent to a vehicle door, through which a user of the seat arrangement 1 gets into the vehicle so as to sit down on the vehicle seat 2. The vehicle door is integrated into a vehicle body, wherein a vehicle body sill runs under the vehicle door. The vehicle door is configured as a driver side door or passenger side door if the vehicle has only a rear seat row. The user enters the passenger compartment of the vehicle through the driver side door or passenger side door in order to sit down on a seat of the rear seat row. To this end, he or she folds over the seat backrest 4, so that the vehicle seat 2 is moved into the forward position V. If the vehicle has several rear seat rows, the vehicle door can also be a rear door. The vehicle seat 2 to be adjusted and moved is then situated adjacent to the rear door.

[0045] The operating unit 8 is arranged in the second upper corner area 23 of the seat backrest 4 on a seat cushion (not shown) and under an upholstery cover of the seat backrest 4 (not shown), so that it cannot be seen from a passenger compartment of the vehicle and is hidden by the upholstery cover.

[0046] As an alternative to being positioned hidden on the seat backrest 4, the operating unit 8 can also be hidden in an entry area of the vehicle or on the vehicle body, e.g., under the sill. The seat arrangement 1 has an indicator 18 to indicate the presence, positioning and/or functionality of the operating unit 9 in the upper corner area of the seat backrest 4 or on another hidden location in the vehicle.

[0047] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the operating unit 9 can also be readily visibly located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in particular on the seat backrest 4 or in the area of the vehicle door. In this case, the indicator can potentially also be omitted.

[0048] The operating unit 9 is configured as a sensor device 15 for acquiring a triggering process 17, e.g., a gesture and/or a spoken word, a spoken word sequence and/or a noise generated by the user. The sensor device 15 has at least one haptic and/or optical sensor for acquiring the gesture. In order to acquire the spoken word, word sequence and/or noise, the sensor device 15 has at least one microphone. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the operating unit 9 can be configured as a control switch, control lever or radio remote control, with which the user can activate the actuator unit 10.

[0049] The seat arrangement 1 has a controller and/or evaluator 20 for evaluating the triggering process 17 acquired by the sensor device 15, and for activating the actuator unit 10 based on the triggering process 17. In the event the triggering process 17 is the spoken word, word sequence and/or noise, a voice and/or noise controller of the actuator unit 10 is involved. In particular, precise voice commands or distinct noises, e.g., hands clapping twice, are stored in the controller and/or evaluator 20.

[0050] If the user initiates the triggering process 17 according to FIG. 1 and performs a wiping gesture with one hand 21 as the triggering process 17 over the optical or capacitive sensor, this is acquired by the sensor device 15 with the optical and/or capacitive sensor. The controller and/or evaluator 20 evaluates the triggering process 17, and thereupon activates the actuator unit 10, which actuates the Bowden cable 16 and releases the preload of the additional spring mechanism 14 to switch the seat backrest 4 from the upright position S into the folded position.

[0051] In particular if the adjusting device 8 is actuated and/or activated by the voice and/or noise controller, security measures should be taken to prevent the adjusting device 8 from being erroneously triggered. For example, such a security measure can provide that the controller and/or evaluator 20 activates the adjusting device 8, in particular the actuator unit 10, depending on a state of the vehicle door located the closest to the sensor device 15. For example, the actuator unit 10 is only activated if the vehicle door is in the open state, or if the vehicle door has only been opened for a predetermined period of time stored in the controller and/or evaluator. If the vehicle door remains open longer than envisaged by the predetermined period of time, or if the vehicle door is closed, the actuator unit 10 is not activated, even though a triggering process 17 might have taken place.

[0052] The seat arrangement 1 has a locking system 12. The locking system 12 fixes the vehicle seat 2 in the two rail means 7a, 7b, and blocks it from moving. Only once the locking system 12 has been unlocked can the vehicle seat 2 be moved by the mechanical traveling device 11 along the rail means 7a, 7b in the traveling direction F, preferably until into the forward position V.

[0053] A corresponding mechanism, e.g., a leverage effect, is used to unlock the locking system 12 during and/or after the seat backrest 4 has been switched from the upright position S into the folded position. As a result, the mechanical traveling device 11 initiates the automatic or independent movement of the vehicle seat 2 along the rail 7a, 7b. In particular, moving the vehicle seat 2 in the seat direction F is directly coupled with unlocking the locking system 12.

[0054] FIG. 2 presents a top view from below of the first rail means 7a and of the mechanical traveling device 11. The vehicle seat 2 is displaceably mounted on the rail means 7a, 7b. However, the locking system 12 (FIG. 1) in the rail means 7a, 7b blocks any movement by the vehicle seat 2.

[0055] The mechanical traveling device 11 has the spring mechanism 13. The spring mechanism 13 is located under the seat cushion 15 and extends commutated and/or parallel to the first and second rail unit 7a, 7b. The spring mechanism 13 is fastened to a vehicle floor of the vehicle by a first rail 7a. The spring mechanism 13 is preloaded if the vehicle seat 2 is situated in the rearward position H, and the seat backrest 4 assumes the upright position S. As a consequence, a spring force directed toward the front in the traveling direction F acts on the vehicle seat 2.

[0056] During and/or after unlocking the locking system 12, the vehicle seat 2 blocked in the rail means 7a, 7b is released. The spring force moves the vehicle seat 2 along the rails 7a, 7b in the traveling direction F, preferably until into the forward position V.

[0057] As a consequence, moving the vehicle seat 2 with the mechanical traveling device 11 is permanently coupled with switching the seat backrest 4 from the upright position S into the folded position, and with the resultant unlocking of the locking system.

[0058] The indicator 18 depicted on FIG. 1 can be configured as an emblem, a patch or a sticker, and be applied to the upholstery cover. Alternatively, a symbol or logo can be incorporated into the upholstery cover, so as to draw the attention of the user to the sensor device 15 hidden underneath it.

[0059] Alternatively, the indicator 18 can be configured as an illuminating device with a plurality of light-emitting diodes, or with at least one SMD strip. Also possible is a configuration of the illuminating device as a display. The illuminating device as an indicator 18 is preferably located where the sensor device 15 is in particular hidden from view. The illuminating device is actuated by the controller and/or evaluator 20.

[0060] For example, the illuminating device emits light in a first color if the adjusting device 8 is active and/or functional. If the adjusting device 8 is inactive or defective, the illuminating device emits no light, or emits a light of a second color. A running light, blinking light and/or an image and/or text display can also be output, so as to provide corresponding information about the presence, positioning and/or functionality of the adjusting device.

[0061] If the functionality and/or activity of the adjusting device 8 is actuated based on the state of the vehicle door, the controller and/or evaluator 20 correspondingly actuates the indicator 18 as an illuminating device. In particular, the indicator 18 is actuated in such a way as to display the activity and/or functionality when the vehicle door is open and/or if the time for which the vehicle door has been open still lies within the predetermined period of time. If the vehicle door is closed and/or if the predetermined period of time has been exceeded, the controller and/or evaluator 20 actuates the indicator 18 as an illuminating device to display the inactivity.

[0062] The seat arrangement 1 has an emergency unlocking system (not shown). If the electric and/or electronic adjusting device 8 is not functional or inactive, e.g., due to a control action with the door closed or due to a defect in the electrical system of the vehicle, the user can use the emergency unlocking system to manually switch the seat backrest 4 from the upright position S into the folded position, so that the permanent coupling with the mechanical adjusting device 8 causes the vehicle seat 2 to move in the seat direction F. The emergency unlocking system has a hand strap, a lever, a thumbwheel or some other suitable handling unit for the user, with which he or she can activate another Bowden cable or some other lever unit of the emergency unlocking system, so as to switch the seat backrest into the folded state. If necessary, the emergency unlocking system can be activated from outside of the vehicle and from the passenger compartment with the vehicle door open, in particular from a seat row arranged opposite the seat direction F behind the vehicle seat 2.

[0063] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.