VEHICLE SEAT HAVING A SELF-LOCKING-FREE DRIVE DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE BACKREST THEROF

Abstract

A vehicle seat is provided having at least one lower seat member which defines a seat face for a seat occupant and a backrest which, on the one hand, can be adjusted in terms of the inclination thereof relative to the lower seat member in a position for use or comfort position, in which the back of a seat occupant can be supported by means of the backrest in accordance with provisions and which, on the other hand, can be pivoted out of the position for use in the direction toward the lower seat member into a non-use position, for example, a so-called cargo position, in which a person can sit on the vehicle seat not in accordance with provisions. There is provided on the vehicle seat a self-locking-free drive device.

Claims

1-21. (canceled)

22. A vehicle seat having at least one lower seat member which defines a seat face for a seat occupant, and a backrest which, on the one hand, can be adjusted in terms of the inclination thereof relative to the lower seat member in a position for use, in which the back of a seat occupant can be supported by means of the backrest in accordance with provisions and which, on the other hand, can be pivoted out of the position for use in the direction toward the lower seat member into a non-use position in which a person can sit on the vehicle seat not in accordance with provisions, wherein there is provided on the vehicle seat a self-locking-free drive device, by means of which the backrest can be adjusted in terms of the inclination thereof relative to the lower seat member with actuation by an external force both in the position for use and from the position for use into the non-use position and/or vice versa can be pivoted out of the non-use position into the position for use with actuation by an external force.

23. The vehicle seat according to claim 22, wherein the drive device has a self-locking-free mechanism.

24. The vehicle seat according to claim 22, wherein the vehicle seat has a fitting arrangement for the pivotable bearing of the backrest relative to the lower seat member and the fitting arrangement is connected electronically and/or mechanically to the self-locking-free drive device so that a locking of the backrest relative to the lower seat member is carried out via a component of the fitting arrangement in a position for use and/or non-use position which is taken up with actuation by an external force and/or an external-force-actuated pivot movement of the backrest relative to the lower seat member is carried out via a component of the fitting arrangement.

25. The vehicle seat according to claim 24, wherein (a) an inclination adjustment of the backrest and/or (b) a pivoting of the backrest into the non-use position and/or into the position for use without activation of the drive device is possible by means of the fitting arrangement.

26. The vehicle seat according to claim 24, wherein the fitting arrangement forms a catch fitting which can be unlocked with actuation by an external force in order to allow an external-force-actuated adjustment of the backrest by means of the drive device.

27. The vehicle seat according to claim 26, wherein the drive device has an electronic control unit, by means of which a drive element of the drive device is driven in a drive direction for adjusting the backrest, the drive element is driven in a direction counter to the drive direction after the backrest has been locked relative to the lower seat member via the catch fitting and it is assessed on the basis of a detected measurement signal whether the drive element has been adjusted in the opposite direction beyond an admissible extent in order to verify that the backrest is locked via the catch fitting in accordance with provisions.

28. The vehicle seat according to claim 22, wherein the drive device has a linear drive having a drive element which can be translationally adjusted.

29. The vehicle seat according to claim 28, wherein the linear drive is arranged on the backrest.

30. The vehicle seat according to claim 29, wherein the linear drive is retained via at least one rotational bearing on the backrest.

31. The vehicle seat according to claim 28, wherein the drive element of the linear drive can be adjusted substantially in a backrest longitudinal direction of the backrest.

32. The vehicle seat according to claim 28, wherein the translationally adjustable drive element is connected in an articulated manner to a connection member which is in turn articulated to a support element which is fixed to the lower seat member.

33. The vehicle seat according to claim 32, wherein, in the region of an articulated connection between the translationally adjustable drive element and the connection member, at least one sliding element which is connected to the connection member is connected and in a sliding manner abuts a guide which is fixed to the backrest.

34. A vehicle seat having at least one lower seat member which defines a seat face for a seat occupant, a backrest which has a backrest frame for supporting a backrest cushion and which can be pivoted relative to the lower seat member about a backrest pivot axis, and a drive device, by means of which the backrest can be pivoted about the backrest pivot axis with actuation by an external force, wherein the drive device has a linear drive which is arranged on the backrest and which forms a portion of a structure which reinforces the backrest frame.

35. The vehicle seat according to claim 34, wherein the linear drive extends in a longitudinal direction of the backrest and/or is arranged partially in a cavity which is defined by a backrest frame member of the backrest frame.

36. The vehicle seat according to claim 28, wherein the linear drive is constructed as a separate structural unit which is also configured for assembly on a rear door of a vehicle in order to adjust the rear door via the linear drive with actuation by an external force.

37. The vehicle seat according to claim 22, wherein the drive device comprises a self-locking-free planetary gear.

38. The vehicle seat according to claim 37, wherein the planetary gear is constructed so as to have multiple stages and/or there is further provided at least one spur gear stage.

39. The vehicle seat according to claim 37, wherein at least one drive motor of the drive device and the planetary gear are arranged on the backrest.

40. The vehicle seat according to claim 24, wherein the drive device comprises a self-locking-free planetary gear, wherein a drive pinion can be driven by means of the drive device and meshes with a toothed wheel portion which is fixed to the lower seat member on the fitting arrangement.

41. A vehicle seat having at least one lower seat member which defines a seat face for a seat occupant and which has at least one seat wall adjuster, via which a seat wall provided on the seat face can be adjusted, a backrest which has a backrest frame for supporting a backrest cushion and which can be pivoted relative to the lower seat member about a backrest pivot axis into a non-use position onto the seat face, and a drive device, by means of which the backrest can be pivoted about the backrest pivot axis into the non-use position manually and/or with actuation by an external force, wherein the drive device is connected to the seat wall adjuster and, when the backrest is pivoted into the non-use position, transmits an adjusting force to the seat wall adjuster in order to adjust the seat wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become clear in the following explanation of embodiments with reference to the Figures.

[0041] FIGS. 1A-1C are perspective views of an embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the invention for the second or third seat row of a motor vehicle with a backrest in an upright position for use and with different degrees of detailing in the case of a drive device integrated in the backrest.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat of FIGS. 1A to 1C.

[0043] FIGS. 3A-3F are different views of details of the backrest drawn to an enlarged scale.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a side view of the vehicle seat with its backrest during adjustment in the direction of a cargo position onto a lower seat member of the vehicle seat.

[0045] FIGS. 5A to 5B are perspective views of details of the drive device drawn to an enlarged scale.

[0046] FIG. 6A is a side view of the vehicle seat with the backrest in the cargo position thereof.

[0047] FIG. 6B is a perspective view drawn to an enlarged scale of the vehicle seat with the backrest in the cargo position thereof;

[0048] FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration of the drive device for adjusting the backrest

[0049] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the invention for the second or third seat row of a motor vehicle with an alternatively configured drive device for adjusting the backrest.

[0050] FIGS. 9A to 9B show details of the drive device of the vehicle seat of FIGS. 7 and 8 drawn to an enlarged scale.

[0051] FIGS. 10 A to 10C show details of the drive device drawn to a further enlarged scale with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIGS. 1A to 7 show a first embodiment of a vehicle seat F according to the invention in which a backrest R can be pivoted about a pivot axis A of the backrest relative to a lower seat frame U which defines a lower seat member. In this instance, the vehicle seat F is provided for the second or third seat row of a motor vehicle and is constructed as a so-called seat with a through-loading portion D.

[0053] The backrest R is pivotably supported on a lateral seat member S of the lower sea frame U via a fitting arrangement with fittings B which are arranged at both transverse sides. A fitting B may, for example, be a catch fitting which can be actuated in this case not only manually but also with actuation by an external force by means of a preferably electromotive drive. In this instance, a drive device which is integrated in the backrest R is provided so as to have a self-locking-free linear drive 1 in order to adjust the backrest R with actuation by an external force in terms of the inclination thereof about the backrest pivot axis A thereof on the one hand in a position for use with respect to the lower seat frame U and, on the other hand, to pivot it out of the position for use illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C into a cargo position onto the lower seat frame U, and to pivot it back again into the position for use. The drive device having the linear drive 1 consequently allows adjustment actuated by an external force of the backrest R. on the one hand, in the position for use in order to be able to adjust different comfort positions of a so-called comfort (adjustment) range and an adjustment from the position for use into a non-use position, and vice versa.

[0054] An adjustment force which acts on a fitting B is transmitted to the opposite fitting via a transmission or transverse shaft Q in the lower region of the backrest R in order, for example, to release a lock in the case of a catch fitting. As a result of the self-locking-free configuration of the linear drive 1, it is further possible in this instance not only to manually actuate the fitting B but also to manually adjust the backrest R.

[0055] The self-locking-free linear drive 1 is in this instance received completely on the backrest R in the region of a backrest frame member which is formed by a lateral backrest strut L. The lateral backrest strut L extends in a backrest longitudinal direction Z and forms a cavity, inside which the linear drive 1 with the drive motor 10 and a push rod 11 extends as the drive element. The linear drive 1 extends in this instance practically over the complete length of the backrest R and therefore acts in the region of the lateral backrest strut L in a reinforcing manner. In this instance, the linear drive 1 forms a portion of a reinforcement structure of the backrest frame of the backrest R so that the lateral backrest strut L can have smaller dimensions in this region than in a backrest without the linear drive 1.

[0056] As particularly illustrated in greater detail when FIGS. 1A to 1C are viewed together with FIGS. 2 and 3A to 3F, the drive motor 10 of the linear drive 1 drives the push rod 11 to produce a longitudinal movement substantially in the backrest longitudinal direction Z in order to pivot the backrest R about the backrest longitudinal axis A thereof. In the region of an upper end, the housing of the drive motor 10 is suspended in a rotatable manner via a bearing eye 100 on a fixing region RB of the backrest R and connected to the backrest frame of the backrest R. At the opposite lower end, the push rod 11 can be extended and retracted by the drive motor 10. In order thereby to pivot the backrest R about the backrest longitudinal axis A, the push rod 11 is connected to a lever mechanism of the drive device. For this purpose, the push rod 11 has at the projecting and thereof a connection piece 110 which is connected in an articulated manner to a connection member 3 which is formed by two pivot levers 3a and 3b (cf. also FIG. 7).

[0057] The two pivot levers 3a and 3b of the connection member 3 are articulated at one lever end to the connection piece 110 of the push rod 11 and articulated at the other lever end to a support element fixed to the lower seat frame in the form of an angled support member 4. Furthermore, there is provided a guide component 2 which is fixed to the backrest and which is fixed via fixing elements 5in this case, in the form of screwsvia a connection portion 2.3 to the backrest frame of the backrest R. The guide component 2 has two guide walls 2.1 and 2.2 which extend parallel with each other and which are connected to each other via the connection portion 2.3. Each guide wall 2.1 and 2.2 forms a slotted guiding member 20a or 20b. A guide pin having a sliding element which is provided thereon and which is in the form of a sliding piece 12a or 12b is guided in a sliding manner therein.

[0058] Those sliding pieces 12a and 12b are securely connected to one or other pivot lever 3a, 3b at both sides of the connection piece 110. In this manner, each sliding piece 12a, 12b is displaced along the associated slotted guiding member 20a or 20b thereof if the push rod 11 is retracted or extended. The slotted guiding members 20a and 20b extend in this instance in a slightly inclined manlier relative to the backrest longitudinal axis Z. A sliding direction R1, along which the sliding pieces 12a and 12b are displaced, and therefore a first articulated connection G1 between the push rod 11 and connection member 3, consequently extends in a state inclined at an angle relative to the backrest longitudinal axis Z and the adjustment axis of the push rod 11. By a first articulated connection G1 being formed between the push rod 11 and the connection member 3 and a second articulated connection G2 being formed between the connection member 3 and the angled support member 4 fixed to the lower seat frame and the guide component 2 being fixed to the backrest frame in a non-movable manner, a translational movement of the push rod 11 results in a pivot movement of the backrest R about the backrest pivot axis A. As a result of the rotational bearing of the linear drive 1 in the fixing region RB on the backrest R. it can readily be tilted about the backrest pivot axis A in the case of a pivot movement of the backrest R in order to carry out the pivot movement.

[0059] While a backrest plate LB is provided as a retention element for fixing the guiding component 2 to the backrest R and the backrest frame thereof, the angled support member 4 is directly fixed to the lateral seat member S. To this end, a fixing portion 40 of the angled support member 4 engages through the lateral seat member S under the fitting B. For example, the fixing portion 40 can be welded to the lateral seat member S.

[0060] A bearing arm 41 of the angled support member 4 extends substantially perpendicularly to the fixing portion 40. At the outer end of that bearing arm 41 there is located a bearing eye 410 for the articulated connection with the connection member 3 and the two pivot levers 3a and 3b thereof (for example, via a bearing pin which is fitted through the bearing eye 410 and which is rotatably supported therein and which is securely connected at one end to a pivot lever 3a or 3b).

[0061] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5A-5B and 6A-6B, the external-force-actuated adjustment of the backrest R is illustrated in greater detail. In this instance, the mentioned Figures show in detail the forward pivoting of the backrest R onto the lower seat frame U into a so-called cargo position, in which the backrest R is used to provide an increased storage space.

[0062] When the backrest R is folded forward about the backrest pivot axis A in a folding direction K in the direction toward the lower seat frame U. the push rod 11 is substantially extended along the backrest longitudinal axis Z via the drive motor 10. Consequently, the push rod 11 presses on the connection member 3 which is articulated to the angled support member 4 fixed to the lower seat frame via the articulated connection G2, and is force-guided in the region of the other articulated connection G1 with the push rod end on the guiding component 2 fixed to the backrest. As a result, the connection member 3 is pivoted about the rotation axis which extends parallel with the backrest pivot axis A and which is defined by the articulated connection G2 as a result of the extension of the push rod 11, and the backrest R is pivoted forward. Consequently, an adjusting force is produced by means of the linear drive 1 and urges the backrest R out of a position for use into the non-use position of the cargo position.

[0063] If the backrest R has reached its cargo position in accordance with FIGS. 6A and 6B, the sliding pieces 12a and 12b are located inside the associated slotted guiding member 20a and 20b thereof at a lower end and the push rod 11 is extended to its maximum extent. In the cargo position, the backrest R is secured relative to the lower seat frame U via the fitting B. If the fitting B is a catch fitting, for example, there is provided a separate actuator which retains the catch fitting in an unlocking position during the forward folding of the backrest R. and again allows a locking via the catch fitting B after the cargo position has been reached. If the backrest R is intended to be folded back out of the cargo position thereof again, the fitting B is again actuated before the push rod 11 of the linear drive 1 is retracted.

[0064] As a result of the self-locking-free linear drive 1 being used, the backrest R can in this instance also be manually folded back into the position for use thereof. Similarly, an adjustment of a comfort position in the position for use can be carried out manually. To this end, it is simply necessary to actuate the fitting B via an actuator element which is not illustrated in greater detail here, for example, an actuation lever. In order to increase the comfort, there may further be provision for the linear drive 1 to have an electronic control unit, by means of which pivoting of the backrest R about the backrest pivot axis A thereof is carried out within the adjustment range defining the position for use at a first adjustment speed, while a forward-folding of the backrest R into the cargo position thereof and the backward-folding of the backrest R out of the cargo position is carried out via the linear drive 1 at a second greater adjustment speed. It is possible to provide a control of the drive motor 10 via a pulse-width modulation for implementing different speeds in the comfort range and during folding into the cargo position or during folding back out of the cargo position.

[0065] In this instance, the linear drive 1 is further constructed as a structural unit which can be mounted separately on the backrest R and which can be connected to the lever mechanism having the connection member 3 and which is also configured for the external-force-actuated adjustment of a rear door, in particular a storage space cover of a motor vehicle. The same structural unit can consequently optionally be used for adjusting a backrest R on a vehicle seat or adjusting a rear door.

[0066] FIGS. 8, 9A-9B and 10A-10C illustrate another construction variant of a vehicle seat F according to the invention. In this construction variant, a drive 1 having a self-locking-free planetary gear is provided in place of the linear drive 1 for external-force-actuated adjustment of the backrest R.

[0067] The drive 1 has inter alia a drive motor 10 which is constructed as an electric motor and a gear device 11 which are both completely received on the backrest R. in this instance in the region of the transverse shaft Q which connects the two fitting sides.

[0068] The gear device 11 comprises two gear units 110 and 111 which transmit a torque which is produced by the drive motor 10 to a drive pinion 6 which is rotatably supported on the backrest R. in this instance on the backrest plate LB in the region of the fitting B. The drive pinion 6 meshes with a fitting-side toothed wheel 7 which is fixed to the lateral seat member S of the lower seat frame U. The toothed wheel 7 which is fixed to the lower seat frame has an outer toothing 70 with which the drive pinion 6 is engaged. The outer toothing 70 extends in this case over approximately 120 on an outer periphery of the toothed wheel 7. In this manner, not only the adjustable comfort positions of the backrest R can be covered in a position for use, but also the forward-folding of the backrest R into the cargo position thereof and the backward-folding of the backrest R into a position for use as a result of the meshing of the drive pinion 6 with the outer toothing 70 of the toothed wheel 7. Alternatively to the toothed wheel 7, for example, the use of a toothed ring or a toothed wheel segment having an outer toothing 70 would also be possible. In order to reduce components and optimize costs, the toothed wheel 7 can further be constructed by a fitting component which is fixed to the lower seat frame and which is provided in any case.

[0069] In this instance, an adequate step-down ratio for driving the drive pinion 6 is provided via the gear device 11 with the two gear units 110 and 111 thereof. The first gear unit 110 is in this instance constructed as a two-stage planetary gear unit while a spur gear unit is provided as the second gear unit 111. As can be seen in particular in the detailed illustrations of FIGS. 9B, 10B and 100, the planetary gear unit 110 is in this instance connected upstream of the spur gear unit 111 and has two gear stages P1 and P2.

[0070] In the first gear stage P1, a drive shaft of the drive motor 10 drives a sun gear S1. When the internally toothed wheel H1 of the first gear stage P1 is fixed in position, a web ST1 of the first planetary gear stage acts with the planetary wheels PR11. PR12 and PR13 which are rotatably supported thereon and which are driven by the sun wheel Si as a power take-off. A sun wheel S2 for the gear stage P2 is arranged on the web ST of the first gear stage P1 in a rotationally secure manner. In the subsequent second gear stage P2, the power take-off also occurs with the internally toothed wheel H2 in a fixed position via a web ST2, on which planetary wheels PR21. PR22 and PR23 are rotatably supported. Both gear stages P1 and P2 are preferably configured in this instance in such a manner that a step-down ratio is thereby achieved for a speed ratio of greater than 2, preferably greater than 3, in each stage.

[0071] A spur gear SR1 is arranged on the web ST2 of the second gear stage P2 coaxially relative to the drive shaft of the drive motor 10 and the sun wheels S1 and S2 of the two planetary gears of the gear stages P1 and P2. That spur wheel SR1 is part of the spur gear unit 111 and meshes with a second spur gear SR2 which is rotatably supported in the region of the backrest plate LB or directly on the backrest plate LB. The drive torque is transmitted to the drive pinion 6 via the spur gear unit 111 with the spur gears SR1 and SR2 and where applicable additional spur gears in order to pivot the backrest R about the backrest pivot axis A thereof.

[0072] The individual toothed wheels of the two gear units 110 and 111 each have an oblique involute toothing and are configured in a self-locking-free manner. A securing of the backrest R relative to the lower seat frame is consequently carried out via the fitting B (and the counterpart on the opposite backrest side). Thus, for example, there may be provided a catch fitting which is unlocked in an electronically controlled manner for the external-force-actuated pivoting of the backrest R via the drive 1. In this instance, however, the catch fitting may further be able to be manually unlocked in order also to be able to manually pivot the backrest R when necessary or in an emergency situation. As a result of the self-locking-free drive 1, the backrest R is not impeded during such pivoting.

[0073] In this instance, by the drive 1 being arranged with the individual gear units 110 and 111 of the gear device 11 thereof along an axis parallel with the backrest pivot axis A and the driven toothed wheels being driven about rotation axes which extend parallel with the backrest pivot axis A. the drive 1 can be arranged on the backrest R with optimum utilization of the structural space available at the backrest R. Naturally, however, it is not at all necessary to arrange the individual gear units 110 and 111 in this manner in order to drive the drive pinion 6.

[0074] As a result of the drives 1 and 1 of the two construction variants illustrated, an external-force-actuated adjustment of the backrest R of the respective vehicle seat F is possible both in the position for use and out of the position for use into a cargo position and back, wherein it is still possible to adjust the backrest manually or without electric current (for example, for a so-called panic exit) as a result of the self-locking-free configuration of the drive 1 or 1, respectively. A locking of the backrest R relative to the lower seat frame U is in this instance taken over via the fitting B which is provided. In this manner, a functional separation is brought about with respect to the absorption of crash forces and the absorption of conventional actuation forces. While the locked fitting B is configured for forces occurring as a result of a crash, the respective drive 1 or 1 is subjected only to the adjustment forces which occur during normal operation, and therefore do not have to be configured for any crash event.

[0075] Although this is not illustrated in the Figures, a drive 1 or 1 can also be operatively connected to a seat wall adjuster on the lower seat frame Ufor example, via a Bowden cable mechanism. In this instance, the drive device 1 or 1 acts on the seat wall adjuster when the backrest R is folded forward into the cargo position thereof in order to fold or to withdraw lateral seat walls on the seat face and therefore to reduce the packing dimensions of the vehicle seat F in the cargo position thereof.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0076] 1 Linear drive with self-locking-free mechanism [0077] 1 Drive with self-locking-free planetary gear [0078] 10, 10 Drive motor [0079] 100 Bearing eye for rotational bearing [0080] 11 Push rod (drive element) [0081] 11 Gear device [0082] 110 Connection piece [0083] 110 Planetary gear unit (1st gear unit) [0084] 111 Spur gear unit (2nd gear unit) [0085] 12a, 12b Guide pin/sliding piece (sliding element) [0086] 2 Guide component [0087] 2.1, 2.2 Guide wall [0088] 2.3 Connection portion [0089] 20a, 20b Slotted guiding member [0090] 3 Connection member [0091] 3a, 3b Pivot lever [0092] 4 Angled support member (support element) [0093] 40 Fixing portion [0094] 41 Bearing arm [0095] 410 Bearing eye [0096] 5 Fixing element [0097] 6 Drive pinion (drive element) [0098] 7 Toothed wheel [0099] 70 Outer toothing [0100] A Backrest pivot axis [0101] B Fitting [0102] D Through-loading portion [0103] F Vehicle seat [0104] G1, G2 Articulated connection [0105] H1, H2 Internally toothed wheel [0106] K Folding direction [0107] L Lateral backrest strut (backrest frame member) [0108] LB Backrest plate (retention element) [0109] P1, P2 Gear stage [0110] PR11, PR12, PR13 Planetary gear [0111] PR21, PR22, PR23 Planetary gear [0112] Q Transverse shaft [0113] R Backrest [0114] R1 Sliding direction [0115] RB Fixing region [0116] S Lateral seat member [0117] S1, S2 Sun gear [0118] SR1, SR2 Spur gear [0119] ST1, ST2 Web [0120] U Lower seat frame (lower seat member) [0121] Z Adjustment direction/longitudinal backrest direction