Vehicle seat tilt measuring device

Abstract

Device for measuring the inclination of a vehicle seat The invention relates to a device (16) for measuring the inclination of a vehicle seat, comprising: - a support (42), comprising a first coupling member (60); - a sleeve (44), rotatable relative to the support (42) and comprising a threaded surface (70); - a nut (46), capable of cooperating with the threaded surface of the sleeve; the nut comprising a second coupling member (78); the first and second coupling members being capable of cooperating so that a rotation of the sleeve (44) relative to the support (42) leads to a sliding of the nut (46) relative to said support; - a sensor (48), comprising a first and a second detection element, fixed respectively to the support and to the second coupling member (78); the sensor being capable of determining an axial distance between the first and second detection elements. Figure for abstract: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for measuring the inclination of a vehicle seat

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for measuring the inclination of a vehicle seat, said seat comprising: a seat; a backrest capable of pivoting relative to the seat; and an adjustment shaft, capable of pivoting relative to the seat and the backrest.

[0002] Such a vehicle seat is known in particular from document WO2023213704.

[0003] It is known to provide vehicle seats with a control device the inclination, in particular allowing the user to be alerted when said inclination is outside the safety ranges associated with the vehicle. Indeed, it is known to take into account the inclination of the front seats when deploying safety systems, such as airbags.

[0004] However, such devices do not allow the inclination of the seat to be measured precisely when the latter is within the safety ranges.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a measuring device of the aforementioned type, comprising: a support, capable of being fixed to the back of the vehicle seat, the support comprising a first coupling member; a sleeve, fixed in translation and movable in rotation relative to the support along an axis of rotation, said sleeve being capable of being installed fixed in rotation on the adjustment shaft; the sleeve comprising a threaded external surface; a threaded nut, capable of cooperating with the threaded external surface of the sleeve; the nut comprising: an external radial surface; and a second coupling member, arranged on said external radial surface; the first and second coupling members being capable of cooperating so that a rotation of the sleeve around the axis of rotation relative to the support leads to a sliding of the nut relative to said support, parallel to said axis of rotation.The measuring device further comprises a sensor, comprising: a console, fixed to the support; a first detection element, fixed to the console; and a second detection element, capable of being fixed to the second coupling member of the nut; the sensor being capable of determining an axial distance between the first and second detection elements.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the measuring device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] - the first coupling member is a first slot formed in the support; and the second coupling member is a tab capable of sliding in said first slot, so as to lock the nut in rotation relative to the support;

[0008] - the sensor console has a second slot superimposed on the first slot; and the sensor further comprises a pin secured to the second detection element and capable of sliding in said second slot, said pin being capable of being fixed to the tab of the nut;

[0009] - the sleeve has a locking end piece, which can be assembled reversibly to the threaded external surface, so as to lock the sleeve in rotation and translation relative to the adjustment shaft.

[0010] The invention further relates to a vehicle equipment assembly, comprising: a vehicle seat comprising a seat, a backrest capable of pivoting relative to the seat about an axis of rotation, and an adjustment shaft, capable of pivoting relative to the seat and the backrest about the axis of rotation; an inclination measuring device as described above, the support of said device being fixed to the backrest of the vehicle seat, the sleeve of said device being fixed in rotation on the adjustment shaft, the first and second coupling members being assembled to each other, the second detection element of the sensor being fixed to the second coupling member of the nut; and a control module, connected to the sensor and capable of determining an inclination of the backrest relative to the seat of the vehicle seat, as a function of the distance between the first and second detection elements of the sensor, relative to the axis of rotation.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the equipment assembly comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - the equipment assembly comprises an adjustment member connecting the adjustment shaft to the seat and back of the vehicle seat; the adjustment member being configured so that an input rotation angle of the adjustment shaft relative to the seat, around the axis of rotation, corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest relative to the seat, around said axis of rotation, the output rotation angle being less than the input rotation angle;

[0013] - the adjustment member comprises a motorized actuation means connected to the module of control.

[0014] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising an equipment assembly as described above.

[0015] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] schematically represents a vehicle seat assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising an inclination measuring device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a partial sectional view of the seat assembly of vehicle of [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the inclination measuring device of the set of figures 1 and 2; and

[0019] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a detailed schematic view, in section, of the measuring device inclination of [Fig.3].

[0020] Figures 1 and 2 show a vehicle equipment assembly 10, according to one embodiment of the invention. The assembly 10 is in particular intended to equip a vehicle 12, for example a motor vehicle, partially shown in [Fig.l].

[0021] The assembly 10 comprises in particular a seat 14 and a device 16 for measuring inclination. In the embodiment shown, the assembly 10 further comprises a control module 18, connected to said device 16.

[0022] The seat 14 comprises in particular a seat 20, a backrest 22 and an adjustment shaft 24. In the embodiment shown, the seat 14 further comprises an adjustment member 26.

[0023] The seat 20 is intended to be assembled to a floor 28 of the vehicle 12. In the remainder of the description, an orthonormal base (X, Y, Z) associated with the vehicle 12 is considered, the direction Z representing the vertical. The floor 28 extends substantially in a plane (X, Y).

[0024] In the embodiment shown, the seat 20 is capable of sliding along rails 30 fixed to the floor 28 and extending in the direction X. Such sliding along said rails 30 makes it possible to vary a distance along X between the seat 20 and a dashboard 32 of the vehicle 12.

[0025] The backrest 22 is able to pivot relative to the seat 20 along an axis 34 parallel to the direction Y. For example, from a so-called neutral position, shown in [Fig.l], the backrest 22 is able to pivot on the one hand towards the dashboard 32, i.e. forwards, and on the other hand away from said dashboard, i.e. backwards. In the embodiment shown, a forward pivoting amplitude of the backrest 22 corresponds to a first angle ai; and a rearward pivoting amplitude of the backrest 22 corresponds to a second angle a2. Each of the first ai and second a2 angles is for example between 20° and 70°.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the backrest 22 comprises a structure 36 and a lining 38. Only the structure 36 is shown in [Fig.2].

[0027] The adjustment shaft 24 is capable of pivoting relative to the seat 20. More precisely, the adjustment shaft 24 represents the pivot axis 34 of the backrest 22 relative to the seat 20.

[0028] The adjustment shaft 24 extends along the axis 34 between two ends connected to the seat 20. A section of the adjustment shaft 24, perpendicular to the axis 34, is not circular. In the embodiment shown, the section of the shaft 24 is square but several other section shapes are possible.

[0029] Furthermore, the adjustment shaft 24 is able to pivot relative to the backrest 22.

[0030] More precisely, the adjustment member 26 connects the adjustment shaft 24 to the seat 20 and to the backrest 22. The adjustment member 26 comprises a mechanism (not shown) comprising reducers, so that an input rotation angle of the shaft 24 around the axis 34 corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position. The input rotation angle is much greater than the output rotation angle.

[0031] For example, a first input rotation angle of the shaft 24 around the axis 34, in a first direction of rotation, corresponds to a pivoting of the backrest 22 by the first angle ai towards the front; and a second input rotation angle of the shaft 24, in a second direction of rotation, corresponds to the pivoting of the backrest 22 by the second angle a2 towards the rear.

[0032] The adjustment member 26 further comprises a means 40 for actuating the adjustment shaft 24 in rotation by a user of the vehicle, in order to adjust an inclination of the backrest 22. According to one embodiment, the actuating means 40 comprises a motor connected to the control module 18. Alternatively, the actuating means is manual, such as a wheel.

[0033] The inclination measuring device 16, shown alone in [Fig. 3], comprises: a support 42; a sleeve 44; a nut 46; and a sensor 48.

[0034] The support 42 comprises an articulation portion 50 and a detection portion 52, integral with one another.

[0035] The articulation portion 50 is fixed to the structure 36 of the backrest 22. The articulation portion 50 comprises an orifice 54 in which the adjustment shaft 24 is arranged.

[0036] The detection portion 52 extends from the articulation portion 50, substantially parallel to the axis 34. Preferably, the detection portion 52 is substantially planar and comprises a first 56 and a second 58 face, respectively oriented towards and opposite the axis 34.

[0037] The detection portion 52 of the support 42 comprises a first coupling member 60. In the embodiment shown, the first coupling member is formed by a first slot 60, parallel to the axis 34, formed in the detection portion 52. The first slot 60 connects the first 56 and second 58 faces of said detection portion 52.

[0038] The sleeve 44 is fixed in translation and in rotation relative to the adjustment shaft 24.

[0039] More specifically, the sleeve 44 comprises a main body 62 and a locking end piece 64. The main body 62 is tubular and arranged around the shaft 24 of adjustment. The main body 62 extends along the axis 34 between a first 66 and a second 68 end. The first end 66 is installed in the orifice 54 of the articulation portion 50 of the support 42. Said first end 66 of the main body 62 is free to rotate in said orifice 54.

[0040] The main body 62 includes a threaded outer surface 70, extending between the first 66 and the second 68 ends.

[0041] The locking end piece 64 comprises an imprint 72 corresponding to the non-circular section of the adjustment shaft 24. The locking end piece 64 is elastically assembled to the second end 68 of the main body 62, so as to axially block the sleeve 44 on the adjustment shaft 24.

[0042] The nut 46 comprises: a threaded internal surface 74; a substantially cylindrical external surface 76; and a second coupling member 78.

[0043] The internal threaded surface 74 is capable of cooperating with the external threaded surface 70 of the main body 62 of the sleeve, as described below.

[0044] The second coupling member 78 is capable of cooperating with the first coupling member 60 of the support 42, so that a rotation of the sleeve 44 around the axis 34 leads to a sliding of the nut 46 relative to the support 42 parallel to said axis 34.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, said second coupling member 78 is formed by a tab 78 projecting radially relative to the external surface 76 of the nut. The tab 78 is arranged in the first slot 60 of the support 42, locking the nut 46 in rotation relative to said support. Furthermore, the tab 78 is able to slide in the first slot 60, parallel to the axis 34.

[0046] As visible in [Fig.4], the sensor 48 comprises: a console 80; and a first 82 and a second 84 detection element.

[0047] The console 80 has an elongated shape and comprises a second longitudinal slot 86.

[0048] The console 80 is fixed to the detection portion 52 of the support 42. More precisely, the console 80 is fixed to the second face 58 of said detection portion, and the second slot 86 is superimposed on the first slot 60.

[0049] The first detection element 82 is fixed to the console 80. Said first detection element 82 is for example close to one end of the console 80 along the axis 34.

[0050] The second detection element 84 is fixed to the second coupling member 78 of the nut 46. For example, the sensor 48 further comprises a pin 88 secured to the second detection element 84 and capable of sliding in the second slot 86 of the console. The pin 88 is fixed to one end of the tongue 78 of the nut, opposite the external surface 76.

[0051] The sensor 48 is capable of determining a distance 90 between the first 82 and second 84 detection elements, parallel to axis 34.

[0052] The first 82 and second 84 detection elements are for example chosen from potentiometric, optical, laser, magnetic or Hall effect detection elements. Other detection technologies can also be used.

[0053] The control module 18 of the assembly 10 is connected to the sensor 48. The control module 18 is preferably incorporated into an electronic control device of the vehicle 12, for example received in the dashboard 32.

[0054] From the distance 90 between the first 82 and second 84 detection elements, measured by the sensor 48, the control module 18 is able to determine an inclination of the backrest relative to the seat 20 of the vehicle seat 14.

[0055] More precisely, from the measured distance 90, the control module 18 is able to calculate an angle a formed by the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position, visible in [Fig.l]. For this purpose, the control module 18 stores, for example, a program 92.

[0056] A method of operating the vehicle equipment assembly 10 will now be described.

[0057] It is considered that for the measuring device 16, the neutral position of the backrest 22, visible in [Fig. 1], corresponds to the second detection element 84 located axially in the middle of the second slot 86, as visible in [Fig. 4].

[0058] It is considered that, for the module 18, such an axial position of the second element 84 corresponds to a first value Di of the distance 90.

[0059] First of all, a user of the vehicle 12 wishes to pivot the backrest 22 of the seat 14. The user activates the actuating means 40 to rotate the adjustment shaft 24, in one direction of rotation.

[0060] The rotation of the adjustment shaft 24 drives the sleeve 44 in rotation. The nut 46, locked in rotation in the first slot 60, slides along the axis 34 relative to the support 42. The second detection element 84 of the sensor 48 thus moves relative to the first element 82 along the axis 34.

[0061] Furthermore, under the effect of the reduction mechanism of the adjustment member 26, the backrest 22 pivots along the axis 34 relative to the seat 20, to a desired position, corresponding to an angle α relative to the neutral position. The position of the backrest 22 corresponding to the aforementioned angle α corresponds to a second value D2 of the distance 90.

[0062] In order to modify the inclination of the backrest 22, for example to return it to the neutral position, the user then activates the actuating means 40 in an opposite direction of rotation.

[0063] For example, it is considered that the direction of rotation of the adjustment shaft 24 leads to pivoting the backrest 22 towards the rear and to moving the first 82 and second 84 detection elements of the sensor 48. In this case, we have D2>Di. The angle a is less than or equal to the aforementioned value a2.

[0064] Conversely, when the adjustment shaft 24 is actuated in the opposite direction of rotation from the neutral position, the backrest 22 pivots forward and the first 82 and second 84 detection elements move closer to each other. A third value D3 of the distance 90 is obtained with D3 <Di. L’angle a’ correspondant (non représenté) est inférieur ou égal à la valeur ai susmentionnée.

[0065] The program 92 of the control module 18 is capable of converting each value D2, D3 of the distance 90 into the corresponding angle a, a' of inclination of the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position.

[0066] Such values ​​can be stored in the control module 18, in order to easily adapt the inclination of the backrest 22 to each user of the vehicle 12. In particular, when the adjustment member 26 of the seat 14 is equipped with motors, the stored inclination of the backrest 22 can be implemented by the module 18 upon identification of the corresponding user.

[0067] Furthermore, the precise measurement of the inclination of the backrest 22 makes it possible to adapt settings of other equipment of the vehicle 12, such as the seat or the seat height.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (16) for measuring the inclination of a vehicle seat (14), said vehicle seat comprising: a seat (20); a backrest (22) capable of pivoting relative to the seat; and an adjustment shaft (24), capable of pivoting relative to the seat and the backrest; said device comprising: - a support (42), capable of being fixed to the backrest (22) of the vehicle seat, the support comprising a first coupling member (60); - a sleeve (44), fixed in translation and movable in rotation relative to the support (42) about an axis (34) of rotation, said sleeve being capable of being installed fixed in rotation on the adjustment shaft (24); the sleeve comprising a threaded external surface (70); - a tapped nut (46), capable of cooperating with the threaded external surface of the sleeve; the nut comprising: an external radial surface (76); and a second coupling member (78), disposed on said external radial surface;the first and second coupling members being able to cooperate so that a rotation of the sleeve (44) around the axis (34) of rotation relative to the support (42) leads to a sliding of the nut (46) relative to said support, parallel to said axis of rotation; - a sensor (48), comprising: a console (80), fixed to the support; a first detection element (82), fixed to the console; and a second detection element (84), able to be fixed to the second coupling member (78) of the nut; the sensor being able to determine an axial distance (90) between the first and second detection elements.;

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the first coupling member is a first slot (60) formed in the support (42); and the second coupling member is a tongue (78) capable of sliding in said first slot, so as to lock the nut (46) in rotation relative to the support.

3. Device according to claim 2, in which the console (80) of the sensor comprises a second slot (86) superimposed on the first slot; and the sensor further comprises a pin (88) integral with the second detection element (84) and capable of sliding in said second slot, said pin being capable of being fixed to the tab (78) of the nut.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the sleeve (44) comprises a locking end piece (64), reversibly assemblable to the threaded external surface (62, 70), so as to block the sleeve (44) in rotation and translation relative to the adjustment shaft (24).

5. Vehicle equipment assembly (10), comprising: - a vehicle seat (14) comprising: a seat (20); a backrest (22) capable of pivoting relative to the seat about an axis (34) of rotation; and an adjustment shaft (24), capable of pivoting relative to the seat and the backrest about the axis (34) of rotation; - a device (16) for measuring inclination according to one of the preceding claims, the support (42) of said device being fixed to the backrest (22) of the vehicle seat, the sleeve (44) of said device being fixed in rotation on the adjustment shaft (24), the first (60) and second (78) coupling members being assembled to each other, the second detection element (84) of the sensor (48) being fixed to the second coupling member (78) of the nut;and - a control module (18), connected to the sensor and capable of determining an inclination (a) of the backrest relative to the seat of the vehicle seat, as a function of the distance (90) between the first (82) and second (84) detection elements of the sensor, relative to the axis (34) of rotation.;

6. Assembly (10) according to claim 5, comprising an adjustment member (26) connecting the adjustment shaft (24) to the seat (20) and to the backrest (22) of the vehicle seat (14); the adjustment member being configured so that an input rotation angle of the adjustment shaft (24) relative to the seat (20), around the axis of rotation (34), corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest (22) relative to the seat, around said axis of rotation, the output rotation angle being less than the input rotation angle.

7. Assembly (10) according to claim 6, in which the adjustment member (26) comprises a motorized actuation means (40) connected to the control module (18).

8. Vehicle (12) comprising a set (10) of equipment according to one of claims 5 to 7.

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