Adjustable thigh support for vehicle seats

Abstract

A vehicle seat comprises a seat surface and a thigh support. The thigh support is adjustable and / or movable from an extended position to a retracted position in a first adjustment direction or in a direction opposite to the first adjustment direction by a first adjustment device, the first adjustment direction preferably extending substantially parallel to the seat surface. Furthermore, the thigh support is deflectable substantially perpendicularly to the seat surface and / or an underlying surface by a force that can be applied by a vehicle occupant and directed downwardly in the direction of the vehicle floor, the thigh support having at least one second adjustment device for setting and / or determining a movement resistance by which the thigh support resists the downwardly directed force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat and, more particularly, to a motor vehicle seat having an adjustable thigh support and a thigh support arrangement for a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle seats for motor vehicles, particularly those for the driver or vehicle operator, may be equipped with a padded thigh support. A thigh support is generally understood to mean a movable attachment to the seat surface in the front area where the driver or vehicle occupant sits. Unlike the immovable seat surface, which is typically located directly adjacent to the seat back, the thigh support can still be moved relative to the seat surface despite the resistance provided. For example, during a braking operation, the driver can apply a downward force to the thigh support with their thigh, thereby pushing the thigh support downward. The resistance of the thigh support relative to downward thigh movement must generally be balanced, set, or determined in such a way that the weight of the thigh or leg is comfortably supported, but that the resistance to movement of the thigh support does not cause any delay in the braking path during intentional downward thigh movement (e.g., during a braking operation). Thus, the thigh support is intended to increase driving comfort without compromising driving safety.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to adapt the thigh support's distance from the seat surface and the resistance to movement associated with a conscious downward movement of the thigh, particularly during braking maneuvers, to the driver's anatomical environment. A shorter person with shorter legs will typically move the driver's seat closer to the steering wheel and keep the distance of the front edge of the thigh support from the seat surface as small as possible. In contrast, a taller person with longer, and usually heavier, legs will typically configure the size or distance of the front wall of the thigh support from the seat surface to an appropriate width. For people with heavier thighs, a high resistance to movement relative to downward movement will generally be advantageous, while people with lighter legs will generally require or prefer a low resistance to movement so that there is no unnecessary braking delay during emergency braking.

[0004] The resistance to downward force (particularly downward movement of the legs) is generally determined by the distance between the front wall of the thigh support and the seat surface, and therefore the available lever arm. A large distance between the thigh support and the seat surface generally means a large lever arm and, therefore, a low resistance to movement of the thigh support, although those who prefer a long distance generally still require a high resistance to downward movement so that the legs can rest comfortably on the thigh support during travel. Conversely, a small distance between the front wall of the thigh support and the seat surface generally means a small lever arm and, therefore, a high resistance to movement of the thigh support, although those who prefer a short distance generally also require only a low resistance to movement.

[0005] Seats with a mechanism for adjusting a thigh support by moving it forward and backward are known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,597,398 B2 generally discloses a thigh support that can accommodate different body heights. This thigh support comprises a roller connected to a seat frame and adjustable relative to the seat frame between a retracted position and an extended position. When the roller is in the retracted position, the seat cushion is at least partially wrapped around the roller. Conversely, when the roller is in the extended position, the seat cushion is at least partially unwound from the roller.

[0006] US Patent No. 7,192,087 generally discloses an adjustable thigh cushion system for a vehicle seat. The system includes an electric motor that provides rotational movement for moving the cushion's slope forward and backward.

[0007] US Patent No. 8,408,646 generally discloses a seat device comprising a seat shell and a seat base, the seat device being designed to additionally support the legs. The device further comprises a rod and a motor having a drive shaft which, in an operationally ready state, is connected to the rod and can rotate the rod, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes displacement of the seat shell in a forward or rearward direction.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 9,399,418 also generally discloses a vehicle seating apparatus including a front seat surface having a support base that is adjustable between raised and lowered positions by a motor. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a second support base that is adjacent to the first support base and is independently actuable. This allows for different support positions to be selected for the occupant's legs.

[0009] US Patent No. 6,578,915 generally describes the use of a rod slide mechanism for a chair to move a thigh support. With the adjustable thigh support, a user's legs can rest on the floor or on the thigh support in a relaxed sitting position. The thigh support interacts with the backrest.

[0010] It would be desirable to provide an improved adjustable or movable thigh support for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle seat for a motor vehicle comprises a seat surface and a thigh support that is adjustable and / or movable from an extended position to a retracted position in a first adjustment direction (substantially parallel to the seat surface) or in a direction opposite to the first adjustment direction using a first adjustment device, and is deflectable substantially perpendicularly to the seat surface and / or the vehicle floor by a force that can be applied by a vehicle occupant and directed downwardly in the direction of the vehicle floor, wherein the thigh support has a second adjustment device for setting and / or determining a movement resistance by which the thigh support resists the downward force.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a seat surface, a thigh support, a first adjustment device for moving the thigh support between an extended position and a retracted position in a first adjustment direction (substantially parallel to the seat surface) and deflectable substantially perpendicular to the seat surface by a downward force applied by a vehicle occupant, and a second adjustment device for setting a movement resistance by which the thigh support resists the downward force.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a retractable and / or extendable thigh support device for a vehicle seat is provided. The device comprises a thigh support and an adjustment device for setting a movement resistance by which the thigh support resists forces directed downward in the direction of the vehicle floor and which may be applied by a vehicle occupant.

[0014] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention upon studying the following specification, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the attached figure:

[0016] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat having a thigh support;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged detail of the adjustment mechanism of the thigh support device; and

[0018] Figure 3is a side cross-sectional view of a thigh support device in a selected position of the thigh support having the lowest resistance to movement against a downwardly directed force. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the individual figures, identical components are always provided with the same reference symbols, so they are generally also described only once.

[0020] Figure 1 A vehicle seat 1 is shown, comprising a seat surface 2 and a seat base 3. The seat surface 2 and the seat base 3 are joined together around an adjustment device for a thigh support 4. The thigh support 4 is connected to the vehicle seat 1 via a thigh support coupling 5. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1 has a base 6 for installation in a vehicle, and a seat back 7, which can be adapted to the anatomical features of a vehicle occupant and / or user by means of a seat back adjustment device 8 around a seat back swivel 9.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the thigh support 4 is connected to the seat surface 2 and / or seat base 3 at at least two support points (illustrated as anchors (10, 11) with corresponding fasteners). A guide device 12 allows for extension and retraction of the thigh support 4 and adjustment of its stiffness, thereby setting or determining its resistance to downward forces, particularly downward movement of the thighs of a seated vehicle occupant or user. In the illustrated cross-sectional view, the guide device 12 is depicted as a separate guide rod 12. At its end facing away from the thigh support 4, the guide rod 12 has a first anchor 10 to the vehicle seat 1. At its end facing the thigh support 4, the guide device 12 is movably / adjustably connected to the thigh support coupling 5. In the vertical direction, particularly relative to the weight of the seated driver or vehicle occupant, the guide rod 12 is supported by a support 13, which in turn is connected to the vehicle seat 1 via a second anchor 11.

[0022] A first adjustment device 14 is provided on the guide device 12, by means of which the thigh support 4 can be extended or retracted by an adjustment distance B (shown by way of example) in a direction predetermined by the guide rod 12 shown. Furthermore, a second adjustment device 15 is provided, which is movably / adjustably connected to the support 13 and by means of which the support 13 can be moved by an adjustment distance A (shown by way of example) in a direction predetermined by the guide rod 12 shown, for setting or determining a lever arm H. The lever arm H is shown in a suggested manner and extends from the front wall 23 of the thigh support 4 to the support 13.

[0023] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 11 and 2. An enlarged cutout of the diagram of the thigh support 4 and, in this respect, in particular the mechanism of the adjustable thigh support device (shown in simplified form). The thigh support 4 can be extended or retracted along the guide device 12 by means of a first adjustment device 14, thereby defining a first adjustment direction 21. The displacement of the thigh support 4 can be achieved by means of a gear / rack arrangement. In the case of the first adjustment device 14, a first spur gear 16 fixedly connected to the thigh support 4 meshes with a first rack 17, which is fixedly connected to the guide rod 12. The length of the first rack 17 further determines the maximum adjustment distance B of the thigh support 4 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ). The thigh support 4 extends along the adjustment direction 21 (along the arrow direction shown in the figure). The thigh support 4 retracts in the opposite direction of the arrow direction shown in the figure. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first spur gear 16 is located in the forwardmost position of the first rack 17 , so that the thigh support 4 is in the forwardmost possible position.

[0024] In the case of the second adjustment device 15, the second spur gear 18 meshes with a support rack 19, which is movably / adjustably connected to the support 13, and a second thigh support rack 20, which is movably / adjustably connected to the thigh support 4. Therefore, the length of the racks 19, 20 determines the maximum adjustment distance A of the support 13 (see Figure 3 ). In the second adjustment direction 22 (in the direction of the arrow shown), the lever arm H extends, which reduces the movement resistance against the downward force. Since the lever arm H is shortened, the movement resistance increases in the opposite direction of the arrow shown. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the second spur gear 18 is shown as being arranged in the center. While the adjustment distance B remains constant, there is room to increase or decrease the movement resistance. For this purpose, the adjustment device 14 can be blocked by a corresponding blocking device (not shown).

[0025] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 1 Same view, but with the difference that the support 13 is arranged in the rearmost possible position of the guide rod 12 in the area of the seat back 7. As a result, regardless of the position of the thigh support 4, the available lever arm H is maximized at the specified position of the thigh support 4, so that the resistance to movement against downward forces is minimized.

[0026] The present disclosure provides a device for setting or determining the resistance to movement of a thigh support, in particular independently of the position of the thigh support relative to the seat surface. According to the present disclosure, this is achieved by a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a thigh support and a thigh support device.

[0027] It is understood that the features and measures cited individually in the description can be combined with one another in any technically meaningful manner and represent other configurations of the seat and thigh support. The description furthermore characterizes and provides further details of the vehicle seat and thigh support in conjunction with the drawings.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a seat surface and a thigh support. The thigh support is adjustable and / or movable from an extended position to a retracted position in a first adjustment direction (preferably substantially parallel to the seat surface) or in a direction opposite to the first adjustment direction via a first adjustment device. The thigh support is deflected perpendicularly to the seat surface and / or the ground below by a force that can be applied by a vehicle occupant and directed downwardly toward the vehicle floor and / or the ground below. The thigh support comprises at least one second adjustment device for setting and / or determining a resistance to movement against the downward force. With this type of device, in addition to the position of the thigh support relative to the seat surface, the resistance to downward thigh movement can also be adapted to the anatomical environment of the seated driver. Thus, an adjustable thigh support for a seat, particularly a vehicle seat, is disclosed that is optimally adapted to the driver's comfort and safety requirements.

[0029] It should be emphasized that movement in the first adjustment direction or in the direction opposite to the first adjustment direction can be provided primarily through linear and rotational movement. For example, the first adjustment device may extend substantially parallel to the seat surface or at an angle ranging from approximately 0 to 15° relative to a horizontally oriented underlying surface and / or the vehicle floor. When a new driver or a different vehicle occupant sits on the seat surface, they typically adjust the seat parameters (backrest, headrest, horizontal position, etc.) to their own body shape. If a thigh support is present, it must also be configured accordingly. For example, if a tall person with long legs sits in a vehicle seat where a shorter person with shorter thighs previously sat, the thigh support must be "extended." This extension of the thigh support's front wall increases the distance from the seat surface. This increased distance does not necessarily mean a gap between the thigh support and the seat surface. On the contrary, through appropriate configuration of the seat shell and trim, the thigh support acts as a continuous extension and movable portion of the seat surface. Thus, extension or retraction of the thigh support is achieved through movement extending substantially parallel to the seat surface.

[0030] An advantageous refinement provides that the second adjustment device includes at least one support element whose position relative to the seat surface and / or the thigh support element sets or determines the resistance to downwardly directed forces (e.g., forces exerted by the thighs of a seated vehicle occupant). Movement of the support element relative to the seat surface in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, for example, from the backrest toward the front wall of the thigh support element, shortens the lever arm available for resistance to movement, thereby increasing the resistance to movement. Movement of the support element can be considered, for example, as a sliding displacement along a guide. Conversely, movement of the support element along the guide element in the opposite direction, for example, from the front wall of the thigh support element toward the backrest element, reduces the resistance to movement due to the increased available lever arm. Therefore, if the lever arm is at least partially designed as a bending spring, displacement of the support element displaces the support point where the bending spring is mounted. For example, the guide element can extend substantially parallel to the seat surface or at an angle in the range of approximately 0 to 15° relative to a plane oriented horizontally to the underlying surface. As already described, increasing the distance between the front wall of the thigh support element and the seat surface, for example by increasing the lever arm, reduces the resistance to downwardly directed forces (e.g., downward movement of the thigh element). The second adjustment device can compensate for this generally undesirable effect by, for example, additional movement of the support in the second adjustment direction. This additional movement can be performed simultaneously, i.e., synchronously. Alternatively, the movements can be performed independently of one another in time and can be performed both linearly and by rotational movement.

[0031] In one advantageous embodiment, the support element can be designed to be displaced in a second adjustment direction, or in a direction opposite thereto, that extends substantially parallel to the seat surface and, therefore, also substantially parallel to the first adjustment direction. This means that a movement that would undesirably increase the lever arm and, therefore, reduce the resistance to movement against downwardly directed forces, is compensated by a second movement in the second adjustment direction. For example, a shorter person with shorter but heavier thighs can have the front wall of the thigh support positioned at a short distance from the seat surface, while simultaneously setting a higher resistance to movement by additionally shortening the lever arm (which increases the resistance to movement) with the aid of the second adjustment device.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, the seat has at least one common guide device that defines the adjustment direction along which the thigh support and the support element can be displaced and that can set and / or determine the resistance to movement. This guide device can be designed, for example, as a guide rod, guide rail, guide groove, or similar device along which the support element can slide. The lever arm that determines the resistance to movement of the thigh support element can be physically identical to the guide device, at least in sections. For this purpose, the guide device can also be designed as a bending spring.

[0033] In one advantageous embodiment, the first and second adjustment devices can be operated and / or actuated in a mutually interacting manner so that the position of the support relative to the thigh support does not change during adjustment of the thigh support's position parallel to the seat surface from an extended position to a retracted position. Thus, for example, extending the thigh support does not necessarily mean lengthening the lever arm, which would otherwise cause resistance to movement. In this case, it is ideal to have the thigh support in the forwardmost possible position, as the support is also in the forwardmost possible position to achieve the greatest resistance to movement. Conversely, having the thigh support in the rearmost possible position, also in the rearmost possible position in the seatback area, allows even shorter people to press down on the padded thigh support, for example during emergency braking.

[0034] The first and second adjustment devices can be conveniently operated and / or actuated independently of each other. The adjustment devices can be actuated individually via preferably different operating mechanisms. As a result, for example, while the available lever arm is further reduced, the distance between the front wall of the thigh support and the seat surface can be increased, thereby also increasing the resulting movement resistance. This allows the individual requirements of the driver, vehicle operator, or occupant to be met. Even in the parked position, the driver's seat or other vehicle seat can thus be moved into a comfortable resting and / or reclining position by setting the movement resistance to its maximum value.

[0035] The first and / or second adjustment devices preferably comprise a rack / pinion arrangement. For example, rotation of a spur gear displaces the thigh support and / or support member and / or other components in a specified adjustment direction or in a direction opposite to the specified adjustment direction. The corresponding rack meshing with the spur gear is, for example, fixed to the guide device, the thigh support, and / or other seat components. For example, the adjustment device may also be formed using other mechanical, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic operating mechanisms.

[0036] In a particular embodiment of the rack arrangement, the second adjustment device has a first rack fixedly connected to the thigh support and a second rack fixedly connected to the support, wherein both racks mesh with the spur gear.

[0037] In one advantageous embodiment, the vehicle seat includes means for electrically manipulating and / or activating the adjustment device. The aforementioned spur gear can be rotated, for example, by a handle on the side of the driver's seat and / or a hand crank. Alternatively, actuation can be performed electrically via operating means on the steering wheel, the driver's seat, the dashboard, or another suitable location. Additionally or alternatively, by providing the vehicle seat with appropriate sensor means, adaptation of the vehicle seat to the vehicle occupant's preferred preconfiguration can be fully automated.

[0038] A thigh support device for a vehicle seat, particularly for a motor vehicle, is also disclosed. The thigh support device preferably has one and / or a combination of the aforementioned features, wherein the support device comprises a thigh support member having a device for setting and / or determining a resistance to movement against downward forces (e.g., thigh forces). The thigh support device is preferably installed in the vehicle seat of the driver or vehicle operator, but can also be installed in other seats, particularly in a motor vehicle. If such a thigh support device is installed, for example, in the rear seats of a motor vehicle, it is possible to select the ideal setting parameters for the respective vehicle occupants in terms of driving safety and comfort during travel. Conversely, in the parked position, for example, the distance from the seat surface to the front wall of the thigh support member can be minimized while maximizing the resistance to movement of the thigh support member. As a result, the rear seats can be used again as comfortable resting surfaces.

[0039] It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the foregoing constructions without departing from the inventive concepts, and it will be understood that these concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless such claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, comprising: seating surfaces; as well as A thigh support, which is adjustable from an extended position to a retracted position by a first adjustment device in a first adjustment direction or a direction opposite to the first adjustment direction, the first adjustment direction being substantially parallel to the seat surface, and the thigh support is deflectable substantially perpendicular to the seat surface and / or the vehicle floor by a force applied by a vehicle occupant and directed downwardly in the direction of the vehicle floor, wherein the thigh support has a second adjustment device for setting a movement resistance, by which the thigh support resists the downwardly directed force, the second adjustment device having at least one support element, wherein the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device are operable in an interactive manner so that the position of the support element relative to the thigh support does not change during adjustment of the position of the thigh support. 2 . The vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the position of the support relative to the seat surface and / or the thigh support sets the resistance to movement against the downwardly directed force. 3 . The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is designed to move in a second adjustment direction or in a direction opposite to the second adjustment direction, the second adjustment direction extending substantially parallel to the seat surface.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3 , further comprising a common guide device, which defines the first adjustment direction and the second adjustment direction, along which the thigh support and / or the support for setting the movement resistance are displaceable. 5 . The vehicle seat of claim 1 , wherein the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device are operable independently of each other. 6 . The vehicle seat according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device is formed with a rack and pinion arrangement.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the second adjustment device has a thigh support rack and a support rack, the thigh support rack is fixedly connected to the thigh support member, the support rack is fixedly connected to the support member, and the thigh support rack and the support rack are engaged with a spur gear.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising at least one device for electrical operability of the first adjustment device and / or the second adjustment device.

9. A vehicle seat, comprising: seating surfaces; thigh supports; a first adjustment device for moving the thigh support between an extended position and a retracted position in a first adjustment direction, the first adjustment direction being substantially parallel to the seat surface, and the first adjustment device being deflectable substantially perpendicular to the seat surface by a downward force applied by a vehicle occupant; as well as a second adjustment device for setting a movement resistance by which the thigh support resists the downward force, the second adjustment device having at least one support member; The first adjustment device and the second adjustment device are operable in an interactive manner such that the position of the support relative to the thigh support does not change during the adjustment of the position of the thigh support.

10. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the position of the support relative to the seat surface and / or the thigh support sets a resistance to movement against the downward force. 11 . The vehicle seat according to claim 9 , wherein the support element is designed to be displaced in a second adjustment direction or in a direction opposite to the second adjustment direction, the second adjustment direction extending substantially parallel to the seat surface.

12. The vehicle seat according to claim 11, further comprising a common guide device, which defines the first adjustment direction and the second adjustment direction, along which the thigh support and / or the support for setting the movement resistance is displaceable.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device are operable independently of each other.

14. The vehicle seat of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first adjustment device and the second adjustment device is formed with a rack and pinion arrangement.

15. The vehicle seat according to claim 14, wherein the second adjustment device has a thigh support rack and a support rack, the thigh support rack is fixedly connected to the thigh support member, the support rack is fixedly connected to the support member, and the thigh support rack and the support rack are engaged with a spur gear.

16. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, further comprising at least one device for electrical operability of the first adjustment device and / or the second adjustment device.

17. A retractable and / or extendable thigh support device for a vehicle seat, comprising: thigh supports; an adjustment device for setting a movement resistance with which the thigh support reacts against forces directed downward in the direction of the vehicle floor and which can be exerted by a vehicle occupant; a first adjustment device for adjusting the thigh support from an extended position to a retracted position in a first adjustment direction or in a direction opposite to the first adjustment direction, the first adjustment direction being substantially parallel to a seat surface, and the first adjustment device being deflectable substantially perpendicular to the seat surface by a force that can be applied by a vehicle occupant and directed downwardly; as well as a second adjustment device for setting a movement resistance with which the thigh support element counteracts the downwardly directed force, the second adjustment device comprising at least one support element; The first adjustment device and the second adjustment device are operable in an interactive manner such that the position of the support relative to the thigh support does not change during the adjustment of the position of the thigh support.

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