Seat adjustment drive and safety device having a seat adjustment drive

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat adjustment drive (10; 10a to 10c) for longitudinally adjusting a seat (1), comprising an electric motor (16) which at least indirectly cooperates with a drive spindle (14) as part of an adjustment transmission (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a seat adjustment drive for longitudinally adjusting a seat, for example in a vehicle for adjusting a driver's seat or a passenger seat. The invention also relates to a safety device for a vehicle, in particular an autonomously driven vehicle, having a seat adjustment drive according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] A seat adjustment drive for longitudinal adjustment of a seat is known from DE 202006004613 U1. Such seat adjustment drives are usually characterized by a threaded spindle, which cooperates with at least one threaded nut. The relative movement between the threaded nut and the threaded spindle, which is achieved by the rotation of the threaded spindle or the threaded nut by means of an electric motor, results in longitudinal adjustment of the seat, wherein the aforementioned components are components of an adjustment gear. This makes it possible to use the rotation speed of the electric motor for relatively slow movements of the seat at increased torque, which is usually desired by the operator, for example, for setting a desired position of the seat.

[0003] In the future, more and more autonomous vehicles will participate in road traffic. The vehicles are further characterized by an environment recognition system that enables autonomous driving. Part of the environment recognition system is also used to be able to recognize a possible collision of the vehicle as early as possible, so that appropriate measures can be introduced to minimize the consequences of the accident. A possible measure when an imminent, unavoidable collision is to adjust the seat of the driver or a passenger to an accident position, wherein, for example, an optimal effect of the airbag can be achieved taking into account the airbag present in the vehicle. Since the time period between the recognition of an imminent or unavoidable accident collision and the collision or triggering of the safety device (airbag) is usually very short, it is not possible to adjust the seat of the driver or a passenger from the actual position occupied during driving to the accident position in a very short time using the seat adjustment drive known from the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] The seat adjustment drive according to the invention has the advantage that, in addition to providing an adjustment transmission which is in principle an alternative to the prior art, it also makes it possible, in particular in the event of a significant collision, to adjust the seat very quickly from the existing actual position to the accident position. To this end, the seat adjustment drive according to the invention for longitudinal adjustment of a seat proposes that the adjustment transmission of the seat adjustment drive comprises a scissor mechanism which can be connected to the seat for longitudinal adjustment of the seat. Such a scissor mechanism has the advantage, in particular, that it makes it possible to achieve very high transmission ratios due to its geometric design, i.e., relatively high adjustment speeds of the seat can be achieved even at relatively low rotational speeds of the electric motor.

[0005] The advantageous improved scheme of the seat adjustment drive for longitudinally adjusting a seat according to the present invention includes but is not limited to: the transmission screw is rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis by means of an electric motor, and the scissor mechanism has two spindle nuts arranged on the transmission screw at intervals in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the transmission screw, and the spindle nuts are constructed to move along the longitudinal axis in different directions when the transmission screw rotates, wherein the spindle nuts are respectively connected to at least one transmission rod of the scissor mechanism, and the end of at least one transmission rod facing away from the spindle nut can be connected to the seat; the at least one transmission The end of the rod that can be connected to the seat is constructed to be arranged on the seat in a pivotable manner in an axis; the end of the at least one transmission rod that can be connected to the seat is constructed to be arranged on the seat in a linearly movable manner along a direction extending parallel to the threaded spindle; the scissors mechanism is constructed as a single-stage scissors piece; the scissors mechanism is constructed as a multi-stage, preferably two-stage scissors piece; the electric motor is constructed to operate at at least two different speeds, operating at a first speed for adjusting the seat to a rated position desired by an operator, and operating at a second speed higher than the first speed for adjusting the seat to an accident position.

[0006] In the specific structure and geometric design of the seat adjustment drive or the scissors mechanism, it is proposed that the threaded spindle is rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis by means of an electric motor, and the scissors mechanism has two spindle nuts (Spindelmutter) arranged on the threaded spindle at a distance from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle, and the spindle nuts are constructed to move in different directions when the threaded spindle rotates, wherein the spindle nuts are respectively connected to at least one transmission rod of the scissors mechanism, and the end of at least one transmission rod facing away from the spindle nut can be connected to the seat.

[0007] In the last proposed first structural improvement, it is provided that the end of at least one transmission rod that can be connected to the seat is designed to be pivotably arranged on the seat. Such a connection between the transmission rod and the seat enables a particularly compact connection of the transmission rod on the seat.

[0008] In an alternative connection between the transfer rod and the seat, it is provided that the end of at least one transfer rod connectable to the seat is designed to be arranged on the seat so as to be linearly movable in a direction running preferably parallel to the threaded spindle.

[0009] In order to be able to influence the transmission ratio of the scissor mechanism, for example, or to adapt the scissor mechanism to the available installation space in the vehicle, it can be provided that the scissor mechanism is designed either as a single-stage scissor element or as a multi-stage, preferably two-stage scissor element.

[0010] In particular, in conjunction with the problems already mentioned when identifying a presented collision, in order to ensure the highest possible adjustment speed of the seat from its actual position to the accident position, it can be provided that the electric motor is designed to operate at at least two different speeds, at a first speed for adjusting the seat to a nominal position desired by the operator and at a second speed, which is higher than the first speed, for adjusting the seat to the accident position.

[0011] The invention also comprises a safety device for a vehicle, which comprises a seat adjustment drive according to the invention which can be controlled by a control device, wherein the electric motor can be operated at the last-mentioned two rotational speeds of different magnitudes.

[0012] In a development of the safety device, it is provided that a detection device is present for detecting an imminent collision, in particular a frontal collision, and that in the event of an imminent frontal collision the control device is designed to adjust the seat into an accident position.

[0013] It is particularly preferred to use such a safety device as a component of an autonomously driven vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 shows the seat adjustment drive in different seat positions when using a single-stage scissor element;

[0016] Figure 2 Shows the corresponding Figure 1 An arrangement in which the scissor mechanism is constructed as a two-stage scissor member;

[0017] Figure 3 Shows the corresponding Figure 1 an arrangement in which the connection between the scissor mechanism and the seat is achieved by a pivotable arrangement of the transmission lever on the seat, and

[0018] Figure 4 The corresponding Figure 2 The arrangement of Figure 3 Realize the connection between the seat and the transmission rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Identical elements or elements having the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0020] Figure 11 and 2 , a first seat adjustment drive 10 is shown in simplified form for longitudinally adjusting the seat 1 , shown in simplified form, in two different (longitudinal) positions of the seat 1 . The seat 1 can be either a driver's seat or a passenger seat in a vehicle.

[0021] The seat adjustment drive 10 comprises a threaded spindle 14 which is arranged in a fixed position and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis 12. In order to rotate the threaded spindle 14, the threaded spindle is connected to an electric motor 16, the output shaft of which is aligned, for example, with the longitudinal axis 12 of the threaded spindle 14. Two spindle nuts 18, 20 are arranged on the spindle spiral of the threaded spindle 14, which are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis 12. It is important that when the threaded spindle 14 is rotated in one or different directions of rotation, the two spindle nuts 18, 20 move in different directions relative to the longitudinal axis 12 of the threaded spindle 14, i.e., their distance from each other either increases or decreases. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the directions of the spindle spirals of the threaded spindle 14 are oriented differently in the regions in which the corresponding spindle nuts 18, 20 are arranged.

[0022] The spindle nuts 18, 20 (which, like the threaded spindle 14, are part of the adjustment gear 22) are connected to the scissor mechanism 24 of the adjustment gear 22. Figure 1 In the seat adjustment drive 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the scissor mechanism 24 is configured as a single-stage scissor member. The scissor mechanism 24 comprises two transmission rods 26, 28, whose opposite ends are connected to the corresponding spindle nuts 18, 20 on the one hand and to the seat 1 on the other hand. Figure 1 As can be seen in the figure, the ends 30, 32 of the transmission rods 26, 28 connected to the seat 1 move along the guide 34 on the seat 1, preferably at least almost parallel to the longitudinal axis 12 of the threaded spindle 14, during the longitudinal adjustment of the seat 1. This results in that, in the corresponding Figure 1 The left side of the seat 1 is facing Figure 1 When the transfer rods 26 , 28 move in the direction of the right-hand part, the two ends 30 , 32 of the transfer rods 26 , 28 move towards each other in the area of ​​the guide 34 .

[0023] Figure 2 The seat adjustment drive 10a is shown in FIG. Figure 1The seat adjustment drive 10 of the embodiment of the invention is different in that the scissor mechanism 24a is designed as a two-stage scissor element. Therefore, the scissor mechanism 24a has two further transmission rods 36, 38 in addition to the two transmission rods 26, 28, which are connected to the corresponding transmission rods 26, 28 and are connected to them in an articulated manner. The scissor mechanism 24a when using a two-stage scissor element has the following advantages, namely that a higher transmission ratio can be achieved, that is, when the threaded spindle 14 is rotated by, for example, 360° relative to the single-stage scissor element or scissor mechanism 24, a larger adjustment path of the seat 1 in the longitudinal direction is formed.

[0024] according to Figure 3 The seat adjustment drive 10b corresponds essentially to the Figure 1 The seat adjustment drive 10a is constructed in the same manner as the seat adjustment drive 10b. The difference lies in the connection of the transmission rods 26, 28 at their ends 30, 32 on the seat 1. In the seat adjustment drive 10b, it is provided that the ends 30, 32 are arranged on the seat 1 so as to be rotatable, i.e., when the seat 1 is adjusted, the ends move about the axes 40, 42.

[0025] exist Figure 4 Finally, the seat adjustment drive 10c is shown, which corresponds to Figure 2 The seat adjustment drive 10 a is constructed similarly to the seat adjustment drive 10 b , but differs from the seat adjustment drive 10 a in that the further transmission levers 36 , 38 are likewise arranged pivotably in axes 40 , 42 on the seat 1 .

[0026] The seat adjustment drives 10, 10a to 10c described in this regard may also be components of a safety device 100 for a vehicle, in particular an autonomously driven vehicle. For the sake of simplicity, the safety device 100 is only described in detail. Figure 1 Or the left part of the seat adjusting drive 10 , but is also provided in the seat adjusting drives 10 a to 10 c .

[0027] The safety mechanism 100 comprises a control device 101 for actuating the electric motor 16 and a detection device 102 for detecting an imminent or unavoidable collision, in particular a frontal collision of the vehicle. In order to minimize the consequences of such an accident, the detection device 102 can also be coupled to a corresponding safety system, for example, in order to actuate an airbag or the like. However, it is important that the detection device 102 actuates the control device 101 when an imminent collision is detected, so that the control device in turn actuates the electric motor 16 in order to adjust the seat 1 from the existing actual position to an accident position, in which, for example, a specific distance between the seat 1 and the airbag is constructed. Preferably, in this case, the electric motor 16 also rotates at a speed higher than the first rotational speed n 1 The second speed n 2When the operator (driver or passenger) wants to adjust the seat 1 to the desired nominal position, the speed n is used. 1 In contrast, the speed n 2 It is preferably used only to enable the seat 1 to be adjusted into the accident position as quickly as possible.

[0028] The seat adjustment drive 10, 10a to 10c or the safety device 100 described in this regard can be changed or modified in different ways and methods without departing from the inventive concept. It is thus conceivable, for example, to also use scissor elements with more than two stages. Other arrangements of the electric motor 16 relative to the threaded spindle 14 are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A seat adjustment drive (10; 10a to 10c) for longitudinally adjusting a seat (1), comprising an electric motor (16) which at least indirectly cooperates with a drive spindle (14) as part of an adjustment gear (22), characterized in that: The adjusting transmission device (22) comprises a scissor mechanism (24; 24a), which can be connected to the seat (1) for longitudinal adjustment of the seat (1), wherein the transmission screw (14) is rotatably arranged around its longitudinal axis (12) by means of an electric motor (16), and the scissor mechanism (24; 24a) has two spindle nuts (18, 20) arranged on the transmission screw at intervals in the direction of the longitudinal axis (12) of the transmission screw (14), and the spindle nuts are configured to be arranged on the transmission screw at intervals. When the lever (14) is rotated, it moves in different directions along the longitudinal axis (12), wherein the screw nuts (18, 20) are respectively connected to at least one transmission rod (26, 28, 36, 38) of the scissors mechanism (24; 24a), and the end (30, 32) of at least one transmission rod (26, 28, 36, 38) facing away from the screw nut (18, 20) can be connected to the seat (1), wherein the longitudinal axis (12) of the transmission screw (14) is arranged transversely to the direction of longitudinal adjustment of the seat (1).

2. The seat adjustment actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end (30, 32) of the at least one transfer rod (26, 28, 36, 38) that can be connected to the seat (1) is designed to be arranged on the seat (1) so as to be pivotable in an axis (40, 42).

3. The seat adjustment actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end (30, 32) of the at least one transmission rod (26, 28, 36, 38) that can be connected to the seat (1) is configured to be arranged on the seat (1) in a linearly movable manner in a direction extending parallel to the transmission screw (14).

4. The seat adjustment drive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The scissor mechanism (24) is designed as a single-stage scissor element.

5. The seat adjustment drive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The scissor mechanism (24) is constructed as a multi-stage scissor member.

6. The seat adjustment drive according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The electric motor (16) is designed to operate at at least two different rotational speeds (n1, n2), to operate at a first rotational speed (n1) for adjusting a setpoint position of the seat (1) desired by an operator, and to operate at a second rotational speed (n2) higher than the first rotational speed (n1) for adjusting the seat (1) to an emergency position.

7. The seat adjustment actuator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scissor mechanism (24) is constructed as a two-stage scissor member.

8. A safety device (100) for a vehicle, comprising a seat adjustment drive (10; 10a to 10c) designed according to claim 6 and capable of being controlled by a control device (101).

9. The safety device according to claim 8, characterized in that: There is a detection device (102) for detecting an impending collision.

10. The safety device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, as a component of an autonomously driven vehicle.

11. The safety device according to claim 9, characterized in that: A detection device (102) is provided for detecting a frontal collision, and in the event of an imminent frontal collision, the control device (101) is designed to adjust the seat (1) to an accident position.

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