Vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat having a lower part and an upper part displaceable in a height direction relative to the lower part, the lower part and the upper part being connected to each other in a displaceable manner relative to each other by means of a connection unit and being provided with a height adjustment unit designed for adjusting the spacing of the lower part to the upper part, wherein the vehicle seat has a light display unit comprising a light source and a deflection unit for deflecting the light of the light source, wherein the light display unit is adapted to output a first light indication when the spacing of the lower part to the upper part is outside a predetermined target region and to output a second light indication when the spacing is within the target region during a first operating state of the vehicle seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a lower part and an upper part that is movable relative to the lower part in the height direction, the lower part and the upper part being connected to each other in such a way that they are movable relative to each other by a connecting unit, and having a height adjustment unit configured and designed to adjust the distance between the lower part and the upper part. Background Technology

[0002] In existing vehicle seats, the indicator for whether the seat is in the correct position (i.e., the distance between the lower and upper parts is within a certain range) is located below the upper part and is difficult to see. To read this indicator, one needs to lean forward or even sit up slightly from the seat to reach the indicator located below the upper part.

[0003] Due to this change in weight and position, the air springs (through which height or pitch can be adjusted) experience different forces, resulting in different values ​​that can be read on the display. This can cause the system to display an indication that the vehicle seat is correctly adjusted when it is not. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that overcomes the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This objective is achieved by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 1. The task is also solved by a method having the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be seen in the dependent claims.

[0006] The main concept of this invention is to provide a vehicle seat having a lower portion and an upper portion that is movable relative to the lower portion in the height direction, wherein the lower portion and the upper portion are connected to each other in a relatively movable manner by a connecting unit, and wherein a height adjustment unit is provided, the height adjustment unit being configured and designed to adjust the distance between the lower portion and the upper portion. The vehicle seat has a light display unit including a light source and a deflection unit for deflecting the light from the light source, wherein the light display unit is configured to output a first light indication when the distance between the lower portion and the upper portion is outside a predetermined target area during a first operating state of the vehicle seat, and is configured to output a second light indication when the distance is within the target area.

[0007] Preferably, the vehicle seat is also provided in the longitudinal and width directions.

[0008] The deflection unit can be selected from a deflecting mirror, a deflecting prism, or the like. Particularly preferably, the deflection unit is arranged at the top and connected to the top.

[0009] In the context of this invention, the connecting unit can be any possible connection between the upper and lower parts, i.e., in a manner in which the upper part can be displaced relative to the lower part in the height direction via the connecting unit. For example, a scissor frame, a parallelogram arrangement, or an equivalent arrangement are conceivable. In particular, the connecting unit is configured and designed to allow the upper part to be displaced relative to the lower part in the height direction.

[0010] The height adjustment unit, intended to adjust the distance between the upper and lower parts, can be any unit capable of achieving this purpose in a general sense. Preferably, the height adjustment unit is an air spring that can be filled by a compressor when the corresponding actuation unit is actuated. Particularly preferably, each height adjustment unit includes an actuation unit that actuates the height adjustment unit. In particular, by actuating the height adjustment unit, the compressor is activated, and / or a valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) is activated so that the distance can be adjusted.

[0011] Due to the mechanical design of vehicle seats, especially the mechanical design of the connecting units, the adjustable spacing is limited.

[0012] Depending on the individual, specifically their height and, most importantly, their weight, the spacing needs to be adjusted differently. The mass of the human body exerts a corresponding force on the upper part and the connecting unit, causing an upper offset. This variation can be counteracted by operating the height adjustment unit and the spacing thereby adjusted. This spacing should be located within a target area to provide approximately equal upward and downward spring travel. However, this target area is designed in such a way that even slight height offsets, such as due to the person's height, can be located further within the target area. Preferably, the target area for the spacing is a middle area, i.e., the middle position of the vehicle seat, wherein a first area of ​​the target area is lower than the middle position and a second area of ​​the target area is higher than the middle position.

[0013] The first operating state is preferably a state in which a person is sitting in a vehicle seat, preferably in the driver's position, but the vehicle seat is not subjected to any other external forces, such as when the vehicle is not moving. External forces would cause the upper part to move relative to the lower part, and it would be impossible to reliably indicate the distance. More preferably, the first operating state provides actuation of the height adjustment unit, that is, the light indication of the distance is only output when the height adjustment unit is actuated.

[0014] In summary, the first operating condition refers to the situation where a person is sitting in the vehicle seat and no external force is applied to the vehicle seat during the operation of the height adjustment unit.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the light display unit is arranged on the upper and / or lower part. More preferably, the display unit is arranged between the upper and lower parts.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the deflection unit is configured to deflect the light source in such a way that the first and second light indicators are visible in the longitudinal direction in front of the vehicle seat. This means that a person sees the corresponding first or second indicator in front of the vehicle seat and in front of themselves, without having to change their position in the vehicle seat. Particularly preferably, the light indicators are visible on the floor in front of the vehicle seat, so that only downward looking is required. It is also preferred that the display be readable on a console or the like.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, the light source includes at least one laser and / or one LED.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the display unit is a color-variable light source, preferably a laser or an LED. Optionally, the display unit is formed by a first display unit element having a first color associated with a first light display and a second display unit element having a second color associated with a second light display.

[0019] Preferably, the first color and the second color are different; for example, red when the spacing is not in the target area, and green when the spacing is in the target area.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, a deflection unit may be provided at the front of the upper part with a deflection angle.

[0021] According to another preferred embodiment, the light source is arranged below the deflection unit when viewed from the height direction.

[0022] Preferably, the light source and the deflection unit are arranged relative to each other in such a way that light energy from the light source is projected onto the floor, the bottom of the vehicle body, the steering wheel, or the like.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the light source is arranged in a fixed manner. Preferably, the light source can be arranged at a fixed position relative to the lower part or floor. The floor can refer to, for example, the bottom of a vehicle body or a substrate connected to or forming part of the lower part.

[0024] According to another preferred embodiment, the light source may be arranged between the upper and lower portions, and at a first distance from the lower portion. The indication between the upper and lower portions refers to the height direction. Similarly, it is envisioned that the upper and / or lower portions completely overlap with the light source when viewed in the height direction. This means that the light source is arranged in the free space between the upper and lower portions.

[0025] Because the light source is fixed and the deflection unit is attached to the upper part, the deflection unit moves relative to the light source. Therefore, whether the light emitted by the light source (preferably emitted within a certain range) can hit the deflection unit depends on the position of the upper part.

[0026] Particularly preferably, a light source can be provided to emit light having or being within an overall light cone, which preferably has an acute angle. If the deflection unit is arranged at the upper front, the light source emits light forward in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] Particularly preferably, the light source can emit three light cones. The three light cones are arranged in an overall light cone. Preferably, a first light cone, a second light cone, and a third light cone are provided, such that, as seen in the height direction, the first and second light cones surround the third light cone.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the light from the first and second light cones is the same, for example, red. Preferably, the light from the third light cone is different from the light from the other light cones, for example, green.

[0029] According to another preferred embodiment, a first light cone and a second light cone may be provided to have a first extension in the height direction relative to a real or virtual projection surface formed by the height direction and the width direction, and wherein a third light cone has a second extension relative to the projection surface.

[0030] This is accompanied by different angles of the light cone, commonly referred to as the diffusion angle. The angle of the light cone is chosen to achieve the diffusion as described with respect to the projection plane.

[0031] Depending on the orientation of the light source, the angle of the light cone may be different or the same.

[0032] The first and second light cones preferably represent the distance outside the target area, and the third light cone represents the distance within the target area, because the third light cone is arranged between the other two light cones. The first and second light cones correspond to the respective remaining spring travel range of the vehicle seat.

[0033] According to another preferred embodiment, the first and third light cones, as well as the second and third light cones, may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction. This particularly preferably refers to the projection plane, so that the corresponding spacing between the first and third light cones and between the second and third light cones can be seen on the projection plane.

[0034] This spacing is therefore not displayed in color, allowing people in the vehicle seats to see that they have reached the end of the target area and thus be able to react accordingly before they go beyond the target area.

[0035] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection surface may be formed of a corrugated element or the like. Preferably, the corrugated element is securely connected to the upper and lower portions. Preferably, the corrugated element surrounds the upper and lower portions in the longitudinal and / or width directions. More preferably, the corrugated element has a light exit opening in the upper front region. Through the light exit opening, light energy from a light source arranged between the upper and lower portions exits from the corrugated element, which preferably surrounds the upper and lower portions, and is directed to the deflection unit.

[0036] According to another preferred embodiment, the light display unit is deactivated during the second operating state of the vehicle seat.

[0037] The second operating state can be defined as the state when the current operation is not the first operating state. For example, this is during driving operations. During driving, the output of the display unit may be distracting.

[0038] Preferably, the connecting unit can be implemented as a scissor frame, which includes at least one fixed bearing and at least one floating bearing, the floating bearing being capable of moving longitudinally when the upper part is displaced relative to the lower part. Preferably, the scissor frame includes a first scissor arm and a second scissor arm, wherein preferably, the first scissor arm and the second scissor arm each include a floating bearing and a fixed bearing. More preferably, the first scissor arm is connected to the upper part via a floating bearing and to the lower part via a fixed bearing. More preferably, the second scissor arm is connected to the upper part via a fixed bearing and to the lower part via a floating bearing. More preferably, the scissor arms are connected to each other so as to be able to rotate about a rotation axis.

[0039] This task is also addressed by a method for outputting the upper-to-lower position of a vehicle seat, which includes the following method steps:

[0040] a) Actuation height adjustment unit;

[0041] b) If the vehicle seat is in the first operating state, the light display unit is activated when the height adjustment unit is operated;

[0042] c) Display a first light indicator when the distance between the lower and upper parts is outside the predetermined target area, or display a second light indicator when the distance is within the target area.

[0043] Other advantageous embodiments are derived from the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Other objects, advantages, and uses of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As shown herein:

[0045] Figure 1 A vehicle seat according to one embodiment is schematically shown;

[0046] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the functional principle;

[0047] Figure 3A The illustration shows vehicle seats that are too far apart;

[0048] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of vehicle seats with spacing within the target area;

[0049] Figure 3CThis is a diagram of vehicle seats with insufficient spacing.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements should be understood as corresponding reference numerals. For clarity, some elements may not have reference numerals in some drawings but are indicated in others. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 The vehicle seat 1 is schematically shown, with other elements such as seat cushions, backrests, and the like omitted. The vehicle seat 1 can be arranged on and connected to the bottom K of the vehicle body.

[0052] The vehicle seat 1 includes a lower part 2 and an upper part 3, which are arranged with a distance 6 between them. The upper part 3 is arranged to be movable relative to the lower part 2 in the height direction H via a connecting unit 4, and is connected to the lower part 2 via the connecting unit 4.

[0053] according to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the connecting unit 4 is designed as a scissor frame 23, which includes a first scissor arm 24 and a second scissor arm 25. The first scissor arm 24 and the second scissor arm 25 are rotatably connected to each other about a rotation axis 26. The first scissor arm 24 is connected to the upper part 3 via a floating bearing 28 and to the lower part 2 via a fixed bearing 29. The second scissor arm 25 is connected to the lower part 2 via a floating bearing 28 and to the upper part 3 via a fixed bearing 29. Other arrangements and combinations of bearings and scissor arms are also conceivable.

[0054] The distance 6 between the upper part 3 and the lower part 2 can be adjusted by the height adjustment unit 5. The distance 6 refers to the distance 6 when no force is applied to the vehicle seat 1. If a force is applied, the upper part 3 will shift relative to the lower part 2 and the distance 6 will change accordingly.

[0055] The height adjustment unit 5 is configured and designed to adjust the distance 6 between the upper part 3 and the lower part 2. For example, the height adjustment unit 5 is designed to be fluidly connected to the air spring 27 of the compressor unit 30, wherein the compressor unit 30 is designed to fluidly fill the air spring 27. The air spring 27 and the compressor unit 30 are fluidly connected via a connecting line 31.

[0056] according to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates different possibilities for arranging the height adjustment unit 5. For example, it is conceivable that the air spring 27 is arranged between and connected to the upper part 3 and the lower part 2. It is also conceivable that the air spring 27 is arranged between the scissor frame 23 and the upper part 3 or between the scissor frame 23 and the lower part 2. It is also conceivable to provide several air springs 27 and arrange each of them according to one of the possibilities described.

[0057] Furthermore, an actuation unit 32 may be provided, which is connected to the compressor unit 30 at least in terms of signal. In this case, the actuation unit 32 may include a first switching element 33 for "up" and a second switching element 34 for "down," such that the actuation of the actuation unit 32 and the first switching element 33 can trigger the compressor unit 30 in a manner that fills the air spring 27, and the actuation of the actuation unit 32 and the second switching element 34 can trigger the compressor unit 30 in a manner that empties the air spring 27.

[0058] Similarly, the actuation unit 32 provides a signal to a power supply (not shown here), which is designed and configured to provide voltage or current to the light display unit 7.

[0059] Preferably, when the actuation unit 32 is actuated, a voltage is provided. By providing voltage or current to the light display unit 7, the light source 8 emits light accordingly.

[0060] The light source 8 is preferably arranged at a first distance 13 from the lower part 2 or the bottom of the vehicle body K. Preferably, the first distance 13 can be applied to the upper side O and the lower side U of the lower part 2.

[0061] The light source 8 is stationary relative to the lower part 2. This means that the light source 8 moves independently of the upper part 3.

[0062] Furthermore, the light display unit 7 includes a deflection unit 9, which is designed as a deflecting mirror 9. Hereinafter, the terms deflection unit and deflecting mirror are used synonymously.

[0063] Preferably, the deflecting mirror 9 is arranged on the front side 11 of the upper part 3 with a deflection angle 12. The deflection angle 12 describes the angle between the plane formed by the height direction H and the width direction B and the extension 35 of the deflecting mirror 9 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0064] In order to enable the display to be displayed on the bottom K of the vehicle body or on other components located below the user, the deflector 9 is positioned above the light source 8 in the height direction H. Otherwise, the light cannot be deflected downwards by the deflector 9.

[0065] More preferably, a corrugated element 14 is provided to connect the upper part 3 and the lower part 2. The corrugated element 14 at least surrounds the central space 36 formed between the upper part 3 and the lower part 2.

[0066] The corrugated element 14 also has a light exit opening 15, allowing light energy to be guided through the corrugated element 14 to the deflector 9. By providing the corrugated element 14, stray light considered as interference can be minimized.

[0067] The operation of the vehicle seat 1 according to the present invention can be described in conjunction with other accompanying drawings.

[0068] Figure 2 The light source 8 and the emission of light are schematically shown.

[0069] The light source 8 is preferably arranged at an angle of 40° to the longitudinal direction L. Particularly preferably, the angle of 40° is an acute angle.

[0070] The light source 8 emits light in the form of a general light cone 16. Preferably, the general light cone 16 is divided into a first light cone 17 with a first diffusion angle of 37, a second light cone 18 with a second diffusion angle of 38, and a third light cone 19 with a third diffusion angle of 39.

[0071] Light from light source 8 is incident on projection surface 20, which is formed in the width direction B and the height direction H. Projection surface 20 can be represented as a corrugated element 14.

[0072] For the projection surface 20, the first light cone 17 has a first extension 21, the second light cone 18 has a third extension 21', and the third light cone 19 has a second extension 22. Preferably, the first extension 21 and the third extension 21' are substantially the same.

[0073] The arrangement of the light source 8 and the first diffusion angle 37, the second diffusion angle 38, and the third diffusion angle 39 is selected such that the first extension 21, the third extension 21', and the second extension 22 correspond to the target area 10 or the remaining spring travel 43 and 44. That is, the first extension 21 corresponds to the upper remaining spring travel 43, the third extension 21' corresponds to the lower remaining spring travel 44, and the second extension corresponds to the target area 10. For example, the target area 10 can correspond to 80mm, and the upper remaining spring travel 43 and the lower remaining spring travel 44 can each correspond to 50mm.

[0074] The total adjustment range 41 of the vehicle seat 1 has also been shown.

[0075] As can be further seen, the first light cone 17, the second light cone 18, and the third light cone 19 are spaced apart from each other in the height direction H, that is, the spacing between each light cone can be seen on the projection surface 20. More precisely, there is a first spacing 45 between the first light cone 17 and the third light cone 19, and a second spacing 46 between the second light cone 18 and the third light cone 19.

[0076] The first spacing 45 and the second spacing 46 mark the transition between the target area 10 and the upper remaining spring travel 43 and the lower remaining spring travel 44.

[0077] The first light cone 17 and the second light cone 18 are preferably designated as a first color, such as red. The third light cone 19 is preferably designated as a second color, such as green. The color difference can be used to indicate which area the spacing 6 is in.

[0078] According to the appendix Figure 3A , 3B3C shows the different spacing 6 between the upper part 3 and the lower part 2, as well as the corresponding indication of the light from the light source 8.

[0079] according to Figure 3A If the spacing 6 is set too high, the beam 47 originates from the first light cone 17, exits from the light outlet opening 15, hits the deflecting mirror 9, and displays a corresponding indicator or light indicator on the bottom K of the vehicle body. The user recognizes the corresponding color, such as red, and thus knows that the vehicle seat 1 is not in the target area 10.

[0080] according to Figure 3B The correct spacing 6 is set, meaning spacing 6 is within the target area 10. Accordingly, beam 47 originates from the third light cone 19, passes through the light exit opening 15, strikes the deflector 9, and displays a corresponding indicator or light indicator on the bottom K of the vehicle body. The user recognizes the corresponding color, such as green, and thus knows that the vehicle seat 1 is within the target area 10.

[0081] according to Figure 3C If the spacing 6 is set too small, the beam 47 originates from the second light cone 18, exits from the light outlet opening 15, hits the deflecting mirror 9, and displays a corresponding indicator or light indicator on the bottom K of the vehicle body. The user recognizes the corresponding color, such as red, and thus knows that the vehicle seat 1 is not in the target area 10.

[0082] All features disclosed in this application are essential to the present invention, provided that such features, individually or in combination, are novel relative to the prior art.

[0083] List of reference numerals

[0084] 1. Vehicle Seats

[0085] 2 lower part

[0086] 3 upper part

[0087] 4. Connection Unit

[0088] 5 Height Adjustment Units

[0089] 6 Spacing

[0090] 7 Light Display Units

[0091] 8 Light Source

[0092] 9 deflection units

[0093] 10 Target Area

[0094] 11 Front Side

[0095] 12 deflection angle

[0096] 13 First Distance

[0097] 14 Corrugated elements

[0098] 15. Light exit opening

[0099] 16 General light cone

[0100] 17 First Light Cone

[0101] 18 Second Light Cone

[0102] 19 Third Light Cone

[0103] 20 Projection planes

[0104] 21 First Extension

[0105] 21' Third Extension

[0106] 22 Second Extension

[0107] 23 Scissor Frame

[0108] 24 First Scissor Arm

[0109] 25 Second scissor arm

[0110] 26 Rotation axis

[0111] 27 Air Spring

[0112] 28 Floating Bearings

[0113] 29 Fixed bearings

[0114] 30 Compressor Unit

[0115] 31 Connecting cable

[0116] 32 Actuation Units

[0117] 33 First Switching Element

[0118] 34 Second Switching Element

[0119] 35 Extension

[0120] 36. Central Space

[0121] 37 First diffusion angle

[0122] 38 Second diffusion angle

[0123] 39 Third diffusion angle

[0124] 40° angle

[0125] 41 Total Adjustment Stroke

[0126] 43 Remaining spring travel

[0127] 44. Remaining spring travel

[0128] 45 First Spacing

[0129] 46 Second Spacing

[0130] 47 beams

[0131] U-shaped lower side

[0132] O Top side

[0133] K Underbody

[0134] H (height direction)

[0135] L (vertical direction)

[0136] B. Width direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat (1) having a lower part (2) and an upper part (3) that can be displaced relative to the lower part (2) in the height direction (H), the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) being connected to each other by a connecting unit (4) in a manner that allows them to be displaced relative to each other, and having a height adjustment unit (5) designed to adjust the distance (6) between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3). Its features The vehicle seat (1) has a light display unit (7) including a light source (8) and a deflection unit (9) for deflecting the light of the light source (8). The light source (8) emits a first light cone (17), a second light cone (18) and a third light cone (19). The first light cone (17) and the second light cone (18) surround the third light cone (19) when viewed from the height direction (H). The light display unit (7) is configured and designed to output a first light indication through the first light cone (17) or the second light cone (18) when the distance (6) from the lower part (2) to the upper part (3) is outside a predetermined target area (10) during a first operating state of the vehicle seat (1), and to output a second light indication through the third light cone (19) when the distance (6) is within the target area (10).

2. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The deflection unit (9) deflects the light from the light source (8) so that the first light indicator and the second light indicator are visible in the longitudinal direction (L) in front of the vehicle seat (1).

3. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The light source (8) includes at least one laser and / or one LED.

4. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The deflection unit (9) is arranged at the front (11) of the upper part (3) with a deflection angle (12).

5. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The light source (8) is arranged statically relative to the lower part (2) or the bottom of the vehicle body (K).

6. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The light source (8) is arranged between the upper part (3) and the lower part (2) and is a first distance (13) away from the lower part (2).

7. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features A corrugated element (14) is fixedly connected to the upper part (3) and the lower part (2), and the corrugated element (14) has a light outlet opening (15) in the front upper region.

8. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features The first light cone (17) and the second light cone (18) have a substantially one extension (21, 21') in the height direction (H) relative to the real or virtual projection surface (20), the projection surface being formed from the height direction (H) and the width direction (B), and wherein the third light cone (19) has a second extension (22) relative to the projection surface (20).

9. The vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1. Its features Viewed in the height direction (H), the first light cone (17) and the third light cone (19), and the second light cone (18) and the third light cone (19) are spaced apart.

10. The vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Its features The light display unit (7) is deactivated during the second operating state of the vehicle seat (1).

11. A method for outputting the position from the upper part (3) to the lower part (2) of a vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following method steps: a) Actuation height adjustment unit (5); b) If the vehicle seat (1) is in the first operating state, the light display unit (7) is activated when the height adjustment unit (5) is operated. c) A first light indicator is displayed when the distance (6) between the lower part (2) and the upper part (3) is outside the predetermined target area (10), or a second light indicator is displayed when the distance (6) is within the target area (10).

Images