Emergency release mechanism for seating system in vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle seat system comprises a vehicle seat, a first displacement mechanism, in particular an electric displacement mechanism, for enabling the vehicle seat to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle and to be set and fixed in a selected longitudinal position, and a second displacement mechanism, in particular an electric displacement mechanism, for enabling the vehicle seat to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle. And a second displacement mechanism for emergently unlocking the vehicle seat from the set longitudinal position, wherein the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism can be actuated in a manner separate from each other and / or independent from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat system having a vehicle seat and an emergency unlocking system for the vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle seats with foldable backrests are well known and are arranged in two-door vehicles to enable or facilitate access to rear seats. For this purpose, the backrest can be folded forward manually or electrically.

[0003] Vehicle seats with a so-called emergency or emergency release are also known, in which the backrest can be folded forward from a use position into a displacement position, ensuring easy access to the rear seat in the displacement position in an emergency. A locking unit, usually in the form of a lock, is provided on such vehicle seats in order to lock the backrest in the locked position so that it cannot be folded forward from the use position into the displacement position, and in order to allow the vehicle seat component to be folded forward from the use position into the displacement position in the unlocked position.

[0004] This emergency unlocking device is based on a manually displaceable backrest, which, however, may not be comfortable enough for the user. Emergency unlocking of a vehicle seat with an electrically displaceable backrest is technically complex and is associated with higher costs and weight.

[0005] As an alternative, emergency unlocking via the manually foldable rear seats is also possible. However, this solution is associated with significantly poorer access in emergency or rescue situations.

[0006] Therefore, a need exists for a vehicle seating system that is improved in this regard. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This object is achieved by a vehicle seat system as claimed in claim 1 .

[0008] The proposed vehicle seat system includes a vehicle seat, a first shifting mechanism and a second shifting mechanism, wherein the first shifting mechanism is used to enable the vehicle seat to be shifted longitudinally relative to the vehicle and to be set and fixed in a selected longitudinal position, and the second shifting mechanism is used to urgently unlock the vehicle seat from the set longitudinal position. According to the proposed vehicle seat system, emergency unlocking can be performed without moving the backrest. Therefore, the system is also suitable for vehicle seats with backrests that can only be shifted electrically or are not foldable. The first shifting mechanism and the second shifting mechanism can be actuated in a manner separate from and / or independently of each other. The first shifting mechanism can correspond to a conventional longitudinal shifting mechanism that is preferably electric. The second shifting mechanism can be triggered independently of the first shifting mechanism, that is, the second shifting mechanism can be triggered even if the first shifting mechanism no longer responds, for example due to a power outage.

[0009] The second displacement mechanism can allow the stepless displacement of the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat. In this way, in the case of emergency unlocking, the vehicle seat can be moved as quickly as possible to the end position or at least be enough to carry out the position of emergency unlocking.

[0010] The first displacement mechanism can be triggered by the first actuating mechanism, and the second displacement mechanism can be triggered by the second actuating mechanism.Thus, the actuation of the first displacement mechanism to shift the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat occurs separately from the actuation of the emergency unlocking.

[0011] Particularly, the second actuating mechanism can be triggered independently of the first actuating mechanism. In this way, for example, even when the first actuating mechanism is blocked or inoperative, emergency unlocking can be performed.

[0012] The vehicle seat is longitudinally displaceable between a front position and a rear position in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of a first displacement mechanism, wherein the vehicle seat is moved from a set longitudinal position to the front position or to a position between the front position and the rear position that is at least sufficient for emergency unlocking by actuating a second displacement mechanism. In other words, the vehicle seat can be automatically moved forward by triggering the emergency unlocking.

[0013] Advantageously, a mechanical, electromechanical, or electric drive can be provided that moves the vehicle seat into the forward position when the emergency release is triggered. In one embodiment, the drive comprises an energy reservoir, in particular at least one spring, the spring force of which acts on the vehicle seat in the direction of the forward position. Thus, in response to the emergency release, the vehicle seat is moved in the direction of the forward position under the action of the spring force and remains in this position. Consequently, only a minimal force is required to provide sufficient access to the rear seats in an emergency. Embodiments using springs are also mechanically robust and lightweight.

[0014] Activation of the second displacement mechanism can disengage, bridge, and / or deactivate the first displacement mechanism. For example, the first displacement mechanism can include a lock that locks the vehicle seat in a set seat position (longitudinal setting), which is released by actuation of the second displacement mechanism. After emergency unlocking, the vehicle seat can thus remain freely displaceable in the longitudinal direction without being locked in a longitudinal position that could obstruct emergency exit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vehicle seat system includes an upper track and a lower track, the upper track being capable of being fastened to the underside of the vehicle seat, and the lower track being capable of being fastened to both the upper track and the vehicle floor, wherein the fastening of the lower track to the vehicle floor can be released by actuation of a second shifting mechanism, so that the lower track can be moved longitudinally of the vehicle relative to the vehicle floor. According to this embodiment, in the event of emergency unlocking, the vehicle seat moves together with the upper track and the lower track. In this way, the connection between the upper track and the lower track can remain unchanged. In order to move the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat, the lower track can include a spindle, and the upper track can include a spindle nut that engages with the spindle. If the vehicle seat is moved below the lower track by the second shifting mechanism, the connection does not need to be separated or adjusted. This movement is preferably guided by an additional track located between the lower track and the vehicle floor.

[0016] In another embodiment, a vehicle seat system includes an upper rail and a lower rail, wherein the upper rail is fastened to the underside of the vehicle seat, and the lower rail is fastened to both the upper rail and the vehicle floor, wherein the upper rail and the lower rail are fastened to each other so that the upper rail can move longitudinally relative to the lower rail in the vehicle. Thus, longitudinal movement of the vehicle seat is guided by the lower rail. Therefore, no additional rail is required.

[0017] In one embodiment, the upper rail includes a spindle nut that can be driven, preferably by an electric device, and the lower rail includes a spindle connected to the spindle nut in a meshing relationship, and the upper rail and the lower rail can be released by disengaging the spindle nut from the spindle. In this way, the vehicle seat can be guided along the lower rail without having to adjust the lower rail. Alternatively, the spindle can also be driven, preferably by an electric device.

[0018] In another embodiment, the upper rail includes a spindle nut that can be driven, preferably by an electric device, and the lower rail includes a spindle connected to the spindle nut in a meshing relationship, and wherein the fastening of the upper rail to the lower rail can be released by disengaging the lower rail from the spindle. In this way, the vehicle seat can be guided along the lower rail from the use position to the displacement position without the components of the longitudinal displacement mechanism, namely the spindle nut and the spindle, having to be separated from each other.

[0019] In another embodiment, the vehicle seat system includes an upper track and a lower track. The upper track can be fastened to the underside of the vehicle seat, and the lower track can be fastened to both the upper track and the vehicle floor. The fastening of the vehicle seat to the upper track can be released by actuating a second shifting mechanism, so that the vehicle seat can be moved longitudinally relative to the upper track. Therefore, the upper and lower tracks can remain connected to each other or to the vehicle floor, and only the vehicle seat can be moved. In this case, the movement of the vehicle seat is preferably guided via an additional track between the upper and lower tracks of the vehicle seat. In this way, the existing track system can be used unchanged to move the position of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle seat system of this embodiment is compatible with different track systems.

[0020] In one embodiment, the upper rail is fixed to the underside of the vehicle seat via a multi-part joint. This fixing can be released by actuating a second displacement mechanism, so that the vehicle seat can be pivoted forward relative to the upper rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This allows for alternative movement of the vehicle seat from the use position to the displacement position. For example, a curved movement may be advantageous for space reasons or for better compatibility with existing vehicle seat systems.

[0021] In another embodiment, a vehicle seat system includes an upper rail and a lower rail, wherein the upper rail can be fastened to the underside of a vehicle seat, and the lower rail can be fastened to both the upper rail and the vehicle floor, wherein the upper rail is composed of at least two parts, including a front portion and a rear portion that can be locked to each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle seat is fastened to the front portion, and wherein the locking of the two upper rail parts can be released by actuating a second displacement mechanism, so that the front portion of the upper rail can be moved relative to the rear portion of the upper rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The longitudinal displacement mechanism, for example, a longitudinal displacement mechanism connected to the upper rail in a conventional manner, is preferably connected to the rear portion of the upper rail. During movement of the front portion of the upper rail connected to the vehicle seat, the longitudinal displacement mechanism does not have to be separated from the rear portion of the upper rail, which would be cumbersome.

[0022] In another embodiment, the vehicle seat system includes an additional rail that can be fastened and locked to a lower rail, an upper rail, or an underside of the vehicle seat, wherein the locking can be released by actuating a second displacement mechanism, so that the vehicle seat can be guided on the additional rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The additional rail allows the vehicle seat to be easily guided from a use position to a displacement position without having to adjust the existing rail system of the vehicle seat system.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second displacement mechanism can only be triggered when the vehicle housing the vehicle seat system is in an inoperative position and / or when the vehicle's engine is switched off and / or when a crash has been detected. In this way, it can be ensured that the emergency release cannot be inadvertently triggered, for example, while driving.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the second shifting mechanism comprises a trigger which is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle seat and / or can be operated from the rear side of the vehicle seat. Thus, a passenger on the rear seat can trigger the unlocking and longitudinal movement of the front seat in an emergency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the following, the invention is described in more detail with the aid of several exemplary embodiments.

[0026] In the figure:

[0027] Figure 1 A vehicle seating system is shown with a backrest folded forward to provide emergency egress;

[0028] Figure 2 A vehicle seat system that achieves emergency unlocking by longitudinal displacement is shown;

[0029] FIG3 shows the vehicle seat system longitudinally displaced beneath the lower rail in the use position and the displaced position, respectively;

[0030] FIG4 shows a vehicle seat system using the lower rail for longitudinal displacement in the use position and the displacement position, respectively;

[0031] FIG5 shows a vehicle seat system that is longitudinally displaced by dividing the upper rail in the use position and the displacement position, respectively;

[0032] FIG6 shows a vehicle seat system in a linear longitudinal displacement over the upper rail in the use position and the displacement position, respectively;

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a vehicle seating system for non-linear longitudinal displacement over an upper track in the use position and the displacement position, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 A vehicle seating system 100 known in the art is shown having a backrest that folds forward to provide an emergency exit. Figure 1The vehicle seat system 100 in FIG. 1 includes a rail system 103 and a vehicle seat 101 having a vehicle seat backrest 106 and a vehicle seat surface 108 connected to one another via an accessory 110. The longitudinal arrangement 102 and the backrest inclination 104 of the vehicle seat can be electrically varied. The rail system 103 consists of a lower rail 116, which connects the vehicle seat system 100 to a vehicle floor 112 or a floor assembly 114 of the vehicle, and an upper rail 118, which supports the vehicle seat 101, for example, via a movement module 120. Furthermore, the backrest can be manually folded forward, which allows the gap created when the backrest is folded forward to be used as an emergency exit.

[0035] Figure 2 FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat system 300 capable of emergency unlocking by longitudinal displacement according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 The vehicle seat system 300 in FIG. 1 has a vehicle seat 101 having a vehicle seat backrest 106 and a vehicle seat surface 108, the angle between which, i.e., the inclination of the vehicle seat backrest 106, can be set, for example, by means of an electrically operable accessory 110. The vehicle seat system 300 also has a rail system 103 located below the vehicle seat surface 108, by means of which an electrically driven longitudinal displacement 102 of the vehicle seat position and an anchoring of the vehicle seat 101 to a vehicle floor 112 or a floor assembly 114 of the vehicle can be achieved.

[0037] The rail system 103 includes at least one lower rail 116 and at least one upper rail 118. The lower rail 116 connects the vehicle seat system 300 to the floor assembly 114 of the vehicle. In addition, the lower rail 116 can include a spindle as part of a longitudinal displacement mechanism. The upper rail 118 supports the vehicle seat 101. For this purpose, the upper rail 118 can be connected to a multi-joint motion device that enables the vehicle seat surface 108 of the vehicle seat 101 to be displaced. The upper rail 118 can also be connected to the longitudinal displacement mechanism of the vehicle seat system 300. For example, the upper rail 118 can include a spindle nut that can be driven by an electric device and produces a longitudinal displacement of the vehicle seat 101 by engaging with the spindle of the lower rail 116. Alternatively, the longitudinal displacement mechanism can drive the spindle instead of the spindle nut.

[0038] A locking mechanism is provided to facilitate the adjustment of the vehicle seat 101 between a use position and a displacement position. In the use position, the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat 101 is set by means of the longitudinal displacement mechanism 102. To reach the displacement position, the lock is released, allowing the vehicle seat 101 to move forward and form an emergency exit. In other words, while the lower and upper rails of the pair of rails are fixedly mounted relative to each other in the first displacement mechanism, at least a portion of the pair of rails can be separated in the second displacement mechanism.

[0039] The locking mechanism can be attached at different locations of the vehicle seat system 300 so that the vehicle seat 101 can be moved by a decoupling action at different locations of the vehicle seat system 300, in particular at different locations of the rail system 103. For this purpose, according to variant 1 ( Figure 2 1), the vehicle seat movement can be achieved below the lower track 116 of the vehicle seat system 300; in variant 2 ( Figure 2 In the number 2), the lower track 116 is used to move the vehicle seat 101; in the variant 3 ( Figure 2 In FIG. 3 , the vehicle seat 101 moves over the upper track 118 of the vehicle seat system 300 .

[0040] For example, locking can be achieved by a toothed mechanism that moves a latch and a cam into the latched position. Alternatively, locking can be achieved by locking pins between the rails of the track system or between the rails and the vehicle floor or vehicle seats. In addition, locking such as gradual locking or end position locking can be achieved by actuating a rack-and-pinion transmission with the help of a pinion. In the latter case, the locking and therefore the emergency unlocking can be designed to be energized. According to different embodiments, the locking can be applied below the lower rail 116 (variant 1), on or above the lower rail 116 (variant 2), or on or above the upper rail 118 (variant 3).

[0041] FIG3 shows the respective positions in use ( Figure 3a ) and shift position ( Figure 3b) below the lower rail 116 for longitudinal displacement. In this exemplary embodiment, the entire vehicle seat 101, including the lower rail 116 and upper rail 118, is moved. To this end, the lower rail 116 is unlocked from the floor assembly 114. To allow the vehicle seat to be moved after unlocking, the track system may include an additional track. For this purpose, the additional track may be attached as an additional component below the lower rail 116, i.e., between the lower rail 116 and the floor assembly 114. Alternatively, the additional track can be integrated into the floor retaining bracket of the lower rail 116 or into a stepped transition of the floor assembly mounting base. The vehicle seat 101 can then be guided forward via the additional track. Alternatively, the vehicle seat can be guided into a connecting member or a multi-joint motion device. The connecting member may include a notch, web, or groove that can extend in a straight or curved manner and accordingly move the slider into position. Thus, compared to guidance on additional tracks, guidance using a connecting member enables guidance of the vehicle seat along more complex movement paths. As an alternative, a highly controlled curved movement path can also be achieved by using a multi-joint movement device, such as a four-joint movement device. The forward movement can optionally be assisted by an energy storage device, such as a spring.

[0042] FIG4 shows the respective positions in use ( Figure 4a ) and shift position ( Figure 4b ) for longitudinal displacement using the lower rail 116. In this embodiment, the existing lower rail 116 of the vehicle seating system 300 is used to move the vehicle seat 101 forward. In this case, the connection between the lower rail 116 and the floor assembly 114 is maintained. To longitudinally move the vehicle seat 101 using the lower rail 116, the spindle nut of the upper rail 118 and the spindle of the lower rail 116 can be separated from each other. Alternatively, the spindle of the lower rail 116 can be separated from the lower rail 116.

[0043] FIG5 shows the respective positions in use ( Figure 5a ) and shift position ( Figure 5b ) at a location that is provided with a vehicle seat system 300 that is longitudinally displaced by dividing the upper rail 118. In this embodiment, the upper rail 118 of the vehicle seat system 300 can be divided into at least two parts 502, 504. When the vehicle seat 101 is in the use position, the two parts 502, 504 are locked to each other. In doing so, the first part 502 of the upper rail 118 is fixedly connected to the longitudinal displacement mechanism. The second part 504 of the upper rail 118 supports the vehicle seat 101. The vehicle seat 101 can be moved forward by opening the connection between the two rail parts 502, 504 without having to separate the longitudinal displacement mechanism from the upper rail 118.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows the respective positions in use ( Figure 6a ) and shift position ( Figure 6b ) is positioned above the upper rail 118 for linear longitudinal displacement. Thus, the vehicle seat 101 is unlocked above the upper rail 118. The lower rail 116 is kept connected to the floor assembly 114. The rail system can include an additional rail 602. The vehicle seat 101 is then guided into the additional rail by being unlocked from the upper rail 118. The additional rail can be an additional component or integrated into a retaining bracket of the upper rail 118. The locking mechanism can be formed by a mechanical lock. When the additional rail 602 is used, the vehicle seat 101 is guided forward in a straight line.

[0045] As an alternative to the additional rail 602, the vehicle seat 101 can be guided forwards by means of a connecting member or a multi-joint motion device. In this embodiment, the forward movement can optionally be assisted by an energy storage, for example a spring.

[0046] FIG7 shows a vehicle seat system 300 with a non-linear longitudinal displacement above the upper rail 118. As also shown in FIG6 , the unlocking of the vehicle seat 101 is carried out above the upper rail 118. However, in contrast to FIG6 , the longitudinal displacement 102 is not carried out in a linear manner, but in a curved manner from the use position ( Figure 7a ) is guided to the shift position ( Figure 7b In doing so, the vehicle seat 101 is not only guided forwards in the transverse direction to the rail system 103 , but is also simultaneously moved vertically away from the rail system 103 , so that additional or enlarged free space is generated between the vehicle seat 101 and the rail system 103 .

[0047] Reference Signs List

[0048] 100 Prior Art Vehicle Seat Systems

[0049] 101 Vehicle Seats

[0050] 102 Longitudinal displacement

[0051] 103 Track System

[0052] 104 backrest tilt

[0053] 106 Vehicle seat backs

[0054] 108 Vehicle seating surfaces

[0055] 110 joints

[0056] 112 Vehicle floor

[0057] 114 bottom plate assembly

[0058] 116 Lower Track

[0059] 118 On Track

[0060] 120 connection module

[0061] 300 Vehicle seat system according to the present invention

[0062] 502 The first part of the upper track 118

[0063] 602 additional tracks

[0064] 504 The second part of the upper track 118

[0065] 702 Multi-part connector.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat system, comprising: Vehicle seats; a first displacement mechanism, in particular an electric displacement mechanism, for enabling the vehicle seat to be displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle and to be set and fixed in a selected longitudinal position; as well as A second displacement mechanism is provided for emergency unlocking of the vehicle seat from the set longitudinal position, wherein the first displacement mechanism and the second displacement mechanism can be actuated separately from and / or independently of one another. 2 . The vehicle seat system of claim 1 , wherein the second displacement mechanism allows for stepless displacement of the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat. 3 . The vehicle seat system according to claim 1 , wherein the first displacement mechanism is triggerable by a first actuation mechanism, and wherein the second displacement mechanism is triggerable by a second actuation mechanism. 4 . The vehicle seating system of claim 3 , wherein the second actuation mechanism is operable independently of the first actuation mechanism and / or the first actuation mechanism and the second actuation mechanism are decoupled from each other.

5. A vehicle seat system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle seat can be longitudinally shifted between a front position and a rear position along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by means of the first shifting mechanism, wherein the vehicle seat is moved from the set longitudinal position to the front position or to a position between the front position and the rear position that is at least sufficient for emergency unlocking by actuation of the second shifting mechanism.

6. The vehicle seat system of claim 5, comprising a mechanical, electromechanical or electric actuator for displacing the vehicle seat to the forward position in response to actuation of the second displacement mechanism.

7. The vehicle seat system according to claim 6, wherein the driver includes at least one spring, which applies a spring force to the vehicle seat in the direction of the front end position, so that the vehicle seat responds to the actuation of the second shifting mechanism and is shifted in the direction of the front end position by means of the spring force and is maintained in the front end position.

8. The vehicle seating system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein actuation of the second displacement mechanism can cause the first displacement mechanism to be uncoupled, bridged and / or deactivated.

9. A vehicle seating system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an upper track that is fastenable to an underside of the vehicle seat; as well as a lower rail capable of being fastened both to the upper rail and to the vehicle floor, The fastening of the lower rail to the vehicle floor can be released by actuating the second displacement mechanism, so that the lower rail can be moved relative to the vehicle floor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

10. A vehicle seating system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an upper track that is fastenable to an underside of the vehicle seat; as well as a lower rail capable of being fastened both to the upper rail and to the vehicle floor, The fastening of the upper rail and the lower rail can be released, so that the upper rail can move relative to the lower rail along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle seating system of claim 10 , wherein the upper rail includes a spindle nut drivable, preferably by an electric device, and the lower rail includes a spindle connected in meshing relation to the spindle nut, and wherein the fastening of the upper rail to the lower rail is releasable by disengaging the spindle nut from the spindle.

12. The vehicle seating system of claim 10 , wherein the upper rail includes a spindle nut drivable, preferably by an electric device, and the lower rail includes a spindle connected in meshing relation to the spindle nut, and wherein the fastening of the upper rail to the lower rail is releasable by disengaging the lower rail from the spindle.

13. A vehicle seating system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an upper track that is fastenable to an underside of the vehicle seat; as well as a lower rail capable of being fastened both to the upper rail and to the vehicle floor, The fastening of the vehicle seat to the upper rail can be released by actuating the second displacement mechanism, so that the vehicle seat can be moved relative to the upper rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle seat system according to claim 13, wherein the upper rail is fixed to the lower side of the vehicle seat via a multi-part joint, wherein the fixation can be released by actuation of the second shifting mechanism so that the vehicle seat can be pivoted forward relative to the upper rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

15. A vehicle seating system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an upper track that is fastenable to an underside of the vehicle seat; as well as a lower rail capable of being fastened both to the upper rail and to the vehicle floor, wherein the upper rail is composed of at least two parts, the at least two parts comprising a front part and a rear part that can be locked to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle seat is fastened to the front part, and The locking of the two parts of the upper rail can be released by actuating the second displacement mechanism, so that the front part of the upper rail can be moved relative to the rear part of the upper rail in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. 16 . The vehicle seat system according to claim 1 , wherein after actuation of the second displacement mechanism the vehicle seat remains freely movable in the longitudinal direction.

17. A vehicle seat system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an additional track which can be fastened and locked to the lower track, the upper track or the underside of the vehicle seat, wherein the lock can be released by actuation of the second shifting mechanism so that the vehicle seat can be guided on the additional track in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

18. A vehicle seat system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second shifting mechanism can only be triggered when the vehicle accommodating the vehicle seat system is in a non-operating position and / or when the engine of the vehicle is turned off and / or when a collision accident has been detected.

19. The vehicle seat system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second displacement mechanism comprises a trigger which is arranged at a rear side of the vehicle seat and / or which is operable from the rear side of the vehicle seat.

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