Inclination measuring device of vehicle seat, vehicle equipment assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to an inclination measuring device of a vehicle seat, a vehicle equipment assembly and a vehicle. An inclination measuring device (16) of a vehicle seat comprises: a support (42) comprising a first coupling means; a sleeve (44) rotatable relative to the support (42) and comprising a threaded surface (70); a nut (46) capable of cooperating with the threaded surface of the sleeve; the nut comprises a second coupling device; the first and second coupling means being able to cooperate such that rotation of the sleeve (44) relative to the support (42) causes sliding of the nut (46) relative to said support; a sensor (48) comprising first and second detection elements fixed to the support and the second coupling means, respectively; the sensor is capable of determining an axial distance between the first and second detection elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a vehicle seat tilt measuring device, a vehicle equipment component, and a vehicle. The seat includes: a seat; a backrest that is pivotable relative to the seat; and an adjustment shaft that is pivotable relative to the seat and the backrest. Background Technology

[0002] Such vehicle seats are known in particular from document WO2023213704.

[0003] It is known that vehicle seats can be equipped with tilt control devices, which in particular allows for alerting the user when the tilt exceeds the vehicle's safety limits. In fact, it is well known that the tilt of the front seats is taken into account when deploying safety systems such as airbags.

[0004] However, this device does not allow for precise measurement of the tilt when the seat is tilted within a safe range. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, this utility model relates to a tilt measuring device for a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: a seat; a backrest pivotable relative to the seat; and an adjustment shaft pivotable relative to the seat and the backrest; the tilt measuring device for the vehicle seat comprising: a support member fixed to the backrest of the vehicle seat, the support member including a first connecting device; a sleeve fixed in translation and rotatable relative to the support member along a rotation axis, the sleeve being fixed in rotation on the adjustment shaft, the sleeve including a threaded outer surface; and a nut capable of engaging with the threaded outer surface of the sleeve. The nut includes: an outer radial surface and a second connecting device disposed on the outer radial surface, the first connecting device and the second connecting device being able to cooperate such that rotation of the sleeve about the axis of rotation relative to the support causes the nut to slide relative to the support parallel to the axis of rotation; and a sensor including: a console fixed to the support; a first detection element fixed to the console; and a second detection element fixed to the second connecting device of the nut, the sensor being able to determine the axial distance between the first detection element and the second detection element.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of this invention, the measuring device includes one or more of the following features, which may be employed individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] The first connecting device is a first groove provided on the support member; and the second connecting device is a protrusion that can slide in the first groove to rotate and lock the nut relative to the support member.

[0008] The sensor's control console has a second slot that overlaps the first slot; and the sensor also includes a pin integral with the second sensing element and capable of sliding in the second slot, the pin being capable of being secured to a nut protrusion;

[0009] The sleeve includes a locking end piece that can be reversibly assembled to the threaded outer surface to lock the sleeve relative to the adjusting shaft in terms of rotation and translation.

[0010] This utility model also relates to a vehicle equipment assembly, comprising: a vehicle seat including a seat base, a backrest pivotable about a rotation axis relative to the seat base, and an adjustment shaft pivotable about a rotation axis relative to the seat base and the backrest; a tilt measuring device as described above, wherein a support member of the device is fixed to the backrest of the vehicle seat, a sleeve of the device is rotatably fixed on the adjustment shaft, first and second connecting devices are assembled to each other, and a second detection element of a sensor is fixed to a second connecting device of a nut; and a control module connected to the sensor and capable of determining the tilt of the backrest relative to the seat base of the vehicle seat relative to the rotation axis based on the distance between the first and second detection elements of the sensor.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of this invention, the device component includes one or more of the following features, which may be employed individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] The device assembly includes an adjustment device that connects an adjustment shaft to the seat and backrest of a vehicle seat; the adjustment device is configured such that an input rotation angle of the adjustment shaft relative to the seat about a rotation axis corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest relative to the seat about the rotation axis, the output rotation angle being smaller than the input rotation angle.

[0013] The regulating device includes a motorized actuator connected to the control module.

[0014] This utility model also relates to a vehicle that includes the equipment components described above. Attached Figure Description

[0015] This invention will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 A vehicle seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically, which includes a tilt measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 Exploded view of the tilt measuring device of the component; and

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed cross-sectional view of the tilt measuring device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vehicle equipment assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Assembly 10 is specifically designed for equipping a vehicle 12, for example... Figure 1 The motor vehicle shown in the middle section.

[0021] Component 10 includes, in particular, a seat 14 and a tilt measuring device 16. In the illustrated embodiment, component 10 also includes a control module 18 connected to the device 16.

[0022] The seat 14 specifically includes a seat 20, a backrest 22, and an adjustment shaft 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 14 also includes an adjustment device 26.

[0023] Seat 20 is used for assembly onto floor 22 of vehicle 12. In the remainder of the description, an orthogonal basis (X, Y, Z) is considered in relation to vehicle 12, where direction Z represents the vertical direction. Floor 22 extends substantially in the plane (X, Y).

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 20 is capable of sliding along a track 30 fixed to the floor 22 and extending in the X direction. This sliding along the track 30 allows for changing the distance along the X between the seat 20 and the dashboard 32 of the vehicle 12.

[0025] The backrest 22 is pivotable relative to the seat 20 along an axis 34 parallel to the Y direction. For example, from... Figure 1 In the so-called neutral position shown, the backrest 22 can pivot forward toward the dashboard 32 and backward away from the dashboard 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the forward pivoting amplitude of the backrest 22 corresponds to a first angle α1; the backward pivoting amplitude of the backrest 22 corresponds to a second angle α2. Each of the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 is, for example, between 20° and 70°.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest 22 includes a structure 36 and a lining 38. Figure 2 Only structure 36 is shown in the image.

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

[0028] The adjustment shaft 24 extends along axis 34 between the two ends connected to the seat 20. The cross-section of the adjustment shaft 24 perpendicular to axis 34 is non-circular. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-section of the shaft 24 is square, but it can also be in various other cross-sectional shapes.

[0029] In addition, the adjustment shaft 24 can pivot relative to the backrest 22.

[0030] More precisely, the adjusting device 26 connects the adjusting shaft 24 to the seat 20 and the backrest 22. The adjusting device 26 includes a mechanism (not shown) containing a reducer, such that an input rotation angle of the shaft 24 about axis 34 corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position. The input rotation angle is much larger than the output rotation angle.

[0031] For example, the first input rotation angle of shaft 24 about axis 34 in the first rotation direction corresponds to the first pivot angle α1 of backrest 22 towards the center; and the second input rotation angle of shaft 24 in the second rotation direction corresponds to the second pivot angle α2 of backrest 22 towards the rear.

[0032] The adjustment member 26 also includes an actuation device 40 for rotating the adjustment shaft 24 by the user of the vehicle to adjust the tilt of the backrest 22. According to an embodiment, the actuation device 40 includes a motor connected to the control module 12. As a variation, the actuation device is manual, such as a finger wheel.

[0033] Figure 3 The tilt measuring device 16 is shown separately, which includes: a support 42; a sleeve 44; a nut 46; and a sensor 48.

[0034] The support member 42 includes a hinged portion 50 and a detection portion 52 that are integral with each other.

[0035] The hinge portion 50 is fixed to the backrest 22 in structure 36. The hinge portion 50 includes a hole 54 in which the adjusting shaft 24 is disposed.

[0036] The detection portion 52 extends from the hinge portion 50 and is substantially parallel to the axis 34. Preferably, the detection portion 52 is substantially planar and includes a first surface 56 and a second surface 58, which are oriented toward and away from the axis 34, respectively.

[0037] The detection section 52 of the support member 42 includes a first connecting device. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connecting device is formed by a first groove 60 parallel to the axis 34 disposed in the detection section 52. The first groove 60 connects the first surface 56 and the second surface 58 of the detection section 52.

[0038] Sleeve 44 is fixed relative to adjusting shaft 24 in both translation and rotation.

[0039] More specifically, the sleeve 44 includes a body 62 and a locking end member 64. The body 62 is tubular and disposed around the adjusting shaft 24. The body 62 extends along axis 34 between a first end 66 and a second end 68. The first end 66 is fitted into a hole 54 in the hinge portion 50 of the support member 42. The first end 66 of the body 62 is rotatable within the hole 54.

[0040] The body 62 includes a threaded outer surface 70 that extends between a first end 66 and a second end 68.

[0041] The locking end piece 64 includes an indentation 72 corresponding to the non-circular cross-section of the adjusting shaft 24. The locking end piece 64 is elastically assembled to the second end 68 of the body 62 to axially block the sleeve 44 on the adjusting shaft 24.

[0042] Nut 46 includes: tapped inner surface 74; generally cylindrical outer surface 76; and a second connecting device.

[0043] The tapping inner surface 74 can mate with the external thread surface 70 of the sleeve body 62, as described below.

[0044] The second connecting device 72 can cooperate with the first connecting device of the support 42, such that rotation of the sleeve 44 about the axis 34 causes the nut 46 to slide relative to the support 42 parallel to the axis 34.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling device is formed by a protrusion 78 that projects radially relative to the outer surface 76 of the nut. The protrusion 78 is disposed in a first groove 60 of the support 42, thereby locking the nut 46 to rotate relative to the support. Furthermore, the protrusion 78 is slidable parallel to the axis 34 within the first groove 60.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, sensor 48 includes: a control console 80; and a first detection element 82 and a second detection element 84.

[0047] The console 80 is elongated and includes a second longitudinal slot 86.

[0048] The console 80 is fixed to the detection portion 52 of the support member 42. More precisely, the console 80 is fixed to the second surface 58 of the detection portion and the second groove 86 is stacked onto the first groove 60.

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

[0050] The second sensing element 84 is fixed to the second coupling device of the nut 46. For example, the sensor 48 also includes a pin 88, whose second sensing element 84 is integral and slidable in the second groove 86 of the control panel. The pin 88 is fixed to the end of the nut protrusion 78 opposite to the outer surface 76.

[0051] Sensor 48 is able to determine the distance 90 between the first detection element 82 and the second detection element 84, parallel to axis 342.

[0052] The first detection element 82 and the second detection element 84 are selected, for example, from potential, optical, laser, magnetic, or Hall effect detection elements. Other detection techniques may also be used.

[0053] The control module 18 of component 10 is connected to sensor 48. The control module 18 is preferably integrated into an electronic control device of vehicle 12, for example, received in instrument panel 32.

[0054] By measuring the distance 90 between the first detection element 82 and the second detection element 84 by the sensor 48, the control module 18 can determine the tilt of the backrest relative to the seat 20 of the vehicle seat 14.

[0055] More accurately, based on the measured distance 90, the control module 12 can calculate the angle α formed by the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position, such as... Figure 1 As shown. For this purpose, control module 12 stores, for example, program 92.

[0056] The operation of vehicle equipment component 10 will now be described.

[0057] It is believed that, for the measuring device 16, the neutral position of the backrest 22 (e.g.) Figure 1 As shown) the second detection element 84 is axially located in the middle of the second groove 86 (as shown). Figure 4 (As shown).

[0058] It is believed that, for module 18, this axial position of the second element 84 corresponds to a first value D1 at a distance of 90.

[0059] First, the user of vehicle 12 desires to pivot the backrest 22 of seat 14. The user activates actuator 40 to rotate adjustment shaft 24 in the rotation direction.

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

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

[0062] In order to change the tilt of the backrest 22, for example, to return it to the neutral position, the user can then activate the actuator 40 in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0063] For example, if the rotation direction of the adjusting shaft 24 causes the backrest 22 to pivot backward and the first detection element 82 and the second detection element 84 of the sensor 48 to move away from each other, then D2 > D1. The angle α is less than or equal to the aforementioned value α2.

[0064] Conversely, when the adjusting shaft 24 is actuated from the neutral position in the opposite direction of rotation, the backrest 22 pivots forward and the first sensing element 82 and the second sensing element 84 move closer to each other. A third value D3 of distance 90 is obtained, where D3 < D1. The corresponding angle α' (not shown) is less than or equal to the aforementioned value α1.

[0065] The program 92 of the control module 18 can convert each value D1, D2, D3 of the distance 90 into the corresponding tilt angle α, α' of the backrest 22 relative to the neutral position.

[0066] This value can be stored in the control module 18 so that the tilt of the backrest 22 can be easily adapted to each user of the vehicle 12. In particular, when the adjustment device 26 for the seat 14 is equipped with a motor, the stored tilt of the backrest 22 can be implemented by the module 18 after identifying the corresponding user.

[0067] In addition, precise measurement of the tilt of the backrest 22 allows for the adaptation of other adjustment devices of the vehicle 12, such as seat or seat height.

Claims

1. A recline measurement device for a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising: Seat (20); backrest (22) capable of pivoting relative to said seat; And an adjustment shaft (24) that can pivot relative to the seat and the backrest; The vehicle seat tilt measuring device is characterized by comprising: A support member (42) capable of being secured to the backrest (22) of the vehicle seat, the support member including a first connecting device; A sleeve (44) that is fixed in translation and rotatable relative to the support (42) along a rotation axis (34), the sleeve being fixed in rotation on the adjusting shaft (24), the sleeve including a threaded outer surface (70). A nut (46) capable of engaging the threaded outer surface of a sleeve, the nut comprising: an outer radial surface (76) and a second connecting device disposed on the outer radial surface, the first and second connecting devices being capable of engaging such that rotation of the sleeve (44) about the axis of rotation (34) relative to the support (42) causes the nut (46) to slide relative to the support parallel to the axis of rotation; and The sensor (48) includes: a console (80) fixed to the support; a first detection element (82) fixed to the console; and a second detection element (84) capable of being fixed to the second coupling device of the nut, the sensor being capable of determining the axial distance (90) between the first detection element and the second detection element.

2. The reclining angle measuring device of the vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized by The first connecting device is a first groove (60) provided in the support (42); and the second connecting device is a protrusion (78) that can slide in the first groove to lock the nut (46) in rotation relative to the support.

3. The reclining angle measuring device of the vehicle seat according to claim 2, characterized by The control console (80) of the sensor includes a second groove (86) stacked on the first groove; and the sensor also includes a pin (88) integral with the second detection element (84) and slidable in the second groove, the pin being able to be secured to the protrusion (78) of the nut.

4. The reclining angle measuring device of the vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized by The sleeve (44) includes a locking end piece (64) which can be reversibly assembled to the threaded outer surface to lock the sleeve (44) in rotation and translation relative to the adjusting shaft (24).

5. A vehicle equipment assembly characterized by, include: The vehicle seat (14) includes: a seat (20); a backrest (22) pivotable about a rotation axis (34) relative to the seat; and an adjustment shaft (24) pivotable about the rotation axis (34) relative to the seat and the backrest. The vehicle seat tilt measuring device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the support (42) of the vehicle seat tilt measuring device is fixed to the backrest (22) of the vehicle seat, the sleeve (44) of the vehicle seat tilt measuring device is fixedly located on the adjustment shaft (24) in terms of rotation, the first coupling device and the second coupling device are assembled to each other, and the second detection element (84) of the sensor (48) is fixed to the second coupling device of the nut; and The control module (18) is connected to the sensor and is able to determine the tilt (α) of the backrest relative to the seat of the vehicle seat relative to the rotation axis (34) based on the distance (90) between the first detection element (82) and the second detection element (84) of the sensor.

6. The vehicle equipment assembly of claim 5, wherein, Includes an adjustment device (26) that connects an adjustment shaft (24) to the seat (20) and backrest (22) of a vehicle seat (14); the adjustment device is configured such that an input rotation angle of the adjustment shaft (24) relative to the seat (20) about the rotation axis (34) corresponds to an output rotation angle of the backrest (22) relative to the seat about the rotation axis, and the output rotation angle is smaller than the input rotation angle.

7. The vehicle equipment assembly of claim 6, wherein, The regulating device (26) includes a motorized actuator (40) connected to the control module (18).

8. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes the vehicle equipment components as described in claim 5.

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