Seat with a mounting arrangement of an electric motor

Abstract

Seat (S), in particular a vehicle seat, with a fastening arrangement (B') of an electric motor (2) for fastening the electric motor (2) to a carrier element (1) of a longitudinal adjustment unit (L) of the seat (S), wherein the fastening arrangement - at least one motor fixing element (F1, F2) and - comprises at least one motor locking element (A), wherein the at least one motor fixing element (F1, F2) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be set into a rotational position (D), and the at least one motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be locked in a set rotational position (D), wherein the motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) is fixed immovably in the axial direction and is secured against rotation by means of a torque lock, wherein the at least one motor locking element (A) has a polygonal profile (P), wherein the outer profile of the motor locking element (A) has a plurality of surfaces which are evenly distributed over the circumference and form the shape of a polygon, wherein the at least one motor locking element (A) is designed as a bearing plate (2.1.2) arranged on the end face of the electric motor (2) and axially supported by a bearing plate (2.1.2) of an electric motor housing (2.1) projecting formation (A1), wherein the electric motor (2) is provided with an electrical connection (2.3), wherein the electrical connection (2.3) is designed as a plug which is connected to an outer circumference of the electric motor housing (2.1), wherein the motor locking element (A) and the at least one motor fixing element (F2) are arranged axially offset from one another and the motor fixing element (F2) extends outwards in the axial direction starting from the motor locking element (A), wherein the fastening arrangement (B'). - at least one fixing component (1.3, 1.4) corresponding to the motor fixing element (F1, F2) and - comprises at least one locking component (1.5) corresponding to the motor locking element (A), and wherein the at least one fixing component (1.3, 1.4) and the at least one locking component (1.5) are arranged on the support element (1) of the longitudinal adjustment unit (L) of the seat (S), and wherein the electric motor (2) can be arranged flexibly relative to the seat (S) with respect to a rotational position (D) of the electric motor (2) by means of the at least one motor locking element (A) and the at least one corresponding locking component (1.5) and can be locked in the set rotational position (D).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, with a fastening arrangement of an electric motor for fastening the electric motor to a support element of a longitudinal adjustment unit of the seat.

[0002] Seats, especially vehicle seats, are adjustable in length, height, and inclination. The seat position can be adjusted manually, for example, using a lever and / or handle, or electrically using an electric motor that can be operated via a control element. The electric motor can be attached to the seat using a specific mounting arrangement. For example, the mounting arrangement for securing the electric motor includes mounting tabs on the electric motor that correspond to mounting pins on the seat.

[0003] DE 20 2008 005 744 U1 discloses an electric motor and a brush holder. The brush holder has six essentially tubular screw openings. To fix the electric motor in the radial direction, it has a locking element in the form of an eccentrically arranged pin on its front side, which corresponds to a locking element in the form of one of several holes in the mounting plate. For connecting the power supply, the electric motor also has a connector plug on its circumference. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 3,983,429 A discloses a length- and size-adjustable fastening arrangement for an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is fixed to a hexagonal, polygonal, or circular outer contour, optionally using an elastic ring.Furthermore, US 2001 / 0 048 058 A1 discloses a mounting arrangement for an electric motor for a vehicle seat adjustment mechanism, wherein the electric motor is secured in brackets via viscoelastic sleeves arranged on both sides of the electric motor. US 2,885,142 A also discloses a mounting arrangement for an electric motor in an air conditioning system.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a seat with a fastening arrangement that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved with a seat according to patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A fastening arrangement according to the invention for an electric motor of a seat for fastening the electric motor to a support element of a longitudinal adjustment unit of the seat comprises at least one motor fixing element and at least one motor locking element, each arranged on the electric motor. The at least one motor fixing element is designed such that the electric motor can be set, in particular pre-positioned or pre-fixed, in a rotational position. The at least one motor locking element is designed such that the electric motor can be locked in a set rotational position.

[0007] This type of mounting arrangement allows for a flexible arrangement of the electric motor relative to the seat, while simultaneously enabling torque locking with reduced installation space requirements. Because the electric motor can be mounted in various rotational positions relative to the seat, the position of an electrical connection of the electric motor within the seat's installation space can be flexibly selected. This enables the use of electric motors with a largely uniform position of the electrical connection on the circumference of the electric motor.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the at least one motor fixing element and the motor locking element are arranged on an end face of the electric motor.

[0009] Preferably, the at least one motor fixing element and the motor locking element are arranged coaxially with one another. In particular, the motor fixing element and the motor locking element are arranged coaxially with a motor axis of the electric motor, wherein the motor fixing element is surrounded by the motor locking element in the radial outward direction and is arranged coaxially with it.

[0010] According to the invention, the motor locking element and the at least one motor fixing element are arranged axially offset from one another, with the motor fixing element extending axially outward from the motor locking element. The motor fixing element thus enables a plug-in connection of the electric motor, and the motor locking element provides a torque lock for the electric motor.

[0011] In addition, the motor locking element is designed in such a way that the electric motor is fixed immovably in the axial direction and is secured against rotation by means of a torque lock.

[0012] According to the invention, the outer profile of the motor locking element has several surfaces in the shape of a polygon that are evenly distributed over the circumference and thus forms a torque lock.

[0013] Furthermore, the motor fixing element is preferably designed such that the electric motor is fixed immovably in the axial direction and can be adjusted to one of several rotational positions, in particular in stages.

[0014] According to the invention, the at least one motor locking element is designed as a formation arranged on the end face of the electric motor and protruding axially from a bearing plate of an electric motor housing. The motor locking element can be formed integrally with the bearing plate. Alternatively, the motor locking element can also be formed as a separate component that is connected to the bearing plate, e.g., by means of a material bond. The bearing plate forms a front end of the electric motor housing and can thus be understood as a type of housing cover, wherein the bearing plate either represents a separate component or is formed integrally with the electric motor housing, e.g., by means of deep drawing. The electric motor housing is usually provided with two bearing plates, so that the electric motor housing is provided with a bearing plate on each end face.

[0015] According to the invention, the motor locking element has a polygonal profile and can be connected to the corresponding locking component on the seat. In particular, the polygonal profile has at least four functional surfaces, ideally six or more functional surfaces, so that the polygonal profile can be designed, for example, as an outer hexagonal profile, octagonal profile, or decagonal profile. By means of the polygonal profile, several rotational positions of the electric motor and thus of an electrical connection of the electric motor relative to the seat are possible, wherein a rotational gradation of the rotational position of the electrical connection in the installed position of the electric motor is preferably a maximum of 60°. This means:In the specific case of a hexagonal profile of the motor locking element, the electric motor and thus the electrical connection can be arranged in six different rotational positions relative to the seat, wherein the rotational positions are each offset from one another at an angle of 60° with respect to a rotational axis of the electric motor.

[0016] For example, the corresponding locking component is formed as a recess in the seat, which has a polygonal profile corresponding to the polygonal profile of the at least one motor locking element, in particular an inner polygonal profile. This allows the motor locking element to be arranged in the locking component in a form-fitting, particularly precise, manner and locking manner due to the polygonal profile. Rotation of the electric motor housing is thus no longer possible, allowing a torque lock of the electric motor without additional fastening elements.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, two motor fixing elements are provided by means of which the electric motor can be fixed to the seat.

[0018] For example, the electric motor can be secured to the seat by means of a motor fixing element arranged on an output side of the electric motor via a positive and frictional connection, in particular via a clamping connection. The corresponding fixing component comprises, for example, a clamping opening.

[0019] By means of the other motor fixing element, which is arranged on a different output side of the electric motor, the electric motor can be fixed to the seat via a positive connection. For example, the seat includes a corresponding recess in which the motor fixing element can be arranged in a positive-locking manner. The motor locking element and the motor fixing element are thus arranged on a common front end of the electric motor, but are arranged on different sectional planes through a rotational axis of the electric motor.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the motor fixing elements are each formed by means of a bearing journal of the electric motor which extends through a bearing plate and projects axially outwards, wherein the bearing journals are each arranged coaxially to the rotation axis of the electric motor.

[0021] According to the invention, the fastening arrangement comprises at least one fixing component corresponding to the motor fixing element and at least one locking component corresponding to the motor locking element, wherein the fixing component and the locking component are each arranged on the support element of the longitudinal adjustment unit of the seat, and wherein the electric motor can be flexibly arranged relative to the seat with respect to a rotational position of the electric motor by means of the at least one motor locking element and the at least one corresponding locking component and can be locked in the set rotational position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the electric motor can be fixed to the seat by means of a motor fixing element arranged on an output side of the electric motor via a positive or frictional connection.

[0023] Furthermore, the electric motor can be additionally fixed to the seat via a positive connection by means of a motor fixing element arranged on another output side of the electric motor.

[0024] According to the invention, the at least one fixing component and the at least one locking component are arranged on a support element of a longitudinal adjustment unit of the seat.

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows a plan view of a support element of a longitudinal adjustment unit of a seat with an electric motor in the connected state according to the prior art, Fig. 2 schematically shows a perspective view of a section with the support element and the electric motor in the connected state according to the prior art, Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a section with the support element and the electric motor according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the unconnected state, Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective individual view of an embodiment of an electric motor with a motor locking element having a polygonal profile, Fig. 5 schematically shows a front view of the electric motor with the polygonal profile, Fig. 6 schematically shows another perspective view of the electric motor, Fig. 7 schematically shows a plan view of a section with a support element and the electric motor in the connected state, Fig. 8 to 10 schematic sectional views of the section according to Fig. 7, Fig. 11 schematically shows a sectional view of the support element and the electric motor in the connected state, Fig. 12 schematically shows a perspective view of the support element and the electric motor during assembly, Fig. 13 schematically shows a perspective view of the support element and the electric motor after assembly, Fig. 14 schematically shows a perspective view of a section with the support element and the electric motor in the unconnected state, Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of a longitudinal adjustment unit with the support element, the electric motor and an upper rail of a seat and Fig. 16 schematically shows a seat with a longitudinal adjustment unit.

[0026] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a support element 1 of a longitudinal adjustment unit L (see Fig. 15) one in Fig. 16 shown seat S, for example a vehicle seat, with an electric motor 2 and a fastening arrangement B for the electric motor 2 according to the prior art. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a section with the support element 1 and the electric motor 2 and the fastening arrangement B according to the prior art. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a section with the support element 1 and the electric motor 2 according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the unconnected state.

[0028] The support element 1 is made of plastic, for example, and is provided with a seat part, in particular with an upper rail 3 connected to the seat part (see Fig. 15), by means of which the seat part is guided along a lower rail 5 attached to a vehicle floor (see Fig. 15) is longitudinally displaceable.

[0029] To carry out the longitudinal movement, for example, an electric motor 2 is assigned to both upper rails 3 of the seat S, which drives the upper rails 3 and is longitudinally movable relative to the lower rail 5. Gears can be provided in a known manner to transmit motorized drive movements of the electric motor 2 to the upper rails 3. Fig. 1 to 3, two shafts 4.1, 4.2 are shown as examples, which are connected to the electric motor 2 and to a spindle (not shown in detail), with the spindles being connected to the upper rails 3. This means that the electric motor 2 transmits torque via rotatable shafts 4.1, 4.2 to gear units (not shown in detail) arranged in the upper rails 3. These then transmit the torque via spindles into a movement in a longitudinal direction of the rail.

[0030] The electric motor 2 is, for example, a DC motor and comprises a rotatably mounted rotor (not shown in detail) which rotates about a motor axis M. The rotor is surrounded by a stator (also not shown). The rotor and the stator are arranged in a common electric motor housing 2.1. Each front end of the electric motor housing 2.1 is formed by a bearing shield 2.1.1, 2.1.2 in the form of a housing cover, whereby the bearing shields 2.1.1, 2.1.2 can each represent a separate component that is connected to the electric motor housing 2.1. Alternatively, one of the bearing shields 2.1.1, 2.1.2 can be connected in one piece to the electric motor housing 2.1, for example by deep drawing. Furthermore, a bearing journal 2.2.1, 2.2.2 is arranged at each front end of the electric motor housing 2.1, which is arranged coaxially to the motor axis M of the rotor. The bearing journals 2.2.1, 2.2.2 each protrude axially outwards through the corresponding bearing plate 2.1.1, 2.1.2.

[0031] To supply electrical power to the electric motor 2, the latter is provided with an electrical connector 2.3. The electrical connector 2.3 is designed as a plug, which is connected, in particular latched, to an outer periphery of the electric motor housing 2.1. The electrical connector 2.3 can be connected, by means of specific connecting components, to an on-board electrical system of a vehicle in which the seat S is arranged.

[0032] For arranging and fastening the electric motor 2 in the support element 1, the latter comprises two flanges 2.4, each of which is provided with a through opening.

[0033] Via the flanges 2.4, the electric motor 2 can be connected to connecting elements 1.1 arranged in a wall of the support element 1 that defines a receiving opening 1.2. The connecting elements 1.1 are, for example, connecting pins that are guided through the through-holes of the flanges 2.4 and then fixed.

[0034] Due to the flanges 2.4, which protrude radially outwards from the bearing plate 2.1.2 of the front end of the electric motor housing 2.1, a diameter of the electric motor 2 is enlarged in this area, so that corresponding dimensions of the receiving opening 1.2 in the support element 1 are required.

[0035] Furthermore, the installation position of the electric motor 2 is fixed with respect to its rotational position D relative to the carrier element 1, so that a position of the electrical connection 2.3 relative to the carrier element 1 is also fixed.

[0036] For the flexible use of an installation space for the electric motor 2, at least with regard to its rotational position D relative to the carrier element 1, a fastening arrangement B' is proposed, which is described in more detail below.

[0037] The Fig. 4 to 6 each show an individual view of an embodiment of an electric motor 2.

[0038] The fastening arrangement B' has two motor fixing elements F1, F2 and a motor locking element A, which are arranged on the electric motor 2 and which are located on different sectional planes through the motor axis M of the electric motor 2. The motor locking element A is formed integrally with the bearing plate 2.1.2 or is connected thereto. The motor locking element A is designed as a formation A1 and has a polygonal profile P. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the polygonal profile P is designed as a hexagonal profile which protrudes axially outward from the bearing plate 2.1.2. Alternatively, the polygonal profile P can also protrude radially inward and / or be designed as an octagonal or decagonal profile.

[0039] The motor fixing elements F1, F2 are formed by the bearing pins 2.2.1, 2.2.2, by means of which the electric motor 2 can be fixed on both sides of the support element 1.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows a section with the electric motor 2 according to the description from the Fig. 4 to 6 and with the support element 1 in one embodiment in plan view. The Fig. 8 to 10 show sectional views, in particular cross sections, through different levels of the Fig. 7 shown excerpt. Fig. 11 shows a complete view of the electric motor 2 and the support element 1 in plan view.

[0041] The electric motor 2 is arranged in the receiving opening 1.2 of the support element 1, wherein the receiving opening 1.2 is provided with a flange 2.4 which is different from the one shown in the Fig. 1 to 3 shown receiving opening 1.2 is designed with reduced dimensions.

[0042] By means of the motor fixing elements F1, F2, the electric motor 2 is connected to the support element 1 in a frictionally and positively locking manner. For this purpose, the fastening arrangement B' comprises corresponding fixing components 1.3, 1.4 arranged on the support element 1. One fixing component 1.3 has a clamping opening for the frictionally locking reception of the bearing journal 2.2.1, and the other fixing component 1.4 is designed as an opening for the positively locking reception of the other bearing journal 2.2.2.

[0043] By means of the motor locking element A, the electric motor 2, in particular the electric motor housing 2.1, is locked in a specific rotational position D relative to the carrier element 1. The motor locking element A cooperates with a corresponding locking component 1.5, which is Fig. 14 is shown by way of example. Here, the locking component 1.5 has a polygonal profile 1.5.1 corresponding to the polygonal profile P of the motor locking element A, which is designed as a recess 1.5.1.1. Alternatively, the corresponding polygonal profile 1.5.1 can also protrude outwards, with the polygonal profile P of the motor locking element A protruding inwards. The locking component 1.5 can thus be cost-effectively formed as a counterpart in the receiving opening 1.2, whereby no undercuts are necessary in the carrier element 1 during production. The carrier element 1 can be manufactured, for example, using a simple injection molding tool.

[0044] The motor locking element A and the locking component 1.5 thus form a positive, precisely fitting connection in the assembled state of the electric motor 2, whereby several precisely fitting connections are possible. As a result, several rotational positions D of the electrical connection 2.3 of the electric motor 2 relative to the carrier element 1 are possible by means of the motor locking element A, whereby a rotational gradation of the rotational position D of the electrical connection 2.3 in the installed position of the electric motor 2 is a maximum of 60°. Preferably, a finer gradation of less than 60° is possible. This means that in the specific case of a hexagonal profile of the motor locking element A, the electric motor 2 and thus the electrical connection 2.3 can be arranged in six different rotational positions D relative to the carrier element 1, whereby the rotational positions D are each offset from one another at an angle of 60° with respect to the motor axis M of the electric motor 2.

[0045] Because the motor locking element A forms a precise connection with the locking component 1.5, the motor locking element A serves in particular as a torque lock to compensate for a support torque of the electric motor 2 during a so-called blocking movement. Blocking movement occurs when the upper rail 3 assigned to the electric motor 2 reaches a mechanical stop.

[0046] To assemble the electric motor 2, it can be pre-fixed to the support element 1 in a first step using the motor fixing element F2, whereby the bearing pin 2.2.2 is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the fixing component 1.4. Before pre-fixing the electric motor 2, a desired rotational position D of the electric motor 2 relative to the support element 1 is selected, and the electric motor 2 is arranged accordingly in the fixing component 1.5 with the motor fixing element A. When arranging the motor fixing element A in the fixing component 1.5, the motor fixing element F2 is simultaneously arranged in the fixing component 1.4. This first step is shown in Fig. 12 in a perspective view.

[0047] In a second step, which will be Fig. 13, a final fixing of the electric motor 2 takes place, wherein the bearing pin 2.2.1 is pressed into the clamping opening of the fixing component 1.3, so that the motor fixing element F1 and the fixing component 1.3 are frictionally connected to one another.

[0048] Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of a section with the support element 1 and the electric motor 2 in the unconnected state, with the locking component 1.5 being shown in more detail.

[0049] Fig. 15 shows in perspective the longitudinal adjustment unit L with the support element 1, the electric motor 2 and two upper rails 3 of the seat S.

[0050] Fig. 16 shows a seat S with a longitudinal adjustment unit L in a simplified representation. List of reference symbols 1 support element 1.1 Connecting element 1.2 Receiving opening 1.3, 1.4 Fixing component 1.5 Locking component 1.5.1 corresponding polygonal profile 1.5.1.1 Recess 2 electric motor 2.1 Electric motor housing 2.1.1, 2.1.2 Bearing shield 2.2.1, 2.2.2 Bearing journal 2.3 Electrical connection 2.4 Flange 3 top rail 4.1, 4.2 Wave 5 Bottom rail A Motor locking element A1 Formation B, B' mounting arrangement D Rotation position F1, F2 Motor fixing element L Longitudinal adjuster unit M motor axle P Polygonal profile S seat

Claims

[1] Seat (S), in particular a vehicle seat, with a fastening arrangement (B') of an electric motor (2) for fastening the electric motor (2) to a carrier element (1) of a longitudinal adjustment unit (L) of the seat (S), wherein the fastening arrangement - at least one motor fixing element (F1, F2) and - comprises at least one motor locking element (A), wherein the at least one motor fixing element (F1, F2) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be set into a rotational position (D), and the at least one motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) can be locked in a set rotational position (D), wherein the motor locking element (A) is designed such that the electric motor (2) is fixed immovably in the axial direction and is secured against rotation by means of a torque lock, wherein the at least one motor locking element (A) has a polygonal profile (P), wherein the outer profile of the motor locking element (A) has a plurality of surfaces which are evenly distributed over the circumference and form the shape of a polygon, wherein the at least one motor locking element (A) is designed as a bearing plate (2.1.2) arranged on the end face of the electric motor (2) and axially supported by a bearing plate (2.1.2) of an electric motor housing (2.1) projecting formation (A1), wherein the electric motor (2) is provided with an electrical connection (2.3), wherein the electrical connection (2.3) is designed as a plug which is connected to an outer circumference of the electric motor housing (2.1), wherein the motor locking element (A) and the at least one motor fixing element (F2) are arranged axially offset from one another and the motor fixing element (F2) extends outwards in the axial direction starting from the motor locking element (A), wherein the fastening arrangement (B'). - at least one fixing component (1.3, 1.4) corresponding to the motor fixing element (F1, F2) and - comprises at least one locking component (1.5) corresponding to the motor locking element (A), and wherein the at least one fixing component (1.3, 1.4) and the at least one locking component (1.5) are arranged on the support element (1) of the longitudinal adjustment unit (L) of the seat (S), and wherein the electric motor (2) can be arranged flexibly relative to the seat (S) with respect to a rotational position (D) of the electric motor (2) by means of the at least one motor locking element (A) and the at least one corresponding locking component (1.5) and can be locked in the set rotational position (D). [2] Seat (S) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one motor fixing element (F2) and the motor locking element (A) are arranged on an end face of the electric motor (2). [3] Seat (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one motor fixing element (F2) and the motor locking element (A) are arranged coaxially to each other. [4] Seat (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor fixing element (F2) is designed such that the electric motor (2) is fixed immovably in the axial direction and can be set in one of several rotational positions (D). [5] Seat (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two motor fixing elements (F1, F2) are provided. [6] Seat (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor fixing element(s) (F1, F2) is / are each formed by means of a bearing pin (2.2.1, 2.2.2) passing through a bearing plate (2.1.1, 2.1.2) of the electric motor housing (2.1) and projecting axially outwards. [7] Seat (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (2) can be fixed to the seat (S) by means of a motor fixing element (F1) arranged on an output side of the electric motor (2) via a positive or frictional connection. [8] Seat (S) according to claim 7, wherein the electric motor (2) can additionally be fixed to the seat (S) by means of a motor fixing element (F2) arranged on another output side of the electric motor (2) via a positive connection.

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