Adjustable vehicle seat

Abstract

Adjustable vehicle seat (1) with a seat base (10) having a seat surface (11) and a seat back (12) having a backrest surface (13) which can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis (y') relative to the seat base (10), wherein the backrest surface (13) is asymmetrically adjustable with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the seat (X'), wherein the entire seat back (12) can be rotated from a normal position about a backrest vertical axis (z''') relative to the seat base (10), characterized by that the asymmetrical adjustability of the backrest surface (13) is enabled during autonomous driving operation and that return mechanisms are provided which return the backrest surface (13), which has been asymmetrically adjusted from a normal position, to the normal position when a critical driving situation is detected which could lead to heavy braking or an accident.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustable driver's seat of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a vehicle with at least one such adjustable vehicle seat.

[0002] Vehicle seats are typically adjusted using numerous individual adjustment variables in a sequence to achieve an optimal seating position for the forward-facing attention of the vehicle passengers, especially the driver. This adjustment is primarily made via electrically adjustable units using seat adjustment switches or via mechanically adjustable units using mechanical release levers.These conventionally provided adjustment variables can be divided into two groups: a first group for adapting the seat to the driver's height in order to operate the vehicle, including, for example, seat length adjustment, seat height adjustment, seat tilt adjustment, backrest tilt adjustment, and headrest height adjustment; and a second group for adapting the seat to the anatomy of the person sitting in the vehicle seat in order to sit comfortably, including, for example, lumbar support adjustment, backrest width adjustment, and backrest headrest adjustment.

[0003] The seat adjustment options are therefore designed only for adapting to body size (first group) and for adjusting seating comfort (second group). Modern vehicle seats have very high backrests and wide headrests. The view from the front seats towards the rear of the vehicle is very limited.

[0004] Currently, there is no seat adjustment that allows passengers to comfortably look into the rear of the vehicle and out the rear window, or to communicate with passengers sitting in the back. This is particularly important when reversing, when the vehicle is stationary, or in future autonomous driving situations where attention does not need to be constantly focused forward. In such cases, front-seat passengers will need to be able to comfortably turn around to face the rear.

[0005] It is known that the rear headrests can be folded out of the driver's field of vision when reversing, in order to improve rearward visibility.

[0006] Vehicle seats are known from DE 10 2013 224 873 A1, DE 10 2014 222 711 A1, DE 10 2014 109 148 A1 and WO 2015 / 082539 A1 in which the seat back can be twisted about a longitudinal axis of the seat back, so that the person sitting on the seat can more easily reach and grasp the safety belt located behind the seat back towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0007] From JP 2006-143 173 A, a large number of vehicle seats are known whose seat back is asymmetrically adjustable in the event of a collision to protect a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat, for example by making the seat back pivotable about an upright longitudinal axis of the backrest or by making the left and right side bolsters inflatable or positionable differently.

[0008] DE 198 58 209 C1 shows a vehicle seat with inflatable air chambers in the seat bolsters and in the backrest bolsters.

[0009] WO 2008 / 031 374 A1 shows a vehicle seat with adjustable seat and backrest bolsters.

[0010] GB 2 370 222 A shows a vehicle seat with inflatable air chambers in the seat bolsters and in the backrest bolsters, wherein pressure exerted by a passenger on one air chamber causes the air to be displaced into another chamber.

[0011] From DE 10 2007 000 113 A1 a vehicle seat with a seat control is known which tilts the seat back asymmetrically forward depending on a driving condition.

[0012] From US patent 2007 / 0255469A1, a vehicle seat is known whose seat back is adjusted asymmetrically around a backrest longitudinal axis depending on a curve, in order to be able to support centrifugal forces more effectively.

[0013] DE 20 2014 104 626 U1 describes a vehicle seat with a seat back that can be rotated within itself, which is intended to make it easier to grasp the seat belt when buckling up.

[0014] German patent DE 10 2014 219 632 A1 discloses and describes a vehicle seat whose backrest is rotatable and in which an upper section of the backrest can be tilted forward about a transverse axis. This is intended to make it easier for a vehicle occupant to fasten their seatbelt.

[0015] DE 100 12 035 A1 shows and describes a vehicle seat which is rotatable about a vertical axis, either entirely or in parts, for example only in the area of ​​the seat back.

[0016] US 4 822 093 A shows a vehicle seat with a seat back that can be rotated around a vertical axis depending on the vehicle speed.

[0017] From DE 10 2007 028 034 B4 a vehicle seat with a swiveling shoulder and head area is known, which is intended to improve seating comfort and seat belt guidance.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to make it easier for passengers sitting in the front, particularly in autonomous driving mode, to orient themselves towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0019] This problem is solved alternatively or cumulatively with the features of claims 1, 2, 5 and / or 9.

[0020] In a first embodiment of the adjustable vehicle seat, comprising a seat base with a seat surface and a backrest with a backrest surface that can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis relative to the seat base, wherein the backrest surface is asymmetrically adjustable with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the seat, and wherein the entire backrest can be rotated from a normal position about a backrest vertical axis relative to the seat base, the invention provides that the asymmetric adjustability of the backrest surface is enabled during autonomous driving operation and that return mechanisms are provided which return the backrest surface, which has been asymmetrically adjusted from a normal position, to the normal position when a critical driving situation is detected that could lead to hard braking or an accident.This rotatability of the seat back, which forms a backrest, allows a person sitting in the vehicle seat to comfortably turn their upper body backwards on the side facing the center of the vehicle during autonomous driving, with the return mechanisms returning the vehicle seat to the normal position in a critical driving situation, preferably abruptly.

[0021] In a second embodiment of the adjustable vehicle seat, comprising a seat base with a seat surface and a backrest with a backrest surface that can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis relative to the seat base, wherein the seat surface and / or the backrest surface is asymmetrically adjustable with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the seat, and wherein the backrest is provided with at least one backrest bolster, wherein the at least one backrest bolster can be pivoted away from a normal position, in which the backrest is positioned and shaped symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the seat, retracted into the backrest, or reduced in volume in order to adjust the backrest surface asymmetrically, the invention provides that the asymmetric adjustability of the backrest surface is enabled during autonomous driving operation and that return mechanisms are provided.which, upon detecting a critical driving situation that could lead to hard braking or an accident, returns the asymmetrically adjusted backrest surface from its normal position to its normal position. In this simple way, during autonomous driving, a backrest bolster that obstructs rearward rotation can be moved out of the body's rotational range, with the return mechanisms returning the vehicle seat to its normal position in a critical driving situation, preferably instantaneously. The features of this second embodiment can be combined as desired with other described embodiments.

[0022] In this embodiment, it is advantageous if the seat base is also provided with at least one side bolster and if the at least one side bolster can be pivoted away from a normal position towards the outside of the seat, can be retracted into the seat base or can be reduced in volume in order to adjust the seat surface asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center plane of the seat.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the seat surface can also be adjusted asymmetrically during autonomous driving and if return mechanisms are provided that restore the seat surface, which has been adjusted asymmetrically from a normal position, to its normal position when a critical driving situation is detected that could lead to hard braking or an accident. In this way, during autonomous driving, a seat base side bolster that restricts rotation in the normal position can also be moved out of the body's rotational range, with the return mechanisms restoring the vehicle seat to its normal position in a critical driving situation, preferably instantaneously.

[0024] In a third embodiment of the adjustable vehicle seat, comprising a seat base with a seat surface and a backrest with a backrest surface that can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis relative to the seat base, wherein the seat surface and / or the backrest surface is asymmetrically adjustable with respect to a longitudinal center plane of the seat, and wherein the backrest and preferably also the seat base is provided with at least one inflatable pneumatic cushion with which the backrest surface or the seat surface can be asymmetrically adjusted from a normal position, the invention provides that the asymmetric adjustability of the backrest surface is enabled during autonomous driving operation and that return mechanisms are provided which return the backrest surface, which has been asymmetrically adjusted from a normal position, to the normal position upon detection of a critical driving situation that could lead to hard braking or an accident.Inflating the pneumatic cushion(s) can assist the body in its rotational movement during autonomous driving, with the return mechanisms restoring the vehicle seat to its normal position in a critical driving situation, preferably instantaneously. The features of this third embodiment can be combined with any other described embodiments.

[0025] It is advantageous if the seat base is also equipped with at least one inflatable pneumatic cushion, which allows the seat surface to be adjusted asymmetrically from a normal position during autonomous driving, and if, in addition, return mechanisms are provided that return the seat surface, which has been adjusted asymmetrically from a normal position, to its normal position when a critical driving situation is detected that could lead to hard braking or an accident.

[0026] In an advantageous further development of the adjustable vehicle seat with a seat base having a seat surface and a seat back having a backrest surface which can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis relative to the seat base, an upper section of the seat back forming a backrest head and facing away from the seat base is designed to be pivotable from a normal position about a backrest transverse axis which is parallel to the backrest tilt axis or at an angle to the backrest tilt axis, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the backrest head can be tilted backwards or folded down.

[0027] The reclining or folding headrest not only provides a better view into the rear of the vehicle, but also creates a resting surface for the arm of a person turning around that is pointing towards the rear. The features of this fourth embodiment can also be combined with any other described embodiments.

[0028] It is advantageous if the tilting or folding of the seat head is possible during autonomous driving and if return mechanisms are provided that return the seat head, which has been tilted or folded from a normal position, to its normal position upon detection of a critical driving situation that could lead to hard braking or an accident. In a critical driving situation, the return mechanisms preferably return the vehicle seat abruptly to its normal position.

[0029] According to a fourth alternative embodiment, the invention is also directed to an adjustable vehicle seat with a seat base having a seat surface and a backrest having a backrest surface which can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis relative to the seat base, wherein an upper section of the backrest forming a backrest head and facing away from the seat base can be pivoted from a normal position about a backrest transverse axis, wherein this vehicle seat is characterized in that the backrest head can be tilted or folded backwards about the backrest transverse axis, that this pivoting of the backrest head is enabled during autonomous driving operation, and that return mechanisms are provided which return the backrest surface, which has been adjusted from a normal position, to its normal position when a critical driving situation is detected that could lead to hard braking or an accident.

[0030] In all variants, it is particularly advantageous if the return to the normal position occurs abruptly.

[0031] The variants according to the invention provide a modification and extension of the seat adjustability and add a new, third group to the two groups of seat adjustment variables mentioned at the outset. The seat adjustability designed according to the invention enables new degrees of freedom in seat adjustment, allowing front-seated passengers to comfortably turn around to face the rear of the vehicle during autonomous driving. Particularly for highly automated driving and when the vehicle is stationary or reversing, pivoting the upper backrest section and / or asymmetrically adjusting the seat cushion and / or backrest surface can facilitate rearward orientation. This adjustment preferably occurs in an analogous and smooth manner. Ideally, the function is triggered by a body movement pattern that arises when the front-seated person turns their body.The change of posture and the turning towards the rear of the vehicle, which is possible with the vehicle seat according to the invention, also enable direct visual contact and direct communication with persons in the rear of the vehicle.

[0032] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the adjustable vehicle seats according to the invention, sensors are provided in the seat base and / or in the seat backrest. These sensors detect forces, pressures, and / or movements exerted by a person sitting in the vehicle seat and subsequently emit a signal. A control device is provided that detects the signals emitted by the sensors and controls actuators provided in the vehicle seat for rotating the seat backrest, pivoting the upper backrest head section, and / or asymmetrically adjusting the backrest surface and preferably also the seat surface. Ideally, this triggers the backrest adjustment function, and optionally also the seat base adjustment, via the body movement pattern that arises when the person sitting in the vehicle seat turns their body, particularly their upper body.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous if the control unit evaluates the signals emitted and recorded by the sensors and determines a current load profile of the seat base and / or the seat back, if the control unit compares the determined current load profile with load profiles stored in a memory device that initiate a rotational movement of the body of a person sitting on the vehicle seat towards the rear of the vehicle, and determines the load profile that most closely matches the current load profile and initiates the rotational movement as a predictive load profile, and if the control unit controls the actuators in such a way that the seat back and preferably also the seat base or components thereof are adjusted according to the expected rotational movement of the body assigned to the predictive load profile.

[0034] It is advantageous if the actuators for pivoting the upper section of the seat back around the backrest transverse axis and / or the actuators for asymmetrical adjustment of the seat surface and / or the backrest surface can only be controlled by the control unit when the vehicle is stationary or in an autonomous driving state.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle seat is equipped with return mechanisms that, upon receiving a signal, return the backrest surface and, if applicable, the seat surface, which have been adjusted from a normal position, to their normal position, preferably abruptly. Thus, for example, in the case of autonomous driving, if a critical driving situation is detected that could lead to hard braking or even an accident, the person sitting in the adjusted vehicle seat can be forcibly moved back to a normal seating position in which the safety devices provided in the vehicle, such as seat belts or airbags, are optimally effective.

[0036] Finally, the invention is also directed to a vehicle with at least one of the aforementioned vehicle seats.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and further advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0038] It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the invention in its normal state; Fig. 2 a first variant of the vehicle seat made of Fig. 1 with a twisted seat back top; Fig. 3 a second variant of the vehicle seat made of Fig. 1 with a fully twisted seat back; Fig. 4 a third variant of the vehicle seat made of Fig. 1 with side bolsters swivelled outwards on one side of the vehicle seat; Fig. 5 a fourth variant of the vehicle seat made of Fig. 1 with a pneumatically asymmetrically deformed seat back; Fig. 6 a fifth variant of the vehicle seat made of Fig. 1 with a rearward-folding seat backrest top and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of sensors and actuators of the vehicle seats designed according to the invention.

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle seat 1 according to the invention in its normal position, which is arranged longitudinally displaceable on a seat console 20 in rails 22, 24, wherein the seat console 20 is arranged on the floor 21 of the interior of a vehicle 2.

[0040] The vehicle seat 1 comprises a seat base 10 having a seat surface 11, a seat back 12 having a backrest surface 13, and a headrest 14. The inclination of the backrest 12 relative to the seat base 10 is adjustable in the usual manner about a backrest inclination axis y' lying parallel to the vehicle's transverse axis y. The headrest 14 is also displaceable in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis z and preferably also adjustable in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis x in a generally known manner.

[0041] The seat base 10 is laterally bounded on its upper side by a left side bolster 15 and a right side bolster 16, which are pivotable in their inclination to the seat surface 11 about a pivot axis x' and x'' that is parallel to or inclined to the vehicle's longitudinal axis x. Furthermore, the seat base 10 is provided at the front end of the seat surface 11 (in the direction of travel) with a thigh support 17 that is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0042] The adjustments of the individual components of the seat base 10 described above are made, for example, by means of in Fig. 1 actuators not shown, such as those already used in conventional vehicle seats for electric seat adjustment.

[0043] The seat backrest 12 is provided with backrest bolsters, namely a left backrest bolster 18 and a right backrest bolster 19, which laterally define the backrest surface 13 and are located below the shoulder area 13' of the backrest surface 13. The backrest bolsters 18 and 19 are also pivotable about a pivot axis z' and z'' respectively, which are aligned parallel to the longitudinal extension of the backrest, so that the backrest width can be adjusted primarily in the lumbar region of a person sitting in the vehicle seat by means of this pivoting capability.

[0044] Instead of pivoting the side bolsters 15, 16 of the seat base 10 and / or the backrest side bolsters 18, 19, these can also be transversely movable in the vehicle's transverse direction (y-direction) or they can be inflatable by means of pneumatic cushions. This pneumatic inflation capability can also be provided in addition to pivoting or transverse adjustability of the corresponding side bolsters 15, 16 or backrest side bolsters 18, 19.

[0045] Both in the seat base 10 and in the seat backrest 12, a multitude of sensors 30, 31, 32, 32', 33, 33', 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 38', 39, 39' are provided, forming a sensor arrangement 3 of the vehicle seat 1. The number and arrangement of the sensors shown is in Fig. Figure 1 is shown only as an example; fewer or more sensors may be provided, and the sensors may also be arranged at other locations on the seat backrest 12 or the seat base 10, the headrest 14, and the other seat components. Naturally, the side bolsters 15, 16 and the backrest bolsters 18, 19 can also be equipped with corresponding sensors 32', 38' and 33', 39', respectively. The headrest 14, as well as the thigh support 17, can also be equipped with sensors.

[0046] A longitudinal seat center plane X' is spanned by a mean backrest vertical axis z''' and a mean seat base longitudinal axis x'''. This longitudinal seat center plane X' forms in the Fig. Figure 1 shows the normal state of the vehicle seat 1 according to the invention as a plane of symmetry for the two sides (left side and right side) of the vehicle seat 1 which are mirror images of each other.

[0047] According to a first embodiment of the vehicle seat 1, which can be combined with at least one other embodiment described in the present description, the seat backrest 12 is rotatable at least section by section about the backrest vertical axis z'''. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the seat back 12 is divided into a lower back section 12' and an upper back section 12''. While the lower back section 12' is connected to the seat base 10 via (not shown) joints to allow the seat back 12 to tilt about the backrest tilt axis y', the upper back section 12'' is rotatable relative to the lower back section 12' about the backrest vertical axis z'''. The illustrations in the figures each show a left-hand vehicle seat, so that the backrest is in Fig. 2 is rotated on its side facing the center of the vehicle with the upper backrest section 12'' to the rear and on the side facing the outside of the vehicle to the front. This allows the person sitting in vehicle seat 1 to comfortably turn backward toward the rear of the vehicle. However, it is also possible to adjust the rotation of the seat back, as described in Fig. Figure 2 shows how to rotate the upper section 12'' of the seat backrest 12 in the opposite direction, i.e., with the side of the backrest facing the outside of the vehicle to the rear, in order to, for example, facilitate the driver's "shoulder check". The rotation of the upper section 12'' of the seat backrest 12 about the backrest's vertical axis z''' is effected by a mechanism provided in the seat backrest and in Fig. 2 Actuator 70, for example an electric motor, represented schematically only by a double arrow.

[0048] An alternative embodiment to the one described in Fig. The variant shown in 2 is in Fig. Figure 3 shows that not only the upper section of the seat back 12 can be rotated, but the entire seat back 12 can be rotated about the backrest's vertical axis z'''. The rotation is achieved by means of a Fig. 3 Actuator 71, which is only schematically represented by a double arrow.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the vehicle seat 1 according to the invention, in which the side bolsters 15, 16 and the backrest bolsters 18, 19 can be pivoted about their associated pivot axes x', x'', z', z'' towards the respective outer side of the seat so that they essentially form a plane with the seat surface 11 or the backrest surface 13. This pivotability of the respective side bolsters 15, 16 and the backrest bolsters 18, 19 is provided independently of one another, so that each side bolster 15, 16 and each backrest bolster 18, 19 can be pivoted outwards individually. If the person sitting on the vehicle seat 1 turns, for example, towards the inside of the vehicle, then (as can be seen from the left vehicle seat in Figure 4) Fig. (as shown in Figure 4) the right side panel 16 and, if applicable, the right backrest panel 19 pivot outwards, whereas the left side panel 15 and the left backrest panel 18 remain in their normal position. An actuator 73, 75, 72, 74 is provided for pivoting the side panels 15, 16 and the backrest panels 18, 19 about their respective pivot axes x', x'', z', z''. Fig. 4 is only symbolized by a double arrow and is formed, for example, by an electric motor. Of course, the pivoting of the side panels 15, 16 and the backrest panels 18, 19 described above can also be used in conjunction with the movement described in the Fig. 2 or 3 shown partial or complete rotation of the seat back 12 around the backrest vertical axis z''' is provided.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a variant of the vehicle seat 1 according to the invention, in which three pneumatic cushions 60, 62, 64 arranged one above the other are provided in the seat back 12 on the left side of the back and 61, 63, 65 on the right side of the back, with which the contour of the backrest surface 13 can be changed by inflating them to different degrees. A left pneumatic cushion 68 and a right pneumatic cushion 69 are also provided in the seat surface 11, with which the contour of the seat surface 11 can be changed asymmetrically by inflating them to different degrees. A pneumatic cushion 66, 67 is also provided in each of the backrest side panels 18, 19, with which the volume of the respective backrest side panel 18, 19 can be changed. When the pneumatic cushions are inflated, the corresponding areas of the backrest surface 13, the seat surface 11 or the backrest side surface, behind or under which the inflated pneumatic cushions are located, bulge towards the person sitting on the vehicle seat.By inflating the pneumatic cushions on one side of the seat's longitudinal center plane X', the person sitting on the seat is turned to the other side. Naturally, it is also possible to provide more or fewer pneumatic cushions in the seat base 10 or in the seat backrest 12. Corresponding pneumatic cushions can also be provided in the side bolsters 15, 16 if required. The pneumatic cushions 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 are supplied with compressed air from at least one compressed air reservoir or compressor via a compressed air piping network (not shown), wherein a plurality of valves are provided in the compressed air piping network that direct the compressed air into the pneumatic cushions to be inflated. By opening corresponding relief valves, the compressed air can also be released from the pneumatic cushions. These (in . Fig. The 5 valves (not shown) form the actuators for operating the pneumatic cushions.

[0051] Another embodiment of the present invention is described in Fig. Figure 6 shows that the backrest head 12''' of the seat back 12 can be pivoted about a backrest transverse axis y''' that is parallel to the backrest tilt axis y' or at an angle to the backrest tilt axis y'. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the backrest head 12''' in the example shown is pivoted into a horizontal position, thus forming a support surface on which a person sitting on vehicle seat 1 who is turning towards the rear of the vehicle can, for example, rest their arm facing the seat back 12. The in Fig. The variant shown in Figure 6, with the backrest head 12'' foldable to the rear in the example shown, is also compatible with other embodiments of the present invention, as described above in relation to the Fig. The items described in sections 2 to 5 can be combined.

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of the sensors and actuators provided in the vehicle seat 1 and their connection to a control unit.

[0053] The seat surface sensors 30, 31, 32 and 33, which are provided in the seat base and have already been described, are electrically connected, for example via a first data bus 41, to a control unit 4 integrated into or located outside the vehicle seat 1 for data transmission. The control unit 4 is also connected via this first data bus 41 to a sensor 32', 33' provided in the left side bolster 15 and a sensor 33' in the right side bolster 16, respectively.

[0054] In the same way, the control device 4 is electrically connected for data transmission via a second data bus 42 to the backrest surface sensors 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 provided in the backrest 12 and to a sensor 38', 39' provided in the left side bolster 18 and a sensor 38', 39' provided in the right side bolster 19.

[0055] The aforementioned sensors provide signals based on forces, pressures, and / or movements exerted by a person seated on vehicle seat 1 on the seat surface 11 or the backrest surface 13 and / or the side bolsters 15, 16 and / or the backrest bolsters 18, 19. The control unit 4 receives these signals and uses them to generate static load profiles and / or dynamic load profiles (load profile dynamics). It then compares these load profiles or load profile dynamics with predefined load profiles or load profile dynamics stored in a memory unit 40 connected to the control unit 4. These predefined load profiles or load profile dynamics are typical for initiating a backward rotation of the body of a person seated on vehicle seat 1.Based on this comparison, a computer located in the control unit 4 then makes a decision regarding the adjustment of the seat backrest 12 and, if applicable, also the seat base 10 of the vehicle seat 1. This decision results in the transmission of a number of control commands to the actuators located in the vehicle seat 1.

[0056] To implement the adjustment, the control unit 4 is connected via a third data bus 47, for example, to an actuator 70, which causes a torsion of the seat back 12 around the seat back's vertical axis z'''. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 4 is connected via the data bus 47 to an actuator 71 for rotating the entire seat back 12 around the seat back's vertical axis z'''. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the control unit 4 is connected via the data bus 47 to an actuator 72 for adjusting the left seat back bolster 18, for example, for pivoting the seat back bolster 18 around the pivot axis z', and to an actuator 74 for adjusting the right seat back bolster 19, for example, for pivoting the seat back bolster 19 around the pivot axis z'', for signal transmission.

[0057] Likewise, the control device 4 can be connected via a fourth data bus 48 to an actuator 73 for adjusting the left seat bolster 15, for example to pivot the seat bolster 16 about the pivot axis x', and to an actuator 75 for adjusting the right seat bolster 16, for example to pivot the seat bolster 16 about the pivot axis x'', for signal transmission.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 4 can be communicated via a respective data bus 47, 48 with the data shown in the representation of the Fig. 7 schematically represented, actuator-forming valves 60', 61', 62', 63', 64', 65', 66', 67', 68', 69' are connected for signal transmission, which are assigned to a respective pneumatic cushion 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69 in order to cause the flow of pressure fluid into or out of the respective pneumatic cushion 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69.

[0059] Finally, the control device 4 can alternatively or additionally be connected via the data bus 47 to an actuator 76 for pivoting the upper section 12''' of the seat back 12 forming the backrest head for data transmission.

[0060] When the term "actuator" is used above, it should not be understood as referring to a single actuator, but rather as referring to the possibility of multiple actuators being used for the respective adjustment function. The actuators are preferably electromechanical actuators, for example, servo motors, but electro-pneumatic or electro-hydraulic actuators are equally suitable. It is also self-evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the actuators shown in the figures and described in the figure description, but that the vehicle seat according to the invention may also include further actuators and corresponding sensors for adjustment tasks other than those mentioned.

[0061] To quickly return the above-described adjustments of the seat back 12 and the seat base 10 to the position described in Fig.In the normal position shown, spring force devices (not shown) are provided in the seat backrest 12 and the seat base 10, respectively. Alternatively, the respective actuators can be designed to quickly move their assigned seat components back to their normal position at high speed and acceleration. For this purpose, the control unit 4 receives a trigger signal via an alarm signal input 49, which is generated or triggered, for example, by a crash sensor.

[0062] The core of the invention thus consists in equipping an adjustable vehicle seat 1 with a seat base 10 having a seat surface 11 and a backrest 12 having a backrest surface 13 which can be tilted about a backrest tilt axis y' relative to the seat base 10 to facilitate orientation of a person sitting on the vehicle seat 1 towards the rear with various aids which can be provided alternatively or cumulatively in the vehicle seat 1 in order to give the seat additional adjustment options and thus give it additional comfort features.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, which merely serve to generally illustrate the core concept of the invention. Within the scope of protection, the device according to the invention can also assume other embodiments than those described above. In particular, the device can have features that represent a combination of the respective individual features of the claims.

[0064] Reference numerals in the claims, description and drawings serve only to improve understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

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