vehicle seat

Abstract

Vehicle seat (1), comprising a seat part (2), a backrest (3), a neck support (4) attached to the backrest (3), a belt return (26) also attached to the backrest (3) and an actuator (32), wherein the actuator (32) comprises: - an electric motor (34) having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor causes a first output shaft of the electric motor (34) and a second output shaft of the electric motor (34) to rotate, - a first reduction gear (36) rotated by the first output shaft, the first reduction gear (36) having a first reduction ratio, an output pinion of the first reduction gear (36) driving a first notched shaft (38) with a first notch pitch, - a second reduction gear (40) rotated by the second output shaft, the second gear (40) having a second reduction ratio, an output pinion of the second reduction gear (40) driving a second notched shaft (42) with a second notch pitch, wherein the first reduction ratio of the actuator is different from the second reduction ratio and / or wherein the first notch pitch is different from the second notch pitch, characterized in that the actuator (32) is operatively connected to the neck support (4) on the one hand and to the belt return (26) on the other hand in order to simultaneously adjust the height of the neck support (4) and the belt return (26) relative to the backrest (3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat with an actuator. State of the art

[0002] Car seats usually have a headrest whose height can be adjusted to suit the size of the seat occupant.

[0003] Also known are motor vehicle seats in which the position of the headrest is adjustable longitudinally in order to bring it closer to the occupant's head and thus reduce or even eliminate the risk of trauma to the cervical spine ("whiplash"), particularly in the event of a frontal or rear impact.

[0004] However, the adjustment of the headrest's longitudinal position is generally independent of the height adjustment, so users do not take the time to make this additional adjustment.

[0005] In addition, motor vehicles are equipped with a belt with three anchorage points and a retractor. When a seat belt is fastened and worn by the seat occupant, it essentially comprises two active straps: a chest strap and a lap belt, both of which remain in contact with the occupant due to the tension generated by the retractor. The chest strap runs diagonally across the occupant's torso, similar to a bandolier, while the lap belt runs crosswise, essentially at the occupant's hips. In this position, the belt runs from the retractor to the belt buckle, which receives the belt tongue via a belt return guide. The belt return guide guides the seat belt from a substantially vertically upward section between the retractor and the belt return guide to the vertically downward and diagonally running chest strap.

[0006] In the interests of improved user comfort and increased safety, it is also useful to be able to adjust the vertical position of the seat belt retractor, advantageously in line with the height adjustment of the headrest, in order to limit the number of manual operations required by the occupant.

[0007] A motor vehicle seat is therefore known from US Pat. No. 5,988,759 A or CA 2,118,952 C in which the headrest is designed integrally with the belt retractor. Accordingly, the height of the headrest and the belt retractor are adjusted simultaneously.

[0008] However, the main disadvantage of such a seat is that the height of the belt retraction, which essentially corresponds to the height of the seat occupant's shoulders, and the height of the head support, which depends on the size of the vehicle seat occupant, are not changed at the same rate of change according to the size of the occupant.

[0009] Furthermore, DE 198 51 650 A1 discloses a vehicle seat that includes a travel sensor for belt retraction adjustment and an electronic control unit designed to receive the travel information regarding the belt retraction adjustment from the sensor and to control the height adjustment of the headrest accordingly. DE 198 51 650 A1 discloses an alternative embodiment in which the height of the headrest is adjusted synchronously with the height of the belt retraction.

[0010] In both cases, the vehicle seat is complex, with two separate actuators for adjusting the height of the headrest and the belt retraction, whereby the two actuators must be controlled accordingly to ensure the comfort and safety of the seat occupant.

[0011] Further actuators are described, for example, in DE 10 2016 123 836 A1, CN 2 06 149 090 U, CN 1 03 973 033 A, DE 10 2015 206 956 A1, DE 34 27 466 A1 or DE 20 2016 101 749 U1. Summary of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is in particular to provide a vehicle seat, in particular of a motor vehicle, which solves the problems prevalent in prior art products.

[0013] For this purpose, the invention provides a vehicle seat with an actuator, wherein the actuator contains: - an electric motor having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor causes a first output shaft of the electric motor and a second output shaft of the electric motor to rotate; - a first reduction gear rotated by the first output shaft, the first reduction gear having a first reduction ratio, an output pinion of the first reduction gear driving a first splined shaft having a first spline pitch; - a second reduction gear rotated by the second output shaft, the second gear having a second reduction ratio, an output pinion of the second reduction gear driving a second notched shaft having a second notch pitch, the first reduction ratio of the actuator being different than the second reduction ratio and / or the first notch pitch being different than the second notch pitch.

[0014] Advantageously, the actuator can thus be used to control the movements of two separate devices with movement speeds and / or movement paths that are proportional.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the actuator described has one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: - the rotor, the first output shaft of the electric motor and the second output shaft of the electric motor are made in one piece; - the first output shaft of the electric motor and the second output shaft of the electric motor are connected to the rotor of the electric motor, wherein an elastic connecting part is preferably inserted between the first output shaft of the electric motor and the second output shaft of the electric motor on the one hand and the rotor of the electric motor on the other hand; - one of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor or second output shaft of the electric motor, is formed integrally with the rotor of the electric motor, while the other of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor or second output shaft of the electric motor, is connected to the rotor of the electric motor, wherein an elastic connecting part is preferably inserted between the other of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor or second output shaft of the electric motor; - the ratio between the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75; - the ratio between the first notch pitch and the second notch pitch is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75; - the first notched shaft and / or the second notched shaft is / are a worm or a rod; - the first notched wave and the second notched wave extend in two non-parallel directions; and - the first notched wave and the second notched wave run in two parallel directions.

[0016] According to a non-claimed embodiment, the vehicle seat includes a seat part, a backrest, a neck support attached to the backrest, and an actuator as described above in any of the specified combinations, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the neck support to adjust the position of the neck support relative to the backrest simultaneously in two different directions.

[0017] According to the invention, the vehicle seat includes a seat part, a backrest, a neck support attached to the backrest, a belt return also attached to the backrest, and an actuator as described above in any of the specified combinations, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the neck support on the one hand and to the belt return on the other hand in order to adjust the height of the neck support and the belt return relative to the backrest simultaneously. Short description of the drawings

[0018] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon studying the following detailed description and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1] is a schematic side view of an exemplary vehicle seat; [ Fig. 2] a schematic perspective view of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 1 is; [ Fig. 3] shows a perspective view of an actuator that can be inserted into the vehicle seat according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be implemented; [ Fig. 4] is a perspective view of another exemplary vehicle seat; and [ Fig. 5] is a perspective view of an actuator that can be inserted into the vehicle seat according to Fig. 4 can be implemented. Description of the embodiments

[0019] Insofar as terms relating to absolute position, such as “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” etc., or relative terms such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower” etc., or terms relating to orientation, such as “horizontal”, “vertical” etc., are used in the following description, these refer to the orientation in the figures or when the seat is in its normal position of use, unless otherwise specified.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a seat 1 of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a seat part 2 for accommodating a passenger of the seat 1 and a backrest 3 supporting a neck support 4. The seat part 3 is attached to a fixed structure 5, in particular to the floor of the vehicle. Advantageously, the seat is secured to the floor 5 of the motor vehicle by means of a rail mechanism or other means allowing adjustment of the position of the seat 1 at least in the longitudinal direction X.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows the seat 1 after Fig. 1 in even more detail.

[0022] It comprises a seat part 2 with a seat part frame 10 and a backrest 3 with a backrest frame 12. The seat part frame 10 and the backrest frame 12 are advantageously rotatable relative to each other about a substantially transversely oriented axis, enabling adjustment of the inclination of the backrest frame 12 relative to the seat part frame 10. The mechanism for hingedly connecting the backrest frame 12 to the seat part frame 10 is well known and will therefore not be described in detail in this description for the sake of brevity. The control of this hinge mechanism of the backrest frame can be either manual or motorized.

[0023] As already mentioned, the seat subframe 10 of the seat 1 can be attached to devices that allow a displacement of the seat 1 in the longitudinal direction and / or the tilting of the seat subframe 10 relative to the floor of the vehicle, in particular by using a lifting device known per se.

[0024] The seat 1 further comprises a headrest 4 with a headrest frame 14.

[0025] It should be noted that the headrest 4 is movable relative to the backrest frame 12 in a substantially vertical direction and in a substantially longitudinal direction of the seat 1. For example, it may be desirable to adjust the headrest in an upward vertical movement—in other words, away from the seat subframe 12—simultaneously with a smaller longitudinal movement of the headrest, for example, toward the front of the vehicle seat 1. Indeed, the backrest 3 of the seat 1 is generally oriented toward the rear of the backrest 3 of the seat, so that raising the headrest 4 results in a greater distance between the head of the occupant of the seat 1 and the headrest 4. It is known that such a distance can be dangerous, particularly in the event of an impact to the front or rear of the vehicle.Such a distance can then lead to indirect flexion / extension trauma of the cervical spine (or "whiplash"). It is therefore preferable to position the headrest 4 toward the front of the seat 1 if the occupant is tall and requires raising the headrest 4 relative to the backrest frame 12.

[0026] The simultaneous control of the lifting of the neck support 4 and the bringing forward of the neck support 4 can be achieved by means of a single actuator 32, as can be seen in Fig. 3.

[0027] The actuator 32 initially includes a single electric motor 34. In a known manner, the electric motor 34 includes a rotor and a stator S, with the stator S driving the rotation of the rotor. The motor 34 includes a first electric motor output shaft and a second electric motor output shaft, with the first and second output shafts being integrally integrated with the rotation of the rotor of the electric motor 34. For example, the first and second electric motor output shafts can be formed as a single unit with the rotor of the electric motor 34. Alternatively, at least one of the first output shaft of the electric motor 34 and the second output shaft of the electric motor 34 can be attached to the rotor of the electric motor 34. In this case, an elastic connecting part can be inserted between the rotor and each of the first and second electric motor output shafts 34 attached to the rotor of the electric motor 34.

[0028] The first output shaft of the electric motor 34 rotates a first reduction gear 36 at a first reduction ratio. The first reduction gear 36 rotates a first worm 38 at a first worm pitch. The rotation of this first worm 38 controls a substantially vertical movement of the headrest frame 14. To this end, the headrest frame 14 is, for example, integrally formed with a rod that is moved translationally due to the rotation of the first worm 38, specifically along the direction in which the first worm 38 runs. Alternatively, the headrest frame 14 is integrally formed with a nut attached to the first worm 38, which nut is prevented from rotating when the worm 38 rotates about its own axis, for example by engagement with one or more stops.

[0029] The second output shaft of the electric motor 34 rotates a second reduction gear 40 at a second reduction ratio. The second reduction gear 40 rotates a second worm 42 at a second worm pitch. The rotation of this second worm 42 controls a substantially longitudinal movement of the headrest frame 14. To this end, the headrest frame 14 is, for example, integrally formed with a rod that is moved translationally due to the rotation of the second worm 42, specifically along the substantially longitudinal direction in which the second worm 42 extends. Alternatively, the headrest frame 14 is integrally formed with a second nut attached to the second worm 42, which nut is prevented from rotating when the second worm 42 rotates about its own axis, for example by engagement with one or more stops.

[0030] In the case of the Fig. In the actuator 32 shown in Figure 3, the first screw 42 runs along a first axis A1, and the second screw 42 runs along a second axis A2, the first and second axes A1, A2 being non-parallel. More precisely, "non-parallel axes" in this context means that the extensions A'1, A'2 of the first and second axes A1, A2 intersect in a plane P perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotor of the electric motor 34 in this plane P. In the present case, the extensions A'1, A'2 of the axes A1, A2 are perpendicular to this axis P, so that these axes A1, A2 are referred to as perpendicular.

[0031] Since the first and second axes A1, A2 are substantially transverse to each other, the movement of the headrest 4 can be controlled in a coordinated manner in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0032] It should be noted that the first reduction ratio here differs from the second reduction ratio and / or the first screw pitch differs from the second screw pitch. The rotation of the electric motor 34 thus controls a coordinated up / down and forward / backward movement of the headrest 4, but at different speeds and / or adjustment ranges. In particular, the rotation of the electric motor 34 controls a greater up / down movement of the headrest 4 than the forward / backward movement. The seat configuration can therefore be adjusted with greater user comfort and safety.

[0033] For example, the ratio between the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the ratio between the first screw pitch and the second screw pitch is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75.

[0035] Furthermore, the Fig. 4, the seat 1 shown has a seat belt system similar to that shown in Fig. 2. The seat belt system includes a seat belt 18. The seat belt 18 is attached to one end 18a of the seat part frame 10 by means of a loop 20. Alternatively, the end 18a of the belt 18 can be attached to the backrest frame 12 or even to the chassis of the motor vehicle. However, it is desirable to attach this end 18a of the belt 18 either to the seat part or to the backrest frame 10, 12. In this case, this end 18a of the belt follows the seat 1 when it is moved longitudinally by the user, in particular to adjust the driving position to his or her size. The loop 20 can be attached, in particular, by means of a screw or rivet.

[0036] At its other end, the belt 18 is wound up within a winding device 22. Such a winding device 22, known per se, allows the belt 18 to be pulled tight. The winding device 22 allows, in particular, the belt 18 to be wound up when not in use, so that it does not hang down from the seat 1 or the floor of the vehicle's passenger compartment. The winding device 22 is advantageously attached to the seat part frame 10 or to the backrest frame 12 in order to essentially follow the movement of the seat when the user adjusts the seat 1. The winding device 22 is arranged here on the opposite surface of the backrest relative to the loop 20. The winding device 22 can also be integrated into the seat 1, so that it is not visible outside the seat.

[0037] When the belt 18 is not fastened, the belt 18 has a first ascending belt 181 and a second belt 182 running vertically from the retractor 22 to the loop 20. These two belts 181, 182 are guided by a belt return 26. Here, the belt return 26 is implemented on the right side in the figure, since this is a seat 1 for installation on the left side of a vehicle (in the normal direction of travel of the vehicle). For a seat intended for installation on the right side, the belt return 26 would be mounted in a mirror image.

[0038] This belt return 26 essentially represents the component that turns the seat belt 18 between the ascending belt 181 and the descending belt 182. The belt return 26 thus defines the vertically highest point of the seat belt 18.

[0039] The descending strap 182 of the belt 18 is provided with a fastening tongue 28, which is intended to be fastened in a known manner, in particular by snapping into a seat belt buckle 30. Again, to allow the seat to follow the longitudinal adjustment of the seat position, the seat belt buckle 30 is advantageously attached to the seat part frame 10 or to the backrest frame 12. Alternatively, however, the seat belt buckle 30 can be attached to the chassis of the motor vehicle.

[0040] It should be noted that the height of the headrest 4 relative to the backrest frame 12 can be adjusted in a coordinated manner with the height of the belt return 26 relative to the same backrest frame 12. For this purpose, an actuator 32 is used, which can be seen in Fig. 5.

[0041] The actuator 32 after Fig. 5 differs from that according to Fig. 3 essentially in that the first worm 38 and the second worm 42 extend in two essentially parallel directions. In this case, the position of the headrest 4 and the belt return 26 are adjusted in essentially parallel directions.

[0042] As already mentioned in connection with Fig. As mentioned in Figure 3, the first reduction ratio differs from the second reduction ratio and / or the first worm pitch differs from the second worm pitch. The rotation of the electric motor 34 thus controls a coordinated movement of the headrest 4 and the belt retractor 26, but at different speeds and / or adjustment ranges. In particular, the rotation of the motor controls a greater displacement of the headrest 4 than the belt retractor 26. The seat configuration can therefore be adjusted with improved user comfort and safety.

[0043] For example, the ratio between the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the ratio between the first screw pitch and the second screw pitch is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.75.

[0045] In the example shown here, for example, an adjustment range for the height of the headrest 4, corresponding essentially to the length of the first screw 38, is approximately 210 mm, while the adjustment range for the height of the belt return 26, corresponding essentially to the length of the second screw 42, is approximately 80 mm.

[0046] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments presented here for illustrative and non-limiting purposes. On the contrary, the invention includes numerous variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0047] For example, the gears described in the examples rotate worms with a worm pitch. Alternatively, the gears can drive rods with a pitch between the rod teeth. More generally, each of the gears can drive a notched shaft with a pitch between the notches. In the case of a worm, the notches are then formed by the thread, and the pitch between the notches is defined by the worm pitch. In the case of a rod, the notches correspond to the teeth of the rod, and the pitch between the notches corresponds to the pitch between the teeth.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (1), comprising a seat part (2), a backrest (3), a neck support (4) attached to the backrest (3), a belt return (26) also attached to the backrest (3) and an actuator (32), wherein the actuator (32) comprises: - an electric motor (34) having a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor causes a first output shaft of the electric motor (34) and a second output shaft of the electric motor (34) to rotate, - a first reduction gear (36) rotated by the first output shaft, the first reduction gear (36) having a first reduction ratio, an output pinion of the first reduction gear (36) driving a first notched shaft (38) with a first notch pitch, - a second reduction gear (40) rotated by the second output shaft, the second gear (40) having a second reduction ratio, an output pinion of the second reduction gear (40) driving a second notched shaft (42) with a second notch pitch, wherein the first reduction ratio of the actuator is different from the second reduction ratio and / or wherein the first notch pitch is different from the second notch pitch, characterized by , that the actuator (32) is operatively connected to the neck support (4) on the one hand and to the belt return (26) on the other hand in order to simultaneously adjust the height of the neck support (4) and the belt return (26) relative to the backrest (3). [2] Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, wherein the rotor, the first output shaft of the electric motor (34) and the second output shaft of the electric motor (34) are formed in one piece. [3] Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first output shaft of the electric motor (34) and the second output shaft of the electric motor (34) are connected to the rotor of the electric motor (34), wherein preferably an elastic connecting part is inserted between the first output shaft of the electric motor (34) and the second output shaft of the electric motor (34) on the one hand and the rotor of the electric motor (34) on the other hand. [4] Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor (34) or second output shaft of the electric motor (34), is formed integrally with the rotor of the electric motor (34), while the other of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor (34) or second output shaft of the electric motor (34), is connected to the rotor of the electric motor, wherein preferably between the other of the components, first output shaft of the electric motor (34) or second output shaft of the electric motor (34), an elastic connecting part is inserted. [5] Vehicle seat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ratio between the first reduction ratio and the second reduction ratio is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.

75. [6] Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio between the first notch pitch and the second notch pitch is greater than or equal to 0.25 and / or less than or equal to 0.

75. [7] Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first notched shaft (38) and / or the second notched shaft (42) is / are a worm or a rod. [8] Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first notched shaft (38) and the second notched shaft (42) extend in two non-parallel directions (A1, A2). [9] Vehicle seat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first notched shaft (38) and the second notched shaft (42) extend in two parallel directions.

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