Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle and method

Abstract

Vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle with a seat part (12), the adjustable seat surface (14) of which is adjustable in height (H1), and with at least one adjustable seat back (16) corresponding to the seat part (14), characterized in that a removable, adjustable backrest element (18) with a headrest (20) can be fixed to the vehicle seat (10), which backrest element is associated with the adjustable seat part (12) and is at least partially adjustable depending on an adjustment of the seat surface (14), a further height (H2) and / or an angle of inclination (A1) of the headrest (20) and / or an adjustment in the mirror region (22) of the seat back (16), wherein the backrest element (18) and the vehicle seat (10) have an electrical contact connection for a power supply to the backrest element (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a vehicle seat.

[0002] Conventional child seats require purchase, installation, and subsequent storage when not in use, which is not only costly but also creates space constraints. The need to purchase multiple child seats over the course of a child's childhood is not only financially burdensome but also raises sustainability concerns, especially when there are many children of a similar age.

[0003] US 2008 / 0088164 A1 discloses an adjustable seat comprising a movable seat cushion element. The seat cushion element can be moved from an initial position, in which the seat cushion element is flush with the remaining parts of the vehicle seat, to a first intermediate position and then to a subsequent second position. The seat cushion is mounted on a first connection supporting an intermediate support. A second connection extends from the intermediate support to a seat mount integrated into the seat cushion element.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2007 046 153 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a backrest element that is adjustable depending on an adjustment of the seating area.

[0005] Finally, JP 2001 150 990 A, KR 10 2021 0 029 568 A, DE 198 45 014 A1, WO 00 / 64 698 A1, and DE 10 2012 013 451 A1 disclose further vehicle seats worthy of mention in the prior art.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide an adjustment option for vehicle seats by means of which occupants of different sizes, in particular children, can sit safely.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle seat having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0008] One aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat part whose height-adjustable seat surface is adjustable by means of an integrated lifting mechanism, and comprising at least one adjustable seat back corresponding to the seat part. The vehicle seat may have a simple or complex construction consisting of various mechanical components and mechanisms. The main components include the seat part, the adjustable seat surface, the seat back, a locking mechanism, upholstery and cover material, and the frame. The seat part forms the base of the seat on which the occupant sits. The height of the seat surface can be adjusted by an integrated lifting mechanism, which typically includes rails, levers, or adjustable supports. These mechanisms allow the seat surface to be moved up or down in the vertical direction of the vehicle to adjust the seating position of the vehicle occupant.In addition, the vehicle seat has at least one adjustable seatback that allows for adjustment of the inclination for greater comfort and seating position. To securely maintain the adjusted position, a locking mechanism is required to prevent unwanted movement while driving. Additional elements such as seat belts, headrests, and controls such as adjustment levers or adjustment knobs can also be integrated to further improve the safety and comfort of the vehicle occupant. The exact implementation and design may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and depending on specifications, but the necessary components and mechanisms are present in every adjustable vehicle seat.

[0009] To achieve the object of the invention, it is provided that a removable, adjustable backrest element with a headrest can be fixed to the vehicle seat, which backrest is associated with the adjustable seat part and is at least partially adjustable depending on an adjustment of the seat surface in the height of the headrest and / or in an adjustment in the mirror area. In other words, the invention thus provides that the adjustable backrest element is adjustable depending on the adjustment of the seat part of the vehicle seat. This means that the two elements, the seat part and the backrest element, are connected to one another or designed such that they move synchronously or at least interact in a manner or are adjustable relative to one another, thereby enabling smooth and coordinated adjustment for an occupant, in particular a child.

[0010] Furthermore, it is planned that the backrest element and the vehicle seat have an electrical contact connection. This contact connection makes it possible to use energy directly from the motor vehicle to enable the adjustment of the backrest element, instead of relying on a battery. This can be achieved, for example, using a simple plug-in connection. The electrical contact connection offers the advantage of a reliable power supply without the need for a separate battery. This eliminates the need to regularly recharge or replace the battery, which also simplifies system maintenance. The direct use of the vehicle's power supply enables a continuous power supply for the electrical adjustment of the backrest element, ensuring that this function is always ready for use as long as the motor vehicle is in operation.This is particularly important to ensure that the adjustment of the backrest element is available at all times for the comfort and safety of the occupants.

[0011] In particular, when the seat section is adjusted in height, whether by rails, levers, or adjustable supports, the backrest element is made at least partially adjustable, thus enabling adequate ergonomic support and safety for the occupant. This may mean adjusting the height and / or inclination of the headrest to enable correct head positioning. Likewise, the backrest element can react depending on an adjustment in the mirror area of ​​the seat. This mirror adjustment can be carried out, for example, by an external operation or automatically by sensors. As a result, the backrest element is adjusted accordingly to continue to provide the occupants with the necessary support and safety.

[0012] In other words, the vehicle seat and its backrest element and seat section are designed to be adjustable either manually from the outside, including by the vehicle occupant, or automatically using sensors or controls. This process directly influences the adjustment of the backrest element to continue to offer the occupants the necessary support and safety. Furthermore, a translational adjustment option is provided for the backrest, particularly in the mirror area and / or the lumbar area. This means that the backrest is not only adjustable in inclination, but can also be moved forward horizontally, both from the lateral side bolsters and along the length of the vehicle seat. This enables extremely versatile adjustment, allowing the backrest to be adjusted in terms of the height of advance and the headrest, as well as the inclination in all areas of the seat.

[0013] This particularly comprehensive adjustability, according to the invention, allows for the ergonomic, optimal, and especially safe seating position to be individually adjusted. It can even be done synchronously, allowing all components of the vehicle seat to be adjusted simultaneously. This allows vehicle occupants, and therefore children, to adopt the safest, most comfortable, and most ergonomic seating position for them, regardless of their size and body structure.

[0014] The interdependence between the seat part and the backrest element ultimately allows for quick and safe adjustment of the vehicle seat, providing appropriate ergonomic support for occupants of different sizes and body types, especially for children of different ages. Furthermore, it also meets the safety requirements for children and adults alike. The exact technical implementation of this interdependence may vary, but it is crucial for the functionality of the invention.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the height of the seat surface is adjustable by at least 10 cm depending on the step. This step-dependent adjustability can be achieved depending on various factors, in particular depending on the size of the child or the occupant. An exemplary rail system equipped with a lifting mechanism enables this step-dependent adjustment of the seat surface. The seat surface can be locked on the rail at predefined steps, thereby adjusting the seat height. This means that the vehicle seat can be fixed at different height positions. The ability to adjust the seat height in steps offers the advantage of fine adjustment that is tailored to individual requirements. This function is particularly necessary for children who require regular adjustments during their growth process.In addition, the step-dependent adjustment can also help to find the optimal seating position for adults to maximize driving comfort and safety.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the height of the seat surface is adjustable independently of the height of the vehicle. This means that the seat height can be adjusted continuously, not limited to predefined steps. A rail system with a lifting mechanism can be used to enable step-independent adjustment. This step-independent adjustability enables even more precise adjustment of the seat position, regardless of the age, size, or other individual characteristics of the occupant or child. This is particularly useful because it enables even better ergonomics and comfort for every vehicle occupant. The continuous adjustment of the seat height thus allows the occupant to select the exact height that best suits their needs.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lifting mechanism comprises an unobtrusive lever or similar mechanism by means of which secure locking in the selected height position is provided. This mechanism serves to securely lock the vehicle seat in the selected height position. Such an unobtrusive design has the advantage of being invisible to the occupants and at the same time serves as a safety feature to prevent children in particular from accidentally accessing or tampering with it. The unobtrusive lever or mechanism is designed to be integrated into the overall appearance of the vehicle seat and is not visible or easily accessible from the outside. This enables an aesthetically pleasing design of the vehicle seat and prevents children from accidentally making changes to the seat height, which could be potentially dangerous.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seat height can be adjusted manually and / or electrically. This enables flexible adjustment of the seat position, which can be useful in various situations, particularly when the vehicle is switched off or when assistance is needed to safely place children in the vehicle seat. The manual adjustability allows the occupants or parents to adjust the seat height even without electrical power. This is particularly practical when the vehicle is switched off, as electrical adjustment normally depends on the vehicle battery. This allows adjustments to be made to prepare the vehicle seat for the occupants before the engine is started. Electrical adjustability offers the advantage that the seat can be adjusted conveniently at the touch of a button using controls.This is especially helpful when the driver is already in the vehicle and wants to adjust the seat position in real time without leaving the vehicle. In situations where children need to be placed in the vehicle seat, parents or caregivers can conveniently adjust the seat height manually or electrically to ensure the safety and comfort of the children before the driver starts the vehicle and drives off.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the backrest element is mountable using an Isofix bracket. The Isofix bracket offers a universal fastening method that is standard in many vehicles and enables secure fixation. Specifically, this embodiment could provide for the backrest element to be inserted between the seat part and the actual backrest and secured using Isofix connections. For example, the backrest element could have a flat base structure that is inserted into the Isofix slots and extended upwards. This structure can also integrate a neck support and a cushion in the back area to increase seating comfort and support for the occupant. The use of Isofix brackets offers the advantage of a simple yet secure installation option. Isofix connections are present in many vehicles worldwide.In particular, this simplifies the installation of the backrest element.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the backrest element can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle under the vehicle seat. This feature enables the backrest element to be stowed in a space-saving manner when not in use and prevents wasting space in the interior or trunk. For example, the backrest element could be stored under the vehicle seat in a recess or holder provided for this purpose. This storage option can also be arranged in the trunk or another suitable area of ​​the motor vehicle. In this way, the backrest element remains easily accessible when needed and can be quickly and easily removed and attached to the vehicle seat if necessary.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the adjustment of the backrest element can be carried out manually and / or electrically. This enables the backrest element to be adjusted to assist in placing a child in the seat or to adjust the seating position for other purposes. The manual adjustability offers the flexibility to easily adjust the backrest without electrical power. This can be particularly useful when the motor vehicle is not in use or when the electrical function is switched off. The electrical adjustability is achieved by an integrated power source, such as a battery. This allows the backrest to be conveniently adjusted at the push of a button, regardless of the availability of an external power supply.This function is particularly useful when the driver is already in the vehicle and wants to adjust the seating position or when no effort is to be made to use the seat.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a backrest element for a vehicle seat according to the previous aspect, comprising a headrest and a seat back and an adjusting device, wherein by means of the adjusting device an adjustment of a height of the headrest and / or an adjustment in the mirror region of the seat back is provided as a function of the adjustment of a height of the seat surface of the vehicle seat, wherein the backrest element is removable and fixable to the vehicle seat, wherein the backrest element has an electrical contact connection for a power supply to the vehicle seat.

[0023] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, in which the height of a seat surface of a seat part and a corresponding seat backrest are adjusted by means of an integrated lifting mechanism. It is provided that a removable backrest element with a headrest is fixed to the vehicle seat, thereby providing the seat back associated with the adjustable seat part. Depending on an adjustment of the seat surface, the height of the headrest and / or an adjustment in the mirror area of ​​the seat back is at least partially adjusted, wherein the backrest element is supplied with power via an electrical contact connection to the vehicle seat.

[0024] In other words, the method for operating the vehicle seat for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is characterized by its ability to flexibly adjust the seat surface and the seat backrest to provide maximum comfort and safety for the occupants, especially children. First, the height of the seat surface of the seat part is adjusted using an integrated lifting mechanism that can utilize various mechanisms such as rails, levers, or adjustable supports. In parallel, a backrest element with a headrest is fixed to the vehicle seat. This fixation provides the seat backrest, which corresponds closely to the adjustable seat part. The seat backrest provides additional comfort and ergonomic support for the occupant. One feature of the method includes adjusting the height of the headrest depending on the adjustment of the seat surface and / or an adjustment in the mirror area of ​​the seat backrest.Additionally, the adjustment can be made in the mirror area of ​​the seatback to adjust the backrest's angle. Overall, this system allows for individual adjustment of the vehicle occupant's seating position to provide maximum comfort and safety during the journey, especially for children. The connection between the adjustment of the seat cushion, the headrest, and the seatback ensures that all components of the vehicle seat work in coordination to achieve a desired and predefined seating position. This contributes to improved driving comfort and safety.

[0025] In other words, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with a child seat for a motor vehicle. The main idea behind this solution is to adapt the seat surfaces of the vehicle seat so that they are height-adjustable. This makes it possible to transport children of different weights safely without having to purchase separate child seats. This not only represents a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative but also significantly facilitates use in rental vehicles. In addition, this adjustment of the seat height allows for individual adjustment depending on the occupants, which increases safety and comfort during the journey.

[0026] The basic concept of the idea is to design the individual seat surfaces of the rear seat bench so that they are height-adjustable. One example of the implementation of this invention could be that at least the left and right seat surfaces of the rear seat bench, and possibly also the middle seat surface, are designed as height-adjustable units. These could be mounted on a simpler, space-saving, and cost-effective lifting mechanism, similar to the height-adjustment mechanisms of the front seats. In their basic position, these seat surfaces would be visually and functionally indistinguishable from normal seat surfaces. Using a visually inconspicuous lever or similar mechanism, the individual seat surfaces could be unlocked and moved to a position approximately 10 cm higher, where they can then be securely locked. It is also possible to adjust the seat surfaces to various other heights.

[0027] The raised position of the seat would allow children weighing more than 23 kg to sit and travel safely strapped in, without the need for a separate child seat with its associated disadvantages such as cost, storage, and environmental impact. This would also be attractive for rental vehicles, as rental companies would not have to keep additional accessories on hand.

[0028] A separate backrest with a headrest could be offered as an optional accessory for a vehicle. This could be mounted into the Isofix mounting when the seat is raised. This could provide a safe child seat for smaller children who have already outgrown the infant carrier but do not yet require a booster seat. This separate backrest with a headrest could be more compact, lighter, easier to install, more cost-effective, and more sustainable than a conventional child seat with a large seat section.

[0029] In summary, this invention enables a step-dependent raising of the rear seat surface. A backrest can be mounted into the Isofix anchorage and adjusted depending on the seat height. This allows the seat on the rear seat bench to be individually adjusted for children, depending on the occupants and their needs. Further details and features of the invention can be found in the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. All features mentioned in the description and the figures can be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or alone.

[0030] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 a cross-section of a vehicle seat with adjustable backrest element.

[0031] Fig.1 shows a cross-section of a vehicle seat 10, which is constructed from a seat part 12 and a backrest 13. The seat part 12 is equipped with an adjustable seat surface 14, which is adjustable in height H1, particularly in the vehicle's vertical direction z. The height adjustment of the seat surface 14 allows the seat height to be adapted to the needs of the occupants. The seat backrest 16 is provided by a backrest element 18, which is adjustable and arranged in correspondence with the seat part 12. This means that the seat backrest 16 can move depending on the adjustment of the seat surface 14 in order to provide an optimal seating position.

[0032] An important feature of this vehicle seat 10 is thus the adjustable backrest element 18, which can be fixed to the vehicle seat 10. The backrest element 18 comprises a headrest 20 and an adjustment device that allows the height H2 of the headrest 20 to be adjusted. Furthermore, the adjustment device can also partially adjust the angle of inclination A1 of the headrest 20 and an adjustment in the mirror area 22 of the seat back 16. For example, the seat back 22 is adjusted forward and backward by a translation T1, for example, in the vehicle's longitudinal direction x.

[0033] The height H1 of the seat surface 14 can be adjusted by a specified height H1 depending on the step. This allows the seat height to be adjusted in fixed increments to accommodate occupants of different heights. Alternatively, it is also possible to adjust the height H1 of the seat surface 14 independently of the step. In this case, the seat height can be adjusted continuously rather than in fixed increments.

[0034] A lifting mechanism 24 may be provided for adjusting the height H1 of the seat surface 14, which in particular comprises an unobtrusive lever or similar mechanism. This mechanism allows the seat surface 14 to be securely locked in the selected height position. The adjustment of the height H1 of the seat surface 14 can be performed both manually and electrically. This allows the seat position to be comfortably adjusted regardless of whether the motor vehicle is in operation or not.

[0035] The backrest element 18 can be mounted, in particular, using an Isofix mounting 25. This Isofix mounting 25 provides a secure and stable attachment of the backrest element 18 to the vehicle seat 10. The Isofix mounting 25 is a crucial element with regard to the safety and stability of the backrest element 18 on the vehicle seat 10. It ensures that the backrest element 18 can be firmly and reliably attached to the vehicle seat 10. The Isofix mounting 25 consists, in particular, of special metal hooks that are attached to the backrest element 18 and are latched into the designated Isofix attachment points of the motor vehicle on the vehicle seat 10. These attachment points are standardized and normed devices that are present in most modern motor vehicles and are usually located between the seat surface 14 and the backrest 13 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0036] Another function of the backrest element 18 is its ability to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle 26 under the vehicle seat 10. This allows the backrest element 18 to be stowed away in a space-saving manner when not needed.

[0037] Finally, the backrest element 18 and the vehicle seat 10 have an electrical contact connection 28. This connection enables electrical signals to be exchanged between the backrest element 18 and the vehicle seat 10 in order to perform the various adjustments and adjustments.

[0038] Overall, the illustrated vehicle seat 10 offers a wide range of adjustment options and adjustments to provide occupants with maximum comfort and safety, regardless of their size or individual needs. The various elements of the seat work closely together to achieve an optimal seating position. List of reference symbols 10 vehicle seat 12 Seat part 13 Backrest 14 Seat 16 seat back 18 Backrest element 20 headrest 22 Mirror area 24 Lifting mechanism 25 Isofix mount 26 recording 28 Contact connection H1 height H2 height A1 Tilt angle T1 Translation X Vehicle longitudinal direction Z Vehicle vertical direction

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle with a seat part (12) whose adjustable seat surface (14) is adjustable in height (H1) and with at least one adjustable seat back (16) corresponding to the seat part (14), characterized by in that a removable, adjustable backrest element (18) with a headrest (20) can be fixed to the vehicle seat (10), which is associated with the adjustable seat part (12) and is at least partially adjustable depending on an adjustment of the seat surface (14), a further height (H2) and / or an angle of inclination (A1) of the headrest (20) and / or an adjustment in the mirror area (22) of the seat back (16), wherein the backrest element (18) and the vehicle seat (10) have an electrical contact connection for a power supply of the backrest element (18). [2] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the height (H1) of the seat (14) can be adjusted by a predetermined height depending on the step. [3] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the height (H1) of the seat (14) can be adjusted independently of the steps. [4] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a lifting mechanism (24) for adjusting the height of the seat surface (14) has an inconspicuous lever or a similar mechanism by means of which a secure locking in the selected height adjustment is provided. [5] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the height adjustment (H1) can be carried out manually and / or electrically. [6] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the backrest element (18) can be mounted by means of an Isofix bracket (25). [7] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the backrest element (18) can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle (26) under the vehicle seat (10). [8] Vehicle seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the adjustment of the backrest element (18) can be carried out manually and / or electrically. [9] Backrest element (18) for a vehicle seat (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a headrest (20) and a seat back (16) and an adjusting device, wherein by means of the adjusting device an adjustment of a height (H2) of the headrest (20) and / or an adjustment in the mirror region (22) of the seat back (16) is provided as a function of the adjustment of a height (H1) of the seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10), wherein the backrest element (18) is removable and fixable to the vehicle seat (10), wherein the backrest element (18) has an electrical contact connection for a power supply to the vehicle seat (10). [10] Method for operating a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle, in which a seat surface (14) of a seat part (12) is adjusted at a height (H1) and a corresponding seat back (16), characterized by in that a removable backrest element (18) with a headrest (20) is fixed to the vehicle seat (10) and the seat back (16) associated with the adjustable seat part (12) is thereby provided, and depending on an adjustment of the seat surface (14), a further height (H2) of the headrest (20) and / or an adjustment in the mirror area (22) of the seat back (16) is at least partially adjusted, wherein the backrest element (18) is supplied with power via an electrical contact connection to the vehicle seat (10).

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