Actuating device for a vehicle equipment part and equipment device with an actuating device

Description

[0001] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle equipment device with an adjustment device. For the purposes of the invention, a vehicle refers to a land, air, or water vehicle.

[0002] US 2014 / 0203615 A1 relates to a headrest with a headrest pivotably mounted on a support rod. Connected to the support rod are first locking means, which interact with second locking means associated with the headrest.

[0003] By means of a wedge 102, the first locking means and the second locking means can be moved between a first position and a second position.

[0004] Actuation occurs via a push button 146, which interacts with the wedge 102. A spring 138 biases the wedge into its initial position. A spring 150 biases the push button 146 into its initial position. The spring 150 can be designed as a coil spring.

[0005] DE 103 93 647 B4 relates to a seat arrangement in which a pivotable actuating lever 114 is pre-tensioned into a neutral position by means of a coil spring 240. In connection with Fig. 3 It becomes clear that the spiral spring 2040 is tensioned or relaxed by changing the winding width when the operating lever 114 is actuated.

[0006] DE 20 2009 016 091 U1 relates to a spring and a push button. The spring comprises an outer region, an inner region, and a resilient region. The resilient region is arranged between the outer region and the inner region. The outer region serves for connection to a housing. The inner region is suitable for connection to an actuating element. The spring deflection occurs, for example, by displacement of the inner region in the z-direction, with the outer region lying in an x / y plane. According to one embodiment, a push button comprises the spring, the housing, and the actuating element. The push button can be used in an electronic device.

[0007] Such an actuating device is known from prior public use. The equipment device, e.g., a headrest or an armrest of a vehicle seat, comprises an adjusting device that can be adjusted between a first position and a second position in order to adjust, switch, or control certain vehicle functions. The adjusting device is adjusted using an actuating device that comprises an actuating element that can be moved between an unactuated position and an actuated position.

[0008] In the prior art, the actuating element is loaded into the unactuated position by a return device in the form of a helical spring made of metal, which is formed coaxially to a central axis of the adjustment directions.

[0009] The object of the invention was to create an actuating device which can be manufactured advantageously, takes up little installation space and is lightweight.

[0010] The problem was solved with a vehicle equipment device according to the features of claim 1.

[0011] The actuating device comprises an actuating element which is movable relative to a frame between an unactuated position and an actuated position. The actuating element is, for example, a button. The actuating element is suitable for being connected directly or indirectly to an adjusting device of an equipment device of a vehicle interior, such that a function of the equipment device can be switched, controlled or adjusted with the actuating device when the actuating device is moved between the unactuated position and the actuated position. For example, at least part of the adjusting device can be moved. The actuating element moves, for example, in a straight line axially between the unactuated and the actuated position. The actuating element can, for example, be movable axially along the central axis of the actuating device.Between the actuating element and the equipment device, parts can be interposed which are connected in terms of movement to the actuating element but perform a different movement and / or a movement in other directions.

[0012] The actuating device comprises a return device with at least one spring for returning the actuating device to the unactuated position. This means that the actuating element automatically returns to the unactuated position after the load is removed, for example.

[0013] At least one spring of the return device is designed as a spiral spring and is wound spirally around a central axis. The central axis is arranged, for example, parallel to the adjustment directions of the actuating element. The spring has an outer end region arranged remote from the central axis and an inner end region arranged closer to the central axis with respect to the first end region. The spring deflection occurs through a relative movement of the inner end region relative to the outer end region in the adjustment direction parallel to the central axis of the spring. The spring extends, for example, in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

[0014] The actuator has the advantage of being manufactured as a plastic injection-molded part. The device is lightweight and requires little installation space. The actuator can be manufactured as an assembly with a few parts or as a single piece.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is connected to the inner end region or to the outer end region, and the other end region is connected to the equipment device, e.g., a housing of the equipment device. For example, the actuating element is connected to the inner end region, and the outer end region is held directly or indirectly on the equipment device. According to an alternative, the actuating element is connected to the outer end region, and the inner end region is held on the equipment device. One end region is thus firmly held on the equipment device, and the other end region can be deflected relative to one end region by means of the actuating element.The deflected end portion of the spring or a portion of the actuating element is connectable to at least a part of the equipment device such that it is moved between a first position and a second position when the actuating device is moved between the unactuated position and the actuated position.

[0016] For example, the actuating device comprises a frame designed for attachment to the equipment device, wherein the actuating element is movable relative to the frame during movement between the unactuated position and the actuated position. In this way, the actuating device can be fully preassembled and attached as an assembly to the equipment device and connected to at least one other part of the equipment device.

[0017] The frame comprises, for example, first guide means, and the actuating element comprises second guide means, which interact during the movement of the actuating element between the unactuated position and the actuated position to guide the movement of the actuating element. One guide means is formed, for example, by grooves, and the other guide means by projections that slide in the grooves and guide the actuating element between the unactuated position and the actuated position on the frame. This guides the actuating element during movement and prevents it from jamming.

[0018] The outer end of the coil spring forms, for example, a ring that can be attached to the frame. It is advantageous if the ring has the same cross-sectional shape relative to the central axis as the frame. For example, the frame and the outer end have complementary cross-sections, either circular or rectangular. In this case, the spring can be mounted in an interior space of the frame. Alternatively, the end can also have a different cross-sectional shape.

[0019] The frame includes, for example, fastening means that can be engaged with counter-fastening means of the coil spring ring. One fastening means can be formed, for example, by projections, and the other fastening means by recesses. The projections are provided, for example, with mounting bevels that promote elastic deformation of the projections arranged at the outer end of the spring with an oversize relative to the frame, so that they snap into the recesses when the positions of the projections and the recesses coincide.

[0020] The actuating element is connected, if not directly, then indirectly by means of a connection to the first end region or to the second end region of the spring. A distance between the location of the spring and the location of the actuating element in the unactuated position can be bridged in this way, creating a movement connection. In the simplest case, the connection can be formed by a web. The web can be U-shaped, for example, which gives it high stability.

[0021] The frame is designed, for example, in a sleeve-like shape. It can be approximately cylindrical, e.g., circular-cylindrical. It can, for example, have a wall forming the outer surface as well as openings at opposite exit points along a longitudinal center axis of the sleeve. The actuating element can be actuated through one of the openings, and the adjustment device of the equipment device can be actuated through the other opening.

[0022] The frame, for example, is designed to be essentially closed around its circumference. If the frame is designed in a sleeve shape, the outer surface can be essentially closed. This prevents the function of the actuating device from being impaired by contamination.

[0023] For example, the frame forms a stop surface that interacts with a contact surface of the actuating element to limit the movement of the actuating element in one adjustment direction. If one spring end is attached to the frame, the contact surface of the actuating element can be loaded by the other spring end against the stop surface. This can also prevent noise caused by vibration or rattling of the actuating element, for example.

[0024] The stop surface and the contact surface are designed at an angle, particularly at a 45-degree angle, to center the button on the frame. Since the actuating element must be mounted within the frame with some play, this could lead to different positions or relative movement between the actuating element and the frame in the non-actuated position in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The bevel centers the actuating element on the frame in the non-actuated position, meaning it has a defined position. This avoids noise and conveys a higher-quality impression to the user.

[0025] The coil spring, for example, is preloaded in the de-actuated position. This design ensures that relative movement between the actuating element and the frame in a direction parallel to the center axis cannot occur in the de-actuated position. Due to the preload, the spring presses the contact surface against the stop surface with the preload force. This prevents rattling noises.

[0026] The actuating element, for example, is formed as a single piece with the coil spring. The actuating element, coil spring, and, if applicable, the connection can be easily manufactured and assembled if they are formed as a single piece. For example, the actuating element, coil spring, and, if applicable, the connection are formed as a single piece from a plastic using an injection molding process. This ensures simple manufacturing and low weight.

[0027] The actuating device is made of a plastic, for example. The frame, as well as the coil spring, the actuating element, and, if applicable, the connection, can be made of plastic, with the advantages of simple manufacturing and low weight.

[0028] Such an equipment device can be, for example, a headrest or an armrest.

[0029] A headrest is known, for example, from DE 10 2015 011 477 A1 of the applicant.

[0030] It was an object of the invention to provide an equipment device with an actuating device for actuating an adjusting device of the equipment device, in which the actuating device can be advantageously manufactured and takes up little installation space within the headrest and has little weight.

[0031] The equipment device comprises an adjustment device that includes at least one movable part. The adjustment device can be adjusted between a first position and a second position. The equipment device further comprises an actuating device for actuating the adjustment device. Upon movement of the actuating device from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the adjustment device is adjusted from the first position to the second position. The movement of the adjustment device to the second position occurs through a movement connection between the actuating device and the adjustment device.

[0032] When the actuating device moves from the actuated position to the unactuated position, the adjusting device is moved, for example, from the second position to the first position. This movement of the adjusting device to the first position can be achieved by a motion connection between the actuating device and the adjusting device or by a separate return element of the adjusting device, which was tensioned during the movement to the second position.

[0033] The actuating device is designed according to the first aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, the features and advantages of the actuating device will not be discussed again here.

[0034] For example, the equipment device can be a headrest for vehicle seats. The headrest is intended to support the head of the vehicle occupant.

[0035] The headrest comprises a headrest component that can be mounted on the vehicle seat by means of a headrest mounting device. The mounting device can, for example, comprise two individual support rods or a support rod bracket. Alternatively, the mounting device can also be designed differently. In an integral seat, for example, the headrest component is not vertically adjustable relative to the vehicle seat. For such a headrest, the mounting device can be designed differently.

[0036] The headrest component is adjustable, for example, vertically and / or horizontally and / or in terms of its inclination relative to the vehicle seat, in particular relative to the backrest of the vehicle seat. For this purpose, the adjustment device includes guides that ensure adjustability.

[0037] The headrest comprises an adjusting device that is adjustable between a first position and a second position. The adjusting device can, for example, interact with a locking device or be part of this locking device. The locking device is movable between a locking position and a release position. Using an actuating device that comprises an actuating element, the locking device can be moved by the user from the outside of the headrest between the locking position and the release position. In an unactuated position of the actuating device, the locking device is in the locking position, and in an actuated position of the actuating device, the locking device is in the release position.

[0038] The locking device is designed, for example, to lock the vertical position and / or the horizontal position and / or the tilt position of the headrest. The actuating element is biased into the unactuated position by a spring. The locking device comprises first locking means associated with the headrest and second locking means associated with the holding device or a base part of the headrest, relative to which the headrest is movable. In the latter case, the base part of the headrest is mounted on the holding device, and the headrest is mounted on the base part.

[0039] The actuating device of the headrest is designed, for example, in this embodiment of the equipment part according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0040] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment illustrated in the schematic drawings, which is described by way of example in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the schematic drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or regions are designated by identical reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0041] Features described, illustrated, or disclosed only with reference to one embodiment may also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention within the scope of the invention. Such modified embodiments are encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0042] All disclosed features are essential to the invention in themselves. The disclosure of the application hereby fully incorporates the disclosure content of the cited publications and the described prior art devices, also for the purpose of incorporating individual or multiple features of the subject matter disclosed therein into one or more claims of the present application. Such modified embodiments are also encompassed by the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0043] It shows : Fig. 1 a perspective view of an equipment device in the form of a headrest with a locking device for locking the set vertical position, wherein the locking device is an adjusting device in the sense of the invention, Fig. 2 a front view of the headrest, Fig. 3 a sectional view along section line A - A in Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 a view of the headrest according to arrow B in Fig. 2 , Fig. 5 a perspective view of an actuating device of the headrest for actuating the locking device, wherein the actuating device is arranged in the unactuated position, Fig. 6 a side view of the actuating device according to Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a view according to view arrow C in Fig. 6 , Fig. 8 a view according to view arrow D in Fig. 6 , Fig. 9a a sectional view along section line F - F in Fig. 7 , Fig. 9b based on Fig. 9a the actuating device in the actuated position, Fig. 10 a perspective view of a frame of the actuating device as a single part, Fig. 11 a side view of the frame according to Fig. 10 , Fig. 12 a view according to view arrow G in Fig. 11 , Fig. 13 a view according to view arrow H in Fig. 11 , Fig. 14 a perspective view of an actuating unit comprising an actuating element, a connection and a spring of the actuating device, Fig. 15 a side view of the operating unit according to Fig. 14 , Fig. 16 a view according to view arrow I in Fig. 15 , and Fig. 17 a view according to view arrow J in Fig. 15 .

[0044] A headrest as a whole is designated in the figures by reference numeral 10. The headrest is an equipment device within the meaning of the invention.

[0045] The headrest 10 comprises according to the Fig. 1 and 2a headrest part 11 and a holding device 12. Using the holding device 12, the headrest part 11 can be mounted in a known manner on a vehicle seat (not shown here). It serves as a support for the head of the vehicle occupant and can transmit forces acting on a headrest surface 14 to the vehicle seat. The forward direction, with respect to an occupant whose head is to be supported by the headrest 10, is designated x1, and the opposite, rearward direction is designated x2.

[0046] The holding device comprises support rods 13a and 13b, which are mounted in receptacles of the vehicle seat. The headrest part 11 is mounted on the support rods 13a and 13b so as to be adjustable relative to the support rods 13a and 13b in the directions z1 and z2. To lock the headrest part 11 in the adjusted height position, the headrest 10 has a locking device 17 (see Fig. 2 ). The locking device 17 is an adjusting device in the sense of the invention. The locking device 17 comprises first locking elements 41a and 41b (see Fig. 2 ), of the headrest part 11 which cooperate with second locking elements 42a and 42b of the holding device 12 in order to releasably lock the headrest part 11.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the first locking elements 41a and 41b have the shape of locking edges associated with a slider 40. In this example, the locking edges are formed integrally with the slider 40. In the present embodiment, the second locking elements 42a and 42b have the shape of recesses in each of the support rods 13a and 13b. When the locking element 41a is engaged with the locking element 42a and the locking element 41b is engaged with the locking element 42b, vertical adjustment is locked and therefore not possible. If the locking elements 41a and 42a, as well as 41b and 42b, are disengaged, vertical adjustment is possible.

[0048] The locking device 17 is movable between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the locking means are engaged, and the headrest part 11 is immovably locked relative to the support rods 13a and 13b in the directions z1 and z2. According to an alternative, the headrest part 11 could be immovable in the direction z2 in the locking position despite the engagement of the locking elements and movable in the direction z1. In the release position, the headrest part 11 is movable in the directions z1 and z2. The locking device 17 is biased into the locking position by a return device.

[0049] Using an actuating device 15 having a central axis m, the locking device 17 can be moved from the locking position to the release position, in which the locking elements 41a, 41b, 42a, and 42b are disengaged. The actuating device 15 comprises an actuating element 16. In the unactuated position of the actuating device 15, the locking device 17 is in the locking position, and in the actuated position of the actuating element 16, the locking device 17 is in the release position. The actuating device 15 comprises a spring 18, which biases the actuating element 16 into the unactuated position. The spring 18 is designed as a spiral spring.

[0050] In the actuated position, the actuating element 16 is displaced in the direction y1 with respect to the unactuated position due to the actuation of a user, and in the unactuated position, the actuating element 16 is displaced in the direction y2 with respect to the actuated position due to the restoring force of the spring 18.

[0051] Contrary to the representation in Fig. 3 The slider is connected to the actuating device in such a way that when the actuating element 16 moves from the unactuated position to the actuated position relative to a frame 19 of the actuating device 15, which is held firmly on a head box of the headrest 10 that is immovable relative to the support rods 13a and 13b, the slider 40 is also moved in direction y1, whereby the locking elements 41a and 42a as well as 41b and 42b are disengaged. If the actuating element 16 is relieved, the slider 40, which is loaded in direction y2 by a spring (not shown), is moved again in direction y2 into the position according to Fig. 3 moves, whereby the locking elements 41a and 42a and 41b and 42b move into engagement. The actuating element 16 is moved into the unactuated position by the spring 18.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the headrest 10, wherein the parts shown in Fig. 3 are shown in dashed lines. The actuating device 15 is shown in the Fig. 5 bis 9 shown as an assembly.

[0053] According to Fig. 5 The actuating device 15 comprises the frame 19, which in the present exemplary embodiment is designed as a sleeve that is essentially closed in the circumferential direction, which forms a collar at one end region 23 and is provided with openings at both end regions 23 and 24 with respect to the central axis m. The frame 19 could, however, also have a different shape, e.g., it could be formed as a framework made of mere guide strips. Alternatively, the frame could also be formed on a fixed structure of the equipment part, such as, for example, on the head box of the headrest 10. In this case, it can be provided with the same features as the frame described in this exemplary embodiment.

[0054] The frame 19 is provided with opposing fastening means 20a and 20b—here in the form of recesses—which are explained further below. The frame 19 forms a shoulder 21, which serves as a stop for mounting on the headrest part 13.

[0055] The frame 19 forms an approximately circular-cylindrical interior 22 in the present embodiment. The actuating element 16 is movably guided in the interior 22 of the frame 19 between the unactuated position and the actuated position, see the Fig. 9a und 9b At the end region 23 of the frame 19, the actuating element 16 is arranged in the interior space 22 for actuation. An actuating surface 35 of the actuating element 16 comprises an edge region 36, which is radially spaced from the central axis m, and a central region 37, which is arranged close to the central axis. The central region 37 is set back from the edge region 36 in the direction y1. From the edge region 36, the actuating surface 35 smoothly transitions into the central region 37, forming a recess, which is advantageous for haptic reasons.

[0056] The spring 18 is arranged at an end region 24 of the interior 22 opposite the end region 23. As shown in Fig. 7 As can be seen, the actuating element 16 and the spring 18 are formed coaxially to the central axis m.

[0057] The spring 18 extends spirally essentially within a plane E1 which is approximately perpendicular to the central axis m. According to Fig. 8 the spring comprises an outer end region 25 and an inner end region 26. The outer end region 25 is fixed to the frame 19 so that it is neither rotatable about the central axis nor movable in the directions y1 and y2.

[0058] According to Fig. 9 the inner end region 26 is connected to the actuating element 16 by a connection 27 in the form of a web which is U-shaped in cross section to the central axis. As in Fig. 7 As can be seen, the frame 19 has at least one stop surface 28 inclined approximately by 45 degrees to the central axis m, which interacts with at least one complementary contact surface 29 in such a way that it forms a stop for the actuating element 16 and centers it in the unactuated position.

[0059] In Fig. 9a is the unactuated position of the actuating device 15 and in Fig. 9b the actuated position is shown.

[0060] According to the Fig. 10 bis 13 The frame 19 is shown as a single part. It comprises the diametrically opposed fastening means 20a and 20b as well as four first guide means 30 extending parallel to the central axis m and distributed over the inner circumference of a surface 39 of the interior 22 in the form of grooves opposite one another with respect to the central axis m, of which only one groove is in Fig. 10 is recognizable.

[0061] In the Fig. 14 bis 17The actuating unit, comprising actuating element 16, connection 27, and spring 18, is shown. The annular outer end region 25 has a radially directed flank surface 38, from which the fastening means 31a and 31b—each in the form of a projection—protrude diametrically opposite the central axis m. Each projection has an inclined surface 33 formed at an angle to the central axis m and a holding surface 34 formed approximately at a right angle to the central axis m.

[0062] The actuating element 16 extends within a plane E2 and comprises, projecting radially outwards with respect to the central axis m, four guide means 32 distributed over the circumference, which interact slidingly with the guide means 30 during the movement between the unactuated position and the actuated position and guide the actuating element 16.

[0063] The connection 27 extends in the directions y1 and y2 between the actuating element 16 and the spring 18. The connection 27 is U-shaped in cross-section relative to the central axis m. From the connection, the spring 18 extends approximately perpendicular to the central axis m in a plane E1, and the actuating element 16 extends approximately perpendicular to the central axis m in a plane E2. The plane E2 is parallel to the plane E1.

[0064] The spring 18, the connection 27, and the actuating element 16 form the actuating unit 43, which is manufactured as a single piece using a plastic injection molding process. Alternatively, the spring 18, the connection 27, and the actuating element 16 can also be manufactured as an assembly of interconnected individual parts. The actuating unit 43 is made, for example, from a plastic, in particular a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. The plastic is, for example, polypropylene or polyamide, or, for example, a polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blend.

Claims

1. Vehicle equipment device of the passenger compartment having an adjustment device, which can be moved between at least one first position and a second position to actuate the adjustment device of the vehicle equipment device by means of an actuating device (15), having an actuating element which can be moved between an unactuated position and an actuated position relative to a housing in opposing adjustment directions (y1, y2) and is loaded into the unactuated position by means of a reset device, wherein an element of the vehicle equipment device that interacts with the actuating element can be displaced with the actuating element, characterised in that the reset device comprises at least one spring (18) designed as a spiral spring, having an outer end region (25) and an inner end region (26), and the spring (18) is arranged in a spiral-shape around a central axis (m) designed parallel to the adjustment directions (y1, y2) and inside a plane (E1) designed at an approximate right-angle to the central axis (m), wherein the spring deflection occurs in the adjustment direction parallel to the central axis (m) due to a relative movement of the inner end region (26) relative to the outer end region (25).

2. Vehicle equipment device according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (16) is connected to the outer end region (25) or to the inner end region (26) and the respective other end region can be connected to the equipment device.

3. Vehicle equipment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating device (15) has a frame (19) which can be fixed to the equipment device (11), wherein the actuating element (16) can be moved relative to the frame (19) during the movement between the unactuated position and the actuated position.

4. Vehicle equipment device according to claim 3, characterised in that the frame (19) comprises a first guide means (32a) and the actuating element (16) comprises a second guide means (32b), which interact when moving between the unactuated position and the actuated position, in order to guide the movement of the actuating element (16).

5. Vehicle equipment device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the outer end region (25) forms a ring which can be fixed to the frame (19).

6. Vehicle equipment device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the outer end region (25) comprises a fastening means (31a) which can be engaged with counterpart fastening means (31b) of the frame (19).

7. Vehicle equipment device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the frame (19) is designed in a sleeve-shape.

8. Vehicle equipment device according to claim 7, characterised in that the frame (19) is designed housing-like, substantially closed over the circumference of a sleeve wall.

9. Vehicle equipment device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that the frame (19) forms an abutment surface (28) which interacts with a contact surface (29) of the actuating element (16), in order to limit the movement of the actuating element (16) in an adjustment direction (y2).

10. Vehicle equipment device according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterised in that the abutment surface (28) and the contact surface (29) are designed diagonal, in particular at a 45-degree angle, in order to centre the actuating element (16) on the frame (19).

11. Vehicle equipment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the actuating element (16) is connected to the first end region (25) or to the second end region (26) of the spring (18) by means of a connection (27).

12. Vehicle equipment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spring (18) is provided with pretension in the unactuated position, said pretension loading the actuating element (16) against the actuating direction (y1).

13. Vehicle equipment device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle equipment device is a head support (10) or an armrest of a vehicle seat.