SEATING ARRANGEMENT, VEHICLE WITH AT LEAST ONE SEATING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SEATING ARRANGEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seat arrangement, a vehicle with at least one seat arrangement and a method for controlling a seat arrangement.

[0002] It is known that vehicle seats for personnel, including driver seats, are capable of multiple movements. These movements include upward and downward movements, forward and backward movements, and rotational movements about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle seat. All of these movements are independent of one another, and the driver's seat can be rotated to any position without restriction, regardless of whether the seat is in a front, rear, upper, or lower position. The independence of the movements from one another means that, for example, a driver's seat in a front-most position may strike a driver's console, such as an armrest or backrest, during rotation.

[0003] CN 105774832 A describes an electric rotation drive for a seat in a high-speed train. The rotation drive causes the seat to rotate automatically using a remote control. A disadvantage of this is that the seat can also strike another object in the high-speed train, for example, with an armrest or backrest. Furthermore, only a rotational movement of the seat is described.

[0004] EP 3 398 806 A1 discloses a device for rotating a seat in a rail vehicle, with which a seat can be aligned according to a direction of travel. The seat is rotatable by 180°. The device comprises means for locking and unlocking the seat in a first and a second rotational end position. The seat is controlled pneumatically. One disadvantage is that the seat can only be moved in one rotational direction.

[0005] US 2006 / 255640 A1 describes a vehicle seat on a stationary base plate that supports a first sliding mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a second sliding mechanism 40. This allows the vehicle seat to be first moved in a longitudinal direction, then rotated, and then pushed out of the vehicle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This is intended to provide passengers with easier access to the vehicle.

[0006] DE 10 2015 212 459 A1 describes a seat for a construction machine, with a seat console, a device for lateral displacement of the seat in the transverse direction to the direction of travel of the construction machine, and a seat rotation device and a stop limiting device which limits the maximum permissible angle of rotation of the seat differently depending on the set position of the lateral displacement of the seat.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a seat arrangement, a vehicle and a method, wherein the seat arrangement is movable in different directions and wherein collision with other objects is avoided during a rotational movement of the seat arrangement.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention with a seat arrangement according to claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved with a vehicle according to claim 12 and a method according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, the solution to the problem consists in a seat arrangement for avoiding a collision with another piece of furniture in an environment of the seat arrangement, wherein the piece of furniture is fastened to the environment, and wherein the seat arrangement comprises a seat base fastened to a floor of the environment and a seat unit arranged on the seat base, which seat unit is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the seat arrangement is also displaceable in a longitudinal direction, a rotation of the seat unit about the rotation axis is coupled to a displacement of the seat unit in the longitudinal direction, wherein an angle of rotation of the seat unit is dependent on the displacement of the seat unit in the longitudinal direction, and wherein a first angle of rotation (α) of the seat unit (12) is 360° when the seat unit (12) is in a first position (P1) along the longitudinal direction (x), so that free movement about the rotation axis is provided, thereby enabling standing up or sitting down at any desired angle of rotation.

[0010] An advantage of the seat arrangement according to the invention is that the seat arrangement is movable in different directions and that during a rotational movement of the seat arrangement, collision with other objects is avoided. Furthermore, pinching of objects such as clothing or fingers is avoided. If the piece of furniture is, for example, a driver's console, replaceable console edges can be omitted and manufacture of the driver's console is simplified. Furthermore, the displacement of the seat arrangement in the longitudinal direction is linked to the rotation about the axis of rotation, so that the two are dependent on one another. The rotational movement is restricted depending on a position of the seat arrangement in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The first rotation angle α of the seat unit is 360° when the seat unit is in a first position along the longitudinal direction. The first position can be an end position in the longitudinal direction located at the greatest possible distance from the piece of furniture. In the first position, therefore, free movement around the rotation axis is possible, allowing standing up or sitting down at any desired rotation angle.

[0012] The angle of rotation of the seat unit can be limited depending on the longitudinal displacement of the seat unit, with the angle of rotation being reduced, in particular, with respect to a collision angle, for example, by 2°. The angle of rotation can also be reduced, for example, by 5° with respect to the collision angle. The collision angle is an angle at which the seat unit would collide with the piece of furniture. This limitation can prevent, for example, an armrest and / or backrest of the seat unit from colliding with the piece of furniture.

[0013] In particular, a second angle of rotation of the seat unit is less than 50°, for example, 48°, when the seat unit is in a second position along the longitudinal direction. The second position is, for example, a middle position in the longitudinal direction between two end positions. An end position corresponds to the first position furthest from the piece of furniture.

[0014] Furthermore, a third rotation angle of the seat unit can be less than 10°, for example, 8°, when the seat unit is in a third position along the longitudinal direction. The third position can be an end position in the longitudinal direction that is as close as possible to the piece of furniture. Therefore, in the third position, the possibility of movement in the rotation direction is at its smallest. This prevents the seat unit from hitting the piece of furniture.

[0015] Alternatively, a third rotation angle of the seat unit can be 0° if the seat unit is in a third position along the longitudinal direction. In this position, no rotational movement is possible. A user of the seating arrangement must move the seat unit counter to the longitudinal direction to rotate it. This makes the seat unit stable with respect to the rotation axis in the third position.

[0016] Preferably, a movement element is arranged on the seat unit, which is displaceable within a limiting element arranged on the seat base. A combination of a movement element and a limiting element represents a simple structure that enables the movement of the seat unit about the rotational axis to be dependent on a movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] Specifically, the limiting element can have a continuous taper that is at least partially symmetrical and / or at least partially asymmetrical to the longitudinal direction, from the first position of the seat unit to the third position of the seat unit. The taper limits the rotational movement of the seat unit depending on the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In addition, the limiting element can be rounded at a first end and / or have a trapezoidal shape open toward the first end at a second end. The first end and the second end each form a guide for the movement of the moving element.

[0019] Furthermore, the limiting element can allow the movement element to rotate at a smaller angle at the second end than at the first end. This ensures that the rotational movement can be varied depending on the longitudinal direction.

[0020] Alternatively, the limiting element at the second end can prevent rotation of the movement element. The movement element is then stable with respect to the rotation axis, which also ensures the position of the seat unit around the rotation axis.

[0021] In addition, the movement element can also be cam-shaped, or the movement element can be circular with a projection. This allows the movement element to be guided particularly well within the limiting element.

[0022] Furthermore, the problem is solved with a vehicle having at least one seating arrangement, wherein the vehicle forms the surroundings of the seating arrangement. A vehicle is particularly suitable for installing the seating arrangement because the vehicle requires seats that are attached to the floor.

[0023] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for controlling a seat arrangement. At least one first sensor detects a position of the seat unit along the longitudinal direction, a corresponding angle of rotation is calculated, and rotation of the seat unit is limited by a controller. In this way, control of the seat unit can be carried out automatically.

[0024] In a specific embodiment of the invention, at least one second sensor detects a position, a geometry, a change in position, and / or a change in the geometry of the piece of furniture, and the angle of rotation of the seat unit is adjusted to the position, the geometry, the change in position, and / or the change in the geometry of the piece of furniture. Thus, not only the original position and geometry of the piece of furniture can be taken into account, but also changes to the piece of furniture, e.g., when the position of the piece of furniture relative to the seat unit is changed or when an object, such as a cup holder, is attached to the piece of furniture.

[0025] Two exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to thirteen figures. They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a seat arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of a limiting element and a movement element of the seat arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1 according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2A to 2E different schematic positions and angles of rotation of the movement element in Fig. 2 , Fig. 3 a schematic, perspective view of a limiting element and a movement element of the seat arrangement according to the invention in Fig. 1 according to a second embodiment and Fig. 3A to 3E various schematic positions and angles of rotation of the movement element in Fig. 3 .

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a seating arrangement 10 according to the invention in an environment 20, which here corresponds to a vehicle or a rail vehicle. A seating arrangement 10 can, for example, be located in a train conductor's compartment and / or in a train driver's cab of a rail vehicle. Further possible uses, including in other types of vehicles, such as e.g. in trucks or buses, in ships, aircraft and even in aerospace, are conceivable. The seating arrangement 10 can then be located in a cockpit. Furthermore, use of the seating arrangement in construction machinery or buildings, e.g. in laboratories or control rooms, is possible. In addition to the seating arrangement 10, the environment 20 comprises a floor 21 and a piece of furniture 22, which can, for example, be a table. A driver's console of the vehicle is also conceivable as a piece of furniture 22.

[0027] The seat arrangement 10 comprises a seat base 11, a seat unit 12 and a limiting element 30 in which a movement element 40.1, 40.2 is arranged, cf. Fig. 2 bis 2E and 3 bis 3E . The seat unit 12 comprises a seat surface 13, an armrest 14 and a backrest 15. A longitudinal direction x defines a direction of movement of the movement element 40.1 or 40.2.

[0028] In the Fig. 2 bis 2E and 3 bis 3E the limiting element 30 and the movement element 40.1 or 40.2 are shown together, but otherwise isolated from the seat arrangement 10. The reference numerals in Fig. 2 apply to the Fig. 2A bis 2E equally. The reference numerals in Fig. 3 apply to the Fig. 3A bis 3E equally.

[0029] In the Fig. 2 and 3 The limiting element 30 has a first end 31 and a second end 32 in the longitudinal direction x. Furthermore, the limiting element 30 includes a taper 33 in the longitudinal direction.

[0030] The moving element 40.1 or 40.2 has a rotation axis D. In Fig. 2 the movement element 40.1 comprises a circular shape 41 with a projection 42. In Fig. 3 the moving element 40.2 is cam-shaped.

[0031] In the Fig. 2 und 2A and 3 and 3A, the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is in a first position P1 and is rotatable through a first angle of rotation α = 360°.

[0032] The Fig. 2B and 3B show an intermediate position of the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 between the first position P1 and a second position P2. In the intermediate position, the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 can only be rotated to a limited extent. Further intermediate positions are possible, since the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is continuously movable.

[0033] In the Fig. 2C and 3Cthe moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is in the second position P2, which is a middle position between the first end 31 and the second end 32. Here, the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is rotatable to a limited extent by the second angle of rotation β, which is, for example, less than 50°.

[0034] The Fig. 2D and 3D show an intermediate position of the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 between the second position P2 and a third position P3. In the intermediate position, the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is less rotatable than in the second position P2. Further intermediate positions are possible because the moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is continuously movable.

[0035] In Fig. 2E the movement element 40.1 can only be rotated through a third angle of rotation γ, which is smaller than the second angle of rotation β and which is, for example, 10°.

[0036] In Fig. 3E the moving element 40.2 is no longer rotatable, ie the third angle of rotation γ is 0°.

[0037] The movement element 40.1 or 40.2 is in the order of Fig. 2A bis 2E or 3A to 3E are movable in the longitudinal direction x. Of course, the movement element 40.1 or 40.2 is also movable opposite to the longitudinal direction x.

[0038] During operation, the seat unit 12, which is fastened to the movement element 40.1 or 40.2, is moved relative to the limiting element 30, which is fastened to the seat base 11. The first angle of rotation α, the second angle of rotation β, and the third angle of rotation γ depend on the position P1, P2, P3 of the movement element 40.1 or 40.2 in the longitudinal direction x. As a result, the third angle of rotation γ in the third position P3 on the piece of furniture 22 is smaller than the second angle of rotation β in the second position P2, which is spaced apart from the piece of furniture 22. The second angle of rotation β, in turn, is smaller than the first angle of rotation α in the first position P1, which is spaced apart from the piece of furniture 22 further than the second position P2. This prevents the seat unit 12 from striking the piece of furniture 22.

[0039] The combination of a limiting element 30 and a moving element 40.1 or 40.2 is also possible in production technology and / or in the automation of processes in which objects or machines must not collide with other objects or machines. List of reference symbols

[0040] 10Seat arrangement 11Seat base 12Seat unit 13Seat surface 14Armrest 15Backrest 20Surroundings 21Floor 22Furnishing 30Limiting element 31First end 32Second end 33Tapering 40.1Moving element 40.2Moving element 41Circular shape 42Protrusion xLongitudinal direction P1First position P2Second position P3Third position DRotation axis αFirst rotation angle βSecond rotation angle γThird rotation angle

Claims

1. Seating arrangement (10) for preventing collision with another piece of furniture (22) in an environment (20) of the seating arrangement (10), wherein - the piece of furniture (22) is fixed to the environment (20), and wherein - the seating arrangement (10) comprises a seat base (11) fixed to a floor (21) of the environment (20), - a seat unit (12) arranged on the seat base (11) and rotatable about an axis of rotation (D), characterised in that - the seating arrangement (10) is also displaceable in a longitudinal direction (x), - a rotation of the seat unit (12) about the axis of rotation (D) is coupled to displacement of the seat unit (12) in the longitudinal direction (x), wherein - a angle of rotation (α, β, γ) of the seat unit (12) is dependent on the displacement of the seat unit (12) in the longitudinal direction (x), and wherein - a first angle of rotation (α) of the seat unit (12) is 360° when the seat unit (12) is in a first position (P1) along the longitudinal direction (x) so that free movement about the axis of rotation is possible, thereby enabling standing up or sitting down at any angle of rotation.

2. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the angle of rotation (β, γ) of the seat unit (12) is limited as a function of the displacement of the seat unit (12) in the longitudinal direction (x), wherein the angle of rotation (β, γ) is reduced in particular with respect to an impact angle, for example by 2°.

3. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that a second angle of rotation (β) of the seat unit (12) is less than 50°, for example 48°, when the seat unit (12) is in a second position (P2) along the longitudinal direction (x).

4. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a third angle of rotation (γ) of the seat unit (12) is less than 10°, for example 8°, when the seat unit (12) is in a third position (P3) along the longitudinal direction (x).

5. Seating arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that a third angle of rotation (γ) of the seat unit is 0° when the seat unit (12) is in a third position (P3) along the longitudinal direction (x).

6. Seating arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a movement element (40.1, 40.2) is arranged on the seat unit (12), which movement element is displaceable in a limited manner within a limiting element (30) arranged on the seat base (11).

7. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 6, characterised in that the limiting element (30) has a stepless, at least partially symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal direction (x) and / or at least partially asymmetrical taper (33) from the first position (P1) of the seat unit (12) to the third position (P3) of the seat unit (12).

8. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the limiting element (30) is rounded at a first end (31) and / or has a trapezoidal shape open towards the first end (31) at a second end (32).

9. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that the limiting element (30) allows the movement element (40.1) a smaller angle of rotation (γ) at the second end (32) than at the first end (31).

10. Seating arrangement (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the limiting element (30) prevents rotation of the movement element (40.2) at the second end (32).

11. Seating arrangement (10) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the movement element (40.2) is cam-shaped or that the movement element (40.1) has a circular shape with a projection.

12. Vehicle with at least one seating arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the vehicle forms the environment (20) of the seating arrangement (10).

13. Method for controlling a seating arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that at least one first sensor detects a position (P1, P2, P3) of the seat unit (12) along the longitudinal direction (x), a corresponding angle of rotation (α, β, γ) is calculated and a rotation of the seat unit (12) is limited by means of a controller.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterised in that at least one second sensor detects a position, a geometry, a change in the position and / or a change in the geometry of the piece of furniture (22) and the angle of rotation (α, β, γ) of the seat unit (12) is adapted to the position, the geometry, the change in position and / or the change in geometry of the piece of furniture (22).