SEAT DEPTH ADJUSTMENT DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjusting device for a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as a vehicle seat and a method for producing an adjusting device.

[0002] Such an adjustment device comprises a base, an adjustment part displaceably mounted on the base, and an actuating element mounted on the adjustment part, which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part relative to the base.

[0003] DE 101 23 799 C1 describes such an adjustment device. An actuating element in the form of a handle is held in a locked position by means of several springs. However, the known design comprises a large number of individual parts, the assembly of which is complex.

[0004] DE 11 2018 004 791 T5 relates to a seat cushion extension device for adjusting the length of a seat cushion installed in a vehicle forward and backward. A manipulation part comprises a rod, a lever, and springs, the springs providing the elastic force to move the rod forward.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved adjustment device.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0007] By providing a spring that rests on the base on one side and the actuating element on the other, a single spring performs two functions: it both tensions the actuating element into a specific position and, through its support on the base, creates tension between the base and (via the actuating element) the adjustment element. The latter can be used, for example, to effect or support a displacement of the adjustment element relative to the base.

[0008] In particular, the adjustment device can be designed as a seat depth adjustment device. The adjustment part is configured, for example, to form at least part of a seat surface of the vehicle seat and / or to support at least part of a seat cushion. Depending on the position of the adjustment part relative to the base, a greater or lesser seat depth is provided. Such a seat depth adjustment device can accordingly be manufactured with a particularly simple design.

[0009] The spring preloads the actuating element into a locking position (e.g., by means of a locking element coupled to the movement of the actuating element), locking the adjustment part to the base. This ensures that the adjustment part is always locked to the base when the actuating element is not actuated. The actuating element can be actuated manually, for example.

[0010] The spring preloads the adjustment element into an extended position relative to the base (for a greater seat depth). This allows the adjustment of an extended position to be comfortably supported or completely achieved by the corresponding spring force. No additional spring is required.

[0011] Optionally, the spring is designed as a spiral spring with a spiral axis. It can be provided that the spiral axis describes a different angle with respect to the base and / or with respect to the adjustment part (at least in sections) when the actuating element is arranged in a locking position that locks the adjustment part to the base than when the actuating element is arranged in a release position that allows adjustment of the adjustment part relative to the base. In this way, the described dual function of the spring can be achieved with a particularly simple design.

[0012] The actuating element can be mounted on the adjustment part so that it can pivot about a pivot axis, which enables intuitive operation.

[0013] In a further development, the spring rests on a support point of the actuating element that is eccentric to the pivot axis. This allows a preload of the spring to be used in a particularly simple manner to preload the actuating element into a specific position, in particular the locking position.

[0014] The adjustment device may further comprise a locking element, which is mounted on the base or the adjustment part, for example, so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The locking element can be releasably engaged, for example, with a locking contour of the base, e.g., in the form of a row of teeth, such that the base is locked to the adjustment part.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pivot axis and the rotation axis are not parallel to each other, but are at an angle to each other, in particular at a right angle. It can be provided that a rotation of the actuating element about the pivot axis causes a rotation of the locking element about the rotation axis.

[0016] The actuating element is operatively connected to the locking element, in particular also in contact. For example, the actuating element can be operatively connected to the locking element via sliding surfaces that slide along one another.

[0017] At least one of the sliding surfaces sliding along one another optionally describes the shape of a section of a helix. This allows for particularly smooth operation. It should be noted that such a design, in combination with the spring supported on the base and the actuating element, allows for a particularly simple construction, since the actuating element can be in contact with both the locking element and the spring, which enables particularly effective force transmission with few components. On the other hand, the above-described design of the actuating element and the locking element can also be used independently of the spring or with a differently arranged spring.Thus, according to one aspect, an adjustment device is provided, comprising a base, an adjustment part displaceably mounted on the base, an actuating element which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part relative to the base, and a locking element which can be releasably engaged with a locking contour in order to lock the base to the adjustment part against displacement relative to one another, wherein the actuating element is operatively connected to the locking element via sliding surfaces which slide along one another, at least one of which, for example, describes the shape of a section of a helix.

[0018] Optionally, a guide device is provided for guiding the adjustment part on the base. The guide device comprises slidably interlocking guide elements, e.g., two pairs of slidably interlocking guide elements. The guide elements optionally form corresponding, parallel guide axes that thus define a guide plane, with at least one of the guide elements having a surface section that runs obliquely to the guide plane. This allows manufacturing tolerances to be compensated.

[0019] A strip-shaped projection is optionally formed on at least one of the guide elements. This projection is narrow enough, for example, to be deformed (elastically and / or plastically) by a part acting on it. This allows for further tolerances to be compensated.

[0020] It should also be noted here that this type of guide mechanism design, in combination with the spring supported on the base and the actuating element, allows for a particularly simple and, at the same time, play-free construction. Because the guide mechanism compensates for manufacturing tolerances, play and thus rattling in the two spatial directions perpendicular to each other and to the displacement axis of the adjustment part relative to the base can be reduced or completely avoided. And because the spring can always maintain a preload between the displacement part and the base, play and rattling are also avoided in the third spatial direction along the displacement axis, thus enabling an overall rattle-free construction with a particularly simple structure. On the other hand, the guide mechanism described above can also be used independently of the spring or with a differently arranged spring.Thus, according to one aspect, an adjustment device is provided, comprising a base, an adjustment part displaceably mounted on the base, an actuating element which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part relative to the base, and a guide device for guiding the adjustment part on the base, comprising two pairs of displaceably interlocking guide elements which are aligned parallel to one another and span a guide plane, wherein at least one of the guide elements has a section running obliquely to the guide plane and / or a strip-shaped projection.

[0021] Furthermore, the guide device can comprise a retaining pin configured to slide along the strip-shaped projection. This enables a particularly precise and durable design.

[0022] In one embodiment, a locking element is provided that is displaceably mounted on the base or the adjustment part and can be releasably engaged with a locking contour to lock the base to the adjustment part. The displacement direction of the locking element on the adjustment part is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the adjustment direction of the adjustment part relative to the base.

[0023] In a further development, the actuating element is operatively connected to the locking element via a flexible band, in particular a plastic band. This enables a particularly cost-effective yet robust and durable design. In this regard, it should also be noted that such a design, in combination with the spring supported on the base and the actuating element, allows for a particularly simple construction, since in this way all forces for locking, unlocking, and sliding can be transmitted directly via the actuating element, enabling particularly effective force transmission with few components. On the other hand, the coupling of the actuating element with the displaceable locking element described above can also be used independently of the spring or with a differently arranged spring.Thus, according to one aspect, an adjustment device is provided, comprising a base, an adjustment part displaceably mounted on the base, an actuating element which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part relative to the base, and a locking element which can be releasably engaged with a locking contour in order to lock the base to the adjustment part against displacement relative to one another, wherein the actuating element is operatively connected to the locking element via a band, in particular a plastic band.

[0024] The (plastic) belt is optionally guided in a sliding manner along a deflection contour and rests against the deflection contour. The belt is flexible, allowing it to adhere to the deflection contour and be moved along its length in this bent position.

[0025] The base optionally forms a receptacle, e.g. in the form of a bed, for the spring in which the spring is arranged. The bed can be open over the entire length of the elongated spring in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (e.g. the spiral axis) of the spring. Alternatively or additionally, the adjusting part can form a receptacle, in particular a bed for the spring, in which the spring is arranged. This bed can also be open over the entire length of the spring in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (e.g. the spiral axis) of the spring. Thus, during assembly, the spring can be easily inserted and / or clipped into the bed of the base and the bed of the adjusting part, which enables particularly simple and quick assembly. The bed of the base and the bed of the adjusting part can together form a receiving chamber for the spring.

[0026] The base and / or the adjustment part can each have a holding section on or in which the spring is held, for example, in a form-fitting manner and which is (in each case) open in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated spring. The base and / or the adjustment part can be designed such that the spring can be snapped into the holding section during assembly in a direction at an angle (e.g. perpendicular or oblique) to its longitudinal axis. The holding section of the base and / or the holding section of the adjustment part can, for example, encompass the spring in the circumferential direction around its longitudinal axis over an angle of more than 180 degrees (but in particular by less than 360 degrees). In particular, it can be provided that the spring cannot be inserted exclusively axially into the receptacle (the bed) of the base and / or the adjustment part.

[0027] Optionally, the holding section of the base and the holding section of the adjustment part are open in opposite directions. This allows the base and adjustment part to securely hold the spring between them.

[0028] In one embodiment, the holding section of the base and the holding section of the adjustment part are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the spring. This allows both holding sections to engage the spring in a form-fitting manner. Furthermore, this enables particularly precise and secure mounting of the spring.

[0029] The holding section of the base and / or the holding section of the adjustment part can each have two parallel and / or spaced-apart beams. The beams are each elongated, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the spring. This ensures secure mounting, particularly locking.

[0030] The spring optionally has two functionally different sections (especially spiral sections), for example, with different pitches. This allows the spring to fulfill a dual function.

[0031] The spring can have a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section can be configured differently from one another. A waist is optionally formed between the first and second sections. The waist is locked, for example, to a holding device, such as a constriction of the adjustment part (e.g., axially), particularly in the direction of an axis pointing from the first to the second section.

[0032] The first section of the spring can be preloaded such that it exerts pressure on the retaining device, in particular the constriction. The second section can be preloaded such that it exerts tension on the retaining device, in particular the constriction (in particular simultaneously). Thus, a single spring can, for example, cause both an extension of the adjustment part and a retraction of the actuating element.

[0033] According to one aspect, a vehicle seat is provided comprising an adjustment device according to any embodiment described herein. Regarding the advantages of this solution, reference is made to the above description of the adjustment device.

[0034] According to one aspect, a method for producing an adjusting device for a vehicle seat is specified, in particular the adjusting device according to any embodiment described herein. The method comprises mounting a spring extending elongately along a longitudinal axis on a holding section of a base and / or on a holding section of an adjusting part by engaging the spring in a direction at an angle (e.g., perpendicular) (or obliquely) to its longitudinal axis in the respective holding section. Furthermore, the method comprises mounting the adjusting part displaceably mounted on the base such that an actuating element, which can be actuated to displace the adjusting part relative to the base, is mounted on the adjusting part. This enables particularly simple and rapid assembly.

[0035] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show, in schematic representations: Fig. 1 shows a seat depth adjustment device with a base, an adjustment part displaceably mounted on the base, an actuating element, and a spring; Figs. 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 in a locked state ( Fig. 2A ) and an unlocked state ( Fig. 2B ); Fig. 3A and 3B the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 , whereby the adjustment part is in a retracted state ( Fig. 3A ) or an extended state ( Fig. 3B ) is shown; Fig. 4A and 4B the actuating element and a locking element operatively connected thereto of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 in a locking position ( Fig. 4A ) or an unlocking position ( Fig. 4B ); Fig. 5 the actuating element of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 with a view of a sliding surface for operative connection with the locking element; Fig. 6 the adjustment part, the actuating element and the locking element of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 7 the base, the actuating element and the locking element of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 8 to 11 Details of a guide device of the seat depth adjustment device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 12 and 13 in a perspective view from above ( Fig. 12 ) and a cutaway perspective view from below ( Fig. 13 ) a seat depth adjustment device with a base, an adjustment part slidably mounted on the base, and an actuating element coupled to a locking element via a plastic band; Figs. 14 to 16Views of a seat depth adjustment device with a base, an adjustment part slidably mounted on the base, an actuating element, and a spring; Fig. 17the adjustment part according to Fig. 14-16 with the actuating element, a locking element and the spring in a plan view; Fig. 18 the base according to Fig. 14-16 with the actuating element, the locking element and the spring in a top view; Fig. 19 the adjusting part and the spring according to Fig. 14-16 in a perspective view; and Fig. 20 a view of a vehicle seat with a seat part and a backrest.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an adjustment device in the form of a seat depth adjustment device 1, which comprises a base 10 and an adjustment part 11 mounted on the base 10 so as to be displaceable relative to the base 10 along a longitudinal axis X.

[0037] The base 10 can be mounted on a vehicle seat, e.g., on a seat frame or a seat pan of the vehicle seat, such that the adjustment part 11 supports or forms at least part of a seat surface that can be sat on by a seat occupant. For example, the seat surface is formed by a cushion that is at least partially supported by the adjustment part 11. The seat depth adjustment device 1 is designed to at least partially support the weight of a seat occupant.

[0038] For the longitudinally displaceable mounting of the adjustment part 11 on the base 10, the seat depth adjustment device 1 comprises a guide device 15 with guide elements 150, 151, which in the present case are designed as sliding surfaces formed on the base 10 and on the adjustment part 11, and with retaining bolts 154 guided in slots 155. The guide device 15 is described further below in connection with the Fig. 8 bis 11 will be explained in more detail below. The base 10 and the adjustment part 11 are each formed as a single piece, although the base 10 and / or the adjustment part 11 may alternatively be formed as multiple parts.

[0039] The seat depth adjustment device 1 further comprises an actuating element 12, which can be manually actuated by a seat user in order to displace the adjustment part 11 relative to the base 10 along the longitudinal axis X. The actuating element 12 comprises a handle 123 and a rotating body 122. The actuating element 12 is mounted on the adjustment part 11. For this purpose, the rotating body 122 is pivotable about an angle Fig. 2A und 2B The pivot axis S shown is mounted at bearing points 110 of the adjusting part 11, in the example shown at both ends of the elongated rotating body 122.

[0040] The handle 123 is firmly connected to the rotating body 122, in this case via webs, so that the actuating element 11 can be rotated in the bearing points 110 by actuating the handle 123. In this case, the actuating element 12 is formed in one piece.

[0041] The actuating element 12 is arranged between a Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A shown locking position and a particularly in Fig. 2B shown unlocking position by rotating about the pivot axis S. The locking and unlocking of the seat depth adjustment device 1 is described below in connection with the Fig. 4A bis 7 will be explained in more detail.

[0042] The seat depth adjustment device 1 further comprises a spring 13, specifically, in the example shown, only exactly one spring 13 (and no further springs, in particular no further springs for locking and / or adjusting the adjustment part relative to the base 10). This spring 13 has a dual function and serves both to preload the actuating element 12 into the locked position and to preload the adjustment part 11 into the extended position relative to the base 10. The spring 13 is arranged in an interior space formed by the base 10 and the adjustment part 11.

[0043] Fig. 2A und 2B show the adjustment part 11 in the retracted state, in which the seat depth adjustment device 1 provides the smallest seat depth. Fig. 2A further shows the actuating element 12 in the locked position. In order to urge the actuating element 12 into the locked position, the spring 13 exerts a spring force on the actuating element 12. For this purpose, the spring 13 is supported with one end on the base 10 and with the other end on the actuating element 12. The base 10 comprises a support point 101, in the example shown with a pin aligned with the support point 120 of the actuating element 12. The actuating element 12 also comprises a support point 120, and the support point 120 of the actuating element 12 also has a pin in the example shown. The pin of the actuating element 12 is shorter than the pin of the base 10. In the unlocked position (see in particular Fig. 2B ), the pin of the support point 120 of the actuating element 12 is aligned with the support point 101 of the base 10. In the locking position (see in particular Fig. 2A ), the pin of the support point 120 of the actuating element 12 is not aligned with the support point 101 of the base 10 (but in this case points obliquely upwards away from the base 10).

[0044] The support point 120 of the actuating element 12 is arranged eccentrically to the pivot axis S. Pressure on the support point 120 thereby forces the actuating element 12 into a pivoting movement about the pivot axis S until it reaches a stop in the locking position. If the actuating element 12 is released in the unlocked position, the spring 13 causes the actuating element 12 to rotate about the pivot axis S until the actuating element 12 reaches the locking position. The pivot axis S is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0045] The spring 13 is a spiral spring and is longitudinally extended. The spring thus has a spiral axis A around which the spring 13 winds. In the unlocked position of the actuating element 12, the spiral axis A of the spring 13 is aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, in Fig. 2B illustrated by a dot-dash line. If the spring 13 pushes the actuating element 12 back into the locking position, the support point 120 of the actuating element 12 also pivots away from the support point 101 of the base 10. As a result, the end of the spring 12 supported on the actuating element 12 is lifted in a direction away from the base 10. As a result, the orientation of the spring 13 or at least a portion of the spring 13 is changed compared to the orientation in the unlocked position. Specifically, the spiral axis in the locking position, in Fig. 2A und 2B drawn as spiral axis A*, inclined by an angle, in this case (approximately) 2°, relative to the orientation of the spiral axis A in the unlocking position.

[0046] Optionally, the adjustment part 11 forms a deflection contour 111 against which the spring 13 rests in the locking position of the actuating element 12. In Fig. 2A und 2B This deflection contour 111 is illustrated by dashed lines. This deflection contour 111 bends a section of the spring 13 away from the spiral axis A. This ensures that the rear part of the spring 13 always has the same orientation, so that no installation space needs to be provided for a displacement of this section. The spring 13 thus has two functional areas, with the rear section of the spring 13 primarily serving to extend the unlocked adjustment part 11, and a front section serving to urge the actuating element 12 into the locked position.

[0047] The spring 13 is installed in a compressed state and pushes the base 10 and the actuating element 12 away from each other. If the actuating element 12 is moved into the unlocking position, see e.g. Fig. 3A , then the spring 13 pushes the adjusting part 11 from the Fig. 3A shown retracted position into a Fig. 3B shown extended position (with increased seat depth compared to the retracted position). This movement can also be assisted manually. If the actuating element 12 is then released, the spring 13 urges it back into the locking position in the manner described above. The actuating element 12 interacts with a locking element 14, which in the locking position engages a locking contour 100 formed on the base 10 and in the unlocking position is disengaged from the locking contour 100.

[0048] This functionality will now be demonstrated using the Fig. 4A bis 7 be explained in more detail.

[0049] The locking element 14 is mounted on the adjusting part 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis D. For this purpose, the adjusting part 11 has a bearing point (in the form of a bearing pin) onto which a bearing opening in the locking element 14 is fitted. In the present case, the bearing point has a contour with three arms onto which the suitably designed bearing opening can be easily fitted and which holds the locking element 14 in a form-fitting manner in an angular range relative to the adjusting part 11. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 7 As can be seen, the locking element 14 has teeth 143 with which it can engage in the locking contour 100 of the base 10, which is designed as a toothed rack, in order to lock it at various selectable positions along the longitudinal axis X.

[0050] In order to rotate the locking element 14 relative to the adjusting part 11, the actuating element 12 comprises a sliding surface 121, which in particular in Fig. 5 can be seen. The sliding surface 121 runs obliquely to the pivot axis S and is arranged eccentrically to the pivot axis S. In the example shown, the sliding surface 121 runs according to a section of a helix. The spiral axis of the helix is ​​aligned, for example, parallel to the pivot axis S. The sliding surface 121 of the actuating element 12 is formed on a block that protrudes from the rotating body 122 of the actuating element 12 (in this case approximately centrally with respect to the length of the rotating body 122).

[0051] The sliding surface 121 of the actuating element 12 engages with a suitably shaped sliding surface 140 of the locking element 14. In the present case, the sliding surface 121 of the actuating element 12 is formed by a projection which engages in a recess of the locking element 14 forming the sliding surface 140 of the locking element 14.

[0052] If the actuating element 12 is rotated about the pivot axis S, the sliding surfaces 121, 140 slide along one another, whereby the locking element 14 is rotated about its axis of rotation D due to the helical shape. The longitudinal axis X, the axis of rotation D, and the pivot axis S are aligned perpendicular to one another. The locking element 14 has two arms, each extending from the axis of rotation D (in this case, the axis of rotation D is arranged between the two arms). The sliding surface 140 is formed on one arm, and the teeth 143 are formed on the other arm. In this case, the locking element 14 is formed in one piece.

[0053] The aforementioned guide device 15 of the seat depth adjustment device 1 comprises two pairs of slidably interlocking guide elements 150, 151, one on the base 10 and one on the adjustment part 11. Each pair of guide elements 150, 151 defines a guide axis. The guide axis of one pair is spaced apart from the corresponding guide axis of the other pair and aligned parallel. The guide axes span a common plane, which can be referred to as the guide plane. The longitudinal axis X also runs parallel to the guide plane (and parallel to the guide axes).

[0054] The guide elements 150, 151 each have (at least) one section 152, 156 running obliquely to the guide plane, as can be seen in particular from the Fig. 10 und 11 which show sections of cross-sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X at different positions of the longitudinal axis X. Specifically, the guide element 150 of the base 10 shown there is designed in the form of a pocket that is aligned obliquely to the guide plane. Two legs 157, 158 protrude from the section 152 running obliquely to the guide plane (which is planar per se), in this case essentially perpendicular to the section 152 running obliquely to the guide plane. The pair of guide elements 150, 151 on the opposite side of the seat depth adjustment device 1 is mirror-inverted. The respective upper legs 157 prevent the adjustment part from lifting off perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X in a form-fitting manner.

[0055] The inclined portion 152 and / or the inclined portion 156 extends generally obliquely to the retaining bolt 154 and / or obliquely to a plane in which the adjustment part 11 mainly extends and / or obliquely to a horizontal plane in a horizontal arrangement of the seat depth adjustment device 1.

[0056] The respective guide element 151 of the adjustment part 11 has a section 156 which runs obliquely to the guide plane and which lies flat against the respective section 152 of the base 10 which runs obliquely to the guide plane.

[0057] One retaining bolt 154 per pair of guide elements 150, 151 extends through a slot 155 in the adjustment part 11. The length of the slots 155 defines the length of the adjustment path of the adjustment part 11 relative to the base 10. The retaining bolts 154 are fastened to the base 10 and / or a seat pan 201 of the vehicle seat to which the base 10 is fastened, e.g., by means of a nut (not shown). A head of the respective retaining bolt 154 secures the adjustment part 11 to the base 11. The head slides along the corresponding slot 155. To enable a mounting with as little play as possible, a strip-shaped projection 153 is formed on both sides of the respective slot 155. The strip-shaped projections 153 extend longitudinally along the respective slot 155. The strip-shaped projections 153 extend in the present case on one side of the adjustment part 11 which is facing away from the base 10.

[0058] The strip-shaped projections 153 are each dimensioned so thin that they can be deformed (elastically and / or plastically) by the head of the retaining pin 154. This allows for compensation of manufacturing tolerances. During production, the retaining pin 154 is inserted so deeply that it elastically and / or plastically deforms the corresponding strip-shaped projections 153. The sections 152 and 156 running obliquely to the guide plane also allow for compensation of manufacturing tolerances, so that the seat depth adjustment device 1 can be manufactured with particularly low wobble and rattle resistance.

[0059] Fig. 12 und 13 show a seat depth adjustment device 1' with a base 10', an adjustment part 11' displaceably mounted on the base 10', and an actuating element 12' mounted on the adjustment part 11', which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part 11' relative to the base 10'. The seat depth adjustment device 1' comprises a spring 13', which causes or supports a movement of the adjustment part 11' into an extended position relative to the base 10'. Optionally, the spring 13' is designed in accordance with the spring 13 of the seat depth adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 1 bis 11 designed and arranged (in Fig. 13 illustrated by dashed lines). Optionally, the seat depth adjustment device 1' comprises the guide device 15 described above.

[0060] The seat depth adjustment device 1' differs from the seat depth adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 1 bis 11 by the design of the locking element 14' and the coupling of the locking element 14' with the actuating element 12'.

[0061] For coupling the locking element 14' with the actuating element 12', the seat depth adjustment device 1' comprises Fig. 12 und 13 a plastic band 141. The plastic band 141 is flexible. The plastic band 141 has the shape of a flat strip with two ends. A block 145, 146 is formed at each of the two ends. The plastic band 141 is formed in one piece. The plastic band 141 consists of a polyamide, in particular nylon (polyhexamethylene adipamide), in particular polyamide 6.6, or PA66 for short. Such materials, in particular polyamide 6.6, are flexible and typically have a high load-bearing capacity, for example, of several kg even with a cross-sectional area of ​​just a few mm^2. Further advantages of polyamide 6.6 are good sliding properties, high tear strength, chemical resistance, in particular to oil, and an operating temperature range suitable for vehicle construction. Other particularly suitable materials are others of the polyamide 6.6 group, e.g.PA66HS (heat-stable), PA66W (UV-weather-stable), PAHSW (heat-stable and UV-weather-stable), PA66HIR (impact-resistant), PA66HIRHS (impact-resistant and heat-stabilized) and polyamide 6.6 V0 (high fire protection requirements).

[0062] The plastic band 141 is manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0063] The actuating element 12' of the seat depth adjustment device 1' according to Fig. 12 und 13 has a receptacle 124. One block 146 of the plastic band 141 is inserted into the receptacle 124, with the strip of the plastic band 141 being guided through a slot on the receptacle 146. The receptacle 124 and thus the block 146 arranged therein are arranged eccentrically to the pivot axis of the actuating element 12' on the adjusting part 11'.

[0064] The other block 145 of the plastic band 141 is received in a receptacle 144 of the locking element 14' (here too, the strip of the plastic band 141 is guided through a slot on the receptacle 144).

[0065] The locking element 14' is displaceably guided in a guide 102 of the base 10, in this case along a displacement axis V perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The locking element 14' has teeth 143 and can also be referred to as a toothed wheel. The locking element 14' is displaceable along the displacement axis V between a locking position, in which the teeth 143 engage in the locking contour 100 of the base 10, and an unlocking position, in which the teeth 143 are withdrawn from the locking contour 100. A preloaded return spring 103 urges the locking element 14' into the locking position.

[0066] The strip of the plastic band 141 extends from the receptacle 144 on the locking element 14' parallel to the displacement axis V. The strip of the plastic band 141 extends from the receptacle 124 on the actuating element 12' parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In between, the strip describes a bend. For this purpose, the plastic band 141 is guided around a deflection contour 142.

[0067] If the actuating element 12' is actuated, i.e. pivoted out of the locking position, then this pivoting movement exerts a tension on the plastic band 141. The plastic band 141 is thereby pulled over the deflection contour 142 and pulls the locking element 14' out of the locking engagement with the locking contour 100 of the base. The spring 13' then causes an adjustment of the adjusting part 11 relative to the base 10. Since the plastic band is a flat strip (with a width that is greater, in particular significantly greater, than the thickness), the plastic band does not cut into the deflection contour 142.

[0068] The plastic band 141 is not guided in a sheath. Unlike Bowden cables, it is therefore not necessary to provide support for a sheath, which would require additional installation space. It should be noted that such a band, in particular plastic band 141, can also be used for other adjustment and / or locking devices in which a movement of one part (via the band) is coupled to a different movement of another part.

[0069] Fig. 14 bis 19 show an adjustment device 1" with a base 10", an adjustment part 11" displaceably mounted on the base 10', an actuating element 12" mounted on the adjustment part 11", which can be actuated to displace the adjustment part 11" relative to the base 10", and a spring 13", which is supported on the base 10" and on the actuating element 12". The adjustment device 1" according to Fig. 14 bis 19 is designed similarly to the adjusting device 1 according to Fig. 1-11 , so that only differences are explained below and reference is made to the above explanations.

[0070] As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 15 bis 18 As can be seen, both the base 10" and the adjustment part 11" each form a bed B as a receptacle for the spring 13", into which the spring 13" is inserted or is inserted during assembly. The bed B of the base 10' and the bed B of the adjustment part 11" are, each considered individually, open over the entire length of the spring 13" in one direction, namely in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and spiral axis A of the spring 13", specifically in the direction of the other of the base 10" and the adjustment part 11".

[0071] Both the adjustment part 11" and the base 10" each have a holding section 104, 112. The respective holding section 104, 112 forms a part of the corresponding bed B. Each of the holding sections 104, 112 is open in one direction (like the respective associated bed B). Thus, in the assembled state, the holding sections 104, 112 are open in opposite directions. The spring 13" is engaged on each of the holding sections 104, 112 and thus positively connected. The holding sections 104, 112 are arranged one behind the other lengthwise.

[0072] Each of the holding sections 104, 112 is formed by two beams 105, 113 arranged on opposite sides of the spring 13". The beams 105, 113 encompass the spring 13" together. The beams 105, 113 extend longitudinally parallel to the spiral axis A of the spring 13" and, in the example shown here, are also longitudinally extended in this direction.

[0073] The spring 13" has several sections with different pitch (of the spiral) in the retracted state and also in the unloaded state (see in particular Fig. 15 and 19). In the present case, the spring 13" comprises a first section 130 and a comparatively shorter second section 131. The second section 131 has a greater pitch than the first section 130 in the unloaded state. Between the first section 130 and the second section 131, the spring 13" is fixed to the adjustment part 11". In the present case, the spring 13" comprises, between the first section 130 and the second section 131, a comparatively more tightly wound section in the form of a waist 132. This waist 132 is locked at a constriction 114 of the adjustment part 11" against displacement along the spiral axis A. The spring is therefore supported at the constriction 114 in the direction of the spiral axis A. The constriction 114 is fork-shaped and has two areas between which the waist 132 of the spring 13" is inserted and / or latched.The constriction 114 is open in the same direction as the adjacent holding section 112 of the adjustment part 11".

[0074] The first section 130 of the spring 13" rests with an open end on a support point 101' of the base 10". This support point 101' is formed in this case by a surface perpendicular to the spiral axis A. The second section 131 rests on the other open end of the spring 13" by means of an end taper 133 on the actuating element 12", specifically at a corresponding support point 120'. At the taper 132, the spring 13" in turn rests on the adjusting part 11". The first section 130 is preloaded in the retracted state and presses with the taper 132 against the constriction 114. The first section 130 thereby causes the adjusting part 11" to extend relative to the base 10" when the locking element 14 is unlocked. The second section 131, on the other hand, is pre-tensioned and thus pulls the actuating element 12" into the position locking the locking element 14 with the locking contour 100.Both functions can therefore be achieved with just one spring, with particularly little space required for the 13" spring and also particularly easy installation.

[0075] During assembly, the actuating element 12", which can be actuated to move the adjusting part 11" relative to the base 10", is pivotally mounted on the adjusting part 11". The (coil) spring 13", which extends longitudinally along the spiral axis A, is mounted on the holding section 104 of the base 10" and on the holding section 112 of the adjusting part 11" (see in particular Fig. 19 ), by snapping the spring 13" perpendicular to the spiral axis A into one and the other holding section 104, 112. The spring can first be attached to the adjusting part 11" (see e.g. Fig. 17 ) and then mounted on the base 10" or first on the base 10" (see e.g. Fig. 18 ) and then on the adjustment part 11". The actuating element 12" can be mounted before or after the spring 13". Furthermore, the adjustment part 11" is mounted slidably on the base 10".

[0076] The spring 13" cannot be inserted exclusively in the direction of the spiral axis A into the receptacle (the bed B) of the base 10" and the adjustment part 11", i.e., it cannot be pushed into the end position along the spiral axis A. It should also be noted that, alternatively or in addition to the perpendicular direction, the spring 13" can be latched into one and / or the other holding section 104, 112 and / or inserted into the corresponding bed B at an angle to the spiral axis A.

[0077] One in Fig. 20 The schematically illustrated vehicle seat 2 has a seat part 20 and a backrest 21 pivotally arranged relative to the seat part 20 via an arrangement of fittings 22, in particular locking or gear fittings. A seat occupant can sit on the seat part 20.

[0078] Such a vehicle seat 2 can be designed as a front seat in a vehicle. However, such a vehicle seat 2 can also be used, for example, as a rear seat, for example in the second row of seats, in a vehicle.

[0079] The vehicle seat 2 comprises the seat depth adjustment device 1 according to Fig. 1 bis 11 or the seat depth adjustment device 1' according to Fig. 12 und 13 or the seat depth adjustment device 1" according to Fig. 14 bis 19 . An extended position of the seat depth adjustment device 1; 1'; 1" is illustrated by short dashed lines. Bezugszeichenliste

[0080] 1; 1'; 1" (Seat depth) adjustment device 10; 10'; 10" Base 100 Locking contour 101; 101' Support point 102 Guide 103 Return spring 104 Holding section 105 Beam 11; 11'; 11" Adjustment part 110 Bearing point 111 Deflection contour 112 Holding section 113 Beam 114 Narrow point 12; 12'; 12" Actuating element 120; 120' Support point 121 Sliding surface 122 Rotating body 123 Handle 124 Receptacle 13; 13'; 13" Spring 130 First section 131 Second section 132 Waist 133 End waist 14; 14' Locking element 140 Sliding surface 141 (Plastic) band 142 Deflection contour 143 Teeth 144 Receptacle 145, 146 Block 15 Guide device 150 Guide element 151 Guide element 152 Section 153 Projection 154 Retaining bolt 155 Slot 156 Section 157 Leg 158 Leg 2 Vehicle seat 20 Seat part 200 Seat cushion 201 Seat pan 21 Backrest 22 Fitting A Spiral axis B Bed D Rotation axis SS Pivot axis V Displacement axis XLongitudinal axis

Claims

1. An adjustment device (1; 1'; 1") for a vehicle seat (2), comprising: - a base (10; 10'; 10"), - an adjusting part (11, 11', 11") shiftably mounted on the base (10; 10', 10"), - an actuating element (12; 12'; 12") mounted on the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11"), which can be actuated for shifting the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11") relative to the base (10; 10'; 10"), and - a spring (13; 13'; 13") which supports on the base (10; 10'; 10") and on the actuating element (12; 12'; 12"), characterized in that the spring (13; 13'; 13") pretensions the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11") into a position extended relative to the base (10; 10'; 10").

2. The adjustment device (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (1; 1'; 1") is formed as a seat depth adjusting device and the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11") is adapted to form at least part of a seating surface of the vehicle seat (2) and / or to carry at least part of a seat cushion (200).

3. The adjustment device (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring (13; 13'; 13") pretensions the actuating element (12; 12'; 12") into a locking position locking the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11") to the base (10; 10'; 10").

4. The adjustment device (1; 1') according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (13; 13') is formed as a coil spring with a coil axis (A), wherein the coil axis (A) describes another angle with respect to the base (10; 10') and / or the adjusting part (11; 11') for at least one portion of the spring (13; 13') when the actuating element (12; 12') is arranged in a locking position locking the adjusting part (11; 11') to the base (10; 10'), than when the actuating element (12; 12') is arranged in a release position enabling an adjustment of the adjusting part (11; 11') relative to the base (10; 10').

5. The adjustment device (1; 1'; 1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (12; 12'; 12") is pivotally mounted on the adjusting part (11; 11'; 11") about a pivot axis (S), wherein the spring (13; 13'; 13") supports on a supporting point (120; 120') of the actuating element (12; 12'; 12") eccentric with respect to the pivot axis (S).

6. The adjustment device (1; 1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a locking element (14) rotatably mounted on the base (10; 10") or the adjusting part (11; 11") about an axis of rotation (D), which can releasably be brought in engagement with a locking contour (100) in order to lock the base (10; 10") to the adjusting part (11; 11").

7. The adjustment device (1; 1") according to claim 6, as far as referring back to claim 5, characterized in that the pivot axis (S) and the axis of rotation (D) are disposed at an angle to each other, in particular at a right angle.

8. The adjustment device (1; 1") according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the actuating element (12; 12") is operatively connected to the locking element (14) via sliding surfaces (121, 140) sliding along each other, wherein at least one of the sliding surfaces (121, 140) describes the shape of a portion of a helix.

9. The adjustment device (1; 1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a guiding device (15) for guiding the adjusting part (11; 11") on the base (10; 10"), comprising two pairs of guide elements (150, 151) shiftably engaging in each other, which are aligned parallel to each other and define a guiding plane, wherein at least one of the guide elements (150, 151) includes a portion (152, 156) extending obliquely to the guiding plane, wherein a strip-shaped protrusion (153) is formed on at least one of the guide elements (150, 151), wherein the guiding device (15) comprises a retaining bolt (154) which is adapted to slide along the strip-shaped protrusion (153).

10. The adjustment device (1') according to any of claims 1 to 5 or 9, characterized by a locking element (14') shiftably mounted on the base (10') or the adjusting part (11'), which can releasably be brought in engagement with a locking contour (100) in order to lock the base (10') to the adjusting part (11'), wherein the actuating element (12') is operatively connected to the locking element (14') via a flexible tape (141), in particular a plastic tape, wherein the tape (141) slidingly rests against a deflection contour (142), guided on the deflection contour (142).

11. The adjustment device (1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (10") forms a receptacle (B) for the spring (13") which is open in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinally extended spring (13") along the entire length of the longitudinally extended spring (13") and / or that the adjusting part (11") forms a receptacle (B) for the spring (13") which is open in a direction perpendicular to the spring (13") along the entire length of the spring (13").

12. The adjustment device (1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (10") and / or the adjusting part (11") includes a holding portion (104, 112) in which the spring (13") is positively held and which is open in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinally extended spring (13"), wherein the holding portion (104) of the base (10") and the holding portion (112) of the adjusting part (11") are open in opposite directions, wherein the holding portion (104) of the base (10") and the holding portion (112) of the adjusting part (11") are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis (A) of the spring (13"), wherein the holding portion (104) of the base (10") and / or the holding portion (112) of the adjusting part (11") each includes two bars (105, 113) parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other.

13. The adjustment device (1") according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (13") includes two functionally different portions (130, 131), wherein the spring (13") includes a first portion (130), a second portion (131) and a waisting (132) between them, wherein the waisting is arrested in a constriction (114) of the adjusting part (11") along an axis pointing from the first to the second portion, wherein the first portion (130) of the spring (13") exerts a pressure on the constriction (114), and the second portion (131) exerts a traction on the constriction (114).

14. A vehicle seat (2), characterized by an adjusting device (1; 1'; 1") according to any of the preceding claims.

15. A method for manufacturing an adjusting device (1") for a vehicle seat (2), in particular according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising: - mounting a spring (13") longitudinally extended along a longitudinal axis (A) on a holding portion (104) of a base (10") and / or on a holding portion (112) of an adjusting part (11") by snap-fitting the spring (13") into the holding portion (104, 112) in a direction at an angle to its longitudinal axis (A), and - mounting the adjusting part (11") shiftably mounted on the base (10") in such a way that an actuating element (12"), which can be actuated for shifting the adjusting part (11") relative to the base (10"), is supported on the adjusting part (11").