DRIVE DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING AN INTERIOR COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive device for adjusting an interior assembly of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a drive device comprises an electromechanical adjustment drive for adjusting the interior assembly and a control device for controlling the adjustment drive.

[0003] An interior assembly of the type described here is a component located within the interior of a vehicle. Examples of such an assembly include a vehicle seat, a console element with storage or shelving, a monitor, a partition, or a storage area like a table or compartment. The interior assembly is not part of the vehicle body and therefore does not serve to lock the vehicle from the outside (as is the case with a vehicle door or sunroof). The interior assembly is also not part of the vehicle's drive and steering system (such as a vehicle's steering column). The interior assembly is located within the vehicle's interior and can be adjusted by a user, particularly to provide a comfort function within the interior.

[0004] For example, a vehicle seat can be adjustable to set the backrest angle, longitudinal and / or lateral position, or even a rotational position within the interior to provide a comfortable seating position for the vehicle occupant. A console element can, for example, be slid along the vehicle floor to provide storage space in the vehicle interior or to allow operation of a functional component on the console element. A monitor can be adjusted in its swivel, height, and / or tilt position to allow a vehicle occupant to view it comfortably.

[0005] Especially in new interior concepts, for example in connection with autonomous vehicles, interior components such as vehicle seats or console elements can be variably adjustable to enable vehicle occupants to travel comfortably. Adjusting an interior component should be simple, convenient, and intuitive for the user.

[0006] From US patent 2017 / 0166089 A1, a vehicle seat is known that is electrically adjustable. The adjustment of the vehicle seat can be initiated by a user using gesture control, for example, by the user performing a predetermined gesture in the area of ​​the vehicle seat and thereby causing, for example, a swiveling of the backrest or a longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat within the vehicle interior.

[0007] DE 198 53 156 A1 discloses a seat in which an actuator is in control connection with at least one body position sensor for moving or following a seat and / or backrest part to a body position of a person sitting on the seat or according to a body movement of the person sitting on the seat.

[0008] EP 1 078 808 A1 describes an adjustment device for an adjustable seat part of a motor vehicle seat with an externally operated drive, an adjustment gear by which the seat part is coupled to the drive and adjustable along a direction, and means for activating the drive to trigger an adjustment movement of the seat part.

[0009] EP 1 535 768 A2 describes a device for adjusting an actuator in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one manually operated control element for adjusting the actuator. Manual adjustment of the control element is detectable by an evaluation unit based on at least one electrical signal from an actuator.

[0010] DE 10 2014 119 628 A1 describes a transport container for weapons which can be attached to a vehicle body using fastening means.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a drive device for adjusting an interior assembly in a vehicle, which can enable a user to adjust the interior assembly simply, comfortably, intuitively.

[0012] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0013] In a conventional interior assembly, such as a vehicle seat, adjustment is made manually by a user or electrically using an electric motor. For manual adjustment, for example, a locking mechanism for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat or for tilt adjustment of a backrest can be unlocked to allow a user to move the vehicle seat, for example to adjust the longitudinal position or the tilt of the backrest.In contrast, with electromechanical adjustment, a user, for example, operates a switch to control an electromechanical drive device, which then electromechanically adjusts, for example, a vehicle seat in automatic mode or with the switch continuously operated by the user, for example to adjust a longitudinal position of the vehicle seat or to adjust the inclination of the backrest of the vehicle seat.

[0014] In contrast to conventional adjustment concepts, according to the present invention, the adjustment of the interior assembly (for example, in the form of a vehicle seat, a console element, a monitor, a partition, a shelf, a storage compartment, or the like) is generally performed manually by a user, but with electric motor assistance from the drive device, in servo mode. Thus, a user does not need to exert the full force required to overcome loads acting on the interior assembly, but only a partial force. This enables intuitive and comfortable adjustment of the interior assembly by a user with electric motor assistance from the drive device. Furthermore, this allows for fast and variable adjustment with minimal effort required from the user.Adjusting the interior assembly, for example a vehicle seat, can thus be achieved by a user grasping the interior assembly and thereby acting on the interior assembly to adjust it to a desired position, whereby the user only has to exert a small force for the adjustment and any additional force required is provided by the electromechanical drive device.

[0015] In addition to such servo operation, purely electromechanical adjustment is also possible, for example in automatic operation for adjusting between defined positions or under continuous operation of a switch by a user.

[0016] The drive unit operates in servo mode for the manual, but electrically assisted, adjustment of the interior assembly. In servo mode, the adjustment drive is controlled, for example, so that it provides a supporting force for manual adjustment of the interior assembly, and the force required by the user is, if possible, equal to the adjustment range or a portion thereof, or follows a desired curve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the drive device includes a locking mechanism for inhibiting an adjustment movement of the internal assembly in a locked position. The control unit is preferably designed to move the locking mechanism from the locked position to an unlocked position in order to adjust the internal assembly.

[0018] The locking device is designed to secure the interior assembly in a specific position when no adjustment of the assembly is desired. The locking force provided by the device must be dimensioned to ensure that the interior assembly is held securely and reliably in position under applied loads. This includes, for example, the requirement that a vehicle seat be held securely and reliably in position during a crash to prevent impermissible, uncontrolled movement of the seat and thus reduce the risk of injury to the occupant. Therefore, the locking device must be designed to be crash-resistant, for example, in the case of an interior assembly consisting of a vehicle seat, so that it can absorb and dissipate crash forces.

[0019] If, on the other hand, the interior assembly is to be adjusted, the locking device must be released so that any lock acting on the interior assembly is lifted and manual adjustment of the interior assembly becomes possible, but possibly with electric motor assistance in servo operation of the drive device.

[0020] The drive device can, for example, include a gearbox driven by the adjustment drive. The gearbox can, for example, drive an output element that is operatively connected to the interior assembly, so that an adjustment force is introduced into the interior assembly via the output element, thereby causing the interior assembly to be adjusted. In this case, the locking device can, for example, be designed as a brake that is operatively connected to the output element and, in the locked position, locks the output element (directly or indirectly), so that the output element cannot be easily adjusted in the locked position of the locking device, at least not without releasing the lock, and the interior assembly operatively connected to the output element is thus held in position by the locking device.If the internal assembly needs to be adjusted, the locking device can be released from the locked position to the unlocked position, allowing adjustment of the output element.

[0021] The adjustment drive, implemented by an electric motor, cannot be designed to be self-locking if such a locking device is provided. This means that the adjustment drive itself does not lock the output element when de-energized and therefore does not hold the interior assembly in position. Instead, the locking device secures the interior assembly, locking it in the engaged position so that, for example, crash forces can be absorbed safely and reliably. When the locking device is disengaged, the interior assembly can be manually adjusted by a user. In servo mode, the drive mechanism provides assistance, allowing the user to adjust the interior assembly with comparatively little effort.

[0022] The interior assembly can, for example, be pivotable around a pivot axis and / or movable along a longitudinal direction. If the interior assembly consists of a vehicle seat, the entire vehicle seat can be adjustable along the vehicle floor, for example, along a longitudinal direction and / or a transverse direction. Furthermore, the vehicle seat can be rotated around a vertical direction, allowing its position within the vehicle interior to be adjusted. Additionally, individual components of the vehicle seat, such as a backrest or seat cushion, may be adjustable, for example, to adjust the tilt.

[0023] Analogous adjustability can also be provided for other interior components, such as a console element. A console element, for example, can be moved along the vehicle floor, and its height or rotation may also be adjustable. A monitor, for instance, can be adjusted in its swivel, rotation, height, and tilt positions.

[0024] The adjustment movements of the interior assembly as a whole or of individual (sub-)assemblies of the interior assembly can be effected by one or more drive devices, whereby the adjustment is carried out manually by a user and supported by an electric motor by a respective drive device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the interior assembly includes a control element that a user can operate to adjust the assembly. Such a control element can, for example, be a mechanically actuated push button. The control element can be located directly on the interior assembly, or it can be spatially separated from it but still related to it. An adjustment process can be initiated by the user pressing the control element, after which the interior assembly is adjusted manually, or, in servo mode, with electric motor assistance. It is conceivable that the user must continuously operate the control element during an adjustment process, and that adjustment of the interior assembly is possible until the control element is no longer activated.It is also conceivable that the control element only needs to be activated once by the user, thereby starting an adjustment mode within which servo-assisted adjustment of the interior assembly is possible.

[0026] In addition to or as an alternative to such a control element, the interior assembly may have a sensor device for detecting a touch, approach, acceleration and / or movement speed on the interior assembly, wherein the control device is configured to evaluate a detection signal from the sensor device to recognize a user's adjustment request.

[0027] If the sensor device is designed to detect a touch, the sensor device is implemented, for example, by a tactile touch sensor, such as a pressure sensor or the like.

[0028] If the sensor device is designed to detect an approach, the sensor device is implemented by a proximity sensor, for example a capacitive sensor, which can detect an approach of a user, for example a body part such as a user's hand, in order to generate a detection signal upon approach.

[0029] A sensor device in the form of a touch sensor or a proximity sensor can detect, in particular, a user touching a specific area of ​​the interior assembly, for example, the backrest. If a user places their hand on an area of ​​the interior assembly assigned to the sensor device, such as the backrest of a vehicle, this can be interpreted as a request to adjust the interior assembly, thus enabling the user to do so.

[0030] If the sensor device is designed to detect acceleration on the interior assembly, the sensor device can, for example, be designed as an acceleration sensor arranged on the interior assembly, which outputs a measurement signal that depends on an acceleration of the interior assembly.

[0031] If the sensor device is designed to detect a movement speed on the interior assembly, the sensor device is designed, for example, by a gyro sensor which can detect, in particular, a rotational movement of an interior assembly.

[0032] The sensor device, for example in the form of a proximity sensor, a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor or a speed sensor, can also be used, for example, to provide an additional function on the interior assembly, for example for the purpose of obstacle detection, collision protection or pinch protection.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, an interior monitoring device – for example, in the form of a camera, radar system, or lidar system – can be provided to detect user movement inside the vehicle. The control unit can then evaluate the signal from the interior monitoring device to recognize a user's request to change a setting.

[0034] An interior monitoring device can, for example, define and monitor a virtual control surface within the interior assembly. If the interior monitoring device detects that a user is interacting with the virtual control surface, this can be interpreted as a request to adjust the interior assembly, thus initiating the adjustment process.

[0035] The movement of a user's body part can be detected, for example, through imaging techniques and image-based analysis of captured signals. For instance, camera images can be analyzed to capture and interpret user movement.

[0036] The interior monitoring device can also be used – analogous to the sensor device – to provide an additional function to the interior assembly, for example for the purpose of obstacle detection, collision protection or pinch protection.

[0037] Several (different) sensor devices and / or a monitoring device can be combined, if necessary, to evaluate detection signals from the different devices in a combined manner, particularly for detecting a request for adjustment.

[0038] Generally, a user's desired adjustment must be distinguished from situations where no adjustment is intended. For example, a specific user movement might indicate a desired adjustment, while in other situations, such as when there are occupants in the vehicle while it is in motion, no adjustment of the interior components is desired. A signal detected by a sensor or interior monitoring system must therefore be evaluated to differentiate, in particular, a user's operation to adjust the interior components from, for example, a movement by the user or another object in the vehicle interior that does not correspond to a desired adjustment.

[0039] For example, initiating an adjustment process may require a predetermined user gesture. Accordingly, the control device, in one embodiment, can be configured to evaluate a detection signal from a sensor device or an interior monitoring device to recognize a predetermined gesture, in order to infer an adjustment request upon detection of the predetermined gesture. If the sensor device is designed as a capacitive sensor, for example, or if an interior monitoring device is used, a predetermined user gesture can be detected via the sensor device or the interior monitoring device. This could be, for example, a movement of a body part with a specific movement pattern, such as a movement in a specific direction within the area of ​​the interior assembly and / or with a specific movement speed.

[0040] For example, initiating an adjustment process of the interior assembly might require a user to interact with it using a specific pattern. For instance, the user might tap the assembly a predetermined number of times, such as twice, with their flat hand. This action would be detected by one or more sensors and / or the interior monitoring system and interpreted as an adjustment request. Alternatively, or in addition, the user might interact with the assembly in a specific way, triggering multiple sensors to signal an adjustment request.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, an adjustment mode can be started, for example, via a central control element in a vehicle, such as an on-board computer on a center console, a communication device such as a mobile phone, or the like.

[0042] An adjustment mode, in which a user can adjust the interior assembly with servo assistance, can be terminated, for example, after a predetermined time. Alternatively, the adjustment mode can be terminated after a predetermined time following an adjustment action. Another alternative is that the adjustment mode can be terminated after a control element is pressed. Yet another alternative is that the adjustment mode can also be terminated by actively pressing a control element, for example, by switching off a switch.

[0043] When the adjustment mode is terminated, a locking device that was unlocked when the adjustment mode was initiated can, for example, be returned to the locked position so that the associated internal assembly is locked and can no longer be adjusted.

[0044] During the transition from servo operation to a (again) locked position of the interior assembly, an intermediate state can be achieved using (electromotive) position control to hold the interior assembly in its current position. In servo operation, a user manually adjusts a given interior assembly with electromotive servo assistance. After the adjustment is complete, the drive device switches to a holding mode in which the interior assembly is held in position, for example, by energizing the adjustment drive. Subsequently, the locking device is switched to the locked position, so that the interior assembly is de-energized and held in position.

[0045] The control unit is designed to activate the adjustment mode for moving the interior assembly using servo operation, depending on at least one trigger criterion. Generally, servo operation is not always available, meaning that moving the interior assembly is not always possible, but only in certain situations. For this purpose, the control unit evaluates one or more trigger criteria to determine, based on these criteria, whether or not the adjustment mode should be activated to enable servo operation.

[0046] By initiating the adjustment mode for servo operation based on one or more trigger criteria, the sensor system for initiating servo operation and detecting an adjustment request can potentially be simplified. For example, activating the adjustment mode can unlock a locking device, thus placing the drive mechanism for adjusting the interior assembly in a state where manual adjustment by a user is possible.Once the adjustment mode has been started, a user can, for example, access and move the interior assembly, whereby such a movement can be easily recognized by the adjustment movement of the interior assembly, in order to then initiate the actual servo operation for servo-assisted adjustment of the interior assembly and to provide a motor force in servo operation that supports the adjustment of the interior assembly in an electromechanical manner.

[0047] The vehicle's driving state is evaluated as a criterion. For example, the adjustment mode might only be available when the vehicle is stationary. Alternatively, the adjustment mode can be activated when the vehicle is stationary, but also, if necessary, while driving. When the vehicle is moving, the adjustment mode can be deactivated depending on the situation, for example, depending on the vehicle's speed or in the event of a "pre-crash" warning indicating a potentially imminent crash. If the drive unit is in adjustment mode when such a "pre-crash" warning is triggered, the adjustment mode can be deactivated and the interior assembly locked in its current position to absorb and dissipate potential crash forces.

[0048] Another trigger criterion could be, for example, the occupancy status of the interior assembly. If the interior assembly is, for instance, a vehicle seat or a component of a vehicle seat, such as the backrest, the control unit will only make the adjustment mode available for servo operation if the vehicle seat is not occupied by a vehicle occupant. For example, the backrest should only be adjustable when the vehicle seat is empty. The occupancy status can be evaluated, for example, using a (capacitive) occupancy sensor, the state of a seatbelt buckle, or an interior monitoring device.

[0049] Another trigger criterion could be the open / closed state of a vehicle door, particularly a side door or tailgate. For example, the control unit could be configured to activate the adjustment mode for providing power assistance as soon as a side door is opened. For instance, if the right rear side door is opened, the adjustment mode for providing power assistance for a rear right and / or front right seat could be initiated. Conversely, if the left rear side door is opened, the adjustment mode for providing power assistance for a rear left and / or front left seat could be initiated. If the tailgate is detected opening, the adjustment mode could be initiated, for example, for the rearmost row of seats in the vehicle.

[0050] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator with a pulse-width modulated current signal during or after activation of the adjustment mode. If the adjustment mode is initiated based on one or more trigger criteria, a locking device is, for example, unlocked, thus moving the internal assembly from a locked position to a state in which movement of the internal assembly is possible. At the beginning of the adjustment mode, the control unit actuates the actuator with a pulse-width modulated signal such that, for example, the internal assembly is held in position by the actuator, thereby compensating for the effects of gravity.

[0051] In one configuration, the pulse-width modulated current signal can be applied at such low energy that the internal assembly does not yet move. Alternatively, the current can be applied in such a way that the adjustment drive, and consequently the internal assembly, begins to move slowly in one direction, for example. If a user touches the internal assembly and adjusts it manually, the actual servo assistance in servo mode is provided by the adjustment drive supplying a supporting force to assist the adjustment movement.

[0052] The pulse-width modulated current at the start of the adjustment mode can be applied, for example, by alternately energizing the adjustment drive in one direction and then the other, for instance, for a predetermined time in one direction and for the same or a different time in the other direction. The power of the pulse-width modulated current signal can vary depending on the direction of movement.

[0053] The power of a pulse-width modulated current signal can be specified as a parameter, can be measured and specified during calibration during manufacturing, or can be adaptively determined each time the adjustment process is initiated, i.e., when the adjustment mode is activated.

[0054] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to activate the adjustment drive in adjustment mode to provide assistive force during manual adjustment of the interior assembly by a user, when a user's adjustment request is detected after the adjustment mode has been activated. If the drive unit has been switched to adjustment mode, in which, for example, a locking device is unlocked and the adjustment drive is initially energized with a pulse-width modulated current signal, the servo-assisted adjustment takes place as soon as it is detected that a user is moving the interior assembly. Such movement can be detected, for example, by sensors on the interior assembly, such as an arrangement of Hall sensors or similar devices.

[0055] As an alternative to initiating servo-assisted adjustment in servo mode based on simple motion detection of the interior assembly, another configuration allows servo operation to be started only when a predetermined user event is identified. For example, servo assistance in servo mode is only initiated when a vibration movement is detected in the vehicle seat, with a movement interval that differs from, or is in sync with, the current interval (in the case of alternating current in different directions). In another example, servo assistance in servo mode is initiated when a predetermined impulse force, such as a nudge, is detected in the interior assembly.

[0056] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate a notification signal for the user after the adjustment mode has been activated. For example, the control unit can generate a notification signal that is output via a vehicle system, such as the vehicle's audio system, to indicate to the user that the adjustment mode has been started. Alternatively, the notification signal can consist of the control unit activating the adjustment drive to move the interior assembly, for example, with a slow movement speed or by generating a vibration in the interior assembly in a manner perceptible to the user.Alternatively, the control unit can, for example, generate a modulated current signal and send it to the actuator, causing the actuator to produce a predetermined sound, such as music. The actuator is thus energized in such a way that a signal in the audible range is generated at the actuator.

[0057] The adjustment drive can, for example, be designed as a DC motor, particularly advantageously as a brushless DC motor.

[0058] The control unit can be integrated into the adjustment drive, but it can also be designed separately from the adjustment drive, for example by a seat control unit or a central control unit in the vehicle.

[0059] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a servo control module for determining a setpoint as a function of a load acting on the interior assembly. The control unit can also include, for example, a current control module for regulating the current of the adjustment drive, which is configured to regulate the current of the adjustment drive based on the setpoint supplied by the servo control module.

[0060] In servo operation, the drive device is accordingly current-controlled. A setpoint generated by the servo control module is supplied to a current control module, and the current is regulated within the current control module based on this setpoint. The servo control module is designed to adjust the setpoint so that the force provided by the actuator assists the user in moving the interior assembly in such a way that the force required by the user is, as far as possible, at least approximately the same (or follows a desired curve), thus resulting in comfortable and tactilely pleasing adjustment of the interior assembly for the user.

[0061] In one embodiment, the control unit additionally includes a load calculation module, which is connected upstream of the servo control module and serves to determine a load acting on the interior assembly. This load is a force acting on the interior assembly that is independent of any applied user force and, in particular, counteracts (or may even assist) any adjustment of the interior assembly. It can depend, for example, on the vehicle's orientation, the direction of adjustment of the interior assembly, and its current position.

[0062] The load calculation module can be specifically designed to determine a static and / or dynamic load acting on the interior assembly. The load can be determined, for example, as a function of a vehicle's tilt angle measured about a longitudinal axis, a tilt angle of a pivot axis of the interior assembly measured about the longitudinal axis, a vehicle's inclination angle measured about a transverse axis, a pivot angle of the interior assembly's pivot axis measured about the transverse axis, and / or an opening angle of the interior assembly.

[0063] Depending on the vehicle's inclination (measured around its longitudinal axis, also known as roll angle) and / or its gradient (measured around its transverse axis, also known as pitch angle), gravitational forces act on the interior assembly. These gravitational forces can act, for example, in the direction of a desired adjustment movement or in the opposite direction. If gravity opposes the adjustment, a user must, for instance, work against a force acting on the interior assembly due to gravity. The assisting force provided by the adjustment mechanism should preferably be set so that the force required by the user remains constant or follows a desired curve, regardless of the vehicle's orientation and the position of the interior assembly.The supporting force to be provided by the adjustment drive thus changes with the vehicle's position and the position and adjustment direction of the interior assembly, and is accordingly specified in such a way that a user preferably experiences at least an approximately constant adjustment force in servo operation.

[0064] Additionally, frictional forces can act on the interior assembly, which can also be included by the load calculation module to calculate the load acting on the interior assembly.

[0065] In one embodiment, the servo control module is configured to determine a target force to be provided by the actuator based on the load acting on the interior assembly, as calculated by the load calculation module and supplied to the servo control module, and additionally based on a target force value to be applied by the user. The target force value corresponds to the desired force that a user has to apply when adjusting the interior assembly. The servo control module is intended to specify the target value for current control such that the actuator provides a force that assists the user in adjusting the interior assembly to such an extent that the user only has to apply a force approximately equal to the target force value.

[0066] The load calculated by the load calculation module can have a static and a dynamic component. The load can be determined based on a static load force acting on the interior assembly and a dynamic load force acting on the interior assembly. The static load force can result from force components arising from the effect of gravity on the interior assembly, depending on the vehicle's inclination and gradient angles, and additionally from frictional forces acting on the interior assembly, particularly in the adjustment mechanism. The dynamic load force, on the other hand, can result, for example, from inertial forces and is thus determined based on the inertia of the interior assembly and its acceleration.

[0067] If the static load force and the dynamic load force are known, the target force to be provided by the adjustment drive can be calculated using a force balance. F Soll = F stat + F dyn − F user , where Ftarget is the target force, Fstat the static load force, Fdyn the dynamic load force, and Fuser the user force. The static and dynamic load forces have a positive impact on the force balance. The user force, on the other hand, has a positive or negative impact on the balance depending on the direction of movement. The target force indicates the force to be provided by the adjustment drive, which corresponds to the total force required to adjust the interior assembly minus the user force.

[0068] Based on the target force, the servo control module then determines the setpoint and, in one configuration, transmits this setpoint to the current control module during servo operation. The current control module then regulates the current based on the setpoint provided by the servo control module.

[0069] In one embodiment, the current control module is configured to adjust the current of the actuator using pulse width modulation. Within the current control module, current regulation is based on the supplied setpoint, which depends on the operating mode. The current control module outputs a manipulated signal, which is used to adjust the voltage supplied to the actuator using high-frequency pulse width modulation, for example, with a frequency between 5 kHz and 100 kHz or even higher.

[0070] The current control module regulates the current based on the supplied setpoint and the resulting actual motor current. The current of the actuator is thus adjusted by the control system so that it corresponds to the setpoint.

[0071] By providing electric motor assistance for manual adjustment of the interior assembly in servo mode via current control, the force required by the user can be set to a desired target force value. This control can be configured so that the force required by the user remains at least approximately constant throughout the adjustment range of the interior assembly or follows a desired curve. Manual adjustment of the interior assembly in servo mode is therefore simple, comfortable, and offers a pleasant tactile experience.

[0072] In servo mode, the provision of assisting force follows the user's movement, thereby preventing unwanted overrun, i.e., further adjustment after the user has ceased operation. The user is free to choose the adjustment speed. The actuator only provides assisting force, which is variably adjusted depending on the user's movement of the interior assembly.

[0073] In servo mode, one or more adjustment planes of one or more interior assemblies can be adjusted simultaneously. For example, on a vehicle seat, the self-locking mechanism for one or more drive units can be released simultaneously, and an adjustment process initiated in servo mode to, for instance, move and rotate the vehicle seat longitudinally and simultaneously in a single movement. This enables convenient, quick, and intuitive adjustment of interior assemblies by a single user.

[0074] The adjustment drive could, for example, be a brushless DC motor (BLDC motor). However, other motors can also be used.

[0075] Different applications for a drive device of the described type are conceivable and possible.

[0076] In an application, the interior assembly can, for example, be implemented as a vehicle seat. The drive device can be designed, in particular, to adjust the backrest of the vehicle seat relative to a seat cushion. Specifically, the drive device can, in servo mode, provide electric motor assistance for manually swiveling the backrest relative to the seat cushion.

[0077] The drive unit is specifically designed to provide electric motor assistance, via servo operation, for pivoting the backrest from a pivoted position into a (nearly upright) normal operating position. Raising the backrest is thus electrically assisted. Conversely, pivoting the backrest from an upright position into a pivoted position can be done manually without electric motor assistance from the drive unit, or alternatively, with electric motor assistance via servo operation.

[0078] In another application, the interior assembly can be implemented as a vehicle seat that can be adjusted to provide an easy-entry function for easier access to a row of seats located behind the vehicle seat. The drive device can be designed to provide electric motor servo assistance for adjusting the seat to enable the easy-entry function. To enable the easy-entry function, the vehicle seat can, for example, be pivoted around a pivot axis. To pivot, a locking device that secures the vehicle seat to a floor assembly is unlocked, and then, after releasing the locking device, the vehicle seat, including its seat cushion and attached backrest, pivots around the pivot axis.

[0079] Additionally, as part of the Easy-Entry function, the backrest can be swivelled towards the seat section, whereby different adjustment drives can be provided for the electrically assisted adjustment of the vehicle seat as a whole and for the electrically assisted adjustment of the backrest relative to the seat section, but alternatively the adjustment can also take place within the framework of an overall kinematic system in a forced-coupled manner and is electrically assisted by a single adjustment drive.

[0080] For example, the drive device for electrically assisted adjustment of a vehicle seat to provide an easy-entry function for a vehicle seat can be designed with a kinematics as described in DE 10 2017 215 929 A1.

[0081] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle with interior components in the form of vehicle seats; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a vehicle; Fig. 3A a view illustrating the angle of inclination of a vehicle; Fig. 3B a view illustrating the angle of tilt of a vehicle; Fig. 4 a functional view of a control unit of a drive device; Fig. 5 a graphical view of an adjustment force to be applied by a user over an adjustment range of an interior component in a servo operating mode; Fig. 6 a schematic view of a drive device for adjusting an interior component, for example a vehicle seat; Fig. 7 a schematic view of a vehicle seat with sensor devices and an interior monitoring device arranged on it; Fig.8 A schematic view of an interior assembly in the form of a vehicle seat, designed for an electrically assisted adjustment of a backrest relative to a seat part of the vehicle seat; Fig. 9A A schematic view of an interior assembly in the form of a vehicle seat, designed for an electrically assisted adjustment of the vehicle seat to provide an easy-entry function; and Fig. 9B The interior assemblies according to . Fig. 9A , in an awkward position.

[0082] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1, which forms an interior enclosed by a vehicle body 10, in which different interior assemblies, for example in the form of vehicle seats 11 and console elements 12, and possibly other interior assemblies such as monitors, partitions, shelves, storage compartments or the like, are arranged.

[0083] Within the framework of new interior concepts, for example in connection with autonomous vehicles, interior assemblies 11, 12 can be variably adjustable in the interior of a vehicle 1.

[0084] For example, an interior assembly 11 in the form of a vehicle seat can be variably adjustable in order to adjust the vehicle seat along an adjustment plane defined by a vehicle longitudinal direction X and a vehicle transverse direction Y and, if necessary, also to rotate it about a vertical direction Z, as shown in Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 2 This is evident. Furthermore, components of the vehicle seat, for example the backrest 112, can be adjustable to adapt the position of the respective component. For example, the backrest 112 can be adjusted in its tilt. In addition, the seat section 111 can be adjusted in its height and also in its tilt position.

[0085] For an interior assembly 11, 12, there is a fundamental desire for comfortable, intuitive, and tactilely pleasing adjustment by the user. The adjustment should be as precise and quick as possible, while limiting the force required by the user.

[0086] To adjust an interior assembly 11, 12, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 As shown, a drive device 2 is provided which is connected to a control unit 3. The drive device 2 is designed as an electric motor and can be operated to move an associated interior assembly 11, 12 between different positions.

[0087] In principle, each adjustable interior assembly 11, 12 or an adjustable sub-assembly of an interior assembly 11, 12, for example the backrest 112 of a vehicle seat, can be assigned its own electromechanical drive device 2, wherein the drive devices 2 can be connected, for example, to a common control unit 3, so that the control unit 3 jointly controls the drive devices 2 to adjust the assigned interior assembly 11, 12.

[0088] Using the drive device 2, an associated interior assembly 11, 12 can be adjusted along a defined path of movement. For example, a vehicle seat can be moved along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle along a path of movement defined by guide rails relative to a vehicle floor. A backrest section 112 can also be pivoted about a defined pivot axis 110 relative to the seat section 111.

[0089] However, it is also conceivable that an interior assembly 11, 12 can move freely along the vehicle floor of vehicle 1 and thus be freely adjusted within the interior and, for example, locked at defined anchor points within the interior. Therefore, it is not absolutely necessary to provide guide rails, for example, to define a fixed, predetermined path of movement.

[0090] Each drive device 2 can, for example, be operated in automatic mode and in servo mode, and can thus effect automatic adjustment of the respective associated interior assembly 11, 12, or manual adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 by a user, with the adjustment being supported by the drive device 2 via an electric motor. For this purpose, the drive device 2 can, for example, be switchable between different operating modes, whereby the adjustment drive 20 is controlled in different ways depending on the selected operating mode.

[0091] While in automatic mode the control is intended to be based, for example, on a predetermined rotational speed in order to move the interior assembly 11, 12 between different positions at a predetermined adjustment speed, in servo mode the adjustment drive 20 is intended to provide a force that causes an additional user force to adjust the interior assembly 11, 12. The user force applied should preferably be at least approximately the same over the adjustment range of the interior assembly 11, 12, or follow a desired curve, in order to enable the user to adjust comfortably and with a pleasant tactile experience.

[0092] Fig. 3A and 3B show (in exaggerated representations for illustrative purposes) different vehicle positions and the resulting positions of an interior assembly 11 in the form of a vehicle seat inside the vehicle 1.

[0093] Fig. 3A Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1, which is parked, for example, on a slope with an incline and therefore has an incline angle α between the vehicle's vertical axis Z and a vertical (determined by the direction of gravity). The incline angle α of the vehicle 1 is measured about the vehicle's transverse axis Y (see Fig. 2B).

[0094] Fig. 3B In contrast, figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 that rotates around the vehicle's longitudinal axis X (see Fig. 3A ) is inclined. In this case, the vehicle's vertical axis Z has an angle of inclination β to the vertical, measured around the vehicle's longitudinal axis X.

[0095] As will be explained below, the vehicle position is taken into account in the calculation of the force to be provided by the adjustment drive 20 in servo operating mode, which is intended to assist a user in adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0096] One in Fig. 4In an exemplary embodiment, the control device 3 for controlling the adjustment drive 20 of the drive device 2 has different control modules which, depending on the operating mode, serve to adjust a current (corresponding to the motor current) of the adjustment drive 20 designed as an electric motor so that an adjustment of an interior assembly 11, 12 takes place in the desired manner depending on the operating mode, namely in automatic operation with a desired adjustment speed and in servo operation in a power-assisted manner.

[0097] The control unit 3 implements a current control module 34, to which a setpoint I cmd is supplied, wherein, depending on the operating mode, the current control module 34 receives the setpoint I cmd from a speed control module 32 or a servo control module 31.

[0098] The speed control module 32 serves to specify the setpoint I cmd in automatic operation so that a desired speed is achieved at the adjustment drive 20 and a desired adjustment speed v is achieved at the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0099] In contrast, the servo control module 31 serves to specify the setpoint I cmd in such a way that manual adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 in servo operation is supported by a force which is set so that the additional force to be applied by a user is preferably at least approximately equal to or follows a desired curve over the adjustment range of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0100] In automatic mode, the speed control module 32 regulates the speed of the actuator 20. A target speed n cmd is supplied to the speed control module 32 via an input 320. This target speed n cmd is stored, for example, in a memory and is therefore fixed (either as a constant value or as a speed profile over the adjustment range), but can also be adjusted by a user if necessary. Depending on the target speed n cmd and the actual speed of the actuator 20 during control operation, the speed control module 32 determines a setpoint I cmd, which it supplies to the current control module 34.

[0101] In automatic mode, the speed control module 32 is connected to the current control module 34 via a switching device 33, whereby the switching device 33 is switched to a switching point 330. The setpoint I cmd output by the speed control module 32 is thus supplied to the current control module 34, enabling the current control module 34 to perform current control based on the setpoint I cmd received from the speed control module 32.

[0102] The switching device 33 can be physically implemented by a mechanical switch. Advantageously, however, the switching device 33 is implemented in software by the software of the control unit 3. Likewise, the modules of the control unit 3 are preferably implemented by software modules.

[0103] The switching device 33 is controlled, for example, via a control module 36 of the control device 3.

[0104] Current control is performed in the current control module 34. The current control module 34 regulates the current of the actuator 20 such that it is set to the setpoint 34 supplied to the current control module 34. The current control module 34 sets the current using a voltage control value U cmd in the form of a load factor (between 0% and 100%) by supplying the voltage control value U cmd to a pulse width modulation 35, which generates an output voltage based on the vehicle's battery voltage U Bat and the voltage control value U cmd and supplies it to the actuator 20. The pulse width modulation 35 preferably operates at a relatively high frequency, in particular at a frequency between 5 kHz and 30 kHz, for example, 20 kHz. Based on the setpoint I cmd and the actual current I of the actuator 21, the control value U cmd is adjusted so that the motor current I is regulated to the setpoint I cmd.

[0105] In automatic mode, control is thus carried out in the form of a cascade control, in which the speed control module 32 determines a control value in the form of a setpoint I cmd and supplies it to the downstream current control module 34 for current control.

[0106] By switching the switching device 33 to switching point 331, the system can be switched to servo operation, in which a setpoint I cmd is now supplied to the current control module 34 by the servo control module 31, but not by the speed control module 32. Based on the setpoint received from the servo control module 31, current control then takes place such that the force provided by the adjustment drive 20 assists a user in adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12, and the user has to apply a force that is preferably as uniform as possible over the adjustment range of the interior assembly 11, 12 for the electrically assisted adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0107] The determination of the setpoint I cmd by the servo control module 31 is based on a load acting on the interior assembly 11, 12, which is calculated by a load calculation module 30 depending on the vehicle position and, for example, a position of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0108] This can be illustrated, for example, by an adjustment in the form of a rotational movement around the vehicle's vertical axis Z of an interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of a vehicle seat. During such a rotational movement, loads on the interior assembly 11, 12 are influenced by the vehicle's inclination and gradient, and these loads are taken into account when determining the target value I cmd.

[0109] The load acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 is basically determined by a static load force and a dynamic load force.

[0110] For rotation about the vehicle's vertical axis Z, a static load moment acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 is determined in particular by a moment resulting from gravity about the vehicle's vertical axis Z and additionally by a frictional torque acting in the bearing of the interior assembly 11. The static torque, referred to as the static load moment, is thus calculated as M stat = M Neigung ∗ cos α + M Steigung ± M R , where M stat denotes the static load moment, M inclination a tilting moment resulting from a vehicle inclination, M gradient a gradient moment resulting from a vehicle gradient, and MR a frictional moment in the bearing of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0111] It should be noted that the term "cos(α)" in the equation above only appears if the inclination / pitch angles are determined according to DIN ISO 8855 (corresponding to the Euler angle, which is derived from a roll angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle). If the inclination angle is measured (absolutely), the term "cos(α)" is omitted.

[0112] The slope moment and the inclination moment are calculated as follows: M Steigung = x SP ∗ m ∗ g ∗ sin α ∗ sin φ M Neigung = x SP ∗ m ∗ g ∗ sin β ∗ cos φ

[0113] The quantities used in these equations represent: φ Current rotation angle [°] - Offset angle x SP Distance center of gravity - axis of rotation [m] m Mass of the interior assembly [kg] g Acceleration due to gravity [m / s²<] α Slope of pivot axis β Tilt of axis of rotation [°] MR Friction torque [Nm]

[0114] The angles α, β are in Fig. 3A and 3BThe distance x SP between the center of gravity SP of the interior assembly 11 and the axis of rotation of the interior assembly 11, 12 is illustrated by example in Fig. 2 The gradient and inclination of vehicle 1, as well as the current position of the interior assembly 11, 12, can be detected by sensors 301, 302, 303, and measured values ​​are supplied to the load calculation module 30 accordingly.

[0115] When determining the static load moment, the presence of a user or objects can also be taken into account – for example, when the interior assembly 11, 12 is configured with a vehicle seat. In this case, the mass of the interior assembly 11, 12 changes in particular. A force acting due to occupancy can, for example, be determined at least approximately using a sensor signal from a sensor device of the interior assembly 11, 12 and included in the calculation of the load moment.

[0116] In addition to the static load moment, a dynamic load moment acts when the interior assembly 11, 12 moves, which is calculated as follows: M dyn = φ ¨ ∗ I ∗ c φ̈Here, denotes the acceleration of the interior assembly 11, 12. The acceleration of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be determined from a change in the adjustment angle ϕ about the axis of rotation. Alternatively, the acceleration can also be calculated from the adjustment velocity v of the interior assembly 11, 12, which is supplied to the servo control module 31 during operation.

[0117] In the equation above, I represents the inertia of the interior assembly 11. The factor c allows for the adjustment of dynamic haptics and can take values ​​between 0% and 100%. When c = 100%, any change in dynamics during acceleration of the interior assembly 11 is essentially compensated for by the motor. When c = 0%, a user must apply a force change themselves during acceleration.

[0118] In addition to such static and dynamic load forces, a torque arises on the interior assembly 11, 12, which is caused by the user force at the point of application on the interior assembly 11, 12. The user torque is calculated as follows: M user = F user ∗ l Griff with • F user Preferred server [N] • l handle Distance attack position - pivot axis [m] • M user User-generated torque [Nm]

[0119] The distance I handle between an attack position, at which a user is intended to attack an interior assembly 11, 12 and which may, for example, correspond to the position of a control element on the interior assembly 11, 12, and the axis of rotation of the interior assembly 11, 12 pointing along the vehicle vertical direction Z, is in Fig. 2 schematically represented.

[0120] Based on the static load moment, the dynamic load moment, and the user torque, a force balance in the form of a moment balance can be established to determine the target load moment to be provided by the adjustment drive 20. The moment balance is calculated as follows: M Soll = M stat + M dyn − M user

[0121] Mtarget denotes the torque to be provided by the drive device 2 at the axis of rotation. From this, the servo control module 31 calculates the torque to be provided by the adjustment drive 20, taking into account a gear ratio of the drive device 2. M Soll _ Antrieb = M Soll ∗ ü Hebel

[0122] The lever ratio denotes the transmission ratio of the kinematics of the drive device 2 for the translation of an adjusting force provided by the drive device 2 at the location of an electromechanical adjusting drive into an adjusting force at the location of the axis of rotation of the interior assembly 11, 12. The lever ratio can, for example, depend on ϕ and be stored in the system in the form of a look-up table.

[0123] The target torque of the electric motor-driven adjustment mechanism is calculated from the target torque of the drive, taking into account the motor efficiency and a gear ratio of a motor gearbox. M Soll _ motor = M Soll _ Antrieb η motor ∗ ü Getriebe with • η motor Translation efficiency [ ] • ü transmission Gear ratio [ ]

[0124] The motor current is fundamentally proportional to the motor torque, so the target value can be calculated from the target motor torque M target_motor as follows: I Soll _ motor = M Soll _ motor Kt + I o with • Canton Motor constant [Nm / A] • I o Motor idle current [A]

[0125] This value is supplied as setpoint I cmd from the servo control module 31 to the current control module 34 in servo operating mode.

[0126] For a different adjustment, for example for a longitudinal and / or lateral adjustment of an interior assembly 11, 12 along a vehicle floor, i.e. along an adjustment plane spanned by the vehicle's longitudinal direction X and its transverse direction Y, a similar system of equations results, in which the load on the interior assembly 11, 12 depends on the inclination and gradient of the vehicle 1, as in Fig. 3A and 3B shown, dependent.

[0127] In servo operating mode, the setpoint I cmd is thus determined by taking into account load forces acting on the interior assembly 11, 12, such that the force to be applied by the user over the adjustment range of the interior assembly 11 is the same or follows a desired curve. Accordingly, for example, as shown in Fig. 5shown, via an adjustment path of the interior assembly 11, 12 (in Fig. 5 A user force F, recorded over an adjustment angle ϕ), is applied at least approximately uniformly and can be set to a predetermined value, for example, 10 N. A user must therefore apply a controlled, uniform user force of, for example, 10 N over the adjustment range of the interior assembly 11, 12 to effect smooth, electrically assisted adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0128] Fig. 6 Figure 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a drive device 2, which is designed for electromechanical adjustment of an associated interior assembly 11, 12 and in particular enables manual, but electromechanically assisted adjustment of the associated interior assembly 11, 12 in servo operation.

[0129] The drive device 2 has an electromechanical adjustment drive 20 in the form of an electric motor, which is operatively connected to a gearbox 21. The gearbox 21 serves to drive an output element 23, which acts on a gear element 24 and via this on an adjustment assembly 25 for adjusting the associated interior assembly 11, 12.

[0130] For example, the output element 23 can be configured as a worm with an integrated worm gear that engages with a gear element 24 in the form of a spindle nut. The spindle nut 24 can, for example, be arranged on an adjustment assembly 25 in the form of a spindle, such that driving the spindle nut 24 causes a longitudinal adjustment between the spindle nut 24 and the spindle 25, thereby longitudinally adjusting an associated interior assembly 11, 12. Such an adjustment kinematic mechanism can be implemented, for example, in a longitudinal adjustment device of an interior assembly 11, 12, such as a vehicle seat.

[0131] To provide servo operation, the adjustment drive 20 with the gearbox 21 and the adjustment kinematics provided via the output element 23, the gearbox element 24 and the adjustment assembly 25 is, for example, not designed to be self-locking. An associated interior assembly 11, 12 can thus be manually adjusted while simultaneously moving the adjustment kinematics of the drive device 2.

[0132] In order to enable the interior assembly 11, 12 to be locked in a position just assumed, the drive device 2 in the illustrated embodiment has a locking device 22 in the form of a brake, which is operatively connected to the output element 23 and serves to lock the output element 23 and, via it, the associated interior assembly 11, 12 in a locked position.

[0133] If an adjustment process is initiated, during which a user manually adjusts the interior assembly 11, 12 with the assistance of the drive device 2, the locking device 22 is released from the locked position to an unlocked position. The locking mechanism of the interior assembly 11, 12 is thus released, allowing adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12.

[0134] The adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 should generally be carried out conveniently by the user by grasping the assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted and moving it manually. This adjustment is assisted by an electric motor, and in servo mode of the drive device 2, the user only needs to apply a comparatively small adjustment force; any additional adjustment force required is provided by the drive device 2 in an electric motor manner. The adjustment process is initiated when a user's adjustment request is detected, for example, by sensing whether the user is grasping the interior assembly 11, 12 in a way that indicates an adjustment request.

[0135] In one embodiment, the interior assembly 11, 12 can be, as shown schematically in Fig. 7The device is shown to have a control element 13 in the form of a push button, which must be pressed by a user to initiate an adjustment process. Adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12, for example a vehicle seat, is possible as long as the user presses and holds down the control element 13. Alternatively, the adjustment mode can be started after a single press, whereby the adjustment mode ends automatically, for example, after a predetermined time or after a predetermined time following a successful adjustment.

[0136] Additionally or alternatively, a control element 14 in the form of a switch can be located, for example, centrally in the vehicle interior, such as on a center console. Activating the control element 14 can initiate an adjustment mode for one, several, or all interior components 11, 12, allowing the interior components 11, 12 to be adjusted with servo assistance.

[0137] In addition to or as an alternative to a control element 13, 14, sensor devices 113-118 for detecting an adjustment request can be arranged on the interior assembly 11, as shown schematically in Fig. 7As shown, such sensor devices 113-118 can be designed in different ways and arranged at different locations on the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted. The sensor devices 113-118 can be assigned to different subassemblies of the interior assembly 11, 12, so that a request for adjustment of the interior assembly 11, 12 as a whole or of a subassembly of the interior assembly 11, 12 can be detected via the sensor devices 113-118.

[0138] For example, sensor devices 113, 114, 115, 116, 117 in the form of proximity sensors or tactile touch sensors can be arranged at different locations on the backrest part 112 and / or on the seat part 111 of the interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of the vehicle seat. Such sensor devices 113-117 can thus detect whether a user is approaching the interior assembly 11, 12 to be adjusted with a part of their body and is acting on the interior assembly 11, 12 in order to adjust it, if necessary.

[0139] In the example according to Fig. 7Sensor devices 113 and 114 are arranged, offset vertically, on the rear of the backrest section 112. In contrast, a sensor device 115 is located on a headrest at the upper end of the backrest section 112. A sensor device 116 is located on the front of the backrest section 112. A sensor device 117 is located on the seat section 111. All sensor devices 113-117 can be designed, for example, as proximity sensors, such as capacitive sensors, or as tactile touch sensors. It is conceivable that the sensor devices 113-117 are designed in the same way or implement different operating principles.

[0140] Detection signals from sensor devices 113-117 can be evaluated jointly or separately. For example, if a signal is detected by sensor devices 113 and 114 on the rear of the backrest section 112, this can be interpreted as a request to swivel the backrest section 112 forward. Conversely, if a signal is detected by sensor device 115 on the headrest, this can be interpreted as a request to adjust the headrest. If a signal is detected by sensor device 116 located on the front of the backrest section 112, this can be interpreted as a request to swivel the backrest section 112 backward.

[0141] The sensor device 117 can, for example, detect whether a seat is occupied by a user, in order to adjust the force to be provided by the drive device 2 for servo support, depending on whether an adjustment is to be made with a user on the seat or without a user.

[0142] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor device 118 in the form of an acceleration sensor or a velocity sensor can be arranged on the adjustable interior assembly 11, 12, with which an acceleration or an adjustment speed on the interior assembly 11, 12 can be detected. If a user touches and adjusts the interior assembly 11, 12 within the limits of the system elasticity present on the interior assembly 11, 12, this can be evaluated and used to recognize a desired adjustment.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with an interior monitoring device 119, for example in the form of a camera, a radar system, or a lidar system, which enables monitoring of the vehicle's interior. By image-based evaluation of signals acquired via the interior monitoring device 119, user movement can be evaluated and detected in order to infer a desire to adjust something.

[0144] Using sensor devices 113-118 and / or an interior monitoring device 119, a user gesture can be detected, for example, which is interpreted as a request for adjustment. For example, one or more user gestures can be predefined that a user must perform to initiate an adjustment process for an interior assembly 11, 12. Such a gesture can be defined, for example, by a movement of a specific body part, such as a user's hand, with a predetermined movement pattern, for example, along a specific direction of movement.

[0145] For example, such a gesture could consist of a tapping motion on a backrest section 112 of a vehicle seat. If a user taps the backrest section 112 twice with the flat of their hand, this can be interpreted as a request to move the vehicle seat forward or swivel the backrest section 112 forward, with different gestures generally defined for different adjustment operations.

[0146] Gesture recognition can initiate an adjustment mode for adjusting one or more interior assemblies 11, 12, whereby multiple interior assemblies 11, 12 can be moved simultaneously. The adjustment mode can, for example, end after a predetermined time. Alternatively, the adjustment mode can end after a predetermined time following a final adjustment action. Alternatively again, the adjustment mode can be ended by a termination gesture performed by the user.

[0147] To reduce the requirements for sensors to detect a desired adjustment and to simplify the initiation of servo operation, it can also be provided that the adjustment mode for adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12 is activated depending on one or more trigger criteria.

[0148] Such trigger criteria could, for example, be the occupancy status of an interior assembly 11, 12, such as a vehicle seat, the opening status of a vehicle door, particularly a side door or tailgate, or the vehicle's driving state. Such trigger criteria can be checked as positive criteria, resulting in the activation of the adjustment mode. However, such trigger criteria can also be checked as negative criteria (exclusion criteria), meaning that the adjustment mode can only be started if such a negative criterion is not met.

[0149] A positive criterion could be, for example, the open state of a vehicle door. The adjustment mode could then be activated when a vehicle side door or the tailgate is opened, in which case the adjustment mode would be activated, for example, for an interior assembly 11, 12 in the area of ​​the open vehicle side door or tailgate.

[0150] A negative criterion could be, for example, the occupancy status or the vehicle's driving state. Thus, activation of the adjustment mode might only be possible if an interior assembly 11, 12 in the form of a vehicle seat is unoccupied or if the vehicle is not moving, i.e., stationary.

[0151] If the adjustment mode is activated upon the presence of a trigger criterion or a predetermined combination of trigger criteria, the locking device 22 may be unlocked, thus releasing the locking mechanism of the interior assembly 11, 12. Additionally, the adjustment drive 20 is initially energized with a low-energy pulse width modulation to hold the interior assembly 11, 12 in position, for example, by compensating for gravity. If movement of the interior assembly 11, 12 is then detected, for example, by motion detection using Hall sensors on the interior assembly 11, 12, a user's adjustment request is inferred, and servo operation is initiated by the adjustment drive 20 providing further motor-driven assistance for adjusting the interior assembly 11, 12 in servo mode.

[0152] The current applied when the adjustment mode is activated can be low-energy, such that the internal assembly 11, 12 is held in position by an electric motor but initially remains stationary. Alternatively, the current can be applied such that the internal assembly 11, 12 is set into slow motion upon activation, with the movement alternating in different directions by varying the current. The current value for activation of the adjustment mode can be predefined by configuration, measured during calibration during manufacturing, or adaptively set at the beginning of each adjustment mode.

[0153] A user's adjustment request can be triggered by simple motion detection at the interior assembly 11, 12 when the adjustment mode is activated. Alternatively, a specific movement pattern at the interior assembly 11, 12 can be required and monitored to initiate servo operation. For example, servo operation is started when the user performs a predetermined shaking or nudging motion at the interior assembly 11, 12, which is identified accordingly by the control unit 3.

[0154] When the adjustment mode is activated, the control unit 3 can also be configured to generate a warning signal for the user, alerting them that the adjustment mode for a specific interior assembly 11, 12 has been activated and can therefore be adjusted in servo mode. This warning can be given by activating the adjustment drive 20 for a slow movement of the interior assembly 11, 12, which is perceptible to the user. Alternatively, the control unit 3 can send a signal, for example to the vehicle's audio system, to alert the user to the servo operation. As yet another alternative, the control unit 3 can activate the adjustment drive 20, for example to generate a predetermined sound, such as playing music.

[0155] A drive device 2 of the described type can be used for electrically motor-assisted adjustment in servo operation in a wide variety of applications.

[0156] In an application, schematically represented in Fig. 8 The drive device 2 can, for example, be designed for the electrically assisted adjustment of a backrest 112 relative to a seat section 111 of a vehicle seat 11. In particular, the drive device 2 can provide electric motor assistance for pivoting the backrest 112 about a pivot axis 110 relative to the seat section 111 in servo mode.

[0157] It may be provided that the drive device 2 in particular raises the backrest 112 in a pivoting direction V' from a folded-down position 112' (shown in Fig. 8(in dashed lines) is electrically assisted. In contrast, folding the backrest 112 forward in a swivel direction V is not electrically assisted by the drive device 2, but is done manually in a gravity-assisted manner.

[0158] In another application, shown in Figs. 9A and 9B The drive device 2 can be designed for the electrically assisted adjustment of a vehicle seat 11 to provide an easy-entry function. The vehicle seat 11 is in a normal operating position, as shown in Fig. 9A, arranged on a floor assembly 15 and locked to the floor assembly 15 via a locking device 151 in the form of a locking mechanism in the area of ​​a rear support of the vehicle seat 11. To provide an easy-entry function, the entire vehicle seat 11 can be pivoted forward in a direction of movement A1, with the backrest 112 optionally also pivoting forward in a direction of movement A2 towards the seat section 111 as part of the easy-entry function. If access to a row of seats located behind the vehicle seat 11 is to be facilitated, a user can access the vehicle seat 11 and pivot it, as described in the transition from Fig. 9A towards Fig. 9B evidently, from the normal operating position to a forward-positioned position in which, firstly, the vehicle seat 11 is pivoted as a whole about a pivot axis 150 relative to the floor assembly 15 and, secondly, the backrest 112 is moved to the seat part 111.

[0159] The drive device 2 can, for example, have different adjustment drives 20, each of which can be operated in servo mode. A first adjustment drive 20 can, for example, be designed for electrically assisted adjustment of the vehicle seat 11 relative to the floor assembly 15, while a second adjustment drive can, for example, be designed for electrically assisted adjustment of the backrest 112 relative to the seat section 111.

[0160] Within the framework of the Easy-Entry function, the vehicle seat 11 and the backrest 112 can, for example, only be adjustable in a coupled manner, as determined by a kinematic mechanism. Alternatively, the vehicle seat 11 as a whole and the backrest 112 can be adjusted independently of the seat section 111.

[0161] A kinematics of the vehicle seat 11 for providing the Easy-Entry function can, for example, be designed as described in DE 10 2017 215 929 A1.

[0162] The underlying idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can also be realized in other ways.

[0163] The interior assembly can be implemented through a wide variety of components within a vehicle's interior and is therefore not limited to a vehicle seat or a console element. For example, an interior assembly that can be adjusted via a servo-driven mechanism could also be a monitor, a storage compartment (such as a table), a partition, a storage box, or similar items.

[0164] A control system in servo operation is not limited to current regulation of the type described, but can also be designed differently. Reference symbol list

[0165] 1 Motor vehicle 10 Vehicle body 11 Interior assembly (vehicle seat) 110 Swivel axis 111 Seat section 112 Backrest section 113-117 Sensor device 118 Sensor device 119 Interior monitoring system 12 Interior assembly (console element) 13, 14 Control element 15 Floor assembly 150 Swivel axis 2 Drive device 20 Adjustment drive (motor) 21 Gearbox 22 Braking device (brake) 23 Output element 24 Gearbox element 25 Adjustment assembly 3 Control device 30 Load calculation module 301-303 Sensor device 31 Servo control module 310 Event detection 32 Speed ​​control module 320 Speed ​​input 33 Switching device 330, 331 Switching point 34 Current control module 35 PWM unit 36 ​​Control module α Inclination angle of the vehicle vertical axis β Tilt angle of the vehicle vertical axis ϕ Door opening angle A1, A2 Direction of movement I cmd Setpoint n Speed ​​SP Center of gravity U Bat Battery voltage x SP Distance axis of rotation - center of gravity V Direction of rotation X Longitudinal axis of the vehicle Y Transverse axis of the vehicle Z Vertical axis of the vehicle

Claims

1. A drive device (2) for adjusting an interior assembly (11) of a vehicle (1), comprising an electromotive adjusting drive (20) for adjusting the interior assembly (11) and a control device (3) for controlling the adjusting drive (20), wherein the control device (3) is configured to actuate the adjusting drive (20) in a servo mode to provide a supporting force during a manual adjustment of the interior assembly (11) by a user, wherein the control device (3) is configured to activate an adjusting mode for adjusting the interior assembly (11) in the servo mode in dependence on at least one trigger criterion, characterized in that the control device (3) is configured to evaluate a driving condition of the vehicle (1) as a trigger criterion.

2. The drive device (2) according to claim 1, characterized by an inhibiting device (22) for inhibiting an adjusting movement of the interior assembly (11) in a blocking position, wherein the control device (3) is configured to transfer the inhibiting device (22) from the blocking position into a non-blocked position for adjusting the interior assembly (11).

3. The drive device (2) according to claim 2, characterized by an output element (23) operatively connected to the adjusting drive (20), wherein the inhibiting device (22) is operatively connected to the output element (23) in order to block the output element (23) in the blocking position against an adjustment and to release the same for an adjustment in the non-blocked position.

4. The drive device (2) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the interior assembly (11) is a vehicle seat or an assembly (111, 112) of a vehicle seat.

5. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior assembly (11) is pivotable about a pivot axis (110) and / or shiftable along a longitudinal direction (X, Y, Z).

6. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior assembly (11) includes an operating element (113) which can be actuated by a user for adjusting the interior assembly (11).

7. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior assembly (11) includes a sensor device (118) for detecting a touch, an approach, an acceleration and / or a speed of movement at the interior assembly (11), wherein the control device (3) is configured to evaluate a detection signal of the sensor device (118) for recognizing an adjustment request of a user.

8. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (3) is configured to evaluate a detection signal for recognizing a predetermined gesture and infer an adjustment request on recognition of the predetermined gesture.

9. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (3) is configured to actuate the adjusting drive (20) in the adjusting mode to provide a supporting force during a manual adjustment of the interior assembly (11) by a user, when after activation of the adjusting mode an adjustment request of a user is recognized.

10. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that after activation of the adjusting mode the control device (3) is configured to generate an indication signal as an indication of the adjusting mode for output to a user.

11. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (3) includes a servo control module (31) for determining a setpoint in dependence on a load acting on the interior assembly (11).

12. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (3) includes a current regulation module (34) for regulating a current of the adjusting drive (20), wherein the current regulation module (34) is configured to regulate the current of the adjusting drive (20) with reference to the setpoint supplied by the servo control module (31).

13. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (3) includes a load calculation module (30) that is configured to determine a load acting on the interior assembly (11) in dependence on an inclination angle (β2) of the vehicle (1), which is measured about a longitudinal vehicle axis (X), an inclination angle (β1) of a pivot axis (110) of the interior assembly (11), which is measured about the longitudinal vehicle axis (X), a slope angle (α2) of the vehicle (1), which is measured about the transverse vehicle axis (Y), a slope angle (α1) of the pivot axis (110) of the interior assembly (11), which is measured about the transverse vehicle axis (Y), and / or a position (ϕ) of the interior assembly (11).

14. The drive device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the servo control module (31) is configured to determine a setpoint force to be provided by the adjusting drive (20) with reference to a load acting on the interior assembly (11) and a target force value to be applied by a user.

15. The drive device (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the load acting on the interior assembly (11) is determined with reference to a static load force acting on the interior assembly (11) and a dynamic load force acting on the interior assembly (11).