Adjustment system for a vehicle seat, and method for adjusting a vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment system (1) for a vehicle seat (2), having - at least one electronically controllable adjustment device (11, 11') for the motorised adjustment of the adjustment position of the vehicle seat (2), - at least one chargeable energy store (12, 12') which is electrically connected to the at least one adjustment device (11, 11') and is designed to provide an operating current (IB) for operating the at least one adjustment device (11, 11'), and - a charging device (13) which is connected to the energy store (12, 12'), can be connected to an energy source (3) in order to charge the at least one energy store (12, 12') and is designed to provide a charging current (IL), the intensity of the operating current (IB) being greater than the maximum charging current (IL). The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a vehicle seat.

Description

[0001] Brose Vehicle Parts SE & Co. Limited Partnership, Coburg Max-Brose-Straße 1 96450 Coburg

[0002] Adjustment system for a vehicle seat and method for adjusting a vehicle seat

[0003] Description

[0004] The proposed solution relates to an adjustment system for a vehicle seat and a method for adjusting a vehicle seat. Using such adjustment systems and / or methods, vehicle seats can be adjusted by external power within a vehicle interior. For example, vehicle seats can be adjusted by external power in a vertical direction from a vehicle floor toward a vehicle roof or along a vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0005] Both such adjustment systems and such methods for vehicle seats are generally known from the field of vehicle construction. For power-operated adjustment, such adjustment systems have electronically controllable adjustment devices, such as electric motors. An operating current must be provided to operate such an adjustment device. For this purpose, the adjustment systems comprise an electrical connection via which the adjustment systems can be connected to a power source, in particular to a vehicle's electrical system. In particular, such an electrical connection must be designed for the operating current intensity that occurs during operation of the adjustment device.

[0006] Particularly with regard to modern vehicle concepts, and in particular with regard to autonomously driving vehicles, increased flexibility in the arrangement of vehicle seats within the vehicle interior is desired. It is therefore desirable to equip vehicle seats with adjustment systems that enable adjustment of an adjustment position along the vehicle's longitudinal axis and / or a vehicle's transverse axis. In this case, the electrical connection of the energy source to the adjustment device of the vehicle seat must be configured to allow corresponding displacement of the vehicle seat within the vehicle interior. For example, sections of the electrical connection running between a vehicle floor and the vehicle seat can be designed to be flexible using bearing devices such as drag chains and / or cable cassettes and at the same time be protected against mechanical influences.In the case of long adjustment ranges, such bearing devices as well as long cable harnesses can involve considerable material expenditure, assembly effort and weight.

[0007] There is therefore a need to further improve adjustment systems for vehicle seats.

[0008] This object is achieved by an adjustment system according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 29.

[0009] The proposed adjustment system for a vehicle seat accordingly comprises: at least one electronically controllable adjustment device for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat, at least one rechargeable energy store electrically connected to the at least one adjustment device and configured to provide an operating current for operating the at least one adjustment device, and a charging device connected to the at least one energy store, which charging device can be connected to an energy source for charging the at least one energy store and is configured to provide a charging current, wherein a current intensity of the operating current is greater than a maximum current intensity of the charging current.

[0010] By providing the at least one energy storage device, the at least one adjusting device can be operated via the energy storage device, while the energy storage device can be connected to an energy source and recharged as needed. The charging current occurring during charging has a lower maximum current than the current of the operating current. Accordingly, the charging device can be designed for a lower current than a connection of the at least one energy storage device to the at least one adjusting device. Moreover, since the at least one energy storage device and the at least one adjusting device are arranged on the vehicle seat in the intended mounted state, a cable length required to connect the at least one energy storage device to the at least one adjusting device can be shorter than a cable length of the charging device.In this case, only the connection between the at least one energy storage device and the at least one adjustment device needs to be designed for the operating current occurring during operation. The charging device, however, can be designed for a lower current than the operating current, in particular only for a maximum current of the charging current occurring during operation. This can reduce the number of required cables and / or the diameter of the cables used for the charging device. This can reduce material requirements, manufacturing costs, and weight.

[0011] Furthermore, the proposed adjustment system allows the at least one adjustment device to be operable, at least temporarily, independently of a power supply from the power source. Thus, a vehicle seat equipped with the adjustment system can be adjusted by external power even if the power source, such as a vehicle's electrical system, is temporarily unavailable. This can increase user comfort and safety.

[0012] The at least one rechargeable energy storage device can be configured to store energy available at one time in the form of the charging current in such a way that this energy can be retrieved at a later time in the form of the operating current. For example, the at least one rechargeable energy storage device can be configured to store energy chemically, mechanically, electrically, thermally, or thermochemically. In particular, the at least one rechargeable energy storage device can be configured as an accumulator.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the proposed solution, the charging device has a lower current carrying capacity than a connection of the at least one energy storage device to the at least one adjustment device. This can further reduce the material requirements.

[0014] The current carrying capacity of an electrical connection can be defined as a permissible current density. The permissible current density can be defined as the current density at which critical heating or material degradation of the electrical connection does not occur.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the quotient of the operating current and a minimum conductor cross-section of the charging device can be greater than the melt current density of the charging device at the location of the minimum conductor cross-section. This can further reduce material requirements.

[0016] For example, a melt current density of the charging device can have different values ​​in different sections of the charging device. In particular, the quotient of the operating current and the minimum conductor cross-section of the charging device can be greater than a minimum melt current density of the charging device. Each of the different melt current density values ​​can depend on a material of the charging device. For example, the melt current density in at least one of the sections of the charging device can be 3060 A per square millimeter.

[0017] Further, by way of example, the charging device can be configured with at least one conductor track comprising an electrically conductive material. Such an electrical material can be copper, for example. In one embodiment, the at least one conductor track of the charging device can be printed on flexible circuit boards. This can further improve the suitability of the adjustment system for vehicle seats with long adjustment ranges.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the charging device for transmitting electrical energy can have at least one energy source-side conductor section connectable to an energy source, and at least one energy storage-side conductor section connected to the at least one energy storage device and releasably coupled to the at least one energy source-side conductor section. This can further improve the suitability of the adjustment system for vehicle seats with wide adjustment ranges and further reduce material requirements.

[0019] In principle, each of the conductor sections can be any type of electrically conductive connection between two points that is designed to conduct a current between the points. Such conductive connections can be formed, for example, with cables, particularly copper cables.

[0020] The at least one energy source-side conductor section and the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be reversibly separable and detachable from one another. The connected, or coupled, conductor sections can be configured to conduct the charging current between the energy source, which can be connected to the energy source-side conductor section, and the at least one energy storage device for charging the at least one energy storage device. In the case of the separated, or decoupled, conductor sections, however, the charging current can be interrupted.

[0021] For example, the at least one energy source-side conductor section and the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be coupled to one another depending on their proximity. As a result, the adjustment system can be configured to draw energy for charging the at least one energy storage device from the energy source in a charging position into which a vehicle seat can be adjusted with the adjustment system installed as intended.

[0022] For example, the coupling of the at least one energy-source-side conductor section and the at least one energy-storage-side conductor section can be assisted by a magnetic attraction force. For example, each of the aforementioned conductor sections can have a magnetic element configured to provide an attractive force acting on the at least one energy-source-side conductor section and the at least one energy-storage-side conductor section.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, for coupling the at least one energy source-side conductor section to the at least one energy storage-side conductor section, each of the conductor sections can have at least one coupling section configured for transmitting and / or receiving electrical energy. This can improve the efficiency of the charging device and user comfort.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the adjustment system can enable at least two coupling positions, in each of which a coupling of the energy source-side conductor section with the energy storage-side conductor section is established or can be established. For example, the at least two coupling positions can be arranged in series in the longitudinal direction, in particular along an adjustment path of the vehicle seat. Preferably, the adjustment system has enough coupling positions that a coupling of the energy source-side conductor section with the energy storage-side conductor section is established or can be established in every adjustment position of the vehicle seat, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It can be particularly preferred that more conductor sections are present for coupling on the energy source side than on the energy storage side.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, at least two of the coupling sections can be arranged spatially separated from one another on one of the at least one energy source-side conductor sections. This can improve user comfort and the reliability of the adjustment system.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the proposed solution, the charging device can have exactly one energy storage-side conductor section with at least two coupling sections. This can further reduce material requirements.

[0027] By way of example, the vehicle seat with the adjustment system mounted as intended can be configured to charge the at least one energy storage device in a plurality of different charging positions by coupling one of the at least two energy source-side conductor sections to the at least one energy storage-side conductor section. By way of example, in each of the charging positions, a coupling section of the energy storage-side conductor section can be coupled to one of the at least two coupling sections of the energy source-side conductor section. This can improve the ability of the at least one energy source-side conductor section to be coupled to the at least one energy storage-side conductor section. This can reduce material requirements and lower manufacturing costs as well as the weight of the adjustment system.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment of the proposed solution, the charging device can have exactly one conductor section on the energy storage side. This can reduce the proportion of electrical connections that must be designed for the operating current occurring during operation of the adjustment device. This can further reduce material costs.

[0029] In a further exemplary embodiment, the one energy storage-side conductor section can have exactly one coupling section. This can further reduce the material expenditure. In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the one energy storage-side conductor section can be selectively coupled to one of the at least two spatially separated coupling sections of the at least one energy source-side conductor section. For example, a vehicle seat with the adjustment system mounted thereon as intended can be configured to charge the at least one energy storage device in a plurality of charging positions, wherein the adjustment system has exactly one energy storage-side conductor section and exactly one energy source-side conductor section.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, at least one of the coupling sections of the at least one energy source-side conductor section and / or the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be configured for wireless energy transmission via an electromagnetic field. This can increase the service life of the proposed adjustment system and thus reduce the probability of failure.

[0031] For example, the wireless energy transmission between the coupling sections can be implemented with an inductive energy transmission, a resonant inductive energy transmission, a capacitive energy transmission or an energy transmission by means of directed electromagnetic waves.

[0032] With regard to a configuration of the coupling sections for wireless energy transmission with inductive or resonantly inductive energy transmission, each of the coupling sections can be configured with at least one coil. Such a coil can comprise an electrical conductor and be configured to generate a magnetic field through a current with a variable current intensity. Furthermore, each of the coils can be configured to be penetrated by a magnetic field and, in the case of a magnetic field with a field intensity that varies over time at the location of the coil, to induce a current in the conductor of the coil.

[0033] At least one of the coupling sections can further be configured with a Halbach array of coils. Such a coupling section can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field substantially along a primary spatial direction, while the individual electromagnetic fields of the individual coils of the Halbach array largely cancel each other out in a direction away from the primary direction. This can improve transmission efficiency. In an alternative or supplemented embodiment, the coupling sections can be configured with capacitors for energy transmission.

[0034] In a further alternative, supplemented embodiment, at least one of the coupling sections can be configured for energy transmission via directed electromagnetic waves with a laser, and another of the coupling sections can be configured for receiving the directed waves with a photocell. Furthermore, at least one of the coupling sections can be configured for energy transmission via directed electromagnetic transmission with a directional radio antenna, and another of the coupling sections can be configured with an antenna for receiving the waves transmitted by the directional radio antenna.

[0035] In one embodiment of the proposed solution, at least one of the coupling sections of the at least one energy source-side conductor section and at least one of the coupling sections of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be detachably electrically conductively connected to one another. This can further increase the effectiveness of the coupling.

[0036] An electrically conductive connection can be any form of connection in which one of the coupling sections of the energy source-side conductor section and one of the coupling sections of the energy storage-side conductor section abut one another for the transmission of electrical energy. In particular, an electrically conductive connection can be characterized in that the two coupled coupling sections are connected to one another without an air bridge. The electrically conductive connection can, in particular, be force-fitting and / or form-fitting.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one coupling section for the detachable electrically conductive connection can have at least one spring-loaded and conductive contact pin for establishing electrical contact with another of the coupling sections. By applying a spring force, the conductive contact pin can securely contact the other of the coupling sections, thus ensuring a connection without an air bridge. This can increase operational reliability, reduce wear rates, and prevent unwanted sparking.

[0038] In a further exemplary embodiment, the at least one contact pin, when coupled to the other of the coupling sections, can rest against an electrically conductive contact surface of the other of the coupling sections. Such a contact-based coupling can preferably also be provided for rapid charging.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the charging device can have a first energy-source-side conductor section with the at least one coupling section for a detachable electrically conductive connection and a second energy-source-side conductor section with the at least one coupling section for wireless energy transmission. For example, a higher current can be transmitted from the energy-source-side conductor section to the energy storage-side conductor section via the at least one detachable electrically conductive connection than via the coupling sections configured for wireless energy transmission and coupled to one another. This can increase the flexibility of the proposed adjustment system for adaptation to different usage situations.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be selectively coupled to the first or second energy source-side conductor section. This allows the at least one energy storage device to be charged selectively via wireless energy transmission or an electrically conductive connection during operation of the adjustment system, which is mounted as intended on a vehicle seat. Thus, a charging current provided via the coupling of the conductor sections can be adjusted depending on the operating situation during operation of the adjustment system, which is mounted as intended on the vehicle seat.By way of example, the adjustment system can be arranged on the vehicle system such that the vehicle seat has various charging positions, wherein in at least one of the charging positions, a coupling section of the at least one energy source-side conductor section and a coupling section of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section are electrically conductively connected. In another charging position, a coupling section of the at least one energy source-side conductor section and a coupling section of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be coupled for wireless energy transmission. Consequently, the vehicle seat can be adjusted between the various charging positions to select whether the charging current is to be provided via the electrically conductive connection or wireless energy transmission.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the first energy-source-side conductor section can have a higher current-carrying capacity than the second energy-source-side conductor section. This allows the at least one energy storage device to be charged using different charging currents, and the adjustment system can be connected to an energy source via a plurality of different coupling sections. This can increase user comfort.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the adjustment system can be designed such that no redundant power supply to the adjustment device via the charging device and the energy storage device is provided. Thus, the cabling required for the power supply can be further reduced.

[0043] To easily scale the adjustment system according to specific requirements, the adjustment system can have at least two energy storage devices, each of which is or can be electrically connected to the charging device, and the adjustment system can have at least two adjustment devices for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat. The energy storage devices can thus be designed independently of one another. Preferably, each adjustment device has at least one energy storage device associated with it, which is configured exclusively to supply power to the adjustment device associated with it. The number, sizes, capacities, and / or performance classes of the required energy storage devices can thus be better adapted to the associated adjustment devices.

[0044] Thus, it can be provided that the energy storage devices assigned to the different adjustment devices have different performance classes.

[0045] To achieve optimal charging, the charging of one of the at least two energy storage devices can be activated and / or deactivated via the charging device independently of the other of the at least two energy storage devices. For example, if only one energy storage device is fully charged, its charging can be interrupted, while another energy storage device continues to charge.

[0046] In a further embodiment, the adjustment system can have a testing unit that is configured to test the charge level of the at least one energy storage device, wherein the testing unit emits a warning signal as soon as the charge level falls below a critical charge level value. In particular, the warning signal can be transmitted to a control device of a vehicle and / or displayed to a user via a display device. This can, for example, prevent the energy available from an energy storage device from no longer being sufficient to make an adjustment. According to a further embodiment, contactless and contact-based power transmission can be possible by means of the charging device. In particular, contactless power transmission can occur in the normal case and contact-based power transmission during rapid charging.Charging the energy storage device under normal conditions can be provided, for example, during normal vehicle operation. Rapid charging can be provided, for example, when the charging device and / or a vehicle are connected to an external charging station. For this purpose, it can be provided that a specific rapid charging position is approached to establish the contact-based power transfer. Thus, rapid charging cannot be performed in every adjustment position of the vehicle seat.

[0047] In a further embodiment, a charging voltage generated by an energy source can be different from an operating voltage required to operate the at least one adjusting device.

[0048] According to a specific embodiment, the at least one electronically controllable adjustment device can comprise at least one seat longitudinal adjustment.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the charging device can be deactivated, wherein the at least one electronically controllable adjusting device can be supplied with power independently via the at least one energy storage device when the charging device is deactivated.

[0050] In order to prevent charging of the at least one energy storage device from occurring, for example, in an electric vehicle with a critical charge level of an energy source, in particular an energy source also used to power a vehicle drive, the adjustment system can have a control device configured to deactivate charging of the at least one energy storage device if the charge level of the energy source is below a threshold value. Preferably, the control device can be configured to deactivate the charging device as soon as the charge level of the energy source is below a threshold value.

[0051] For example, the first energy-source-side conductor section can have a current carrying capacity for rapid charging that is higher than the current carrying capacity of another energy-source-side conductor section, in particular the second energy-source-side conductor section. For example, the other energy-source-side conductor section can be designed for a maximum charging current that is lower than the maximum charging current of the first energy-source-side conductor section. Thus, the first energy-source-side conductor section can be configured for rapid charging.

[0052] For example, the adjustment system intended for a vehicle seat can be configured to couple the first energy source-side conductor section to the energy storage-side conductor section or the second energy source-side conductor section to the at least one energy storage-side conductor section, depending on the adjustment position of the vehicle seat within the vehicle interior. Thus, the adjustment system intended for the vehicle seat can be configured to charge the at least one energy storage device with a higher charging current in a rapid charging position than in at least one other charging position. This can increase user comfort.

[0053] In one embodiment of the proposed solution, the quick-loading position can be an adjustment position of the vehicle seat arranged between two end positions. Accordingly, the vehicle seat can be motor-adjusted along the at least one adjustment direction from one of the end positions to the other of the end positions by the at least one adjustment device. During such an adjustment from one of the end positions to the other of the end positions, the vehicle seat can pass the quick-loading position with the proposed adjustment system. As a result, the quick-loading position can be arranged adjacent to a usage position that is regularly assumed when using the adjustment system deployed in a vehicle. This can reduce the length of the adjustment paths required during operation to adjust the vehicle seat to the quick-loading position and thus increase user comfort.

[0054] By way of example, the capacity of the at least one energy storage device can be designed for a plurality of adjustment cycles. Each adjustment cycle can represent a complete adjustment of the vehicle seat with the at least one adjustment device along an adjustment direction. By way of example, an adjustment cycle can comprise an adjustment of the vehicle seat from a position close to the ground, in which the vehicle device is completely lowered, to an adjustment position in which the vehicle is completely raised.

[0055] In principle, the proposed adjustment system can also comprise a control unit coupled to the at least one adjustment device, which is configured to activate the at least one adjustment device. In particular, the control unit can be configured to activate the at least one adjustment device for adjusting the vehicle seat in response to receiving an external signal. As a result, the adjustment system can be configured to adjust the vehicle seat depending on the external signal. For example, the external signal can be a signal generated by a vehicle. In particular, the external signal can be sent from the vehicle to the control unit when it is determined by sensors that the vehicle is connected to an external energy source.Thus, the proposed adjustment system can be configured to automatically adjust a vehicle seat mounted in the vehicle in response to connecting the vehicle equipped with the adjustment system to an external power source.

[0056] In particular, the proposed adjustment system can be configured to automatically adjust the vehicle seat to the fast charging position in response to connecting the vehicle to an external energy source.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the proposed solution, the aforementioned object is also achieved by a seat assembly for a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat mounted so as to be adjustable along at least one adjustment direction and the proposed adjustment system. The vehicle seat is adjustable along at least one adjustment direction by means of the at least one adjustment device of the adjustment system.

[0058] By using the proposed adjustment system, a proposed seat assembly can be adjusted independently of a vehicle's primary power source, such as an on-board electrical system. Furthermore, material requirements and thus costs for the circuit boards required to operate the adjustment mechanism of the adjustment system can be reduced.

[0059] By way of example, the seat assembly can be configured to be adjusted within the vehicle into at least one charging position, in which at least one coupling section of the at least one energy source-side conductor section is coupled to a coupling section of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section for transmitting energy. As a result, the at least one energy storage device of the proposed seat assembly can be recharged in the at least one charging position if required. In one embodiment of the proposed seat assembly, a plurality of charging positions for charging the at least one energy storage device can be arranged in each adjustment position of the vehicle seat that can be reached along the at least one adjustment direction, continuously merging into one another along the at least one adjustment direction.As a result, the at least one energy storage device can be charged independently of the adjustment position of the vehicle seat, preferably continuously.

[0060] Further, by way of example, the proposed seat assembly may include a plurality of loading positions for the vehicle seat. This may increase user comfort.

[0061] Furthermore, by way of example, the proposed seat assembly can be configured with a plurality of coupling sections to charge the at least one energy storage device in every possible adjustment position within the vehicle interior. For this purpose, the energy source-side conductor section can, for example, have a plurality of adjacent coils configured to wirelessly transmit energy to at least one coupling section arranged on the at least one energy storage-side conductor section. Thus, the at least one energy source-side section and the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be coupled to one another in each of the adjustment positions of the vehicle seat.

[0062] In a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle seat of the proposed seat assembly can have a plurality of charging positions configured to provide a first charging current for charging the at least one energy storage device. Furthermore, the seat assembly can have a conductor section on the energy source side configured to provide a second charging current. A current intensity of the first charging current can be greater than a current intensity of the second charging current. Accordingly, the conductor section on the energy source side for the higher charging current can be equipped with a coupling section that is also configured to transmit a stronger charging current than the at least one coupling section of the conductor section on the energy source side for the second charging current.

[0063] By way of example, the coupling section of the energy source-side conductor section for the first charging current can be configured to provide an electrically conductive connection to the at least one coupling section of the energy storage-side conductor section. Furthermore, the at least one coupling section of the energy source-side conductor section for the second charging current can be configured for wireless energy transmission. Accordingly, the proposed seat assembly can be configured to couple the energy storage-side conductor section to the energy source-side conductor section via the direct electrical connection to provide the first charging current in at least one charging position of the vehicle seat.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the vehicle seat of the seat assembly can be designed with a top rail arranged on the vehicle seat and a differential mounted adjustably on the top rail. This can improve the adjustability of the vehicle seat.

[0065] By way of example, the vehicle seat of the proposed seat assembly, when properly mounted in the vehicle, can be power-adjustable along a longitudinal seat axis within the vehicle via the at least one adjustment device. In a further exemplary embodiment, the properly mounted vehicle seat can be power-adjustable along a transverse vehicle axis and / or the vehicle vertical direction via the at least one adjustment device.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the proposed adjustment system can also be used to operate a backrest inclination of the vehicle seat, a headrest adjustment, seat heating, a massage, or the like.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, at least one of the coupling sections of one of the energy source-side conductor sections can be arranged on the lower rail and at least one of the coupling sections of one of the energy storage-side conductor sections can be arranged on the upper rail.

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one coupling section of one of the energy source-side conductor sections can be arranged on a vehicle floor. Additionally, the at least one coupling section of the at least one storage-side conductor section can be arranged on a vehicle seat.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the at least one coupling section on the lower rail can be coupled to the at least one coupling section of the upper rail by adjusting the vehicle seat to a loading position. For example, at least two of the coupling sections on the lower rail can be arranged spaced apart from one another along the at least one adjustment direction. Further, for example, the at least one coupling section of the upper rail can be selectively coupled to one of the at least two coupling sections of the lower rail. This can increase user comfort.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, the adjustment system can comprise a plurality of rechargeable energy storage devices. Furthermore, the adjustment system can comprise a plurality of adjustment devices for adjusting the vehicle seat along a plurality of adjustment directions.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the proposed solution, one of the adjustment devices can be operated via one of the plurality of energy storage devices. For example, each of the energy storage devices can be adapted to the adjustment device that can be operated with it. An adaptation can comprise a capacity and / or a provideable operating current. Thus, the proposed seat assembly can be adaptable to different operating modes and / or operating situations via the plurality of energy storage devices and the plurality of adjustment devices. This can increase operating comfort and reduce the energy storage capacity that must be installed. For example, an energy storage device for operating a comfort function such as seat heating can be configured to provide a lower operating current than an energy storage device that is configured to operate an adjustment device for seat longitudinal adjustment.

[0072] The previous statements on the embodiments and advantages of the proposed adjustment system also apply analogously to the proposed seat assembly.

[0073] According to a further aspect of the proposed solution, the aforementioned object is also achieved with a vehicle having at least one seat assembly according to the proposed solution. The adjustment system for charging the at least one energy storage device is connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

[0074] In one possible embodiment, the majority of the energy source-side coupling sections can be arranged spaced apart from one another on a vehicle floor below the seat assembly. The preceding statements regarding the embodiments and advantages of the proposed seat assembly also apply analogously to the proposed vehicle.

[0075] According to a further aspect of the proposed solution, the aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for adjusting a vehicle seat. The proposed method accordingly comprises:

[0076] Providing an operating current for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat with at least one electronically controllable adjustment device via at least one rechargeable energy store, and providing a charging current for charging the at least one energy store, wherein a current intensity of the operating current is greater than a maximum current intensity of the charging current.

[0077] By operating the at least one adjustment device via the at least one energy storage device, a charging device for charging the at least one energy storage device can be designed for a lower current intensity than a connection of the at least one energy storage device to the at least one adjustment device. Furthermore, since the at least one energy storage device and the at least one adjustment device are arranged on the vehicle seat in the intended mounted state, the cable length required to connect the at least one energy storage device to the at least one adjustment device can be shorter than the cable length of the charging device.Thus, with the proposed method, the connection between the at least one energy storage device and the at least one adjustment device can be designed for the operating current occurring during operation, while the charging device, in contrast, can be designed for a lower current than the operating current, in particular only for a maximum current of the charging current occurring during operation. This can reduce the number of required cables and / or the diameter of the cables used for the charging device. This can reduce material requirements, manufacturing costs, and weight.

[0078] Furthermore, by operating the at least one adjustment device via the at least one energy storage device, the adjustment device can be adjusted at least temporarily independently of an external energy supply, in particular from a vehicle's electrical system. In a further embodiment of the proposed method, the vehicle seat can be motor-adjustable to at least one charging position, wherein the at least one energy storage device can be charged in the at least one charging position via an energy source connectable to the charging device, in particular a vehicle's electrical system.

[0079] For example, one of the charging positions can be a rapid charging position in which the charging current provided is greater than the charging current provided in one of the other charging positions. In this case, the charging time for the at least one energy storage device in the rapid charging position can be shorter than the charging time in one of the other charging positions. For example, the vehicle seat can be motor-adjustable between one of the other charging positions and the rapid charging position.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the proposed method, the vehicle seat can be adjusted to a fast-charging position in response to a fast-charging signal. This can enable the automation of fast charging, thereby increasing user comfort.

[0081] By way of example, an adjustment system configured for the method can comprise a control unit coupled to the at least one adjustment device, which is configured to receive the rapid charging signal. In response to receiving the rapid charging signal, the control unit can send an adjustment signal for adjusting the vehicle seat to the at least one adjustment device. As a result, the vehicle seat can be adjusted to the rapid charging position in response to the rapid charging signal.

[0082] In a further exemplary embodiment, the rapid charging signal can be received by the at least one adjusting device, which adjusts the vehicle seat in response to the rapid charging signal.

[0083] By way of example, a vehicle equipped with the proposed adjustment system for the proposed method can sensor-detect a rapid charging event and generate the rapid charging signal in response to such detection. The vehicle can be configured to send the rapid charging signal to the control unit or the at least one adjustment device. By way of example, the vehicle can generate the rapid charging signal when an on-board electrical system of the vehicle is connected to an external electrical energy source. Particularly with regard to electrically powered vehicles, a rapid charging signal can thus be generated when the vehicle is connected to an external electrical energy source for charging. As a result, the at least one energy storage device of the proposed adjustment system can be automatically adjusted to the rapid charging position and charged.This can reduce the energy required to charge at least one energy storage device outside of vehicle charging times. This can protect the on-board electrical system, especially the vehicle battery, and increase user comfort.

[0084] In a further embodiment of the proposed method, the vehicle seat can be adjusted to the quick-loading position in response to a detection that the vehicle seat is unused. This can prevent people, objects, or animals from becoming trapped by automated adjustment of the vehicle seat.

[0085] By way of example, a vehicle equipped with the proposed adjustment system for the proposed method can detect by sensors whether the vehicle seat is used or unused. In particular, "used" can mean that a person, an object, or an animal is placed on the vehicle seat. Furthermore, the vehicle seat can also be recognized as used if a person, an object, or an animal is located within an adjustment path of the vehicle seat. In particular, the vehicle seat can also be recognized as used if a person, an object, or an animal could be trapped by adjusting the vehicle seat to the quick-loading position. The vehicle can be configured to generate a usage signal and send it to the control unit or the at least one adjustment device.The control unit or the adjustment device can be configured to block the adjustment of the vehicle seat to the quick-charging position when the usage signal is received. In particular, the control unit or the adjustment device can be configured to block the adjustment of the vehicle seat to the quick-charging position in response to the usage signal even if the quick-charging signal is also received.

[0086] The preceding statements regarding the embodiments and advantages of the proposed adjustment system also apply analogously to the proposed vehicle. Furthermore, the object mentioned above is also achieved by a computer program product for an adjustment system configured to adjust a vehicle seat. The proposed computer program product comprises instructions that, upon execution of the instructions, cause at least one processor of an electronic control unit of the adjustment system to execute the proposed method.

[0087] The preceding statements on the embodiments and advantages of the proposed method also apply analogously to the proposed computer program product.

[0088] The invention further relates to a kit for producing an adjustment system as described herein and / or claimed below, comprising several different energy storage devices and at least two adjustment devices which are assigned to one another according to their performance classes.

[0089] The attached figures show possible embodiments of the proposed solution. Individual aspects of the illustrated embodiments can also be combined with one another.

[0090] Here we show:

[0091] Figure 1 shows an adjustment system for a vehicle seat with an electronically controllable adjustment device, a rechargeable energy storage device and a charging device;

[0092] Figure 2 shows a further adjustment system with two energy storage devices, two adjustment devices and a charging device with a plurality of coupling sections for the wireless transmission of energy;

[0093] Figure 3 shows a further adjustment system, wherein the charging device has two coupling sections for establishing an electrically conductive connection; and

[0094] Figures 4 and 5 show two exemplary flow charts of a method for adjusting a vehicle seat. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the proposed adjustment system 1 for a vehicle seat 2 according to the proposed solution. The adjustment system 1 comprises an electronically controllable adjustment device 11, 11' for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat 2. Electrically connected to the adjustment device 11, 11' is a rechargeable energy store 12, 12' which is configured to provide an operating current IB for operating the adjustment device 11, 11'. To charge the energy store 12, 12', a charging device 13 is connected to the energy store 12, 12' and can be connected to an energy source 3 (not shown). The charging device 13 is configured to provide a charging current IL, wherein a current intensity of the operating current IB is greater than a maximum current intensity of the charging current IL.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment deviating from the illustrated embodiment, the charging device 13 can have at least two conductor sections that can be coupled to one another for transmitting electrical energy from the energy source 3 to the energy storage device 12, 12'.

[0096] For this purpose, Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the proposed adjustment system 1, wherein the charging device 13 has an energy source-side conductor section 14 connected to an energy source 3 and an energy storage-side conductor section 15 connected to two energy storage devices 12, 12'. The energy source-side conductor section 14 has a plurality of coupling sections 16 spaced apart from one another, which are designed to wirelessly transmit electrical energy. The coupling sections 16 of the energy source-side conductor section 14 are formed with coils for this purpose. The coils are arranged adjacent to one another along a vehicle longitudinal axis D below the vehicle seat 2 in the region of a vehicle floor. The energy storage-side conductor section has exactly one coupling section 16, which is also formed with a coil.As a result, the coupling section 16 of the energy storage-side conductor section 15 is configured to receive electrical energy wirelessly. A coupling of each of the coupling sections 16 of the energy source-side conductor section 14 to the coupling section 16 of the energy storage-side conductor section 15 can be established by spatial proximity of the coupling sections 16. Thus, the coupling sections 16 of the energy source-side conductor section 14 are each configured to generate an electromagnetic field through a power supply via the energy source 3. If the coupling section 16 of the energy storage-side conductor section 15 is arranged in spatial proximity to one of the coupling sections 16 of the energy source-side conductor section 14, the charging current IL is induced in the coupling section 16 of the energy storage-side conductor section 15.By inducing the charging current IL in the energy storage-side conductor section 15, the two rechargeable energy storage devices 12, 12' of the adjustment system 1 can be charged with the charging device 13. For this purpose, the vehicle seat 2 can be coupled to each of the illustrated coupling sections 16 of the energy source-side conductor section 14 by adjusting it along the vehicle's longitudinal axis D.

[0097] The energy storage devices 12, 12' are each connected to one of the adjustment devices 11, 1T in order to adjust the adjustment position of the vehicle seat 2 by external power via the adjustment devices 11, 1T. The upper energy storage device 12 shown in Figure 2 is connected to an adjustment device 11 for adjusting the inclination of the seat back. The lower energy storage device 12' shown is connected to an adjustment device 1T for adjusting the vehicle seat 2 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis D.

[0098] In a configuration of the coupling sections 16 that differs from the illustrated embodiment, they can be configured for wireless energy transmission through resonant inductive energy transmission, through capacitive energy transmission, or through directed electromagnetic waves. For example, the coupling sections 16 can be configured for this purpose with capacitors, a laser, a photocell, and / or a directed radio antenna.

[0099] In a further alternative embodiment, at least one of the coupling sections 16' of the at least one energy source-side conductor section 14 and at least one of the coupling sections 16' of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section 15 can be detachably and electrically conductively connected to one another.

[0100] For this purpose, Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the proposed adjustment system 1, wherein one of the coupling sections 16' of the energy storage-side conductor section 15 and the energy source-side conductor section 14 are detachably connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner in the charging position shown. By way of example, the coupling sections 16' can have at least one spring-loaded conductive contact pin for the detachable electrically conductive connection, which contact pin is supported in the coupled position on an electrically conductive contact surface of another coupling section 16'. The current that can be transmitted via the coupling sections 16' that are electrically conductively connected in this way can be greater than that via the

[0101] Coupling sections 16' for wireless energy transmission transmittable charging current IL.

[0102] In an embodiment deviating from the illustrated embodiment, a conductor cross-section of the charging device 13 can be smaller at at least one location than a minimum conductor cross-section of the connection of the at least one energy storage device 12, 12' to the at least one adjusting device 11, 1 T. Furthermore, the charging device 13 can have charging electronics for monitoring a charge state of the at least one energy storage device 12, 12' and for regulating the charging current IL. By way of example, such charging electronics can be configured to regulate the charging current IL for each of the energy storage devices 12, 12' between a value of 0 A and the maximum charging current depending on the charge state of the respective energy storage device 12, 12'.

[0103] In a further alternative embodiment, the proposed adjustment system 1 can, in principle, comprise any number of rechargeable energy storage devices 12, 12' and any number of adjustment devices 11, 11'. Each of the adjustment devices 11, 11' can be configured for power-operated adjustment of the vehicle seat 2.

[0104] In a further embodiment deviating from the illustrated embodiment, the charging device 13 can have a plurality of energy source-side conductor sections 14 and a plurality of energy storage-side conductor sections 15. In particular, the charging device 13 can have a first conductor section on the energy source side with the at least one coupling section 16' for detachable electrically conductive connection and a second energy source-side conductor section with the at least one coupling section 16 for wireless energy transmission. The first conductor section can be configured to provide a higher charging current IL than the second energy source-side conductor section 14. During normal operation, it is thus possible to selectively switch between a higher or lower charging current IL via the coupling of the energy storage-side conductor section 15 to the first or second energy source-side conductor section.

[0105] Figure 4 shows a first possible sequence of a proposed method for adjusting a vehicle seat 2. Accordingly, the proposed method comprises providing an operating current IB for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat 2 with at least one electronically controllable adjustment device 11, 1T via at least one rechargeable energy store 12, 12'. Furthermore, the method comprises providing a charging current IL for charging the at least one energy store 12, 12'. In this case, a current intensity of the operating current IB is greater than a maximum current intensity of the charging current IL.

[0106] The depicted process does not imply a chronological sequence of the individual process steps. Thus, it is generally conceivable and possible to provide the charging current IL before, during, and / or after the operating current IB is provided.

[0107] Figure 5 shows another possible sequence of the proposed method. In response to a vehicle equipped with the proposed adjustment system 1 being connected to an on-board electrical system, a vehicle seat 2 mounted in the vehicle is adjusted to a rapid charging position. In this position, a charging device 13 of the adjustment system 1 can be charged using a charging current IL. The charging current IL in the rapid charging position is higher than a charging current IL provided in other charging positions of the vehicle seat 2. The operating current IB for the at least one adjustment device 11, 1T is provided by the at least one at least partially charged energy storage device 12, 12' of the adjustment system 1.

[0108] In this representation, too, the provision of the charging current IL is conceivable and possible in time before and / or during and / or after the provision of the operating current IB, provided that the at least one energy storage device 12, 12' is at least partially charged.

[0109] List of reference symbols

[0110] 1 adjustment system

[0111] 11, 11' adjustment device

[0112] 12, 12' energy storage

[0113] 13 Charging device

[0114] 14 energy source-side conductor section

[0115] 15 energy storage-side conductor section

[0116] 16, 16' coupling section

[0117] IB operating current

[0118] IL charging current

[0119] 2 vehicle seats

[0120] 21 Top rail

[0121] 22 Bottom rail

[0122] 3 Energy source

[0123] D Vehicle longitudinal axis

Claims

Claims 1. Adjustment system (1) for a vehicle seat (2), comprising at least one electronically controlled adjustment device (11, 11') for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat (2), at least one rechargeable energy storage device (12, 12') electrically connected to the at least one adjustment device (11, 11') and configured to provide an operating current (IB) for operating the at least one adjustment device (11, 1T), and a charging device (13) connected or connectable to the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') and connectable to an energy source (3) for charging the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') and configured to provide a charging current (IL), wherein the current strength of the operating current (IB) is greater than the maximum current strength of the charging current (IL).

2. Adjustment system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the charging device (13) has a lower current carrying capacity than a connection of the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') with the at least one adjustment device (11 , 1 T).

3. Adjustment system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a quotient of the operating current (IB) and a minimum conductor cross-section of the charging device (13) is greater than a melting current density of the charging device (13) at the location of the minimum conductor cross-section.

4. Adjustment system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the charging device (13) for the transmission of electrical energy has at least one energy source-side conductor section (14) connectable to the energy source (3) and at least one energy storage-side conductor section (15) connected to the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') and detachably connectable to the at least one energy source-side conductor section (14).

5. Adjustment system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that for coupling the at least one energy source-side conductor section (14) with the at least one energy storage-side conductor section (15) each of the conductor sections has at least one coupling section (16, 16') equipped for sending and / or receiving electrical energy.

6. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system (1) enables at least two coupling positions, in particular several coupling positions arranged in series in the longitudinal direction, in each of which a coupling of the energy source-side conductor section (14) with the energy storage-side conductor section (15) is established or can be established.

7. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the coupling sections (16, 16') are arranged spatially separated from each other on one of the at least one energy source-side conductor section (14).

8. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one energy storage-side conductor section can be optionally coupled to one of the at least two spatially separated coupling sections (16, 16').

9. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each adjustment position of the vehicle seat a coupling of the energy source-side conductor section (14) with the energy storage-side conductor section (15) is established or can be established.

10. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the coupling sections (16) of the at least one energy source-side conductor section (14) and at least one of the coupling sections (16) of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section (15) are configured for wireless energy transmission via an electromagnetic field.

11. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the coupling sections (16') of the At least one conductor section (14) on the energy source side and at least one coupling section (16') of the conductor section (15) on the energy storage side are detachably electrically conductive. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (13) has a first conductor section on the energy source side with the at least one coupling section (16') for a detachable electrically conductive connection and a second conductor section on the energy source side with the at least one coupling section (16) for wireless energy transmission. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conductor section on the energy source side has a higher current-carrying capacity than the second conductor section on the energy source side.Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system is designed such that no redundant power supply to the adjustment device (11 , 11 ') is provided via the charging device (13) and the at least one energy storage device (12, 12').Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system (1) comprises at least two energy storage devices (12, 12'), in particular independent energy storage devices (12, 12'), each of which is electrically connected or connectable to the charging device (13), and that the adjustment system comprises at least two adjustment devices (11, 11') for motor-driven adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat (2), preferably wherein each adjustment device (11, 11') has at least one associated energy storage device (12, 12') which is exclusively configured for supplying power to the adjustment device (11, 11') associated with it. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy storage devices (12, 12') associated with the different adjustment devices (11, 11') have different power classes.Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a charge of one of the at least two energy storage devices (12,. 12') can be activated and / or deactivated via the charging device (13) independently of any other of the at least two energy storage devices (12, 12'). Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system (1) has a test unit configured to check the state of charge of the at least one energy storage device (12, 12'), wherein the test unit emits a warning signal as soon as the state of charge falls below a critical state of charge value, in particular wherein the warning signal can be transmitted to a control unit of a vehicle and / or displayed to a user via a display device. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that contactless and contact-based current transfer is possible by means of the charging device (13), in particular wherein contactless current transfer takes place under normal circumstances and contact-based current transfer takes place during fast charging.Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a charging voltage generated by an energy source is different from an operating voltage required for the operation of the at least one adjustment device (11, 1 T). Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one electronically controllable. Adjustment device (11, 11') comprises at least one longitudinal seat adjustment. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging device (13) can be deactivated, wherein the at least one electronically controllable adjustment device (11, 1T) can be supplied with power autonomously via the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') when the charging device (13) is deactivated. Adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system has a control device configured to deactivate charging of the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') when the state of charge of the energy source (3) is below a threshold value, preferably wherein the control device is configured to deactivate the charging device (13) as soon as the state of charge of the energy source (3) is below a threshold value.

24. Seat assembly for a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat (2) mounted adjustable along at least one adjustment direction and comprising an adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle seat (2) is adjustable along the at least one adjustment direction by external force via the at least one adjustment device (11 , 11 ') of the adjustment system (1).

25. Seat assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the vehicle seat (2) is designed with an upper rail (21) arranged on the vehicle seat (2) and a lower rail (22) adjustable on the upper rail (21).

26. Seat assembly according to claim 25, characterized in that at least one of the coupling sections (16, 16') is connected to one of the energy source-side conductor sections (14) on the lower rail (22) and at least one of the coupling sections (16, 16') is connected to one of the energy storage-side The conductor sections (15) are arranged on the upper rail (21).

27. Seat assembly according to one of claims 24 to 26 characterized in that the at least one coupling section (16, 16') of the at least one energy source-side conductor section (14) and the at least one coupling section (16, 16') of the at least one energy storage-side conductor section (15) can be coupled together by adjusting the vehicle seat (2) in at least one charging position.

28. Seat assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that a plurality of charging positions for charging the at least one energy storage device (12, 12') are arranged continuously transitioning into one another along the at least one adjustment direction in each adjustment position achievable along the at least one adjustment direction.

29. Method for adjusting a vehicle seat (2), comprising Providing an operating current (IB) for motorized adjustment of an adjustment position of the vehicle seat (2) with at least one electronically controlled adjustment device (11 , 1 T) via at least one rechargeable energy storage device (12, 12'), and Providing a charging current (IL) to charge the at least one energy storage device (12, 12'), wherein a current strength of the operating current (IB) is greater than a maximum current strength of the charging current (IL).

30. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the vehicle seat (2) is motorically adjustable between a charging position and a fast charging position, wherein a charging current provided in the fast charging position is greater than a charging current provided in the charging position.

31. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that the vehicle seat (2) is adjusted to the fast-charging position in response to a fast-charging signal.

32. Method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the The vehicle seat is adjusted to the fast-charging position in response to a detection that the vehicle seat is unused.

33. Modular system for manufacturing an adjustment system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two different energy storage devices (12, 12') and at least two different adjustment devices (11, 1 T) which are assigned to each other according to their performance classes.

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