Locking unit for a vehicle seat, and vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking unit (200) for a vehicle seat (100), having a locking device (300), a housing (400) and an actuation device (500) for unlocking the locking device (300), the actuation device (500) having an operating element (502) mounted to be pivotable about a first pivot axis (I), a coupling part (506) for coupling the operating element (502) to the locking device (300), wherein the locking device (300) can be unlocked by pivoting the operating element (502) about the first pivot axis (I) from a first pivot position to a second pivot position, and an indicator (504) which is in a display position when the locking device (300) is unlocked, wherein the indicator (504) is mounted on the operating element (502) to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (II), and the indicator (504) is coupled to the housing (400) by means of a guide pin (546) and a slide track (444) in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the operating element (502) from the first pivot position into the second pivot position causes the indicator (504) to be transferred from the non-display position into the display position. The invention further relates to a vehicle seat (100) having a seat structure component and a locking unit (200).

Description

[0001] LOCKING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE SEAT, AS WELL AS VEHICLE SEAT

[0002] The invention relates to a locking unit for a vehicle seat, comprising a locking device for releasably locking a counter-element, a housing and an actuating device arranged at least partially in the housing for unlocking the locking device, the actuating device comprising an operating element pivotably mounted about a first pivot axis relative to the housing, at least one coupling part for coupling the operating element to the locking device, wherein the locking device can be unlocked by pivoting the operating element from a first pivot position about the first pivot axis into a second pivot position, and an indicator which is in a display position when the locking device is unlocked and in a non-display position when the locking device is locked. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] WO 2004 / 069580 A2 discloses a locking device for a vehicle seat with an open housing, a latch pivotably mounted on the housing for locking with a counter-element, and at least one securing element, also pivotably mounted on the housing, which ensures a locked state by interacting with the latch. The locking device can be attached to a structural part of the vehicle seat, wherein the structural part forms the cover for largely closing the housing. A receptacle is formed in a lower region of the housing, which opens downwards and serves to accommodate the counter-element fixed to the vehicle structure. The width of the receptacle is greater than the diameter of the counter-element to compensate for tolerances. The counter-element can be a bolt or a section of a bracket.

[0005] WO 2010 / 003586 A1 discloses a locking unit for a vehicle seat, the locking unit comprising a locking device with a latch for locking with a counter-element, and two securing elements that secure the latch in the locked state. The locking device has a half-open lock housing with a base and raised edges. The latch and the securing elements are arranged in the lock housing. The lock housing is largely closed by a lock cover. The lock housing and the lock cover form a receptacle that opens toward a counter-element to accommodate it for locking. The locking unit further comprises an unlocking housing and an unlocking handle arranged therein for pivoting the securing elements and thus unlocking the locking unit.An indicator is elastically coupled to the release handle, which is guided longitudinally in the release housing and can partially extend out of it to indicate the unlocked state of the locking device.

[0006] WO 2014 / 207157 A1 discloses a locking unit for a vehicle seat, comprising an unlocking handle pivotably mounted in a unlocking housing, and an indicator which is in the display position when the locking unit is unlocked, and in the non-display position when the locking unit is locked. The indicator is pivotally mounted on the unlocking housing, and the indicator is pivotable about an indicator axis which runs parallel and offset to a handle axis about which the unlocking handle is pivotable. A handle arm is attached to the unlocking handle and interacts with an indicator arm attached to the indicator.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of improving a locking unit with an indicator as mentioned above, in particular increasing the functional reliability and the visibility of the indicator.

[0008] Solution

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a locking unit for a vehicle seat, comprising a locking device for releasably locking a counter-element, a housing and an actuating device arranged at least partially in the housing for unlocking the locking device, the actuating device comprising an operating element pivotably mounted about a first pivot axis relative to the housing, at least one coupling part for coupling the operating element to the locking device, wherein the locking device can be unlocked by pivoting the operating element from a first pivot position about the first pivot axis into a second pivot position, and an indicator which is in a display position when the locking device is unlocked and which is in a non-display position when the locking device is locked,wherein the indicator is pivotally mounted on the operating element about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is arranged at a distance from the first pivot axis, and the indicator is coupled to the housing by means of at least one guide rail such that a pivoting movement of the operating element from the first pivot position to the second pivot position causes the indicator to be transferred from the non-display position to the display position.

[0010] The fact that the indicator is pivotably mounted on the operating element about a second pivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is arranged at a distance from the first pivot axis, and the indicator is coupled to the housing by means of at least one guide rail such that a pivoting movement of the operating element from the first pivot position to the second pivot position causes the indicator to be transferred from the non-display position to the display position increases the functional reliability and visibility of the indicator. An unlocked state of the locking device is thus reliably and clearly recognizable.

[0011] The counter element can be, for example, a bolt, a bracket, or a bent wire. The locking unit serves to releasably lock a component of the vehicle seat, which is movable when the locking unit is unlocked, to another component of the vehicle seat or to a vehicle component, in particular a component of a vehicle body.

[0012] The locking unit can be fixedly connected to a component of the vehicle seat that is movable when the locking unit is unlocked, wherein the counter-element is then preferably fixedly connected to another component of the vehicle seat or to a vehicle component, in particular a component of a vehicle body. Alternatively, the locking unit can be fixedly connected to a vehicle component, in particular a component of a vehicle body such as a parcel shelf or a vehicle floor, wherein the counter-element is then preferably fixedly connected to a component of the vehicle seat that is movable when the locking unit is unlocked.

[0013] The operating element can be an operating handle. The operating element can be a release handle. The operating element can be an operating lever. The operating element can be a release lever. The operating element can be a pull tab.

[0014] The coupling part can be manufactured separately from the control element. Alternatively, the coupling part can be made in one piece with the control element. The control element can be made of plastic. The coupling part can be a wire. The coupling part can be a bent wire. The coupling part can be an angled wire, in particular a multiply angled wire. The coupling part can be a cable pull. The coupling part can be a Bowden cable. The coupling part can be a gear. The coupling part can be a coupling gear.

[0015] The at least one guide rail may comprise a guide track and a guide pin. The guide pin may be movably mounted in the guide rail. The guide track may be curved. The guide track may be S-shaped.

[0016] The guide rail can be formed on the housing. The guide rail can be formed integrally on the housing. The guide rail can be an opening in the housing. The guide rail can be a groove in the housing. The guide rail can be a recess in the housing. The guide pin can be formed on the indicator. The guide pin can be attached to the indicator.

[0017] The indicator can be moved from the non-indicating position to the indicating position and back by means of two synchronously acting guide rails. Both guide rails can each have a guide rail and a guide pin. Synchronously acting refers in particular to a mirror-image arrangement of the guide rails, with the two guide pins preferably being coaxial with each other.

[0018] A cover may be formed on the housing or attached to the housing. The cover may have a visible surface. The cover may have an outer edge that serves to secure a covering material of an upholstery. A signal surface of the indicator may be visually concealed by the cover when the indicator is in the non-display position, i.e., invisible to a vehicle occupant.

[0019] The aperture may have an opening. The operating element may be arranged below the aperture and at least partially accessible through the opening. The operating element may be partially covered by the aperture and at least partially accessible through the opening. In the display position of the indicator, a signal surface of the indicator may be visible through the opening of the aperture. In the display position of the indicator, a signal surface of the indicator may protrude from the opening of the aperture. In the display position of the indicator, a signal surface of the indicator may protrude completely from the opening of the aperture.

[0020] The indicator may have a locking surface. The locking surface may be adjacent to the signaling surface. An opening in a panel may be partially closed by the locking surface when the indicator is in the display position. The indicator may thus serve to cover a gap created between the control element and an inner edge of the panel when the control element is rotated to the second pivot position. The gap is then closed by the indicator's locking surface, preventing surrounding objects from falling into the housing of the locking unit and causing malfunctions.

[0021] The indicator can have a signal color. One signal area of ​​the indicator can have a signal color. The indicator can have a red color. One signal area of ​​the indicator can have a red color.

[0022] The locking device can have a rotary latch pivotably mounted on a first bearing pin with a receptacle for securing the counter element, and at least one securing element mounted on a second bearing pin for securing a closed position of the rotary latch. The operating element can be operatively connected to the at least one securing element by means of the at least one coupling part such that pivoting the operating element from the first pivot position into the second pivot position causes the at least one securing element to pivot and thereby unlock the rotary latch. The object is further achieved by a vehicle seat with a seat structural component and a locking unit according to the invention for releasably locking the seat structural component to a counter element. In such a vehicle seat, an inadvertently unlocked state of the seat structural component can be reliably detected from different viewing directions.The vehicle seat therefore offers the occupant increased safety.

[0023] The seat structural component can be a backrest structure. The counter element can be firmly connected to another seat structural component of the vehicle seat or can be firmly connected or connectable to a component of a vehicle body.

[0024] In summary, and in other words, the invention provides a locking unit comprising a housing and a locking device arranged at least partially in the housing, in which an indicator, in particular a red flag signal, informs vehicle occupants that the locking device is not locked, i.e. the backrest is not securely connected to a counter-element, in particular a locking bar attached to the vehicle body, which could possibly lead to injuries during an accident or when braking the vehicle. According to the invention, the indicator is designed as a flap that is guided through two special guide slots in the housing. When the locking device is unlocked, the indicator, which is designed in particular as a red flag, jumps up and signals to the occupants that the locking device is open.The indicator also serves to cover a gap created by the rotation of the control element. The gap created between the rotated control element and the cover can be closed with a surface of the indicator, particularly a red one, so that no surrounding objects can fall into the housing of the locking unit and cause malfunctions. The stroke of the indicator is ensured by a combination of guide slots in the housing and guide pins on the indicator, which are designed to take into account the pivot angle tolerances of the components of the locking device. The special shape of the guide slots prevents the indicator from jamming in the opening and closing directions. The shape of the indicator ensures that the unlocked state of the locking device can be recognized by the occupant from the front, the sides, and the rear (trunk).

[0025] Figures and embodiments of the invention

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below using an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. They show:

[0027] Fig. 1 : a schematic side view of a vehicle seat according to the invention and a section of a vehicle body,

[0028] Fig. 2: an exploded view of a locking unit according to the invention and an adapter arrangement,

[0029] Fig. 3: a partially schematic exploded view of the locking unit from Fig. 2,

[0030] Fig. 4: partial exploded view of the locking unit from Fig. 2,

[0031] Fig. 5: a perspective view of an indicator of the locking unit from Fig. 2,

[0032] Fig. 6a: a perspective view of an actuating device of the locking unit from Fig. 2, wherein an operating element of the actuating device is in a first pivoting position,

[0033] Fig. 6b: a perspective view of an actuating device of the locking unit from Fig. 2, wherein an operating element of the actuating device is in a second pivoting position and an indicator is in a display position,

[0034] Fig. 7a: a partial transparent side view of the locking unit from Fig. 2, with the operating element in the first pivoting position and the indicator in a non-display position,

[0035] Fig. 7b: a partial transparent side view of the locking unit from Fig. 2, with the operating element in the second pivot position and the indicator in the display position,

[0036] Fig. 8a: a partial transparent perspective view of the locking unit from Fig. 2, with the operating element in the first pivoting position, and

[0037] Fig. 8b: a partial transparent, perspective view of the locking unit from Fig. 2, with the operating element in the second pivot position.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a highly schematic representation of a vehicle seat 100 according to the invention, mounted in a vehicle body K of a motor vehicle. The vehicle seat 100 is embodied here as a rear seat system. However, the invention is also applicable to other vehicle seats, for example, front seats. The vehicle seat 100 comprises a seat part 102 and a backrest 104. The backrest 104 comprises a supporting backrest structure 106, for example, a tubular frame or a sheet metal shell. The backrest structure 106 supports a cushion 108.

[0039] The vehicle seat 100 is described below using three spatial directions running perpendicular to one another. A longitudinal direction x, when a vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle, runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction that corresponds to the vehicle's usual direction of travel. A transverse direction y, running perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is also oriented horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. When a vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z runs parallel to the vehicle's vertical axis.

[0040] The position and direction specifications used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to the viewing direction of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 100 in a normal seating position, with the vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, in a position suitable for passenger transport with the backrest 104 upright and oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, the vehicle seat 100 according to the invention can also be installed in a different orientation, for example, transversely to the direction of travel.

[0041] The backrest 104 is pivotally connected to the vehicle body K about a backrest pivot axis A running parallel to the transverse direction y. For this purpose, the backrest structure 106 is connected to the vehicle body K on both sides by means of a pivot bearing L each. The two pivot bearings L are arranged in a lower region of the backrest 104. The axes of rotation of the two pivot bearings L are aligned with one another and, in this case, run parallel to the transverse direction y.

[0042] A locking unit 200 according to the invention is arranged in an upper region of the backrest 104. The locking unit 200 comprises a locking device 300, a housing 400, and an actuating device 500 for unlocking the locking device 300.

[0043] The locking unit 200 can, for example, be fastened off-center, i.e., facing an outer side of the vehicle, to the backrest structure 106. The locking unit 200 and thus the backrest 104 can be releasably locked to a counter-element G fastened to the vehicle body K. When the locking unit 200 is unlocked, the backrest 104 can be folded forward about the backrest pivot axis A onto the seat part 102, for example, to enlarge a loading space arranged behind the vehicle seat 100. When the backrest 104 is in an upright position suitable for passenger transport, the backrest 104 can be locked to the counter-element G and thus to the vehicle body K by means of the locking unit 200. A red indicator 504, described in more detail below, indicates an unlocked state of the backrest 104.

[0044] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of an adapter assembly 120 and the locking unit 200. The locking unit 200 is attached to the backrest structure 106 by means of the adapter assembly 120. Preferably, the adapter assembly 120 is welded to the backrest structure 106. Alternatively, the adapter assembly 120 can be screwed or riveted to the backrest structure 106. The adapter assembly 120 has a first adapter part 122 and a second adapter part 124. The locking unit 200 is arranged between the first adapter part 122 and the second adapter part 124 and is screwed to the adapter assembly 120 by means of two screws S, thus firmly connecting it to the backrest structure 106.

[0045] The housing 400 of the locking unit 200 is arranged in the transverse direction y between the first adapter part 122 and the second adapter part 124. The housing 400 is supported by the adapter arrangement 120 in at least one direction, preferably two opposite directions, in this case in and / or opposite to the transverse direction y.

[0046] The first adapter part 122 is a simply angled sheet metal. The first adapter part 122 is L-shaped. The first adapter part 122 has a slot 130 that allows the counter element G to be inserted into the adapter assembly 120 to interact with a rotary latch 312 of the locking device 300. The slot 130 is preferably dimensioned such that the counter element G is supported by the first adapter part 122 when the counter element G is inserted into the slot 130 for locking with the rotary latch 312. The slot 130 is adapted to a width of the counter element G. The first adapter part 122 has two through holes 134 for screws S. The two through holes 134 are aligned with through openings 306, 310 of bearing bolts 304, 308 of the locking device 300.

[0047] The second adapter part 124 is a simply angled sheet metal piece. The second adapter part 124 is L-shaped. The second adapter part 124 has a slot 142 that allows the counter element G to be inserted into the adapter assembly 120 to interact with the rotary latch 312. The slot 142 thus has the same function as the slot 130 in the first adapter part 122. The slot 142 is preferably dimensioned such that the counter element G is supported by the second adapter part 124 when the counter element G is inserted into the slot 142 for locking by the rotary latch 312. The slot 142 is adapted to a width of the counter element G.

[0048] The second adapter part 124 has two through holes 144 for screws S. Two threaded nuts, in particular weld nuts, can also be attached to the second adapter part 124, which are aligned with the through holes 144 and into which the screws S can be screwed. The two through holes 144 are aligned with the through openings 306, 310 of the bearing bolts 304, 308 and the through holes 134 of the first adapter part 122.

[0049] The locking device 300 is an inventive development of a rotary latch lock known from the prior art, as is known, for example, from WO 2016 / 079041 A1, the disclosure of which regarding the basic structure of such a locking device is expressly incorporated herein, unless otherwise described below. The counter element G can be a bolt or wire bracket firmly connected to the vehicle body K.

[0050] The locking device 300 has precisely one base plate 302, which in this case is made of metal and has a flat design. The base plate 302 forms a base to which essential components of the locking device 300 are arranged and partially fastened or hinged. The base plate 302 has an elongated shape and has a first opening for receiving a first bearing pin 304 and a second opening for receiving a second bearing pin 308. The first bearing pin 304 is arranged at a distance from the second bearing pin 308.

[0051] The terms “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential direction” used below in connection with the locking device 300 each refer to the longitudinal extent of the first bearing pin 304 or the second bearing pin 308. In a state of the locking device 300 mounted on a vehicle seat 100, the bearing pins 304, 308 preferably each run parallel to the transverse direction y, so that the respective axial direction also runs parallel to the transverse direction y.

[0052] The first bearing pin 304 is embodied as a stepped pin. The first bearing pin 304 is inserted into the first opening of the base plate 302 up to a step of the first bearing pin 304 and is connected to it, preferably riveted. The first bearing pin 304 has a through-hole 306 with an approximately constant inner diameter.

[0053] The second bearing pin 308 is designed as a stepped pin. The second bearing pin 308 is inserted into the first opening of the base plate 302 up to a step of the second bearing pin 308 and is connected to it, preferably riveted. The second bearing pin 308 has a through-opening 310 with an approximately constant inner diameter.

[0054] The through openings 306, 310 of the bearing bolts 304, 308 each serve to accommodate a fastening means, in this case a screw S, by means of which the locking unit 200 is fastened to the backrest 104 during assembly.

[0055] A rotary latch 312 is pivotally mounted on the first bearing pin 304. The rotary latch 312 has a slot-shaped receptacle 314 for interaction with the counter-element G. In a locked state of the locking unit 200, the rotary latch 312 is pivoted into a closed position and the counter-element G is at least partially arranged in the receptacle 314, wherein the receptacle 314 of the rotary latch 312 extends in its closed position such that the counter-element G is positively secured and cannot escape from the receptacle 314. By means of a spring, hereinafter referred to as the first spring 316, the rotary latch 312 is pretensioned towards an open position. In the unlocked state of the locking unit 200, the rotary latch 312 can be pivoted into its open position. In the open position of the rotary latch 312, the receptacle 314 extends in such a way that the counter element G can emerge from the receptacle 314.

[0056] The rotary latch 312 has a support contour 318. The support contour 318 is approximately flat, but can also be curved in a circular arc and concave, for example. In the locked state of the locking device 300, the support contour 318 points approximately in the direction of the second bearing pin 308, which runs parallel to the first bearing pin 304.

[0057] A tensioning element 320 is pivotally mounted on the second bearing pin 308. The tensioning element 320 is pretensioned toward the rotary latch 312 by means of a first spring 316. The first spring 316 is designed as a tension spring, the first spring end of which is hooked into the rotary latch 312 and the second spring end of which is hooked onto the tensioning element 320, in this case onto a pin 322 of the tensioning element 320.

[0058] On the second bearing pin 308, a catch element 324 is also arranged axially next to the tensioning element 320 and is also pivotally mounted on the second bearing pin 308. By means of a further spring, hereinafter referred to as the second spring 326, the catch element 324 is pretensioned toward the rotary latch 312.

[0059] The tensioning element 320 and the catching element 324 are securing elements that

[0060] Secure the rotary latch 312 in its closed position. In the locked state of the locking device 300, when the receptacle 314 of the rotary latch 312 secures the counter element G, the tensioning element 320 exerts a closing moment on the rotary latch 312 due to the preload by the second spring 326. For this purpose, the tensioning element 320 has a clamping surface 328 curved eccentrically to the second bearing pin 308, which is in non-self-locking contact with the support contour 318 of the rotary latch 312. The clamping surface 328 is curved in the shape of a circular arc and is convex.

[0061] The catch element 324 is arranged on the second bearing pin 308 axially adjacent to the tensioning element 320 and is also pivotally mounted on the second bearing pin 308. The catch element 324 is preloaded toward the rotary latch 312 by means of the first spring 316.

[0062] The catching element 324 has a catching surface 330. In the locked state of the locking device 300, the catching surface 330 is spaced from the support contour 318 of the rotary latch 312. The catching surface 330 is curved in a circular arc and convex in this case, but can also be flat.

[0063] The catch element 324 is arranged on a side of the tensioning element 320 facing away from the base plate 302. The second spring 326 is designed as a leg spring. A first spring end of the second spring 326 is supported on the base plate 302. A second spring end of the second spring 326 is supported on the catch element 324. The second spring 326 is arranged between the base plate 302 and the tensioning element 320 on the second bearing pin 308. The tensioning element 320 is pivotally mounted on the second bearing pin 308 between the second spring 326 and the catch element 324. The catch element 324 is mounted on the second bearing pin 308 between the tensioning element 320 and an axial lock 332 of the second bearing pin 308. In the present case, the axial securing means 332 is a circumferential step of the second bearing pin 308, which has a larger diameter than a bearing opening in the catching element 324 through which the second bearing pin 308 is inserted.The catching element 324 and the clamping element 320 are coupled, optionally after passing through an idle travel in the circumferential direction, in the circumferential direction of the second bearing pin 308, in this case by means of a driving pin 334 projecting axially from the clamping element 320.

[0064] The edge regions of the receptacle 314 of the rotary latch 312 are at least partially covered by a casing 336, which in this case is made of plastic. The casing 336 essentially covers the sections of the receptacle 314 that can come into contact with the counter element G. In the area of ​​the first bearing pin 304, the casing 336 has an approximately cylindrical spacer disk 338, which has an opening through which the first bearing pin 304 is inserted.

[0065] The spacer disk 338 of the casing 336 is arranged between the base plate 302 and the rotary latch 312. The rotary latch 312 is mounted on the first bearing pin 304 between the spacer disk 338 and an axial lock 340 of the first bearing pin 304. In this case, the axial lock 340 is a circumferential step of the first bearing pin 304, which has a larger diameter than a bearing opening in the rotary latch 312 through which the first bearing pin 304 is inserted.

[0066] To unlock the locking device 300, the catching element 324 can be pivoted away from the rotary latch 312, whereby the catching surface 330 of the catching element 324 moves further away from the support contour 318 of the rotary latch 312. After passing through the free travel, the catching element 324 rotates the tensioning element 320 so far that the rotary latch 312 is no longer secured by the tensioning element 320 and the catching element 324 and, in particular supported by the pretensioned first spring 316, can be pivoted towards the open position of the rotary latch 312. In the open position of the rotary latch 312, the receptacle 314 releases the counter element G, so that the backrest 104 can be pivoted forward about the backrest pivot axis A. If the counter element G has left the receptacle 314, the locking device 300 remains in the unlocked state.A hold-open contour 342 provided on the rotary latch 312 blocks the catching element 324 and the tensioning element 320 in their unlocked position.

[0067] If, in this unlocked state of the locking device 300, the counter-element G again enters the receptacle 314 of the rotary latch 312, the counter-element G presses the rotary latch 312 into the closed position locking the counter-element G. The tensioning element 320 moves along the support contour 318 due to its preload by the second spring 326. Carried along by the tensioning element 320 and / or due to the preload by the second spring 326, the catching element 324, which is now no longer blocked by the hold-open contour 342, pivots toward the rotary latch 312, with the catching surface 330 approaching the support contour 318 of the rotary latch 312. The locking device 300 is then in the locked state again.

[0068] The locking device 300 is arranged almost entirely within the housing 400. The housing 400 has a first housing part 402 and a second housing part 404, which form a cavity between them for receiving the locking device 300. The two housing parts 402, 404 are connected to one another.

[0069] The first housing part 402 has a base 406. The base 406 is approximately flat and preferably perpendicular to the axial direction. In the outer edge region of the base 406, a side wall 408 protrudes toward the second housing part 404. The side wall 408 preferably extends circumferentially around the base 406 and is perpendicular to the base 406 of the first housing part 402. The base 406 and the side wall 408 have a recess 410 that allows the counter element G to be inserted into the cavity of the housing 400 to interact there with the rotary latch 312 as previously described. In addition, the base 406 has two bolt receptacles 412 aligned with the bearing bolts 304, 308 of the locking device 300. The first housing part 402 is placed on the bearing bolts 304, 308, so that the bearing bolts 304, 308 are inserted into the bolt receptacles 412, preferably up to the axial locks 332, 340.

[0070] The side wall 408 has a plurality of locking lugs 414 distributed around the perimeter. An end region of the side wall 408 facing away from the base 406 has a flange 416. The flange 416 is preferably formed perpendicular to the axial direction and thus parallel to the base 406 on the side wall 408. A plurality of centering means 418, in this case centering pins, protrude from the flange 416 toward the second housing part 404.

[0071] Due to the previously described geometry of the first housing part 402, the first housing part 402 has a largely half-shell-like shape.

[0072] The second housing part 404 has a base 422. The base 422 is approximately flat and preferably perpendicular to the axial direction. In the outer edge region of the base 422, a side wall 424 protrudes toward the first housing part 402. The side wall 424 preferably extends circumferentially around the base 422 and is perpendicular to the base 422 of the second housing part 404. The base 422 and the side wall 424 have a recess 426 that allows the counter element G to be inserted into the cavity of the housing 400 and the slots 130, 142 of the adapter arrangement 120, in order to interact there with the rotary latch 312 as previously described. In addition, the base 422 has two bolt receptacles 428 aligned with the bearing bolts 304, 308 of the locking device 300. The second housing part 404 is placed on the bearing bolts 304, 308 so that the bearing bolts 304, 308 are inserted into the bolt receptacles 428, whereby the base plate 302 preferably rests against the base 422.

[0073] The bottom 422 of the second housing part 404 also has a recess 430 for receiving the actuating device 500. The actuating device 500 has an operating element 502, in this case a release handle, and an indicator 504. The operating element 502 is pivotally mounted in the housing 400 in a manner known per se about a first pivot axis I. The indicator 504 is pivotally mounted on the operating element 502 and indicates the pivot position of the operating element 502 and thus the locking state of the locking device 300.

[0074] In a locked state of the locking device 300, the operating element 502 is in a first pivot position shown in Figures 6a, 7a, and 8a, which is associated with the closed position of the rotary latch 312. In an unlocked state of the locking device 300, the operating element 502 is in a second pivot position shown in Figures 6b, 7b, and 8b, which is associated with the closed position of the rotary latch 312.

[0075] The operating element 502 is operatively connected to the catch element 324 of the locking device 300 by means of a coupling part 506, in this case a multiply angled wire. By pivoting the operating element 502, the catch element 324 and, with it, the tensioning element 320 can be pivoted via the coupling part 506, so that the locking device 300 is unlocked in the manner described above, with the rotary latch 312 pivoting into its open position and releasing the counter element G. In the open position of the rotary latch 312, the hold-open contour 342 provided on the rotary latch 312 blocks the catching element 324 and the tensioning element 320 in their unlocked position, so that the operating element 502 is held in the second pivot position via the coupling part 506 until the counter element G again enters the rotary latch 312 and pivots it into its closed position.

[0076] The side wall 424 of the second housing part 404 has a plurality of locking means 432 distributed around its circumference for positive engagement with the locking lugs 414 of the first housing part 402. The locking means 432 and the locking lugs 414 together form clip connections for fastening the housing parts 402, 404 to one another.

[0077] An end region of the side wall 424 facing away from the bottom 422 has a flange 434. The flange 434 is preferably formed perpendicular to the axial direction and thus parallel to the bottom 422 on the side wall 424. A plurality of centering openings 436 are machined into the flange 434 to receive the centering means 418 of the first housing part 402. In an assembled state of the housing 400, the flange 434 of the second housing part 404 rests against the flange 416 of the first housing part 402.

[0078] Due to the previously described geometry of the second housing part 404, the second housing part 404 has a largely half-shell-like shape.

[0079] The operating element 502 is pivotably mounted in the housing 400 about the first pivot axis I. For this purpose, the first housing part 402 and the second housing part 404 each have a bearing opening 440, into which a pin 510 of the operating element 502 engages. The two pins 510 are coaxial with each other. The two bearing openings 440 are coaxial with each other and with the two pins 510. The two bearing openings 440 and the two pins 510 form a pivot bearing for the operating element 502 about the first pivot axis I.

[0080] Eccentrically to the first pivot axis I, the operating element 502 has an interface 512 for attaching the coupling part 506. The interface 512 is designed here as an arm, the end region of which has a hole pattern into which the coupling part 506, designed as a wire, is inserted.

[0081] The operating element 502 has a recessed grip 514 for operating the operating element 502. The recessed grip 514 is approximately cuboid-shaped and open in a direction facing away from the first pivot axis I, in particular to allow engagement in the recessed grip 514. A closing surface 516 adjoins the recessed grip 514 (as viewed in a circumferential direction about the first pivot axis I). The closing surface 516 is curved about the first pivot axis I. On a side of the recessed grip 514 facing away from the closing surface 516 (also viewed in the circumferential direction), two forks 518 are formed, which are aligned with one another and define a second pivot axis II. The operating element 502 is designed as a single-piece plastic component, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part. The indicator 504 is designed as a single-piece plastic component, in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0082] The indicator 504 is pivotally mounted on the operating element 502 about the second pivot axis II. For this purpose, the indicator 504 has two bearing pins 540 that are pivotally mounted in the two forks 518. The two bearing pins 540 are coaxial with each other. The two forks 518 are coaxial with each other and with the two bearing pins 540. The two forks 518 and the two bearing pins 540 form a pivot bearing for the indicator 504 about the second pivot axis II.

[0083] The indicator 504 has a closure surface 542 and a signal surface 544. The closure surface 542 and the signal surface 544 are arranged next to one another (as viewed in a circumferential direction around the second pivot axis II). The signal surface 544 is curved. The signal surface 544 is more curved than the closure surface 542. The signal surface 544 has a cam-shaped cross-section that points away from the second pivot axis II, particularly in the radial direction.

[0084] Two guide pins 546 of the indicator 504 run parallel, but spaced apart, to the second pivot axis II. The two guide pins 546 each engage in one of two guide tracks 444 formed in the housing 400. A first of the two guide tracks 444 is formed in the bottom 406 of the first housing part 402. A second of the two guide tracks 444 is formed in the bottom 422 of the second housing part 404.

[0085] One of the two guide pins 546 is displaceably mounted in one of the two guide rails 446. The two guide rails 444, together with one of the two guide pins 546, each form a guide rail 446. The two guide rails 446 are mirror-symmetrical to a mirror plane running perpendicular to the second pivot axis II, so that the two guide rails 446 act synchronously between the housing 400 on the one hand and the indicator 504 on the other. The guide rails 446 are designed such that pivoting of the second pivot axis II about the first pivot axis I causes the indicator 504 to pivot about the second pivot axis II.A pivoting movement of the operating element 502 from the first pivoting position to the second pivoting position causes the indicator 504 to be transferred from a non-display position in which the signal surface 544 is not visible to a display position in which the signal surface 544 is largely completely or completely visible.

[0086] A cover 600 is attached to the housing 400. The cover 600 has a plurality of tabs 604 that form clip connections with lugs 442 of the housing 400. The cover 600 has an opening 602 that is designed such that, in the non-display position of the indicator 504, its signal surface 544 is visually concealed by the housing 400 and the cover 600. In the display position of the indicator 504, the signal surface 544 is visible through the opening 602 and partially protrudes from the opening 602. The cover 600 is circumferentially bordered by an outer edge 606. The opening 602 is circumferentially bordered by an inner edge 608 of the cover 600.

[0087] The panel 600 can serve to fix a cover material of the cushion 108, in particular by an edge region of a cover opening being held, in particular clamped, by the panel 600 in a region between the inner edge 606 and the outer edge 608.

[0088] Fig. 6a shows the operating element 502 in the first pivoted position. The recessed grip 514 and the closing surface 516 of the operating element 502 are visible through the opening 602 of the cover 600. The indicator 504 is in its non-display position, so that it is completely concealed by the housing 400 and the cover 600 and thus not visible. The closing surface 516 closes a gap between the recessed grip 514 and a portion of the inner edge 608 of the cover 600.

[0089] Fig. 6b shows the control element 502 in the second pivot position. The indicator

[0090] 504 is in its display position. The grip recess 514, the signal surface 544, and the locking surface 542 of the indicator 504 are visible through the opening 602 of the cover 600. The locking surface 516 of the operating element 502 is completely concealed by the housing 400 and the cover 600, i.e., is not visible. The locking surface 542 closes a gap between the grip recess 514 and a portion of the inner edge 608 of the cover 600.

[0091] Figs. 7a and 7b show the shape of the slide tracks 444 and the movement sequence of the operating element 502 and indicator 504. The slide tracks 444 are approximately S-shaped. In the first pivot position of the operating element 502 shown in Fig. 7a, the indicator 504 is in its non-display position. The guide pins 546 are each located in a first end region of the associated slide track 444. The guide pins 546 are each located below the second pivot axis II.

[0092] In the second pivot position of the operating element 502 shown in Fig. 7b, the indicator 504 is in its display position. The guide pins 546 are each located in a second end region of the associated slide track 444. The guide pins 546 are each located diagonally above the second pivot axis II.

[0093] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the figures may be important both individually and in combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, as long as they remain within the scope of the claims.

[0094] List of reference symbols

[0095] 100 vehicle seats

[0096] 102 Seat part

[0097] 104 Backrest

[0098] 106 Backrest structure

[0099] 108 cushions

[0100] 120 adapter arrangement

[0101] 122 first adapter part

[0102] 124 second adapter part

[0103] 130 slot

[0104] 134 through hole

[0105] 142 slot

[0106] 144 through hole

[0107] 200 locking unit

[0108] 300 locking device

[0109] 302 base plate

[0110] 304 first bearing bolt

[0111] 306 passage opening

[0112] 308 second bearing bolt

[0113] 310 passage opening

[0114] 312 rotary latch

[0115] 314 recording

[0116] 316 first spring

[0117] 318 Support contour

[0118] 320 securing element, clamping element

[0119] 322 cones

[0120] 324 securing element, safety catch element

[0121] 326 second spring

[0122] 328 clamping surface 330 catch surface

[0123] 332 Axial locking

[0124] 334 driving pin

[0125] 336 Sheathing

[0126] 338 spacer

[0127] 340 axial locking

[0128] 342 Hold-open contour

[0129] 400 housings

[0130] 402 first housing part

[0131] 404 second housing part

[0132] 406 Floor

[0133] 408 side wall

[0134] 410 recess

[0135] 412 bolt holder

[0136] 414 locking lug

[0137] 416 flange

[0138] 418 Centering devices

[0139] 422 floor

[0140] 424 side wall

[0141] 426 recess

[0142] 428 bolt receptacles

[0143] 430 Deepening

[0144] 432 rest stops

[0145] 434 flange

[0146] 436 Centering opening

[0147] 440 warehouse opening

[0148] 442 Nose

[0149] 444 Slide track

[0150] 446 Slide guide

[0151] 500 actuator

[0152] 502 Control element 504 Indicator 506 Coupling part 510 Pin 512 Interface

[0153] 514 Grip recess 516 Locking surface 518 Fork 540 Bearing pin

[0154] 542 Locking surface 544 Signal surface 546 Guide pin 600 Aperture 602 Opening

[0155] 604 flap 606 outer edge 608 inner edge

[0156] I first swivel axis (of the control element 502)

[0157] II second pivot axis (of indicator 504)

[0158] A Backrest swivel axis

[0159] G Counter element

[0160] K Vehicle body

[0161] L pivot bearing

[0162] S screw x longitudinal direction y transverse direction z vertical direction

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Locking unit (200) for a vehicle seat (100), comprising a locking device (300) for releasably locking a counter-element (G), a housing (400) and an actuating device (500) arranged at least partially in the housing (400) for unlocking the locking device (300), the actuating device (500) comprising a) an operating element (502) pivotably mounted about a first pivot axis (I) relative to the housing (400), b) at least one coupling part (506) for coupling the operating element (502) to the locking device (300), wherein the locking device (300) can be unlocked by pivoting the operating element (502) from a first pivot position about the first pivot axis (I) into a second pivot position, and c) an indicator (504) which, when the locking device (300) is unlocked, a display position,and which is in a non-display position when the locking device (300) is locked, characterized in that the indicator (504) is mounted on the operating element (502) so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis (II), the second pivot axis (II) being arranged at a distance from the first pivot axis (I), and the indicator (504) is coupled to the housing (400) by means of at least one slotted guide (446) such that a pivoting movement of the operating element (502) from the first pivot position to the second pivot position causes the indicator (504) to be transferred from the non-display position to the display position.

2. Locking unit (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one slotted guide (446) has a slotted track (444) and a guide pin (546), wherein the guide pin (546) is displaceably mounted in the slotted guide (446).

3. Locking unit (200) according to claim 2, characterized in that the slotted guide (446) is formed on the housing (400) and the guide pin (546) is attached or formed on the indicator (504).

4. Locking unit (200) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the indicator (504) can be transferred from the non-indicating position to the indicating position and back by means of two synchronously acting guide rails (446), wherein both guide rails (446) each have a guide rail (444) and a guide pin (546).

5. Locking unit (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a cover (600) is formed on the housing (400) or is fastened to the housing (400), wherein in the non-display position of the indicator (504) a signal surface (544) of the indicator (504) is optically concealed by the cover (600).

6. Locking unit (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that the cover (600) has an opening (602) and in the display position of the indicator (504) the signal surface (544) is visible through the opening (602).

7. Locking unit (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that in the display position of the indicator (504) the signal surface (544) protrudes from the opening (602).

8. Locking unit (200) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the indicator (504) has a closure surface (542), wherein in the display position of the indicator (504) the opening (602) of the aperture (600) is partially closed by the closure surface (542).

9. Locking unit (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that the closure surface (542) is arranged adjacent to the signal surface (544).

10. Locking unit (200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the locking device (300) has a rotary latch (312) pivotally mounted on a first bearing pin (304) with a receptacle (314) for securing the counter element (G) and at least one securing element (320, 324) mounted on a second bearing pin (308) for securing a closed position of the rotary latch (312).

11. Locking unit (200) according to claim 10, characterized in that the operating element (502) is operatively connected to the at least one securing element (320, 324) by means of the at least one coupling part (506) in such a way that pivoting of the operating element (502) from the first pivot position into the second pivot position causes pivoting of the at least one securing element (320, 324) and thereby unlocking of the rotary latch (312).

12. Vehicle seat (100) with a seat structural component and a locking unit (200) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for releasably locking the seat structural component with a counter element (G).

13. Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat structural component is a backrest structure (106).

14. Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the counter element is firmly connected to a further seat structural component of the vehicle seat (100).

15. Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the counter element (G) is firmly connected or connectable to a component of a vehicle body.

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