Sensor assembly for a vehicle seat, vehicle seat, and vehicle having said vehicle seat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor assembly (1) for a vehicle seat (8), comprising indicating elements (11, 12) located at a distance (10) and a sensor device (2) which can be moved along a movement path (13) and which can be fixed in positions (15, 16, 17) defined by the indicating elements (11, 12). The sensor device is designed to sense, in the first position (15) or in a position range comprising the first position (15), a magnetic field strength dependent on the first indicating element (11), to sense, in the second position (16) or in a position range comprising the second position (16), a magnetic field strength dependent on the second indicating element (12), and to sense, in the at least one intermediate position (17) or in an intermediate position range comprising the at least one intermediate position (17), a magnetic field strength independent of the first indicating element (11) and second indicating element (12) and to provide, according to the position (15, 16, 17) of the sensor device (2), a position signal (20, 21, 22) which is characteristic of the magnetic field strength that can be sensed at the particular position (15, 16, 17) or at the particular position range. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat (8) having a sensor assembly (1) of this type and to a vehicle (9) having a vehicle seat (8) of this type.

Description

[0001] Sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat, vehicle seat and vehicle with the same

[0002] The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat according to the subject matter of claim 1. The invention particularly relates to a vehicle seat having at least one such sensor arrangement and to a vehicle having at least one such vehicle seat.

[0003] The position of a vehicle seat can be adjusted within a wide range to ensure optimal driving comfort for the driver. From a safety perspective, it is essential that the vehicle seat is positioned to suit the driver's height. Only then can the vehicle's safety features, such as an impact cushion (airbag) installed in the steering wheel, be activated as needed in the event of an accident, depending on the driver's height. In particular, the position of the vehicle seat in a front area can be detected in order to adapt the airbag control to short people. Appropriate measures must therefore be provided on the vehicle side to ensure that the actual position of the vehicle seat can be detected clearly, reliably, and without doubt.

[0004] Sensors that respond to a magnetic field are commonly used for this purpose. Such sensors, particularly as Hall ICs, are commercially available and inexpensive to use. These sensors are typically programmable to a switching threshold, so that they output different current signals depending on the switching state. Furthermore, there are magnetically biased sensors; for example, a reference magnetic field can be permanently assigned to a sensor, preferably by means of an adhesive-bonded permanent magnet. This magnetic field is changed by a sensor element made of a ferromagnetic material that extends into the sensor's detection range, thus creating a switching state. Another option is to design the sensor without a magnet and to use a permanent magnet as the sensor element.

[0005] Other known methods for detecting the position of a vehicle seat include mechanically actuated microswitches and active or passive inductive sensors that can detect a changing electric field. An optical sensor that detects, for example, a hole pattern is also conceivable.

[0006] In principle, so-called Hall effect ICs can output a signal whose type and magnitude correspond to a magnetic field strength or magnetic field orientation. This also allows different switching thresholds to be programmed and multiple position signals to be output. However, such flexible Hall effect ICs are comparatively complex and expensive.

[0007] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least a different embodiment of a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat. In particular, a vehicle seat with at least one such sensor arrangement and a vehicle with at least one vehicle seat are to be specified.

[0008] In the present invention, this object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to assign a characteristic, i.e. unique, physical quantity that can be detected using a sensor arrangement, such as a magnetic field strength, to predetermined positions of the vehicle seat, to detect this using the sensor arrangement and then to provide a position signal that is characteristic, i.e. unique, for the position of the vehicle seat on the basis of the physical quantity actually detected in a position of the vehicle seat.

[0010] For this purpose, a sensor arrangement for an adjustable seat, in particular a vehicle seat, is proposed. It comprises

[0011] - sensor elements arranged at a distance from one another and a sensor device which is adjustable relative to the same along an adjustment path determined by the sensor elements and which can be fixed, in particular temporarily, in a first position determined by a first sensor element of these sensor elements, in a second position spaced apart from the first position along the adjustment path and determined by a second sensor element of these sensor elements, and in at least one intermediate position lying along the adjustment path between the first position and the second position.

[0012] The said sensor device is designed to

[0013] - in the first position or in a first position range having the first position, a magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element, in the second position or in a position range having the second position, a magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element, and in the at least one intermediate position or in an intermediate position range having the at least one intermediate position, a magnetic field strength independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element and the second sensor element. The independent or substantially independent magnetic field strength detectable in the at least one intermediate position or the intermediate position range can be formed by an electrical background field strength of a background field or an electrical reference field strength of a reference field impressed on the sensor device. The said sensor device is further configured to

[0014] - to provide, depending on the actual position of the sensor device, a position signal which is characteristic or unique of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position or area.

[0015] As a result, the sensor arrangement can provide position signals by means of which the first position or the first position range, the second position or the second position range and the at least one intermediate position or the intermediate position range can be clearly distinguished. Furthermore, this makes it possible to implement the sensor device using cost-effective, commercially available sensor elements with a switching function, in particular using Hall ICs. Particularly preferably, the sensor device can be implemented using two Hall ICs, which enables very simple and cost-effective cabling (i.e. assembly). Further preferably, the sensor device can be implemented using a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or can have a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, which enables an even simpler and more cost-effective implementation of the sensor arrangement."Hall ICs" are Hall sensors that have an integrated, particularly programmable, circuit. This allows a Hall IC to detect two different field strengths, for example, magnetic north and magnetic south, and output different signals accordingly.

[0016] In other words, this or an alternative embodiment provides a sensor arrangement with, preferably, two separate sensors, which can detect three or four different positions or position ranges of a vehicle seat. The sensors of the sensor arrangement can each be programmed or programmable to a switching threshold by arranging at least one sensor element in each of the positions or position ranges to be detected, which causes a change in a detected signal in the sensors. A first position or a first position range of the vehicle seat comprising the first position can be provided, in which the first sensor of these sensors outputs the "high" (on) signal and the second sensor of these sensors outputs the "low" (off) signal.Furthermore, a second position or a second position range of the vehicle seat comprising the second position can be provided, in particular the aforementioned intermediate position range, in which the first sensor of these sensors outputs the "low" (off) signal and the second sensor of these sensors outputs the "low" (off) signal. Furthermore, a third position or a third position range of the vehicle seat comprising the third position can be provided, in which the first sensor of these sensors outputs the "low" (off) signal and the second sensor of these sensors outputs the "high" (on) signal. Furthermore, a fourth position range of the vehicle seat can be provided, in which the first sensor of these sensors outputs the "high" (on) signal and the second sensor of these sensors outputs the "high" (on) signal.

[0017] The first and / or the second sensor of the sensor arrangement can expediently be implemented by a Hall IC, as this allows for cost-effective implementation. In this case, for example through appropriate programming, the first sensor can be north pole active and the second sensor can be south pole active. North pole active and south pole active mean that the respective sensor is sensitive to magnetic north or magnetic south and can expediently output a corresponding signal. In particular, the proposed sensor arrangement can provide that in the first position range a magnet with a north pole pointing towards a sensor or in the direction of the sensor is arranged. In the second position range, expediently no magnet pointing towards one of the sensors is arranged. Furthermore, in the third position range a magnet with a south pole pointing towards one of the sensors or in the direction of the sensor can be arranged.In addition, one or more magnets can be arranged in the fourth position range so that both a north pole and a south pole act on a sensor. This can be achieved by rotating the magnet 90°, i.e., the poles point in the plane perpendicular to the sensor axis.

[0018] For the invention, it is expedient that the first position can be formed by a first position range, that the second position can be formed by a second position range and that the at least one intermediate position can be formed by an intermediate position range.

[0019] The sensor device can further be designed to provide a first position signal for the magnetic field strength that can be detected in the first position or in the first position range and is dependent on the first sensor element, and a second position signal for the magnetic field strength that can be detected in the second position or in the second position range and is dependent on the second sensor element, and a third position signal for the magnetic field strength that can be detected in the at least one intermediate position or the intermediate position range and is independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element and the second sensor element, wherein these position signals differ from one another. As a result, the first position or the first position range, the second position or the second position range and the at least one intermediate position orthe intermediate position range can be clearly distinguished and, because these position signals do not occur twice, can be distinguished without any doubt.

[0020] The invention understands the term magnetic field strength to mean the field strength and field direction of an electric field, i.e. the magnetic field strength is vectorial. An electric background field strength or an electric reference field strength impressed on the sensor device is a magnetic field strength within the meaning of the invention. They are expediently small, preferably zero, compared to the magnetic field strengths dependent on the two sensor elements. The electric background field strength can be realized, for example, by a magnetic field emanating from the environment of the sensor arrangement or the vehicle. The electric reference field strength can be realized by a magnetic or electromagnetic bias voltage, which is provided in particular by a reference field arranged on the sensor arrangement, preferably on the sensor device and more preferably on its sensors.

[0021] In this context, it may be particularly interesting to use the sensor arrangement on a vehicle seat in order to specifically control a safety device arranged, for example, in a steering wheel of the vehicle, such as an impact cushion (airbag), in accordance with the detected seat position of the vehicle seat. This is achieved in that said first position or the first position range represents a front seat position of the vehicle seat, in which the vehicle seat has a small or minimal distance from a steering wheel of the vehicle, said second position or the second position range represents a rear seat position of the vehicle seat, in which the vehicle seat has a large or maximum distance from the steering wheel of the vehicle, and said at least one intermediate position or the intermediate position range represents intermediate positions located between the front seat position and the rear seat position.Using the proposed sensor arrangement, the front seat position, the rear seat position, and at least one intermediate position can be clearly and unambiguously distinguished. This is due to the fact that the electrical field strength detectable at the front seat position, the rear seat position, and the at least one intermediate position are each assigned unique, characteristic position signals. The safety device, located, for example, in the steering wheel, can be triggered in a targeted manner, for example, in two or more stages, based on the provided position signals.This offers the particular advantage that people with a comparatively small body size, for example so-called 5th percentile people in the front seating area, and also people with a comparatively large body size, for example so-called 95th percentile people in the rear seating area, can be reliably protected by the safety device in the event of a vehicle accident.

[0022] It can expediently be provided that the sensor device has at least two separate or exactly two separate sensors for detecting a magnetic field strength. The sensors can each be configured to detect a magnetic field strength of a magnetic or electromagnetic field or to detect a change in a magnetic field strength of such a magnetic or electromagnetic field. It can also be provided that one or all of the sensors are magnetically biased. This means, in particular, that a reference magnet device, in particular a permanent magnet or electromagnet device, is assigned to the sensor(s), which reference magnet device provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field that imposes an electrical reference field strength on the sensor(s). As a result, the sensor(s) have verifiable offset output signals.

[0023] It can further be provided that two separate, identical sensors are provided, in particular two Hall ICs. The sensors can preferably each be programmable to different switching thresholds. For example, the two identical sensors can output a similar position signal at different levels. This allows signal processing in the sensor device to be designed favorably. Furthermore, it is conceivable that two separate, different sensors are used instead of two separate, identical sensors. For example, a first sensor of these two sensors, in particular a Hall IC, can detect a magnetic field and output a corresponding signal. A second sensor of these two sensors can be a mechanical sensor that mechanically detects a seating position.

[0024] In order to provide a cost-effective embodiment that is sensitive to the magnetic field strengths to be detected, said sensors can be implemented, for example, as programmable Hall sensors or the like. The sensors could also be implemented as mechanical switches, inductive sensors, or optical sensors. In principle, the sensor arrangement can contain a mixture of the aforementioned sensor types, for example, a mechanical switch and a Hall sensor are installed together. The present invention also refers to a Hall sensor by the abbreviation "Hall IC."

[0025] Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensors each have a detection area that is sensitive to the magnetic field strengths and defines a central axis. To ensure good detection of the magnetic field strengths by the sensors, it is expedient if the central axes of the detection areas are each perpendicular to a plane, with the detection areas of the sensors facing either in the same or opposite directions. It is also possible for the axes of the detection areas of the two sensors not to be parallel and perpendicular to the same plane, but rather for the front area to be tilted forwards and the rear sensor to be tilted backwards, which could somewhat increase the detection area. For purely structural reasons, a parallel alignment is easier to implement.Furthermore, it can be expediently provided that the sensors are configured, in particular programmed, to provide two sensor signals in said positions or said areas, which are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the respective position or the respective area, the sensor device is configured, in particular programmed, to provide a position signal based on the sensor signals provided in a respective position, which is characteristic or unique for the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position or the respective area.In other words, the two sensors of the sensor device are configured, in particular programmed, to provide sensor signals in the first position or the first position range that are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the first position, to provide sensor signals in the second position or the second position range that are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the second position, and to provide sensor signals in the at least one intermediate position or the intermediate position range that are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the at least one intermediate position. Thus, at each position or each range, two sensor signals dependent on the respectively detectable magnetic field strength are provided.In addition, the sensor device is configured, in particular programmed, to convert the sensor signals provided in a respective position or a respective area into a position signal dependent thereon that is characteristic or unique for the magnetic field strength detectable in this position.

[0026] It can expediently be provided that the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element is provided with a first field direction with a first field strength value or in a first field strength value range, the magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element is provided with a second field direction, for example a field direction opposite to the first field direction, with a second field strength value or in a second field strength value range, and the magnetic field strength independent of the first sensor element and second sensor element or substantially independent of it, which can be realized in particular by the said electrical background field strength or the said electrical reference field strength impressed on the sensor device or the sensor, is provided with a third field direction and a third field strength value (so-called basic value) or in a third field strength value range (so-called basic value range).The third field direction can, for example, be the first or second field direction. The third field strength value or the third field strength value range can be small or practically zero relative to the first and / or second field strength value.Furthermore, it is provided that a first sensor of these sensors is configured to detect the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range, to provide a first sensor signal with a first signal value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range can be detected in the respective position or the respective area, and to provide the first sensor signal with a base value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range cannot be detected or essentially cannot be detected in the respective position or the respective area and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position or the respective area.Furthermore, it is provided that a second sensor of these sensors is configured to detect the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range, to provide a second sensor signal with a second signal value if the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range can be detected in the respective position or the respective area, and to provide the second sensor signal with the base value if the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range cannot be detected or can essentially not be detected in the respective position or the respective area and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position or the respective area.Furthermore, it is provided that the sensor device is configured, in particular programmed, to provide a position signal based on the first signal value and / or the second signal value and / or the base value, which is characteristic or unique for the magnitude or magnitude range of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position or respective area. For this purpose, the sensor device can, for example, have a computing device or communicate with a control unit of the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, it can be expediently provided that the first signal value, the second signal value, and the base value differ from one another. This makes it relatively easy to provide characteristic position signals for the respective detectable magnetic field strengths.

[0028] It may be expedient to provide that

[0029] - the first signal value is current-coded and is given by a value from the value range between 2.0 and 5.0 mA, in particular 2.0 and 4.9 mA,

[0030] - the second signal value is current-coded and is given by a value from the range between 5.0 and 6.9 mA,

[0031] - the base value is current-coded and is given by a value from the range between 12.0 and 17.0 mA.

[0032] This provides a simple way of coding the signals provided by the sensors, so that a characteristic position signal can be provided in said positions or said areas. In this context, it can be advantageous if the sensors each have a signal line for providing the sensor signals, which makes the provided sensor signals available separately at or in the sensor device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the sensors each have a signal line, wherein the two signal lines are electrically connected to one another, for example within the sensor device, and form a main signal line, whereby the respectively provided sensor signals are linked, for example by superposition, to form a single signal that can be tapped at or in the sensor device using the main signal line.Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor device is configured, in particular programmed, to provide, based on the sensor signals provided in a respective position or a respective area, or the individual signal, a position signal that is characteristic or unique for the magnetic field strength detectable in the respective position or area. As a result, either two separate sensor signals or a single individual signal are provided at the sensor device in the respective positions or areas.

[0033] These separate sensor signals or the individual signal can form the characteristic position signal in a respective position or a respective range. In the first variant, this means, for example, that in the first position (at the first sensor element) or the first position range, the first sensor provides a first individual signal with a first signal value of 2.0 to 5.0 mA, and the second sensor provides a second individual signal with a base value of 12.0 to 17.0 mA. From this, the sensor device can determine the first position signal as a value pair A / ector (2.0 to 5.0 mA | 12.0 to 17.0 mA), which is characteristic of the first position or the first position range of the sensor device.Furthermore, in the same variant, in the second position (at the second transmitter element) or the second position range, the first sensor can provide the first individual signal with a base value of 12.0 to 17.0 mA and the second sensor can provide the second individual signal with a second signal value of 5.0 to 6.9 mA. From this, the sensor device can determine the second position signal as a value pair A / ector (12.0 to 17.0 mA | 5.0 to 6.9 mA) that is characteristic of the second position or the second position range of the sensor device. Furthermore, in the same variant, in the at least one intermediate position (between the first and second transmitter element) or the intermediate position range, the first sensor can provide the base value of 12.0 to 17.0 mA and the second sensor can provide the second individual signal with the base value of 12.0 to 17.0 mA.From this, the sensor device can determine the third position signal as a value pair A / ector (12.0 to 17.0 mA | 12.0 to 17.0 mA mA), which is characteristic of the third position or the intermediate position range of the sensor device. The proposed alternative, with an individual signal formed, for example, from the aforementioned individual signals by superposition, behaves analogously, with the value of the individual signal being between 14.0 to 16.9 mA in the first position (at the first sensor element) or the first position range, 17.0 to 23.9 mA in the second position (at the second sensor element) or the second position range, and 24.0 to 34.0 mA in the at least one intermediate position. The first signal value, the second signal value, and the base value are adjusted accordingly. This allows the aforementioned positions or ranges of the sensor device to be clearly distinguished.

[0034] Furthermore, the following signal values ​​can be provided: first sensor "high" (on) 2 mA to 3 mA and "low" (off) 15 mA to 17 mA, second sensor "high" (on) 6 mA to 7 mA and "low" (off) 15 mA to 17 mA. This results in a sum value of sensor value 1 plus sensor value 2, both "high" (on) from 8 mA to 10 mA and both "low" (off) from 30 mA to 34 mA. Furthermore, the following signal values ​​can be provided: first sensor "high" (on) 2 mA to 3 mA, second sensor "low" (off) 17 mA to 20 mA. Furthermore, the following signal values ​​can be provided: first sensor "low" (off) 15 mA to 17 mA and second sensor "high" (on) 21 mA to 24 mA. This clearly results in four different switching signals as a total current. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the position signal is not generated by the pure total current, but rather by logically linking the individual signals. The position signal then does not have to be a pure current signal; it could, for example,A unique PWM signal or a voltage value can also be output.

[0035] It can expediently be provided that the first sensor element is formed by a magnetic device, for example, a permanent magnet device, in particular a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet device, which provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field that realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second sensor element is formed by a further magnetic device, for example, a permanent magnet device, in particular a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet device, which provides a further magnetic or electromagnetic field that realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element. This specifies preferred sensor elements.

[0036] Furthermore, it can expediently be provided that the magnetic device and the further magnetic device are designed such that unlike magnetic poles of the magnetic devices face the sensor device and / or the sensors in the first position or in the first position range and in the second position or in the second position range. As a result, the magnetic field strengths of the two sensor elements are characterized by unlike magnetic field directions of the magnetic devices, with the respective field strength being subordinate. In other words, the magnetic field strength of the first sensor element formed by a magnetic device can be determined by one field direction, and the magnetic field strength of the second sensor element, also formed by a magnetic device, can be determined by an opposite field direction.It is also conceivable that the magnetic field strengths of the first sensor element and those of the second sensor element are characterized by different field strengths but identical field directions.

[0037] It can expediently be provided that the first sensor element is formed by a flux-conducting structure made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which, through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device, provides a magnetic field that realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second sensor element is formed by a further flux-conducting structure made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which, through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device, provides a magnetic field that realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element.In this case, it may be expedient for the flux-conducting structures to be configured such that they face the sensor device in the first position or the first position range and in the second position or the second position range. The flux-conducting structures can expediently be implemented by an electrically conductive and / or metallic sheet. This also specifies preferred sensor elements.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be expediently provided that the first sensor element and the second sensor element are arranged on a base element of a structural component for the vehicle, said base element defining a longitudinal axis in its main extension direction, at a distance from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the sensor device is arranged on a sensor carrier element of the structural component, wherein the sensor carrier element is guided on the base element in a linearly adjustable manner or vice versa.

[0039] It can expediently be provided that the structural component forms a vehicle seat of the vehicle, the base element forms a lower seat rail, which can be arranged on a vehicle support structure component of the vehicle, of a seat rail for the vehicle formed by the lower seat rail and a seat upper rail, and the sensor carrier element forms the upper seat rail of the seat rail, which can be arranged on the vehicle seat. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the sensor carrier element forms a lower seat rail, which can be arranged on a vehicle support structure component for the vehicle, of a seat rail for the vehicle formed by the lower seat rail and a seat upper rail, and the base element forms the upper seat rail of the seat rail, which can be arranged on the vehicle seat of the vehicle. This specifies in each case a preferred embodiment for a sensor arrangement.

[0040] A corresponding sensor arrangement can be installed in particular in a vehicle seat of a vehicle and used there to clearly and reliably detect different seating positions of the vehicle seat.

[0041] According to a further basic concept of the invention, a vehicle seat for a vehicle is proposed, which is designed with at least one sensor arrangement as described above. According to a further basic concept of the invention, a vehicle with at least one such vehicle seat is also proposed. This provides an advantageous vehicle seat and an advantageous vehicle with at least one such vehicle seat. Using the proposed sensor arrangement, the front seat position or a front seat position range, the rear seat position or a rear seat position range, and the at least one intermediate position or an intermediate position range of the vehicle seat can be clearly and unambiguously distinguished.The safety device, such as an impact cushion (airbag) located in the vehicle's steering wheel, can be triggered in a targeted manner, for example, in two or more stages, based on the position signals from the vehicle seat's sensor array, possibly provided to a vehicle control unit. This has the particular advantage that people of comparatively short stature, such as so-called 5th percentile individuals, and also people of comparatively tall stature, such as so-called 95th percentile individuals, are reliably protected by the safety device in the event of a vehicle accident, whether in a front seat position, an intermediate position, or a rear seat position.

[0042] In other words, the invention expediently relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting seat positions or seat position ranges of a vehicle seat for a vehicle that is adjustable between different seat positions or seat position ranges, wherein at least three such seat positions or seat position ranges of the vehicle seat can be reliably distinguished, namely a front, a middle, and a rear seat position or a front, a middle, and a rear seat position range. For this purpose, it is proposed that the sensor arrangement comprise sensor elements arranged at a distance from one another, in particular on a seat rail, and a sensor arrangement comprising two sensors.The latter can be adjusted longitudinally with respect to the sensor elements, wherein at the first position determined by a first sensor element of these sensor elements or a front seat position area having the first position it detects a magnetic or electromagnetic field provided by or dependent on the first sensor element, at the second position determined by a second sensor element of these sensor elements or a rear seat position area having the second position it detects a magnetic or electromagnetic field provided by or dependent on the second sensor element, and at the middle position arranged between the first position and the second position or between the front seat position area and the rear seat position area it detects a magnetic or electromagnetic field that is independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element and the second sensor element.The fields detectable in the seating position areas differ from one another and / or are unique in their field quality, particularly in field direction and / or field strength, for the respective detectable field. Characteristic position signals can be assigned to the unique fields detectable in the respective positions or seating position areas based on the sensor arrangement, which allows the positions of the sensor arrangement and thus the position of the vehicle seat to be determined unambiguously.

[0043] The sensor device of the sensor arrangement can expediently consist of a Hall IC or include such a Hall IC. "Hall ICs" are Hall sensors that have an integrated, particularly programmable, circuit. This allows a Hall IC to detect, for example, two different field strengths, particularly magnetic north and magnetic south, and output correspondingly different signals.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the sensor arrangement, which can also be implemented in combination with one or more of the previously mentioned features of the sensor arrangement, it is expediently provided that the sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat of a vehicle has sensor elements arranged at a distance from one another and a sensor device which is adjustable relative to the same along an adjustment path determined by the sensor elements and which can be fixed in a first position determined by a first sensor element of these sensor elements, in a second position spaced apart from the first position along the adjustment path and determined by a second sensor element of these sensor elements, and in at least one intermediate position lying along the adjustment path between the first position and the second position.In this case, the sensor device expediently has a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or is formed by a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or has at least two separate sensors, in particular two separate Hall ICs, or is formed by two separate sensors, in particular two separate Hall ICs, wherein the single sensor or the two sensors are designed to detect a magnetic or electromagnetic field. In this case, the single sensor or the two sensors of the sensor device can be arranged together on or in a housing of the sensor device. Furthermore, "Hall ICs" are Hall sensors that have an integrated, in particular programmable, circuit (integrated circuit).Furthermore, the single sensor or the two sensors can expediently be each set up, for example by appropriate programming, to detect a magnetic north pole and / or a magnetic south pole of a magnetic or electromagnetic field, whereby corresponding sensors are also referred to in the relevant specialist circles as “north pole active” or “south pole active” sensors. North pole active or south pole active means that a respective sensor is sensitive to magnetic north or magnetic south, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the single sensor is set up or programmed in such a way that it can detect a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole of a magnetic or electromagnetic field, i.e. the single sensor is expediently both north pole active and south pole active.As a result, the sensor device can be implemented with just a single sensor, which offers the advantage of a sensor arrangement that can be manufactured more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the single sensor or the two sensors of the sensor device can expediently provide an output signal or various output signals that are representative of magnetic north or magnetic south of a magnetic or electromagnetic field. In particular, it can be provided that said sensor elements of the sensor arrangement are each configured to provide a magnetic or electromagnetic field. For example, the sensor elements can each be implemented by a permanent magnet device, in particular a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet device.The first sensor element can be oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element or a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element. Likewise, the second sensor element can be oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element or a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element.It is further advantageous if the first sensor element is oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element, and the second sensor element is oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element, or vice versa. This makes it possible for the sensor device to provide a position signal characteristic of the respective position assumed at any position along the adjustment path.

[0045] In a further independent invention, which can also be implemented in combination with one or more of the previously mentioned features of the sensor arrangement, a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat of a vehicle is provided, which has sensor elements arranged at a distance from one another and a sensor device which is adjustable relative to the same along an adjustment path determined by the sensor elements and which can be fixed in a first position determined by a first sensor element of these sensor elements, in a second position spaced apart from the first position along the adjustment path and determined by a second sensor element of these sensor elements, and in at least one intermediate position lying along the adjustment path between the first position and the second position.In this case, the sensor device expediently has a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or is formed by a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or has at least two separate sensors, in particular two separate Hall ICs, or is formed by two separate sensors, in particular two separate Hall ICs, wherein the single sensor or the two sensors are configured to detect a magnetic or electromagnetic field. In this case, the single sensor or the two sensors of the sensor device can be arranged together on or in a housing of the sensor device. Furthermore, "Hall ICs" are Hall sensors that have an integrated, in particular programmable, circuit (integrated circuit).Furthermore, the single sensor or the two sensors can expediently be each set up, for example by appropriate programming, to detect a magnetic north pole and / or a magnetic south pole of a magnetic or electromagnetic field, whereby corresponding sensors are also referred to in the relevant specialist circles as “north pole active” or “south pole active” sensors. North pole active or south pole active means that a respective sensor is sensitive to magnetic north or magnetic south, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the single sensor is set up or programmed in such a way that it can detect a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole of a magnetic or electromagnetic field, i.e. the single sensor is expediently both north pole active and south pole active.As a result, the sensor device can be implemented with just a single sensor, which offers the advantage of a sensor arrangement that can be manufactured more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the single sensor or the two sensors of the sensor device can expediently provide an output signal or various output signals that are representative of magnetic north or magnetic south of a magnetic or electromagnetic field. In particular, it can be provided that said sensor elements of the sensor arrangement are each configured to provide a magnetic or electromagnetic field. For example, the sensor elements can each be implemented by a permanent magnet device, in particular a permanent magnet, or an electromagnet device.The first sensor element can be oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element or a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element. Likewise, the second sensor element can be oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element or a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element.It is further advantageous if the first sensor element is oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic north pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the first sensor element, and the second sensor element is oriented with respect to the sensor device such that the single sensor or at least one of the two sensors of the sensor device can detect a magnetic south pole of the magnetic or electromagnetic field of the second sensor element, or vice versa. This makes it possible for the sensor device to provide a position signal characteristic of the respective position assumed at any position along the adjustment path.The further invention expediently relates to a vehicle seat with such a sensor arrangement and expediently to a vehicle with such a vehicle seat.

[0046] In summary, the present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat with sensor elements arranged at a distance and a sensor device which can be adjusted along an adjustment path and fixed in positions determined by the sensor elements.The latter is designed to detect a magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element in the first position or a first position range having the first position, a magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element in the second position or a second position range having the second position, and a magnetic field strength independent of the first sensor element and second sensor element in the at least one intermediate position or an intermediate position range having the at least one intermediate position, and to provide a position signal depending on the position of the sensor device that is characteristic of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position. The invention expediently also relates to a vehicle seat having such a sensor arrangement and expediently to a vehicle having such a vehicle seat.

[0047] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0048] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like or similar or functionally identical components.

[0050] They show, schematically

[0051] Fig. 1 to 3 show a preferred first embodiment of a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat, wherein the sensor device is adjusted to different positions,

[0052] Fig. 4 to 6 show a preferred second embodiment of a sensor arrangement for a vehicle seat, first in Fig. 4 in a side view, in Fig. 5 in a front view according to an arrow IVa shown in Fig. 4 and then in Fig. 6 in a rear view according to an arrow IVa shown in Fig. 4, Figs. 7 and 8 each show a preferred embodiment of a sensor device with two sensors.

[0053] Figures 1 to 6 show preferred embodiments of a sensor arrangement 1, designated overall by the reference number 1, for a vehicle seat 8 of a vehicle 9.

[0054] 1 to 3 show a preferred first embodiment of such a sensor arrangement 1 for a vehicle seat 8 of a vehicle 9, wherein a sensor device 2 of the sensor arrangement 1 is adjusted in Fig. 1 to a first position 15, in Fig. 2 to an intermediate position 17, and in Fig. 3 to a second position 16. The first position 15 can, for example, correspond to a front seating position of the vehicle seat 8, the second position 16 to a rear seating position of the vehicle seat 8, and the at least one intermediate position to an intermediate seating position of the vehicle seat 8. The sensor arrangement 1, shown in a highly simplified manner, has sensor elements 11, 12 arranged at a distance 10 from one another, as well as the aforementioned sensor device 2, indicated by a frame.

[0055] The sensor device 2 is adjustable within the scope of an adjustment movement 14 indicated by a double arrow relative to the sensor elements 11, 12 along an adjustment path 13 determined or spanned by the sensor elements 11, 12. The sensor device 2 is further designed such that it can be releasably fixed, for example by a driver of the vehicle 9, in the first position 15 determined by a first sensor element 11 of these sensor elements 11, 12, the second position 16 spaced apart from the first position 15 along the adjustment path 13 by a second sensor element 12 of these sensor elements 11, 12, and in the intermediate position 17 lying along the adjustment path 13 between the first position 15 and the second position 16. The sensor device 2 also has sensors 3, 5, each symbolized by small boxes in Fig. 1 to 3, which are each configured to detect a magnetic field strength.In particular, the sensors 3, 5 can each be configured to detect a field strength and / or a field direction of a magnetic field strength. It can also be provided that one or all of the sensors 3, 5 are magnetically biased. This means, in particular, that the sensor(s) 3, 5 is / are assigned a reference magnet device (not illustrated here), in particular a permanent magnet or electromagnet device, which provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field that imposes an electrical reference field strength on the sensor(s) 3, 5. As a result, the sensor(s) 3, 5 have / have verifiable offset output signals. In order to provide a cost-effective embodiment that is sensitive to the magnetic field strengths to be detected, the said sensors 3, 5 can be implemented, for example, by programmable Hall sensors or the like.

[0056] According to Figs. 1 to 3, it is further provided that the sensors 3, 5 each have a detection area 28 that is sensitive to the magnetic field strengths and defines a central axis 29. For good detection of the magnetic field strengths by the sensors 3, 5, it is expedient if the central axes 29 of the detection areas 28 are each perpendicular to a plane 30, with the detection areas 28 of the sensors 3, 5 preferably facing in the same direction.

[0057] The first sensor element 11 is formed by a magnetic device 31, for example a permanent magnet or electromagnet device, which provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field that realizes a magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element 11. The second sensor element 12 is formed by a further magnetic device 32, for example a permanent magnet or electromagnet device, which provides a further magnetic or electromagnetic field that realizes a magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element 12. The magnetic devices 31, 32 are exemplarily designed such that unlike magnetic poles 35, 36 of the magnetic devices 31, 32 face the sensor device 2 and / or its sensors 3, 5 in the first position 15 and in the second position 16. For example, the magnetic pole 35 is a magnetic north pole. For example, the magnetic pole 36 is a magnetic south pole.

[0058] In Figs. 1 to 3, it is also evident that the first sensor element 11 and the second sensor element 12 are arranged on a base element 40 of a structural component 39, which defines a longitudinal axis 38 in its main extension direction, at a distance 10 from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis 38. It should be noted that the adjustment path 13 is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 38. Furthermore, it can be seen that the sensor device 2 is arranged on a sensor carrier element 41 of the structural component 39, wherein the sensor carrier element 41 is guided on the base element 40 in a linearly adjustable manner.

[0059] In the present case, it is provided that the structural component 39 forms the vehicle seat 8 of the vehicle 9, while the base element 40 forms a lower seat rail 43, which can be arranged on a vehicle support structure component 42 of the vehicle 9, of a seat rail 45 formed by the lower seat rail 43 and a seat upper rail 44, and the sensor carrier element 41 forms the upper seat rail 44 of the seat rail 45, which can be arranged on the vehicle seat 8.

[0060] The sensor device 2 is configured to detect, in the first position 15, the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element 11, in the second position 16, the magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element 12, and, in the at least one intermediate position 17, a magnetic field strength independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element 11 and second sensor element 12, which can in particular be an electrical background field strength or an electrical reference field strength impressed on the sensor device 2. The sensor device 2 is further configured to provide, depending on the position 15, 16, 17 of the sensor device 2, a position signal that is characteristic or unique for the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position 15, 16, 17.

[0061] This is achieved in concrete terms in that the sensor device 2 and / or the sensors 3, 5 are configured, in particular programmed, to provide two sensor signals 23, 24 in each of the said positions 15, 16, 17, which are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the respective position 15, 16, 17.In addition, the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element 11 is provided with a first field direction having a first field strength value or in a first field strength value range, the magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element 12 is provided with a second field direction, for example, a field direction opposite to the first field direction, having a second field strength value or in a second field strength value range, and the magnetic field strength independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element 11 and second sensor element 12 is provided with a third field direction, for example, the first or second field direction, and having a third field strength value or in a third field strength value range. The third field strength value or field strength value range can be small or practically zero with respect to the first and / or second field strength value.Furthermore, it is provided that the first sensor 3 is configured to detect the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range, to provide a first sensor signal 23 with a first signal value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range can be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17, and to provide the first sensor signal 23 with a base value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range cannot be detected or can essentially not be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17 and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17.In this sense, the second sensor 5 is also designed to detect the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range, to provide a second sensor signal 24 with a second signal value if the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range can be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17, and to provide the second sensor signal 24 with the base value if the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range cannot be detected or can only be detected essentially cannot be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17 and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position 15, 16, 17.

[0062] The first signal value, the second signal value, and the base value differ from one another and are each current-coded, such that the first signal value is given by a value from the value range between 2.0 to 5.0 mA, in particular 2.0 to 4.9 mA, the second signal value by a value from the value range between 5.0 to 6.9 mA, and the base value by a value from the value range between 12.0 to 17.0 mA. The sensor device 2 is further configured, in particular programmed, to provide, for example, to determine a position signal based on the first signal value and / or the second signal value and / or the base value, which position signal is then characteristic or unique for the magnitude value or magnitude range of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position 15, 16, 17.This provides a simple coding for the sensor signals 23, 24 provided by the sensors 3, 5, so that a characteristic position signal can be provided in the said positions 15, 16, 17.

[0063] Based on the position signals of the sensor arrangement 1, the front seating position, the rear seating position, and at least one intermediate position of the vehicle seat 8 can be clearly and unambiguously distinguished. A safety device arranged, for example, in the steering wheel of the vehicle 9, such as an impact cushion (airbag), can be specifically triggered, for example in two or more stages, based on the position signals of the sensor arrangement 1 that may be provided to a control unit of the vehicle 9. This has the particular advantage that people of comparatively small stature, for example so-called 5th percentile persons, and also people of comparatively tall stature, for example so-called 95th percentile persons, are reliably protected by the safety device in the front seating position, the intermediate position, and the rear seating position in the event of an accident involving the vehicle 9.

[0064] 4 to 6 show a preferred second embodiment of a sensor arrangement 1 for a vehicle seat 8 of a vehicle 9, first in Fig. 4 in a side view, in Fig. 5 in a front view according to an arrow IVa shown in Fig. 4 and then in Fig. 6 in a rear view according to an arrow IVb shown in Fig. 4. The present embodiment differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 in that the first transmitter element 11 is formed by a plate-like flux-guiding structure 37 made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which, through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device 2, in particular the sensors 3, 5, provides a magnetic field which realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the first transmitter element 11.Furthermore, the second transmitter element 12 is formed by a plate-like further flux-guiding structure 46 made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which, through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device 2, in particular the sensors 3, 5, provides a magnetic field that realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the second transmitter element 12. The flux-guiding structures 37, 46 are each realized, for example, by an electrically conductive and / or metallic sheet and are arranged on the base element 40 such that, in the first position 15, the first flux-guiding structure 37 faces the sensor device 2, in particular the first sensor 3, and, in the second position 16, the second flux-guiding structure 46 faces the sensor device 2, in particular the second sensor 5, in a planar manner.It is further provided that the sensors 3, 5 each have a detection area 28 which is sensitive to the magnetic field strengths and defines a central axis 29. In order to ensure good detection of the magnetic field strengths by the sensors 3, 5, it is expedient if the central axes 29 of the detection areas 28 are each perpendicular to a plane 30, with the detection areas 28 of the sensors 3, 5 facing in opposite directions in the present case. It can also be provided that one or all of the sensors 3, 5 are magnetically prestressed. This means, in particular, that the sensor(s) 3, 5 is assigned a reference magnet device (not illustrated here), in particular a permanent magnet or electromagnet device, which provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field which impresses an electrical reference field strength on the sensor(s) 3, 5.As a result, the sensor(s) 3, 5 have verifiable offset output signals.

[0065] Figs. 7 and 8 each show a sensor device 2 with sensors 3, 5 indicated by simple boxes. The sensors 3, 5 according to Fig. 7 each have a signal line 4, 6, indicated by a dashed line, for providing the sensor signals 23, 24. Using the signal lines 4, 6, the sensor signals 23, 24 provided by the sensors 3, 5 can be tapped separately from one another at or in the sensor device 2. Ground lines 25 are also indicated by a solid line. The sensors 3, 5 according to Fig. 8 each also have a signal line 4, 6, indicated by a dashed line, for providing the sensor signals 23, 24. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 7, however, the signal lines 4, 6 are electrically connected to one another and form a main signal line 47.As a result, the sensor signals 23, 24 provided at the sensors 3, 5 are combined, for example by superposition, into a single signal 48, which can be tapped via the main signal line 47 on or in the sensor device 2. This eliminates the need for a signal line, making the sensor device 2 more compact and cost-effective.

[0066] *****

Claims

Claims 1 . Sensor arrangement (1 ) for a vehicle seat (8) of a vehicle (9), - with sensor elements (11, 12) arranged at a distance (10) from one another and a sensor device (2) which is adjustable relative to the sensor elements along an adjustment path (13) determined by the sensor elements (11, 12) and which can be fixed in a first position (15) determined by a first sensor element (11) of these sensor elements (11, 12), in a second position (16) spaced apart from the first position (15) along the adjustment path (13) and determined by a second sensor element (12) of these sensor elements (11, 12), as well as in at least one intermediate position (17) lying along the adjustment path (13) between the first position (15) and the second position (16), which is designed, - in the first position (15) or in a first position range having the first position (15), a magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element (11), in the second position (16) or in a second position range having the second position (16), a magnetic field strength dependent on the second sensor element (12), and in the at least one intermediate position (17) or an intermediate position range having the at least one intermediate position (17), a magnetic field strength independent or substantially independent of the first sensor element (11) and the second sensor element (12), and - to provide a position signal (20, 21, 22) as a function of the position (15, 16, 17) of the sensor device (2), which is characteristic of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position (15, 16, 17).

2. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (2) is formed by a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC, or has a single sensor, in particular a Hall IC.

3. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor device (2) has at least two separate sensors (3, 5), in particular sensors (3, 5) for detecting a magnetic field strength, further in particular a Hall sensor for detecting a magnetic field and / or an inductive sensor for detecting an electric field and / or a mechanical sensor and / or an optical sensor.

4. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that - the sensors (3, 5) are designed, in particular programmed, to provide two sensor signals (23, 24) in each of the said positions (15, 16, 17) or in the first position range, the second position range and the intermediate position range, which are dependent on the magnetic field strength detectable in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or the respective range, - the sensor device (2) is designed, in particular programmed, to provide a position signal (20, 21, 22) based on the sensor signals (23, 24) provided by the sensors (3, 5) in a respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the first position range, the second position range and the intermediate position range, which position signal is characteristic of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective range.

5. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that - the magnetic field strength dependent on the first sensor element (11) with a first, predetermined field direction with a first, predetermined field strength value or in a first, predetermined field strength value range, the magnetic field strength dependent on the second transmitter element (12) with a second, predetermined field direction with a second, predetermined field strength value or in a second, predetermined field strength value range, and the magnetic field strength independent of the first transmitter element (11) and second transmitter element (12) or substantially independent of it with a third, predetermined field direction with a magnitude value or in a third magnitude value range, - wherein a first sensor (3) of these sensors (3, 5) is configured to detect the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range, to provide a first sensor signal (23) with a first signal value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range can be detected in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area, and to provide the first sensor signal (23) with a base value if the first field direction and / or the first field strength value or the first field strength value range cannot be detected or substantially cannot be detected in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area, - wherein a second sensor (5) of said sensors (3, 5) is configured to detect the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range, to provide a second sensor signal (24) with a second signal value if the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range can be detected in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area, and to provide the second sensor signal (24) with the base value if the the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area, the second field direction and / or the second field strength value or the second field strength value range cannot be detected or substantially cannot be detected and / or the third size value or the third size value range can be detected in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area, - wherein the sensor device (2) is designed, in particular programmed, to provide a position signal (20, 21, 22) based on the first signal value and / or the second signal value and / or the base value, which position signal is characteristic of the magnetic field strength detectable at the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area.

6. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first signal value, the second signal value and the base value differ from one another.

7. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that - the first signal value is current-coded and is given by a value from the value range between 2.0 and 5.0 mA, in particular 2.0 and 4.9 mA, - the second signal value is current-coded and is given by a value from the range between 5.0 and 6.9 mA, - the base value is current-coded and is given by a value from the range between 12.0 and 17.0 mA.

8. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that - the sensors (3, 5) each have a signal line (4, 6) for providing the sensor signals (23, 24), which make the provided sensor signals (23, 24) available on or in the sensor device (2) separately from one another, or - the sensors (3, 5) each have a signal line (4, 6), wherein the two signal lines (4, 6) are electrically connected to one another and form a main signal line (47), whereby the respectively provided sensor signals (23, 24) are combined to form a single signal (48) which can be tapped off on or in the sensor device (2) by means of the main signal line (47), - the sensor device (2) is designed, in particular programmed, to provide a position signal (20, 21, 22) based on the sensor signals (23, 24) provided in a respective position (15, 16, 17) or in a respective area or the individual signal (48), which is characteristic of the magnetic field strength detectable in the respective position (15, 16, 17) or in the respective area.

9. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transmitter element (11) is formed by a magnet device (31) which provides a magnetic or electromagnetic field which realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the first transmitter element (11), and the second transmitter element (12) is formed by a further magnet device (32) which provides a further magnetic or electromagnetic field which realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the second transmitter element (12).

10. Sensor arrangement (1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the magnetic device (31 ) and the further magnetic device (32) are designed are that unlike magnetic poles (35, 36) of the magnetic devices (31, 32) face the sensor device (2) and / or the sensors (3, 5) in the first position (15) or in the first position range and in the second position (16) or in the second position range.

11. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transmitter element (11) is formed by a flux-conducting structure (37) made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which flux-conducting structure provides a magnetic field through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device (2), which realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the first transmitter element (11), and the second transmitter element (12) is formed by a further flux-conducting structure (46) made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a ferromagnetic material with expediently soft magnetic properties, which flux-conducting structure provides a magnetic field through a magnetic interaction between the sensor device (2), which realizes the magnetic field strength dependent on the second transmitter element (12).

12. Sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first sensor element (11) and the second sensor element (12) are arranged on a base element (40) of a structural component (39) for the vehicle (9) defining a longitudinal axis (38) at a distance (10) from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis (38), - the sensor device (2) is arranged on a sensor carrier element (41) of the structural component (39), - wherein the sensor carrier element (41) is linearly adjustable on the base element (40) is guided or vice versa.

13. Sensor arrangement (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that - the structural component (39) forms a vehicle seat (8) of the vehicle (9), - the base element (40) forms a lower seat rail (43) of a seat rail (45) for the vehicle (9) formed by the lower seat rail (43) and a seat upper rail (44), which can be arranged on a vehicle support structure component (42) of the vehicle (9), and the sensor carrier element (41) forms the seat upper rail (44) of the seat rail (45) which can be arranged on the vehicle seat (8), or - the sensor carrier element (41) forms a lower seat rail (43) of a seat rail (45) for the vehicle (9) formed by the lower seat rail (43) and an upper seat rail (44), which can be arranged on a vehicle support structure component (42) for the vehicle (9), and the base element (40) forms the upper seat rail (44) of the seat rail (45) which can be arranged on the vehicle seat (8) of the vehicle (9).

14. Vehicle seat (8) for a vehicle (9) with at least one sensor arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

15. Vehicle (9) with at least one vehicle seat (8) according to the preceding claim 14.

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