Device for mobilizing a car seat from front to back
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing automobile seat mobilization devices that utilize brushless direct current (BLDC) motors require an electronic processing unit, necessitating a redesign to accommodate this new component without significantly altering the device's dimensions.
Integrate the electronic processing unit into the bridge of the existing seat mobilization device, maintaining the device's dimensions by positioning it under or beside the bridge, using flexible shafts, and employing anti-rotation mechanisms to ensure compatibility with both left and right configurations.
The solution allows for seamless integration of the electronic processing unit, providing mechanical protection and efficient operation while retaining the device's original footprint, reducing noise, and ensuring symmetrical assembly for both left and right seats.
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Device for moving a car seat back and forth Technical field
[0001] The invention relates to a device for mobilizing a car seat in translation, from front to back and vice versa. Prior art
[0002] It is known to produce a device for mobilizing a car seat in translation from front to back and vice versa, comprising two slides. Each slide comprises a fixed part secured to the floor of the vehicle and a movable part secured to the seat. The slides are rectilinear. They are substantially parallel to each other and to the translational movement. They are arranged substantially horizontally. The device further comprises a rectilinear bridge connecting the two slides in a manner substantially perpendicular to the two slides. The device further comprises a motor, and the latter is integrated into the bridge, in such a way that the axis of the motor is parallel to the axis of the bridge. The motor is of the type with a rotating shaft having two outputs / power take-offs, on either side of the motor, along its axis.The device also includes two transmission shafts, also integrated into the bridge, and running respectively from one end of the motor shaft to one of the slides. At each of the slides is arranged a reducer, typically a worm screw, driven in rotation by the motor and driving in translation the movable part of the slide, integral with the seat.
[0003] Such a device is known for motorizing the alternating front-to-back movement of a car seat along the X axis. It is used for types of motor not requiring an electronic processing unit.
[0004] The invention proposes to reuse such a device and to adapt it to types of engine requiring an electronic processing unit to operate. It is then appropriate to integrate the electronic processing unit into the device, and preferably without excessively modifying the dimensions of said device. Summary of the invention
[0005] The invention proposes to provide a device for mobilizing a car seat in translation from front to back and vice versa, comprising two rectilinear slides substantially parallel to each other, parallel to the translation movement and substantially horizontal, a rectilinear bridge connecting the two slides and substantially perpendicular to the two slides, a motor integrated into the bridge, the axis of the motor being parallel to the axis of the bridge, and two transmission shafts going respectively from one end of the motor shaft to one of the slides, where the device further includes an electronic processing unit interfacing the motor and the electronic processing unit is integrated into the bridge.
[0006] Particular characteristics or embodiments, usable alone or in combination, are: - the engine is located on the deck and the electronic processing unit is located under the deck, - the engine is located under the deck and the electronic processing unit is located on the deck, - the electronic processing unit is shaped in length, so as to remain within the dimensions of the bridge, - the electronic processing unit has a width less than or equal to the width of the engine, - the transmission shafts are flexible shafts, - the electronic processing unit is located at the front of the bridge, - the electronic processing unit is located at the rear of the bridge, - the electronic processing unit comprises a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board, and at least the largest components are mounted on the face of the printed circuit board facing the inside of the bridge, - the electronic processing unit comprises a first connector for connecting and securing the electronic processing unit to the motor, and the power components of the electronic processing unit are arranged on the portion of the printed circuit furthest from the motor, - the electronic processing unit comprises a second connector for connecting the electronic processing unit with the outside, and the electronic processing unit is centered relative to the axis of the motor, with a width at most equal to the width of the motor and the second connector is centered relative to the axis of the motor, - the motor comprises a first anti-rotation means around its axis, relative to the bridge, such as at least one fin, and the bridge comprises a second anti-rotation means complementary to the first anti-rotation means, such as as many slots, respectively capable of receiving said at least one fin, the first anti-rotation means being such that it is reproduced during a rotation of the motor around an axis X mediating the bridge. Brief description of the drawings
[0007] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:
[0008] [Fig-1] shows, in perspective view, a seat mounted on a mobilization device,
[0009] [Fig.2] shows, in perspective view, a mobilization device,
[0010] [Fig.3] shows, in exploded perspective view, the device of [Fig.2],
[0011] [Fig.4] shows, in perspective view, a bridge,
[0012] [Fig.5] shows, in exploded front view, the bridge of [Fig.4],
[0013] [Fig.6] shows, in profile view, the bridge of [Fig.4],
[0014] [Fig.7] shows, in top view, a bridge according to another embodiment,
[0015] [Fig.8] shows, in exploded top view, the bridge of [Fig.7],
[0016] [Fig.9] shows, in top view, a motor and an electronic processing unit,
[0017] [Fig. 10] shows, in perspective view, a motor assembly and electronic processing unit,
[0018] [Fig. 11] shows, in top view, the whole of [Fig. 10] integrated into a bridge on the left,
[0019] [Fig. 12] shows, in top view, the whole of [Fig. 10] integrated into a bridge on the right,
[0020] [Fig.13] shows, in front view, the whole of [Fig.10],
[0021] [Fig. 14] shows, in profile view, an anti-rotation device. Description of the embodiments
[0022] With reference to [Fig.l], the invention relates to a device 1 for mobilizing a car seat S in translation from front to back and vice versa.
[0023] Such a device 1, as more particularly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, comprises two rectilinear slides 2. These two slides 2 are substantially parallel to each other and to the translational movement that they define and allow. In the vehicle-mounted configuration, these slides 2 are substantially horizontal. Each slide 2 comprises two rectilinear portions capable of sliding relative to each other in the direction of the slide 2, either in the vehicle-mounted configuration, in a sagittal, longitudinal direction or along the X axis in the reference system conventionally used in automobiles, as shown in [Fig.l]. One rectilinear portion is fixed relative to the floor of the vehicle to which it is fixed, while the other rectilinear portion is fixed relative to the seat S to which it is fixed. Also, the sliding of one portion relative to the other portion allows a translational movement of the seat S from front to back.
[0024] The device 1 further comprises a rectilinear bridge 3, extending from one slide 2 to the other and arranged substantially perpendicular to the two slides 2. The device 1 further comprises a motor 4. The latter is integrated into the bridge 3, in such a way that the axis of the motor 4 aligns with the extension axis of the bridge 3. The device 1 further comprises two transmission shafts 5. Each transmission shaft 5 extends from one end of the shaft of the motor 4, shaft of which it is integral in rotation, to one of the slides 2. Thus, the rotational movement of the motor 4 is transmitted, via the transmission shaft 5 to the slide 2. At the level of the slide 2, a reducer, not visible, of the worm and rack type is arranged, the worm being integral with the transmission shaft 5, and the rack being integral with the portion of slide 2 fixed to the seat S. Said reducer transforms the rotational movement from the motor 4 into a translation of the portion of the slide 2 fixed to the seat S, and therefore of the seat S relative to the vehicle.
[0025] Such a device is known and pre-exists the invention. There has recently emerged the desire to replace the motor 4 with a brushless direct current (BLDC) type motor 4. However, such a motor 4, which has many advantages, requires an electronic processing unit 6, which was previously absent. This electronic processing unit 6 interfaces the motor 4 with the outside by providing it with control and electrical power. In addition, the motor 4 comprises at least one sensor. The electronic processing unit 6 further interfaces said at least one sensor by providing it with electrical power and by processing the measurement signals to modify the electrical control of the motor 4.
[0026] It is desirable to integrate the electronic processing unit 6 as close as possible to the motor 4, while substantially retaining the dimensions of the device 1 that it had according to the prior art, without the electronic processing unit 6.
[0027] Also, according to one characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6, interfacing the motor 4, is integrated into the bridge 3.
[0028] This advantageously makes it possible to deliver a complete device 1, substantially in the same size, in order to allow integration similar to that of the prior art and / or an upgrade replacement.
[0029] Conventionally, the engine 4 is arranged above the bridge 3. With reference to figures 4-6, according to another characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 is arranged below the bridge 3. Also, according to this embodiment, the electronic processing unit 6 is arranged on the side opposite the engine 4. Such an arrangement, under the bridge 3, i.e. between the bridge 3 and the floor of the vehicle, to which the device 1 is mounted, allows the bridge 3 to offer mechanical protection, against impacts, to the electronic processing unit 6.
[0030] Alternatively, the motor 4 can be arranged below the bridge 3 and the electronic processing unit 6 can be arranged above the bridge 3.
[0031] According to another characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 is further protected by a cover 14.
[0032] According to another characteristic, illustrated in figures 2-14, the electronic processing unit 6 is advantageously shaped in length, in such a way as to remain within the space requirement of the bridge 3. Thus, the electronic processing unit 6 can be housed in the volume of the bridge 3, while retaining the pre-existing dimensions of the bridge 3 and of the device 1, as defined in the absence of electronic processing unit 6. This implies an extension in length of the electronic processing unit 6 in order to allow it to follow the main extension of the bridge 3, in the Y direction.
[0033] According to another characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 has a width less than or equal to the width of the motor 4. This allows it to be housed in the bridge 3, the width of which is capable of accommodating the width of the motor 4 and therefore the electronic processing unit 6, the latter aligning with the motor 4.
[0034] According to another advantageous characteristic, the transmission shafts 5 are preferably flexible shafts. Such a characteristic makes it possible on the one hand to limit the noise of the device in operation and on the other hand facilitates the connections of said transmission shafts 5 even in the presence of possible non-alignments. Said flexible shafts 5 are preferably arranged in non-rotating sheaths 5', in order to protect the surrounding parts against possible interference during rotation.
[0035] According to another characteristic, more particularly illustrated in figures 7-8, 10-14, the electronic processing unit 6 is arranged at the front of the bridge 3. The front is understood here relative to the vehicle, the device 1 being mounted in a vehicle. Such a front arrangement is advantageous in that it mechanically protects the processing unit 6. The bridge 3 here acts as a shield between the electronic processing unit 6 and possible impacts. These possible impacts are feared mainly coming from the rear of the seat S, typically caused by the feet of a passenger located at the rear of the seat S or objects stored in the trunk and striking during sudden braking.
[0036] According to another alternative characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 is arranged at the rear of the bridge 3.
[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 5, 8, 9, the electronic processing unit 6 is constructed around a printed circuit 7. On this printed circuit 7, preferably rigid and flat, components 8, 9 are mounted.
[0038] According to another characteristic, applicable whatever the arrangement of the electronic processing unit 6, including under or in front of the bridge 3, all the components 8, 9 and at least the largest components 8, 9, are mounted on the face of the printed circuit 7 facing the inside of the bridge 3. Thus, the printed circuit 7 forms an additional shield so as to mechanically protect all or at least the largest components against mechanical attack.
[0039] It has been seen that the electronic processing unit 6 must electrically interface the motor 4. Also, according to another characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 comprises a first connector 12b. This first connector 12b is complementary of a first connector 12a, so that it can be selectively connected and disconnected. The first connector 12a is integral with the motor 4, with which it is radially flush. This first connector 12a, 12b makes it possible to connect and secure the electronic processing unit 6 with the motor 4. This is more particularly illustrated in Figures 5, 8 and 9.
[0040] Following this joining, the electronic processing unit 6 is located close to the motor 4. This can be detrimental in that the motor 4, as illustrated in [Fig.9], produces heat, mainly in the hot zone ZC.
[0041] Also, according to another characteristic, the design of the electronic processing unit 6 is carried out with a constraint of geographical separation of the power components 8 and the logic components 9. When routing the printed circuit 7 of the electronic processing unit 6, the power components 8, more sensitive to heat, are arranged in at least one zone Z- further from the motor 4, while the logic components 9 can be arranged closer, in at least one zone Z+ closer to the motor 4 and its hot zone ZC. Such an arrangement facilitates cooling of the power components 8 and protects in particular the capacitors against the heat of the motor 4.
[0042] According to the prior art, the motor 4 and the two transmission shafts 5 are mounted respectively in a first configuration for the left seat and in a second configuration, symmetrical to the first with respect to a sagittal plane, for the right seat. It is desired to retain these configurations even with a device 1 according to the invention comprising an electronic processing unit 6.
[0043] For this, according to one embodiment, the assembly comprising the motor 4 and the electronic processing unit 6 is advantageously produced so as to have a similar size following a rotation of 180° around an axis X. Also, according to another characteristic, the electronic processing unit 6 has a size that is substantially symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane, i.e. an XY plane.
[0044] For this, the electronic processing unit 6 is centered relative to the axis of the motor 4, it has a width more equal to the width of the motor 4.
[0045] In addition, the electronic processing unit 6 advantageously comprises, in order to be able to connect to the exterior, a second connector 13. The exterior here means another processing unit arranged in the vehicle, such as a seat processing unit, in charge of all the adjustments of the seat S. Such a second connector making it possible to connect the electronic processing unit 6 with the exterior is also centered relative to the axis of the motor 4, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 13. Thus, the assembly, comprising the motor 4 and the electronic processing unit 6 is symmetrical relative to a horizontal plane XY, passing through the axis of the motor 4. The assembly can thus be integrated into bridge 3 according to a left-hand configuration, illustrated in [Fig.1 1], or after rotation through 180° around an X axis mediating bridge 3, be further integrated into bridge 3 according to a right-hand configuration, illustrated in [Fig.12].
[0046] In order to be able to correctly transmit a rotational movement to the transmission shafts 5, the motor 4 advantageously comprises an anti-rotation means between the body of the motor 4 and the bridge 3 which accommodates it. This anti-rotation means must be functional even when the motor 4 is mounted in a left-hand configuration and in a right-hand configuration. Also, according to another characteristic, the motor 4 comprises a first anti-rotation means 10 around its axis, relative to the bridge 3 and the bridge 3 comprises a second anti-rotation means 11 complementary to the first anti-rotation means 10, these anti-rotation means 10, 11 being reproduced during a 180° rotation of the motor 4 around an axis X mediating the bridge 3. As illustrated in [Fig.14], the first anti-rotation means 10 may be at least one radial fin 10, and the second anti-rotation means 11 may be as many slots 11 as there are fins 10, each slot 11 being capable of respectively accommodating said at least one fin 10. As illustrated in [Fig. 14], a fin 10 / a slot 11 may be vertical, or parallel to the printed circuit 7.
[0047] The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the preceding description. This should be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Numerous alternative embodiments are possible. List of reference signs
[0048] 1: device, 2: slide, 3: bridge, 4: motor, 5: shaft, 6: electronic processing unit, 7: printed circuit, 8: power components, 9: logic components, 10: first anti-rotation means (motor), 11: second anti-rotation means (bridge), 12: first connector (motor / electronic processing unit), 13: second connector (electronic processing unit / exterior, 14: cover, S: seat, ZC: engine hot zone, Z+: hotter zone of the electronic processing unit, Z-: cooler zone of the electronic processing unit.
Claims
Claims
1. Device (1) for mobilizing a car seat (S) in translation from front to back and vice versa, comprising two rectilinear slides (2) substantially parallel to each other, parallel to the translation movement and substantially horizontal, a rectilinear bridge (3) connecting the two slides (2) and substantially perpendicular to the two slides (2), a motor (4) integrated into the bridge (3), the axis of the motor (4) being parallel to the axis of the bridge (3), and two transmission shafts (5) going respectively from one end of the shaft of the motor (4) to one of the slides (2), characterized in that the device (1) further comprises an electronic processing unit (6) interfacing the motor (4) and the electronic processing unit (6) is integrated into the bridge (3).
2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (4) is arranged on the bridge (3) and the electronic processing unit (6) is arranged under the bridge (3).
3. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (4) is arranged under the bridge (3) and the electronic processing unit (6) is arranged on the bridge (3).
4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) is shaped in length, in such a way as to remain within the space requirement of the bridge (3).
5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) has a width less than or equal to the width of the motor (4).
6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmission shafts (5) are flexible shafts.
7. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) is arranged in front of the bridge (3).
8. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) is arranged at the rear of the bridge (3).
9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) comprises a printed circuit (7) and components (8, 9) mounted on the printed circuit (7), and wherein at least the largest components (8, 9) are mounted on the face of the printed circuit (7) facing the inside of the bridge (3).
10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) comprises a first connector (12) allowing the electronic processing unit (6) to be connected and secured to the motor (4), and where the power components (8) of the electronic processing unit (6) are arranged on the portion of the printed circuit (7) furthest from the motor (4).
11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the electronic processing unit (6) comprises a second connector (13) for connecting the electronic processing unit (6) with the exterior, and wherein the electronic processing unit (6) is centered relative to the axis of the motor (4), of width at most equal to the width of the motor (4) and the second connector (13) is centered relative to the axis of the motor (4).
12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the motor (4) comprises a first anti-rotation means (10) around its axis, relative to the bridge (3), such as at least one fin, and the bridge (3) comprises a second anti-rotation means (11) complementary to the first anti-rotation means (10), such as as many slots, respectively capable of receiving said at least one fin, the first anti-rotation means (10) being such that it is reproduced during a rotation of the motor (4) around an axis X mediating the bridge (3).