Vehicle seat that can be transferred from a relaxed position into a safety position

Abstract

The proposed solution relates to a vehicle seat (1A-1F) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a seat part (10), a backrest (11) arranged on a rear region (103) of the seat part (10), a base (12A-12C) and a support mechanism (13A-13F) by means of which the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) are supported on the base (12A-12C). According to the invention, in the event of an imminent or occurring crash of the vehicle (2) having the vehicle seat (1A-1F), the support mechanism (13A-13F) is designed to guide a movement of the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) out of a relaxed position (RP) into a safety position (SP) in which the backrest (11) is more upright in comparison to the relaxed position (RP) and the seat part (10) is moved backwards relative to the base (12A-12C).

Description

[0001] Vehicle seat that can be converted from a relaxed position to a safety position

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution concerns a vehicle seat and a vehicle.

[0004] Vehicle seats are typically adjustable, e.g., to provide a comfortable seating position for different seat users and to accommodate different space requirements. For example, a vehicle seat can be mounted in a vehicle in a longitudinally adjustable manner using a longitudinal adjustment device to enable various seating positions along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. A vehicle seat can be adjustable using a height adjustment device to adjust the seat height. In a vehicle seat, the inclination of a backrest relative to a seat part can be adjustable, to name just a few examples.

[0005] In a vehicle crash, significant forces can act on a vehicle seat and the passenger sitting on it. DE 10 2021 202 560 A1 describes a lever with a deformation section that can dissipate crash energy in the event of a crash and allows the passenger to be decelerated more gently. To provide passengers, and in autonomous vehicles also drivers, with a particularly comfortable seating position while driving, vehicle seats can be designed to convert into a relaxed position in which a seat section and backrest are tilted far back.

[0006] However, in this position, the restraint of the occupant's pelvis would exert significant forces on the spine in the event of a frontal collision. Depending on the specific design of the vehicle seat, this could result in an increased risk of injury to the occupant. Therefore, such seating positions are now regularly limited to a stationary vehicle and cannot be adjusted while the vehicle is moving.

[0007] The task is to provide an improved vehicle seat.

[0008] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to this, a vehicle seat for a vehicle is specified, comprising: a seat part, a backrest arranged at a rear region of the seat part, a base, and a support mechanism by means of which the seat part and the backrest are supported on the base. Provision is made for the support mechanism to be configured, in the event of an impending or already occurred crash of the vehicle (in which the vehicle seat is then installed), to guide a movement of the seat part and the backrest from a relaxed position into a more upright safety position relative to the base, in which the backrest is more upright than in the relaxed position and at least the seat part is displaced rearward relative to the base.

[0010] This is based on the idea that in the relaxed position the legs and in particular the feet of a user sitting on the vehicle seat are positioned far forward, possibly in a footwell under a dashboard, where there is an increased risk of injury to the feet and legs. This risk, along with the risk of injury to the spine and the risk of possible "submarining", i.e. slipping under a seat belt, can be significantly reduced by the specified design. This makes it possible to provide a vehicle seat which is particularly improved in that it offers a particularly high level of comfort with a high level of safety. The described support mechanism can in particular be provided on a left side and a right side of the vehicle seat. The combined raising and lowering movement can significantly increase safety.

[0011] It can be provided that in the relaxed position a torso angle and / or an angle of a longitudinal axis of the backrest is / are more than 25° (in particular more than 30°, more than 40° or even more than 50°) to the vertical (and to the vehicle's vertical axis of the vehicle coordinate system) when the base is aligned according to an installed state in the horizontally positioned vehicle. In an upright sitting position, the torso angle and / or the angle of the longitudinal axis of the backrest can be less than 25°. The torso angle is measured, for example, using the standardized H-point measuring machine SAE J826 H-POINT MANIKIN in accordance with E / ECE / 324 and / or E / ECE / TRANS / 505 (e.g. Regulation No. 14, REV. 1 / ADD. 13 / REF, 1 , ANNEX 4).

[0012] The vehicle seat may include a control system. The control system may be configured to detect an impending and / or already occurred vehicle crash. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to adjust the vehicle seat in response. This allows for reversible adjustment without additional components.

[0013] The control system can be configured to adjust the vehicle seat from the relaxed position to the safety position in response to the detection of an impending or already occurred vehicle crash. This establishes a safe crash position.

[0014] The seat part and the backrest can be moved from an upright sitting position to the more rearwardly inclined relaxed position by means of at least one motor unit of the support mechanism, e.g., by means of a motor unit of a longitudinal adjustment device and another motor unit of a height adjustment device. The control system can be configured to effect the adjustment from the relaxed position to the safety position by activating the motor unit. The motor unit(s) can each comprise a brushless direct current motor (BLDC motor). This allows for rapid adjustment.

[0015] Alternatively, the seat part and the backrest can be moved from an upright sitting position to the more rearwardly inclined relaxed position by means of a motor unit of the support mechanism. The control system is configured to effect the adjustment from the relaxed position to the safety position by activating a drive separate from the motor unit and / or the support mechanism. A separate drive can be provided here, enabling faster adjustment than the motor unit for adjustment during normal use.

[0016] The backrest is connected to the seat part, in particular pivotally mounted thereon, so that it can move, for example pivot about a first pivot axis. The support mechanism can comprise a bracket on which the backrest is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is offset but arranged parallel to the first pivot axis, for example. Thus, a mechanically combined movement is provided using particularly simple means.

[0017] The backrest extends from a lower end adjacent to the seat to an upper end facing away from the seat. The second pivot axis can be located between the lower and upper ends of the backrest. This creates a leverage effect, which allows adjustment to the safety position based on the impact of the crash forces.

[0018] A portion of the backrest can be positioned below the second pivot axis. This allows it to be easily moved backward when adjusting to the safety position.

[0019] The support mechanism can comprise a front coupling element and a rear coupling element. The seat part and the backrest can be supported on the base via the coupling elements, with the rear coupling element being arranged closer to the backrest than the front coupling element. A release mechanism can be provided on the rear coupling element, which is configured to release the movement of the seat part and the backrest from the relaxed position to the safety position. This enables safe adjustment to the safety position.

[0020] For example, the front coupling element is designed as a pivotably mounted front swing arm and / or the rear coupling element is designed as a pivotably mounted rear swing arm. This provides a robust arrangement that can be easily adjusted.

[0021] The rear swing arm can be pivotally mounted to the seat section with a first bearing section and / or pivotally mounted to the base with a second bearing section. This allows for a simple and secure design. The bearing sections each have, for example, a bearing opening and / or a bolt.

[0022] The release section can be designed in the form of a deformation section, the deformation of which enables the movement of the seat part and the backrest from the relaxed position to the safety position. For example, an applied force can cause a deformation of the deformation section if it exceeds a predetermined threshold. Thus, in a vehicle crash, the deformation section can be used to dissipate crash energy by elastically and / or plastically deforming the material of the deformation section. At the same time, the vehicle seat is moved to a different position in which the remaining forces can be better absorbed.

[0023] For example, the deformation section is attached to or formed on the rear swing arm. The rear swing arm can have a guide that, in an initial position of the bearing sections, is blocked by the deformation section, which can be deformed upon application of a force to release a movement guided by the guide to increase the distance between the first bearing section and the second bearing section. Integrating the deformation section into the rear swing arm allows for a particularly small footprint. For example, one of the bearing sections is guided along the guide.

[0024] Furthermore, the deformation section can be attached to or formed on the seat part or the base and / or block a guide in which a bearing section is provided, on which, for example, the rear swing arm is pivotally mounted. This allows for a particularly small installation space requirement.

[0025] The vehicle seat can further comprise a lock by means of which the release mechanism can be locked, e.g., by preventing deformation of the deformation section. This can prevent unintentional activation, e.g., due to incorrect operation.

[0026] The lock can be opened, for example, by a triggering device with an electric actuator, by a triggering device that can be triggered by an applied acceleration, or by a triggering device with a pyrotechnic actuator. Furthermore, it can be provided that the lock opens when moved into the relaxed position and is always open in the relaxed position. If, for example, a collision detection system detects an impending or already occurring impact, the lock can be opened (e.g. by the control system communicatively linked to the collision detection system). This enables the lock to be opened quickly. Opening by acceleration enables a particularly simple design without the need for an electrical connection. Opening in the relaxed position also allows for a particularly simple design. A pyrotechnic actuator allows the lock to be opened particularly quickly.

[0027] The vehicle seat may have a safety belt mounted on the backrest. The safety belt is attached, for example, to an upper end of the backrest. In a frontal collision, the belt forces acting on it trigger an adjustment of the support mechanism to the safety position, e.g., including deformation of the deformation section. This enables a passive and particularly reliable transfer of the vehicle seat to the safety position. Additional activation of a motor unit is possible, but not necessary.

[0028] Furthermore, an airbag mounted on the seat part can be provided. This can be designed to be inflated when the deformation section is deformed. This allows the legs of the seat occupant to be raised. This can significantly reduce the risk of submarining, in which a seat occupant would slip under the seat belt. Furthermore, the vehicle seat can comprise a seat pan part that is movable, e.g. pivotable, relative to the rest of the seat part, in particular in a front region of the seat part. This can be pivoted upwards in the event of a crash in order to reduce the risk of submarining. The movement can occur by triggering an energy storage device (e.g. a spring), by a motor and / or by means of a pyrotechnic actuator.

[0029] According to one aspect, a vehicle is provided comprising the vehicle seat mounted therein according to any embodiment described herein. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above disclosures.

[0030] The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0031] Fig. 1A shows a vehicle seat with a support mechanism for adjusting the vehicle seat to a relaxed position and a relatively more upright position, the vehicle seat being shown in the relaxed position; Fig. 1B shows the vehicle seat according to Fig. 1A in a safety position;

[0032] Fig. 2A and 2B a vehicle seat with a suspension of the backrest in a

[0033] Relaxed position and in a safety position;

[0034] Figs. 3A and 3B show another vehicle seat with a backrest suspension in a relaxation position and in a safety position;

[0035] Figs. 4A and 4B show a vehicle seat with a deformation section on a bearing of a swing arm in a relaxed position and in a safety position;

[0036] Figs. 5A and 5B show another vehicle seat with a deformation section on a mounting of a seat part on a swing arm in a relaxed position and in a safety position;

[0037] Figs. 6A and 6B show another vehicle seat with a deformation section on a swing arm in a relaxed position and in a safety position;

[0038] Fig. 7A and 7B show the rocker with the deformation section of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 6A and 6B;

[0039] Fig. 8 shows the deformation section of the vehicle seat according to Figs. 4A and 4B and the vehicle seat according to Figs. 5A and 5B; and

[0040] Fig. 9 the swing arm of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 4A and 4B and the

[0041] Vehicle seat according to Fig. 5A and 5B.

[0042] Fig. 1A shows a vehicle seat 1A with a seat part 10 and a backrest 11. The backrest 11 is arranged on a rear region 103 of the seat part 10, in the present case pivotably mounted on the seat part 10 about a pivot axis S1 by means of an arrangement of fittings 18.

[0043] The vehicle seat 1A further comprises a base 12A and a support mechanism 13A. In the present example, the base 12A comprises two floor rails 122, of which the left floor rail 122 can be seen in the side view according to Fig. 1A, as seen from the perspective of a seat occupant 3 sitting on the vehicle seat 1A. The corresponding right floor rail 122 is designed analogously (e.g., identically or as a mirror image) to the left floor rail 122. This also applies to the other components of the base 12A and the support mechanism 13A described below.

[0044] The floor rails 122 can be mounted on a vehicle floor 20 of a vehicle 2 and, in the mounted state, are fastened to the vehicle floor 20 as shown in Fig. 1A. A respective seat rail 135 of the support mechanism 13A engages each of the floor rails 122 in a longitudinally displaceable manner. The seat rails 135 form a longitudinal adjustment device with the floor rails 122. The support mechanism 13A connects the seat part 10 to the floor rail 122. In this way, the vehicle seat 1A can be adjusted to various positions along the longitudinal extent of the floor rails 122. It should be noted that the vehicle seat 1A could also be designed without a longitudinal adjustment device. For example, the support mechanism 13A could be mounted on a bracket fixed to the vehicle floor 20, or the vehicle floor 20 itself could serve as a base and, for example, have bearing points for mounting the support mechanism.

[0045] The support mechanism 13A supports the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 in the rear region 103 of the seat part 10 adjacent to the backrest 11 and in a front region further away from the backrest 11 on the base 12A. The support mechanism 13A has (on each side) a front rocker arm 130A in the front region and a rear rocker arm 131A in the rear region, via which the seat part 10 and here also the backrest 11 are supported on the base 12A. The rear rocker arm 131A is therefore arranged closer to the backrest 11 than the front rocker arm 130A.

[0046] The support mechanism 13A supports the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 pivotally mounted on the seat part 10 on the base 12A. The support mechanism 13A forms a height adjustment device for adjusting the seat height of the seat part 10 relative to the base 12A. By adjusting the front and / or rear rocker arms 130A, 131A relative to the base 12A, the seat height can be adjusted relative to the base 12A (along the vertical Z).

[0047] Fig. 1A shows the vehicle seat 1A in a relaxed position RP (or position), in which the seat occupant 3 can, for example, rest or sleep in the vehicle seat 1A. An upright position AP (or position) is also illustrated in Fig. 1A with dashed lines. In the upright position AP, the seat occupant 3 can, for example, drive the vehicle 2 with the vehicle seat 1A as the driver. In the relaxed position RP, both the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 are inclined further rearward than in the upright position AP (from the perspective of the seat occupant 3 sitting on the vehicle seat 1 and looking straight ahead), in this case to such an extent that a torso angle α and an angle of a longitudinal axis L of the backrest 11, when the base 12A is aligned according to an installed state in the vehicle 2 placed on a horizontal surface, are more than 25° to the vertical Z (and more than 25° to the vehicle height axis).The torso angle a corresponds, for example, to the angle of a straight torso line LT from the hip joint to the shoulders of a seat occupant 3 sitting in the vehicle seat 1A to the vertical Z (or the vehicle height axis). The longitudinal axis L of the backrest 11 extends, for example, from the pivot axis of the backrest 11 on the seat part 10 to the upper end edge of the backrest 11.

[0048] Furthermore, Fig. 1A shows a seat pan angle ß, which, for example, describes the angle between a seat pan line LS (or the thigh 31 resting on the seat part 10) and the horizontal X (with an orientation of the base 12A according to an installed state in the vehicle 2 placed on a horizontal surface). The seat pan line LS corresponds, for example, to a straight line from the hip joint to the knees of the seat occupant 3.

[0049] The torso angle and / or seat pan angle are measured, for example, in accordance with E / ECE / 324 and / or E / ECE / TRANS / 505 (e.g., Regulation No. 14, REV. 1 / ADD. 13 / REF. 1, ANNEX 4). The torso angle and / or seat pan angle can be measured, for example, using the standardized H-point measuring machine SAE J826 H-POINT MANIKIN in accordance with E / ECE / 324 and / or E / ECE / TRANS / 505 (e.g., in accordance with Regulation No. 14, REV. 1 / ADD. 13 / REF. 1, ANNEX 4).

[0050] The exemplary vehicle seat 1A further comprises a legrest 104, on which the seat occupant 3 can rest their legs, particularly in the relaxed position RP. In a footwell 21 beneath a dashboard 22 (which can also be referred to as an I-panel) of the vehicle 2, an angled section 200 of the vehicle floor 20 is provided, on which the seat occupant 3 can rest their feet in the relaxed position RP. This provides an almost continuous reclining surface.

[0051] The seat part 10 and the backrest 11 can be moved by means of the support mechanism 13 from the upright sitting position AP into the further backward inclined relaxation position RP and vice versa.

[0052] A motor unit 134 (e.g. with an electric motor and a gear) is designed to adjust the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 between the upright position AP and the relaxed position RP. The motor unit 134 is, for example, pivotally mounted on the base 12 and drives, for example, a spindle which is pivotally mounted on the seat part 10. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided, for example, that the motor unit 134 (or a further motor unit) acts on the rear swing arm 131A. A further motor unit (e.g. with an electric motor and a gear) can be provided and designed to adjust an inclination of the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 relative to the base. For this purpose, the further motor unit acts, for example, on a first arm 132 of the front swing arm 130A. Furthermore, a motor unit is provided to move the seat rail 135 relative to the floor rail 122.In the vehicle seat 1A, the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 are motor-adjustable between the upright position AP and the relaxed position RP.

[0053] A control system 16 is provided which controls the motor unit(s).

[0054] In the present example, a belt exit point 190 of a safety belt 19 for the seat occupant 3 is arranged at an upper end of the backrest 11 (facing away from the seat part 10). A retractor mechanism 191 is mounted at the upper end of the backrest 11. Alternatively, the retractor mechanism 191 can also be mounted at a different location, and the safety belt 19 is redirected, for example, at a deflection bracket at the upper end of the backrest 11. Pulling on the safety belt 19 therefore exerts a force on the upper end of the backrest 11. Furthermore, a belt buckle 192 is attached to the seat part 10 (alternatively, for example, to the base 12).

[0055] The safety belt 19 and other elements of the vehicle seat 1A are illustrated in Fig. 1A and are not shown again in Fig. 1B for the sake of simplicity. In the event of a frontal crash, the weight of the seat occupant 3 pulls on the backrest 11 via the safety belt 19 and exerts a force Fa on the backrest 11. Furthermore, a force Fb acts on the seat part 10 in the area of ​​the belt buckle 192. The forces Fa and Fb are directed forward and upward, respectively.

[0056] Since in the relaxed position RP the torso 30 of the seat occupant 3 is tilted relatively far backwards, e.g. at an angle of more than 35 degrees to the vertical Z or even at an angle of more than 45 degrees to the vertical Z (with an orientation of the base 12A according to an installed state in the vehicle 2 placed on a horizontal surface), very high forces would be introduced into the spine of the seat occupant 3 in the event of a frontal impact. The support mechanism 13A is designed, in the event of an impending or actual crash of the vehicle 2 with the vehicle seat 1A, to guide a movement of the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 from the relaxed position RP into a more upright safety position SP relative to the base 12A, in which the seat part 10 is displaced rearward relative to the base 12A.

[0057] Fig. 1B shows the vehicle seat 1A in the safety position SP. The torso angle α2 (and also the angle of the longitudinal axis L of the backrest 11 to the vertical axis Z and the vehicle's vertical axis) is smaller than in the relaxed position RP. The seat pan angle β2 (to the horizontal X and the vehicle's longitudinal axis) is also smaller than in the relaxed position RP.

[0058] The seat part 10 and the backrest 11 are pivoted forward and upward relative to the seat rail 135, as illustrated by an arrow in Fig. 1 B. Thus, the acting forces can be transmitted more gently via the safety belt into the torso 30 of the seat occupant 3.

[0059] The rear swing arm 131A is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis relative to the base 12A, here via the seat rail 135 of the support mechanism 13A and on the floor rail 122 of the base 12A. Furthermore, the rear swing arm 131A is pivotally connected to the seat part 10 about a pivot axis. The front swing arm 130A is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis relative to the base 12A, here again on the seat rail 135. Furthermore, the front swing arm 130A is pivotally connected to the seat part 10 about a pivot axis. The front swing arm 130A further comprises the first arm 132 and a second arm 133. The first arm 132 is pivotally mounted on the base 12A, the second arm 133 on the seat part 10. The first and second arms 132, 133 are pivotally connected to one another via a further pivot axis.

[0060] Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1A is shifted further rearward in the safety position SP than in the relaxed position RP, see the longitudinal positions X1 and X2 in Figs. 1A and 1B. In this case, the seat rails 135 are shifted rearward relative to the floor rails 122. As a result, the feet and legs of the seat occupant 3 are arranged at an (increased) distance from the angled section 200 of the vehicle floor 20 and the dashboard 22.

[0061] To enable the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 to be transferred from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP, the control system 16 is configured to detect an impending or already occurred vehicle crash and, in response, to adjust the vehicle seat 1A. For this purpose, the control system 16 can be communicatively connected to sensors or comprise sensors whose sensor values ​​indicate an impending or already occurred accident (in particular a frontal impact). For example, the control system 16 comprises acceleration sensors.

[0062] In this case, the control system 16 is configured to adjust the vehicle seat 1A from the relaxation position RP to the safety position SP in response to the detection of the impending or already occurred vehicle crash by activating the motor units 134 so that the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 are positioned more upright relative to the seat rails 135 and are displaced rearward away from the dashboard 22 relative to the floor rails 122.

[0063] Alternatively or in addition to an active adjustment by the control system 16 from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP, it could also be provided that the control system only releases at least part of the guidance by the support mechanism 13A, for example, the adjustment by means of the rockers 130A, 131A, which can also be carried out simply as a result of the forces Fa, Fb. For this purpose, it can be provided that the control system 16 opens a lock or decouples a gear of the motor unit 134, or the like.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1A can include a drive A, as illustrated in Figs. 1A and 1B. The control system 16 is then configured, for example, to effect the adjustment from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP by activating the drive A, which is different from the motor unit 134 (and / or the support mechanism 13A). A high-speed gear, a brushless DC motor, a pyrotechnic actuator, or the like can be provided in the drive. This enables particularly fast adjustment.

[0065] Optionally, the support mechanism 13A is provided to lock in the safety position SP.

[0066] The vehicle seats 1 B-1 F described below also comprise a safety belt 19 and may also comprise a control system 16 and / or a longitudinal adjustment device, e.g. as described above (or not).

[0067] Fig. 2A shows another vehicle seat 1B in the relaxed position RP. Here, the backrest 11 is pivotally connected to the seat part 10 about a first pivot axis S1, with the support mechanism 13B comprising a bracket H1 on which the backrest 11 is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis S2. The bracket H1 is mounted below the seat part 10 on the base 12B and extends upward from there. However, it would also be conceivable to design the bracket H1 differently, for example, to connect it rearward to a vehicle structure serving as a base.

[0068] In the present case, the backrest 11 extends from a lower end adjacent to the seat part 10 to an upper end facing away from the seat part 10. The second pivot axis S2 is arranged between the lower and upper ends of the backrest 11, here in a central region between the upper and lower ends. A portion of the backrest 11 is arranged below the second pivot axis S2. The second pivot axis S2 is arranged along the vertical Z above the first pivot axis S1.

[0069] Due to this arrangement, the forces Fa, Fb cause the backrest 11 to pivot about the second pivot axis S2 relative to the bracket H1. The forces Fa, Fb are introduced in particular by the safety belt 19 of the vehicle seat 1B, which is not shown again in Figs. 2A and 2B for the sake of simplicity. The upper end of the backrest 11 is pivoted forward, and the lower end backward. This results in a more upright sitting posture. Furthermore, the lower end of the backrest 11 pulls the seat part 10 backward, i.e., away from the dashboard 22.

[0070] At a front area facing away from the backrest 11, the seat part 10 is mounted on the base 12B via a (one-piece) front rocker 130B. The backrest 11 is suspended from the second pivot axis S2.

[0071] Fig. 2B shows the vehicle seat 1B in the safety position SP. The movement from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP is locked during normal use. The locking mechanism is released in the event of a crash (particularly in the event of a frontal crash), e.g., by means of the control unit 16 and / or by the high forces acting in the event of a crash. For example, the locking mechanism is released by activating a deformer by a fast actuator or by pyrotechnics, or by assuming the relaxed position RP (or another crash-relevant position).

[0072] In the safety position SP, the seat part 10 is also positioned at a steeper angle, reducing the risk of submarining. The front end of the seat part 10, facing away from the backrest 11, is thus set higher than the rear area of ​​the seat part 10, with a greater height difference than in the relaxed position RP. Fig. 3A and 3B show another vehicle seat 1C with a support mechanism 13C with a holder H2. The vehicle seat 1C is constructed similarly to the vehicle seat 1B according to Fig. 2A and 2B. The only difference is that the second pivot axis S2 is arranged close to the first pivot axis S1. Specifically, the distance to the first pivot axis S1 is less than half the length of the backrest 11, namely less than a third (or even less than a quarter). This results in a particularly high torque due to the force Fa, which assists the adjustment to the safety position SP.

[0073] Figs. 4A and 4B show a vehicle seat 1D with a support mechanism 13D, which comprises a front coupling element and a rear coupling element, via which the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 are supported on the base 12C. The rear coupling element is arranged closer to the backrest 11 than the front coupling element. A release mechanism is provided on the rear coupling element, which is configured to release movement of the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 from the relaxed position RP shown in Fig. 4A to the safety position SP shown in Fig. 4B.

[0074] In this case, the front coupling element is designed in the form of a pivotally mounted front rocker arm 130B, and the rear coupling element is designed in the form of a pivotally mounted rear rocker arm 131A. In the relaxed position RP, both rockers 130B, 131A are tilted rearward.

[0075] The release section is designed in the form of a deformation section 136. By deforming the deformation section 139, the movement of the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP can be released.

[0076] Fig. 9 shows the rear swing arm 131A. The rear swing arm 131B has two bearing sections L1, L2 formed on a base body. In this case, each of the two bearing sections L1, L2 is designed in the form of a bearing opening (e.g., for a respective bolt). The rear swing arm 131A is pivotally mounted on the seat part 10 with the first bearing section L1 and pivotally mounted on the base 12C with the second bearing section L2.

[0077] The rear rocker arm 131B itself does not have a deformation section, but is mounted on the deformation section 139. The rear rocker arm 131A is rigid and constructed in one piece. The front rocker arm 130B can be constructed identically to the rear rocker arm 131A and have the same or, as here, a different (namely, greater, see, for example, Fig. 4A) length.

[0078] The base 12C has a holder 123. A base body 137B, illustrated in Fig. 8, is fastened to the holder 123. For this purpose, the base body 137B has, for example, two fastening points B1, B2, here in the form of holes, by means of which the base body 137B is fastened to the holder 123. The base body 137B defines a guide F. In the example shown, the guide F is elongated, specifically straight, but could also be designed differently, e.g. curved. The deformation section 136 is fastened to the guide F. The deformation section 136 extends along the guide F. The deformation section 136 blocks the guide F. The guide F is arranged here, for example, between the fastening points B1, B2. A bearing section L3 is arranged in the guide F.

[0079] The second bearing section L2 of the rear swing arm 131A is coupled (e.g., via a bolt) to the bearing section L3 in the guide F. The rear swing arm 131A is thus mounted on the bearing section L3 in the guide F. The guide F is arranged such that, upon deformation of the deformation section 136, the bearing section L3 is displaced backward and upward at an angle (e.g., 15° to 75° to the vertical Z). In the relaxed position, the backrest 11 extends at an angle upward and backward, and the guide F is also aligned at an angle upward and backward.

[0080] The deformation section 136 here, for example, has weakened areas and is weaker than the base body 137B. The weakened areas can be in the form of openings or indentations. In this way, the deformation section 136 allows particularly precise and uniform deformation. The deformation section 136 can have a smaller material thickness and / or a material with a lower strength than the base body 137B. When a force acts on the bearing section L3 in the guide F along the guide F that exceeds a predetermined minimum force, the deformation section 136 fails and is deformed, plastically in the example described here. As a result, the deformation section 136 releases the guide F and allows a displacement of the bearing element received in the bearing section L3 (e.g. a bolt) along the guide F. In the initial state, the guide F is covered by the deformation section 136.The deformation section 136 is elongated.

[0081] Optionally, the deformation section 136 has increasing material thickness, strength, and / or stability along its length. This allows people of varying weights to be safely restrained. Such a progression can be provided alternatively or additionally before reaching an end position in the guide F to prevent hard impacts.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the deformation section could also be formed by opposite edges of the guide F. By exceeding the minimum force, the bearing element accommodated in the bearing section L3 can bend the edges and thus enable the displacement in the guide F.

[0083] As can be seen from Fig. 4B, the rear swing arm 131 A is thereby pulled out at the base 12C until the bearing element (e.g. the bolt) accommodated in the bearing section L3 reaches the end of the guide F.

[0084] In a frontal crash, the force exerted on the bearing section L3 due to the acting forces Fa, Fb exceeds the predetermined minimum force. By orienting the guide F obliquely backward, the backrest 11 is positioned more upright compared to the relaxed position RP, and the seat part 10 is displaced rearward relative to the base 12C. In doing so, the front rocker arm 130B pivots rearward.

[0085] The seat part 10 of the vehicle seat 1D also includes a seat pan part 100, which folds up in the event of a crash to prevent submarining. For this purpose, an energy storage device, e.g., an electrical or pyrotechnic actuator or a spring-loaded device, is triggered, e.g., by the control system 16. Optionally, the movement of the seat pan 100 is kinematically coupled to the deformation of the deformation section 136, e.g., operatively connected to the base 12C or one of the rockers 130B, 131A via a pivot lever.

[0086] The other vehicle seats 1A-1C, 1E, 1F described herein can also have such a seat pan part 100 that can be raised in the event of a crash.

[0087] Thus, the vehicle seat 1 D and thus the seat occupant 3 can be raised and brought into a crash-compatible position in a simpler and safer manner using the belt forces acting in the frontal crash.

[0088] As illustrated in Fig. 8, a lock 14 is further provided, by means of which the release mechanism, in this case the deformation section 136, can be locked. The lock 14 has a bolt 140, which is inserted into the guide F and thus blocks any displacement of the bearing element in the bearing section L3. A triggering device 17 is configured to unlock the lock 14. For this purpose, the triggering device 17 comprises an electrical (or pyrotechnic) actuator, the actuation of which disengages the bolt (alternatively, e.g., a claw) from the deformation section 136. The triggering device 17 is triggered by the control system 16. The control system 16 can detect an impending or actual crash and open the lock 14 in response thereto. The control system 16 optionally detects a position of the vehicle seat 1 and opens or closes the lock 14 depending thereon.In the present case, the control system 16 opens the lock 14 when the vehicle seat 1D is arranged in the relaxed position RP, and closes it in other positions. The control system 16 can be configured to open or close the lock 14 depending on an inclination of the seat part 10 and / or the backrest 11 (e.g., relative to the base). It should be noted that the lock 14 can also be opened by a triggering device that can be triggered by an acting acceleration. For example, the latch 140 could simply be pulled out of engagement with the guide F as a result of the acceleration in the event of a frontal crash.

[0089] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate another vehicle seat 1E, which is constructed similarly to the vehicle seat 1D according to Figs. 4A and 4B. In contrast, the base body 137B with the guide F and the deformation section 136 is attached to the seat part 10, not to the base 12C. The rear rocker 131A is pivotally mounted at one end on the bracket 123 and at the other end in the bearing section L3 in the guide F on the seat part 10. The mode of operation in the event of a crash is as described above.

[0090] As can also be seen in Figs. 5A and 5B, the vehicle seat 1E further comprises an airbag 15. The airbag 15 is designed in the form of an inflatable bag that is mounted in a folded state. The airbag 15 is mounted on the seat part 10, specifically in the example shown in a front region of the seat part 10. The airbag 15 is arranged beneath a cushion 101 of the seat part 10. The airbag 15 is arranged beneath the thighs 31 of the seat occupant 3 when the occupant is seated on the vehicle seat 1E as intended.

[0091] The airbag 15 is connected to a gas generator 150, e.g., via an air line, and can be inflated by means of the gas generator 150. The gas generator 150 can be ignited by an ignition signal from the control system 16. The control system 16 detects, for example, an impending or incipient frontal crash. For this purpose, it can be provided that the control system 16 receives a corresponding signal from an external device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the control system 16 measures, for example, an acceleration and outputs the ignition signal when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded. The control system 16 can be configured to cause the airbag 15 to inflate when the deformation section 136 is deformed. For this purpose, it can be detected, for example, that the deformation section 136 is deformed, or an event can be detected which (also) leads to the deformation of the deformation section 136.

[0092] When the gas generator 150 is ignited, it releases a gas, e.g., by burning a fuel and thus generating gas or by opening a valve. The released gas then inflates the airbag 15, which can also be referred to as a gas bag.

[0093] After the gas generator 150 is ignited, the inflated airbag 15 raises the thighs 31 of the seat occupant 3 relative to their upper body. This further reduces the risk of submarining. The other vehicle seats 1A-1D, 1F described herein may also have such an airbag 15.

[0094] 6A and 6B show a vehicle seat 1F which is constructed similarly to the vehicle seats according to Figs. 4A-5B, but in contrast, no base body with a deformation section is attached to the base 12C or the seat part 10 (although this could also be provided alternatively). Rather, the rear rocker 131B comprises a deformation section 136, as illustrated in Figs. 7A and 7B. The rear rocker 131B is pivotally mounted on the seat part 10 with one of two bearing sections L1, L2 and pivotally mounted on the base 12C with the other of the two bearing sections L1, L2.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 7A, the deformation section 136 is provided on the rear swing arm 131B, wherein the rear swing arm 131B has the guide F, which is blocked by the deformation section 136 in an initial position of the bearing sections L1, L2. The deformation section 136 is deformable as a result of a force applied in order to release a movement guided by the guide F to increase a distance D1, D2 of the first bearing section L1 to the second bearing section L2, see Figs. 7A and 7B.

[0096] For this purpose, the rear rocker arm 131B has a base body 137A, on which one of the bearing sections L1, L2, here for example the second bearing section L2, is formed. The base body 137A is sleeve-shaped. The base body 137A forms the guide F. A slider 138 is arranged within the base body 137A. The slider 138 has the other bearing section L1, here for example the first bearing section. In the initial state according to Fig. 7A, the slider 138 is inserted into the base body 137A.

[0097] As can be seen from the combined view of Figs. 7A and 7B, the slider has two arms M1, M2 (running parallel to each other), between which the deformation section 136 is arranged in the initial state according to Fig. 7A. Furthermore, a stop 139B fastened to the base body 137A is arranged between the arms M1, M2.

[0098] The deformation section 136 is deformable as a result of a force acting on the bearing sections L1, L2 in order to release a movement guided by the guide F for changing, in this case an increase, a distance D1, D2 (cf. Figs. 7A and 7B) between the first bearing section L1 and the second bearing section L2. In the initial position, the bearing sections L1, L2 are arranged at a first, smaller distance D1 from one another. As the second bearing section L2 is guided along the guide F in a deforming manner, the deformation section 136, the distance becomes greater until the second bearing section L2 reaches an end position in which the bearing sections L1, L2 have a greater, second distance D2 from one another.

[0099] After the force is applied, the slider 138 is pulled out of the base body 137A until a stop 139A of the slider 138 (which in the present example connects the ends of the arms M 1 , M2) strikes against the stop 139B of the base body 137A (or has already been stopped beforehand by the deformation section 136).

[0100] The rear swing arm 131 B also includes a lock 14 as already described above.

[0101] Fig. 7A shows the vehicle seat 1F in the relaxed position RP, wherein the bearing sections L1, L2 are arranged at the first distance D1 from one another. As a result of the force applied in the event of a crash, the deformation section 136 is deformed and the bearing sections L1, L2 increase their distance to the second distance D2. This brings the vehicle seat 1F into the safety position SP, as illustrated in Fig. 7B. The rear rocker arm 131B is then longer than in the initial position. As a result, the backrest 11 is upright and the front rocker arm 130B is pivoted further rearward, so that the seat part 10 is displaced further rearward.

[0102] In the event of a crash (either imminent or already occurring), the control system 16 can also additionally control one (or more) of the motor units of the vehicle seat 1F and move the vehicle seat 1F into a more advantageous position, in particular by means of a fast transmission and / or a brushless drive (e.g., a BLDC motor). Such adjustment can be achieved by means of the support mechanism or by means of a kinematic system independent of it.

[0103] Alternatively or in addition to a change in the length of the rear swing arm 131 B, a change in the angle of the swing arm can also be provided.

[0104] For all vehicle seats 1A-1F described herein, it can be provided that the control system 16 carries out a query of the occupancy status of another vehicle seat behind the vehicle seat 1A-1F before releasing and / or triggering the adjustment from the relaxed position RP to the safety position SP and uses this query to prevent the setting of the relaxed position RP or to emit a warning signal, since the backward movement of the seat part 10 and the backrest 11 is otherwise not possible or only possible to a limited extent.

[0105] Furthermore, an adjustment to the safety position SP can also be effected in the event of a rear-end collision, e.g. by means of actuators, in order to achieve improved safety here too, particularly with regard to a “whiplash”.

[0106] List of reference symbols

[0107] 1A-1F Vehicle seat

[0108] 10 Seat part

[0109] 100 seat pan part

[0110] 101 cushions

[0111] 103 rear area

[0112] 104 Legrest

[0113] 11 Backrest

[0114] 12A-12C Base

[0115] 122 floor rail

[0116] 123 Bracket 13A-13F Support mechanism 130A, 130B front swing arm

[0117] 131A-131B rear swing arm

[0118] 132 first arm

[0119] 133 second arm

[0120] 134 Motor unit

[0121] 135 seat rail

[0122] 136 Deformation section

[0123] 137A, 137B base body

[0124] 138 sliders

[0125] 139A, 139B stop

[0126] 14 Castle

[0127] 140 bars

[0128] 15 airbags

[0129] 150 gas generator

[0130] 16 Control system

[0131] 17 Release device

[0132] 18 Fitting

[0133] 19 Seat belt

[0134] 190 Belt exit point

[0135] 191 Winding mechanism

[0136] 192 belt buckle

[0137] 2 vehicles

[0138] 20 Vehicle floor

[0139] 200 angled section 21 footwell

[0140] 22 Dashboard

[0141] 3 seat users

[0142] 30 Torso

[0143] 31 Thigh a, a2 Torso angle ß, ß2 Seat pan angle

[0144] A drive

[0145] AP upright position

[0146] B1, B2 attachment point

[0147] D1 , D2 first, second distance

[0148] F Leadership

[0149] Fa, Fb Kraft

[0150] H1, H2 bracket

[0151] LS seat pan line

[0152] LT torso line

[0153] L1-L3 bearing section

[0154] M1, M2 Arm

[0155] RP Relaxation Position

[0156] SP security position

[0157] S1, S2 swivel axis

[0158] X Horizontal

[0159] Z Vertical

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle seat (1A-1F) for a vehicle (2), comprising: a seat part (10), a backrest (11) arranged on a rear region (103) of the seat part (10), a base (12A-12C), and a support mechanism (13A-13F) by means of which the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) are supported on the base (12A-12C), characterized in that the support mechanism (13A-13F) is designed, in the event of an impending or actual crash of the vehicle (2) with the vehicle seat (1A-1F), to guide a movement of the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) from a relaxed position (RP) into a safety position (SP), in which the backrest (11) is positioned more upright than in the relaxed position (RP) and the seat part (10) is displaced rearward relative to the base (12A-12C).

2. Vehicle seat (1A-1F) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the relaxed position (RP) a torso angle (a) and / or an angle of a longitudinal axis (L) of the backrest (11) is / are more than 25° to the vertical (Z) when the base (12A-12C) is aligned according to an installed state in the horizontally placed vehicle (2).

3. Vehicle seat (1A-1 F) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a control system (16) which is designed to detect an impending or already occurred vehicle crash and to effect an adjustment of the vehicle seat (1A-1 F) in response thereto.

4. Vehicle seat (1A) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control system (16) is configured to adjust the vehicle seat (1A) from the relaxed position (RP) to the safety position (SP) in response to the detection of the impending or already occurred vehicle crash.

5. Vehicle seat (1A) according to claim 4, characterized in that the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) can be moved by means of a motor unit (134) of the support mechanism (13A) from an upright sitting position (AP) into the further rearwardly inclined relaxed position (RP), wherein the control system (16) is designed to effect the adjustment from the relaxed position (RP) into the safety position (SP) by activating the motor unit (134).

6. Vehicle seat (1A) according to claim 4, characterized in that the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) can be moved by means of a motor unit (134) of the support mechanism (13A) from an upright sitting position (AP) into the further rearwardly inclined relaxed position (RP), wherein the control system (16) is designed to effect the adjustment from the relaxed position (RP) into the safety position (SP) by activating a drive (A) different from the motor unit (134) and / or the support mechanism (13A).

7. Vehicle seat (1B, 1C) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest (11) is movably connected to the seat part (10), in particular pivotably about a first pivot axis (S1), wherein the support mechanism (13B) comprises a holder (H1, H2) on which the backrest (11) is mounted pivotably about a second pivot axis (S2).

8. Vehicle seat (1B, 1C) according to claim 7, characterized in that the backrest (11) extends from a lower end arranged adjacent to the seat part (10) to an upper end facing away from the seat part (10), wherein the second pivot axis (S2) is arranged between the lower and the upper end of the backrest (11).

9. Vehicle seat (1B, 1C) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a part of the backrest (11) is arranged below the second pivot axis (S2).

10. Vehicle seat (1D-1F) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support mechanism (13D-13F) comprises a front coupling element and a rear coupling element, via which the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) are supported on the base (12C), wherein the rear coupling element is arranged closer to the backrest (11) than the front coupling element and wherein a release mechanism is provided on the rear coupling element, which is designed to release a movement of the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) from the relaxed position (RP) into the safety position (SP).

11. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to claim 10, characterized in that the front coupling element is designed in the form of a pivotably mounted front rocker (130B) and the rear coupling element is designed in the form of a pivotably mounted rear rocker (131 A, 131 B).

12. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to claim 11, characterized in that the rear swing arm (131A, 131B) is pivotally mounted on the seat part (10) with a first bearing section (L1) and is pivotally mounted on the base (12C) with a second bearing section (L2).

13. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the release section is designed in the form of a deformation section (136), by the deformation of which the movement of the seat part (10) and the backrest (11) from the relaxed position (RP) into the safety position (SP) can be released.

14. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to claim 12 and claim 13, characterized in that the deformation section (136) is fastened or formed on the rear rocker (131 B), wherein the rear rocker (131 B) has a guide (F) which is blocked in an initial position of the bearing sections (L1, L2) by the deformation section (136), which is deformable as a result of a force in order to release a movement guided by the guide (F) to increase a distance (D1, D2) of the first bearing section (L1) to the second bearing section (L2).

15. Vehicle seat (1D-1F) according to claim 12 and claim 13, characterized in that the deformation section (136) is attached or formed on the seat part (10) or on the base (12C) and blocks a guide (F) in which a bearing section (L3) is provided, on which the rear rocker (131A) is pivotally mounted.

16. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized by a lock (14) by means of which the release mechanism can be locked.

17. Vehicle seat (1 D-1 F) according to claim 16, characterized in that the lock (14) can be opened by a triggering device (17) with an electric actuator, by a triggering device that can be triggered by means of an acting acceleration or a triggering device with a pyrotechnic actuator or that the lock (14) opens in the relaxed position (RP).

18. Vehicle seat (1A-1F) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a safety belt (19) mounted on the backrest (11).

19. Vehicle seat (1A-1F) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an airbag (15) mounted on the seat part (10) which is adapted to be inflated when the deformation section (136) is deformed.

20. Vehicle (2) comprising the vehicle seat (1A-1F) according to one of the preceding claims.

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