Method and system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle

Abstract

In a method for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, in order to avoid an offset on an upper edge of the backrest in a desired target position, provision is made for the method to comprise: acquiring a first adjustment parameter for a first backrest (12) on the basis of an adjustment of the first backrest (12) from a previously set target position (Z) of the backrest inclination towards a stop position of the first backrest (12); acquiring a second adjustment parameter for a second backrest on the basis of an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position (Z) of the backrest inclination towards a stop position of the second backrest; adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest (12) from a first starting position towards the stop position of the first backrest (12); adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest (12) from the stop position of the first backrest (12) towards the target position (Z) using the first adjustment parameter; adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest from a second starting position towards the stop position of the second backrest; and adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest from the stop position of the second backrest towards the target position (Z) using the second adjustment parameter.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING BACKRESTS IN A

[0002] SEATING ROW IN A MOTOR VEHICLE

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a method and a system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] It is known in motor vehicles to individually adjust the backrest angle of two backrests in a row of seats. This is particularly common in the rear of a row of seats. A first backrest can comprise approximately 40% and a second backrest approximately 60% of the width of the rear row. Alternatively, the first backrest can comprise approximately 50% of the width of the rear row and the second backrest approximately 50% of the width. Arrangements with more than two backrests, each with adjustable backrest angle, are also known in a rear row of seats.

[0007] For presentation purposes or a repeatable initialization run, it is desirable, for example, for the individual backrests to be adjusted from different starting positions to a common target position. This adjustment can typically be achieved using an electric motor. For this purpose, each backrest is adjusted from its respective end position using the same adjustment parameter, such as a tilt angle and / or a number of signals from a Hall effect sensor ("Hall count"). In general, with a Hall effect sensor, the counter value can be used, for example, to determine the rotor position and / or the number of revolutions of the electric motor. From this, among other things, a current tilt angle for the backrest can be derived, or a tilt angle can be set.

[0008] A disadvantage of this is that, although the backrests are adjusted using the same adjustment parameter, they will each have different tilt angles in the desired target position. This can lead to a difference of approximately 30 mm at the top edges of the backrests.

[0009] The present invention therefore aims to provide an improved method and system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, whereby an offset at the upper edge of the backrest in a desired target position is avoided. Summary of the invention

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 3. Advantageous further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a method for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: acquiring a first adjustment parameter for a first backrest based on an adjustment of the first backrest from a previously set target position of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the first backrest; acquiring a second adjustment parameter for a second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the second backrest; adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest from a first starting position to the stop position of the first backrest; adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest from the stop position of the first backrest to the target position using the first adjustment parameter.Adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from a second starting position to the end position of the second backrest, and adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from the end position of the second backrest to the target position using the second adjustment parameter.

[0012] Because an individual adjustment parameter is recorded for each backrest in the row of seats, the individual tolerance range of the backrest's stop position can be compensated for. Accordingly, each backrest can be correctly adjusted from any starting position to the stop position and from there to the desired target position, taking the respective tolerance range into account. This prevents any misalignment at the top edge of the backrest in the intended target position.

[0013] In this context, "capture" refers at least to saving the first adjustment parameter and the second adjustment parameter. Furthermore, "capture" can also refer to measuring, collecting, recording, or capturing the first adjustment parameter and the second adjustment parameter.

[0014] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the steps for capturing the first and second adjustment parameters take place at different locations than the adjustment steps mentioned above. For example, it is possible that the respective adjustment parameter is captured during the production of the first and second backrests. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the steps for capturing the first and second adjustment parameters could be performed while the backrests are installed in the vehicle. The adjustment steps for the backrests can also be performed while they are installed in the vehicle.

[0015] The term "preset target position" means that the first and second backrests are initially positioned in the correct target position. This can be achieved by adjusting the desired tilt angle of each backrest for the target position. This can be done for each backrest individually or for all backrests together. In other words, in the set target position, the first and second backrests each have the same tilt angle. The tilt angle can be determined in all embodiments using a reference plane. It is conceivable that this reference plane is formed by a vehicle seat structure.

[0016] The first starting position and the second starting position refer to any position of the respective backrest, which is determined, for example, by an individual adjustment by a vehicle occupant.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the steps of adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest to its stop position and to the target position and / or adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest to its stop position and to the target position are performed after receiving an alignment signal.

[0018] The alignment signal is designed to trigger the adjustment of the first and second backrests to the target position as described above. For example, an operating device may be provided on the vehicle. This operating device may include at least one switch, after which the alignment signal for all backrests is generated. Accordingly, all backrests can be adjusted to the target position simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device may include at least two switches, each assigned to a backrest. After each switch is activated, an alignment signal for the respective backrest can be generated. Accordingly, the backrests can be adjusted to the target position sequentially.

[0019] The aspects of the invention described above and the related features disclosed for further development of the method for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle also apply accordingly to the aspects of the invention and related further developments of the system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle described below, and vice versa. The invention also relates to a system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising a row of seats having at least one first backrest and a second backrest, and a seat adjustment device, wherein the seat adjustment device is configured to detect a first adjustment parameter for the first backrest based on an adjustment of the first backrest from a previously set target position of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the first backrest.to capture a second adjustment parameter for the second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position of the backrest tilt to a stop position of the second backrest, to adjust the backrest tilt of the first backrest from a first starting position to the stop position of the first backrest, to adjust the backrest tilt of the first backrest from the stop position of the first backrest to the target position using the first adjustment parameter, to adjust the backrest tilt of the second backrest from a second starting position to the stop position of the second backrest, and to adjust the backrest tilt of the second backrest from the stop position of the second backrest to the target position using the second adjustment parameter.

[0020] Because an individual adjustment parameter is recorded for each backrest in the row of seats, the individual tolerance range of the backrest's stop position can be compensated for. Accordingly, each backrest can be correctly adjusted from any starting position to the stop position and from there to the desired target position, taking the respective tolerance range into account. This prevents any misalignment at the top edge of the backrest in the intended target position.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the seat adjustment device is configured to adjust the backrest inclination of the first backrest to its stop position and to the target position and / or the backrest inclination of the second backrest to its stop position and to the target position after receiving an alignment signal.

[0022] The alignment signal is configured to trigger the adjustment of the first and second backrests to the target position, as described above. For example, the system can include an actuating device. This device can comprise at least one switch, after which the alignment signal is generated for all backrests. Accordingly, all backrests can be adjusted to the target position simultaneously. Alternatively or additionally, the actuating device can comprise at least two switches, each assigned to a backrest. After each switch is activated, an alignment signal can be generated for the respective backrest. Accordingly, the backrests can be adjusted to the target position sequentially.

[0023] In all embodiments, the seat adjustment device can comprise at least one control unit, at least one operating element, at least one sensor, preferably a Hall sensor, at least one adjustment means, preferably an adjustment motor, at least one power supply unit and / or at least one storage unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the seat adjustment device has a central control unit for the first backrest and the second backrest. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the seat adjustment device has a central memory unit. This allows for a cost-efficient design of the seat adjustment device. Alternatively or additionally, the seat adjustment device has a first control unit for the first backrest and a second control unit for the second backrest. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the seat adjustment device has a first memory unit for the first backrest and a second memory unit for the second backrest. This provides increased reliability and adaptability.

[0025] In all embodiments of the method or system, it is preferred that the first adjustment parameter and second adjustment parameter correspond to an inclination angle and / or a number of signals from a Hall signal counter of the respective backrest and are preferably detected by a Hall sensor. This allows for particularly efficient detection of the adjustment parameter.

[0026] In all embodiments of the method or system, it is preferred that, in the stop position, a backrest stop of the respective backrest is in contact with an end stop of a vehicle seat structure. This allows the stop position to be defined particularly well.

[0027] Furthermore, a computer program product is provided, stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising computer-readable program means by which a computer, a control unit, or a computer connected to the control unit, as a data processing arrangement, is caused to perform the steps of the procedure just described for the first backrest and / or the second backrest when the computer program product is running on the computer and / or the control unit. Finally, a motor vehicle incorporating the system just described is provided.

[0028] Character description

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. These show:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle seat with a backrest for a system according to the invention, which is set in a target position, and

[0031] Figure 2 shows an excerpt from Figure 2.

[0032] Detailed description

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of a first vehicle seat 10 with a backrest 12 for a system 30 according to the invention for adjusting backrests 12 in a row of seats in a motor vehicle.

[0034] The row of seats has at least the first backrest 12 and a second backrest, the latter of which is not shown in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity.

[0035] In the seat row, the first backrest 12 and the second backrest are arranged side by side in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that the backrests are adjacent to each other or are separated from each other in the transverse direction. In all embodiments, the transverse direction runs parallel to the y-axis of a known Cartesian vehicle-specific coordinate system according to ISO 4130:1978, which can be seen by way of example in Figure 1.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the seating row can be configured as a front and / or a rear seating row in the motor vehicle. In all embodiments, it is particularly preferred that the seating row be configured as a rear seating row.

[0037] It is generally conceivable that the seating row preferably comprises more than two backrests. The method or system according to the invention can be applied accordingly to all further backrests in the seating row. The explanations relating to the first backrest 12 also apply accordingly to the second backrest or all other backrests in the seating row.

[0038] The system 30 further comprises a seat adjustment device 20. In all embodiments, the seat adjustment device 20 can comprise at least one control unit or seat control unit, at least one operating element, at least one sensor, preferably a Hall sensor, at least one adjustment means, preferably an adjustment motor, at least one power supply unit, and / or at least one storage unit, which are not shown in Figure 1 for clarity. For example, it is conceivable that each vehicle seat 10 in the seat row is assigned its own sensor, its own adjustment means, and its own power supply unit.

[0039] The seat adjustment device 20 is operatively connected to the first backrest 12 and the second backrest for adjusting the first backrest 12 and the second backrest, as symbolized by the double arrows without reference symbols shown with a dashed line in Figure 1. The seat adjustment device 20 is fundamentally designed to adjust an inclination angle α of the backrest inclination. This can be achieved in all embodiments using a known control and / or regulation method. The seat adjustment device 20 can, for example, be designed to detect the backrest position, in particular the backrest inclination and / or an inclination angle of the first backrest 12 and the second backrest, and / or to control or regulate the adjustment of the backrest 12 and the second backrest.It is also conceivable that the seat adjustment device 20 is operatively connected to the vehicle's on-board electronics for adjusting the first backrest 12 and the second backrest (not shown). In general, the seat adjustment device 20 can therefore also include on-board electronics.

[0040] The seat adjustment device 20 is configured to detect a first adjustment parameter for the first backrest 12 based on an adjustment of the first backrest 12 from a previously set target position Z of the backrest inclination to a stop position A of the first backrest 12.

[0041] Figure 1 shows that the first backrest 12 is initially set in an exemplary target position Z. The first backrest 12 has a target inclination angle Oz relative to a reference plane R. It is conceivable that the reference plane R is formed by a vehicle seat structure 16. Preferably, the vehicle seat structure 16 comprises a base structure 16.2 for forming the reference plane R.

[0042] Figure 2 shows in detail that preferably the first backrest 12 is pivotally mounted on a side panel 16.1 of the vehicle seat structure 16 about a pivot point D for adjusting the backrest inclination. Figure 2 also shows that preferably a backrest stop 14 of the first backrest 12 is spaced apart from an end stop 18 of the vehicle seat structure 16 in the target position Z.

[0043] After the first backrest 12 is adjusted, it moves to the stop position A, which is symbolically represented by a dashed line in Figure 1. It is conceivable that the backrest stop 14 rests against or is in contact with the end stop 18. Thus, further backward adjustment of the backrest 12 is limited.

[0044] When adjusting the first backrest 12 from the set target position Z to the stop position A, the first adjustment parameter is individually detected for the first backrest 12 by the seat adjustment device 20. This allows for compensation of individual tolerance ranges, for example, at the backrest stop 14 and / or the end stop 18 for the first backrest 12. In other words, the first adjustment parameter corresponds to a distance between the backrest stop 14 of the first backrest 12 and the end stop 18 of the first vehicle seat structure 16 in the set target position Z.

[0045] Accordingly, the seat adjustment device 20 is configured to detect a second adjustment parameter for the second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position Z of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the second backrest.

[0046] In the set target position Z, the second backrest also has the target inclination angle Oz to the reference plane R.

[0047] When adjusting the second backrest from the set target position Z to the stop position A, the second adjustment parameter is individually detected for the second backrest by the seat adjustment device 20. This allows for compensation of individual tolerance ranges, for example, at the backrest stop and / or the end stop for the second backrest. In other words, the second adjustment parameter corresponds to a distance between the backrest stop 14 of the second backrest and the end stop 18 of a second vehicle seat structure in the set target position Z.

[0048] It is conceivable that, during the acquisition process, the first and second adjustment parameters are stored in at least one memory unit of the seat adjustment device 20. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the seat adjustment device 20 adjusts the first backrest 12 and the second backrest from the set target position Z to the respective end position A, measuring the first and second adjustment parameters in the process. For example, the seat adjustment device 20 could be configured to measure and / or determine the counter value of a Hall effect sensor at the set target position Z and at the end position A. Alternatively or additionally, this could also be done with an external device (not shown). From the difference between these counter values, the first and second adjustment parameters, for example, can be determined as the number of signals from the Hall effect sensor.These signals are also known as "Hall Counts" or "Hall Events".

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that an inclination angle a in the set target position Z and in the stop position A is detected, for example, with inclination sensors.

[0050] The recording of the first adjustment parameter and the second adjustment parameter can preferably take place during the manufacture of the first vehicle seat 10 and the second vehicle seat.

[0051] Furthermore, the seat adjustment device is designed to adjust the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from a first starting position to the end position A of the first backrest 12. For clarity, the first starting position is not shown in Figure 1.

[0052] Accordingly, the seat adjustment device 20 is set up to adjust the backrest inclination of the second backrest from a second starting position to the stop position of the second backrest.

[0053] In summary, the first backrest 12 and the second backrest can be adjusted from their respective starting positions to their respective end positions.

[0054] The seat adjustment device 20 is further configured to adjust the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from the stop position of the first backrest 12 to the target position Z using the first adjustment parameter. This allows the first backrest 12 to be adjusted back to the target position Z with the correct inclination angle Oz.

[0055] Accordingly, the seat adjustment device 20 is configured to adjust the backrest inclination of the second backrest from the stop position of the second backrest to the target position Z using the second adjustment parameter. This allows the second backrest to be adjusted back to the target position Z with the correct inclination angle Oz.

[0056] Thus, both the first backrest 12 and the second backrest can be adjusted to the target position Z with the tilt angle Oz, thereby preventing any offset at the respective upper edges 12.1 of the backrests. Since the first backrest 12 and the second backrest may have different tolerance ranges with regard to their respective stop positions, the two adjustment parameters may consequently differ. At least one adjustment parameter for each backrest is stored in the memory device 20.

[0057] Furthermore, the seat adjustment device 20 is preferably configured to adjust the backrest tilt of the first backrest 12 to its end position and to the target position Z, and / or the backrest tilt of the second backrest to its end position and to the target position Z, upon receiving an alignment signal. This allows the adjustment steps of the first backrest 12 and the second backrest described above to be triggered simultaneously. It is conceivable that the alignment signal is generated after actuation of a control element ("reset switch"). The control element can be designed as a switch and / or a touch display.

[0058] In all embodiments, it is conceivable that the seat adjustment device 20 preferably has a central control unit for the first backrest 12 and the second backrest. The adjustment steps for the first backrest 12 and the second backrest described above can then be performed centrally. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the seat adjustment device 20 preferably has a first control unit for the first backrest 12 and a second control unit for the second backrest. The adjustment steps for the first backrest 12 and the second backrest described above can then be performed separately.

[0059] The aspects of the invention described above and the associated features disclosed for further development of the system for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle also apply accordingly to the aspects of the invention and the associated further developments of the method for adjusting backrests in a row of seats in a motor vehicle described below, and vice versa.

[0060] A method according to the invention for adjusting backrests 12 in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: acquiring a first adjustment parameter for a first backrest 12 based on an adjustment of the first backrest 12 from a previously set target position Z of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the first backrest 12, acquiring a second adjustment parameter for a second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position Z of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the second backrest, adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from a first starting position to the stop position of the first backrest 12, adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from the stop position of the first backrest 12 to the target position Z using the first adjustment parameter.Adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from a second starting position to the end position of the second backrest, and adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from the end position of the second backrest to the target position Z using the second adjustment parameter.

[0061] In all embodiments of the method, the individual detection steps and the adjustment steps can be performed separately in time. The detection steps are thus arranged temporally prior to the adjustment steps. In particular, it is conceivable that the corresponding adjustment steps for the first backrest 12 and the second backrest are carried out essentially simultaneously. This allows the first backrest 12 and the second backrest in the motor vehicle to be adjusted to the target position essentially simultaneously.

[0062] As explained above, it is preferred that the steps of adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 to its stop position and to the target position Z and / or adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest to its stop position and to the target position Z are performed after receiving an alignment signal.

[0063] In summary, by individually recording the first and second adjustment parameters, different tolerances of the backrest stops can be compensated for, thus avoiding an offset at the upper edges of the backrest 12.1. Accordingly, at least two adjustment parameters are recorded by the seat adjustment device 20, preferably stored in it.

[0064] Furthermore, if – for example, due to an adjustment by a vehicle occupant – the first backrest 12 or second backrest is already in the stop position A, it can be adjusted directly from the stop position to the target position using the respective adjustment parameter to reach the target position.In other words, adjusting to the respective stop position may not be necessary if the first starting position or the second starting position already corresponds to the respective stop position: Alternatively or additionally, in all embodiments of the method, adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from a first starting position to the stop position A of the first backrest 12 is preferred if the first starting position differs from the stop position of the first backrest, and / or adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest from a second starting position to the stop position of the second backrest is preferred if the second starting position differs from the stop position of the second backrest.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, in all embodiments of the system 30, it is preferred that the seat adjustment device is configured to adjust the backrest inclination of the first backrest 12 from a first starting position to the stop position A of the first backrest if the first starting position deviates from the stop position of the first backrest, and / or to adjust the backrest inclination of the second backrest from a second starting position to the stop position of the second backrest if the second starting position deviates from the stop position of the second backrest.

[0066] Reference symbol list

[0067] 10 Vehicle seat 12 Backrest

[0068] 12.1 Top edge of backrest

[0069] 14 Backrest stop

[0070] 16 Vehicle seat structure

[0071] 16.1 Side panel

[0072] 16.2 Soil structure

[0073] 18 End stop

[0074] 20 seat adjustment device

[0075] 30 System

[0076] A Stop position

[0077] D pivot point

[0078] R Reference plane

[0079] Z Target position a Inclination angle az Inclination angle

Claims

Claims 1. Method for adjusting backrests (12) in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: Acquiring a first adjustment parameter for a first backrest (12) based on an adjustment of the first backrest (12) from a previously set target position (Z) of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the first backrest (12), Acquiring a second adjustment parameter for a second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position (Z) of the backrest inclination to a stop position of the second backrest, adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest (12) from a first starting position to the stop position of the first backrest (12), Adjusting the backrest tilt of the first backrest (12) from the stop position of the first backrest (12) to the target position (Z) using the first adjustment parameter, Adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from a second starting position to the end position of the second backrest, and Adjusting the backrest tilt of the second backrest from the stop position of the second backrest to the target position (Z) using the second adjustment parameter.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the steps of adjusting the backrest inclination of the first backrest (12) to its stop position and to the target position (Z) and / or adjusting the backrest inclination of the second backrest to its stop position and to the target position (Z) are performed after receiving an alignment signal.

3. System for adjusting backrests (12) in a row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising a row of seats having at least one first backrest (12) and a second backrest, and a seat adjustment device (20), wherein the seat adjustment device (20) is configured to provide a first adjustment parameter for the first backrest (12) based on an adjustment of the first backrest (12) from a previously set target position (Z) of the to detect the backrest tilt towards a stop position of the first backrest (12), to detect a second adjustment parameter for the second backrest based on an adjustment of the second backrest from the previously set target position (Z) of the backrest tilt towards a stop position of the second backrest, to adjust the backrest tilt of the first backrest (12) from a first starting position to the stop position of the first backrest (12), to adjust the backrest tilt of the first backrest (12) from the stop position of the first backrest (12) to the target position (Z) using the first adjustment parameter, to adjust the backrest tilt of the second backrest from a second starting position to the stop position of the second backrest,and to adjust the backrest tilt of the second backrest from the stop position of the second backrest to the target position (Z) using the second adjustment parameter.

4. System according to claim 3, wherein the seat adjustment device (20) is configured to adjust the backrest inclination of the first backrest (12) to its stop position and to the target position (Z) and / or the backrest inclination of the second backrest to its stop position and to the target position (Z) after receiving an alignment signal.

5. System according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the seat adjustment device (20) has a central control unit for the first backrest (12) and the second backrest, and / or wherein the seat adjustment device (20) has a first control unit for the first backrest (12) and a second control unit for the second backrest.

6. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, or system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the first adjustment parameter and second adjustment parameter correspond to an inclination angle and / or a number of signals from a Hall signal counter of the respective backrest, and are preferably detected with a Hall sensor.

7. Method according to one of claims 1, 2 or 5, or system according to one of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein in the stop position a backrest stop (14) of the respective The backrest (12) is in contact with an end stop (18) of a vehicle seat structure (16).

8. Computer program product stored on a computer-readable medium and comprising computer-readable program means by which a computer, a control unit, or a computer connected to the control unit is caused to perform the steps of the method for the first backrest (12) and / or the second backrest according to any one of the preceding claims 1, 2, 5 or 6 when the computer program product is running on the computer and / or the control unit.

9. Motor vehicle comprising the system according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 7.

Images