Support apparatus for a vehicle seat

Abstract

A support apparatus (1) for a vehicle seat (F) comprises a support (10) for supporting the legs and / or feet of a user sitting on the vehicle seat (F), at least two frame elements (11), two adjustment devices (12) for adjusting the support relative to the frame elements (11) between an extended and a retracted position, wherein each of the adjustment devices (12) comprises a rocker (120) which is mounted pivotably on in each case one of the frame elements (11), wherein the rockers (120) are spaced apart from one another in the width direction (B) of the support apparatus (1), and a motorised drive unit (13) for applying a drive torque to at least one of the rockers (120) of the adjustment devices (12) in order to adjust the support (10) relative to the frame elements (11). The drive unit (13) is arranged between the two adjustment devices (12) along the width direction (B).

Description

[0001] Support device for a vehicle seat

[0002] Description

[0003] The proposed solution concerns a support device for a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat comprising such a support device.

[0004] Due to the increasing desire for comfort in vehicles, especially motor vehicles, there is a growing need for adjustable vehicle seats to relieve the body of a vehicle occupant during travel time, but also while the vehicle is parked, especially while the vehicle is being loaded.

[0005] A significant increase in comfort can be achieved if a vehicle occupant's legs and / or feet can be elevated above the vehicle floor. In practice, vehicle seats with leg or footrests are common, with these rests mounted on one part of the seat. Such rests may have an adjustment mechanism to switch between a retracted and an extended position. When needed, the rests are extended to serve as leg or footrests. However, the increasing demand for comfort in vehicle seats also necessitates further adjustment options, such as height or longitudinal adjustment of the seat cushion or tilt adjustment of the seat back relative to the seat cushion.However, such adjustment options typically require a significant amount of installation space within the vehicle seat. This can result in limited mounting space and restricted design and installation flexibility for an adjustment mechanism for a seat cushion.

[0006] US patent 2020 / 0223342 A1 discloses a vehicle seat that features an adjustment mechanism for a support, comprising two gear drives for adjusting the support between a retracted and an extended position. However, this use of two adjustment drives requires a large installation space and therefore limits the design possibilities for other adjustment mechanisms.

[0007] The task is to increase the comfort of a vehicle seat.

[0008] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Accordingly, a support device for a vehicle seat is provided, comprising a rest for the legs and / or feet of a user seated in the vehicle. The support device comprises two frame elements. The frame elements allow the support device to be mounted or secured to a vehicle seat, particularly to a seat section of the vehicle seat. For example, the frame elements are arranged on the sides of the support device in the lateral direction. In particular, they are arranged on opposite sides of the support device, such that the support device can be secured to opposite sides, especially to a left and a right side, of the vehicle seat.

[0010] Furthermore, the support device comprises two adjustment mechanisms for moving the support between an extended and a retracted position relative to the frame elements. The retracted position can be a stowed position or a folded position in which the support, when installed, is located close to the seat base of the vehicle seat. Preferably, in the retracted position, the support is positioned against the seat base in such a way that the footwell or floor in front of the seat base remains clear for the user to rest their feet. The extended position can be a support position that allows the user to rest or support their legs and / or feet on the support, particularly on a contact surface of the support.

[0011] Each of the adjustment devices comprises (at least) one rocker arm, which is pivotably mounted on one of the (two) frame elements. These rocker arms of the support device are spaced apart from each other in a direction which, for ease of reference, is referred to as the lateral direction of the support device. The lateral direction of the support device runs, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal extent of the support.

[0012] Furthermore, the support device includes a (motorized) drive unit. The drive unit is designed to transmit a drive torque to at least one of the rockers, in particular to the rockers of the adjustment devices. The drive torque allows the rockers of the adjustment devices to be set into a rotary motion, in particular a pivoting motion, e.g., about a rotational or pivoting axis extending between the frame elements. The support of the support device is adjustable relative to the frame elements, in particular pivotable or adjustable along a cam track (which, for example, has both translational and rotational components). This allows the support to be adjusted between the retracted and extended positions. In an assembly state in which the support device is, for example,Mounted on a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, the support is adjustable relative to that cushion. The drive torque powers the swing arms, which in turn drive the support.

[0013] The drive unit is positioned between the two adjustment mechanisms with respect to the width of the support device. This arrangement of the drive unit between the two adjustment mechanisms allows the drive torque of the (single) drive unit to be transmitted to the arms of both adjustment mechanisms simultaneously. Because only one drive unit is required for two adjustment mechanisms of the support, a particularly space-saving arrangement of the adjustment drive for a leg or foot support is achieved. Furthermore, the arrangement of the drive unit between the adjustment mechanisms ensures that, when the support device is installed, sufficient installation space remains within the vehicle seat to accommodate additional adjustment mechanisms, particularly in the area of ​​the side panels of the seat, where longitudinal or height adjustment mechanisms are typically provided.The proposed solution thus allows for the integration of numerous adjustment mechanisms for a vehicle seat, enhancing the comfort of the vehicle occupant, while maintaining a particularly compact design. Furthermore, the mounting bracket offers exceptional flexibility in the installation of various adjustment mechanisms within the vehicle seat.

[0014] The support device can include a shaft that couples the two adjustment devices. In particular, the shaft is mounted to the swing arms in a rotationally fixed manner. This allows the drive torque of the (motorized) drive unit to be transmitted to the swing arms via the shaft.

[0015] The shaft is preferably rotatably mounted on the frame elements. This allows the shaft to rotate relative to the frame elements. This, in turn, allows the drive torque exerted on the shaft by the drive unit to be transmitted jointly to the swing arms of both adjustment devices, thus enabling adjustment of the support relative to the frame elements. The shaft can be rotatably mounted directly on the frame elements or via intermediate elements.

[0016] The axis of rotation of the shaft runs parallel to the width direction of the support device. In one example, the support is adjustable, or in particular pivotable, about a pivot axis that runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. This allows for a particularly efficient and uniform transmission of the drive torque from the (single) drive unit to the two adjustment devices.

[0017] The drive unit can be arranged at a distance from the frame elements, particularly along the width of the support device. Specifically, the drive unit is arranged at a distance from each frame element that is at least one quarter, and in particular at least one third, of the longitudinal extent of the support device and / or the shaft. For example, the drive unit is arranged at a distance of at least 3 cm from each frame element, particularly from the swing arms, along the longitudinal extent of the support device and / or the shaft.

[0018] In one example, the drive unit is positioned centrally between the frame elements with respect to the width of the support device. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the drive unit within the vehicle seat. Furthermore, a sufficiently large distance between the drive unit and the frame elements is ensured, leaving enough installation space for additional adjustment mechanisms for the vehicle seat, which are particularly important in the area of ​​the (left and right) sides of the vehicle seat.

[0019] In one example, the drive unit of the support device includes a support element. The shaft can be rotatably mounted on the support element. The support element allows the drive unit to be supported against the rest of the support device.

[0020] For example, the support element extends in a plane perpendicular to the shaft. This allows for a particularly compact and space-saving arrangement of the drive unit on the support device.

[0021] The support device can include an additional frame element. For example, this additional frame element extends between, and in particular perpendicular to, the two existing frame elements. In one example, the additional frame element extends along the longitudinal extent of the shaft, in particular parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The support element can be fixed to this additional frame element. This allows for particularly stable support of the reaction torque due to the adjusting torque and thus a particularly uniform transmission of the drive torque to the adjusting devices.

[0022] The support element can be a sheet metal part. This allows for particularly simple manufacturing and a particularly space-saving arrangement of the drive unit on the support device.

[0023] The motor drive unit can include a gear transmission. The gear transmission can (for example) comprise a gear segment or gear attached to the shaft. For instance, the gear is a sector gear. In particular, the gear extends parallel to the plane of the support element. This allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the drive unit within the vehicle seat when the support device is installed.

[0024] The motorized drive unit is, for example, a pinion drive unit. Specifically, the gear drive includes a pinion. This allows the swing arms to pivot within a particularly large angular range, for example, within an angular range greater than 180°. In particular, this allows the adjustment mechanisms to be adjusted within a particularly large angular range relative to the seat.

[0025] The drive unit can include a motor coupled to the gear drive. In one example, the motor and the gear drive are arranged on opposite sides of the support element. This allows for a particularly compact and flexible integration of the drive unit into a vehicle seat when the support device is installed, thus providing ample installation space for additional adjustment mechanisms for the vehicle seat. Preferably, the motor and the gear are arranged on opposite sides of the support element, particularly with respect to the width and / or length of the shaft.

[0026] In one example, the rocker arm is a first rocker arm, and the adjustment mechanisms of the support device each comprise one or more further rocker arms. The (first and the one or more further) rocker arms can be pivotally connected or coupled to one or more joints. Such a joint mechanism allows for a particularly smooth conversion of the drive torque into an adjustment movement, especially a pivoting movement of the support relative to the frame elements.

[0027] The first rocker arm can be positioned closer to the drive unit (in each case with respect to the lateral direction of the support device) than one or more subsequent rocker arms. In particular, the first rocker arm is positioned closer to the frame elements than one or more subsequent rocker arms in the direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the support device. This allows for a particularly high rigidity of the support device and a particularly efficient transmission of the drive torque to the adjustment mechanisms, thus resulting in a particularly uniform conversion of the drive torque into an adjustment movement of the support relative to the frame elements of the support device.

[0028] It can be designed that each adjustment mechanism comprises several additional arms, with the first arm and the subsequent arms forming a multi-joint with the support and the respective (lateral) frame element. A multi-joint allows for a particularly stable and vibration-free adjustment movement between the retracted and extended positions of the support. Furthermore, it makes it possible to position the support with exceptional accuracy in terms of position and angle at its respective starting and ending positions. In addition, a multi-joint enables a particularly long reach of the adjustment mechanisms and thus of the adjustable support relative to the seat of a corresponding vehicle seat. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly large adjustment range for the support within the same installation space of the (respective) vehicle seat, and thus a particularly flexible adaptation to the different leg lengths of vehicle users.The multi-joint can be a four-joint or a seven-joint. In one example, the multi-joint is designed as a pantograph. This allows for a particularly vibration-free and robust adjustment movement of the support relative to the frame elements.

[0029] The first rocker arm and / or one or more subsequent rocker arms can extend, at least substantially, in (or parallel to) a plane that, for example, runs parallel to the plane of the support element. This, in turn, allows for a particularly low-vibration and stable adjustment movement of the support between its retracted and extended positions.

[0030] According to another aspect, the vehicle seat is provided with a support device, which is designed in particular according to any of the configurations described herein. Regarding the advantages, reference is made to the above information on the support device.

[0031] The frame elements of the support device can be attached to a seat section of the vehicle seat. This allows for a compact and comfortable design.

[0032] The underlying concept of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle seat with a seat section, a backrest, a height adjustment device, a longitudinal adjustment device and a support device;

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the support device of the vehicle seat according to Fig. 1 in a retracted position;

[0035] Fig. 3A shows another perspective view of the support device according to Fig. 2;

[0036] Fig. 3B shows a perspective view of the support device according to Fig. 3A in an extended position;

[0037] Fig. 4A shows a side view of the support device according to Fig. 3A;

[0038] Fig. 4B is a side view of the support device according to Fig. 3B; Fig. 5A is a rear view of the support device according to Fig. 3A;

[0039] Fig. 5B shows a rear view of the support device according to Fig. 3B;

[0040] Fig. 6A shows a top view of the support device according to Fig. 3A;

[0041] Fig. 6B shows a top view of the support device according to Fig. 3B;

[0042] Fig. 7A-7B schematic views of a four-bar linkage;

[0043] Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a single joint; and

[0044] Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a support device in a state mounted on a vehicle seat.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a vehicle seat F with a seat section 2 and a backrest 3. The backrest 3 is pivotally mounted on the seat section 2 about a pivot axis, in this case by means of a backrest tilt adjustment device 4, which, for example, comprises an arrangement of swivel fittings. By means of the backrest tilt adjustment device 4, the backrest 3 can be pivoted relative to the seat section 2 in order to adjust the tilt position of the backrest 3 relative to the seat section 2.

[0046] The seat section 2 of the vehicle seat F extends along a longitudinal axis X of the vehicle. The backrest 3 extends along a vertical axis Z of the vehicle (at an angle to it depending on the swivel position setting), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. A horizontal axis Y (parallel to the viewing direction in Fig. 1) is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Z. The swivel axis of the backrest 3 relative to the seat section 2 runs parallel to the horizontal axis Y.

[0047] Such a vehicle seat F can be designed as a front seat in a vehicle. However, such a vehicle seat F can also be used as a rear seat in the second or third row of a vehicle. In the example shown, the vehicle seat F is connected via a height adjustment device 5 for adjusting the seat height of the seat section 2 (including the backrest 3) along the vehicle's vertical axis Z to a longitudinal adjustment device 6 for adjusting the seat section 2 relative to a vehicle floor 7 along the vehicle's longitudinal axis X, and is longitudinally adjustable to the vehicle floor 7 via the longitudinal adjustment device 6.

[0048] However, this design is merely an example and the vehicle seat F could also include fewer adjustment devices, e.g. only the backrest tilt adjustment device 4, the height adjustment device 5 or the longitudinal adjustment device 6, or none of them.

[0049] Furthermore, the vehicle seat F includes a support device which will be explained in more detail below.

[0050] In the present example, the vehicle seat F has a bracket 8 on each side, i.e., on the left and the right (not shown) side, of the seat section 2. The brackets 8 serve to mount the support device 1, which is shown in Figures 2 to 6B. In the mounted state, the support device 1 is attached to the brackets 8. Alternatively, the brackets 8 can be provided on another part of the vehicle seat F or of the vehicle.

[0051] Figures 2 to 6B show the support device 1 of the vehicle seat F shown in Figure 1 for mounting on the brackets 8. Accordingly, Figure 2 shows, indicated by dashed lines, the seat part 2 and thus schematically a mounting state of the support device 1.

[0052] The support device 1 comprises a support 10. In Fig. 2, as well as in Figs. 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A, the support 10 is in a retracted position, which is hereinafter also referred to as the stowed position. Correspondingly, Figs. 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B show the support 10 in an extended position, which is hereinafter also referred to as the support position.

[0053] In the support position, a user sitting on the vehicle seat F can rest at least one part of their body on the support 10, namely, for example, their legs, in particular their calves, or their feet. Accordingly, the support can serve as a leg rest, in particular as a calf rest, and / or as a footrest. For this purpose, the support has a contact surface 100 (see Figs. 4A and 4B).

[0054] In this case, the support 10 is plate-shaped. Accordingly, the bearing surface 100 is planar. However, other shapes are also conceivable, e.g., that of a tube or rod with planar side walls and / or concave or convex bearing surfaces.

[0055] The support 10 extends along a lateral direction B of the support device 1 (see Fig. 2 and 5B to 6B). In the mounted state of the support device 1, the lateral direction B runs parallel to the vehicle width axis Y and parallel to the pivot axis of the backrest 3 relative to the seat part 2 of the vehicle seat F in this example.

[0056] To adjust the support device 1 between the storage position and the support position, the support device comprises two adjustment devices 12. Each adjustment device 12 comprises a (first) rocker arm 120 and, in this case, several further rocker arms, namely (exactly) four further rocker arms 120A-120C. The rocker arms 120, 120A-120C are pivotably connected to at least one further rocker arm 120, 120A-120C via at least one joint 121. As shown particularly in Fig. 2, each joint 121 forms a pivot axis S about which the respective rocker arms 120, 120A-120C can pivot.

[0057] In the example shown, each of the adjustment devices 12 comprises the first rocker arm 120, a second rocker arm 120A, a third rocker arm 120B, and a fourth rocker arm 120C. The first two rocker arms 120 are arranged on the inside, the two fourth rocker arms 120C on the outside. The adjustment devices 12 are designed as mirror images. In each of the adjustment devices 12, the rocker arms 120, 120A-120C are pivotally connected as follows (each via one of the joints 121). The first rocker arm 120 is connected to a respective frame element 11 and the second rocker arm 120A. The second rocker arm 120A is connected to the first rocker arm 120, to a holder 122 fixedly connected to the support 10, and, in between, to the third rocker arm 120B. The third swing arm 120B is connected to the fourth swing arm 120C, the frame element 11, and, in between, to the second swing arm 120A. The fourth swing arm 120C is connected to the bracket 122 and to the third swing arm 120B.At least one rocker arm, here the first and fourth rocker arms 120, 120C, has (exactly) two joints 121. At least one rocker arm, here the second and third rocker arms 120A, 120B, has (exactly) three joints 121. Furthermore, the shaft is arranged on the first (inner), in particular seat-side, rocker arms 120.

[0058] The support 10 is movably mounted (via the two holders 122) on two rocker arms 120A, 120C of each adjustment device 12, in this case on the rocker arms 120C that are outer with respect to the width B of the support device 1. The adjustment devices 12 are coupled to each other via a shaft 14. Specifically, one rocker arm 120 of each adjustment device, in this case the first, is rotatably attached to the shaft 14. However, it is also possible that another rocker arm, e.g., the third rocker arm 120B, is rotatably attached to the shaft. The shaft 14 is rotatable about an axis of rotation D. In this way, a (drive) torque transmitted to the shaft 14 can be transmitted to the first rocker arm 120, or alternatively or additionally to another rocker arm, such as the third rocker arm 120B, in such a way that the first rocker arm 120 and / or the further (third) rocker arm 120B can pivot accordingly about the axis of rotation D of the shaft 14.

[0059] In this case, pivoting the first rocker arm 120 causes the several other rocker arms 120A-120D to pivot about the pivot axes S of the corresponding joints 121. The pivot axes S of the one or more joints 121 run parallel to the axis of rotation D of the shaft 14.

[0060] The support device 1 comprises the two (lateral) frame elements 11 already mentioned. These are arranged along the width direction B of the support device 1 on each of its (outer) sides. The support device 1 can be fixed to the vehicle seat F by means of the frame elements 11, for example via the brackets 8 shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0061] The first swing arms 120 of each of the adjustment devices 12 are rotatably fixed to one of the (lateral) frame elements 11 of the support device 1. This allows adjustment, in particular pivoting, of the first swing arms 120 and subsequently also of the further swing arms 120A-120D relative to the seat part 2 of the vehicle seat F between a retracted and an extended position.

[0062] The support device 1 can comprise one or more stops 17. In this case, one stop 17 is mounted on each of the holders 122 of the support 10 (see Figs. 3B to 4B). However, the stops 17 can also be mounted directly on the support 10. The stops 17 serve to support and / or cushion the support, particularly in its retracted state.

[0063] In the example shown, according to Figures 2 to 6B, the rocker arms 120, 120A-120D of each adjustment device 12, together with the holder 122 of the support 10 and each of the frame elements 11, form a multi-link, in this case a seven-link. Each of the adjustment devices 12 comprises (exactly) seven joints 121. However, other multi-link kinematics are also conceivable, such as a four-link, as schematically illustrated in Figures 7A (retracted) and 7B (extended), or a single-link, as schematically illustrated in Figure 8.

[0064] In the case of a four-bar linkage, each adjustment device comprises a frame element 11 as a frame, two swing arms 120, 120A, and the support 10 (or a holder rigidly connected to it) as a coupling. Each of the two swing arms 120, 120A then has (exactly) two joints 121.

[0065] In the case of a single joint, the (first) rocker arm 120 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 14 and directly attached to the support 10. The (single) joint 121 is formed by the shaft 14, whereby the rocker arm 120 is pivotable about the axis of rotation D of the shaft 14.

[0066] In each embodiment, the adjusting devices 12 cause the support 10 to be adjusted relative to the frame elements 11. This adjustment can be a pivoting of the support 10 about a pivot axis relative to the frame elements 11, wherein the pivot axis is, in particular, parallel to the lateral direction B of the support 10, to its longitudinal extent, and / or to the axis of rotation of the shaft 14. However, the adjusting movement of the support 10 can also be a translational movement or a (complex) trajectory movement.

[0067] The support device 1 comprises a motorized drive unit 13 for driving the adjustment devices 12. This unit is designed to exert a drive torque on the adjustment devices 12, in particular via the shaft 14. The drive unit 13 comprises a motor 131 and a gear transmission coupled to the motor 131. In this case, the gear transmission comprises a gear 130, in the example shown a sector gear. The gear 130 is attached to the shaft 14. The gear transmission also comprises a pinion 132, to which the motor 131 is coupled. The motor 131 is designed to exert a drive torque on the pinion 132. The pinion 132, in turn, meshes with the gear 130 in such a way that a drive torque exerted by the motor 131 on the pinion 132 is transmitted via the gear 130 to the shaft 14.The drive torque exerted on the shaft 14 in turn causes the adjusting devices 12 to be adjusted and indirectly causes the support 10 to be adjusted relative to the frame elements 11, as described above.

[0068] The drive unit 13 comprises a support element 15. In this case, the support element 15 is at least substantially plate-shaped and, in the example shown, is specifically designed as a sheet metal plate. The support element 15 extends in a plane E that runs perpendicular to the lateral direction B of the support device 1 and / or to the longitudinal direction of the shaft 14. The plane E runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the respective swing arms 120, 120A-120D. This narrow design of the support element 15 allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement of the drive unit 13 between the frame elements 11 and / or between the adjustment devices 12 along the lateral direction B of the support device 11.

[0069] The support element 15 is designed to support, and in particular stabilize, the (entire) drive unit 13. Advantageously, the support element 15 is attached to a further frame element 16, as can be seen particularly in Figures 5A to 6B. The support element 15 has an opening through which the shaft 14 extends. The shaft 14 is rotatably mounted in the opening. The pinion 132 is rotatably mounted on the support element 15.

[0070] The further frame element 16 extends between the (lateral) frame elements 11 along the width direction B of the support device 1 and is attached to the frame elements 11 in each case to absorb the reaction torque (due to the adjustment torque). Furthermore, this maintains the position with respect to the width direction B and thus ensures correct engagement of the gears.

[0071] The frame elements 11 can be connected to each other in one piece, for example via the further frame element 16.

[0072] In the example shown, the motor 131 and the gear drive are arranged on different, specifically opposite, sides of the support element 15. Here, the gear 130 is arranged closer to a first (lateral) frame element 11, while the motor 131 is arranged closer to the second (lateral) frame element 11. This allows the drive unit to be positioned as centrally as possible between the adjustment devices 12 and / or the frame elements 11 with respect to the lateral direction B of the support device 1.

[0073] The drive unit 13, and in particular the support element 15, is spaced apart from the frame parts 11 and the adjustment devices 12 with respect to the lateral direction B of the support device 1 and the longitudinal extension of the shaft 14. Specifically, the distance is such that, in a mounted state, sufficient installation space remains in the vehicle seat F to, for example, provide the height and longitudinal adjustment devices 5, 6, already described above in the frame of Fig. 1, on the sides of the seat section. This allows for the provision of a particularly comfortable vehicle seat F.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows a support 10 in a state mounted on a seat part 2. The (preferably central) arrangement of the drive unit 13 between the adjustment devices 12 with respect to the lateral direction B allows the drive torque of the drive unit 13 to be transmitted via the shaft 14 to both adjustment devices 12. This in turn causes the support 10 to be adjusted between a retracted and an extended position by exerting a drive torque from a single compact drive unit 13 via a common shaft 14 on two articulated adjustment devices 12.

[0075] As further shown in Fig. 9, the drive unit 13 is arranged between two further drive units 20 with respect to the lateral direction B of the support device 1. The further drive units 20 can, for example, drive a height adjustment device 5 or a longitudinal adjustment device 6. The arrangement of the support device 1 with the drive unit positioned between the two adjustment devices 12 allows for a particularly space-saving design inside the vehicle seat F, especially the seat section 2, which creates space for further drive units 20 for additional seat adjustment mechanisms.

[0076] Reference symbol list

[0077] 1 Support device

[0078] 10th edition

[0079] 100 contact area

[0080] 11 Frame element

[0081] 12 Adjustment device

[0082] 120 swing arm

[0083] 120A-120C Swingarm

[0084] 121 Joint

[0085] 122 holders

[0086] 13 motor drive unit

[0087] 130 gear

[0088] 131 Engine

[0089] 132 sprockets

[0090] 14 wave

[0091] 15 support elements

[0092] 16 frame element

[0093] 17 attacks

[0094] 2 Seat section

[0095] 20 Drive unit

[0096] 3 Backrest

[0097] 4 Backrest tilt adjustment device

[0098] 5 Height adjustment device

[0099] 6 Longitudinal adjustment device

[0100] 7 Vehicle floor

[0101] 8 bracket

[0102] B Latitude direction

[0103] D axis of rotation

[0104] Level E

[0105] F vehicle seat

[0106] X Vehicle longitudinal axis

[0107] Y vehicle width axis

[0108] Z Vehicle height axis

Claims

Claims 1. Support device (1) for a vehicle seat (F) comprising: - a support (10) for resting the legs and / or feet of a user sitting on the vehicle seat (F), - at least two frame elements (11), - two adjusting devices (12) for adjusting the support relative to the frame elements (11) between an extended and a retracted position, each of the adjusting devices (12) comprising a rocker arm (120) which is pivotably mounted on each of the frame elements (11), wherein the rocker arms (120) are spaced apart from each other in a lateral direction (B) of the support device (1), - a motor drive unit (13) for applying a drive torque to at least one of the swing arms (120) of the adjusting devices (12) in order to adjust the support (10) relative to the frame elements (11), wherein the drive unit (13) is arranged along the width direction (B) between the two adjusting devices (12).

2. Support device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor drive unit (13) is a pinion drive unit.

3. Support device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drive unit (13) has a distance of at least 3 cm along the width direction (B) to each rocker arm (120).

4. Support device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (1) comprises a shaft (14) which couples the two adjusting devices (12) together and is fixed to the swing arms (120) in a rotationally fixed manner.

5. Support device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the shaft (14) is rotatably mounted on the frame elements (11).

6. Support device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the support (10) is pivotable about a pivot axis which runs parallel to the axis of rotation (D) of the shaft (14).

7. Support device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (13) is arranged spaced apart from the frame elements (11) along the width direction (B).

8. Support device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5 to 7 insofar as related back to claim 4, characterized in that the drive unit (13) is arranged at a distance to the frame elements (11) which is at least one quarter, preferably at least one third of the longitudinal extent of the shaft (14).

9. Support device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5 to 8, insofar as it relates back to claim 2, characterized in that the drive unit (13) comprises a support element (15) in which the shaft (14) is rotatably received.

10. Support device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support element (15) extends in a plane (E) perpendicular to the shaft (14).

11. Support device (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the support element (15) is fixed to a further frame element (16), wherein the further frame element (16) extends between the two frame elements (11) along the longitudinal extent of the shaft (14).

12. Support device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11 , characterized in that the motor drive unit (13) comprises a gear transmission with a gear (130) attached to the shaft (14).

13. Support device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the gear drive comprises exactly one gear (130) attached to the shaft (14) and the gear is a sector gear.

14. Support device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the motor drive unit (13) comprises a motor (131) coupled to the gear drive and the motor (131) and the gear (130) are arranged on different sides and / or on opposite sides of the support element (15) along the longitudinal extent of the shaft (14) of the support element (15).

15. Support device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker arm (120) is a first rocker arm and the adjusting devices (12) each have one or more further rocker arms (120A-120C), wherein the rocker arms (120, 120A-120C) are pivotably connected to each other via one or more joints (121).

16. Support device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the first rocker arm (120) is arranged closer to the drive unit (13) in relation to the width direction (B) of the support device (1) than one or more further rocker arms (120A-120C).

17. Support device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that each of the adjusting devices (12) comprises several further rocker arms (120A-120C) and the first rocker arm (120) and the several further rocker arms (120A-120C) of each adjusting device (12) each form a multiple joint with the support (10) and the respective frame element (11).

18. Support device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that each of the adjustment devices (12) forms a four-joint or a seven-joint.

19. Vehicle seat (F), characterized by a support device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

20. Vehicle seat (F) according to claim 19, characterized in that the frame elements (11) of the support device (1) are attached to a seat part (2) of the vehicle seat (F).

Images