Vehicle seat having an adjustable support

Abstract

The vehicle seat (2) has a seat unit (4), a support (10) and a control unit (18) for controlling an adjustment movement of the vehicle seat (2), wherein the control unit (18) is designed to automatically adjust a relative position between the seat unit (4) and the support (10) in order to vary pressure zones at which the calf of a user rests on the support (10). In particular, the support (10) is adjusted.

Description

[0001] Page 1

[0002] Description

[0003] Vehicle seat with an adjustable support

[0004] The invention relates to a vehicle seat with an adjustable support for the lower legs and / or feet of a user.

[0005] Vehicle seats with comfort features increasingly incorporate lower leg and / or footrests, which are adjustable manually or electrically. Such a rest serves to support the lower leg, and thus the calf and / or foot of the user. These rests, hereinafter also referred to as calf rests, are used particularly in comfort seats that can be adjusted from a basic position to a comfort position, where the comfort position is, for example, a reclining position. The front passenger seat or rear seats are frequently designed and used as such comfort seats.

[0006] To provide the user with the greatest possible comfort in the comfort position, various comfort measures can be taken, such as cooling or heating, or the selection of suitable upholstery.

[0007] Generally, especially with calf supports that often have only a thin layer of padding, particularly during longer journeys or prolonged periods in the same position, a pressure zone between the body part and the calf support is perceived as unpleasant.

[0008] 2024 230 WO Page 2

[0009] Based on this, the invention aims to provide improved comfort in such a vehicle seat with an adjustable support.

[0010] The problem is solved according to the invention by an electrically adjustable vehicle seat comprising a seat unit, a support for the lower legs and / or feet of a user, and a control unit for controlling adjustment movements of the vehicle seat, wherein the control unit is designed to automatically adjust a relative position between the seat unit and the support in order to vary pressure zones, in particular where the calf of a user rests on the support.

[0011] Automatic adjustment, in this context, generally refers to an automated adjustment movement that is independent of a conventional, manual adjustment, where the adjustment is typically initiated by the user to achieve a desired position. Unlike such a conventional adjustment, the user typically has no direct influence on the actual sequence of the adjustment movement during automatic adjustment. Instead, the precise manner of the adjustment is determined by the control unit.

[0012] This automated adjustment of the relative position between the seat unit and the support automatically adjusts the contact area of ​​the user's body part relative to the support. This specifically alters the pressure zones where the body part rests on the support, thus preventing or at least reducing pressure points and the associated discomfort. The body part in question is typically the user's lower leg / calf, the Achilles tendon area, or the foot.

[0013] In this context, the term "seat unit" refers to the combined unit consisting of a seat element and a backrest that is pivotably mounted to it. The relative position between the seat unit and the backrest is adjusted using...

[0014] 2024 230 WO page 3, for example, the seat unit is adjusted, and in doing so, either only the seat element, alternatively only the backrest, or both the seat element and backrest. Alternatively or additionally, the cushion itself is adjusted.

[0015] In a practical design, the printing plate is therefore adjustable by an electric motor, and the control unit is designed to automatically adjust at least one zone of the printing plate in order to automatically vary the pressure zones. With this design, at least one area of ​​the printing plate itself, or even the entire printing plate, is specifically adjusted to achieve the desired result of varying the pressure zones.

[0016] Preferably, when automatically adjusting the relative position, only the support is adjusted, while the seat unit itself is not adjusted.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured such that the control action occurs independently of any user-activated adjustment command. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adjustment movement is completely independent of any user action.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment can also be initiated by a manual command from the user. However, even in this case, the adjustment itself is automated and, specifically—as will be explained in more detail below—based on predefined control instructions. Therefore, even with such a manually activated adjustment, no specific position predetermined by the manual command is reached. This allows the user to adjust the pressure zone themselves, for example, if they experience uncomfortable pressure.

[0019] Preferably, however, the automatic adjustment occurs independently of any user-activated adjustment command. In such a case, the user, in the preferred configuration, only has the option to manually adjust this setting.

[0020] 2024 230 WO Page 4

[0021] To completely switch off (and then switch back on) the comfort functions of the automatic adjustment of the relative position.

[0022] The adjustment movement of the automatic adjustment mechanism is preferably a minor movement, also referred to as a micro-movement, in which the adjustment path, particularly of at least one zone of the support, is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, and particularly less than 0.5 cm. Micro-movement is therefore generally understood to be a very minor movement that typically differs in terms of adjustment path from normal adjustment movements, in which specific positions are reached in a targeted manner and usually by the user. This minor movement serves, in particular, only to change the instantaneous pressure zone, i.e., the contact area between the support and the user's body part, especially without noticeably changing the instantaneous seating ergonomics, i.e., the instantaneous (relative) positions of the various parts of the seat for the user.Apart from the variation in pressure zones, the seating position for the user does not change.

[0023] In a suitable embodiment, the relative position is automatically adjusted within an adjustment period, which is shorter and preferably significantly shorter (for example, by at least a factor of 10, or even by at least a factor of 50) than a dwell time during which no adjustment takes place. The adjustment period, during which an adjustment movement occurs, is typically in the range of seconds (for example, 1-10 seconds), whereas the subsequent dwell time is longer and, in particular, significantly longer, for example, in the range of minutes (for example, more than 1 minute, 1-5 minutes, or even more). Dwell time is understood to be the time between two successive adjustment movements that are automatically initiated by the control unit.

[0024] In particular, the automatic adjustment is not a massage function, which typically involves continuous periodic adjustment movements.

[0025] 2024 230 WO Page 5

[0026] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the control unit is also designed to automatically and repeatedly initiate the automatic adjustment of the relative position and thus the corresponding adjustment movement. Overall, this results in an adjustment pattern in which short-term adjustment movements are repeatedly performed, interspersed with longer pauses that define the dwell time during which the relative position is maintained and no adjustment movement occurs.

[0027] The control unit incorporates a suitable adjustment regime for automatic adjustment, i.e., a set of rules with instructions for adjusting the relative position. This adjustment regime, and thus the set of rules, defines how and in what manner each adjustment movement is executed to initiate the relative adjustment. Based on these stored specifications, at least one electromechanical actuator is then activated.

[0028] Generally, several adjustment drives or just one adjustment drive are activated to adjust the relative position.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment is carried out via a time-controlled adjustment. This means that each adjustment is initiated according to a predetermined time pattern, for example, a periodic time pattern. This time pattern defines the times at which the adjustment movement is initiated and the dwell times between these intervals.

[0030] Alternatively, or especially additionally, the adjustment is controlled by characteristic curves based on at least one stored characteristic curve field. This means that one or more, and in particular all, of the following points are specified in this characteristic curve field: Which adjustment drives are activated, which adjustment amplitude is selected, what is the adjustment travel, what is the adjustment speed, and especially in combination with a time-controlled setting, e.g., what is the dwell time, etc.

[0031] 2024 230 WO Page 6

[0032] Preferably, the adjustment regime also includes user-specific adjustment, which is based in particular on a user-configurable characteristic curve field. This means that the configuration of the user-specific characteristic curve is adjustable by the user, i.e., programmable. Here, adjustment parameters for the automatic adjustment of the relative position are configured by the user, for example, the parameters mentioned above (selection of the adjustment drive, adjustment amplitude, etc.), so that the user-specific characteristic curve field can be created.

[0033] Preferably, the user-specific configuration can be done using stored memory locations.

[0034] This user-specific configuration allows, for example, free programming based on the aforementioned memory positions.

[0035] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the automatic adjustment of the relative position is load-controlled, in particular based on measured values ​​from at least one integrated sensor. For load-controlled adjustment, the sensor detects the instantaneous pressure exerted by the user. This sensor is, for example, integrated into the padding, specifically the support surface. The sensor is, in particular, a pressure or force sensor. The adjustment can be pressure-controlled, for example, when a predefined maximum load value is exceeded, or time-controlled, for example, when a predefined maximum duration of pressure at a defined position is exceeded.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, different characteristic curve fields are stored in the control unit, between which the system alternates for the repeated adjustments of the relative position. Thus, different characteristic curve fields are used for different adjustment movements to change the relative position.

[0037] Reference is made to page 7 of 2024 230 WO. This ensures, in particular, that the adjustment movements vary for each adjustment movement.

[0038] In particular, various resulting adjustment positions are also approached over time.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is designed such that adjustments only affect selected zones of the support surface, and not the entire surface. In this embodiment, the support surface is also designed to allow for the targeted adjustment of individual zones, such as edge areas (side walls) or a central area, independently of the other zones. This allows, in particular, the targeted variation of pressure zones. The support surface may also contain adjustable cushioning elements, especially air cushions, which form such adjustable zones.

[0040] Alternatively, the entire support surface can be adjusted. This adjustment can involve, for example, longitudinal adjustment, tilt adjustment, height adjustment, or a combination of several or all of these adjustment movements.

[0041] Different types of actuators are preferably used for adjusting the vehicle seat and, in particular, the seat cushion. These include, for example, conventional actuators as well as oscillating or vibrating actuators for generating oscillations / vibrations. All of these can be activated for the desired relative adjustment.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the support has a cover, and the position of at least the cover is changed so that the contact surface of the cover with the body part resting on it is altered. This measure has the advantage of changing the contact surface of the cover to, for example, prevent heat build-up or perspiration. For this purpose, the cover

[0043] 2024 230 WO page 8, for example, can be moved relative to a frame. Alternatively or additionally, the support can be rotatable and, in particular, designed as a roller. In this design, the contact surface is changed by partially rotating the roller.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the support is an independent unit that is mounted separately from the seat unit, for example on a rail system along which it can be moved or on a (lateral) console, which is also designed as a so-called dashboard.

[0045] As an alternative to this separate arrangement, the support is located directly on the seat unit, specifically on the seat element. The support is designed, for example, as an extendable or swiveling support, which is attached to a seat frame of the seat unit via a suitable adjustment mechanism.

[0046] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below in connection with the figures. These show, in some cases, simplified, partial representations:

[0047] FIG 1 shows a perspective section view of a vehicle seat with a user, with a calf support attached to a seat unit,

[0048] FIG 2 shows a partial view of a vehicle seat with user, with a calf support designed as an independent component unit, and

[0049] FIG 3 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic adjustment of the relative position.

[0050] According to FIG. 1, a vehicle seat 2 is designed as a comfort seat. It generally comprises a seat unit 4, which in turn has a seat element 6 and a backrest 8 that can be pivoted relative to it. A leg and calf support, hereinafter referred to as calf support 10, is attached to the seat unit 4, specifically to the seat element 6. The seat unit 4 is preferably mounted on a rail system 12 so that it is adjustable in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] 2024 230 WO Page 9

[0052] The calf support 10 is in an extended comfort position, in which the backrest is typically reclined and the seat element 6 is tilted and raised. In this comfort position, the user's lower legs and thus calves rest on the calf support 10.

[0053] Figure 2 shows an alternative version of a vehicle seat 2 with a calf support 10, in which the calf support 10 is designed as an independent component separate from the seat unit 4. In this embodiment, the calf support 10 is connected to the rail system 12 via an adjusting mechanism 14. Preferably, this is the same rail system 12 on which the seat unit 4 is also longitudinally adjustable. Alternatively, the calf support 10 is attached to a console, particularly a lateral one (center console), via the adjusting mechanism 14.

[0054] The calf supports 10 are generally adjustable by means of an electric motor, in particular by means of several adjustment drives 16 (see FIG. 3) (not explicitly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Each of these adjustment drives 16 adjusts an adjustment mechanism of the calf support 10, for example the adjusting mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 2, in a suitable manner.

[0055] As can be seen from the simplified block diagram in FIG. 3, a control unit 18 is generally provided for this purpose. This is typically a seat control unit, and the control unit 18 is, for example, integrated within the vehicle seat 2. A set of rules, referred to here as the adjustment regime, is stored in a memory 20 within the control unit 18. This adjustment regime preferably has several characteristic curve fields 22, which are stored in the memory 20. These define the parameters for executing adjustment movements to change the relative position of the calf support 10 relative to the seat unit 4. Preferably, only the calf support 10, or at least parts of the calf support 10, is adjusted.

[0056] 2024 230 WO Page 10

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the calf support 10 is divided into different zones, for example, a central zone 24A and side zones 24B, which serve, for example, for lateral guidance. In principle, a wide variety of zonal divisions are possible. In the exemplary embodiment, the side zones 24B can be adjusted separately; for this purpose, an individual adjustment drive 16 is provided for each zone. In addition, further adjustment drives 16 are provided for adjusting the calf support 10 as a whole, which can be used, for example, for longitudinal adjustment, tilt adjustment, and / or height adjustment, or a combined adjustment movement of the calf support 10.

[0058] To relieve and vary pressure zones where the user's leg rests on the calf support 10, an automatic adjustment of the relative position between the seat unit 4 and the calf support 10 and, in particular, an automatic adjustment of the calf support 10 is provided.

[0059] For this purpose, the control unit 18 automatically transmits a control command S, independent of any user input. This command is transmitted to the calf support 10, specifically to one or more of the adjustment drives 16, so that an adjustment movement from a starting position to a (first) adjustment position is automatically initiated. This adjustment movement is controlled in particular by the specifications contained in the selected characteristic curve field 22. After the adjustment, the calf support remains in the (first) adjustment position for a predetermined dwell time, which is specified in particular in the selected characteristic curve field 22. After this dwell time, a further adjustment is initiated, preferably such that a second adjustment position is subsequently assumed, which differs from the starting position.

[0060] This sequence of adjustment movements and remaining in the respective adjustment position is repeated continuously, at least as long as this comfort function of the automatic adjustment of the calf support 10 is activated (provided such activation or deactivation is provided).

[0061] 2024 230 WO Page 11

[0062] For the different adjustment movements, different characteristic curve fields 22 are preferably used. Overall, this measure achieves improved user comfort and avoids pressure points as much as possible by varying the pressure zones.

[0063] 2024 230 WO Page 12

[0064] Reference symbol list

[0065] 2 vehicle seats

[0066] 4 seating units, 6 seating elements

[0067] 8 Backrest

[0068] 10 Calf supports

[0069] 12 rail system

[0070] 14 Adjustment mechanism 16 Adjustment drive

[0071] 18 Control unit

[0072] 20 storage

[0073] 22 characteristic curve field

[0074] 24A Center zone 24B Edge zone

[0075] 2024 230 WO

Claims

Page 13 Claims 1. Vehicle seat (2) comprising a seat unit (4), a support (10) for the lower leg and / or feet of a user and a control unit (18) for controlling adjustment movement of the vehicle seat (2), wherein the control unit (18) is configured to automatically adjust a relative position between the seat unit (4) and the support (10) in order to vary pressure zones where the lower leg and / or foot of a user rests on the support (10).

2. Vehicle seat (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (10) is electrically adjustable and the control unit (18) is designed to automatically adjust at least one zone (24A, 24B) of the support (10) in order to vary the pressure zones.

3. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control is independent of a user-activated adjustment command.

4. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment movement for the automatic adjustment is merely a minor movement variation of the pressure zones, in which an adjustment path is in particular less than 2 cm and preferably less than 1 cm or 0.5 cm.

5. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the automatic adjustment takes place within an adjustment period, the adjustment period being less than a dwell time of the support (10) in the adjusted position.

6. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) is designed such that it automatically repeatedly initiates the automatic adjustment of the relative position. 2024 230 WO Page 14 7. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an adjustment regime is stored in the control unit (18) according to which the adjustment is carried out, wherein, according to the adjustment regime, preferably - a time-controlled adjustment takes place, and / or - a characteristic curve-controlled adjustment is carried out based on at least one stored characteristic curve field (22), and / or - a user-specific adjustment is made, in particular on the basis of a user-configurable configuration of a user-specific characteristic curve field (22), and / or - is load-controlled, in particular based on measured values ​​from at least one integrated sensor.

8. Vehicle seat (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein different characteristic curve fields (22) are stored in the control unit (18) and different characteristic curve fields (22) are used for different adjustment movements to adjust the relative position.

9. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (18) is designed such that only selected zones (24A, 24B) of the support (10) are adjusted during an adjustment.

10. Vehicle seat according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (10) has a cover and the position of at least the cover is changed so that a contact surface of the cover to the resting body part is changed.

11. Vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (10) is attached as an independent unit separately from the seat unit (4). 2024 230 WO

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