DE102014222711A1 - Control method and control device for a vehicle seat with a rotatable backrest - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates in particular to a method for controlling the adjustment of a backrest for a vehicle seat on which the backrest (L) extends along a backrest longitudinal axis (B) and the backrest longitudinal axis (B) in a use position of the backrest (L), in which Person (P) as intended on the vehicle seat (F) can take place at an angle to a seat surface. In the use position, the backrest may extend, for example along its backrest longitudinal axis under an optionally adjustable backrest angle of 60-120 ° to the seat. According to the invention it is provided that - a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest (L) independently of the other backrest longitudinal side about the backrest pivot axis (A) is pivotable so that the backrest (L) in their position of use with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) can be rotated and a backrest longitudinal side of Backrest (L) can be tilted more to the rear than the other backrest longitudinal side, and - a rotation of the backrest (L) with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) and / or a provision of the twisted backrest (L) in an untwisted normal position in which the backrest (L) is not twisted and extends substantially along a backrest plane parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B), is operated with external force and is controlled by means of control electronics.

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a vehicle seat has in particular a seat base defining a seat base and a backrest, wherein the backrest extends along a backrest longitudinal axis. This backrest longitudinal axis runs in a position of use of the backrest, in which a person can take place on the vehicle seat as intended, at a backrest angle to the seat surface. The backrest extends in this case, for example, under an optionally adjustable backrest angle of 60 to 120 degrees to the seat. Typically, the backrest is thus in a proper use position in an upright or upright position with respect to the seat, so that a person can sit comfortably on the vehicle seat and is supported on her back by the backrest.

In order to minimize a risk of injury to a vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat, in particular the seat underframe and a backrest frame of the backrest are designed to be comparatively stiff and locked together, so that the vehicle seat holds and supports the vehicle occupant in a desired seating position. To adjust the desired seating position is regularly adjustable, the inclination of the backrest relative to the seat and / or the seat base via a rail assembly longitudinally displaceable.

Furthermore, in order to keep a vehicle occupant in a certain sitting position on the vehicle seat even in the event of a crash, a safety belt system for the respective vehicle seat is provided in the vehicle. A safety belt with a belt strap to be inserted into a buckle on the vehicle seat is often provided on a body part of the vehicle, e.g. in the case of a driver's seat in the area of the B pillar of the vehicle. In this case, the difficulty may now arise that the seat belt to be tightened by the seat belt to seat belt in the desired seating position from the vehicle seat is difficult to reach. For example, the seat belt may be located behind the upright backrest, relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle, so that the seat occupant can reach it only with considerable effort. In principle, although there is the possibility of tilting in a backrest and a longitudinally displaceable vehicle seat, the backrest so far to the rear and at the same time to move the vehicle seat so far back that the seat belt can be easily grasped and strapped. Only then the desired seating position would then be set. However, if such a procedure is necessary for a vehicle occupant in order to fasten himself comfortably, a vehicle occupant experiences this as annoying and not very practical. Although the arrangement of the safety belt and the vehicle seat within the vehicle is made in practice so that at least for an average vehicle occupant, the seat belt is still easily accessible. Depending on the set seating position and size of the respective seat occupant remains such an arrangement when buckling but still disadvantageous.

Furthermore, it is also during driving, e.g. for a passenger, often difficult to get strapped on objects located in a back seat of the vehicle. Thus, reaching a child sitting in a back seat from a passenger or driver's seat is extremely difficult, especially if the respective seat occupant is strapped.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a vehicle seat, in particular in this regard and, inter alia, to provide a way to make buckling for a vehicle occupant comfortable and / or to increase the comfort of a seat occupant.

This object is achieved with the control method of claim 1 and the control device of claim 18 and a vehicle seat of claim 19.

In a control method according to the invention, a backrest for a vehicle seat on both sides of a longitudinal axis parallel to a backrest longitudinal axis is pivotally mounted on a seat frame and divided by the central axis in two backrest longitudinal sides, a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest is pivotable about the pivot axis independently of the other backrest longitudinal side, so that Backrest can be rotated in their position of use with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis and a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest can be tilted more towards the rear than that of other Lehnenlängsseite. In the context of the solution according to the invention, a rotation of the backrest and / or their provision is made in a normal position by means of power-operated and by means of the control electronics of a control device, for. B. in the form of a controller controlled. Such a (rotational) position of the backrest with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis is at least partially defined automatically, z. B. in response to signals transmitted to the control electronics seat and / or vehicle-side electronic systems.

It is possible based on the inventive solution that door and tunnel side Lehnenlängsseiten the backrest when required power-operated, ie, for example, by means of an electric motor, independently of each other and thus in particular can be adjusted asynchronously to each other. Such is the backrest, for example, not only forward and backward with respect to the seat base pivotally, but can also be targeted laterally rotated. The backrest adjustment thereby receives an additional degree of freedom and allows a better adaptability of the backrest position to the various needs of a vehicle occupant. In addition, the comfort is increased.

Thus, with the solution according to the invention not only the accessibility of a seat belt when buckling or the accessibility of a rear seat from a front vehicle seat can be facilitated or a look over the shoulder or backwards in a reverse drive. Rather, it is e.g. also a targeted relief of the back muscles during longer trips or a prevention of fatigue in a driver of the vehicle possible. In particular, in the latter cases, the backrest can be selectively rotated only slightly relative to the backrest longitudinal axis, for example via the drive means. It can be provided that via the drive device a - preferably stepless - twisting or twisting of the backrest is made depending on the operating situation to varying degrees, e.g. depending on whether the twist is e.g. the better accessibility of the seat belt or the rear seat is used or the relief of the spine and / or the prevention of fatigue.

In one embodiment, it can accordingly be provided that via an electronic control system of the drive device, the degree of permissible or made twisting or twisting of the backrest depends on whether the vehicle is stationary or the vehicle has been started or is already driving.

Incidentally, a use position of the backrest basically also means a position in which a person can take place on the vehicle seat as intended and the backrest longitudinal axis extends at a backrest angle, typically in the range from 60 degrees to 120 degrees, to the seat surface. The backrest is thus in a use position regularly based on the seat in an upright or upright position.

Of course, the backrest may be pivotable on the seat base about a (backrest) pivot axis relative to the seat to adjust the backrest relative to the seat in its inclination and / or to be able to fold into a non-use position on the seat can. For this purpose, the backrest is typically pivotably mounted on the seat underframe on both sides of a central axis of the backrest parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis. Through the central axis of the backrest in two backrest sides (virtual) is divided. In one embodiment, the backrest longitudinal axis, with respect to which, in an unlocked state of the locking device, a rotation or twisting of the backrest is made possible, and the center axis of the backrest coincide. A in a use position and preferably adjustable with respect to the inclination with respect to the seat and pivoting backrest is thus not completely pivoted about a transverse pivot axis relative to the seat, but twisted in respect to a backrest longitudinal axis, for example, to facilitate the accessibility of a seatbelt or the Relax spine during a ride.

For the pivotable mounting of the backrest relative to the seat, for example, a (rotary) fitting can be provided on each side of the central axis. About this fitting, a pivoting of the backrest is allowed around the pivot axis and the backrest can be locked in a position of use.

As explained above, it is provided in an alternative embodiment that a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest can be pivoted about the pivot axis on the seat underframe independently of the other backrest longitudinal side via the drive device. This is achieved for example by means of a drive device which comprises at least two drive units, which are assigned to different backrest longitudinal sides or backrest side parts of the backrest and which permit mutually independent, force-actuated adjustments of the backrest longitudinal sides about the pivot axis. Thus, for example, each drive unit may comprise its own drive motor, which applies an adjustment force for adjusting the associated backrest longitudinal side. Of course, the two drive units can also be controlled so that the backrest sides are pivoted synchronously and thus, for example, a tilt adjustment of the backrest is possible. In the context of the invention, however, is in the foreground that when using two drive units for the opposite backrest sides on the drive units, an adjustment of a backrest longitudinal side independent of the other backrest longitudinal side is possible and / or the two backrest sides can be adjusted asynchronously to each other, so that the backrest with respect its Lehnenlängsachse can be twisted power-operated.

In principle, it is considered advantageous if a drive unit of the drive device is designed to be self-locking, so that the backrest is locked relative to the seat underframe in each adjustment position assumed by rotation around its backrest longitudinal axis via a drive unit of the drive device. Accordingly, a backrest lock remains permanently engaged and keeps the backrest always in a crash-resistant relative position to the seat base.

When using two each self-locking drive units z. B. each comprise an electric motor and a transmission, a rotation or twisting of the backrest with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis comparatively easily done by only one drive unit exerts an adjusting force on the associated Lehnenlängsseite, while the opposite backrest longitudinal side is locked by the associated self-locking drive unit , For this purpose, an electronic control system may be provided which triggers an adjustment of a backrest longitudinal side about the pivot axis by means of one of the at least two drive units, while the other backrest longitudinal side is locked via another drive unit relative to the seat base frame. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided by means of a corresponding control electronics, the opposite backrest sides to pivot different degrees to achieve a desired rotation of the backrest.

Preferably, a drive unit cooperates with a rotary fitting of the backrest, via which the backrest is pivotably mounted on the seat underframe. Such can be easily retrofitted to a vehicle seat, the backrest can be adjusted only in its inclination with respect to the seat base and / or folded onto the seat frame, with a drive device according to the invention, which allows an additional rotation of the backrest about their backrest longitudinal axis. For this purpose, for example, only two - preferably electromotive and / or engine-gear units trained - provide drive units on the two backrest longitudinal sides, which allow independent adjustment of the backrest sides via a suitable control electronics.

For the interaction of a drive unit with a rotary fitting of the backrest, the drive unit in a variant of a drive shaft. About this drive shaft, the drive unit then acts on the rotary fitting to pivot a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest relative to the seat base frame.

In one embodiment variant, a drive unit of the drive device is arranged on a backrest side part of the backrest. Such a backrest side part forms part of the backrest frame of the backrest and extends substantially parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis. A backrest side part is formed for example by a backrest spar. The respective drive unit is then preferably mounted on one of these backrest side parts, for example by a screw connection.

In the course of space-saving possible accommodation, for example, it is provided that a drive unit is arranged on an inner side of the backrest side part, which faces an opposite backrest side part. Externally, in this embodiment, therefore, an inventive vehicle seat with a rotatable backrest is not to be distinguished from a conventional vehicle seat when both vehicle seats are upholstered.

An electronic control system for the drive device, by means of which an adjusting force applied by a drive unit is controllable, permits in one embodiment an automatic rotation of the backrest and / or a rotation in response to a user event triggered by a seat user. In the former case, a power-operated rotation about the drive means, for example, automatically to relieve the spine during a long drive or to prevent fatigue of the seat occupant. In the latter case, the seat user deliberately triggers a rotation of the backrest, z. B. by pressing an operating element, such as a switch or a control panel of a display.

An operating event that leads to a rotation of the backrest about their backrest longitudinal axis, but can also be triggered without pressing a control element, eg. B. by on or in the vehicle seat provided sensors a user request for the rotation of the backrest is detected. For example, at least one pressure sensor may be provided, by means of which a (stronger) pressure of a seat occupant against a (right or left) part of the backrest or against one of the two backrest longitudinal sides is detected. As a result of this (stronger) pressing concludes an evaluation logic of the control electronics on the efforts of a seat occupant to take a seatbelt, or generally to a user request for rotation of the backrest to take a changed sitting position can. In this case, therefore, a sensor device is provided which detects a pressing of a seat occupant against one of the two backrest longitudinal sides or a (stronger) pressing a seat occupant against one of the two (right or left) parts of the backrest as a control event and rated to trigger a rotation of the backrest with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis.

Alternatively or additionally, a drive device and an electronic control system may be provided to displace a backrest twisted with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis into a normal position in which the backrest is not twisted and extends substantially along a backrest plane parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis. In this way, the backrest, which may have been twisted by a seat occupant during strapping, can be returned to the normal position by the drive device, in which the backrest can be locked again and secure support of the back of a seat occupant is guaranteed even in the event of a crash. About the preferably arranged on a frame frame of the backrest drive device can thus be transferred to user request and / or regardless of a seat occupant, the backrest again in an adapted for the crash case normal position and seating position when the seat occupant has buckled.

In a further development, an electronic control system is provided, by means of which a transfer of the twisted backrest into the normal position and / or a lock controlled by a locking device of the vehicle seat, in particular each can be triggered. In this case, a motor drive of the drive device can be controlled via the control electronics, in order to pivot a displaced portion of the backrest back into the normal position.

The control electronics can be designed and provided to initiate a transfer of the twisted backrest into the normal position and / or the locking via a locking device when a reset signal is generated by the on-board electronics of the vehicle. For example, a transfer of the twisted backrest in the normal position and a lock can be triggered by a vehicle key inserted into the vehicle ignition lock and / or the engine of the vehicle is started. This ensures that the backrest is present at the latest at the start of the journey in its normal position and can not be (more) twisted or twisted with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis. The backrest is thus (again) in a position of use, in which a seat occupant is adequately supported on his back by the locked and optionally locked to the seat base backrest in the event of a crash even in the event of a crash.

In one embodiment, a transferring a twisted backrest in a normal position, when a reset signal is generated by a precrash sensor of the vehicle takes place. Accordingly, the control electronics can be designed and provided to trigger a transfer of the twisted backrest in the normal position when a reset signal is generated by a precrash sensor of the vehicle. In this way, upon detection of a crash hazard or expected full braking, the backrest can be transferred to a non-twisted and upright normal position.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that by means of the control electronics, a backrest twisted with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis is automatically transferred to a less twisted, preset desired position. Such a desired position thus differs from a normal position in which the backrest longitudinal sides are again aligned substantially parallel to each other, characterized in that here furthermore an at least slight and preset rotation of the backrest with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis is present. Such a desired position may be advantageous, for example, for a seat occupant with a physical disability. It has been found that seat users with certain physical disabilities, a slight inclination of the backrest while driving and can be particularly convenient. By means of the electronic control system, the nominal position which the backrest occupies when it is to be readjusted in response to a return signal from a (more) twisted position, which previously had been preset, for example by a user, can be preset. was intended for easier gripping a seat belt or a better view to the rear for a reverse drive.

• – ein Motor des Fahrzeugs gestartet wird;
• – das Einstecken eines Endstücks eines Sicherheitsgurtes des Fahrzeugsitzes in ein Gurtschloss detektiert wird;
• – ein Gang für die Vorwärtsfahrt eingelegt wird;
• – das Fahrzeug in Bewegung ist;
• – und/oder eine Fahrgeschwindigkeit einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert überschreitet.

In particular, in addition to the above explanations regarding the transfer of a twisted backrest in the normal position or a desired position in response to a reset signal can be provided that such a transfer is triggered by the control electronics, if:

• - an engine of the vehicle is started;
• - the insertion of an end piece of a seat belt of the vehicle seat is detected in a buckle;
• - a gear for the forward drive is inserted;
• - the vehicle is in motion;
• - And / or a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Of course, an automated reset the backrest can be triggered in several of the aforementioned situations. All of the above situations is common that can be assumed here of an imminent or already begun ride and it is thus advantageous if the backrest is present here in a possibly slightly twisted desired position or untwisted normal position to a seat occupant thereby pretending a better seating position with regard to the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

A reset signal, which is automatically generated in at least one of the above-mentioned situations, can also be generated only after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Thus, a reset signal for triggering a provision of the twisted backrest, for example, generated only when it is determined that one of the aforementioned detected situations persists over a period of time, so for example the engine of the vehicle continues to run, the vehicle occupant remains strapped or the vehicle continues moves. In this way, false tripping can be reduced.

• – wenn eine Belegung des Fahrzeugsitzes elektronisch, insbesondere mithilfe wenigstens eines Sensors in oder an dem Fahrzeugsitz erkannt wird;
• – nach dem Schließen einer Fahrzeugtür;
• – bei Erzeugung eines visuellen und/oder akustischen Signals, um einen Fahrzeuginsassen auf die Notwendigkeit des Angurtens hinzuweisen, mithin bei Ausgabe eines „Angurt-Warnsignals“;
• – und/oder beim Einlegen eines Rückwärtsganges.

Alternatively or in addition to an automated reset of the twisted backrest can be provided that the backrest is externally powered by the control electronics and automatically preferably up to a predetermined and possibly maximum twist angle is rotated when a certain situation is detected electronically on or in the vehicle. Thus, a power-operated (stronger) rotation of the backrest can occur in response to a trigger signal that is generated automatically in at least one of the following situations:

• - When an occupancy of the vehicle seat is detected electronically, in particular by means of at least one sensor in or on the vehicle seat;
• - after closing a vehicle door;
• Upon generation of a visual and / or audible signal to alert a vehicle occupant of the need for tethering, thus issuing an "Angurt Warning Signal";
• - and / or when engaging a reverse gear.

An assignment of the vehicle seat can be done for example via a separate system that z. B. is provided for activating and deactivating an airbag device for the vehicle seat. A seat occupancy signal, which then leads to the generation of a triggering signal for the control electronics for adjusting the backrest, can be generated in this context, for example, by a sensor integrated into the seat or by a camera monitoring the interior of the vehicle.

By a trigger signal is generated and thus takes place a rotation of the backrest, even if a visual and / or acoustic indication is made to a vehicle occupant that the vehicle occupant should buckle up, a seat occupant is additionally animated to buckle. Thus, the backrest is automatically automatically rotated in the direction of the end piece of the seat belt to be taken here additionally. The seat occupant is thus - preferably before driving - also pointed by the forced him by the twisted back posture on the need for buckling.

A variant in which a rotation of the backrest takes place automatically when engaging a reverse gear, is considered particularly advantageous in terms of improved comfort when reversing. Thus, the backward view of a seat user of a vehicle seat which is automatically rotated in this case can be relieved. In a further development, the backrest in both mutually opposite directions of rotation with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis rotatable so as to facilitate the gripping of the seat belt on the one hand, by twisting in a twisting direction and on the other hand, by turning in the opposite direction of rotation that looks back to the rear of the vehicle at a To facilitate reversing.

In one embodiment, the control electronics can be selectively deactivated and activated. This may possibly be advantageous to exclude inadvertent or undesired rotation of the backrest in certain driving situations. In this case, the possibility for deactivating the control electronics can also depend on which vehicle seat the rotatability of the backrest is permitted with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis. In principle, the solution according to the invention can be used in the case of a driver or front passenger seat or a seat of the second or third row of seats. While, in principle, little speaks against being able to twist or twist a backrest of a passenger seat during a ride in itself, the backrest should be a driver's seat, for example, rotatable or twistable only when the vehicle is stationary.

Such a standstill of the vehicle can be detected electronically, for example by tightening a handbrake, the measurement signal of a speed sensor and / or the position of a shift lever for the vehicle transmission. Analogously, a previously deactivated control electronics can only be (re) activated in certain operating or driving situations. The deactivated control electronics can thus be in a standby mode and (re) activated by a reaction to a detected event generated electronic activation signal. A new deactivation can then be done on an electronic deactivation signal. Such a deactivation signal is generated, for example, after a predetermined period of time and / or in response to a detected event. Such an event can be detected sensory and thus to a automatic deactivation without deliberate action by a vehicle occupant. However, such an event is also understood as meaning an operator event via which a user deliberately and actively deactivates the control electronics.

• – wenn eine Belegung des Fahrzeugsitzes elektronisch erkannt wird;
• – nach dem Schließen einer Fahrzeugtür;
• – bei Erzeugen eines visuellen und/oder akustischen Signals, um einen Fahrzeuginsassen auf die Notwendigkeit des Angurtens hinzuweisen;
• – beim Einlegen eines Rückwärtsganges;
• – bei Stillstand des Fahrzeugs nach einer vorherigen Bewegung des Fahrzeugs;
• – dem Anziehen einer Handbremse des Fahrzeugs;
• – und/oder bei einem Wechsel eines Fahrzeuggetriebes in die Park- oder Neutralstellung (bei einem Automatikgetriebe) oder in eine Lehrlaufstellung (bei einem Schaltgetriebe).

An activation signal for activating control electronics can be generated, for example, in at least one of the following situations:

• - If an occupancy of the vehicle seat is detected electronically;
• - after closing a vehicle door;
• Upon generation of a visual and / or audible signal to alert a vehicle occupant of the need for jogging;
• - when engaging a reverse gear;
• At standstill of the vehicle after a previous movement of the vehicle;
• - The tightening of a handbrake of the vehicle;
• - And / or when changing a vehicle transmission in the park or neutral position (in an automatic transmission) or in a teaching position (in a manual transmission).

In the above situations, a deactivated and z. B. active in standby control electronics and optionally - according to the previous explanations - triggered a rotation of the backrest with respect to their vehicle longitudinal axis or at least allowed a rotation with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis. In the latter case, a locking device is released at an activation signal and allows a rotation of the backrest by a force applied by the seat user himself force, in which case the subsequent provision is force-actuated and preferably triggered automatically.

• – wenn ein Motor des Fahrzeugs gestartet wird;
• – wenn ein Gang für die Vorwärtsfahrt eingelegt wird;
• – wenn das Fahrzeug in Bewegung ist;
• – und/oder wenn eine Fahrtgeschwindigkeit einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert überschreitet.

A deactivation signal for deactivating the control electronics to this z. For example, putting B into a standby mode will generate in at least one of the following situations:

• When an engine of the vehicle is started;
• - if a gear for forward travel is engaged;
• - when the vehicle is in motion;
• - and / or when a travel speed exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Again, a deactivation of the control electronics can be combined with an automatic return of the twisted backrest in a normal position or a preset target position.

In one exemplary embodiment, it is alternatively or additionally provided that it is possible to switch by a user, which backrest longitudinal side is displaced relative to the other backrest longitudinal side via a respectively assigned drive unit. A user can thus selectively adjust one or the other Lehnenlängsseite and thus rotate the backrest in one or the other direction of rotation with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis. In one variant, a synchronous adjustment of the two backrest longitudinal sides for pivoting the backrest about the backrest pivot axis by the user can additionally be selected.

In a further development, it is provided that the backrest can be transferred to the normal position at an adjustment speed that is different from an adjustment speed with which the backrest is rotated in response to a user event triggered by a user. Thus, in a pre-crash situation, the transfer to the normal position can take place at a higher adjustment speed than when the backrest is rotated for comfort purposes.

A return of the backrest in a normal position can be achieved by pivoting back a Lehnenlängsseite until it again runs parallel to the opposite backrest longitudinal side. In order to accelerate the transfer to the normal position in a pre-crash situation, the control electronics can be designed and provided to pivot a backrest longitudinal side in a pivoting direction about the pivot axis of the backrest and to pivot the other backrest longitudinal side about the same pivot axis in an opposite pivoting direction. By mutually opposite pivoting movements of the two backrest longitudinal sides a faster transfer of the backrest twisted with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis can take place in an untwisted normal position, as would be the case with a pivoting only a backrest longitudinal side. A precisely aligned in the direction of travel of the vehicle, untwisted normal position is thus considerably accelerated here by a tunnel and door side opposite adjustment of the backrest longitudinal sides of the backrest.

• – in einem unverriegelten Zustand eine Verdrehung der in der Gebrauchsposition befindlichen Rückenlehne bezüglich ihrer Lehnenlängsachse gestattet und
• – in einem verriegelten Zustand die in der Gebrauchsposition befindliche Rückenlehne gegen eine Verdrehung bezüglich ihrer Lehnenlängsachse sperrt.

In one embodiment, by means of the control electronics, a locking device can be controlled, the

• - In an unlocked state, a rotation of the backrest located in the use position with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis allowed and
• - In a locked state, the backrest in the use position locks against rotation with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis.

Such a locking device for a crash case to ensure additional locking of the backrest rotatable about its backrest longitudinal axis.

Furthermore, the locking device may be combined with a drive device, in particular by means of the control electronics, the resetting of the twisted backrest in the normal position by external force actuated and preferably carried out automatically.

By means of the control electronics, furthermore, a locking device of the vehicle seat can be actuated such that the locking device only blocks the backrest against rotation about its backrest longitudinal axis when the engine of the vehicle is running. After switching off the engine or a defined period thereafter, the lock is released via the locking device using the control electronics, so that the backrest allows maximum freedom of movement in its use position.

The control electronics can furthermore be coupled to a sensor device in order to detect whether a seat user continues to exert a force on a section of the backrest which can be displaced in the unlocked state of the locking device. If it is detected via the sensor device, for example over a defined detection period, that a force on the respective section is below a limit value, the backrest twisted in itself is automatically returned to its normal position. In this way it is ensured that the backrest always returns to its normal position when a seat occupant no longer acts on the respective displaceable section and, for example, the seat belt fastening process is completed. The sensor device can operate under pressure-sensitive conditions and thus determine, on the basis of a compressive force acting in the region of the displaceable section, whether the backrest can be transferred to its normal position by means of the drive device. It is therefore sensory detected via the sensor device, whether a discharge of the respective section has taken place and thus the backrest can be converted back to its non-distorted normal position.

A reset signal for transferring the twisted backrest into its normal position and / or for locking via the locking device can also be generated, for example, by a belt lock of the security system when it is detected that the safety belt has been closed and a belt strap of the safety belt has been inserted in the seat belt buckle as intended.

About the locking device, the backrest is locked in a use position against rotation or distortion with respect to your backrest longitudinal axis in a locked state, so that such a rotation or distortion is prevented. In an unlocked state of the locking device but such twisting or twisting is allowed to facilitate a person sitting on the vehicle seat, a seat occupant, the achievement of a - possibly based on the direction of travel of the vehicle behind the backrest - to facilitate safety belt. The backrest is thus at least partially compliant and / or displaceable designed so that only by the locking and thus present in a locking state locking device, which is optionally integrated into the drive means or coupled thereto, a twisting or twisting of the backrest with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis a seat user is prevented.

For example, the locking device in the unlocked state release at least a portion of the backrest, so that this section is displaceable by a person located on the vehicle seat using the drive means and thereby a rotation of the backrest in use position is made possible with respect to your backrest longitudinal axis. It is accordingly preferred that in the unlocked state of the locking device, at least one displaceable portion of the backrest may be rearwardly adjusted by the seat occupant to more easily reach the seatbelt secured to a body portion of the vehicle without pivoting the entire backrest and leaves the adjusted with respect to the seat use position. The displaceable portion is typically a portion of a frame frame of the seat back to which a seat back cushion is secured for the support of the seat occupant's back.

• – relativ zu dem Sitzuntergestell arretiert sein, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung verriegelt ist, und
• – um die Schwenkachse verschwenkbar sein, ohne ein gegenüberliegendes Lehnenseitenteil der Rückenlehne mit zu verschwenken, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung unverriegelt ist.

In one embodiment, the locking device is provided in the region of a backrest longitudinal side in such a way that pivoting of only one backrest longitudinal side of the backrest about the pivot axis is permitted via the locking device in an unlocked state. Here, by means of the locking device, a backrest side part of the backrest, for example in the form of a backrest spar of the frame frame of the backrest,

• Be locked relative to the seat frame, when the locking device is locked, and
• - Be pivotable about the pivot axis, without pivoting an opposite backrest side part of the backrest with when the locking device is unlocked.

By means of such a locking device, it is thus possible to selectively release only one of two backrest side parts lying opposite each other transversely to the backrest longitudinal axis, in order to buckle up a seat occupant to allow a twisting or twisting of the backrest with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis and thus to facilitate the gripping of a seat belt by the seat occupant.

In one embodiment, the locking device has at least two locking elements which engage with one another in the locked state of the locking device. In this case, at least one of the locking elements is rotatably mounted and engageable via at least one further rotatable element of the locking device out of engagement with the other locking element. In the locked state of the locking device, the two locking elements are preferably form-fitting, z. B. via a locking tooth engagement with each other to lock the backrest in the locked state of the locking device crash-proof against rotation about their backrest longitudinal axis.

The individual cooperating components of the locking device can be arranged for example on different sides of a backrest side part of the backrest, which can be released by the locking device to an independent of the opposite backrest side adjustment to allow rotation of the backrest in itself.

To release a lock via a separate or integrated into the drive device locking device, for example, a translationally adjustable actuating element on the vehicle seat, preferably in the region of the backrest, is provided. The actuating element may be adjustable in the locked state of the locking device in order to act on a rotatable element of the locking device, for. B. in the form of a rocker arm, and thereby bring the two locking elements out of engagement, before an adjustment using the drive means. The actuating element can be actuated by external force so that an adjustment of the actuating element by a motor drive unit and by means of the control electronics is controllable and consequently the locking and releasing the lock on the locking device by means of a motor drive can be controlled.

In one embodiment, by means of the control electronics, an operating mode can be predetermined, in which the two backrest longitudinal sides of the backrest are automatically adjusted alternately in mutually opposite pivoting directions about the backrest pivot axis. In this case, therefore, the backrest is alternately rotated in opposite directions of rotation about the backrest longitudinal axis back and forth. The twisting or twisting takes place here preferably only by a fraction of the maximum possible angle of rotation. By the control electronics can be implemented in this mode of operation, a "relaxation function" for the seat user to loosen the back. A motor drive device of the backrest can thus be controlled so that the backrest is alternately rotated to the left or right and the upper body of a seat occupant is thereby relaxed.

A change to the appropriate operating mode can, for. B. for a predetermined period of time and / or in a particular driving situation - for example, only at standstill of the vehicle or slow driving - done. Thus, the control electronics can automatically switch to the operating mode to counteract the tension of the seat occupant in the back area when a ride for a defined duration of travel (for example, several hours) and / or while driving for a predetermined period of time a maximum speed (for example, 20 km each Hour) is not exceeded. In the latter case, thus, for example, a relaxation function is automatically triggered when a driver is stuck in traffic for a long time and thus the vehicle is traveling slowly. Of course, however, it may alternatively or additionally be provided that the relaxation function is activated only on a deliberately triggered operating event of the seat user.

A further aspect of the present invention is the provision of a control device with control electronics which is set up to control a power-operated rotation of the backrest with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis and / or a power-operated return of the backrest to an untwisted normal position.

A control device according to the invention is thus preferably designed and provided for carrying out a method according to the invention, so that advantages and features mentioned above and below also apply to exemplary embodiments of a control device according to the invention and vice versa.

The same applies analogously to a vehicle seat according to a further aspect of the invention, in which a control device according to the invention is combined with a drive device for power-operated adjustment of the backrest.

Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures.

Hereby show:

1 in perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat according to the invention with a drive device, each having a drive unit on a backrest longitudinal side for rotating the backrest about a backrest longitudinal axis;

2 on an enlarged scale, the drive means of the vehicle seat of 1 ;

3A - 3B the vehicle seat of 1 with a person on it;

4A - 4C the vehicle seat of 1 in different views with a relative to the backrest longitudinal axis twisted backrest;

4A - 4C the vehicle seat of 1 each in plan view with the backrest in a non-rotated normal position and in a relative to the backrest longitudinal axis rotated position;

6A - 6B enlarged views of a drive unit of a Lehnenlängsseite.

7A in side view looking at an inside a backrest side part of the backrest of a vehicle seat with a power-operated locking device in a locked state;

7B in with the 7A matching view the backrest side part with the locking device in the unlocked state;

7C in with the 7A - 7B matching view of the released by the locking device backrest side part in a displaced state;

7D in with the 7A - 7C matching view, the backrest side part in a starting position, in which it from the displaced position of 7C was pulled back over a arranged on the backrest drive device;

8A - 8D looking at an outside the backrest side part in with the 7A - 7D matching layers of the backrest side part and corresponding positions of the locking device.

The 1 and 2 show first in perspective view and enlarged detail a vehicle seat F with a seat base U and a thereto about a (backrest) pivot axis A pivotally mounted backrest L, but without hereby to be provided seat and back cushion. The entire vehicle seat F is mounted on the seat base U via a rail assembly S longitudinally displaceable.

The 1 shows the vehicle seat F with its backrest L in a use position. In the illustrated use position of the backrest L, in which a person could take place on the vehicle seat F as intended, a backrest longitudinal axis B of the backrest L extends in a backrest angle to the seating surface defined by the seat underframe U. In the 1 the backrest L is thus exemplary in an upright position and the backrest longitudinal axis B extends at an angle of almost 90 ° to the seat. In the present case, the backrest longitudinal axis B is approximately centered on the backrest L, so that the backrest longitudinal axis B defines a central axis for the backrest L, which subdivides the backrest L into two backrest longitudinal sides or backrest halves. On both sides of the Lehnenlängsachse B, the backrest L is pivotally mounted on the seat base U via a respective (rotational) fitting D1 or D2. By way of the two rotary fittings D1 and D2, a backrest side part L1, L2 of a frame frame of the backrest L is in each case pivotably mounted on a side part U1 and U2 of the seat underframe U. The backrest side parts L1 and L2, for example, each in the form of a side backrest spar, are located along the backrest longitudinal axis B and are in the use position and in the 1 shown normal position parallel to each other.

For buckling a seat occupant or vehicle occupant P (see in particular the 3A and 3B ) A seat belt G is provided. This seat belt G is fixed to a body part K, z. B. in a vehicle seat F for a driver of the vehicle in the area of the B-pillar. The seat belt G and in particular the belt strap of the seat belt G to be gripped by the vehicle occupant P is in the shown position of use of the seat back L relative to a direction of travel of the vehicle behind the vehicle occupant P and behind the seat back L next to the vehicle seat F. the vehicle occupant P hard to reach the seat belt G and must turn very far to take on the backrest L laterally over the seat belt G and buckle up.

In the case of the vehicle seat F according to the invention, in particular the accessibility of the seat belt G by a vehicle occupant P seated on the vehicle seat F is now facilitated by the fact that the backrest L can be twisted in relation to the backrest longitudinal axis B. Here, flexible and / or adjustable configured portions of the backrest L are displaced in a direction of rotation R2 with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis B, so that a twisting or twisting of the backrest L results.

This torsion or distortion of the backrest L with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis B can be controlled by the vehicle occupant P by the vehicle occupant P, for example, when turning his upper body with a larger force on the corresponding portions of the backrest L acts. This can be sensed to a rotation by means of a drive unit 1a . 1b triggering drive device of the vehicle seat F trigger. The displaceable by the vehicle occupant P portions of the backrest L are thereby rearwardly adjusted, so that the vehicle occupant P does not have to grip around the backrest L to reach the seat belt G.

The displaceability of the respective lateral backrest portion, which is opposite the body part K with the seatbelt G, can be achieved by making the respective section of the backrest flexible and therefore flexible and / or adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment of the 1 - 5B one of the backrest side parts L1, L2 of the backrest L is designed to be displaceable independently of the other backrest side part L1. In this way, a seat occupant P can pivot the backrest side part L2 around the pivot axis A without also pivoting the other backrest side part L1 as well, so that the backrest L is twisted with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis B and the seat belt G is better accessible. Here, consequently, a rotation of the backrest L in its use position with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis B is achieved in that only one of the backrest side parts L1, L2 is displaceable about the pivot axis A in a pivoting direction R1 by the vehicle occupant P, while the opposite backrest side part L1 of the backrest L with respect to the seat base U remains locked. In order to allow this twisting or twisting of the backrest L, the two backrest side parts L1 and L2 are connected to an upper end remote from the seat base U (in the region of a headrest, not shown here) with a crosspiece, the backrest L due to its rigidity and / or its connection to the backrest side parts L1 and L2 in the upper region gives a certain flexibility.

The drive device of the vehicle seat F has two drive units 1a and 1b on each backrest longitudinal side of the backrest L on. Every drive unit 1a . 1b includes, among other things, a (drive) motor 10 and a gear coupled thereto 11 , which together form a structural unit. The drive units 1a and 1b are each mounted on an inner side L10 or L20 of a backrest side part L1 or L2 of the backrest L. Each of the drive units acts 1a . 1b via a drive shaft 12 with the respective associated rotary fitting D1 or D2 together to pivot the respective (right or left) Lehnenlängsseite the backrest L about the pivot axis A (see also the enlarged views of 6A and 6B ).

Via a control electronics, with both drive units 1a and 1b coupled, the drive units 1a and 1b are independently controlled to an adjustment of the respective backrest side part L1, L2 about the pivot axis A. In this way, for example, one (left) backrest longitudinal side remains in a assumed relative position with respect to the seat underframe U, while the other (right) backrest side is pivoted around the pivot axis A by force-actuated power, whereby the backrest L is rotated about its backrest longitudinal axis B.

In this case, the rotation of the backrest L can not only be provided to facilitate the gripping of the seat belt G for a vehicle occupant P. Rather, in an exemplary embodiment, as an alternative or in addition to this example, provided that a continuous minimal rotation of the backrest L is done to prevent fatigue of the vehicle occupant P while driving and / or to relieve the spine of the vehicle occupant P. Via the drive units mounted on both sides 1a and 1b In addition, the backrest L with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis B in opposite directions of rotation R2 can be rotated in itself, so that not only the gripping of the seat belt G is facilitated to the vehicle occupant P to one side, but also to the other side easier access a rear seat arranged behind it can take place.

About the drive device with the here preferably electromotive and each designed as a pre-testable motor-gear unit drive units 1a and 1b is of course not only a rotation of the backrest L possible, as exemplified in the 3A and 3B . 4A to 4C such as 5A and 5B is exemplified. Preferably, a transfer of the twisted backrest L in a normal position is externally powered actuated possible in which the two backrest side parts L1 and L2 again parallel to each other. Such a transfer to the normal position by means of the drive units 1a and 1b This can be done on a deliberately triggered by the vehicle occupant P operator event. In addition, it is provided that via the drive units 1a and 1b the normal position is automatically resumed when a specific reset signal is generated.

The retraction of the backrest side part L2 and thus the transfer of the twisted backrest L in a normal position can in the illustrated embodiment via a with the drive units 1a and 1b coupled or integrated therein control electronics of a control device according to the invention are controlled. For example, the control electronics causes the retraction of the backrest side part L2 displaced with respect to the other backrest side part L1 if the seat belt G has been inserted in a seat belt buckle as intended and / or an engine of the vehicle is started. The backrest L is then again crash-proof locked to the seat base U in an upright position. At the same time, however, in a position of use of the backrest L, greater comfort is provided for the seat occupant P during the fastening on.

A further variant provides that the transfer to the untwisted normal position takes place automatically when a reset signal is generated by a precrash sensor of the vehicle. In this way, a return to the normal position can take place if a crash risk is sensed and / or it is concluded via one or more sensor devices that a full braking of the vehicle is imminent.

The conversion of the twisted backrest L in a non-twisted normal position can also be done with a higher adjustment than the regular (comfort) adjustment, which is deliberately triggered by a vehicle occupant P. The drive units 1a and 1b can thus be operated in different operating situations or operating modes in which an adjustment of the respectively associated backrest longitudinal side takes place with different adjustment speeds. This is how each of a drive unit 1a or 1b driven drive shaft 12 (compare also 6A and 6B ) is rotated in a normal operation at a first rotational speed to pivot a backrest side part L1 or L2 relative to the associated side part U1 or U2 of the seat base U. In pre-crash operation, in which an automatic transfer of the backrest L is to take place in the normal position, the drive shaft 12 in contrast, rotated at a second adjustment speed, which is higher by a multiple than the first adjustment speed in normal operation.

In one embodiment, it is also provided that an electronic control system is designed and provided to pivot for a transfer of the backrest L in the normal position a Lehnenlängsseite in a pivot direction R1 and the other Lehnenlängsseite in an opposite pivoting direction -R1, so that opposing pivoting movements of two Lehnenseitenteile L1 and L2 around the pivot axis A result. In this way, the assumption of the normal position, in which the two backrest side parts L1 and L2 lie parallel to one another, can be achieved much faster than when adjusting only one backrest side part L1 or L2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive units 1a and 1b each also designed self-locking, so that one by the drive units 1a and 1b predetermined adjustment of the backrest L with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis B via the drive units 1a and 1b is locked relative to the seat base U. Of course, the drive units 1a and 1b Furthermore, be combined with an additional locking device to the respective associated rotary fitting D1 or D2 to additionally set the backrest L in a relative position to the seat base U crash resistant.

Thus, a vehicle seat F may be equipped with a locking device which, in an unlocked or unlocked state, permits rotation of the seat base U about a vertical vehicle vertical axis and / or about an additional tilt axis parallel to the pivot axis A, but in a locked state the seat base U locks against such rotation and / or such tilting. The seat base U and the locking device can in this case be designed so that from a starting position in the use position of the backrest L only a rotation in the direction of the adjacent vehicle door (outward) and / or tilting of the vehicle seat F is allowed to the rear to grab a seat belt by a seated on the vehicle seat F vehicle occupant P to facilitate.

The 7A - 7D and 8A - 8D illustrate a possible development or alternative to the vehicle seat F described above with rotatable backrest L. Here is a drive device 1' for the power-operated adjustment of the twisted backrest L as part of a locking device 3 ' intended. The locking device 3 ' allows in an unlocked state, a rotation of the in-use position backrest L with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis B. In a locked state, the backrest L but on the locking device 3 ' locked in the use position against rotation with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis B.

In a backrest L with a locking device 3 ' can a power-operated rotation - at least in a direction of rotation R2 - be excluded, so that only the Resetting the backrest L is carried out by external force. For example, a twisting or twisting of the backrest L with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis B for gripping the seatbelt G during buckling by the vehicle occupant P is caused, which acts when turning his upper body with a larger force on the corresponding portions of the backrest L. The displaceable by the vehicle occupant P portions of the backrest L are thus pushed backwards, so that the vehicle occupant P does not have to reach around the backrest L to reach the seat belt G. Only the provision of the backrest in the untwisted normal position is powered by a power electronic control device according to the invention.

Of course, but a variant with a locking device 3 ' with a drive unit 1b on the backrest longitudinal side, on which also the locking device 3 ' is provided, a drive unit 1a on the opposite Lehnenlängsseite and / or with drive units 1a and 1b be combined on both backrest sides to electronically control the rotation of the backrest L or at least to support motor. The in the 7A - 7D and 8A - 8D closer illustrated locking device 3 ' prevents in particular that the backrest L while driving undesirable with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis B can be twisted in it.

As in the side view of 8A can be seen with respect to the outside of the backrest side part L2, the rotary fitting D2 here, inter alia, a locking disc 20 ' on, which is fixed to a frame-fixed fitting part. The locking disc 20 ' forms a second locking element of the locking device 3 ' , with which a first locking element in the form of a locking pawl 34 ' the locking device is positively engaged when the locking device 3 ' in a locked state. This grip ratchet teeth 3420 ' attached to a locking section 342 ' the locking latch 34 ' are formed, and ratchet teeth 204 ' the locking disc 20 ' each other.

The locking latch 34 ' is present around a first axis of rotation X1 on a bearing plate 30 ' the backrest side part L2 rotatably supported and has, in addition to the radially extending from this axis of rotation X1 away toothed locking portion 342 ' a this locking section 342 ' opposite release section 341 ' on. The release section 341 ' is finger-like at the locking pawl 34 ' formed and bent so as to extend away from the rotation axis X1, that between the release portion 341 ' and the locking portion 342 ' a bearing jaw is formed. Within this bearing jaw is a cam section 330 ' one as a locking cam 33 ' trained locking element, depending on the position on the locking section 342 ' or the release section 341 ' can act.

The locking cam 33 ' is via a spring element in the form of a leg spring 4 ' in one of the 8A apparent blocking position pre-loaded, in which the locking cam 33 ' by conditioning his cam section 330 ' at the locking portion 342 ' a locking position of the locking pawl 34 ' secures, in which these locking with the locking disc 20 ' interlocked. To the locking cam 33 ' vorzubelasten into its locked position, engages an end of the leg spring 4 ' on a retaining pin 334 ' of the locking cam 33 ' while the other end of the thigh spring 4 ' on the bearing plate 30 ' supported. This engages the other end of the leg spring 4 ' in a mounting hole 300 ' of the bearing plate 30 ' one. In its blocking position, the locking cam rotatably mounted about a second, parallel to the first axis of rotation X1 axis of rotation X2 prevents locking cam 33 ' in that the reclining-side locking pawl 34 ' and the frame-side locking disc 20 ' can be disengaged. Such is the backrest side part L2 relative to the seat base U to pivot about the pivot axis A, as long as the locking cam 33 ' located in its locked position and the locking pawl 34 ' so that it is secured in its locking position.

However, in order to allow the previously described twisting or twisting of the backrest L during the buckling of a vehicle occupant P, the power-operated locking device 3 ' with a drive device 1' and further rotatably mounted components, so that if necessary, the locking cam 33 ' adjusted from its locked position and the pawl 34 ' out of engagement with the locking disc 20 ' can be brought. The drive device 1' has, inter alia, a drive unit 10 ' with a drive motor and a gearbox on, with the complete drive unit 10 ' housed and fixed in a bearing opening of the backrest side part L2. About the drive device 10 ' is an actuator of the drive device 1' in the form of a push rod 11 ' translationally adjustable.

This push rod 11 ' extends from the drive unit 10 ' to a projecting portion of the locking disc 20 ' , on which a parallel to the axes of rotation X1 and X2 projecting guide pin 201 ' is trained. The area of the locking disc 20 ' with the guide pin 201 ' stands slightly above a front edge of the backrest side part L2. The guide pin 201 ' engages in a slotted guide with a guide link 111 ' on that to the drive unit 10 ' spaced end of the push rod 11 ' one. In this way, trained as a slot guide slot 11 ' the push rod 11 ' on the guide pin 201 ' the locking disc 20 ' to be moved along.

The push rod 11 ' But not only about a slotted guide with the locking disc 20 ' in operative connection, but also via a further slotted guide with a on the bearing plate 30 ' rotatably mounted coupling element in the form of a rocker arm 31 ' , For this purpose forms the push rod 11 ' a transversely to their longitudinal direction projecting web 13 ' with a (coupling) pin projecting therefrom. The jetty 13 ' is in the area of the with the guide slide 111 ' trained push rod end provided. The pin of the bridge 13 ' engages in a guide slot of the rocker arm 31 ' one. Here is the guide slot of the rocker arm 31 ' at one of two angularly arranged lever arms 311 ' and 312 ' formed on one of the two lever arms 311 ' and 312 ' interconnecting portion of the rocker arm 31 ' are rotatably mounted together about the first axis of rotation X1. A first lever arm 311 ' forms over a slot, the guide slot for the (coupling) pin of the bridge 13 ' the push rod 11 ' out. A second lever arm 312 ' of the rocker arm 31 ' extends at an obtuse angle to this first lever arm 311 ' ,

The second lever arm 312 ' lies in the in the 7A shown locked state of the locking device 3 ' on a transmission pin 321 ' a likewise rotatably mounted transmission member 32 ' the locking device 3 ' at. Such leads a pivoting of the rocker arm 31 ' about the first axis of rotation X1 to an opposite rotation of the transmission member 32 ' about its axis of rotation, which coincides with the second axis of rotation X2. The transmission link 32 ' is non-rotatable with the locking cam 33 ' connected, so that a rotation of the transfer member 32 ' about the second axis of rotation X2 to a same direction rotation of the locking cam 33 ' about the same axis of rotation X2 leads.

The individual rotatably mounted elements of the locking device (rocking lever 31 ' , Transfer element 32 ' , Locking cams 33 ' and locking element 34 ' ) are so on the backrest side part L2 and in particular on the bearing plate 30 ' arranged and coupled together that at one by the drive unit 10 ' driven adjustment of the push rod 11 ' along its longitudinal axis a lock on the locking device 3 ' can be solved. This is especially true in the 7B and 8B illustrated in more detail.

This is the push rod 11 ' first in the direction of the guide pin 201 ' the locking disc 20 ' adjusted along an adjustment V1. About the link guide between the push rod 11 ' and the first lever arm 311 ' of the rocker arm 31 ' This is the oscillating lever 31 ' about the first axis of rotation X1 in a first direction of rotation (in the 7B in a clockwise direction). About the attachment of the second lever arm 312 ' at the transfer pin 321 ' takes the rocker arm 31 ' here the transmission element 32 ' with and drives this to a pivoting movement in an opposite direction of rotation (in the 7B counterclockwise) about the second axis of rotation X2. By the rotation of the transfer link 32 ' in turn rotates on the opposite outside of the backrest side part L2 also the locking cam 33 ' , The locking cam 33 ' will be contrary to that of the leg spring 4 ' applied restoring force adjusted so that the locking cam 33 ' with its cam section 330 ' no longer on the locking section 342 ' abuts and in contact with the release section 341 ' the locking latch 34 ' comes (compare 8B ). By acting on the release section 341 ' pivots the locking cam 33 ' the locking latch 34 ' around the first axis of rotation X1 (in the 8B counterclockwise) and thereby brings the locking pawl 34 ' out of engagement with the locking disc 20 ' , In this way, the backrest side part L2 is no longer locked to the seat base U and can thus independently of the opposite backrest side part L1 according to the 7C and 7B be pivoted about the pivot axis A along the pivoting direction R1.

The pivoting movement of the backrest side part L2 to the rear can thereby by the length of the guide slot 111 ' the push rod 11 ' be limited. So slides the push rod 11 ' upon pivoting of the backrest side part L2 on the guide pin 201 ' the locking disc 20 ' as long as along, until the end of the guide 111 ' is reached and the push rod 11 ' so not further relative to the locking disc 20 ' can be relocated.

About the drive device 1' with the push rod 11 ' can also be a twisted backrest L, no drive unit 1b according to the 1 . 2 and 6A - 6B has on the backrest side part L2 and accordingly only by a seat user himself applied force (at least in one of the two directions of rotation R2) with respect to the Lehnenlängsachse B is rotated again automatically be transferred back to a starting position in which the two backrest side parts L1 and L2 parallel to each other are aligned and the backrest L substantially along one to the backrest longitudinal axis B parallel backrest level extends. For this purpose, the push rod 11 ' via the drive unit 10 ' translationally adjusted along an adjustment direction V2, which is opposite to the adjustment direction V1, in which the push rod 11 ' for releasing the lock via the locking device 3 ' is adjusted. In this adjustment of the push rod 11 ' that will be with the guidance 111 ' for the guide pin 201 ' the locking disc 20 ' provided push rod end in the direction of the drive device 10 ' displaced and thus the distance between this push rod end and the drive means 10 ' reduced. About the positive engagement of the guide pin 201 ' into the management scene 111 ' and the fixation of the drive unit 10 ' on the backrest side part L2 can thereby the backrest side part L2 be retracted again about the pivot axis A in the starting position. By retracting or retracting the at one end of the frame-fixed locking disc 20 ' fixed push rod 11 ' can thus the drive unit 10 ' return the backrest L to its original position.

By adjusting the push rod 11 ' in the adjustment direction V2 and the pivoting back of the backrest side part L2 about the pivot axis A also occurs between the push rod 11 ' and the rocker arm 31 ' a relative movement. The rocker arm 31 ' is pivoted in an opposite direction of rotation about the first axis of rotation X1, so that its second lever arm 312 ' the transmission link 32 ' releases and the locking cam 33 ' no longer in contact with the release section 341 ' the locking latch 34 ' is held. By the rocker arm 31 ' on an inner side of the backrest side part L2 pivoting back of the transmission member 32 ' no longer counteracts, can the leg spring 4 ' with the transmission link 32 ' rotatably connected locking cams 33 ' on the opposite outer side of the backrest side part L2 to pivot back into its locked position. The cam section presses 330 ' of the locking cam 33 ' back to the locking section 342 ' so that the locking pawl 34 ' pivoted in the direction of its locking position about the first axis of rotation X1 and automatically with the locking disc 20 ' is engaged and locked as soon as the backrest side part L2 again reaches the starting position and is aligned parallel to the opposite backrest side part L1.

The retraction of the backrest side part L2 and thus the transfer of the twisted backrest L in a starting position is also in the illustrated embodiment via a with the drive device 10 ' coupled or integrated control electronics of a control device according to the invention controlled. For example, the control electronics causes the retraction of the backrest side part L2 displaced with respect to the other backrest side part L1 if the seat belt G has been inserted in a seat belt buckle as intended and / or an engine of the vehicle is started. About the locking device 3 ' is then the backrest L again crash-proof locked to the seat base U. At the same time, however, in a position of use of the backrest L, greater comfort is provided for the seat occupant P during the fastening on.

In the previously described embodiments of a vehicle seat F with a backrest L, which via a drive device with drive units 1a and 1b and / or via a locking device 3 ' with a drive device 1' is adjustable, there is a rotation of the backrest L and / or their provision in a non-rotated normal position or slightly rotated desired position respectively by means of an electronic control system of a control device according to the invention. This includes, for example, a mounted on the vehicle seat control unit, with the respective drive device 1a . 1b or 1' is coupled.

• – eine Belegung des Fahrzeugsitzes F elektronisch erkannt wird,
• – das Schließen einer Fahrzeugtür elektronisch erkannt wird,
• – ein visuelles und/oder akustisches Signal erzeugt wird, um einen Fahrzeuginsassen auf die Notwendigkeit des Angurtens hinzuweisen, und/oder
• – ein Rückwärtsgang eingelegt wird.

Alternativ oder ergänzend kann mittels der Steuerelektronik ein Überführen der Rückenlehne L in eine Normallage oder voreingestellte weiterhin geringfügig verdrehte Solllage ausgelöst werden, wenn durch ein Rückstellsignal angezeigt wird, dass

• – ein Motor des Fahrzeugs gestartet wurde,
• – das Endstück eines Sicherheitsgurtes G in ein Gurtschloss eingesteckt wurde,
• – ein Gang für die Vorwärtsfahr eingelegt wurde,
• – das Fahrzeug aktuell in Bewegung ist, also fährt und/oder
• – eine Fahrgeschwindigkeit einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert überschritten hat.

As already partially explained above, by means of the electronic control unit a force-actuated rotation of the backrest L with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis B on the one hand can take place in response to a trigger signal, if, for example

• An assignment of the vehicle seat F is detected electronically,
• The closing of a vehicle door is detected electronically,
• A visual and / or audible signal is generated to alert a vehicle occupant to the need for tethering, and / or
• - a reverse gear is engaged.

Alternatively or additionally, by means of the control electronics, a transfer of the backrest L in a normal position or preset still slightly twisted desired position can be triggered when indicated by a reset signal that

• - an engine of the vehicle has been started,
• The end piece of a safety belt G has been inserted into a belt buckle,
• - a gear was set for the forward drive,
• - The vehicle is currently in motion, so drives and / or
• - A driving speed has exceeded a predetermined threshold.

• – eine Belegung des Fahrzeugsitzes F mit einer Person elektronisch erkannt wird,
• – das Schließen einer dem Fahrzeugsitz F benachbarten Fahrzeugtür elektronisch erkannt wird,
• – ein visuelles und/oder akustisches Signal erzeugt wird, dass einen Fahrzeuginsassen auf den Notwendigkeit des Angurtens hinweist,
• – ein Rückwärtsgang eingelegt wird,
• – das Fahrzeug angehalten wurde,
• – das Anziehen einer Handbremse des Fahrzeugs detektiert wurde und/oder
• – ein Fahrzeuggetriebe in die Park- oder Neutralstellung (bei einem Automatikgetriebe) oder eine Lehrlaufstellung (bei einem Schaltgetriebe) wechselt.

Furthermore, it can be alternatively or additionally provided that the control electronics for the adjustment of the backrest ever activated and for this purpose an activation signal is generated to the control electronics, if

• An occupancy of the vehicle seat F with a person is detected electronically,
• The closing of a vehicle door adjacent the vehicle seat F is detected electronically,
• A visual and / or audible signal is generated which indicates to a vehicle occupant the need for angling,
• - a reverse gear is engaged,
• - the vehicle was stopped,
• - The tightening a handbrake of the vehicle has been detected and / or
• - A vehicle transmission in the park or neutral position (in an automatic transmission) or a Lehrlaufstellung (in a manual transmission) changes.

• – das Starten eines Fahrzeugmotors detektiert wurde,
• – das Einlegen eines Gangs für die Vorwärtsfahrt detektiert wurde und/oder
• – das Fahrzeug für eine bestimmte Zeit und/oder mit einer bestimmten Geschwindigkeit fährt.

Eine Deaktivierung der Steuerelektronik erfolgt dabei vorzugsweise jeweils erst, nachdem zuvor selbsttätig eine Rückstellung der verdrehten oder verwundenen Rückenlehne L in die Normallage vorgenommen wurde oder zumindest geprüft wurde, dass die Rückenlehne L ihre unverdrehte Normallage einnimmt. Likewise, a targeted deactivation of the control electronics may be provided, for example, if

• The starting of a vehicle engine has been detected,
• - the insertion of a gear was detected for the forward drive and / or
• - The vehicle is running for a certain time and / or at a certain speed.

A deactivation of the control electronics is preferably carried out in each case only after an automatic reset of the twisted or twisted backrest L has been made in the normal position or has been at least checked that the backrest L assumes its untwisted normal position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

driving means

10

engine

10 '

drive unit

11

transmission

11 '

Push rod (actuator)

111 '

guide link

12

drive shaft

13 '

web

1a, 1b

Drive unit of the drive device

201 '

spigot

20 '

Locking disc (2nd locking element)

204 '

locking teeth

300 '

fastening opening

30 '

bearing plate

311 '

1st lever arm

312 '

2nd lever arm

31 '

Rocker arm (coupling element)

321 '

transmitting pin

32 '

transmission member

3 '

locking device

330 '

cam section

33 '

Locking cam (blocking element)

334 '

retaining pins

341 '

release section

3420 '

locking teeth

342 '

locking section

34 '

Locking pawl (1st locking element)

4 '

Leg spring (spring element)

A

Back pivot axis

B

Backrest longitudinal axis / central axis

D1, D2

Pivoting fitting

X1, X2

axis of rotation

F

vehicle seat

G

safety belt

K

body part

L

backrest

L1, L2

Backrest side part

L10, L20

inside

P

Vehicle occupant / seat occupant

R1

pan direction

R2

twisting

S

rail arrangement

U

Seat base

U1, U2

side panel

V1, V2

adjustment

Claims (19)

Method for controlling an adjustment of a backrest (L) for a vehicle seat (F), wherein - the backrest (L) extends along a backrest longitudinal axis (B) and the backrest longitudinal axis (B) in a use position of the backrest (L), in which Person (P) as intended on the vehicle seat (F) can take place, runs at a backrest angle to a seat, - the backrest (L) on a seat frame (U) of the vehicle seat (F) to a backrest pivot axis (A) relative to the seat is pivotable, and - the backrest (L) on both sides of a parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) of the backrest (L) on the seat frame (U) is pivotally mounted and divided by the central axis (B) in two backrest longitudinal sides, characterized that - a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest (L) is pivotable about the backrest pivot axis (A) independently of the other backrest longitudinal side, so that the backrest (L) in their position of use with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) can be rotated and a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest (L) can be tilted more towards the rear than the other backrest longitudinal side, and - a rotation of the backrest (L) with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) and / or a Resetting the twisted backrest (L) in an untwisted normal position in which the backrest (L) is not twisted and extends substantially along a backrest plane parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B), is power-operated and controlled by an electronic control unit. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a power-operated rotation of the backrest (L) is controlled automatically and / or in response to a by a seat user (P) triggered operating event. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a power-operated rotation of the backrest (L) with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) in response to a trigger signal, said trigger signal is automatically generated in at least one of the following situations: - if an assignment the vehicle seat (F) is detected electronically; - after closing a vehicle door; Upon generation of a visual and / or audible signal to alert a vehicle occupant to the need for angling; - when engaging a reverse gear. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the control electronics with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) twisted backrest (L) is automatically transferred to a normal position in which the backrest (L) is not twisted and substantially along one to the Lehnenlängsachse (B) parallel backrest plane extends, and / or by means of the control electronics with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) twisted backrest (L) is automatically converted into a less twisted, preset desired position. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a transfer of the twisted backrest (L) is triggered in the normal position or desired position when a reset signal is generated and this reset signal is automatically generated in at least one of the following situations: - if a motor the vehicle is started; - When the insertion of an end piece of a seat belt of the vehicle seat is detected in a buckle; - if a gear for forward travel is engaged; - when the vehicle is in motion; - When a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. Method according to at least one of claims 3 or 5, characterized in that the trigger signal and / or the reset signal is generated only after a predetermined period of time. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a transfer of the twisted backrest (L) is triggered in the normal position or desired position when a reset signal generated by the on-board electronics of the vehicle and / or a precrash sensor of the vehicle becomes. Method according to Claim 2 and one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the backrest (L) can be converted into a normal position at an adjusting speed which differs from an adjusting speed with which the backrest (L) is moved by means of the drive unit ( 1 . 2 ) is rotated in response to an operating event initiated by a seat user (P). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control electronics can be selectively deactivated and activated. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the deactivated control electronics is activated by an electronic activation signal generated in response to a detected event and / or the activated control electronics is deactivated by an electronic deactivation signal generated in response to a detected event. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that an activation signal is generated in at least one of the following situations: - when an occupancy of the vehicle seat (F) is detected electronically; - after closing a vehicle door; Upon generation of a visual and / or audible signal to alert a vehicle occupant to the need for angling; - when engaging a reverse gear; At standstill of the vehicle after a previous movement of the vehicle; - The tightening of a handbrake of the vehicle; - When changing a vehicle transmission in the park or neutral position or in an idle position; and / or a deactivation signal is generated in at least one of the following situations: when an engine of the vehicle is started; - if a gear for forward travel is engaged; - when the vehicle is in motion; - When a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the control electronics at least two drive units ( 1 . 2 ) are controlled, the different backrest longitudinal sides of the backrest (L) are assigned and mutually independent, power-operated adjustments of the backrest longitudinal sides to the backrest pivot axis (A) allow. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that by means of the control electronics can be switched by a user, which Lehnenlängsseite on its associated drive unit ( 1 ; 2 ) is adjusted relative to the other Lehnenlängsseite. Vehicle seat according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that by means of the control electronics an adjustment of a backrest longitudinal side about the backrest pivot axis (A) by means of one of the at least two drive units ( 1 . 2 ), while the other backrest longitudinal side via a different drive unit ( 2 . 1 ) remains locked relative to the seat base (U). Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a transfer of the backrest (L) in the normal position can be controlled such that by means of a drive unit ( 1 ; 2 ) a Lehnenlängsseite in a pivoting direction (R1) about the Lehnenschwenkachse (A) is pivoted and by means of one of the other Lehnenlängsseite associated drive unit ( 2 ; 1 ) the other Lehnenlängsseite in an opposite pivoting direction (-R1) is pivoted about the backrest pivot axis (A). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, an operating mode can be predetermined, in which the two backrest longitudinal sides of the backrest (L) are alternately in opposite pivot directions (R1) about the backrest pivot axis (A) adjusted pivotably. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the control electronics, a locking device is controllable, which - in an unlocked state, a rotation of the backrest (L) located in the use position with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) and - in a locked state the in the use position located backrest (L) against rotation with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) locks. Control device with control electronics, in particular for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the control device is designed and provided for the control of an adjustment of a backrest (L) for a vehicle seat (F), wherein - the backrest (L) extends along a backrest longitudinal axis (B) and the backrest longitudinal axis (B) in a position of use of the backrest (L) in which a person (P) can take place on the vehicle seat (F) as intended, runs at a backrest angle to a seat surface, - Backrest (L) on a seat underframe (U) of the vehicle seat (F) about a backrest pivot axis (A) is pivotable relative to the seat surface, and - the backrest (L) on both sides of the backrest longitudinal axis parallel central axis (B) of the backrest (L) on the seat base (U) is pivotally mounted and divided by the central axis (B) in two backrest longitudinal sides, characterized gekennze Isnet that - a Lehnenlängsseite the backrest (L) independently of the other backrest longitudinal side about the backrest pivot axis (A) is pivotable so that the backrest (L) in their position of use with respect to their backrest longitudinal axis (B) can be rotated and a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest ( L) can be tilted more to the rear than the other Lehnenlängsseite, and - the control electronics is set up, a power-operated rotation of the backrest (L) with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) and / or a power-operated reset the twisted backrest (L) in an untwisted normal position in which the backrest (L) is not twisted and extends substantially along a backrest plane parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B). Vehicle seat, with one the backrest (L) which is pivotable on a seat underframe (U) of the vehicle seat (F) about a backrest pivot axis (A) relative to a seat surface and extends along a backrest longitudinal axis (B), wherein the backrest longitudinal axis (B) in a position of use of the backrest (L) in which a person (P) can take place on the vehicle seat (F) as intended, runs under a backrest angle to a seat surface and the backrest (L) on both sides of a central axis parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) the backrest (L) is pivotably mounted on the seat underframe (U) and is divided by the central axis (B) into two backrest longitudinal sides, characterized in that - a drive device ( 1a . 1b ; 1' ) Is provided by means of a backrest longitudinal side of the backrest (L) independently of the other backrest longitudinal side about the backrest pivot axis (A) is pivotable, so that the backrest (L) in its position of use with respect to its backrest longitudinal axis (B) can be rotated and a backrest longitudinal side of Backrest (L) can be tilted more to the rear than the other backrest longitudinal side, and - to control a power-operated rotation of the backrest (L) with respect to the backrest longitudinal axis (B) and / or a power-operated provision of the twisted backrest (L) in an untwisted normal position, in which the backrest (L) is not twisted and extends substantially along a backrest plane parallel to the backrest longitudinal axis (B), one with the drive device ( 1a . 1b ; 1' ) is provided cooperating control device with control electronics.

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