DE102006048123A1 - Back-rest adjustment device for motor vehicle seat, has actuator made of shape memory alloy, so that actuator experiences geometrical shape change by temperature-induced influence to cause locking or releasing of seat part and/or backrest - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a locking and releasing device over which a seat part (12) and a backrest (14) are arranged pivotably on a pivot axle (A), are adjusted relative to each other by actuating release of the part and/or the backrest, and fixed by actuating locking of the backrest. The pivot axle or a ring (R) surrounding the axle are provided as an actuator. The actuator consists of shape memory alloy, so that the actuator experiences a geometrical shape change by a temperature-induced influence to cause a locking or releasing of the part and/or the backrest.

Description

The The invention relates to an adjusting device for angular adjustment a backrest relative to a seat part of a motor vehicle seat, with the in the preamble of claim 1 features.

It is known, the backrest of a vehicle by means of adjusting mechanisms in their inclination relative to the seat part to adjust and in the desired Lock position. As adjustment mechanisms come different versions for use, both by hand and by motor Force actuated are.

at the known devices of the type mentioned is the Adjustment of the angle of inclination of the backrest by a handwheel or actuator designed as a lever or an actuator, the above a gear on the backrest acts.

An adjusting device with a transmission for angular adjustment of a rotatable backrest to a fixed seat part of a vehicle seat via a gear arranged on the handwheel is from DE 101 26 824 A1 known.

In the DE 101 12 017 A1 An actuator for a reclining device is described, which is arranged for angular adjustment of a rotatable backrest to a fixed seat part of a vehicle seat.

Of the Invention is based on the object a simpler adjustment, for the two essential, relatively moving parts of a Motor vehicle seat, the backrest and the seat part, to create.

The The invention is based on known shape memory alloys (FGL, Engl .: sma - shape memory alloy), which are often referred to as memory metals. This is touching from the phenomenon Come on, that she is referring to an earlier one Forming can seemingly "remember" despite subsequent severe deformation could be very size personnel without fatigue transmitted in several 100,000 motion cycles. The shape transformation based on the temperature-dependent Lattice transformation of two different crystal structures. There is the austenitic high-temperature phase and the martensitic low-temperature phase.

Both can due to temperature changes into each other (Two-way). The structural transformation is independent of the speed of the Temperature change. To initiate the phase transformation, the parameters are temperature and mechanical stress equivalent, that is, the conversion can not thermally induced only, but also stress-induced mechanically brought become.

Disposable (memory) effect

Of the One-way effect is by a one-time change in shape when heating a previously in the marteneal state pseudoplastic deformed sample characterized. As described above, the one-way effect allows only a one-time change of shape. The renewed cooling does not change the shape.

Two-way (memory) effect

Want you now have shape memory alloys too for the Actuator, for example, as an actuator, use, the component must return to its "cold form" again can. There are two types of shape return to realize: external two-way effects (extrinsic) and inner two-way effects. As an outer two-way effect refers to the shape return when cooling down of a component caused by an external (mechanical) Force forced.

It but also gives you the opportunity that shape memory alloys by itself the shape return take place. This is called an intrinsic two-way effect. These alloys can become on two forms - one at high and one at low temperature - "remember" If it assumes a defined shape, it must be thermomechanical Treatment cycles are "trained." This causes the formation of stress fields in the material, which is the formation of certain martensite variants during cooling. Thus, the trained form for the cold state is merely a preferred form of martensite microstructure. The transformation of the form can only take place in the intrinsic two-way effect, when no external forces counteract.

In particular, for use in the automotive industry materials are already described in detail "Alloys with shape memory" also as "Shape memory alloys" be designated. The use of such materials is there in Chapter 3.8.2, pages 92 to 94 , shown for fog lights with rockfall protective fins with a nickel-titanium tension spring as a memory element and for temperature-dependent control functions, such as fan clutches of engines, throttle devices of injection pumps and motor vehicle transmission with improved switching behavior. From the CA 2346260 A1 Furthermore, the use of shape memory alloys for adjusting a rear-view mirror is also known.

Examples of usable alloys with Shape memory are the alloys NiPi and NiTiPb. Other shape memory alloys are from the above book "Shape memory alloys", Dieter Stoeckel, Erhard Hombogen, Expert-Verlag, 1988 , known.

When Shape memory alloy actuators are essentially tension / compression springs, bending beams. rotation springs and torsion bars already described.

The The present invention teaches the use of materials with one Shape memory effect as an actor within a lockable and unlockable Lehnenverstelleinrichtung.

The Invention is in conjunction with the features of the preamble of Patent claim 1, characterized in that as an actor the and unlocking a Lehnenverstelleinrichtung the Pivot axis and / or acting on the pivot axis element are provided, wherein at least one actuator at least partially a shape memory alloy consists of, so that the at least one actuator by a temperature-induced Influencing a geometric shape change undergoes to a locking or unlocking the seat part and / or the backrest to effect.

The Invention is based on the shape memory alloys of to make the form return. These are referred to as shape memory alloys as described above with intrinsic two-way effect. These alloys can become on two forms - one at high and one at low temperature - "remember" If it assumes a defined shape again, it must first be thermomechanical Treatment cycles are "trained".

In Preferred embodiment of the invention are as actuators, the pivot axis or provided on the pivot axis engaging element, wherein this element in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a ring is that at least partially surrounds the pivot axis. Based on the Ringes the invention is explained below, each other the pivot axis attacking or engaging in the pivot axis Element is used.

Further the Lehnenverstelleinrichtung is formed so that the ring fixed seat [Figure A, B] or backrest resistant [Figure C, D] and the pivot axis corresponding to backrest resistant [Figure A, B] or seat part fixed [Figure C, D] arranged is.

Of the seat part fixed ring or the seat part fixed pivot axis are in preferred Embodiment of the invention with a seat part frame or the backrest fixed Ring or the backrest resistant Swivel axis with a backrest frame performed in conjunction.

Independently of, whether the ring is seat-fixed [FIG. A, B] or fixed on the back [FIGS. C, D] and the pivot axis corresponding to the backrest fixed [FIGS. A, B] or seat part fixed [Figure C, D] is arranged, respectively by the formation of the ring and / or the pivot axis as a shape memory alloy a Lehnenverstelleinrichtung be realized.

The movable seat component, so either the seat part and / or the Backrest, can each be adjusted if one of the two components or both components have been unlocked.

outgoing From this basic arrangement, various embodiments, such as the backrest adjustment can be performed.

critical is to select whether only the pivot axis or the ring or both components at least partially carried out as a shape memory alloy and whether the locked or unlocked state in the [low temperature] form or reaches the [high temperature] shape of the pivot axis and / or the ring shall be.

following the embodiments are described in practice, of course, the automotive industry embodiments particularly preferred are those in which the [high temperature] form of Swivel axis and / or the ring an unlocked state of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung causes. The unlocking times of a pivot bearing a vehicle seat are opposite The locking times are very low, so that only in these Times a temperature-induced effect on the shape memory alloy trained components, the pivot axis and / or the ring reached must become. A heating of the pivot axis and / or the ring with concomitant power consumption is in the corresponding embodiments So only needed to reach the unlocked state.

The Pivot axis and / or the ring is / are in its [low temperature] form or their [high temperature] form treated thermomechanically - one speaks also exercising or memorizing, so they are self-employed on cooling from the [high temperature] shape its defined, embossed [low temperature] shape take and vice versa.

In a first embodiment, the Pivot axis formed at least partially from a shape memory alloy, the pivot axis in its locked position a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [high temperature] shape is impressed, so that the pivot axis at the transition to the unlocked [high temperature] Shape pulls together.

there can be the pivot axis, fixed seat or leaning and ever after, whether the seat part and / or the backrest are adjustable can in the unlocked position, the geometric [high temperature] shape, an adjustment of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung done. This must be energized the pivot axis for unlocking accordingly and thus be heated and de-energized to lock again chilled become.

In a second embodiment the pivot axis is at least partially made of a shape memory alloy formed, wherein the pivot axis in its locked position a geometric [high temperature] shape and in its unlocked Position is imprinted a geometric [low temperature] shape, so that the pivot axis at the transition to the locked [High temperature] shape expands.

there the pivot axis can again be fixed to the seat part or leaning against it and depending on whether the seat part and / or the backrest are adjustable, can in the locked position, the geometric [high temperature] shape, an adjustment of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung not done. The pivot axis so must while the latch is energized accordingly and thus heated and only for unlocking the pivot axis is de-energized and cooled, so that a [low temperature] form occurs, at which the pivot axis pulls together accordingly, with the pivot axis self-evident during warming from the [low temperature] shape to the [high temperature] shape expands.

A third and fourth embodiment relates to the ring, which is now at least partially in both embodiments from a shape memory alloy is formed, wherein the pivot axis not here, not at least partially, of a shape memory alloy consists.

In the third embodiment The ring becomes a geometric one in its locked position [Low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position one stamped geometric [high temperature] shape, so that the ring at the transition in the [high temperature] form expands.

there the ring can in turn just like the already described pivot axis be a fixed seat or tens and depending on whether the seat part and / or the backrest can be adjusted, in the unlocked position, the geometric [High temperature] shape, an adjustment of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung respectively. For this purpose, the ring must be energized accordingly for unlocking and to be heated and to interlock and achieve the low-temperature [geometric] current and cooled.

Vice versa, in the fourth embodiment the ring in its locked position a geometric [high temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [low temperature] shape imprinted, so that the ring at the transition pulls into the [high temperature] shape together. The ring is locked thus the seat part opposite the pivot axis, depending on whether the ring seat fixed or leaning is arranged. The adjustment is again in unlocked Position, here in the fourth embodiment in the [low temperature] form, by adjusting the seat part and / or the backrest. In this fourth Embodiment must the ring in opposite the pivot axis locked state according energized and be heated with it and for unlocking against the pivot axis again de-energized and cooled become.

A fifth embodiment combines the first and third embodiments.

at this embodiment consist both the pivot axis and the ring at least partly from a shape memory alloy.

Of the Pivot axis is a geometric in its locked position [Low-temperature] form and in its unlocked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape imprinted, so that the pivot axis at the transition to the [high temperature] shape pulls together.

on the other hand is the ring in its locked position a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape imprinted, so that the ring at the transition in the [high temperature] form expands.

there can lean against the pivot axis and the ring seat part fixed or the pivot axis seat part fixed or arranged the ring leaning become.

In order to achieve an unlocked position, therefore, the pivot axis and the ring must be transferred from the respective [low temperature] shape and the locked state in the [high temperature] form in the unlocked state, including the pivot axis and the ring are energized and thus heated and switched to lock again de-energized and cooled.

By this procedure results in that the pivot axis in their [high temperature] shape pulls together and faces the ring dissolves while the ring in addition in the transfer of extends its [low temperature] shape into the [high temperature] shape and opposite the Swivel axis additionally the unlocking of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung causes.

In a sixth embodiment are the second and fourth embodiments combined together. Again in this sixth embodiment both the pivot axis and the ring at least partially from a shape memory alloy, wherein the pivot axis in its locked position a geometric [High temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [Low temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the pivot axis at the transition to the [high temperature] shape expands, the ring in its locked position, a geometric [High temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [Low temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the ring at the transition pulls into the [high temperature] shape together.

there again there is the possibility that the pivot axis is fixed to the seat part or tens or is corresponding Corresponding to the ring seat part or leaning be executed can. Depending on whether the seat part or the backrest is made adjustable The backrest adjustment can now in the [high temperature] form the pivot axis and the [high temperature] shape of the ring in locked Condition are kept. For this purpose, the pivot axis is locked in Condition energized and thus heated or can after a switched off when switched off be about the locked state of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung to achieve, as a cooling in this sixth embodiment causes that the ring cools down expands accordingly or the pivot axis accordingly pulls together so that the transition from the locked position of the respective [high temperature] shape in the [low temperature] form a release of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung causes.

to Adjustment of the seat part and / or the backrest are in the range of Seat part and / or the backrest Springs, torsion bars or mechanical devices with or without drives arranged to an adjustment of the seat part and / or the backrest to accomplish.

Of course it is at least one device is arranged in the region of the backrest adjustment device, which is used to generate and deliver electrical current in the direction the actuators, the pivot axis and / or the ring are necessary. Preferably can this device over a control unit be switched on or off.

In preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuators thus also connection possibilities to, according to the energized and thus heated [high temperature] shape introduce electrical current into the pivot axis and / or the ring to be able to.

The Invention will be described below in embodiments with reference to FIG associated Drawings closer explained. Show it:

1 a side view of a vehicle seat with Zehntfester pivot axis and Sitzteilfestem ring,

2 a section through a vehicle seat with lean fixed pivot axis and seat part fixed ring,

3 a side view of a vehicle seat with fixed seat pivot axis and Tensile fixed ring,

4 a section through a vehicle seat with fixed seat swivel axis and Tensile Ring,

5A . 5B a first embodiment - pivot axis contracts from locked [low temperature] shape to unlocked [high temperature] shape,

6A . 6B a second embodiment - pivot axis contracts from locked [high temperature] shape to unlocked [low temperature] shape,

7A . 7B a third embodiment - ring expands from locked [low temperature] shape to unlocked [high temperature] shape,

8A . 8B a fourth embodiment - ring expands from locked [high temperature] shape to unlocked [low temperature] shape,

9A . 9B a fifth embodiment - superposition of the first and third embodiments and

10A . 10B a sixth edition tion form - superposition of the second and fourth embodiments.

1 shows a vehicle seat 10 which is a seat part 12 and a backrest 14 includes.

The seat part 12 includes a seat subframe 12C and the backrest 14 includes a backrest frame 14A , The through the vehicle seat 10 In the direction of travel extending section also shows a pivot axis A and the pivot axis A encompassing ring R. Like the adjacent 2 shows in a transverse to the direction of travel section, the ring R is the pivot axis A arranged almost completely encompassing.

Of the However, ring R is also only partially arrangeable on the pivot axis A, so that a Lehnenverstelleinrichtung invention can be made equally effective.

1 now indicates the seat part by means of the movement arrows 12 and backrest 14 on that both the seat part 12 as well as the backrest 14 can be adjusted by appropriate electric or manually operated drives or the like, when the reclining device is on axis A or ring R in the unlocked state.

As drives are generally known drive devices, manually or electrically operated type, are used, such as springs, mechanical joints or torsion bars on the seat part 12 or the backrest 14 are arranged.

The 1 and 2 show that the Lehenverstelleinrichtung includes the ring R and the pivot axis A, wherein according to the 1 and 2 the pivot axis A leaning and the ring R seat fixed and according to the 3 and 4 the pivot axis A Sitzteilfest and the ring R is arranged leaning fixed.

The 3 and 4 merely clarify that the embodiment according to the invention in exactly the reverse manner is possible.

The in the upholstery part of the seat part 12 or the backrest 14 arranged racks 12A . 14A So are according to 1 and 2 seat part side led to the ring R and the tens side on the pivot axis A.

As the 3 and 4 show, the pivot axis A seat part fixed to the seat part frame 12A and the ring R lean back with the backrest frame 14A connected.

The 5A to 10B show now several possible embodiments of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung, wherein the actuator of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung for locking and unlocking the backrest 14 opposite the seat part 12 either the pivot axis A or the ring R or both pivot axis A and the ring R is.

The 5A . 6A . 7A . 8A . 9A and 10A show each the locked state and the 5B . 6B . 7B . 8B . 9B and 10B the unlocked state of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung.

The in the 5A to 10B shown embodiments may each according to the in the 1 . 2 and 3 . 4 shown connection possibilities of the seat part 12 or the backrest 14 be performed on the pivot axis A and the ring R.

5A and 5B show the first embodiment in which the pivot axis A is partially formed of a shape memory alloy, wherein the pivot axis A in its locked position a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [high temperature] shape is impressed. According to 5B The pivot axis A contracts during the transition to the unlocked [high temperature] shape.

A Energization of the pivot axis A is thus here in a preferred embodiment only necessary in the unlocked position.

The 6A and 6B show the opposite case, namely that the pivot axis A in the locked state, a [high temperature] shape is impressed, so that upon cooling and transition of the pivot axis in the [low temperature] shape, a contraction of the pivot axis A, whereby the pivot axis A, according to 6B can be converted into the unlocked state.

in this connection is the locked position only by constant maintenance of the [high temperature] shape of the pivot axis A possible.

The 7A and 7B show analogous to the 5A and 5B the ring R, which is at least partially formed from a shape memory alloy, in a third embodiment, wherein the ring R in the transition to the [high temperature] shape, according to 7B , expands and thus releases the pivot axis A, resulting in an unlocked position of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung.

Here again the embodiment is shown, in which only energized in the unlocked position, heating the ring R to achieve the ent bolted condition is necessary.

8A and 8B show analogous to the 6A and 6B the case that the ring R is held in a locked state in a [high temperature] shape, so that the unlocked state, according to 8B , Can be brought only by cooling the ring R with expansion of the ring R relative to the pivot axis A in an unlocked state of the backrest adjustment.

The 9A and 9B show a combination of the first embodiment, 5A and 5B , and the third embodiment, 7A and 7B , In this case, it is obvious from the drawings that according to FIG 9A both the ring R and the pivot axis A are at least partially formed from a shape memory alloy and are kept in the latched state in an embossed [low temperature] shape. By appropriately heating both the ring R and the pivot axis A, the pivot axis A contracts in its [high temperature] shape and the ring R expands in its [high temperature] shape accordingly, so that a backrest adjustment device can be effected. in which both, the Lehnenverstelleinrichtung forming, components to heat in the unlocked state, are energized. This embodiment is preferred because the unlocking states occupy a much shorter time period in vehicle seats than the locking states.

For completeness, however, show the 10A and 10B in that the locked state can also be kept in the form of a [high-temperature] form of the pivot axis A or of the ring R, so that a cooling of the pivot axis A or of the ring R leads to an unlocked position of the reclining device, in which case the ring R is cooled expands or the pivot axis A pulls together on cooling, so that in turn a corresponding superposition of the states according to the 6A and 6B or the 8A and 8B is reached.

Here is the unlocked state only by the [high temperature] shape reach the ring R or the pivot axis A, which probably less likely in practice.

In the figures are not shown, the necessary devices for the generation and delivery of electric current, so that a temperature-induced Effect on each formed as a shape memory alloy Allows components becomes.

Of course, the Actuators, the pivot axis A and the ring R, also corresponding Have device for connecting the electrical lines.

10

vehicle seat

12

seat part

12A

Squab frame

14

backrest

14A

Backrest frame

A

swivel axis

R

ring

Claims (12)

Lehnenverstelleinrichtung, in particular for a motor vehicle seat ( 10 ), which provides an angular adjustment between a seat part ( 12 ) and a backrest ( 14 ), whereby the seat part ( 12 ) and the backrest ( 14 ) are rotatably mounted on a common pivot axis (A) via a locking and unlocking device and by actuation of an unlocking the seat part ( 12 ) and / or the backrest ( 14 ) releasable, relative to each other adjustable and by actuation of a lock can be fixed again, characterized in that the pivot axis (A) and / or on the pivot axis (A) attacking element (R) are provided as an actuator of the locking and unlocking device of Lehnenverstelleinrichtung , wherein at least one actuator (A, R) at least partially consists of a shape memory alloy, so that the at least one actuator (A, R) undergoes a geometric change due to a temperature-induced influence, in order to lock or unlock the seat part ( 12 ) and / or the backrest ( 14 ) to effect. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axis (A) engaging element is a ring (R) which surrounds the pivot axis (A) at least partially, wherein the ring (R) seat part fixed [ 1 ] or backrest proof [ 2 ] and the pivot axis (A) corresponding backrest proof [ 1 ] or fixed to the seat [ 2 ] is arranged. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 2, characterized in that the seat part fixed ring (R) or the seat part fixed pivot axis (A) with a seat part frame ( 1C ) or the backrest-fixed ring (R) or the backrest-fixed pivot axis (A) with a backrest frame ( 14A ). Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivot axis (A) consists at least partially of a shape memory alloy, wherein the pivot axis (A) in its locked position, a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [high temperature] shape is impressed, so that the pivot axis (A) together at the transition to the [high temperature] shape. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the pivot axis (A) at least partially a shape memory alloy consists, wherein the pivot axis (A) in its locked position a geometric [high temperature] shape and in its unlocked Position is imprinted a geometric [low temperature] shape, so that the pivot axis (A) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape expands. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the ring (R) at least partially from a Shape memory alloy exists, wherein the ring (R) in its locked position, a geometric [Low-temperature] form and in its unlocked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the ring (R) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape expands. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 1, characterized characterized in that the ring (R) at least partially from a Shape memory alloy exists, wherein the ring (R) in its locked position, a geometric [High temperature] shape and in its unlocked position a geometric [low temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the ring (R) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape pulls together. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 4 and 6, thereby marked that both the pivot axis (A) and the Ring (R) consist at least partially of a shape memory alloy, wherein • the pivot axis (A) in its locked position, a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the pivot axis (A) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape pulls together. • the Ring (R) in its locked position a geometric [low temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape imprinted is such that the ring (R) expands upon transition to the [high temperature] shape. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to claim 5 and 7, thereby marked that both the pivot axis (A) and the Ring (R) consist at least partially of a shape memory alloy, wherein • the pivot axis (A) in its locked position, a geometric [high temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [low temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the pivot axis (A) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape expands, and • the Ring (R) in its locked position a geometric [high temperature] shape and in its unlocked position, a geometric [low temperature] shape imprinted is, so that the ring (R) at the transition to the [high temperature] shape pulls together. Lehnenverstelleinrichtung according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjustment of the seat part ( 12 ) and / or the backrest ( 14 ) by on the seat part ( 12 ) and / or the backrest ( 14 ) arranged drives is bewerkstelligbar. Backrest adjustment device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the actuators (A, R) devices for Generation and delivery of electric current are assigned. Backrest adjustment device according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that at the actuators (A, R) devices arranged for connection of a passage of electrical current are.