DE102010039804A1 - Device for detecting shift position of seat of motor car, has flux concentrator located adjacent to sensor and/or biasing magnet such that closed magnetic circuit is formed - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a magnetic-field-sensitive sensor (2) and one biasing magnet (3) arranged spatially separated from each other and stationary witch respect to each other. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor and the bias magnet are adjacent to the sides of a receiving gap (12) in which one of the two metallic components is movable relative to other. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor and the bias magnet are connected to one of the two components. A flux concentrator (5) is located adjacent to the sensor and/or biasing magnet such that a closed magnetic circuit is formed.

Description

The invention relates to a position signaling device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of a position signaling device.

In many applications, it is necessary to detect the presence of a positionally variable metallic or metallized component. For example, motor vehicles, especially passenger vehicles, are increasingly being equipped with safety devices such as front, side and curtain airbags. These safety devices should protect the occupants in the event of a collision and reduce the risk of injury. Airbags must be deployed and inflated within a very short period of time. In addition, propellants are used, which fill the airbag explosively and let emerge from the respective panel. The arrangement of the airbags and the choice of their size represents a compromise that should meet the different sizes and the different weight of the vehicle occupants. In the case of front airbags, it is also often provided to inflate the airbag differently depending on the seating position of the vehicle occupants. Thus, in a large occupant whose vehicle seat is located farther away from the instrument panel, the airbag is inflated more than in the case of a smaller grown vehicle occupant whose vehicle seat is shifted to a position closer to the instrument panel. This is to prevent a vehicle occupant closer to the dashboard from being injured by the force of an airbag inflated with full energy. The inflation energy for the airbag is controlled accordingly via graduated amounts of propellant charge that are ignited. For the control of inflation energy for the airbag, therefore, the knowledge of the distance of the vehicle seat from the dashboard is important.

In the past, therefore, various mechanical or electromechanical devices have already been used to determine the position of the vehicle seat. However, mechanical or electromechanical position signaling devices are susceptible to wear and can lead to unpleasant, unwanted noise when adjusting the vehicle seat. In the course of increasing automation, motor vehicles are being equipped more and more with electrical and electronic components which take over the function of the earlier mechanical or electromechanical detector devices. Thus, contactless detection devices are already known from the prior art, with which the relative position of two mutually displaceable components can be detected in order to generate a corresponding control signal therefrom. In the case of the vehicle seat, the components which can be displaced relative to one another are, for example, an attachment rail mounted on the vehicle floor and a seat rail fixedly connected to the vehicle seat. In order to be able to determine the relative position of the two rails, a magnetic strip is attached to the mounting rail, for example, along which a Hall sensor connected to the seat rail is displaceable. The magnetic strip can, as in the US 4,909,560 described, repeatedly change its polarity along its longitudinal extent. With the relative displacement along the magnetic strip, the output signal of the Hall sensor changes depending on the magnetic pole. This allows an incremental detection of the relative position of the vehicle seat. One from the DE-101 36 820 Known position reporting device based on a Hall sensor allows the detection of two seating positions, front or rear, corresponding to a small or a large distance from the dashboard. In order to achieve the largest possible evaluable signal of the Hall sensor, both documents propose to keep the distance between the magnetic poles and the surface of the Hall sensor as low as possible. However, in conjunction with the usual manufacturing and assembly tolerances, this can cause the Hall sensor or its housing grinds in the relative displacement of the mounting rail and the seat rail. Apart from the unwanted noise and the increased displacement resistance, this sliding contact can lead to damage and failure of the sensor.

Further applications of position reporting devices in connection with motor vehicles are, for example, the detection of whether the engine compartment cover or a tailgate are closed and locked. Recently, passenger vehicles are already provided with standardized attachment points for the fixation of child seats. These so-called Isofixsysteme should allow a quick and easy attachment of a corresponding equipped with metal hooks child seat in the vehicle. Also, child seats are known in which the seat can be detached from a base unit which is fixedly mounted in the vehicle. When replacing the seat shell, it must be ensured that it is firmly connected to the base unit again. In all such safety-related applications, there is a need for the locking of, for example, the engine compartment lid, tailgate or attachment hook of a child seat on the Isofix system or a seat shell to a base unit to be reliably detected, possibly by an optical or acoustic signal to the user to draw attention to a faulty locking.

Object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the known position reporting devices. It is intended to provide a non-contact position-indicating device which can be used for different applications without major modifications, for example to monitor the position of two components which can be displaced relative to one another or of interlocks. The position reporting device should deliver the largest possible evaluable signal. Touches of the position reporting device with the queried component should be avoided as possible. The position reporting device should be simple and inexpensive to build and allow easy installation.

The inventive solution of these objects consists in a position reporting device, as defined in independent claim 1. Further developments and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention provides position reporting means for detecting the position of two relatively movable metallic or metallized components comprising a magnetic field sensitive sensor and at least one bias magnet spatially separated from each other and stationary with respect to each other. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor and the biasing magnet adjoin on two sides of a receiving gap in which one of the two components is displaceable relative to the other. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor and the biasing magnet are connected to one of the two components. In the vicinity of the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and / or to the at least one biasing magnet at least one flux concentrator is arranged such that a largely closed magnetic circuit is formed.

The flux concentrator focuses and concentrates the magnetic field on the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor. The relative displacement of the two components causes a greater change in the magnetic flux density at the sensor as a function of the displacement path. As a result, the switching threshold can be placed in a steeper region of the characteristic curve (magnetic flux density as a function of the displacement path) in order to achieve a more precise interrogation. The based on the change in the magnetic flux density position reporting device works like a barrier. Due to the concentration of the magnetic field on the magnetic field-sensitive sensor out, the position reporting device is also less sensitive to stray magnetic fields. The flux concentrator thus also fulfills a shielding function against such interference.

In an embodiment variant of the invention, the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor is arranged between two flux concentrators. As a result, the magnetic field of the excitation magnet is focused even better on the magnetic field sensitive area of the sensor and an even better resolution can be achieved. For example, a displacement distance of only 0.2 mm-1 mm can be reliably detected in this way in order to set the switching threshold even more precisely.

A variant of the inventive position signaling device provides that the biasing magnet and the magnetic field-sensitive sensor are opposite to each other. This arrangement is structurally relatively easy to implement. The receiving gap can be covered, for example, upwards. This reduces the risk of foreign bodies entering the receiving gap between the sensor and the biasing magnets.

In an arrangement opposite to each other, the receiving gap limited by the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and the opposing biasing magnet preferably has a gap width of 0.2 mm to 50 mm. Within this range for the gap width, sufficiently good state separations can be achieved with the commonly used sensor / bias magnet pairings. The magnetic flux density of the biasing magnet is for example about 5 mT to 100 mT.

For an even better concentration of the magnetic field, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the biasing magnet is adjacent to a flux concentrator. The flux concentrator is arranged for better shielding of the biasing magnet on the side facing away from the sensor of the magnet.

In a further embodiment variant of the position-indicating device according to the invention, two biasing magnets are provided which are opposite to the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and adjoin a flux concentrator on their side facing away from the sensor. The biasing magnets are arranged at a distance from each other. The flux concentrators provided on both sides of the sensor are located opposite the bias magnets. The magnetic field-sensitive area of the opposite sensor is located approximately within the distance range of the two bias magnets. By this arrangement, practically a completely closed magnetic field circuit is created. The receiving gap forms an air gap between the bias magnets and the sensor. The flux concentrators provided on both sides of the receiving gap shield the arrangement ideally from external disturbing fields.

An alternative embodiment variant of the position-indicating device according to the invention provides that the at least one bias magnet is arranged in such a way that it encloses an angle of approximately 90 ° with the sensor sensitive to the magnetic field. In this case, the sensor and the biasing magnet adjoin two mutually perpendicular sides of the receiving gap. This "corner variant" of the position signaling device is structurally very simple and is particularly suitable for applications in confined spaces. As a result of the largely closed magnetic circuit large changes in the magnetic field density depending on the displacement can be achieved even with this corner arrangement in the relative displacement of the two components. As a result, the switching threshold of the magnetic barrier can be placed in a steeper region of the characteristic curve, and a higher resolution of the displacement path can be achieved. The largely closed magnetic circuit also favors the lower sensitivity of the device to external stray fields.

A variant of the "corner arrangement" of the position signaling device provides that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor is biased by two biasing magnets, which adjoin a flux concentrator and are arranged such that they enclose an angle of about 90 ° with the magnetic field-sensitive sensor. The sensor and the biasing magnets adjoin two mutually perpendicular sides of the receiving gap. The combination of two bias magnets with flux concentrators leads to an even better and more controlled concentration of the magnetic field on the sensor. This allows even external stray fields to be better shielded.

The magnetic field-sensitive sensor can be designed in general as a galvanomagnetic sensor. Because of their ease of use and their high output signal preferred sensors of this type are Hall sensors.

The biasing magnets are advantageously designed as a bar magnets permanent magnets.

The bar magnets are arranged lying in relation to the magnetic field-sensitive sensor, that the flux concentrators concentrate the magnetic flux outside of each bar magnet from the north to the south pole. In the case of multiple bar magnets, they are arranged such that their orientation enhances the overall strength of the generated magnetic field.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flux concentrators flow guide plates made of a magnetizable steel. The sheet thickness is about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm.

The arrangement of magnetic field-sensitive sensor, such as Hall sensor, flux concentrator (s) and bias magnet (s) may be housed in a common housing. For example, the arrangement is encapsulated with a plastic. The present as a structural unit position reporting device is particularly easy to install.

A further embodiment variant of the position-indicating device according to the invention can provide a shielding against external magnetic interference fields for the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor. For example, the sensor is surrounded by shielding plates. In a further embodiment of the invention, one of the relatively movable components, on which the position-indicating device is mounted, also simultaneously fulfills the function of this shielding against magnetic interference fields.

Because of its robustness and its simple structure, the position-indicating device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicle applications. For example, it is used for detecting the displacement position of a vehicle seat, which has a movable seat rail, which is displaceable relative to a fixedly connected to the vehicle floor mounting rail. The magnetic field-sensitive sensor, such as a Hall sensor, the at least one biasing magnet and the or the flux concentrators, which are housed for example as a structural unit in a common housing, can be mounted on the movable seat rail or on the mounting rail. On the respective other rail a query plate is mounted, which projects into the receiving gap between the magnetic field-sensitive sensor and the at least one biasing magnet and influences the magnetic field of the biasing magnet during the displacement of the vehicle seat. The position reporting device or the interrogation plate are exactly guided in this embodiment. The position reporting device then generates a signal that can be used, for example, to regulate the inflation of the airbags. The position reporting device and the interrogation plate, whose plate thickness is always slightly smaller than the width of the receiving gap, expediently arranged on the side facing away from the user side of the seat rail. As a result, they can not be inadvertently damaged by the user.

Another possible application of the inventively designed position signaling device is used for detecting the locking state of a hood and / or a tailgate of an automobile. This makes it possible to point the driver of the vehicle optically or acoustically to an open bonnet or tailgate.

In another application, the position reporting device is used to recognize that a gap width, for example, between the vehicle body and the hood or the tailgate, is smaller than a defined maximum value, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. This is to ensure that no hands or fingers can be trapped in the gap, and the hood or the tailgate can be completely closed with great effort.

Furthermore, the position indicating device according to the invention can also be used to detect the locking state of a fastening for a child seat to fixed fastening points, for example Isofix systems, in the automobile or a seat shell of a child seat on a base unit permanently mounted in the vehicle. Depending on the design of the vehicle or child seat, the user may be alerted to improper locking by a display on the dashboard or child seat.

The position reporting device formed according to the invention can even be used to detect the locking state of a restraint device in a child seat. Also in this case, for example, be provided on the child seat or on the dashboard an indicator that lights up when not properly locked.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of schematic representations of embodiments of the inventive position reporting device. It shows in not to scale representation:

1 a view of a portion of a seat mount with stationary mounting rail and seat rail relative thereto movable and a mounted on a rail position reporting device;

2 a schematic sectional view of the attached to the rail system position reporting device;

3 a schematic diagram of the position reporting device according to 2 ;

4 - 6 schematic schematic diagrams of further embodiments of the position reporting device;

7 a schematic representation of an application of the position reporting device as a detector for the state of a locking device; and

8th a schematic principle position of the position reporting device according to 7 ,

In the in 1 For example, shown view of a seat attachment in a motor vehicle is a seat rail with the reference numeral 20 designated. To adjust the vehicle seat is the seat rail 20 opposite a permanently mounted on the vehicle floor mounting rail 21 displaceable. At the seat tickets 21 is a total by the reference numeral 1 designated position reporting device attached. The position reporting device 1 is in a housing 11 housed, which has a slot-shaped receiving gap 12 having. One on the mounting rail 21 assembled interrogation plate 22 is overlapped by the position reporting device and protrudes into the receiving gap 12 , The position reporting device 1 serves to determine the displacement position of the vehicle seat. Depending on the detected position of the seat, "front" or "rear", for example, the degree of inflation of the airbag can be regulated.

2 shows a schematic outline of the seat attachment 1 with cut position signaling device shown 1 , The mounting rail in turn bears the reference numeral 21 , The on the mounting rail 21 assembled interrogation plate is included 22 indicated. On the representation of the along the mounting rail 21 sliding seat rail was omitted for the sake of clarity. All components of the entire by the reference numeral 1 provided position reporting device are in a housing 11 accommodated. The questionnaire sheet 22 protrudes into a receiving gap 12 which has, for example, a width w of about 0.2 mm to about 50 mm. The plate thickness t of the query plate 22 is always slightly smaller than the width of the recording gap 12 , so the query panel 22 easily into the receiving gap 12 can occur. For simplicity, the sheet thickness t of the query plate 12 also about 0.2 mm to about 50 mm. The position reporting device 1 includes a magnetic field sensitive sensor 2 , in particular a Hall sensor, and a biasing magnet arrangement, which according to the illustrated embodiment of two rod-shaped permanent magnets 3 . 4 consists. The Hall sensor 2 and the permanent magnets 3 . 4 are arranged opposite each other and border on two opposite sides of the receiving gap 12 at.

The Hall sensor used is, for example, a Hall sensor of the type Hal5xx from the company Micronas or the type A 1181 from the company Allegro. The of the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 generated magnetic field flux density is about 5 mT to about 100 mT. The permanent magnets 3 . 4 are arranged such that complement and strengthen their magnetic flux densities. The magnetization of the permanent magnets is indicated by the arrows J3 and J4. By the arrangement of the components of the position reporting device 1 in a common housing 11 This is very easy to handle and assemble. For example, the components are encapsulated in plastic.

On both sides of the Hall sensor 2 and the permanent magnet 3 . 4 Opposite are flux concentrators 6 . 7 arranged. These concentrate that of the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 generated magnetic field on the magnetic field sensitive area of the Hall sensor 2 , At her from the reception gap 12 facing away from the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 to another flux concentrator 5 at. The river concentrators 5 . 6 . 7 For example, consist of a magnetizable steel sheet. By the arrangement of the permanent magnets 3 . 4 , the river concentrators 5 . 6 . 7 and the Hall sensor 2 a magnetic circuit is created, which only through the air gap of the receiving gap 12 is interrupted. The river concentrators 5 . 6 . 7 conduct the magnetic field and concentrate it on the Hall sensor 2 out. At the same time, the flux concentrators work 5 . 6 . 7 also as a shield against external interference fields. The mounting rail 21 and the seat rail, not shown, also act as a shield against external stray fields. The output signal of the Hall sensor 2 changes as soon as the questionnaire sheet 22 enters the sphere of action of the magnetic circuit. As a result of the concentration of the magnetic field on the Hall sensor towards results in a steeper course of the characteristic (magnetic flux density relative to relative displacement). As a result, with the same displacement path, a larger magnetic stroke can be achieved than with position signaling devices of the prior art. Conversely, this can be used to resolve a small displacement distance with a comparably large magnetic stroke.

3 schematically shows the position reporting device 1 out 2 on an enlarged scale. The housing in which the individual components are housed is included 11 indicated. The receiving gap is again with the reference numeral 12 Mistake. The questionnaire sheet 22 is indicated by dashed lines. The displacement direction is indicated by the double arrow S, which means a shift out of the plane of the drawing or into it. It can either the query panel 22 or the position reporting device 1 be moved relative to the other, stationary component. The Hall sensor adjacent to the two flux concentrators bears the reference numeral 2 , The Hall sensor 2 and the two flux concentrators 6 . 7 borders on one side of the receiving gap 12 at. On the opposite side of the recording gap 12 are the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 arranged, whose opposite magnetizations are indicated by the two arrows J3 and J4. With her from the reception gap 12 opposite ends border the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 to the river concentrator 5 at. The Hall sensor 2 is arranged such that it approximately the space between the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 opposite. About a cable 13 become the signals of the Hall sensor 2 forwarded to a controller.

4 - 6 are closed 3 analogous schematic representations of further embodiments of the position reporting device, which in all figures in each case by the reference numeral 1 is provided. For a better understanding of the modifications shown, the same components each bear the same reference numerals as in FIG 3 , In all variants, the components of the position reporting device 1 housed in a common housing, each by the reference numeral 11 is indicated.

The embodiment of the position reporting device 1 according to 4 is different from the one 3 in that the Hall sensor 2 with flux concentrators 6 . 7 only a rod-shaped permanent magnet 3 opposite. The black filled flux concentrator 5 is J-shaped and compensated by its shape the absence of a second permanent magnet. The in the receiving slit 12 relatively displaceable query plate 22 is indicated by dashed lines.

At the in 5 and 6 illustrated embodiments of turn with the reference numeral 1 provided position signaling device are Eckvarianten. The Hall sensor adjoin 2 and one as a rod-shaped permanent magnet 3 trained biasing magnet at two mutually perpendicular sides of the receiving gap 12 , in which the interrogation sheet at 22 is indicated by dashed lines. Compared to the variant in 4 is the permanent magnet 3 offset to a rotated position of about 90 °. The housing 11 has approximately the shape of a horizontal L on. The Hall sensor 2 is adjacent to two flux concentrators 6 and 7 on, in turn, results in a largely closed magnetic circuit.

In the 6 illustrated Eckausführung the position reporting device 1 again has housing 11 which has the shape of a lying L, for example. The two legs of the L-shaped housing 11 borders on two mutually in the right angle extending sides of the receiving gap 12 in which the query sheet at 22 is indicated by dashed lines. The Hall sensor 2 is in one (left) leg of the housing 11 arranged. An approximately C-shaped flux concentrator 6 concentrates the biasing magnetic field on the magnetic field sensitive area of the sensor 2 , The magnetic field is made up of two permanent magnets 3 . 4 generated in the second (right) leg of the housing 11 are arranged. The arrangement of the permanent magnets 3 . 4 is such that the on the Hall sensor 2 acting magnetic field is amplified. A river concentrator 5 adjoins the two permanent magnets 3 . 4 concentrates on the magnetic flux. At the same time, it also acts as a shield against external interference fields.

7 schematically shows a position reporting device, which can be used for example for the detection of the locking state of a locking device, such as a hood lock or a tailgate latch. However, the position reporting device could also be used for monitoring the locking state of child seats at fixed attachment points in a vehicle, so-called Isofixsystemen, or a correct fixation of a seat in a fixedly mounted in the vehicle base unit. Finally, the position reporting device could also be used in restraint systems, such as child seats. The entirety by the reference numeral 1 provided position reporting device 1 has a housing 11 on, with a slit-shaped receiving slit 12 Is provided. The slot-shaped receiving gap 12 is for receiving a metallic or metallized, bow-shaped component 32 , For example, a bracket of a Isofixsystems trained. When locked, the position reporting device outputs a signal indicating to the user or the driver whether the interlock has occurred properly. The display can be done for example on the dashboard or, in the case of a suitably equipped child seat or a removable seat, be provided directly on the child seat.

In 8th are arranged within the housing components of the position reporting device 1 out 7 shown. The position reporting device 1 includes a Hall sensor 2 standing on a circuit board 15 is mounted. On both sides of the Hall sensor are flux concentrators 6 . 7 arranged for the magnetic field. The on the board 15 mounted Hall sensor 2 and the flux concentrators adjoin one side of a receiving nip 12 , On the opposite side of the receiving slot 12 are two rod-shaped permanent magnets 3 . 4 spaced apart. With her from the reception gap 12 opposite ends border the permanent magnets 3 . 4 to a flux concentrator 5 at. By this arrangement, largely those of 3 corresponds to that of the permanent magnets 3 . 4 generated magnetic field concentrated on the Hall sensor out and achieved a largely closed magnetic circuit. When locking the metallic or metallized bow-shaped component penetrates 32 in the receiving slot 12 one. This changes the magnetic field and the Hall sensor 2 generates a signal that can be used to indicate the locked state. For shielding against external magnetic interference fields, the Hall sensor can also be surrounded by shielding plates not shown in detail.

The invention is not limited to the described application and embodiments. In principle, the device according to the invention is suitable for all applications in which two adjacent components are moved relative to one another and further actions are to be derived from the knowledge of the relative or absolute position.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 4909560 [0003]
• DE 10136820 [0003]

Claims (21)

Position signaling device for detecting the position of two relatively movable metallic or metallized components, with a magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) and at least one bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ), which are spatially separated from each other and stationary with respect to each other and on two sides to a receiving gap ( 12 ), in which one of the two components is displaceable relative to the other, wherein the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) and the bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) are connected to one of the two components, characterized in that in the vicinity of the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) and / or to the at least one bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) at least one flux concentrator ( 5 ; 6 . 7 ) is arranged such that a largely closed magnetic circuit is formed. Position signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) between two flux concentrators ( 6 . 7 ) is arranged. Position signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ) and the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) are arranged opposite one another. Position signaling device according to claim 3, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) and the opposing biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ) limited receiving gap ( 12 ) has a gap width (w) which is 0.2 mm to 50 mm. Position signaling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ) to a flux concentrator ( 5 ) adjoins. Position signaling device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) two biasing magnets ( 3 . 4 ), which at their end facing away from the sensor to a flux concentrator ( 5 ). Position signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ) is arranged such that it is connected to the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) encloses an angle of about 90 °, wherein the sensor ( 2 ) and the bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) to two mutually perpendicular sides of the receiving gap ( 12 ). Position signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) of two biasing magnets ( 3 . 4 ) biased to a flux concentrator ( 5 ) and are arranged such that they are connected to the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) enclose an angle of about 90 °, the sensor ( 2 ) and the bias magnets ( 3 . 4 ) at two mutually perpendicular sides of the receiving gap ( 12 ). Position signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) is a Hall sensor. Position signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ) is a rod-shaped permanent magnet. Position signaling device according to claim 10, characterized in that each permanent magnet ( 3 . 4 ) lying in relation to the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ), that the flux concentrators ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) concentrate the magnetic flux outside the magnet from the north to the south pole. Position signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flux concentrators ( 5 . 6 . 7 ) Are flux guide plates made of a magnetizable steel. Position signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ), for example Hall sensor, flux concentrators ( 5 ; 6 . 7 ) and bias magnet (s) ( 3 . 4 ) in a common housing ( 11 ) is housed, for example, is encapsulated with plastic. Position signaling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) is surrounded by a shield against external magnetic interference fields. Position signaling device according to claim 14, characterized in that the shield is formed by one of the relatively movable components. Use of a position reporting device ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims for detecting the displacement position of a vehicle seat, which has a movable seat rail ( 20 ), which relative to a fixedly connected to the vehicle floor mounting rail ( 21 ) is displaceable, wherein the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ), which has at least one bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) and the flux concentrator (s) ( 5 ; 6 . 7 ) on the moving Seat rail ( 21 ) or on the mounting rail ( 20 ) and on the other rail an interrogation plate ( 22 ) is mounted, which in the receiving gap ( 12 ) between the magnetic field-sensitive sensor ( 2 ) and the at least one bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) protrudes and during the displacement of the vehicle seat, the magnetic field of the biasing magnet ( 3 . 4 ). Use of the position signaling device according to claim 16, characterized in that the arrangement of sensor ( 2 ), Bias magnet ( 3 . 4 ) and flux concentrator (s) ( 5 ; 6 . 7 ) at a position of the vehicle seat inaccessible to the user of the vehicle, in particular on the inside of one of the rails ( 20 . 21 ) is arranged. Use of a position reporting device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1-15 for detecting the locking state of an engine hood and / or a tailgate of an automobile. Use of a position reporting device ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 1-15, for detecting a maximum gap width, for example, between a vehicle body and a hood and / or a tailgate before the final closing process. Use of a position reporting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1-15 for detecting the locking state of a fastening for a child seat at fixed attachment points in the automobile or a seat of a child seat on a fixedly mounted in the vehicle base unit. Use of a position reporting device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1-15 for detecting the locking state of a restraint device in a child seat.

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