DE102019116543A1 - MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat for motor vehicles, which involves the process steps of detecting the head position in the z-direction of a vehicle occupant, adjusting the headrest in the z-direction, detecting the head position in the x-direction of a vehicle occupant and adjusting the headrest in the x-direction, and a related device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat for motor vehicles, which involves the steps of detecting the head position in the z-direction of a vehicle occupant, adjusting the headrest in the z-direction, detecting the head position in the x-direction of a vehicle occupant and adjusting the headrest ( 2 ) in the x-direction, as well as a related device.

State of the art

Motor vehicle seats with adjustable headrests are used in modern motor vehicles in order to increase the safety of the occupants. In the event of a rear-end collision in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, i.e. if e.g. When one vehicle hits another, the body of the occupant of the vehicle in front is pressed quickly and strongly backwards into the seat. At the same time, the head jumps back and the neck can be overstretched. As a result, an inmate can suffer a whiplash injury, or in extreme cases a broken neck. A headrest absorbs the sudden backward movement of the head. In order to reduce the risk of whiplash, it is desirable while driving in the motor vehicle to position the headrest as close as possible to the back of the occupant's head or the back of the head should lie directly against the headrest. In addition, when the headrest is in a position that is suitable for him, the occupant can lean his head and assume a comfortable resting position. A headrest that can be individually adjusted for each user in the longitudinal and vertical position thus increases the comfort and in particular the safety of the user while driving.

DE 103 34 063 A1 presents a restraint system for a motor vehicle seat that adjusts the inflation rate of an airbag to the physical stature and weight of the occupant, their seating position and the severity of the accident. For this purpose, various sensors are installed in the motor vehicle and in the motor vehicle seat itself, the data of which are combined in a control device which in turn actuates the airbag in the event of an accident. The motor vehicle seat itself has a mass sensor in the seat cushion for detecting the weight of the occupant. One or more radar sensors that detect the position of the occupant are installed in the interior, preferably in the roof area of the motor vehicle.

This restraint system can in principle also be used to adjust the headrest of a motor vehicle seat. However, the positions of the radar sensors in the interior must be configured for different vehicles. The installation of the sensors is therefore complex and cost-intensive.

Furthermore, the DE 100 53 917 A1 a seat weight measuring device in which the load sensor is arranged under a load transfer plate connected to the seat frame. The seat is connected to the floor panel of the vehicle interior via two front brackets and the load transfer plate together with the load sensor. This means that only one sensor is required.

The patent specification DE 10 2008 000 076 A1 shows a method for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, in which an occupancy sensor and an optional second sensor are present in the headrest. The occupancy sensor generates a first signal on the basis of which the headrest is adjusted into a safety position. A second signal, preferably from the sensor built into the headrest, triggers an adjustment of the headrest into the individual position. An occupant can only manually adjust the headrest to the safety position. If the system fails, the occupant is not able to adjust the headrest manually to an individual position.

The sensor built into the headrest is preferably an optical or an ultrasonic sensor. Optical systems have the disadvantage that reliable detection is impaired by all types of visible interference, such as hair, and they are sensitive to contamination. In addition, optical systems are difficult to incorporate into a headrest. Ultrasonic sensors are relatively expensive, and no objects are reliably detected at close range.

DE 10 2009 027 725 A1 introduces a headrest that has a microwave sensor (radar sensor). This sensor serves both as an occupancy sensor and as a trigger for adjusting the headrest to an individual position. The microwave sensor is made up of two components (transmitter and receiver) that are electrically connected to each other. The sensor is therefore relatively complex to install in the headrest. The emitted radiation is aligned by means of a patch antenna array, which means that the radiation area is restricted. Due to the frequency of the microwave sensor used, however, the distance of the head of an occupant from the headrest in the close range (a few cm) cannot be reliably determined. In addition, if the system fails, this headrest cannot be adjusted manually by the occupant either; in such a case, the headrest automatically moves into a default position.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat which reliably determines the distance between the head and the headrest and can be easily and inexpensively integrated into a motor vehicle seat. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, which method offers the occupant the possibility of manually adjusting the headrest to a position that is individual to him if the system fails.

The object is achieved by the method according to the invention according to claim 1. Further advantageous developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

The inventive method for automatically adjusting a headrest of a motor vehicle seat has five method steps: In the first method step, a seat occupancy sensor is used to detect whether the motor vehicle seat is occupied by a vehicle occupant.

If the seat occupancy sensor does not detect any occupancy of the motor vehicle seat by an occupant, the method according to the invention is ended at this point and the headrest is not adjusted. The headrest is also not adjusted if the occupancy sensor detects that the vehicle seat is e.g. is occupied by a child seat or there are objects but no people on the vehicle seat. In the second method step, the head position of the vehicle occupant is detected in the z-direction. In the third step, the headrest is adjusted in the z-direction. In the fourth method step, the head position of the vehicle occupant is detected in the x direction. In the fifth step, the headrest is adjusted in the x direction.

The method according to the invention adjusts the headrest, which is adapted to the individual head position or posture of an occupant and consequently ensures occupant protection in the event of a crash. The headrest is adjusted by the method according to the invention first in the z-direction, then in the x-direction. To enable an occupant to adjust the headrest to a safe and comfortable individual position, the headrest can be adjusted manually at any time; the adjusting device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for automatic adjustment can thus be “overruled” by a user.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the head position of a vehicle occupant is detected in the z direction and in the x direction with the same sensor. Such a design saves space, is easy to implement in the motor vehicle seat and saves costs. Preferred is a sensor with which the head position can be reliably determined, e.g. an optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor and in particular a radar sensor in the microwave range.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the head position of a vehicle occupant is detected by means of a sensor built into the headrest. In order to accommodate the sensor in the most space-saving and particularly effective way possible, at least one sensor is integrated into the headrest.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the headrest is adjusted in the z direction in order to detect the head position of a vehicle occupant. For an optimal setting, the contact point of the back of the head of an occupant with the headrest is located in a region of the back of the head which, in side view, is defined by a line running horizontally through the occupant's eye and ear. The horizontal distance between the head and the headrest should be 3 cm. The headrest can thus optimally absorb the abrupt backward movement of the head in the event of a crash. The headrest is adjusted in the z-direction and scans for the head of the occupant.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the head position of a vehicle occupant is only detected when the seat occupancy sensor detects seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat. If the seat occupancy sensor does not detect any occupancy of the motor vehicle seat, a protective function of the headrest and thus its adjustment into an individual position is not necessary. The headrest is not adjusted automatically and remains in the initial position. The initial position is usually the position in which the headrest assumes the lowest adjustment position, m.a.W. has no adjustment in the direction of the x or z axis. However, there is always the possibility that a user can adjust the headrest manually, e.g. to attach objects or containers to or on the vehicle seat.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the headrest is only adjusted in the x-direction if an object is detected at a maximum distance from the headrest of at most 25 cm, preferably at most 20 cm and particularly preferably 15 cm. If the radar sensor detects the occupant's head at a distance of particularly preferably 15 cm, the headrest is adjusted by a motor in the x direction in such a way that the occupant's head is at a distance of 3 cm from the headrest. The headrest is now in the Ideal position to develop their protective effect in the event of a crash.

In a further aspect of the invention, the headrest is adjusted in the z-direction only when an object is detected at a maximum distance from the headrest of at most 2 cm, preferably at most 3 cm and particularly preferably 5 cm. If the radar sensor does not recognize the occupant's head at a distance of particularly preferably 5 cm, the headrest is adjusted by motor in the z-direction from the initial position until the occupant's head is recognized by the radar sensor.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the headrest is moved to an initial position if no object is detected in the x-direction at a maximum distance of at most 25 cm, preferably at most 20 cm and particularly preferably at most 15 cm from the headrest. If the head of an occupant is not detected even after the headrest has been adjusted in the z-direction, the control interprets this as a contradiction (contradicting statements from the seat occupancy sensor and radar sensor) and the headrest is adjusted to the initial position in order to avoid other occupants of the vehicle, in particular to enable the driver to have as clear a view to the rear as possible

In a further embodiment of the invention, the headrest is moved into an initial position when the seat occupancy sensor detects that a vehicle occupant has moved away from the seat. If the seat occupancy sensor does not detect any occupancy of the motor vehicle seat after the headrest has been adjusted into an individual position, because e.g. the occupant has left the motor vehicle seat, the headrest is automatically adjusted to the initial position in order to allow other occupants of the motor vehicle, in particular the driver, a clear and optimal view to the rear.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the position of the head of a vehicle occupant is detected by means of a radar sensor. The radar sensor is used to determine the position of the occupant's head and to determine the headrest-headrest distance. A radar sensor with an operating frequency of around 60 GHz, designed as a pulsed coherent radar, is preferred. The transmitter and receiver are built into a single chip, require only a few mW of power to operate and the chip can be easily integrated into the headrest due to its small size and light weight. Due to this design, the radar sensor is resistant to interference frequencies in the broadcasting sector, and the radar radiation emitted by the radar sensor is bundled in such a way that no subsequent focusing of the radar beam is necessary. In addition, the determination of the distance between the head and headrest is not influenced by the hairstyle or headgear of an occupant.

In a further development of the invention, the seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat is detected by means of a seat occupancy sensor. If the seat occupancy sensor does not detect any occupancy of the motor vehicle seat by an occupant, the method according to the invention is ended at this point and the headrest is not adjusted.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is installed in the backrest of the motor vehicle seat. This positioning of the seat occupancy sensor enables a more reliable differentiation whether the vehicle seat is being used by an occupant or e.g. is occupied by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat. When the vehicle seat is occupied by e.g. With a child seat or objects, an adjustment of the headrest into an individual position is not necessary, in fact not even desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the motor vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear.

In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is positioned within the upper half of the backrest. In this area, when the motor vehicle seat is occupied by an occupant, it can usually be assumed that the upper back area or the shoulder of the occupant rests against the backrest. In conventional motor vehicle seats, the seat occupancy sensor is built into the seat and likewise usually a pressure sensor. Such a seat occupancy sensor can generally indicate that the vehicle seat is being occupied by an occupant or by correspondingly heavy objects, e.g. a child seat, do not distinguish. When the vehicle seat is occupied by e.g. With a child seat or objects, an adjustment of the headrest into an individual position is not necessary, in fact not even desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the motor vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear. This positioning of the seat occupancy sensor according to the invention in the upper area of the backrest thus enables a more reliable differentiation whether the vehicle seat is being used by an occupant or e.g. is occupied by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the upper third of the backrest. In this area, when the motor vehicle seat is occupied by an occupant, it can usually be assumed that the occupant's shoulder rests on the backrest. In conventional motor vehicle seats, the seat occupancy sensor is built into the seat and likewise usually a pressure sensor. Such a seat occupancy sensor can generally not differentiate between occupancy of the motor vehicle seat by an occupant or correspondingly heavy objects, for example a child seat. If the vehicle seat is occupied by a child seat or objects, for example, an adjustment of the headrest to an individual position is not necessary, even not desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear. This inventive positioning of the seat occupancy sensor in the upper area of the backrest enables a more reliable distinction to be made between whether the vehicle seat is occupied by an occupant or, for example, by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat.

In a further aspect of the invention, the radar sensor is only activated when the seat occupancy sensor detects an object. If the seat occupancy sensor does not detect any occupancy of the motor vehicle seat, a protective function of the headrest and thus its adjustment into an individual position is not necessary. The headrest is not adjusted automatically and remains in the initial position. The initial position is usually the position in which the headrest assumes the lowest adjustment position, m.a.W. has no adjustment in the direction of the x or z axis. However, there is always the possibility that a user can adjust the headrest manually, e.g. to attach objects or containers to or on the vehicle seat.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar sensor is deactivated only after the adjustment has taken place. The individual position is reached, the headrest can develop its protective effect. It can also be provided that the radar sensor built into the headrest is activated for a short time at regular time intervals (e.g. every 1 s) in order to check the position of the occupant's head to determine whether the relative head-headrest position is still this way that the headrest can develop its protective effect in the event of a crash. This can be the case in particular if the occupant has changed the inclination of the backrest. In this case, the control can readjust the headrest.

The object is also achieved by the device according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat according to claim 17.

The inventive device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat for motor vehicles has an adjustment device for adjusting the headrest relative to the seat back both in the x-direction and in the z-direction, a motor for adjusting the headrest relative to the seat back in both the x-direction as well as in the z-direction, a seat occupancy sensor and a controller for controlling the motor and the seat occupancy sensor. According to the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the backrest.

This positioning of the seat occupancy sensor enables a more reliable differentiation whether the vehicle seat is being used by an occupant or e.g. is occupied by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat. When the vehicle seat is occupied by e.g. With a child seat or objects, an adjustment of the headrest into an individual position is not necessary, in fact not even desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the motor vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear.

The adjustment device is understood to mean any mechanical and / or electronic device with which the headrest can be adjusted and positioned relative to the backrest of the motor vehicle seat. The controller takes over the evaluation of the signals from the sensors and the control of the adjustment device. It can implement the adjustment of the headrest in response to a control signal from the control unit and for this purpose it can be connected to further or matching sensors that allow it to determine actual data of the position of the vehicle occupant or of target data of the headrest position. These functionalities can also be provided by the control unit, and the adjustment device only performs the setting specified by the control unit. In addition, the adjustment device has a necessary motor drive.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar sensor is built into the headrest. In order to accommodate the sensor in the most space-saving and particularly effective way possible, at least one sensor is integrated into the headrest.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the radar sensor can only be activated when the seat occupancy sensor detects an object. Detects the Seat occupancy sensor no occupancy of the motor vehicle seat, a protective function of the headrest and thus its adjustment into an individual position is not necessary. The headrest is not adjusted automatically and remains in the initial position. The initial position is usually the position in which the headrest assumes the lowermost adjustment position, in other words it has no adjustment in the direction of the x or z axis. However, there is always the possibility that a user can adjust the headrest manually, for example in order to attach objects or containers to or on the motor vehicle seat.

In a particularly advantageous development of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is positioned within the upper half of the backrest. In this area, when the motor vehicle seat is occupied by an occupant, it can usually be assumed that the upper back area or the shoulder of the occupant rests against the backrest. In conventional motor vehicle seats, the seat occupancy sensor is built into the seat and likewise usually a pressure sensor. Such a seat occupancy sensor can generally indicate that the vehicle seat is being occupied by an occupant or by correspondingly heavy objects, e.g. a child seat, do not distinguish. When the vehicle seat is occupied by e.g. With a child seat or objects, an adjustment of the headrest into an individual position is not necessary, in fact not even desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the motor vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear. This positioning of the seat occupancy sensor according to the invention in the upper area of the backrest thus enables a more reliable differentiation whether the vehicle seat is being used by an occupant or e.g. is occupied by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the upper third of the backrest. In this area, when the motor vehicle seat is occupied by an occupant, it can usually be assumed that the occupant's shoulder rests on the backrest. In conventional motor vehicle seats, the seat occupancy sensor is built into the seat and likewise usually a pressure sensor. Such a seat occupancy sensor can generally indicate that the vehicle seat is being occupied by an occupant or by correspondingly heavy objects, e.g. a child seat, do not distinguish. When the vehicle seat is occupied by e.g. With a child seat or objects, an adjustment of the headrest into an individual position is not necessary, in fact not even desirable, because the headrest in the individual position can impair the unobstructed view to the rear of the other occupants of the motor vehicle. Adjusting the headrest to the initial position (lowest position of the headrest) enables the best possible view to the rear. This positioning of the seat occupancy sensor according to the invention in the upper area of the backrest thus enables a more reliable differentiation whether the vehicle seat is being used by an occupant or e.g. is occupied by a child seat or objects than when the seat occupancy sensor is positioned in the seat.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the seat occupancy sensor is suitable for detecting the position of the head of an occupant. With this advantageous design, the seat occupancy sensor is able to detect the head of an occupant who is small in size, e.g. a child's head. In this case, the head can usually no longer be detected by the radar sensor built into the headrest.

Embodiments of the method according to the invention for automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat and of a device according to the invention for automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

• 1 Seitenansicht des Kraftfahrzeugsitzes, der mittels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens und der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung verstellbar ist.
• 2 a Detailansicht der Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur automatischen Justage einer Kopfstütze eines Kraftfahrzeugsitzes, Justage in z-Richtung.
• 2 b Detailansicht der Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur automatischen Justage einer Kopfstütze eines Kraftfahrzeugsitzes, Justage in z-Richtung.
• 3 a Detailansicht der Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur automatischen Justage einer Kopfstütze eines Kraftfahrzeugsitzes, Justage in x-Richtung.
• 3 b Detailansicht der Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur automatischen Justage einer Kopfstütze eines Kraftfahrzeugsitzes, Justage in x-Richtung.
• 4 Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur automatischen Justage einer Kopfstütze 3 eines Kraftfahrzeugsitzes.

Show it:

• 1 Side view of the motor vehicle seat which is adjustable by means of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention.
• 2 a Detailed view of the execution of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, adjustment in the z-direction.
• 2 B Detailed view of the execution of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, adjustment in the z-direction.
• 3 a Detailed view of the execution of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, adjustment in the x-direction.
• 3 b Detailed view of the execution of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest of a motor vehicle seat, adjustment in the x-direction.
• 4th Flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat.

1 shows an adjustable motor vehicle seat 1 , which is adjustable by means of the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention. In the context of this document, the adjustment in the x direction denotes an adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle seat 1 , an adjustment in the z-direction an adjustment in the vertical perpendicular to the x-direction. The motor vehicle seat 1 has a seat 2 , a backrest 4th as well as a headrest 3 on.

The headrest 3 is at the top of the backrest 4th mounted and the head 11 of an inmate 10 so facing that the head 11 of the inmate 10 on the headrest 3 is present or can be present. The headrest 3 is adjustable in x and z directions. In the headrest 3 is an adjustment device 5 for automatic adjustment of the headrest 3 built in, which is able to determine distances in the cm range.

The adjustment device 5 has a seat occupancy sensor 6th on, which is advantageously in the upper third of the backrest 4th is positioned. The seat occupancy sensor 6th detects seat occupancy by an occupant 10 eg by means of ultrasound or pressure measurement. Other methods for recognizing seat occupancy are also conceivable, for example an optical system using a camera.

The device has an adjusting device 5 on that by means of a motor 9 the headrest 3 can be adjusted in the x-direction and in the z-direction. For determining the distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is also in the headrest 3 a radar sensor 7th built-in. A radar sensor is preferred 7th with an operating frequency of around 60 GHz, designed as a pulsed coherent radar. The transmitter and receiver are built into a single chip and only need a few mW of power to operate.

Because of this design, the radar sensor 7th Resistant to interference frequencies in broadcasting, and is also that of the radar sensor 7th Emitted radar radiation is bundled in such a way that no subsequent focusing of the radar beam is necessary. It also determines the distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 through an inmate's hairstyle or headgear 10 unaffected.
One control 8th receives the signals from the seat occupancy sensor 6th as well as radar sensor 7th and detects the position of the headrest 3 . The control 8th controls the adjustment device 5 in such a way that the adjusting device 5 taking the individual position of the headrest 3 realized. The control is also responsible for executing the adjustment 8th monitored and registered.

The inventive method 100 for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat 1 has five process steps: In the first process step 110 is by means of the seat occupancy sensor 6th a seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat 1 by an inmate 10 detected. In the second step 120 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 detected in the z-direction. In the third process step 130 becomes the headrest 3 adjusted in z-direction. In the fourth process step 140 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 detected in the x direction. In the fifth process step 150 becomes the headrest 3 adjusted in x-direction. Using the in the headrest 3 built-in radar sensor 7th will be during the procedure 100 both the head position 11 of the inmate 10 detected in the z-direction as well as in the x-direction. After the headrest has been adjusted 3 becomes the radar sensor 7th deactivated.

A detailed view of the implementation of the method according to the invention for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat 1 shows 2 . The motor vehicle seat 1 has a seat 2 , a backrest 4th as well as a headrest 3 on. The headrest 3 is at the top of the backrest 4th mounted and the head 11 of an inmate 10 so facing that the head 11 of the inmate 10 on the headrest 3 is present or can be present. The headrest 3 is adjustable in x and z directions. In the headrest 3 is an adjustment device 5 for automatic adjustment of the headrest 3 built in, which is able to determine distances in the cm range.

The adjustment device 5 has a seat occupancy sensor 6th on that in the seat 4th is positioned. The seat occupancy sensor 6th detects seat occupancy by an occupant 10 eg by means of ultrasound or pressure measurement. The device has an adjusting device 5 on that by means of a motor 9 the headrest 3 can be adjusted in the x-direction and in the z-direction. For determining the distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is in the headrest 3 a radar sensor 7th built-in.

The inventive method 100 for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat 1 has five process steps: In the first process step 110 is by means of the seat occupancy sensor 6th a seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat 1 by an inmate 10 detected. In the second step 120 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 by means of the radar sensor 7th detected in the z-direction. In the third process step 130 becomes the headrest 3 by means of a motor 9 adjusted in z-direction ( 2 a) . The adjustment 130 in z-direction only occurs when the maximum distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is more than 2 cm, particularly preferably more than 5 cm. This choice of spacing is in the control 8th Irrelevant signals are ignored, which are caused, for example, by objects that are in the radiation range of the radar sensor 7th are located. In the fourth process step 140 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 by means of the radar sensor 7th detected in the x direction. In the fifth process step 150 becomes the headrest 3 by means of a motor 9 adjusted in x-direction ( 2 B) . The adjustment in the x-direction only takes place when the maximum distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is more than 25 cm, particularly preferably more than 15 cm. This means that irrelevant signals are also ignored.

After adjustment 130 , 150 the headrest 3 becomes the radar sensor 7th deactivated. The contact point is at the back of the head for optimal adjustment 11 of an inmate 10 with the headrest 3 in one area of the back of the head 11 looking in side view with a horizontally through the eye and ear of the occupant 10 running line is defined. The horizontal distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 should be 3 cm. The headrest 3 so can the abrupt backward movement of the head 11 optimal recovery in the event of a crash.

A detailed view of the implementation of the method according to the invention 100 for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 in the z-direction of a motor vehicle seat 1 shows 3 . The motor vehicle seat 1 has a seat 2 , a backrest 4th as well as a headrest 3 on. The headrest 3 is at the top of the backrest 4th mounted and the head 11 of an inmate 10 so facing that the head 11 of the inmate 10 on the headrest 3 is present or can be present. The headrest 3 is adjustable in x and z directions. In the headrest 3 is an adjustment device 5 for automatic adjustment of the headrest 3 built in, which is able to determine distances in the cm range. The adjustment device 5 has a seat occupancy sensor 6th on that in the seat 4th is positioned. The seat occupancy sensor 6th detects seat occupancy by an occupant 10 eg by means of ultrasound or pressure measurement. The device has an adjusting device 5 on that by means of a motor 9 the headrest 3 can be adjusted in the x-direction and in the z-direction. For determining the distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is in the headrest 3 a radar sensor 7th built-in.

The inventive method 100 for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat 1 has five process steps: In the first process step 110 is by means of the seat occupancy sensor 6th a seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat 1 by an inmate 10 detected.

In the second step 120 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 by means of the radar sensor 7th detected in the z-direction. In the third process step 130 becomes the headrest 3 by means of a motor 9 adjusted in z-direction ( 3 a, b ). The adjustment in the z-direction only takes place when the maximum distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is more than 2 cm, particularly preferably more than 5 cm. This choice of spacing is in the control 8th Irrelevant signals are ignored, which are caused, for example, by objects that are in the radiation range of the radar sensor 7th are located. In the fourth process step 140 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 by means of the radar sensor 7th detected in the x direction. In the fifth process step, the headrest 3 by means of a motor 9 adjusted in x-direction. The adjustment in the x-direction only takes place when the maximum distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 is more than 25 cm, particularly preferably more than 15 cm. This means that irrelevant signals are also ignored.

After the headrest has been adjusted 3 becomes the radar sensor 7th deactivated. The contact point is at the back of the head for optimal adjustment 11 of an inmate 10 with the headrest 3 in one area of the back of the head 11 looking in side view with a horizontally through the eye and ear of the occupant 10 running line is defined. The horizontal distance from the head 11 to headrest 3 should be 3 cm. The headrest 3 so can the abrupt backward movement of the head 11 optimal recovery in the event of a crash.

4th shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention 100 for the automatic adjustment of a headrest 3 a motor vehicle seat 1 . In the first process step 110 becomes a seat occupancy by an occupant 10 by means of the seat occupancy sensor 6th detected. The seat occupancy sensor 6th is usually activated when the door of the motor vehicle is unlocked or opened. The seat occupancy sensor detects 6th no occupancy of the vehicle seat 1 , breaks the inventive method 100 from here. The headrest 3 is not adjusted automatically and remains in the initial position. The initial position is usually the position in which the headrest 3 assumes the lowest adjustment position, ie no adjustment in the direction of the x or z axis. But there is always the possibility that a user can use the headrest 3 Can be adjusted manually, for example around objects or containers on or on the motor vehicle seat 1 to fix.

In the next process step 120 becomes the head position 11 of the inmate 10 by means of the radar sensor 7th detected in the z-direction. The radar sensor detects 7th at a distance of particularly preferably 15 cm the head 11 of the inmate 10 , becomes the headrest 3 in the x-direction in this way by means of a motor 9 that disguises the head 11 of the inmate 10 at a distance of 3 cm from the headrest 3 is located. The headrest 3 is now in the Ideal position to develop their protective effect in the event of a crash. The procedure 100 is finished at this point, the radar sensor 7th will be deactivated.

Detects the radar sensor 7th at a distance of particularly preferably 15 cm the head 11 of the inmate 10 not, the headrest will 3 from the initial position by means of a motor 9 Adjusted in z-direction until the head is within 15 cm 11 of the inmate 10 from the radar sensor 7th is recognized. If not recognized, it will also be used after the adjustment 120 the headrest 3 in the z-direction of the head 11 of an inmate 10 not detected, this is done by the control 8th interpreted as a contradiction (contradicting statements from seat occupancy sensor 6th and radar sensor 7th ) and the headrest 3 adjusted to the initial position, the process 100 The radar sensor breaks off here 7th will be deactivated.

Detected 140 the radar sensor 7th at a distance of particularly preferably 15 cm the head 11 of the inmate 10 , becomes the headrest 3 in the x-direction in this way by means of a motor 9 disguised 150 that the head 11 of the inmate 10 at a distance of 3 cm from the headrest 3 is located. The headrest 3 is now in the on the occupant 10 individually tailored ideal position to develop their protective effect in the event of a crash. The procedure 100 is finished at this point, the radar sensor 7th will be deactivated. The headrest has been adjusted 3 can the inmate 10 can be indicated by, for example, an optical and / or acoustic signal.

It can also be provided that the in the headrest 3 built-in radar sensor 7th at regular time intervals (e.g. every 1 s) is activated for a short time to the position of the head 11 of the inmate 10 to check whether the relative position of head 11 and headrest 3 is still such that the headrest 3 can develop their protective effect in the event of a crash. This may especially not be the case if the occupant 10 his sitting position or the inclination of the backrest 4th has changed. In this case the controller can 8th the headrest 3 readjust.

When the seat occupancy sensor 6th after adjusting the headrest 3 in an individual position, no seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat 1 detected because, for example, the occupant 10 the motor vehicle seat 1 left the headrest 3 automatically adjusted to the initial position to allow other occupants 10 of the motor vehicle, in particular the driver, to enable as clear a view as possible to the rear.

To an inmate 10 the adjustment of the headrest 3 The headrest can enable a safe and comfortable individual position 3 can be adjusted manually at any time, the adjusting device according to the invention 5 and the method according to the invention 100 for automatic adjustment it can therefore be "overruled" by a user.

List of reference symbols

1

Motor vehicle seat

2

Seat

3

headrest

4th

backrest

5

Adjusting device

6th

Seat occupancy sensor

7th

Radar sensor

8th

control

9

engine

10

inmate

11

head

100

Procedure for the automatic adjustment of a headrest

110

Detection of seat occupancy

120

Detection of the head position in the z-direction

130

Adjustment of the headrest in the z-direction

140

Detection of the head position in the x direction

150

Adjustment of the headrest in the x-direction.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 10334063 A1 [0003]
• DE 10053917 A1 [0005]
• DE 102008000076 A1 [0006]
• DE 102009027725 A1 [0008]

Claims (22)

Method (100) for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles, comprising the following method steps: • In the first method step (120), the head position (11) of a vehicle occupant (10) is detected in the z direction • In the second process step (130), the headrest (3) is adjusted in the z-direction • In the third method step (140), the head position (11) of a vehicle occupant (10) is detected in the x direction • In the fourth method step (150), the headrest (3) is adjusted in the x direction. Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles Claim 1 characterized in that the detection (140) of the head position (11) in the x direction of a vehicle occupant (10) and the detection (120) of the head position (11) in the z direction of a vehicle occupant (10) are carried out with the same sensor (7) becomes. Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles Claim 1 or 2 characterized in that this takes place by means of a sensor (7) located in the headrest (3). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 3 characterized in that for the detection (120) of the head position (11) in the z-direction the headrest (3) is moved in the z-direction. Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 4th characterized in that the detection (120, 140) of the head position (11) only takes place when the seat occupancy sensor (6) detects (110) seat occupancy. Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the adjustment (150) of the headrest (3) in the x-direction only takes place when an object is detected at a maximum distance of at most 25 cm, preferably at most 20 cm and particularly preferably at most 15 cm from the headrest (3) . Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 6th characterized in that the adjustment (130) of the headrest (3) in the z-direction only takes place if an object is detected at a maximum distance of greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm and particularly preferably greater than 5 cm, from the headrest (3) . Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 7th characterized in that the headrest (3) is moved to an initial position if no object is detected in the x-direction at a maximum distance of at most 25 cm, preferably at most 20 cm and particularly preferably at most 15 cm from the headrest (3). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 8th characterized in that the headrest (3) is moved into an initial position when the seat occupancy sensor (6) detects that an occupant (10) has moved away from the seat (2). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the position of the head (11) of an occupant (10) is detected by means of a radar sensor (7). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the seat occupancy of the motor vehicle seat (1) takes place by means of a seat occupancy sensor (6). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is positioned in the backrest (4). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 12th characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is positioned in the upper half of the backrest (4). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is positioned in the upper third of the backrest (4). Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 14th characterized in that the radar sensor (7) is only activated when the seat occupancy sensor (6) detects an object. Method (100) for automatically adjusting a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 15th characterized in that the radar sensor (7) is only deactivated after the adjustment (120, 140) has been carried out. Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles, comprising • an adjusting device (5) for adjusting the headrest (3) relative to the seat back (4) in the z-direction • an adjusting device (5) for adjustment the headrest (3) relative to the seat back (4) in the x-direction • a motor (9) for adjusting the headrest (3) relative to the seat back (4) in the x-direction and / or z-direction • a seat occupancy sensor (6) • a controller (8) for controlling the motor (9) and / or the seat occupancy sensor (6), characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is mounted in the backrest (4). Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles Claim 17 characterized in that the radar sensor (7) is arranged in the headrest (3). Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 17 to 18th characterized in that the radar sensor (7) can only be activated when the seat occupancy sensor (6) detects an object (110). Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 17 to 19th characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is positioned in the upper half of the backrest (4). Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 17 to 20th characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is positioned in the upper third of the backrest (4). Device for the automatic adjustment of a headrest (3) of a motor vehicle seat (1) for motor vehicles according to one or more of the Claims 17 to 21st characterized in that the seat occupancy sensor (6) is suitable for detecting the position of the head (11) of an occupant (10).

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