DE102022121766A1 - Seating device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Seat device for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (3), as well as one or more holding elements (4) designed to attach a child seat (18), which enable the attachment of a child seat (18) in one or more defined attachment positions the seat surface (2), a backrest section (11) being provided on the backrest (3) in the area of at least one fastening position, which moves about a pivot axis (12) from a closed position in which it is integrated into the backrest (3), can be pivoted into an open position in which it is pivoted out of the backrest (3) for the reversible opening and closing of a backrest opening (20).

Description

The invention relates to a seat device for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat and a backrest as well as one or more holding elements designed to fasten a child seat, which enable a child seat to be fastened in one or more defined fastening positions on the seat.

Seating devices for motor vehicles, usually in the form of rear bench seats extending from one side of the vehicle to the opposite side of the vehicle or in the form of individual seats, have long had special holding elements, usually ISOFIX brackets, which serve to securely and standardized fastening of child seats on the seating device. These holding elements make it possible to fix such a child seat in excellent sitting positions. A seating device in the form of a back seat often has a shaped right and left seating area on the seat surface, often also on the backrest, while there is, for example, a storage area in the middle. The holding elements are arranged in such a way that a child seat can be arranged precisely on such a seating area as a defined fastening position. Such a rear seat device or rear seat bench is available, for example WO 2019/080770 A1 known.

While child seats for older or larger children can be installed forward-facing, i.e. towards the front of the vehicle, child seats for small children must be installed rear-facing, i.e. towards the rear of the vehicle, due to legal regulations, so that the small child also sits facing backwards. Depending on the regulations, for example, babies and small children up to a weight of 9 kg may not be placed forward-facing in the vehicle, or up to an age of 15 months.

If a baby or toddler is positioned rear-facing, the baby or toddler may sometimes bump their feet against the backrest, as the child seat usually connects directly to the backrest.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a seating device that is improved in comparison.

To solve this problem, in a seat device of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided according to the invention that a backrest section is provided on the backrest in the area of at least one fastening position, which moves about a pivot axis from a closed position, in which it is integrated into the backrest, into an open position, in which it is pivoted out of the backrest, can be pivoted to reversibly open and close a backrest opening.

The seat device according to the invention, which is a rear seat device in the form of a rear seat or an individual seat, but can also be a passenger seat, for example, has at least one flap-like backrest section, which is assigned to a defined fastening position in which a child seat can be mounted rear-facing is. The backrest section is therefore ultimately an extension of the fastening position. This flap-like backrest section can be pivoted backwards, i.e. away from the seat, between a closed position and an open position, so that when pivoted into the open position, a backrest opening on the backrest can be opened, which allows the baby or toddler to put their legs in the Backrest opening can slide and therefore no longer abuts the backrest as before, which is disadvantageous for seating comfort. In the closed position, the backrest section is integrated into the backrest, thus providing an appropriate contact surface when either an older person is sitting in the back seat or when a forward-facing child seat is installed for older children. However, if a rear-facing seat is installed to accommodate a baby or small child, it is possible to open the backrest opening in a simple manner by pivoting the flap-like backrest section and thus considerably improve the seating comfort.

In a further development of the invention, the backrest section can expediently be pivoted with its upper end about a horizontal axis. The upper end of the flap-like backrest section, which is positioned adjacent or closer to the upper edge of the backrest, is therefore pivotally mounted, with the lower end of the flap-like backrest section pivoting backwards towards the trunk of the vehicle in the case of a rear seat device, so that the backrest opening accordingly opens large in the lower backrest area, exactly where the baby or toddler's legs are.

The backrest section is expediently fixed in the closed position and/or in the open position via a locking device that can be released for pivoting. Preferably, of course, both positions are appropriately locked and secured so that the backrest section does not pivot unintentionally. While locking the backrest section in the closed position ensures that the backrest section integrated into the backrest also can be loaded accordingly, just by a person leaning on it, the locking in the swung open position ensures on the one hand that the backrest section does not swing back in an uncontrolled manner. On the other hand, this ensures that the swiveled backrest section does not swing back again even if there is any load from the trunk side, for example from a piece of luggage or the like slipping against it, and the weight of the piece of luggage can press against the stretched legs of the baby or toddler.

The locking device can be released either manually in the closed position and/or in the open position, for which purpose, for example, a corresponding release button or release lever is provided, which can be actuated by a person in order to release the lock. This locking button or locking lever then also indicates, if necessary, that the locking mechanism engages again in the closed or open position, meaning that the backrest section is locked. According to the invention, as an alternative to manual release, the locking device can also be released automatically in the closed position and/or in the open position. Here, the locking is released via a control device which controls a corresponding actuator, which releases the locking and, if necessary, if this does not occur automatically by locking, also locks it again in the respective end position. For example, the driver can initiate the automatic release via a menu item on a display, or by pressing a push button which, for example, is arranged on the rear seat device, similar to the case of manual unlocking, or similar.

In a further development of the invention, a sensor device can be provided for detecting the presence of a child seat in the fastening position. The occupancy of a fastening position with a child seat is recorded via this sensor device. If the occupancy of a child seat is recorded, this information can be displayed, for example, immediately before starting the journey, so that the driver can check again that it has been installed correctly and various functions can be controlled depending on the detection result. It is even conceivable that the journey will only be released when the driver confirms, for example, that the child seat has been properly fastened on a display. The sensor device is attached or communicates expediently via a vehicle bus, so that the detection information can be picked up at any point if necessary.

The sensor device is preferably designed to detect the occupancy status of the holding element or elements. This means that the sensor device is able or set up to detect whether a corresponding fastening element of the child seat is attached to one or more holding elements, and therefore whether a child seat is fixed to the ISOFIX holding elements or ISOFIX interfaces or not. The child seat installation is immediately detected via this sensor device after the holding elements or ISOFIX elements are immediately monitored in their occupancy status. This can be used to determine not only the occupancy, but also the correct attachment to such a holding element and, if necessary, an information signal can be sent to the driver if problems are identified. As a rule, the child seat has to be attached to two holding elements. If the fixation is determined on only one holding element, a reaction can be made via an information signal or through further interventions.

As described, automatic release of the locking device can be provided at least in the closed position, but also in the open position. If a sensor device is used to detect the presence of a child seat or in particular the occupancy status of the holding elements, an expedient development of the invention provides that the locking device can be automatically released at least in the closed position depending on the detection result of the sensor device. This means that the automatic release of the lock in the closed position only occurs when the sensor device actually detects the presence of a seat, especially a correctly assembled seat. The control device then controls a corresponding actuator, which unlocks the lock so that the flap-like backrest section can be pivoted backwards. For this final pivoting, it may then only be necessary for the operator to press the backrest section a little more forcefully towards the trunk, for example in order to release it from a locking position and swing it out.

Furthermore, at least one airbag device can be provided on the backrest, which is assigned to a fastening position. This airbag device can be used to protect a rear-facing baby or toddler and can be deployed with its airbag if a collision occurs. This airbag device is expediently located above the pivotable backrest section, in particular pivotable about the horizontal axis, and is therefore permanently installed and is not moved when the backrest section is pivoted.

It is expedient here if the function of the airbag device can be controlled depending on the detection result of the sensor device. Since this airbag device ultimately only serves to protect a baby or toddler sitting backwards, its function is therefore only required if it is ensured that such a baby or toddler is in the appropriate position. If it is consequently detected via the sensor device that a child seat and also a baby or toddler are arranged in the excellent fastening position, the airbag device can be switched on or activated based on this detection result, so that it ignites in the event of a collision and the airbag deploys. If no installed child seat or a child seat that is not occupied is detected, the airbag device remains switched off because it is not needed if an older person has taken a seat on the rear seat device or if a forward-facing child seat is installed to accommodate larger or older children becomes.

On the one hand, the sensor device can detect the occupancy or assembly status of the holding elements or ISOFIX element. However, it can also additionally include a camera which detects whether a child seat is mounted rear-facing and/or whether a baby or toddler sitting in the child seat is sitting rear-facing. Sometimes forward-facing child seats are also secured via the retaining elements, so that additional verification of a rear-facing arrangement of the child seat or baby or toddler via the interior camera is useful.

Finally, it can be provided that the backrest section has a cushion section directed towards the seat surface, which is detachably arranged on a support of the backrest section. The backrest section is therefore at least in two parts. On the one hand, it has the pivotally mounted support, which forms the backrest section towards the trunk. On the other hand, a detachable padding section is arranged on the carrier, which faces the interior and also forms or defines the backrest surface. This can now be removed from the wearer if necessary so that the padded section is not dirty by the baby or toddler's shoes. In addition, the backrest opening is of course further enlarged, since the upholstery section is of course correspondingly thick. If this thicker padding section is removed, the opening size is consequently expanded.

In addition to the seat device, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising at least one seat device of the type described above. This seat device is preferably a rear seat device and in particular is designed as a continuous rear seat bench extending from one side of the vehicle to the other side.

• 1 eine Prinzipdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Sitzeinrichtung in Form einer Rücksitzeinrichtung,
• 2 eine Prinzipdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Rücksitzeinrichtung aus 1 mit in der Schließstellung befindlichem Lehnenabschnitt, und
• 3 eine Prinzipdarstellung des Kraftfahrzeugs aus 2 mit auf der Rücksitzeinrichtung befindlichem Kindersitz nebst Passagier sowie in die Offenstellung ausgeschwenktem Lehnenabschnitt.

Further advantages and details of the present invention emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. Show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a seat device according to the invention in the form of a rear seat device,
• 2 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle according to the invention with a rear seat device 1 with the backrest section in the closed position, and
• 3 a schematic representation of the motor vehicle 2 with the child seat and passenger located on the rear seat and the backrest section swung out into the open position.

1 shows a seat device according to the invention in the form of a rear seat device 1 for a motor vehicle. The rear seat device comprises a seat surface 2, which is formed via corresponding seat cushion elements, and a backrest 3, which is also formed from a corresponding backrest frame or backrest support with corresponding cushioning elements. The upholstery elements are covered with fabric or leather, for example. Furthermore, several holding elements 4 are provided, for example in the form of ISOFIX elements, which enable a child seat to be fastened in a total of three fastening positions defined here. In the example shown, the seat surface 2 is formed by three seat surface components 5, which are arranged next to one another, just as the backrest is formed by three backrest components 6, which are also arranged next to one another, so that overall a back seat-like configuration results. Each of the three seat components 5 has two such holding elements 4 assigned to them, so that each seat component 5 represents a defined, excellent fastening position for a child seat, which is fixed to the two assigned holding elements 4. Each holding element 4 is assigned, as part of a sensor device 7, a sensor 8, which can be used to detect whether a fastening element of a child seat is attached to the respective holding element 4 and, if necessary, also whether the fixation has taken place correctly. The sensor elements 8 communicate with a control device 9, via which the actions described below can be controlled.

In the example shown, the sensor device 7 optionally includes a camera 10, which is arranged in the interior of the vehicle and it makes it possible to observe the rear seat device 1. This can be used to determine whether there is a child seat in one of the fastening positions and whether a person is sitting on it who is facing backwards, i.e. looking towards the rear of the vehicle. This can be used to verify, if necessary additionally, whether there is occupancy and a baby or toddler positioned backwards is sitting in the child seat.

Furthermore, each backrest component 6 of the backrest 3 has a flap-like backrest section 11, which is arranged in the area of its upper end in a pivotally mounted manner about a pivot axis 12 on the backrest 3 or a corresponding backrest frame or backrest support. This means that the respective backrest section 11 individually moves from a closed position, in which it is integrated into the backrest 3 or the backrest component 6, backwards towards the trunk of the vehicle, i.e. away from the seat 2, with its lower end into an open position can be pivoted in order to be able to reversibly open a backrest opening, i.e. a kind of leg tunnel.

In the closed position, as well as in the open position, each flap-like backrest section is releasably locked via a locking device 13, so that it is securely fixed and in the closed position can easily be loaded with the weight of a person sitting on the seat. Even in the open position, the backrest section 11 is secured against uncontrolled swinging back, which also prevents the luggage from slipping in the trunk, which runs against the swung-open backrest section 11 and presses it shut. The locking devices 13 also communicate with the control device 9 and can therefore be automatically controlled via this to release the lock. This control can take place depending on the detection result of the sensor device, which means that automatic release and unlocking can take place if it has been detected that, on the one hand, a child seat is in one of the excellent fastening positions, and on the other hand, the baby or toddler on it is facing backwards the backrest 3 looks. This unlocking can, for example, also be initiated by the driver, who selects a field in an operating menu or presses a corresponding operating button or the like. In the case of unlocking, a corresponding actuator, not shown in detail, is controlled via the control device 9, which then unlocks the respective locking device 13. However, this automatic release of the lock is optional; alternatively, a purely manual release by pressing a release button or pulling a release lever or similar can also be provided.

Furthermore, shown here in dashed lines, an airbag device 14 is installed in each backrest component 6 on the backrest 3, which serves to protect a rear-facing baby or toddler who has sat down over his child seat in a fastening position. The air bag folds up towards the seat surface 2, so that the baby or toddler, who is secured with the backrest of the child seat in the direction of travel, is protected in the opposite direction by the air bag. The function of the airbag devices 14 can in turn be controlled or switched via the control device 9. They are only activated if it is ensured that a rear-facing child seat is installed in one or the other mounting position and that there is a baby or toddler in the child seat. Only if such an occupancy is verified can the assigned airbag device 14 deploy in the event of a collision. This can in turn be detected and controlled precisely via the sensor device 7 and the control device 9.

2 shows a motor vehicle 15 according to the invention, in which a rear seat device 1 according to the invention is installed on the back as described above. In 1 the rear seat device 1 is shown in the basic position, the backrest section 11 shown here as an example is in the closed position, in which it is integrated into the backrest 3. Also shown is a cushioning element 16, which is detachably arranged on a support 17, the support 17 and the cushioning element 16 forming the backrest section 11.

Will now, as in 3 shown, on the seat surface 2 in the excellent fastening position a child seat 18 is fastened, on which a child 19 sits, the backrest section 11, here after removing the upholstery element 16 and loosening the locking device 13, is moved backwards, i.e. in the direction of the trunk 21, pivoted. The lower end of the backrest section 11 moves away from the seat 2, so that a backrest opening 20, i.e. a kind of leg tunnel, opens through which the toddler 19 can push his legs, which significantly increases the seating comfort. In the in 3 shown open position, as in the in 2 In the closed position shown, as described, the backrest section 11 is locked accordingly via the locking device 13. Any luggage in the trunk 21 that would slide against the opened backrest section 11 cannot therefore be pushed closed due to the locking, so that the backrest section 11 cannot unintentionally swing back against the legs of the small child 19. The lock will only be released again ben if this is either done manually by an operator, or automatically if it is detected again that the toddler 19 has either left the child seat 18 or that the child seat 18 has also been removed.

In 3 An unfolded airbag 22 is also shown, which was unfolded over the airbag device 14 and can be seen filling the space in front of the small child 19, which protects him in the event of a collision. This unfolding is impossible if no small child 19 is sitting on the rear seat device 1 in a rear-facing position.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of 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.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2019080770 A1 [0002]

Claims (11)

Seat device for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat (2) and a backrest (3), as well as one or more holding elements (4) designed to attach a child seat (18), which enable the attachment of a child seat (18) in one or more defined attachment positions the seat surface (2), characterized in that a backrest section (11) is provided on the backrest (3) in the area of at least one fastening position, which moves about a pivot axis (12) from a closed position in which it falls into the backrest (3). is integrated, can be pivoted into an open position in which it is pivoted out of the backrest (3) for the reversible opening and closing of a backrest opening (20). Seating equipment according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the backrest section (11) can be pivoted with its upper end about a horizontal pivot axis (12). Seating equipment according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the backrest section (11) is fixed in the closed position and/or in the open position via a locking device (13) that can be released for pivoting. Seating equipment according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the locking device (13) can be automatically released in the closed position and/or in the open position. Seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor device (7) is provided for detecting the presence of a child seat (18) in the fastening position. Seating equipment according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the sensor device (7) is designed to detect the occupancy status of the holding element or elements (4). Seating equipment according to Claim 4 and Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the locking device (13) can be automatically released at least in the closed position depending on the detection result of the sensor device (7). Seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one airbag device (14) is provided on the backrest (11). Seating equipment according to Claim 8 and Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the function of the airbag device (14) can be controlled depending on the detection result of the sensor device (7). Seat device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backrest section (11) has a cushion section (16) directed towards the seat surface (2) and which is detachably arranged on a support (17) of the backrest section (11). Motor vehicle, comprising at least one seat device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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