FR2649940A1 - GROUP OF SWITCHES FOR THE REMOTE CONTROL OF AN ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE SEAT THROUGH SHIFT DRIVES - Google Patents

Abstract

The group includes two switching bodies 5, 6 symbolizing the seat cushion and the seat back; the support surface of the switch group 1 is followed, behind the switch body 5 symbolizing the seat cushion, by an upwardly inclined surface portion; and the switching body 6 symbolizing the backrest is arranged, separately from the associated switching body 5, on the part, inclined upwards, from the support surface, this support surface being constituted by a step-shaped recess 4, extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a covering 3 disposed on the side of the vehicle seat, this covering possibly being a cover plate for a central console of the vehicle.

Description

The present invention relates to a group of

  switches for the remote control of a vehicle seat

  adjustable by means of servomotors, comprising two switching bodies symbolizing a seat cushion and a backrest of the vehicle seat, held in

  relative positions corresponding to the position of use

  seat and which are arranged, being accessible

  from above, on a support surface that can be reached

  te by the seat user, the switching body

  symbolizing the seat cushion being placed on a part

  horizontal tie of the support surface, and a li-

  switching maneuver being left on each side of the switch group to allow lateral entry of the bodies

of commutation.

  A group of switches of this kind, which repro-

  furthermore, as regards its proportions, the apparent image of the seat of a vehicle, is already considered to be known for example from the German utility model

DE-85 16 069.

  The switch group in this case comprises two switch bodies of parallelepiped shape, which represent a seat cushion and a backrest of a vehicle seat and which are pivotally interconnected

  through an axis. On the axis is mounted this set

  ble of switching body so as to be able to effect a longitudinal translation in lateral guides, mutually parallel and horizontally oriented, of

  so as to obtain relative mobility of the commu-

  tation which corresponds to the vehicle seat. Because

  the switching bodies are maintained in their condition

  tion of rest, in a stable central position and the fact that, for controlling the maneuvering functions of the vehicle seat, they can be moved from this central position in opposite directions, it is possible to achieve by means of the intermediary from the group of switches a particularly efficient adjustment maneuver of the vehicle seat.

  Modern vehicle seats, however, have

  dant, apart from the backrest tilt adjustment system, also other adjustable parts, such as

  the headrest, which was recently made obliaa-

  roof, or a kidney support integrated in a lower part

back of the file.

  Because of the increased comfort offered to drivers of cars, these other adjustment functions must be able to be fulfilled by means of

  servo motors controlled by switches.

  In this regard, with a view to obtaining correspondence

  well defined, also the additional functions of-

  should be ordered through the group of

  switches associated with the vehicle seat.

  However, the known group of switches can practically not be used to perform other control functions when efforts are made to obtain a comparable possibility of correct operation of parts of

  additionally adjustable seat.

  The invention therefore aims to improve

  operate a group of switches of the type defined above so that it is more closely suited to the execution of additional control functions, and

  which in addition allows in all cases of effect

  kill a correct maneuver from the commu-

  tators. This problem is solved in accordance with the invention in that the support surface of the group of switches is followed, behind the switching body symbolizing the seat cushion, by an inclined surface part.

  upwards and in that the switching body symboli-

  the backrest is arranged separately from the commu-

  associated portion, on the part, inclined upwards, of the support surface, this support surface being

  consisting of a step-shaped recess, extending

  in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, with a covering

  tement (cover plate) arranged on the side of the vehicle seat. So we use an inclined part of

  the support surface of the hand switch group

  hold the two switching bodies in one position

  corresponding to the condition of use of the seat.

  Because the switch group is completely within reach of the operator, it is possible for the operator to palpate the lateral contour of the switch group so that, without using vision, it it is possible to maneuver the communication bodies

without risk of error.

  The step-shaped recess constituting the support surface of the group of switches can by

  example below delimit a niche in a cladding

door.

  On the other hand, in motor vehicles which have a central tunnel, it is advantageous to use a recess formed in a cover plate of the

  central console to arrange the group of switches.

  On the cover plate, it is possible to arrange, approximately symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis

  central-of the vehicle, two groups of switches, one group

  eg being associated with the driver's seat and the other group

  being associated with the passenger seat next to the driver.

  With a very advantageous disposition, the two groups of

  switches are accessible from the driver's seat

  so that the latter can also carry out the

passenger seat adjustment.

  According to another peculiarity of the group of commu-

  supports according to the invention, the part, inclined upwards, of the support surface is substantially higher than the switching body symbolizing the backrest and it

  is provided, in the height direction of the switch body

  tion, at least one other switching body. Due to the separate arrangement of the symbolizing switching body

  the switch back and body symbolizing the sewn

  If not, the first can be placed at any height above the second switching body. So,

  according to another feature of the invention, it is possible

  ble to have below the switching body placed at the top, another switching body, which symbolizes for example a lumbar support. In addition, above the switching body at the top, it is still possible to

  have a switching body which symbolizes a support

head.

  So that the lateral contour of the switch bodies

  tion fixed on the inclined part of the support surface can be palpated without difficulty, these bodies must have the same contour width. In addition, the contour width must agree at least to a large extent with that of the

  switching body which symbolizes the seat cushion.

  To improve the probing conditions of the switching bodies arranged one above the other, it is further advantageous that each switching body

  either respectively spaced in height from a commu-

adjacent station.

  The appearance of the switch group of-

  will come similar to that of the vehicle seat by ensuring that the switching body symbolizing the seat cushion rests on a base, set back from

  at the side edges of the switching body.

  Favorable conditions can be obtained with regard to the volume of construction by ensuring that all the switching bodies symbolizing a part of the seat are tapered in the form of a wedge in the direction of one of their lateral edges oriented in the direction of the width

of the switch group.

  According to yet another feature of the group of switches according to the invention, the switching bodies

  are articulated along their tapered side edges

  ment, on an associated switch base, being kept in a resting condition in a stable central position; and the switching bodies, all arranged

  in cooperation with their bases like toggle keys-

  lantes, can be moved by pivoting in directions

  opposite from their central position.

  Because the switching body also

  symbolizing the seat cushion can be a rocking touch

  used to adjust the seat height, it is possible

  ble to integrate a sliding button into the aforementioned base

  te for the longitudinal adjustment of the seat.

  If necessary to effectively complete the group of switches, it is possible to have next

  of it, in the support plate, a switch-

inverter.

  Using the changeover switch, it is possible

  ble selectively maneuvering the driver's seat or maneuvering the passenger's seat

  from a corresponding group of switches.

  Alternatively, the changeover switch may also

  serve to select two different programs from

  order for one and the same vehicle seat.

  To further increase operating comfort, the adjustment of the vehicle seat can be carried out in a known manner automatically, in which case the adjustment values can be queried by several persons at

  from a memory of seat positions.

  The operating or indicating elements of this

  electronic memory device may be available

  advantageously located next to the group of switches

reading the seat.

  Other features and advantages of the

  vendion will be highlighted in the following description

  tion, given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the single appended drawing which shows in detail

  an exemplary embodiment of the group of conforming switches

  me to the invention. In the drawing is shown schematically

  an elevation and perspective view of a group of commu-

  1, which is arranged laterally with respect to the

  driver's seat on a center console 2 of a vehicle

  the automobile, not shown, and which is used for adjusting the

  driver seat via servo

  engines. In correspondence with its association with a driver's seat, the group of switches 1 is arranged, on the left side, on a cover plate 3 of the console

  central 2. For this purpose, the cover plate 3

  door in an area of its length, which is accessible to the driver from all the positions provided for the seat, a step step 4 by means of which a horizontal rear plane of the cover plate 3 is initially followed by a plane , inclined downwards by an angle which is here approximately 45 ", before being extended by a horizontal plane, shifted downwards and situated in

before the inclined plane.

  A wide part of the inclined plane as well as a

  wide part, located after the lower horizontal plane

  are then used as a support surface for switch group 1, whose configuration

  overall reproduces the appearance of a seat in maniature.

  The group of switches i has as main elements

  two two switching bodies 5 and 6 of rectangular shape

  re, of corresponding widths, which must symbolize respectively a seat cushion and a backrest of the vehicle seat and which are therefore adapted, in their surface proportions, roughly to the actual proportions of the seat. So that the switching bodies 5 and 6 are maintained in relative positions corresponding to the condition of use of the seat, the switching body symbolizing the seat cushion is placed a short distance in front of the inclined plane of the recess 4 on the horizontal part of the support surface while the switching body 6, symbolizing the backrest, is arranged above the switching body 5 on the inclined part

  of the support surface. Because the switching bodies

  tion 5 and 6 are respectively held by their rear surface against the corresponding parts of the support surface, the angle of inclination of the switching body 6 relative to the switching body 5 is essentially determined by the angle formed between the part horizontal and

  the inclined part of the support surface.

  In order to obtain, despite this obtuse angle of approximately degrees, an apparent image similar to the seat, the switching body 5 is arranged in elevation on a base 7, which is arranged set back from the edges

  side of the switching body 5 and which thus creates the

  pressure from a seat infrastructure. In addition, the switching bodies 5 and 6 are tapered in a wedge shape over their entire longitudinal extent, the switching body being tapered from front to rear and the switching body 6 from top to bottom. The angle formed between the surface, directed upwards, of the switching body 5 and the surface, directed forward, of the switching body 6 is thus significantly greater than the angle of inclination predefined by the surface of support. Because the switching bodies 5 and 6 are arranged separately from each other, the switching body 6 can be installed with a height offset above the switching body 5 sufficiently that another switching body 8 can be disposed between the two aforementioned bodies on the

  inclined part of the support surface. This body of commu-

  tation 8 symbolizes a kidney support and is made up,

  mite with its actual extent on the vehicle seat, a narrow rod-shaped body, which is oriented in the width direction of the switching body 6 parallel to its

bottom edge.

  The switching body 8, the length of which

  corresponds to the width of the switching body 6, also a

  ment, considering it in its constant section, a wedge shape and it is fixed, independently of the bodies of

  switching 5 and 6, between the latter.

  There is also provided separately from the switching body 6, above the latter, another fairly narrow switching body 9 which is arranged on the inclined part of the support surface and which extends, with a length corresponding to the width of the switching body

6, along its upper edge.

  The switching body 9 also has, in con-

  staggering on its constant section, a wedge shape, this

  switching body 9 being tapered from bottom to top.

  The fact that the switching body 9 must symbolize

  read a headrest of the vehicle seat, its height dimension is adapted approximately proportional to

  the height dimension of a headrest.

  The group of switches 1, thus symbolizing as a whole a vehicle seat, can be operated

  correctly, because the switch body 8 corresponds to

  in the kidney support as well as the switching body 9 corresponding to the headrest are located, in the group of switches 1, in an arrangement corresponding to their

  installation positions in the vehicle seat. The ope-

  maneuvering ration is carried out from the top, in which case the thumb and index finger of the operator's hand must be separated enough from each other so that the switching bodies 5, 6, 8 and 9 can each be grabbed from both sides. Since the front surfaces of all switching bodies 5, 6, 8 and 9 are located on both sides in a common vertical longitudinal plane, the enveloping operation can be carried out

  without difficulty. To obtain the access necessary for ac-

  it is assumed that there is a free volume laterally and on both sides of switch group 1

sufficient for the operation.

  Selective control can also be performed

  killed, without observation of the switch group 1, by probing, in which case the switching bodies 5, 8, 6 and 9 may have a height offset between them in view

  to allow easier distinction of the bodies of

  mutations 5, 8, 6 and 9 to each other.

  The operating safety of the switches is

  further increased by the fact that the switching bodies

  tion 5, 8, 6 and 9 are each movable, for the control of the operating functions, in the same direction as in the corresponding parts of the vehicle seat. For this purpose, the switching bodies 5, 8, 6 and 9 are

  respectively articulated, along their tapered edges-

  ment, oriented across the width of the group of switches 1, on an associated switch base 5a,

  8a, 6a or 9a and they are held in a central position

  the stable. From this central position, they can be selectively lowered towards the support surface or else pivoted upwards in an opposite direction. They then constitute, in cooperation with their corresponding switch base 5a, 8a, 6a or 9a,

  rocker keys of known construction type.

  Between the switch base 5a and the base 7, there is further provided a sliding button comprising a stable central position and by means of which the operation of the seat can be controlled in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thus the switching body can be used by being moved in long translation

  tudinal relative to the base 7 for a longi-

  vehicle seat tudinal and can be swiveled up or down for adjustment

  height or tilt of the vehicle seat.

  By pivoting the switch body forward

  tation 8 from its central position, the kidney support can be moved from its central position while, during a pivoting towards the rear of the switching body, this kidney support is again retracted or else its amplitude East

gradually adjusted.

  When pivoting the switching body 6 upwards, a greater inclination is established for the backrest whereas, when pivoting downwards, a

  less inclination is established. Finally, by a swivel-

  up or down of the switching body 9, it is possible to produce an advance in the same direction

of the headrest.

  To be able to activate additional functions for adjusting the vehicle seat via switch group 1, it is provided on the right and

  side of the base 7, at a sufficient distance, a switch-

  inverter 10 which is integrated in the horizontal part of the support surface. This change-over switch 10 is a

  toggle switch from a classic design, by the

  through which it is possible to select two

  different functional programs.

  In a position of the switch, a so-called standard program is selected which includes in this respect all the reduced adjustment functions, apart from the kidney support. By inverting the reversing switch 10, a special orthopedic program is selected according to which the switching body 8 is activated first and

  for which the switching body adjustment functions

  tion 5 and 6 are combined with other adjustment functions

  ge. Instead of a longitudinal maneuver of the seat,

  it now occurs during a trans-

  lation of the switching body 5, a regulation of the

  depth of seat cushion and, instead of inclination

  the record, it is now happening through

  middle of the switching body 6, a regulation of a shoulder support that can be pulled out or a movement of advancing lateral supports arranged on the side of the backrest. Other setting possibilities can be

  also envisaged through the body of commu-

  5 or via the switching body 9.

  Also there is provided on the right and at a distance from the group of switches 1, next to the switching body 8, a sensitive button 11 in the inclined part of the support surface. By pressing the sensitive button,

  it is possible to obtain what is called a record

  memory of the current seat position, which allows, after a query, to automatically bring

  the seat in one of several memorized positions.

  The sensor 11 is associated with an indi-

  checker 12 located above the button and which

  digitally indicates the selected position in memory.

  Thanks to the features indicated above, the group of switches 1 has the advantage, in particular when it is placed on a cover plate 3 of a central console 2, of simplified wiring with the on-board network. The additional lengths of cables that are required when installing in doors

  can be reduced considerably.

  The connection of the active elements of the switch group 1 can be carried out respectively through

  an associated opening in the cover plate

  3 and which, after assembly, is covered by the

  active elements of switches proper.

  In addition, in the event of repair, it is enough to replace the switch of the group which is damaged, this

  which allows operations to be carried out inexpensively

corresponding maintenance instructions.

Claims (14)

  1. Group of switches for the remote control of a vehicle seat adjustable by means of servomotors, comprising two switching bodies symbolizing a seat cushion and a seat back   vehicle, held in corresponding relative positions   in the seat use position and which are available   placed, being accessible from above, on a support surface which can be reached by the seat user, the switching body symbolizing the seat cushion being arranged on a horizontal part of the support surface, and a free space of maneuvering being   left on each side of the switch group to allow   be a lateral entry of the switching bodies, characteristic   that the support surface of the switching group   teurs (1) is followed, behind the switching body (5) symbolizing the seat cushion, by a part of   surface inclined upwards and in that the body   mutation (6) symbolizing the file is arranged, separately   of the associated switching body (5), on the part, inclined   born upwards from the support surface, this support surface being constituted by a step-shaped recess (4), extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, of a covering (cover plate 3)   arranged on the side of the vehicle seat.   2. Group of switches according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating consists of a   cover plate (3) of a central console of the vehicle   cule. 3. Group of switches according to claim 1, characterized in that the part, inclined upwards, of the support surface is substantially higher than the switching body (6) symbolizing the backrest and in that it is provided , in the direction of the height of the switching body (6), at least one other switching body (8, 9).   4. Group of switches according to claim 3,   characterized in that the switching body (6) symbolizes   sant the backrest is offset in height relative to the switching body (5) symbolizing the seat cushion and in that it is provided, below the switching body (6),   on the inclined surface part, a switching body   narrow position (8) which symbolizes a seat support for the vehicle seat.   5. Group of switches according to one of the claims   tions 3 or 4, characterized in that there is provided, above the switching body (6) symbolizing the backrest, a narrow switching body (9) which is arranged on the surface portion inclined upwards and which symbolizes a vehicle seat headrest.   6. Group of switches according to claim 3,   characterized in that the width of all the bodies   mutation (8, 6, 9) of the group of switches (1), which are arranged on the upwardly inclined part of the support surface, corresponds at least to a large extent to the width of the switching body (5) symbolizing the seat cushion. 7. Group of switches according to claim 3, characterized in that all the switching bodies (8, 6,   9) arranged on the inclined part of the support surface   port are spaced apart from each other in height.   8. Group of switches according to claim 1,   characterized in that the switching body (5) symbolizes   the seat cushion rests on a base (7), located in   shrinkage from the side edges of the switch body tion (5).   9. Group of switches according to one of the claims   1 to 8, characterized in that all the commu-   tation (5, 8, 6, 9) symbolizing part of the seat are tapered in the form of a wedge in the direction of one of their lateral edges oriented across the width of the group of switches (1).   10. Group of switches according to claim 9, characterized in that the switching bodies (5, 8, 6, 9) are articulated, along their tapered lateral edges, on an associated switch base (Sa, 6a, 8a, 9a), being kept in a resting condition in a stable central position, and in that the switching bodies (5, 6, 8, 9), all arranged in cooperation   with their bases (5a, 6a, 8a, 9a) like toggle keys   lantes, can be moved by pivoting in directions   opposite from their central position.   11. Group of switches according to claim 8, characterized in that in the base (7) is integrated a   sliding button with a stable central position.   12. Group of switches according to one of the claims   1 to 11, characterized in that on the side of the con-   representation of switches symbolizing the vehicle seat, a reversing switch (10) is integrated into the surface of support.   13. Group of switches according to claim 12, characterized in that the change-over switch (10) is a selector switch for selecting two functional programs different from the vehicle seat.   14. Group of switches according to one of the claims   1 to 13, characterized in that on the side of the con-   figuration of switches symbolizing the vehicle seat, there is provided in the support surface a key (sensitive key 11) and / or a control indicator (12) of a seat position memory.