A MULTIPLE-OUTPUT GEARBOX AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MULTIPLE-OUTPUT GEARBOX
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to a multiple-output gearbox and method for controlling a multiple-output gearbox. In particular, but not exclusively, it relates to a multiple-output gearbox and a method for controlling a multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat.
Aspects of the invention relate to a multiple-output gearbox, a method, a vehicle part and a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
An increase in demand of automation, in vehicles for example, has resulted in a significant number of actuators in a system, such as a vehicle. For example, in seating systems in vehicles alone there can be eight individual motors actuating various functions of the seat. This can lead to issues in relation to weight, cost, space and wiring complexity.
It is an aim of the present invention to address disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a multiple-output gearbox, a vehicle system, a seat, a vehicle and a method as claimed in the appended claims.
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat, the multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear to be driven by the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein the secondary shafts extend radially from the primary shaft and are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
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The multiple-output gearbox may comprise a clutch associated with each of the secondary shafts, the clutches configured to dynamically engage and disengage actuation of the seat function associated with each of the secondary shafts.
The gearbox may comprise more than two secondary gears engaged with the primary gear.
A first secondary shaft may be configured to actuate a first seat function and a second, different secondary shaft may be configured to actuate a second, different seat function.
The first and/or second seat function may be a seat positioning feature.
The multiple-output gearbox may comprise a flexible shaft configured to be driven by the primary shaft or a secondary shaft.
The flexible shaft may be attached to at least one seat function for actuation of the at least one seat function.
The primary gear may be a bevel gear.
The primary gear may be a spiral bevel gear.
The plurality of secondary gears may comprise one or more bevel gears.
The plurality of secondary gears may comprise one or more spiral bevel gears.
The plurality of secondary gears may be arranged circumferentially around the primary gear.
An angle between a first secondary shaft and a second secondary shaft may be less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees.
Each secondary gear may be independent of other secondary gears.
The gearbox may be configured to be driven by a single actuator.
The single actuator may be reversible.
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An angle between a first secondary shaft and a second secondary shaft may be greater than 0 degrees.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat, the multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear to be driven by the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein each secondary gear is independent from other secondary gears and wherein the secondary shafts are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein the secondary shafts extend radially from the primary shaft.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft; and
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gears.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a seat comprising a multiple-output gearbox as described in any preceding paragraph.
The system may comprise at least one controller for controlling the multiple-output gearbox.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle system comprising a multiple-output gearbox as described in any preceding paragraph and/or a seat as described in any preceding paragraph.
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According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a multiple-output gearbox as described in any preceding paragraph and/or a seat as described in any preceding paragraph and/or a vehicle system as described in any preceding paragraph.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of actuating at least one seat function comprising:
dynamically engaging one or more outputs from a multi-output gearbox as described in any preceding paragraph to actuate the at least one seat function.
The method may comprises dynamically engaging a plurality of outputs from the multi-output gearbox to actuate a plurality of seat functions simultaneously.
Dynamically engaging one or more outputs may comprises controlling a plurality of clutches, each clutch associated with an output from the multi-output gearbox.
Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox;
Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox;
Fig. 2B illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox;
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox;
Fig. 4A illustrates an example of a vehicle part comprising a multiple-output gearbox;
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Fig. 4B illustrates an example of a seat comprising a multiple-output gearbox;
Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a vehicle comprising a multiple-output gearbox; and
Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Examples of the present disclosure relate to a multiple-output gearbox. In particular, examples of the disclosure relate to a multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat.
In examples of the disclosure a multiple-output gearbox facilitates multiple outputs from a single actuator or motor. In examples, the multiple-output gearbox comprises an innovative gear train that can be used to split the output from the single actuator or motor into a plurality of outputs, such as two, three, four or more different outputs.
In examples, a clutch is attached to all of the output shafts from the multiple-output gearbox to facilitate dynamic engagement and disengagement of actuation provided by the output shafts.
This allows for each feature, actuated by the outputs from the multiple-output gearbox, to be dynamically controlled from the single actuator or motor.
Examples of the disclosure provide clear technical advantages such as reduction in weight, cost and complexity due to reduction in actuator or motor requirements. Furthermore, the use of a multiple-output gearbox also provides a saving in space requirements.
Fig. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B illustrate a multiple-output gearbox 2 for use in controlling a seat 4, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprising:
a primary gear 6 located on a primary shaft 8;
a plurality of secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6 to be driven by the primary gear 6, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts 12, wherein the secondary shafts 12 extend radially from the primary shaft 8 and are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
Figs. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B illustrate a multiple-output gearbox 2 for use in controlling a seat 4, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprising:
a primary gear 6 located on a primary shaft 8;
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a plurality of secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6 to be driven by the primary gear 6, the secondary gears 10 located on secondary shafts 12, wherein each secondary gear 10 is independent from other secondary gears 10 and wherein the secondary shafts 12 are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
Figs 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B illustrate a multiple-output gearbox 2 comprising:
a primary gear 6 located on a primary shaft 8;
a plurality of secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6, the secondary gears 10 located on secondary shafts 12, wherein the secondary shafts 12 extend radially from the primary shaft 8.
Fig. 6 illustrates a method 600 of actuating at least one seat function comprising:
dynamically engaging one or more outputs from a multiple-output gearbox 2 as described herein to actuate the at least one seat function.
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox 2. In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 is for use in controlling a seat 4 (see Figs 4A and 4B).
In the example of Fig. 1, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a primary gear 6 located on a primary shaft 8. The multiple-output gearbox 2 of Fig. 1 also comprises a plurality of secondary gears 10 located on secondary shafts 12. In examples, each secondary gear 10 is located on its own secondary shaft 12.
In Fig. 1, the plurality of secondary gears 10 are engaged with the primary gear 6 to be driven by the primary gear 6.
In examples, the secondary shafts 12 extend radially from a primary shaft 8 and are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
Any suitable type of gear may be used as the primary gear 6. In some examples, the primary gear 6 is a bevel gear. In some examples, the primary gear 6 is a spiral bevel gear. See, for example, Figs 2A, 2B and 3.
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The primary shaft 6 may have any number of primary gears 6 located on it. For example, the primary shaft 8 may have a plurality of primary gears 6 located on it. See, for example, Fig. 2B.
The primary gear or gears 6 may be made of any suitable material or material(s). For example, the primary gear(s) 6 may be made of any suitable metal or metals. In some examples different primary gears 6 are made from different materials.
As used herein, the primary gear 6 is intended to mean primary in the sense that the primary gear is configured to drive a plurality of secondary gears 10. That is, the primary gear 6 may be considered a driving gear.
The plurality of secondary gears 10 may comprise any suitable type of gear or gears. In some examples, the plurality of secondary gears 10 comprises one or more bevel gears. In some examples, the plurality of secondary gears 10 comprises one or more spiral bevel gears. See, for example, Figs 2A, 2B and 3.
The secondary gears 10 may be made of any suitable material or material(s). For example, the secondary gears 10 may be made of any suitable metal or metals. In some examples, different secondary gears 10 are made from different materials.
As used herein, the term secondary gear is intended to mean secondary in the sense that the secondary gears 10 are a plurality of gears configured to be driven by a primary gear 6. In some examples, the plurality of secondary gears 10 may be considered a plurality of driven gears as they are configured to be driven by a primary gear 6.
In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises any number of secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6. For example, in some examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises more than two secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6. See, for example, Figs 2A, 2B and 3.
In examples, the number of secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6 is dependent upon the size of the primary gear 6 relative to the secondary gears 10. In some examples, the plurality of secondary gears 10 may be of different sizes relative to the primary gear 6 providing different gear ratios as different outputs.
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In some examples, the plurality of secondary gears 10 are arranged circumferentially around the primary gear 6. For example, where the plurality of secondary gears 10 and/or primary gear 6 are bevel gears or spiral bevel gears, the plurality of spiral bevel secondary gears 10 may be arranged circumferentially around the spiral bevel primary gear 6. See, for example, Figs. 2A, 2B and 3.
The plurality of secondary gears 10 may be arranged in any suitable manner with the primary gear 6. In some examples, the plurality of secondary shafts 12 are arranged evenly around the primary shaft 8. For example, the secondary shafts 12 may be placed at equal angular separation, that is if there are two secondary shafts 12 it should be at 180 degrees, if there are three secondary shafts 12 then it should be at 120 degrees and so on.
Each secondary gear 10 may be independent of other secondary gears 10. That is, in examples, each secondary gear is independent of other secondary gears 10.
As used herein independent of other secondary gears 10 is intended to mean that each secondary gear 10 is not directly engaged with another secondary gear 10.
In examples, any suitable shaft may be used as the primary shaft 8. The primary shaft 8 may be made of any suitable material(s), for example any suitable metal or metals.
As used herein, the term primary shaft 8 is intended to mean that the primary shaft 8 is configured to be actuated and is configured to transfer the actuation to a plurality of secondary shafts 12 via the primary gear(s) 6 and secondary gears 10.
In some examples, the primary shaft 8 may be directly driven by an actuator or motor 20 (see, for example, Fig. 3). However, in some examples the primary shaft 8 may not be directly driven by an actuator or motor 20 but rather may be linked to the actuator or motor 20 by one or more intermediate shafts and/or gears. However, in such examples the primary shaft 8 is still intended to be considered a primary shaft 8 as it is primary with regard to the primary gear 6 having a plurality of secondary gears 10 engaged with it.
That is, in examples the primary shaft 8 is driven directly or indirectly by an actuator or motor 20.
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In examples, any suitable shaft(s) may be used as the secondary shafts 12. In examples, the plurality of secondary shafts 12 may be made from a suitable material(s), such as any suitable metal(s). In some examples different secondary shafts 12 may be made from different materials.
As used herein, the term secondary shafts 12 is intended to mean that the secondary shafts 12 are configured to be driven by the primary shaft 8 via the primary gear 6 and secondary gears 10.
In examples, the secondary shafts 12 extend radially from the primary shaft 8. See, for example, Figs. 2A and 2B.
In some examples, the plurality of secondary shafts 12 are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
For example, a first secondary shaft 12 is configured to actuate a first seat function and a second, different secondary shaft 12 is configured to actuate a second, different seat function. In examples, the first and/or second seat function is a seat positioning feature. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a clutch 14 associated with each of the secondary shafts 12, the clutches 14 configured to dynamically engage and disengage actuation of the seat function associated with each of the secondary shafts 12. See, for example, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4A.
In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a flexible shaft 16 configured to be driven directly or indirectly by the primary shaft 8 or a secondary shaft 12. In some examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a plurality of flexible shafts 16 configured to be driven by the primary shaft 8 and/or a plurality of secondary shafts 12. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
In some examples, the flexible shaft 16 is attached to at least one seat function for actuation of the at least one seat function. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
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In some examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 is configured to be driven by a single actuator or motor 20. See, for example, Fig. 3.
In examples, the single actuator or motor 20 is reversible.
Fig. 2A illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox 2. In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 illustrated in the example of Fig. 2A is for use in controlling a seat and is as described in relation to Fig. 1.
In the example of Fig. 2A, the gear train of the multiple-output gearbox 2 is illustrated.
In Fig. 2A, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a primary gear 6 located on a primary shaft 8. The primary gear 6 is a spiral bevel gear.
In the illustrated example, there are three secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6. The secondary gears 10 are all spiral bevel gears. In the example of Fig. 2A the multiple-output gearbox 2 therefore comprises more than two secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6.
In Fig. 2A each secondary gear 10 is located on a secondary shaft 12. The secondary shafts 12 extend radially from the primary shaft 8.
In the example of Fig. 2A a first secondary shaft has been indicated ‘a’ and a second secondary shaft 12 has been indicated ‘b’. An angle 18 between the first secondary shaft 12a and the second secondary shaft 12b is less than 180 degrees. In some examples, the angle 18 between the first secondary shaft 12a and a second secondary shaft 12b is greater than 180 degrees.
Accordingly, in examples an angle 18 between a first secondary shaft 12a and a second secondary shaft 12b is less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees.
In the example of Fig. 2A the angle 18 between the first secondary shaft 12a and the second secondary shaft 12b is greater than 0 degrees.
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Accordingly, in examples an angle 18 between a first secondary shaft 12a and a second secondary shaft 12b is greater than 0 degrees.
In some examples the angle between adjacent secondary shafts 12 is 360/n, where n is the number of secondary shafts 12 associated with a primary gear 6.
The multiple-output gearbox 2 illustrated in Fig. 2A is configured to be driven by a single actuator or motor 20 to allow three outputs from the three secondary shafts 12 to be provided from the single input. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
In the example, the engagement between the primary gear 6 and the plurality of secondary gears 10 allows the plurality of secondary shafts 12 to extend radially from the primary shaft 8.
In the example, the primary gear 6 comprises an engagement surface configured to engage with the plurality of secondary gears 10. In some examples, the engagement surface of the primary gear 6 is inclined relative to the primary shaft 8 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 2A.
Similarly, in examples the plurality of secondary gears 10 each comprise an engagement surface configured to engage with the primary gear 6. The engagement surface of each secondary gear 10 may be inclined relative to the secondary shaft 12 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 2A.
The inclined engagement surfaces of the primary gear 6 and the plurality of secondary gears 10 provide, in examples, for the secondary shafts 12 to extend radially from the primary shaft 8.
Fig. 2B illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox 2. In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 illustrated in Fig. 2B is for use in controlling a seat for and is as described in relation to Fig. 1.
The example of Fig. 2B also illustrates the gear train of a multiple-output gearbox 2. In the example of Fig. 2B the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises the gear train as illustrated in Fig. 2A and as described in relation to that figure.
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In addition, in the example of Fig. 2B the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a second primary gear 6B located on the primary shaft 8. In the example of Fig. 2B the second primary gear 6B is also a spiral bevel gear.
Accordingly, in some examples the multiple-output gearbox comprises a plurality of primary gears 6.
In Fig. 2B, the second primary gear 6B is engaged with two further secondary gears 10B located on secondary shafts 12B. The secondary shafts 12B of the additional two secondary gears 10B also extend radially from the primary shaft 8.
In the example of Fig. 2B the additional 2 secondary gears 10B are also spiral bevel gears.
It can be seen from the example of Fig. 2B that each of the secondary gears 10, 10B are independent from other secondary gears 10, 10B. That is, in Fig. 2B each of the secondary gears 10, 10B is not directly engaged or in contact with any other secondary gears 10, 10B.
This is true for the secondary gears 10 engaged with the primary gear 6 illustrated in the example of Fig. 2A and also the secondary gears 10B engaged with the additional primary gear 6B in Fig. 2B.
In the example of Fig 2B the additional secondary shafts 12B are configured to actuate additional functions, such as additional seat functions.
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a multiple-output gearbox 2. In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 of Fig. 3 is for use in controlling a seat 4 and is as described in relation to Fig. 1.
In the example of Fig. 3, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a primary shaft 8 having two primary gears 6 located on the primary shaft 8.
In the example of Fig. 3, each of the primary gears 6 has four secondary gears 10 engaged with it. The primary gears 6 and secondary gears 8 are spiral bevel gears.
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In the illustrated example, the secondary gears 10 are distributed circumferentially around the primary gears 6. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the four secondary gears 10 are distributed at regular intervals circumferentially around the primary gears 6. In Fig. 3, the secondary gears 10 are distributed around a circumference of the primary gears 6 at angles of 90 degrees.
In Fig. 3, each of the secondary gears 10 is located on a secondary shaft 12, the secondary shafts extending radially from the primary shaft 8.
In the example of Fig. 3 the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a clutch 14 associated with each of the secondary shafts 10, the clutches 14 configured to dynamically engage and disengage actuation functions, such as seat functions, actuated by the secondary shafts 12.
Accordingly, in examples the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a clutch 14 associated with each of the secondary shafts 12, the clutches 14 configured to dynamically engage and disengage actuation of the seat function associated with each of the secondary shafts 12.
Any suitable clutch 14 may be used. For example, the clutches may comprise electromagnetic (EM) clutches 14, mechanical clutches 14 and so on.
In examples, the clutches 14 may be controlled in any suitable manner. For example a controller 26 may be used to control operation of the multiple-output gearbox 2. See Fig. 4B.
In examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises a flexible shaft 16 configured to be driven by the primary shaft 8 or a secondary shaft 12. In the example of Fig. 3, the primary shaft 8 has clutch 14 associated with it and a flexible shaft 16 attached to the clutch 14 for operation, for example, of a seat function. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
Additionally or alternatively one or more of the secondary shafts 12 may be configured to drive a flexible shaft 16, for example to actuate one or more seat functions.
That is, in examples the flexible shaft 16 or shafts 16 is attached to at least one seat function for actuation of the at least one seat function. See, for example, Fig. 4A.
In some examples, not all of the secondary shafts 12 have a clutch 14 associated with them and/or the primary shaft 8 may not have a clutch 14 associated with it. For example, with
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reference to Fig. 3 in some examples the secondary shafts 12 pointing upwards and downwards from the primary shaft 8 may not have clutches 14 associated with them.
In the example of Fig. 3 the primary shaft 8 is configured to be directly driven by an actuator or motor 20. That is, in examples, the multiple-output gearbox 2 is configured to be driven by a single actuator 20. The single actuator 20 is, in examples, reversible.
In examples any suitable actuator or motor 20 may be used. For example, brushed or brushless DC motor(s) and so on.
In the example of Fig. 3 the output from the single actuator 20 may be split to drive simultaneously up to nine different functions, such as seat functions.
Furthermore, by control of the clutches 14 the output from the multiple-output gearbox 2 can be dynamically engaged and disengaged to control which functions, such as seat functions, are actuated by the actuator or motor 20. A method 600 of dynamically controlling a multiple-output gearbox 2 is illustrated in Fig. 6.
Therefore, in the example of Fig. 3 the multiple-output gearbox 2 has provided for a reduction in the number of actuators 20 from a possible nine down to one which provides a significant reduction in weight, cost and complexity.
Further, as can be seen from the example of Fig. 3, the multiple-output gearbox 2 allows for the output to be extended both circumferentially and along the length of the primary shaft 8 which provides for good packaging feasibility.
Fig. 4A illustrates an example of a vehicle system 22 comprising a multiple-output gearbox 2. In the example of Fig. 4 the multiple-output gearbox 2 is as described in relation to Fig. 1 and the vehicle system 22 is a seat system. The multiple-output gearbox 2 of Fig. 4A is therefore for use in controlling a seat 4A.
In the example of Fig. 4A, the multiple-output gearbox 2 is configured to be driven by a single actuator or motor 20.
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The multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises five outputs each of which are associated with a clutch 14 to provide dynamic engagement and disengagement of the outputs.
In the example of Fig. 4A, the multiple-output gearbox 2 comprises flexible shafts 16 configured to be driven by corresponding secondary shafts 12 (not labelled in Fig. 4A). In Fig. 4A, two of the flexible shafts 16 are illustrated as being configured to drive two different seat functions and therefore dynamic engagement and disengagement of actuation of the shaft provides for dynamic actuation of the different seat functions.
Any suitable seat functions may be driven by the multiple-output gearbox 2. For example, track movement, height adjustment, recliner, lumbar adjustment and so on.
Accordingly, in the examples there is provided a vehicle system 22 comprising a multiple-output gearbox 2 as described herein, for example in relation to Figs. 1, 2A, 2B and/or 3.
Fig. 4B illustrates an example of a seat 4 comprising a multiple-output gearbox 2. In the illustrated example the multiple-output gearbox 2 is as described in relation to Fig. 1.
Accordingly, in examples there is provided a seat 4 comprising a multiple-output gearbox 2 as described herein.
In the example of Fig. 4B the multiple-output gearbox is configured to actuate various features of the seat 4, such as lumber adjustment, recline adjustment, height adjustment, track movement and so on.
In the example of Fig. 4B the seat comprises a seat system 22 as described in relation to Fig. 4A.
In Fig. 4B the multiple-output gearbox 2 is located underneath the seat 4. However, the multiple-output gearbox 2 may be located in any suitable position relative to the seat 4. For example the multiple-output gearbox may be located to the side of the seat 4.
A controller 26 is illustrated in the example of Fig. 4B and in the example the controller 26 is configured to control the multiple-output gearbox 2 to actuate the various seat features of the seat 4.
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Accordingly, in examples there is provided a system comprising a seat 4 as described herein and at least one controller 26 for controlling the multiple-output gearbox 2.
Any suitable controller 26 may be used to control the multiple-output gearbox 2. For example, the controller 26 may comprise a user interface to allow the user to selectively actuate the various seat features.
In examples the user interface is of any suitable form. For example, the user interface may comprise one or more buttons, joysticks, touch inputs, voice inputs, cameras and so on.
In the example of Fig. 4B the controller 26 is operatively connected to the multiple-output gearbox 2 as illustrated by the line connected the controller 26 to the multiple-output gearbox 2.
The controller 26 may connect to the multiple-output gearbox 2 wirelessly and/or via wired connection.
In examples in response to user commands, control signals pass from the controller 26 to the multiple-output gearbox 2 to actuate the motor 20 and dynamically engage the appropriate clutch or clutches 14 to actuate the seat features requested by a user.
Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a vehicle 24.
In the example of Fig. 5, the vehicle 24 comprises a multiple-output gearbox 2. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 24 comprises a vehicle system 22 as illustrated in the example of Fig. 4A.
In some examples, a vehicle system 22 and/or a vehicle 24 may comprise a plurality of multiple-output gearboxes 2 as described herein.
Accordingly, in examples, there is provided a vehicle 24 comprising a multiple-output gearbox 2 and/or a vehicle system 22 as described herein.
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In the examples the vehicle 24 may be any suitable vehicle 24. For example, the vehicle 24 may be any suitable car, bike, motorbike, van, truck, boat, plane and so on.
Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a method 600. In the example of Fig. 6, the method 600 is a method 600 of actuating at least one seat function.
At block 602 one or more outputs from a multi-output gearbox 2 are dynamically engaged to actuate at least one seat function. The multiple-output gearbox 2 may be as described in relation to Figs. 1, 2 and/or 3.
For example, at least one of the flexible shaft 16 illustrated in the example of Fig. 4A is engaged to actuate at least one of the seat functions referred to in relation to Fig. 4A.
In the examples, the method 600 comprises dynamically engaging a plurality of outputs from the multiple-output gearbox 2 to actuate a plurality of seat functions simultaneously. For example, a plurality of the flexible shafts 16 in the example of Fig. 4A may be dynamically engaged at the same time to simultaneously actuate a plurality of seat functions in Fig. 4A.
In examples, dynamically engaging one or more outputs comprises controlling a plurality of clutches 14, each clutch 14 associated with an output from the multiple-output gearbox 2.
For example, the clutches 14 illustrated in Figs. 3 and/or 4A may be dynamically controlled to dynamically engage the one or more functions associated with the outputs of the multiple-output gearbox 2.
In examples, the method 600 may comprise dynamically disengaging one or more outputs from the multiple-output gearbox 2 to stop actuation of at least one seat function.
For example, one or more of the outputs in Fig. 4A may be dynamically disengaged to stop actuation of one or more seat functions in Fig. 4A.
As used herein “for” should be considered to also include “configured or arranged to”. For example “a multiple-outlet gearbox for” should be considered to also include “a multiple-output gearbox configured or arranged to”.
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Examples of the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, examples of the present disclosure provide for a reduction in the number of actuators or motors required in a vehicle system such as a seat.
This provides for a reduction in cost, weight and complexity. In addition, this provides for a reduction in the amount of space required in the vehicle system for the actuator.
Furthermore, examples of the present disclosure provide for good packing in the gearbox 2 which also provides a saving in space requirements.
For purposes of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the controller(s) described herein can each comprise a control unit or computational device having one or more electronic processors. A vehicle and/or a system thereof may comprise a single control unit or electronic controller or alternatively different functions of the controller(s) may be embodied in, or hosted in, different control units or controllers. A set of instructions could be provided which, when executed, cause said controller(s) or control unit(s) to implement the control techniques described herein (including the described method(s)). The set of instructions may be embedded in one or more electronic processors, or alternatively, the set of instructions could be provided as software to be executed by one or more electronic processor(s). For example, a first controller may be implemented in software run on one or more electronic processors, and one or more other controllers may also be implemented in software run on or more electronic processors, optionally the same one or more processors as the first controller. It will be appreciated, however, that other arrangements are also useful, and therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular arrangement. In any event, the set of instructions described above may be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory storage medium) that may comprise any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine or electronic processors/computational device, including, without limitation: a magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM ad EEPROM); flash memory; or electrical or other types of medium for storing such information/instructions.
The blocks illustrated in the Fig 6 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in a computer program. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not
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necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.
Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.
Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

WE CLAIM:
1. A multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat, the multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear to be driven by the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein the secondary shafts extend radially from the primary shaft and are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
2. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in claim 1 comprising a clutch associated with each of the secondary shafts, the clutches configured to dynamically engage and disengage actuation of the seat function associated with each of the secondary shafts.
3. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the gearbox comprises more than two secondary gears engaged with the primary gear.
4. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a first secondary shaft is configured to actuate a first seat function and a second, different secondary shaft is configured to actuate a second, different seat function.
5. A multiple-output gear box as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and/or second seat function is a seat positioning feature.
6. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a flexible shaft configured to be driven by the primary shaft or a secondary shaft.
7. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible shaft is attached to at least one seat function for actuation of the at least one seat function.
8. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the primary gear is a bevel gear.
9. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the primary gear is a spiral bevel gear.
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10. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of secondary gears comprises one or more bevel gears.
11. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of secondary gears comprises one or more spiral bevel gears.
12. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of secondary gears are arranged circumferentially around the primary gear.
13. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an angle between a first secondary shaft and a second secondary shaft is less than 180 degrees or greater than 180 degrees.
14. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each secondary gear is independent of other secondary gears.
15. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the gearbox is configured to be driven by a single actuator.
16. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in claim 15, wherein the single actuator is reversible.
17. A multiple-output gearbox as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an angle between a first secondary shaft and a second secondary shaft is greater than 0 degrees.
18. A multiple-output gearbox for use in controlling a seat, the multiple-output gearbox comprising:
a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear to be driven by the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein each secondary gear is independent from other secondary gears and wherein the secondary shafts are configured to drive directly or indirectly a plurality of seat functions.
19. A multiple-output gearbox comprising:
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a primary gear located on a primary shaft;
a plurality of secondary gears engaged with the primary gear, the secondary gears located on secondary shafts, wherein the secondary shafts extend radially from the primary shaft.
20. A seat comprising a multiple-output gearbox as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 19.
21. A seat as claimed in claim 20, comprising a single actuator configured to drive the gearbox.
22. A seat as claimed in claim 21, wherein the actuator is an electric motor.
23. A seat as claimed in claim 22, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the primary shaft for reversibly driving the primary shaft.
24. A system comprising a seat as claimed in claim 20 and at least one controller for controlling the multiple-output gearbox.
25. A vehicle system comprising a multiple-output gearbox as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 19 and/or a seat as claimed in at least one of claims 20 to 23.
26. A vehicle comprising a multiple-output gearbox as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 19 and/or a seat as claimed in at least one of claims 20 to 23 and/or a vehicle system as claimed in claim 25.
27. A method of actuating at least one seat function comprising:
dynamically engaging one or more outputs from a multi-output gearbox as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19 to actuate the at least one seat function.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27, comprising dynamically engaging a plurality of outputs from the multi-output gearbox to actuate a plurality of seat functions simultaneously.
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29. A method as claimed in claim 27 or 28 wherein dynamically engaging one or more outputs comprises controlling a plurality of clutches, each clutch associated with an output from the multi-output gearbox.
30. A multiple-output gearbox, vehicle system, vehicle and/or method substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.