Seat belt assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "seat belt assembly." An assembly includes a seat. The assembly includes a buckle supported by the seat. The assembly includes a buckle mechanism pivotable relative to the seat between a stowed position and a locked position, and having a gear carrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The assembly includes a latch plate supported by the gear carrier and engaged with the buckle when the buckle mechanism is in the locked position and the gear carrier is in the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle restraint systems, and more specifically to vehicle seat belt assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle restraint system may include a seatbelt assembly that secures the vehicle occupants to prevent harmful movement that may result from a vehicle collision. The seatbelt assembly functions to reduce the likelihood of injury by decreasing the force of impact between the occupant and the vehicle's internal structure. In this action, the seatbelt assembly applies a load to the occupant's chest or knees. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An assembly includes a seat. The assembly includes a latch supported by the seat. The assembly includes a latch mechanism pivotable relative to the seat between a retracted position and a locked position, and has a gear carrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The assembly includes a latch plate supported by the gear carrier, and engages with the latch when the latch mechanism is in the locked position and the gear carrier is in the extended position.

[0004] The seat may include a seat bottom having a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side in a cross-seat direction, the locking mechanism being pivotally supported on the first side and the second side.

[0005] The locking mechanism may include an end cap, and the gear carrier may slide within the end cap to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0006] The assembly may include a motor supported by an end cap and having a pinion, the gear carrier including a rack that engages with the pinion.

[0007] The assembly may include a webbing disposed within the gear carrier.

[0008] The locking mechanism may include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the latch plate being supported at the first end and the latch being fixed to the second end.

[0009] The locking mechanism can be arc-shaped.

[0010] The locking mechanism can be located under the seat.

[0011] The locking mechanism may include an end, at which the latch plate is supported, and the end in the locked position may be above the end in the retracted position relative to the seat.

[0012] The locking mechanism may include an end, at which the latch plate is supported, and the end in the locked position may be in front of the end in the folded position relative to the seat.

[0013] The assembly may include a processor and a memory storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to actuate the locking mechanism from a retracted position to a locked position and then actuate the gear carrier from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0014] The memory can store instructions that can be executed by the processor to actuate the locking mechanism in response to the detection of an occupant in the seat.

[0015] The memory may store instructions that can be executed by a processor to actuate the gear carrier from the extended position to the retracted position and then actuate the locking mechanism to pivot from the locked position to the retracted position.

[0016] The memory can store instructions that can be executed by the processor to actuate the latch mechanism in response to detecting that the latch plate is engaged with the latch.

[0017] The seat may include a seat base, and the locking mechanism is pivotally supported by the seat base.

[0018] The gear carrier in the extended position can be located above the seat.

[0019] When the gear carrier is in the extended position, the locking mechanism can be circular.

[0020] The assembly may include a telescopic member supported by a locking mechanism.

[0021] The assembly may include a servo mechanism designed to move the locking mechanism between a retracted position and a locked position.

[0022] The assembly may include a recessed base plate, the seat is supported by the base plate, and the locking mechanism is positioned within the recess when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the vehicle including the seat belt assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seat belt assembly.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the stowed position and the gear carrier in the retracted position.

[0026] Figure 3A yes Figure 3 A magnified perspective view of a portion of the image.

[0027] Figure 4 It is the seat belt assembly along Figure 3The cross-sectional view of line 4-4 in the diagram.

[0028] Figure 5 It is the seat belt assembly along Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of line 5-5 in the figure.

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier in the retracted position.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A front view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier in the extended position.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier moved to the extended position.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier moved to the extended position.

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier in the extended position.

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the locked position and the gear carrier in the retracted position, wherein the latch plate is engaged with the buckle.

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the seatbelt assembly in the retracted position and the gear carrier in the retracted position, wherein the latch plate is engaged with the buckle.

[0036] Figure 13 It is a block diagram of the components of the vehicle and seat belt assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numerals indicate the same parts throughout several views, a seatbelt assembly 20 for vehicle 22 includes a seat 24. The seatbelt assembly 20 includes a buckle 26 supported by the seat 24. The seatbelt assembly 20 includes a buckle mechanism 28 pivotable relative to the seat 24 between a retracted position and a locked position, and has a gear carrier 30 movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The seatbelt assembly 20 includes a latch plate 32 supported by the gear carrier 30, and engages with the buckle 26 when the buckle mechanism 28 is in the locked position and the gear carrier 30 is in the extended position.

[0038] The seat belt assembly 20 operates to restrain the occupant 34 relative to the seat 24, for example by pivoting the buckle mechanism 28 to the locked position and moving the gear carrier 30 to the extended position, without requiring input from the occupant 34, for example, the occupant 34 does not need to fasten the seat belt of the seat 24.

[0039] exist Figures 1-3 and Figures 6-13 The vehicle 22 shown can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Vehicle 22 may include one or more seats 24, a roof, floor 36, etc.

[0040] exist Figures 1-3 and Figures 6-12 The floor 36 shown supports components of the vehicle 22, such as the seat 24. The floor 36 may have a recess 38. The recess 38 is defined by a top surface 40 of the floor 36, which is lower than the top surface 40 of the floor 36 surrounding the recess 38. The floor 36 may include beams, panels, etc. The floor 36 may be metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, including combinations thereof.

[0041] Figures 1-3 and Figures 6-12 The seat 24 shown is a bucket seat, but alternatively, it could be a bench seat or another type of seat. The seat 24 can be supported by a base plate 36. For example, the seat 24 can be fixed to the base plate 36 using fasteners, welding, etc. The seat 24 can be positioned relative to the base plate 36 such that the recess 38 is below the seat 24.

[0042] Seat 24 may include a seat back 42, a seat base 44, and a head restraint system. The head restraint system may be supported by the seat back 42 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat back 42. The seat back 42 may be supported by the seat base 44 and may be fixed or movable relative to the seat base 44. The seat back 42, seat base 44, and / or head restraint system may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 42, seat base 44, and / or head restraint system themselves may be adjustable; in other words, adjustable components exist within the seat back 42, seat base 44, and / or head restraint system, and / or may be adjustable relative to each other.

[0043] The seat bottom 44 has a first side 46 and a second side 48, the second side 48 being in Figure 6 and Figure 7The cross-seat direction CD shown is spaced apart from the first side 46. The cross-seat direction CD extends between the right side and the left side of the seat 24. The right and left sides are relative to the occupant 34 sitting in the seat 24, for example, the occupant 34 sits on the seat bottom 44 and rests on the seat back 42 and head restraint system.

[0044] The seat base 44 and / or seat back 42 may include: Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image shows a frame 50 and a covering supported on the frame 50. The frame 50 may include tubes, beams, etc. The frame 50 can be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc. As another example, some or all components of the frame 50 may be formed of a suitable metal, such as steel, aluminum, etc.

[0045] The covering may include interior trim materials and padding. The interior trim materials may be made of fabric, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The interior trim materials may be sewn into the panel surrounding the frame 50. Padding may be between the covering and the frame 50 and may be foam or any other suitable material.

[0046] Figures 1-12 The locking mechanism 28 shown operates to secure the seatbelt assembly 20, i.e., to engage the latch plate 32 with the latch 26. The locking mechanism 28 can... Figures 1-3 and Figure 12 The collapsible position shown in the image is the same as... Figures 6-11 The locking positions shown are pivotable relative to seat 24. For example, the locking mechanism 28 can be pivotally supported by seat bottom 44, for example, using a hinge pin or any other suitable structure that allows the locking mechanism 28 to rotate relative to seat bottom 44. The hinge pin can pivotally secure the locking mechanism 28 to frame 50. The locking mechanism 28 can be pivotally supported at a first side 46 and a second side 48 of seat bottom 44.

[0047] The locking mechanism 28 can be pushed from the retracted position to the locked position, and vice versa. For example, the seat belt assembly 20 may include... Figures 1-3 and Figures 6-12One or more servo mechanisms 52 are shown. Servo mechanisms 52 are designed to move the locking mechanism 28 between a retracted position and a locked position. Each servo mechanism 52 may include: a housing; a shaft extending from the housing; a motor and gear reduction unit designed to rotate the shaft; and a position sensor designed to detect the position of the shaft relative to the housing. The housing may be secured to the frame 50 of the seat 24, for example using one or more fasteners, clips, adhesives, etc. The shaft may be secured to the locking mechanism 28, for example using one or more fasteners, clips, brackets, splines, adhesives, etc. Alternatively, the housing may be secured to the locking mechanism 28, and the shaft may be secured to the frame 50. The servo mechanism 52, for example, in response to an actuation of a command from a computer 54, causes the shaft and the locking mechanism 28 to rotate relative to the housing and the seat 24. Other systems and structures may be used to cause the locking mechanism 28 to rotate relative to the seat 24, such as springs, linear actuators, motors, gears, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, electromechanical systems, etc. (not shown).

[0048] The locking mechanism 28 can be arc-shaped. For example, when the gear carrier 30 is in the retracted position, the locking mechanism 28 can be semi-circular, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. As another example, when the gear carrier 30 is in the extended position, the locking mechanism 28 can be circular, as shown in the diagram. Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0049] The locking mechanism 28 can be located below the seat 24, for example, relative to the occupant 34 sitting in the seat 24. For example, when the locking mechanism 28 is in the locked position, the locking mechanism 28 can be located within the recess 38.

[0050] The locking mechanism 28 may include a first end 56 and a second end 58 opposite to the first end 56. The first end 56 may be spaced apart from the second end 58. For example, the first end 56 and the second end 58 may be opposite each other, with a semi-circular shape between them. As another example, the seat bottom 44 may be located between the first end 56 and the second end 58.

[0051] When the locking mechanism 28 is in the locked position, the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 may be above the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 when the locking mechanism 28 is in the retracted position, that is, relative to the seat 24, for example, relative to the occupant 34 sitting in the seat 24. In other words, the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 of the locking mechanism 28 in the locked position may be further away from the base plate 36 than the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 of the locking mechanism 28 in the retracted position.

[0052] Compared to the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 when the latching mechanism 28 is in the retracted position, the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 when the latching mechanism 28 is in the locked position may be further forward, that is, relative to the seat 24, for example, relative to the occupant 34 sitting in the seat 24. In other words, the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 of the latching mechanism 28 in the locked position may be further away from the seat back 42 than the first end 56 and / or the second end 58 of the latching mechanism 28 in the retracted position.

[0053] The locking mechanism 28 may include Figures 1-12 The end cap 60 is shown in the diagram. The end cap 60 may be semi-circular. The end cap 60 may have a hollow rectangular cross-section. The end cap 60 may be made of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. The end cap 60 may be pivotally supported by the seat 24 to move between a retracted position and a locked position. The end cap 60 may be pivotally supported by a first side 46 and / or a second side 48 of the seat base 44. The first end 56 and the second end 58 of the locking mechanism 28 may be ends of the end cap 60.

[0054] End cap 60 can be limited Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 3A and Figures 5-12 The pocket 62 shown is located at the first end 56 of the latching mechanism 28. The pocket 62 can be sized to receive the latch plate 32.

[0055] Figures 3A-5 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The gear carrier 30 shown moves to engage the latch plate 32 with the latch 26. The gear carrier 30 is in the retracted position ( Figure 3A and Figure 5 (shown in the image) and the extended position ( Figure 7 and Figure 10 The gear carrier 30, as shown in the figures, is movable relative to the end cap 60, for example. The gear carrier 30 in the retracted position is shown in other figures (e.g., Figure 6 The gear carrier 30 is not visible because it is located within the end cover 60. The gear carrier 30 may be slidable within the end cover 60 to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Other structures may be used to achieve the movement of the gear carrier 30, such as tracks, tenon and groove arrangements, channels, etc. (not shown).

[0056] The gear carrier 30 in the retracted position can be below the seat 24, for example, relative to the occupant 34 seated in the seat 24. The gear carrier 30 in the extended position can be above the seat 24, for example, relative to the occupant 34 seated in the seat 24.

[0057] The gear carrier 30 can be plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. The gear carrier 30 may include... Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The rack 64 shown in the figure may include a plurality of gear teeth extending along the outside of the end cap 60.

[0058] Seat belt assembly 20 may include Figure 4 and Figure 13 The motor 66 is shown in the diagram. The motor 66 may be supported by an end cover 60. The motor 66 may have a pinion 68 fixed to a shaft. The pinion 68 may engage with a rack 64. The motor 66, for example, responds to an actuation from a command from a computer 54 to move the gear carrier 30 relative to the end cover 60. Other systems and structures may be used to move the end cover 60, such as linear actuators, rollers, springs, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, electromechanical systems, etc. (not shown).

[0059] Seat belt assembly 20 may include Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The telescopic member 70 is shown in the figure. The telescopic member 70 may be supported by a locking mechanism 28. For example, the telescopic member 70 may be secured to the end cap 60 using fasteners, clips, adhesives, etc. The telescopic member 70 may include a slide valve. The slide valve may be freely rotatable within the telescopic member 70. The slide valve may be adapted to receive webbing 72, for example by including a webbing attachment slot and allowing the webbing 72 to wrap around the slide valve. The telescopic member 70 may include a locking mechanism that inhibits rotation of the slide valve when the vehicle 22 undergoes deceleration above a threshold amount (e.g., during a collision of the vehicle 22).

[0060] The webbing 72 can be formed from fabric into a strip shape. The webbing 72 can be attached to the slide valve, wherein the webbing 72 is wound around the slide valve. For example, when the slide valve is not prevented from rotating by a locking mechanism, the webbing 72 can be pulled out from the telescoping device 70. The webbing 72 can be placed in a slot in the guide of the webbing 72.

[0061] The webbing 72 can be housed within the gear carrier 30, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. The webbing 72 can extend from the telescoping device 70 within the gear carrier 30 and extend out from the first end 56.

[0062] Figure 2 and Figures 6-11 The latch 26 shown engages with the latch plate 32 to secure the seat belt assembly 20 and restrain the occupant 34 relative to the seat 24. For example, the latch plate 32 can engage with the latch 26 when the latch mechanism 28 is in the locked position and the gear carrier 30 is in the extended position.

[0063] The latch 26 may include a latch or any other suitable structure to engage the latch plate 32. The latch 26 may include a button, actuator, etc., to disengage the latch plate 32 from the latch 26, for example, in response to input from the occupant 34, instructions from the computer 54, etc. The latch 26 is supported by the seat 24. For example, the latch 26 may be secured to a second end 58 of the latching mechanism 28, such as to an end cap 60, and secured using fasteners, clips, etc.

[0064] The latch plate 32 can be rectangular or any other suitable shape. The latch plate 32 may include holes, notches, etc., to receive the latch of the latch 26. The latch plate 32 is supported by the gear carrier 30. The latch plate 32 may be supported at the first end 56. For example, the latch plate 32 may be in a slot 62, such as... Figure 3A and Figure 5 As shown in the image.

[0065] Seat belt assembly 20 and / or vehicle 22 may include Figure 13 One or more sensors 74 are shown. Sensors 74 can detect various states and positions of the seatbelt assembly 20. For example, one or more sensors 74 (e.g., proximity sensors) may be supported by the seat 24 and designed to detect when the buckle mechanism 28 is in the locked position. As another example, one or more sensors 74 (e.g., proximity sensors) may be supported by the buckle 26 and designed to detect when the latch plate 32 engages with the buckle 26. Sensors 74 can be of other types, such as contact switches, cameras, etc.

[0066] Seat belt assembly 20 and / or vehicle 22 may include Figure 13 The occupancy sensor 76 shown is programmed to detect the occupancy of seat 24. The occupancy sensor 76 may be a visible light or infrared camera, a weight sensor, or other suitable sensor pointing towards seat 24.

[0067] Seat belt assembly 20 and / or vehicle 22 may include Figure 13 The communication network 78 shown in the figure includes hardware such as a communication bus for facilitating communication between components such as motor 66, servo mechanism 52, sensor 74, occupancy sensor 76, and computer 54. The communication network 78 can facilitate wired or wireless communication between components according to several communication protocols such as Computer Local Area Network (CAN), Ethernet, WiFi, Local Area Network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0068] Figure 13The computer 54 shown may be a microprocessor-based computer implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, computer 54 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of computer 54 may include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0069] Computer 54 can be programmed to actuate the locking mechanism 28 from a retracted position to a locked position, and then actuate the gear carrier 30 from a retracted position to an extended position. For example, computer 54 can transmit a command via communication network 78 to servo mechanism 52, instructing servo mechanism 52 to actuate to pivot end cap 60 to place locking mechanism 28 in the locked position. Next, computer 54 can transmit a command via communication network 78 to motor 66, instructing motor 66 to actuate to move gear carrier 30 relative to end cap 60, and to the extended position. Alternatively or additionally, computer 54 can instruct such actuation in response to input from occupant 34, for example, via a user interface such as buttons or a touchscreen of seat assembly 24 and / or vehicle 22, which communicates with computer 54 via communication network 78.

[0070] Computer 54 can be programmed to actuate latching mechanism 28 in response to detecting an occupant 34 in seat 24. For example, computer 54 can receive data indicating that seat 24 is occupied from occupancy sensor 76 via communication network 78. In response to receiving such data, computer 54 can actuate latching mechanism 28, for example, by pivoting end cap 60 to place latching mechanism 28 in a locked position and moving gear carrier 30 to an extended position, as described herein.

[0071] Computer 54 can be programmed to actuate gear carrier 30 from an extended position to a retracted position and then actuate locking mechanism 28 to pivot from a locked position to a folded position. For example, computer 54 can transmit a command via communication network 78 to motor 66, instructing motor 66 to actuate to move gear carrier 30 relative to end cover 60 and to the retracted position. Then, computer 54 can transmit a command via communication network 78 to servo mechanism 52, instructing servo mechanism 52 to actuate to pivot end cover 60 to place locking mechanism 28 in the folded position.

[0072] Computer 54 can be programmed to actuate latching mechanism 28 in response to detecting engagement of latch plate 32 with latch 26. For example, computer 54 can receive data from sensor 74 via communication network 78 indicating engagement of latch plate 32 with latch 26. In response to receiving such data, computer 54 can actuate latching mechanism 28, for example, to move gear carrier 30 to a retracted position and pivot end cap 60 to place latching mechanism 28 in a folded position, as described herein.

[0073] During operation, and before occupant 34 occupies seat 24, the latching mechanism 28 can be in the retracted position, the gear carrier 30 can be in the retracted position, and the latch plate 32 can be in the slot 62 of the gear carrier 30. After occupant 34 occupies seat 24, the latching mechanism 28 pivots to the locked position, the gear carrier 30 extends to the extended position, and the latch plate 32 engages the latch 26, as... Figures 8-10 As shown in the diagram. After the latch plate 32 engages with the latch 26, the gear carrier 30 moves to the retracted position, the latch mechanism 28 pivots to the stowed position, and the telescopic member 70 retracts the webbing 72, for example, to restrain the occupant 34 in the seat 24, as shown. Figures 11-12 As shown in the image.

[0074] Computing devices such as a computer 54 typically include computer-executable instructions, which may be executable by the processor of the computer 54. The computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted according to computer programs created using various programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to single or combined forms of the following: Java. TM C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines such as the Java Virtual Machine, Dalvik Virtual Machine, etc. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from memory, computer-readable media, and executes those instructions to perform one or more procedures, including one or more of the procedures described herein. A variety of computer-readable media can be used to store and transfer such instructions and other data.

[0075] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer 54 (e.g., the processor of the computer 54). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, and other persistent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including wires that constitute a system bus coupled to the processor of the computer. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punched cards, paper tape, any other physical media with a perforated pattern, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip, or cassette tape or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0076] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on an associated computer-readable medium (e.g., disks, storage, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for implementing the functions described herein.

[0077] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting in nature. In view of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0078] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising: a seat; a latch supported by the seat; a latching mechanism pivotable relative to the seat between a retracted position and a locked position, and having a gear carrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position; and a latch plate supported by the gear carrier, and engaging with the latch when the latching mechanism is in the locked position and the gear carrier is in the extended position.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the seat includes a seat bottom having a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side in a cross-seat direction, the locking mechanism being pivotally supported at the first side and the second side.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an end cap, within which the gear carrier is slidable to move between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a motor supported by an end cap and having a pinion, the gear carrier including a rack that engages with the pinion.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a webbing disposed within the gear frame.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the latching mechanism includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the latch plate is supported at the first end, and the latch is fixed to the second end.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism is arc-shaped.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism is located under the seat.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an end portion, at which a latch plate is supported, and the end portion in the locked position is above the end portion of the seat in the retracted position.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an end portion, at which a latch plate is supported, and the end portion in the locked position is in front of the end portion in the retracted position relative to the seat.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that can be executed by the processor to actuate the locking mechanism from a retracted position to a locked position and then actuate the gear carrier from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the memory also stores instructions that can be executed by a processor to actuate the locking mechanism in response to the detection of an occupant in the seat.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the memory also stores instructions executable by a processor to actuate the gear carrier from an extended position to a retracted position and then actuate the locking mechanism to pivot from a locked position to a retracted position.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the memory also stores instructions that can be executed by a processor to actuate the latch mechanism in response to detecting engagement of the latch plate with the latch.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the seat includes a seat base, and the locking mechanism is pivotally supported by the seat base.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the gear carrier in the extended position is above the seat.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism is circular when the gear carrier is in the extended position.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a telescopic device supported by a locking mechanism.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a servo mechanism designed to move the locking mechanism between a retracted position and a locked position.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by having a recessed base plate, the seat being supported by the base plate, and the locking mechanism being positioned within the recess when it is in the locked position.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: Seats; A latch, which is supported by the seat; A locking mechanism, which is pivotable relative to the seat between a retracted position and a locked position, and has a gear carrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position; The locking mechanism includes an end cap, and the gear carrier is slidable within the end cap to move between the retracted position and the extended position; The assembly also includes a motor supported by the end cap and having a pinion, the gear carrier including a rack that engages with the pinion; as well as A latch plate, supported by the gear carrier, engages with the latch when the locking mechanism is in the locked position and the gear carrier is in the extended position.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a seat bottom having a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side in a cross-seat direction, the locking mechanism being pivotally supported at the first side and the second side.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a webbing disposed within the gear carrier.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the latch plate is supported at the first end, and the latch is fixed to the second end.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is located below the seat.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes an end portion, the latch plate is supported at the end portion, and the end portion in the locked position is above the end portion in the retracted position relative to the seat.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes an end portion, the latch plate is supported at the end portion, and the end portion in the locked position is in front of the end portion in the retracted position relative to the seat.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is circular when the gear carrier is in the extended position.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a telescopic member supported by the locking mechanism.

10. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a servo mechanism configured to move the locking mechanism between the retracted position and the locked position.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a recessed base plate, the seat being supported by the base plate, and the locking mechanism being disposed within the recess when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

12. The assembly of any one of claims 1-11, further comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate the locking mechanism from the retracted position to the locked position and then actuate the gear carrier from the retracted position to the extended position.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the memory further stores instructions executable by the processor to actuate the gear carrier from the extended position to the retracted position and then actuate the locking mechanism to pivot from the locked position to the folded position.

Images