Double-gear reclining device for vehicle seat

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vehicle seat applying a double-gear type reclining chair device. The vehicle seat includes a reclining chair device having a hinge structure. The hinge structure is applied to the middle part of the seat and is configured to form a fixed-end hinge point with the seat back frame of the seat back and a free-end hinge point with the seat cushion frame, and the hinge structure is configured to enable the seat back to have folding and unfolding movements. The vehicle seat further includes a controller configured to output motor control signals for a seat cushion motor and a seat back motor to generate folding and unfolding movements. Therefore, two actuators are integrated into one device to improve the design freedom of the outer periphery of the seat, and the two actuators are built into a gearbox to perform large-angle adjustment, so that a backrest table mode and a leg rest mode can be easily achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a reclining chair device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat applying a double-gear type reclining chair device, in which the double-gear type reclining chair device improves the design freedom of the seat periphery by integrating upper and lower two drivers into one device in a double-gear manner and realizes a backrest table mode and a leg rest mode suitable for future autonomous driving vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle seat has a reclining chair device, and the seat back can be folded or reclined relative to the seat cushion to be adjusted to fit the occupant's body shape.

[0003] For this purpose, the reclining chair device is divided into a single reclining chair device and a double reclining chair device.

[0004] For example, the double reclining chair device includes a seat cushion constituting the seat as a lower driver and a seat back connected to the seat cushion as an upper driver, and the seat cushion and the seat back are respectively installed on both side surfaces of the seat. The double reclining chair device performs a folding operation (i.e., folding) or an unfolding operation (i.e., unfolding) relative to the seat cushion by setting the seat back at one pivot point.

[0005] Therefore, in the operation of folding the seat back forward (i.e., folding) or unfolding it backward (i.e., unfolding) to adjust the seat back to a seat posture suitable for the body shape, the double reclining chair device has a structural advantage of being easy to adjust the pivot angle compared with the single reclining chair device.

[0006] However, for the function of folding the seat back (i.e., folding / unfolding), the double reclining chair device is formed on the left and right two side surfaces of the seat, so that the design freedom of the seat is inevitably lower compared with the single reclining chair device, and an excessive increase in material cost and weight inevitably occurs.

[0007] In addition, due to the structure of the seat back having one pivot point, in addition to the traditional folding / unfolding operation, it is inevitably difficult for the double reclining chair device to realize various modes, for example, a backrest folding mode in which a front view can be ensured and a table function and a large luggage fixing function can be realized in the backrest table mode and a flat mode in which the occupant can stretch his legs in the leg rest mode.

[0008] In an embodiment, it is inevitably impossible to realize various modes, which inevitably cannot realize the seat development concept suitable for future autonomous driving vehicles that require freely changing the seat back to effectively utilize the interior space. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a double-gear type reclining device for a vehicle seat, which is formed by integrating upper and lower drivers in a double-gear method into a single device. The double-gear type reclining device for a vehicle seat can improve the design freedom of the outer periphery of the seat, and more specifically, can adjust the angle of the seat back in a double-gear integrated structure in which a motor and a reduction gear are applied in a gearbox module where upper and lower drivers are arranged in the central part. Therefore, a backrest table mode and a leg rest mode suitable for future autonomous driving vehicles can be achieved.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood from the following description, and with reference to the embodiments of the present disclosure, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent. Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the claimed device and its combinations.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a reclining device includes: a double-gearbox module disposed at a connection portion at a middle position of the width between a seat cushion having a seat cushion frame therein and a seat back having a seat back frame therein. The reclining device is configured to form a free-end hinge point with the seat cushion frame to block the movement of the seat cushion frame, and form a fixed-end hinge point with the seat back frame to cause the seat back to fold or unfold relative to the seat cushion due to the movement of the seat back frame.

[0012] As an embodiment, the double-gearbox module may include: an upper rotating device configured such that the fixed-end hinge point is connected to the left and right portions of the seat back frame; a lower rotating device configured such that the free-end hinge point is connected to the left and right portions of the seat cushion frame; and a gearbox having an internal space configured to accommodate the upper rotating device and the lower rotating device. The upper rotating device may be located above in the internal space, and the lower rotating device may be located below in the internal space.

[0013] As an embodiment, the upper rotating device may include: a seat back motor; a seat back power transmission shaft configured to change the rotation direction of the seat back motor; and a seat back output shaft configured to match the rotation direction of the seat back power transmission shaft with the rotation direction of the seat back motor and cause the seat back frame to move.

[0014] As an embodiment, the seat back motor and the seat back output shaft may be horizontally arranged and form a separation gap therebetween. The seat back power transmission shaft may be vertically arranged relative to the seat back motor and the seat back output shaft to form a gear meshing structure, and receive rotation from the seat back motor through the gear meshing structure to transmit the rotation to the seat back output shaft.

[0015] As an example, the seat back power transmission shaft can form a gear meshing structure using the first seat back power transmission shaft and the second seat back power transmission shaft. The first seat back power transmission shaft can be formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the left motor shaft worm of the seat back motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the left tube worm gear of the seat back output shaft. The second seat back power transmission shaft can be formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the right motor shaft worm of the seat back motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the right tube worm gear of the seat back output shaft.

[0016] As an example, the seat back motor can be assembled to an elastic piece protruding into the internal space of the gearbox to form a fixing force. The seat back motor and the seat back output shaft can be supported on bearings on the left and right side portions of the gearbox. The seat back power transmission shaft can be supported on a shaft end bracket assembled to a hook protruding into the internal space of the gearbox.

[0017] As an example, the lower rotating device can include: a seat cushion motor; a seat cushion power transmission shaft configured to change the rotation direction of the seat cushion motor; and a seat cushion output shaft configured to match the rotation direction of the seat cushion power transmission shaft with the rotation direction of the seat cushion motor to freely rotate relative to the seat cushion frame.

[0018] As an example, the seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft can be horizontally arranged and form a separation gap with each other. The seat cushion power transmission shaft can be vertically arranged relative to the seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft to form a gear meshing structure, and receive rotation from the seat cushion motor through the gear meshing structure to transmit the rotation to the seat cushion output shaft.

[0019] As an example, the seat cushion power transmission shaft can form a gear meshing structure using the first seat cushion power transmission shaft and the second seat cushion power transmission shaft. The first seat cushion power transmission shaft can be formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the left motor shaft worm of the seat cushion motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the left tube worm gear of the seat cushion output shaft. The second seat cushion power transmission shaft can be formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the right motor shaft worm of the seat cushion motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the right tube worm gear of the seat cushion output shaft.

[0020] As an example, the seat cushion motor can be assembled to an elastic piece protruding into the internal space of the gearbox to form a fixing force. The seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft can be supported on bearings on the left and right side portions of the gearbox. The seat cushion power transmission shaft can be supported on a shaft end bracket assembled to a hook protruding into the internal space of the gearbox.

[0021] As an example, the gearbox can include a front housing and a rear housing. The internal space can be formed by the connection of the front housing and the rear housing, and the front housing and the rear housing can be fixed and assembled through a joining member.

[0022] As an example, the folding may be performed such that the seat back is stacked on the seat cushion by folding the backrest, and the unfolding may be performed such that the seat back reclines from the seat cushion in a fully flattened state.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat includes: a reclining device, a hinge structure configured to perform folding and unfolding is formed at an intermediate portion of the width of the seat back that folds and unfolds with respect to the seat cushion. The hinge structure forms a fixed-end hinge point with the seat back frame of the seat back so that the seat back has a folding and unfolding movement. At the same time, the hinge structure forms a free-end hinge point with the seat cushion frame of the seat cushion to block the movement of the seat cushion frame and the seat cushion. The seat further includes: a controller configured to output a seat cushion motor control signal for driving a seat cushion motor of the reclining device and a seat back motor control signal for driving a seat back motor of the reclining device to generate a folding and unfolding movement.

[0024] As an example, the controller may perform rotation direction control of each of the seat back motor and the seat cushion motor, and through the rotation direction control, a backrest table mode in which the seat back is stacked on the seat cushion by folding the backrest during folding is achieved, and a leg rest mode in which the seat back reclines from the seat cushion in a fully flattened state during unfolding is achieved.

[0025] As an example, the folding may include an inclination mode in which the seat back is inclined at a predetermined angle during an intermediate operation of folding the backrest by reducing the output of each of the seat back motor and the seat cushion motor. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing a double-gear type reclining device applied to a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 is an assembled side view showing a double-gear type reclining device according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a double-gear type reclining device according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is an assembled perspective view showing a double-gear type reclining device according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 is a view showing a state in which a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure realizes a backrest table mode using a double-gear type reclining device.

[0031] Figure 6 is a view showing a state in which a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure realizes an inclination mode using a double-gear type reclining device.

[0032] Figure 7 FIG. is a view showing a state in which a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure implements a leg rest mode using a double-gear reclining device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are examples of the present disclosure and can be implemented in various other different forms by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, so the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. When a component, device, element, etc. of the present disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation, function, etc., the component, device, or element should be regarded as "configured to" meet the purpose or perform the operation or function in this document. In addition, the controller described herein may include a processor programmed to perform the operations or functions.

[0034] Referring to Figure 1 , vehicle 1 is provided with seat 3, and seat 3 applies reclining device 10.

[0035] For example, seat 3 includes seat cushion 4 on which a passenger sits and seat back 5 configured to support the passenger, so that seat cushion 4 and seat back 5 are the same as the seat cushion and seat back of a conventional vehicle seat.

[0036] However, the difference is that in seat cushion 4, seat cushion frame 80 constituting the seat cushion skeleton is connected to the lower part of reclining device 10, and in seat back 5, seat back frame 70 constituting the seat back skeleton is connected to the upper part of reclining device 10.

[0037] For example, seat cushion 4 is connected to seat back 5, so that reclining device 10 is integrated with seat 3, and double-gearbox module 20 includes upper rotating device 30 connected to the upper part of seat back frame 70 of seat back 5 and lower rotating device 40 connected to seat cushion frame 80 of seat cushion 4.

[0038] In an embodiment, since upper rotating device 30 is located in the middle part of seat back frame 70 and lower rotating device 40 is located in the middle part of seat cushion frame 80, seat back frame 70 and seat cushion frame 80 are connected in the middle part of seat 3, so that reclining device 10 operates to fold or unfold seat back 5 relative to seat cushion 4.

[0039] Therefore, reclining device 10 can be located in the middle part of seat 3, and can fold seat back 5 toward seat cushion 4 in the middle part of seat 3, or can recline seat back 5 to unfold it from seat cushion 4.

[0040] In addition, upper rotating device 30 is fixed to seat back frame 70 by an interference fit or a welding structure, while lower rotating device 40 rotates freely relative to seat cushion frame 80.

[0041] Therefore, the fixed-end hinge point A of the upper rotating device 30 and the seat back frame 70 causes the seat back frame 70 to move in the rotating direction to fold / unfold the seat back 5. The free-end hinge point B of the lower rotating device 40 and the seat cushion frame 80 prevents the seat cushion 4 from interfering with the folding / unfolding of the seat back 5.

[0042] In addition, the reclining device 10 is linked to the controller 90. The controller 90 recognizes a reclining button signal (a) according to the operation of a button provided in the combination instrument panel, door, or seat 3 of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1. After recognizing the reclining button signal (a), the controller 90 drives the seat cushion motor 41 of the lower rotating device 40 using a seat cushion motor control signal (b) (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ), and drives the seat back motor 31 of the upper rotating device 30 using a seat back motor control signal (c) (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0043] Meanwhile, Figures 2 to 4 shows the detailed structure of the upper rotating device 30, the lower rotating device 40, the gearbox 50, and the bolt 60 that constitute the reclining device 10.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the upper rotating device 30 and the lower rotating device 40 are located in the internal space of the gearbox 50 assembled with the bolt 60, so that the internal space of the gearbox 50 is divided into an upper internal space where the upper rotating device 30 is located and a lower internal space where the lower rotating device 40 is located.

[0045] Specifically, the upper rotating device 30 includes a seat back motor 31, a seat back power transmission shaft 33, and a seat back output shaft 35.

[0046] For example, the seat back motor 31 performs forward / backward rotation (or clockwise / counterclockwise rotation) in response to the seat back motor control signal (c) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1 ). On the left and right sides of the motor housing of the seat back motor 31, a left motor shaft worm 31a and a right motor shaft worm 31b are provided. In this embodiment, a general electric motor or a stepping motor can be applied as the seat back motor 31.

[0047] In an embodiment, the left motor shaft worm 31a and the right motor shaft worm 31b output rotation in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the seat back motor 31. The output in the same rotation direction enables the two sides of the seat back motor 31 to have the same gear conditions, which helps to improve the strength (or braking force) of the worm gear against the external force acting on the seat back 5. In addition, the end portions of each of the left motor shaft worm 31a and the right motor shaft worm 31b are supported on the motor bearing 31c (see Figure 4 ).

[0048] Specifically, the seat back power transmission shaft 33 includes a first seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and a second seat back power transmission shaft 33-2. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish the arrangement position of the first seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 from the arrangement position of the second seat back power transmission shaft 33-2, the first seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 is referred to as the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1, and the second seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 is referred to as the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2.

[0049] In one embodiment, each of the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 includes a shaft rod 33a, a lower end rod worm gear 33b, an upper end rod worm 33c, and a shaft end bracket 33d.

[0050] For example, the shaft rod 33a is formed in a straight line shape with a predetermined length. The lower end rod worm gear 33b is formed at the lower part of the straight length of the shaft rod 33a to mesh with the left motor shaft worm 31a of the seat back motor 31. The upper end rod worm 33c is formed at the upper part of the straight length of the shaft rod 33a to mesh with the left tube worm gear 35a of the seat back output shaft 35.

[0051] For example, the shaft end bracket 33d supports the end portion of the straight length of the shaft rod 33a extending from each of the lower end rod worm gear 33b and the upper end rod worm 33c in a free end support structure. The shaft end bracket 33d engages with the hook 57 provided in the rear housing 50-2 of the gearbox 50 to maintain a fixing force.

[0052] Specifically, the seat back output shaft 35 includes a tube shaft 35-1, a left tube worm gear 35a and a right tube worm gear 35b, and a tube bearing 35c.

[0053] For example, the tube shaft 35-1 is formed as a hollow tube structure having a predetermined length. The left tube worm wheel 35a and the right tube worm wheel 35b are formed at the end portion on one side of the tube shaft 35-1, and are divided into a left tube worm wheel 35a meshing with the upper end rod worm 33c of the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and a right tube worm wheel 35b meshing with the upper end rod worm 33c of the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2. The tube bearing 35c is disposed adjacent to each of the left tube worm wheel 35a and the right tube worm wheel 35b.

[0054] In an embodiment, the left end portion and the right end portion of the tube shaft 35-1 forming the hollow tube structure extend from the tube bearing 35c to form a fixed-end hinge point A (see Figure 1 ) with the seat back frame 70.

[0055] Specifically, the lower rotating device 40 includes a seat cushion motor 41, a seat cushion power transmission shaft 43, and a seat cushion output shaft 45.

[0056] For example, the seat cushion motor 41 performs forward / backward rotation (or clockwise / counterclockwise rotation) in response to the seat cushion motor control signal (b) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1 ). The left motor shaft worm 41a and the right motor shaft worm 41b are disposed on the left and right sides of the motor housing of the seat cushion motor 41. In this case, a general electric motor or a stepping motor can be applied as the seat cushion motor 41.

[0057] In an embodiment, the left motor shaft worm 41a and the right motor shaft worm 41b output rotation in the same rotation direction as the rotation direction of the seat cushion motor 41. The output in the same rotation direction enables the two sides of the seat cushion motor 41 to have the same gear condition, which helps to improve the strength (or braking force) of the worm gear against the external force acting on the seat back 5. In addition, the end portion of each of the left motor shaft worm 41a and the right motor shaft worm 41b is supported on the motor bearing 41c (see Figure 4 ).

[0058] Specifically, the seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 includes a first seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and a second seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish or differentiate the arrangement positions of the first seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the second seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2, the first seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 is referred to as the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1, and the second seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 is referred to as the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2.

[0059] In an embodiment, each of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 includes a shaft rod 43a, a lower end rod worm wheel 43b, an upper end rod worm 43c, and a shaft end bracket 43d.

[0060] For example, the shaft rod 43a is formed in a straight shape with a predetermined length. The lower end rod worm wheel 43b is formed at the lower part of the straight length of the shaft rod 43a to mesh with the left motor shaft worm 41a of the seat cushion motor 41. The upper end rod worm 43c is formed at the upper part of the straight length of the shaft rod 43a to mesh with the left tube worm wheel 45a of the seat cushion output shaft 45.

[0061] For example, the shaft end bracket 43d supports the end part of the straight length of the shaft rod 43a extending from each of the lower end rod worm wheel 43b and the upper end rod worm 43c in a free end support structure. The shaft end bracket 43d engages with a hook 57 provided in the rear housing 50-2 of the gearbox 50 to maintain a fixing force.

[0062] Specifically, the seat cushion output shaft 45 includes a tube shaft 45-1, a left tube worm wheel 45a and a right tube worm wheel 45b, and a tube bearing 45c.

[0063] For example, the tube shaft 45-1 is formed in a hollow tube structure with a predetermined length. The left tube worm wheel 45a and the right tube worm wheel 45b are formed at the end part on one side of the tube shaft 45-1, and are divided into a left tube worm wheel 45a that meshes with the upper end rod worm 43c of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and a right tube worm wheel 45b that meshes with the upper end rod worm 43c of the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2. The tube bearing 45c is provided adjacent to each of the left tube worm wheel 45a and the right tube worm wheel 45b.

[0064] In the embodiment, the left end part and the right end part of the tube shaft 45-1 formed in a hollow tube structure extend from the tube bearing 45c to form tube ends that form a free end hinge point B with the seat cushion frame 80 (see Figure 1 ).

[0065] Specifically, the gearbox 50 is divided into a front housing 50-1 and a rear housing 50-2, and is assembled due to the engagement of bolts 60 in a state where the front housing 50-1 is assembled to the rear housing 50-2.

[0066] For this purpose, the front housing 50-1 is formed as an empty space and is formed to be assemblable to the rear housing 50-2. At the same time, the rear housing 50-2 includes motor brackets 51 and 53, tube holes 52 and 54, motor holes 55 and 56, a hook 57, and bolt bosses 59.

[0067] For example, the motor brackets 51 and 53 are formed such that two elastic pieces for inserting a motor housing to maintain a fixing force protrude from the bottom surface of the rear housing 50-2, and are divided into a seat back motor bracket 51 for the seat back motor 31 and a seat cushion motor bracket 53 for the seat cushion motor 41 provided below the seat back motor bracket 51.

[0068] For example, the tube holes 52 and 54 are divided into the seat back tube holes 52 that form a circular shape by using the semi - circles formed at the upper part of the front housing 50 - 1 and the rear housing 50 - 2, and the seat cushion tube holes 54 that form a circular shape by using the semi - circles formed at the lower part of the front housing 50 - 1 and the rear housing 50 - 2. In addition, the motor holes 55 and 56 are divided into the seat back motor holes 55 that are provided on the left and right sides of the seat back motor bracket 51 of the rear housing 50 - 2 and in which the motor bearing 31c is located, and the seat cushion motor holes 56 that are provided on the left and right sides of the seat cushion motor bracket 53 of the rear housing 50 - 2 and in which the motor bearing 41c is located.

[0069] For example, the hook 57 is assembled to fix the shaft end brackets 33d of the left seat back power transmission shaft 33 - 1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33 - 2, and is assembled to fix the shaft end brackets 43d of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 2. The hook 57 is formed by two elastic pieces and is located at four positions on the left and right sides of the upper and lower parts.

[0070] For example, the bolt bosses 59 protrude from the upper / lower / left / right sides of the rear housing 50 - 2 to match the protruding grooves that protrude from the upper / lower / left / right sides of the front housing 50 - 1. Thus, positions for the threaded engagement of the bolts 60 are provided. The bolt bosses 59 are configured as eight bolt bosses by forming two on each of the upper / lower / left / right sides.

[0071] Specifically, the bolts 60 are threadedly engaged with the bolt bosses 59 to fix and assemble the front housing 50 - 1 and the rear housing 50 - 2. In the embodiment, screws can be applied as the bolts 60.

[0072] Referring to Figure 4 the assembled state of the double - gearbox module 20, the internal space formed by the gearbox 50 of the front housing 50 - 1 and the rear housing 50 - 2 assembled by the bolts 60 is divided into an upper part in which the upper rotating device 30 is located and a lower part in which the lower rotating device 40 is located.

[0073] In the embodiment, the tube ends of the seat back output shaft 35 that constitutes the upper rotating device 30 and the tube ends of the seat cushion output shaft 45 that constitutes the lower rotating device 40 are exposed to the outside on the left and right side surfaces of the gearbox 50. In the exposed state, the tube end of the seat back output shaft 35 forms a fixed - end hinge point A with the seat back frame 70 (see Figure 1 ), while the tube end of the seat cushion output shaft 45 forms a free - end hinge point B with the seat cushion frame 80 (see Figure 1 ).

[0074] In addition, the hook 57 engages with the shaft end brackets 33d and 43d to fix the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2, as well as the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2, and the bolt 60 engages with the bolt boss 59 in a threaded manner to couple the front housing 50-1 and the rear housing 50-2 to form a single unit.

[0075] In addition, the layout of the dual gearbox module 20 is as follows.

[0076] For example, the seat back motor 31 is horizontally arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the gearbox 50, and the seat cushion motor 41 is horizontally arranged in the lower part of the internal space of the gearbox 50. The seat back output shaft 35 is horizontally arranged above the seat back motor 31 in the internal space of the gearbox 50, and the seat cushion output shaft 45 is horizontally arranged below the seat cushion motor 41 in the internal space of the gearbox 50. Therefore, the positions of the seat back motor 31, the seat cushion motor 41, the seat back output shaft 35, and the seat cushion output shaft 45 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

[0077] For example, the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 are vertically arranged at the left position in the internal space of the gearbox 50, and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 are vertically arranged at the right position in the internal space of the gearbox 50.

[0078] According to the above description, the gear connection of the upper rotating device 30 is as follows.

[0079] For example, the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 forms a gear engagement with the left motor shaft worm 31a of the seat back motor 31 through the lower end rod worm gear 33b, and forms a gear engagement with the left tube worm gear 35a of the seat back output shaft 35 through the upper end rod worm 33c. For example, the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 forms a gear engagement with the right motor shaft worm 31b of the seat back motor 31 through the lower end rod worm gear 33b, and forms a gear engagement with the right tube worm gear 35b of the seat back output shaft 35 through the upper end rod worm 33c.

[0080] In addition, the gear connection of the lower rotating device 40 is as follows.

[0081] For example, the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 forms a gear engagement with the left motor shaft worm 41a of the seat cushion motor 41 through the lower end rod worm gear 43b, and forms a gear engagement with the left tube worm gear 45a of the seat cushion output shaft 45 through the upper end rod worm 43c. For example, the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 forms a gear engagement with the right motor shaft worm 41b of the seat cushion motor 41 through the lower end rod worm gear 43b, and forms a gear engagement with the right tube worm gear 45b of the seat cushion output shaft 45 through the upper end rod worm 43c.

[0082] Therefore, the operation of the reclining chair device 10 is performed by driving the seat cushion motor 41 and then driving the seat back motor 31. However, the operation of the reclining chair device 10 can be performed by driving the seat cushion motor 41 and the seat back motor 31 together. This is because the rotation of the seat cushion motor 41 moves the gearbox 50, and the rotation of the seat back motor 31 moves the seat back 5.

[0083] For example, the rotation of the seat cushion motor 41 rotates the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2, and the rotation of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 rotates the seat cushion output shaft 45. Then, the seat cushion output shaft 45 rotates freely relative to the seat cushion frame 80 at the free end hinge point B (see Figure 1 ), so that the gearbox 50 moves in the same rotation direction with the seat cushion frame 80 as the hinge point.

[0084] Subsequently, the rotation of the seat back motor 31 rotates the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2, and the rotation of the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 rotates the seat back output shaft 35. Then, the seat back output shaft 35 moves the seat back frame 70 in the same rotation direction with the fixed end hinge point A (see Figure 1 ) as the hinge point. The movement of the seat back frame 70 changes the seat back 5 to folded or unfolded according to the movement direction.

[0085] As described above, the reclining chair device 10 basically provides folding and unfolding, which are the functions required for a reclining chair. In addition, in addition to the folding / unfolding operation, the seat back 5 is folded at a large seat back angle relative to the seat cushion 4. Therefore, a backrest table mode (see Figure 5 ) for ensuring the front view / table function / large luggage fixing function, a leg rest mode (see Figure 7 ) in which the occupant can stretch his legs, and an inclined mode (see Figure 6 ) for reclining the cargo can be achieved.

[0086] Thus, due to the double gearbox module 20, the reclining chair device 10 is characterized as a double - geared reclining chair device 10, enabling the development of a seat concept suitable for future autonomous vehicles.

[0087] Meanwhile, Figures 5 to 7 illustrate examples of the reclining chair device 10 operating in the backrest table mode ( Figure 5 ), leg rest mode ( Figure 7 ), and reclining mode ( Figure 6 ).

[0088] In Figure 5 's backrest table mode, power transmission is carried out in the order of seat cushion motor 41 → left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 1 and right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 2 → seat cushion output shaft 45 → gearbox 50 → seat back 5 → seat back motor 31 → seat back power transmission shaft 33 → seat back output shaft 35 → seat back frame 70 → seat back 5. Hereinbefore, "→" represents the order of the power transmission process.

[0089] For example, in response to the seat cushion motor control signal (b) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1 ), the seat cushion motor 41 changes to the counter - clockwise seat cushion motor rotation state a. Additionally, the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43 - 2 change to the clockwise seat cushion worm gear rotation state b of rotating 90° through the lower end rod worm gear 43b meshing with the left motor shaft worm 41a and the right motor shaft worm 41b of the seat cushion motor 41. Furthermore, the upper end rod worm 43c changes to the clockwise seat cushion worm rotation state c. The clockwise seat cushion worm rotation state c causes the seat cushion output shaft 45 to rotate counter - clockwise through the left tube worm gear 45a and the right tube worm gear 45b meshing with the upper end rod worm 43c.

[0090] However, the seat cushion output shaft 45 forms a free - end hinge point B with the seat cushion frame 80 (see Figure 1 ), so that the counter - clockwise rotation of the seat cushion output shaft 45 moves the gearbox 50.

[0091] Then, the movement of the gearbox 50 is transmitted to the seat back frame 70 that forms a fixed - end hinge point A with the seat back output shaft 35 (see Figure 1 ). Therefore, the seat back 5 is converted to the folded rotation state d, such that the seat back 5 changes from step 1 to the folded state as in step 2 where the seat back 5 is raised and erected on the seat cushion 4.

[0092] Subsequently, in response to the seat back motor control signal (c) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1) The seat back motor 31 changes to the counterclockwise seat back motor rotation state e. Additionally, the left seat back power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat back power transmission shaft 33-2 change to the clockwise seat back worm gear rotation state f of rotating 90° through the lower end rod worm gear 33b meshing with the left motor shaft worm 31a and the right motor shaft worm 31b of the seat back motor 31. Furthermore, the upper end rod worm 33c changes to the clockwise seat back worm rotation state g. The clockwise seat back worm rotation state g causes the seat back output shaft 35 to change to the counterclockwise seat back output shaft rotation state h through the left pipe worm gear 35a and the right pipe worm gear 35b meshing with the upper end rod worm 33c.

[0093] Then, the seat back output shaft 35 forms a fixed-end hinge point A with the seat back frame 70 (see Figure 1 ). Therefore, in the seat back output shaft rotation state h of the seat back output shaft 35, the seat back frame 70 moves together with the gearbox 50. The movement of the seat back frame 70 further causes the seat back 5 to descend towards the seat cushion 4. Thus, the seat back 5 changes from step 2 to the backrest table state as in step 3 where the seat back 5 is completely stacked on the seat cushion 4.

[0094] As described above, in the backrest table mode, by using the combination of the seat cushion motor 41 and the seat back motor 31, the seat back 5 is completely stacked on the seat cushion 4, thereby ensuring the front view and enabling functions such as the table function and the large luggage fixing function.

[0095] In addition, referring to Figure 6 's tilt mode, the tilt mode is a state where during the backrest table mode, the seat back 5 is not completely stacked on the seat cushion 4 and the tilt of the seat back 5 is formed to be less than the tilt in the backrest table mode.

[0096] Therefore, it can be seen that the tilt mode is achieved by reducing the intensity of the current applied in response to the seat back motor control signal (c) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1 ).

[0097] As described above, in the tilt mode, the seat back 5 tilts slightly towards the seat cushion 4, so that the cargo 100 with a longer length can lean against the seat back 5 in a state of being placed on the bottom (e.g., the floor) of the vehicle body.

[0098] Meanwhile, in Figure 7In the leg rest mode, power transmission is executed in the order of seat cushion motor 41 → left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 → seat cushion output shaft 45 → gearbox 50 → seat backrest 5 → seat backrest motor 31 → seat backrest power transmission shaft 33 → seat backrest output shaft 35 → seat backrest frame 70 → seat backrest 5. Above, "→" represents the order of the power transmission process.

[0099] As described above, in the leg rest mode, the motor rotation direction and the gear rotation direction are formed to be opposite to the motor rotation direction and the gear rotation direction in the backrest table mode. Thus, the difference is that the seat backrest 5 unfolds from the seat cushion 4. The operation sequence of the leg rest mode is the same as the operation sequence of the backrest table mode. Therefore, the difference is that in the backrest table mode, the controller 90 uses the seat cushion motor control signal (b) and the seat backrest motor control signal (c) as (+) current signals, while in the leg rest mode, the controller 90 uses the seat cushion motor control signal (b) and the seat backrest motor control signal (c) as (-) current signals.

[0100] For example, the seat cushion motor control signal (b) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1 ) changes the seat cushion motor 41 to the clockwise seat cushion motor rotation state i. The gear meshing between the left motor shaft worm 41a and the right motor shaft worm 41b of the seat cushion motor 41 and the lower end rod worm wheel 43b of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 changes the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 to the counterclockwise seat cushion worm wheel rotation state j of rotating 90° and changes the upper end rod worm 43c to the counterclockwise seat cushion worm rotation state k.

[0101] Then, the counterclockwise seat cushion worm rotation state k of the left seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-1 and the right seat cushion power transmission shaft 43-2 causes the left tube worm wheel 45a and the right tube worm wheel 45b of the seat cushion output shaft 45 meshing with the upper end rod worm 43c to change to the clockwise rotation state of rotating 90° again. The clockwise rotation of the seat cushion output shaft 45 is converted into the movement of the gearbox 50 through the free end hinge point B (see Figure 1 ).

[0102] Therefore, the movement of the gearbox 50 is transmitted to the seat backrest frame 70 through the seat backrest output shaft 35 and the fixed end hinge point A (see Figure 1 ), and the seat backrest 5 is changed to the unfolded rotation state l through the seat backrest frame 70, so that the seat backrest 5 changes from step 1 to the unfolded state as in step 2 where the seat backrest 5 moves downward relative to the seat cushion 4 to unfold.

[0103] Subsequently, the seat backrest motor control signal (c) of the controller 90 (see Figure 1)Change the seat backrest motor 31 to the clockwise seat backrest motor rotation state m. The gear meshing between the left motor shaft worm 31a and the right motor shaft worm 31b of the seat backrest motor 31 and the lower end rod worm wheels 33b of the left seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-2 changes the left seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-2 to the counterclockwise seat backrest worm wheel rotation state n of rotating 90°, and changes the upper end rod worm 33c to the counterclockwise seat backrest worm rotation state o.

[0104] Then, the counterclockwise seat backrest worm rotation state o of the left seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-1 and the right seat backrest power transmission shaft 33-2 causes the left tube worm wheel 35a and the right tube worm wheel 35b meshing with the upper end rod worm 33c of the seat backrest output shaft 35 to change to the seat backrest output shaft rotation state p of rotating 90° again. The seat backrest output shaft rotation state p of the seat backrest output shaft 35 changes to the movement of the seat backrest frame 70 together with the gearbox 50 through the fixed end hinge point A (see Figure 1 ).

[0105] Therefore, the movement of the seat backrest frame 70 further causes the seat backrest 5 to descend toward the seat cushion 4, so that the seat backrest 5 changes from step 2 to the fully flattened state as in step 3 where the seat backrest 5 is fully reclined backward from the seat cushion 4.

[0106] As described above, in the leg rest mode, due to the combination of the seat cushion motor 41 and the seat backrest motor 31, the seat backrest 5 is fully bent from the seat cushion 4 in the fully flattened state, so that the occupant can stretch his legs.

[0107] As described above, the double-gear type reclining device 10 applied to the seat 3 of the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment forms a hinge structure for folding and unfolding at the middle part of the width of the seat backrest 5 that performs folding and unfolding relative to the seat cushion 4. The hinge structure forms a fixed end hinge point A with the seat backrest frame 70 of the seat backrest 5 so that the seat backrest 5 has a folding and unfolding movement. At the same time, the hinge structure forms a free end hinge point B with the seat cushion frame 80 of the seat cushion 4 to block the movement of the seat cushion frame 80 and the seat cushion 4. The seat 3 includes a controller 90, and the controller 90 outputs a seat cushion motor control signal (b) for driving the seat cushion motor 41 of the reclining device 10 and a seat backrest motor control signal (c) for driving the seat backrest motor 31 of the reclining device 10 to generate a folding and unfolding movement.

[0108] Therefore, the double gear recliner device 10 can integrate the upper and lower two drivers into one device by the double gear method to improve the design freedom of the periphery of the seat 3. More specifically, the upper and lower two drivers are built into the gear box 50 arranged in the central part to perform a large angle adjustment on the seat back 5 using the double gear integrated structure of the motor and the reduction gear. Therefore, the backrest table mode and the leg rest mode suitable for future autonomous driving vehicles can be easily realized.

[0109] The recliner device applied to a vehicle seat according to the present disclosure achieves the following actions and effects.

[0110] First, since the reclining device is constructed as a double gear type reclining device, structural simplification / material cost reduction / weight reduction are achieved compared with the existing double reclining device. Second, due to the double gear type integrated structure, the upper / lower rotating shafts are operated in linkage with each other, so the seat back can be pivoted without mutual interference between the seat back and the seat cushion, so the design of the seat back and the seat cushion is not affected. Third, since the motor and the reduction gear are applied to the double gear type integrated structure in which the upper and lower drives are arranged in the gear box module in the central part, the angle of the seat back can be easily adjusted, and the angle of the seat back can be changed at a large angle. Fourth, since the seat back is folded at a large angle, a backrest table mode for ensuring the front field of view / table function / large luggage fixing function, a leg rest mode in which the occupant can stretch his legs, and a tilting mode for tilting the luggage can be realized. Fifth, since the backrest table mode, the leg rest mode, and the tilting mode can be realized, a seat concept suitable for future autonomous driving vehicles can be easily realized.

[0111] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure without being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be noted that such replacements or modifications fall within the claims of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reclining chair device, comprising: A double gearbox module disposed at a connecting portion at a middle position of the width between a seat cushion having a seat cushion frame therein and a seat back having a seat back frame therein, the double gearbox module forming a free-end hinge point with the seat cushion frame to block the movement of the seat cushion frame, and forming a fixed-end hinge point with the seat back frame to cause the seat back to fold or unfold relative to the seat cushion due to the movement of the seat back frame. Wherein, the double gearbox module includes: An upper rotating device configured such that the fixed-end hinge point is connected to the left and right portions of the seat back frame; A lower rotating device configured such that the free-end hinge point is connected to the left and right portions of the seat cushion frame; and A gearbox having an internal space for accommodating the upper rotating device and the lower rotating device, The upper rotating device is located above in the internal space, and the lower rotating device is located below in the internal space.

2. The reclining chair device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper rotating device includes: A seat back motor; A seat back power transmission shaft for changing the rotation direction of the seat back motor; and A seat back output shaft for matching the rotation direction of the seat back power transmission shaft with the rotation direction of the seat back motor and causing the seat back frame to move.

3. The reclining chair device according to claim 2, wherein, The seat back motor and the seat back output shaft are horizontally arranged and form a separation gap therebetween, and The seat back power transmission shaft is vertically arranged relative to the seat back motor and the seat back output shaft to form a gear meshing structure, and receives rotation from the seat back motor through the gear meshing structure to transmit the rotation to the seat back output shaft.

4. The reclining chair device according to claim 3, wherein, The seat back power transmission shaft includes a first seat back power transmission shaft and a second seat back power transmission shaft, and Each of the first seat back power transmission shaft and the second seat back power transmission shaft forms the gear meshing structure.

5. The reclining chair device according to claim 4, wherein, The first seat back power transmission shaft is formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the left motor shaft worm of the seat back motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the left tube worm gear of the seat back output shaft, and The second seat back power transmission shaft is formed with a lower end rod worm gear meshing with the right motor shaft worm of the seat back motor and an upper end rod worm meshing with the right tube worm gear of the seat back output shaft.

6. The reclining chair device according to claim 2, wherein, The seat back motor is assembled to an elastic piece protruding in the internal space of the gearbox to form a fixing force.

7. The reclining chair device according to claim 2, wherein, The seat back motor and the seat back output shaft are supported on bearings on the left and right side portions of the gearbox.

8. The reclining chair device according to claim 2, wherein, The power transmission shaft of the seat back is supported on a shaft end bracket that is assembled to a hook protruding into the inner space of the gearbox.

9. The reclining chair device according to claim 1, wherein the lower rotating device includes: a seat cushion motor; a seat cushion power transmission shaft that changes the rotation direction of the seat cushion motor; and a seat cushion output shaft that matches the rotation direction of the seat cushion power transmission shaft with the rotation direction of the seat cushion motor to freely rotate relative to the seat cushion frame.

10. The reclining chair device according to claim 9, wherein the seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft are horizontally arranged and form a separation gap therebetween, and the seat cushion power transmission shaft is vertically arranged relative to the seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft to form a gear engagement structure, and receives rotation from the seat cushion motor through the gear engagement structure to transmit the rotation to the seat cushion output shaft.

11. The reclining chair device according to claim 10, wherein the seat cushion power transmission shaft includes a first seat cushion power transmission shaft and a second seat cushion power transmission shaft, and each of the first seat cushion power transmission shaft and the second seat cushion power transmission shaft forms the gear engagement structure.

12. The reclining chair device according to claim 11, wherein the first seat cushion power transmission shaft is formed with a lower end rod worm gear that meshes with the left motor shaft worm of the seat cushion motor and an upper end rod worm that meshes with the left tube worm gear of the seat cushion output shaft, and the second seat cushion power transmission shaft is formed with a lower end rod worm gear that meshes with the right motor shaft worm of the seat cushion motor and an upper end rod worm that meshes with the right tube worm gear of the seat cushion output shaft.

13. The reclining chair device according to claim 9, wherein the seat cushion motor is assembled to an elastic piece protruding into the inner space of the gearbox to form a fixing force.

14. The reclining chair device according to claim 9, wherein the seat cushion motor and the seat cushion output shaft are supported on bearings on the left and right side portions of the gearbox.

15. The reclining chair device according to claim 9, wherein the seat cushion power transmission shaft is supported on a shaft end bracket that is assembled to a hook protruding into the inner space of the gearbox.

16. The reclining chair device according to claim 1, wherein the gearbox includes a front housing and a rear housing, and the inner space is formed by the connection of the front housing and the rear housing.

17. The reclining chair device according to claim 1, wherein the folding is performed such that the seat back is stacked on the seat cushion by backrest folding, and the unfolding is performed such that the seat back reclines from the seat cushion in a fully flattened state.

18. A seat, comprising: a reclining chair device that forms a hinge structure for performing the folding and the unfolding at an intermediate portion of the width of a seat back that performs folding and unfolding relative to a seat cushion, wherein the hinge structure forms a fixed end hinge point with a seat back frame of the seat back to enable the seat back to have folding and unfolding movements, while the hinge structure forms a free end hinge point with a seat cushion frame of the seat cushion to block the movements of the seat cushion frame and the seat cushion; and A controller that outputs a seat cushion motor control signal for driving a seat cushion motor of the reclining device and a seat back motor control signal for driving a seat back motor of the reclining device to generate folding and unfolding movements. Wherein, the reclining device includes: An upper rotating device formed such that the fixed end hinge points are connected to the left and right portions of the seat back frame; A lower rotating device formed such that the free end hinge points are connected to the left and right portions of the seat cushion frame; and A gearbox having an internal space for accommodating the upper rotating device and the lower rotating device, The upper rotating device is located above in the internal space, and the lower rotating device is located below in the internal space.

19. The seat according to claim 18, wherein, The controller performs rotation direction control of each of the seat back motor and the seat cushion motor, and through the rotation direction control, a backrest table mode in which the seat back is stacked on the seat cushion by backrest folding is achieved during the folding, and a leg rest mode in which the seat back reclines from the seat cushion in a fully flattened state is achieved during the unfolding, and The folding includes an inclination mode in which the seat back is inclined at a predetermined angle during an intermediate operation of the backrest folding by reducing the output of each of the seat back motor and the seat cushion motor.

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