Seat assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

Describes a seat assembly (100) for a vehicle. The seat assembly (100) is selectively movable between a designed position, a reclined position, and a folded position, and maximizes the comfort of the occupant and the space of the vehicle's cabin. The seat assembly (100) includes a seat cushion (102) mounted on a seat cushion frame (104) of the vehicle, and a backrest frame (106) which is coupled to the seat cushion (102) by a linkage mechanism (108) in such a way that movement of the seat cushion (102) relative to the seat cushion frame (104) causes the backrest frame (106) to rotate simultaneously to enhance the comfort of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion (102). The seat assembly (100) includes a backrest frame locking mechanism (110) which, together with the linkage mechanism (108), allows the backrest frame (106) to be folded onto the seat cushion (102) to maximize the storage space in the vehicle's cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a seat assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a seat assembly that can be selectively moved between a designed position, a reclined position, and a folded position. Background Art

[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be considered prior art merely because it is mentioned in the background section. Similarly, the problems mentioned in the background art section are related to the subject matter of the background art section and should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section only represents different approaches, which may themselves correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[0003] Motor vehicles generally include a seat assembly having a seat cushion and a seat backrest to provide a comfortable seating surface for passengers. In sedan-type vehicles, compact sport utility vehicles (SUVs), or other vehicles, the rear seat assembly is typically fixed to the vehicle floor, and due to limited space in the cargo compartment in interface with the cabin of such vehicles, the adjustability of the seat is limited.

[0004] It is well known to include a reclining assembly operably coupled between the seat backrest and the seat cushion. Such a reclining assembly allows pivotal adjustment of the seat backrest between a use position and a reclined position, thereby providing comfort to the occupant of the seat. However, such a reclining assembly employs complex mechanisms, which increase cost and space requirements. In addition, the use of such a reclining assembly generally requires more packaging space between adjacent seats and reduces the amount of storage space available behind the seat assembly. Such a reclining assembly allows the seat cushion and the seat backrest to move simultaneously and generally requires complex mechanisms.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a seat assembly in which the seat assembly can be selectively moved between a designed seat position, a reclined position, and a folded position while maximizing passenger comfort and cabin storage space. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Object of the Invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a seat assembly for a vehicle, in which the seat assembly can be selectively moved between a designed seating position, a reclined position, and a folded position.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat assembly for enhancing the comfort of an occupant.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and cost-effective seat assembly having a simple mechanism or function for transitioning between a designed seating position, a reclined position, and a folded position.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact seat assembly that maximizes the use of the vehicle's cabin space.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat assembly that optimally reduces its materials, processes, and costs by using components with a simple design.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a seat assembly that can be easily removed from the vehicle to maximize the vehicle's cargo space.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a seat assembly that may be capable of being retrofitted with a conventional seat assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0015] One aspect of the present invention relates to a seat assembly for a motor vehicle that is selectively movable between a designed position, a reclined position, and a folded position and maximizes the comfort of the occupant and the space of the vehicle's cabin. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is coupled to a cushion frame; and a backrest frame that is coupled to the seat cushion by a linkage mechanism such that movement of the seat cushion relative to the cushion frame causes simultaneous rotation of the backrest frame to enhance the comfort of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion. The seat assembly further includes a backrest frame locking mechanism that cooperates with the linkage mechanism to allow the backrest frame to fold onto the seat cushion to maximize the storage space or cargo space of the vehicle's cabin. The reclined position corresponds to an adjustable reclined position of the backrest frame that is synchronized with the movement of the seat cushion.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest frame locking mechanism is capable of coupling / locking the backrest frame to a fixed part of the vehicle, namely the cabin of the vehicle.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion is equipped with a sliding and locking mechanism to control the movement of the seat cushion relative to the cushion frame.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at the folded position of the seat assembly, the backrest frame is fully folded onto the seat cushion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest frame locking mechanism controls the rotation of the backrest frame relative to the backrest frame rotation axis. During the transition between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly, the backrest frame locking mechanism locks the movement of the backrest frame such that the backrest frame rotates about the backrest frame rotation axis to provide a comfortable seating position for the occupant.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the lever of the backrest frame locking mechanism is in the engaged position, the backrest frame locking mechanism prevents the backrest frame from rotating relative to the backrest frame rotation axis.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the lever is in the disengaged position, the backrest frame locking mechanism allows the backrest frame to rotate relative to the backrest frame rotation axis.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest frame locking mechanism facilitates an efficient transition between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the seat assembly is in the folded position, the seat assembly can be detached from the seat cushion frame. The seat assembly can be detached in the forward direction by its complete movement relative to the seat cushion frame.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly may include a soft lock to prevent the backrest frame on the seat cushion from rebounding or returning when the seat assembly is in the folded position.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the linkage mechanism includes an inner side link and an outer side link, each of which is disposed at a lateral end of the seat cushion and connects the lateral end of the seat cushion and the backrest frame.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion is provided with a torsion bar assembly, which is connected and fastened to the lateral end of the attachment bracket of the seat cushion to prevent excessive free play / looseness of the inner side and outer side links about the axis passing through their lower ends, while maintaining appropriate tension in the linkage mechanism.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest frame locking mechanism includes a striker mounted on the top portion of the backrest frame, and the striker includes a lever actuated latch assembly, which is adapted to couple or decouple a striker wire assembly fixed to the vehicle's cabin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The drawings form a part of the specification and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a seat assembly for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figures 2A to 2C Various positions of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0031] Figure 3 An exploded view of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic view of the sliding and locking mechanism of the seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 Shows an exploded view of a seat cushion of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 Shows a perspective view of a backrest frame locking mechanism of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figures 7A to 7C Shows various perspective views of a seat assembly configured to be removed from a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 Shows a top view of a seat assembly removed / detached from a fixed seat cushion frame of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 9A and 9B Shows a perspective view of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly being provided with a soft lock to prevent accidental movement of the backrest frame of the seat assembly during movement of the vehicle. Detailed Description

[0038] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration of the present invention and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0039] As used in the description herein, the meanings of "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in among" and "on", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040] The present invention relates to a seat assembly for a vehicle. The seat assembly can be selectively moved between a design position, a reclined position, and a folded position to maximize the comfort of an occupant and the storage space or cargo space of a vehicle cabin. The seat assembly can be easily removed from the vehicle to maximize the cargo space.

[0041] Figure 1A perspective view of a seat assembly 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The seat assembly 100 includes a seat cushion 102 mounted on a fixed seat cushion frame 104 of the vehicle, and a backrest frame 106 coupled to the seat cushion 102 by a linkage mechanism 108. The backrest frame 106 is coupled to the seat cushion 102 in such a way that movement of the seat cushion 102 relative to the seat cushion frame 104 causes the backrest frame 106 to rotate simultaneously to improve the comfort of a person sitting on the seat cushion 102. The seat assembly 100 further includes a backrest frame locking mechanism 110 that cooperates with the linkage mechanism 108 to allow the backrest frame 106 to fold onto the seat cushion 102 to maximize the storage space or cargo space of the vehicle's cabin.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion 102 may be equipped with a sliding and locking mechanism 112 (as Figure 4 clearly shown) to control the movement of the seat cushion 102 relative to the seat cushion frame 104. The sliding and locking mechanism 112 may allow the seat cushion 102 to be positioned between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the lever of the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 is in the engaged position, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 controls the rotation of the backrest frame 106 relative to the backrest frame rotation axis X1.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 may control the rotation of the backrest frame 106 onto the seat cushion 102. The backrest frame locking mechanism 110 may also facilitate an efficient transition between the design position and the reclined position of the seat assembly 100.

[0045] Figures 2A to 2C Various positions of the seat assembly 100 are shown. The seat assembly 100 is selectively movable between a design position, a reclined position, and a folded position. As Figure 2A shown, in the design position, the seat cushion 102 and the backrest frame 106 are in the retracted position. The retracted position of the seat cushion 102 corresponds to the rearmost position of the seat cushion 102, i.e., without any forward movement. The retracted position of the backrest frame 106 corresponds to a position where the backrest frame 106 forms a predetermined retracted angle A with the vertical axis. In one embodiment, in the design position of the seat assembly 100, the value of the predetermined retracted angle A may be in the range from 21° to 25°.

[0046] As Figure 2BAs shown, in the reclined position, the seat cushion 102 and the backrest frame 106 are in the extended position. The extended position of the seat cushion 102 corresponds to the forward position of the seat cushion 102, which is achieved using the slide and lock mechanism 112. The slide and lock mechanism 112 allows the seat cushion 102 to move forward a predetermined distance relative to the seat cushion frame 104. In one embodiment, the slide and lock mechanism 112 may allow the seat cushion 102 to move forward relative to the seat cushion frame 104 within a range of 0 to 40 mm. The extended position of the backrest frame 106 corresponds to the position where the backrest frame 106 is at a predetermined extended angle B with respect to the vertical axis. In one embodiment, in the reclined position of the seat assembly 100, the predefined extended angle B may be in the range from 32° to 36°. The transition between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly 100 improves the comfort of the occupant sitting on the seat cushion 102.

[0047] During the transition between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly 100, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 may lock the movement of the backrest frame 106 such that the backrest frame 106 rotates about the backrest frame rotation axis X1 to provide a comfortable seating position for the occupant. The backrest frame locking mechanism 110 may lock the movement of the backrest frame 106 about the axis X3 (as clearly shown in Figure 1 ), which passes through the top portion of the backrest frame 106. In addition, during this transition, the slide and lock mechanism 112 enables the seat cushion 102 to move, which in turn enables the backrest frame 106 to rotate about the backrest frame rotation axis X1 simultaneously to provide a desired comfortable position for the occupant while occupying the seat assembly 100.

[0048] As Figure 2C shown, in the folded position, the backrest frame 106 may be fully folded onto the seat cushion 102 to maximize the space in the vehicle's cabin. The backrest frame locking mechanism 110 may be used to fold the backrest frame 106 onto the seat cushion 102. In one embodiment, when the lever of the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 ( Figure 6 shown) is in the engaged position, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 prevents the backrest frame 106 from rotating relative to the backrest frame rotation axis X1. In addition, when the lever is in the disengaged position, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 allows the backrest frame 106 to rotate relative to the backrest frame rotation axis X1. The folded position of the seat assembly 100 corresponds to the position where the backrest frame 106 covers the seat cushion 102 such that the storage space or cargo space in the cabin is increased.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the seat assembly 100 is in the designed position, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 can enable the backrest frame 106 to rotate relative to the backrest frame rotation axis X1, and when the seat assembly 100 is in the reclined position, it can prevent the backrest frame 106 from rotating relative to the backrest frame rotation axis X1.

[0050] Figure 3 FIG. shows an exploded view of a seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The linkage mechanism 108 for coupling the seat cushion 102 to the backrest frame 106 may include an inner side link 302 and an outer side link 304, each disposed at a lateral end portion of the seat cushion 102 and connecting the lateral end portion of the seat cushion 102 and the backrest frame 106. The inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be angled links, such as L-shaped links. In one embodiment, the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be elbow angled links, and the angle thereof may vary according to its design requirements.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be fastened to the lateral end portions of the seat cushion 102. In one embodiment, the lower end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be fastened to the lateral end portions of the seat cushion 102 using a rivet and bushing device 306. Additionally, a stopper 308 may be provided at the fastening positions of the lower end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 to limit the rotation of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 relative to the axis X2 corresponding to the lower end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 (as Figure 1 clearly shown) to a predetermined extent.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be fastened to the lateral end portions of the backrest frame 106. In one embodiment, the upper end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 may be fastened to the lateral end portions of the backrest frame 106 using screw and bolt devices 310. This configuration allows the backrest frame 106 to rotate about the backrest frame rotation axis X1, which corresponds to the line connecting the lateral end portions of the backrest frame 106 at the positions where the upper end portions of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 are fastened.

[0053] Figure 4FIG. 0 shows a schematic view of a sliding and locking mechanism 112 of a seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sliding and locking mechanism 112 controls the movement of a seat cushion 102 relative to a cushion frame 104 between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position of the seat cushion 102 may correspond to the positioning of the seat cushion 102 in the designed position of the seat assembly 100, i.e., when the seat cushion 102 is positioned on the cushion frame 104 of the vehicle without any forward movement. The extended position of the seat cushion 102 may correspond to the positioning of the seat cushion 102 in the tilted position of the seat assembly 100, i.e., when the seat cushion 102 is positioned on the cushion frame 104 with a predetermined forward movement. In an embodiment, the sliding and locking mechanism 112 may enable the seat cushion 102 to perform a predetermined forward movement within a range of 0 to 40 mm.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sliding and locking mechanism 112 may include a lever 402 connected to a link 404, which is fastened to the bottom surface of the seat cushion 102. Actuation of the lever 402 may enable the seat cushion 102 to move forward relative to the cushion frame 104 of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the lever 402 may be designed in such a way that an upward movement of the lever 402 enables the seat cushion 102 to move forward. Additionally, tabs 406 may be provided on both sides of the lever 402 to prevent lateral movement of the lever 402. Further, a limiting member 408 may be provided to limit the upward movement of the lever 402. The lever 402 may be adapted to move in 10 - mm increments to effect the forward movement of the seat cushion 102 relative to the cushion frame 104 of the vehicle. The lever 402 may be a component configured to provide a lever action for pulling the seat cushion 102, such as a metal lever, a pull - strap, etc.

[0055] The sliding and locking mechanism 112 may further include a locking guide 410, which is configured to engage with a slot provided on the cushion frame 104. The seat cushion 102 may include a plurality of slots 412 on its bottom surface, which are adapted to engage with the locking guide 410 to enable the seat cushion 102 to move relative to the cushion frame 104 when the lever 402 moves upward and is pulled forward. The locking guide 410 engaging with the plurality of slots 412 of the seat cushion 102 may be coupled with the slot of the cushion frame 104 in such a way that the movement of the seat cushion 102 is restricted within a predetermined range, such as 0 to 40 mm. The locking guide 410 may be formed of plastic, metal, or an alloy.

[0056] Figure 5A exploded view of the seat cushion 102 is shown. As shown, the lever 402 of the sliding and locking mechanism 112 can include a plurality of slots 502 for engaging with a set of protrusions provided on the cushion frame 104. The lever 402 can be fastened to the seat cushion 102 using any fastening technique such as bolt connection, riveting, etc. In addition, at least two slots 502 of the lever 402 can respectively correspond to the retracted position and the extended position of the seat cushion 102, and enable the seat cushion 102 to be locked in the retracted position and the extended position so as to be able to transition between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly 100.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of slots 502 can correspond to a predetermined position of the seat cushion 102, such that the locking of a specific slot 502 can allow an occupant to shift the seat cushion 102 to a corresponding position relative to the cushion frame 104. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of slots 502 is spaced 10 mm apart from an adjacent slot. It should be understood that this design of the slots 502 can be scalable or modular to allow discontinuous cushion movement, for example, movement at 10 mm intervals. Although the seat assembly 100 and its components are simple and frugal in their working principles, they can also be scaled proportionally to achieve the reclining function on a multi-position latch.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion 102 can be provided with an attachment bracket 504, and the attachment bracket 504 is coupled to the rear portion of the seat cushion 102 to allow the lower ends of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 of the linkage mechanism 108 to be fastened to the seat cushion 102. The seat cushion 102 can also be provided with a torsion bar assembly 506, and the torsion bar assembly 506 connects the lateral ends of the attachment bracket 504 to prevent excessive rotation of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 about an axis X2 passing through their lower ends, while maintaining appropriate tension in the linkage mechanism 108. This configuration allows the backrest frame 106 to rotate about the backrest frame rotation axis X1, while preventing the backrest frame 106 from rotating about the axis X2, and the axis X2 passes through the lower ends of the inner side link 302 and the outer side link 304 fastened to the attachment bracket 504.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the seat cushion 102 and the backrest frame 106 can be provided with a plurality of upholstery wire devices 508 to support cushioning materials provided for covering the seat assembly 100.

[0060] Figure 6A perspective view of a backrest frame locking mechanism 110 of a seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The backrest frame locking mechanism 110 includes a striker 602 mounted on a top portion of the backrest frame 106. The striker 602 may include a latch assembly 604 (hereinafter also referred to as a "high latch") actuated by a lever 606. The high latch 604 may be coupled to a striker wire assembly 608 fixed to the vehicle's cabin or vehicle environment to prevent movement of the top portion of the backrest frame 106 during a transition between a designed position and a reclined position of the seat assembly 100. During such a transition, the backrest frame locking mechanism 110 locks the movement of the backrest frame 106 about an axis X3 corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the backrest frame 106 at a position where the high latch 604 is coupled to the striker wire assembly 608. The striker wire assembly 608 may include a wire adapted to couple or decouple the high latch 604 of the striker 602. The striker wire assembly 608 may have a plate including a plurality of slots, the plate being adapted to be fastened to the vehicle's cabin.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, during a transition of the seat assembly 100 from a designed position to a folded position, the lever 606 of the striker 602 may be actuated to decouple the latch assembly 604 from the striker wire assembly 608, thereby allowing the top portion of the backrest frame 106 to move so that the backrest frame 106 can rotate completely about a backrest frame rotation axis X1. The lever 606 of the striker 602 may be actuated such that the backrest frame 106 can rotate onto the seat cushion 102 to selectively transition from the designed position of the seat assembly 100 to a folded position.

[0062] Figures 7A to 7C A perspective view of a seat assembly configured to be removed from a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. To maximize the cargo space of the vehicle's cabin, the seat assembly 100 may be removed or disassembled from a fixed seat cushion frame 104 of the vehicle. As Figure 7A shown, to disassemble the seat assembly 100 from the seat cushion frame 104, the lever 402 may be moved upward to enable the seat cushion 102 to move forward relative to the seat cushion frame 104. The seat cushion 102 may then be moved completely or fully forward, and then the high latch 604 may be released. To release the high latch 604, as Figure 6As shown, the lever 606 of the striker 602 can be actuated to separate the high latch 604 from the striker wire assembly 608, allowing the top portion of the backrest frame 106 to move and enabling the backrest frame 106 to rotate completely about the backrest frame rotation axis X1, transitioning the seat assembly 100 to the folded position. Thereafter, the seat assembly 100 can move completely or fully forward relative to the seat cushion frame 104 until a plurality of slots 412 on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 102 disengage from the locking guides 410. In one embodiment, when the locking guides 410 engaged with the plurality of slots 412 of the seat cushion 102 are coupled to the slots of the seat cushion frame 104 to limit the movement of the seat cushion 102 from 0 to 40 mm, the seat assembly 100 can move 40 mm in the forward direction relative to the seat cushion frame 104 to remove it from the seat cushion frame 104.

[0063] As Figure 7B and 7C shown, each of the plurality of slots 412 on the bottom surface of the seat cushion 102 can include an opening space 702 that is sized larger than the corresponding locking guide 410. During removal of the seat assembly 100, when the seat assembly 100 in the folded position moves forward to its maximum range, i.e., the maximum limiting distance of the seat cushion 102, each of the locking guides 410 automatically moves into the opening space 702 of the corresponding slot 412. For this reason, the locking guides 410 disengage from the slots 412. In this case, the seat assembly 100 can be easily detached from the seat cushion frame 104 by simply detaching the seat assembly 100 from the seat cushion frame 104. Referring Figure 8 to, the seat assembly 100 can be detached or removed from the seat cushion frame 104 of the vehicle. The seat assembly 100 can even be removed from the vehicle to increase the cargo space of the vehicle.

[0064] Figure 9A and 9B and show a perspective view of a seat assembly provided with a soft lock according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seat assembly 100 can include a soft lock 902 to prevent accidental locking or rebounding of the backrest frame 106 on the seat cushion 102 due to the movement of the vehicle when the seat assembly 100 is in the folded position. The soft lock 902 can include any one or a combination of a belt, a restrictor, a strip, a hook, a stopper, etc. As Figure 9B shown, the soft lock 902 can include a belt strip 904 having a locking member 906 to prevent the backrest frame 106 on the seat cushion 102 from rebounding.

[0065] Accordingly, the present invention provides a seat assembly 100 for a motor vehicle, which is selectively movable between a designed position, a reclined position, and a folded position, and maximizes the comfort of an occupant and the storage space or cargo space of the vehicle's cabin. The seat assembly 100 is reliable, compact, and cost-effective, and includes a simple mechanism for transitioning between the designed seating position, the reclined position, and the folded position. The seat assembly 100 enhances the comfort of the occupant through the simultaneous movement of the seat cushion 102 and the backrest frame 106 by a simple and inexpensive mechanism. The seat assembly 100 utilizes a seat cushion and a backrest frame with a simple design, thereby reducing its materials, processes, and costs. The seat assembly 100 can be retrofitted with a conventional seating assembly without significant changes to the vehicle / environment adaptation. Those skilled in the art will understand that the seat cushion 102, the backrest frame 106, and other components of the seat assembly 100 shown in the figures are merely exemplary representations and can be applied to any vehicle type and vehicle interface.

[0066] In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration the best mode contemplated at present for carrying out the invention. However, such description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present unit. The structures so conceived in this specification are susceptible to many modifications and variations, and all details may also be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A seat assembly (100) for a vehicle, comprising: A seat cushion (102) coupled to a fixed seat cushion frame (104) of the vehicle; A plurality of slots (412) located on a bottom surface of the seat cushion (102); a backrest frame (106) coupled to the seat cushion (102) by a linkage mechanism (108) such that the seat cushion (102) is movable relative to the seat cushion frame (104) and the backrest frame (106) rotates simultaneously, the linkage mechanism (108) including inner side links (302) and outer side links (304) each disposed at a lateral end of the seat cushion (102) and connecting the lateral end of the seat cushion (102) and the backrest frame (106); a slide and lock mechanism (112) to control movement of the seat cushion (102) relative to the fixed seat cushion frame (104) between a rearmost retracted position and a foremost extended position; a locking guide (410) of the slide and lock mechanism (112) coupled to the fixed seat cushion frame (104) and adapted to engage the plurality of slots (412) to enable sliding movement of the seat cushion (102) relative to the fixed seat cushion frame (104) such that the seat assembly (100) can be removed from the vehicle by moving the seat assembly (100) forward relative to the fixed seat cushion frame (104) until the plurality of slots (412) disengage from the locking guide (410); and a backrest frame locking mechanism (110) configured to couple the backrest frame (106) to a fixed component of the vehicle and enable folding of the backrest frame (106) on the seat cushion (102) to a folded position for transitioning the seat assembly (100) between a designed position, a reclined position, and the folded position, wherein during transitioning between the designed position and the reclined position of the seat assembly (100), the backrest frame locking mechanism (110) controls rotation of the backrest frame (106) relative to a backrest frame rotation axis (X1) and locks movement of the backrest frame (106) to permit rotation of the backrest frame (106) about the backrest frame rotation axis (X1).

2. The seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The backrest frame locking mechanism (110) is configured to rotate the backrest frame (106) relative to the backrest frame rotation axis (X1) when a lever (606) is in a disengaged position.

3. The seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a soft lock to prevent return of the backrest frame (106) on the seat cushion (102) when the seat assembly (100) is in the folded position.

4. The seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The seat cushion (102) includes a torsion bar assembly (506) that is connected and fastened to a lateral end of an attachment bracket (504) of the seat cushion (102) to prevent excessive loosening of the inner side link (302) and the outer side link (304) about an axis (X2) passing through their lower ends, while maintaining tension in the linkage mechanism (108).

5. The seat assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The backrest frame locking mechanism (110) includes a striker (602) mounted at a top portion of the backrest frame (106), the striker (602) including a lever actuated latch assembly (604) that is adapted to couple with a striker wire assembly (608) fixed to a stationary component of the vehicle.

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