Torque assist system for folding seat backs in vehicles

Abstract

A seat back system for a vehicle includes a fixed seat support member fixed relative to the vehicle, a seat back frame pivotally mounted relative to the fixed seat support member, and a torsion spring element mounted to the seat back frame. The torsion spring element includes a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the seat back frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically, to a torsion assist system for a folding seat back in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Many vehicles include forward-folding seatbacks. For example, in two-door vehicles, the second-row seats can be folded forward to provide more cargo space or allow passengers to access the third row before returning to an upright position. Gravity helps users fold the seats forward. Returning the seats to an upright position may require more effort. This is especially true in some vehicles that may include accessories that increase the weight of the seatbacks, such as seatback cooling devices, massage devices, etc. This added weight may make it difficult for some users to return the seats to an upright position. Therefore, a system is desired that helps users return the seatbacks to an upright position. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one non-limiting example, a seat back system for a vehicle includes a fixed seat support member fixed relative to the vehicle, a seat back frame pivotally mounted relative to the fixed seat support member, and a torsion spring element mounted to the seat back frame. The torsion spring element includes a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the seat back frame.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first end of the torsion spring element includes a locking pin that allows for rotation of the first end relative to the second end.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat back frame includes a locking pin support, through which a locking pin extends and is rotatably secured to the seat back frame.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fixed seat support member includes an opening for receiving a locking pin.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the locking pin includes an outer surface having a first profile, and the opening includes an inner surface having a second profile substantially matching the first profile.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, another seat back frame is pivotally mounted relative to a fixed seat support member, and another torsion spring element is mounted to the other seat back frame, the other torsion spring element including a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the seat back frame.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first end includes a connector that receives a locking pin and is fixed relative to a fixed seat support member.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the guide member is connected to the connector and includes a first end extending into the connector and a second end including a tapered opening for engaging a locking pin, the guide member being rotatably fixed relative to the locking pin.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, openings in the fixed seat support member include end opening slots.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the actuator is mounted to the seat back frame and is operatively connected to the second end of the torsion spring element.

[0013] In another non-limiting example, the vehicle includes a body defining a passenger compartment, doors pivotally mounted to the body, and a seat including a seat back system comprising a fixed seat support member fixed relative to the vehicle, a seat back frame pivotally mounted relative to the fixed seat support member, and a torsion spring element mounted to the seat back frame. The torsion spring element includes a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the seat back frame.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first end of the torsion spring element includes a locking pin that allows for rotation of the first end relative to the second end.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the seat back frame includes a locking pin support, through which a locking pin extends and is rotatably secured to the seat back frame.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the fixed seat support member includes an opening for receiving a locking pin.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the locking pin includes an outer surface having a first profile, and the opening includes an inner surface having a second profile substantially matching the first profile.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, another seat back frame is pivotally mounted relative to a fixed seat support member, and another torsion spring element is mounted to the other seat back frame, the other torsion spring element including a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the seat back frame.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first end includes a connector that receives a locking pin and is fixed relative to a fixed seat support member.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the guide member is connected to the connector and includes a first end extending into the connector and a second end including a tapered opening for receiving a locking pin, the guide member being rotatably fixed relative to the locking pin.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, openings in the fixed seat support member include end opening slots.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the actuator is mounted to the seat back frame and is operatively connected to the second end of the torsion spring element.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a side view of a vehicle including a torsion assist system for folding seat backs, based on a non-limiting example;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a torsion assist system mounted to a seat back frame, based on a non-limiting example.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a torsion assist system based on a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 4 Depicting the use of non-restrictive examples Figure 3 Exploded view of the connection system of the torsion assist system;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a torsion assist system mounted to a seat back frame, according to another non-limiting example.

[0030] Figure 6 A partially exploded perspective view depicting a torsion assist system mounted to a seat back frame, according to yet another non-limiting example; and

[0031] Figure 7 A partially exploded perspective view depicts a torsion assist system mounted to a seat back frame, according to yet another non-limiting example. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0033] According to the non-restrictive example, the vehicle in Figure 1 The vehicle 10 is generally designated as 10. The vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a frame (not shown) and a plurality of wheels, one of which is designated as 16. The body 12 includes a passenger compartment 20 accessible through a door 22. A second door (not shown) may be located on the opposite side of the vehicle 10. The passenger compartment 20 includes front seats 28 and rear seats 30. The rear seats 30 may represent split seats with two seatbacks (not separately labeled) that can be folded forward to provide access to the rear compartment (not separately labeled) of the vehicle 10. The seatbacks include a seatback system 34 that allows folding forward and also facilitates returning the seatbacks to an upright position.

[0034] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the seatback system 34 includes a first fixed seat support member 38, a second fixed seat support member 40, and a third fixed seat support member 42. The first, second, and third fixed support members 38, 40, and 42 can be mounted to the floor (not separately indicated) of the passenger compartment 20. A first seatback frame 44 is pivotally mounted between the first fixed seat support member 38 and the second fixed seat support member 40. A second seatback frame 46 is pivotally connected between the second fixed seat support member 40 and the third fixed seat support member 42. In the non-limiting example, a first bushing 48 is mounted to the first seatback frame 44 and received by the first fixed seat support member 38. A second bushing 50 is mounted on the second seatback frame 46 and received by the third fixed seat support member 42. As will be detailed herein, an offset system 52 supports the first and second seatback frames 44 and 46 at the second fixed seat support member 40 and also assists the user in returning the first seatback frame 44 and / or the second seatback frame 46 to an upright configuration.

[0035] In a non-limiting example, the biasing system 52 includes a first torsion spring element 54 mounted to a first seat back frame 44 and a second torsion spring element 56 mounted to a second seat back frame 46. The first torsion spring element 54 includes a first end 58 and a second end 60. The second end 60 includes a bent portion 62 fixed to the first seat back frame 44 by a first bracket 63. The second torsion spring element 56 includes a first end 66 and a second end 68. The second end 68 includes a bent portion 70 fixed to the second seat back frame 46 by a second bracket 72.

[0036] In a non-limiting example, the spring coupling system 77 connects the first end 58 of the first torsion spring element 54 to the first end 66 of the second torsion spring element 56, as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The spring coupling system 77 includes a locking pin support 80 coupled to a first seat back frame 44. The locking pin support 80 includes a first support element 82 spaced apart from and aligned with a second support element 83. A locking pin 85 is connected to a first end 58 of a first torsion spring element 54. The locking pin 85 extends through the first support element 82 and the second support element 83. The locking pin support 80 can rotate relative to the locking pin 85 when the first seat back frame 44 pivots between folded and upright configurations. The locking pin 85 includes a tip portion 86. In a non-limiting example, the tip portion 86 includes a first profile or geometry, and the locking pin 85 includes an outer surface portion 87 having a second profile different from the first profile. In a non-limiting example, the first profile is generally rectangular, while the second profile is generally circular.

[0037] like Figure 4 As shown, the second fixed seat support member 40 includes an opening 89 having an inner surface 91 that defines a shape corresponding to the first profile. In a non-limiting example, the inner surface 91 defines a generally rectangular shape for a first portion 91 receiving the tip member 86. With this arrangement, a locking pin 85 passes through the opening 89 and is rotationally locked relative to the second fixed seat support member 40. Thus, when the first seat back frame 44 rotates forward, preload or torsion is applied to the first torsion spring element 54 via the locking pin 85 fixed to the second fixed seat support member 40 and the second end 60 fixed by the bracket 63.

[0038] In a non-limiting example, the second seat back frame 46 includes a connector support 94 having a first support member 96 spaced apart from and aligned with the second connector support 98. A connector 100 is connected to a first end 66 of a second torsion spring element 56. The first end 66 and the connector 100 are supported by the first support member 96 and terminate before reaching the second connector support 98. The first support member 96 is rotatable relative to the connector 100. In a non-limiting example, the connector 100 acts as an interface to the first torsion spring element 54. In a non-limiting example, the connector 100 receives a second portion 102 of the tip portion 86 of a locking pin 85. That is, the connector 100 includes a channel 102 shaped to receive the second portion 102 of the tip portion 86. Therefore, in a non-limiting example, the connector 100 defines a socket 104.

[0039] In a non-limiting example, guide member 108 facilitates the alignment and insertion of locking pin 85 into socket 104. Guide member 108 includes a first end 110 and a second end 112. The first end 110 includes the contours of the outer surface 87 corresponding to the tip portion 86 and the inner surface (not shown separately) of socket 104. In this way, guide member 108 locks connector 100 to locking pin 85. In a non-limiting example, guide member 108 includes a tapered opening 114 located at the second end 112. Tapered opening 114 forms a funnel-shaped structure that facilitates the insertion of locking pin 85 during assembly of seat back system 34.

[0040] With this arrangement, folding the first seat back frame 44 or the second seat back frame 46 forward about axis "A" causes a corresponding twist in one of the first torsion spring elements 54 and 56. That is, when the first end 58 of the first torsion spring element 54 and the first end 66 of the second torsion spring element 56 are fixed, forward rotation of the first seat back frame 44 or the second seat back frame 46 causes a corresponding twist in one of the first torsion spring elements 54 and 56. Therefore, according to a non-limiting example, when twisted, the first torsion spring element 54 and / or the second torsion spring element 56 provide a biasing force that helps the user return the first seat back frame 44 and / or the second seat back frame 46 to an upright position.

[0041] according to Figure 5 In another non-limiting example, the seat back system 34 includes a second fixing member support member 132 having a slotted opening 134 at the end, the slotted opening 134 including an inner surface 136 having a profile that matches the first profile of the tip portion 86. During the assembly of the seat back system 34, the slotted opening 134 at the end further facilitates the installation of the first seat back frame 44. That is, as shown by the dashed lines, the locking member 85 can simply fall into the slotted opening 134 at the end to further simplify installation.

[0042] exist Figure 6In yet another non-limiting example, the seat back system 34 includes a first actuator 146 connected to a first torsion spring element 54 and a second actuator 148 connected to a second torsion spring element 56. The first and second actuators 146 and 148 can be selectively actuated with the aid of the first and second torsion spring elements 54 and 56 to further assist one of the first and second seat back frames 44 and 46 in returning to an upright position. In a non-limiting example, the seat back 44 and / or 46 rotates forward, loading the corresponding torsion spring elements 54 and / or 56. At this point, the first actuator 146 and / or the second actuator 148 can be activated to deploy or unload one of the first and second torsion springs 54 and 56, thereby automatically returning the seat back frame 44 and / or 46 to an upright configuration.

[0043] according to Figure 7 In another non-limiting example, the seat back system 34 includes a first fixed seat support member 161, a second fixed seat support member 163, and a third fixed seat support member 165. The first fixed seat support member 161 includes a slotted opening 167 with a first end opening, the opening including a first inner surface 169 having a first profile. The third fixed seat support member 165 includes a slotted opening 172 with a third end opening, having a third inner surface 174 including the first profile. The second fixed seat support member 163 includes a slotted opening (not shown) with a second end opening. A locking pin 177 having a pointed portion 178 formed by the first profile can be installed in the first opening 167. The locking pin 177 also includes an outer surface 179 having a generally circular shape. A hub 184 including an outer surface 186 having the first profile can be connected to the connector 100 and installed in the third opening 172. A center hub 193 can be installed in the slotted opening with the second end opening. With this arrangement, the seat back system 34 can be assembled before installation and simply lowered into place and secured to the vehicle 10.

[0044] In a non-limiting example, the first seat back frame 47 can rotate from an upright state to a folded state. When transitioning to the folded state, the first torsion spring element 54 is torsion to store mechanical energy. In the folded state, a passenger can access the area behind the rear seat 30. The seat back frame 44 can then transition to an unfolded state, during which mechanical energy is gradually released as the first torsion spring element 54 unfolds. The release of energy facilitates the operator's manipulation of the seat back. From the unfolded state, the seat back frame 44 enters a state ready for the rear seat 30 to receive, for example, a passenger's return.

[0045] In another non-limiting example, the first seat back frame 47 can rotate from an upright state to a folded state. When transitioning to the folded state, the first torsion spring element 54 is torsion to store mechanical energy. An operator can then activate the first actuator 146 to move the seat back frame 44 from an unfolded state to an unfolded state. The mechanical energy stored in the first torsion spring element 54 facilitates movement to the returned state. In this way, the size of the first actuator 146 can be smaller than that required without the first torsion spring element 54.

[0046] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can replace its elements without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A seat back system for a vehicle, comprising: Fixed seat support components relative to the vehicle; A first seat back frame that is pivotally mounted relative to a fixed seat support member; A second seat back frame that is pivotally mounted relative to a fixed seat support member; A first torsion spring element is installed to a first seat back frame, the first torsion spring element including a first end fixed relative to a fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the first seat back frame; A second torsion spring element is mounted to the second seat back frame. The second torsion spring element includes a first end fixed relative to the fixed seat support member and a second end fixed relative to the second seat back frame. A locking pin is connected to a first end of a first torsion spring element, the locking pin restricting rotation of the first end relative to a second end; A coupling connected to a first end of a second torsion spring element, the coupling being fixed relative to a fixed seat support member, the coupling restricting rotation of the first end relative to a second end; and A guide member comprising a first end inserted into a connector for rotational fixation relative to the connector and a second end comprising a tapered opening into which a locking pin is inserted, the guide member being rotationally fixed relative to the locking pin.

2. The seat back system according to claim 1, wherein, The seat back frame includes a locking pin support, the locking pin extending through the locking pin support and being rotatably fixed to the seat back frame by the locking pin support.

3. The seat back system according to claim 2, wherein, The fixed seat support member includes an opening that can receive a locking pin.

4. The seat back system according to claim 3, wherein, The locking pin includes an outer surface having a first profile, and the opening includes an inner surface having a second profile that substantially matches the first profile.

5. The seat back system according to claim 3, wherein, The opening on the fixed seat support member includes an end opening groove.

6. The seat back system of claim 1 further includes an actuator mounted on the seat back frame, the actuator being operatively connected to a second end of the first torsion spring element and the second torsion spring element.

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