A zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism

By designing a zero-gravity seat crumple mechanism, the pin forces the crumple plate to tear open during a collision, allowing the seat to quickly return to its normal sitting posture. This solves the problem of insufficient seat belt restraint in zero-gravity mode and improves safety and reliability.

CN117246203BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-31GUANGZHOU XIAOPENG MOTORS TECH CO LTD

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311293411.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-10-08
Publication Date
2025-10-31
Estimated Expiration
2043-10-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In a collision, the restraining effect of the seat belt on the occupant is reduced in zero-gravity seats, posing a serious safety hazard.

Method used

Design a zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism that forces the weakened part of the collapse plate to deform and tear open by causing the pin to enter the collapse channel during a collision. The front end of the seat frame drops rapidly, and the seat instantly returns to the normal sitting posture mode, restoring the restraint effect of the seat belt.

Benefits of technology

In the event of a collision, the seat can quickly switch to a normal sitting position mode to ensure that the seat belt effectively restrains the occupant, reduce occupant injury, and is inexpensive and highly reliable.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism, including a base and a seat frame located on the upper side of the base. The rear end of the seat frame is rotatably connected to the base, and the front end of the seat frame is rotatably connected to an upper linkage component. The front end of the base is rotatably connected to a lower linkage component. The upper and lower linkage components are hinged to each other by a pin. The key feature is that a collapse plate is fixedly attached to one side of the upper linkage component. The collapse plate has a lower connecting hole, an upper collapse channel, and a weakening portion formed between the connecting hole and the collapse channel. The upper linkage component has a strip-shaped clearance hole, and both the connecting hole and the collapse channel are exposed within the strip-shaped clearance hole. The beneficial effect of this invention is that when a car collision occurs, the seat can instantly return from zero-gravity mode to a normal sitting posture, improving seat safety.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive seat technology, specifically relating to a zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, they pay more and more attention to enjoying life. Seats with zero-gravity mode are one of the products that bring people enjoyment in life, namely: zero-gravity car seats.

[0003] The zero-gravity mode of the zero-gravity seat involves lifting the front of the seat frame upwards, tilting the backrest backwards, and slightly tilting the leg rest. While users can lie comfortably in the seat in zero-gravity mode, some safety hazards still exist. For example, the restraining effect of the seat belt on the occupant is reduced in the reclining position, which would seriously threaten the occupant's life in the event of a car collision. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism, which enables the seat to instantly return from zero-gravity mode to normal sitting posture mode when a car collision occurs, thereby improving seat safety.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism includes a base and a seat frame located on the upper side of the base. The rear end of the seat frame is rotatably connected to the base, and the front end of the seat frame is rotatably connected to an upper linkage component. The front end of the base is rotatably connected to a lower linkage component. The upper linkage component and the lower linkage component are hinged to each other by a pin. The upper linkage component has a collapse plate fixedly connected to one side. The collapse plate has a lower adapter hole, an upper collapse channel, and a weakening part formed between the adapter hole and the collapse channel. The upper linkage component has a strip-shaped clearance hole, and both the adapter hole and the collapse channel are exposed in the strip-shaped clearance hole.

[0007] With the above structure, when a collision occurs while the car seat is in zero-gravity mode, the pin can force the weakened part of the crumple zone to deform and tear open. The pin enters the crumple channel and moves upward, the front end of the seat frame descends rapidly, and the seat can instantly return to the normal sitting posture mode. At this time, the restraint effect of the seat belt on the occupant returns to normal, thereby ensuring the safety of the seat.

[0008] Preferably, the base is mounted to the vehicle using a sliding rail system. This structure allows for fore-and-aft adjustment of the seat.

[0009] Preferably, the upper edge of the lower linkage component is equipped with an inwardly protruding stop pin, allowing the lower end of the upper linkage component to be supported on the stop pin when the seat frame is folded down. This structure ensures that the crumple zone will not unexpectedly collapse when the seat is folded down, i.e., in the normal sitting posture mode, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the seat during normal use and preventing accidental collapse. Of course, this design also prevents children from stepping on or jumping on the seat, which could cause the crumple zone to collapse.

[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the upper linkage component is provided with a downward-opening arc-shaped groove. This structure ensures that the seat frame is more stably supported within the stop pin when folded.

[0011] Preferably, the lower linkage component has an upward-opening arc-shaped groove on its upper side, and the stop pin is fixed in the arc-shaped groove by welding. This structure ensures that the entire anti-trigger collapse mechanism system is more stable and robust.

[0012] Preferably, both the upper and lower linkage components are sheet-like structures, with the lower linkage component rotatably mounted at the front end of the base via an adjuster. This structure allows for adjustment of the overall tilt angle of the car seat, which, in conjunction with other tilt angle adjustments, achieves a zero-gravity mode for enhanced passenger comfort.

[0013] Preferably, the weakened part located on one side of the crumple zone is an upwardly convex arc-shaped structure, with a downwardly recessed deformation guide groove in the middle of the arc-shaped structure. The deformation guide groove is an inverted triangular structure, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This structure ensures that, in the event of a crumple reaction, the crumple plate deforms and tears most effectively. By absorbing energy during the crumple plate's collapse, the energy transmitted to passengers is reduced, thus optimizing the injury value.

[0014] Preferably, the crumple plate is a 1mm thick metal part, and it is welded to the inner side of the upper linkage component. This structure ensures the stability of the entire crumple structure, reduces injury to personnel in the event of an accident in zero-gravity mode, and offers advantages such as simple structure, low cost, and high reliability.

[0015] Preferably, the pin has a stepped structure, comprising an outer support section and an inner support section. The inner support section is rotatably fitted into the transition hole via a bushing, while the outer support section is fixedly fitted onto the lower linkage component. This structure ensures a stable connection between the upper and lower linkage components.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0017] 1. In zero-gravity mode, if a collision occurs, the impact force is transmitted to the hinge point between the upper and lower linkage components. Because the pin is supported on a relatively weak crumple zone, the impact force forces the pin to break the weakened part. The pin then slides upwards along the crumple channel, causing the front of the seat frame to descend rapidly, and the seat can instantly return to a normal seating position. At this time, the seatbelt's restraint on the occupant returns to normal, thus ensuring seat safety.

[0018] 2. The collapse is a passive collapse, which is completed through mechanical destruction. The cost is the same as that of a 1mm sheet metal part, and it has the advantages of low cost and high reliability.

[0019] 3. The crumple process itself also absorbs energy, reducing the impact force on the seat and thus optimizing the damage to the occupants. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the seat in its normal position (backrest is hidden).

[0021] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the upper linkage component (with a collapsible plate welded to the inside);

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a collapsible disc;

[0023] Figure 4 A partial structural diagram (in a normal sitting posture) showing the installation relationship between the upper and lower linkage components on both sides of the seat frame;

[0024] Figure 5 A partial structural diagram (in zero gravity mode) showing the installation relationship between the upper and lower linkage components on both sides of the seat frame;

[0025] Figure 6 A partial structural diagram showing the installation relationship between the upper and lower linkage components on both sides of the seat frame (the state after collapse).

[0026] Figure 7 A partial sectional view showing the assembly relationship between the upper and lower linkage components of shaft pin 6;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a right view of the seat in zero-gravity mode (backrest is hidden).

[0028] Figure 9 For the appendix Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the impact and subsequent collapse of the seat. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0030] The "front", "rear", "up" and "down" directions mentioned in this embodiment refer to the actual positions of the car seat in use.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, a zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism includes a base 1 and a seat frame 2 located on the upper side of the base 1. The rear end of the seat frame 2 is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the front end of the seat frame 2 is rotatably connected to an upper linkage component 3. The front end of the base 1 is rotatably connected to a lower linkage component 4. The upper linkage component 3 and the lower linkage component 4 are hinged to each other by a pin 6. A collapse piece 5 is fixedly connected to one side of the upper linkage component 3.

[0032] Furthermore, both the upper linkage component 3 and the lower linkage component 4 are plate-like structures. The lower linkage component 4 is rotatably mounted at the front end of the base 1 via the angle adjuster 10. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 As can be seen in this embodiment, both the left and right sides of the seat are provided with upper linkage components 3 and lower linkage components 4. The upper linkage components 3 on both sides are synchronously connected through the first synchronous rod 8, and the lower linkage components 4 on both sides are synchronously connected through the second synchronous rod (9). With this design, the angle adjuster 10 can drive the front of the seat frame to move up and down. When combined with other adjustments of the car seat, the zero-gravity mode of the car seat can be realized, making the passenger more comfortable.

[0033] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the crumple plate 5 has a lower connecting hole 5a, an upper crumple channel 5b, and a weakening portion 5c formed between the connecting hole 5a and the crumple channel 5b. The upper linkage component 3 has a strip-shaped clearance hole 3a, and both the connecting hole 5a and the crumple channel 5b are exposed in the strip-shaped clearance hole 3a. The crumple plate 5 is a 1mm thick metal part, and the crumple plate 5 is welded to the inner side of the upper linkage component 3. This design has the advantages of low cost and high reliability.

[0034] Furthermore, the weakening part 5c is located on one side of the collapse channel 5b and is an upwardly convex arc surface structure 5c1. The middle of the arc surface structure 5c1 is provided with a downwardly recessed deformation guide groove 5c2. The deformation guide groove 5c2 is an inverted triangular structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. This design can ensure that the metal sheet that undergoes the collapse reaction is more easily torn and collapses in the preset direction.

[0035] Furthermore, in combination Figures 5-6 and Figures 8-9As shown, pin 6 is supported within the adapter hole 5a. In zero-gravity mode, when the impact force is greater than the destructive force on the crumple plate 5, pin 6 can force the weakened part 5c to deform and tear, and move upward into the crumple channel 5b, thus completing the entire crumple reaction. The crumple is passive, achieved through mechanical destruction. The crumple process itself absorbs energy, reducing the impact force on the seat and optimizing the injury value to the occupant. When the crumple reaction occurs, the front end of the seat frame 2 will rapidly descend as pin 6 moves upward, allowing the seat to instantly return to a normal sitting posture. At this time, the restraint effect of the seat belt on the passenger returns to normal, thus ensuring seat safety.

[0036] Furthermore, in combination Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the upper linkage component 3 has a downward-opening arc-shaped groove 3b, and the upper side of the lower linkage component 4 has an upward-opening arc-shaped groove 4a. The stop pin 7 is fixed in the arc-shaped groove 4a by welding. When the seat is in the normal state, the arc-shaped groove 3b just locks the stop pin 7. This structure ensures that the crumple plate will not collapse unexpectedly when the seat is folded down, i.e., in the normal sitting posture mode, thus ensuring the safety and reliability of the seat during normal use and playing a role in preventing accidental collapse. Of course, this design can also prevent children from stepping on and jumping on the seat, which could cause the crumple mechanism to collapse.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the pin 6 has a stepped structure, with an outer support section 6a and an inner support section 6b. The inner support section 6b is rotatably fitted into the transition hole 5a via a bushing 6c, while the outer support section 6a is fixedly fitted onto the lower linkage component 4. This structure ensures that the upper and lower linkage components are more securely connected.

[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of the present invention, can make various similar representations without departing from the spirit and claims of the present invention, and such modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism, comprising a base (1) and a seat frame (2) located on the upper side of the base (1), wherein the rear end of the seat frame (2) is rotatably connected to the base (1), the front end of the seat frame (2) is rotatably connected to an upper linkage component (3), and the front end of the base (1) is rotatably connected to a lower linkage component (4), wherein the upper linkage component (3) and the lower linkage component (4) are hinged to each other by a pin (6), characterized in that: The upper linkage component (3) has a collapsible piece (5) fixedly attached to one side. The collapsible piece (5) has a lower connecting hole (5a), an upper collapsible channel (5b), and a weakening part (5c) formed between the connecting hole (5a) and the collapsible channel (5b). The upper linkage component (3) has a strip-shaped clearance hole (3a). Both the connecting hole (5a) and the collapsible channel (5b) are exposed in the strip-shaped clearance hole (3a). The pin (6) is supported in the adapter hole (5a). When the seat is impacted by an external force, the pin (6) can force the weakened part (5c) to deform and tear, and move upward into the collapse channel (5b). The lower linkage component (4) has an inwardly protruding stop pin (7) installed on its upper edge. When the seat frame (2) is folded, the lower end of the upper linkage component (3) can be supported on the stop pin (7). Both the upper linkage component (3) and the lower linkage component (4) are sheet-like structures. The lower linkage component (4) is rotatably mounted on the front end of the base (1) via the angle adjuster (10).

2. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the upper linkage component (3) is provided with an arc-shaped groove (3b) with an opening facing downwards.

3. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper side of the lower linkage component (4) is provided with an upward-opening arc-shaped groove (4a), and the stop pin (7) is fixed in the arc-shaped groove (4a) by welding.

4. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weakened part (5c) is located on one side of the collapse channel (5b) and is an upwardly convex arc surface structure (5c1). The middle part of the arc surface structure (5c1) is provided with a downwardly recessed deformation guide groove (5c2).

5. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The deformable guide groove (5c2) has an inverted triangular structure.

6. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collapsible piece (5) is a metal part, and the collapsible piece (5) is welded to the inner side of the upper linkage component (3).

7. The zero-gravity seat collapse mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pin (6) has a stepped structure, with an outer support section (6a) and an inner support section (6b). The inner support section (6b) is rotatably fitted in the adapter hole (5a) through the bushing (6c), and the outer support section (6a) is fixedly fitted on the lower linkage component (4).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Crushing pedal mechanism

    CN109823171A

  • Automobile seat mounting structure

    CN203752945U

  • Automobile zero-gravity seat quick reset structure, automobile seat and automobile

    CN217074116U

  • Zero-gravity seat crumple mechanism

    CN221137781U

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