Vehicle seat with seat cushion with stadium position

Abstract

A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle has laterally spaced side members and a cushion frame supported between the side members, the side members having respective pivot slots, and the cushion frame including laterally spaced sliding slots. The vehicle seat has opposing front attachments fixedly coupled to the respective side members and coupled to the respective sliding slots in a pivotable and slidable manner. The vehicle seat also includes opposing rear attachments that couple the cushion frame to the respective pivot slots. The cushion frame is repositionable between a horizontal seating position and an upright stadium position. To reposition the cushion frame from the seating position to the stadium position, the cushion frame translates forward along the pivot slot prior to pivoting the cushion frame about the front attachment to the stadium position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 358,672, filed on July 6, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat for use in a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flip mechanism for use on a vehicle seat having a seat cushion frame and configured to allow the seat cushion frame to rotate between a seating position and a stadium position. Background Art

[0004] Motor vehicles typically include one or more vehicle seats having a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame for supporting an occupant above the vehicle floor. It is generally known that the seat cushion frame of some vehicle seats is capable of pivoting between a seating position and a stadium position. It is also generally known that some vehicle seats include a flip mechanism operatively coupled between the seat cushion frame and a side member and configured to allow the seat cushion frame to rotate between the seating position and the stadium position.

[0005] However, currently known vehicle seats require the occupant to manually rotate the seat cushion frame between the seating position and the stadium position.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vehicle seat having a flip mechanism that automatically rotates the cushion frame between the seat position and the stadium position without requiring the occupant to manually rotate the cushion frame. In addition, it is desirable that the flip mechanism translates the cushion frame forward to accommodate a seat cushion placed on the cushion frame before rotating the cushion frame upward. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to one embodiment, a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle is provided. The vehicle seat includes laterally spaced side members having corresponding pivot slots. The vehicle seat also includes a cushion frame supported between the side members and including laterally spaced cushion side members having corresponding sliding slots. The cushion frame is capable of being repositioned between a seating position and a stadium position. The vehicle seat also includes opposite front attachments fixedly connected to the corresponding side members and pivotably and slidably connected to the corresponding sliding slots. The vehicle seat also includes opposite rear attachments connecting the cushion frame to the corresponding pivot slots. In order to reposition the cushion frame from the seating position to the stadium position, the cushion frame is translated forward along the pivot slots before the cushion frame is pivoted about the front attachments to the stadium position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a right front perspective view of a vehicle seat including a backrest frame and a seat cushion frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the seat cushion frame in a seating position;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A left front perspective view of part 2;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a left side view of part 2;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a right front perspective view of portion 2;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A left front perspective view of portion 5;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a right side view of the vehicle seat in a seating position;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A right side view of a vehicle seat showing the seat cushion frame translated forward;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A right side view of a vehicle seat showing the seat cushion frame translated forward and partially rotated upward;

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A right side view of a vehicle seat showing the seat cushion frame in a stadium position;

[0018] Fig.10 is a right front perspective view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a cushion frame in a seating position;

[0019] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 a left side view of a portion 11;

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 a left side view of a portion 12 of the embodiment of the present invention, showing a pinion gear positioned near a rear end of a pivot slot adjacent to the buffer system;

[0021] Fig.13 yes Fig.10 a left side view of portion 13 of the embodiment of the present invention showing the pinion gear positioned at the front end of the pivot slot adjacent to the pawl;

[0022] Fig.14 is a left front perspective view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a cushion frame in a seating position;

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 a left side view of a portion 15;

[0024] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 a bottom front perspective view of a vehicle seat; and

[0025] Fig.17 yes Fig.14 A left front perspective view of a vehicle seat showing the seat cushion frame in a stadium position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figures 1 to 17 Components of a vehicle seat 10 for use in a motor vehicle according to the embodiments described herein are illustrated. Directional references such as top, bottom, upper, lower, upward, downward, longitudinal, lateral, left, right, etc., used or shown in the specification, drawings, or claims are relative terms used for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding components throughout the several views.

[0027] like Figure 1 As depicted, the vehicle seat 10 includes laterally spaced inner and outer side members 12a, 12b, a cushion frame 14 operatively coupled to and supported between the side members 12a, 12b, and a backrest frame 16 pivotally coupled to the side members 12a, 12b. In addition, the vehicle seat 10 includes a flip mechanism 18 pivotally coupling the cushion frame 14 to the side members 12a, 12b. The flip mechanism 18 uses translational and rotational motions to reposition the cushion frame 14 in a seating position (defined by the cushion frame 14 being in a generally horizontal position relative to the floor) Figure 1 ) and a stadium position defined by the seat frame 14 being in a generally vertical or upright position ( Fig. 9 ), the stadium position is alternatively described as the flip position.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 5The seat cushion frame 14 includes a seat cushion pan 20, an inner seat cushion side member 22a and an outer seat cushion side member 22b that are spaced apart laterally, a seat cushion rear tube 24, a seat cushion front tube 26, and a cross brace 28. The seat cushion pan 20 is fixedly coupled to the distal ends of the inner seat cushion side member 22a and the outer seat cushion side member 22b. In addition, the cross brace 28 and the inner and outer ends of the seat cushion rear tube 24 and the seat cushion front tube 26 are fixedly coupled to the corresponding inner seat cushion side member 22a and the outer seat cushion side member 22b. The seat cushion rear tube 24 and the seat cushion front tube 26 are also fixedly coupled to the inner seat cushion side member 22a and the outer seat cushion side member 22b. Fig.17 Shown in.

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , the cushion side members 22a, 22b include a slide slot 30 that generally extends in a longitudinal direction along the cushion side members 22a, 22b. The slide slot 30 includes an upper slot side portion 32 and a lower slot side portion 34 that extend between a front end portion 36 and a rear end portion 38. In addition, the vehicle seat 10 includes opposing weld nuts 40, a front spacer 42, and a front attachment 44. When the cushion frame 14 is in the seating position ( Figure 1 ), the weld nut 40 is fixedly coupled to the inner side member 12a and the outer side member 12b, and the weld nut 40 is generally aligned transversely with the slide slot 30 and adjacent to the front end 36 of the slide slot 30. The front spacer 42 includes a passage (not shown) extending axially through the front spacer 42. The front attachment 44 is formed by a shoulder bolt having a bolt shaft 46 extending from a bolt head 48, such as Figure 4 As shown. The bolt shaft 46 is inserted through the slide slot 30 in the corresponding cushion side member 22a, 22b, through the channel in the corresponding front spacer 42, and fixedly coupled to the weld nut 40 attached to the corresponding side member 12a, 12b. Therefore, the front attachment 44 is a pivot pin that pivotally and slidably couples the cushion frame 14 to the inner side member 12a and the outer side member 12b. In addition, without changing the scope of the present invention, one or more of a bushing, a washer, etc. can be assembled on the bolt shaft 46 between the cushion side members 22a, 22b and the bolt head 48.

[0030] like Figures 1 to 4 As depicted, the medial and lateral side members 12a, 12b include respective pivot slots 50 having spaced-apart upper and lower side portions 52, 54 extending generally in a longitudinal direction between a front end portion 56 and a rear end portion 58. Figure 3 As shown, the pivot slot 50 and the slide slot 30 are generally not parallel to each other. In addition, the slide slot 30 extends at a slot angle 60 relative to the pivot slot 50, and the slot angle 60 is selected so that when the cushion frame 14 is in the seat position ( Figure 1 ) and stadium-style locations ( Fig. 9 ) when rotating between the seat cushion frame 14 and the side members 12a, 12b.

[0031] In addition, the vehicle seat 10 includes a closure bracket 62 fixedly coupled to the respective inner side member 12a and the outer side member 12b. The closure bracket 62 includes a rack 64 extending longitudinally along the upper surface of the closure bracket 62. The rack 64 includes a plurality of spaced rack teeth 66. The rack 64 is positioned on the inner side member 12a and the outer side member 12b so that the rack 64 extends along the lower side 54 of the pivot slot 50, wherein the rack teeth 66 are oriented toward the pivot slot 50. It will be understood that the rack 64 can be positioned along the upper side 52 of the pivot slot 50 without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The vehicle seat 10 further includes a rotary motor assembly 68, a mounting bracket 70, a synchronization rod 72, a pinion bushing 74, and a pinion 76. The rotary motor assembly 68 is fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket 70, and the mounting bracket 70 is fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 14. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 70 is fixedly coupled to the inner cushion side member 22a. It will be appreciated that the rotary motor assembly 68 may be mounted at various locations on the cushion frame 14 without altering the scope of the present invention. The synchronization rod 72 is configured as a motor shaft that extends laterally through the rotary motor assembly 68. The rotary motor assembly 68 is operatively coupled to the synchronization rod 72 and is configured to selectively rotate the synchronization rod 72 in a forward rotational direction 78 and a rearward rotational direction 80. The distal end of the synchronization rod 72 passes through holes (not shown) in the inner cushion side member 22a and the outer cushion side member 22b, through the pivot slot 50, through a channel (not shown) extending axially through the pinion bushing 74, and is fixedly coupled to a corresponding pinion 76. Although not shown in the figures, a circlip may be attached near the distal end of the synchronization rod 72 to fixedly couple the pinion 76 to the synchronization rod 72. The pinion bushing 74 may also be used as a spacer. As shown in FIG. Figure 1 As depicted, the synchronization rod 72, the pinion bushing 74, and the pinion 76 define a rear attachment 81 that couples the cushion frame 14 to the side members 12a, 12b. Figure 3As shown, the pinion gear 76 includes a plurality of pinion gear teeth 82 that meshingly engage with the rack teeth 66 on the rack 64. In operation, when the rotary motor assembly 68 rotates the synchronization rod 72 in the forward rotational direction 78, the pinion gear 76 travels along the rack 64 in the forward direction 84 toward the front end 56 of the pivot slot 50. Additionally, when the rotary motor assembly 68 rotates the synchronization rod 72 in the rearward rotational direction 80, the pinion gear 76 travels along the rack 64 in the rearward direction 86 toward the rear end 58 of the pivot slot 50. Figure 3 As depicted, the vehicle seat 10 may also include a pawl 88 that is fixedly coupled to one of the side members 12a, 12b and projects into the pivot slot 50. The pawl 88 is spaced apart from the front end 56 of the pivot slot 50 and is configured to engage when the seat cushion frame 14 is in the stadium position ( Fig. 9 ) without loading other components to hold the pinion 76 near the front end 56 of the pivot slot 50.

[0033] Also like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle seat 10 includes a latch hook 90 that is pivotally connected to one of the side members 12a, 12b via a latch pivot 92. It will be understood that the latch hook 90 can be pivotally connected to an alternative position on the vehicle seat 10 without changing the scope of the present invention. In addition, as a non-limiting example, the vehicle seat 10 includes a striker 94 fixedly connected to the cushion frame 14, such as a striker 94 fixedly connected to one of the cushion side members 22a, 22b. The latch hook 90 is capable of selectively pivoting between a latched state (shown as the latch hook 90) with the striker 94 and an unlatched state (shown as the latch hook 90a) spaced apart from the striker 94. When the cushion frame 14 is in the seating position, the latch hook 90 engages with the striker 94. When the cushion frame 14 is pivoted to the stadium position ( Fig. 9 ), the latch hook 90 is selectively pivoted to the unlatched state 90a by a manual or automatic actuator, handle, cable, etc.

[0034] Figures 6 to 9 The seat cushion frame 14 is shown in the seat position ( Figure 6 ) and stadium-style locations ( Fig. 9 ) between the pivoting process. The vehicle seat 10 is shown in the seat position ( Figure 6 ), wherein the latch hook 90 is engaged with the striker 94, the pinion 76 is adjacent to the rear end 58 of the pivot slot 50, and the front attachment 44 is adjacent to the front end 36 of the slide slot 30. When the vehicle seat 10 is in Figure 6When the occupant is in the seat position shown, the occupant initiates the upward tilting process, causing the latch hook 90 to pivot about the latch pivot 92 to the unlatched position 90a disengaged from the striker 94. Next, the rotary motor assembly 68 is activated to rotate the synchronization rod 72 in the forward rotation direction 78 ( Figure 4 ), which causes the pinion 76 to travel along the rack 64 in the forward direction 84 toward the front end 56 of the pivot slot 50. Figure 7 As the pinion 76 travels along the rack 64 in the forward direction 84 , the cushion frame 14 translates forwardly (arrow 84 ) as the slide slot 30 translates along the front attachment 44 . Figure 8 As depicted, additional forward travel (arrow 84) ​​of the pinion 76 along the rack 64 causes the cushion frame 14 to translate forwardly (arrow 84) ​​relative to the front attachment 44 until the front attachment 44 frictionally engages the rear end 38 of the slide slot 30. After the front attachment 44 engages the rear end 38 of the slide slot 30, additional forward travel (arrow 84) ​​of the pinion 76 along the rack 64 causes the cushion frame 14 to pivot upwardly (arrow 98) about the front attachment 44 to a position adjacent to the front attachment 44. Fig. 9 Stadium position shown. Once the pinion 76 is adjacent the front end 56 of the pivot slot 50 and the seat cushion frame 14 is in the stadium position, the rotary motor assembly 68 is deactivated. The seat cushion frame 14 is held in the stadium position until the occupant initiates the downward flipping process.

[0035] The process is reversed to return the cushion frame 14 from the stadium position to the seating position. Fig. 9 The occupant initiates the downward rollover process when the occupant is in the stadium position shown. Next, the rotary motor assembly 68 is activated to rotate the synchronizing rod 72 in the rearward rotation direction 80 ( Figure 4 ), which causes the pinion 76 to travel along the rack 64 in the rearward direction 86 toward the rear end 58 of the pivot slot 50. Figure 8 During the initial rearward travel of the pinion 76 along the rack 64 (arrow 86), the cushion frame 14 pivots downward toward the seating position (arrow 100) as the slide slot 30 pivots downward about the front attachment 44 (arrow 100). Figure 7 and Figure 8 After the seat cushion frame 14 is rotated downward (arrow 100), additional travel of the pinion 76 along the rack 64 in the rearward direction (arrow 86) causes the front attachment 44 to disengage from the rear end 58 of the slide slot 30. The additional travel of the pinion 76 in the rearward direction (arrow 86) causes the slide slot 30 to translate along the front attachment 44 and causes the seat cushion frame 14 to move toward the rear end 58 of the slide slot 30. Figure 6 The seat position shown is translated rearward (arrow 86). Once the pinion 76 is adjacent to the rear end 58 of the pivot slot 50 and the cushion frame 14 is in Figure 6 In the seat position shown, the rotary motor assembly 68 is deactivated. Next, the latch hook 90 pivots about the latch pivot 92 to a latched position engaging the striker 94. The cushion frame 14 is held in the seat position until the occupant initiates the upward flipping process.

[0036] A second embodiment of the vehicle seat 10 ′ is Figures 10 to 13 , wherein like primed reference numerals indicate like elements as described above. Fig.10 The second embodiment of the vehicle seat 10' shown in the figure includes a flip mechanism 18' with a pivot slot 50' having a straight portion 104 and a curved portion 106. In addition, the closing bracket 62' is positioned above the pivot slot 50'. Only the significant differences between the two embodiments are reflected in the following figures and description.

[0037] Reference Fig.11 , the slide slot 30' includes spaced-apart upper and lower sides 32' and 34' that extend between opposite front and rear ends 36' and 38'. In addition, a straight portion 104 of the pivot slot 50' extends from the rear end 58' generally toward the front attachment 44'. A curved portion 106 of the pivot slot 50' extends rearwardly from the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50' and adjoins the straight portion 104. The curved portion 106 of the pivot slot 50' radially deviates from the adjacent front attachment 44' by a radius 108. Similarly, the rack 64' extends along the lower edge of the closure bracket 46' and includes a straight rack portion 110 adjoining a curved rack portion 112. The curved rack portion 112 radially deviates from the adjacent front attachment 44 by a radius 114. The radii 108 and 114 are selected so that after the seat cushion frame 14' is translated forward (arrow 84), the pinion 76' pivots the seat cushion frame 14' about the front attachment 44'. The rack 64' generally extends longitudinally along the upper side 52' of the pivot slot 50'. The straight portion 104 of the pivot slot 50' and the straight rack portion 110 are generally parallel to the adjacent slide slot 30'.

[0038] In addition, the pinion teeth 82' meshingly engage with the rack teeth 66'. Comparing the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the second embodiment, the pinion teeth 82' and the rack teeth 66' have a smaller tooth profile than the pinion teeth 82 and the rack teeth 66 of the first embodiment. It will be understood that the pinion teeth 82, 82' and the rack teeth 66, 66' can be larger or smaller sized teeth without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0039] Reference Fig.12The vehicle seat 10' also includes a buffer system 116 that is fixedly coupled to the inner side member 12a' and positioned near the rear end 58' of the pivot slot 50'. It will be understood that the buffer system 116 can be installed in other locations without changing the scope of the present invention. The buffer system 116 includes a buffer 118 that is positioned to limit the rearward movement of the pinion 76' along the rack 64'. In addition, the buffer system 116 can include one or more of a Hall sensor 120 and / or a limit switch 122, which are configured to detect whether the pinion 76 is adjacent to the rear end 58 of the pivot slot 50 and whether the cushion frame 14 is in the seat position. When the Hall sensor 120 and / or the limit switch 122 detects the presence of the pinion 76, the vehicle seat 10 deactivates the rotary motor assembly 68 to prevent damage to the teeth on the rack 64' and the pinion 76'.

[0040] like Fig.13 As shown, the vehicle seat 10' includes a pawl 88' that is fixedly coupled to the inner side member 12a' and positioned near the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50'. The pawl 88' protrudes into the pivot slot 50'. The pawl 88' is spaced apart from the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50' and is configured to hold the pinion 76' near the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50' when the cushion frame 14' is in the stadium position without loading other components.

[0041] In operation, when the cushion frame 14' is in the seating position and the occupant initiates the flip-up process, the rotary motor assembly 68 causes the pinion 76' to travel along the rack 64' in the forward direction 84 toward the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50'. As the pinion 76' travels forward (arrow 84) ​​along the straight rack portion 110, the cushion frame 14' translates forward (arrow 84), which causes the slide slot 30' to slide along the front attachment 44'. After the front attachment 44' engages the rear end 38' of the slide slot 30', the pinion 76' travels along the curved rack portion 112, which causes the cushion frame 14' to rotate upward (arrow 98) to the stadium position. Once the pinion 76' is adjacent to the front end 56' of the pivot slot 50' and the cushion frame 14' is in the stadium position, the rotary motor assembly 68 is deactivated. The seat cushion frame 14 ′ is held in the stadium position by the detents 88 ′ and the deactivated rotary motor assembly 68 until the occupant initiates the flip-down process.

[0042] The process is reversed to return the cushion frame 14' from the stadium position to the seating position. Fig. 9100 , the seat cushion frame 14' is pivoted downward about the front attachment 44' (arrow 100). As the pinion 76' travels rearwardly along the straight rack portion 110 of the rack 64' (arrow 86), the seat cushion frame 14' is moved toward the rear. Fig.10 The seat position shown is translated rearwardly (arrow 86). Once the pinion 76' is adjacent the rear end 58' of the pivot slot 50' and the cushion frame 14' is in the seat position ( Fig.10 ), the rotary motor assembly 68 is deactivated. Alternatively, when the Hall sensor 120 and / or the limit switch 122 detect that the cushion frame 14' is in the seat position, the rotary motor assembly 68 is deactivated.

[0043] A third embodiment of the vehicle seat 10″ is Figures 14 to 17 , wherein similar reference numerals with double primes denote similar elements to those described above. Figures 14 to 17 The third embodiment of the vehicle seat 10" shown in the figure includes a flip mechanism 18" with a pivot slot 50" having a straight portion 104" and a curved portion 106". However, the third embodiment of the vehicle seat 10" lacks the racks 64, 64' and pinions 76, 76' of the previous embodiments of the vehicle seats 10, 10'. In addition, the synchronization rod 72 and the rotary motor assembly 68 of the previous embodiments of the vehicle seats 10, 10' have been replaced by a motor assembly 124 operatively connected to a lead screw 126. Only the significant differences between the third embodiment of the vehicle seat 10" and the previous embodiments of the vehicle seats 10, 10' are reflected in the following figures and description.

[0044] Reference Fig.14 and Fig.15, the inner side member 12a" and the outer side member 12b" include a corresponding pivot slot 50", which has a straight portion 104" adjacent to the curved portion 106". The straight portion 104" extends from the rear end portion 58" of the pivot slot 50". In addition, the curved portion 106" extends from the front end portion 56" of the pivot slot 50". The inner seat cushion side member 22a" and the outer seat cushion side member 22b" include a corresponding sliding slot 30" extending between the front slot end 36" and the rear slot end 38". The sliding slot 30" extends generally parallel to the straight portion 104" of the pivot slot 50". The front attachment member 44" is fixedly connected to the corresponding side members 12a", 12b" and is slidably connected to the adjacent sliding slot 30". In addition, the vehicle seat 10" includes a rear attachment 128 and a rear spacer 130. The rear spacer 130 includes a channel (not shown) extending axially therethrough. The rear attachment 128 extends through the channel in the corresponding rear spacer 130, through the corresponding pivot slots 50" in the side members 12a", 12b", and is fixedly connected to the adjacent seat cushion side members 22a", 22b". Therefore, the rear attachment 128 is slidably and pivotably connected to the corresponding pivot slots 50".

[0045] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the vehicle seat 10" includes a spaced-apart tube bracket 132 and a pivot tube 134. The tube bracket 132 is generally an L-shaped bracket having a lower end portion fixedly coupled to the corresponding inner side member 12a" and the outer side member 12b". In addition, the pivot tube 134 includes an opposite end portion fixedly coupled to the upper end portion of the corresponding tube bracket 132. The tube bracket 132 and the pivot tube 134 are positioned below the cushion frame 14" when the cushion frame 14" is in the seating position.

[0046] like Fig.16 and Fig.17As depicted, the vehicle seat 10" also includes a motor assembly 124, a motor bracket 136, a gear box 138, and a lead screw 126. The motor assembly 124 is fixedly coupled to the motor bracket 136, which in turn is fixedly coupled to the seat pan 20" of the cushion frame 14". It will be understood that the motor bracket 136 may be fixedly coupled to other locations on the cushion frame 14" without changing the scope of the present invention. The motor assembly 124 is operatively coupled to the gear box 138, which includes a threaded nut 140 meshingly engaged with the lead screw 126. The lead screw 126 has a lower end 146 pivotally coupled to the pivot tube 134 and an upper end 148 fixedly coupled to the end stop 150, the upper end 148 being free floating. When the motor assembly 124 is actuated in the forward rotational direction, the threaded nut 140 within the gear box 138 is displaced in the forward direction (arrow 142) along the lead screw 126. When the motor assembly 124 is actuated in the opposite, rearward rotational direction, the threaded nut 140 within the gear box 138 is displaced in the rearward direction (arrow 144) along the lead screw 126. The forward direction (arrow 142) is opposite to the rearward direction (arrow 144). In addition, the forward direction (arrow 142) and the rearward direction (arrow 144) are alternatively described as a first direction and a second direction, respectively.

[0047] In operation, when the cushion frame 14" is in the seating position ( Figures 14 to 16 ) and the occupant initiates the flip-up process, the motor assembly 124 is enabled in the forward direction, which causes the threaded nut 140 to travel along the lead screw 126 in the forward direction (arrow 142). As the threaded nut 140 travels forward along the lead screw 126 (arrow 142), the rear attachment 128 slides forward along the straight section 104" of the pivot slot 50", and the slide slot 30" slides forward along the front attachment 44" (arrow 84), which causes the seat cushion frame 14" to slide forward (arrow 84). The additional movement of the threaded nut 140 in the forward direction (arrow 142) causes the front attachment 44" to frictionally engage with the rear end 38" of the slide slot 30", and causes the rear attachment 128" to enter the seat cushion frame 14". 14". The lead screw 126 has a lower end 146 pivotably coupled to a pivot tube 134 that allows the seat cushion frame 14" to pivot upward. Once the seat cushion frame 14" is in the stadium position ( Fig.17) and the rear attachment 128 is adjacent the front end 56″ of the pivot slot 50″, the motor assembly 124 is deactivated. The seat cushion frame 14″ is maintained in the stadium position by the deactivated motor assembly 124 until the occupant initiates the downward flipping process.

[0048] The process is reversed to return the cushion frame 14" from the stadium position to the seating position. Fig.17 When the seat is in the stadium position shown, the occupant initiates the downward flip process. Next, the motor assembly 124 is enabled in the rearward direction, which causes the threaded nut 140 to travel in the rearward direction (arrow 144) along the lead screw 126. As the threaded nut 140 travels rearwardly along the lead screw 126 (arrow 144), the rear attachment 128 slides rearwardly along the curved portion 106" of the pivot slot 50", which causes the seat cushion frame 14" to pivot downwardly about the front attachment 44" (arrow 100). Additional movement of the threaded nut 140 in the rearward direction (arrow 144) causes the rear attachment 128 to enter the straight portion 104" of the pivot slot 50". After the rear attachment 128 enters the straight portion 104" of the pivot slot 50", additional movement of the threaded nut 140 in the rearward direction (arrow 144) causes the slide slot 30" to slide rearward relative to the front attachment 44", and causes the rear attachment 128 to slide rearward along the straight portion 104" of the pivot slot 50", which in turn causes the seat cushion frame 14" to shift rearward (arrow 86). Once the seat cushion frame 14" is in the seating position ( Fig.14 ) and the rear attachment 128 is adjacent the rear end 58'' of the pivot slot 50'', the motor assembly 124 is deactivated.

[0049] It will be appreciated that when the vehicle seat 10 ″ is configured to be manually pivoted by an occupant between the seating position and the stadium position, the motor assembly 124 , lead screw 126 , and pivot tube 134 may be omitted without changing the scope of the present invention.

[0050] As described above, the vehicle seat 10, 10', 10" of the present invention includes a flip mechanism 18, 18', 18", which is configured to automatically pivot the seat cushion frame 14, 14', 14" between the seating position and the stadium position using both the translational and rotational movements of the seat cushion frame 14, 14', 14". The flip mechanism 18, 18', 18" includes a front attachment 44, 44', 44", the front attachment The first and second embodiments of the flip mechanism 18, 18' include a rotary motor assembly 44, 44', 44" fixedly coupled to the corresponding side members 12a, 12a', 12a", 12b, 12b', 12b" and slidably coupled to the corresponding sliding slots 30, 30', 30" extending generally in the longitudinal direction along the cushion side members 22a, 22a', 22a", 22b, 22b', 22b". The third embodiment of the tilting mechanism 18 ″ includes a motor assembly 12 a, 12 a′, 12 b, 12 b′, and a rotation motor assembly 68 that is fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 14, 14 ′ and operatively coupled to a synchronization rod 72, and the opposite end of the synchronization rod 72 is fixedly coupled to a pinion 76, 76 ′ that meshingly engages with a corresponding rack 64, 64 ′ extending along the pivot slot 50, 50 ′ in the corresponding side member 12 a, 12 a′, 12 b, 12 b′. 4, the motor assembly 124 is fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 14" and operatively coupled to a threaded nut 140 meshingly engaged with a lead screw 126, which is pivotally coupled to the side members 12a", 12b". In addition, the flip mechanism 18" includes a rear attachment 128, which is fixedly coupled to the cushion frame 14" and slidably coupled to the pivot slots 50". In order to pivot the cushion frames 14, 14', 14" to the stadium position, the flip mechanism 18, 18', 18" translates the cushion frames 14, 14', 14" forward and then rotates the cushion frames 14, 14', 14" upward about the front attachments 44, 44', 44" to the stadium position. The process is reversed to return the cushion frames 14, 14', 14" to the seating position.

[0051] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terms that have been used are intended to have the nature of descriptive words rather than restrictive words. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be implemented in a manner other than that specifically described.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, the vehicle seat comprising: a pair of laterally spaced side members having corresponding pivot slots; a seat cushion frame supported between the side members and including laterally spaced apart seat cushion side members having corresponding slide slots, the seat cushion frame being repositionable between a seating position and a stadium position; an opposing front attachment fixedly coupled to a corresponding side member and pivotably and slidably coupled to a corresponding slide slot; as well as an opposing rear attachment member coupling the cushion frame to a corresponding one of the pivot slots; Wherein, to reposition the seat cushion frame from the seating position to the stadium position, the seat cushion frame is translated forwardly along the pivot slot before pivoting the seat cushion frame about the front attachment member to the stadium position.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, further comprising: a rotary motor assembly fixedly coupled to the cushion frame; as well as opposing racks fixedly coupled to respective said side members and extending along respective said pivot slots; wherein the rear attachment further comprises a synchronization rod operatively coupled to the rotary motor assembly and having opposite ends fixedly coupled to respective pinions meshingly engaged with respective racks; and Wherein, the rotary motor assembly is configured to selectively rotate the synchronization rod in a forward rotational direction and a rearward rotational direction, which causes the pinion gear to travel along the rack in a forward direction and a rearward direction, respectively.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein: When the cushion frame is in the seating position and the rotary motor assembly rotates the synchronization rod in the forward rotational direction, the pinion gear travels along the rack in the forward direction, causing the cushion frame to translate forwardly as the slide slot slides along the front attachment.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein: the cushion frame translates forwardly in response to the pinion gear traveling along the rack gear in the forward direction until the front attachment frictionally engages the rear end of the slide slot; and After the front attachment is frictionally engaged with the rear end of the slide slot, the cushion frame pivots upward about the front attachment in response to the pinion gear traveling along the rack in the forward direction.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein: When the seat cushion frame is in the stadium-type position in which the front attachment is frictionally engaged with the rear end of the sliding slot, and when the rotary motor assembly rotates the synchronization rod in the rearward rotational direction, the pinion travels along the rack in the rearward direction, causing the seat cushion frame to pivot downward about the front attachment while the front attachment is frictionally engaged with the rear end of the sliding slot.

6. The vehicle seat of claim 5, wherein: After the front attachment is disengaged from the rear end of the slide slot, the cushion frame translates rearwardly in response to the travel of the pinion along the rack in the rearward direction.

7. The vehicle seat of claim 6, wherein: The pivot slot includes an upper side portion spaced apart from a lower side portion; and The rack is fixedly coupled to the side member adjacent one of the lower side and the upper side of the corresponding pivot slot.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, further comprising: an opposing bushing having a passage extending axially therethrough; wherein the synchronization rod extends through the passage in the bushing and the bushing extends transversely through the corresponding pivot slot.

9. The vehicle seat of claim 8, further comprising: A pawl is fixedly coupled to one of the side members and extends into an adjacent pivot slot, the pawl being configured to frictionally engage one of the bushings when the cushion frame is in the stadium position.

10. The vehicle seat of claim 7, further comprising a damper system fixedly coupled to one of the side members, the damper system including a damper configured to limit rearward movement of the pinion along the pivot slot.

11. The vehicle seat of claim 10, the buffer system further comprising one or more of a Hall sensor and a limit switch; in, The rotary motor assembly is deactivated in response to one or more of the Hall sensor and the limit switch detecting that the pinion gear is adjacent to the rear end of the pivot slot.

12. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein: The pivot slot is not parallel to the slide slot.

13. The vehicle seat of claim 12, wherein: The pivot slot extends in the longitudinal direction; The sliding groove extends in the longitudinal direction; and When the cushion frame is in the seating position, the slide slot extends at a slot angle relative to the adjacent pivot slot.

14. The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein: The rack includes a straight portion adjacent to a curved portion; The curved portions are radially offset from the respective front attachments.

15. The vehicle seat of claim 14, wherein: the cushion frame translates forward from the seating position as the pinion gear travels forward along the straight portion of the rack; and As the pinion travels forward along the curved portion of the rack, the seat cushion frame pivots upward toward the stadium position.

16. The vehicle seat of claim 15, wherein: the cushion frame pivots downwardly from the stadium position as the pinion travels rearwardly along the curved portion of the rack; and As the pinion travels rearwardly along the straight portion of the rack, the cushion frame translates rearwardly toward the seating position.

17. The vehicle seat of claim 1, further comprising: a lead screw having a lower end pivotably coupled to the side member; a threaded nut meshingly engaged with the lead screw; as well as a motor assembly fixedly coupled to the cushion frame and operatively coupled to the threaded nut and configured to selectively advance the threaded nut along the lead screw in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction; wherein the rear attachment is pivotably and slidably coupled to the corresponding pivot slot and fixedly coupled to the corresponding seat cushion side member; and Wherein, the pivot slot includes a straight portion and a curved portion.

18. The vehicle seat of claim 17, wherein: the rear attachment sliding in a forward direction along the pivot slot in response to the motor assembly advancing the threaded nut along the lead screw in the first direction; and The rear attachment slides in a rearward direction along the pivot slot in response to the motor assembly advancing the threaded nut along the lead screw in the second direction.

19. The vehicle seat of claim 18, wherein: The slide slot slides along the front attachment, causing the cushion frame to translate as the rear attachment slides along the straight portion of the pivot slot.

20. The vehicle seat of claim 19, wherein: After the front attachment frictionally engages the front end of the slide slot, the cushion frame pivots about the front attachment as the rear attachment slides along the curved portion of the pivot slot.

21. The vehicle seat of claim 20, wherein: The lead screw includes a free-floating upper end.

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