Vehicle seat with seat cushion adjustment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat cushion adjustment system, characterized in that the vehicle seat has a seat cushion and a backrest which can be folded towards the seat cushion, the seat cushion has a seat pan for supporting an occupant and a seat frame for supporting the seat pan, the seat cushion adjustment system has a seat pan adjustment assembly, the seat pan can be shifted between an initial position and a forward position using the seat pan adjustment assembly, wherein the seat pan can be occupied by an occupant in its initial position, the seat pan is shifted in the x-direction by a distance in its forward position compared to its initial position, wherein the seat pan adjustment assembly has a seat pan linkage and a seat pan drive which can drive an oscillating movement of the seat pan linkage, the seat pan linkage has a plurality of seat pan links, the seat pan is movably supported on the seat frame by the seat pan links, each seat pan link is pivotably connected to the seat pan and pivotably connected to the seat frame, so that the seat pan is shifted between the initial position and the forward position by an oscillating movement of the seat pan links.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle seat with a seat cushion adjustment system. Background Technology

[0002] For vehicle seats, there is a need for height-adjustable seat cushions to enhance ride comfort. For some vehicle seats, such as the front passenger seat in a sedan, there is also a need for seatbacks that can be folded forward to provide more legroom for rear passengers. Regarding the latter need, after the backrest is pivoted and folded towards the seat cushion at a certain angle, the upper surface of the seat cushion contacts the front surface of the backrest earlier, hindering further folding. This results in the backrest still having a relatively high height after being folded. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle seat with a seat cushion adjustment system that can solve at least one of the problems mentioned above.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a vehicle seat with a seat cushion adjustment system, characterized in that the vehicle seat has a seat cushion and a backrest capable of folding towards the seat cushion, the seat cushion having a seat basin for supporting the occupant and a seat frame for supporting the seat basin, and the seat cushion adjustment system having a seat basin adjustment assembly, wherein the seat basin can be switched between an initial position and a forward position using the seat basin adjustment assembly, wherein the seat basin is available for the occupant to sit on in its initial position, and the seat basin in its forward position is moved forward a distance in the x-direction than in its initial position, such that the backrest is positioned in front of the seat basin. The seat adjustment assembly allows for a greater degree of folding motion towards the seat cushion in the shifted position compared to the initial position of the seat, without obstruction from the seat cushion. The seat adjustment assembly includes a seat linkage mechanism and a seat actuator capable of driving the seat linkage mechanism to swing. The seat linkage mechanism has multiple seat links, through which the seat is movably supported on the seat frame. Each seat link is pivotally connected to both the seat and the seat frame, allowing the seat to transition between the initial position and the forward-shifting position via the swinging motion of each seat link.

[0005] Here, when folding the backrest towards the seat cushion, the seat basin can be moved to its forward position first using the seat basin adjustment component, so that the backrest contacts the seat cushion, or seat basin, later during the folding process. Therefore, the backrest can be folded forward to a greater extent to obtain more space clearance in the z-direction. The fact that the seat basin is supported on the seat frame (only) by the seat basin linkage further simplifies the structure of the seat basin adjustment component.

[0006] Advantageously, the seat drive is configured as a push rod motor, the push rod of which is pivotally connected to one of the seat links, such that the push rod can drive the one seat link to oscillate during linear motion.

[0007] Alternatively, the seat driver is configured as a toothed plate-motor mechanism, which includes a toothed plate formed by one of the seat links and a geared motor. The motor drives the gear, which in turn drives the meshed teeth on the seat link, thereby driving the seat link to swing.

[0008] Alternatively, the seat driver can be configured as an adjuster-motor mechanism, which includes an adjuster with a rotating disk and a fixed disk, and a motor capable of driving the rotating disk to rotate. The fixed disk of the adjuster is connected to the seat, and the rotating disk is connected to one of the seat links. The rotating disk is driven to rotate relative to the fixed disk by the motor, which can drive the one seat link to swing.

[0009] Advantageously, during the transition between the initial position and the forward position of the sitz bath, the sitz bath linkage swings across their vertical positions.

[0010] Advantageously, the angle between the seat linkage and the horizontal plane in the forward position of the seat is smaller than the angle between the seat linkage and the horizontal plane in the initial position of the seat, so that the seat is closer to the vehicle floor in the forward position than in the initial position.

[0011] Advantageously, the sitz bath linkage is designed such that the sitz bath tilts upward to a greater extent in the forward position than it does in the initial position when viewed from back to front.

[0012] Advantageously, at least four seat links are provided, with at least two seat links arranged successively on the same side of the seat.

[0013] Advantageously, the seat link is pivotally connected on one hand to the seat, such as its seat support tube, and on the other hand to two opposing wall panels of the seat frame.

[0014] Advantageously, the seat adjustment system also has a seat frame adjustment assembly, which allows the seat frame, or the entire seat, to be adjusted in height from the vehicle floor.

[0015] Advantageously, the seat frame adjustment assembly has a seat frame linkage mechanism and a seat frame driver capable of driving the seat frame linkage mechanism to swing. The seat frame linkage mechanism has multiple seat frame links, and the seat frame is movably supported on an upper slide rail via the seat frame links. Each seat frame link is pivotally connected to the seat frame on one hand and pivotally connected to the upper slide rail of the vehicle seat on the other hand, so that the height of the seat frame from the vehicle floor is adjusted by the swinging movement of each seat frame link.

[0016] Advantageously, the seat frame driver is configured as a push rod motor, the push rod of which is pivotally connected to one of the seat frame links, such that the push rod can drive the one seat frame link to oscillate during linear motion.

[0017] Alternatively, the seat frame driver is configured as a gear plate-motor mechanism, which includes a gear plate formed by one of the seat frame connecting rods and a geared motor. The motor drives the gear, which in turn drives the meshed teeth on the seat frame connecting rod, thereby driving the seat frame connecting rod to swing.

[0018] Alternatively, the seat frame driver can be configured as an adjuster-motor mechanism, which includes an adjuster with a rotating disk and a fixed disk, and a motor capable of driving the rotating disk to rotate. The fixed disk of the adjuster is connected to the seat frame, and the rotating disk is connected to one of the seat frame connecting rods. By driving the rotating disk to rotate relative to the fixed disk through the motor, the one seat frame connecting rod can be driven to swing.

[0019] Advantageously, during the adjustment of the seat frame height, the seat frame links do not swing beyond their vertical positions.

[0020] Advantageously, at least four seat frame links are provided, with at least two seat frame links arranged successively on the same side of the seat frame.

[0021] Advantageously, the front seat frame link of the seat frame link is pivotally connected to two opposing side panels of the seat frame on the one hand and to the upper slide rail on the other hand, while the rear seat frame link of the seat frame link is pivotally connected to the rear cross tube connecting the side panels of the seat frame on the one hand and to the upper slide rail on the other hand.

[0022] Advantageously, the backrest of the vehicle seat is pivotally connected to the seat frame.

[0023] Advantageously, the vehicle seat is configured as a front passenger seat. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the drawings and detailed below. The drawings are as follows:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrating a seat cushion adjustment system for a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 schematically shown Figure 1 An exploded view of the seat adjustment components of the seat adjustment system in the middle;

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the position of the sitz bath adjustment components when the sitz bath is in its initial position;

[0028] Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows the relationship with Figure 3 The corresponding position of the sitz bath adjustment components;

[0029] Figure 4a Shown in schematic diagram Figure 4 The first variant embodiment of the arrangement of the basin motor in the form of a push rod motor is shown.

[0030] Figure 4b Shown in schematic diagram Figure 4 A second variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet motor shown;

[0031] Figure 4c Shown in schematic diagram Figure 4 The third variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet seat motor shown;

[0032] Figure 4d Shown in schematic diagram Figure 4 The fourth variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet seat motor shown;

[0033] Figure 4e A schematic diagram illustrates an embodiment where the sitz bath actuator is configured as a toothed plate-motor mechanism;

[0034] Figure 5 The position of the sitz bath adjustment assembly is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view when the sitz bath is in the forward position;

[0035] Figure 6 The schematic diagram shows the relationship with Figure 5 The corresponding position of the sitz bath adjustment components;

[0036] Figure 6a Shown in schematic diagram Figure 6 The first variant embodiment of the arrangement of the basin motor in the form of a push rod motor is shown.

[0037] Figure 6b Shown in schematic diagram Figure 6 A second variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet motor shown;

[0038] Figure 6c Shown in schematic diagram Figure 6 The third variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet seat motor shown;

[0039] Figure 6d Shown in schematic diagram Figure 6 The fourth variant embodiment of the arrangement of the toilet seat motor shown;

[0040] Figure 6e A schematic diagram illustrates an embodiment where the sitz bath actuator is configured as a toothed plate-motor mechanism;

[0041] Figure 7 schematically shown Figure 1 An exploded view of the seat frame adjustment components of the seat cushion adjustment system.

[0042] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the position of the seat adjustment components when the seat is in the lowered position;

[0043] Figure 9 The schematic diagram shows the relationship with Figure 8 The corresponding position of the seat frame adjustment component;

[0044] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view shows the position of the seat frame adjustment components when the seat frame is in the height adjustment position;

[0045] Figure 11 The schematic diagram shows the relationship with Figure 10 The corresponding position of the seat frame adjustment component;

[0046] Figure 12 An example is shown of a vehicle seat combination adjustment method;

[0047] Figure 13 A schematic comparison shows the height difference of the sitting basin in the initial position and the forward position;

[0048] Figure 14 The illustration shows the height difference of the seat cushion in the raised and lowered positions;

[0049] Figure 15a The diagram schematically illustrates a toothed plate-motor mechanism for adjusting the seat height, with the seat frame in the lowered position.

[0050] Figure 15b schematically shown Figure 15a The gear plate-motor mechanism in the middle, where the seat frame is in the height-adjusted position. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. In this specification, various systems, structures, and devices are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes only, and not all features of actual systems, structures, and devices are described. For example, well-known functions or structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary detail that could obscure the invention. It should be understood that in any practical application, many specific implementation decisions need to be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer or user, and system-related and industry-related limitations need to be followed. These specific goals may vary depending on the practical application. Furthermore, it should be understood that while such implementation decisions are complex and time-consuming, they are routine tasks for those skilled in the art who will benefit from this invention.

[0052] The terms and phrases used herein should be understood and interpreted in accordance with the understanding of those skilled in the art. The consistent use of terms or phrases herein is not intended to imply a specific definition, i.e., a definition different from the common and conventional meaning understood by those skilled in the art. For terms or phrases intended to have a specific meaning, i.e., a meaning different from that understood by those skilled in the art, such specific definition will be explicitly listed in the specification, giving the specific definition of the term or phrase directly and unambiguously.

[0053] Unless otherwise required by the content, throughout the following description, the word “including” and its variations, such as “comprising” and “having”, will be interpreted in an open-ended, inclusive sense, that is, as “including but not limited to”.

[0054] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention, a seat cushion adjustment system 1 for a vehicle seat, such as a passenger seat, is schematically illustrated. The vehicle may be an automobile, such as a sedan or a commercial vehicle. Next, a vehicle xyz coordinate system will be established according to techniques commonly used in automotive engineering, and reference will be made to the vehicle seat installation state and the occupant's sitting state to facilitate subsequent descriptions of the relative positions of the components in the present invention.

[0055] The vehicle seat has a backrest 2 and a seat cushion 3. The backrest 2 is designed to fold towards the seat cushion 3, and the seat cushion 3 is designed to be raised and lowered (see [reference]). Figure 12The seat cushion 3 has a seat basin 4 for supporting the occupant and a seat frame 5 for supporting the seat basin 4. The seat basin 4 and seat frame 5 of the seat cushion 3 are designed separately from each other, and the seat basin 4 can be supported on the seat frame 5 by a seat basin support tube 6, which can be regarded as part of the seat basin 4. The seat basin support tube 6 can be configured as a seat basin skeleton, for example, the seat basin 4 can be formed by covering the seat basin support tube 6 with foam and skin. Compared with the use of a planar seat basin skeleton, the tubular seat basin support tube 6 as a seat basin skeleton can meet the requirements of lightweighting while maintaining the same strength. The seat basin support tube 6 can include two approximately U-shaped seat basin support tube sections 7 and 8, which are fixedly connected to each other, for example, by welding together, to form a closed approximately rectangular seat basin support tube 6. The seat frame 5 of the seat cushion 3 includes two opposing wall panels 9 on the left and right sides and two opposing horizontal tubes 10 and 11 on the front and back, which are fixedly connected to each other to form a closed approximately rectangular structure of the seat frame 5. Specifically, the rear horizontal tube 11 can be inserted into and welded to the two wall panels 9. The front horizontal tube 10 can be inserted into and welded to the right wall panel 9 at its right end, while at its left end it is fixedly connected to the left wall panel 9 by means of a front horizontal tube bracket 15. The front horizontal tube bracket 15 is provided to allow room for other parts to prevent interference, but depending on the layout, the front horizontal tube 10 can also be directly fixedly connected to the left wall panel 9 at its left end. The seat frame 5 can be supported on the upper slide rail 12 (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0056] The seat adjustment system 1 may include a seat basin adjustment assembly 100 and a seat frame adjustment assembly 200. The seat basin adjustment assembly 100 can be used to adjust the relative position of the seat basin 4 with respect to the seat frame 5. The seat frame adjustment assembly 200 can be used to adjust the relative position of the seat frame 5 and thus the entire seat cushion 3 with respect to the upper slide rail 12.

[0057] The following is combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 The composition of the seat adjustment assembly 100 of the seat adjustment system 1 is described in detail below. The seat adjustment assembly 100 may include a seat linkage mechanism that movably supports the seat support tube 6 on two wall panels 9, and a seat driver that drives the seat linkage mechanism and thus the seat support tube 6, for example, by providing driving force or torque by a motor.

[0058] The seat actuator can be configured as a seat motor 101 in the form of a push rod motor, which is known per se. The push rod motor, or seat motor 101, has a motor assembly 102 and a push rod 103. The motor assembly 102 converts the rotational motion of the motor shaft into the linear reciprocating motion of the push rod 103. The motor assembly 102 of the seat motor 101 is pivotally connected to a seat motor bracket 104, and the seat motor bracket 104 is fixed, for example, welded to the front cross tube 10. Besides a push rod motor, the seat actuator can also be configured as other forms of motor drive mechanisms that provide driving force or torque to drive the oscillating motion of the seat linkage mechanism, such as the toothed plate-motor mechanism and the angle adjuster-motor mechanism, which will be exemplarily described below.

[0059] The seat linkage mechanism includes two front seat linkages 106 arranged opposite each other and parallel to the left and right sides of the front seat support tube section 7, and two rear seat linkages 107 and 108 arranged opposite each other and parallel to the left and right sides of the rear seat support tube section 8. Each front seat linkage 106 is pivotally connected to the front seat support tube section 7 at the support tube hinge point 109, for example, by bolts, and is also pivotally connected to the wall panel 9 on the same side at the wall panel hinge point 110, for example, by bolts. Each rear seat linkage 107 and 108 is pivotally connected to the rear seat support tube section 8 at the support tube hinge point 109, for example, by bolts, and is also pivotally connected to the wall panel 9 on the same side at the wall panel hinge point 110, for example, by bolts. Therefore, the four seat linkages 106, 107, and 108 together support the seat support tube 6 on the two wall panels 9.

[0060] Furthermore, one of the rear seat links 108, specifically the left rear seat link 108 in this case, also has a push rod hinge point 111. The push rod hinge point 111 and the support tube hinge point 109 are located on either side of the wall panel hinge point 110. The left rear seat link 108 is pivotally connected at the push rod hinge point 111, for example, via bolts, to the free end of the push rod 103 of the seat motor 101. Therefore, when the push rod 103 of the seat motor 101 moves linearly, it can drive the left rear seat link 108 to pivot around the wall panel hinge point 110. The left rear seat link 108 then drives the seat support tube 6 to move back and forth in the x-direction and up and down in the z-direction simultaneously. The other three seat links 106 and 107 move passively.

[0061] Figure 3 and Figure 4The positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat 4 is in its initial position, i.e., the normal sitting position, are shown in schematic diagrams and schematic diagrams. Here, it can be seen that the left-side front and rear seat linkages 106 and 108 extend obliquely from the upper rear towards the lower front in the x-direction. The left-side front and rear seat linkages 106 and 108 are pivotally connected to the left wall panel 9 at the wall panel hinge point 110, and pivotally connected to the seat support tube 6 at the support tube hinge point 109 above the wall panel hinge point 110. Although the right-side front and rear seat linkages 106 and 107 are not visible here, it can be inferred that they are arranged symmetrically and parallel to the left-side front and rear seat linkages 106 and 108. The motor assembly 102 of the bidet motor 101 is pivotally fixed to the front cross tube 10 via the bidet motor bracket 104. The free end of the push rod 103 of the bidet motor 101 is pivotally connected to the left rear bidet connecting rod 108 at the push rod hinge point 111, which is located below the wall panel hinge point 110. The push rod 103 of the bidet motor 101 is in the retracted state.

[0062] from Figure 3 and Figure 4 Starting from the state of the seat 4, or seat adjustment assembly 100, the seat motor 101 can drive the left rear seat linkage 108 to rotate clockwise, thereby driving the seat support tube 6 and thus the entire seat 4 to move forward along x. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The forward shift position is shown.

[0063] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat basin 4 is in the forward-moving position are shown in schematic diagrams and schematic diagrams. Here, the push rod 103 of the seat motor 101 is in the extended state. All seat linkages 106, 107, and 108 have pivoted clockwise past their vertical positions until they extend obliquely from the rear lower to the front upper in the x-direction. This causes the seat support tube 6 and therefore the seat basin 4 to move forward a certain distance in the x-direction, which allows space in the z-direction for the backrest 2 to fold, enabling the backrest 2 to fold towards the seat cushion 3 to a greater extent.

[0064] also, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Compared to the acute angle between the rear seat linkages 107 and 108 in the shown state and the horizontal plane, Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the state shown, the acute angle between the rear seat linkages 107 and 108 and the horizontal plane decreases, while... Figure 5 and Figure 6 Compared to the acute angle between the front seat linkage 106 and the horizontal plane in the shown state, Figure 3 and Figure 4In the illustrated state, the acute angle between the front seat link 106 and the horizontal plane is reduced further. This causes the seat support tube 6 and thus the seat 4 to not only lower as a whole, but also their angle with the horizontal plane to change during the forward movement; that is, the front of them becomes higher and the rear becomes lower. This allows for further space to be made in the z-direction for the backrest 2, enabling the backrest 2 to fold further toward the seat cushion 3.

[0065] Therefore, in the forward-moving position of the seat cushion 4, the seat cushion 3 makes room for the backrest 2 in the z-direction, allowing the backrest 2 to fold towards the seat cushion 3 to a greater extent, thus enabling the backrest 2 to be oriented more horizontally in the x-direction. This frees up more space in the z-direction, for example, improving the comfort of rear passengers' legs resting on the backrest 2.

[0066] Alternatively, when it is necessary to restore the seat 4, that is, to change the seat 4 from the forward position to the initial position, it is only necessary to rotate the seat motor 101 in the reverse direction, drive the left rear seat linkage 108 to rotate counterclockwise, and thus drive the seat support tube 6 and thus the seat 4 to move backward along the x-axis. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The initial position is shown.

[0067] Figure 4a and Figure 6a It shows Figures 3 to 6 A schematic diagram of a first variant embodiment of the arrangement of the sitz bath motor 101 shown. Figure 4a and Figure 6a The schematic diagrams illustrate the positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat support tube 6, or the seat 4, is in its initial position and when it is in its forward-moving position. (Different from...) Figures 3 to 6 In the arrangement of the seat motor 101 shown in this first variant embodiment, one end of the seat motor 101 is hinged to the rear tube 11, and the other end is hinged to the push rod hinge point 111 in the middle of the rear seat connecting rod 108 (the hinge points at both ends of the seat motor 101 can be interchanged). At this time, the wall panel hinge point 110 of the rear seat connecting rod 108 is at the lowest point. Figure 4a The initial position shown is towards Figure 6a During the forward movement shown, the basin motor 101 pushes the rear basin connecting rod 108 to pivot forward, thereby achieving the forward flattening or forward movement of the basin support tube 6. Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the other end of the basin motor 101 is hinged to the lowermost push rod hinge point 111 of the rear basin connecting rod 108, and the wall panel hinge point 110 of the rear basin connecting rod 108 is in the middle, then the basin motor 101 pulls the rear basin connecting rod 108 backward to pivot, thereby achieving the forward movement of the basin support tube 6.

[0068] Figure 4b and Figure 6b It shows Figures 3 to 6A schematic diagram of a second variant embodiment of the arrangement of the sitz bath motor 101 shown. Figure 4b and Figure 6b The schematic diagrams illustrate the positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat support tube 6, or the seat 4, is in its initial position and when it is in its forward-moving position. (Different from...) Figures 3 to 6 In the second variant embodiment, the seat motor 101 is arranged such that one end is hinged to the rear tube 11, and the other end is hinged to the push rod hinge point 111 in the middle of the front seat connecting rod 106 (the hinge points at both ends of the seat motor 101 are interchangeable). In this case, one of the front seat connecting rods 106 has three hinge points 109, 111, and 110, with the wall panel hinge point 110 being the lowest. From... Figure 4b The initial position shown is towards Figure 6b During the forward movement shown, the basin motor 101 pushes the front basin connecting rod 106 to pivot forward, thereby achieving the forward flattening or forward movement of the basin support tube 6. Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the other end of the basin motor 101 is hinged to the lowermost push rod hinge point 111 of the front basin connecting rod 106, and the wall panel hinge point 110 of the front basin connecting rod 106 is in the middle, then the basin motor 101 pulls the rear basin connecting rod 108 backward to pivot, thereby achieving the forward movement of the basin support tube 6.

[0069] Figure 4c and Figure 6c It shows Figures 3 to 6 The schematic diagram shows a third variant embodiment of the arrangement of the sitz bath motor 101. Figure 4c and Figure 6c The schematic diagrams illustrate the positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat support tube 6, or the seat 4, is in its initial position and when it is in its forward-moving position. (Different from...) Figures 3 to 6 In the arrangement of the seat motor 101 shown in this third variant embodiment, one end of the seat motor 101 is hinged to the wall panel 9, and the other end is hinged to the push rod hinge point 111 in the middle of the rear seat connecting rod 108 (the hinge points at both ends of the seat motor 101 can be interchanged). At this time, the wall panel hinge point 110 of the rear seat connecting rod 108 is at the lowest point. From... Figure 4c The initial position shown is towards Figure 6c During the forward movement shown, the basin motor 101 pushes the rear basin connecting rod 108 to pivot forward, thereby achieving the forward flattening or forward movement of the basin support tube 6. Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the other end of the basin motor 101 is hinged to the lowermost push rod hinge point 111 of the rear basin connecting rod 108, and the wall panel hinge point 110 of the rear basin connecting rod 108 is in the middle, then the basin motor 101 pulls the rear basin connecting rod 108 backward to pivot, thereby achieving the forward movement of the basin support tube 6.

[0070] Figure 4d and Figure 6d It shows Figures 3 to 6 The schematic diagram shows a fourth variant embodiment of the arrangement of the sitz bath motor 101. Figure 4d and Figure 6d The schematic diagrams illustrate the positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat support tube 6, or the seat 4, is in its initial position and when it is in its forward-moving position. (Different from...) Figures 3 to 6 In the fourth variant embodiment, the seat motor 101 is arranged such that one end is hinged to the wall panel 9, and the other end is hinged to the push rod hinge point 111 in the middle of the front seat connecting rod 106 (the hinge points at both ends of the seat motor 101 can be interchanged). In this case, one of the front seat connecting rods 106 has three hinge points 109, 111, and 110, with the wall panel hinge point 110 being the lowest. From... Figure 4d The initial position shown is towards Figure 6d During the forward movement shown, the basin motor 101 pushes the front basin connecting rod 106 to pivot forward, thereby achieving the forward flattening or forward movement of the basin support tube 6. Furthermore, it is conceivable that if the other end of the basin motor 101 is hinged to the lowermost push rod hinge point 111 of the front basin connecting rod 106, and the wall panel hinge point 110 of the front basin connecting rod 106 is in the middle, then the basin motor 101 pulls the rear basin connecting rod 108 backward to pivot, thereby achieving the forward movement of the basin support tube 6.

[0071] Figure 4e and Figure 6e A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a seat driver configured as a toothed plate-motor mechanism is shown. Figure 4e and Figure 6e The schematic diagrams illustrate the positions or states of the main components of the seat adjustment assembly 100 when the seat support tube 6, or the seat 4, is in its initial position and when it is in its forward-moving position. (Different from...) Figures 3 to 6 The illustrated seat driver is configured as a seat motor 101 in the form of a push rod motor. In this embodiment, a gear-motor mechanism is used to drive the seat linkage mechanism. See also... Figure 15a and Figure 15b The gear-motor mechanism may include a gear plate 230 and a motor 232 with a gear 231 on the output shaft. Its working principle can be found below. Figure 15a and Figure 15b The description.

[0072] In this embodiment, the motor 232 of the toothed plate-motor mechanism can be arranged on the seat 4, that is, next to one of the two support tube hinge points 109, or it can be arranged on the seat frame 5, for example, at its wall panel 9 (e.g. Figure 4eand 6e As shown in the diagram, the seat is positioned next to one of the two wall panel hinge points 110. Correspondingly, a front seat link 106 or a rear seat link 107, 108 is configured as a gear plate 230. The motor 231 drives the gear 231, which in turn drives the meshing teeth 233 on one of the seat links 106, 107, 108, thereby moving the entire seat 4 forward.

[0073] In another embodiment, not shown, instead of a push rod motor, an adjuster-motor mechanism can be used to drive the seat linkage mechanism. The adjuster-motor mechanism itself is known, comprising an adjuster with a rotating disk and a fixed disk, and a motor capable of driving the rotating disk to rotate. The adjuster can be located at any of the hinge points (e.g., support tube hinge point 109) between the seat 4 and the four seat linkages 106, 107, 108, wherein the fixed disk of the adjuster can be connected to the seat 4, and the rotating disk can be connected to the seat linkages 106, 107, 108. The rotation of the rotating disk relative to the fixed disk is achieved by the motor driving the rotating disk, thereby oscillating the seat linkages 106, 107, 108.

[0074] The following is combined Figure 1 and Figure 7 The composition of the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 of the seat cushion adjustment system 1 is described in detail. The seat frame adjustment assembly 200 may include a sheet metal connector 13 (see [reference]) that movably supports the seat frame 5 on the upper slide rail 12, and more specifically, is fixed thereon. Figure 10 The seat frame linkage mechanism on the seat frame, and the seat frame driver that drives the seat frame linkage mechanism and thus the seat frame 5, for example, by providing driving force or torque by a motor.

[0075] Similar to a seat actuator, a seat driver can be configured as a seat motor 201 in the form of a known pushrod motor. The pushrod motor, or seat motor 201, has a motor assembly 202 and a pushrod 203, which converts the rotational motion of the motor shaft into the linear reciprocating motion of the pushrod 203. Similarly, the motor assembly 202 of the seat motor 201 is pivotally connected to a seat motor bracket 204, and the seat motor bracket 204 is fixed, for example, welded to the front cross tube 10. Likewise, besides a pushrod motor, a seat driver can also be configured as other forms of motor drive mechanisms that provide driving force or torque to drive the oscillating motion of the seat linkage mechanism, such as the toothed plate-motor mechanism and the angle adjuster-motor mechanism, which will be exemplified below.

[0076] The seat frame linkage mechanism has two front seat frame linkages 206 arranged opposite each other and parallel to the inner front of the two wall panels 9, and two rear seat frame linkages 207 and 208 arranged opposite each other and parallel to the inner rear of the two wall panels 9. Each front seat frame linkage 206 is pivotally connected to the inner front of the two wall panels 9 at the wall panel hinge point 210, for example, by a rivet, and is also pivotally connected to the upper slide rail 12 or its sheet metal connector 13 on the same side at the upper slide rail hinge point 209, for example, by a rivet. Each rear seat frame linkage 207 and 208 is pivotally connected to the rear cross tube 11 at the rear cross tube hinge point 220, for example, by fitting onto the rear cross tube 11 and around the rear cross tube 11, and is also pivotally connected to the upper slide rail 12 on the same side at the upper slide rail hinge point 209, for example, by a rivet. Therefore, the four seat frame links 206, 207, and 208 together support the seat frame 5 on the two upper slide rails 12. The upper slide rails 12 can be supported on the lower slide rails 14 fixed to the vehicle floor (see...). Figure 10 It can move forward and backward along the x-axis to adjust the x-position of the vehicle seat.

[0077] Furthermore, one of the rear seat frame links 208, specifically the right rear seat frame link 208 in this case, also has a push rod hinge point 211, which, along with the rear cross tube hinge point 220, is located on either side of the upper slide rail hinge point 209. The right rear seat frame link 208 is pivotally connected at the push rod hinge point 211, for example, via bolts, to the free end of the push rod 203 of the seat frame motor 201. Therefore, when the push rod 203 of the seat frame motor 201 moves linearly, it can drive the right rear seat frame link 208 to pivot around the upper slide rail hinge point 209, and the right rear seat frame link 208 in turn drives the seat frame 5 to move forward and backward in the x-axis and up and down in the z-axis simultaneously. The other three seat frame links 206 and 207 move passively.

[0078] Figure 8 and Figure 9The positions or states of the main components of the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 when the seat frame 5 and therefore the entire seat cushion 4 and seat are in the lowered position are shown in schematic diagrams and schematic diagrams, respectively. Here, the right-side front and rear seat frame links 206 and 208 extend obliquely from the upper rear towards the lower front in the x-direction. The right-side front and rear seat frame links 206 and 208 are pivotally connected to the upper slide rail 12 at the upper slide rail hinge point 209, and pivotally connected to the wall panel 9 and the rear crossbar 11 at the wall panel hinge point 210 and the rear crossbar hinge point 220, respectively, located above the upper slide rail hinge point 209. Although the left-side front and rear seat frame links 206 and 207 are not visible here, it is conceivable that they are arranged symmetrically and parallel to the right-side front and rear seat frame links 206 and 208. The motor assembly 202 of the seat frame motor 201 is pivotally fixed to the front cross tube 10 via the seat frame motor bracket 204. The free end of the push rod 203 of the seat frame motor 201 is pivotally connected to the rear seat frame link 208 on the right side at the push rod hinge point 211, which is located below the upper slide rail hinge point 209. The push rod 203 of the seat frame motor 201 is in the retracted state.

[0079] from Figure 8 and Figure 9 Starting from the state of the seat frame 5, or seat frame adjustment assembly 200, the seat frame motor 201 can drive the right rear seat frame linkage 208 to rotate counterclockwise, thereby driving the rear cross tube 11 and thus the entire seat frame 5 to move upward along z. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The indicated adjustment position.

[0080] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The positions or states of the main components of the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 when the seat frame 5 is in the height-adjusted position are shown in schematic diagrams and schematic diagrams, respectively. It can be seen that the push rod 203 of the seat frame motor 201 is in the extended state. The front and rear seat frame connecting rods 206 and 208 have been pivoted counterclockwise to extend closer to vertical. That is to say, Figure 10 and Figure 11 Compared to the acute angles between all the seat frame links 206, 207, and 208 in the shown configuration and the horizontal plane. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the shown state, the acute angles between all the seat frame links 206, 207, and 208 and the horizontal plane increase. This causes the seat frame 5, and therefore the entire seat cushion 3 and seat, to move upward a certain distance in the z-axis. At this time, the seat basin 4, supported on the seat frame 5, also rises as the seat frame 5 is raised. In addition, since the backrest 2 is supported on the seat cushion 3, the backrest 2 also rises along with the seat cushion 3. This maintains seating comfort because the relative positional relationship between the backrest 2 and the seat cushion 3 must meet ergonomic design requirements. If the seat frame 5 is raised while the height of the backrest 2 remains unchanged, then the backrest 2 can no longer conform to the occupant's back, resulting in decreased comfort.

[0081] It is conceivable that when it is necessary to lower the vehicle seat, that is, to change the seat frame 5 and therefore the entire seat cushion 2 and seat from the high position to the lower position, it is only necessary to rotate the seat frame motor 201 in the reverse direction, drive the right rear seat frame linkage 208 to rotate clockwise, and thus drive the seat frame 5 and therefore the entire seat cushion 3 and seat to move downward along z. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The lowered position is shown.

[0082] Therefore, the entire seat cushion 2 and thus the z-axis height adjustment of the vehicle seat can be performed independently via the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 of the seat cushion adjustment system 1. This allows the occupant to achieve a more comfortable height position, similar to a conventional seat height adjustment function. Furthermore, the vehicle seat height adjustment function can be combined with the independent position adjustment of the seat pan 4 via the seat pan adjustment assembly 100. For example, after adjusting the seat pan 4 to a forward position via the seat pan adjustment assembly 100 and folding the backrest 2, the backrest 2 can be used as a footrest for rear passengers. At this point, the height of the seat backrest 2 can be further adjusted via the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 to personalize the occupant's leg comfort to the optimal level. Of course, other combined adjustment methods are also conceivable.

[0083] Combination Figure 15a and Figure 15b This section exemplifies another seat height adjustment mechanism for achieving seat (or seat frame) height adjustment, which, instead of a push rod motor, uses a gear-motor mechanism to drive the seat frame linkage mechanism. The gear-motor mechanism may include a gear plate 230 and a motor 232 with a gear 231 on its output shaft. Here, a rear seat frame linkage 207 can be configured as a gear plate, i.e., it has teeth 233, and the motor 232 can be embedded in the side wall 9 of the seat frame 5, and its gear 231 can mesh with the teeth 233 on the rear seat frame linkage 207. By having the motor 231 drive the gear 231 to mesh with the teeth 233 on the rear seat frame linkage 207, the rear seat frame linkage 207 can be oscillated, thus adjusting the height of the entire seat frame 5. Figure 15a This shows the lowered position of seat frame 5, while Figure 15b This shows the height adjustment position of seat frame 5.

[0084] In another embodiment (not shown), instead of a push rod motor, an adjuster-motor mechanism can be used to drive the seat frame linkage mechanism. The adjuster can be located at any of the hinge points between the seat frame 5 and the four seat frame links 206, 207, and 208. The fixed plate of the adjuster can be connected to the seat frame 5, and the rotating plate can be connected to the seat frame links 206, 207, and 208. The rotating plate is driven by a motor to rotate relative to the fixed plate, thereby achieving the oscillation of the seat frame links 206, 207, and 208.

[0085] The following exemplary patent documents disclose various seat height adjustment mechanisms for achieving seat height adjustment. These mechanisms can be used to replace the seat frame adjustment assembly 200 of the present invention to achieve the seat height adjustment function, and can be combined with the seat basin adjustment assembly 100 of the present invention to form a seat adjustment system 1 of other embodiments of the present invention. The disclosures of these patent documents constitute a part of the content of this invention by reference.

[0086] For example, in patent document CN117621957A, the seat cushion is driven by connecting to the upper end of the height adjustment linkage via an angle adjuster and a motor, thereby realizing the functions of seat cushion folding and height adjustment.

[0087] In patent document CN218929267U, the seat cushion is driven by a dual screw motor connected to the middle of the height adjustment linkage, thereby realizing the seat cushion folding and height adjustment functions.

[0088] In patent document CN220785528U, the seat cushion is driven by connecting to the upper end of the height adjustment linkage via a toothed plate and a motor, thereby realizing the functions of seat cushion folding and height adjustment.

[0089] In patent document CN117183847A, the seat cushion is driven by connecting to the upper end of the height adjustment front linkage via an angle adjuster and a motor, thereby realizing the functions of seat cushion folding and height adjustment.

[0090] In patent document CN221393145U, the seat cushion is driven by connecting to the upper end of the height adjustment linkage via a toothed plate and a motor, thereby realizing the functions of seat cushion folding and height adjustment.

[0091] In patent document CN221272690U, the seat cushion is driven by an RS drive motor connected to the middle of the height adjustment front linkage (or driven by an adjuster and a motor connected to the lower end of the height adjustment rear linkage), thus realizing the seat cushion folding and height adjustment functions.

[0092] In patent document CN118578952A, the seat cushion is driven by a lead screw motor connected to the lower end of the front height adjustment linkage and the double toothed plate, and the motor is connected to the lower end of the rear height adjustment linkage, thereby realizing the seat cushion folding and height adjustment functions.

[0093] Furthermore, since both the seat frame adjustment component 200 and the seat basin adjustment component 100 in this invention are based on a four-bar linkage structure, the seat height adjustment mechanism disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents can also be adapted to replace the seat basin adjustment component 100 in the embodiments of this invention to adjust the seat basin 4, and can be combined with various different forms of seat frame adjustment components 200 to form the seat adjustment system 1 of other embodiments of this invention.

[0094] Figure 12This example illustrates the sequence of steps for a method of combined adjustment of a vehicle seat using the seat basin adjustment assembly 100 and seat frame adjustment assembly 200 of the seat cushion adjustment system 1:

[0095] Step 1: Slide the upper slide rail 12 forward relative to the lower slide rail 14, so that the entire vehicle seat slides forward along the x-direction;

[0096] Step 2: Using the seat frame adjustment component 200 of the seat adjustment system 1, lower the height of the seat cushion 3 and thus the entire vehicle seat in the z-direction (while moving it backward in the x-direction).

[0097] Step 3: Using the seat adjustment component 100 of the seat adjustment system 1, adjust the seat 4 forward in the x-axis to the forward position (while moving it downward in the z-axis).

[0098] Step 4: Fold the backrest 2 forward, facing the seat cushion 3.

[0099] This allows for as much legroom as possible for rear seat occupants, not only in the x-axis but also in the z-axis. As mentioned above, the back of the backrest 2 can be used as a footrest for rear occupants, and the height of the footrest can be further adjusted to the most comfortable position after step four via the seat frame adjustment assembly 200.

[0100] Figure 13 The comparison shows the height difference ΔH = H1 - H2 between the seat basin 4 and the seat cushion 3, or its highest point, from the vehicle floor when the seat basin 4 is in its initial position (i.e., normal seating position) (left image) and its forward-moving position (right image). Starting from the left image, as the seat basin 4 moves forward and downward to the state shown in the right image, the height difference (i.e., the clearance space) ΔH of the seat basin 4 in the z-direction can reach as high as 38.8 mm. Therefore, it can effectively avoid the STO (seat contour surface) of the backrest 2 and achieve the backrest 2 to be folded forward as flat as possible.

[0101] Figure 14 The comparison shows the height difference H3-H4 between the seat cushion 3, or its highest point, and the vehicle floor when the seat frame 5 and therefore the seat cushion 3 are in their highest (left) and lowest (right) positions. The seat cushion 3 can move upwards or downwards in the z-axis, thus switching between the states shown in the left and right images. The height difference (i.e., the clearance) of the seat cushion 3 in the z-axis can be up to 50mm, thus allowing for a wide range of seat height adjustments.

[0102] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding and explaining the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and all such modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat with a seat cushion adjustment system, characterized in that, The vehicle seat has a seat cushion and a backrest capable of folding towards the seat cushion. The seat cushion has a seat basin for supporting the occupant and a seat frame for supporting the seat basin. The seat cushion adjustment system has a seat basin adjustment assembly. The seat basin can be switched between an initial position and a forward-moving position using the seat basin adjustment assembly. In its initial position, the seat basin is available for the occupant to sit on. In its forward-moving position, the seat basin is moved forward a distance in the x-direction than in its initial position, such that the backrest can fold towards the seat cushion to a greater extent without obstruction by the seat cushion in the forward-moving position than in the initial position. The seat adjustment assembly includes a seat linkage mechanism and a seat driver capable of driving the seat linkage mechanism to swing. The seat linkage mechanism has multiple seat links, and the seat is movably supported on the seat frame via the seat links. Each seat link is pivotally connected to both the seat and the seat frame, allowing the seat to switch between an initial position and a forward position through the swinging motion of each seat link. During the transition between the initial position and the forward position of the sitz bath, each of the sitz bath linkages swings past its vertical position. The seat cushion adjustment system also includes a seat frame adjustment assembly, which allows the seat frame to be adjusted in height from the vehicle floor. The seat frame adjustment assembly includes a seat frame linkage mechanism and a seat frame driver capable of driving the seat frame linkage mechanism to swing. The seat frame linkage mechanism has multiple seat frame links, and the seat frame is movably supported on an upper slide rail via the seat frame links. Each seat frame link is pivotally connected to the seat frame on one hand and pivotally connected to the upper slide rail of the vehicle seat on the other hand, so that the height of the seat frame from the vehicle floor can be adjusted by the swinging movement of each seat frame link. During the adjustment of the seat frame height, none of the seat frame links swings beyond their vertical position. The backrest of the vehicle seat is pivotally connected to the seat frame.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat driver is configured as a push rod motor, and the push rod of the push rod motor is pivotally connected to one of the seat rods in the seat linkage, so that the push rod can drive the one seat linkage to swing when it moves in a straight line. Alternatively, the seat driver is configured as a toothed plate-motor mechanism, which includes a toothed plate formed by one of the seat links and a geared motor. The motor drives the gear, which in turn drives the meshed teeth on the seat link, thereby driving the seat link to swing. Alternatively, the seat driver can be configured as an adjuster-motor mechanism, which includes an adjuster with a rotating disk and a fixed disk, and a motor capable of driving the rotating disk to rotate. The fixed disk of the adjuster is connected to the seat, and the rotating disk is connected to one of the seat links. The rotating disk is driven to rotate relative to the fixed disk by the motor, which can drive the one seat link to swing.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the seat linkage and the horizontal plane in the forward position of the seat is smaller than the angle between the seat linkage and the horizontal plane in the initial position of the seat, so that the seat is closer to the vehicle floor in the forward position than in the initial position.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat linkage is designed so that the seat tilts upward to a greater extent when viewed from back to front in the forward position than it does in the initial position.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least four seat links, and at least two seat links are arranged one after the other on the same side of the seat.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat connecting rod is pivotally connected to the seat on one hand and to two opposing wall panels of the seat frame on the other hand.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat frame driver is configured as a push rod motor, and the push rod of the push rod motor is pivotally connected to one of the seat frame links, so that the push rod can drive the one seat frame link to swing when it moves in a straight line. Alternatively, the seat frame driver is configured as a gear plate-motor mechanism, which includes a gear plate formed by one of the seat frame connecting rods and a geared motor. The motor drives the gear, which in turn drives the meshed teeth on the seat frame connecting rod, thereby driving the seat frame connecting rod to swing. Alternatively, the seat frame driver can be configured as an adjuster-motor mechanism, which includes an adjuster with a rotating disk and a fixed disk, and a motor capable of driving the rotating disk to rotate. The fixed disk of the adjuster is connected to the seat frame, and the rotating disk is connected to one of the seat frame connecting rods. By driving the rotating disk to rotate relative to the fixed disk through the motor, the one seat frame connecting rod can be driven to swing.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least four seat frame links, and at least two seat frame links are arranged successively on the same side of the seat frame.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front seat frame link of the seat frame link is pivotally connected to the two opposing wall panels of the seat frame on one hand and to the upper slide rail on the other hand. The rear seat frame link of the seat frame link is pivotally connected to the rear horizontal tube connecting the wall panels of the seat frame on one hand and to the upper slide rail on the other hand.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle seats are configured as a front passenger seat.

11. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of seat-holding links are four seat-holding links, and the plurality of seat-frame links are four seat-frame links.

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