System and method for turning over vehicle seat

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for turning over a vehicle seat. The systems include a base member of the seat, a driving mechanism partially for driving the base member to rotate, first and second support members of the seat, a backrest member, a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member with the second support member, a rotating mechanism, and a control module for sending a seat overturning instruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technical field generally relates to vehicle seats, and more particularly to methods and systems for flipping vehicle seats. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles provide a range of amenities designed to enhance occupant comfort. Examples of such amenities include adjustable seats that can be customized to the needs of a particular occupant, including adjustments for seat height, recline angle, lumbar support, and headrest height. Other comfort features may include seats with temperature control and extendable seat cushions. These improvements help to enhance the user experience and increase customer satisfaction.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide systems and methods that can improve the comfort of vehicle occupants. Additionally, other desired features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A method for flipping a vehicle seat is provided. In one example, a base member of the seat is provided; a drive mechanism is provided, which is partially used to drive the base member to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal with respect to the left and right of the seat occupant, wherein the first axis is located at an intermediate position of the base member; a first support member and a second support member of the seat are provided, wherein the lower end of one side of the first support member is rotatably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving rotation, and the lower end of the second support member is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first support member; a backrest member is provided, and the left and right sides of the backrest member are located inside the second support member and are rotatably connected to the second support member along a second axis in the horizontal direction, wherein the second axis is located at an intermediate position of the backrest member; a locking mechanism is provided for locking and unlocking the backrest member and the second support member; a rotation mechanism is provided; a command to flip the seat is received by a control module; and the drive mechanism is activated by the control module to rotate the first support member by a predetermined angle and rotate the base member in the same clockwise direction, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the second support member relative to the first support member in the opposite clockwise direction and triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and rotates the backrest member relative to the second support member by 180°, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member and the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, and the base member rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, so that the occupant sits on the seat in a direction opposite to the original direction.

[0005] In various examples, the rotating mechanism in the method is arranged on the same side of the output end of the driving mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a first four-bar mechanism arranged on the first support member and a second four-bar mechanism arranged on the second support member. Wherein, the lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism to drive the first support member to rotate and drive the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member. Wherein, the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism to trigger the locking mechanism and drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member; and wherein, the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member to facilitate the rotation of the backrest member relative to the second support member.

[0006] In various examples, in the method, a grooved wheel member is arranged at the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism, a fixed gear member is arranged at the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, and a pin-connected gear member is arranged between the wheel member and the fixed gear member. Through the interlocking of the pin and the groove, the fixed gear member can drive the connecting gear member to rotate, and then drive the wheel member to rotate; wherein, a first gear member is arranged at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member is arranged on the backrest member, so that the second four-bar mechanism can drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

[0007] In various examples, the locking mechanism in the method includes a locking main body member arranged on the second support member, a mating member arranged at both ends of the backrest member and capable of meshing with the locking main body member, and a triggering member fixed relative to the axis of the connecting gear member.

[0008] In various examples, the driving mechanism in the method includes a motor and a gear set connected to the output end of the motor. Wherein, the gear set provides a first power output gear for driving the first support member to rotate, and a second power output gear for driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member through the first four-bar mechanism.

[0009] In various examples, the driving mechanism in the method further includes a box body member. The motor and the gear set are arranged inside the box body member. When the seat is in a stationary state, the upper surface of the box body member partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member.

[0010] In various examples, the method includes generating the instruction in response to an individual interacting with the human-machine interface device of the vehicle.

[0011] A system for flipping a vehicle seat is provided. In one example, the system includes a base member of the seat; a drive mechanism for partially driving the base member to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal with respect to the left and right of the seat occupant, wherein the first axis is located at an intermediate position of the base member; a first support member and a second support member of the seat, wherein a lower end of one side of the first support member is rotatably connected to an output end of the drive mechanism for driving rotation, and a lower end of the second support member is rotatably connected to an upper end of the first support member; a backrest member, with the left and right sides of the backrest member located inside the second support member and rotatably connected to the second support member along a second axis in the horizontal direction, wherein the second axis is located at an intermediate position of the backrest member; a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member and the second support member; a rotating mechanism; and a control module for sending an instruction to flip the seat; wherein the drive mechanism is activated according to the instruction to rotate the first support member by a predetermined angle and rotate the base member in the same clockwise direction, wherein the rotating mechanism rotates the second support member relative to the first support member in the opposite clockwise direction, triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and rotates the backrest member relative to the second support member by 180°, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member and the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, and the base member rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, so that the occupant sits on the seat in a direction opposite to the original direction.

[0012] In various examples, the rotating mechanism of the system is arranged on the same side of the output end of the drive mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a first four-bar mechanism arranged on the first support member and a second four-bar mechanism arranged on the second support member. Wherein, a lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving the rotation of the first support member and driving the rotation of the second support member relative to the first support member. Wherein, a lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to an upper end of the first four-bar mechanism for triggering the locking mechanism and driving the rotation of the backrest member relative to the second support member; and wherein, an upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member for promoting the rotation of the backrest member relative to the second support member.

[0013] In various examples, a grooved wheel member is disposed at the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism of the system, a fixed gear member is disposed at the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, a connecting gear member with pins is disposed between the wheel member and the fixed gear member, and through the interlocking of the pins and the grooves, the fixed gear member can drive the connecting gear member to rotate, and further drive the wheel member to rotate; wherein, a first gear member is disposed at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member is disposed on the backrest member, so that the second four-bar mechanism can drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

[0014] In various examples, the locking mechanism of the system includes a locking main body member disposed on the second support member, a mating member disposed at both ends of the backrest member and capable of meshing with the locking main body member, and a triggering member fixed relative to the shaft of the connecting gear member.

[0015] In various examples, the drive mechanism of the system includes a motor and a gear set connected to the output end of the motor. Among them, the gear set provides a first power output gear for driving the first support member to rotate, and a second power output gear for driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member through the first four-bar mechanism.

[0016] In various examples, the drive mechanism of the system includes a box body member, and the motor and the gear set are disposed inside the box body member. When the seat is in a stationary state, the upper surface of the box body member partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member.

[0017] In various examples, the system includes a vehicle man-machine interface device for inputting the instruction.

[0018] A vehicle is provided. In one example, the vehicle includes a vehicle body and a system for flipping the seat in the vehicle. The system of the vehicle includes a base member of the seat; a drive mechanism for partially driving the base member to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal with respect to the left and right of the seat occupant, wherein the first axis is located at the middle position of the base member; a first support member and a second support member of the seat, wherein the lower end of one side of the first support member is rotatably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving rotation, and the lower end of the second support member is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first support member; a backrest member, the left and right sides of the backrest member are located inside the second support member and are rotatably connected to the second support member along a second axis in the horizontal direction, wherein the second axis is located at the middle position of the backrest member; a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member and the second support member; a rotating mechanism; a control module for sending an instruction to flip the seat; and a human-machine interface device of the vehicle for inputting the instruction; wherein, the drive mechanism is activated according to the instruction, causing the first support member to rotate a predetermined angle and causing the base member to rotate in the same clockwise direction, wherein the rotating mechanism causes the second support member to rotate in the opposite clockwise direction relative to the first support member and triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and causes the backrest member to rotate 180° relative to the second support member, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member and the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member and the base member rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, so that the occupant sits on the seat in the direction opposite to the original direction.

[0019] In various examples, the rotating mechanism of the system in the vehicle is arranged on the same side of the output end of the drive mechanism. The rotating mechanism includes a first four-bar mechanism arranged on the first support member and a second four-bar mechanism arranged on the second support member. Wherein, the lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving the first support member to rotate and driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member. Wherein, the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism for triggering the locking mechanism and driving the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member; and wherein, the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member for promoting the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

[0020] In various examples, a grooved wheel member is disposed at the lower end of a second four-bar mechanism of a system in a vehicle, a fixed gear member is disposed at the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, a connecting gear member with a pin is disposed between the wheel member and the fixed gear member, and through the interlocking of the pin and the groove, the fixed gear member can drive the connecting gear member to rotate, and further drive the wheel member to rotate; wherein, a first gear member is disposed at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member is disposed on the backrest member, so that the second four-bar mechanism can drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

[0021] In various examples, the locking mechanism of the system in the vehicle includes a locking main body member disposed on the second support member, a mating member disposed at both ends of the backrest member and capable of meshing with the locking main body member, and a triggering member fixed relative to the axis of the connecting gear member.

[0022] In various examples, the drive mechanism of the vehicle includes a motor and a gear set connected to the output end of the motor. Among them, the gear set provides a first power output gear for driving the first support member to rotate, and a second power output gear for driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member through the first four-bar mechanism.

[0023] In various examples, the drive mechanism of the vehicle includes a box body member, and the motor and the gear set are disposed inside the box body member. When the seat is in a stationary state, the upper surface of the box body member partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals refer to the same elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle including a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle according to an example;

[0026] Figure 2 is according to an example Figure 1 perspective view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle;

[0027] Figure 3 is shown according to an example Figure 2 perspective view of some components of the system for flipping a seat in a vehicle in;

[0028] Figure 4 is according to an example Figure 2 perspective view of the backrest member of the system for flipping a seat in a vehicle in;

[0029] Figure 5 is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing the initial and final positions of the system;

[0030] Figure 5A is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing some components in the initial position of the system;

[0031] Figure 5B is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing some components in a critical state during the flipping process of the system;

[0032] Figure 5C is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing some components in another critical state during the flipping process of the system;

[0033] Figure 5D is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing some components in yet another critical state during the flipping process of the system;

[0034] Figure 5E is according to the example Figure 2 A simplified left view of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, showing some components in the final position of the system;

[0035] Figure 6 is according to the example Figure 2 A perspective view of the drive mechanism of a system for flipping a seat in a vehicle;

[0036] Figure 7 is a description according to the example Figure 6 A circuit diagram of the power transmission principle of the drive mechanism in; and

[0037] Figure 8 A flowchart showing a method for flipping a vehicle seat according to the example. Detailed implementation mode

[0038] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. In addition, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, invention content or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic and / or processor device alone or in any combination, including but not limited to: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated or groups) and memories that execute one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0039] Examples of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., that may implement various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that examples of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely examples of the present disclosure.

[0040] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical connections between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the examples of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 1 A vehicle 10 according to an example is shown. In some examples, the vehicle 10 comprises a car. The vehicle 10 comprises a system 100 for flipping a seat in the vehicle.

[0042] In various examples, vehicle 10 can be any of a number of different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, a van, a truck, or a sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in some examples can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the exemplary vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially encloses the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0044] The vehicle 10 also includes a propulsion system 20, a driveline 22, a steering system 24, at least one control module 34, a drive mechanism 118, a seat 36, and a human-machine interface device 38. The propulsion system 20 includes an engine and / or a motor 21, such as an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel fuel engine), an electric motor (e.g., a three-phase AC motor), or a hybrid system including more than one engine and / or motor. The driveline 22 is configured to transfer power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 16-18 according to selectable speed ratios. According to various examples, the driveline 22 can include a stepped-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmissions. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 16, 18. Although shown for example purposes as including a steering wheel, in some examples contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel 24a.

[0045] The control module 34 can include a processor 39, a communication bus 41, and a computer-readable storage device or medium 45. The processor 39 executes the computing and control functions of the control module 34. The processor 39 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the control module 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used to execute instructions. The computer-readable storage device or medium 45 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a keep-alive memory (KAM). The KAM is a permanent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 39 is powered down. The computer-readable storage device or medium 45 can be implemented using any of many known memory devices such as: PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electric PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the control module 34 in controlling the vehicle 10. The bus 41 is used to transfer programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the vehicle 10. The bus 41 can be any suitable physical or logical device that connects computer systems and components. This includes but is not limited to direct hardwired connections, fiber optics, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0046] The instructions may include one or more individual programs, each program including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function. When executed by the processor 39, these instructions receive and process signals from a sensor system (not shown), perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms, and generate data based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although Figure 1 only one control module 34 is shown in [reference], examples of the vehicle 10 may include any number of control modules 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms, and generate data.

[0047] It will be understood that the control module 34 may be different in other ways from the Figure 1 example described in [reference]. For example, the control module 34 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, such as as part of one or more of the vehicle devices and systems described above. It should be understood that although this example is described in the context of a full-featured computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure are capable of being distributed as a program product, and one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media are used to store the program and its instructions and effectuate its distribution, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium that bears the program and contains computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as the processor 39) to execute and implement the program. Such a program product may take many forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used to effectuate the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include: recordable media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, memory cards, and optical discs; and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It should be understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be utilized in certain examples. Similarly, it should be understood that the computer system of the control module 34 may also be different in other ways from the Figure 1 example depicted in [reference], for example, the computer system of the control module 34 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0048] Figures 2 - 4 Aspects of a system 100 for reclining a vehicle seat are shown in a non-limiting example. The system 100 includes a drive mechanism 118, a first support member 112, a second support member 114, a backrest member 110, and a base member 116. In various examples, the system 100 also includes a locking mechanism, a pivoting mechanism, and a control module (not shown) for locking and unlocking the backrest member 110 and the second support member 114.

[0049] In various examples, the first support member 112 and the second support member 114 are each located on both sides of the seat and are rotatably connected together by a bearing 160 and a rod 164. The second support member 114 is located outside the backrest member 110 and is rotatably connected to the backrest member 110 along the AA axis ( Figure 2 as indicated by the dashed arrow in). The AA axis is horizontal and parallel to the left-right direction of an occupant sitting on the seat. In some examples, the connection point of the second support member 114 and the backrest member 110 is located at the middle position of the backrest member 110.

[0050] In various examples, the lower end of one side of the first support member 112 is drivably connected to the output end 170 of the drive mechanism 118, enabling it to rotate a predetermined angle along the direction of the drive shaft 166 under the drive of the drive mechanism 118. According to the instruction of the control module, the first support member 112 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise along the drive shaft 166. The base member 116 is drivably connected to the drive mechanism 118, enabling it to be driven and rotated along the direction of the BB axis ( Figure 2 as indicated by the dashed arrow in). In certain examples, the rotation axis BB is located at the middle position of the base member 116.

[0051] In various examples, the rotating mechanism is configured on the same side as the output end 170. It includes a first four-bar mechanism configured on the first support member 112 and a second four-bar mechanism configured on the second support member 114. The lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end 170 to drive the first support member 112 to rotate and drive the second support member 114 to rotate relative to the first support member 112. The lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism to trigger the locking mechanism and drive the backrest member 110 to rotate relative to the second support member 114. The upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member 110 to facilitate its rotation relative to the second support member 114.

[0052] In certain examples, the first four-bar mechanism includes a rod 134 and another rod 136. One end of the rod 134 is drivably connected to the output end 170, and the other end is rotatably connected to one end of the rod 136 through a shaft 168 (as Figure 3 shown). The other end of the rod 136 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the second support member 114 near the backrest member 110 through a rod 164. When the output end 170 of the drive mechanism 118 drives the rod 134 to rotate relative to the first support member 112, following the principle of the four-bar mechanism, the rod 136 drives the second support member 114 to rotate relative to the first support member 112 along the axis of the rod 162.

[0053] In some examples, the second four-bar mechanism includes a rod 130, a rod 132, a first gear member 126, and a wheel member 124 with a groove 174 (as Figure 2 shown). The first gear member 126 and the wheel member 124 are both disposed on the same side of the second support member 114 and are rotatable relative to the second support member 114. One end of the rod 130 and the rod 132 are rotatably connected to the same side of the first gear member 126, and their other ends are rotatably connected to the same side of the wheel member 124. In certain examples, the rod 130 and the rod 132 may be connected to the inner side (as Figure 2 shown) or the outer side of the wheel member 124.

[0054] In some examples, the rotating mechanism further includes a fixed gear member 120 disposed on and fixedly connected to the first support member 112, a connecting gear member 122 on the second support member 114, and a second gear member 128 fixedly connected to the backrest member 110 (as Figure 2 shown). One side of the connecting gear member 122 has a pin 172 disposed between the wheel member 124 and the fixed gear member 120. When the second support member 114 rotates relative to the first support member 112, the fixed gear member 120 drives the connecting gear member 122 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. When the connecting gear member 122 rotates a specific angle, the pin 172 engages with the groove 174 on the wheel member 124, thereby driving it to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. In certain examples, by adjusting the gear radii of the fixed gear member 120, the connecting gear member 122, and the wheel member 124, their rotational speeds can be the same. When the wheel member 124 rotates, the rod 130 and the rod 132 drive the first gear member 126 to rotate by the principle of the four-bar mechanism. Further, the first gear member 126 drives the second gear member 128 and the backrest member 110 to rotate in the opposite direction.

[0055] In certain examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking main body member 150, a mating member 152, and a triggering member 154 (as Figure 3 shown). The locking main body member 150 is disposed near one side of the backrest member 110. In certain examples, the locking main body member 150 may include a spring member and a movable member connected to the spring. Before the spring is compressed by the triggering member 154 to the critical point, the movable member engages with the mating member 152 to prevent its movement. When the spring is compressed to the critical point, the movable member disengages from the mating member 152, allowing movement. The triggering member 154 is disposed on the same side of the locking main body member 150 and is fixedly connected to the rotation axis of the connecting gear member 122, enabling it to be driven and rotate around the axis. The mating member 152 is disposed at both ends of the backrest member 110 close to the second support member 114 (as Figure 4as shown). When the backrest member 110 is parallel to the second support member 114, the mating member 152 engages with the locking body member 150 to prevent the backrest member 110 from rotating relative to the second support member 114. The shapes and components of the locking body member 150, the actuating member 154, and the mating member 152 are not limited to Figures 3 - 4 the shapes and components shown therein and can be any other shapes (e.g., the actuating member 154 can be a rod or a pin) or components (e.g., the locking body member 150 may not include a spring).

[0056] Figure 5 is Figure 2 a simplified left view of the system 100 shown in, showing its initial position and final position. When the backrest member 110 is on the left side, the system 100 is in the initial position. After receiving an instruction to flip the seat, the first support member 112 rotates around the drive shaft of the output end 170 to the final position on the right side. The drive mechanism 118 is fixed relative to the vehicle body. During the rotation of the first support member 112 from the initial position to the final position, the base member 116 rotates around the BB axis under the drive of the drive mechanism 118. There is no direct connection between the base member 116 and the first support member 112, and during the seat flipping process, they rotate in the same clockwise direction at their respective rates. At the initial and final positions of the seat flipping, the first support member 112, the second support member 114, the base member 116, and the backrest member 110 are all vertically mirror-symmetric about the output end 170. In various examples, the flipping of the system 100 is reversible. That is, when it is in the final position, after receiving a new instruction, these components can automatically flip back to the initial position, and this process can be repeated infinitely, allowing the occupant to sit in the opposite direction. The reversible seat can be installed in the second row or other positions of the vehicle.

[0057] Now refer to Figures 5A - 5E and continue to refer to Figures 1 - 4 , a simplified left view of the system 100 shows the component positions in various critical states during the flipping process. Figure 5A shows the initial position of the system 100. Here, the pin 172 on the connecting gear member 122 has not yet contacted the groove 174 on the wheel member 124, so when the connecting gear member 122 rotates under the drive of the fixed gear member 120 in the opposite clockwise direction, the wheel member 124 remains stationary relative to the second support member 114. At the same time, the actuating member 154 (as Figure 3 shown) rotates synchronously with the connecting gear member 122, starts to apply a force to the locking body member 150, but has not yet triggered unlocking, so that the backrest member 110 remains stationary relative to the second support member 114. The base member 116 starts to rotate around the BB axis.

[0058] Figure 5B The display system 100 enters the first critical state during the flipping process from the initial position. In this state, the pin 172 starts to engage with the groove 174. At the same time, the actuating member 154 triggers the unlocking of the locking mechanism, releasing the mating member 152 from the locking body member 150, enabling the backrest member 110 to rotate relative to the second support member 114. After passing through the first critical state, the connecting gear member 122 starts to drive the wheel member 124 in the opposite clockwise direction, thereby causing the backrest member 110 to rotate clockwise relative to the second support member 114 through the second four-bar mechanism. The base member 116 continues to rotate about the BB axis and rotates a specific angle compared to its initial position.

[0059] Figure 5C The display system 100 enters the second critical state during the flipping process from the first critical state. In this state, the pin 172 remains engaged with the groove 174. The backrest member 110 continues to rotate and reaches the vertical position relative to the second support member 114. The base member 116 continues to rotate and completes half of the total rotation angle. In one example, the surface of the base member 116 is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0060] Figure 5D The display system 100 enters the third critical state during the flipping process from the second critical state. In this state, the pin 172 starts to disengage from the groove 174. At the same time, the actuating member 154 triggers the locking of the locking mechanism, and the mating member 152 is blocked by the locking body member 150, preventing further rotation of the backrest member 110 relative to the second support member 114. In this way, the backrest member 110 completes a 180-degree rotation relative to the second support member 114. After passing through the third critical state, the connecting gear member 122 stops driving the wheel member 124 and stops the second four-bar mechanism. The base member 116 continues to rotate about the BB axis and has rotated a specific angle compared to the second critical state.

[0061] Figure 5E The display system 100 enters the final position from the third critical state. During the rotation from the third critical state to the final position, the pin 172 is always disengaged from the groove 174. The actuating member 154 rotates synchronously with the connecting gear member 122, gradually reducing and then stopping the force on the locking body member 150, thus not triggering unlocking. The backrest member 110 remains stationary relative to the second support member 114. The base member 116 continues to rotate about the BB axis and completes the entire rotation angle.

[0062] In some examples, the rotation angle of the first support member 112 from the initial position to the final position is defined as B, and the rotation angle of the rod 134 from the initial position to the final position is C. The rotation angle of the connecting gear member 122 from the initial position to the first critical state is D, and the rotation angle from the first critical state to the second critical state is E. When the transmission radii of the fixed gear member 120, the connecting gear member 122, and the wheel member 124 are equal, these angles satisfy the equation: B - C = 2(D + E). In one example, B is 150 degrees.

[0063] Figure 6 is Figure 2 A perspective view of the drive mechanism 118 of the system 100 in FIG. The drive mechanism 118 includes a gear set 200 and a motor 210. The gear set 200 includes a first power output gear 218 and a second power output gear 222. The former drives the first support member 112 to rotate about the axis of the drive shaft 166, and the latter drives the second support member 114 to rotate relative to the first support member 112 through a first four-bar mechanism. The gear set further includes gears 212, 214 ( Figure 6 not shown in FIG., only indicated by dashed lines), 216, and 220. The gears 214, 216, and 220 share a drive shaft 226 for synchronous rotation. The gear 212 is fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 210 for receiving power. By controlling the radii and transmission ratios of each gear in the gear set 200, the rotation speeds of the first support member 112 and the second support member 114 can be controlled.

[0064] In some examples, the drive mechanism 118 includes a housing member 142. The gear set 200 and the motor 210 are located within the housing member 142. When the seat is in the initial position or the final position, the upper surface 140 of the housing member 142 partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member 116, thereby providing support for the occupant sitting on it.

[0065] Figure 7 shows Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the power transmission principle of the drive mechanism in FIG. The gear 212 is driven by the motor 210, driving the gears 214, 216, and 220 to rotate in the opposite clockwise direction about the drive shaft 226. The gear 216 drives the first power output gear 218 to rotate in the opposite clockwise direction, while the gear 220 similarly drives the second power output gear 222 to rotate. The first power output gear 218 transmits power to the first support member 112 through the drive shaft 226, and the second power output gear 222 transmits power to the rod 134 of the first four-bar mechanism (as Figure 3as shown). The drive shaft 226 can be designed as a double-layer rotating structure for transmitting different rotational speeds, or any other design known in the art can be used to achieve the same purpose. In addition, the power output ends on both sides of the motor 210 are connected to the base member 116 to drive its rotation.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 8 and continue to refer to Figures 2 - 7 , the flowchart provides a method 300 for flipping a seat in a vehicle, which is executed by the system 100 according to various examples. It can be understood from the present disclosure that the order of operations in the method 300 is not limited to Figure 8 the order shown in

[0067] In one example, method 300 may start at 310. At 312, method 300 may include providing a base member 116 for the seat. At 314, method 300 may include providing a seat drive mechanism for driving the base member 116 to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal relative to the left and right of a seat occupant sitting in the seat, where the first axis is located at an intermediate position of the base member 116. At 316, method 300 may include providing a first support member 112 and a second support member 114 of the seat, where the lower end on one side of the first support member 112 is rotatably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving the rotation, and the lower end of the second support member 114 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first support member 112. At 318, method 300 may include providing a backrest member 110, with the left and right sides of the backrest member 110 located inside the second support member 114 and rotatably connected to the second support member 114 along a second axis in the horizontal direction, where the second axis is located at an intermediate position of the backrest member 110. At 320, method 300 may include providing a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member 110 and the second support member 114. At 322, method 300 may include providing a rotating mechanism. At 324, method 300 may include receiving an instruction to flip the seat through a control module. At 326, method 300 may include starting the drive mechanism through the control module to rotate the first support member 112 by a predetermined angle and rotate the base member 116 in the same clockwise direction, where the rotating mechanism causes the second support member 114 to rotate in the opposite clockwise direction relative to the first support member 112, triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and causes the backrest member 110 to rotate 180° relative to the second support member 112, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member 110 and the second support member 114, where the first support member 112, the second support member 114, and the base member 116 rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, enabling the occupant to sit on the seat in the direction opposite to the original orientation. Method 300 may end at 328.

[0068] In some examples, the rotating mechanism is disposed on the same side of the output end of the driving mechanism 118. The rotating mechanism may include a first four-bar mechanism disposed on the first support member 112 and a second four-bar mechanism disposed on the second support member 114. Here, the lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism 118 to drive the first support member 112 to rotate and to drive the second support member 114 to rotate relative to the first support member 112. Additionally, the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism to trigger the locking mechanism and to drive the backrest member 110 to rotate relative to the second support member 114. Further, the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member 110 to facilitate the rotation of the backrest member 110 relative to the second support member 114.

[0069] In some examples, a wheel member 124 with a groove 174 may be disposed at the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism, a fixed gear member 120 may be disposed at the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, and a connecting gear member 122 with a pin 172 may be disposed between the wheel member 124 and the fixed gear member 120. Through the interlocking of the pin 172 and the groove 174, the fixed gear member 120 can drive the connecting gear member 122 to rotate, and then drive the wheel member 124 to rotate. Additionally, a first gear member 126 may be disposed at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member 128 may be disposed on the backrest member 110, enabling the second four-bar mechanism to drive the backrest member 110 to rotate relative to the second support member 114.

[0070] In some examples, the locking mechanism may include a locking main body member 150 disposed on the second support member 114, a mating member 152 disposed at both ends of the backrest member 110 and capable of meshing with the locking main body member 150, and a triggering member 154 fixed relative to the shaft of the connecting gear member 122.

[0071] In some examples, the driving mechanism may include a motor 210 and a gear set 200 connected to the output end of the motor 210. Here, the gear set may provide a first power output gear 218 for driving the first support member 112 to rotate and a second power output gear 222 for driving the second support member 114 to rotate relative to the first support member 112 through the first four-bar mechanism. In some examples, the driving mechanism 118 may include a housing member 142 (such as Figure 2As shown, a motor 210 and a gear set 200 are configured inside it. When the seat is in a stationary state, the upper surface 140 of the box member 142 partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member 116. The box member 142 can be disposed below the base member 116 and fixed to the vehicle body to provide support for the base member 116 and the entire seat. In some examples, the method 300 may include generating an instruction in response to an individual interacting with the human-machine interface device 38 of the vehicle.

[0072] In various examples, although not depicted in the figures, the surfaces of the base member 116, the backrest member 110, the first support member 112, and the second support member 114 may be equipped with various seat cushions to meet the comfort requirements of the occupants. Since the same side of the backrest member 110 always faces the occupant at the initial and final positions of the seat system 100 during flipping, it is only necessary to provide a seat cushion on the side facing the occupant.

[0073] Compared with some existing systems and methods, the systems and methods disclosed herein have various advantages. For example, these systems and methods can provide more legroom for the occupants after the seat is flipped, thereby improving the comfort of vehicle seats. In addition, the occupant can automatically flip the seat by simply inputting an instruction. Moreover, since the backrest member rotates 180 degrees relative to the second support member after flipping and always faces the occupant with the same side, only one side of the cushion is needed, thus saving costs. This improvement helps to enhance the user experience and can increase customer satisfaction.

[0074] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been given in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are numerous variations. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for flipping a seat in a vehicle, the method comprising: Providing a base member of the seat; Providing a drive mechanism for partially driving the base member to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal with respect to the left and right of the seat occupant, wherein the first axis is located at an intermediate position of the base member; Providing a first support member and a second support member of the seat, wherein a lower end of one side of the first support member is rotatably connected to an output end of the drive mechanism for driving rotation, and a lower end of the second support member is rotatably connected to an upper end of the first support member; Providing a backrest member, wherein left and right sides of the backrest member are located inside the second support member and are rotatably connected to the second support member along a second axis in a horizontal direction, wherein the second axis is located at an intermediate position of the backrest member; Providing a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member and the second support member; Providing a rotating mechanism; Receiving, by a control module, an instruction to flip the seat; And Starting, by the control module, the drive mechanism to rotate the first support member by a predetermined angle and to rotate the base member in the same clockwise direction, wherein the rotating mechanism rotates the second support member relative to the first support member in the opposite clockwise direction and triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and rotates the backrest member relative to the second support member by 180°, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member and the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member, and the base member rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, such that the occupant sits on the seat in a direction opposite to the original direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotating mechanism is disposed on the same side of the output end of the drive mechanism, and the rotating mechanism comprises a first four-bar mechanism disposed on the first support member and a second four-bar mechanism disposed on the second support member, Among them, A lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the drive mechanism for driving the first support member to rotate and for driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member, Wherein a lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to an upper end of the first four-bar mechanism for triggering the locking mechanism and for driving the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member; and Wherein an upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member for promoting the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, A wheel member with a groove is disposed at a lower end of the second four-bar mechanism, a fixed gear member is disposed at an upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, and a connecting gear member with a pin is disposed between the wheel member and the fixed gear member. Through the interlocking of the pin and the groove, the fixed gear member can drive the connecting gear member to rotate, and further drive the wheel member to rotate; Wherein, a first gear member is disposed at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member is disposed on the backrest member, so that the second four-bar mechanism can drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The locking mechanism includes a locking main body member disposed on the second support member, a fitting member disposed at both ends of the backrest member and capable of engaging with the locking main body member, and a triggering member fixed to the axis of the connecting gear member.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The driving mechanism includes a motor and a gear set connected to the output end of the motor; Wherein, the gear set provides a first power output gear for driving the first support member to rotate, and a second power output gear for driving the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member through the first four-bar mechanism.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The driving mechanism further includes a box body member, the motor and the gear set are disposed inside the box body member, and when the seat is in a stationary state, the upper surface of the box body member partially coincides with the lower surface of the base member.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising generating the instruction in response to an individual interacting with the human-machine interface device of the vehicle.

8. A system for flipping a seat in a vehicle, comprising: The base member of the seat; A driving mechanism for partially driving the base member to rotate about a first axis that is horizontal with respect to the left and right of the seat occupant, wherein the first axis is located at the middle position of the base member; The first support member and the second support member of the seat, wherein the lower end of one side of the first support member is rotatably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism for driving rotation, and the lower end of the second support member is rotatably connected to the upper end of the first support member; A backrest member, the left and right sides of the backrest member are located inside the second support member and are rotatably connected to the second support member in the horizontal direction along a second axis, wherein the second axis is located at the middle position of the backrest member; A locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the backrest member and the second support member; A rotating mechanism; And A control module for sending an instruction to flip the seat; Wherein, the driving mechanism is started according to the instruction, so that the first support member rotates a predetermined angle, and the base member rotates in the same clockwise direction, wherein the rotating mechanism makes the second support member rotate in the opposite clockwise direction relative to the first support member, and triggers the locking mechanism to unlock during the rotation, and makes the backrest member rotate 180° relative to the second support member, and then triggers the locking mechanism again to lock the backrest member and the second support member, wherein the first support member, the second support member and the base member rotate synchronously to complete the flipping of the seat, so that the occupant sits on the seat in the direction opposite to the original direction.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the rotating mechanism is disposed on the same side of the output end of the driving mechanism, and the rotating mechanism includes a first four-bar mechanism disposed on the first support member and a second four-bar mechanism disposed on the second support member. Among them, The lower end of the first four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the output end of the driving mechanism to drive the first support member to rotate and to drive the second support member to rotate relative to the first support member. Wherein the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism to trigger the locking mechanism and to drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member; and Wherein the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism is drivably connected to the backrest member to facilitate the rotation of the backrest member relative to the second support member.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, A grooved wheel member is disposed at the lower end of the second four-bar mechanism, a fixed gear member is disposed at the upper end of the first four-bar mechanism, and a pin-connected gear member is disposed between the wheel member and the fixed gear member. Through the interlocking of the pin and the groove, the fixed gear member can drive the pin-connected gear member to rotate, and further drive the wheel member to rotate. Wherein a first gear member is disposed at the upper end of the second four-bar mechanism, and a second gear member is disposed on the backrest member, so that the second four-bar mechanism can drive the backrest member to rotate relative to the second support member.

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