Seat back follow-up system for vehicle seat

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a seat back follow-up system for a vehicle seat, comprising: a first plate disposed on a cushion frame, the first plate being provided with an outwardly projecting guide; the second plate is arranged on the backrest frame, the second plate is pivotally connected to the first plate at a pivot and is provided with an arc-shaped guide groove which takes the pivot as a circle center and has a radius L, and the arc-shaped guide groove comprises a starting end part and a terminating end part which are opposite to each other; and an unlocking mechanism configured to unlock the first plate and the second plate from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and including a housing mounted to the first plate, and an unlocking lever movable relative to the housing. When the unlocking condition is met, the unlocking rod is withdrawn from the terminating end of the arc-shaped guide groove, so that the seat back automatically rotates forwards. According to the seat backrest follow-up system, the safety of the vehicle seat is greatly improved.

Description

[0001] This divisional application is a divisional application based on the Chinese invention patent application number 202210276170.7, invention name “Seat back follow-up system for vehicle seat”, and application date March 21, 2022. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle collision safety, and in particular to a seat back follow-up system for a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0003] Currently, most vehicle seat belts, except for special-purpose vehicles, use three-point seat belts, in which at least two anchor points or fixed points are fixed to the vehicle body structure, and the other point is a buckle that can be fixed to the seat. Of course, there are also designs that fix all three points of the vehicle seat belt to the vehicle body. The fixed points on the vehicle body serve as anchor points for the seat belts and need to be strong enough and not loose to provide the restraint force that the seat belts provide to the driver and passengers during a collision. However, excessive restraint will cause damage to the driver and passengers' chests, so there are force-limited seat belts. While the vehicle is driving, if the backrest is folded down and the passenger is half-lying or completely lying down to rest, if a head-on collision occurs at this time, the traditional seat belts and airbags fixed to the vehicle body structure will not be able to provide effective protection for the passenger.

[0004] With the development of intelligent vehicles, autonomous driving, and even driverless technology, drivers will be partially or completely freed from their focus on the driving process. This will allow drivers, especially those sitting on the front passenger side, to adopt a wider range of possible sitting positions. These can be categorized into three types: 1) normal driving position, 2) working position, and 3) leisure position. Specifically, the normal driving position involves the driver and passengers fully focusing on the vehicle's movements, with the seatback typically adjusted to a designed position, such as around 25 degrees. In the working position, the driver and passengers are able to work or entertain themselves without paying attention to the vehicle's movements, with the seatback adjusted to around 45 degrees. In the leisure position, the driver and passengers are completely unfocused on the vehicle's movements and can rest with their eyes closed, with the seatback adjusted to 60 degrees or even higher.

[0005] In existing vehicle seats, especially front-row seat backrests, after adjustment, the seat backrests are locked and fixed by a seat recliner, preventing them from rotating in the event of a collision. Statistical analysis of injuries to drivers and passengers in traffic accidents shows that, after an unavoidable frontal or side collision, existing or traditional vehicle safety restraint systems, including seatbelts, are unable to effectively protect drivers and passengers in either working or leisurely positions, and may even exacerbate injuries. This is because existing collision safety solutions only protect against collision injuries in the driving position or according to the seat's design. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a seat back follow-up system for a vehicle seat that can overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a seat back follower system for a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat including a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame pivotable forward and backward relative to the seat cushion frame, wherein the seat back follower system includes:

[0008] a first plate disposed on the cushion frame, the first plate being provided with a guide member extending outward;

[0009] a second plate disposed on the backrest frame, the second plate being pivotally connected to the first plate at a pivot axis and having an arc-shaped guide groove having a radius L and centered on the pivot axis, the arc-shaped guide groove including opposite starting and ending ends; and

[0010] an unlocking mechanism configured to unlock the first plate and the second plate from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and comprising a housing mounted to the first plate, and an unlocking lever movable relative to the housing;

[0011] Wherein, when the vehicle is in a normal use state, the guide member and the unlocking lever are respectively located at the starting end and the ending end of the arc-shaped guide groove, so that the first plate and the second plate are in a non-pivotable locked state;

[0012] Among them, when the unlocking conditions are met, the unlocking rod is withdrawn from the terminal end of the arc-shaped guide groove, so that the first plate and the second plate are transformed from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and the arc-shaped guide groove can move along the guide member from the starting end toward the terminal end, so that the seat back automatically rotates forward.

[0013] In some embodiments, the arc-shaped guide groove has a free section, and a size of the free section is greater than or equal to a corresponding size of the guide member.

[0014] In some embodiments, the free section is provided with a bushing made of a low friction coefficient material to reduce or control the frictional resistance of the guide member passing through the free section.

[0015] In some embodiments, the arcuate guide groove further has an energy absorbing section, and the size of the energy absorbing section is smaller than the corresponding size of the guide member, wherein the free section is arranged adjacent to the starting end, and the energy absorbing section is arranged adjacent to the ending end.

[0016] In some embodiments, along the direction in which the second plate pivots relative to the first plate, the second plate is provided with a fracture-type energy-absorbing structure upstream of the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the fracture-type energy-absorbing structure includes a plurality of weakened slots spaced apart from the arc-shaped guide slot.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first plate has a first pivot hole at the pivot, the second plate has a second pivot hole at the pivot, and a pivot fastener passes through the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole to pivotally connect the second plate to the first plate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first plate is further provided with a receiving hole for receiving the guide member and a fixing hole for fixing the unlocking mechanism, wherein the receiving hole and the fixing hole correspond in position to the starting end and the ending end of the arc-shaped guide groove and are spaced apart from the first pivot hole by a distance L.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first pivot hole is disposed above and in front of the receiving hole and the fixing hole, and the second pivot hole is disposed above and in front of the arc-shaped guide slot.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electronic control unit is configured to detect the collision acceleration and backrest angle of the vehicle, and when the collision acceleration and backrest angle meet set thresholds, send an unlocking instruction to the unlocking mechanism to withdraw the unlocking rod from the terminal end of the arc-shaped guide groove.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first panel includes a seat cushion wall panel located on the left or right side of the seat cushion frame.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second plate includes a recliner lower connecting plate of a recliner located on the left or right side of the lower end portion of the backrest frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, the recliner includes a first portion and a second portion that are rotatable relative to each other, the first portion being fixed to the body of the back frame and the second portion being fixed to a lower recliner connecting plate, which in turn is operably connected to the first plate via a seat back follower system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the unlocking mechanism is a powder-triggered unlocking structure or an electromagnetic-triggered unlocking mechanism.

[0026] In some embodiments, the unlocking mechanism further comprises a piston and a drive assembly, wherein the piston is fixed in the inner chamber of the housing by temporary fixing means, and the drive assembly pushes the piston to rapidly displace in the inner chamber after overcoming the resistance of the temporary fixing means.

[0027] In some embodiments, the temporary securing means is selected from the group consisting of an interference fit, an adhesive, and a frangible connection.

[0028] In some embodiments, the inner chamber is connected to the outside through an opening, and the unlocking rod passes through the opening from the outside of the shell and is connected to the piston or is formed integrally with the piston, so that the piston can drive the unlocking rod to move relative to the shell.

[0029] In some embodiments, the unlocking rod is configured to be roughly T-shaped, with the bottom end of the T connected to the piston, and the top end of the T being used to be inserted into the arc guide groove of the lower connecting plate of the recliner and located at the terminal end of the arc guide groove.

[0030] In some embodiments, the driving assembly includes an ignition tube, and the ignition tube ignites gunpowder after passing current and generates high-pressure gas to push the piston to quickly displace in the inner chamber.

[0031] In some embodiments, the piston is provided with one or more O-rings, the opening of the inner chamber is provided with a sealing block, and the ignition tube is fixed to the housing and is fluidically connected to the enclosed space surrounded by the piston, O-rings, housing, sealing block and unlocking rod.

[0032] In some embodiments, the annular area of ​​the piston is larger than the annular area of ​​the sealing block, so that the high-pressure gas generated by the ignition tube can push the piston to move rapidly in one direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, a short-circuit ring is provided at a pin of the ignition tube to prevent the ignition tube from being triggered by mistake.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including the above-mentioned seat back follow-up system, wherein the seat back follow-up system is installed on a seat cushion frame and / or a backrest frame.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the subject technology of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the subject technology of the present disclosure. The advantages of the subject technology of the present disclosure will be realized and obtained through the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims thereof as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology of the present disclosure as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1A and 1B Side views of different states of a vehicle seat with a seat back follow-up system installed are shown respectively;

[0039] Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the seat back follow-up system is shown, and Figure 2B and 2C Showing the seat back follow-up system assembly perspective view from different angles;

[0040] Figure 3A and 3B A perspective view showing a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame of a vehicle seat respectively equipped with a seat back follow-up system;

[0041] Figure 4A and 4B Two exemplary front views of the lower connecting plates of the recliner are shown respectively;

[0042] Figure 5A and 5B sectional views showing different usage states of an exemplary unlocking mechanism;

[0043] Figure 6A and 6B A side view and an enlarged side view are respectively shown when a vehicle seat equipped with a seat back follow-up system is in a large tilt position;

[0044] Figure 7A and 7B A side view and an enlarged side view respectively show a vehicle seat equipped with a seat back follow-up system during pivoting from a large inclination position to a small inclination position;

[0045] Figure 8A and 8B A side view and an enlarged side view respectively show a vehicle seat equipped with a seat back follow-up system reaching a small tilt position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure more complete and fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide many additional embodiments.

[0047] It should be understood that like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain features may be varied for clarity.

[0048] It should be understood that the terms used in this specification are intended only to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0049] The singular forms "a", "an", "the" and "the" used in this specification include the plural forms unless otherwise expressly stated. The terms "include", "comprise" and "contain" used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed features, but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. The terms "between X and Y" and "between approximately X and Y" used in this specification should be interpreted as including X and Y. The term "between approximately X and Y" used in this specification means "between approximately X and approximately Y", and the term "from about X to Y" used in this specification means "from about X to about Y".

[0050] In the specification, when an element is referred to as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact with" another element, the element may be directly on, attached, connected, coupled, or in contact with another element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly" "on," "directly attached," "directly connected," "directly coupled," or "in direct contact with" another element, there may be no intervening elements. In the specification, when a feature is arranged "adjacent" to another feature, it may mean that a feature has a portion that overlaps with an adjacent feature or a portion that is located above or below an adjacent feature.

[0051] In the specification, spatial terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "higher," and "lower" may be used to describe the relationship of one feature to another feature in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these spatial terms encompass not only the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings, but also different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, a feature previously described as "below" another feature might now be described as "above" the other feature. The device may also be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and relative spatial relationships will be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] In this specification, the longitudinal direction (front-to-back), the lateral direction (left-to-right), and the vertical direction (up-down) are defined based on the vehicle seat's occupants. A vehicle seat 1 includes a seat cushion frame 2 and a backrest frame 3 that pivots forward and backward relative to the seat cushion frame 2. When the backrest frame 3 is at a large rearward angle relative to the seat cushion frame 2, the occupant is in a working or leisurely sitting position, and the rearward angle between the torso and the vertical is large, for example, greater than 40° to 45°. In this situation, if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the risk of injury to the occupant is much greater than when the backrest frame 3 is at a shallow angle.

[0053] The seat back follow-up system 4 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is used to prevent the driver and passenger from completing a full collision process when the backrest frame 3 is at a large inclination angle relative to the seat cushion frame 2 . Figure 1A and 1B The following figures show side views of the seat back servo system 4 in different states. As shown in the figure, the seat back servo system 4 is installed on the backrest frame 3 and / or the seat cushion frame 2 of the seat. If the unlocking conditions are met, the unlocking mechanism of the seat back servo system 4 is unlocked. For example, during a frontal collision of the vehicle, under the combined action of the inertia force of the seat back and the restraining force of the fixed point of the seat belt that restrains the driver and the occupant (the fixed point of the seat belt here is fixed to the seat back), the seat back servo system 4 can automatically move the backrest frame 3 from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. Figure 1A The high-angle position shown quickly pivots forward to Figure 1B The seat back servo system 4 can also absorb some of the occupant's kinetic energy during the forward pivoting process. Therefore, the seat back servo system 4 can mitigate occupant injuries in multiple ways, such as achieving a more optimal collision position and / or absorbing the occupant's kinetic energy.

[0054] Figure 2A An exploded perspective view of the seat back follow-up system 4 is shown, and Figure 2B and 2C The seat back support system 4 is shown in assembled perspective views from different angles. As shown, the seat back support system 4 includes a first plate 200 provided on the seat cushion frame 2 and a second plate 300 provided on the backrest frame 3. The second plate 300 is pivotally connected to the first plate 200 at a pivot axis. The seat back support system 4 also includes an unlocking mechanism 500, which can unlock the first plate 200 and the second plate 300 from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state.

[0055] like Figure 3A As shown, the first plate 200 may be a cushion wall plate 200 located on the left or right side of the cushion frame 2. Figure 3BAs shown, the second plate 300 can be the recliner lower connecting plate 300 of the recliner 400 located on the left or right side of the lower end of the backrest frame 3. The recliner 400 includes a first part and a second part that can rotate relative to each other. The main body of the backrest frame 3 is fixed to the first part, while the second part is fixed to the recliner lower connecting plate 300. The recliner lower connecting plate 300 is then operably connected to the seat cushion wall panel 200 and the entire seat cushion frame 2 through the seat back follow-up system 4. In non-collision situations, the driver and passenger can adjust the inclination angle of the backrest frame 3 relative to the recliner lower connecting plate 300, the seat cushion wall panel 200 and the entire seat cushion frame 2 through the recliner 400. When the recliner 400 is not adjusted, the backrest frame 3 is relatively fixed relative to the recliner lower connecting plate 300. In the event of a collision, if the unlocking conditions are met, as the vehicle progresses through a frontal collision, under the combined effects of the seat back inertia and the restraining force of the seat belts restraining the driver and occupant, the seat back servo system 4 can automatically and rapidly pivot the backrest frame 3 and the recliner lower connecting plate 300 forward to a shallow angle relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200 and the entire seat cushion frame 2. The following description will use the seat cushion wall panel 200 and the recliner lower connecting plate 300 as an example to illustrate the structures of the first plate 200 and the second plate 300. However, it should be understood that the first plate 200 may be any other plate belonging to or connected to the seat cushion frame 2, and the second plate 300 may be any other plate belonging to or connected to the backrest frame 3.

[0056] return Figures 2A-2C The seat cushion wall panel 200 is provided with a pivot hole 210. Accordingly, the recliner lower connecting plate 300 is provided with a pivot hole 310. A fastener 610 (such as a bolt) can pass through the pivot hole 210 of the seat cushion wall panel 200 and the pivot hole 310 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to pivotally connect the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to the seat cushion wall panel 200. This allows the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to pivot relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200 about the fastener 610. In some embodiments, a circular bushing 611 can be disposed in the pivot hole 310.

[0057] The seat cushion wall panel 200 also has a receiving hole 240 and a fixing hole 250 (which can be closed circular, open U-shaped, or any other suitable shape), spaced apart from the pivot hole 210 and spaced apart from each other by a distance L. These holes respectively receive the guide members 610 and 620 (described in detail below) and secure the unlocking mechanism 500. Accordingly, the recliner lower connecting plate 300 is provided with an arcuate guide groove 340, whose central axis is designed to be an arc with a radius L centered on the pivot hole 310. Along the direction in which the recliner lower connecting plate 300 pivots forward relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200, the arcuate guide groove 340 has opposing starting and ending ends 320 and 330. The positions of the starting and ending ends 320 and 330 on the recliner lower connecting plate 300 correspond to the positions of the receiving hole 240 and fixing hole 250 on the seat cushion wall panel 200, respectively.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot hole 210 is disposed above and in front of the receiving hole 240 and the fixing hole 250, and the pivot hole 310 is disposed above and in front of the arcuate guide slot 340. However, it will be appreciated that the pivot hole 210 and the pivot hole 310 may also be disposed at any other orientation of the receiving hole 240 and the fixing hole 250, and the arcuate guide slot 340, respectively.

[0059] The guide member 620 (such as a bolt) can pass through the receiving hole 240 of the seat cushion wall plate 200 and enter the arcuate guide groove 340 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300, and is located at the starting end 320 of the arcuate guide groove 340. After the unlocking mechanism 500 unlocks the recliner lower connecting plate 300 and the seat cushion wall plate 200 from the locked state to the pivotable state, the arcuate guide groove 340 can travel along the guide member 620 from the starting end 320 to guide the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to pivot forward relative to the seat cushion wall plate 200 about the fastener 610.

[0060] The unlocking mechanism 500 includes a housing 542 mounted to the seat cushion wall panel 200, and an unlocking lever 530 movable relative to the housing 542. In the factory state, the unlocking lever 530 extends outward from the housing 542, passes through the fixing hole 250 of the seat cushion wall panel 200, enters the arcuate guide groove 340 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300, and is located at the terminal end 330 of the arcuate guide groove 340.

[0061] During normal use, or when unlocking conditions are not met, the guide member 620 and the unlocking lever 530 of the unlocking mechanism 500 are inserted into the opposite ends of the arcuate guide slot 340 (i.e., the starting end 320 and the ending end 330), respectively. This locks the recliner lower connecting plate 300 relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200 and prevents it from pivoting about the fastener 610. In the event of a frontal collision, and when unlocking conditions are met, the unlocking lever 530 withdraws from the ending end 330 of the arcuate guide slot 340. At this point, the recliner lower connecting plate 300 can pivot relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200 about the fastener 610, thereby releasing the lock on the recliner lower connecting plate 300 relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200. Consequently, the arcuate guide slot 340 can follow the guide member 620 from the starting end 320 toward the ending end 330, guiding the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to pivot forward about the fastener 610 relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200. The unlocking triggering method of the unlocking mechanism 500 can be gunpowder triggering, electromagnetic triggering, etc.

[0062] Figure 4A A front view of a recliner lower connecting plate 300 is shown. As shown, the arcuate guide slot 340 has an arcuate free section T1 and an arcuate energy-absorbing section T2 along its central axis. The free section T1 is adjacent to the starting end 320, and its dimension A1 (e.g., slot width) is greater than or equal to the corresponding dimension (e.g., diameter) of the guide member 620. This allows the guide member 620 to freely move within the free section T1, quickly moving the backrest frame 3 to a position safer for the user. After pivoting of the free section T1, the rearward tilt angle between the user's torso and the vertical is typically less than 45°. The energy-absorbing section T2 is adjacent to the ending end 330, and its dimension A2 (e.g., slot width) is smaller than the corresponding dimension (e.g., diameter) of the guide member 620. This allows the guide member 620 and the energy-absorbing section T2 to compress and deform against each other, absorbing kinetic energy from the seat back and the occupant, further mitigating any potential damage. After the energy-absorbing segment T2 pivots, the rearward tilt angle between the human torso and the vertical line continues to decrease, facilitating occupant restraint. It will be appreciated that the angles and dimensions of the arcuate segments T1 and T2 can vary based on different vehicle collision characteristics. It will also be appreciated that the arcuate guide groove 340 can also be configured with two or more free segments T1 and / or two or more energy-absorbing segments T2, with each energy-absorbing segment T2 defining its own resistance characteristics based on its interference fit relative to the guide member 620.

[0063] When the backrest frame 3 pivots forward from a large inclination position to a small inclination position relative to the seat cushion frame 2, the arcuate guide groove 340 starts from the starting end 320 and freely passes through the entire free section T1 along the guide member 620; after reaching the energy absorbing section T2, the arcuate guide groove 340 absorbs part of the kinetic energy of the seat back itself and the driver and passenger, and follows the guide member 620 through part of the energy absorbing section T2, or through the entire energy absorbing section T2 to reach the terminal end 330.

[0064] In some embodiments, a bushing 621 may be provided in the free section T1 of the arcuate guide groove 340. The bushing 621 may be substantially U-shaped to match the outer contour of the free section T1. The bushing 621 may be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction to reduce or adjust the frictional resistance of the guide member 620 passing through the free section T1.

[0065] Figure 4B A front view of another embodiment of the recliner lower connecting plate 300 is shown. As shown in the figure, the arc-shaped guide groove 340 may have only a free section T1 without an energy absorbing section T2. ​​Along the direction in which the recliner lower connecting plate 300 pivots forward relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200, the recliner lower connecting plate 300 is provided with a fracture-type energy absorbing structure 350 upstream of the arc-shaped guide groove 340. The fracture-type energy absorbing structure 350 may be, for example, a plurality of weakened narrow grooves spaced apart from the arc-shaped guide groove 340. When the backrest frame 3 pivots from a large inclination position to a small inclination position relative to the seat cushion frame 2, the guide member 620 starts from the starting end 320 of the arc-shaped guide groove 340, travels through the entire free section T1 to the ending end 330, and then passes through the fracture-type energy absorbing structure 330 and absorbs the kinetic energy of the seat back itself and the occupant.

[0066] As described above, the unlocking mechanism 500 may be a powder-triggered unlocking mechanism, an electromagnetic-triggered unlocking mechanism, or other mechanisms. Figure 5AA cross-sectional view of an example of a powder-triggered unlocking mechanism 500 is shown. As shown, the unlocking mechanism 500 includes a housing 542 and a piston 520 disposed within the inner chamber of the housing 542. The housing 542 is mounted to the seat cushion wall panel 200 using fasteners such as screws. The piston 520 can be secured within the inner chamber using temporary fastening means such as an interference fit, adhesive bonding, or a frangible fastener. After overcoming the resistance of the temporary fastening means through a method such as powder detonation, the piston 520 can rapidly move within the inner chamber. The inner chamber is connected to the outside world through an opening, and an unlocking lever 530 can be connected to the piston 520 from outside the housing 542 through the opening, or can be integrally formed with the piston 520, thereby driving the unlocking lever 530 relative to the housing 542. The unlocking lever 530 can be configured in a roughly T-shape, with the bottom end of the T connected to the piston 520 and the top end of the T inserted into the arcuate guide groove 340 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300 and positioned at the terminal end 330 of the arcuate guide groove 340. In some embodiments, one or more O-rings 545 may be provided on the piston 520, and a sealing block 547 may be provided at the opening of the inner chamber to seal the space 546 surrounded by the piston 520, the O-ring 545, the housing 542, the unlocking rod 530 and the sealing block 547.

[0067] The unlocking mechanism 500 also includes a drive assembly 510 for overcoming the resistance of the temporary fixing means to drive the piston 520 and the unlocking rod 530 to move. The drive assembly 510 may include an ignition tube 540, and the ignition tube 540 ignites the gunpowder and generates high-pressure gas after passing an electric current to push the piston 520 to quickly move in the inner chamber. The ignition tube 540 can be fixed to the bottom of the housing 542 by a nut 541 and is in fluid communication with the space 546. A short-circuit ring 544 can be provided at the pin of the ignition tube 540 to prevent the ignition tube 540 from being accidentally triggered. The short-circuit ring 544 can be fixed to the inside of the outer cover 543 by an interference fit or the like, and the outer cover 543 is fixed to the nut 541 by a snap fit or the like.

[0068] When the unlocking conditions are met (e.g., when the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision), the ignition tube 540 ignites the gunpowder according to the set ignition strategy, thereby rapidly generating high-pressure gas in the enclosed space 546 formed by the ignition tube 540, the piston 520, the housing 542, the unlocking rod 530, and the sealing block 547. Since the annular area of ​​the piston 520 is larger than the annular area of ​​the sealing block 547, the high-pressure gas pushes the piston 520 to move rapidly in the lateral inward direction, thereby driving the unlocking rod 530 to disengage from the arc-shaped guide groove 340 of the lower connecting plate 300 of the recliner. Figure 5B shown.

[0069] The following combination Figures 6A-8B The operation process of the seat back follow-up system 4 is described, wherein Figure 6Aand 6B A side view and an enlarged side view of the vehicle seat 1 are respectively shown when the vehicle seat 1 is in a large tilt position; Figure 7A and 7B A side view and an enlarged side view respectively show the process of the vehicle seat 1 pivoting from the large-angle position to the small-angle position; Figure 8A and 8B The side view and the enlarged side view of the vehicle seat 1 are shown respectively when the vehicle seat 1 reaches the small tilt position. Figure 6A and 6B As shown, during normal vehicle use (e.g., prior to a collision), the unlocking mechanism 500 locks the recliner lower connecting plate 300 and the seat cushion wall panel 200. This means the guide member 620 is located at the starting end 320 of the arcuate guide slot 340 in the recliner lower connecting plate 300, and the unlocking lever 530 of the unlocking mechanism 500 extends outward to the ending end 330 of the arcuate guide slot 340. At this point, the passenger can use the recliner 400 to adjust the backrest frame 3 to a greater angle relative to the seat cushion frame 2.

[0070] When a vehicle is subjected to a frontal collision, the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) detects the collision acceleration and backrest angle. If the collision acceleration and backrest angle meet set thresholds, the ECU issues an unlock command to the unlocking mechanism 500, indicating that the unlocking conditions have been met. This ignition tube 540 of the unlocking mechanism 500 ignites the gunpowder, rapidly generating high-pressure gas within the enclosed space 546 formed by the ignition tube 540, piston 520, housing 542, unlocking rod 530, and sealing block 547. This high-pressure gas propels the piston 520 to rapidly move laterally inward, disengaging the unlocking rod 530 from the arcuate guide groove 340 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300, thereby releasing the locked state of the recliner lower connecting plate 300 relative to the seat cushion wall panel 200.

[0071] After the unlocking mechanism 500 is unlocked, the backrest frame 3 automatically rotates forward relative to the seat cushion frame 2 in the direction of the collision due to the inertia of the seat itself and the tension of the seat belt restraining the driver and occupant. As a result, the arc-shaped guide groove 340 of the recliner lower connecting plate 300 can move along the guide member 620 to guide the recliner lower connecting plate 300 to pivot relative to the seat cushion wall plate 200 around the fastener 610. Specifically, as Figure 7A and 7B As shown, the arc-shaped guide groove 340 starts from the starting end 320 and freely passes through the entire free section T1 along the guide member 620 to quickly move the backrest frame 3 to a position that is more effective in restraining the driver and passenger. At this time, the rearward tilt angle between the human body trunk line and the vertical line is usually less than 45°. Figure 8A and 8BAs shown, after reaching the energy absorbing section T2, the arcuate guide groove 340 absorbs the energy of the vehicle collision and follows the guide member 620 through the entire energy absorbing section T2 to the terminal end 330, and the backrest frame 3 will no longer rotate; or, after reaching the energy absorbing section T2, the arcuate guide groove 340 absorbs the kinetic energy of the seat back itself and part of the driver and passenger, and follows the guide member 620 through part of the energy absorbing section T2. ​​When the forward rotational torque generated by the inertia force of the passenger and the tension of the seat belt fixed to the seat is less than the rotational resistance torque, the backrest frame 3 will no longer rotate.

[0072] Therefore, the seat back servo system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can realize that the vehicle seat can automatically rotate from a large inclination position to a relatively upright position quickly along the direction of collision, and absorb energy during the servoing process, thereby greatly improving the safety of the vehicle seat.

[0073] The seat back follow-up system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure detects the seat back position by an electronic control unit (ECU) to determine whether to activate the unlocking mechanism, and has a simple structure, a small number of parts, and a low cost.

[0074] The seat back servo system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes a thick unlocking rod of the unlocking mechanism to lock the backrest, which can ensure the static strength of the backrest.

[0075] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat back servo system unlocks the unlocking mechanism by controlling the generation of high-pressure gas through the ECU, and has good stability.

[0076] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such changes and modifications are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of these claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A seat back follow-up system for a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame pivotable forward and backward relative to the seat cushion frame, characterized in that: The seat back follow-up system includes: a first plate disposed on the cushion frame, the first plate being provided with a guide member; a second plate provided on the backrest frame, the second plate being pivotally connected to the first plate at a pivot and provided with a guide groove having the pivot as a center, and the guide member being inserted into the guide groove; and an unlocking mechanism configured to unlock the first plate and the second plate from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and including an unlocking lever movable relative to the second plate; Wherein, when the vehicle is in a normal use state, the unlocking rod is configured to be inserted into the guide groove, thereby placing the first plate and the second plate in a non-pivotable locked state; When the unlocking condition is met, the unlocking rod is withdrawn from the guide groove, so that the first plate and the second plate are transformed from a non-pivotable locked state to a pivotable state, and the guide groove can guide the seat back to automatically rotate forward along the guide member.

2. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide groove includes opposite starting and ending ends, and wherein, when the vehicle is in normal use, the guide member and the unlocking lever are located at the starting and ending ends of the guide groove, respectively; Optionally, the guide groove has a free section, and the size of the free section is greater than or equal to the corresponding size of the guide member; Optionally, the free section is provided with a bushing made of a low-friction coefficient material to reduce or control the friction resistance of the guide member passing through the free section; Optionally, the guide groove further has an energy absorbing section, and the size of the energy absorbing section is smaller than the corresponding size of the guide member, wherein the free section is arranged adjacent to the starting end, and the energy absorbing section is arranged adjacent to the ending end; Optionally, along the direction in which the second plate pivots relative to the first plate, the second plate is provided with a fracture-type energy-absorbing structure upstream of the guide groove; Optionally, the fracture-type energy-absorbing structure includes a plurality of weakened slots spaced apart from the guide slot.

3. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first plate is provided with a first pivot hole at the pivot, the second plate is provided with a second pivot hole at the pivot, and a pivot fastener passes through the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole to pivotally connect the second plate to the first plate; Optionally, the first plate is further provided with a receiving hole for receiving the guide member and a fixing hole for fixing the unlocking mechanism, wherein the receiving hole and the fixing hole correspond in position to the starting end and the ending end of the guide groove, and are spaced apart from the first pivot hole by a distance equal to the radius L of the guide groove; Optionally, the first pivot hole is provided above and in front of the receiving hole and the fixing hole, and the second pivot hole is provided above and in front of the guide slot.

4. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electronic control unit is configured to detect the collision acceleration and backrest angle of the vehicle and, when the collision acceleration and backrest angle meet set thresholds, issue an unlocking instruction to the unlocking mechanism to withdraw the unlocking rod from the terminal end of the guide groove.

5. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first panel includes a seat cushion wall panel located on the left or right side of the seat cushion frame.

6. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The second plate includes a recliner lower connecting plate of the recliner located on the left or right side of the lower end portion of the backrest frame; Optionally, the recliner includes a first portion and a second portion rotatable relative to each other, the first portion being fixed to the body of the back frame and the second portion being fixed to a lower recliner connecting plate which is in turn operably connected to the first plate via a seat back follower system.

7. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The unlocking mechanism is a powder-triggered unlocking structure or an electromagnetic-triggered unlocking mechanism; Optionally, the unlocking mechanism includes a housing mounted to the first plate, and the unlocking lever is movable relative to the second plate housing; Optionally, the unlocking mechanism further comprises a piston and a drive assembly, wherein the piston is fixed in the inner chamber of the housing by a temporary fixing means, and the drive assembly pushes the piston to rapidly displace in the inner chamber after overcoming the resistance of the temporary fixing means; Optionally, the temporary fixing means is selected from the group consisting of interference fit, bonding and frangible connection; Optionally, the inner chamber is in communication with the outside through an opening, and the unlocking rod passes through the opening from the outside of the housing and is connected to the piston or is formed integrally with the piston, so that the piston can drive the unlocking rod to move relative to the housing; Optionally, the unlocking rod is configured to be substantially T-shaped, with the bottom end of the T-shape connected to the piston, and the top end of the T-shape being used to be inserted into the guide groove of the lower connecting plate of the recliner and located at the terminal end of the guide groove; Optionally, the driving assembly includes an ignition tube, and the ignition tube ignites gunpowder after passing current and generates high-pressure gas to push the piston to quickly move in the inner chamber; Optionally, the piston is provided with one or more O-rings, the opening of the inner chamber is provided with a sealing block, and the ignition tube is fixed to the housing and is in fluid communication with the enclosed space enclosed by the piston, the O-rings, the housing, the sealing block and the release rod; Optionally, the annular area of ​​the piston is larger than the annular area of ​​the sealing block, so that the high-pressure gas generated by the ignition tube can push the piston to move rapidly in one direction; Optionally, a short-circuit ring is provided at the pin of the ignition tube to prevent the ignition tube from being triggered by mistake.

8. A seat back follow-up system for a vehicle seat, characterized in that: The seat back follow-up system includes: a first plate and a second plate pivotally connected together at a pivot, the second plate being provided with a guide slot; and an unlocking mechanism comprising an unlocking lever movable relative to the second plate, the unlocking lever being configured to be inserted into the guide slot to thereby place the first plate and the second plate in a non-pivotable locked state; When the unlocking condition is met, the unlocking lever is configured to withdraw from the guide groove, thereby placing the first plate and the second plate in a pivotable state capable of pivoting around the pivot.

9. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first plate is provided on a seat cushion frame of the vehicle seat, and the second plate is provided on a backrest frame of the vehicle seat.

10. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first plate is provided with a guide member, wherein the guide member is located in the guide groove; Optionally, the guide groove includes opposite starting and ending ends, and wherein, when the vehicle is in normal use, the guide member and the unlocking lever are respectively located at the starting and ending ends of the guide groove; Optionally, the guide groove has a free section, and the size of the free section is greater than or equal to the corresponding size of the guide member; Optionally, the free section is provided with a bushing made of a low-friction coefficient material to reduce or control the friction resistance of the guide member passing through the free section; Optionally, the arc-shaped guide groove further has an energy absorbing section, and the size of the energy absorbing section is smaller than the corresponding size of the guide member, wherein the free section is arranged adjacent to the starting end, and the energy absorbing section is arranged adjacent to the ending end; Optionally, along the direction in which the second plate pivots relative to the first plate, the second plate is provided with a fracture-type energy-absorbing structure upstream of the arc-shaped guide groove; Optionally, the fracture-type energy-absorbing structure includes a plurality of weakened slots spaced apart from the arc-shaped guide slot; Optionally, the first plate is provided with a first pivot hole at the pivot, the second plate is provided with a second pivot hole at the pivot, and a pivot fastener passes through the first pivot hole and the second pivot hole to pivotally connect the second plate to the first plate; Optionally, the first plate is further provided with a receiving hole for receiving the guide member and a fixing hole for fixing the unlocking mechanism, wherein the receiving hole and the fixing hole correspond in position to the starting end and the ending end of the guide groove; Optionally, the first pivot hole is arranged above and in front of the receiving hole and the fixing hole, and the second pivot hole is arranged above and in front of the arc-shaped guide groove.

11. The seat back follow-up system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The electronic control unit is configured to detect the collision acceleration and backrest angle of the vehicle, and issue an unlocking instruction to the unlocking mechanism to withdraw the unlocking rod from the terminal end of the arc-shaped guide groove when the collision acceleration and the backrest angle meet set thresholds.

12. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The first panel includes a seat cushion wall panel located on the left or right side of the seat cushion frame.

13. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: The second plate includes a recliner lower connecting plate of the recliner located on the left or right side of the lower end portion of the backrest frame; Optionally, the recliner includes a first portion and a second portion rotatable relative to each other, the first portion being fixed to the body of the back frame and the second portion being fixed to a lower recliner connecting plate which is in turn operably connected to the first plate via a seat back follower system.

14. The seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that: The unlocking mechanism is a powder-triggered unlocking structure or an electromagnetic-triggered unlocking mechanism; Optionally, the unlocking mechanism includes a housing mounted to the first plate, and the unlocking lever is movable relative to the second plate housing; Optionally, the unlocking mechanism further comprises a piston and a drive assembly, wherein the piston is fixed in the inner chamber of the housing by a temporary fixing means, and the drive assembly pushes the piston to rapidly displace in the inner chamber after overcoming the resistance of the temporary fixing means; Optionally, the temporary fixing means is selected from the group consisting of interference fit, bonding and frangible connection; Optionally, the inner chamber is in communication with the outside through an opening, and the unlocking rod passes through the opening from the outside of the housing and is connected to the piston or is formed integrally with the piston, so that the piston can drive the unlocking rod to move relative to the housing; Optionally, the unlocking rod is configured to be substantially T-shaped, with the bottom end of the T-shape connected to the piston, and the top end of the T-shape being used to be inserted into the arc-shaped guide groove of the lower connecting plate of the recliner and located at the terminal end of the arc-shaped guide groove; Optionally, the driving assembly includes an ignition tube, and the ignition tube ignites gunpowder after passing current and generates high-pressure gas to push the piston to quickly move in the inner chamber; Optionally, the piston is provided with one or more O-rings, the opening of the inner chamber is provided with a sealing block, and the ignition tube is fixed to the housing and is in fluid communication with the enclosed space enclosed by the piston, the O-rings, the housing, the sealing block and the release rod; Optionally, the annular area of ​​the piston is larger than the annular area of ​​the sealing block, so that the high-pressure gas generated by the ignition tube can push the piston to move rapidly in one direction; Optionally, a short-circuit ring is provided at the pin of the ignition tube to prevent the ignition tube from being triggered by mistake.

15. A vehicle seat, comprising the seat back follow-up system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the seat back follow-up system is installed on a seat cushion frame and / or a backrest frame of the vehicle seat.

Images