Seat assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat assembly. The seat assembly comprises a seat and a seat rotating assembly, and the seat comprises a seat base and a seat backrest; a seat rotation assembly is coupled with a seat base to rotate a seat, the seat rotation assembly including: a lower bracket; the first supporting bracket is arranged on the lower bracket; an upper bracket disposed on the first support bracket and coupled to the seat; the second supporting bracket is arranged on the upper bracket; a holding bracket disposed on the second support bracket and coupled to the lower bracket; a motor assembly connected to the lower bracket, the motor assembly including a motor and a worm operably coupled with the motor; and a worm wheel connected to the upper bracket and engaged with the worm such that rotation of the worm rotates the upper bracket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to seat assemblies, including seat assemblies that may be used, for example, in conjunction with a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Although the claims are not limited to specific illustrations, an understanding of various aspects can be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain the innovative aspects of the examples. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. The exemplary illustrations are described in detail below with reference to the drawings:

[0004] Figure 1 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figures 2A to 2F is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly in various positions according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of an upper bracket of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 is a top perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is a bottom view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 10is a perspective view generally illustrating a portion of an embodiment of a worm gear of a seat rotation assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0014] Detailed description

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the various embodiments described may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0016] Reference Figure 1 , the seat assembly 20 includes a seat 22, which includes a seat base 24 and a seat back 26. The seat assembly includes a seat rotation assembly 30 that is coupled to the seat 22 (e.g., coupled to the seat base 24) to rotate the seat 22. The seat rotation assembly 30 at least indirectly couples the seat 22 to a mounting surface 32. For vehicle applications, the mounting surface 32 may include a floor of the vehicle 34. The seat assembly 20 is not limited to vehicle applications. Optionally, the seat assembly 20 includes a track assembly 50 that includes a first track 52 mounted to the mounting surface 32 and a second track 54 slidably mounted to the first track 52. The seat rotation assembly 30 is coupled to the second track 54, for example, to slidably couple the seat 22 to the mounting surface 32. The first track 52 can be, for example, but not limited to, 1 meter to 3 meters long, or can be other lengths.

[0017] Reference Figures 2A to 2F , the seat rotation assembly 30 can make the seat 22 relative to the second track 54 ( Figure 1 ), the first track 52 ( Figure 1 ), and / or the mounting surface 32 (e.g., about a rotation axis 36 parallel to the vertical direction Z) to a plurality of seating positions. The first seating position may include forward facing ( Figure 2A The second seating position may include a lateral facing ( Figure 2B ), wherein the seat 22 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise or 270 degrees clockwise from the first position. The third seating position may include rear facing ( Figure 2C ), wherein the seat 22 is rotated 180 degrees from the first position. The seat rotation assembly 30 can rotate the seat 22 from the first seat position to the third seat position by rotating the seat 22 counterclockwise or by rotating the seat clockwise. The fourth seat position can include the second side-facing position ( Figure 2D), wherein the seat 22 is rotated 270 degrees counterclockwise or 90 degrees clockwise from the first seat position. The plurality of seat positions is not limited to 90 degree increments and may include positions between various 90 degree increments, such as Figure 2E and Figure 2F As roughly shown in .

[0018] Reference Figure 3 The seat rotation assembly 30 includes a lower bracket 70 , a first support bracket 72 , an upper bracket 74 , a second support bracket 76 , a retaining bracket 78 , a seat bracket 80 , a motor assembly 82 and / or a worm gear 84 .

[0019] The lower bracket 70 mounts the seat rotation assembly 30 to another component (eg, the mounting surface 32 or the second track 54 ( Figure 1 )). The lower bracket 70 includes a first lower bracket axial surface 90 and a lower bracket radial surface 92, which at least partially define a lower bracket channel 94 (e.g., an annular channel). The lower bracket 70 includes a second lower bracket axial surface 96 radially inward of the first lower bracket axial surface 90. Optionally, the lower bracket radial surface 92 axially offsets and connects the first lower bracket axial surface 90 and the second lower bracket axial surface 96. In the assembled configuration shown, the second lower bracket axial surface 96 is vertically offset above the first lower bracket axial surface 90 (e.g., further away from the mounting surface 32 than the first lower bracket axial surface 90). The lower bracket axial surfaces 90, 96 may or may not overlap in the vertical direction Z. The lower bracket 70 includes one or more retaining hooks 98 extending upward. The one or more retaining hooks 98 have a downwardly facing J-shaped configuration, but may also have other configurations. The lower bracket 70 includes a hole 100 extending through the second lower bracket axial surface 96. At least a portion of the hole 100 is aligned with the center of the lower bracket 70.

[0020] The first support bracket 72 includes a first segment 110 and a second segment 112 extending at an angle from the first segment 110. In the example shown, the angle is a right angle, and the segments 110, 112 are arranged perpendicular to each other, with the first segment 110 parallel to the radial direction (relative to the rotation axis 36) and the second segment 112 parallel to the axial direction. For example, the first support bracket 72 may include an annular configuration with an L-shaped cross-section. The angle is not limited to a right angle. The first segment 110 includes a plurality of first segment holes 114. The second segment 112 includes a plurality of second segment holes 116. The first support bracket 72 includes a first plurality of supports 118 at least partially disposed in the plurality of first segment holes 114. The first segment 110 at least partially retains the first plurality of supports 118 in a manner that allows the first plurality of supports 118 to rotate relative to the first segment 110 and limits and / or prevents translational movement of the first plurality of supports 118 relative to the first segment 110. For example, when the upper bracket 74 rotates relative to the lower bracket 70, the first plurality of supports 118 can roll along the first lower bracket axial surface 90, which can facilitate relative rotational movement between the lower bracket 70 and the upper bracket 74. The first segment 110 and / or the first plurality of supports 118 are at least partially disposed in the lower bracket channel 94.

[0021] The first support bracket 72 includes a second plurality of supports 120 at least partially disposed within the second segment aperture 116. The second segment 112 at least partially retains the second plurality of supports 120 in a manner that allows the second plurality of supports 120 to rotate relative to the second segment 112 while limiting and / or preventing translational movement of the second plurality of supports 120 relative to the second segment 112. For example, as the upper bracket 74 rotates relative to the lower bracket 70, the second plurality of supports 120 can roll along the lower bracket radial surface 92, which can facilitate relative rotational movement between the lower bracket 70 and the upper bracket 74. The first plurality of supports 118 and the second plurality of supports 120 can include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example, but not limited to, the first plurality of supports 118 and the second plurality of supports 120 can include ball bearings (e.g., steel ball bearings). The first support bracket 72 includes a first support bracket aperture 122 centered about the rotational axis 36 and at least partially defined by the second segment 112. The lower bracket 70 extends into and / or through the first support bracket aperture 122. For example, the lower bracket radial surface 92 extends from at or below the first segment 110 to above the second segment 112.

[0022] Reference Figure 4The upper bracket 74 is at least partially disposed above the first support bracket 72 (e.g., further from the mounting surface 32 than the first support bracket 72), such that the upper bracket 74 contacts the first support bracket 72, the first plurality of supports 118, and / or the second plurality of supports 120. The upper bracket 74 includes a first upper bracket axial surface 130 and an upper bracket radial surface 132. The first upper bracket axial surface 130 faces downwardly toward the lower bracket 70, and some or all of the first plurality of supports 118 contact and / or roll along the first upper bracket axial surface 130. The first upper bracket axial surface 130 is at least partially disposed within the lower bracket channel 94. Alternatively, the first upper bracket axial surface 130 is disposed outside (e.g., above) the lower bracket channel 94. The upper bracket radial surface 132 faces radially inwardly, and some or all of the second plurality of supports 120 contact and / or roll along the upper bracket radial surface 132. The upper bracket 74 includes a second upper bracket axial surface 134 , which is disposed opposite the first upper bracket axial surface 130 and faces upward and away from the lower bracket 70 .

[0023] Reference Figure 5 , the upper bracket 74 includes a third upper bracket axial surface 136 and a fourth upper bracket axial surface 138. The third upper bracket axial surface 136 is the upper surface of the upper bracket 74, and the seat bracket 80 ( Figure 3 ) is coupled to the third upper bracket axial surface 136. The upper bracket 74 includes a protrusion 140 that extends downwardly from the third upper bracket axial surface 136 toward the lower bracket 70 ( Figure 3 ). The protrusion 140 includes a conical configuration and extends into and / or through the hole 100 of the lower bracket 70 ( Figure 3 ). The lower surface of the projection 140 provides the fourth upper bracket axial surface 138. The projection 140 is centered about the rotation axis 36 and includes a hole 142 aligned with and / or centered about the rotation axis 36, such that the hole 142 at least partially overlaps with the hole 100 ( Figure 3 ). The protrusion 140 can extend axially beyond the first upper bracket axial surface 130 so that the fourth upper bracket axial surface 138 is lower than the first upper bracket axial surface 130 (e.g., closer to the mounting surface 32 than the first upper bracket axial surface 130). Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the upper bracket 74 includes an inverted W-shaped configuration. The upper bracket 74 may include a lip 144 that extends upward from the outer radial edges of the first upper bracket axial surface 130 and the second upper bracket axial surface 134 at least to some extent. The lip 144, the second upper bracket axial surface 134 and the upper bracket radial surface 132 can at least partially define an upper bracket channel 146 that opens upwardly away from the lower bracket 70 ( Figure 3 ).

[0024] Refer again Figure 3 , the second support bracket 76 is at least partially disposed above the upper bracket 74 (e.g., farther from the mounting surface 32 than the upper bracket 74) and / or at least partially disposed in the upper bracket channel 146. The second support bracket 76 includes a plurality of holes 160 and a third plurality of supports 162 at least partially disposed in the plurality of holes 160. The second support bracket 76 at least partially retains the third plurality of supports 162 in a manner that allows the third plurality of supports 162 to rotate relative to the second support bracket 76 and limits and / or prevents translational movement of the third plurality of supports 162 relative to the second support bracket 76. For example, when the upper bracket 74 rotates relative to the lower bracket 70, the third plurality of supports 162 can roll along the second upper bracket axial surface 134 of the upper bracket 74, which can facilitate relative rotational movement between the lower bracket 70 and the upper bracket 74 (see Figure 4 ). The third plurality of supports 162 may include one or more of a variety of configurations. For example, but not limited to, the third plurality of supports 162 may include ball supports (e.g., steel ball supports). The second support bracket 76 may include an annular configuration having a rectangular cross-section at least at a portion that is offset from a support in the third plurality of supports 162. The second support bracket 76 includes a second support bracket hole 164 centered on the rotation axis 36. The upper bracket 74 extends through the second support bracket hole 164. For example, the first upper bracket axial surface 130 and the second upper bracket axial surface 134 are disposed below the second support bracket 76 (e.g., closer to the mounting surface 32 than the second support bracket 76), and the third upper bracket axial surface 136 is disposed above the second support bracket 76 (e.g., further away from the mounting surface 32 than the second support bracket 76).

[0025] The retention bracket 78 is at least partially disposed above the second support bracket 76 (e.g., further from the mounting surface 32 than the second support bracket 76). The retention bracket 78 includes a retention bracket axial surface 180 that faces downward and contacts the second support bracket 76, such as the third plurality of supports 162. For example, when the upper bracket 74 rotates relative to the lower bracket 70, the third plurality of supports 162 can contact and roll along one or both of the second upper bracket axial surface 134 or the retention bracket axial surface 180. The retention bracket 78 is coupled (e.g., fixed) to the lower bracket 70 such that the retention bracket 78 at least indirectly limits movement of the first support bracket 72, the upper bracket 74, and / or the second support bracket 76. For example, but not limited to, the retention bracket 78 prevents substantial axial movement of the first support bracket 72, the upper bracket 74, and the second support bracket 76, and prevents substantial radial movement of the first support bracket 72 and the upper bracket 74. The retainer bracket 78 includes a retainer bracket aperture 182 centered about the rotational axis 36. The lower bracket 70 (e.g., lower bracket radial surface 92), the first support bracket (e.g., second segment 112), and / or the upper bracket 74 (e.g., upper bracket radial surface 132) extend into and / or through the retainer bracket aperture 182, which facilitates limiting radial movement of the retainer bracket 78. The retainer bracket 78 includes one or more lugs 184 that extend radially outward and are coupled (e.g., fixed) to the lower bracket 70.

[0026] The seat bracket 80 is coupled (eg, fixed) to the upper bracket 74 so that the seat bracket 80 rotates together with the upper bracket 74 relative to the lower bracket 70. The seat 22 ( Figure 1 ) is coupled to the seat rotation assembly 30 via the seat bracket 80. For example, the seat bracket 80 includes one or more columns 200, the seat 22 (e.g., Figure 1 The seat base 24 shown is fixed to the one or more posts 200. Figure 6 , the seat support 80 includes one or more hooks 202 corresponding to the one or more hooks 98 of the lower support 70. For example, the one or more hooks 202 include a U-shaped configuration that faces upward and receives a portion of the hook 98 at least in certain seat positions. The hooks 98, 202 do not contact each other during normal operation, but can engage each other when a force exceeding a force threshold is experienced (e.g., in the event of a vehicle collision) to limit the movement of the lower support 70 and the upper support 74 (and Figure 1The seat 22 shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat swivel assembly 30. The seat swivel assembly 30 is configured to provide for relative axial movement of the seat 22 (shown). In some configurations, the seat rotation assembly 30 can include a pair of hooks 98, 202 for each seat position. For example, if the plurality of seat positions includes four positions 90 degrees apart, the seat rotation assembly 30 can include four pairs of hooks 98, 202 90 degrees apart, such that in each seat position, the hook 202 is aligned with a corresponding one of the hooks 98. The seat bracket 80 includes a seat bracket aperture 204 centered about the axis of rotation 36.

[0027] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the motor assembly 82 includes a motor 220 (e.g., an electric motor), a worm 222, and a worm holder 224. The motor 220 and the worm holder 224 are coupled (e.g., fixed) to a lower axial surface 226 of the lower bracket 70. The worm holder 224 rotatably couples the worm 222 to the lower axial surface 226. The motor 220 and the worm 222 are operably coupled, for example, via a transmission 228, such that operation of the motor 220 causes the worm 222 to rotate. The worm 222 includes threads 240 extending outwardly from the worm 222. At least some of the threads 240 engage with the worm wheel 84 such that rotation of the worm 222 causes rotation of the worm wheel 84. The worm wheel 84 includes a plurality of teeth 250 extending radially outward and circumferentially separated by a plurality of grooves 252. In some configurations, the threads 240 are at least partially disposed in at least three of the grooves 252, or in at least five of the grooves 252, or in some other number of the grooves 252, which can provide increased strength relative to designs with relatively few engagements. The threads 240 can be at least partially disposed in other numbers of the grooves 252. The worm gear 84 includes an annular configuration having a worm gear aperture 254 centered about the axis of rotation 36. The worm gear 84 is coupled (e.g., fixed) to the upper bracket 74, such as to the protrusion 140. The worm gear 84 is coupled to the upper bracket 74 such that rotation of the worm gear 84 causes rotation of the upper bracket 74 and the seat 22. The engagement between the worm 222 and the worm gear 84 can limit and / or prevent backdrive of the motor 220, which can limit and / or prevent unintended rotation of the seat 22, for example, without a separate rotation lock.

[0028] Reference Figure 9The worm wheel 84 may include a single layer or may include multiple layers, such as a first layer 270, a second layer 272, and a third layer 274. The layers 270-274 may include the same or different materials. In some examples, the layers 270-274 include at least one polymer and at least one metal layer. For example, the first layer 270 and the third layer 274 may be polymer layers, with the second layer 272 being a metal layer disposed at least partially between the first layer 270 and the third layer 274. The teeth of the polymer layers may be larger in at least one dimension so that one or more of the metal layers do not contact the worm 222 during normal operation, and so that when a force above a threshold is experienced (e.g., in the event of a vehicle collision), the one or more metal layers may contact the worm 222. The contact between the polymer layer and the worm 222 may be quieter than the contact between the metal layer and the worm 222, which may include metal, and / or the play between the worm wheel 84 and the worm 222 may be reduced.

[0029] The seat assembly 20 can be used in a vehicle 34. The vehicle 34 can include a controller 300 (e.g., an electronic controller) that at least partially controls one or more aspects of the operation of the vehicle 34 (which can include the operation of the seat assembly 20). The controller 300 can include a processor 302 and a memory 304. The seat 22 can include electronics 310 that can include, for example, one or more controllers, heaters, actuators, motors, displays, fans, other components, or various combinations thereof. The controller 300 can be electrically connected to the electronics 310 via one or more cables 312, which can be provided in the form of a wiring harness. One or more cables 312 can extend through the seat rotation assembly 30 to the seat 22, for example, by passing through one or more of the worm gear aperture 254, the retaining bracket aperture 182, the second support bracket aperture 164, the upper bracket aperture 142, the first support bracket aperture 122, the lower bracket aperture 100, and / or the seat bracket aperture 204. These apertures can at least partially align to define a central passageway 320 of the seat rotation assembly 30, through which the one or more cables 312 can be directly passed. Such a configuration can allow the seat 22 to rotate without excessively winding or twisting the one or more cables 312. For example, without the central passageway 320, the one or more cables 312 may be longer to allow winding around the seat rotation assembly 30, which can limit rotation of the seat 22, involve longer cables 312, and / or increase wear on the cables 312. The central passageway 320 and / or the one or more cables 312 can extend, for example, along the rotation axis 36. The central passage 320 can, for example, facilitate a greater range of rotation of the seat 22, which can include rotation of at least 360 degrees, at least 540 degrees, at least 720 degrees, or other rotations. Additionally or alternatively, the cables 312 can be connected to the electronics 310 and / or the controller 300 via a rotatable connection so that one or more cables 312 do not become substantially tangled or twisted. Without the central passage 320, such a configuration may not be feasible.

[0030] In some examples, the controller 300 can at least partially control the operation of the electronic device 310 and / or the motor 220 ( Figure 8 ), for example based on user input (e.g., from an occupant of seat 22).

[0031] Further references Figure 9 , some or all of the brackets 70 to 80 may overlap in one or more directions. For example, Figure 9, the lower bracket 70 , the first support bracket 72 , the upper bracket 74 , the second support bracket 76 , the retaining bracket 78 and the seat bracket 80 all partially overlap in the axial direction (eg, vertical direction Z) along line 330 , and partially overlap in the radial direction along line 332 .

[0032] During operation, actuation of the motor 220 causes rotation of the worm 222, which causes rotation of the worm gear 84, which causes rotation of the upper bracket 74 relative to the lower bracket 70, thereby rotating the seat 22 about the rotation axis 36. The first support bracket 72 and the second support bracket 76 facilitate this rotation, for example, via the plurality of supports 118, 120, 162. During rotation of the upper bracket 74, the support brackets 72, 76 can rotate about the rotation axis 36. The retaining bracket 78 limits axial and / or radial movement of the brackets 72, 74, 76 during rotation. The seat assembly 20 can be controlled automatically by the controller 300, based on user input, or both.

[0033] Reference Figure 10 , the teeth 250 of the worm gear 84 have tooth surfaces 256. The tooth surfaces 256 can be angled relative to the rotational axis 36 such that the tooth surfaces 256 are not parallel to the rotational axis 36. For example, the tooth surface angle 258 can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to the rotational axis 36. The stamping direction used to form the worm gear 84 by stamping can be parallel to the rotational axis 36 such that the tooth surfaces 256 are at the tooth surface angle 258 relative to the stamping direction. Additionally or alternatively, the tooth surfaces 256 can be non-perpendicular to the flat side surface 260 of the worm gear 84.

[0034] The present disclosure includes the following non-limiting examples:

[0035] 1. A seat assembly, comprising a seat and a seat rotation assembly, wherein the seat comprises a seat base and a seat back, the seat rotation assembly being connected to the seat base to rotate the seat, the seat rotation assembly comprising: a lower bracket; a first supporting bracket, the first supporting bracket being arranged on the lower bracket; an upper bracket, the upper bracket being arranged on the first supporting bracket and connected to the seat; a second supporting bracket, the second supporting bracket being arranged on the upper bracket; a retaining bracket, the retaining bracket being arranged on the second supporting bracket and connected to the lower bracket; a motor assembly, the motor assembly being connected to the lower bracket, the motor assembly comprising a motor and a worm operably coupled to the motor; and a worm gear, the worm gear being connected to the upper bracket and engaging with the worm gear so that rotation of the worm gear causes the upper bracket to rotate.

[0036] 2. The seat assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the seat rotation assembly includes a seat bracket fixed to the upper bracket; and the upper bracket is coupled to the seat via the seat bracket.

[0037] 3. The seat assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein a portion of the retaining bracket is disposed axially between the seat bracket and the upper bracket.

[0038] 4. A seat assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first support bracket includes a first section, a second section extending at an angle from the first section, a first plurality of supports at least partially disposed in the first section, and a second plurality of supports at least partially disposed in the second section.

[0039] 5. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the first plurality of supports comprises ball supports.

[0040] 6. A seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lower bracket includes a lower bracket axial surface and a lower bracket radial surface; the first plurality of supports are in contact with the lower bracket axial surface; and the second plurality of supports are in contact with the lower bracket radial surface.

[0041] 7. The seat assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the lower bracket axial surface and the lower bracket radial surface at least partially define an annular channel of the lower bracket.

[0042] 8. A seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the upper bracket includes an upper bracket axial surface and an upper bracket radial surface; the first plurality of supports are in contact with the upper bracket axial surface; and the second plurality of supports are in contact with the upper bracket radial surface.

[0043] 9. The seat assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second support bracket includes a third plurality of supports in contact with the upper bracket and the retaining bracket.

[0044] 10. A seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the upper bracket includes a second upper bracket axial surface opposite to the upper bracket axial surface; the retaining bracket includes a retaining bracket axial surface; and the third plurality of supports are in contact with the second upper bracket axial surface and the retaining bracket axial surface.

[0045] 11. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment comprising an electrical wire extending through the worm gear.

[0046] 12. A seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the worm gear includes a worm gear center hole; the upper bracket includes an upper bracket center hole that is at least partially aligned with the worm gear center hole; and the wire extends through the worm gear center hole and the upper bracket center hole.

[0047] 13. A vehicle comprising: a seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the seat of the seat assembly including an electronic device; and an electronic controller; wherein the electrical wires are electrically connected to the electronic device and the electronic controller.

[0048] 14. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the motor assembly is configured to rotate the worm gear to rotate the seat at least 360 degrees about a vertical axis.

[0049] 15. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the worm gear comprises a plurality of layers.

[0050] 16. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment wherein the plurality of layers comprises at least one metal layer and at least one polymer layer.

[0051] 17. The seat assembly of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the worm gear includes a plurality of teeth having tooth surfaces disposed at a tooth surface angle relative to the axis of rotation of the seat rotation assembly.

[0052] 18. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the worm comprises threads; the worm wheel comprises a plurality of teeth separated by a plurality of grooves; and the threads are at least partially disposed in at least three of the plurality of grooves.

[0053] 19. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the seat rotation assembly includes a worm bracket connected to the lower bracket.

[0054] 20. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment wherein the lower bracket includes a lower bracket central aperture; and the upper bracket includes a protrusion extending through the lower bracket central aperture.

[0055] 21. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment wherein the worm gear is fixed to the projection.

[0056] 22. A vehicle comprising an assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0057] In an example, the controller (e.g., controller 300) may include an electronic controller and / or include an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or a microcontroller. In an embodiment, the controller may include, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and / or an embedded controller. The controller may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium) and / or an input / output (I / O) interface. The controller may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, using appropriate programming instructions and / or codes embodied in software, hardware and / or other media. In an embodiment, the controller may include a plurality of controllers. In an embodiment, the controller may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

[0058] Various examples / embodiments for various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments can be put into practice without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, parts, and elements are not described in detail so as not to obscure the examples / embodiments described in this specification. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and therefore it will be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0059] References throughout this specification to "an example," "in an example," "according to an example," "various embodiments," "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," "an embodiment," "according to some configurations," "in some configurations," and the like mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "an example," "in an example," "according to an example," "in various embodiments," "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," "according to some configurations," "in some configurations," and the like throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, and / or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples / embodiments. Thus, particular features, structures, or characteristics shown or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and / or characteristics of one or more other embodiments / examples, without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "as a non-limiting example."

[0060] It should be understood that references to individual elements are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such elements unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Any directional references (e.g., positive, negative, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of the examples / embodiments.

[0061] "One or more" includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the foregoing. The term "at least one of" in the context of, for example, "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" includes only A, only B, only C, or any combination or subset of A, B, and C, including any combination or subset of one or more A, one or more B, and one or more C.

[0062] Although the terms first, second, etc., are used herein to describe various elements in some cases, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element can be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element can be referred to as a first element without departing from the scope of the various embodiments described. Both the first element and the second element are elements, but they are not the same element.

[0063] The terms used in the description of the various embodiments described herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. The use of "and" and "or" should be interpreted broadly (e.g., as "and / or"). For example and without limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all listed elements or features, and the use of "or" is inclusive unless such a construction would otherwise be illogical. When used in this specification, the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0064] References to joining (e.g., attaching, coupling, connecting, and similar terms) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between the connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, removable connection, operative connection, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Therefore, references to joining do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship to each other. The connection of electrical components (if any) may include mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections, etc. The use of "for example" and "such as" in this specification should be interpreted broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0065] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein with respect to one or more steps in a particular sequence, these methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, by performing certain steps simultaneously, with additional steps, and / or by omitting certain described steps.

[0066] As used herein, the term “if” is alternatively interpreted to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining that” or “in response to detecting that”, as appropriate to the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [the condition or event] is detected” is alternatively interpreted to mean “upon determining that” or “in response to determining that” or “upon detecting [the condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the condition or event]”, as appropriate to the context.

[0067] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes may be made in detail or structure without departing from the disclosure.

[0068] As described herein, a controller, electronic control unit (ECU), system and / or processor may include conventional processing means known in the art capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in an associated memory, all in accordance with the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software, the resulting software may be stored in an associated memory and may also constitute a means for performing these methods. Such a system or processor may also be of a type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile memory and volatile memory, such that any software may be stored and also allows for the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0069] Articles of manufacture according to the present disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is encoded for implementing the logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include a code for executing one or more methods disclosed herein. Such an embodiment may be constructed to be executed via one or more processors (e.g., multiple processors), which are integrated into a single system or distributed over a communication network and connected together via a communication network, and the communication network may be wired and / or wireless. The code for implementing one or more of the features described in conjunction with one or more embodiments can cause a plurality of transistors to change from a first state to a second state when executed by a processor. A specific change pattern (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change state) may be at least partially specified by logic and / or code.

Claims

1. A seat assembly comprising: a seat, said seat comprising a seat base and a seat back; as well as A seat rotation assembly coupled to the seat base for rotating the seat, the seat rotation assembly comprising: Lower bracket; a first supporting bracket, the first supporting bracket being arranged on the lower bracket; an upper bracket disposed on the first support bracket and coupled to the seat; a second supporting bracket, the second supporting bracket being arranged on the upper bracket; a retaining bracket disposed on the second supporting bracket and coupled to the lower bracket; a motor assembly connected to the lower bracket, the motor assembly including a motor and a worm operably coupled to the motor; and A worm gear is connected to the upper bracket and engages the worm so that rotation of the worm rotates the upper bracket.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The seat rotation assembly includes a seat bracket fixed to the upper bracket; and The upper bracket is coupled to the seat through the seat bracket.

3. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein: A portion of the retaining bracket is axially disposed between the seat bracket and the upper bracket.

4. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The first support bracket includes a first segment, a second segment extending at an angle from the first segment, a first plurality of supports at least partially disposed in the first segment, and a second plurality of supports at least partially disposed in the second segment.

5. The seat assembly of claim 4, wherein: The first plurality of supports includes ball supports.

6. The seat assembly of claim 4, wherein: The lower bracket includes a lower bracket axial surface and a lower bracket radial surface; The first plurality of supports are in contact with an axial surface of the lower bracket; and The second plurality of supports contacts a radial surface of the lower support.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein: The lower support axial surface and the lower support radial surface at least partially define an annular channel of the lower support.

8. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein: The upper bracket includes an upper bracket axial surface and an upper bracket radial surface; The first plurality of supports are in contact with an axial surface of the upper bracket; and The second plurality of supports contacts a radial surface of the upper support.

9. The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein: The second support bracket includes a third plurality of supports in contact with the upper bracket and the retaining bracket.

10. The seat assembly of claim 9, wherein: The upper bracket includes a second upper bracket axial surface opposite to the upper bracket axial surface; The retaining bracket includes a retaining bracket axial surface; and The third plurality of supports contacts the second upper bracket axial surface and the retaining bracket axial surface.

11. The seat assembly of claim 1 including electrical wiring extending through the worm gear.

12. The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein: The worm gear includes a worm gear center hole; The upper bracket includes an upper bracket central hole at least partially aligned with the worm gear central hole; and The electric wire extends through the central hole of the worm gear and the central hole of the upper bracket.

13. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The motor assembly is configured to rotate the worm gear to rotate the seat at least 360 degrees about a vertical axis.

14. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The worm gear includes a plurality of layers.

15. The seat assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The worm includes threads; The worm gear includes a plurality of teeth separated by a plurality of grooves; and The threads are at least partially disposed in at least three grooves of the plurality of grooves.

16. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The worm gear includes a plurality of teeth having tooth surfaces disposed at a tooth surface angle relative to a rotational axis of the seat rotation assembly.

17. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The seat rotation assembly includes a worm bracket connected to the lower bracket.

18. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The lower bracket includes a lower bracket center hole; and The upper bracket includes a protrusion extending through the central hole of the lower bracket.

19. The seat assembly of claim 18, wherein: The worm gear is fixed to the protrusion.

20. A means of transport comprising: The seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the seat of the seat assembly includes an electronic device; as well as electronic controllers; Wherein, the electric wires are electrically connected to the electronic device and the electronic controller.

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