Vehicle seat and tilt adjustment device for vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a reclining device (30) for a vehicle seat, comprising a first connecting rod (1) and a second connecting rod (2), which are rotatably connected about a first axis of rotation (3) to a base of the vehicle seat and about a second axis of rotation (4), and an electric drive unit, the second link is rotatably connected to the front end of the seat of the vehicle seat about a third axis of rotation (5). In the design position, the first rotating shaft and the third rotating shaft are located behind the second rotating shaft, and the third rotating shaft is located above the first rotating shaft. The electric driving unit comprises a motor (53) and a push rod (51) capable of being driven by the motor, the push rod is connected with a lever (6), the lever is fixedly connected with the first connecting rod, and the motor can enable the first connecting rod to rotate around the first rotating shaft in two opposite rotating directions through the push rod and the lever so as to adjust the inclination angle of the seat part of the vehicle seat. The invention also relates to a vehicle seat comprising the reclining device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat including the tilt adjustment device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of vehicle technology, the personalized functions of vehicles are constantly evolving and improving. Vehicle seats are an important component of a vehicle, and they should offer good comfort. Users have increasingly higher demands for the comfort and functionality of vehicle seats. To accommodate different occupants (e.g., occupants of different heights and body types) and meet their expectations for different seating postures in various situations, a wide range of adjustability for vehicle seats is worth pursuing. Vehicle seats can have adjustable reclining angles; for example, the seat and / or backrest of a vehicle seat can have adjustable reclining angles. By adjusting the reclining angle of the vehicle seat, improved comfort can be provided to the user. Typically, in many known vehicles, the rear seats are not adjustable in terms of the reclining angle of their seat and / or backrest. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat, wherein the tilt angle of the seat portion of the vehicle seat is adjustable through simple structural measures. A further purpose of this application is to provide a vehicle seat including the aforementioned tilt adjustment device.

[0004] A first aspect of the invention proposes a tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat, the tilt adjustment device comprising a first link and a second link, the first link being rotatably connected to the base of the vehicle seat about a first axis of rotation, the first link being rotatably connected to the second link about a second axis of rotation, and the second link being rotatably connected to the front end of the seat portion of the vehicle seat about a third axis of rotation, wherein, in a designed position of the vehicle seat, the first axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation are located behind the second axis of rotation, and the third axis of rotation is located above the first axis of rotation; and the tilt adjustment device includes an electric drive unit comprising a motor and a push rod that can be driven by the motor, the push rod being connected to a lever that is fixedly connected to the first link, the motor being able to rotate the first link about the first axis of rotation in two opposite rotational directions via the push rod and the lever, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the seat portion of the vehicle seat.

[0005] With the aid of such a tilt adjustment device, the tilt angle of the vehicle seat can be adjusted within a predetermined angle range. Correspondingly, when the backrest and seat are coupled, the tilt angle of the backrest is adjusted together. Alternatively, when the backrest and seat are motion-coupled, the tilt angle of the backrest can be adjusted in relation to the tilt angle of the seat. Additionally, the tilt angle of the backrest relative to the seat can be further adjusted.

[0006] In some advantageous embodiments, the tilt adjustment device according to the invention requires only a compact structural space in the design position of the vehicle seat and can utilize the space already present in the vehicle under the vehicle seat without increasing the installation height of the vehicle seat and / or changing the rest of the vehicle seat components due to the introduction of the tilt adjustment device according to the invention. Therefore, the vehicle seat including the tilt adjustment device is cost-effective.

[0007] In some advantageous embodiments, in the design position of the vehicle seat, the second pivot is above the first pivot, and the third pivot is above the second pivot.

[0008] In some advantageous embodiments, the push rod is rotatable about a fourth pivot located behind and below the first pivot.

[0009] In some advantageous embodiments, the connection point between the push rod and the lever is located above and behind the first pivot point in the design position of the vehicle seat.

[0010] In some advantageous embodiments, the push rod is configured as a screw, and the motor is driven to the screw via a transmission assembly.

[0011] In some advantageous embodiments, the push rod is configured as a lead screw and nut mechanism.

[0012] In some advantageous embodiments, the push rod is configured as a gear and rack mechanism.

[0013] In some advantageous embodiments, the lead screw and nut mechanism includes a lead screw and a sleeve with internal threads.

[0014] In some advantageous embodiments, the first link is rotatable relative to the first pivot, or the first link is fixedly connected to the first pivot and rotates together with the first pivot.

[0015] In some advantageous embodiments, the first link is rotatable relative to the second pivot, or the first link is fixedly connected to the second pivot.

[0016] In some advantageous embodiments, the second link is rotatable relative to the second pivot, or the second link is fixedly connected to the second pivot.

[0017] In some advantageous embodiments, the second link can rotate relative to the third pivot, or the second link is fixedly connected to the third pivot.

[0018] In some advantageous embodiments, the tilt adjustment device includes a structural unit comprising a first tube, a second tube, and a rod, wherein the first tube forms a first pivot, the second tube forms a second pivot, a plurality of first connecting rods are connected to the first tube and to the second tube and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal extension direction of the first tube, a plurality of levers are connected to the first tube and to the rod, and a push rod is connected to the rod.

[0019] In some advantageous embodiments, the first tube, the second tube, the rod, the plurality of first links, and the plurality of levers are connected by welding into a single integral component.

[0020] In some advantageous embodiments, the first tube has two opposing end sections, through which the first tube is rotatably supported in a base.

[0021] In some advantageous embodiments, the structural unit further includes a third tube that forms a third pivot, a plurality of second links being connected to both the second and third tubes, the third tube being mounted to the frame of the seat portion of the vehicle seat.

[0022] In some advantageous embodiments, the plurality of second links are fixedly connected to and rotatably connected to the third tube, which is rotatably mounted to the frame of the seat portion of the vehicle seat.

[0023] In some advantageous embodiments, the number of first links, the number of second links, and the number of levers are the same. In the longitudinal extension direction of the first tube, each first link is arranged adjacent to one of the levers, and each first link is arranged adjacent to one of the second links.

[0024] In some advantageous embodiments, the number of first links is 2 to 6, and / or the number of second links is 2 to 6, and / or the number of levers is 2 to 6.

[0025] In some advantageous embodiments, the electric drive unit includes a motor and two drive assemblies located on either side of the motor in the axial direction (or in the width direction of the vehicle seat), each drive assembly including a push rod.

[0026] In some advantageous embodiments, the transmission assembly is configured as a gear transmission device, and the push rod is configured as a screw or lead screw and nut mechanism.

[0027] In some advantageous embodiments, the gear transmission device is configured as a speed reduction transmission device.

[0028] In some advantageous embodiments, the base includes a plurality of base plates distributed in the width direction of the seat, for example, 2 to 4 base plates.

[0029] In some advantageous embodiments, the seat portion of the vehicle seat is rotatably supported at its rear end by a shaft assembly.

[0030] In some advantageous embodiments, the tilt adjustment device is configured for a row of seats in a vehicle, the row of seats comprising a plurality of seats side by side, such as 2, 3 or 4 seats.

[0031] In some advantageous embodiments, the tilt adjustment device is configured for a single seat in the vehicle, such as a driver's seat or a front passenger seat.

[0032] A second invention proposes a vehicle seat comprising a movable seat portion equipped with a tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any embodiment of the invention.

[0033] Herein, the advantages of the tilt adjustment device already described apply to the vehicle seat according to the present invention.

[0034] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C These are perspective, front, and side views of a vehicle seat in its designed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1D Is with Figure 1C The corresponding sectional side view shows the tilt adjustment device for the vehicle seat.

[0038] Figures 2A to 2C These are the front view, side view, and perspective view of the vehicle seat when the seat portion is adjusted from its designed position to a predetermined maximum tilt angle via the tilt adjustment device.

[0039] Figure 3A This is a schematic side view showing the tilt adjustment device in the designed position of the vehicle seat.

[0040] Figure 3B This is a perspective view showing the tilt adjustment device at its predetermined maximum tilt angle in the seat of a vehicle.

[0041] Figure 4A and 4B This is a perspective view of two components of the structural unit of the tilt adjustment device.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an electric drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the push rod of the electric drive unit.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the base of the vehicle seat.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the axle assembly of the vehicle seat. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Several exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that elements not essential for understanding the invention may be omitted from the drawings for ease of illustration and understanding. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may denote the same parts or parts that function identically. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific parts, devices, and methods, are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that not all of these specific details are necessarily required. The exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting.

[0047] Figures 1A to 1D Different views of a vehicle seat 100 in its designed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention are shown. Figures 2A to 2C Different views of a vehicle seat 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention are shown when the seat portion 10 is adjusted to a predetermined maximum tilt angle via the tilt adjustment device 30. In these figures, the upholstery of the vehicle seat is omitted, thus revealing the skeletal structure of the vehicle seat 100. The skeletal structure of the vehicle seat 100 includes the seat portion 10's skeletal structure and the backrest 20's skeletal structure.

[0048] The vehicle seat 100 can be designed for a specific vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a dual-axle passenger car with two rows of seats. Generally, the vehicle can be a passenger car or a cargo vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine-driven, purely electric, or hybrid vehicle. The vehicle can be manually driven, partially autonomous, or fully autonomous. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle seat 100 is configured as a rear seat, comprising three seats 21, 22, and 23 arranged side-by-side in the width direction of the vehicle seat. Alternatively, the vehicle seat can be a single seat, for example, a driver's seat or a front passenger seat; or the vehicle seat can be a two-seat configuration with two seats.

[0049] The vehicle seat 100 may include a seat 10 and a backrest 20. The seat 10 can be adjusted between a designed position and a predetermined maximum tilt angle via a tilt adjustment device 30. Optionally, the backrest 20 can be additionally tilted relative to the seat 10. The designed position of the vehicle seat 100 may also be referred to as the initial position. In this designed position, the seat 10 extends substantially horizontally, allowing the occupant to sit comfortably in the vehicle seat, for example, allowing the user seated in the vehicle seat 100 to focus on the vehicle's surroundings. The maximum tilt angle can be designed according to the vehicle's design requirements. For example, in one embodiment, the maximum tilt angle may be designed such that when the seat 10 is at this maximum tilt angle, the occupant can comfortably rest and / or work on a computer in the vehicle seat 100. In another embodiment, the maximum tilt angle can be designed to be larger, such that when the seat 10 is at the maximum tilt angle, the occupant can lie down on the vehicle seat 100. Preferably, in this case, the vehicle seat 100 can be designed as a so-called zero-gravity seat, so that the user of the vehicle seat can be completely unconcerned about the driving conditions of the vehicle or the surrounding environment.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 3A and 3B , Figure 4A and 4B as well as Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary tilt adjustment device 30 for a vehicle seat 100 will be described in more detail.

[0051] The tilt adjustment device 30 may include a first link 1 and a second link 2. The first link is rotatably connected to the base 40 of the vehicle seat 100 around a first pivot 3. The first link 2 is rotatably connected to the second link 2 around a second pivot 4. The second link 2 is rotatably connected to the front end of the seat portion 10 of the vehicle seat 100 around a third pivot 5. In the designed position of the vehicle seat 100, the first pivot 3 and the third pivot 5 are located behind the second pivot 4, the third pivot 5 is located above the first pivot 3 and the second pivot 4, and the second pivot 4 is located above the first pivot 3.

[0052] The tilt adjustment device 30 may include a structural unit, which as a whole... Figure 3B As can be seen in the text. Additionally... Figure 4A This describes a component of the structural unit, which may be referred to as the first part of the structural unit; and Figure 4B Another component of the described structural unit can be referred to as the second part of the structural unit. The first and second parts can each be a single-piece component, for example, by welding. The first part includes a first tube 11, a second tube 12, and a rod 8, which extend parallel to each other. The first tube 11 forms a first pivot 3, and the second tube 12 forms a second pivot 4. A plurality of first connecting rods 1 are connected, particularly fixedly connected, to the first tube 11 and, particularly fixedly connected, to the second tube 12, and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first tube 11. Advantageously, the first tube 11, the second tube 12, and the plurality of first connecting rods 1 are joined together by welding into a single-piece component. The first tube 11 may have two opposing end sections 1, through which the first tube 11 is rotatably supported in the base 40. Additionally, as a supplement, the plurality of levers 6 and a rod 8, which will be described below, can also be welded as integral components of the single-piece first part.

[0053] The second component of the structural unit includes a third tube 13, which forms a third pivot 5. A plurality of second connecting rods 2 are connected, in particular rotatably, to the second tube 12 and, in particular, fixedly, to the third tube 13. The third tube 13 is mounted, in particular rotatably, to the frame of the seat portion 10 of the vehicle seat 100. The third tube 13 may have receiving portions 15 at its two axial ends, and the frame of the seat portion 10 may have supports, such as axles or bearing assemblies, extending into these two receiving portions 15. Advantageously, the plurality of second connecting rods 2 are fixedly connected to the third tube 13, in particular by means of welding, and rotatably connected to the second tube 12. For this purpose, each second connecting rod 2 has a mounting hole 16, through which it is fitted onto the second tube 12. Advantageously, the number of first connecting rods 1 and the number of second connecting rods 2 are the same, and in the longitudinal extension direction of the second tube 12, each first connecting rod 1 is arranged adjacent to one of the second connecting rods 2.

[0054] The structural unit may also include multiple levers 6 and solid rods 8. These levers 6 may be welded to the first tube 11 and thus indirectly fixedly connected to each other with the respective first connecting rods 8, which are also welded to the first tube 11. Alternatively, each lever 6 may also be directly fixedly connected to the corresponding first connecting rod 8, for example, by welding, or for example, each lever 6 and a corresponding first connecting rod 1 may be an integral part, for example, made from the same sheet metal by stamping. The rods 8 connect the levers 6 to each other, especially by welding. The number of levers 6 and the number of first connecting rods 1 may be the same, with each first connecting rod 1 arranged adjacent to one of the levers 6 in the longitudinal direction of the first tube 11.

[0055] The tilt adjustment device 30 includes an electric drive unit 50, which includes a motor 53 and a push rod 51 driven by the motor 53. The push rod 51 can be directly or indirectly connected to the lever 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the push rod 51 is connected to a rod 8 connected to each lever 6, such that the rod 8 forms a connection point 7 between each lever 6 and the push rod 51. Alternatively, the push rod 51 can also be directly connected to the associated lever 6. In the design position of the vehicle seat 100, the connection point 7 between the push rod 51 and the lever 6 is located above and behind the first pivot 3. The motor 53 can cause the first connecting rod 1 to rotate about the first pivot 3 in two opposite rotational directions via the push rod 51 and the lever 6 to adjust the tilt angle of the seat portion 10 of the vehicle seat 100. The push rod 51 is rotatable about a fourth pivot located behind and below the first pivot 3.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the electric drive unit 50 includes a motor 53 and two transmission assemblies 52, particularly gear transmissions, located on either side of the motor 53 in the axial direction. Each transmission assembly 52 includes a push rod 51. It is particularly advantageous to have a centrally located motor 53 and two symmetrically arranged transmission assemblies 52 about the motor 53 in the width direction of the vehicle seat 100, wherein the two push rods 51 can apply pushing or pulling forces substantially symmetrically to the rods 8 connected to the respective levers 6.

[0057] The push rod 51 can be configured as a screw, and the motor 53 is connected to the corresponding screw 51 via a corresponding transmission assembly 52. Figure 6 An exemplary screw 51 is shown, having a screw body and a connector 54 at the end of the screw body for mounting on a rod 8. The screw body has external threads. For simplicity, the external threads of the screw body are not described. By being driven in opposite directions by a motor 53, two screws 51 can extend and retract synchronously from the drive assembly 52.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the push rod 51 may be configured as a screw and nut mechanism, which includes a screw and a nut, wherein the lever 6 is provided with a nut seat for receiving the nut, and the rotational movement of the screw can cause the nut to move along the screw.

[0059] In another alternative embodiment, the push rod 51 may be configured as a lead screw and nut mechanism, which includes a lead screw and a sleeve with internal threads, wherein the sleeve is directly or indirectly connected to the lever 6, and the rotational movement of the lead screw can cause the sleeve to be screwed out of or into the lead screw.

[0060] Figure 7 The base 40 of the vehicle seat 100 shows three base plates 41 distributed in the width direction of the vehicle seat 100. Each of these base plates 41 has a first mounting hole 42 for mounting a first pivot 3 or a first tube 11. Each of these base plates 41 also has a smaller second mounting hole 43 for mounting a fourth pivot configured to the electric drive assembly 50.

[0061] Figure 8 This diagram shows four structural components of the shaft assembly 60 of the vehicle seat 100. The seat portion 10 of the vehicle seat 100 is rotatably supported at its rear end via the shaft assembly 60. Each structural component may include a first member 61 and a second member 62, which are rotatably connected to each other via a pin 63. The first member 61 may be configured as a connecting plate and fixed to a base member (not shown) of the base 40 of the vehicle seat 100. The second member 62 may be fixed to the seat portion 10 of the vehicle seat 100, for example, welded to the frame of the seat portion 10.

[0062] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0063] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0064] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0065] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

[0066] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, modifications can be made based on the above embodiments, and these modifications do not depart from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat, characterized in that, The tilt adjustment device (30) includes a first link (1) and a second link (2). The first link is rotatably connected to the base (40) of the vehicle seat around a first pivot (3). The first link (1) and the second link (2) are rotatably connected around a second pivot (4). The second link (2) is rotatably connected to the front end of the seat portion (10) of the vehicle seat around a third pivot (5). In the designed position of the vehicle seat, the first pivot and the third pivot are located behind the second pivot and above the first pivot. The tilt adjustment device includes an electric drive unit (50). The electric drive unit includes a motor (53) and a push rod (51) that can be driven by the motor. The push rod is connected to a lever (6), which is fixedly connected to the first link. The motor can cause the first link to rotate around the first pivot in two opposite rotational directions via the push rod and the lever to adjust the tilt angle of the seat portion of the vehicle seat.

2. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push rod is rotatable about a fourth pivot, which is located behind and below the first pivot; and / or in the designed position of the vehicle seat, the second pivot is above the first pivot, and the third pivot is above the second pivot.

3. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the designed position of the vehicle seat, the connection point (7) of the push rod and the lever is above and behind the first pivot; and / or at a predetermined maximum tilt angle of the seat portion of the vehicle seat, the connection point (7) of the push rod and the lever is below and behind the first pivot.

4. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The push rod is configured as a screw, and the motor is connected to the screw via a transmission assembly (52); or the push rod is configured as a lead screw and nut mechanism.

5. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The tilt adjustment device includes a structural unit, which includes a first tube (11), a second tube (12), and a rod (8). The first tube forms a first rotating shaft, the second tube forms a second rotating shaft, a plurality of first connecting rods (1) are connected to the first tube and the second tube and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal extension direction of the first tube, a plurality of levers (6) are connected to the first tube and the rod, and the push rod is connected to the rod. Preferably, the first tube, the second tube, the rod, the plurality of first connecting rods, and the plurality of levers are connected by welding to form a single integral component; and / or Preferably, the first tube has two opposing end sections (14) through which the first tube is rotatably supported in the base (40).

6. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to claim 5, characterized in that, The structural unit also includes a third tube (13), which forms a third pivot, and a plurality of second links (2) are connected to the second tube and to the third tube. The third tube is installed in the frame of the seat (10) of the vehicle seat. Preferably, the plurality of second links are fixedly connected to the third tube and rotatably connected to the second tube, and the third tube is rotatably mounted to the frame of the seat of the vehicle seat; and / or Preferably, the number of first links, the number of second links, and the number of levers are the same. In the longitudinal extension direction of the first tube, each first link is arranged adjacent to one of the levers, and each first link is arranged adjacent to one of the second links.

7. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The electric drive unit includes a motor (54) and two drive assemblies (52) located on both sides of the motor in the width direction of the vehicle seat, each drive assembly including a push rod (51); Preferably, the transmission assembly is configured as a gear transmission device, and the push rod is configured as a screw or lead screw and nut mechanism.

8. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The base (40) includes a plurality of base plates (41) distributed in the width direction of the seat; and / or the seat portion of the vehicle seat is rotatably supported at its rear end by a shaft assembly (60).

9. The tilt adjustment device for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The tilt adjustment device is configured for a row of seats in a vehicle, the row of seats comprising multiple seats side by side; or the tilt adjustment device is configured for a single seat in a vehicle.

10. A vehicle seat (100) comprising a movable seat portion (10), characterized in that, The seat is provided with a tilt adjustment device (30) for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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