Occupant support

Abstract

The invention relates to an occupant support. An occupant support for a vehicle includes a seat base fixed in place relative to a floor of the vehicle; a seat cushion adapted to support an occupant above the floor of the vehicle; and a cushion swivel system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a vertical pivot axis.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to a means of transport, and more particularly to a vehicle seat included in the means of transport. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a vehicle seat that is movable relative to the rest of the means of transport. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to this disclosure, an occupant support for a vehicle includes: a seat base fixed in place relative to the floor of the vehicle; a seat cushion adapted to support an occupant above the floor of the vehicle; and a cushion rotation system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a vertical pivot axis.

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, the seat cushion rotation system includes: a rotation fastener engaged to the seat base in a fixed position relative to the seat base; a rotation latch engaged to the seat cushion for pivotable movement together with the seat cushion; and a latch control system. The latch control system is configured to control movement of the rotation latch between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the rotation latch engages with the rotation fastener in the locked position to prevent rotation of the seat cushion about the vertical axis, and the rotation latch disengages from the rotation fastener in the unlocked position, allowing the seat cushion to pivot freely about the vertical axis.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the latch control system includes an actuator unit, a latch retainer, and an actuator control unit. The actuator unit is coupled to the rotary latch and configured to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The latch retainer is configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The actuator control unit includes an interface configured to receive user input and a controller.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, the controller is configured to output a first command to the actuator unit in response to a first user input to the interface, causing the actuator to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position. The controller is configured to output a second command to the actuator unit in response to a second user input to the interface, causing the latch retainer to release the rotary latch, allowing the rotary latch to return to the locked position.

[0006] Additional features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering exemplary embodiments illustrating the best mode of carrying out this disclosure as currently recognized. Attached Figure Description

[0007] For detailed implementation methods, please refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 These are perspective and schematic views of the occupant support components, including the seat base, seat cushion, and cushion rotation system, according to this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 These are perspective and schematic views of the occupant support, showing the seat cushion rotating about a vertical axis;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a top view of the occupant support, in which a portion of the seat cushion is removed to show the cushion rotation system in a locked position, which prevents the seat cushion from rotating about a vertical axis.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a top view of the occupant support, in which a portion of the seat cushion is removed to show the cushion rotation system in the unlocked position, which allows the seat cushion to rotate about a vertical axis in this unlocked position;

[0012] Figure 5 This is an enlarged perspective view of an actuator unit included in a seat cushion rotation system, showing that the actuator unit includes an actuator mounted outside the periphery of the seat cushion and having an actuator piston configured to extend and retract to lock and unlock the seat cushion.

[0013] Figure 6 This is an enlarged perspective view of the actuator unit, showing the actuator piston being extended to unlock the seat cushion for pivotable movement about a vertical axis;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a top view of another embodiment of the actuator unit;

[0015] Figure 8 It is in the unlocked position. Figure 7 A top view of the actuator unit;

[0016] Figure 9 It is in the locked position. Figure 7 A top view of the actuator unit;

[0017] Figure 10 This is a top view of another embodiment of the actuator unit;

[0018] Figure 11 It is in the unlocked position. Figure 10 A top view of the actuator unit;

[0019] Figure 12 It is in the locked position. Figure 10A top view of the actuator unit;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a top view of another embodiment of the actuator unit;

[0021] Figure 14 It is in the unlocked position. Figure 13 A top view of the actuator unit;

[0022] Figure 15 It is in the locked position. Figure 13 A top view of the actuator unit; and

[0023] Figure 16 This is a top view of another embodiment of the actuator unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the occupant support 10 according to this disclosure is configured to be attached to a vehicle and allow a seated occupant to rotate about a vertical pivot axis 12. The occupant support 10 includes: a seat base 14 fixed in place relative to the floor of the vehicle; a seat cushion 16 adapted to support the occupant above the floor of the vehicle; and a cushion rotation system 18 configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion 16 relative to the seat base 14 about the vertical pivot axis 12.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion rotation system 18 includes: a rotation fastener 20, which is fixedly connected to the seat base 14 relative to the seat base 14; a rotation latch 22, which is connected to the seat cushion 16 for pivotable movement about a pivot axis 12 together with the seat cushion 16; and a latch control system 24. The latch control system 24 is configured to control the movement of the rotation latch 22 between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the rotation latch 22 engages the rotation fastener 20 to prevent rotation of the seat cushion 16 about the vertical axis 12. In the unlocked position, the rotation latch 22 disengages from the rotation fastener 20, allowing the seat cushion 16 to pivot freely about the vertical axis 12 relative to the seat base 14.

[0026] like Figure 2As shown, the latch control system 24 includes an actuator unit 26, a latch retainer 28, and an actuator control unit 30. The actuator unit 26 is coupled to the seat cushion 16 for pivotable movement relative to the seat base 14 together with the seat cushion 16. The actuator unit 26 is also coupled to a rotary latch 22 and configured to move the rotary latch 22 relative to the seat cushion 16 from a locked position to an unlocked position. The latch retainer 28 is configured to engage the rotary latch 22 in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch 22 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The actuator control unit 30 receives user input to control the operation of the actuator unit 26 and the latch retainer 28, thereby locking or unlocking the rotary latch 22 in response to user input.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the actuator control unit 30 includes: an interface 32 configured to receive user input; and a controller 34 configured to output commands in response to the input. The interface 32 can be coupled to the seat base 14, seat cushion 16, or any other structure or location in the vehicle. The interface 32 may include one or more of a button, sensor, switch, or any other suitable device that a user can interact with to provide user input. The controller 34 includes: one or more processors; a memory device storing instructions executed by the processors; and circuitry connecting the processors to the memory and connecting the controller 34 to the actuator unit 26.

[0028] The controller 34 is configured to receive a signal from the interface 32 in response to user input and is configured to output a command to the actuator unit 26 based on the signal. The command includes a first command to unlock the rotary latch 22 and a second command to lock the rotary latch. The first command causes the actuator unit 26 to move the rotary latch 22 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The second command causes the latch retainer 28 to release the rotary latch 22, allowing the rotary latch 22 to return to the locked position.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, actuator unit 26 includes actuator 36 and actuator link 40. Actuator 36 is mounted to the side of seat cushion 16 to reside outside the periphery of seat cushion 16 defined by all sides of seat cushion 16 and is radially spaced from vertical axis 12. Actuator link 40 interconnects actuator 36 and rotary latch 22 to transmit movement to rotary latch 22, thereby changing rotary latch 22 from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to a first command.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, actuator 36 is a linear actuator with an actuator piston 48 configured to engage a first actuator rod 38. The actuator piston 48 extends and retracts in response to a first command and a second command to move the actuator link 40 and the rotary latch. In some embodiments, actuator 36 includes a radial actuator that applies torque or rotation to the actuator link 40 to unlock the rotary latch.

[0031] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the actuator linkage 40 includes: a first actuator rod 38; an actuator shaft 50 coupled to the actuator rod 38; and a second actuator rod 52 coupled to the actuator shaft 50 and coupled to the rotary latch 22. The first actuator rod 38 pivots about a first rod axis 49 in response to movement of the actuator piston 48. The actuator shaft 50 is configured to translate linearly relative to the seat cushion 16 in response to movement of the first actuator rod 36. The second actuator rod 52 is configured to pivot about a second rod axis 53 relative to the seat cushion 16 in response to movement of the actuator shaft 50, so that the rotary latch 22 can be pivotally moved to the unlocked position.

[0032] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the seat base 14 includes a base plate mount 42 and a base plate 44, the base plate being connected to the base plate mount 42. The seat cushion 16 includes a cushion plate 46 that intersects with the base plate 44 to provide a rotation interface between them. An actuator 36 is radially offset from the rotation interface relative to the vertical axis 12. The seat base 14 also includes a first rotation mount 45, and the seat cushion 16 also includes a second rotation mount 47, which interlocks with the first rotation mount 45 to support the seat cushion 16 on the seat base 14 when the rotation latch 22 is in the locked and unlocked positions. The first rotation mount 45 and the second rotation mount 47 can include any suitable structure for supporting the seat cushion 16 on the seat base 14 while allowing the seat cushion 16 to rotate about the axis 12 when the rotation latch 22 is in the unlocked position. The first rotary mounting component 45 and the second rotary mounting component 47 may include one or more of the following: column, orifice, bearing, track, slot, channel, etc.

[0033] like Figures 7 to 15As shown, the latch retainer 28 includes a retainer body 80 and a retainer nose 82, the retainer nose being coupled to an end of the retainer body 80 and arranged at an angle relative to the retainer body 80. The rotary latch 22 includes a latch body 90 and a latch nose 92, the latch nose being configured to engage the latch fastener 20 in a locked position to prevent movement of the seat cushion 16 relative to the seat base 14. The latch nose 92 is configured to engage the retainer nose 82 of the latch retainer 22 in an unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch 22 from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. The retainer nose 92 disengages from the rotary latch 22 in response to a second command, allowing the rotary latch 22 to freely return to the locked position via a return spring 76.

[0034] The latch retainer 28 prevents the rotary latch 22 from returning to the locked position until the user issues a second command to disengage the latch retainer 28 from the rotary latch 22. This allows, for example, the user to freely pivot about the vertical axis 12 to observe the surrounding environment while the vehicle is in motion. This could be useful in agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, and / or autonomous vehicles.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the actuator unit 226 of this disclosure, in Figures 7 to 9 As shown in the diagram. Although parts of each latch control system 24, 224 can be combined, Figures 7 to 9 The actuator unit 226 can be used to replace Figures 1 to 6 Actuator unit 226. The disclosure of occupant support 10 is hereby incorporated for use with actuator unit 226.

[0036] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, actuator unit 226 includes actuator 236 and actuator link 240. Actuator 236 is mounted to the side of seat cushion 16 to reside outside the periphery of seat cushion 16 defined by all sides of seat cushion 16 and is radially spaced from vertical axis 12. Actuator link 240 interconnects actuator 236 and rotary latch 22 to transmit movement to rotary latch 22, thereby changing rotary latch 22 from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to a first command.

[0037] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, actuator 236 is a linear actuator with actuator piston 248 configured to engage actuator link 240. Actuator piston 248 extends and retracts in response to a first command and a second command to move actuator link 240 and rotary latch 22.

[0038] like Figures 7 to 9As shown, the actuator link 240 includes an actuator cable 238 and a cable guide 250. The actuator cable 238 has a first end connected to the actuator piston 248 and a second end connected to the rotary latch 22. The cable guide 250 causes the actuator cable 238 to move in response to movement of the actuator piston 248.

[0039] like Figure 8 As shown, the actuator piston 248 is configured to move in a first direction in response to a first command to pull the actuator cable 238, thereby moving the rotary latch 22 to the unlocked position. Figure 9 As shown, the actuator piston 248 is configured to move in the opposite second direction in response to the second command to disengage the latch retainer 28 from the rotary latch 22, so that the rotary latch 22 freely returns to the locked position.

[0040] The latch retainer 28 includes a first end 70 and an opposing second end 72, the first end being configured to engage the rotary latch 22 in the unlocked position, and the opposing second end being coupled to the linear piston 248 of the actuator 236. When the actuator piston 248 moves in a first direction to pull the actuator cable 238, the latch retainer 28 is biased to rotate about a retainer axis 29, such that the first end 70 of the latch retainer 28 engages the rotary latch 22 when the rotary latch 22 reaches the unlocked position. In an exemplary embodiment, a tension spring 74 is configured to pull the second end 72 of the latch retainer toward the actuator piston 248 such that the latch retainer pivots about the retainer axis 29 when the actuator piston 248 retracts.

[0041] When the actuator piston 248 moves in the second direction, it causes the latch retainer 28 to pivot in the opposite direction about the retainer axis 29, disengaging the first end 70 from the rotary latch 22. The return spring 76 is configured to bias the rotary latch 22 toward the locked position, such that when the first end 70 disengages, the rotary latch 22 returns to the locked position in response to a second command. Although referenced... Figures 7 to 9 Latch retainer 28 is shown, but it should be understood that latch retainer 28 can be coupled to actuator piston 48 so as to move with it in the same or similar manner.

[0042] According to another embodiment of the actuator unit 326 of this disclosure, in Figures 10 to 12 As shown in the diagram. Although portions of each actuator unit 26, 326 can be combined, Figures 10 to 12 The actuator unit 326 can be used to replace Figures 1 to 6 Actuator unit 26. The disclosure of occupant support 10 is hereby incorporated for use with actuator unit 326.

[0043] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, actuator unit 326 includes actuator 336 and actuator link 340. Actuator 336 is mounted to the side of seat cushion 16 to reside outside the periphery of seat cushion 16 defined by all sides of seat cushion 16 and is radially spaced from vertical axis 12. Actuator link 340 interconnects actuator 336 and rotary latch 22 to transmit movement to rotary latch 22, thereby changing rotary latch 22 from a locked position to an unlocked position in response to a first command.

[0044] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, actuator 336 is a linear actuator having an actuator piston 348 configured to engage actuator link 340. Actuator piston 348 extends and retracts in response to a first command and a second command to move actuator link 340 and rotary latch 22.

[0045] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the actuator link 340 includes an actuator cable 338 and a cable guide 350. The actuator cable 338 has a first end connected to the actuator piston 348 and a second end connected to the rotary latch 22. The cable guide 350 causes movement of the actuator cable 338 in response to movement of the actuator piston 348.

[0046] like Figure 11 As shown, the actuator piston 348 is configured to move in a first direction in response to a first command to pull the actuator cable 338, thereby moving the rotary latch 22 to the unlocked position. Figure 12 As shown, the actuator piston 348 is configured to move in the opposite second direction in response to the second command to disengage the latch retainer 28 from the rotary latch 22, so that the rotary latch 22 freely returns to the locked position.

[0047] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the actuator link 340 also includes a retainer cable 352 connected to the latch retainer 28. The actuator piston 348 is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to a second command to pull the retainer cable 352, thereby pivoting the latch retainer 28 about the retainer pivot axis 29 and disengaging it from the rotary latch 22. Although referenced... Figures 10 to 12 Latch retainer 28 is shown, but it should be understood that latch retainer 28 can be coupled to actuator piston 48 so as to move with it in the same or similar manner.

[0048] like Figures 10 to 12As shown, the actuator linkage 340 also includes an actuator rod 354, which is coupled to the seat cushion 16 for pivotable movement relative to the seat cushion 16. The actuator rod 354 has a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the actuator piston 348 and to the actuator cable 338 to pull the actuator cable 338 in response to a first command. The second end is coupled to the retainer cable 352 to pull the retainer cable 352 in response to a second command.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the actuator unit 426 of this disclosure, in Figures 13 to 15 As shown in the diagram. Although portions of each actuator unit 26, 426 can be combined, Figures 13 to 15 The actuator unit 426 can be used to replace Figures 1 to 6 Actuator unit 26. The disclosure of occupant support 10 is hereby incorporated for use with actuator unit 426.

[0050] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, actuator unit 426 includes actuator 436 and actuator link 340. Actuator 336 is mounted to the side of seat cushion 16 to reside outside the periphery of seat cushion 16 defined by all sides of seat cushion 16 and is radially spaced from vertical axis 12. Actuator link 440 interconnects actuator 436 and rotary latch 22 to transmit movement to rotary latch 22, thereby changing rotary latch 22 from locked position to unlocked position in response to a first command, and changing rotary latch 22 from unlocked position to locked position in response to a second command.

[0051] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, actuator 436 includes a power supply 448, and actuator link 440 includes a first shape memory alloy cable 450 and a second shape memory alloy cable 452. The first shape memory alloy cable 450 and the second shape memory alloy cable 452 are configured to retract or extend in response to electrical energy from the power supply 448. The first shape memory alloy cable 450 is connected to a rotary latch 22. The second shape memory alloy cable 452 is connected to a latch retainer 28.

[0052] like Figure 14 As shown, power supply 448 is configured to energize the first shape memory alloy cable 450 in response to a first command to pull the rotary latch 22 to the unlocked position. Figure 15 As shown, the power supply 448 is configured to energize the second shape memory alloy cable 452 in response to the second command, so that the latch retainer 28 is disengaged from the rotary latch, allowing the rotary latch 22 to freely return to the locked position.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the actuator unit 526 of this disclosure, in Figure 16 As shown in the diagram. Although portions of each actuator unit 26, 526 can be combined, Figure 16 The actuator unit 526 can be used to replace Figures 1 to 6 Actuator unit 26. The disclosure of occupant support 10 is hereby incorporated for use with actuator unit 526.

[0054] like Figure 16 As shown, actuator unit 526 includes a linear actuator having an actuator piston 548 that directly engages with rotary latch 22. Actuator piston 548 is configured to extend and retract to move rotary latch 22 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0055] The following numbered items include anticipated and non-restrictive implementation schemes:

[0056] Clause 1. An occupant support for a vehicle includes a seat base fixed in place relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0057] Clause 2. The occupant support according to Clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support comprising a seat cushion adapted to support an occupant over the floor of the vehicle.

[0058] Clause 3. The occupant support according to Clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support including a cushion rotation system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a vertical pivot axis.

[0059] Clause 4. The occupant support according to Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the swivel cushioning system includes a swivel fastener engaged to the seat base in a fixed position relative to the seat base.

[0060] Clause 5. The occupant support according to Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the cushion rotation system includes a rotation latch coupled to the seat cushion for pivotable movement together with the seat cushion.

[0061] Clause 6. The occupant support according to Clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the seat cushion rotation system includes a latch control system configured to control movement of the rotation latch between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotation latch engaging with the rotation fastener in the locked position to prevent rotation of the seat cushion about the vertical axis, and the rotation latch disengaging from the rotation fastener in the unlocked position to allow the seat cushion to pivot freely about the vertical axis.

[0062] Clause 7. The occupant support according to Clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch control system comprises: an actuator unit coupled to and configured to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; a latch retainer configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position; and / or an actuator control unit including an interface and a controller, wherein... The interface is configured to receive user input, and the controller is configured to: (i) in response to a first user input to the interface, output a first command to at least one of the actuator unit and the latch retainer to cause the actuator to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; and / or (ii) in response to a second user input to the interface, output a second command to at least one of the actuator unit and the latch retainer to cause the latch retainer to release the rotary latch, enabling the rotary latch to return to the locked position.

[0063] Clause 8. The occupant support according to Clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator, and the actuator is mounted to the side of the seat cushion to reside outside the periphery of the seat cushion defined by all sides of the seat cushion and radially spaced from the vertical axis.

[0064] Clause 9. The occupant support according to Clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the seat base includes a base plate, and the seat cushion includes a cushion plate that intersects with the base plate to provide a rotation interface between them, and wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator that is radially offset from the rotation interface relative to the vertical axis.

[0065] Clause 10. The occupant support according to Clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit further comprises: an actuator rod coupled to the actuator; and an actuator link coupled between the actuator rod and the rotary latch to transmit movement of the actuator to the rotary latch, thereby moving the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command.

[0066] Clause 11. The occupant support according to Clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator having an actuator piston configured to engage the actuator rod and pivot the actuator rod in response to the first command, and wherein the actuator linkage comprises: an actuator shaft coupled to the actuator rod and configured to linearly translate relative to the seat cushion in response to the first command; and a second actuator rod coupled between the actuator shaft and the rotary latch and configured to pivot relative to the seat cushion about a rod axis in response to movement of the actuator shaft, thereby enabling the rotary latch to pivotally move to the unlocked position.

[0067] Clause 12. The occupant support according to Clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator cable connected to the rotary latch and configured to pull the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command.

[0068] Clause 13. The occupant support according to Clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit comprises a linear actuator having a linear piston coupled to the actuator cable and configured to move in a first direction in response to the first command to pull the actuator cable and move the rotary latch to the unlocked position.

[0069] Clause 14. The occupant support according to Clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch retainer includes a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position, the opposing second end being coupled to the linear piston of the actuator, and wherein the linear piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the second command to move the first end of the latch retainer away from the rotary latch.

[0070] Clause 15. The occupant support according to Clause 14, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch control unit further includes a return spring configured to bias the rotary latch toward the locked position such that the rotary latch returns to the locked position in response to the second command.

[0071] Clause 16. The occupant support according to Clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit further includes a retainer cable coupled to the latch retainer, and wherein the linear piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the second command to pull the retainer cable, thereby pivoting the latch retainer about a retainer pivot axis and disengaging it from the rotary latch.

[0072] Clause 17. The occupant support according to Clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit further comprises an actuator rod coupled to the seat cushion for pivotable movement relative to the seat cushion, the actuator rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the linear piston and the actuator cable to pull the actuator cable in response to the first command, and the second end being coupled to the retainer cable to pull the retainer cable in response to the second command.

[0073] Clause 18. The occupant support according to Clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator cable is made of a first shape memory alloy configured to retract in length upon application of electrical power from a power source to pull the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command, and the actuator further includes a retainer cable coupled to the latch retainer and made of a second shape memory alloy configured to retract in length upon application of electrical power from the power source to release the latch retainer from the rotary latch in response to the second command.

[0074] Clause 19. An occupant support for a vehicle, the occupant support comprising a seat base fixed in place relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0075] Clause 20. The occupant support according to Clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support comprising a seat cushion adapted to support an occupant over the floor of the vehicle.

[0076] Clause 21. The occupant support according to Clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support comprising a cushion rotation system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a pivot axis.

[0077] Clause 22. The occupant support according to Clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the slewing system includes a slewing fastener.

[0078] Clause 23. The occupant support according to Clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the liner rotation system includes a rotation latch.

[0079] Clause 24. The occupant support according to Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the seat cushion rotation system includes a latch control system configured to control movement of the rotation latch between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotation latch engaging with the rotation fastener in the locked position to prevent rotation of the seat cushion about the pivot axis, and the rotation latch disengaging from the rotation fastener in the unlocked position to allow the seat cushion to pivot freely about the pivot axis.

[0080] Clause 25. The occupant support according to Clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch control system comprises: an actuator unit coupled to the rotary latch and configured to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; a latch retainer configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position; and an actuator control unit including an interface and a controller, the interface being configured to receive user input, and the controller being configured to output one or more commands to move the actuator unit and the latch retainer to lock and unlock the rotary latch.

[0081] Clause 26. The occupant support according to Clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch retainer comprises a retainer body and a retainer nose, the retainer nose being coupled to an end of the retainer body and arranged at an angle relative to the retainer body.

[0082] Clause 27. The occupant support according to Clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rotary latch includes a latch body and a latch nose, the latch nose being configured to engage the latch fastener in the locked position to prevent movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base, and being configured to engage the retainer nose of the latch retainer in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0083] Clause 28. The occupant support according to Clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit comprises: an actuator rod coupled to the actuator; and an actuator link coupled between the actuator rod and the rotary latch to transmit movement of the actuator to the rotary latch, thereby moving the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command.

[0084] Clause 29. The occupant support according to Clause 28, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator having an actuator piston configured to engage the actuator rod and pivot the actuator rod in response to the first command, and wherein the actuator rod comprises: an actuator shaft coupled to the actuator rod and configured to linearly translate relative to the seat cushion in response to the one or more commands; and a second actuator rod coupled between the actuator shaft and the rotary latch and configured to pivot relative to the seat cushion about a rod axis in response to movement of the actuator shaft, thereby enabling the rotary latch to pivotally move to the unlocked position.

[0085] Clause 30. The occupant support according to Clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit comprises a linear actuator having a linear piston configured to: (i) move in a first direction in response to a first command to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position, and (ii) move in the opposite second direction in response to a second command to move the latch retainer thereby disengaging from the rotary latch, allowing the rotary latch to freely return to the locked position.

[0086] Article 31. An occupant support for a vehicle, the occupant support comprising a seat base fixed in place relative to the floor of the vehicle.

[0087] Clause 32. The occupant support according to Clause 31, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support comprising a seat cushion adapted to support an occupant over the floor of the vehicle.

[0088] Clause 33. The occupant support according to Clause 32, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the occupant support including a cushion rotation system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a pivot axis.

[0089] Clause 34. The occupant support according to Clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the slewing system includes a slewing fastener.

[0090] Clause 35. The occupant support according to Clause 34, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the seat cushion rotation system includes a rotation latch movable relative to the rotation fastener between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotation latch engaging with the rotation fastener in the locked position to prevent rotation of the seat cushion about the pivot axis, and the rotation latch disengaging from the rotation fastener in the unlocked position to allow the seat cushion to pivot freely about the pivot axis.

[0091] Clause 36. The occupant support according to Clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the seat cushion swivel system includes a latch control system configured to provide components for controlling the swivel latch to: (i) move from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving a first command, and (ii) move from the unlocked position to the locked position in response to receiving a second command, such that the swivel latch is held in the locked position while the vehicle is in motion, allowing the occupant to freely pivot about the pivot axis with the seat cushion after receiving the first command and before receiving the second command, without manually disengaging the swivel latch from the swivel fastener.

[0092] Clause 37. The occupant support according to Clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch control system includes an actuator unit and a latch retainer, the actuator unit being coupled to the rotary latch and configured to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position, and the latch retainer being configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0093] Clause 38. The occupant support according to Clause 37, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the latch retainer includes a retainer body and a retainer nose, the retainer nose being coupled to an end of the retainer body and arranged at an angle relative to the retainer body.

[0094] Clause 39. The occupant support according to Clause 38, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the rotary latch includes a latch body and a latch nose, the latch nose being configured to engage the latch fastener in the locked position to prevent movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base, and being configured to engage the retainer nose of the latch retainer in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0095] Clause 40. The occupant support according to Clause 39, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the actuator unit comprises a linear actuator having a linear piston configured to: (i) move in a first direction in response to a first command to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position, and (ii) move in the opposite second direction in response to a second command to move the latch retainer such that the retainer nose separates from the latch nose, allowing the rotary latch to freely return to the locked position by a return spring.

Claims

1. An occupant support for a vehicle, the occupant support comprising: A seat base, which is fixed in place relative to the base plate of the vehicle; Seat cushions adapted to support occupants above the floor of the vehicle; and A cushion rotation system configured to control pivotable movement of the seat cushion relative to the seat base about a vertical pivot axis, the cushion rotation system comprising: A swivel fastener is connected to the seat base at a fixed position relative to the seat base; A rotary latch, which is coupled to the seat cushion for pivotable movement together with the seat cushion; and A latch control system is configured to control the movement of the rotary latch between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the rotary latch engages with the rotary fastener in the locked position to prevent rotation of the seat cushion about the vertical axis, and the rotary latch disengages from the rotary fastener in the unlocked position, allowing the seat cushion to pivot freely about the vertical axis. The latch control system includes: an actuator unit coupled to the rotary latch and configured to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; a latch retainer configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position to prevent the rotary latch from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position; and an actuator control unit including an interface and a controller, the interface being configured to receive user input, the controller being configured to: (i) output a first command to at least one of the actuator unit and the latch retainer in response to a first user input to the interface, causing the actuator to move the rotary latch from the locked position to the unlocked position; and (ii) output a second command to at least one of the actuator unit and the latch retainer in response to a second user input to the interface, causing the latch retainer to release the rotary latch, allowing the rotary latch to return to the locked position.

2. The occupant support of claim 1, wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator, and the actuator is mounted to the side of the seat cushion to reside outside the periphery of the seat cushion defined by all sides of the seat cushion, and is radially spaced from the vertical axis.

3. The occupant support of claim 1, wherein the seat base includes a base plate, and the seat cushion includes a cushion plate intersecting the base plate to provide a rotation interface between them, and wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator, and the actuator is radially offset from the rotation interface relative to the vertical axis.

4. The occupant support according to claim 2, wherein the actuator unit further comprises: An actuator rod, which is connected to the actuator; An actuator link is connected between the actuator rod and the rotary latch to transmit movement of the actuator to the rotary latch, thereby moving the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command.

5. The occupant support of claim 4, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator having an actuator piston configured to engage the actuator rod and pivot the actuator rod in response to the first command, and wherein the actuator link comprises: An actuator shaft is coupled to the actuator rod and configured to translate linearly relative to the seat cushion in response to the first command; A second actuator rod is coupled between the actuator shaft and the rotary latch and is configured to pivot about the rod axis relative to the seat cushion in response to movement of the actuator shaft, so that the rotary latch can pivotally move to the unlocked position.

6. The occupant support of claim 1, wherein the actuator unit includes an actuator cable connected to the rotary latch and configured to pull the rotary latch to the unlocked position in response to the first command.

7. The occupant support of claim 6, wherein the actuator unit comprises a linear actuator having a linear piston coupled to the actuator cable and configured to move in a first direction in response to the first command to pull the actuator cable and move the rotary latch to the unlocked position.

8. The occupant support of claim 7, wherein the latch retainer includes a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being configured to engage the rotary latch in the unlocked position, the opposing second end being coupled to the linear piston of the actuator, and wherein the linear piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the second command to move the first end of the latch retainer away from the rotary latch.

9. The occupant support of claim 8, wherein the latch control unit further comprises a return spring configured to bias the rotary latch toward the locked position such that the rotary latch returns to the locked position in response to the second command.

10. The occupant support of claim 7, wherein the actuator unit further comprises a retainer cable coupled to the latch retainer, and wherein the linear piston is configured to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction in response to the second command to pull the retainer cable, thereby pivoting the latch retainer about a retainer pivot axis and disengaging it from the rotary latch.

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