Adjustable vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable vehicle seat (10) comprising: a base (12); a seat cushion frame (14); a rear link (16); a height adjuster actuator (18); and at least a first inclination adjuster actuator (20). A first top end of the first inclination adjuster actuator (20) is connected to a left side portion (36) of the front end of the seat cushion frame; and the vehicle seat further comprises a second tilt adjuster actuator (22) extending between a second top end (64) and a second bottom end (66) connected to a right side portion (37) of the front end of the seat cushion frame and the base, respectively; a first inclination adjuster actuator (20) and a second inclination adjuster actuator (22) are capable of moving the front end of the seat cushion frame relative to the base.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat of the type comprising: a base; a seat cushion frame extending between a front end and a rear end; the front end comprising a left side portion and a right side portion located on each side of a median plane of the vehicle seat; a rear link connecting the base and the rear end of the seat cushion frame; a height adjuster actuator extending between an adjuster front end and an adjuster rear end, said adjuster rear end being connected to the rear link, said height adjuster actuator being able to move the rear link relative to the base; and at least a first reclining adjuster actuator extending between a first top end and a first bottom end, the first top end being connected to the front end of the seat cushion frame, the first bottom end being connected to the base; the first reclining adjuster actuator being able to move the front end of the seat cushion frame relative to the base. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a vehicle seat is able to accommodate occupants of different heights and sizes and different seating postures. Such a vehicle seat is disclosed in document US11273735.

[0003] In the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the seat cushion of the seat can protrude forward, thereby causing injury to the passenger occupying the seat. Therefore, in order to improve the safety of the passenger, it is preferable to design the vehicle seat so as to limit this forward protrusion of the seat cushion. SUMMARY

[0004] To this end, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat of the type described above, wherein: the first top end of the first reclining adjuster actuator is connected to the left side portion of the front end of the seat cushion frame; and the vehicle seat further comprises a second reclining adjuster actuator extending between a second top end and a second bottom end, said second top end and said second bottom end being connected to the right side portion of the front end of the seat cushion frame and to the base, respectively; the second reclining adjuster actuator being able to move the front end of the seat cushion frame relative to the base.

[0005] According to embodiments, the vehicle seat can comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0006] - each of the first reclining adjuster actuator and the second reclining adjuster actuator is configured so that: the distance between the top end and the bottom end of said first reclining adjuster actuator or second reclining adjuster actuator is variable; and the distance between the top end and the bottom end of said first reclining adjuster actuator and said second reclining adjuster actuator is substantially the same;

[0007] - the base comprises a left side portion and a right side portion located on each side of a median plane of the vehicle seat; the first bottom end of the first recline adjuster actuator is connected to the left side portion of the base; and the second bottom end of the second recline adjuster actuator is connected to the right side portion of the base;

[0008] - the bottom ends of the first recline adjuster actuator and the second recline adjuster actuator are pivotally connected to the left side portion and the right side portion of the base, respectively;

[0009] - the top ends of the first recline adjuster actuator and the second recline adjuster actuator are pivotally connected to the left side portion and the right side portion of the front end of the seat cushion frame, respectively;

[0010] - the adjuster rear end of the height adjuster actuator is pivotally connected to the rear link;

[0011] - the adjuster front end of the height adjuster actuator is connected to the base;

[0012] - the adjuster front end of the height adjuster actuator is pivotally connected to the base.

[0013] - the adjuster front end of the height adjuster actuator is connected to the front end of the seat cushion frame;

[0014] - the adjuster front end of the height adjuster actuator is pivotally connected to the front end of the seat cushion frame;

[0015] - the vehicle seat further comprises at least one rail to which the base is slidably coupled.

[0016] The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a floor panel; and at least one vehicle seat as described above, the at least one rail being fixed to the floor panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be more readily understood in view of the following description, provided by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration;

[0019] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 are cross-sectional views of the vehicle seat of Figure 1 in a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively;

[0020] - Figure 4 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat of Figures 1 to 3 in a fourth configuration; and

[0021] - Figure 5is a schematic view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the application in the fourth configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figures 1 to 3 A vehicle seat 10 according to a first embodiment of the application is shown. Figure 4 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat 10.

[0023] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat 110 according to a second embodiment of the application.

[0024] Both vehicle seats 10 and 110 will be described simultaneously, common elements being designated by identical reference numerals. Vehicle seats 10 and 110 are considered similar, except for the differences pointed out below.

[0025] Vehicle seats 10, 110 are designed for being installed in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle (not shown).

[0026] Vehicle seats 10, 110 comprise a base 12, a seat cushion frame 14, a backrest frame 24, at least one rail 26, 28, a backrest link 16, a height adjuster actuator 18, 118, a first recline adjuster actuator 20 and a second recline adjuster actuator 22.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiments, vehicle seats 10, 110 further comprise a backrest frame 24 and at least one rail 26, 28.

[0028] In the following description, a standard orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z) associated with the at least one rail 26, 28 is considered.

[0029] In particular, vehicle seats 10, 110 comprise a left rail 26 and a right rail 28, the terms "left" and "right" being understood with respect to the transverse direction Y.

[0030] Each rail 26, 28 is designed for being fixed to a floor (not shown) of the vehicle, said floor extending in the plane (X, Y). Each rail 26, 28 is parallel to the longitudinal direction X, and the left rail 26 and the right rail 28 are disposed side by side along the transverse direction Y.

[0031] A median plane 30 of the vehicle seat 10, 110 parallel to the directions X and Z is considered. The left rail 26 and the right rail 28 are preferably symmetrically located on either side of the median plane 30. Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a sectional view of the vehicle seat 10 with respect to the median plane 30.

[0032] In the following description, the base 12, the seat cushion frame 14 and the backrest link 16 of the vehicle seat 10, 110 are considered substantially symmetrical with respect to the median plane 30.

[0033] The base 12 is designed to be connected to the floor (not shown) of a vehicle. In the embodiment shown, the base 12 is configured to slide along at least one rail 26, 28. In another embodiment (not shown), the base 12 is fixed directly to the floor of a vehicle.

[0034] The base 12 comprises a left base flange 32 and a right base flange 33, and a base cross-member 34. The base cross-member 34 extends along Y and is fixed to each base flange 32, 33. Preferably, the base cross-member 34 is tubular.

[0035] Each base flange 32, 33 is slidably connected to one of the rails 26, 28. More precisely, the left base flange 32 and the right base flange 33 are slidably connected to the left rail 26 and the right rail 28, respectively.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the connection between the base flanges 32, 33 and the rails 26, 28 comprises a base motor 35.

[0037] The seat cushion frame 14 comprises a left seat cushion flange 36 and a right seat cushion flange 37, a front cross-member 38, and a rear cross-member 39.

[0038] Each seat cushion flange 36, 37 extends between a front end 40 and a rear end 42, the terms “front” and “rear” being understood with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

[0039] The front cross-member 38 extends along Y and is fixed to the front end 40 of each seat cushion flange 36, 37.

[0040] The rear cross-member 39 extends along Y. As described below, the rear cross-member 39 is pivotally connected to the rear end 42 of each seat cushion flange 36, 37. Preferably, each of the front cross-member 38 and the rear cross-member 39 is tubular.

[0041] The rear link 16 comprises a left rear flange 44 and a right rear flange 45, the rear cross-member 39, and a rear actuator arm 46.

[0042] More precisely, the rear cross-member 39 of the seat cushion frame 14 is fixed to each of the left rear flange 44 and the right rear flange 45. Said rear cross-member 39 implements a first hinge 48 that hinges the rear end of the seat cushion frame 14 to the rear link 16.

[0043] Furthermore, the left rear flange 44 and the right rear flange 45 are pivotally connected to the left base flange 32 and the right base flange 33, respectively, thereby forming a second hinge 50 that hinges the rear link 16 to the base 12. The first hinge 48 and the second hinge 50 implement an axis of rotation that is parallel to Y.

[0044] The rear actuator arm 46 extends substantially parallel to the plane (X, Z) from the second hinge 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear actuator arm 46 extends from the left rear flange 44, as shown... Figure 2 As shown.

[0045] Height adjuster actuators 18, 118 extend between the height adjuster front end 52, 152 and the height adjuster rear end 54. The height adjuster rear end 54 is pivotally connected to the rear actuator arm 46 of the rear link 16, forming a third hinge 56.

[0046] exist Figures 1 to 4 In one embodiment, the height adjuster front end 52 is pivotally connected to the base cross member 34 of the base 12, thereby forming a fourth hinge 58 between the height adjuster actuator 18 and the base 12. Figure 5 In one embodiment, the height adjuster front end 152 is pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame 14, thereby forming a fourth hinge 158 between the height adjuster actuator 118 and the seat frame 14.

[0047] The third hinge 56 and the fourth hinges 58 and 158 realize a rotation axis parallel to Y.

[0048] Height adjuster actuators 18 and 118 are configured such that the distance between the front end 52 and 152 of the height adjuster and the rear end 54 of the height adjuster is variable. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjuster actuator 18 includes a height adjuster motor 60 and a height adjuster spindle nut mechanism 62. In another embodiment (not shown), the height adjuster actuators 18, 118 include a pump actuator or a similar device.

[0049] Each of the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 extends between the tilt adjuster top 64 and the tilt adjuster bottom 66.

[0050] The tilt adjuster top 64 of each tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 is pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame 14, thereby forming a sixth hinge 70. The tilt adjuster bottom 66 is pivotally connected to the base 12, thereby forming a seventh hinge 72. The sixth hinge 70 and the seventh hinge 72 realize a rotation axis parallel to Y.

[0051] More specifically, the tilt adjuster tip 64 and bottom 66 of the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 are pivotally connected to the front end 40 of the left seat flange 36 and the front end of the left base flange 32, respectively. Furthermore, the tilt adjuster tip 64 and bottom 66 of the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 are pivotally connected to the front end 40 of the right seat flange 37 and the front end of the right base flange 33, respectively.

[0052] Each of the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 is configured such that the distance between the tilt adjuster top end 64 and the tilt adjuster bottom end 66 of the actuator is variable. Preferably, the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 are configured such that the distance between the tilt adjuster top end 64 and the tilt adjuster bottom end 66 of the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 is substantially the same and varies simultaneously.

[0053] In Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 includes a tilt adjuster spindle nut mechanism 74; and each of the tilt adjuster spindle nut mechanisms is connected to a tilt adjuster motor 76 that is common to the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and the second tilt adjuster actuator 22. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and / or the second tilt adjuster actuator 22 includes a pump actuator or similar device.

[0054] In general, each of the height adjuster actuator 18, 118 and the tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 described above can be selected from the group consisting of: a linear actuator (spindle drive), a rotary actuator (E-pump) in combination with a rack, a rotary actuator (E-pump) in combination with a curved tooth segment, or any combination thereof.

[0055] The backrest frame 24 of the vehicle seat 10 extends between a top end 80 and a bottom end 82. Preferably, the bottom end 82 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the seat cushion frame 14. More preferably, the bottom end 82 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear cross member 39, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0056] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 illustrated, the height adjuster actuator 18, 118 and the tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 are respectively in a height adjuster nominal position and a tilt adjuster nominal position. The nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 corresponds to the seat cushion frame 14 being disposed substantially in a horizontal plane and at a nominal distance from the base 12.

[0057] In the nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 illustrated, the height adjuster actuator 18, 118 and the tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 are respectively in a height adjuster nominal position and a tilt adjuster nominal position. The nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 corresponds to the seat cushion frame 14 being disposed substantially in a horizontal plane and at a nominal distance from the base 12. Figure 1 In the highest configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 illustrated, the tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 is in a tilt adjuster nominal position; and the height adjuster actuator 18, 118 is in a raised position. In the raised position, the height adjuster front end 52, 152 and the height adjuster rear end 54 are further apart than in the height adjuster nominal position.

[0058] In the highest configuration, the first hinge 48 and the sixth hinge 70 are further from the base 12 than in the nominal configuration. As a result, the seat cushion frame 14 is further from the base 12 than in the nominal configuration while being substantially disposed in a horizontal plane.

[0059] In the lowest configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, the recline adjuster actuators 20, 22 are in a recline adjuster nominal position; and the height adjuster actuators 18, 118 are in a lowered position. In the lowered position, the height adjuster front end 52, 152 and the height adjuster rear end 54 are closer to each other than in the height adjuster nominal position. Figure 2

[0060] In the lowest configuration, the first hinge 48 and the sixth hinge 70 are closer to the base 12 than in the nominal configuration. As a result, the seat cushion frame 14 is closer to the base 12 than in the nominal configuration while being substantially disposed in a horizontal plane.

[0061] As a result, the height of the seat cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the height adjuster actuators 18, 118 between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0062] In the reclined configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, the height adjuster actuators 18, 118 are in a lowered position; and the recline adjuster actuators 20, 22 are in a reclined position. In the reclined position, the recline adjuster top end 64 and the recline adjuster bottom end 66 of each recline adjuster actuator 20, 22 are further apart than in the recline adjuster nominal position. Figure 3

[0063] In the reclined configuration of the vehicle seat 10, the first hinge 48 is at the same distance from the base 12 as in the lowest configuration; and the sixth hinge 70 is further from the base 12 than in the lowest configuration. As a result, the seat cushion frame 14 is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, the front end being higher than the rear end.

[0064] As a result, the inclination of the seat cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the recline adjuster actuators 20, 22 between the recline adjuster nominal position and the reclined position.

[0065] The following will now be described Figures 1 to 4 ​​The tilt adjustment method of the vehicle 10. The tilt adjuster actuators 20, 22 are operated from their lowest configuration, causing the tilt adjuster tip 64 and tilt adjuster bottom 66 of each tilt adjuster actuator 20, 22 to move away from each other. The seat cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 pivots about a first hinge 48 to achieve the tilt configuration. In other words, the seat cushion flanges 36, 37 pivot about the rear transverse member 39.

[0066] Now will describe Figure 5 The tilt adjustment method of vehicle 110. Tilt adjuster actuators 20 and 22 are operated from their lowest position, causing the tilt adjuster top 64 and tilt adjuster bottom 66 of each tilt adjuster actuator 20 and 22 to move away from each other. Therefore, the sixth hinge 70 and the seventh hinge 72 move away from each other. The rear actuator arm 46 rotates via the front end of the seat cushion frame 14 and the height adjuster actuator 118. Therefore, the rear linkage 16 of the vehicle seat 110 pivots about the second hinge 50, causing the seat cushion frame 14 to reach a tilt position.

[0067] Preferably, the position of the backrest frame 24 relative to the seat cushion frame 14 can be adjusted between the configurations of the vehicle seats 10 and 110 described above. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the top 80 of the backrest frame 24 and the front end of the seat cushion frame 14 are further apart in the tilted configuration than in the nominal, highest, and lowest configurations. Therefore, in the tilted configuration, the vehicle seats 10 and 110 can be used as reclining chairs.

[0068] Compared to other devices known in the prior art, vehicle seats 10, 110 exhibit a small number of hinges 48, 50, 56, 58, 158, 70, 72.

[0069] In the event of a frontal collision, the seat cushion frame 14 of vehicle seats 10 and 110 is driven forward. The presence of a first tilt adjuster actuator 20 and a second tilt adjuster actuator 22 on each side of the front end of the seat cushion frame 14 provides better collision resistance than a single tilt adjuster actuator. Therefore, the forward displacement of the seat cushion frame 14 is reduced, and the vehicle seats 10 and 110 deform less upon impact than other devices known in the prior art. Thus, the occupants of vehicle seats 10 and 110 are better protected from the collision.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat (10, 110), comprising: -Base (12); - A seat frame (14) that extends between the front end (40) and the rear end (42); The front end includes a left portion (36) and a right portion (37) located on each side of the center plane (30) of the vehicle seat; - Rear link (16), which connects the base and the rear end of the seat frame; - A height adjuster actuator (18, 118) extending between a front end (52, 152) and a rear end (54) of the adjuster, the rear end of which is connected to the rear link (16), the height adjuster actuator enabling the rear link to move relative to the base; and - At least a first tilt adjuster actuator (20) extends between a first top end (64) and a first bottom end (66), the first top end (64) being connected to the front end of the seat frame and the first bottom end (66) being connected to the base; the first tilt adjuster actuator is capable of moving the front end of the seat frame relative to the base. The vehicle seat is characterized by: - The first tip of the first tilt adjuster actuator (20) is connected to the left side portion (36) of the front end of the seat frame; and The vehicle seat also includes a second tilt adjuster actuator (22) extending between a second top end (64) and a second bottom end (66), the second top end and the second bottom end being connected to the right side portion (37) of the front end of the seat cushion frame and the base, respectively; the second tilt adjuster actuator (22) is capable of moving the front end of the seat cushion frame relative to the base.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first tilt adjuster actuator (20) and the second tilt adjuster actuator (22) is configured such that: - The distance between the top end (64) and bottom end (66) of the first tilt adjuster actuator or the second tilt adjuster actuator is variable; and - The distance between the top end (64) and the bottom end (66) of the first tilt adjuster actuator (20) and the second tilt adjuster actuator (22) is substantially the same.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base (12) includes a left portion (32) and a right portion (33) on each side of the intermediate plane (30) of the vehicle seat; the first bottom end (66) of the first tilt adjuster actuator (20) is connected to the left portion (32) of the base; and the second bottom end of the second tilt adjuster actuator (22) is connected to the right portion (33) of the base.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom ends (66) of the first tilt adjuster actuator and the second tilt adjuster actuator are pivotally connected to the left side portion (32) and the right side portion (33) of the base, respectively.

5. The vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The top ends (64) of the first tilt adjuster actuator (20) and the second tilt adjuster actuator (22) are pivotally connected to the left (36) and right (37) portions of the front end of the seat frame (14), respectively.

6. The vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rear end (54) of the height adjuster actuator (18, 118) is pivotally connected to the rear link (16).

7. The vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The regulator front end (52) of the height regulator actuator (18) is connected to the base (12).

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The front end (52) of the height adjuster actuator (18) is pivotally connected to the base.

9. The vehicle seat (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The front end (152) of the height adjuster actuator (118) is connected to the front end of the seat frame (14).

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, characterized in that, The front end (152) of the height adjuster actuator (118) is pivotally connected to the front end of the seat frame.

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