Leg supporting device for seat and vehicle seat

Abstract

The utility model provides a leg supporting device for a seat and a vehicle seat. The leg supporting device comprises a support, a leg supporting mechanism and two oppositely-arranged connecting rod assemblies. The two connecting rod assemblies are connected between the support and the leg supporting mechanism and are configured to guide the leg supporting mechanism to be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state. Each connecting rod assembly comprises a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod which are pivotally connected through a rotating shaft, the first connecting rod is connected to the leg supporting mechanism and is provided with a long hole and an elastic piece, the rotating shaft can be relatively movably arranged in the long hole in a penetrating manner, and the elastic piece is propped between the rotating shaft and the first connecting rod. By means of the technical scheme, force acting on the leg supporting device can be released by means of compression deformation of the elastic piece, the structural strength of the leg supporting device is improved, and the leg supporting device is prevented from being damaged under overlarge acting force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of vehicles, and particularly to a leg support device for a seat and a vehicle seat with the leg support device. Background Art

[0002] With the wide use of vehicles, people put forward higher requirements for the riding comfort of vehicle seats. Some vehicle seats are equipped with leg support devices, which have a storage state and an unfolded state. When in the storage state, it is folded and stored under the front of the seat. When in the unfolded state, it is unfolded forward and can support the legs of vehicle occupants, facilitating the rest of vehicle occupants.

[0003] For example, Patent CN107351737A discloses a leg rest device, which includes a leg rest plate, a lifting link, a link base, a front guiding link and a rear guiding link. The leg rest plate is configured to be adjusted between an unfolded position and a storage position. When the leg rest plate is configured to move from the storage position to the unfolded position, the leg rest plate is pulled out while rotating through the trajectory difference between the front guiding link and the rear guiding link.

[0004] However, there is still room for further improvement in the reliability of existing leg support devices. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The utility model provides a leg support device for a seat and a vehicle seat. Through the technical solution of the utility model, the force acting on the leg support device can be released by means of the compression deformation of an elastic member, the structural strength of the leg support device is improved, and damage to the leg support device under excessive acting force can be avoided.

[0006] According to one aspect of the utility model, a leg support device for a seat is provided. The leg support device includes a bracket, a leg support mechanism and two relatively arranged link assemblies. The two link assemblies are respectively connected between the bracket and the leg support mechanism and are configured to guide the leg support mechanism to switch between a storage state and an unfolded state. Each link assembly includes a first link and a second link pivotally connected through a rotating shaft. The first link is connected to the leg support mechanism and has an elongated hole and an elastic member. The rotating shaft is movably disposed through the elongated hole, and the elastic member abuts between the rotating shaft and the first link.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the first link includes a cavity provided with an elongated hole, and the elastic member is received in the cavity.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the first link extends along a curve.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the utility model, the leg support device further includes a connecting rod rotatably connected to the two link assemblies, and the connecting rod constitutes the rotating shaft of the two link assemblies.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the leg support mechanism includes a plurality of support members slidably connected in sequence. The cross-section of each support member is U-shaped, and the leg support mechanism in the retracted state can at least partially accommodate two link assemblies.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the leg support device further includes at least one drive mechanism for driving at least one support member to slide. The drive mechanism includes a motor, a lead screw driven by the motor, and a threaded member cooperating with the lead screw. The motor and the threaded member are respectively disposed on two adjacent support members.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the leg support device further includes a footrest pivotally disposed at the front end of the leg support mechanism, and a receiving groove for receiving the footrest is provided on the support member at the rear end.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, each link assembly further includes a third link and a fourth link pivotally connected to each other. The third link and the fourth link are respectively connected to the leg support mechanism and the bracket, and the middle part of the third link is rotatably connected to the middle part of the second link.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present utility model, the leg support device further includes a drive mechanism for driving two link assemblies to move. The drive mechanism includes: a fixed rod fixedly connected to the two link assemblies, a motor disposed on the bracket and drivingly connected to the fixed rod, and the motor drives the fixed rod to move away from or close to the motor.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present utility model, there is provided a vehicle seat including the leg support device as described in any one of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to better understand the present utility model, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases the scale may have been enlarged to emphasize and clearly show the novel features described herein. Additionally, as is known in the art, the system components may be arranged differently. Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts throughout several views.

[0017] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the leg support device according to the present utility model, wherein the leg support mechanism is in the retracted state;

[0019] Figure 3Another schematic diagram showing the leg support device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the leg support mechanism is in the deployed state;

[0020] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram showing the leg support device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the leg support mechanism is in the extended state;

[0021] Figure 5 Another schematic diagram showing the leg support device according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the elastic member is in the compressed state;

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing another perspective of the leg support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation

[0023] Although the present invention can be implemented in various forms, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described hereinafter. It should be understood that these are considered examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0024] The vehicle involved in the following embodiments can be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, a ship, an aircraft, and / or any other type of transportation vehicle. The vehicle includes components related to mobility, such as an engine, an electric motor, a transmission, a suspension, a drive shaft, and / or wheels, etc. The vehicle also includes components related to vehicle control, such as a vehicle controller, a vehicle bus, etc. The vehicle controller can be connected to in-vehicle components through the vehicle bus to achieve control of these components. The vehicle can be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some conventional motion functions are controlled by the vehicle), or autonomous (e.g., motion functions are controlled by the vehicle without direct input from the driver).

[0025] As mentioned in the above background art, the inventors of the present utility model have realized that there is room for further improvement in the reliability of existing leg support devices. Specifically, due to differences in the body size, weight, etc. of vehicle occupants, the leg support device will be subjected to different magnitudes of forces from different vehicle occupants during use, which requires the leg support device to have sufficient ability to resist being damaged by external forces. In addition, the irregular use of vehicle occupants also places higher requirements on the structural strength of the leg support device. For example, vehicle occupants may impact and relatively violently rest on the leg support device, or shake or vibrate on the leg support device, or place additional heavy objects on the legs, etc. These behaviors may cause the leg support device to bear greater forces, making the leg support device face the risk of damage and also posing safety hazards. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the ability of the leg support device to cope with large forces. In addition, vehicle occupants of different body sizes also have different requirements for the support length of the leg support device. To meet the comfort requirements of the vast majority of users, it is necessary to provide adjustability of the support length. Based on the problems in the prior art, the inventors of the present application provide a leg support device for a seat and a vehicle seat including the leg support device in one or more embodiments, in order to solve the problems in the prior art.

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a vehicle seat 10 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle seat 10 may include a seat cushion 12, a backrest 14, a headrest 16, and a leg support device 100. The vehicle seat 10 may be a front row seat or a rear row seat. In some embodiments, for the comfort of vehicle occupants, the vehicle seat 10 provides adjustability in aspects such as the inclination of the seat cushion 12, the inclination of the backrest 14, and the height of the headrest 16. In the embodiments of the present utility model, the vehicle seat 10 is equipped with a leg support device 100 to provide a function of relaxing the calves. As Figure 1 described, the leg support device 100 may extend outward from the lower front side of the vehicle seat 10 to support the calves. Those skilled in the art should understand that the leg support device 100 can be used not only for the vehicle seat 10 but also for other various suitable seats.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the leg support mechanism 120 of the leg support device 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model in a retracted state, Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the leg support mechanism 120 of the leg support device 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model in a deployed state, Figure 6 Schematic diagram showing another perspective of the leg support device 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6The leg support device 100 includes a bracket 110, a leg support mechanism 120, and two connecting rod assemblies 130 arranged opposite to each other. The two connecting rod assemblies 130 are respectively connected between the bracket 110 and the leg support mechanism 120, and are configured to guide the leg support mechanism 120 to switch between the storage state and the deployment state. Figure 2 As shown, the link assembly 130 is folded so that the leg support mechanism 120 is in a storage state. At this time, the leg support mechanism 120 is close to the bracket 110 and extends roughly up and down. The entire leg support device 100 is folded into a compact structure and stored under the front end of the seat cushion 12, freeing up space in front of the seat cushion 12. Figure 3 As shown, the link assembly 130 is unfolded so that the leg support mechanism 120 is in an unfolded state, at which time the leg support mechanism 120 extends forward and generally extends forward and backward to support the legs of the user.

[0028] refer to Figures 3 to 6 In the embodiment of the utility model, each link assembly 130 includes a first link 132 and a second link 134 pivotally connected by a rotating shaft 131. The first link 132 is connected to the leg support mechanism 120 and has an elongated hole 133 and an elastic member 135 (such as a spring). The rotating shaft 131 is relatively movably arranged in the elongated hole 133, and the elastic member 135 abuts between the rotating shaft 131 and the first link 132. The elongated hole 133 and the elastic member 135 can extend along the extension direction of the first link 132. One end of the first link 132 is pivotally connected to the second link 134 by the rotating shaft 131, and the other end is pivotally connected to the leg support mechanism 120. The elastic member 135 extends between the two ends of the first link 132. One end of the second link 134 is pivotally connected to the first link 132 by the rotating shaft 131, and the other end can be pivotally connected to the bracket 110. The rotating shaft 131 is relatively movable through the elongated hole 133, so that the rotating shaft 131 and the first connecting rod 132 can move relatively to allow the elastic member 135 therebetween to be compressed. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in a normal state where the force applied to the leg support mechanism 120 is less than a critical value, the elastic member 135 is in an extended state and holds the rotating shaft 131 at one end of the elongated hole 133. Figure 5As shown, when the leg support mechanism 120 is subjected to a force greater than the critical value (the critical value is, for example, about 890 N), the elastic member 135 can be compressed to release the force, protecting the leg support device 100 from being damaged by excessive force. At this time, the first link 132 moves downward along the extension direction of the first link 132 relative to the rotating shaft 131 as shown by the arrow A, and the rotating shaft 131 relatively moves upward in the elongated hole 133. Moreover, the downward movement of the first link 132 causes the leg support mechanism 120 to rotate downward, which can change the direction of the force acting on the leg support mechanism 120, so that the force perpendicular to its surface received by the leg support mechanism 120 is reduced, achieving the effect of unloading the force. In some embodiments, the link assembly 130 is connected to two connection points on the leg support mechanism 120, wherein the first link 132 is connected to the front connection point of the two connection points. When the first link 132 drives the front connection point to move downward, the leg support mechanism 120 can rotate downward around the rear connection point.

[0029] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the first link 132 includes a cavity 137 provided with an elongated hole 133, and the elastic member 135 is received in the cavity 137. By setting the first link 132 to include the cavity 137, on the one hand, the elastic member 135 can be accommodated and protected, and on the other hand, a good guiding effect can be provided to guide the elastic member 135 to expand and contract along the extension direction of the cavity 137. In addition, compared with a sheet-like or plate-like link, the first link 132 having the cavity 137 can have better structural strength, which is beneficial to improving the support stability and further improving the overall reliability of the leg support device 100. The elongated hole 133 can be opened on the side surface of the cavity 137, and the rotating shaft 131 extends into the cavity 137 through the elongated hole 133 to engage with one end of the elastic member 135, and the other end of the elastic member 135 can abut against the end wall of the cavity 137. The cross-section of the cavity 137 can be square, circular or other shapes.

[0030] Reference Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the first link 132 extends along a curve, for example, it can extend in an arc. The first link 132 extending along a curve can be longer than a link extending along a straight line, so that more layout space can be reserved for the elastic member 135, facilitating the elastic member 135 to be fully compressed to release more force, and at the same time, the selection of the elastic member 135 can be less restricted. And extending along a curve can make the structure compact, which is beneficial to reducing the occupied space.

[0031] Reference Figure 6In some embodiments, the leg support device 100 further includes a connecting rod 139 rotatably connected to the two connecting rod assemblies 130, and the connecting rod 139 constitutes the rotating shaft 131 of the two connecting rod assemblies 130. The two connecting rod assemblies 130 share the connecting rod 139, which can ensure the synchronization of the movement of the two connecting rod assemblies 130 and ensure that the two elastic members 135 are compressed synchronously so as to release the force evenly and smoothly.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, each link assembly 130 further includes a third link 136 and a fourth link 138 pivotally connected to each other, the third link 136 and the fourth link 138 are respectively connected to the leg support mechanism 120 and the bracket 110, and the middle portion of the third link 136 is rotatably connected to the middle portion of the second link 134. Each link assembly 130 is substantially W-shaped, including two intersecting V-shaped structures, one V-shaped structure including the first link 132 and the second link 134, and the other V-shaped structure including the third link 136 and the fourth link 138. The connection of the first link 132 on the leg support mechanism 120 is located in front of the connection of the third link 136 on the leg support mechanism 120. The connection of the second link 134 on the bracket 110 is located in front of the connection of the fourth link 138 on the bracket 110.

[0033] refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the leg support device 100 further includes a driving mechanism 150 that drives the two connecting rod assemblies 130 to move. The driving mechanism 150 includes: a fixed rod 152 fixedly connected to the two connecting rod assemblies 130, and a motor 154 disposed on the bracket 110 and transmission-connected to the fixed rod 152. The motor 154 drives the fixed rod 152 to move away from or close to the motor 154. When the motor 154 drives the fixed rod 150 to move away from the motor 154 (for example, pushing the fixed rod 150 forward), the two connecting rod assemblies 130 unfold and guide the leg support mechanism 120 to switch to the unfolded state. When the motor 154 drives the fixed rod 150 to move close to the motor 154 (for example, pulling the fixed rod 150 backward), the two connecting rod assemblies 130 fold and guide the leg support mechanism 120 to switch to the stowed state. The driving mechanism 150 may include a push rod 151 and a connecting member 153 . The motor 154 drives the push rod 151 to perform linear motion. One end of the connecting member 153 is rotationally connected to the push rod 151 , and the other end is connected to the fixing rod 152 .

[0034] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the leg support mechanism 120 of the leg support device 100 according to the embodiment of the utility model is shown in an extended state. The leg support mechanism 120 can be Figure 3 The expansion state is further adjusted to Figure 4 Elongated state. Figure 4, in some embodiments, the leg support mechanism 120 includes a plurality of support members 122 that are slidably connected in sequence, such that the leg support mechanism 120 is telescopic and thus its length is adjustable. This allows for adjustment of the appropriate support length according to the body types of different users, ensuring good adaptability of the leg support device 100. Sliding grooves may be provided on the support members 122 to guide the sliding. Figure 4 shows that the leg support mechanism 120 includes three support members 122 and can achieve two-stage telescoping, having a relatively wide range of adjustable lengths. Of course, those skilled in the art can set the number of support members 122 according to actual needs.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the cross-section of each support member 122 is U-shaped and includes a base plate and two side plates extending from opposite sides of the base plate. The leg support mechanism 120 in the retracted state can at least partially accommodate the two link assemblies 130, so that the leg support mechanism 120 can protect the link assemblies 130 while obscuring internal structures such as the link assemblies 130, providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0036] Reference Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the leg support device 100 further includes at least one drive mechanism 140 for driving at least one support member 122 to slide. The drive mechanism 140 includes a motor 142, a lead screw 144 driven by the motor 142, and a threaded member 146 that mates with the lead screw 144. The motor 142 and the threaded member 146 are respectively disposed on two adjacent support members 122. The motor 142 drives the lead screw 144 to rotate, and the lead screw 144 drives the threaded member 146 to move linearly along the lead screw 144 to approach or move away from the motor 142, such that the support member 122 where the threaded member 146 is located telescopically slides relative to the support member where the motor 142 is located. In Figure 6 the illustrated embodiment, the leg support mechanism 120 includes three support members 122, and the drive mechanism 140 is provided as two. The motor 142 and the threaded member 146 of one drive mechanism 140 are respectively disposed on the first support member 122 and the second support member 122, and the motor 142 and the threaded member 146 of the other drive mechanism 140 are respectively disposed on the second support member 122 and the third support member 122.

[0037] Reference Figure 4 , the leg support device 100 further includes a footrest 124 pivotally disposed at the front end of the leg support mechanism 120. The footrest 124 has a retracted state that conforms to the leg support mechanism 120 and an extended state that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the leg support mechanism 123 to support the user's feet. Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4, a receiving groove 126 for receiving the footrest plate 124 is provided on the support member 122 located at the rear end, so that the footrest plate 124 in the stored state is flush with the surface of the support member 122, achieving a more aesthetic appearance and a more compact structure.

[0038] It should be understood that, when technically feasible, the technical features listed for different embodiments above can be combined with each other to form additional embodiments within the scope of the present utility model. In addition, the specific examples and embodiments described herein are non-limiting, and corresponding modifications can be made to the structures, dimensions, and materials described above without departing from the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] In this application, the use of the disjunctive connective is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of the definite or indefinite article is not intended to indicate cardinality. Specifically, the reference to "the" object or "a" and "an" object is intended to mean one of the possible multiple such objects. In addition, the connective "or" can be used to convey features that exist simultaneously, rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the connective "or" should be understood to include "and / or". The term "comprising" is inclusive and has the same scope as "including".

[0040] The above embodiments, especially any "preferred" embodiments, are possible examples of the implementation manners and are proposed only for the clear understanding of the principles of the present utility model. Many changes and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A leg support device for a seat, characterized in that: include: Bracket; Leg support mechanism; Two connecting rod assemblies arranged opposite to each other, the two connecting rod assemblies are respectively connected between the bracket and the leg support mechanism, and are configured to guide the leg support mechanism to switch between a stowed state and an unfolded state; Wherein, each of the link assemblies includes a first link and a second link pivotally connected by a rotating shaft, the first link is connected to the leg support mechanism and has an elongated hole and an elastic member, the rotating shaft can be relatively movably arranged in the elongated hole, and the elastic member abuts between the rotating shaft and the first link.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first connecting rod comprises a cavity provided with the elongated hole, and the elastic member is accommodated in the cavity.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first connecting rod extends along a curve.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a connecting rod rotatably connected to the two connecting rod assemblies, and the connecting rod constitutes the rotating shaft of the two connecting rod assemblies.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The leg support mechanism comprises a plurality of support members which are slidably connected in sequence, each of the support members has a U-shaped cross section, and the leg support mechanism in a stored state can at least partially accommodate the two connecting rod assemblies.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that It also includes at least one driving mechanism for driving at least one of the supporting members to slide, wherein the driving mechanism includes a motor, a screw driven by the motor, and a threaded member cooperating with the screw, and the motor and the threaded member are respectively arranged on two adjacent supporting members.

7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that It also includes a footrest which is pivotally arranged at the front end of the leg support mechanism, and a receiving groove for receiving the footrest is arranged on the support member at the rear end.

8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the link assemblies further includes a third link and a fourth link pivotally connected to each other, the third link and the fourth link are respectively connected to the leg support mechanism and the bracket, and a middle portion of the third link is rotationally connected to a middle portion of the second link.

9. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a driving mechanism for driving the two connecting rod assemblies to move, and the driving mechanism includes: a fixed rod fixedly connected to the two connecting rod assemblies, and a motor arranged on the bracket and transmission-connected to the fixed rod, and the motor drives the fixed rod to move away from or close to the motor.

10. A vehicle seat, characterized in that: include: A leg support device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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