Vehicle seat
By introducing energy-absorbing slots and pin connections into the vehicle seat frame, the backrest can achieve angular collapse and energy absorption during a collision, solving the safety problem of existing zero-gravity seats during collisions, protecting occupants without increasing seat weight.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing zero-gravity vehicle seats pose a risk of damage to the backrest energy absorption mechanism during a collision, and the occupant's spine/chest/lumbar/abdomen/shoulder/neck are subjected to significant forces. Current solutions cannot effectively protect occupant safety.
A vehicle seat frame was designed, including an adjustable energy absorption slot and an angle adjuster adapter plate that can be rotatably connected. The energy absorption slot and pin are connected to realize the angle collapse and energy absorption of the backrest during a collision. The energy absorption function is activated during a collision using a locking unit and an electronic control unit.
During a collision, the seat back can effectively reduce the angle of the occupant's torso, protect the occupant's safety, and prevent damage to the backrest structure. At the same time, the seat is lightweight and can effectively absorb collision energy.
Smart Images
Figure CN224490759U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicles, specifically to vehicle seats, and particularly to zero-gravity vehicle seats. Background Technology
[0002] As vehicle occupants demand higher levels of comfort, more and more vehicles, especially new energy vehicles, are equipped with zero-gravity vehicle seats. Consequently, the safety requirements for zero-gravity vehicle seats during large tilt angles while the vehicle is in motion are also increasing.
[0003] To improve safety, Integrated Seat Belts (ABTS) technology has been developed. This technology utilizes a retractor fixed to the seat back to lock the seatbelt in place during a collision, ensuring the seat back angle conforms to the occupant's posture, thus providing effective protection. While ABTS is suitable as a protective measure for occupants in zero-gravity vehicle seats, the energy generated during a collision is still very high, requiring a very heavy and robust vehicle seat to withstand this energy. Furthermore, when occupants are in a zero-gravity position or a relaxed sitting position, the angles of their thighs and torso are greater than in a normal sitting position. This results in significant forces acting on the spine, chest, lower back, abdomen, shoulders, and neck during a collision. To mitigate this risk, during a collision, the vehicle seat pivots to return the occupant to a normal sitting position, typically achieved through pre-collision protection features. Alternatively, the seat pivots to allow the occupant's thigh / torso angles to gradually return to / decrease to normal, typically achieved through passive impact-absorbing elements in the vehicle seat.
[0004] During a collision, the backrest energy absorption mechanism and the seat adjuster assembly are at risk of damage. Therefore, there is a need to improve existing vehicle seats. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved vehicle seat that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings of existing vehicle seats.
[0006] According to this utility model, a vehicle seat, particularly a zero-gravity vehicle seat, is provided. Specifically, it is a seat frame comprising a base to be fixed to the vehicle floor, a seat frame located above the base, and the seat frame including a seat basin, a backrest, and an adjuster for adjusting the angle of the backrest relative to the seat basin. The backrest is rotatably connected to an adjuster adapter plate via the adjuster. Furthermore, the adjuster adapter plate is connected to the seat basin via a first pin. According to an embodiment, an energy-absorbing slot is formed in the seat basin (specifically, the seat basin side plate) or the adjuster adapter plate. The first pin is fixed in the energy-absorbing slot, and when the pivoting force on the backrest exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first pin can slide along the energy-absorbing slot.
[0007] According to an embodiment, the adjuster adapter plate is also pivotally connected to the seat via a second pin. For example, the second pin may be spaced behind the first pin. In this arrangement, the second pin can serve as a pivot, such that when the first pin slides along the energy absorption slot, the adjuster adapter plate pivots about the pivot relative to the seat.
[0008] According to an embodiment, as the first pin slides from one end to the other along the energy absorption slot, the adjuster adapter plate pivots relative to the seat, thereby causing the backrest to rotate approximately 10-15 degrees relative to the seat.
[0009] With this arrangement, the vehicle seat of this invention only requires the addition of an energy-absorbing slot, without any additional components, to reduce the occupant's torso angle from a zero-gravity / relaxed position to a normal sitting position, while simultaneously achieving approximately 10-15 degrees of angular collapse and energy absorption, for example, reducing the backrest's tilt angle relative to the seat basin from 60 degrees to 45 degrees. Therefore, the vehicle seat of this invention has a simple structure and is lightweight.
[0010] According to an embodiment, the energy absorption slot extends generally in the vertical direction.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the base is constructed as a sliding rail. This arrangement allows for fore-and-aft adjustment of the vehicle seat.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the angle adjuster includes a fixed plate and a movable plate that can rotate relative to the fixed plate. The movable plate is fixed to the backrest, and the fixed plate is fixed to the angle adjuster adapter plate.
[0013] Preferably, the two ends of the energy absorption slot are constructed to be circular.
[0014] Preferably, the walls of the energy-absorbing slot are lined with friction elements. This arrangement enables the gradual absorption of collision energy as the device slides along the energy-absorbing slot.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the vehicle seat also includes a locking unit configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the unit secures a first pin in an energy-absorbing slot, and in the unlocked position, the unit allows the first pin to slide along the energy-absorbing slot.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the locking unit is configured to be switched via signal activation, such as through a vehicle electronic control unit, and includes a detonating element. In this arrangement, when the pivoting force on the backrest exceeds a predetermined threshold during a collision, the vehicle electronic control unit can send a signal to activate the detonating element in the locking unit, thereby unlocking the locking unit by its self-destruction.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the vehicle seat also includes a bracket mounted on a base, which is, for example, plate-shaped, extending from the base toward the seat basin and from the front side of the base to the rear side. The vehicle seat also includes a front link, a rear link, and a tilt adjustment link. One end of the front link is pivotally connected to the seat basin at the front side, and the other end is pivotally connected to one end of the tilt adjustment link. The other end of the tilt adjustment link is pivotally connected to the front of the bracket. One end of the rear link is pivotally connected to the rear of the bracket, and the other end is pivotally connected to the seat basin at the rear side.
[0018] According to this invention, the vehicle seat, through the aforementioned energy-absorbing slot, returns the seat back from a steeply tilted position to a normal sitting position during a collision, allowing the occupant to return from a zero-gravity position to a normal sitting position, thus compensating for the deficiencies of the ABTS (Action-Based Stress Relief) function. Furthermore, by employing the aforementioned energy-absorbing mechanism, the vehicle seat is lightweight yet sufficiently robust to withstand collision energy, thereby effectively protecting the occupant.
[0019] According to the present invention, the energy-absorbing slot of the vehicle seat can be activated when the pivoting force on the backrest exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., during a collision) so as to absorb collision energy during the collision.
[0020] According to the present invention, the energy absorption slot of the vehicle seat can be set on the seat basin or the seat adjuster adapter plate, increasing the design flexibility.
[0021] The vehicle seat according to this invention avoids the risk of damage to the backrest structure (such as the adjuster) in existing solutions, while still achieving the required energy absorption during a collision. Moreover, if the energy-absorbing slot is activated by misuse, the vehicle seat can be returned to its original position simply by returning the first pin along the energy-absorbing slot. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The features and advantages of this utility model will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0023] Figure 1A This is a side view of a vehicle seat according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the backrest of the vehicle seat is in a large-angle tilt position, i.e., a zero-gravity position.
[0024] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The image shown is a side view of the backrest in a normal sitting position.
[0025] Figure 1C yes Figure 1B A partial enlarged perspective view of the vehicle seat shown;
[0026] Figure 1DIt's viewed from the inside. Figure 1C A partial perspective view of the vehicle seats shown;
[0027] Figure 1E yes Figure 1D The partial perspective view of the vehicle seat shown has the locking unit removed;
[0028] Figure 2A This is a side view of a vehicle seat according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the backrest of the vehicle seat is in a large-angle tilt position, i.e., a zero-gravity position.
[0029] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A The image shown is a side view of the backrest in a normal sitting position.
[0030] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A partial enlarged perspective view of the vehicle seat shown;
[0031] Figure 2D It's viewed from the inside. Figure 2C A partial perspective view of the vehicle seat shown; and
[0032] Figure 2E yes Figure 2D The partial perspective view of the vehicle seat shown has the locking unit removed.
[0033] In the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention are shown in a simplified manner for clarity. The drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Similar reference numerals in the drawings denote similar parts. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The following will combine Figures 1A-2E The embodiments of this utility model will be explained in more detail below. For ease of description, directional terms are used in the specification, which refer to the orientation shown in the figures; the actual orientation may be different.
[0035] The following examples refer to a zero-gravity vehicle seat. It is conceivable that other types of vehicle seats are also possible.
[0036] Figures 1A-1E This image shows a zero-gravity vehicle seat 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, specifically a seat frame. For example... Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the vehicle seat 1 includes a base 10, a bracket 20 mounted on the base 10, a seat basin 30 located above the base 10, a front link 40, a tilt adjustment link L, a rear link 50, a backrest 60, and an adjuster 70 for adjusting the angle of the backrest 60 relative to the seat basin 30. The backrest 60 is rotatably connected to an adjuster adapter plate 80 via the adjuster 70, and the adjuster adapter plate 80 is connected to the seat basin 30. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 10 also includes a leg support assembly 90 mounted on the seat basin 30.
[0037] The base 10 secures the vehicle seat 1 to the vehicle floor and, for example, is a slide rail construction, allowing the vehicle seat 1 to slide along the slide rail via a front-to-back drive mechanism (e.g., a drive motor, not shown) to achieve fore-and-aft adjustment. The bracket 20 is plate-shaped, extending from the base 10 toward the seat basin 30 and from the front to the rear of the base 10. One end of the front link 40 is pivotally connected to the seat basin 30 at the front, and the other end is pivotally connected to one end of the tilt adjustment link L. The other end of the tilt adjustment link L is pivotally connected to the front of the bracket 20. One end of the rear link 50 is pivotally connected to the rear of the bracket 20, and the other end is pivotally connected to the seat basin 30 at the rear. When the base 10 is a slide rail construction, the bracket 20 is mounted on the base 10 in a way that allows it to slide along the slide rail, so that it can move back and forth with the seat basin 30. Thus, the bracket 20, seat 30, front link 40, tilt adjustment link L and rear link 50 installed on the base 10 constitute a four-bar linkage structure.
[0038] Figure 1C The image shows an energy absorption slot 31 on the seat basin 30, and an adjuster adapter plate 80 connected to the seat basin 30 via a first pin 81. Figure 1A In the middle, the first pin 81 is fixed in the energy absorption slot 31, located at one end. When the pivoting force on the backrest 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., upon impact), the first pin 81 slides along the energy absorption slot 31 to the other end, as... Figure 1B As shown, this absorbs collision energy. Furthermore, the adjuster adapter plate 80 is pivotally connected to the seat basin 30 via a second pin 82. The second pin 82 is spaced behind the first pin 81. Therefore, the second pin 82 acts as a pivot. When the first pin 81 slides along the energy absorption slot 31, the adjuster adapter plate 80 pivots about the second pin 82 relative to the seat basin 30 in the direction of the arrow, thereby causing the backrest 60 to rotate relative to the seat basin 30.
[0039] like Figure 1DAs shown, the vehicle seat 1 also includes a locking unit S, which is configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, it abuts against a first pin 81 to fix the first pin 81 in the energy-absorbing slot 31. In the unlocked position, it disengages from the first pin 81 to allow the first pin 81 to slide along the energy-absorbing slot 31. When the vehicle is involved in a collision, the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) sends a signal to a detonating element in the locking unit S, and the locking unit S is unlocked by the self-destruction of the detonating element, thereby achieving seat back angle compensation and reducing occupant torso injury.
[0040] Figure 1E The energy absorption slot 31 is clearly shown, which extends generally in the vertical direction, has rounded ends, and is lined with friction elements on the slot wall.
[0041] Figures 2A-2E A zero-gravity vehicle seat 1 according to another embodiment of this utility model is shown. For example... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, similar to vehicle seat 1, vehicle seat 100 includes a base 110, a bracket 120 mounted on the base 110, a seat basin 130 located above the base 110, a front linkage 140, a tilt adjustment linkage L', a backrest 160, and an adjuster 170 for adjusting the angle of the backrest 160 relative to the seat basin 130. The backrest 160 is rotatably connected to the adjuster adapter plate 180 via the adjuster 170, and the adjuster adapter plate 180 is connected to the seat basin 130.
[0042] Unlike vehicle seat 1, vehicle seat 100 does not have a rear link and leg support assembly, and the rear of the bracket 120 is directly pivotally connected to the seat 130 at the rear side. Additionally, Figure 2C The image shows an energy absorption slot 181 on the adjuster adapter plate 180, and the seat 130 is connected to the adjuster adapter plate 180 via a first pin 131. Figure 2A In this configuration, the first pin 131 is fixed within the energy-absorbing slot 181, located at one end. When the pivoting force on the backrest 160 exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., upon impact), the first pin 131 slides along the energy-absorbing slot 181 to the other end, as shown below. Figure 2B As shown, this absorbs impact energy. Furthermore, the seat 130 is pivotally connected to the adjuster adapter plate 180 via a second pin 132. The second pin 132 is spaced behind the first pin 131. Therefore, the second pin 132 acts as a pivot. When the first pin 131 slides along the energy-absorbing slot 181, the adjuster adapter plate 180 pivots about the second pin 132 relative to the seat 130 in the direction of the arrow, thereby causing the backrest 160 to rotate relative to the seat 130.
[0043] like Figure 2DAs shown, the vehicle seat 1 also includes a locking unit S' configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, it abuts against a first pin 131, securing the first pin 131 in the energy-absorbing slot 181. In the unlocked position, it disengages from the first pin 131, allowing the first pin 131 to slide along the energy-absorbing slot 181. The locking unit S' can be activated by sending a signal to the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) for switching.
[0044] Figure 2E The energy absorption slot 181 is clearly shown, which extends generally in the vertical direction, has rounded ends, and is lined with friction elements on the slot walls.
[0045] In some cases, the features disclosed in this invention can be used independently of other features. On the other hand, when necessary, the features disclosed in this invention can be combined to provide various combinations.
[0046] As described above, embodiments of this invention relate to zero-gravity vehicle seats. However, it is understood that this invention can also be applied to other vehicle seats. The wording and expressions used in this invention are illustrative and not restrictive, and their use is not intended to exclude any equivalent examples of the illustrated and described features from the scope of this invention. Various modifications, variations, and substitutions may exist within the scope of the claims. The claims are intended to cover all such equivalent examples.
Claims
1. A vehicle seat, comprising a base to be fixed to a vehicle floor, a seat frame located above the base, the seat frame including a seat basin and a backrest, and an adjuster for adjusting the angle of the backrest relative to the seat basin, wherein the backrest is rotatably connected to an adjuster adapter plate via the adjuster, and the adjuster adapter plate is connected to the seat basin via a first pin, characterized in that, An energy-absorbing slot is provided on the seat or angle adjuster adapter plate. A first pin is fixed in the energy-absorbing slot. When the pivoting force on the backrest exceeds a predetermined threshold, the first pin can slide along the energy-absorbing slot.
2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle adjuster adapter plate is also pivotally connected to the seat via a second pin, which is spaced behind the first pin.
3. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, characterized in that, As the first pin slides from one end to the other along the energy absorption slot, the adjuster adapter plate pivots relative to the seat about the second pin.
4. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The energy absorption slot extends vertically.
5. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The base is constructed with a sliding rail.
6. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The angle adjuster includes a fixed plate and a movable plate that can rotate relative to the fixed plate. The movable plate is fixed to the backrest, while the fixed plate is fixed to the angle adjuster adapter plate.
7. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The two ends of the energy absorption slot are constructed to be circular.
8. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The walls of the energy absorption slot are lined with friction elements.
9. The vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The vehicle seat also includes a locking unit configured to switch between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, it secures a first pin in an energy-absorbing slot, and in the unlocked position, it allows the first pin to slide along the energy-absorbing slot.
10. The vehicle seat according to claim 9, characterized in that, The locking unit is configured to be activated via the vehicle's electronic control unit for switching, and the locking unit contains a detonating element.