Vehicle seating arrangement

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a backrest frame (12); a jointed upper chest area (14) which is operatively coupled to the backrest frame (12) and comprises the following: a vehicle cross support (18); a vertical upper body support (20); and a spring support (22) which provides a cantilevered support from a pivot axis to an uppermost part of the articulated upper chest area (14), wherein the spring support (22) provides a degree of flexibility that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest area (14) and Support can be provided; wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is pivotably coupled to a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) between a stowed and an extended position; a backplate (26) which is operatively coupled to a back (28) of the backrest frame (12); a front end plate (30) arranged between a posterior part (32) of the articulated upper thoracic region (14) and the posterior plate (26); and a circumferential gap (34) that is located between the anterior end plate (30) and the articulated upper chest area (14).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seating arrangement and in particular to a backrest designed with an anthropomorphic upper backrest for a vehicle seating arrangement. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

[0002] Vehicle seating arrangements typically include a backrest to support the back of an occupant in an upright sitting position and various reclined positions. Backrests in these vehicle seating arrangements are generally designed to support an occupant during acceleration, changes of direction, and collisions, so the backrests are essentially rigid in construction and lack adequate adjustment features.

[0003] DE 10 2014 201 125 A1 discloses a vehicle seat arrangement with a backrest whose upper section is pivotally connected to the backrest frame via a hinge connection and has several support elements for improved adaptation to the upper body of an occupant. DE 10 2014 201 128 A1 discloses a backrest for a vehicle seat with a multi-part construction in which an upper back segment is elastically and pivotably mounted to adapt to the movements and body shape of the occupant. DE 10 2007 004 767 A1 discloses a vehicle backrest with an adjustable support structure that supports different back zones and is adjustable via a mechanism or spring arrangement. NASA-STD-3000 discloses a collection of anthropometric standard data and design guidelines for creating ergonomically adapted work environments in microgravity. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a backrest frame. An articulated upper chest section is operatively coupled to the backrest frame and includes a vehicle transverse support, a vertical upper body support, and a spring support that provides cantilevered support from a pivot axis to an uppermost part of the articulated upper chest section, the spring support providing a degree of flexibility and support that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest section. The articulated upper chest section is pivotably coupled to a central part of the backrest frame between a stowed and an extended position. A backplate is operatively coupled to a rear side of the backrest frame. A front end plate is arranged between a rear part of the articulated upper chest section and the backplate.A circumferential gap is arranged between the anterior endplate and the articulated upper chest area.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat arrangement includes a backrest frame. An articulated upper chest section is operatively coupled to the backrest frame and includes a vehicle transverse support, a vertical upper body support, and a spring support that provides cantilevered support from a pivot axis to a top portion of the articulated upper chest section, the spring support providing a degree of flexibility and support that varies depending on the relative position or rotation of the articulated upper chest section. The articulated upper chest section is pivotably coupled to a central portion of the backrest frame between a stowed and an extended position. A rear portion of the articulated upper chest section defines a circumferential gap.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a backrest frame. An articulated upper chest section is pivotally coupled to a central part of the backrest frame and is operable between a stowed and an extended position. A rear portion of the articulated upper chest section defines a circumferential gap. The articulated upper chest section includes a laterally flexible vehicle cross support, a vertical upper body support, and an adjustable spring support that provides cantilevered support from a pivot axis to a top portion of the articulated upper chest section, wherein the spring support provides a degree of flexibility and support that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest section.

[0007] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating arrangement includes a backrest incorporating an articulated upper chest section configured to conform to the shape of the upper back of a seated occupant. The articulated upper chest section includes a transverse vehicle support, a vertical torso support, and a suspension support. Each of the support features is generally configured to provide a comfortable and safe ride for occupants whose height, based generally on dimensional characteristics including height, weight, etc., ranges from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men. The dimensions and support of the articulated upper chest section have been fine-tuned, in particular, to accommodate the anthropomorphic characteristics of a person who meets the aforementioned criteria.

[0008] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present disclosure will be understandable and apparent to the person skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a vehicle seating arrangement arranged in a vehicle of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the vehicle seating arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 3A a perspective side view of an upper chest area of ​​the vehicle seating arrangement according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3B a top view of the in Fig. 3A upper chest area shown; Fig. 3C a front view of the in Fig. 3A upper chest area shown; Fig. 3D side view of the Fig. 3A upper chest area shown; Fig. 4A a perspective side view of an upper chest area of ​​the present disclosure with a distant pillow arrangement; Fig. 4B a top view of the in Fig. 4A upper chest area shown; Fig. 4C a front view of the in Fig. 4A upper chest area shown; Fig. 4D a side view of the in Fig. 4A upper chest area shown; Fig. 5A a perspective side view of an upper chest area of ​​the present disclosure in an extended position; Fig. 5B a top view of the in Fig. 5A upper chest area shown; Fig. 5C a front view of the in Fig. 5A upper chest area shown; Fig. 5D a side view of the in Fig. 5A upper chest area shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “back”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derived terms shall refer to the revelation as it appears in Fig. 1 is oriented. However, it is understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the present disclosed embodiments are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0011] In this writing, relational terms, such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like, are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without actually requiring or implying any such relationship or order between such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any other variations thereof are meant to refer to non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, object, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, procedure, object, or apparatus. An element to which a "includes..."The fact that “a” precedes it does not, without further restrictions, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, object or device that includes the element.

[0012] On the in the Fig. Referring to the generally illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 1-5D, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a vehicle seating arrangement with a backrest frame 12. An articulated upper chest section 14 is operatively coupled to the backrest frame 12 and includes a vehicle transverse support 18, a vertical upper body support 20, and a suspension support 22. The articulated upper chest section 14 is pivotably coupled to a central part 24 of the backrest frame 12 between a stowed and an extended position. A backplate 26 is operatively coupled to a rear side 28 of the backrest frame 12. A front endplate 30 is arranged between a rear part 32 of the articulated upper chest section 14 and the backplate 26. A circumferential gap 34 is arranged between the front endplate 30 and the articulated upper chest section 14.

[0013] With renewed reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 can be used in any vehicle 40, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also considered that the concept set forth in this disclosure can be used in a front or forward position of the vehicle 40 as well as a rear or aft position of the vehicle 40. According to the illustration, the vehicle seating arrangement 10 comprises a seat base 42 which is arranged on guide rails 44 to allow longitudinal movement of the vehicle seating arrangement 10 relative to the vehicle 40. A seat 46 is operatively coupled to the seat base 42 and movable relative to it, as will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, a backrest 48 of the vehicle seating arrangement 10 includes a backrest cushion arrangement 49 which covers a lower lumbar region 50 and an upper chest region 52, as well as a headrest 54.Each of the components of the backrest 48 can be configured for adjustability in order to adequately support the weight of different occupants inside the vehicle 40.

[0014] The seat 46 of the vehicle seating arrangement 10 generally comprises the seat base 42 with an adjacent first and second side bolster. Furthermore, a first and second thigh support are positioned in a forward position relative to the seat base 42. The first and second thigh supports can be moved between a forward and rearward position, as well as rotated between a raised and lowered position. Functionality associated with various joint features of the seat 46 can be adjusted manually or via a motorized system arranged in the vehicle seating arrangement 10. It is also understood that the backrest 48 is pivotally coupled to the seat 46 to allow for various reclined positions relative to the seat 46.

[0015] Now to the Fig. Referring to Figures 3A-3D, the depicted backrest 48 features a vehicle cross brace, designated by an arrow A extending across the backrest 48 near the vehicle cross brace 18. The vehicle cross brace 18 provides lateral or horizontal support for the upper back of an occupant near the occupant's shoulder blades. Provided by the articulated upper chest section 14, the vehicle cross brace 18 ensures flexible and adjustable support for an occupant ranging from the 5th percentile for female height / weight to the 95th percentile for male height / weight. The vehicle cross brace 18 extends from a first side 70 of a backrest cushion assembly 72 to a second side 74 of the backrest cushion assembly 72. This dimension can be generally defined as being between 380 mm and 450 mm, between 400 mm and 430 mm, or at approximately 417 mm.It is understood that these dimensions have been determined based on anthropomorphic considerations related to the size and shape of the human body and occupants, ranging from the 5th percentile for female height / weight to the 95th percentile for male height / weight. However, adjustments to the actual dimensions could be made based on a variety of other factors, including the thickness and weight of clothing, the degree of compression of the backrest cushion arrangement 72, and the relative rotated position of the backrest 48 with respect to the seat 46. Nevertheless, given the typical height and weight of the potential occupants to whom the seat 46 specifically relates in terms of performance considerations, the dimensions given above are likely to be suitable for these occupants.

[0016] Furthermore, the vertical upper body support 20 is represented by arrow B. Arrow B encompasses the distance between the axis of rotation of the articulated upper chest section 14 and an upper distal end 90 of the articulated upper chest section 14. In other words, arrow B extends from the pivot axis of the upper backrest to the uppermost part of the articulated upper chest section 14.

[0017] The vertical upper body support 20 is provided by the articulated upper chest section 14, as indicated by arrow B. The structure of the articulated upper chest section 14 includes an inverted U-shaped tube 80 with an outer flange 82 extending laterally and upwards from the U-shaped tube 80 ( Fig. 4A-4D). The U-shaped tube 80 and the outer flange 82 provide a degree of flexion with respect to the backrest 48. The articulated upper chest section 14 is generally configured to flex backward in a cantilevered manner by approximately 14 percent to 86 percent. Typically, a seam 84 between the lower lumbar section 50 and the upper chest section 52 of the backrest 48 is positioned near a pivot axis D of the vertical upper body support 20. The distance from the pivot axis D to an upper distal end 90 of the articulated upper chest section 14, indicated by arrow B, can be between 220 mm and 340 mm, between 260 mm and 300 mm, or approximately 288 mm. These dimensions are specifically directed towards the anthropomorphic design considerations associated with providing a vehicle seating arrangement 10 that accommodates an occupant ranging in size and weight from the 5th percentile woman to the 95th percentile man.Percentile man is sufficient.

[0018] Once again, focus on the Fig. Referring to Figures 4A-4D, the same general support systems, comprising the vehicle transverse support 18 and the vertical upper body support 20, are shown with the backrest cushion arrangement 49 positioned further away from the backrest 48. In particular, there is a degree of flexion in the articulated upper chest area 14. Specifically, the U-shaped tube 80 and the associated flexible outer flange 82 provide a degree of flexion extending over the articulated upper chest area 14. Unlike the distance A of the vertical transverse support 18 or the distance B of the vertical upper body support 20, which remain largely unchanged, the distance C of the suspension support 22 is variable and depends on the occupant's preference for adjusting the backrest 48 for comfort.

[0019] Now to the Fig. Referring to Figures 5A-5D, the suspension support 22 is clearly shown, which provides a cantilevered support extending from a pivot axis to the uppermost part of the articulated upper chest section 14. The suspension support 22 primarily provides a degree of flexibility and support that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest section 14, as desired by the occupant. Accordingly, more flexibility is gained when the articulated upper chest section 14 is in the extended position than when it is in the stowed position. The total range of motion associated with the suspension support 22 is generally between 25 mm and 80 mm, or between 40 mm and 70 mm, or approximately 67 mm. These ranges are generally related to anthropomorphic considerations associated with the human body of occupants ranging from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male.percentile man.

[0020] The vehicle seating arrangement 10, as described herein, and the vehicle transverse support 18, the vertical upper body support 20 and the suspension support 22 are specifically designed to accommodate the size and weight of a human body, as described in section 5.

[0021] The range of body sizes extends from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men. Conventional vehicle seating arrangements are often based on lightweight construction and the constraints of the available space within the vehicle. Accordingly, the sizes and dimensions listed herein, which relate to the support provided for an occupant ranging from the 5th percentile of women to the 95th percentile of men, are significant. It is obvious to the average professional that conventional seating arrangements do not accommodate individuals falling within this range and instead provide a "one-size-fits-all" seating system that is uncomfortable for occupants.

[0022] It is understood by the average person skilled in the art that the construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other embodiments of the disclosure revealed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0023] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect joining of two components (electrically or mechanically). Such a joining may be stationary or movable. Such a joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements, integrally formed as a single, one-piece body with each other or with the two components. Such a joining may be permanent or detachable or releasable unless otherwise specified.

[0024] It is also important to note that the design and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, a person skilled in the art reading this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (for example, variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements depicted as integral may be manufactured from multiple parts, or elements depicted as multiple parts may be integral; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of the structures and / or links or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied; the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be made from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of protection of these inventions.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without deviating from the idea of ​​the present innovations.

[0025] It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of protection of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed here serve for illustration purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting. Reference symbol list 10 Vehicle seating arrangement 12 backrest frames 14 articulated upper chest area 18 Vehicle cross support 20 vertical upper body support 22 Suspension support 24 middle part (of the backrest frame) 26 Backplate 28 Back (of the backrest frame) 30 front end plate 32 posterior part (of the articulated upper chest area) 34 Circumferential gap 40 vehicles 42 seat base 44 guide rails 46 seats 48 Backrest 49 Backrest cushion arrangement 50 lower lumbar region 52 upper chest area 54 Headrest 70 first page (of the backrest cushion arrangement) 72 Backrest cushion arrangement (detailed cover in Fig. 3A-3D, synonymous with 49) 74 second page (of the backrest cushion arrangement) 80 pipe (U-shaped) 82 outer flange 84 seams 90 upper distal end (of the articulated upper thoracic region) Arrow A - indicates lateral extension / vehicle cross support Arrow B - indicates vertical extension / upper body support Arrow C - indicates suspension travel D Axis of rotation / pivot axis (of the vertical upper body support)

Claims

[1] Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a backrest frame (12); a jointed upper chest area (14) which is operatively coupled to the backrest frame (12) and comprises the following: a vehicle cross support (18); a vertical upper body support (20); and a spring support (22) which provides a cantilevered support from a pivot axis to an uppermost part of the articulated upper chest area (14), wherein the spring support (22) provides a degree of flexibility that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest area (14) and Support can be provided; wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is pivotably coupled to a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) between a stowed and an extended position; a backplate (26) which is operatively coupled to a rear (28) of the backrest frame (12); a front end plate (30) arranged between a posterior part (32) of the articulated upper thoracic region (14) and the posterior plate (26); and a circumferential gap (34) that is located between the anterior end plate (30) and the articulated upper chest area (14). [2] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein a lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the vehicle cross support (18) is 400 mm to 430 mm. [3] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein the lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the vehicle cross support (18) is 417 mm. [4] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) by 260 mm to 300 mm. [5] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards by 288 mm from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12). [6] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is rotatable into a position which moves an upper edge of the articulated upper chest area (14) forward by 40 mm to 70 mm, thereby increasing the width of the circumferential gap (34) at the upper end of the backrest frame (12). [7] Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a backrest frame (12); a jointed upper chest area (14) which is operatively coupled to the backrest frame (12) and comprises the following: a vehicle cross support (18); a vertical upper body support (20); and a spring support (22) that provides a cantilevered support from a pivot axis to an uppermost part of the articulated upper chest area (14), wherein the spring support (22) provides a degree of flexibility that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest area 14 and Support can be provided; and wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is pivotably coupled to a middle part (24) of the backrest frame (12) between a stowed and an extended position, and wherein a rear part (32) of the articulated upper chest area (14) defines a circumferential gap (34). [8] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein a lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the vehicle cross support (18) is 400 mm to 430 mm. [9] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the vehicle cross support (18) is 417 mm. [10] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) by 260 mm to 300 mm. [11] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 10, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards by 288 mm from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12). [12] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is rotatable into a position which moves an upper edge of the articulated upper chest area (14) forward by 40 mm to 70 mm, thereby increasing the width of the circumferential gap (34) at the upper end of the backrest frame (12). [13] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 12, wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is configured to bend backwards in a cantilevered manner from 14 percent to 86 percent. [14] Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a backrest frame (12); a hinged upper chest area (14) pivotably coupled to a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) and operable between a stowed and an extended position, wherein a rear part (32) of the hinged upper chest area (14) defines a circumferential gap (34), wherein the hinged upper chest area (14) comprises the following: a laterally flexible vehicle cross support (18); a vertical upper body support (20); and an adjustable spring support (22) which provides a cantilevered support from a pivot axis to a top part of the articulated upper chest area (14), wherein the spring support (22) can provide a degree of flexibility and support that varies depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulated upper chest area (14) and is dependent on the relative position of the articulated upper chest area (14). [15] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 14, wherein a lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the laterally flexible vehicle cross support (18) is 400 mm to 430 mm. [16] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 15, wherein the lateral distance from a first side (70) to a second side (74) of the laterally flexible vehicle cross support (18) is 417 mm. [17] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 14, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12) by 260 mm to 300 mm. [18] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 17, wherein the vertical upper body support (20) extends upwards by 288 mm from a central part (24) of the backrest frame (12). [19] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to claim 14, wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is rotatable into a position which moves an upper edge of the articulated upper chest area (14) forward by 40 mm to 70 mm, thereby increasing the width of the circumferential gap (34) at the upper end of the backrest frame (12). [20] Vehicle seating arrangement (10) according to claim 19, wherein the articulated upper chest area (14) is configured to bend backwards in a cantilevered manner from 14 percent to 86 percent.

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