Swivel assembly for a rotating backrest frame and seat with a swivel assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivot assembly (400) for a rotatable backrest frame (212, 222, 232) of a vehicle seat (1000), comprising at least the following: - a first holding element (410) which can be mounted on the backrest frame, and - a joint element (430) designed to rotatably connect the first holding element (410) to a vehicle structural element (506), wherein - a second holding element (420) is provided and arranged on the first holding element (410) and coupled to the joint element (430), wherein the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first holding element (410) under load. The invention further relates to a vehicle seat (1000).

Description

BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The invention relates to a pivot joint assembly for a rotatable backrest frame of a vehicle seat, comprising at least one first retaining element mountable to the backrest frame and a joint element configured to rotatably connect the first retaining element to a vehicle structural element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, comprising at least one vertically divided backrest and such a pivot joint assembly.

[0002] Seats, in particular vehicle seats, in which backrest frames are articulated to a vehicle structure or other seat parts by means of lateral fittings or simple joints or pivot bearings, are well known. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved pivot assembly that can withstand loads, particularly impact loads, and an improved seat, particularly a vehicle seat, in which a rotatable backrest can withstand loads, particularly impact loads. In particular, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pivot assembly and a seat that are robust, less complex, and easy to assemble.

[0004] Preferred embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0005] To achieve the above objects, the present invention comprises a pivot joint assembly for a rotatable backrest frame of a vehicle seat, comprising at least a first retaining element mountable on the backrest frame and a joint element configured to rotatably connect the first retaining element to a vehicle structural element, wherein a second retaining element is provided and arranged on the first retaining element and coupled to the joint element, and the second retaining element is deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first retaining element under load, in particular under an impact load.

[0006] Since a second holding element is provided and arranged on the first holding element and coupled to the joint element, wherein the second holding element is deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element under load, in particular under an impact load, the structural integrity can be maintained in the event of impacts, for example in the event of rear-end impacts.

[0007] Thanks to the solution proposed here, with the deformable and / or displaceable second support element, it can be helped to ensure that a backrest frame comprising, for example, 40-20% of a vehicle, such as a so-called BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), maintains structural integrity in accordance with the ECE low-floor regulations (e.g., 3x50% and ECE LR low-floor with and without a 50% test dummy). During loading, a dummy can impact a pivot joint from the front. A so-called LR low-floor luggage block can impact a center hinge from the rear. In both cases, enormous displacements and deformations can occur at the inner backrest hinges. Deformation of a lower cross tube cannot absorb loads such as impact loads that exceed certain limits. Under such conditions, these loads spread to 40-20% of the pivot joint.To cope with loads, rigid joints may require optimal strength and elasticity.

[0008] The second support member can deform within elastic limits and absorb loads resulting from vehicle impact conditions to prevent structural failure in the seating system. The second support member can include load-bearing features.

[0009] The proposed design of the pivot assembly can address at least two failure modes. Failure modes can occur at 40-20% LH of the pivot and result in overstressing, widespread deformation of seat parts and / or hinge parts, and fracture of seat parts and / or hinge parts. The design of the second support element supports peeling of a hinge support and overstressing of a back frame part such as a lower cross tube and / or a hinge element such as a pivot pin.

[0010] The second support member may be deformable and / or displaceable such that the hinge member may be displaceable relative to the first support member. The hinge member may be axially displaceable relative to the first support member. Due to the deformation and / or displacement of the second support member, the hinge member may be displaced to maintain a connection with the vehicle structural member. The second support member may absorb load conditions to prevent breakage of the connection between the hinge member, the support members, and the vehicle structural member.

[0011] The vehicle structural element can be a so-called BIW (Body In White) shell element. The vehicle structural element can be, for example, a bracket element designed to hold the backrest frame to a vehicle floor. The vehicle structural element can be a metal plate connected to the vehicle floor on one side and to the backrest frame on the other side. The vehicle structural element can be, for example, a side shell element that connects the pivot assembly to a side frame part of the vehicle.

[0012] The second retaining element can be deformable and / or displaceable toward the first retaining element, so that the joint element is rotatable relative to the first retaining element. The joint element can be moved relative to the first retaining element in more than one degree of freedom to prevent breakage.

[0013] The first holding element may have a higher rigidity than the second holding element. The first holding element may be a rigid element. The first holding element may be formed from a stiff and rigid metal plate. The second holding element may be formed from a metal plate with a predefined elasticity and a lower rigidity than the first holding element.

[0014] In an initial assembly state, the second retaining element can be spaced from the first retaining element by a predefined gap, such as a clearance, or with play. The second retaining element can be deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first retaining element at least in a region of the gap, in particular in the region of the clearance or play.

[0015] In an initial assembly state, the second retaining element can be coupled to the first retaining element via a number of weld zones. The proposed solution ensures an inseparable weld connection between the first retaining element and the second retaining element in a first predefined zone and a separable weld connection in a second predefined zone. The displacement and / or deformation of the second retaining element can thus be controlled to accommodate a maximum load.

[0016] At least one of the welding zones may be configured to break under an impact load, so that the second holding element is deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element.

[0017] A first portion of the joint element can be rotatably arranged in a first opening of the first retaining element, and a second portion of the joint element can be fixedly arranged in a second opening of the second retaining element. The proposed solution ensures an inseparable connection between the second retaining element and the joint element.

[0018] In the initial assembly state, the openings can be coaxially aligned with each other. The joint element can be guided through the gap between the retaining elements. The joint element can be displaceable and / or rotatable within the gap region.

[0019] A dimension of the first opening can be designed such that the joint element can be displaced at least axially through the first opening and / or rotated relative to the first opening under a load and a resulting deformation and / or a resulting displacement of the second holding element. The first opening can have a larger dimension, in particular a larger diameter, than a diameter of the joint element. A gap, in particular a free space, can be provided between an outer surface of the joint element and an inner surface of the first opening. Thus, the joint element can move relative to the first opening, in particular can be displaced and / or rotated relative to it.

[0020] The first support member and the second support member may each comprise at least a first support portion and a second support portion extending perpendicularly from the first support portion. The first support member and the second support member may have the same shape or form. The first support member and the second support member may each be substantially L-shaped or U-shaped. The second support member may have smaller dimensions than the first support member. In particular, the first support member may be an outer main bracket mountable to a backrest frame portion. The second support member may be an inner support bracket mounted to the first support member.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, comprising at least one vertically divided backrest with a first backrest frame and a second backrest frame and at least one pivot joint assembly according to one of the features described above, wherein the pivot joint assembly is arranged between the first backrest frame and the second backrest frame.

[0022] The seat may be a bench seat, for example a rear bench seat, for a vehicle. The bench seat may be divided into backrest segments, each backrest segment being rotatable relative to the other and / or relative to a vehicle floor. Each backrest segment may comprise its own backrest frame. The backrest frames may be mounted on either side by means of pivot assemblies or pivot bearings. At least one pivot assembly may be arranged between the two backrest frames. The backrest frames may be rotated from an upright position, such as a use and seating position, to a substantially horizontal position, such as a storage, loading, or lying position.

[0023] The pivot assembly can be designed to prevent a corresponding backrest frame from being torn from its mounting. This increases passenger safety. The pivot assembly can absorb tensile forces acting on the backrest frame.

[0024] The invention provides a swivel assembly for a seat that is reliable even in the event of an impact and under impact loading and that can be manufactured with reduced manufacturing costs and / or reduced material usage.

[0025] Further applications of the present invention and advantageous embodiments which may be used individually or in combination will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the invention, they are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0026] The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are given for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1: a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, according to the state of the art, Fig. 2: a seat according to a first embodiment, comprising a split backrest with at least two backrest segments, wherein at least one of the backrest segments can be rotated about a rotation axis, Fig. 3: the seat Fig. 2 and a load application zone, for example in the event of an impact, Fig. 4: a pivot joint assembly for a backrest frame, for example a rotatable backrest segment, according to a first embodiment, comprising at least a first holding element, a second holding element and a joint element, wherein the pivot joint assembly is in an assembled state, Fig. 5: the swivel joint assembly according to Fig. 4, wherein the pivot assembly is in an initial assembly state on the backrest frame, Fig. 6: the swivel joint assembly according to Fig. 5, wherein the swivel assembly is in a state after a load application, and Fig. 7: an exploded view of the swivel assembly.

[0027] Corresponding parts are designated by the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0028] A schematic in Fig. A known vehicle seat 100 shown in Figure 1 is described below with reference to three spatial axes or directions that extend perpendicular to one another. A longitudinal axis x runs horizontally and preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle with a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse axis y is also oriented horizontally in the vehicle and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and runs parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A vertical axis z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the transverse direction. In the case of a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, the vertical axis z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle height direction.

[0029] The position and direction specifications used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to a viewing direction of an occupant sitting in an upright sitting position, such as a normal sitting position, on the vehicle seat 100, wherein the vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle in a position of use suitable for passenger transport with an upright backrest 104 and wherein the vehicle seat 100 is oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, the vehicle seat 100 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example, transversely to the direction of travel. Unless otherwise described, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed mirror-symmetrically to a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction y.

[0030] The backrest 104 can be rotatably arranged in a seat shell 102 of the vehicle seat 100. For this purpose, the vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise a fitting device 106, in particular an adjustment fitting, a rotary fitting, a locking fitting, or a wobble fitting.

[0031] The position and direction specifications used, such as radial, axial, and circumferential, refer to a rotation axis 108 of the fitting device 106. Radial means perpendicular to the rotation axis 108, axial means in the direction or parallel to the rotation axis 108.

[0032] The vehicle seat 100 can optionally include a longitudinal adjustment device 110. The longitudinal adjustment device 110 has, for example, a rail assembly 112 with a first rail element 114 and a second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is adjustable in a longitudinal direction relative to the second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is attached to the seat shell 102. The second rail element 116 is attached to a structural element of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle floor 508.

[0033] For clarity, the first rail element 114 is referred to as the upper rail 114 in the following description. This upper rail 114 (also referred to as a running rail or carriage) is associated with the vehicle seat 100 and is designed to support the vehicle seat 100. The second rail element 116 is also referred to as the lower rail 116. The lower rail 116 is, for example, attached to and connected to the floor of a vehicle.

[0034] The known vehicle seat 100 with the fitting device 106 is designed such that the fitting device 106, in particular its rotation axis 108, couples the seat shell 102 and the backrest 104 with respect to one another. The backrest 104 can be rotatable about the rotation axis 108. The seat shell 102 can be stationary with respect to the rotation axis 108.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a seat 1000 according to a first embodiment, which comprises a split backrest 104 with at least two backrest segments 210, 220, wherein at least one of the backrest segments 210, 220 is rotatable about a rotation axis 300.

[0036] The seat 1000, in particular a vehicle seat 1000, can be a bench seat, in particular a rear seat bench. The seat 1000 comprises at least one vertically divided backrest 104, which has a first backrest segment 210 with a first backrest frame 212 and a second backrest segment 220 with a second backrest frame 222. The seat 1000 can comprise a third backrest segment 230 with a third backrest frame 232. Fig. 2 shows, for example, a 40-20-40% backrest 104 in the shell.

[0037] The seat 1000 may include a first 40% backrest segment 210, a second 20% backrest segment 220, and a third 40% backrest segment 230. The second backrest segment 220, in particular the second backrest frame 222, may be coupled to one of the 40% backrest segments 210, 230 so that they are rotatable together as a 40-20% backrest 104 about the rotation axis 300. The second backrest segment 220 may be adjusted between an upright position 302 and a horizontal position. In the upright position 302, the second backrest frame 222 may provide a resting surface. In the horizontal position, the second backrest frame 222 may provide a loading surface or storage surface. Each backrest segment 210 to 230 can, for example, be placed in the horizontal position to enlarge a loading space in the rear of a vehicle.

[0038] At least one pivot assembly 400 can be arranged between the first backrest frame 212 and the second backrest frame 222. The pivot assembly 400 can be arranged between the 20% backrest segment 220 and one of the 40% backrest segments 210, 230. The pivot assembly 400 can be coupled to the second backrest segment 220, in particular the second backrest frame 222.

[0039] The third backrest segment 230 and the second backrest segment 220 can, for example, be coupled to a common cross tube 240. The third backrest segment 230 and / or the second backrest segment 220 can be coupled internally to the pivot joint assembly 400. The third backrest segment 230 can be coupled externally via a pivot attachment to a first vehicle structural element 502, such as a bodyshell side panel or bodyshell side frame. The first backrest segment 210 can be coupled externally via a pivot attachment to a second vehicle structural element 504, such as a bodyshell side panel or bodyshell side frame, opposite the first structural element 502. Internally, the first backrest segment 210 can be coupled via a pivot attachment to a third vehicle structural element 506, such as a bodyshell retaining element and bodyshell connecting element, for example, a tower clamp.The third vehicle structural member 506 may be disposed between the first back frame 212 and the second back frame 222. The pivot assembly 400 may be configured to rotatably couple the second back frame 222 to the third vehicle structural member 506. The third vehicle structural member 506 may be a metal plate or metal bracket connected to the vehicle floor 508 on one side and the back 104 on the other side.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows the seat 1000 after Fig. 2 and a load application zone 600, for example in the event of an impact, in particular a rear impact.

[0041] To prevent the backrest segments 210 to 230 from separating from one another under load, particularly under impact load, the pivot assembly 400 can be configured to absorb loading forces such as tensile forces and / or torsional forces. Under load, the attachment points and mounts of the backrest segments 210 to 230 can be moved against one another in an uncontrolled manner, for example, twisted, until the attachment points and mounts tear.

[0042] The pivot assembly 400 can be configured to prevent backrest segments 210 to 230, particularly their backrest frames 212, 222, 232, from being torn from their fastenings and mounts. This can increase passenger safety.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a pivot assembly 400 for a backrest frame 222, for example a rotatable backrest segment 220, according to a first embodiment, which comprises at least a first holding element 410, a second holding element 420 and a joint element 430, wherein the pivot assembly 400 is in an assembled state.

[0044] The swivel assembly 400 may be a simple add-on part. The swivel assembly 400 may be a pre-assembled unit 400a.

[0045] The first holding element 410 can be mounted, for example, in a region of the cross tube 240 on the backrest frame 222. The joint element 430 can be configured to rotatably connect the first holding element 410 to the vehicle structural element 506. In particular, the joint element 430 can be a rotary element or a hinge element such as a pivot pin or pivot bolt. The joint element 430 can be a standardized M10 screw. The vehicle structural element 506 can include a pivot bearing (not shown) that rotatably holds the joint element 430. The backrest frame 222 can rotate relative to the vehicle structural element 506.

[0046] The second support member 420 may be provided and arranged on the first support member 410 and coupled to the hinge member 430. The hinge member 430 may be coupled to both support members 410, 420. These connections promote the support of each of the parts of the pivot assembly 400 relative to one another under load.

[0047] The second retaining element 420 can be configured to be deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first retaining element 410 under load, particularly during an impact load. Furthermore, other parts such as the vehicle structural element 506 and / or the cross tube 240 and / or the backrest frame 222 and / or the first retaining element 410 can be deformable within the elastic limits of these parts. At least the second retaining element 420 can deform and / or displace to absorb loads and prevent parts from breaking.

[0048] The first support element 410 may include at least a first support part 412 and a second support part 414 extending perpendicularly from the first support part 412. The first support part 412 may include a number of mounting elements 416, such as mounting holes, configured for mounting to the backrest frame 222. The mounting elements 416 may be attached to the backrest frame 222, in particular to the cross tube 240, for example, by welding. The second support part 414 may include an opening 418, described further below as the first opening 418, for guiding the hinge element 430. The first support element 410 may be L-shaped. The first support element 410 may be one-piece. The first support element 410 may, for example, be made from a sheet metal.

[0049] The second support member 420 may include at least a first support portion 422 and a second support portion 424 extending perpendicularly from the first support portion 422. The second support member 420 may be L-shaped. The second support member 424 may include an opening 426, described below as second opening 426, to guide the hinge member 430. The second support member 420 may have smaller dimensions than the first support member 410. The second support member 420 may fit into a space between the first support portion 412 and the second support portion 414 of the first support member 410.

[0050] The holding elements 410, 420 can be arranged and fastened to one another and with respect to one another, forming a gap 440, in particular a free space or play, therebetween. In an initial assembly state 610, the second holding element 420 can be arranged at a distance from the first holding element 410 by a predefined gap 440. The second holding element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element 410 at least in a region of the gap 440. In particular, the holding elements 410, 420 can be arranged with respect to one another such that the first holding parts 412, 422 can be arranged parallel to one another and the second holding parts 414, 424 can be arranged parallel to one another. The second holding parts 414, 424 can be arranged parallel to one another and spaced from one another by a gap 440. In the initial assembly state 610, the openings 418, 426 may be coaxially aligned.The openings 418, 426 may be cutouts or through holes.

[0051] In the initial assembly state 610, the second holding element 420 can be coupled to the first holding element 410 via a number of welding zones 450, 452, 454. The proposed solution ensures an inseparable welded connection between the first holding element 410 and the second holding element 420 in a first predefined welding zone 450 and a separable welded connection in a second predefined welding zone 452. In particular, the second holding part 424 of the second holding element 420 can be welded to the first holding part 412 of the first holding element 410. The first holding part 422 of the second holding element 420 can be welded to the second holding part 414 of the first holding element 410. To ensure an inseparable welded connection, the welding zone 450 can, for example, comprise at least one continuously applied weld seam over an overall extension direction of the first holding part 422 of the second holding element 420.To ensure a separable welded joint, the weld zone 452 may include at least one spot weld or one weld. The weld zone 452 may include a number of so-called tack welds. The weld zone 452 may prevent a so-called block shear fracture in the initial assembly state 610, for example, under normal usage conditions.

[0052] The weld zone 452 may be configured to fracture under impact loading to allow displacement and / or deformation of the second retaining element 420. In particular, the weld zone 452 connecting the second retaining part 424 of the second retaining element 420 to the first retaining part 412 of the first retaining element 410 may be configured to fracture under impact loading, so that the second retaining element 420, in particular its first and / or second retaining parts 422, 424, may be deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first retaining element 410.

[0053] Fig. 4 schematically shows examples of various deformed and / or displaced states 620 of the second retaining part 424 of the second retaining element 420 when it has been released or separated from the first retaining element 410 under load. The displacement and / or deformation of the second retaining element 420 can be directed such that a maximum load can be absorbed. It is understood that the first retaining element 410 can also be configured such that it is at least partially deformable with respect to the backrest frame 222.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows the swivel assembly 400 after Fig. 4, wherein the swivel assembly 400 may be configured as a pre-assembled unit 400a and is shown in an initial assembly state 610.

[0055] The second holding element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable such that the joint element 430 can be displaced relative to the first holding element 410. The joint element 430 can be axially displaceable relative to the first holding element 410.

[0056] The second holding element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element 410, in particular with respect to its first holding part 412 and / or second holding part 414, such that the joint element 430 is rotatable with respect to the first holding element 410.

[0057] In particular, the second holding element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element 410, in particular with respect to its first holding part 412 and / or second holding part 414, so that the joint element 430 is rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to the first holding element 410, in particular towards the second holding part 414 of the first holding element 410 and with respect thereto, in particular with respect to the first opening 418.

[0058] In particular, the second holding element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element 410, in particular with respect to its first holding part 412 and / or second holding part 414, so that the joint element 430 is displaceable and / or rotatable in a displacement direction 630.

[0059] A first portion 432 of the joint element 430 can be rotatably arranged in the first opening 418 of the first holding element 410. The first portion 432 of the joint element 430 can be guided through the first opening 418. The first portion 432 can comprise a head element 434 such as a stud head or a bolt head. The head element 434 can be rotatably held in the pivot bearing of the vehicle structural element 506. A second portion 436 of the joint element 430 can be fixedly arranged, in particular attached and fastened, in the second opening 426 of the second holding element 420. The second portion 436 of the joint element 430 can be welded to the second opening 426, for example, via at least one welding zone 454.

[0060] When the second holding part 424 of the second holding element 420 is separated from the first holding element 410, the joint element 430 is displaced and / or rotated in the direction 630 together with the deformation and / or displacement of the second holding element 420.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows the swivel assembly 400 after Fig. 5, wherein the swivel assembly 400 is in a post-load condition 600.

[0062] The weld zone 452, via which the second retaining part 424 of the second retaining element 420 is connected to the first retaining part 412 of the first retaining element 410 in the initial assembly state 610, may be in a broken state due to an impact load. In the illustration, the second retaining element 420, in particular its first and / or second retaining parts 422, 424, is in a deformed and / or displaced state 620 with respect to the first retaining element 410.

[0063] When the second holding part 424 of the second holding element 420 is separated from the first holding element 410, the joint element 430 can be displaced and / or rotated in the direction 630 due to loading forces, for example tensile forces, together with the deformation and / or displacement of the second holding element 420.

[0064] A dimension, such as a diameter of the first opening 418, may be configured such that the joint element 430 may be displaceable at least axially through the first opening 418 and / or rotatable with respect to the first opening 418 upon a load and a resulting deformation and / or a resulting displacement of the second holding element 420.

[0065] Fig. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the pivot assembly 400.

[0066] The pivot assembly 400 may include at least a first support element 410, a second support element 420, and a joint element 430. The first support element 410 is mountable on the backrest frame 222, for example, in a region of the cross tube 240. The joint element 430 may be configured to rotatably connect the first support element 410 to the vehicle structural element 506.

[0067] The second retaining element 420 can be provided and arranged on the first retaining element 410 and coupled to the joint element 430. The joint element 430 can be coupled to both retaining elements 410, 420.

[0068] The first holding element 410 may include at least a first holding part 412 and a second holding part 414 extending perpendicularly from the first holding part 412. The first holding part 412 may include a number of mounting elements 416, such as mounting holes, configured for mounting to the backrest frame 222. The mounting elements 416 may be attached to the backrest frame 222, in particular to the cross tube 240, for example, by welding. The second holding part 414 may include an opening 418, also described as first opening 418, for guiding the joint element 430. The first holding element 410 may be L-shaped. The first holding element 410 may be one-piece. The first holding element 410 may, for example, be made from a sheet metal.

[0069] The second support member 420 may include at least a first support portion 422 and a second support portion 424 extending perpendicularly from the first support portion 422. The second support member 420 may be L-shaped. The second support member 424 may include an opening 426, also described as a second opening 426, to guide the hinge member 430. The second support member 420 may have smaller dimensions than the first support member 410. The second support member 420 may fit into a space between the first support portion 412 and the second support portion 414 of the first support member 410.

[0070] When the second retaining element 420 is provided and mounted on the first retaining element 410, the first retaining part 422 of the second retaining element 420 contacts the second retaining part 414 of the first retaining element 410. The second retaining part 422 of the second retaining element 420 defines a dimension of a gap 440 when provided and mounted on the first retaining element 410. The second retaining element 420 can be deformable and / or displaceable relative to the first retaining element 410, at least in a region of the gap 440.

[0071] A first portion 432 of the joint element 430 can be rotatably disposed in the first opening 418 of the first retaining element 410. The first portion 432 of the joint element 430 can be guided through the first opening 418. The first portion 432 can comprise a head element 434, such as a stud head or a bolt head. The head element 434 can be rotatably held in the pivot bearing of the vehicle structural element 506. A second portion 436 of the joint element 430 can be fixedly disposed, in particular attached and fastened, in the second opening 426 of the second retaining element 420.

[0072] The joint member 430 may be a pivot pin. The joint member 430 may include a first sleeve 438a, such as a threaded sleeve, a threaded bushing, or a threaded bearing, to be coupled to the second portion 436 of the joint member 430. An outer surface of the first sleeve 438a may be fixedly held in the second opening 426 of the second retaining member 420 and welded to the second retaining member 420. The joint member 430 may include a second sleeve 438b, such as a plastic cover sleeve or a cover sleeve, to be coupled to the first portion 432 and / or the head member 434 of the joint member 430.

[0073] A dimension such as a diameter of the first opening 418 may be configured such that the first opening 418 allows the first sleeve 438a to slide and / or rotate therethrough upon loading and resulting deformation and / or displacement of the second retaining element 420. List of reference symbols 100, 1000 seat, vehicle seat 102 seat shell 104 backrest 106 Fitting device 108 Rotation axis 110 Longitudinal adjustment device 112 Rail track assembly 114 first rail element (upper rail) 116 second rail element (lower rail) 210 to 230 backrest segment 212, 222, 232 backrest frame 240 cross tube 300 rotation axis 302 upright position, upright sitting position 400 swivel joint assembly 400a pre-assembled unit 410 Holding element, in particular first holding element 412, 414 holding part 416 mounting element 418 (first) opening 420 Holding element, in particular second holding element 422, 424 holding part 426 (second) opening 430 joint element 432 first section 434 head element 436 second section 438a first sleeve 438b second sleeve 440 gap 450, 452, 454 welding zone 502, 504, 506 structural element, vehicle structural element 508 vehicle floor 600 load application zone 610 initial assembly state 620 deformed and / or displaced state 630 direction x Longitudinal axis y transverse axis z vertical axis

Claims

[1] Swivel assembly (400) for a rotatable backrest frame (212, 222, 232) of a vehicle seat (1000), comprising at least - a first holding element (410) which can be mounted on the backrest frame, and - a joint element (430) designed to rotatably connect the first holding element (410) to a vehicle structural element (506), characterized by - a second holding element (420) which is provided and arranged on the first holding element (410) and coupled to the joint element (430), wherein the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable under load with respect to the first holding element (410). [2] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to claim 1, characterized by that the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable such that the joint element (430) is displaceable with respect to the first holding element (410). [3] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable towards the first holding element (410) so that the joint element (430) is rotatable with respect to the first holding element (410). [4] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the first holding element (410) has a higher rigidity than the second holding element (420). [5] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by in that the second holding element (420) is arranged in an initial assembly state (610) at a distance from the first holding element (410) by a predefined gap (440), wherein the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element (410) at least in a region of the gap (440). [6] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized byin that the second holding element (420) is coupled to the first holding element (410) in an initial assembly state (610) via a number of welding zones (450, 452, 454), wherein at least one of the welding zones (450, 452, 454) is designed such that it breaks under an impact load, so that the second holding element (420) is deformable and / or displaceable with respect to the first holding element (410). [7] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that a first portion (432) of the joint element (430) is rotatably arranged in a first opening (418) of the first holding element (410) and a second portion (436) of the joint element (430) is fixedly arranged in a second opening (426) of the second holding element (420), wherein the openings (418, 426) are coaxially aligned with one another in an initial assembly state (610). [8] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to claim 7, characterized bythat a dimension of the first opening (418) is designed such that the joint element (430) is displaceable at least axially through the first opening (418) and / or rotatable with respect to the first opening (418) when subjected to a load and a resulting deformation and / or a resulting displacement of the second holding element (420). [9] Swivel joint assembly (400) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the first holding element (410) and the second holding element (420) each comprise at least a first holding part (412, 422) and a second holding part (414, 424) extending perpendicularly from the first holding part (412, 422). [10] A vehicle seat (1000) comprising at least one vertically split backrest having a first backrest frame (212) and a second backrest frame (222) and at least one pivot assembly (400) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the pivot assembly (400) is arranged between the first backrest frame (212) and the second backrest frame (222).

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