VEHICLE SEAT WITH RESTRAINT SYSTEM

Abstract

An assembly comprises a seat, a scissor mechanism, and a pyrotechnic actuator. The seat includes a rear seat cushion and a front seat cushion positioned forward of the rear cushion. The rear seat cushion is movable between a raised and a lowered position relative to the front cushion. The scissor mechanism is coupled to the rear seat cushion and is movable between an extended and a compressed position. In the extended position, the scissor mechanism holds the rear seat cushion in the raised position. In the compressed position, the scissor mechanism holds the rear seat cushion in the lowered position. The pyrotechnic actuator is connected to the rear seat cushion and can be deployed to move the rear seat cushion from the raised to the lowered position.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure relates to a restraint system in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles include restraint systems. The restraint system for a vehicle seat is typically a three-point belt. The restraint system includes an anchor, a retractor, and a buckle. The anchor attaches one end of the webbing to a vehicle body structure. The other end of the webbing feeds into the retractor, which may include a roller that unwinds and rewinds the webbing. A tongue slides freely along the webbing and, when engaged with the buckle, divides the webbing into a lap belt and a shoulder belt. SUMMARY

[0003] An assembly includes a seat base, a scissor mechanism, and a pyrotechnic actuator. The seat base includes a rear seat cushion and a front seat cushion in a seat-forward direction relative to the rear seat cushion. The rear seat cushion is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the front seat cushion. The scissor mechanism is coupled to the rear seat cushion and movable between an extended position and a compressed position. In the extended position, the scissor mechanism holds the rear seat cushion in the raised position. In the compressed position, the scissor mechanism holds the rear seat cushion in the lowered position. The pyrotechnic actuator is connected to the rear seat cushion and is dischargeable to move the rear seat cushion from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0004] In one example, the front seat cushion may be arranged to maintain a constant position as the rear seat cushion moves from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0005] In one example, the assembly may further include a guide track supported by the front seat cushion, wherein the rear seat cushion engages the guide track and is movable along the guide track between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0006] In one example, the assembly may further include a backrest coupled to the seat bottom in a seat-rearward direction toward the rear seat cushion. In one example, the assembly may further include an airbag supported by the backrest and inflatable to an inflated position above the seat bottom. In yet another example, the backrest may have an upper half, and the airbag may extend from the upper half in the inflated position. In yet another example, the backrest may have a lower half at the seat bottom and a center dividing the upper half and the lower half, and the airbag may extend below the center in the inflated position.

[0007] In yet another example, the airbag may be configured to inflate in conjunction with a discharge of the pyrotechnic actuator.

[0008] In one example, the scissor mechanism may include a first cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion and a second cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion. In another example, the assembly may further include a floor, and the first cross member and the second cross member may be pivotally coupled to the floor.

[0009] In another further example, the assembly may include a seat pan, and the first cross member and the second cross member may be pivotally coupled to the seat pan.

[0010] In another further example, the first cross member and the second cross member may be pivotally engaged with each other.

[0011] In one example, the assembly may further include a floor, and the scissor mechanism may be mounted to the floor. In another example, the pyrotechnic actuator may include a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the floor.

[0012] In one example, the seat base may include a seat pan, and the scissor mechanism may be mounted to the seat pan. In another example, the pyrotechnic actuator may include a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the seat pan.

[0013] In one example, the pyrotechnic actuator may include a first end fixed to the scissor mechanism.

[0014] In one example, the pyrotechnic actuator may include a first end fixed to the rear seat cushion.

[0015] In one example, the assembly may further include a plate fixed to a lower surface of the rear seat cushion, the plate being movable with the rear seat cushion from the raised position to the lowered position. In another example, the plate may be mounted to the scissor mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary vehicle with a passenger compartment exposed for illustration. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary seat of the vehicle. Fig. 3A is a side view of the seat with a rear seat cushion in a raised position and an airbag in a deflated position. Fig. Figure 3B is a side view of the seat with the rear seat cushion in a lowered position and the airbag in the inflated position. Fig. 4 is a side view of another example of the seat with the rear seat cushion in the raised position. Fig. Figure 5A is a side view of a scissor mechanism of the seat in an extended position. Fig. Figure 5B is a side view of the scissor mechanism in a compressed position. Fig. 6 is a side view of another example of the scissor mechanism in the extended position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to the figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, an assembly 105 of a vehicle 100 includes a seat bottom 110, a scissor mechanism 115, and a pyrotechnic actuator 120. The seat bottom 110 includes a rear seat cushion 125 and a front seat cushion 130 in a seat-forward direction toward the rear seat cushion 125. The rear seat cushion 125 is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the front seat cushion 130. The scissor mechanism 115 is coupled to the rear seat cushion 125 and is movable between an extended position and a compressed position. In the extended position, the scissor mechanism 115 maintains the rear seat cushion 125 in the raised position. In the compressed position, the scissor mechanism 115 holds the rear seat cushion 125 in the lowered position.The pyrotechnic actuator 120 is connected to the rear seat cushion 125 and is dischargeable to move the rear seat cushion 125 from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0017] The raised position of the rear seat cushion 125 may be a standard position in which an upper surface of the rear seat cushion 125 is adjacent to an upper surface of the front seat cushion 130. In the lowered position of the rear seat cushion 125, the upper surface of the rear seat cushion 125 is below the upper surface of the front seat cushion 130. In the event of certain impacts to the vehicle 100, the pyrotechnic actuator 120 is triggered to discharge to move the rear seat cushion 125 from the raised position to the lowered position. The lowered position of the rear seat cushion 125 allows the occupant's pelvis to lower below the upper surface of the front seat cushion 130, and the front seat cushion 130 may thereby reduce forward movement of the occupant.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 may be any passenger vehicle or any commercial vehicle, such as a car, a truck, an SUV, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.

[0019] The vehicle 100 includes a passenger compartment 135 for accommodating occupants of the vehicle 100. The passenger compartment 135 includes a floor 140 and a plurality of seats 145 mounted to the floor 140. One or more of the seats 145 may be located in a front row of the passenger compartment 135, and one or more of the seats 145 may be located in a second row behind the front row. The passenger compartment 135 may also include seats 145 in a third row in a rear portion of the passenger compartment 135. In the remainder of this specification, the assembly 105 is discussed for one seat 145, but several or all of the seats 145 in the passenger compartment 135 may each include an assembly 105 as described herein. The seats 145 are shown as bucket seats in the front row and as bench seats in the second row, but the seats 145 may be of a different type.The position and orientation of the seats 145 and components thereof may be adjustable by an occupant.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 2, the seat 145 may include a backrest 150, the seat bottom 110, and a headrest 155. The headrest 155 may be supported by the backrest 150 and may be stationary or movable relative to the backrest 150. The backrest 150 may be supported by the seat bottom 110. The backrest 150 may be coupled to the seat bottom 110 in a seat-rearward direction toward the rear seat cushion 125. The backrest 150 may be stationary or movable relative to the seat bottom 110. The backrest 150, the seat bottom 110, and / or the headrest 155 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. In particular, the backrest 150, the seat surface 110 and / or the headrest 155 may themselves be adjustable, in other words adjustable components within the backrest 150, the seat surface 110 and / or the headrest 155, and / or may be adjustable relative to one another.

[0021] The backrest 150 may be divided into an upper half 160 and a lower half 165 along a length of the backrest 150 that extends perpendicular to a rotational axis of the backrest 150 relative to the seat surface 110. The lower half 165 is located at the seat surface 110, and the upper half 160 is spaced from the seat surface 110 by the lower half 165. A center 170 divides the upper half 160 and the lower half 165.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 3A-B, the assembly 105 may include an airbag 175. The airbag 175 is supported by the seatback 150. The airbag 175 is deployable from a deflated position within the interior of the seatback 150 (as shown in Fig. 3A) into an inflatable position extending over the seat surface 110 and outward from the backrest 150 (as shown in Fig. 3B), inflatable. In the deflated position, the airbag 175 is located within or beneath a cover of the seatback 150. The cover may include one or more tear seams that are opened by inflation of the airbag 175. In the inflated position, the airbag 175 is positioned laterally of an occupant sitting on the seat 145, e.g., between the occupant and a door of the vehicle 100 in a vehicle transverse direction, e.g., an outward direction. The airbag 175, in the inflated position, extends from the upper half 160 of the seatback 150 and extends beneath the center 170, e.g., extending from the lower half 165 of the seatback 150, thereby providing coverage for an upper torso of the occupant. For example, in the inflated position, the airbag 175 may extend straight forward from the side of the seatback 150 from which the airbag 175 is inflated.As another example, the airbag 175 may extend beside and in front of the occupant, e.g., curving around the front of the occupant. The assembly 105 may include symmetrical airbags 175 on either side of the seatback 150. The airbag 175 may include an inflator for inflating the airbag 175 with an inflation medium, such as a gas.

[0023] The seat surface 110 includes a seat pan 180, the front seat cushion 130, the rear seat cushion 125, a plate 185, and at least one guide track 190. The seat pan 180 may be part of a seat frame of the seat 145. The seat pan 180 extends beneath the front seat cushion 130 and the rear seat cushion 125. The seat pan 180 supports the front seat cushion 130, the rear seat cushion 125, the plate 185, and the at least one guide track 190.

[0024] The front seat cushion 130 is positioned in a seat-forward direction relative to the rear seat cushion 125. The front seat cushion 130 extends laterally, i.e., in a seat-transverse direction, across the entire width of the seat 145, thereby providing coverage under both thighs of the occupant. The front seat cushion 130 is arranged to maintain a constant position as the rear seat cushion 125 moves from the raised position to the lowered position. For example, the front seat cushion 130 may be mounted to the seat pan 180 and fixed relative to the seat pan 180. The front seat cushion 130 may include cushions or padding covered by a cover. The cushions may be made of a cushioning material, such as foam or any other suitable support material. The cover may be formed of fabric, leather, synthetic leather, or any other suitable material.The cover can be sewn in strips around the foam.

[0025] The rear seat cushion 125 is movable between the raised position and the lowered position relative to the front seat cushion 130. In the raised position, an upper surface of the rear seat cushion 125 is adjacent to an upper surface of the front seat cushion 130; for example, the upper surfaces may form a sufficiently continuous surface to serve as a seating area for the occupant to sit in a normal seating position. In the lowered position, the upper surface of the rear seat cushion 125 is completely below the upper surface of the front seat cushion 130, and the rear seat cushion 125 forms a depression relative to the front seat cushion 130. When an occupant is seated on the seat 145, the occupant's pelvis may lower into the depression, and the occupant's thighs may be elevated by the relatively higher position of the front seat cushion 130.The movement of the rear seat cushion 125 between the raised position and the lowered position differs from the adjustability of the seat 145. The rear seat cushion 125, similar to the front seat cushion 130, may include cushions or padding covered by a cover. The rear seat cushion 125 extends laterally, i.e., in the seat transverse direction, across the entire width of the seat 145, thereby providing coverage across the entire width of the occupant's pelvis.

[0026] The plate 185 is fixed to a lower surface of the rear seat cushion 125. The plate 185 is movable with the rear seat cushion 125 between the raised position and the lowered position. For example, the plate 185 may be fixed relative to the rear seat cushion 125 and may support the rear seat cushion 125. The plate 185 may serve as a mounting platform connecting the rear seat cushion 125 to the scissor mechanism 115.

[0027] The guide tracks 190 enable movement of the rear seat cushion 125 relative to the front seat cushion 130. The guide tracks 190 are supported by the front seat cushion 130 and the seat pan 180 and may be mounted to the front seat cushion 130. The guide tracks 190 may be generally vertically elongated, e.g., at least 45° from the horizontal. The guide tracks 190 are elongated parallel to each other. The guide tracks 190 may be positioned at corners of the rear seat cushion 125, as viewed from above. The guide tracks 190 may have a uniform cross-section that protrudes along the longitudinal directions to enable components to engage and slide along the guide tracks 190.In particular, the rear seat cushion 125 engages the guide tracks 190 and is movable, e.g., slidable, along the guide tracks 190 between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 3A-4, the assembly 105 includes the scissor mechanism 115. The scissor mechanism 115 is mounted to and supported by a component relative to which the rear seat cushion 125 is movable. In particular, the scissor mechanism 115 may be mounted to the floor 140 (as shown in Fig. 3A-B) or on the seat shell 180 (as shown in Fig. 4). The scissor mechanism 115 is coupled to the rear seat cushion 125 and supports the rear seat cushion 125. For example, the plate 185 may be mounted to the scissor mechanism 115.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 5A-B, the scissor mechanism 115 includes a first cross member 200, a second cross member 205, a first scissor guide track 210, and a second scissor guide track 215. The first cross member 200 and the second cross member 205 pivotally engage each other at a central pivot point 220, thereby forming the scissor mechanism 115. The first cross member 200 and the second cross member 205 are pivotally coupled to the component to which the scissor mechanism 115 is mounted, e.g., the chassis. B. the floor 140 or the seat shell 180. For example, the first scissor guideway 210 is mounted to the floor 140 or the seat shell 180 and the lower pivot ends 225, 230 of the first cross member 200 and the second cross member 205 are coupled to the first scissor guideway 210.The lower pivot end 230 of the second cross member 205 may be slidably engaged with the first scissor track 210, and the lower pivot end 225 of the first cross member 200 may be fixed relative to the first scissor track 210. The first cross member 200 and the second cross member 205 are pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion 125, e.g., to the plate 185. For example, the second scissor track 215 is mounted to an underside of the plate 185, and the upper pivot ends 235, 240 of the first cross member 200 and the second cross member 205 are coupled to the second scissor track 215. The upper pivot end 235 of the first cross member 200 may be slidably engaged with the second scissor guide track 215 and the upper pivot end 240 of the second cross member 205 may be fixed relative to the second scissor guide track 215.

[0030] The scissor mechanism 115 is movable between an extended position (in Fig. 5A) and a compressed position (in Fig. 5B). In the extended position, the scissor mechanism 115 holds the rear seat cushion 125 in the raised position, and in the compressed position, the scissor mechanism 115 holds the rear seat cushion 125 in the lowered position. The scissor mechanism 115 moves from the extended position to the compressed position by sliding the lower pivot end 230 of the second cross member 205 along the first scissor guide track 210 and sliding the upper pivot end 235 of the first cross member 200 along the second scissor guide track 215, while the cross members 200, 205 pivot at the pivot ends 225, 230, 235, 240 from a relatively more vertical position to a relatively more horizontal position, thereby bringing the first scissor guide track 210 and the second scissor guide track 215 closer together.

[0031] Referring to Figure 5A-6, the assembly 105 includes the pyrotechnic actuator 120 extending from a first end 245 to a second end 250. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 is dischargeable to bring the first end 245 and the second end 250 closer together. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 includes an explosive charge positioned to drive the first end 245 and the second end 250 closer together, e.g., by driving a piston into a cylinder. The charge may be combustible to generate a gas. The charge may be comprised of a solid mixture of substances that reacts upon ignition to form the gas. For example, the charge may be formed of sodium azide (NaNO3), potassium nitrate (KNO3), and silicon dioxide (SiO2), which react with each other to form nitrogen gas (N2).

[0032] The pyrotechnic actuator 120 is dischargeable to move the rear seat cushion 125 from the raised position to the lowered position. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 is connected to the rear seat cushion 125 and to the floor 140 or the seat pan 180 to pull the rear seat cushion 125 toward the floor 140 or the seat pan 180. For example, the first end 245 can be connected either to the rear seat cushion 125, e.g., via the second scissor guide track 215 (as shown in Fig. 6), or on the scissor mechanism 115, e.g., the central pivot point 220 (as shown in Fig.5A-B). In any case, the second end 250 may be fixed to the floor 140 or the seat pan 180, e.g., via the first scissor guide track 210. As another alternative (not shown), the first end 245 may be fixed to the rear seat cushion 125 and the second end 250 may be fixed to the scissor mechanism 115, e.g., the central pivot point 220.

[0033] The scissor mechanism 115 is in the extended position by default, and the rear seat cushion 125 is thereby in the raised position by default. In the event of certain impacts, an impact sensor may detect the particular impacts and transmit a signal to a controller, which in turn may transmit a signal to the pyrotechnic actuator 120. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 discharges, moving the scissor mechanism 115 from the extended position to the compressed position and the rear seat cushion 125 from the raised position to the lowered position. The pelvis of the seat occupant may lower with the rear seat cushion 125, and the front seat cushion 130 may be located in front of the pelvis and may provide some restriction to the forward movement of the pelvis. The airbag 175 may be configured to inflate in conjunction with the discharge of the pyrotechnic actuator 120, e.g.,based on a common signal or a simultaneous signal from the controller. The airbag 175 may restrict lateral movement of the occupant, e.g., outward movement. The airbag 175 may help keep the occupant laterally centered on the seat 145, which may be a position for which the front seat cushion 130 may restrict the occupant from some forward movement.

[0034] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. The adjectives "first" and "second" are used throughout the specification as identifiers and are not intended to imply meaning, order, or quantity. Terms such as "front," "forward," "rear," "backward," "left," "right," "side," etc., are intended to refer to the seat 145. In light of the above teachings, many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible, and the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. Operations, systems, and methods described in this specification should always be implemented and / or performed in accordance with an applicable owner / user manual and / or safety regulations.

[0035] According to the present invention, an assembly is provided comprising: a seat bottom, the seat bottom including a rear seat cushion and a front seat cushion in a seat-forward direction relative to the rear seat cushion, the rear seat cushion being movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the front seat cushion; a scissor mechanism coupled to the rear seat cushion and movable between an extended position and a compressed position, the scissor mechanism in the extended position maintaining the rear seat cushion in the raised position, the scissor mechanism in the compressed position maintaining the rear seat cushion in the lowered position; and a pyrotechnic actuator coupled to the rear seat cushion and dischargeable to move the rear seat cushion from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the front seat cushion is arranged to maintain a constant position when the rear seat cushion moves from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a guide track supported by the front seat cushion, wherein the rear seat cushion is engaged with the guide track and is movable along the guide track between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a backrest coupled to the seat surface in a seat-rearward direction toward the rear seat cushion.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an airbag supported by the backrest and inflatable to an inflated position above the seat surface.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the backrest has an upper half and the airbag extends from the upper half in the inflated position.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the backrest has a lower half at the seat surface and a center dividing the upper half and the lower half, and the airbag extends below the center in the inflated position.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the airbag is configured to inflate together with a discharge of the pyrotechnic actuator.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the scissor mechanism includes a first cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion and a second cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a floor, wherein the first cross member and the second cross member are pivotally coupled to the floor.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the seat surface includes a seat shell and the first cross member and the second cross member are pivotally coupled to the seat shell.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first transverse element and the second transverse element are pivotally engaged with each other.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a base, wherein the scissor mechanism is mounted on the base.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the floor.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the seat includes a seat shell and the scissor mechanism is mounted on the seat shell.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the seat pan.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the actuator includes a first end fixed to the scissor mechanism.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to the rear seat cushion.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a plate fixed to a lower surface of the rear seat cushion, the plate being movable with the rear seat cushion from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the plate is mounted on the scissor mechanism.

Claims

[1] Assembly comprising: a seat surface, the seat surface including a rear seat cushion and a front seat cushion in a seat-forward direction to the rear seat cushion, the rear seat cushion being movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the front seat cushion; a scissor mechanism coupled to the rear seat cushion and movable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the scissor mechanism, in the extended position, maintains the rear seat cushion in the raised position, and wherein the scissor mechanism, in the compressed position, maintains the rear seat cushion in the lowered position; and a pyrotechnic actuator connected to the rear seat cushion and dischargeable to move the rear seat cushion from the raised position to the lowered position. [2] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the front seat cushion is arranged to maintain a constant position as the rear seat cushion moves from the raised position to the lowered position. [3] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a guide track supported by the front seat cushion, the rear seat cushion engaging the guide track and movable along the guide track between the raised position and the lowered position. [4] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a backrest coupled to the seat bottom in a seat rearward direction toward the rear seat cushion. [5] The assembly of claim 4, further comprising an airbag supported by the seat back and inflatable to an inflated position above the seat bottom. [6] The assembly of claim 5, wherein the airbag is configured to inflate in conjunction with discharge of the pyrotechnic actuator. [7] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the scissor mechanism includes a first cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion and a second cross member pivotally coupled to the rear seat cushion. [8] The assembly of claim 7, further comprising a floor, wherein the first cross member and the second cross member are pivotally coupled to the floor. [9] The assembly of claim 7, wherein the seat surface includes a seat pan and the first cross member and the second cross member are pivotally coupled to the seat pan. [10] The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a floor, wherein the scissor mechanism is mounted to the floor. [11] The assembly of claim 10, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the floor. [12] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a seat pan and the scissor mechanism is mounted on the seat pan. [13] The assembly of claim 12, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to one of the scissor mechanism or the rear seat cushion and a second end fixed to the seat pan. [14] The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to the scissor mechanism. [15] An assembly according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the pyrotechnic actuator includes a first end fixed to the rear seat cushion.

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