MODULAR SEATING UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat base frame including a first and a second cross member. A vehicle seat assembly also comprises a seat base operably coupled to the seat base frame, the seat base comprising a front section and a rear section, a backrest rotatably coupled to the seat base near the rear section, a seat cushion assembly comprising a main cushion and side cushions, a frame assembly comprising a first and a second frame coupled to the seat base frame, and a third frame operably coupled to the second frame, and a seat shell operably coupled to the frame assembly and positioned between the seat base frame and the seat cushion assembly.The seat shell includes at least one hook tab located on the underside of the seat shell and a rear support defining an arc-shaped section.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and in particular to a modular seat assembly for a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicle seat assemblies generally comprise seat structures configured to support the static and dynamic weight of an occupant during travel. These seat structures are often complex and are assembled piece by piece at a manufacturing site. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat base frame including a first cross member and a second cross member, wherein the seat base frame is coupled to a vehicle floor. A vehicle seat assembly further comprises a seat base operably coupled to the seat base frame, the seat base comprising a front section and a rear section, a backrest rotatably coupled to the seat base near the rear section, a seat cushion assembly comprising a main cushion and side cushions, a frame assembly comprising a first rod and a second rod coupled to the seat base frame, and a third rod operably coupled to the second rod, and a seat shell operably coupled to the frame assembly and positioned between the seat base frame and the seat cushion assembly.The seat shell includes at least one hook tab located on the underside of the seat shell and a rear support defining an arc-shaped section.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the seat base can be operated in either a seated or a reclined position; and - the reclined position involves rotating the backrest in a direction backwards towards the rear of the vehicle and raising the seat base from the seated position in such a way that the angle between the seat base and the backrest increases; and - the first bar and the second bar rotate simultaneously about a first axis of rotation, and the third bar rotates independently of the first and second bars about a second axis of rotation when the seat base moves into the reclined position; and - the at least one hook tab of the seat shell includes a first hook tab spaced apart from a second hook tab, wherein the first hook tab and the second hook tab support the linkage assembly when rotating about the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation; and - the first hook tab and the second hook tab of the seat shell are rotatably coupled to the first crossbeam, and wherein the first rod and the second rod allow the first and the second hook tab of the seat shell to rotate around the first crossbeam in order to adjust the seat base to a first angle; and - the third bar allows the first and second hook tabs of the seat shell to rotate around the first crossbar in order to adjust the seat base to a second angle; and - the reclined position involves increasing the initial distance between the underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the first bar and the second bar adjust the seat base to the initial angle; and - the reclined position involves increasing a second distance between the underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the third bar adjusts the seat base to the second angle; and - the first rod and the second rod rotate around the first axis of rotation until the first distance is reached, and the third rod rotates around the second axis of rotation until the second distance is reached; and - the arc-shaped section of the rear support rotates around the second crossbeam as the seat base moves by the first and second distances; and - the reclined position involves reducing a third of the distance between the seatback and the vehicle floor; and - the first crossbeam includes a first end that is coupled to a support bracket near the first rod, and a second end that is coupled to the third rod; and - the second crossbeam is operably coupled to a rotary assembly which is coupled to the seat base frame, the rotary assembly being configured to adjust the rear end of the seat base.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base frame comprising a first cross member and a second cross member, a seat base operable between a seated position and a reclined position, a seat shell operable coupled to the seat base, the seat shell comprising a first hook tab spaced apart from a second hook tab, and a linkage assembly comprising a first rod having a first end and a second end, and a second rod having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first rod being coupled to the second end of the second rod to adjust the seat base from the seated position to the reclined position.

[0006] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - an actuator assembly coupled to the seat base frame, the actuator assembly being configured to adjust the linkage assembly to rotate the seat base around the front crossmember via the first hook tab and the second hook tab of the seat shell to adjust the seat base into the reclined position; and - the seat shell includes a rear support defining an arc-shaped section, wherein the arc-shaped section of the rear support rotatably engages the second cross member to rotate around the second cross member when the seat base moves into the reclined position.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat base frame including a first cross member positioned at a vehicle-forward location and a second cross member positioned at a vehicle-rear location, a seat base operable between a seated position and a reclined position, a seat shell operable coupled to the seat base, the seat shell including a hook tab and a rear support defining an arc-shaped section forming an engagement channel, and a linkage assembly including a first rod and a second rod, the first rod adjusting the seat base by a first distance and the second rod adjusting the seat base by a second distance.

[0008] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features: - the hook tabs of the seat shell are rotatably engaged with the first cross member, and the engagement channel of the seat shell is rotatably engaged with the second cross member; and - the first distance positions the seat base at a first angle and the second distance positions the seat base at a second angle, where the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0009] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present disclosure are better understood and comprehended by the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, patent claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a side perspective partial view of a vehicle seat assembly within the interior of a vehicle; Fig. Figure 2 is a side perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly that includes a seat base pivotally coupled to a backrest; Fig. Figure 3 is an expanded view of a seat base and seat base frame for a vehicle seat assembly comprising a cover fabric, seat cushion assembly, suspension assembly and seat shell; Fig. Figure 4 is a side perspective view of a seat shell that includes a suspension assembly located in an open intermediate area of ​​the seat shell; Fig. Figure 5 is a side elevation view of a seat shell that includes a rear support defining an arc-shaped section; Fig. 6A is a side perspective partial view from the left of a seat base frame comprising a front cross member operably coupled to a linkage assembly and a rear cross member; Fig. 6B is a side perspective partial view from the right of a seat base frame comprising a front cross member operably coupled to a linkage assembly and a rear cross member; Fig. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of a seat shell, which is operably coupled to a front cross member and a rear cross member of a seat base frame; Fig. Figure 8 is a side perspective partial view of a linkage assembly that is operabably coupled to a seat shell of a seat base; Fig. 9A is a partial side elevation view of a seat shell of a seat base in a seated position; Fig. 9B is a partial side elevation view of a linkage assembly rotatable about a pivot axis to raise a seat base by a first distance; Fig. Figure 9C is a partial side elevation view of a linkage assembly that is rotatable about a pivot axis to raise a seat base by a second distance into a reclined position; and Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram of a control arrangement for a vehicle seat assembly for a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0012] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the skilled person the diverse applications of the present disclosure.

[0013] For the purposes of description in this text, the terms "above", "below", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0014] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily consist of combinations of process steps and equipment components in connection with a modular seat assembly for a vehicle. Accordingly, the equipment components and process steps are represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the present description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings denote identical elements.

[0015] In this context, the expression "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0016] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. It is intended that the terms "includes," "comprehensive," or any other variation thereof cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, article, or facility comprising an enumeration of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or facility. An element that "includes..."The presence of “ein” does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, article or facility that includes the element.

[0017] In the sense used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not exact and need not be, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0018] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0019] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] With reference to Fig. Reference numeral 10 generally denotes a seat assembly for a vehicle 11, comprising a seat base 12 operably coupled to a seat base frame 14. The seat base 12 includes a front section 16 and a rear section 18. A backrest 20 is rotatably coupled to the seat base 12 near the rear section. A seat cushion assembly 22 is coupled to a seat shell 24. The seat shell 24 includes at least one hook tab 26 located on a lower surface 28 of the seat shell 24. The seat shell 24 also includes a rear support 30 defining an arcuate section 32.A linkage assembly 34 is operably coupled to the seat shell 24 and includes a first rod 36, which may generally include opposing first rods 36a, 36b that are coupled to the seat base frame 14, and a second rod 38 that is operably coupled to at least one of the first rods 36a, 36b.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1. Vehicle 11 includes an interior space 50, which contains at least one seating assembly to support passengers. Vehicle 11 can be a sedan, an SUV, a van, a truck, a crossover, another type of wheeled vehicle, or another type of vehicle. Vehicle 11 can be a manually operated vehicle (e.g., operated with a human driver), a fully autonomous vehicle (e.g., operated without a human driver), or a semi-autonomous vehicle (e.g., operated with or without a human driver). Additionally, Vehicle 11 can be used for personal and / or commercial purposes, such as ride-hailing services (e.g., chauffeuring), transportation, and / or ride-sharing services.

[0022] Still with reference to Fig. 1 as well as Fig. The vehicle seat assembly 10 comprises the seat base 12, which has a front section 16 and a rear section 18, and the backrest 20, which has an upper section 52 and a lower section 54. The rear section 18 of the seat base 12 is positioned near the lower section 54 of the backrest 20, allowing the backrest 20 to pivot relative to the rear section 18 of the seat base 12. The backrest 20 includes both an upper backrest 56 and a lower backrest 58. The vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a headrest 60, which is located on the upper backrest 56. The headrest 60 is movable between a forward and a rearward position to accommodate passengers of different head sizes and heights.The vehicle seat assembly 10 also includes control elements specifically configured to adjust an upper chest section 62 of the upper backrest 56 or a lower lumbar section 64 of the lower backrest 58.

[0023] The vehicle seat assembly 10 can include a variety of comfort controls, such as a calf support 66, a thigh support 68, and a swivel control that allows the backrest 20 to swivel. Additionally, a receptacle 74 for a restraint cable assembly is provided on the vehicle seat assembly 10 to secure the passenger when seated. The vehicle seat assembly 10 is also connected to a rail slide assembly 76 ( Fig. 6A) suspended, which allows movement of the vehicle seat assembly 10 in a forward and backward direction relative to the vehicle. The rail slide assembly 76 includes rails 78 which are secured to a vehicle floor 80. The rail slide assembly 76 also includes slide supports 82 which can be operably coupled to the vehicle seat assembly 10, in particular to the seat base frame 14. The slide supports 82 are in sliding engagement with the rails 78. Accordingly, a front trim component and side trim pieces 88 can be arranged around the seat base 12, and base trim pieces 90 can be arranged around the seat base frame 14. The trim components cover the seat base frame 14 and structural components of the seat base 12, such as the rail slide assembly 76.

[0024] With reference to Fig. The seat base 12 comprises the seat cushion assembly 22 with a cover fabric 92 arranged on it. The cover fabric 92 can include different variations over different sections of the seat cushion assembly 22. The seat cushion assembly 22 of the seat base 12 includes a main cushion 94, seat side cushions 96, and a thigh support cushion 98. The thigh support cushion 98 is configured to wrap around the thigh support 68 to provide comfort while supporting the passenger's thighs. The main cushion 94 and / or the side cushions 96 can include a variety of ventilation holes 100 configured to allow air to flow through the seat base 12. Accordingly, a climate control system can be provided in the seat base 12 that can draw air from or blow air through the seat cushion assembly 22 and the cover fabric 92.

[0025] Still with reference to Fig. 3 as well as Fig. 4 and Fig. The seat base 12 comprises the seat shell 24, which is operably coupled to the seat base frame 14 and positioned between the seat base frame 14 and the seat cushion assembly 22 with the cover fabric 92 arranged on it. The seat shell 24 may include side cushions 104, which may be formed integrally with the seat shell 24 or attached to it. The side cushions 104 are configured to provide support and flex under load to give elasticity to the seat shell 24. In addition, forming the side cushions 104 integrally with the seat shell 24 increases the structural support for the passenger when sitting down on and / or standing up from the seat assembly, as well as during compression and excessive load situations.

[0026] Still with reference to Fig. 3-5 The seat shell 24 further includes the rear support 30, which, together with the side cushions 104, defines at least a partial open intermediate area 108. The rear support 30 of the seat shell 24 defines the arcuate section 32, which forms a rear engagement channel 110. The rear support 30 can be configured to couple the seat shell 24, and consequently the seat base 12, operably to the seat base frame 14, as described in more detail herein. A surface 114 of the rear support 30 includes receiving notches 116 configured to receive hooks 120 of a suspension assembly 122. The suspension assembly 122 is arranged in the open intermediate area 108 of the seat shell 24. The suspension assembly 122 supports the seat cushion assembly 22 and the seat cover fabric 92 and is configured to withstand both static and dynamic loads associated with driving with a seated passenger.Additionally, the seat shell 24 includes a lower wall 126, which has at least one hook tab 26 extending from it in a vehicle-forward direction. In the illustrated configuration, shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 8, there is a first hook tab 26a and a second hook tab 26b, each of which is a forward-extending hook tab 26. It is understood, however, that more or less forward-extending hook features can be considered. Accordingly, the hook tabs 26 engage the seat base frame 14 to assist in coupling the seat base 12 to the seat base frame 14, as described in more detail herein.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are the seat base frame 14, the rail slide assembly 76 and the linkage assembly 34 in a side perspective view from the left ( Fig. 6A) and a side perspective view from the right ( Fig. 6B). The vehicle seat assembly 10 includes the seat base frame 14, which operably couples the seat base 12 to the vehicle floor 80. The seat base frame 14 includes a front cross member 150 near the thigh support 68 and a rear cross member 152 near the lower section 54 of the backrest 20 when the vehicle seat assembly 10 is assembled. The front cross member 150 includes a first end 156a and a second end 156b, which engage the linkage assembly 34 to assist in the vertical displacement of the seat base 12. In other words, the engagement of the front cross member 150 with the linkage assembly 34 assists in guiding the front section 16 of the seat base 12 in both an upward and a downward direction.The rear cross member 152 of the seat base frame 14 includes a first end 158a and a second end 158b and can be configured to engage with a rotary assembly 162 to adjust the rear section 18 of the seat base 12 independently of the movement of the front section 16 of the seat base 12 in the generally upward or downward direction.

[0028] Still with reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B is the vehicle seat assembly 10 with the support of the linkage assembly 34 between a seated position (see Fig. 9A) and a reclined position (see Fig. 9C). The linkage assembly 34 comprises the opposing first rods 36a, 36b, which have a first end 182a and a second end 182b, and the second rod 38, which has a first end 184a and a second end 184b. The first rods 36a, 36b are each positioned on opposite sides of the seat base frame 14. In various examples, the second end 182b of the first rods 36a, 36b is coupled via coupling brackets 186a, 186b to the sliding supports 82 of the rail sliding assembly 76 to form a pivot axis 188. Additionally, the first end 182a of the first rod 36a can be coupled to a support bracket 192 of the seat base frame 14. Accordingly, the first end 156a of the front crossbeam 150 can be operably coupled to the support bracket 192 near the first rod 36a.

[0029] The first end 182a of the first rod 36b is coupled to the second end 184b of the second rod 38, forming a pivot axis 194. Accordingly, the second end 156b of the front cross member 150 can be operably coupled to the first end 184a of the second rod 38. Thus, when the seat base 12 is coupled to the seat base frame 14 and the vehicle seat assembly 10 moves from the seated position to the reclined position, the opposing first rods 36a, 36b rotate simultaneously in a vehicle-forward direction about the pivot axis 188 to raise the seat base 12 by a first distance. Simultaneously, or when the first rods 36a, 36b reach the first distance, the second rod 38 can rotate in a vehicle-reverse direction around the pivot axis 194 to assist in raising the seat base 12 by a second distance.

[0030] The first end 158a of the rear crossbeam 152 can be operably coupled to a bracket of the rotary assembly 162, and the second end 158b of the rear crossbeam 152 can be operably coupled to a toothed section 198 of the rotary assembly 162. The rotary assembly 162 can be described as a rack and pinion assembly. The rotary assembly 162 can include the toothed section 198 (rack) of a second bracket, which is coupled to the seat base frame 14, and a toothed gear (pinion) that is coupled to an actuator. The toothed section 198 of the second bracket and the toothed gear can form a toothed interface. Actuation of the actuator can cause the toothed gear to rotate, allowing the toothed section 198 of the second bracket to move from a rest position to an extended position.Accordingly, the rear section of the seat base 12 can adjust independently of the front section 16 in a generally upward or downward direction, while the swivel assembly 162 moves from its rest position to its extended position. However, it is considered that the rear cross member 152 may remain fixed or may not include the swivel assembly 162. Accordingly, the front cross member 150 is positioned at a vehicle-forward location, and the rear cross member 152 is positioned at a vehicle-rear location.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. During manufacturing, the seat base 12 is prepared for engagement with the seat base frame 14. In particular, the first and second hook tabs 26a, 26b of the seat shell 24 are configured to engage the front cross member 150, allowing the front section 16 of the seat base 12 to rotate about the front cross member 150 in a generally downward direction towards the vehicle floor 80. As the seat shell 24 continues to rotate about the front cross member 150 via the first and second hook tabs 26a, 26b, the arcuate section 32 of the rear support 30 engages with the rear cross member 152 of the seat base frame 14. Specifically, as the seat base 12 is rotated downward into position, the rear engagement channel 110 of the rear support 30 engages the rear cross member 152.Once engaged, the linkage assembly 34 of the seat base frame 14 can adjust the front section 16 of the seat base 12, and the swivel assembly 162 of the seat base frame 14 can adjust the front section 16 or the rear section 18 of the seat base 12 into, out of, or between the seated position and the reclined position.

[0032] With reference to Fig. According to 9A-9C, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is capable of moving from the seated position towards the reclined position. The reclined position of the vehicle seat assembly 10 is intended for use when the vehicle 11 is in a stationary (i.e., non-moving) state. The vehicle seat assembly 10 can be prevented from moving into the reclined position if the vehicle is not in a stationary state. For example, the vehicle is in a stationary state while the transmission of the vehicle 11 is in a park position. In the reclined position, an angular relationship can be established between the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80.The first and second distances between the front section 16 of the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80 can increase when the vehicle seat assembly 10 moves from the seated position to the reclined position. Similarly, a third distance between the rear section 18 of the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80 can decrease when the vehicle seat assembly 10 moves from the seated position to the reclined position. In various examples, each component positioned between the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80 can be adjusted with respect to its angular relationship relative to the vehicle floor 80 when the vehicle seat assembly 10 moves into the reclined position.

[0033] When the vehicle seat assembly 10 moves from the seated position to the reclined position, the first distance between the underside 28 of the front section 16 of the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80 can increase. In various examples, the movement of the vehicle seat assembly 10 from the seated position to the reclined position also increases the second distance between the underside 28 of the front section 16 of the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80. In other words, the first distance can position the seat base 12 between approximately 15° and approximately 18°, and the second distance can position the seat base 12 between approximately 19° and approximately 22°. Accordingly, when the seat assembly is in the seated position, the distance between the seat base 12 and the rails 78 can generally be zero.

[0034] Additionally, the transition of the vehicle seat assembly 10 from the seated position to the reclined position can involve rotating the backrest 20 in the rearward direction from the seated position such that an angle between approximately 30° and approximately 54° can be achieved between the backrest 20 and the vehicle floor 80. Therefore, the transition of the vehicle seat assembly 10 from the seated position to the reclined position can involve reducing the third distance between the rear section 18 of the seat base 12 and the vehicle floor 80.

[0035] Still with reference to Fig. 9A-9C the vehicle seat assembly 10 is provided with an actuator assembly 208, which is at least partially responsible for the transition of the vehicle seat assembly 10 between the seated position, as in Fig. 9A illustrates, and the reclined position, as in Fig. Figure 9B illustrates the responsible function. The actuator assembly 208 can be positioned near the underside 28 of the seat shell 24 and is configured to operate the linkage assembly 34. When a motor 210 of the actuator assembly 208 is switched on, the first rods 36a, 36b can be configured to rotate in the vehicle-forward direction about the axis of rotation 188 to the first distance. Accordingly, the seat base 12 is positioned at a first angle relative to the vehicle floor 80. For example, the first angle of the seat base 12 at the first distance can be between approximately 15° and approximately 18°. Upon reaching the first distance, the motor 210 can enable the second rod 38 to rotate about the axis of rotation 194 to the second distance. Accordingly, the seat base 12 is positioned at a second angle relative to the vehicle floor 80 to achieve the reclined position of the vehicle seat assembly 10.For example, the second angle of the seat base 12 at the second distance can be between approximately 19° and approximately 22°. When the seat base 12 is in the reclined position at the second angle, the second angle generates a normal force relative to the axis of rotation 194 on the seat shell 24 through the range of motion from the first distance to the second distance. Accordingly, the seat base 12 is raised along the axis of rotation 194 at a ratio of 2.5:1 to 3:1. In other words, the seat base 12 can be partially in the reclined position at the first angle when the seat base 12 is positioned at the first distance. When the seat base 12 is positioned at the second distance, it can be in a maximally reclined position at the second angle.Consequently, when the seat base 12 is adjusted from and / or between the first distance and the second distance, the backrest 20 can rotate in the direction to the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] When the vehicle seat assembly 10 is in the reclined position, a neutral positioning capability can be achieved. The neutral position of the vehicle seat assembly 10 can simulate a posture in which the gravitational load on the body is minimized, further reducing stress on the spine and promoting optimal weight distribution. To achieve this, the actuator assembly 208 and the linkage assembly 34 can be adjusted with additional pivot points and degrees of freedom, allowing adjustment of the angles of the seat base 12 and the backrest 20.

[0037] With reference to Fig.The vehicle seat assembly 10 can include a controller 220, which has a processor 222, such as a microprocessor, a memory 224, and other digital and / or analog control circuits. Instructions or routines 226 are stored in the memory 224 and can be executed by the processor 222. The controller 220 communicates with a user interface, which may include a display, such as a touchscreen with input and output, or another selectable feature 230 (e.g., buttons, switches, knobs, etc.). The passenger or user can enter a selection into the user interface regarding the positioning of the vehicle seat assembly 10 between the seated position and the reclined position. The input is communicated to the controller 220, which can then switch on the motor 210.

[0038] The controller 220 can include routine 226 for managing the transition between the seated and reclined positions of the vehicle seat assembly 10. When the passenger interacts with the selectable features 230, the controller 220 can activate the actuator assembly 208, which is positioned near the underside 28 of the seat shell 24. The controller 220 can then coordinate the movement of the linkage assembly 34 by the motor 210, which involves rotating the first rods 36a, 36b about the pivot axis 188 to raise the seat base 12 to the first angle and the first distance. Subsequently, the controller 220 can direct the rotation of the second rod 38 about the pivot axis 194 to achieve the second distance, which further reclines the seat base 12 to the second angle. At the same time, the control unit 220 can adjust the angle of the backrest 20, thereby rotating the backrest 20 in a direction towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0039] The use of the present device and system can provide numerous advantages. For example, vehicle seat assemblies are typically designed to meet a number of specifications dictated by their use within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11. These specifications include, among other things, spatial considerations within the passenger compartment, the incorporation of user-desired features, and the consideration of the user experience for a variety of users within the passenger compartment (e.g., legroom).The vehicle seat assembly 10 of the present disclosure is operable in the reclined position of the vehicle seat assembly 10, which can reduce the number and / or intensity of pressure points for a user seated on the vehicle seat assembly 10, while providing a more ergonomically comfortable arrangement than in a conventional reclined position where the backrest 20 can be moved in isolation relative to the seat and the vehicle floor 80. The reclined position of the vehicle seat assembly 10 of the present disclosure can position the backrest 20 in a reclined position relative to the vehicle floor 80 and / or the seat. In addition, the reclined position of the vehicle seat assembly 10 of the present disclosure can position the front section 16 of the seat base 12 in a reclined position relative to the vehicle floor 80 compared to the seated position.

[0040] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts shall be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly state otherwise by their wording.

[0041] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided comprising: a seat base frame including a first cross member and a second cross member, wherein the seat base frame is configured to be coupled to a vehicle floor; a seat base operably coupled to the seat base frame, wherein the seat base includes a front section and a rear section; a backrest rotatably coupled to the seat base near the rear section; a seat cushion assembly comprising a main cushion and side cushions; and a frame assembly comprising a first rod and a second rod coupled to the seat base frame, and a third rod operably coupled to the second rod.and a seat shell operably coupled to the linkage assembly and positioned between the seat base frame and the seat cushion assembly, the seat shell comprising: at least one hook tab arranged on an underside of the seat shell; and a rear support defining an arc-shaped section.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the seat base can be operated in a position between a seated position and a reclined position.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the reclined position involves rotating the backrest in a rearward direction and raising the seat base from the seated position in such a way that the angle between the seat base and the backrest increases.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first rod and the second rod rotate simultaneously about a first axis of rotation, and the third rod rotates independently of the first and second rods about a second axis of rotation when the seat base moves into the reclined position.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the at least one hook tab of the seat shell includes a first hook tab spaced apart from a second hook tab, wherein the first hook tab and the second hook tab support the linkage assembly when rotating about the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first hook tab and the second hook tab of the seat shell are rotatably coupled to the first cross member, and wherein the first rod and the second rod enable the first and the second hook tab of the seat shell to rotate around the first cross member in order to adjust the seat base to a first angle.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the third rod allows the first and second hook tabs of the seat shell to rotate around the first cross member in order to adjust the seat base to a second angle.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the reclined position involves increasing a first distance between an underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the first bar and the second bar adjust the seat base to the first angle.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the reclined position involves increasing a second distance between the underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the third bar adjusts the seat base to the second angle.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first rod and the second rod rotate around the first axis of rotation up to the first distance, and the third rod rotates around the second axis of rotation up to the second distance.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the arc-shaped section of the rear support rotates around the second cross member when the seat base moves by the first distance and the second distance.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the reclined position involves reducing a third distance between the backrest and the vehicle floor.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first crossbeam includes a first end coupled to a support bracket near the first rod, and a second end coupled to the third rod.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the second crossbeam is operabably coupled to a rotary assembly which is coupled to the seat base frame, the rotary assembly being configured to adjust the rear section of the seat base.

[0055] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided comprising: a seat base frame including a first cross member and a second cross member; a seat base operable between a seated position and a reclined position; a seat shell operable coupled to the seat base, the seat shell including a first hook tab spaced apart from a second hook tab; and a linkage assembly comprising a first rod having a first end and a second end, and a second rod having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first rod being coupled to the second end of the second rod to adjust the seat base from the seated position to the reclined position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following: an actuator assembly coupled to the seat base frame, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to adjust the linkage assembly to rotate the seat base around the first cross member via the first hook tab and the second hook tab of the seat shell in order to adjust the seat base into the reclined position.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the seat shell includes a rear support defining an arcuate section, wherein the arcuate section of the rear support rotatably engages the second cross member to rotate about the second cross member when the seat base moves into the reclined position.

[0058] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly is provided comprising: a seat base frame including a first cross member configured to be positioned at a vehicle-forward location and a second cross member configured to be positioned at a vehicle-rear location; a seat base operable between a seated position and a reclined position; a seat shell operable coupled to the seat base, the seat shell comprising a hook tab and a rear support defining an arcuate section forming an engagement channel; and a linkage assembly comprising a first rod and a second rod, the first rod adjusting the seat base by a first distance and the second rod adjusting the seat base by a second distance.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the hook tab of the seat shell is rotatably engaged with the first cross member, and the engagement channel of the seat shell is rotatably engaged with the second cross member.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first distance positions the seat base at a first angle and the second distance positions the seat base at a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat base frame comprising a first cross member and a second cross member, wherein the seat base frame is configured to be coupled to a vehicle floor; a seat base which is operably coupled to the seat base frame, wherein the seat base includes a front section and a rear section; a backrest that is rotatably coupled to the seat base near the rear section; a seat cushion assembly comprising a main cushion and side cushions; and a linkage assembly comprising a first rod and a second rod coupled to the seat base frame, and a third rod operabically coupled to the second rod; and a seat shell which is operably coupled to the linkage assembly and is positioned between the seat base frame and the seat cushion assembly, wherein the seat shell comprises the following: at least one hook tab located on the underside of the seat shell; and a rear support that defines an arc-shaped section. [2] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the seat base is operable between a seated position and a reclined position. [3] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the reclined position includes rotating the backrest in a vehicle-rear direction and raising the seat base from the seated position such that an angle between the seat base and the backrest is increased. [4] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first rod and the second rod rotate simultaneously about a first axis of rotation and wherein the third rod rotates independently of the first rod and the second rod about a second axis of rotation when the seat base moves into the reclined position. [5] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one hook tab of the seat shell includes a first hook tab which is spaced apart from a second hook tab, and wherein the first hook tab and the second hook tab support the linkage assembly when rotating about the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation. [6] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first hook tab and the second hook tab of the seat shell are rotatably coupled to the first cross member and wherein the first rod and the second rod enable the first and the second hook tab of the seat shell to rotate about the first cross member in order to adjust the seat base to a first angle. [7] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 5, wherein the third rod enables the first and second hook tabs of the seat shell to rotate around the first cross member to adjust the seat base to a second angle. [8] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 6, wherein the reclined position includes increasing a first distance between an underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the first rod and the second rod adjust the seat base to the first angle. [9] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 8, wherein the reclined position includes increasing a second distance between the underside of the front section of the seat base and the vehicle floor when the third rod adjusts the seat base to the second angle. [10] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first rod and the second rod rotate about the first axis of rotation up to the first distance and the third rod rotates about the second axis of rotation up to the second distance. [11] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 10, wherein the arc-shaped section of the rear support rotates about the second cross member when the seat base moves about the first distance and the second distance. [12] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 2, wherein the reclined position includes reducing a third distance between the backrest and the vehicle floor. [13] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first cross member comprises a first end coupled to a support bracket near the first rod and a second end coupled to the third rod. [14] Vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second cross member is operably coupled to a rotary assembly which is coupled to the seat base frame, wherein the rotary assembly is configured to adjust the rear section of the seat base.

Images