Seat with locking mechanism

Abstract

Seat with locking mechanism, wherein the seat comprises a frame (1) and a seat cushion (3) rotatable relative to the frame (1) about the horizontal axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3), wherein the seat cushion (3) comprises a seat surface (4) and a back (5) which is arranged on the opposite side of the seat cushion (3) from the seat surface (4), wherein the seat cushion (3) comprises a front part and a rear part, and the axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3) extends between the front and the rear part, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first leg (6), a second leg (7) and a drive for rotating the first leg (6) and the second leg (7), wherein the first leg (6) and the second leg (7) are rotatably connected to the frame (1), characterized in thatthat the first leg (6) comprises a first stop surface (8) for securing the seat cushion (3) against folding up, and the seat cushion (3) comprises in its rear part a first support surface (9) for contact with the first stop surface (8), wherein the second leg (7) comprises a second stop surface (10) for securing the seat cushion (3) against folding down, and the seat cushion (3) further comprises in its rear part a second support surface (11) for contact with the second stop surface (10), wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a connecting rod (12) that connects the first leg (6) and the second leg (7), wherein the connecting rod (12) is rotatable relative to the frame (1), wherein for both legs the attachment point of the connecting rod (12) on the leg is offset from the axis of rotation of that leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod (12).

Description

Technical subject area

[0001] The technical solution relates to a seat with a locking mechanism for remotely locking a folding seat cushion, particularly in public transport, especially in trains, wherein this locking mechanism solves the problems associated with separately controlling the locking of the seat cushion in the folded-down position and in the unfolded position. State of the art

[0002] Solutions for folding seats in public transport are known in the prior art, whereby the folding of the seat cushion into a sitting position and / or the unfolding into a vertical position is enabled by a remotely controlled locking mechanism, e.g., from the driver's cab. Folding seats can be equipped with a locking mechanism that allows the seat cushion to be locked in only one position, e.g., only in the vertical position, or they can be designed for locking in both edge positions.

[0003] A solution describing a seat with a folding seat cushion, where the seat cushion automatically returns to a vertical position after being released and locks in this position, is disclosed, for example, in WO2019 / 243118 A1. The locking of the seat cushion is controlled by an electric motor and a rotatable locking element that prevents the seat cushion from folding into the sitting position by being supported at the rear of the seat cushion. A similar solution is disclosed in JP3830271 B2, where a rotatable stop, which prevents the seat cushion from folding into the sitting position, serves as an additional locking element. The automatic return of the seat cushion to the vertical position and the locking of the seat cushion position in the vertical position are primarily controlled by a spring-loaded piston mechanism.

[0004] Another solution, described in JP3961715 B2, describes a system for locking the folding seat in both the folded and unfolded positions. The locking of the seat cushion position is controlled by two separately operated locking plates. These two plates are rotatable and are controlled by a separate electric motor via a connecting cable. The disadvantage of this solution is that it requires the installation of two separate locking mechanisms, including two drive units, which increases the cost of implementing this mechanism and the complexity of the installation.

[0005] Document JP3556763 B2 discloses a solution with a pair of rotatable plates with grooves, the grooves accommodating sliding pins attached to the seat cushion. The movement of the pins between the edge positions in the grooves also serves as a locking element to fix the seat cushion in a folded or unfolded position. However, these plates are an integral part of the seat cushion and primarily serve to guide the movement of the folding seat cushion, not to lock it. Integrating the mechanism directly into the seat cushion body is disadvantageous because it precludes, for example, the additional installation of a locking mechanism in the existing seat or the separate installation and replacement of the seat cushion or the locking mechanism.

[0006] The disadvantage of the aforementioned systems is that they only address the locking of the folding seat in one position, such as the vertical position. To control the locking of the seat cushion in both the vertical and horizontal positions, two separate locking mechanisms must be installed, or this system must be integrated into the manufacturing of the seat cushion itself. Therefore, no solution is currently known that allows for the locking of the folding seat in both the folded and unfolded positions with a single, complex mechanism, and which could also be used as a retrofit system for existing seats. Nature of the technical solution

[0007] The above-mentioned defects are eliminated to a certain extent by a seat with a locking mechanism according to this technical solution, wherein the seat comprises a frame and a seat cushion which is rotatable relative to the frame about the horizontal axis of rotation of the seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion comprises a seating surface and a back on the opposite side of the seat cushion from the seating surface, wherein the seat cushion comprises a front part and a rear part and the axis of rotation of the seat cushion runs between the front and the rear part, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first leg, a second leg and a drive for rotating the first and the second leg, wherein the first leg and the second leg are rotatably connected to the frame.wherein the first leg comprises a first stop surface for securing the seat cushion against unfolding and the seat cushion at its rear comprises a first support surface for contact with the first stop surface, wherein the second leg comprises a second stop surface for securing the seat cushion against folding over and the seat cushion at its rear further comprises a second support surface for contact with the second stop surface, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a connecting rod that connects the first leg and the second leg, wherein the connecting rod is rotatable relative to the frame, wherein for both legs the attachment point of the connecting rod on the leg is offset in the direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod from the axis of rotation of that leg.

[0008] The axes of rotation of the legs can run parallel to the axes of rotation of the seat cushion. The axis of rotation of the rod can run perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the seat cushion.

[0009] The seat, equipped with a locking mechanism, comprises a support frame to which a backrest with a substantially vertical support surface can also be attached. The seat further comprises a seat cushion, the seat cushion being rotatable relative to the frame and adjustable between an unfolded and a folded-down position. The seating surface of the seat cushion is the area intended for sitting, i.e., the area which may include padding and a cover material, with the back of the seat cushion being located on the side of the seat cushion opposite the seating surface. In the unfolded position of the seat cushion, the seating surface of the seat cushion is therefore located on the top of the seat cushion in a substantially horizontal plane; in this position of the seat cushion, the back of the seat cushion is understood to be the underside of the seat cushion.In the folded position, the seat cushion is folded into an essentially vertical position in which the seat surface of the seat cushion can lie against the vertical support surface of the backrest, making it impossible to sit on the seat cushion.

[0010] The seat cushion comprises a front and a rear section, with the pivot axis of the seat cushion running between the front and rear sections. Specifically, the seating surface of the seat cushion is located in the front section, allowing the front section to be larger than the rear section. The pivot axis of the seat cushion thus divides the seat cushion into two parts. The front section rests against the front free end of the seat cushion, which, in the unfolded position, is further from the backrest than in the folded position. The rear section rests against the rear end of the seat cushion, which is located on the side of the seat cushion opposite the front end. In the unfolded position, the rear section and rear end are behind the pivot axis of the seat cushion (in the front view of the seat), and in the folded position, the rear section and rear end are below the pivot axis of the seat cushion. The seat cushion can be rotatable, e.g.,by means of a pivot axis, directly attached to the frame.

[0011] The locking mechanism comprises a first leg and a second leg for securing the seat cushion against unfolding and folding over. The two legs are rotatably connected to the frame, for example, by connecting bolts passing through the legs. The legs may be rotatable, for example, about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the seat cushion. The axes of rotation of the two legs may be identical, or they may be offset from one another. To secure the seat cushion in the unfolded or folded-over position, the first leg is provided with a first stop surface and the second leg with a second stop surface. The first stop surface is configured to contact the first support surface on the back of the seat cushion, and the second stop surface is configured to contact the second support surface on the back of the seat cushion.The locking of the seat cushion position is therefore ensured by bracing the stop surface of the leg against the support surface on the back of the seat cushion, thus preventing a rotational movement of the seat cushion.

[0012] The first and second arms are attached to the seat frame, i.e., closer to the rear end of the seat cushion. The rear end of the seat cushion refers to the portion of the cushion located at the back of the seat; when the seat cushion is in the unfolded position, this rear end lies behind the pivot axis of the seat cushion. The entire locking mechanism can therefore be positioned closer to this rear end, for example, below the level of the seat backrest, with the first and second support surfaces located at this rear end of the seat cushion. The support surfaces can be located entirely at the rear end of the seat cushion, for example, on a fixed rail extending from the rear end of the seat cushion. Alternatively, the support surfaces can be located on two separate projections extending from the rear end of the seat cushion at the point of contact with the corresponding stop surface.Furthermore, the support surfaces can each be located in a different place on the rear part of the seat cushion.

[0013] The first leg, with its first stop surface, serves to secure the seat cushion against unfolding by bracing itself against the first support surface, which faces the same side of the seat cushion as its seating surface. If the seat cushion is, for example, in a folded (vertical) position, the first support surface is also essentially vertically oriented and faces the same side of the seat cushion as its seating surface, allowing the first stop surface to rest against this first support surface. The second leg, with its second stop surface, serves to secure the seat cushion against unfolding by bracing itself against the second support surface. When the seat cushion is in the unfolded position suitable for sitting, the second support surface faces the same side of the seat cushion as its back.essentially vertically downwards, and the second stop surface can be supported against this second support surface.

[0014] The locking mechanism further comprises a connecting rod and a drive for rotating the first and second legs, wherein the connecting rod links the first and second legs and can be rotatable relative to the frame, e.g., about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the seat cushion, e.g., by attaching the rod to the seat frame at a point between the first and second legs. If the axis of rotation of the seat cushion lies in a horizontal plane, the axis of rotation of the connecting rod can be, e.g., vertical or horizontal and lie in a different plane than the axis of rotation of the seat cushion. For both legs, the attachment point of the connecting rod on the leg must be offset from the axis of rotation of the leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod.The advantage of a connecting rod that rotates around a fixed point is that the entire locking mechanism only requires one drive for rotating both the first and second legs, since the connecting rod can transmit the rotational movement of the first leg to the second leg, or vice versa. If the axis of rotation of the rod is located between the first and second legs, the connecting rod can perform a pendulum motion.

[0015] The drive mechanism for rotating the legs can be external or attached directly to the seat frame. The drive mechanism could be, for example, an electric motor whose moving part is connected to the first leg, the second leg, or the connecting rod. The connection of the connecting rod to the first or second leg can be rotatable, or a certain amount of play can be ensured when the leg and connecting rod rotate simultaneously by using sufficient flexibility in the material of the connecting rod / leg.

[0016] For example, the first stop surface is essentially directed forward, and can deviate a maximum of 30° from the vertical direction, while the second stop surface is essentially directed upward, and can deviate a maximum of 30° from the horizontal direction. By rotating the first leg, the first stop surface can be adjusted to a locked position, in which, when the seat cushion rotates, it lies within the path of the first support surface, thus preventing the seat cushion from rotating by resting on the first support surface, and to an unlocked position, in which, when the seat cushion rotates, it lies outside the path of the first support surface; in particular, it is lower in the unlocked position than in the locked position.Accordingly, the second stop surface can be adjusted by rotating the second leg into the locked position, in which it is located in the path of the second support surface when the seat cushion is rotated, so that it can prevent the seat cushion from rotating by resting on the second support surface, and into the unlocked position, in which it is located outside the path of the second support surface when the seat cushion is rotated; in particular, in the unlocked position it is located further back than in the locked position.

[0017] The arrangement of the connecting rod, which is rotatably mounted between the legs, ensures that the rotation of one leg causes the other leg to rotate simultaneously in the opposite direction. Thus, the legs are either clamped together or open when viewed along the axis of rotation of the seat cushion. In the open position, the contact surfaces of both legs are outside the rotation range of their respective support surfaces, allowing the seat cushion to rotate freely. When the legs are clamped together, free rotation is prevented. This connection also allows a single drive, rotating either one of the legs or the connecting rod, to rotate both legs simultaneously.This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that a single drive is sufficient for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism, with the movement of the mechanism being the same for unlocking and locking, regardless of whether the seat cushion is unfolded or folded down.

[0018] Since the attachment point of the connecting rod moves not only perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod but also obliquely to it when the leg rotates, it is advantageous to provide some play at the attachment point to allow smooth rotation of both legs and the connecting rod simultaneously. However, it is also possible to manufacture the legs and / or connecting rods from a material flexible enough to allow all three components to rotate. The connection of the connecting rod to the first and second legs can be rigid and made of a flexible material that allows rotation and relative movement of all these components. Alternatively, this connection can be designed as a movable joint offering at least two degrees of freedom, allowing, for example, both rotation and movement at the point of the movable joint.

[0019] Preferably, the locking mechanism has a locked and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position a stop surface is in contact with the respective support surface and the seat cushion is secured against unfolding or folding over, wherein in the unlocked position both the first and second stop surfaces are out of contact with the support surface and the seat cushion is freely rotatable relative to the frame. In the unlocked position, the first and second legs are rotated relative to the seat cushion such that the first and second stop surfaces are sufficiently far from the respective support surface of the seat cushion, wherein the seat cushion is freely rotatable and during the rotation of the seat cushion, i.e., in no position of the seat cushion between the unfolded and folded-over positions, is a support surface in contact with the respective stop surface of the leg.In the locked position, the first or second leg is rotated to prevent movement of the seat cushion, e.g., its back. Depending on the seat cushion's position, either the first stop surface prevents the seat cushion from unfolding by contacting the first support surface, or the second stop surface prevents the seat cushion from folding over by contacting the second support surface.

[0020] Preferably, in the unlocked position, the legs are opened wider in the direction of the seat cushion's axis of rotation than in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the legs are thus opened wider and enclose a larger angle, e.g., greater than 90°, allowing the seat cushion to rotate freely and the back of the seat cushion to move within the space defined by the two legs. In the locked position, the legs enclose a smaller angle, with the first or second stop surface preventing the seat cushion from moving into the unfolded or folded position.

[0021] Preferably, the first support surface faces the same side of the seat cushion as the seat surface, and the second support surface faces the same side of the seat cushion as the back. The support surfaces can be located entirely at the rear end of the seat cushion, for example, on a fixed rail extending from the rear end of the seat cushion, with the first and second support surfaces on opposite sides of this rail. Thus, the first support surface, which is to come into contact with the first stop surface, can be located on the side of the rail oriented in the same direction as the seat surface when viewed from the seat cushion, and the second support surface, which is to come into contact with the second stop surface, can be located on the side of the rail oriented in the same direction as the back of the seat cushion when viewed from the seat cushion.Furthermore, the support surfaces can be located on two separate projections extending from the rear end of the seat cushion at the point of contact with the corresponding stop surface. Additionally, the support surfaces can be positioned at different locations on the rear part of the seat cushion; for example, the first support surface can be located on the rear part and closer to the seat surface, and the second support surface on the rear part and closer to the back of the seat cushion.

[0022] Preferably, the seat cushion is adjustable to an open position and a folded position by rotating it about the axis of rotation of the seat cushion, wherein in the open position the seat surface faces upwards and in the folded position the seat surface faces towards the support surface of the backrest, wherein in the open position the first support surface faces upwards and the second support surface faces downwards and is closer to the second stop surface than in the folded position, and in the folded position the second support surface faces forwards and the first support surface faces backwards and is closer to the first stop surface than in the open position.

[0023] Preferably, the first leg deviates less from the horizontal plane than from the vertical plane, with the first stop surface located in front of the rotatable connection of the first leg with the frame, and the second leg deviates less from the vertical plane than from the horizontal plane, with the second stop surface located above the rotatable connection of the second leg with the frame.

[0024] Preferably, the connecting rod is located above or below the axis of rotation of the first and second legs. Positioning the connecting rod above or below the axis of rotation of the first and second legs has the advantage that the transmission of forces between the first and second legs can be easily ensured without twisting or other excessive stress on the individual components. This connection does not even require a complex reduction gear. A further advantage of arranging the legs and the connecting rod in a vertical plane is the space saved by the entire locking mechanism.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting rod comprises a first end and a second end, both having an oval opening through which the end of the connecting rod can be inserted. The oval opening for connecting the end of the connecting rod provides a degree of play for coordinating the movement of the leg and connecting rod, as the simultaneous rotation of the leg and connecting rod is guided around parallel axes of rotation (the leg is rotatable about the horizontal axis and the connecting rod about the vertical axis). Similarly, it is possible to make the openings in the legs round and the ends of the connecting rod flattened, e.g., oval.In general, it may therefore be advantageous to attach the connecting rod to the legs in such a way that the end of the connecting rod can be rotated relative to the leg and moved at certain intervals.

[0026] Preferably, the connecting rod is rotatably connected to each leg. This rotatable connection ensures flexibility, as the leg can rotate about the horizontal axis and the connecting rod about the vertical axis, allowing for slight deviation of the end of the connecting rod and the opening for its passage. The rotatable connection provides the movable connection with at least one degree of freedom.

[0027] Preferably, the leg is connected to the frame by a connecting bolt. The connecting bolt is a very simple component suitable for rotatably connecting the leg to the frame. The bolt can, for example, be inserted directly through the frame, or it can be connected indirectly via other mounting aids, such as mounting plates. The position of the connecting bolt can be secured, for example, by inserting the bolt through the opening and the threaded nut.

[0028] Preferably, the drive for rotating the first and second legs is attached to the frame and connected to the first leg. The entire locking mechanism, including the drive, can therefore be attached to the frame, with the movement of the first leg being directly controlled by this drive. The rotational movement of the first leg is then transmitted to the second leg via the connecting rod.

[0029] The drive for rotating the first and second legs preferably comprises an electric motor with a piston. The electric motor can thus perform a linear motion, for example, by means of a sliding piston, which may be connected to the first leg, the second leg, or the connecting rod. In addition to the piston, the moving part of the electric motor may also include cables. Generally, any linear drive can be suitable, for example, one comprising a rack or a helix instead of a piston. The end of the sliding part of the linear drive is then connected to the component (one of the legs or the connecting rod) outside its axis of rotation; preferably, the connection is rotatable. The fixed part of the drive can then be attached to the frame, for example.

[0030] The locking mechanism preferably further comprises a mounting plate and a bolt of the connecting rod, wherein the mounting plate is connected to the frame and the bolt of the connecting rod passes through the mounting plate and the connecting rod.

[0031] The frame can include a guide element, such as a rail or a groove, wherein the drive for rotating the first and second legs is a linear actuator whose stator is mounted in the guide element and is thus displaceable relative to the frame. The movable part of the actuator is attached to the leg. Preferably, the stator has one end from which the movable part of the actuator extends and a second end that is fixed in the guide element. Preferably, the stator is also rotatably mounted in the guide element. Since this linear actuator is responsible for rotating the legs, it can also tilt during handling. The described sliding motion can reduce the space that must be reserved for the actuator's movement during leg rotation. This makes it possible to miniaturize the entire mechanism, e.g.,The distance between the drive and the seat cushion does not need to be so large, and there is no risk of collision between these components, since the space in which the drive moves is reduced by the described fastening. Explanation of drawings

[0032] The nature of the technical solution will be further explained using exemplary embodiments, which are described with the help of attached drawings showing: Fig. 1. An axonometric view of a seat with a locking mechanism, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 2 an axonometric front view of the locking mechanism, Fig. 3 an axonometric side view of a seat with locking mechanism, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 4a a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and a detail of the first leg with the drive, in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 4b a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and a detail of the position of the first and second legs relative to each other, in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 4c a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the locked position and a detail of the first leg with the drive, in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 4d a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the locked position and a detail of the position of the first and second legs relative to each other, in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 5a a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and a detail of the first leg with the drive, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 5b a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and a detail of the position of the first and second legs relative to each other, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 5c a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the locked position and a detail of the first leg with the drive, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 5d a vertical section through the locking mechanism in the locked position and a detail of the position of the first and second legs relative to each other, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion, Fig. 6a a lower axonometric view of the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 6b a lower axonometric view of the locking mechanism in the intermediate position (between the unlocked and the locked position), in the folded-down position of the seat cushion, Fig. 6c a lower axonometric view of the locking mechanism in the locked position, with the seat cushion folded down. Examples of the technical solution

[0033] The technical solution is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments with reference to the corresponding drawings. One example of an embodiment is the one shown in the Fig. Seats 1 to 6 shown with locking mechanism.

[0034] In a first exemplary embodiment, the seat comprises a seat frame 1 with a backrest 2 and a seat cushion 3, which is rotatably attached to the seat frame 1, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism in Fig. 2 comprises a first leg 6, located on the left side of the seat in the frontal view of the locking mechanism, and a second leg 7, located on the right side of the seat. The ends of the first and second legs 6, 7 include openings for the passage of a fixed connecting bolt 16, which ensures a rotatable connection of the leg to the frame 1. The central portion of each leg, furthest from the attachment point on the frame 1, is provided with a projecting stop surface which, when it comes into contact with the corresponding support surface on the back of the seat cushion 3, acts as a stop to prevent rotation of the seat cushion 3. Each leg also includes an oval opening 15 for connecting the end of the connecting rod 12, which connects the two legs and ensures their coordinated movement.

[0035] The mounting plates 19 serve to connect the first and second legs 6, 7 to the frame 1, with each mounting plate 19 resting against the frame 1 to which it is connected by screws. The mounting plates 19 comprise raised side edges with openings on and between these raised side edges the ends of the leg are attached, with a connecting bolt 16 passing through the openings in the mounting plate 19 and then into the leg. The connecting bolt 16 is designed as a threaded rod which is secured with a nut in the mounting plate 19 and the leg. In the first exemplary embodiment, the connecting bolt 16 is designed horizontally, with the first and second legs 6, 7, as well as the seat cushion 3, being rotatable about the horizontal axis and the axis of rotation of both legs being identical.

[0036] The first and second legs 6, 7 differ slightly in their shape, which is adapted to the intended movement of the leg and the orientation of the first and second stop surfaces 8, 10. From the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the first leg 6 deviates less from the horizontal plane than from the vertical plane, with the first stop surface 8 located in front of the connecting bolt 16 of the first leg 6. Thus, in the unfolded position of the seat cushion 3, the first stop surface 8 is positioned closer to the front free seat cushion 3 than the connecting bolt 16 of the leg. The first leg 6 is therefore almost horizontally oriented, with the oval opening 15 for passing the first end 13 of the connecting rod located at a height above the connecting bolt 16. The second leg 7 deviates less from the vertical plane than from the horizontal plane, with the second stop surface 10 located above the connecting bolt 16 of the second leg 7. The second leg 7 is therefore almost vertically oriented. The first stop surface 8 is oriented essentially forward, and the second stop surface 10 is oriented essentially upward.The oval opening 15 on the second leg 7 for the passage of the second end 14 of the connecting rod is located approximately at the same height as the oval opening 15 on the first leg 6. The position of these oval openings 15 is chosen with respect to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod such that the connecting rod can exert a moment on the legs about their axes of rotation, and vice versa, so that the connecting rod 12 can rotate when the legs are rotated. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting rod 12 is straight and rotatable in the horizontal plane.Therefore, the oval openings 15 are longer in the vertical direction than in the horizontal direction, so that the connecting rod transmits the force between the legs in the horizontal direction, while in the vertical direction it has sufficient clearance at the attachment point on the leg to rotate the legs to the required interval (about 11° in the illustrated embodiment) without bending the connecting rod 12.

[0037] The first leg 6 further comprises another pair of openings for guiding a movable control bolt 21, wherein the control bolt 21 is aligned parallel to the connecting bolt 16 and serves to couple to the drive and to control the rotary movement of the first leg 6. The attachment of the control bolt 21 to the first leg 6 is located between the attachment point of the connecting bolt 16 on the first leg 6 and the first stop surface 8.

[0038] The connecting rod 12 in the Fig. 2 is designed as a metal rod comprising a central axis and two flat strips 22 attached to the axis along the length of the connecting rod 12. The flat strips 22 are located at a point outside the first and second ends 13, 14 of the connecting rod, which are designed to be inserted into the oval openings 15 in the first and second legs 6, 7. The first and second ends 13, 14 of the connecting rod have the same diameter. Approximately one-third of the way along the length of the connecting rod 12, one of the strips 22 of the connecting rod has an opening for the passage of the vertical bolt 20 of the connecting rod.In the exemplary first embodiment, the connecting rod 12 is placed on a bolt 20 of the connecting rod, which is located between the first and second legs 6, 7 at a point closer to the second leg 7, wherein the bolt 20 of the connecting rod is fastened to the frame 1 by a further mounting plate 19. This mounting plate 19 is constructed similarly to the angle plate, wherein the first wall of the mounting plate 19 is screwed to the frame 1 as a vertical wall, and the vertical bolt 20 of the connecting rod is guided through the second wall of the plate, which is almost perpendicular to the first wall.

[0039] In particular, the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first support surface 9, which is intended to contact the first stop surface 8, is located on the rear part of the seat cushion, or at the rear end of the seat cushion 3, and is situated on a projection that extends from the rear end on the left side of the seat. In the frontal view of the locking mechanism, the first stop surface 8 and the first support surface 9 are located on the same (left) side of the seat as the first leg 6. The first support surface 9 is oriented on the same side of the seat cushion 3 as the seat surface 4, i.e., approximately rearward in the folded position and approximately upward in the unfolded position of the seat cushion 3.The first stop surface 9 can then prevent the seat cushion 3 from rotating from the folded position into the unfolded position if the first support surface 9 would tend to move backwards, which can be prevented by this stop surface if the leg is correctly rotated (locked position).

[0040] The second support surface 11, intended to contact the second stop surface 10, is provided on a similar projection extending from the rear end on the right side of the seat (like the second leg 7). The second support surface 11 faces the same direction as the rear 5 of the seat cushion, i.e., downwards in the unfolded position and forwards in the folded position. The second stop surface 10 can then prevent the seat cushion 3 from rotating from the unfolded position to the folded position if the second support surface 11 were to tend to move downwards, which is prevented by this stop surface when the leg is correctly rotated (locked position).

[0041] The rear end of the seat cushion 3 thus includes two projections, each with a support surface for supporting the respective stop surface, with the first support surface 9 pointing in the opposite direction to the second support surface 11.

[0042] In the first exemplary embodiment, the locking mechanism is controlled by a drive unit that actuates the first leg 6. In this embodiment, it is a piston electric motor 17 attached to the frame 1, with the sliding piston 18 connected to the first leg 6 via the control bolt 21, as shown in the Fig. 2 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5. The electric motor 17 is essentially oriented almost vertically, with the body of the electric motor 17 being attached to the frame 1 by means of a mounting plate 19 with grooves in which the body of the electric motor 17 is slidably mounted, the piston 18 of the electric motor being connected to the first leg 6 via a movable control bolt 21, which passes through two openings in the leg and this piston 18. The movable control bolt 21 is aligned parallel to the connecting bolts 16 of the two legs and to the axis of rotation of the seat cushion 3.Thus, the piston 18 is movable between two positions, wherein in the unlocked position of the locking mechanism the piston 18 is extended and the connection of the electric motor body 17 with the mounting plate 19 is located in the upper area of ​​the groove, wherein in the locked position the piston 18 is retracted, the first leg 6 forms a smaller angle with the vertical plane than in the unlocked position and the connection of the electric motor body 17 with the mounting plate 19 is located in the lower area of ​​the groove.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows the position of the legs in the folded-down position of the seat cushion 3 and in the unlocked / locked position of the locking mechanism. Specifically, in the unlocked position... Fig. Figure 4a shows the extended piston 18 of the electric motor and the position of the first stop surface 8 below the level of the rear end of the seat cushion 3. From the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4b, the first and second support surfaces 9, 11 are located at the same position at the rear end of the seat cushion 3, with the first support surface 9 facing the seat surface 4 and the second support surface 11 facing the back 5. In the locked position in the Fig. In step 4c, the piston 18 of the electric motor is retracted, and the first support surface 8 is higher than in the unlocked position, thus coming into contact with the first support surface 9 and preventing the seat cushion 3 from unfolding. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4d, the second leg 7 deviates more from the vertical axis in the locked position and forms a smaller angle with the first leg 6 than in the unlocked position.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the position of the legs in the unfolded position of the seat cushion 3 and in the unlocked / locked position of the locking mechanism. In the unlocked position in the Fig. 5a is the same position of the first leg 6 as in the Fig. 4a shows that allows free rotation of the seat cushion 3, while from the Fig. As can be seen in 5b, the second stop surface 10 is located behind the support surfaces on the rear part of the seat cushion 3 (in a frontal view of the seat) in every position of the seat cushion 3. In the locked position in the Fig. 5c and Fig. 5d the piston 18 of the electric motor is retracted and the first stop surface 8 is higher than in the unlocked position, and from the Fig. 5d it is further evident that when the seat cushion 3 is locked in the unfolded position, the second leg 7 deviates more from the vertical axis, causing it to be below the level of the second support surface 11 and preventing the seat cushion 3 from rotating into the unfolded position.

[0045] The following section describes the operation of the locking mechanism according to this technical solution. The seat's locking mechanism has two positions: an unlocked position and a locked position. The position of the legs in the unlocked and locked positions of the mechanism for the unfolded and folded seat cushion 3 is determined from the vertical sections in the Fig. 4 and in the Fig. 5 and further in the Fig. 6 is evident. Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the seat cushion 3 in the folded (vertical) position and of the locking mechanism during the locking process, showing the movement of the connecting rod 12 and the position of the stop surfaces relative to the support surfaces on the seat cushion 3.

[0046] In the unlocked position ( Fig. 6a) The piston 18 of the electric motor coupled to the first leg 6 is extended, with the first stop surface 8 being located below the level of the first support surface 9 on the back of the seat cushion 3 in every position of the seat cushion 3 between its unfolded and folded positions. By connecting the first leg 6 to the second leg 7 via the connecting rod 12, the second leg 7 is rotated closer to the frame 1 by the second stop surface 10 in the unlocked position, with the second stop surface 10 being located behind the level of the second support surface 11 on the back of the seat cushion 3 in every position of the seat cushion 3 between its unfolded and folded positions. Thus, in this position of the locking mechanism, the seat cushion 3 is completely free and movable between the unfolded and folded positions.

[0047] The procedure for setting the locking mechanism to the locked position is controlled after the seat cushion 3 has been set to the unfolded or folded position, the locking procedure being identical for both of these positions of the seat cushion 3. When the seat cushion 3 is moved to the folded position, in which the seat surface 4 is vertical, preventing sitting, the first leg 6, which is rotated about the connecting bolt 16, is initially rotated by inserting the piston 18 of the electric motor. In the first exemplary embodiment, the first leg 6 is rotated upwards, thereby reducing the angle between the first leg 6 and the vertical plane; that is, the first stop surface 8 is located higher when locking and subsequently in the locked position of the locking mechanism than in the unlocked position.The rotation of the first leg 6 transmits this movement to the connecting rod 12 via the attachment of the first end 13 of the connecting rod 12 in the oval opening 15 of the first leg, causing the connecting rod 12 to rotate about the vertical bolt 20 of the connecting rod. A rotational movement of the second leg 7 is also triggered by the second end 14 of the connecting rod, which is connected to the second leg 7 through the oval opening 15, the direction of rotation of the second leg 7 being opposite to the direction of rotation of the first leg 6. This reduces the angle that the first and second legs 6, 7 enclose when locked. The state of the locking mechanism in the intermediate position between the unlocked and locked edge positions is shown in the figure. Fig. 6b shown.

[0048] In the locked position in the Fig.In position 6c, the second leg 7 deviates more from the vertical plane than in the unlocked position, with the first and second legs 6, 7 enclosing a smaller angle than in any other position of the locking mechanism (unlocked position, intermediate position). After both legs are rotated into the locked position, the movement of the seat cushion 3 is restricted because the first stop surface 8 is closer to the first support surface 9 of the seat cushion, thus preventing the seat cushion 3 from being unfolded into a horizontal position and used for sitting.Similarly, if the seat cushion 3 was brought into the unfolded position before locking, the movement of the seat cushion 3 is restricted after the twisting of both legs into the locked position, since the second stop surface 10 is closer to the second support surface 11 of the seat cushion, thus preventing the seat cushion 3 from folding into the upright position.

[0049] The locking mechanism is unlocked in a similar manner to the locking mechanism, using the return movement of the electric motor's piston 18. First, the first leg 6 is rotated downwards by extending the electric motor's piston 18. This rotation of the first leg 6 is then transmitted to the connecting rod 12 via the attachment of the first end 13 of the connecting rod 12 in the oval opening 15 of the first leg. The connecting rod 12 is then rotated around the vertical bolt 20 of the connecting rod. The second end 13 of the connecting rod, which is connected to the second leg 7 via the oval opening 15, initiates the rotation of the second leg 7. The direction of rotation of the second leg 7 is opposite to that of the first leg 6, and the first and second legs 6...7. The connecting rod 12 therefore performs a small pivoting movement around the vertical bolt 20 of the connecting rod when unlocking and locking, wherein in the unlocked position the first end 13 of the connecting rod (which is guided through the opening 15 in the first leg 6) is further away from the frame 1 than the second end 14 of the connecting rod (which is guided through the opening 15 in the second leg 7) and in the locked position the first end 13 of the connecting rod (which is guided through the opening 15 in the first leg 6) is closer to the frame 1 than the second end 14 of the connecting rod (which is guided through the opening 15 in the second leg 7).

[0050] The following section describes alternative embodiments of the seat with a locking mechanism based on this technical solution. The drive for rotating the first and second legs 6, 7 can be connected to the second leg 7 or to the connecting rod 12 itself. In another embodiment, the connecting rod 12 can be rotatable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the seat cushion 3. In this case, the connecting rod 12 can perform a pendulum motion in an approximately vertical plane, with the first and second legs 6, 7 being less dissimilar in shape. Reference symbol list 1 frame 2 Backrest 3 seat cushions 4 Seat surface of the seat cushion 5 Back of the seat cushion 6 first thigh 7 second thigh 8 first stop surface 9 first support surface 10 second stop surface 11 second support surface 12 Connecting rod 13 first end of the connecting rod 14 second end of the connecting rod 15 Opening 16 connecting bolts 17 Electric motor 18 pistons 19 Mounting plate 20 bolts of the connecting rod 21 control bolts 22. Connecting rod strip QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO2019 / 243118 A1

[0003] JP3830271 B2

[0003] JP3961715 B2

[0004] JP3556763 B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] A seat with a locking mechanism, the seat comprising a frame (1) and a seat cushion (3) rotatable relative to the frame (1) about the horizontal axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3), the seat cushion (3) comprising a seat surface (4) and a back surface (5) arranged on the opposite side of the seat cushion (3) as the seat surface (4), the seat cushion (3) comprising a front part and a rear part, and the axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3) extending between the front and rear parts, the locking mechanism comprising a first leg (6), a second leg (7) and a drive for rotating the first leg (6) and the second leg (7), the first leg (6) and the second leg (7) being rotatably connected to the frame (1), characterized byin that the first leg (6) comprises a first stop surface (8) for securing the seat cushion (3) against unfolding, and the seat cushion (3) comprises, in the rear part, a first support surface (9) for contact with the first stop surface (8), wherein the second leg (7) comprises a second stop surface (10) for securing the seat cushion (3) against folding over, and the seat cushion (3) further comprises, in the rear part, a second support surface (11) for contact with the second stop surface (10), wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a connecting rod (12) connecting the first leg (6) and the second leg (7), wherein the connecting rod (12) is rotatable relative to the frame (1), wherein for both legs the attachment point of the connecting rod (12) on the leg is offset from the axis of rotation of this leg in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the connecting rod (12). [2] Seat with locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized by in that the locking mechanism has a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position a stop surface is in contact with a respective support surface and the seat cushion (3) is secured against unfolding or folding over, wherein in the unlocked position both the first stop surface (8) and the second stop surface (10) are out of contact with the support surface and the seat cushion (3) is freely rotatable relative to the frame (1). [3] Seat with locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized by that the legs are further open towards each other in the unlocked position, viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3), than in the locked position. [4] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first support surface (9) is aligned to the same side of the seat cushion (3) as the seat surface (4) and the second support surface (11) is aligned to the same side of the seat cushion (3) as the back (5). [5] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it further comprises a backrest (2) with a support surface for the user to lean on, which is attached to the frame (1). [6] Seat with locking mechanism according to claim 5 characterized byin that the seat cushion (3) can be adjusted into the unfolded position and into the folded position by rotating it around the axis of rotation of the seat cushion (3), the seat surface (4) being directed upwards in the unfolded position and directed towards the support surface of the backrest (2) in the folded position, the first support surface (9) being directed upwards in the unfolded position and the second support surface (11) being directed downwards and being closer to the second stop surface (10) than in the folded position, and the second support surface (11) being directed forwards in the folded position and the first support surface (9) being directed backwards and being closer to the first stop surface (8) than in the unfolded position. [7] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the first leg (6) deviates less from the horizontal plane than from the vertical plane, wherein the first stop surface (8) is arranged in front of the rotatable connection of the first leg (6) to the frame (1), and the second leg (7) deviates less from the vertical plane than from the horizontal plane, wherein the second stop surface (10) is arranged above the rotatable connection of the second leg (7) to the frame (1). [8] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting rod (12) is arranged above or below the axis of rotation of the first leg (6) and the second leg (7). [9] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the connecting rod (12) comprises a first end (13) of the connecting rod and a second end (14) of the connecting rod, wherein both the first leg (6) and the second leg (7) have an opening (15) for passing through one of the ends of the connecting rod (12), wherein this opening (15) is oval and receives one of the ends of the connecting rod. [10] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting rod (12) is rotatably connected to each leg. [11] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one leg is connected to the frame (1) by a connecting bolt (16). [12] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive for rotating the first leg (6) and the second leg (7) is connected to the frame (1) and is connected to the first leg (6). [13] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive for rotating the first leg (6) and the second leg (7) comprises an electric motor (17) with a piston (18). [14] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking mechanism further comprises a mounting plate (19) and a bolt (20) of the connecting rod, wherein the mounting plate (19) is connected to the frame (1) and the bolt (20) of the connecting rod is passed through the mounting plate (19) and the connecting rod (12). [15] Seat with locking mechanism according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the frame (1) comprises a guide element, wherein the drive is a linear drive whose stator is slidably attached to the guide element.

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