Adjustable vehicle seat

Abstract

Adjustable Vehicle Seat The invention relates to a vehicle seat (10), comprising a base (12); a cushion frame (14); a front hinge mechanism (16), comprising an upper front hinge (44) and a lower front hinge (46), connected (54, 64) to the front end (40) of the cushion frame and to the base (12), respectively; a rear hinge (18), connecting the base (12) to a rear end of the cushion frame; a first adjustment actuator (20), capable of moving the front hinge mechanism relative to the base; and a second adjustment actuator (22), capable of moving the rear hinge relative to the base. The front end (86) of the second adjustment actuator (22) is connected (90) to the upper front hinge (44) or to the lower front hinge (46) or to the linkage (62) between the upper and lower front hinges. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Adjustable vehicle seat

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, of the type comprising: a base; a cushion frame, extending between a front end and a rear end; a front articulation mechanism, comprising an upper front articulation and a lower front articulation, pivotally connected to each other; said upper and lower front articulation being connected to the front end of the cushion frame and to the base, respectively; a rear articulation, connecting the base to the rear end of the cushion frame; a first adjustment actuator, connected to the front articulation mechanism and capable of moving said front articulation mechanism relative to the base; and a second adjustment actuator, extending between a front end and a rear end, said rear end being connected to the rear articulation, said second adjustment actuator being capable of moving the rear articulation relative to the base.

[0002] Such a vehicle seat is capable of accommodating occupants of different sizes and weights, as well as different sitting postures. Such a vehicle seat is described in document WO2023151267.

[0003] In the event of a frontal collision, the seat cushion may be projected forward, causing injury to the passenger occupying the seat. Therefore, to improve passenger safety, it is preferable to design the vehicle seat in such a way as to limit such forward projection of the cushion.

[0004] To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle seat of the aforementioned type, in which the front end of the second adjustment actuator is connected to the upper front joint or to the lower front joint or to the link between the upper and lower front joints.

[0005] Depending on the embodiment, the vehicle seat may comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0006] - the front end of the second adjustment actuator is connected to the front joint superior;

[0007] - the front end of the second adjusting actuator is pivotally connected to the upper front joint or the lower front joint or the connection between the upper and lower front joints;

[0008] - the second adjusting actuator is designed so that a distance between the end the front and rear end of said second adjustment actuator is variable;

[0009] - the front end and the rear end of the second adjusting actuator are pivotally connected to the upper front joint and the rear joint, respectively;

[0010] - the first adjusting actuator extends between a front end and an end rear, said front end being connected to the lower front joint, said rear end being connected to the base;

[0011] - the first adjusting actuator is designed so that a distance between the front end and the rear end of said first adjustment actuator is variable;

[0012] - the front end and the rear end of the first adjustment actuator are connected pivotally at the lower front joint and at the base, respectively;

[0013] - the upper and lower front joints are pivotally connected to the front end of the cushion frame and at the base, respectively;

[0014] - the rear joint is pivotally connected to the base and is connected in a pivoting at the rear end of the cushion frame;

[0015] - the vehicle seat also includes a backrest frame, connected in a way pivoting at the rear end of the cushion frame;

[0016] - the vehicle seat also includes at least one slide, the base being coupled in a sliding manner to said at least one slide.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising: a floor; and at least one vehicle seat as described above, at least one vehicle seat slide being fixed to the floor.

[0018] The invention will be easier to understand with regard to the following description, provided solely by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a mode realization of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0020] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the vehicle seat of the [Fig. 1], respectively in a second and a third configuration; and

[0021] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat shown in Figures 1 to 3. in the first configuration.

[0022] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a vehicle seat 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] The vehicle seat 10 is designed to be installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as a motor vehicle.

[0024] The vehicle seat 10 comprises: a base 12; a cushion frame 14; a front hinge mechanism 16; a rear hinge 18; and a first 20 and a second 22 adjustment actuator.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle seat 10 also includes: a backrest frame 24; and at least one slide 26, 28.

[0026] In the following description, an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z), associated with at least one slider 26, 28, is considered.

[0027] In particular, the vehicle seat 10 comprises a left slide 26 and a right slide 28, the terms "left" and "right" being understood with respect to a transverse direction Y. Each slide 26, 28 is designed to be fixed to a floor (not shown) of the vehicle, said floor extending in a plane (X, Y). Each slide 26, 28 is parallel to a longitudinal direction X and the left slide 26 and right slide 28 are arranged side by side along the transverse direction Y.

[0028] The longitudinal direction X is considered as a direction of movement of the vehicle. Z is considered as the vertical direction.

[0029] In the following description, with the exception of the first 20 and the second 22 adjustment actuator, the illustrated embodiment of the vehicle seat 10 is considered substantially symmetrical with respect to a median plane (X, Z). The left 26 and right 28 slides are symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to said median plane.

[0030] The base 12 is designed to be connected to the floor (not shown) of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 12 is designed to slide along at least one slide 26, 28. In another embodiment (not shown), the base 12 is directly fixed to the floor of the vehicle.

[0031] The base 12 comprises: left and right base wings 30; and a base cross member 32. Each base wing 30 is connected by sliding means to one of the slides 26, 28. The base cross member 32 extends along Y and is fixed to each base wing 30.

[0032] The cushion frame 14 includes: left and right cushion wings 34; a front cross member 36; and a rear cross member 38.

[0033] Each of the cushion wings 34 extends between a front end 40 and a rear end 42, the terms "front" and "rear" being understood in relation to the longitudinal direction X.

[0034] The front cross member 36 extends along Y and is fixed to the front end 40 of each of the cushion wings 34.

[0035] The rear cross member 38 extends along Y. As detailed below, the rear cross member 38 is pivotally connected to the rear end 42 of each of the cushion wings 34. Preferably, the rear cross member 38 is tubular.

[0036] The front articulation mechanism 16 comprises: an upper front articulation 44; and a lower front articulation 46 or tilting articulation.

[0037] The upper front joint 44 comprises: left and right upper wings 48; an upper cross member 50; and an upper actuator arm 52.

[0038] The upper wings 48 left and right are pivotally connected to the first end 40 of the cushion wings 34 left and right respectively, forming a first hinge 54. Said first hinge 54 articulates a front end of the cushion frame 14 with the upper front articulation 44.

[0039] The upper cross member 50 extends along Y and is fixed to each of the upper wings 48. Preferably, the upper cross member 50 is tubular.

[0040] The upper actuator arm 52 extends from the upper cross member 50, parallel to a plane (X, Z). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper actuator arm 52 is closer to the upper left wing than to the upper right wing.

[0041] The lower front joint 46 comprises: left and right lower wings 56; a lower cross member 58; and a lower actuator arm 60.

[0042] The lower wings 56 left and right are pivotally connected to the upper wings 48 left and right respectively, forming a second hinge 62 articulating the upper front joint 44 with the lower front joint 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper cross member 50 of the upper front joint 44 is arranged between the first 54 and the second 62 hinge.

[0043] In addition, the lower wings 56 left and right are pivotally connected to the base wings 30 left and right respectively, forming a third hinge 64 articulating the lower front joint 46 with the base 12.

[0044] The first 54, the second 62 and the third 64 hinge materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0045] The lower cross member 58 extends along Y and is fixed to each of the lower wings 56. Preferably, the lower cross member 58 is tubular.

[0046] The lower actuator arm 60 extends from the lower cross member 58, parallel to a plane (X, Z). In the illustrated embodiment, the lower actuator arm 60 is closer to the lower right wing than to the lower left wing.

[0047] The rear joint 18 includes: left and right rear wings 66; the rear crossmember 38; and a rear actuator arm 68.

[0048] More specifically, the rear cross member 38 of the cushion frame 14 is attached to each of the left and right rear wings 66. Said rear cross member 38 forms a fourth hinge 70, said fourth hinge articulating a rear end of the cushion frame 14 with the rear joint 18.

[0049] In addition, the left and right rear wings 66 are pivotally connected to the left and right base wings 30 respectively, forming a fifth hinge 72 articulating the rear joint 18 with the base 12. The fourth 70 and fifth 72 hinge materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0050] The rear actuator arm 68 extends substantially parallel to a plane (X, Z). In the illustrated embodiment, the rear actuator arm 68 extends from the left rear wing 66, as illustrated by [Fig.2].

[0051] The first adjustment actuator 20 extends between a first front end 74 and a first rear end 76. The first front end 74 is pivotally connected to the lower actuator arm 60, forming a sixth hinge 78 articulating the lower front joint 46 with the first adjustment actuator 20. The first rear end 76 is pivotally connected to the base 12, forming a seventh hinge 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear end 76 is pivotally connected to the right base wing 30, as illustrated by [Fig. 3].

[0052] The sixth 78 and the seventh 80 hinge materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0053] The first adjusting actuator 20 is designed such that the distance between the first front end 74 and the first rear end 76 is variable. In the illustrated embodiment, the first adjusting actuator 20 comprises a first motor 82 and a first hub nut mechanism 84. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the first adjusting actuator 20 comprises a pump actuator or a similar device.

[0054] The second adjustment actuator 22 extends between a second front end 86 and a second rear end 88. The second front end 86 is pivotally connected to the upper actuator arm 52, forming an eighth hinge 90 articulating the upper front joint 44 with the second adjustment actuator 22. The second rear end 88 is pivotally connected to the rear actuator arm 68, forming a ninth hinge 92 articulating the rear joint 18 with the second adjustment actuator 22.

[0055] The eighth 90 and the ninth 92 hinge materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y. In the illustrated embodiment, the fifth hinge 72 is substantially disposed between the fourth hinge 70 and the ninth hinge 92 in a plane (X, Z).

[0056] The second adjusting actuator 22 is designed such that the distance between the second front end 86 and the second rear end 88 is variable. In the illustrated embodiment, the second adjusting actuator 22 comprises a second motor 94 and a second hub nut mechanism 96. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the second adjusting actuator 22 comprises a pump actuator or a similar device.

[0057] Generally, each of the first 20 and second 22 adjustment actuators described above can be chosen from: a linear actuator (drive by hub), a rotary actuator (electric pump) combined with a rack, a rotary actuator (electric pump) combined with a hook-tooth segment, or any combination thereof.

[0058] The backrest frame 24 of the vehicle seat 10 extends between an upper end 98 and a lower end 100. Preferably, the lower end 100 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the cushion frame 14. More preferably, the lower end 100 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear cross member 38, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0059] In a first configuration of the vehicle seat 10, illustrated by [Fig. 1], the first 20 and the second 22 actuator are respectively in a first and second nominal position. The first configuration is considered to be a nominal configuration of the vehicle seat, in which the cushion frame 14 is substantially arranged in a horizontal plane and at a nominal distance from the base.

[0060] In a second configuration of the vehicle seat 10, illustrated by [Fig. 2], the first adjustment actuator 20 is in the first nominal position and the second adjustment actuator 22 is in a lowered position. In said lowered position of the second adjustment actuator 22, the second front end 86 and the second rear end 88 are closer to each other than in the second nominal position.

[0061] In said second configuration of the vehicle seat 10, the first 54 and the fourth 70 hinges are closer to the base 12 than in the nominal configuration. The cushion frame 14 is therefore closer to the base 12 than in the nominal configuration, while being substantially arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0062] Therefore, the height of the cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the second adjustment actuator 22 between the second nominal position and the lowered position.

[0063] In a third configuration of the vehicle seat 10, illustrated by [Fig. 3], the second adjustment actuator 22 is in the lowered position and the first adjustment actuator 20 is in a tilted position. In said tilted position, the first front end 74 and the first rear end 76 are further apart than in the first nominal position.

[0064] In said third configuration of the vehicle seat 10, the first hinge 54 is further from the base 12 than in the second configuration. The cushion frame 14 is therefore inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the front end being higher than the rear end.

[0065] Therefore, an inclination of the cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the first adjustment actuator 20 between the first nominal position and the tilt position.

[0066] Preferably, the position of the backrest frame 24 relative to the cushion frame 14 can be adjusted between the first, second, and third configurations. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the upper end 98 of the backrest frame 24 is further from the front end of the cushion frame 14 in the third configuration than in the first and second configurations. Therefore, in the third configuration, the vehicle seat 10 can be used as a reclining chair.

[0067] Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the vehicle seat 10. In the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the upper front joint 44 is driven forward, rotating around the second hinge 62. In the same way, the rear joint 18 is driven in rotation around the fifth hinge 72, the rear cross member 38 and the fourth hinge 70 moving forward.

[0068] During such a frontal collision, the upper front joint 44 and the first hinge 54 are held by the second adjustment actuator 22, which exerts on the upper actuator arm 52 a first rearward-oriented force Fi.

[0069] Similarly, during such a frontal collision, the rear joint 18 and the fourth hinge 70 are held by the second adjustment actuator 22, which exerts a second rearward-directed force F2 on the rear actuator arm 68.

[0070] Consequently, in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle, the first and second forces Fi and F2 reduce the forward displacement of the cushion frame 14. The vehicle seat 10 is less deformed by the impact than other devices known in the prior art. The passenger occupying the vehicle seat 10 is therefore better protected from the collision.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle seat (10), comprising: - a base (12); - a cushion frame (14), extending between a front end (40) and a rear end (42); - a front articulation mechanism (16), comprising an upper front articulation (44) and a lower front articulation (46), pivotally connected (62) to each other; said upper and lower front articulation being connected (54, 64) to the front end (40) of the cushion frame and to the base (12), respectively; - a rear articulation (18), connecting the base (12) to the rear end (42) of the cushion frame; - a first adjustment actuator (20), connected to the front articulation mechanism (16) and capable of moving said front articulation mechanism relative to the base;and - a second adjustment actuator (22), extending between a front end (86) and a rear end (88), said rear end being connected (92) to the rear joint (18), said second adjustment actuator being capable of moving the rear joint relative to the base; the vehicle seat being characterized in that the front end (86) of the second adjustment actuator (22) is connected (90) to the upper front joint (44) or to the lower front joint (46) or to the linkage (62) between the upper and lower front joints.

2. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the front end (86) of the second adjustment actuator (22) is connected (90) to the upper front joint (44).

3. Vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front end (86) of the second adjustment actuator (22) is pivotally connected (90) to the upper front joint (44) or to the lower front joint (46) or to the linkage (62) between the upper and lower front joints.

4. A vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second adjustment actuator (22) is designed such that a The distance between the front end (86) and the rear end (88) of said second adjustment actuator is variable.

5. Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front end (86) and the rear end (88) of the second adjustment actuator (22) are pivotally connected (90, 92) to the upper front joint (44) and the rear joint (18), respectively.

6. Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first adjustment actuator (20) extends between a front end (74) and a rear end (76), said front end being connected to the lower front joint (46), said rear end being connected to the base (12).

7. Vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein the first adjustment actuator (20) is designed such that a distance between the front end (74) and the rear end (76) of said first adjustment actuator is variable.

8. Vehicle seat according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the front end (74) and the rear end (76) of the first adjustment actuator (20) are pivotally connected (78, 80) to the lower front joint (46) and the base (12), respectively.

9. Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper front joints (44) and lower front joints (46) are pivotally connected (54, 64) to the front end (40) of the cushion frame and to the base (12), respectively.

10. Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear joint (18) is pivotally connected (72) to the base and is pivotally connected (70) to the rear end (42) of the cushion frame.

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