Adjustable vehicle seat

Abstract

Adjustable Vehicle Seat The invention relates to a vehicle seat (10), comprising: a base (12); a cushion frame (14); a rear hinge (16); a height regulator actuator (18); and at least one first tilt regulator actuator (20). A first upper end of the first tilt regulator actuator (20) is connected to a left portion (36) of a front end of the cushion frame; and the vehicle seat also comprises a second tilt regulator actuator (22), extending between a second upper end (64) and a second lower end (66), said second upper and lower ends being respectively connected to the right portion (37) of the front end of the cushion frame and to the base; The first (20) and second (22) tilt regulator actuators are capable of moving the front end of the cushion frame relative to the base. Figure: Figure 1

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; the front end comprising a left part and a right part, situated on either side of a median plane of the vehicle seat; a rear hinge, connecting the base to the rear end of the cushion frame; and a height regulator actuator, extending between a front end of the regulator and a rear end of the regulator, said rear end of the regulator being connected to the rear hinge, said height regulator actuator being capable of moving the rear hinge relative to the base; and at least one first tilt regulator actuator, extending between a first upper end, connected to the front end of the cushion frame, and a first lower end, connected to the base;the first tilt regulator actuator being capable of moving the front end of the cushion frame 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 US patent 11273735.

[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 first upper end of the first tilt regulator actuator is connected to the left part of the front end of the cushion frame; and the vehicle seat also includes a second tilt regulator actuator, extending between a second upper end and a second lower end, said second upper and lower ends being respectively connected to the right part of the front end of the cushion frame and to the base; the second tilt regulator actuator being capable of moving the front end of the cushion frame relative to the base.

[0005] According to the embodiments, the vehicle seat may comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any technically feasible combination:

[0006] - each of the first and second tilt regulator actuators is designed so that: the distance between the upper and lower ends of said first or second tilt regulator actuator is variable; and the the distances between the upper end and the lower end of said first and second tilt regulator actuators are substantially identical;

[0007] - the base comprises a left part and a right part, located on either side of the median plane of the vehicle seat; the first lower end of the first tilt regulator actuator is connected to the left part of the base; and the second lower end of the second tilt regulator actuator is connected to the right part of the base;

[0008] - the lower ends of the first and second regulator actuators the tilting parts are respectively connected in a pivotal manner to the left and right parts of the base;

[0009] - the upper ends of the first and second regulator actuators the tilting parts are respectively pivotally connected to the left and right parts of the front end of the cushion frame;

[0010] - the rear end of the height regulator actuator is connected pivotally at the rear joint;

[0011] - the front end of the height regulator actuator is connected to the base;

[0012] - the front end of the height regulator actuator is connected to pivoting at the base.

[0013] - the front end of the height regulator actuator is connected to the front end of the cushion frame;

[0014] - the front end of the height regulator actuator is connected to pivoting manner at the front end of the cushion frame;

[0015] - the vehicle seat also includes at least one slide, the base being coupled in a sliding manner to said at least one slide.

[0016] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising: a floor; and at least one vehicle seat as described above, at least one slide being fixed to the floor.

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a first configuration;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.3] Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the vehicle seat of the [Fig.l], respectively in a second and a third configuration;

[0020] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat shown in Figures 1 to 3, in a fourth configuration; and

[0021] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat according to a second embodiment of the invention, in the fourth configuration.

[0022] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a vehicle seat 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a schematic view of the vehicle seat 10.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a vehicle seat 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Vehicle seats 10 and 110 will be described concurrently, the common elements being designated by the same reference numbers. Except for the differences noted below, vehicle seats 10 and 110 are considered to be similar.

[0025] The vehicle seat 10, 110 is designed to be installed in a vehicle (not shown), such as a motor vehicle.

[0026] The vehicle seat 10, 110 comprises: a base 12; a cushion frame 14; a rear hinge 16; a height regulator actuator 18, 118; and a first 20 and a second 22 tilt regulator actuators.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle seat 10, 110 also includes: a backrest frame 24; and at least one slide 26, 28.

[0028] In the following description, an orthonormal basis (X, Y, Z), associated with at least one slider 26, 28, is considered.

[0029] In particular, the vehicle seat 10, 110 includes a left slide 26 and a right slide 28, the terms "left" and "right" being understood with respect to a transverse direction Y.

[0030] 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.

[0031] A median plane 30 of the vehicle seat 10, 110, parallel to the X and Z directions, is considered. The left slides 26 and right slides 28 are located on either side of the median plane 30, preferably symmetrically. Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the vehicle seat 10 with respect to the median plane 30.

[0032] In the following description, the base 12, the cushion frame 14 and the rear joint 16 of the vehicle seat 10, 110 are considered to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the median plane 30.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The base 12 comprises: a left base wing 32 and a right base wing 33; and a base cross member 34. The base cross member 34 extends along Y and is fixed to each base wing 32, 33. Preferably, the base cross member 34 is tubular.

[0035] Each base wing 32, 33 is connected by sliding means to one of the slides 26, 28. More specifically, the left base wing 32 and the right base wing 33 are respectively connected by sliding means to the left slide 26 and the right slide 28.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection between the base flanges 32, 33 and the slides 26, 28 includes a base motor 35.

[0037] The cushion frame 14 includes: a left cushion wing 36 and a right one 37; a front cross member 38; and a rear cross member 39.

[0038] Each of the cushion wings 36, 37 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.

[0039] The front cross member 38 extends along Y and is fixed to the front end 40 of each of the cushion wings 36, 37.

[0040] The rear cross member 39 extends along Y. As detailed below, the rear cross member 39 is pivotally connected to the rear end 42 of each of the cushion wings 36, 37. Preferably, each of the front cross member 38 and the rear cross member 39 is tubular.

[0041] The rear joint 16 includes: a left rear wing 44 and a right rear wing 45; the rear crossmember 39; and a rear actuator arm 46.

[0042] More specifically, the rear cross member 39 of the cushion frame 14 is fixed to each of the left rear wings 44 and right rear wings 45. Said rear cross member 39 materializes a first hinge 48, said first hinge articulating a rear end of the cushion frame 14 with the rear articulation 16.

[0043] In addition, the left rear wings 44 and right rear wings 45 are respectively pivotally connected to the left base wings 32 and right rear wings 33, forming a second hinge 50 articulating the left rear joint 16 with the base 12. The first 48 and second 50 hinges materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0044] The rear actuator arm 46 extends substantially parallel to a plane (X, Z), from the second hinge 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear actuator arm 46 extends from the left rear wing 44, as illustrated by [Fig.2],

[0045] The height regulator actuator 18, 118 extends between a front end of height regulator 52, 152 and a rear end of height regulator 54. The rear end of height regulator 54 is pivotally connected to the rear actuator arm 46 of the rear joint 16, forming a third hinge 56.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, the front end of the height regulator 52 is pivotally connected to the base cross member 34 of the base 12, forming a fourth hinge 58 between the height regulator actuator 18 and the base 12. In the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the front end of the height regulator 152 is pivotally connected to the front end of the cushion frame 14, forming a fourth hinge 158 between the height regulator actuator 118 and the cushion frame 14.

[0047] The third 56 and fourth 58, 158 hinges materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0048] The height regulator actuator 18, 118 is designed such that the distance between the front end of the regulator 52, 152 and the rear end of the height regulator 54 is variable. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the height regulator actuator 18 comprises a height regulator motor 60 and a height regulator hub nut mechanism 62. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the height regulator actuator 18, 118 comprises a pump actuator or a similar device.

[0049] Each of the first 20 and second 22 tilt regulator actuators extends between an upper end of tilt regulator 64 and a lower end of tilt regulator 66.

[0050] The upper end of the tilt regulator 64 of each tilt regulator actuator 20, 22 is pivotally connected to the front end of the cushion frame 14, forming a sixth hinge 70. The lower end of the tilt regulator 66 is pivotally connected to the base 12, forming a seventh hinge 72. The sixth 70 and seventh 72 hinges materialize axes of rotation parallel to Y.

[0051] More specifically, the upper end of the tilt regulator 64 and the lower end 66 of the first tilt regulator actuator 20 are respectively pivotally connected to the front end 40 of the left cushion wing 36 and to a front end of the left base wing 32. In addition, the upper end of the tilt regulator 64 and the lower end 66 of the second tilt regulator actuator 22 are respectively pivotally connected to the front end 40 of the right cushion wing 37 and to a front end of the right base wing 33.

[0052] Each of the first 20 and second 22 tilt control actuators is designed such that the distance between the upper end of the tilt control 64 and the lower end of the tilt control 66 of said actuator is variable. Preferably, the first 20 and second 22 tilt control actuators are designed such that the distances between the upper end of the tilt control tilt 64 and the lower end of tilt regulator 66 of said first 20 and second 22 tilt regulator actuators are substantially identical and vary simultaneously.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, each of the first 20 and second 22 tilt regulator actuators comprises a tilt regulator hub nut mechanism 74; and each of said tilt regulator hub nut mechanisms is connected to a tilt regulator motor 76, common to the first 20 and second 22 tilt regulator actuators. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the first 20 and / or the second 22 tilt regulator actuator comprises a pump actuator or a similar device.

[0054] Generally, each of the height regulator actuator 18, 118 and the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 described above can be selected from: a linear actuator (hub drive), a rotary actuator (electric pump) combined with a rack, a rotary actuator (electric pump) combined with a hook-tooth segment, or any combination thereof.

[0055] The backrest frame 24 of the vehicle seat 10 extends between an upper end 80 and a lower end 82. Preferably, the lower end 82 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear end of the cushion frame 14. More preferably, the lower end 82 of the backrest frame 24 is pivotally connected to the rear cross member 39, as in the illustrated embodiment.

[0056] In a nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the height regulator actuator 18, 118 and the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are respectively in a nominal height regulator position and in a nominal tilt regulator position. The nominal configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110 corresponds to the cushion frame 14 being substantially arranged in a horizontal plane and at a nominal distance from the base 12.

[0057] In a higher configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, illustrated in [Fig. 1] for the vehicle seat 10, the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are in the nominal tilt regulator position; and the height regulator actuator 18, 118 is in the raised position. In said raised position, the front end of the height regulator 52, 152 and the rear end of the height regulator 54 are further apart than in the nominal height regulator position.

[0058] In said upper configuration, the first 48 and sixth 70 hinges are further from the base 12 than in the nominal configuration. The cushion frame 14 is therefore further from the base 12 than in the nominal configuration, while being substantially arranged in a horizontal plane.

[0059] In a lower configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, illustrated in [Fig. 2] for the vehicle seat 10, the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are in the nominal tilt regulator position; and the height regulator actuator 18, 118 is in the lowered position. In said lowered position, the front end of the height regulator 52, 152 and the rear end of the height regulator 54 are closer to each other than in the nominal height regulator position.

[0060] In said lower configuration, the first 48 and sixth 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.

[0061] Therefore, the height of the cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the height regulator actuator 18, 118 between the raised position and the lowered position.

[0062] In an inclined configuration of the vehicle seat 10, 110, illustrated in [Fig. 3] for the vehicle seat 10, the height regulator actuator 18, 118 is in the lowered position; and the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are in the tilted position. In said tilted position, the upper end of the tilt regulator 64 and the lower end of the tilt regulator 66 of each tilt regulator actuator 20, 22 are further apart than in the nominal tilt regulator position.

[0063] In said inclined configuration of the vehicle seat 10, the first hinge 48 is at the same distance from the base 12 as in the lower configuration; and the sixth hinge 70 is further from the base 12 than in the lower configuration. The cushion frame 14 is therefore inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the front end being higher than the rear end.

[0064] Therefore, an inclination of the cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 can be adjusted by moving the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 between the nominal tilt regulator position and the tilt position.

[0065] A method for adjusting the tilt of the vehicle 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4 will now be described. From the lower position, the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are actuated, so that the upper tilt regulator end 64 and the lower tilt regulator end 66 of each tilt regulator actuator 20, 22 move away from each other. The cushion frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10 pivots about the first hinge 48 to reach the tilt position. In other words, the cushion wings 36, 37 pivot about the rear crossmember 39.

[0066] A method for adjusting the tilt of the vehicle 110 shown in [Fig. 5] will now be described. From the lower position, the tilt regulator actuators 20, 22 are actuated, causing the upper tilt regulator end 64 and the lower tilt regulator end 66 of each tilt regulator actuator 20, 22 to move away from each other. This causes the sixth hinge 70 and seventh hinge 72 to move away from each other. The rear actuator arm 46 is rotated by the front end of the cushion frame 14 and by the height regulator actuator 118. As a result, the rear joint 16 of the vehicle seat 110 pivots around the second hinge 50 so that the cushion frame 14 reaches the tilt position.

[0067] Preferably, the position of the backrest frame 24 relative to the cushion frame 14 can be adjusted between the vehicle seat configurations 10, 110 described above. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the upper end 80 of the backrest frame 24 and the front end of the cushion frame 14 are further apart in the reclined configuration than in the nominal upper and lower configurations. Therefore, in the reclined configuration, the vehicle seat 10, 110 can be used as a reclining chair.

[0068] The vehicle seat 10, 110 has a low number of hinges 48, 50, 56, 58, 158, 70, 72 compared to other devices known in the prior art.

[0069] In the event of a frontal collision, the airbag frame 14 of the vehicle seat 10, 110 is pushed forward. The presence of a first 20 and a second 22 tilt regulator actuators on each side of the front end of the airbag frame 14 provides better collision resistance than a single tilt regulator actuator. The forward displacement of the airbag frame 14 is thus reduced, and the vehicle seat 10, 110 is less deformed by the impact than with other prior art devices. The passenger occupying the vehicle seat 10, 110 is therefore better protected from the collision.

Claims

Demands

1. 1 Vehicle seat (10, 110), comprising: - a base (12); - a cushion frame (14), extending between a front end (40) and a rear end (42); the front end comprising a left portion (36) and a right portion (37), situated on either side of a median plane (30) of the vehicle seat; - a rear hinge (16), connecting the base to the rear end of the cushion frame; - a height regulator actuator (18, 118), extending between a regulator front end (52, 152) and a regulator rear end (54), said regulator rear end being connected to the rear hinge (16), said height regulator actuator being capable of moving the rear hinge relative to the base;and - at least one first tilt regulator actuator (20), extending between a first upper end (64), connected to the front end of the cushion frame, and a first lower end (66), connected to the base; the first tilt regulator actuator being capable of moving the front end of the cushion frame relative to the base; the vehicle seat being characterized in that: - the first upper end of the first tilt regulator actuator (20) is connected to the left part (36) of the front end of the cushion frame; and - the vehicle seat also includes a second tilt regulator actuator (22), extending between a second upper end (64) and a second lower end (66), said second upper and lower ends being respectively connected to the right part (37) of the front end of the cushion frame and to the base;the second tilt regulator actuator (22) being capable of moving the front end of the cushion frame relative to the base.;

2. 2 Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein each of the first (20) and second (22) tilt regulator actuators is designed such that: - the distance between the upper end (64) and the lower end (66) of said first or second tilt regulator actuator is variable; and - the distances between the upper end (64) and the lower end (66) of said first (20) and second (22) tilt regulator actuators are substantially identical.

3. 3 Vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the base (12) comprises a left part (32) and a right part (33), situated on either side of the median plane (30) of the vehicle seat; the first lower end (66) of the first tilt regulator actuator (20) is connected to the left part (32) of the base; and the second lower end of the second tilt regulator actuator (22) is connected to the right part (33) of the base.

4. 4 Vehicle seat according to claim 3, wherein the lower ends (66) of the first and second tilt regulator actuators are respectively pivotally connected to the left part (32) and the right part (33) of the base.

5. 5 Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper ends (64) of the first (20) and second (22) tilt regulator actuators are respectively pivotally connected to the left part (36) and the right part (37) of the front end of the cushion frame (14).

6. 6 Vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear regulator end (54) of the height regulator actuator (18, 118) is pivotally connected to the rear joint (16).

7. 7 Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front regulator end (52) of the height regulator actuator (18) is connected to the base (12).

8. 8 Vehicle seat according to claim 7, wherein the front regulator end (52) of the height regulator actuator (18) is pivotally connected to the base.

9. 9 Vehicle seat (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front regulator end (152) of the height regulator actuator (118) is connected to the front end of the cushion frame (14).

10. 11 10 Vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein the front regulator end (152) of the height regulator actuator (118) is pivotally connected to the front end of the cushion frame.

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