Seat assembly

Abstract

A seat assembly, the seat assembly (100) comprising a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame (1); the seat cushion frame comprises a seat cushion frame fixed part (3) and a seat cushion frame sliding part (2); the backrest frame (1) is connected to the seat cushion frame sliding part (2); the seat cushion frame sliding part (2) is slidably received at the seat cushion frame fixed part (3) by means of a sliding structure, such that the seat cushion frame sliding part (2) is slidable relative to the seat cushion frame fixed part (3).

Description

Seat components Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more specifically to seat components. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, the placement of battery packs encroaches on the space under the seats, making the placement of battery packs under the rear seats more and more common. Currently, there are the following requirements: without encroaching on the space under the seats, the rear seats need to be as small as possible, capable of sliding forward to increase luggage space while accommodating rear passengers, and also able to slide backward to expand legroom for rear passengers. Simultaneously, the seats need to have folding backrests and the ability to flip into the vehicle body, with the folding seats being as small as possible to reduce the required size of the vehicle body and provide more luggage space.

[0003] To achieve the sliding function, existing technologies typically employ sliding rails. For example, Chinese utility model application CN218558640U discloses a rear seat frame that uses sliding rails to achieve sliding of the rear seat frame. The sliding rails include an upper rail and a lower rail; the lower rail is fixed to the vehicle body, and the upper rail is fixed to the seat cushion frame. The seat cushion frame slides relative to the vehicle body by sliding the upper rail relative to the lower rail. This type of technology not only encroaches on the vehicle body space under the seat, but also exposes the fixed portion of the sliding rail at the extreme sliding position, affecting the appearance.

[0004] Regarding the flip-up and seat-in-the-pit function, Chinese invention application CN202221539152.5 discloses an electric flip-up assembly for automobile rear seats. This electric flip-up assembly for automobile rear seats can achieve the flip-up and seat-in-the-pit function, but it does not take into account the need for seat cushion sliding. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a seat assembly that enables seat sliding functionality in a compact structure.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a seat assembly including a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame, characterized in that the seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixed portion and a seat cushion frame sliding portion, the backrest frame is connected to the seat cushion frame sliding portion, and the seat cushion frame sliding portion is slidably received at the seat cushion frame fixed portion by a sliding structure, thereby allowing the seat cushion frame sliding portion to slide relative to the seat cushion frame fixed portion.

[0007] In this disclosure, the seat cushion frame sliding portion is slidably received at the seat cushion frame fixed portion via a sliding structure, thereby allowing the seat cushion frame sliding portion to slide relative to the seat cushion frame fixed portion. Therefore, when the seat cushion frame sliding portion slides backward, it provides more legroom for the occupant. Furthermore, when adjusting backward, the seat cushion frame sliding portion adjusts together with the backrest frame connected thereto, resulting in greater comfort. When the seat cushion frame sliding portion moves forward, the backrest frame and the seat cushion frame sliding portion slide together at the seat cushion frame fixed portion, thereby providing more storage space behind the seat assembly. If the backrest frame is connected to the seat cushion frame fixed portion, making the backrest frame stationary while the seat cushion frame sliding portion slides, then when the seat cushion frame sliding portion adjusts forward, no storage space can be provided, and when the seat cushion frame sliding portion adjusts backward, the occupant's seating surface becomes smaller, leading to a significant reduction in comfort. Furthermore, in this disclosure, since the seat cushion sliding function is achieved through the sliding of the seat cushion frame's sliding portion relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, the seat assembly structure of this disclosure is compact and occupies little space as a whole. In addition, the technical solution of this disclosure is less expensive than the vehicle body sliding rail solution. Furthermore, with the use of a conventional vehicle body sliding rail solution, the volume occupied by the vehicle seat increases, thereby encroaching on passenger space or storage space. Moreover, this conventional vehicle body sliding rail solution is also more structurally complex and heavier than that of this disclosure, thus increasing costs.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seat assembly further includes a backrest drive mechanism, via which the backrest frame is pivotally connected to a sliding portion of the seat cushion frame. Thus, the backrest frame is connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame, rather than to a fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, allowing the backrest frame to slide together with the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame and thereby improving seat comfort.

[0009] In some embodiments, the backrest drive mechanism includes an angle adjuster assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame can slide to any position relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, and the backrest frame can be flipped to a folded state relative to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame via a backrest drive mechanism. Thus, based on the sliding of the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame at the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame and the connection of the backrest frame to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame, the backrest frame can be flipped regardless of the sliding position of the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixing portion and a seat cushion frame sliding portion, the sliding portion being slidable relative to the seat cushion frame fixing portion; or the seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixing portion and multiple seat cushion frame sliding portions, any one of the multiple sliding portions being slidable independently relative to the seat cushion frame fixing portion; or the seat cushion frame includes multiple seat cushion frame fixing portions and multiple seat cushion frame sliding portions corresponding to each seat cushion frame fixing portion, each sliding portion being slidable relative to its corresponding seat cushion frame fixing portion. Thus, a flexible pairing arrangement structure of the seat cushion frame fixing portions can be achieved.

[0012] In some embodiments, the sliding structure includes a set of grooves disposed on one of the seat frame fixing portion and the seat frame sliding portion, and a groove matching member disposed on the other of the seat frame fixing portion and the seat frame sliding portion, the groove matching member being correspondingly disposed to the set of grooves and being slidable within the set of grooves. Thus, an advantageous sliding structure can be achieved.

[0013] In some embodiments, the slide group includes multiple slides, and the slide matching component includes multiple slide matching bolts corresponding to the multiple slides.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of grooves includes a first groove with its opening facing to the side and / or a second groove with its opening facing downward. Thus, grooves with different opening orientations can be flexibly adopted according to structural conditions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second slide is constructed as a straight slide, and the first slide is constructed as a straight slide or an arc-shaped slide. This allows for advantageous sliding adjustment of the sliding portion of the seat frame relative to the fixed portion of the seat frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the seat assembly includes a slide-drive mechanism comprising a slide-drive motor, wherein the slide-drive mechanism is disposed on the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame and operatively connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to drive the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame. By providing a slide-drive mechanism with a slide-drive motor, advantageous electrically driven sliding of the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame can be achieved.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two first lead screws via two sets of flexible shafts and couplings, respectively, to drive the first lead screws to rotate. This, in turn, drives a threaded translation component or gearbox on the first lead screw, which is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame, to move along the first lead screw. This allows the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame. The two sets of flexible shafts and couplings, as well as the two first lead screws, are arranged symmetrically to each other. This provides an advantageous sliding-drive mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two second lead screws via two sets of flexible shafts and gearboxes, respectively, to drive the second lead screws to move relative to the gearboxes. The second lead screws are directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding portion of the seat frame, thereby enabling the sliding portion of the seat frame to slide relative to the fixed portion of the seat frame. The two sets of flexible shafts and gearboxes, as well as the two second lead screws, are arranged symmetrically to each other. This also yields an advantageous sliding-drive mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured as a pushrod motor-drive mechanism, wherein the sliding-drive motor is connected to a third lead screw via a reduction gear to drive the third lead screw to rotate, thereby causing a sleeve on the third lead screw to move along the third lead screw. The sliding-drive motor in the pushrod motor-drive mechanism is pivotally connected to one of the seat cushion frame fixed portion and the seat cushion frame sliding portion, and the sleeve is pivotally connected to the other of the seat cushion frame fixed portion and the seat cushion frame sliding portion, thereby enabling the seat cushion frame sliding portion to slide relative to the seat cushion frame fixed portion. Thus, the pushrod motor-drive mechanism can achieve advantageous sliding of the seat cushion frame sliding portion relative to the seat cushion frame fixed portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured as a gear motor-sliding-drive mechanism. This mechanism is designed to drive a second gear transmission member with arc-shaped or straight teeth via gear meshing on the motor output shaft using a sliding-drive motor. The sliding-drive motor is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to one of the seat frame fixed portion and the seat frame sliding portion, and the second gear transmission member is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the other of the seat frame fixed portion and the seat frame sliding portion, thereby enabling the seat frame sliding portion to slide relative to the seat frame fixed portion. Thus, the gear motor-sliding-drive mechanism can achieve advantageous sliding of the seat frame sliding portion relative to the seat frame fixed portion.

[0021] In some embodiments, the seat assembly further includes a reinforcing mechanism connected to both the sliding portion and the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, respectively, to increase the locking strength and rigidity between the sliding portion and the fixed portion. This further enhances the locking strength and rigidity between the sliding portion and the fixed portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the reinforcing mechanism is constructed as a slide rail mechanism, which includes an upper rail that is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding portion of the seat frame, and a lower rail that is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the fixed portion of the seat frame. This allows for enhanced locking strength and rigidity of both the sliding portion of the seat frame relative to the fixed portion while ensuring favorable sliding of the sliding portion relative to the fixed portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the seat assembly further includes a flipping assembly capable of flipping the seat cushion frame. The flipping assembly is operatively connected to a fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, and is configured to flip the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, along with a sliding portion and sliding structure received thereon, backwards. By additionally providing a flipping assembly to the seat assembly, the seat assembly according to this disclosure can simultaneously achieve seat sliding and backward flipping functions. When the backward flipping function is implemented, since the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame according to this disclosure is slidably received at the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame via a sliding structure and can slide relative to the fixed portion, rather than using a sliding rail solution as is common in the prior art, when the entire seat assembly is flipped backwards, the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, along with the sliding portion and sliding structure received thereon, flips backwards together. There are no additional structures for sliding the seat cushion frame, such as rail components, in the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body, which could adversely affect the appearance and usability of the seat mounting area. Therefore, this disclosure, while simultaneously achieving both the rear-flipping and seat-sliding functions, ensures that when the entire seat assembly is flipped rearward, the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body has a flat surface, or at least no vehicle body sliding rail structure that affects appearance and use. Compared to a simple rear-flipping design, this disclosure additionally provides a sliding function. However, the sliding function of this disclosure is well compatible with the rear-flipping function, eliminating the need for a complex vehicle body sliding rail structure including upper and lower rails. In this disclosure, the seat-slipping portion of the seat frame is slidably received at the fixed portion of the seat frame via a sliding structure. Compared to possible vehicle body sliding rail-based sliding-flipping solutions, this reduces the complexity of the sliding-flipping function, lowers the control difficulty, and reduces the probability of errors.

[0024] In some embodiments, the backrest frame can be flipped to a folded state with the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame via a backrest drive mechanism, and the flipping assembly is configured to flip the backrest frame, seat cushion frame, and sliding structure together backward when the sliding portions of the backrest frame and seat cushion frame are in the folded state.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flipping assembly is configured to flip the seat cushion frame, along with the backrest frame and the sliding structure, backward while the backrest frame is flipped via the backrest drive mechanism. Thus, the flipping of the seat cushion frame can be performed independently of the flipping of the backrest frame, allowing the seat cushion frame, along with the backrest frame and the sliding structure, to be flipped backward without first flipping the backrest frame to a folded state, thereby achieving a flexible backward-flipping function.

[0026] In some embodiments, the backrest frame, seat cushion frame, and sliding structure can be flipped back into a recess in the vehicle body to accommodate the backrest frame and seat cushion frame, thereby making the back side of the seat cushion frame fixing portion face outward.

[0027] In some embodiments, the flipping assembly includes a seat frame flipping mechanism and a fixed bracket, wherein the fixed bracket is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body, and the seat cushion frame fixed portion is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket and can be flipped relative to the fixed bracket via the seat frame flipping mechanism.

[0028] In some embodiments, the seat frame flipping mechanism includes one or more of the following: a flip-drive motor, an assist spring mechanism, an angle adjuster, and a rotating shaft. The flip-drive motor can electrically drive the fixed part of the seat cushion frame to flip, and the assist spring mechanism can assist the flipping of the fixed part of the seat cushion frame with the help of spring force.

[0029] In some embodiments, flipping components are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part, wherein,

[0030] - The seat frame tilting mechanism of the tilting assembly on one side includes a tilting-drive motor, while the seat frame tilting mechanism of the tilting assembly on the other side includes one of a spring-assisted mechanism, a rotating shaft, or a tilting-drive motor; or

[0031] - The seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on one side of the left and right sides includes a spring-assisted mechanism, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on the other side includes a spring-assisted mechanism or a pivot.

[0032] In some embodiments, the seat frame flipping mechanism is configured as a direct-drive motor-driven mechanism. This mechanism is designed to drive the seat frame fixing part to flip via a single first rotating shaft using a flip-drive motor. The first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to both the seat frame fixing part and the rotating flange of the flip-drive motor. Thus, the flip-drive motor can rotate the seat frame fixing part via the single first rotating shaft by rotating its rotating flange. Therefore, a simple direct-drive flipping drive structure can be achieved using a direct-drive motor-driven mechanism.

[0033] In some embodiments, the assist spring mechanism has two assist springs and two mounting pins. The two mounting pins are fixed to a fixed bracket. The two assist springs are arranged coaxially, and one end of each assist spring is fixedly connected to a seat cushion frame fixing part via a second rotating shaft. The other end of each assist spring is provided with a hook portion, which hooks onto the two mounting pins respectively. When the seat cushion frame flips in a first direction, the first assist spring is tightened, thereby generating a first preload, while the second assist spring is released. Conversely, when the seat cushion frame flips in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second assist spring is tightened, thereby providing a second preload, while the first assist spring is released. The second preload provides flipping assistance when the seat cushion frame flips in the first direction, and the first preload provides flipping assistance when the backrest frame flips in the second direction. Thus, the assist spring mechanism has a two-way assist function. This assist spring mechanism can provide assistance when flipping up and support or slow descent when flipping down, thereby achieving an easy and safe seat assembly flipping process. The assist spring mechanism generates a preload on the seat cushion frame fixing part not only when flipping forward but also when flipping backward. This preload provides corresponding flipping assistance and support when the seat assembly flips backward and forward. Here, taking the seat assembly flipping backward into its seat-in-the-pit state as an example, "flipping assistance" and "flipping support" are explained: "Flipping assistance" refers to the assist spring mechanism releasing the preload to provide assistance when the seat assembly flips backward. "Flipping support" refers to the assist spring mechanism building up the preload to "hold" the seat assembly when it flips forward past the middle position; that is, part of the assist spring mechanism's weight is converted into preload. This "flipping support" can also be called "flipping descent." Thus, the assist spring structure can achieve bidirectional assistance and support. When an assist spring mechanism and a flip-drive motor are provided, the assist spring mechanism can assist the flip-drive motor's flipping operation in two directions. Both the assistance and support help reduce the impact of the seat assembly's own weight on the flip-drive motor, thereby reducing the workload of the flip-drive motor to a certain extent.

[0034] In some embodiments, the seat frame flipping mechanism is configured as a gear motor-flipping drive mechanism. This mechanism is designed so that a flipping-drive motor drives a first gear transmission member with arc-shaped teeth via gear meshing on the motor's output shaft. The first gear transmission member is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part. Thus, the flipping-drive motor can drive the seat cushion frame fixing part to flip through the gear and the first gear transmission member. Therefore, the gear motor-flipping drive mechanism combined with the first gear transmission member with arc-shaped teeth achieves advantageous flipping of the seat cushion frame fixing part.

[0035] In some embodiments, flipping components are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat frame fixing part. The seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component on one side includes a combination of a flipping-drive motor and an angle adjuster, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component on the other side includes a combination of a flipping-drive motor and an angle adjuster, an angle adjuster, or a rotating shaft.

[0036] In some embodiments, the flip-drive motor is configured as a stepper or servo motor, and the seat adjuster is configured as an electric seat adjuster. The fixed plate of the electric seat adjuster is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket, and the rotating plate of the electric seat adjuster is fixedly connected to the fixed part of the seat frame. The rotating plate is driven by the stepper or servo motor to rotate relative to the fixed plate, thereby causing the fixed part of the seat frame to flip. The electric seat adjuster does not occupy much structural space, and this configuration can be used when structural space is limited, thus obtaining a space-saving seat frame flipping mechanism.

[0037] In some embodiments, the seat assembly includes a floor locking mechanism that allows the seat frame fixing portion to switch between a fixed state and a released state. In the fixed state, the seat frame fixing portion is fixed to the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body. In the released state, the seat frame fixing portion is released so that the seat frame fixing portion, together with the seat frame sliding portion and the sliding mechanism, can be flipped backward.

[0038] In some embodiments, the ground lock mechanism is configured to include a hook and a latch, the hook being directly or indirectly fixedly connected to a seat frame fixing portion, the hook being capable of locking with a latch disposed on the vehicle body to hold the seat frame fixing portion in a fixed state, and being capable of disengaging from the latch to switch the seat frame fixing portion from a fixed state to a released state.

[0039] In some embodiments, the seat assembly includes a slide-drive mechanism disposed on the seat cushion frame fixed portion and operatively connected to the seat cushion frame sliding portion to drive the seat cushion frame sliding relative to the seat cushion frame fixed portion. The flip assembly is configured to flip the seat cushion frame rearward together with the slide-drive mechanism. Thus, by disposing the slide-drive mechanism on the seat cushion frame fixed portion, when the seat cushion frame fixed portion is flipped via the flip assembly, the slide-drive mechanism can flip rearward together with the seat cushion frame, leaving no part of the slide-drive mechanism on the vehicle body after the rearward flip and thereby not adversely affecting the appearance and usability of the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body.

[0040] The technical features mentioned above, those to be mentioned below, and those shown individually in the accompanying drawings can be combined arbitrarily, provided that the combined technical features are not contradictory. All feasible combinations of features are the technical content explicitly described herein. Any one of the multiple sub-features contained in the same statement can be applied independently, without necessarily being applied together with other sub-features. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the illustrative drawings and exemplary embodiments. Wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the rear-folding pit function of the seat assembly in Figure 1.

[0044] Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the seat assembly in Figure 1 at different sliding positions when the backrest frame is folded.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a flip-up component and a floor lock mechanism.

[0046] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the seat assembly in Figure 4.

[0047] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a rotating assembly with a seat frame tilting mechanism constructed as a direct-drive motor-driven mechanism.

[0048] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the flipping component in Figure 6.

[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a rotating assembly with a seat frame flipping mechanism constructed as a spring-assisted mechanism.

[0050] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the flip component in Figure 8.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a rotating assembly with a seat frame rotating mechanism constructed as a gear motor-rotating drive mechanism.

[0052] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the flipping component in Figure 10.

[0053] Figure 12 is another exploded view of the flipping component of Figure 10.

[0054] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the meshing structure of the first gear transmission component and the gear on the motor output shaft in the flipping assembly of Figure 10.

[0055] Figures 14 to 16 are schematic perspective views of a seat assembly with the same type of flipping component on both sides. The seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component is respectively constructed as a direct drive motor-drive mechanism, a booster spring mechanism, and a gear motor-flipping drive mechanism.

[0056] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of the floor lock mechanism of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 18 is an exploded view of the ground lock mechanism in Figure 17.

[0058] Figures 19 and 20 are schematic perspective and side views of a seat assembly with the floor lock mechanism in a locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figures 21 and 22 are schematic perspective and side views of a seat assembly with the floor lock mechanism in a retracted state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figures 23 and 24 are schematic perspective and side views of a seat assembly in a flipped-in position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of a seat assembly with a first lead screw and two sets of flexible shafts and couplings in different sliding positions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a first lead screw and two sets of flexible shafts and couplings according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 27 is a schematic perspective view of the components related to the sliding function outlined by the dashed box in Figure 26.

[0064] Figure 28 is an exploded view of the components related to the sliding function in Figure 27.

[0065] Figure 29 is an assembly diagram of the seat assembly shown in Figure 26.

[0066] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a seat assembly with a second lead screw, two sets of flexible shafts and a gearbox according to an embodiment of the present disclosure between different sliding positions.

[0067] Figure 31 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a second lead screw and two sets of flexible shafts and a gearbox according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view of the components related to the sliding function outlined by the dashed box in Figure 31.

[0069] Figure 33 is an exploded view of the components related to the sliding function in Figure 32.

[0070] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a seat assembly with a push rod motor-drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure between different sliding positions.

[0071] Figure 35 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a push rod motor-drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 36 is a schematic perspective view of the components related to the sliding function outlined by the dashed box in Figure 35.

[0073] Figure 37 is an exploded view of the components related to the sliding function in Figure 36.

[0074] Figure 38 is a structural schematic diagram of a seat assembly with a geared motor-sliding drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure between different sliding positions.

[0075] Figure 39 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a geared motor-sliding drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 40 is a schematic perspective view of the components related to the sliding function outlined by the dashed box in Figure 39.

[0077] Figure 41 is a schematic diagram of the combined action of the stop portion, the second gear transmission member, and the output teeth of the sliding-drive motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 42 is an exploded view of the components related to the sliding function in Figure 40.

[0079] Figures 43 to 46 are schematic diagrams of the partitioned sliding seat assembly with different sliding-drive mechanisms at different sliding positions.

[0080] Figure 47 is a flowchart of the rearward tilting of a seat assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Figure 48 is a flowchart of the rearward tilting of a seat assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 49 is a schematic perspective view of a seat assembly with a reinforcing structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the reinforcing structure is configured as a slide rail mechanism.

[0083] Figures 50 to 53 are schematic diagrams showing different details of the slide rail mechanism in Figure 49. Detailed Implementation

[0084] A seat assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment, the seat assembly 100 may be a rear seat assembly 100 of a vehicle, and more specifically, a third-row seat assembly 100 of an MPV vehicle. The seat assembly 100 may be mounted on the vehicle body. The vehicle may be a passenger car or a cargo vehicle, particularly an electric vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. More specifically, the vehicle may be an MPV vehicle.

[0086] According to this disclosure, in some embodiments, the seat assembly 100 includes a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame 1, the backrest frame 1 being pivotally connected to a seat cushion frame sliding portion 3 via a backrest drive mechanism 30. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the backrest frame 1 may also be fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame sliding portion 3. The seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 and a seat cushion frame sliding portion 2, the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 being slidably received at the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 via a sliding structure, thereby allowing the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 to slide relative to the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 within the seat cushion frame. In some embodiments, the seat assembly 100 may further include a flip-up assembly 10, operatively connected to the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3, and configured to flip the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3, together with the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 received thereon and the sliding structure, rearward. Of course, the seat assembly 100 may also be without the flip-up assembly 10, a situation that may occur in some rear seats.

[0087] As clearly seen in conjunction with Figures 1 to 3, in one embodiment, the backrest drive mechanism 30 includes an adjuster assembly, and two backrest frames 1 are pivotally connected to a seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 via corresponding adjuster assemblies. In other embodiments, more than two backrest frames 1 or only one backrest frame 1 may be provided. As can be seen in Figure 1, the backrest drive mechanism 30 configured as an adjuster assembly may include a backrest motor 31, an adjuster 32, an upper backrest connecting plate 33, and a lower backrest connecting plate 34. The backrest motor 31 can drive the adjuster 32 to adjust the angle of the backrest frame 1. The upper backrest connecting plate 33 connects the backrest frame 1 to the adjuster 32. The lower backrest connecting plate 34 connects the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 to the adjuster 32. In addition to the adjuster assembly, other backrest drive mechanisms for pivoting the backrest frame 1 are also conceivable. In an embodiment not shown, an additional backrest drive mechanism may be configured as a geared motor drive mechanism that drives a gear transmission member with arc-shaped teeth to rotate via gear meshing on a motor output shaft, thereby causing the backrest frame 1 to pivot.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, the sliding part 2 of the seat frame can slide forward and backward relative to the fixed part 3 of the seat frame through the sliding structure, and can move between the foremost sliding position shown on the left side of Figure 3 and the last sliding position shown on the right side of Figure 3.

[0089] Furthermore, as can be seen from the schematic diagram of the folding process in Figure 2, the backrest frame 1, the seat cushion frame, and the sliding structure can be folded back into the recess of the vehicle body to accommodate the backrest frame 1 and the seat cushion frame, thereby causing the back side of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to face outward. The back side of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 is constructed to be substantially flat. In this disclosure, the folding-in-the-recess function can, for example, satisfy a recess height of 750 mm, and the thickness envelope of the entire seat assembly 100 is small. In another embodiment, in addition to the folding-in-the-recess function, the seat assembly 100 of this disclosure can also achieve the folding function without a recess.

[0090] The flipping function of the seat assembly 100 will be described in detail below.

[0091] As shown in Figure 1, the seat frame fixing part 3 is connected to the flip assembly 10 at its rear end. In some embodiments, the flip assembly 10 may include a seat frame flipping mechanism and a fixing bracket 11, wherein the fixing bracket 11 is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body, the seat frame fixing part 3 is rotatably connected to the fixing bracket 11, and can be flipped relative to the fixing bracket 11 via the seat frame flipping mechanism. The seat frame flipping mechanism can be fixed to the fixing bracket 11. The fixing bracket 11 may be a separate component as shown in Figure 1. In another embodiment, the fixing bracket 11 may also be a component integrally formed on the vehicle body.

[0092] In this disclosure, the seat frame flipping mechanism may include one or a combination of several of the following: a flipping-drive motor, an assist spring mechanism 120, an adjuster, and a rotating shaft. The flipping-drive motor can electrically drive the seat frame fixing part 3 to flip. The assist spring mechanism 120 can assist the flipping of the seat frame fixing part 3 by means of spring force.

[0093] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, in one embodiment, the seat frame flipping mechanism can be configured as a direct drive motor-drive mechanism 110. The direct drive motor-drive mechanism 110 is configured to drive the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to flip via a single first rotating shaft 113 by means of a flip-drive motor. The first rotating shaft 113 is fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 on one hand, and connected to the output component of the flip-drive motor, such as a rotating flange, on the other hand. Thus, the flip-drive motor can drive the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to flip via the single first rotating shaft 113 by rotating its rotating flange.

[0094] In addition to the direct-drive motor-drive mechanism 110, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the seat frame tilting mechanism can also be a spring-assisted mechanism 120. This spring-assisted mechanism 120 has a bidirectional assist function. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the assist spring mechanism 120 has two assist springs 127 and two mounting pins 129. The two mounting pins 129 are fixed to the fixed bracket 11. The two assist springs 127 are arranged coaxially, and one end of each assist spring 127 is fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 via a second rotating shaft 122. The other end of each assist spring 127 is provided with a hook, which hooks onto the two mounting pins 129 respectively. When the seat cushion frame flips in the first direction, the first assist spring of the two assist springs 127 is tightened, thereby generating a first preload, while the second assist spring is released. When the seat cushion frame flips in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the second assist spring is tightened, thereby providing a second preload, while the first assist spring is released. The second preload can provide flipping assistance when the seat cushion frame flips in the first direction, and the first preload can provide flipping assistance when the backrest frame flips in the second direction. The assist spring 127 can be constructed as a coil spring. The arrangement of the two assist springs 127 in Figure 9 is schematic, and their positions can be interchanged. The outer contour of the connection area of ​​the second rotating shaft 122 for connecting with the assist springs 127 forms a shape-locking structure with the cross-section of the corresponding center holes of the two assist springs 127. A spacer bracket 123 is provided on the second rotating shaft 122, and a bushing 124 is provided between the spacer bracket 123 and the second rotating shaft 122. A first silencing plate 1261 is arranged between the assist spring 127 near the fixed bracket 1111 and the fixed bracket 11, and a second silencing plate 1262 is arranged between the two assist springs 127. In another embodiment, only the first silencing plate 1261 or the second silencing plate 1262 may be arranged. A protective and fixing cover 1281 is provided outside the outermost of the two auxiliary springs 127. The protective and fixing cover 1281 at least partially covers the auxiliary spring 127. A first cover hole is provided in the protective and fixing cover 1281 for the second rotating shaft 122 to pass through. The second rotating shaft 122 continues through the first cover hole in the protective and fixing cover 1281 after passing sequentially through the hole on the fixing bracket 11 and the center holes of the two auxiliary springs 127, and is held in place by a fixing structure that holds the two auxiliary springs 127 and the protective and fixing cover 1281 in place. This fixing structure can be a threaded connection structure, wherein the threaded connection structure includes an end thread of the second rotating shaft 122 and a fixing nut 1221. For this purpose, an additional bushing 1282 for threaded connection is also provided between the fixing nut 1221 and the protective and fixing cover 1281. The protective and fixing cover 1281 is also provided with two second cover holes, and the corresponding mounting pins 129 pass through the corresponding second cover holes and the hooks of the corresponding auxiliary springs 127 and are fixed at the fixing bracket 11.

[0095] In one embodiment, the spacer bracket 123 is welded to the fixed bracket 11 with a mounting pin matching nut 125. A bushing 124 rivets the fixed bracket 11 to the spacer bracket 123, wherein the bushing 124 rivets the fixed bracket 11 to the spacer bracket 123 by means of raised protrusions 1241 at both side edges. A second rotating shaft 122 is welded to the seat frame fixing portion 3. An additional bushing 1282 is riveted to the protective and fixing cover 1281 to form a protective and fixing cover riveting assembly. The fixed bracket 11, the sound damper, the assist spring 127, and the protective and fixing cover riveting assembly are sequentially mounted through the second rotating shaft 122. A fixing nut 1221 is threaded onto the second rotating shaft 122 on the outside. A mounting pin 129 passes through the mounting hole of the fixing cover riveting assembly and the fixed bracket 11, and the hook portion of the assist spring 127, and is threaded onto the mounting pin matching nut 125.

[0096] Besides the two flipping component solutions mentioned above, as shown in Figures 10 to 13, the seat frame flipping mechanism can also be configured as a gear motor-flipping drive mechanism 130. This gear motor-flipping drive mechanism 130 is configured to drive a first gear transmission member with arc-shaped teeth to rotate via gear meshing on the motor output shaft using a flipping-drive motor. The first gear transmission member is indirectly fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3, thereby enabling the flipping-drive motor to drive the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to flip via the gear and the first gear transmission member. In other embodiments, the first gear transmission member can also be directly fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. The first gear transmission member can be configured as a toothed plate 132. The gear meshing on the motor output shaft is achieved here through the meshing of the first gear 131 on the motor output shaft with the toothed plate 132. In one embodiment, the flipping component 10 includes a single third rotating shaft 134, which can be fixed on one side to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 and on the other side to the first gear transmission member, thereby indirectly fixing the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to the first gear transmission member via the third rotating shaft 134. Here, the flip-drive motor in the gear motor-flip drive mechanism 130 drives the first gear transmission member, which is fixedly connected to the third rotating shaft 134, to rotate, thereby causing the seat frame fixing part 3 to rotate. The first gear transmission member, the third rotating shaft 134, and the seat frame fixing part 3 rotate together. In another embodiment, the third rotating shaft 134 may also be rotatably connected to the seat frame fixing part 3 and fixedly connected to the fixed bracket 1, while the seat frame fixing part 3 and the first gear transmission member are directly fixedly connected. Here, the flip-drive motor in the gear motor-flip drive mechanism 130 drives the seat frame fixing part 3 and the first gear transmission member to rotate together around the third rotating shaft 134. In the gear motor-flip drive mechanism 130, the arrangement positions of the gear motor-flip drive mechanism 130 and the first gear transmission member can be interchanged. In this disclosure, the use of arc-shaped teeth does not exclude the use of fully circular teeth.

[0097] The arrangement of the flipping components 10 can be seen in Figures 4, 5, and 14 to 16. In this disclosure, flipping components 10 can be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. The seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component 10 on one side may include a flip-drive motor, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component 10 on the other side may include one of a spring assist mechanism 120, a rotating shaft, or a flip-drive motor; or the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component 10 on one side may include a spring assist mechanism 120, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping component 10 on the other side may include a spring assist mechanism 120 or a rotating shaft. Specifically, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, a direct drive motor-drive mechanism 110 can be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, a spring assist mechanism 120 can also be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG16, gear motor-flipping drive mechanisms 130 can also be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat frame fixing part 3. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the seat frame flipping mechanism of the left flipping assembly 10 can be constructed as a direct drive motor-drive mechanism 110, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the right flipping assembly 10 can be constructed as a spring assist mechanism 120. Of course, the left and right flipping assemblies 10 can be interchanged.

[0098] The fixation-release function of the seat assembly 100 is described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5, as well as Figures 17 to 24.

[0099] To achieve the fixing-releasing function of the seat assembly 100, the seat assembly 100 includes a floor locking mechanism 20. This mechanism allows the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 to switch between a fixed state and a released state. In the fixed state, the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 is fixed to the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body. In the released state, the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 is released, allowing the entire seat assembly 100, i.e., the seat cushion frame fixing part 3, along with the seat cushion frame sliding part 2 and the sliding mechanism, to flip backward. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, and Figures 17 to 24, the floor locking mechanism 20 includes a locking hook 201 and a locking latch 21. The locking hook 201 can be directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. The locking hook 201 can lock at the locking latch 21 located on the vehicle body to hold the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 in a fixed state, and can disengage from the locking latch 21 to switch the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 from the fixed state to the released state.

[0100] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, in the designed position of the seat assembly 100, the locking hook 201 can be in a locked state and hooked onto the latch 21. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, when the seat assembly 100 is ready to fold backward, the locking hook 201 can disengage and enter a retracted state. After disengaging, the locking hook 201 can retract into the seat cushion frame fixing part 3, and in the retracted state, the floor lock mechanism 20 is substantially flush with the seat cushion frame fixing part 3. As shown in Figures 23 and 24, after unlocking, the seat assembly 100 can fold backward via the flip assembly 10.

[0101] In an embodiment not shown, flipping assemblies are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat frame fixing part. The seat frame flipping mechanism of one of the flipping assemblies includes a combination of a flip-drive motor and an adjuster, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the other flipping assembly includes a combination of a flip-drive motor and an adjuster, an adjuster, or a rotating shaft. In this embodiment, the flip-drive motor is configured as a stepper or servo motor, the adjuster is configured as an electric adjuster, the fixed plate of the electric adjuster is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket, and the rotating plate of the electric adjuster is fixedly connected to the seat frame fixing part 3. The rotating plate is driven by the stepper or servo motor to rotate relative to the fixed plate, thereby causing the seat frame fixing part 3 to flip.

[0102] The sliding structure or sliding function of the seat assembly 100 is described below with reference to Figures 25 to 42.

[0103] To achieve the sliding function, the sliding structure includes a set of slide grooves disposed on one of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 and the seat cushion frame sliding part 2, and a slide groove matching member disposed on the other of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 and the seat cushion frame sliding part 2. The slide groove matching member is correspondingly disposed on the slide groove set and can slide within the slide groove set. The slide groove set may include multiple slide grooves, and the slide groove matching member includes multiple slide groove matching bolts corresponding to the multiple slide grooves. The multiple slide grooves include a first slide groove 301 with its opening facing to the side and / or a second slide groove 302 with its opening facing downward. The second slide groove 302 is constructed as a straight slide groove. The first slide groove 301 may be constructed as a straight slide groove or an arc-shaped slide groove as needed.

[0104] Referring to Figure 29, in one embodiment, the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 may have a first groove 301 in the side region. Furthermore, the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 has a second groove 302 in the rear region. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first groove 301 is constructed as a straight groove. In another embodiment, the first groove 301 may also be constructed as an arc-shaped groove. This lateral arc-shaped groove allows the seat cushion to slide while simultaneously rising and falling.

[0105] The seat frame fixing part 3 has a sheet metal structure section in the rear region. A second slide 302 is constructed in this sheet metal structure section and can be a straight slide. Multiple second slides 302 can be provided. Alternatively, only one second slide 302 can be provided.

[0106] To enable the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame to slide within the corresponding groove, a groove matching component is provided on the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame. The groove matching component can be constructed as a groove matching bolt. For example, referring to Figure 29, when the seat assembly 100 includes a backrest frame 1, a seat cushion frame sliding portion 2, and a seat cushion frame fixing portion 3, the backrest frame 1 together with the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 is mounted laterally to the first lateral groove 301 of the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 via a lateral groove matching bolt 5, while the backrest frame 1 together with the seat cushion frame sliding portion 2 is mounted rearward to the second groove 302 on the rear side of the seat cushion frame fixing portion 3 via a rearward groove matching bolt 6.

[0107] The arrangement of the slide rails shown is merely illustrative. In other embodiments, all slide rails in the slide rail group can be either first slide rails 301 or second slide rails 302. Furthermore, unlike the arrangement shown, the slide rail on the rear side of the seat frame fixing part 3 can be a first slide rail 301, and the slide rail on the side of the seat frame fixing part 3 can be a second slide rail 302. Alternatively, both first slide rails 301 and second slide rails 302 can be provided on the rear side of the seat frame fixing part 3, or a first slide rail 301 can be provided on one side of the seat frame fixing part 3, and a second slide rail 302 on the other side. Moreover, the arrangement positions of the slide rail group and the slide rail matching member can be interchanged. For example, the slide rail group can be provided on the seat frame sliding part 2, while the slide rail matching member can be provided on the seat frame fixing part 3.

[0108] To drive the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame to slide, the seat assembly 100 includes a sliding-drive mechanism, which includes a sliding-drive motor. The sliding-drive mechanism is disposed on the fixed portion 3 of the seat cushion frame and is operatively connected to the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame to drive the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed portion 3. The flipping assembly 10 is operatively connected to the fixed portion 3 of the seat cushion frame and is configured to flip the seat cushion frame backward together with the sliding-drive mechanism.

[0109] Referring to Figures 25 to 29, in this embodiment, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two first lead screws 415 respectively via two preferably symmetrically arranged sets of flexible shafts and couplings 417, thereby driving the first lead screws 415 to rotate. This, in turn, causes a threaded translation member or gearbox on the first lead screw 415, which is indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame via a bracket, to move along the first lead screw 415, thus realizing the sliding of the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame relative to the fixed portion 3 of the seat cushion frame. In another embodiment, the threaded translation member or gearbox can be directly fixedly connected to the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame. The sliding-drive motor can be an HTA motor. This HTA motor is a motor with a Hall effect current sensor.

[0110] In this embodiment, via the sliding-drive mechanism, the seat frame sliding portion 2 can slide between the seat frame fixed portion 3 at the foremost sliding position (left side of FIG. 25) and the last sliding position (right side of FIG. 25).

[0111] Figures 27 and 28 are a schematic diagram and an exploded view of the area outlined by the dashed line in Figure 26, respectively. To connect the first lead screw 415 to the first flexible shaft 413, one end of the first lead screw 415 and the free end of the first flexible shaft 413 are preferably inserted into a coupling 417 in mutually orthogonal directions. The coupling 417 not only supports the first lead screw 415 and the first flexible shaft 413 but also limits the sliding stroke of the seat frame sliding portion 2 by stopping the first gearbox 419. In one embodiment, the first flexible shaft 413 is connected to the output end of a sliding-drive motor. The first flexible shaft 413 passes through the coupling 417, which is fitted or welded to the first motor mounting bracket 411. The front end of the first lead screw 415 is mounted on the coupling 417. The first lead screw 415 passes through the first gearbox 419 in the middle, and the first gearbox 419 is fitted to the gearbox mounting bracket 418 via a mounting thread 416. The rear end of the first lead screw 415 is mounted on the first lead screw mounting bracket 414. The gearbox mounting bracket 418 is welded to the sliding portion 2 of the seat frame. The first lead screw mounting bracket 414 and the first motor mounting bracket 411 are respectively welded to the fixed portion 3 of the seat frame. The first motor mounting bracket 411 forms part of the fixed portion 3 of the seat frame. A threaded translation component can be used instead of the first gearbox. This threaded translation component is preferably a nut.

[0112] Referring then to Figures 30 to 33, in this embodiment, the sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two second lead screws 425 respectively via two preferably symmetrically arranged sets of flexible shafts and gearboxes, so as to drive the second lead screws 425 to move relative to the gearboxes. The second lead screws 425 are indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding part 2 of the seat frame via a bracket, thereby realizing the sliding of the sliding part 2 of the seat frame relative to the fixed part 3 of the seat frame. In addition to this indirect fixed connection, it is also conceivable to directly fix the second lead screws 425 to the sliding part 2 of the seat frame.

[0113] The difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment lies in the structure of the lead screw drive mechanism. Unlike the previous embodiment's technical solution where "the lead screw position remains stationary while the gearbox or nut position moves," this embodiment employs a technical solution where "the gearbox position remains stationary while the lead screw position moves."

[0114] In this embodiment, via the sliding-drive mechanism, the seat frame sliding part 2 can also slide between the foremost sliding position (left side of FIG30) and the last sliding position (right side of FIG30) of the seat frame fixed part 3.

[0115] Figures 32 and 33 are a schematic diagram and an exploded view of the area outlined by the dashed line in Figure 31, respectively. In one embodiment, a second flexible shaft 423 is connected to the output end of a sliding-drive motor. The second flexible shaft 423 passes through a second gearbox 426, which is mounted on a second motor mounting bracket 421 via a mounting thread 416. A second lead screw 425 passes through the second gearbox 426 and is mounted on a second lead screw mounting bracket 424 via a mounting thread 416. The second lead screw mounting bracket 424 is welded to the sliding portion 2 of the seat frame. The second motor mounting bracket 421 is welded to the fixed portion 3 of the seat frame, wherein the second motor mounting bracket 421 forms part of the fixed portion 3 of the seat frame.

[0116] Referring to Figures 34 to 37, the sliding-drive mechanism is constructed as a push rod motor-drive mechanism. The push rod motor-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to the third lead screw 4321 through a reduction mechanism to drive the third lead screw 4321 to rotate, thereby driving the sleeve 4322 on the third lead screw 4321 to move along the third lead screw 4321. The sliding-drive motor in the push rod motor-drive mechanism is pivotally connected to one of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 and the seat cushion frame sliding part 2, and the sleeve 4322 is pivotally connected to the other of the seat cushion frame fixing part 3 and the seat cushion frame sliding part 2, thereby realizing the sliding part 2 of the seat cushion frame relative to the seat cushion frame fixing part 3.

[0117] In this embodiment, two pushrod motor-drive mechanisms are provided. In other embodiments, other numbers of pushrod motor-drive mechanisms may also be provided.

[0118] In this embodiment, via the push rod motor-drive mechanism, the seat frame sliding part 2 can also slide at the seat frame fixed part 3 in the foremost sliding position (left side of FIG34) and the last sliding position (right side of FIG34).

[0119] Figures 36 and 37 are a schematic diagram and an exploded view of the area outlined by the dashed line in Figure 35, respectively. As shown, the third lead screw 4321 is received inside the sleeve 4322. The third lead screw 4321 has external threads, while the sleeve 4322 has internal threads. Through the threaded engagement between the third lead screw 4321 and the sleeve 4322, the rotational motion of the third lead screw 4321 can be converted into the linear motion of the sleeve 4322.

[0120] In one embodiment, in the push rod motor-drive mechanism, the sliding-drive motor is connected to the third lead screw 4321 via a reduction mechanism, and the sliding-drive motor is fixed to the push rod motor mounting bracket 433 via a motor mounting thread 435. The push rod motor mounting bracket 433 is fixed to the front support tube 431 of the seat cushion frame, thereby assembling the push rod motor 432 together with the third lead screw 4321 onto the front support tube 431 of the seat cushion frame. The third lead screw 4321 is threadedly engaged with the sleeve 4322. The sleeve 4322 is assembled to the lead screw-sleeve transmission mechanism mounting bracket 434 via a sleeve mounting thread 436. The lead screw-sleeve transmission mechanism mounting bracket 434 is welded to the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame. The front support tube 431 of the seat cushion frame is welded to the fixed portion 3 of the seat cushion frame.

[0121] Finally, referring to Figures 38 to 42, the sliding-drive mechanism can be constructed as a gear motor-sliding drive mechanism. This mechanism is configured to drive a second gear transmission member 443 with arc-shaped or straight teeth via gear meshing on the motor output shaft using a sliding-drive motor. The sliding-drive motor in this mechanism can be directly or indirectly fixedly connected to one of the seat frame fixing part 3 and the seat frame sliding part 2, and the second gear transmission member 443 can be directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the other of the seat frame fixing part 3 and the seat frame sliding part 2, thereby enabling the seat frame sliding part 2 to slide relative to the seat frame fixing part 3.

[0122] In this embodiment, two geared motor-sliding drive mechanisms are provided. In other embodiments, other numbers of geared motor-sliding drive mechanisms may also be provided.

[0123] In this embodiment, via a gear motor-sliding drive mechanism, the seat frame sliding part 2 can also slide between the foremost sliding position (left side of FIG38) and the last sliding position (right side of FIG38) of the seat frame fixed part 3.

[0124] Figures 40 and 42 are schematic diagrams and exploded views of the gear motor-sliding drive mechanism in the area outlined by the dashed line in Figure 39, respectively. In this embodiment, the second gear transmission member 443 is fixedly mounted on the second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447. The sliding-drive motor output tooth 444 meshes with the second gear transmission member 443. As shown in Figures 40 and 42, the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444 may have a protrusion 4441 on its tooth end face. The second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447 has a third slide groove 448, which is configured to allow the protrusion 4441 of the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444 to pass through and slide within the third slide groove 448. The third slide groove 448 is constructed corresponding to the tooth profile of the second gear transmission member 443. In the embodiment shown in Figures 40 and 42, the second gear transmission member 443 has straight teeth and is a rack. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG41, a stop portion 445 may be provided on the second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447, and the second gear transmission member 443 has a raised portion at its end that interacts with the stop portion 445. When the sliding-drive motor drives the second gear transmission member 443 to perform linear motion via the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444, the second gear transmission member 443 moves between the stop portion 445 and the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444, and the stop portion 445 rests against the back side of the second gear transmission member 443 opposite to the teeth. When the second gear transmission member 443 reaches its end stroke, the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444, the raised portion at the end of the second gear transmission member 443, and the stop portion 445 work together to stop the second gear transmission member 443. In the embodiment shown in FIG41, the second gear transmission member 443 has slightly curved teeth and is also constructed as a strip. In Figure 41, the stop point 445 and the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444 cooperate to ensure the stable operation of the second gear transmission member 443, preventing the second gear transmission member 443 from jumping and causing slippage. In addition, the stop point 445 also serves to stop the end of the second gear transmission member 443 through the combined action of the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444, the raised portion at the end of the second gear transmission member 443, and the stop point 445. In the embodiments shown in Figures 40 and 42, the stroke of the second gear transmission member 443 can be achieved by the defined length of the third slide groove 448, since a third slide groove 448 is provided. However, in the embodiments shown in Figures 40 and 42, a stop point 445 can also be provided to ensure the stable operation of the second gear transmission member 443 through the cooperation of the stop point 445 and the sliding-drive motor output tooth 444. In one embodiment, the sliding-drive motor mounting plate 442 is mounted on the seat frame fixing part 3. The second gear transmission component 443 meshes with the output gear 444 of the sliding-drive motor.The stop portion 445 constrains the second gear transmission member 443. The second gear transmission member 443 and the stop portion 445 are respectively mounted on the second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447, wherein the second gear transmission member 443 is mounted on the second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447 by rivets 446. The second gear transmission member fixing bracket 447 is welded to the sliding portion 2 of the seat frame. The arrangement positions of the sliding-drive motor and the second gear transmission member 443 in the gear motor-sliding drive mechanism are interchangeable.

[0125] The above text describes the situation of a seat frame sliding part 2 and a seat frame fixing part 3. The partition sliding function of the seat assembly 100 is described below with reference to Figures 43 to 49.

[0126] To achieve the partitioned sliding function, in one embodiment, the seat frame may include a seat frame fixing part 3 and a plurality of seat frame sliding parts 2, any one of the plurality of seat frame sliding parts 2 being able to slide independently relative to the seat frame fixing part 3, wherein the seat frame fixing part 3 may include a plurality of seat frame fixing part segments for one of the seat frame sliding parts 2 to slide.

[0127] In an alternative embodiment, the seat cushion frame may also include multiple seat cushion frame fixing parts 3 and multiple seat cushion frame sliding parts 2 corresponding to each seat cushion frame fixing part 3, each seat cushion frame sliding part 2 being able to slide relative to its corresponding seat cushion frame fixing part 3. With this alternative embodiment, any set of seat cushion frame sliding parts 2 and seat cushion frame fixing parts 3 can be flexibly selected to flip backwards. For this configuration, if it is a 50 / 50 split rear seat assembly, i.e., the two seats are the same width, the space between the two seats is sufficient, and any configuration of the aforementioned flipping assembly 10 can be selected as needed. If it is a 40 / 60 split rear seat assembly, i.e., the two seats are not the same width, the space between the two seats will be smaller. In this case, the flipping assembly 10 on the adjacent side of the two seats needs to be selected as a pivot or an adjuster, while the flipping mechanism 10 on the outer side of the two seats can be flexibly selected according to requirements.

[0128] The sliding part 2 of the seat frame and the corresponding sliding part 2 of the seat frame or the fixed part of the seat frame can be constructed in terms of the structure for realizing the sliding function, such as the sliding structure or the sliding-drive mechanism, as described above.

[0129] Here, the partitioned sliding function of the seat assembly 100 is described using a 40 / 60 split seat assembly as an example. As shown in Figure 43, the 40 / 60 split seat assembly may have two seat cushion frame sliding portions, referred to as the 40% seat cushion frame sliding portion 72 and the 60% seat cushion frame sliding portion 82, respectively. Correspondingly, the seat cushion frame fixing portion includes a 40% seat cushion frame fixing portion 73 and a 60% seat cushion frame fixing portion 83 as corresponding seat cushion frame fixing portion sections. The 40% seat cushion frame sliding portion 72 and the 60% seat cushion frame sliding portion 82, with their respective backrest frames, can slide at their respective 40% seat cushion frame fixing portions 73 and 60% seat cushion frame fixing portions 83. The sliding of the 40% seat cushion frame sliding portion 72 and the 60% seat cushion frame sliding portion 82 can be performed independently of each other. When the 60% seat cushion frame sliding portion 82 moves between the foremost sliding position (left side of Figure 43) and the last sliding position (right side of Figure 43), the 40% seat cushion frame sliding portion 72 can remain stationary. In addition to the 40 / 60 split seat assembly, other forms of seat assemblies 100 with partitioned sliding functions are also conceivable, such as 30 / 70 split seat assemblies and 50 / 50 split seat assemblies.

[0130] Figures 43 to 46 illustrate partitioned sliding seat assemblies employing different sliding-drive mechanisms. For each sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame, a corresponding sliding-drive mechanism can be used as needed.

[0131] The rear-folding function of the seat assembly will be described below with reference to Figures 47 and 48.

[0132] As shown in Figure 47, in order to flip the seat assembly backward, in one embodiment, the backrest frame 1 can first be flipped forward via the backrest drive mechanism 30 until it is folded with the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame. Furthermore, the floor lock mechanism 20 is switched from a fixed state to a released state, and the locking hook 201 is retracted. Then, with the backrest frame 1 and the sliding portion 2 of the seat cushion frame in the folded state, the flipping assembly 10 can be used to flip the backrest frame 1, the seat cushion frame, and the sliding structure backward together, thereby entering the flipped-in position.

[0133] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the backrest frame 1 can be flipped while it is tilting backward. As shown in Figure 48, while the backrest frame 1 is tilted by the backrest drive mechanism 30, the tilting assembly 10 can tilt the backrest frame 1, along with the seat cushion frame and the sliding structure, backward.

[0134] Finally, with reference to Figures 49 to 53, a reinforcing mechanism 60 for the sliding portion 2 and the fixing portion 3 of the seat frame is described. This reinforcing mechanism 60 increases the locking strength and rigidity between the sliding portion 2 and the fixing portion 3. The reinforcing structure 60 can be configured as a slide rail mechanism 600, which may include an upper rail 601 directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding portion 2 of the seat frame, and a lower rail 602 directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the fixing portion 3 of the seat frame. In one embodiment, the slide rail mechanism 600 includes an upper rail 601 and a lower rail 602, wherein the upper rail 601 is fixedly connected to the sliding portion 2 of the seat frame via a slide rail mounting bracket 202 fixed to, for example, the sliding portion 2 by welding, while the lower rail 602 may be fixedly connected to the fixing portion 3 of the seat frame via a threaded connection.

[0135] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the one” as used herein should include the plural forms unless the context explicitly states otherwise. It is understood that the terms “comprising” and “including,” and other similar terms, when used in the application documents, specifically describe the presence of the stated operation, element, and / or component, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term “and / or” as used herein includes all arbitrary combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals always denote similar elements.

[0136] The thickness of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated for clarity. It is also understood that if an element is described as being on, coupled to, or connected to another element, then the element may be directly formed on, coupled to, or connected to the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them. Conversely, if the expressions "directly on," "directly coupled to," and "directly connected to" are used herein, it indicates that there is no intermediate element. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly, such as "between" and "directly between," "attached" and "directly attached," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.

[0137] Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” “over,” “under,” etc., are used to describe the relationship of one element, layer, or region relative to another element, layer, or region, as shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these terms should also encompass other orientations of the device in addition to those described in the accompanying drawings.

[0138] It is understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe different elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0139] It can also be considered that all the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be arbitrarily combined with each other. Furthermore, all individual technical features in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, as long as the combined technical features are not contradictory. All technically feasible combinations of features are the technical content described in this application.

[0140] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely for understanding this disclosure and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make modifications based on the above embodiments, and these modifications will not depart from the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A seat assembly comprising a seat cushion frame and a backrest frame, characterized in that, The seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixed part and a seat cushion frame sliding part. The backrest frame is connected to the seat cushion frame sliding part. The seat cushion frame sliding part is slidably received at the seat cushion frame fixed part by a sliding structure, and thus the seat cushion frame sliding part can slide relative to the seat cushion frame fixed part.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein, The seat assembly also includes a backrest drive mechanism, the backrest frame being pivotally connected to a sliding portion of the seat cushion frame via the backrest drive mechanism.

3. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein, The backrest drive mechanism includes an angle adjuster assembly.

4. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein, The sliding part of the seat cushion frame can slide to any position relative to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame, and the backrest frame can be flipped to a folded state relative to the sliding part of the seat cushion frame via the backrest drive mechanism.

5. The seat assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixed part and a seat cushion frame sliding part, and the seat cushion frame sliding part is capable of sliding relative to the seat cushion frame fixed part. or The seat cushion frame includes a seat cushion frame fixed part and multiple seat cushion frame sliding parts, any one of the multiple seat cushion frame sliding parts can slide independently relative to the seat cushion frame fixed part; or The seat cushion frame includes multiple seat cushion frame fixing parts and multiple seat cushion frame sliding parts corresponding to each of the seat cushion frame fixing parts. Each of the seat cushion frame sliding parts can slide relative to the corresponding seat cushion frame fixing part.

6. The seat assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sliding structure includes a set of slide grooves disposed on one of the fixed part of the seat frame and the sliding part of the seat frame, and a matching part of the slide grooves disposed on the other of the fixed part of the seat frame and the sliding part of the seat frame. The matching part of the slide grooves is disposed corresponding to the set of slide grooves and can slide in the set of slide grooves.

7. The seat assembly of claim 6, wherein, The slide rail assembly includes multiple slide rails, and the slide rail matching component includes multiple slide rail matching bolts corresponding to the multiple slide rails.

8. The seat assembly of claim 7, wherein, The plurality of grooves includes a first groove with its opening facing to the side and / or a second groove with its opening facing downward.

9. The seat assembly of claim 8, wherein, The second slide groove is a straight slide groove, and the first slide groove is a straight slide groove or an arc-shaped slide groove.

10. The seat assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The seat assembly includes a sliding-drive mechanism, which includes a sliding-drive motor. The sliding-drive mechanism is disposed on the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame and is operatively connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to drive the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame.

11. The seat assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two first lead screws respectively through two sets of flexible shafts and couplings, so as to drive the first lead screws to rotate, thereby driving the threaded translation component or gearbox on the first lead screw, which is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, to move along the first lead screw, thereby realizing the sliding part of the seat cushion frame relative to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame, wherein, The two sets of flexible shafts and couplings, as well as the two first lead screws, are arranged symmetrically to each other.

12. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein, The sliding-drive mechanism is configured such that the sliding-drive motor is connected to two second lead screws via two sets of flexible shafts and gearboxes, respectively, to drive the second lead screws to move relative to the gearboxes. The second lead screws are directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding part of the seat frame, thereby realizing the sliding part of the seat frame relative to the fixed part of the seat frame. The two sets of flexible shafts and gearboxes and the two second lead screws are arranged symmetrically to each other.

13. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein, The sliding-drive mechanism is configured as a push rod motor-drive mechanism, wherein the sliding-drive motor is connected to the third lead screw via a reduction mechanism to drive the third lead screw to rotate, thereby driving the sleeve on the third lead screw to move along the third lead screw. The sliding-drive motor in the push rod motor-drive mechanism is pivotally connected to one of the fixed part and the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, and the sleeve is pivotally connected to the other of the fixed part and the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, thereby enabling the sliding part of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame.

14. The seat assembly of claim 10, wherein, The sliding-drive mechanism is constructed as a gear motor-sliding drive mechanism. The gear motor-sliding drive mechanism is configured to drive a second gear transmission component with arc-shaped teeth or straight teeth to move by means of a sliding-drive motor through gear meshing on the motor output shaft. The sliding-drive motor in the gear motor-sliding drive mechanism is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to one of the fixed part and the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, and the second gear transmission component is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the other of the fixed part and the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, thereby realizing the sliding part of the seat cushion frame sliding relative to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame.

15. The seat assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The seat assembly also includes a reinforcing mechanism that is connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame and the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame respectively, to increase the locking strength and rigidity between the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame and the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame.

16. The seat assembly of claim 15, wherein, The reinforcing mechanism is a slide rail mechanism, which includes an upper rail that is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the sliding part of the seat cushion frame, and a lower rail that is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame.

17. The seat assembly of claim 2, wherein, The seat assembly further includes a flipping assembly that enables the seat cushion frame to flip, wherein the flipping assembly is operatively connected to the seat cushion frame fixed portion, and the flipping assembly is configured to cause the seat cushion frame fixed portion together with the seat cushion frame sliding portion and sliding structure received thereon to flip backward.

18. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein, The backrest frame can be flipped to a folded state with the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame via a backrest drive mechanism. The flipping component is configured to flip the backrest frame, seat cushion frame and sliding structure together backward when the sliding portion of the backrest frame and seat cushion frame is in the folded state.

19. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein, The flipping component is configured to flip the seat cushion frame, along with the backrest frame and the sliding structure, backward while the backrest frame is flipped via the backrest drive mechanism.

20. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein, The backrest frame, seat cushion frame, and sliding structure can be flipped back into a recess in the vehicle body to accommodate the backrest frame and seat cushion frame, thereby making the back side of the fixed part of the seat cushion frame face outward.

21. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein, The flipping assembly includes a seat frame flipping mechanism and a fixed bracket, wherein the fixed bracket is fixedly mounted on the vehicle body, and the seat cushion frame fixed part is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket and can be flipped relative to the fixed bracket via the seat frame flipping mechanism.

22. The seat assembly of claim 21, wherein, The seat frame flipping mechanism includes one or more of the following: a flipping-drive motor, an assist spring mechanism, an angle adjuster, and a rotating shaft. The flipping-drive motor can electrically drive the fixed part of the seat cushion frame to flip, and the assist spring mechanism can assist the flipping of the fixed part of the seat cushion frame with the help of spring force.

23. The seat assembly of claim 22, wherein, Flip-up components are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part. - The seat frame tilting mechanism of the tilting assembly on one side includes a tilting-drive motor, while the seat frame tilting mechanism of the tilting assembly on the other side includes one of a spring-assisted mechanism, a rotating shaft, or a tilting-drive motor; or - The seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on one side of the left and right sides includes a spring-assisted mechanism, while the seat frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on the other side includes a spring-assisted mechanism or a pivot.

24. The seat assembly of claim 23, wherein, The seat frame flipping mechanism is a direct drive motor-drive mechanism. The direct drive motor-drive mechanism is configured to drive the seat frame fixing part to flip via a single first rotating shaft by a flip-drive motor. The first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the seat frame fixing part on one hand and to the output part of the flip-drive motor on the other hand. Thus, the flip-drive motor can drive the seat frame fixing part to flip by rotating its rotating flange via the single first rotating shaft.

25. The seat assembly of claim 23, wherein, The assist spring mechanism has two assist springs and two mounting pins. The two mounting pins are fixed to a fixed bracket. The two assist springs are arranged coaxially, and one end of each assist spring is fixedly connected to the seat cushion frame fixing part via a second rotating shaft. The other end of each assist spring is provided with a hook, and the two hooks are respectively hooked onto the two mounting pins. When the seat cushion frame is flipped in the first direction, the first assist spring is tightened, thereby generating a first preload, while the second assist spring is released, thereby providing a second preload. When the seat cushion frame is flipped in the second direction opposite to the first direction, the second assist spring is tightened, while the first assist spring is released. The second preload can provide flipping assistance when the seat cushion frame is flipped in the first direction, and the first preload can provide flipping assistance when the backrest frame is flipped in the second direction.

26. The seat assembly of claim 23, wherein, The seat frame flipping mechanism is constructed as a gear motor-flipping drive mechanism. The gear motor-flipping drive mechanism is constructed to drive a first gear transmission component with arc-shaped teeth to rotate by means of a flipping-drive motor through gear meshing on the motor output shaft. The first gear transmission component is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the fixed part of the seat cushion frame. Thus, the flipping-drive motor can drive the fixed part of the seat cushion frame to flip through the gear and the first gear transmission component.

27. The seat assembly of claim 22, wherein, Flip-up components are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the rear end of the seat cushion frame fixing part. The frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on one side includes a combination of a flipping-drive motor and an angle adjuster, while the frame flipping mechanism of the flipping assembly on the other side includes a combination of a flipping-drive motor and an angle adjuster, an angle adjuster, or a rotating shaft.

28. The seat assembly of claim 27, wherein, The flip-drive motor is configured as a stepper or servo motor, and the angle adjuster is configured as an electric angle adjuster. The fixed plate of the electric angle adjuster is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket, and the rotating plate of the electric angle adjuster is fixedly connected to the fixed part of the seat frame. The rotating plate is driven by the stepper or servo motor to rotate relative to the fixed plate, thereby causing the fixed part of the seat frame to flip.

29. The seat assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that, The seat assembly includes a floor locking mechanism that allows the seat frame fixing part to switch between a fixed state and a released state. In the fixed state, the seat frame fixing part is fixed to the seat mounting area of ​​the vehicle body. In the released state, the seat frame fixing part is released so that the seat frame fixing part, together with the seat frame sliding part and the sliding mechanism, can be flipped backward.

30. The seat assembly of claim 29, wherein, The ground lock mechanism is constructed to include a locking hook and a locking latch. The locking hook is directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the seat frame fixing part. The locking hook can lock with the locking latch arranged on the vehicle body to keep the seat frame fixing part in a fixed state, and can disengage from the locking latch to switch the seat frame fixing part from the fixed state to the released state.

31. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein, The seat assembly includes a sliding-drive mechanism disposed on the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame and operatively connected to the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to drive the sliding portion of the seat cushion frame to slide relative to the fixed portion of the seat cushion frame, wherein the flipping assembly is configured to flip the seat cushion frame together with the sliding-drive mechanism backward.

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