Zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for vehicle seat cushion

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat cushion, comprising a connecting rod assembly and a driving assembly, wherein the connecting rod assembly is hingedly connected between a front end of a seat frame and a fixing assembly; a rear end of the seat frame is arranged on the fixing assembly; two ends of the driving assembly are hingedly connected between the connecting rod assembly and the fixing assembly. When the driving assembly works, an upper end of the seat frame can be lifted upwards by means of the connecting rod assembly. Two first connecting rods are arranged on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame, so that the zero-gravity adjustment mechanism of the present application is an external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism; the external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism enables the driving assembly to be arranged closer to the fixing assembly, and reduces an overhang distance between the driving assembly and the center of a slide rail on each side, thereby improving the stress on the driving assembly and increasing structural stability; moreover, the external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism frees up space, so that the front end of the seat frame can inwardly retract, thereby facilitating the design of a front end of a seat pan, further reducing the transverse size of the seat cushion, and facilitating the arrangement of the entire seat.

Description

A zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for car seat cushions

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025201103140, filed on January 16, 2025, entitled "A Zero Gravity Adjustment Mechanism for a Car Seat Cushion", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure belongs to the field of automotive seat technology, specifically relating to a zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion. Background Technology

[0004] Zero-gravity seats, as a method to improve passenger comfort, are widely used in automobiles. Zero-gravity seats achieve this by lifting the front of the seat cushion upwards while simultaneously tilting the backrest backwards. The mechanism for lifting the front of the seat cushion is primarily the tilt adjustment mechanism of the car seat frame. This tilt adjustment mechanism includes a seat frame skeleton, a linkage assembly, and a drive assembly. The linkage assembly is located below the seat frame skeleton, and the drive assembly is configured to move the linkage assembly, thereby lifting the front of the seat frame skeleton. Currently, the hinge point between the upper end of the linkage assembly and the seat frame skeleton is located inside the seat frame skeleton. This requires avoiding the linkage assembly during the design of the front of the seat cushion, making the design of the front of the seat cushion inconvenient and resulting in a larger lateral dimension of the seat cushion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure proposes a zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for automotive seat cushions, which not only enables zero-gravity adjustment of the seat but also facilitates the design of the front end of the seat, thereby reducing the lateral dimensions of the seat cushion.

[0006] Therefore, the technical solution adopted in this disclosure is: a zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion, including a linkage assembly and a drive assembly. The linkage assembly is hinged between the front end of the seat frame and a fixed assembly, and the rear end of the seat frame is disposed on the fixed assembly. The two ends of the drive assembly are hinged between the linkage assembly and the fixed assembly. When the drive assembly is working, the upper end of the seat frame can be lifted upward through the linkage assembly.

[0007] The linkage assembly includes a lower linkage assembly and two first linkages spaced apart on the left and right. The upper ends of the first linkages are hinged to the front end of the seat frame, and the two first linkages are located on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame, making the zero-gravity adjustment mechanism an external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism. The lower ends of the first linkages are hinged to the lower linkage assembly, and the other end of the lower linkage assembly is hinged to the fixed assembly. The two ends of the drive assembly are hinged between the lower linkage assembly and the fixed assembly.

[0008] Optionally, the lower linkage assembly includes a front linkage tube extending to the left and right, with a left lower linkage and a right lower linkage spaced apart on the front linkage tube. The two first linkages are hinged to the left and right ends of the front linkage tube at a distance from each other. The other ends of the left lower linkage and the right lower linkage are both hinged to a fixed assembly, and one end of the drive assembly is hinged to the left lower linkage.

[0009] Optionally, the front linkage tube is located at the hinge point between the first link and the lower link assembly, or at the hinge point between the lower link assembly and the fixed assembly. When the front linkage tube is located at the hinge point between the first link and the lower link assembly, the space between it and the anti-submarine tube is increased, facilitating the arrangement of the leg support mechanism. In this case, threads can be directly provided on the front linkage tube, thereby reducing the number of threaded fasteners connecting the first link and the lower link assembly, which is beneficial for the lightweight design of the seat. When the front linkage tube is located at the hinge point between the lower link assembly and the fixed assembly, the front linkage tube is only subjected to torque and not bending moment, increasing the structural strength and stability of the seat.

[0010] Optionally, the drive assembly adopts a motor lead screw assembly or a linear guide assembly; when the drive assembly adopts a motor lead screw assembly and zero-gravity adjustment is not performed, the front and rear mounting points of the drive assembly are in the shortest state. During zero-gravity adjustment, the drive assembly can drive the linkage assembly to achieve zero-gravity adjustment. In the event of a vehicle collision, the motor is under stable force, and the overall force on the seat is better; during zero-gravity adjustment, the first drive assembly can drive the linkage assembly to achieve zero-gravity adjustment.

[0011] Optionally, the hinge point between the drive assembly and the lower linkage assembly is located below the hinge point between the lower linkage assembly and the fixed assembly, so that the first drive assembly is arranged closer to the lower end, which can effectively utilize the lower space and facilitate reducing the height of the seat cushion.

[0012] Optionally, when zero-gravity adjustment is not performed, the angle formed between the first link and the lower link assembly is set to protrude forward, which is beneficial for the link to bear the force when the seat is subjected to a forward impact, thereby enhancing the impact stability of the seat.

[0013] Optionally, the seat frame skeleton includes two seat frame side plates spaced apart from each other on the left and right. A front horizontal tube is provided between the front ends of the two seat frame side plates, and a rear horizontal tube is provided between the rear ends of the two seat frame side plates. Two rear connecting rods are spaced apart from each other on the rear horizontal tube, and the lower end of each rear connecting rod is correspondingly hinged to the fixing component.

[0014] Optionally, the seat frame skeleton includes two seat frame side plates spaced apart from each other on the left and right. A front cross tube is provided between the front ends of the two seat frame side plates, and a rear cross tube is rotatably provided between the rear ends of the two seat frame side plates. Two rear connecting rods are spaced apart from each other on the rear cross tube, and the lower end of each rear connecting rod is correspondingly provided on a fixing component.

[0015] Optionally, the fixing component includes a left fixing member and a right fixing member arranged opposite to each other, and each of the left fixing member and the right fixing member includes a front fixing member and a rear fixing member arranged at a distance from each other.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this disclosure are as follows: By setting up the linkage assembly, seat frame skeleton, and drive assembly, the front end of the seat frame skeleton can be lifted upwards, thereby achieving zero-gravity adjustment of the seat cushion; the two first linkages are set on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame skeleton, making the zero-gravity adjustment structure of this application an external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism. This not only allows the drive assembly to be set closer to the fixed assembly, but also reduces the cantilever between the drive assembly and the center of each slide rail, thereby improving the force on the drive assembly and increasing the stability of the structure. It also frees up space so that the front end of the seat frame skeleton can be retracted inwards, which facilitates the design of the front end of the seat, thereby reducing the lateral dimension of the seat cushion and facilitating the overall arrangement of the seat. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 is an exploded view of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 3 is a simplified structural diagram of Figure 2;

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this disclosure (in a zero-gravity state);

[0021] Figure 5 is a simplified structural diagram of Figure 4;

[0022] Figure 6 is an exploded view of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure;

[0024] Figure 8 is a simplified structural diagram of Figure 7;

[0025] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of this disclosure (in a zero-gravity state);

[0026] Figure 10 is a simplified structural diagram of Figure 9.

[0027] Reference numerals: Linkage assembly - 100, Lower linkage assembly - 110, Front linkage tube - 111, Lower left linkage - 112, Lower right linkage - 113, First linkage - 120, Drive assembly - 200, Seat frame skeleton - 300, Seat frame side plate - 310, Front cross tube - 320, Rear cross tube - 330, Rear linkage - 340, Fixing assembly - 400. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present disclosure will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings:

[0029] As shown in Figures 1-10, a zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion mainly consists of a linkage assembly 100 and a drive assembly 200. The linkage assembly 100 is hinged between the front end of the seat frame 300 and the fixed assembly 400. The rear end of the seat frame 300 is mounted on the fixed assembly 400, and at least one hinge point is provided between the rear end of the seat frame 300 and the fixed assembly 400. Both ends of the drive assembly 200 are hinged between the linkage assembly 100 and the fixed assembly 400. When the drive assembly 200 is working, the upper end of the seat frame 300 can be lifted upwards via the linkage assembly 100. The seat frame is the main structure of the seat cushion, and the fixed assembly is configured to allow the seat cushion to be mounted on the car body or a slide rail assembly.

[0030] The linkage assembly 100 includes a lower linkage assembly 110 and two first linkages 120 spaced apart on the left and right. The upper end of the first linkage 120 is hinged to the front end of the seat frame 300, and the two first linkages 120 are located on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame 300. The lower end of the first linkage 120 is hinged to the lower linkage assembly 110, and the other end of the lower linkage assembly 110 is hinged to the fixed assembly 400. The two ends of the drive assembly 200 are hinged between the lower linkage assembly 110 and the fixed assembly 400.

[0031] Because the two first connecting rods 120 are located on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame 300, the zero-gravity adjustment mechanism is an external zero-gravity adjustment mechanism. This external zero-gravity adjustment structure not only allows the drive assembly to be positioned closer to the fixed assembly, reducing the cantilever between the drive assembly and the center of each slide rail, thus improving the stress on the drive assembly and increasing structural stability, but also frees up space so that the front end of the seat frame can retract inwards, facilitating the design of the seat basin front and reducing the lateral dimensions of the seat cushion, thus simplifying the overall arrangement of the seat.

[0032] The lower linkage assembly 110 includes a front linkage tube 111 extending to the left and right. A left lower linkage 112 and a right lower linkage 113 are arranged on the front linkage tube 111 at intervals. Two first linkages 120 are hinged to the left and right ends of the front linkage tube 111 at intervals. The other ends of the left lower linkage 112 and the right lower linkage 113 are both hinged to the fixed assembly 400. One end of the drive assembly 200 is hinged to the left lower linkage 112.

[0033] The front linkage tube 111 is located at the hinge point between the first link 120 and the lower link assembly 110, or at the hinge point between the lower link assembly 110 and the fixed assembly 400. When the front linkage tube is located at the hinge point between the first link and the lower link assembly, the space between it and the anti-submarine tube is increased, which facilitates the arrangement of the leg support mechanism. In this case, threads can be directly provided on the front linkage tube, thereby reducing the number of threaded fasteners connecting the first link and the lower link assembly, which is beneficial for the lightweight design of the seat. When the front linkage tube is located at the hinge point between the lower link assembly and the fixed assembly, the front linkage tube is only subjected to torque and not bending moment, which increases the structural strength and stability of the seat.

[0034] The drive assembly 200 employs a motor lead screw assembly or a linear guide assembly; other existing linear drive elements can also be selected as needed. When the drive assembly 200 uses a motor lead screw assembly and zero-gravity adjustment is not performed, the front and rear mounting points of the drive assembly 200 are in their shortest state. At this point, the lead screw is not exposed, resulting in stable force distribution on the motor and better overall force distribution on the seat during a vehicle collision. During zero-gravity adjustment, the drive assembly 200 can drive the linkage assembly 100 to achieve zero-gravity adjustment.

[0035] The hinge point between the drive assembly 200 and the lower linkage assembly 110 is located below the hinge point between the lower linkage assembly 110 and the fixed assembly 400, which makes the drive assembly closer to the lower end, effectively utilizing the lower space and making it easier to reduce the height of the seat.

[0036] When zero-gravity adjustment is not performed, the angle formed between the first link 120 and the lower link assembly 110 is set to protrude forward, which is beneficial for the link to bear the force when the seat is impacted forward, thus enhancing the impact stability of the seat.

[0037] To achieve the hinge at the rear end of the seat frame, as shown in Figures 1-5, the seat frame 300 includes two seat frame side plates 310 spaced apart on the left and right. A front horizontal tube 320 is provided between the front ends of the two seat frame side plates 310, and a rear horizontal tube 330 is provided between the rear ends of the two seat frame side plates 310. The rear horizontal tube is fixedly mounted on the seat frame side plates. Two rear connecting rods 340 are spaced apart on the rear horizontal tube 330. The lower end of each rear connecting rod 340 is hinged to the fixing component 400. In this case, the hinge point between the rear end of the seat frame and the fixing component is located between the rear connecting rod and the fixing component. Of course, as shown in Figures 6-10, the hinge point between the rear end of the seat frame and the fixing component can be located between the rear horizontal tube and the seat frame side plate. In this case, the rear connecting rod and the fixing component are fixedly connected, and the rear horizontal tube and the seat frame side plate are rotatably connected. Compared to the former, the latter reduces the rear space less after the seat cushion is raised, allowing the seat cushion to be designed relatively low and providing more rear space for the arrangement of other chair components. Both options can be chosen as needed.

[0038] The fixing component 400 includes a left fixing member and a right fixing member arranged opposite to each other. Preferably, both the left fixing member and the right fixing member include a front fixing member and a rear fixing member arranged at a distance from each other. Of course, the left fixing member and the right fixing member can also be sheet metal parts that extend from each other. Industrial applicability

[0039] This disclosure provides a variety of zero-gravity adjustment mechanisms for car seat cushions. The seat cushion can achieve zero gravity by rotating around the rear linkage and also by rotating around the rear tube, thereby increasing the rear legroom after zero-gravity lifting.

Claims

1. A zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion, characterized in that: It includes a linkage assembly (100) and a drive assembly (200). The linkage assembly (100) is hinged between the front end of the seat frame (300) and the fixed assembly (400). The rear end of the seat frame (300) is disposed on the fixed assembly (400). The two ends of the drive assembly (200) are hinged between the linkage assembly (100) and the fixed assembly (400). When the drive assembly (200) is working, the upper end of the seat frame (300) can be lifted upward through the linkage assembly (100). The linkage assembly (100) includes a lower linkage assembly (110) and two first linkages (120) spaced apart on the left and right. The upper end of the first linkage (120) is hinged to the front end of the seat frame (300), and the two first linkages (120) are located on the left and right outer sides of the seat frame (300). The lower end of the first linkage (120) is hinged to the lower linkage assembly (110), and the other end of the lower linkage assembly (110) is hinged to the fixed assembly (400). The two ends of the drive assembly (200) are hinged between the lower linkage assembly (110) and the fixed assembly (400). The seat frame skeleton (300) includes two seat frame side plates (310) spaced apart from each other on the left and right. A front cross tube (320) is provided between the front ends of the two seat frame side plates (310), and a rear cross tube (330) is provided between the rear ends of the two seat frame side plates (310). Two rear connecting rods (340) are spaced apart from each other on the rear cross tube (330), and the lower end of each rear connecting rod (340) is correspondingly hinged to the fixing component (400). Alternatively, the seat frame skeleton (300) may include two seat frame side plates (310) spaced apart on the left and right, a front cross tube (320) may be provided between the front ends of the two seat frame side plates (310), and a rear cross tube (330) may be rotatably provided between the rear ends of the two seat frame side plates (310). Two rear connecting rods (340) may be spaced apart on the rear cross tube (330), and the lower end of each rear connecting rod (340) may be correspondingly provided on the fixing component (400).

2. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower linkage assembly (110) includes a front linkage tube (111) extending to the left and right. A left lower linkage (112) and a right lower linkage (113) are spaced apart on the front linkage tube (111). Two first linkages (120) are hinged to the left and right ends of the front linkage tube (111) at intervals. The other ends of the left lower linkage (112) and the right lower linkage (113) are both hinged to the fixed assembly (400). One end of the drive assembly (200) is hinged to the left lower linkage (112).

3. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to claim 2, characterized in that: The front linkage tube (111) is located at the hinge point between the first link (120) and the lower link assembly (110), or at the hinge point between the lower link assembly (110) and the fixed assembly (400).

4. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drive assembly (200) adopts a motor screw assembly or a linear guide assembly. When the drive assembly (200) adopts a motor screw assembly and zero-gravity adjustment is not performed, the front and rear mounting points of the drive assembly (200) are in the shortest state. During zero-gravity adjustment, the drive assembly (200) can drive the connecting rod assembly (100) to achieve zero-gravity adjustment.

5. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The hinge point between the drive assembly (200) and the lower link assembly (110) is located below the hinge point between the lower link assembly (110) and the fixed assembly (400).

6. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: When zero gravity adjustment is not performed, the angle formed between the first link (120) and the lower link assembly (110) is set to protrude forward.

7. The zero-gravity adjustment mechanism for a car seat cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The fixing component (400) includes a left fixing member and a right fixing member arranged opposite to each other, and each of the left fixing member and the right fixing member includes a front fixing member and a rear fixing member arranged at intervals.

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