CN114728605A

CN114728605A - Chair

Info

Publication number: CN114728605A
Application number: CN202080079597.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 萨钦·达万德; 瓦布哈夫·阿那盖尔; 杰伊什·霍姆卡尔
Original assignee: Keiper Seating Mechanisms Co Ltd
Current assignee: Keiper Seating Mechanisms Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-20
Filing date: 2020-11-16
Publication date: 2022-07-08
Also published as: DE102019217911B3; WO2021099258A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat assembly (1) comprising: -a seat back (2) pivotably coupled with the seat base (3) in any position between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), -a seat back latch mechanism (6) comprising a closer assembly (6.1) having a closer arm (6.2) releasably secured to the seat back (2), -an actuator (7) having a pinion (7.1), and-an adjustment mechanism (4) comprising a closer drive plate (4.1) which is in engagement with the pinion (7.1) of the actuator (7) to adjust the closer arm (6.2) relative to the vehicle structure (5) when the closer arm (6.2) is latched at the seat back (2).

Description

Chair

The present invention relates to a seat assembly, in particular a vehicle seat having a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat base.

It is generally known in the prior art to provide a folding seat back in order to provide access to a cargo loading area through an opening in a partition area between a passenger area and the cargo loading area of a vehicle. It is also known to provide folding seat backs to provide access to the area behind the vehicle seats, for example for second and/or third row seats in any vehicle such as SUVs, vans and the like. It is also known to provide vehicle seats, such as motor vehicle seats, and adjustable backrests.

In the case of typical configurations, the seat back includes an adjustment mechanism, such as an adjuster pivot, positioned between the seat back and the seat base. The seat back may further include a latch portion that is in engagement with a closer element disposed on the vehicle body to lock the seat back in the upright position.

There is a need for a seat having an improved adjustment function for a locked seat back.

This object is achieved by a seat assembly according to claim 1.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The present invention is directed to a seat assembly that includes a seat having a seat back pivotably coupled to a seat base between at least a first position and a second position. The seat assembly also includes a seat back latch mechanism including a shutter assembly having a shutter arm releasably secured to the seat back. Further, the seat assembly includes an actuator having a pinion gear and an adjustment mechanism including a closer drive plate that is in engagement with the pinion gear of the actuator when the closer arm is latched at the seat back to adjust the closer arm relative to the vehicle structure.

The invention provides a seat with a seat back having an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the comfort level, which adjustment mechanism, in combination with a seat back locking mechanism for locking the seat back at the vehicle structure, adjusts the locked seat back to any position between a first position and a second or final position, wherein the first position is a seating or initial position and the second or final position is for example a reclining or comfort position. Further, an unlocked position or a folded-together position/stowed position may be achieved. The invention allows in particular various adjustment possibilities and various load possibilities based on the combination of an adjustment mechanism and a seat back locking mechanism, both of which are arranged in the upper region of the seat back. The upper region of the seat back refers to the region of the seat back at a location above the pivot point of the seat back. The pivot point of the seat back is arranged in the coupling area of the seat back and the seat base. In other words: the adjustment mechanism and the seat back locking mechanism are spaced from the pivot point of the seat back.

The invention allows in particular the comfort level to be adjusted with the aid of an actuator (for example a drive unit or a drive motor) by means of a seat back having a high-position locking device. The actuator is fastened to the vehicle structure, thereby reducing the additional weight of the vehicle's adjusting and fastening brackets and seat structure. Furthermore, because the adjustment mechanism is directly coupled to the vehicle structure, the load acting on the closer arm is directly transferred to the vehicle structure. Further, the adjustment mechanism allows for smooth operation based on the continuous engagement between the closer drive plate and the pinion gear. Multiple positional personalization in the forward and reverse directions is particularly easy to achieve by making minor changes to the closure drive plate and its coupling to the vehicle structure. The adjustment mechanism and the seat back locking mechanism are simple and very low cost. In particular, the assembly consists only of the closer arm, the seat back latch mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism, which is movably coupled with the vehicle structure and the actuator. The closer arm is secured to a closer drive plate that is always in engagement with the actuator pinion. In addition, both mechanisms can be easily adapted to a seat having a high position locking device or latch to increase the load space by placing the backrest over the bolster.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism is configured to move the closer arm along a curved motion trajectory or path, wherein the center of rotation is located on the pivot axis of the seat back. Thereby maintaining the lock position of the closer arm with the seat back. Such an adjustment mechanism allows for better comfort adjustment of the seat back in its locked position by the multi-position closer arm. Further, the seat back may be unlocked for fold-down in any position of the closer arm.

According to another embodiment, the closer arm is fastened to the closer drive plate. In particular, the closer arm is screwed, welded or riveted to the closer drive plate. The vehicle structure may also include a vehicle structure fastening bracket that is fastened to the vehicle structure, for example, by a screw connection, a welded connection, or a riveted connection.

According to another aspect, the closer drive plate includes a rack in engagement with the pinion and having a curved shape.

According to another embodiment, the seat assembly comprises a guide mechanism having at least one guide slot with a curved guide shape, and at least one guide pin. In particular, the rack and the guide groove have the same radius of curvature. Preferably, the guide mechanism includes two grooves that are coupled with three guide pins (e.g., slide pins) that are guided into the two grooves.

According to a further embodiment, the vehicle structure fastening bracket comprises a guiding groove, in particular a curved guiding groove, and/or a guiding pin. In particular, the vehicle structure fastening bracket comprises two guide grooves arranged parallel one above the other or one above the other. The length of the slot may vary. The two grooves are furthermore identically curved.

The guide mechanism further comprises at least two or more guide pins. In particular, two guide pins spaced apart from each other are arranged in one of the two guide slots, and a third guide pin (which is arranged between the two spaced apart guide pins) is arranged in the other of the two guide slots.

According to another embodiment, the two curved guide grooves and the toothed rack are arranged parallel to each other. Such a configuration allows for very smooth and consistent operation based on the constant engagement of the teeth of the rack of the closer drive plate with the teeth of the pinion of the actuator.

According to another embodiment, the closer drive plate or bracket and the vehicle structure fastening bracket are movably coupled to each other. In particular, the closer drive plate and the vehicle structure fastening bracket are movably coupled to each other by a guide mechanism. Further, a vehicle structure fastening bracket is disposed between the seat back and the closer drive plate. Such an arrangement allows for a compact unit.

The seat assembly also includes an actuator coupled with the adjustment mechanism and configured to directly manipulate the closer drive plate and thus the closer arm secured to the closer drive plate. The actuator may be configured as an electric motor, or a cable, or a handle.

According to another aspect, the seat back locking mechanism includes a retaining mechanism for retaining, e.g., locking, the closer arm in the opening of the seat back. In addition, the seat back latch mechanism may be coupled with a release mechanism, such as a cable or a pivot handle. The release mechanism is for engaging and disengaging with the retention mechanism to lock or unlock the closer arm. For example, the release mechanism is used to engage the retention mechanism with the closure arm to lock the closure arm, and to disengage the retention mechanism and the closure arm to unlock the closure arm.

Further possibilities of application of the invention emerge from the detailed description below. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings, which are purely exemplary and therefore do not limit the invention; in the drawings:

fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a seat assembly, including a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat base,

fig. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an adjustment mechanism for a seat back, the seat back being locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

fig. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment mechanism for a seat back, which is locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat back from the rear side of the seat, the seat back being locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

fig. 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a seat back from the front side of the seat, the seat back being locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

fig. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of an adjustment mechanism for a seat back, which is locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

fig. 7 schematically illustrates a rear view of an adjustment mechanism for a seat back, which is locked by a seat back latch mechanism having a multi-position closer arm,

figures 8A-8B schematically illustrate a series of different positions of a locked seat back corresponding to different positions of a closer arm of a seat back latch mechanism, an

Fig. 9A-9C schematically illustrate a series of different positions of the unlocked seat back.

Corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a seat assembly 1 including a seat back 2 pivotally coupled to a seat base 3. The seat assembly 1, also referred to as seat 1, is for example a vehicle seat, in particular a seat not in the first row of a motor vehicle such as a passenger motor vehicle (Pkw), an SUV, a van, a truck motor vehicle (Lkw), a passenger car or the like. However, the invention also has the possibility of being applied to seats used in aircraft, rail vehicles, ships or any other environment.

The seat 1 is typically a upholstered seat having a profile, a cover or the like. While this configuration is presently preferred, a variety of seat configurations and seat upholstery can benefit from the use of mechanical support and motion mechanisms.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two elements or components are connected to each other either directly or indirectly. Such connections may be static or mobile. Such a connection can be achieved in that the two elements or the two elements and any additional intermediate elements are designed as a single whole in one piece with one another; or the two elements and any additional elements are arranged with respect to each other. Such a connection may be permanent or, alternatively, may be removable or releasable.

Referring to fig. 1, the seat 1 according to this illustration has a seat back 2 pivotally coupled to a seat base 3, wherein the seat back 2 rotates about a pivot point P which is located in a lower region of the seat back 2, for example in a coupling region 2.1 of the seat back 2 to the seat base 3. The seat back 2 and seat base 3 are configured to support a upholstered seat. The seat 1 can either be a manually adjustable seat or can be provided with automated adjustment and electronic control means. Such pivoting of the seat 1, in particular of the seat back 2, can be effected by means of the adjusting mechanism 4.

The seat back 2 of the seat 1 is also locked at a vehicle structure 5, such as a bottom or a construction part, by a seat back locking mechanism 6. The adjusting mechanism 4 is arranged in the upper region 2.2 of the seat back 2. The adjustment mechanism 4 and the seatback lock mechanism 6 are movably coupled to each other. These two

mechanisms

4, 6 can be implemented on at least one side of the seat 1 or on both sides of the seat 1. The example shows the

mechanisms

4, 6 on the left side of the seat 1 in the direction of movement.

The invention allows, in particular, various adjustment possibilities and various load possibilities based on the combination of the adjustment mechanism 4 and the seat back locking mechanism 6, both of which are arranged in the upper region 2.2 of the seat back 2. The upper region 2.2 of the seat back 2 (e.g. in the shoulder region) means the region of the seat back 2 at a position above the pivot point P of the seat back 2. The pivot point P of the seat back 2 is arranged in the coupling region 2.1 of the seat back 2 and the seat base 3. In other words: the adjustment mechanism 4 and the seatback locking mechanism 6 are spaced from the pivot point P of the seatback 2.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of an adjusting mechanism 4 for a seat back 2, which is locked by means of a seat back locking mechanism 6. The seat back latch mechanism 6 includes a shutter assembly 6.1 having a shutter arm 6.2 releasably secured to the seat back 2 (shown in fig. 4). The shutter arm 6.2 is configured as a multi-position shutter arm 6.2.

The seat back 2 further comprises an adjustment mechanism 4. The adjusting mechanism 4 is coupled with the closer arm 6.2 and with the vehicle structure 5 in the following manner: an interface is formed between the closer arm 6.2 and the vehicle structure 5 to move the closer arm 6.2 to a variable position relative to the vehicle structure 5 (e.g. a support structure of the vehicle in any of various configurations and designs) when the closer arm 6.2 is locked at the seat back 2.

The seat back 2 includes an adjustment mechanism 4 for adjusting comfort that, in conjunction with a seat back locking mechanism 6 for locking the seat back 2 at the vehicle structure 5, allows adjustment of the locked seat back 2 between at least a locked first position P1 (such as a design position, an initial position or a seating position, shown in fig. 8A, 9A) and a locked second position P2 (e.g., a comfort position or a reclined position, shown in fig. 8B) and an unlocked position P3 (e.g., a release-to-lock position, shown in fig. 9B) and a folded-together position P4 (e.g., a fold-down position, shown in fig. 9C).

For example, the locked first position P1 is the seating position or design position of the seat back 2, the locked second position P2 is the reclined position of the seat back 2, and the unlocked position P3 is a position in which the seat back 2 is unlocked, in particular the position in which the lock is released, and the folded position P4 is a position of the seat back 2 in which the seat back 2 is turned down onto the seat base 3.

In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 4 is configured for allowing the closer arm 6.2 to move along a curved motion trajectory CP with a center point of rotation on the pivot point P of the seat back 2. In particular, the closer arm 6.2 moves along a curved movement path CP and can be variably positioned.

Such an adjustment mechanism 4 allows a better comfort adjustment function of the seat back 2 in its locked position by means of the multi-position closer arm 6.2.

The invention allows in particular to adjust the comfort with the aid of the actuator 7 (for example the drive unit or the drive motor) by means of a seat back with a high-position locking device. The actuator 7 comprises a pinion 7.1 (shown in more detail in fig. 7) on its output side.

The adjustment mechanism 4 comprises a closer drive plate 4.1 which is in engagement with a pinion 7.1 of the actuator 7 when the closer arm 6.2 is locked at the seat back 2 to adjust the closer arm 6.2 relative to the vehicle structure 5.

The actuator 7 is fastened to a vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 fastened to the vehicle structure 5. The actuator 7 is fastened to the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 by means of a fixing 7.2, for example by means of a screw connection, a welded connection or a riveted connection.

The adjusting mechanism 4 is movably coupled with the vehicle structure 5 by the movable coupling of the closer arm 6.2 with the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1. On the other hand, the load acting on the closer arm 6.2 is transferred to the vehicle structure 5 by means of the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1.

The adjustment mechanism 4 allows smooth operation based on the continuous engagement between the closer drive plate 4.1 and the pinion 7.1. Multiple position personalisation in the forward and reverse directions is particularly easy to achieve by making minor changes to the closer drive plate 4.1 and its coupling to the vehicle structure 5. In particular, the combined adjusting and locking assembly is composed exclusively of the closer arm 6.2, the seat back locking mechanism 6 and the adjusting mechanism 4, which is movably coupled with the vehicle structure 5 and the actuator 7. The closer arm 6.2 is fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1 which is always in engagement with the pinion 7.1 of the actuator 7. In addition, both mechanisms can be easily adapted to a seat 1 having a high-position locking device or a latch portion to increase a load space by placing the seat back 2 on the seat base 3.

The adjustment mechanism 4 is further configured for allowing the closer arm 6.2 to move along a curved motion trajectory CP, wherein the centre of rotation point is located on the pivot axis P of the seat back 2. The locking position of the closer arm 6.2 with the seat back 2 is thereby maintained. Such an adjustment mechanism 4 allows the seat back 2 to have a better comfort adjustment function in its locked position. Furthermore, the seat back 2 can be unlocked for turning down in any position of the closer arm 6.2.

In particular, the closer arm 6.2 is fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1. In particular, the closer arm 6.2 is screwed, welded or riveted to the closer drive plate 4.1.

The vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 is fastened to the vehicle structure 5 by means of the connection 5.2, for example by means of a screw connection, a welded connection or a riveted connection.

According to another aspect, the closer drive plate 4.1 comprises a rack 4.2 engaging with a pinion 7.1. The toothed rack 4.2 has a curved shape CS (see dashed line marks).

Specifically, the guide mechanism 8 is provided. The guide means 8 have at least one guide groove 8.1 with a curved guide shape CGS corresponding to the curved movement locus CP and at least one guide pin 8.2. The toothed rack 4.2 and the at least one guide groove 8.1 have in particular the same radius of curvature.

In the embodiment shown, the guide means 8 comprise two guide grooves 8.1, for example runners (gleitmutters), which are coupled with three guide pins 8.2, for example slide pins, guided in the two guide grooves 8.1. The guiding means 8 may comprise more or less than two guiding grooves 8.1 and more or less than three guiding pins 8.2, 8.2'.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 comprises at least one such guide slot 8.1, in particular a curved guide slot, and the closer drive plate 4.1 comprises the at least one guide pin 8.2. The at least one guide pin 8.2 can be configured in particular as an upright pin. Instead of this, the guide pin 8.2 can be fixed to the closer drive plate 4.1 by a nut 8.3 (as shown in the embodiment).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the guide slot 8.1 may be part of the closer drive plate 4.1 and the guide pin 8.2 may be part of the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1.

In particular, the two guide grooves 8.1 are arranged parallel one above the other or one above the other. The length of the guide groove 8.1 can be varied. Furthermore, the two guide grooves 8.1 are identically curved and therefore have the same curved guide shape CGS.

Furthermore, the two guide pins 8.2 are spaced apart from each other and movably arranged in one of the two guide slots 8.1, and a third guide pin 8.2' (which is fastened between the two spaced apart guide pins 8.2) is movably arranged in the other of the two guide slots 8.1.

Furthermore, the two curved guide grooves 8.1 and the toothed rack 4.2 are arranged parallel to one another. Such a configuration allows a very smooth and consistent operation to be achieved based on the continuous engagement of the teeth of the rack 4.2 of the closer drive plate 4.1 with the teeth of the pinion 7.1 of the actuator 7.

In summary, the closer drive plate 4.1 configured as a bracket and the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 are movably coupled to each other. In particular, the closer drive plate 4.1 and the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 are movably coupled to each other by a guide mechanism 8.

The continuous engagement of the teeth of the rack 4.2 of the closer drive plate 4.1 with the teeth of the pinion 7.1 of the actuator 7 in combination with the guide mechanism 8 having a curved motion profile CP, a curved guide shape CGS and a curved shape CS provides a pivotable adjustment mechanism of the seat back 2, in particular with limited adjustment over a given angle and/or a given length of the curved motion profile CP. The guide mechanism 8 provides pivotal adjustment of the seat back 2 by the interrelationship of the curved motion profile CP, the curved guide shape CGS and the shape of the curved CS, wherein the curved path or curved motion profile CP, the curved guide shape CGS and the curved shape CS have the same radius of curvature.

The drive mechanism provided (with the actuator 7 in constant engagement with the closer drive plate 4.1 to drive the closer arm 6.2) may be configured as a toothed plate or a plate with teeth or gears and corresponding engagement elements (e.g. pins provided with teeth). In the illustrated embodiment, a closure drive plate 4.1 comprising a curved rack 4.2 and an actuator 7 comprising a pinion 7.1 are continuously in mutual engagement to constitute a multi-position sliding closure assembly 6.1.

An actuator 7 is coupled with the adjustment mechanism 4 and is configured for driving, in particular moving, the closer drive plate 4.1 and the closer arm 6.2 fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1. The actuator 7 may be configured as an electric motor, or a cable, or a handle. The pinion 7.1 of the actuator 7 is in continuous engagement with the teeth of the rack 4.2 to drive, in particular to adjust, the closer drive plate 4.1 forward or backward in the X direction according to the arrow PF1 and the curved movement trajectory CP.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of the adjustment mechanism 4 for the seat back 2. The actuator 7 is fastened at a distance to the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 by means of a spacer 7.3.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a perspective view of the seat back 2 locked by the seat back lock mechanism 6 from the rear side of the seat 1.

Illustratively, a closer arm 6.2, for example configured as a slot plate or U-shaped bracket, is fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1 and is inserted through and movably arranged in one of the guide slots 8.1. In particular, the closer arm 6.2 is movably arranged in the upper guide groove 8.1 and is guided therein. Furthermore, the closer arm 6.2 is fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1 between the two guide pins 8.2 movably arranged in the upper guide slot 8.1.

The vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 is releasably held at the seat back 2 by means of a releasable connection 9 of the seat back latch 6.

In particular, the seat back locking mechanism 6 further comprises a locking portion 6.3 having an opening 6.4 in which the shutter arm 6.2 is retained and locked when the seat back 2 is in the first position P1 and the second position P2, for example in the upright or reclined position. The latch portion 6.3 couples the seat back 2, e.g., a seat back support frame or shell, with the closer arm 6.2, thereby preventing the seat back 2 from moving from the first position P1 and/or the second position P2 to a more forward position (shown in fig. 9B) or a more forward folded position (shown in fig. 9C).

The locking part 6.3 locks the closer arm 6.2 in the opening 6.4, for example by means of the releasable connection 9 using the holding mechanism 10. The seat back locking mechanism 6 further comprises a release mechanism 11, for example a handle (in particular a pivoting handle) or an electrically actuatable release element, which is used to engage or disengage the retaining mechanism 10. Although this is not shown, the release mechanism 11 may be connected with the holding mechanism 10 by a cable.

As shown in fig. 1, the distance of the seatback lock mechanism 6 from the pivot point P (of the pivot axis) of the seatback 2 may also vary as long as the seatback lock mechanism is spaced apart from the pivot point P.

As shown in fig. 2 to 7, the vehicle structure fastening bracket 5.1 comprises two curved guide grooves 8.1. The corresponding guide pins 8.2, 8.2' are fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1, for example screwed, welded or riveted thereto. Furthermore, a nut 8.3 can be provided.

During the driving of the actuator 7, the pinion 7.1 is in engagement with the teeth of the rack 4.2 of the closer drive plate 4.1, so that the closer plate 4.1 is driven, in particular adjusted, forward or backward in the X direction according to the arrow PF1 and the curved movement trajectory CP.

A closer arm 6.2 fastened to the closer drive plate 4.1 protrudes through the upper guide slot 8.1. Thus, when the pinion 7.1 drives the rack 4.2 of the closer drive plate 4.1, the closer drive plate 4.1 moves forward or backward according to the curved motion profile CP and the closer arm 6.2 is guided in the upper guide groove 8.1. Based on the movement of the closer drive plate 4.1, the guide pins 8.2, 8.2' also move in the curved guide slot 8.1. Correspondingly, the closer arm 6.2 performs a pivoting movement together with the locked seat back 2 in order to flip the seat back 2 back within a predetermined range.

The range of motion of the adjustment mechanism 4 and the size and configuration of the adjustment mechanism 4 may vary depending on the desired degree of recline and the spacing between positions P1-P4. The degree of recline may also be limited by the amount of upholstery space available or the width of the seat 1.

Fig. 5 shows the seat back 2 from the front side of the seat back 2 in the first position P1, which is locked by the seat back locking mechanism 6 with the multi-position closer arm 6.2. The seat 1 may optionally include a head support bracket 12 secured to the seat back 2. The head support (not shown) may be adjustable with respect to the occupant of the seat 1, for example any known or suitable head support.

Fig. 6 and 7 show the locked seat back 2 from the front and rear of the seat back 2 in the first position P1. Best results can be seen in fig. 6 and 7: the closer arm 6.2 is configured as a slotted plate.

Fig. 8A to 8B show a series of different positions P1 to P2 of the locked seat back 2, which correspond to different positions of the closer arm 6.2 of the seat back locking mechanism 6 in the guide groove 8.1 of the adjustment mechanism 4. Fig. 8A shows the locked seat back 2 in a first position P1 (e.g. upright or slightly reclined position) in which the front adjustment guide pin 8.2 is in engagement with the front end of the curved guide slot 8.1 and the rear adjustment guide pin 8.2 is positioned in the middle region of the curved guide slot 8.1. Fig. 8B shows the locked seat back 2 in a second position P2 (e.g. a further reclined position) in which the front adjustment guide pin 8.2 is positioned in the middle region of the curved guide slot 8.1 and the rear adjustment guide pin 8.2 is in engagement with the opposite end (e.g. the rear end) of the curved guide slot 8.1.

Fig. 9A to 9C show a series of different positions P1, P3, and P4 of the locked and unlocked seat back 2. Fig. 9A shows the locked seat back 2 in a first position P1 (e.g. upright or slightly reclined position) in which the front adjustment guide pin 8.2 is in engagement with the front end of the curved guide slot 8.1. Fig. 9B shows the unlocked seat back 2 in a reclined position P3 (e.g., a slightly forward position) in which the closer arm 6.2 is unlocked and released from the seat back 2. Fig. 9C shows the unlocked seat back 2 in a folded position P4 (e.g. a fully flipped forward position) in which the closer arm 6.2 is unlocked and released from the seat back 2 and the seat back 2 is flipped forward onto the seat base 3.

List of reference numerals

Seat, seat assembly

2 seat back

2.1 coupling region

2.2 upper region

3 seat base

4 adjusting mechanism

4.1 closer drive plate

4.2 Rack

5 vehicle structure

5.1 vehicle Structure fastening bracket

5.2 connecting part

6 seat back locking mechanism

6.1 closure Assembly

6.2 closer arm

6.3 locking part

6.4 opening

7 actuator

7.1 pinion

7.2 fixing part

7.3 spacer bush

8 guide mechanism

8.1 guide groove

8.2 first and second guide pins

8.2' third guide pin

8.3 nut

9 releasable connection

10 holding mechanism

11 release mechanism

12 head support bracket

CGS curved guide shape

Motion track of CP bending

Curved shape of CS rack

P pivot point

P1 first position

P2 second position

P3 unlocked position

P4 folded position

PF1 arrow

Claims

1. A seat assembly (1) comprising:

-a seat (1) having a seat back (2) pivotably coupled with a seat base (3) at any position between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2),

-a seat back latch mechanism (6) comprising a shutter assembly (6.1) having a shutter arm (6.2) releasably secured to the seat back (2),

-an actuator (7) having a pinion (7.1), and

-an adjustment mechanism (4) comprising a closer drive plate (4.1) which is in engagement with the pinion (7.1) of the actuator (7) when the closer arm (6.2) is locked at the seat back (2) to adjust the closer arm (6.2) relative to the vehicle structure (5).

2. The seat assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism (4) is configured such that the closer arm (6.2) moves along a curved motion trajectory (CP) with a centre of rotation on a pivot axis of the seat back (2).

3. The seat assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closer arm (6.2) is fastened to the closer drive plate (4.1).

4. The seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closer drive plate (4.1) comprises a rack (4.2) which is in engagement with the pinion (7.1) and has a Curved Shape (CS).

5. The seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide mechanism (8) having at least one guide slot (8.1) with a Curved Guide Shape (CGS) and at least one guide pin (8.2).

6. Seat assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the rack (4.2) and the guide slot (8.1) have the same radius of curvature.

7. The seat assembly (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guiding mechanism (8) comprises two curved guiding grooves (8.1) and at least two corresponding guiding pins (8.2).

8. The seat assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the two curved guide slots (8.1) and the toothed rack (4.2) are arranged parallel on top of each other.

9. Seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a vehicle structure fastening bracket (5.1) is provided, and wherein the vehicle structure fastening bracket (5.1) and the closer drive plate (4.1) are movably coupled to each other by means of the guide mechanism (8).

10. Seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the vehicle structure fastening bracket (5.1) is arranged between the seat back (2) and the closer drive plate (4.1).

11. Seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat back locking mechanism (6) comprises a retaining mechanism (10) for retaining the closer arm (6.2) in the opening (6.4) of the seat back (2).

12. Seat assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat back locking mechanism (6) is coupled with a release mechanism (11) or a handle.