CN221090599U - Vehicle seat and leg rest assembly thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vehicle seat and a leg rest assembly thereof. The leg rest assembly includes a leg rest plate configured to be movable between a retracted position in which the leg rest plate is retracted below the seat cushion of the vehicle seat and an extended position. According to the utility model, the leg rest comprises a first plate portion and a second plate portion which are pivotally connected, wherein in the unfolded position the first plate portion and the second plate portion are aligned with each other along an angle of about 180 degrees, and in the retracted position the second plate portion is folded in relation to the first plate portion. The vehicle seat includes a seat cushion portion and the above-described leg rest assembly. The leg rest assembly of the present utility model is compact and easy to install and allows the leg rest to be of sufficient length to increase comfort while still being retractable without interfering with the vehicle floor.

Description

Vehicle seat and leg rest assembly thereof

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to a leg rest for a seat, for use in applications such as in the field of vehicles. In particular, in a first aspect, the present utility model relates to a leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat. In a second aspect, the utility model relates to a vehicle seat comprising the leg rest assembly.

Background

In order to achieve comfort for the vehicle occupant, a leg rest is provided on the vehicle seat to support the occupant's legs. The leg rest is movable between a retracted position in which it is retracted below the seat cushion of the vehicle seat and a deployed position. The leg rest should be set as long as possible (e.g., 160 mm) to maximize support of the occupant's leg for comfort. On the other hand, the vehicle seat should have a small size in view of energy saving so that the vertical distance between the seat cushion portion and the vehicle floor (i.e., the vertical height of the space below the seat cushion portion for accommodating the leg rest) is very small when the vehicle seat is adjusted to the lowest position. In this case, the leg rest cannot be made long enough, otherwise the leg rest may interfere with the vehicle floor, resulting in unretractability.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary prior art leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat to which the leg rest assembly 100 'is to be mounted that moves the leg rest plate 110' between a retracted position and an extended position via a link telescoping mechanism 120 'and a drive mechanism 130'.

WO2023147976A1 discloses another example of a prior art leg rest assembly comprising a length adjustment mechanism having a drive mechanism and a link telescopic mechanism and a tensioning element disposed thereon by which the tensioning element is contracted and expanded to move the leg rest assembly between a retracted position and an extended position.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present utility model is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art leg rest assemblies, namely: the leg rest is maintained at a length sufficient to increase comfort while still being retractable without interfering with the vehicle floor.

According to a first aspect, the present utility model provides a leg rest assembly comprising a leg rest plate configured to be movable (e.g. by rotational movement) between a retracted position in which the leg rest plate is retracted below a seat cushion of a vehicle seat, and an extended position. Unlike the prior art, the leg rest of the present utility model comprises a first plate portion and a second plate portion pivotally connected, wherein in the extended position the first plate portion and the second plate portion are aligned with each other along an angle of about 180 degrees, and in the retracted position the second plate portion is folded relative to the first plate portion.

The present utility model divides the leg rest plate into two plate portions. With this arrangement, in the retracted position, the leg rest has a more compact size for easy retraction under the seat cushion.

According to an embodiment, the first plate portion and the second plate portion are detachably connected to each other. With this arrangement, existing leg rest assemblies can be easily retrofitted.

According to an embodiment, the leg rest assembly further comprises a linkage mechanism comprising: a first link having a first end fixed to a seat cushion portion of the vehicle seat and a second end pivotally connected to a first end of the second link; a second link having a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the third link; a third link having a second end pivotally connected to the lateral rearward end of the first plate portion; a fourth link having a first end pivotally connected to the first plate portion at a laterally intermediate position and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the fifth link; a fifth link having a second end pivotally connected to the first link at an intermediate position, and the third link and the fifth link being pivotally connected to each other at the intermediate position. Thus, the first to fifth links together with the first plate portion constitute a six-bar linkage. Preferably, the leg rest assembly has a linkage on each of the left and right sides. With this arrangement, the leg rest (particularly the first plate portion) is facilitated to move between the retracted position and the extended position.

According to an embodiment, the linkage mechanism further comprises a seventh link having one end pivotally connected to the lateral rear end of the second plate portion and a second end pivotally connected to the fifth link between the first end and the middle of the fifth link. In an embodiment, the seventh link is generally L-shaped with the two legs at an obtuse angle to each other. Preferably, the leg rest assembly has a seventh link on each of the left and right sides. With this arrangement, the second panel section can be pivoted into alignment with the first panel section in the deployed position and pivoted into folding relative to the first panel section in the retracted position by a drive motor. In addition, the leg rest assembly of the present utility model can be easily converted to an existing leg rest assembly by removing the seventh link and the second plate portion. In turn, existing leg rest assemblies can be easily retrofitted by installing the seventh link and the second plate portion.

According to an embodiment, the leg rest assembly further comprises a drive mechanism comprising a rotation tube pivotally connected to the first and second links at their pivotal connection, a push tube secured to the third link between the second and intermediate ends of the third link, the first, second and third drive arms, and a spindle motor secured to the rotation tube (e.g. secured by a mounting bracket) and a screw engaged with the output end of the spindle motor, one end of the screw being pivotally connected to one end of the first drive arm, the other end of the screw being a free end such that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor causes the output end to move along the screw, the other end of the first drive arm being secured to the rotation tube, one end of the second drive arm being secured to the rotation tube, the other end being pivotally connected to one end of the third drive arm, the other end of the third drive arm being secured to the push tube. With this arrangement, as the output of the spindle motor rotates, it moves along the lead screw. Since the spindle motor is fixed to the rotating tube, it is actually the screw that moves relative to the spindle motor. Along with the movement of the screw rod, the first transmission arm rotates to drive the rotating pipe to rotate, then the second transmission arm is driven to rotate, and then the connecting rod mechanism is driven by the third transmission arm and the pushing pipe, so that the leg support plate moves between the retracted position and the unfolding position. In addition, since the spindle motor is fixed to the rotating tube, the spindle motor also rotates along with the rotation of the rotating tube, and the rotary motion of the leg rest is promoted, thereby being beneficial to reducing the moving stroke of the screw rod.

According to a second embodiment, the leg rest assembly further comprises an extension plate which is linearly movable relative to the leg rest plate in the deployed position. With this arrangement, the length of the leg rest can be further increased to improve comfort without affecting retraction of the leg rest.

According to a second embodiment, the extension plate is provided with a guide slot, and the second plate part is correspondingly provided with a slider protruding from the guide slot, which is movable along the guide slot. In particular, two guide grooves extending in the linear movement direction and arranged in a staggered manner are formed on each side of the extension plate. With this arrangement, it is advantageous to guide the linear movement of the extension plate relative to the leg rest plate. Furthermore, by the cooperation of the guide groove and the slider, the stroke of the linear movement can be defined.

According to a second embodiment, the leg rest assembly further comprises an extension plate linear movement motor assembly comprising a spindle motor fixed to the second plate portion and a lead screw engaged with an output end of the spindle motor, one end of the lead screw being fixedly connected to the extension plate and the other end being a free end, such that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor causes the output end to move along the lead screw. By adopting the spindle motor, direct transmission is realized, so that the transmission mechanism occupies smaller volume, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. In addition, by adjusting the length of the lead screw, the adjustment of the extended length of the leg rest can be achieved.

According to another aspect, the present utility model provides a vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion portion and the above-described leg rest assembly.

The leg rest assembly of the present utility model is compact and easy to install and allows the leg rest to be of sufficient length to increase comfort while still being retractable without interfering with the vehicle floor.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present utility model will be explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a prior art leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat in accordance with a first embodiment of the utility model, with the leg rest assembly in a retracted position and with only relevant components shown for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the leg rest assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the leg rest assembly of FIG. 2 mounted to a seat frame with the leg rest assembly in a retracted position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the leg rest assembly of FIG. 2 mounted to a seat frame with the leg rest assembly in a deployed position;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic exploded perspective views from above and below, respectively, of a leg rest assembly according to a first embodiment of the present utility model, with the leg rest assembly in a deployed position;

FIG. 7A is a schematic side view of a leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat in accordance with a second embodiment of the utility model, wherein the leg rest assembly is in a retracted position;

FIG. 7B is a schematic perspective view of the leg rest assembly of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic side view of a leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat in accordance with a second embodiment of the utility model, wherein the leg rest assembly is in a deployed position;

fig. 8B is a schematic perspective view of the leg rest assembly of fig. 8A.

The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals designate like parts.

List of reference numerals

100' Leg rest assembly

110' Leg support plate

120' Linkage mechanism

130' Driving mechanism

100. Leg rest assembly

110. Leg support plate

111. A first plate part

112. A second plate portion

112A slider

113. Extension board

113A guide groove

120. Link mechanism

121. First connecting rod

122. Second connecting rod

123. Third connecting rod

124. Fourth connecting rod

125. Fifth connecting rod

126. Sixth connecting rod

127. Seventh connecting rod

130. Driving mechanism

131. Spindle motor

132. Screw rod

133. Rotary pipe

134. Push tube

135. First transmission arm

136. Second transmission arm

137. Third transmission arm

138. Mounting bracket

160. Extension board linear movement assembly

161. Spindle motor

162. Screw rod

200 Seat cushion part

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present utility model are described below with reference to fig. 2-8B. For ease of description, directional terminology is used below with reference to the orientation of a vehicle seat when installed in a vehicle.

Fig. 2-6B illustrate a leg rest assembly 100 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the leg rest assembly 100 with the leg rest assembly in a retracted position. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the leg rest assembly 100. Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the leg rest assembly 100 mounted to the seat cushion portion 200 of the seat frame with the leg rest assembly in a retracted position. Fig. 5 is a schematic side view of the leg rest assembly 100 mounted to the seat cushion portion 200 of the seat frame with the leg rest assembly in the deployed position. Fig. 6A and 6B are exploded perspective views of the leg rest assembly 100.

As shown in fig. 2-5, the leg rest assembly 100 includes a leg rest plate 110, a linkage mechanism 120, and a drive mechanism. The leg rest 110 is rotatably movable between a retracted position (see fig. 2, 3 and 4) in which the leg rest 110 is retracted below the seat cushion portion 200, and an extended position (see fig. 5 and 6A-6B) by the link mechanism 120 and the driving mechanism 130. The leg rest 110 comprises a first plate portion 111 and a second plate portion 112, which are pivotally and detachably connected to each other. In the extended position, the first and second plate portions 111, 112 are aligned with each other along an angle of about 180 degrees, and in the retracted position, the second plate portion 112 is folded relative to the first plate portion 111.

Fig. 6A and 6B show the link mechanism 120 in detail, which includes: a first link 121, a second link 122, a third link 123, a fourth link 124, a fifth link 125, and a sixth link 126 (served by the first plate portion 111). The first link 121 is fixed at a first end to the seat cushion portion 200 and is pivotally connected at a second end to a first end of the second link 122. The second end of the second link 122 is pivotally connected to the first end of the third link 123. The second end of the third link is pivotally connected to the laterally rearward end of the sixth link 126. The fourth link is pivotally connected at a first end to the sixth link at a laterally intermediate position and at a second end to the first end of the fifth link 125. The second end of the fifth link is pivotally connected to the middle of the first link 121, and the third link 123 and the fifth link 125 are pivotally connected to each other at the middle. Thus, the link mechanism forms a six-link mechanism. As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the leg rest assembly 100 has a linkage 120 on each of the left and right sides. In addition, the linkage 120 includes a seventh link 127 (one on each of the left and right sides) that is generally L-shaped, with the legs of the L-shape being at an obtuse angle to each other. One end of the seventh link 127 is pivotally connected to the lateral rearward end of the second plate portion 112 and the second end is pivotally connected to the fifth link 125 between the first end and the middle of the fifth link 125.

Fig. 6A and 6B also show in detail the driving mechanism 130 including a spindle motor 131, a screw 132, a rotating tube 133, a pushing tube 134, a first transmission arm 135, a second transmission arm 136, and a third transmission arm 137 (see fig. 8B). The spindle motor 131 is fixed to the rotary tube 133 by a mounting bracket 138. The lead screw 132 is engaged with the output end of the spindle motor 131, one end of the lead screw 132 is pivotably connected to one end of the first driving arm 135, and the other end of the lead screw 132 is a free end, so that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor 131 causes the output end to move along the lead screw 132. The rotation pipe 133 is pivotally connected to the first link 121 and the second link 122 at a pivotal connection of the first link 121 and the second link 122. The push tube 134 is fixed to the third link 123 between the second end and the middle of the third link 123. The other end of the first transmission arm 135 is fixed to the rotation pipe 133. One end of the second transmission arm 136 is also fixed to the rotation pipe 133, and the other end is pivotally connected to one end of the third transmission arm 137. The other end of the third transmission arm 137 is fixed to the push pipe 134.

Since the spindle motor 131 is fixed to the rotation tube 133, the screw 132 moves relative to the spindle motor 131 as the output end of the spindle motor 131 rotates. As the screw 132 moves, the first actuator arm 134 coupled to the screw 132 rotates (see fig. 8B), which rotates the rotation tube 133 (and thus the spindle motor 131), which in turn rotates the second actuator arm 136, which is then transferred to the push tube 134 via the third actuator arm 137, which in turn moves the linkage 120, such that the leg rest plate 110 (and in particular the first plate portion 111) moves between the retracted and extended positions. On the other hand, by the seventh link 127, the second plate portion 112 is extended and retracted with respect to the first plate portion 111 as the first plate 111 is extended and retracted, wherein in the extended position the second plate portion 112 is aligned with the first plate portion 111 and in the retracted position the second plate portion 112 is folded with respect to the first plate portion 111.

Fig. 7A-8B illustrate a second embodiment of a leg rest assembly 100. Fig. 7A and 7B are schematic side and perspective views of the leg rest assembly 100 in a retracted position. Fig. 8A and 8B are schematic side and perspective views of the leg rest assembly 100 in the deployed position.

The leg rest assembly 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further comprises an extension plate 113 which is linearly movable in relation to the leg rest plate 110, in particular the second plate portion 112, in the deployed position. As shown in fig. 7B and 8B, the extension plate 113 is opened with a guide groove 113a, and the second plate portion 112 is correspondingly provided with a slider 112a protruding from the guide groove 113a, which is movable along the guide groove 113a. The slider 112a and the guide groove 113 cooperate to function to limit the linear movement distance of the extension plate 113. For smooth movement, in this example, the extension plate 113 is provided with two guide grooves 113a extending in the linear movement direction and arranged in a staggered manner on each side.

In the second embodiment, the linear movement of the extension plate 113 is achieved by direct transmission of the motor. To this end, the leg rest assembly 100 further includes an extension plate linear movement motor assembly 160 including a spindle motor 161 fixed to the second plate portion 112 and a screw 162 engaged with an output end of the spindle motor 161, one end of the screw 162 being fixedly coupled to the extension plate 113, and the other end being a free end, such that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor 161 causes the output end to move along the screw 162, which in turn drives the extension plate 113 to move relative to the second plate portion 112.

In some cases, the features disclosed in this disclosure may be used as such, irrespective of other features. On the other hand, the features disclosed in the present utility model can be combined, when necessary, to provide various combinations.

The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Moreover, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the basic idea of the utility model can be implemented in various ways. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives are possible within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

1. A leg rest assembly for a vehicle seat comprising a leg rest plate configured to be movable between a retracted position in which the leg rest plate is retracted below a seat cushion of the vehicle seat and an extended position in which the leg rest plate comprises first and second pivotally connected plate portions, wherein in the extended position the first and second plate portions are aligned with each other along an angle of about 180 degrees, the second plate portion being folded relative to the first plate portion.

2. The leg rest assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plate portion and the second plate portion are removably connected to one another.

3. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a linkage mechanism comprising: a first link having a first end fixed to a seat cushion portion of the vehicle seat and a second end pivotally connected to a first end of the second link; a second link having a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the third link; a third link having a second end pivotally connected to the lateral rearward end of the first plate portion; a fourth link having a first end pivotally connected to the first plate portion at a laterally intermediate position and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the fifth link; a fifth link having a second end pivotally connected to the first link at an intermediate position, and the third link and the fifth link being pivotally connected to each other at the intermediate position.

4. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the linkage mechanism further comprises a seventh link having one end pivotally connected to the lateral rear end of the second plate portion and a second end pivotally connected to the fifth link between the first end and the middle of the fifth link.

5. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a drive mechanism including a rotation tube pivotally connected to the first and second links at their pivotal connection, a push tube secured to the third link between the second and intermediate ends of the third link, a first drive arm, a second drive arm and a third drive arm, and a spindle motor secured to the rotation tube and a lead screw engaged with the output end of the spindle motor, one end of the lead screw being pivotally connected to one end of the first drive arm, the other end of the lead screw being a free end such that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor causes movement of the output end along the lead screw, the other end of the first drive arm being secured to the rotation tube, one end of the second drive arm being secured to the rotation tube, the other end being pivotally connected to one end of the third drive arm, the other end of the third drive arm being secured to the push tube.

6. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 3 further comprising an extension plate which is linearly movable relative to the leg rest plate in the deployed position.

7. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the extension plate is provided with a guide slot and the second plate portion is correspondingly provided with a slider extending out of the guide slot and being movable along the guide slot.

8. A leg rest assembly as claimed in claim 6 further comprising an extension plate linear movement motor assembly comprising a spindle motor secured to the second plate portion and a lead screw engaged with an output end of the spindle motor, one end of the lead screw being fixedly connected to the extension plate and the other end being free such that rotation of the output end of the spindle motor causes movement of the output end along the lead screw.

9. A vehicle seat characterized by comprising a seat cushion portion and the leg rest assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.