EP1687175A1

EP1687175A1 - Vehicle seat, particularly a motor vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: EP1687175A1
Application number: EP04820587A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joachim KÄMMERER; André BÖHM
Original assignee: Keiper GmbH and Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Components GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2003-11-28
Filing date: 2004-11-12
Publication date: 2006-08-09
Also published as: DE10355819B4; WO2005061269A1; US7216915B2; US20060214459A1; DE10355819A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1), particularly a motor vehicle seat, comprising a seat cushion (3) and a backrest (4), which are displaceably and/or detachably connected to the vehicle structure (S). The vehicle seat (1) can be transferred from a design position into at least one other position. The backrest (4) is coupled to the vehicle structure (S) by means of at least one link (12, 14), whereby a pivotal motion of the provided links (12, 14) stipulates, at least in phases, a forward displacement of the backrest (4) causing the vehicle seat (1) to occupy a front position of use.

Description

Vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat

The invention relates to a vehicle seat with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

In a known vehicle seat of this type, the backrest is locked to the C-pillar of the vehicle structure. After releasing the lock, the backrest can be folded forward so that the loading space is enlarged.

The invention is based on the object of improving a vehicle seat of the type mentioned. This object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle seat with the features of claim 1. Advantageous refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

Characterized in that the backrest is articulated to the vehicle structure by means of at least one rocker arm, a pivoting movement of the provided rocker arms at least in phases dictating a forward movement of the backrest, whereby the vehicle seat assumes a front use position, a simple longitudinal adjustment is available which Adjustment options are expanded and thereby the seating comfort is increased without the need for expensive rails, which makes the vehicle seat according to the invention more cost-effective. The backrest can be shifted in one or more phases during which various locks are opened and closed. If the front position is defined as the design position, the pivoting movement of the rocker causes constantly shifting the backrest and thus a transition to a rear use position.

The backrest can, for example, be articulated on the vehicle structure at its upper end by means of an (upper) rocker arm. Particularly clear and unambiguous guidance of the backrest is obtained if the backrest is articulated to the vehicle structure by means of a lower link and an upper link or at least two other four-link links to form a four-link link or if, in addition to the linkage, the backrest is linked relative to the vehicle structure using a sliding element is movably guided. Since occupants who prefer a front use position due to shorter thighs generally also have shorter lower legs, it is advantageous if the transition to the front use position is linked to a reduction in the seat height. For this purpose, the backrest preferably lowers slightly when being pushed forward, to which a lowering movement of the seat cushion is preferably coupled.

Preferably, a first lock is provided which releasably locks the rocker with the vehicle structure or with the backrest or releasably locks the backrest with the seat cushion or the vehicle structure, the backrest being pivotable on the seat cushion after unlocking the first lock, whereby the vehicle seat assumes a floor position , or a table position if the seat cushion does not sink.

A preferred coupling of the movement of the seat cushion to the movement of the backrest is achieved if the seat cushion is articulated on the one hand by means of at least one front rocker on the vehicle structure and on the other hand on the backrest. This articulation of the seat cushion preferably defines a four-bar linkage or another multi-link bar, which is movable upon transition to the floor position - at the latest after releasing a lock - so that the pivoting backrest can lower the seat cushion downwards by means of this four-bar linkage. The multi-joint can also be used so that the seat cushion when transitioning into the front position of use is pushed forward and optionally also forms the four-bar linkage for articulating the backrest.

The vehicle seat can preferably assume a package position in which the seat cushion is folded onto the backrest, so that storage space is made available in front of the vehicle seat. The seat cushion, the backrest rigidly connected to the vehicle structure for this transition, the front rocker and a coupling preferably define a four-bar linkage, by means of which the required movement of the seat cushion is preferably carried out in a defined manner. The coupling can be provided between the front rocker and the seat cushion and can normally be locked to the seat cushion. After unlocking, the front rocker and the coupling can extend relative to one another, whereby the seat cushion folds up with the front end until the top of the seat cushion lies against the backrest when the front rocker and the coupling are in an extended position to one another. The front rocker and the coupling can also assume a different position relative to one another in the package position. The coupling can alternatively be provided between the seat cushion and the backrest, pulling the rear end of the seat cushion along when the seat cushion is folded up until the underside of the seat cushion lies against the backrest.

With each transition to a different position there is preferably only one degree of freedom, and preferably at most one lock must be opened per side of the vehicle seat.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to four exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing and two modifications. Show it

1 is a side view of the first embodiment in the design position,

2 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in the front position of use, 3 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in the bottom position,

4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in the package position,

5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the first modification in the design position,

6 a view corresponding to FIG. 5 in the package position,

7 is a Fig. 1 and 5 corresponding view of the second modification in the design position,

8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7 in the front position of use,

9 is a side view of the second embodiment in the design position,

10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 in the front position of use,

11 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 in the bottom position,

12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 in the package position,

13 is a side view of the third embodiment in the design position,

14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 13 in the front position of use,

15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 13 in the bottom position,

16 is a view corresponding to FIG. 13 in the package position, 17 is a side view of the fourth embodiment in the design position,

FIG. 18 is a view corresponding to FIG. 17 in an intermediate position, and

Fig. 19 is a view corresponding to Fig. 17 in the front position of use.

In the first exemplary embodiment, a vehicle seat 1 has a seat cushion 3 and a backrest 4 for a rear row of seats of a motor vehicle. The orientation of the vehicle seat 1 in the motor vehicle and its normal direction of travel determine the directional information used below. The term seat cushion 3 is to be understood to mean the entire unit with support structure, upholstery and cover. In the following, the design position is first described as one of the two possible use positions.

A front rocker arm 5, which is articulated at its lower, rear end at a first articulation point A on the vehicle structure S of the motor vehicle, is guided obliquely forwards and upwards and articulated at a coupling 7 in the region of the front end of the seat cushion 3. This articulation point is referred to as the second articulation point B. The coupling 7 rests on the underside of the seat cushion 3, is articulated at its rear end at a third articulation point C on the seat cushion 3 and releasably locked to the seat cushion 3 at its front end, which has the second articulation point B. At the rear end of the seat cushion 3, an arm 9 pointing obliquely backwards and upwards is provided, which is articulated at a fourth articulation point D on the backrest 4.

At the lower end of the backrest 4, a lower link 12 is articulated at a fifth articulation point E, by means of which the backrest 4 is articulated at a sixth articulation point F on the vehicle structure S. At its upper end, an upper rocker arm 14 is articulated on the backrest 4 at a seventh articulation point G, by means of which the backrest 4 is detachably articulated at an eighth articulation point H on the vehicle structure S, in the present case with a first lock 16, which rotates the upper one Swing arm 14 around the eighth articulation point H, for example designed as a bolt, is permitted. The articulation point H is provided, for example, on the C-pillar of the motor vehicle. A second lock 18 is provided on the lower rocker 12, for example, which releasably locks the lower rocker 12 with a bolt of the vehicle structure S. The backrest 4 is stabilized by the two locks 16 and 18, which in turn stabilizes the seat cushion 3.

The vehicle seat 1 can be transferred from the design position into a front use position. For this purpose, the second lock 18 is unlocked so that the lower rocker 12 is movable. Between the articulation points E, F, H and G is a

Four-joint defined, by means of which the backrest 4 can be pushed forward and at the same time lowered somewhat. As a rule, the backrest 4 is gripped and pulled forward. A five-bar linkage is also defined between the articulation points A, B, D, E and F, which, however, only acts as a four-bar linkage due to the restricted freedom of movement of the backrest 4. The five-bar linkage - driven by the backrest 4 - pushes the seat cushion 3 forward and also lowers it slightly downwards. The vehicle structure S is preferably designed so that the second lock 18 can lock it again, for example with a further bolt of the vehicle structure S.

Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1 can be transferred from the design position into a flat floor position. For this purpose, the first lock 16 is unlocked so that the backrest 4 can pivot forward and downward about the fifth articulation point E. A further four-bar linkage is defined between the articulation points A, B, D and E, by means of which the backrest 4 presses the seat cushion 3 downward.

Finally, the vehicle seat 1 can be transferred from the design position into a package position. For this purpose, the simple latch lock provided at the second articulation point B is opened, as a result of which the coupling 7 is movable relative to the seat cushion 3. A further four-bar linkage is defined between the articulation points A, B, C and D, which folds up the seat cushion 3 in a defined manner fourth articulation point D allowed. The front rocker 5 and the coupling 7 assume an extended position with respect to one another when the package position is reached.

Unless otherwise described below, a first modification of this corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, which is why the same components have the same reference numerals. The position of the coupling 7 'is essentially changed. The front rocker arm 5 is articulated directly at the second articulation point B 'on the seat cushion 3, while the coupling 7' is arranged in the rear area of the seat cushion 3 instead of the arm and on the one hand with the third articulation point C 'on the seat cushion and on the other hand with the fourth articulation point D' is articulated on the backrest 4. The transition from the design position to the front use position or to the floor position largely corresponds to that of the exemplary embodiment. The package position, however, differs. The coupling 7 'pivots upward, taking the rear end of the seat cushion 3 along the backrest 4. The front rocker 5 ensures that the front end of the seat cushion 3 bears against the foot region of the backrest 4, in the present case the region of the lower rocker 12. In the position reached, the seat cushion 3 folded against the backrest 4 is about 180 ° in relation to the exemplary embodiment arranged rotated.

Unless otherwise described below, a second modification corresponds to the exemplary embodiment and / or the first modification, which is why the same components have the same reference numerals. Essentially, instead of the lower rocker 12, a sliding element 12 'is provided, which is displaceable relative to the vehicle structure S in an inclined guide. The transition to the floor position and the package position, for which the backrest 4 is only pivoted or not moved at all, do not differ. On the other hand, the sliding element 12 'is pushed obliquely downward along the vehicle structure S during the transition to the front use position. By means of this four-bar linkage, the backrest 4 moves forward and slightly downward, and accordingly moves the seat cushion 3 forward. To reinforce the load bearing of the upper rocker 14 in the event of a crash, in further modifications it is provided that in the design position the backrest 4 by means of an additional catch in the area of the upper rocker 14 or a locking hinge in the area of the backrest pivot point or another backrest lock on the upper rocker 14 the vehicle structure S is locked. It is also possible to lock the upper rocker 14 with the backrest 4 for this purpose.

The second exemplary embodiment is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise described below, which is why the same and equivalent components have reference numbers that are 100 higher. The difference between the exemplary embodiments is that no upper swing arm is provided in the vehicle seat 101 of the second exemplary embodiment, which has the advantage that no connection of the backrest 104 to the C-pillar is required, but instead the first lock 116 is attached to the arm 109 and locks this arm 109 to the backrest 104.

As in the first exemplary embodiment, the second lock 118, which is locked with a bolt of the vehicle structure S, unlocks and releases the lower rocker 112 so that the seat cushion 103, which is supported by means of a four-bar linkage, is pivoted by the front rocker 105 and the lower rocker 112 moved forward and down. This four-bar linkage also defines the four-bar linkage for articulating the backrest 104. The first lock 116 keeps the backrest 104 stable in its inclination. The second lock 118 locks in the front position of use with another bolt of the vehicle structure S. To transition to the floor position, the first lock 116 is unlocked and the second lock 118 remains locked, so that the backrest 104 can pivot about the articulation point E while doing so Seat cushion 103 presses down. In the floor position, the first lock 116 can lock with the backrest 104 in another relative position. To transition to the package position, the first lock 116 and the coupling 107 are also unlocked at the articulation point B, with their Help the seat cushion 103 can fold up. Also in the package position, the first lock 116 locks again in another relative position with the backrest 104.

The third exemplary embodiment is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise described below, which is why the same and equivalent components are given reference numerals 200 higher. While the seat cushion 203 of this vehicle seat 201 is in turn articulated on the vehicle structure S by means of a front rocker 205 (and a coupling 207) and on the arm 204 arranged on the rear arm, the four-bar linkage 220 for attaching the backrest 204 is formed separately. A first four-bar linkage 221 is articulated in its center at point E 'at the lower end of the backrest 204 and is locked to it by means of the first lock 216. A second four-link linkage 222 is articulated on the one hand at the front end of the first four-link linkage 221 and on the other hand on the vehicle structure S and locked to the latter by means of the second lock 218.

For the transition to the front use position, the second lock 218 unlocks the four-bar linkage 220, so that the seat cushion 203, which is likewise mounted by means of a four-bar linkage, can be moved forward and downward, the second lock 218 then locking in a different relative position with the vehicle structure S. To transition to the floor position, the first lock 216 is unlocked and the second lock 218 remains locked, so that the backrest 104 can pivot about the point E 'and thereby press the seat cushion 203 downward. In the floor position, the first lock 216 locks in another relative position with the backrest 204. To switch to the package position, the coupling 207 is unlocked, with the aid of which the seat cushion 203 can fold up. The package position is secured by a stretched position of the front rocker 205 and coupling 207. An advantage of this third exemplary embodiment is that no connection of the backrest 204 to the C-pillar is required. The fourth exemplary embodiment is the same as the first exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise described below, which is why the same and equivalent components have reference numerals 300 higher. The backrest 304 of this vehicle seat 301 is still articulated to the vehicle structure S by means of a lockable four-bar linkage, but the arrangement of the transmission members is different. The upper rocker 314 is articulated on the lower end of the backrest 304, while the lower rocker 312 is articulated on the one hand on the upper rocker 314 and on the other hand on the vehicle structure S. The backrest 304 is detachably hinged to the vehicle structure S at the upper end by means of the first lock 316 at the articulation point H ', for example to a bolt which is fixed to the vehicle structure. The second lock 318 locks the lower rocker 312 to the vehicle structure S. The articulation of the seat cushion 303 with the front rocker 305 and arm 309 corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment.

However, the transition to the front use position takes place in two phases. In a first phase, the second lock 318 is unlocked, whereupon the lower end of the backrest 304 moves forward and the seat cushion 303 also moves forward. In the meantime, the upper end of the backrest 304 remains articulated on the vehicle structure S, ie the backrest inclination changes. Now, in a second phase, the first lock 316 is unlocked, so that the upper end of the backrest 304 is also pushed forward, as a result of which the seat cushion 303 is lowered and the original backrest inclination is restored. The first lock 316 can then lock again with the vehicle structure S, for example with another bolt that is fixed to the vehicle structure. The floor position and the package position can be achieved in accordance with the other exemplary embodiments. In particular, for the package position, a coupling which is releasably locked with the seat cushion 303 is again provided, which allows the seat cushion 303 to be folded up after unlocking. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1, 101, 201, 301 vehicle seat 3, 103, 203, 303 seat cushion

4, 104, 204, 304 backrest

5, 105, 205, 305 front rocker 7, 7 ', 107, 207 coupling

9, 109, 209, 309 arm 12, 112, 312 lower swing arm

12 'sliding element

14, 314 upper rocker

16, 116, 216, 316 first lock

18, 118, 218, 318 second lock 220 four-bar

221 first four-link linkage

222 second four-link swing arm

223 third four-link swing arm

A first articulation point (between front swing arm and vehicle structure) B, B 'second articulation point (between front swing arm and coupling)

C, C third articulation point (between coupling and seat cushion)

D, D 'fourth articulation point (between arm / coupling and backrest)

E, E 'fifth articulation point (between backrest and lower swing arm)

F sixth articulation point (between lower arm and vehicle structure) G seventh articulation point (between backrest and upper arm)

H, H 'eighth articulation point (between upper swing arm and vehicle structure)

S vehicle structure

Claims

claims

1. Vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat, with a seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) and a backrest (4; 104; 204; 304), which are movably and / or detachably connected to the vehicle structure (S), the vehicle seat (1; 101; 201; 301) can be transferred from one design position to at least one other position, characterized in that the backrest (4; 104; 204; 304) by means of at least one rocker arm (12, 14; 112; 221, 222, 223; 312, 314) is articulated to the vehicle structure (S), with a pivoting movement of the provided rockers (12, 14; 112; 221, 222, 223; 312, 314) at least in phases displacing the backrest (4; 104, 204 ; 304) specifies to the front, whereby the vehicle seat (1; 101; 201; 301) assumes a front use position.

2. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the backrest (4; 304) by means of a lower rocker (12; 312) and an upper rocker (14; 314) or at least two other rockers (105, 112; 221, 222, 223) is articulated to the vehicle structure (S) to form a four-bar linkage (E, F, H, G).

3. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that in addition to the rocker (14), the backrest (4) by means of a sliding element (12 ') is movably guided relative to the vehicle structure (S).

4. Vehicle seat according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the backrest (4; 104, 204; 304) lowers slightly when pushed forward.

5. Vehicle seat according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a first lock (16; 116; 216; 316) is provided, which the rocker (14; 221) detachably with the vehicle structure (S) or with the backrest ( 204) or the backrest (104; 304) is releasably locked to the seat cushion (103) or the vehicle structure (S), wherein after unlocking the first lock (16; 116; 216; 316), the backrest (4; 104; 204; 304) on the Seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) can be pivoted, as a result of which the vehicle seat (1; 101; 201; 301) assumes a floor position.

6. Vehicle seat according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) on the one hand by means of at least one front rocker (5; 105; 205; 305) on the vehicle structure (S) and on the other the backrest (4; 104; 204; 304) is articulated.

7. Vehicle seat according to claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the transition of the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) defines a four-bar linkage (A, B, D, E) by means of which the pivoting backrest ( 4; 104; 204; 304) lowers the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) downwards.

8. Vehicle seat according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the transition to the front use position, the articulation of the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) defines a multi-joint (A, B, D, E, F) which defines the seat - Push the cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) forward.

9. Vehicle seat according to claim 2 and 8, characterized in that the multi-joint also defines the four-bar linkage for the backrest (104).

10. Vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the front rocker (5; 105; 205; 305) on one with the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) detachable lockable coupling (7; 107; 207) is articulated.

11. Vehicle seat according to claim 10, characterized in that for a transition of the vehicle seat (1; 101; 201; 301) in a package position, the coupling (7; 107; 207) can be unlocked and the seat cushion (3; 103; 203; 303) can be folded up using the four-bar linkage (A, B, C, D) thus formed, whereupon the front rocker (5; 105; 205; 305) and the coupling (7; 107; 207) in particular assume an extended position with respect to one another when the package position is reached.

12. Vehicle seat according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the seat cushion (3) is articulated by means of a coupling (7 ') on the backrest (4), the seat cushion for a transition of the vehicle seat (1) into a package position (3) can be folded onto the backrest (4) by means of the four-bar linkage (A, B ', C, D') thus formed.