WO2002020301A1

WO2002020301A1 - Quick mounting mechanism and vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: WO2002020301A1
Application number: PCT/FI2001/000784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jaakko Lohjansalo
Original assignee: Oy Tamlans Ab
Priority date: 2000-09-11
Filing date: 2001-09-10
Publication date: 2002-03-14
Also published as: AU2001287760A1; GB2383531A; SE0300640L; SE522276C2; GB2383531B; SE0300640D0; GB0305896D0

Abstract

A car seat and a quick mounting mechanism for mounting a seat releasably onto a vehicle. The mechanism comprises first and second mounting means (3, 4) for releasably mounting the seat onto counterparts (5a, 5b) provided in the vehicle. The first mounting means (3) are fastened immovably to one end of the lever device (6), so that when the lever device (6) is rotated the first mounting means (3) pivot from the locked position to the open position and vice versa. The mechanism further comprises a force element (8), which is located between the frame (1) and the mechanism so that it locks the first mounting means (3) into a locked position.

Description

QUICK MOUNTING MECHANISM AND VEHICLE SEAT

[0001] The invention relates to a quick mounting mechanism for mounting a seat releasably onto a vehicle, the mechanism comprising first and second mounting means for releasably mounting the seat onto counterparts provided in the vehicle, the first mounting means being pivotable from a locked position to an open position and vice versa, a lever device and a swivel, around which the lever device can be pivoted with respect to a seat frame.

[0002] The invention further relates to a vehicle seat, which comprises a seat frame and a bench part. [0003] The prior art teaches vehicle seats that can be releasably mounted onto a vehicle by a quick mounting mechanism. In the present application a seat refers not only to conventional seats but also to beds, tables and stretchers. For example Finnish utility model registration no. 2459 discloses a vehicle seat that can be mounted onto flanges provided in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the quick mounting mechanism for the seat comprising gripping means that lock into the flanges. The gripping means which lock into the first flange comprise a slide element and guide bars placed perpendicularly to one another, which organize the movement of the gripping means in a desired manner. Furthermore, the gripping means that lock into the second flange are movable during the release and mounting and comprise several components. A quick mounting mechanism disclosed in US Patent 5,562,322 comprises movable gripping means only at one edge of the seat. The movable gripping means are provided with bolts, clasps, shafts and hinge pivots. The arrangements disclosed above comprise a plurality of components, which are also movable with respect to one another. This makes the structures complicated and expensive to manufacture, especially considering the safety requirements set for the strength of the mechanisms, for example. Furthermore, as the components wear, the operation of the mechanisms is no longer reliable. [0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new kind of quick mounting mechanism and a vehicle seat with a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0005] The quick mounting mechanism according to the invention is characterized in that the first mounting means are fastened immovably to one end of the lever device, so that when the lever device is rotated the first mounting means are arranged to pivot from the locked position to the open position and vice versa, and that the mechanism comprises a force element, which is located between the seat frame and the quick mounting mechanism so that it turns the first mounting means provided in the counterpart into a locked position. [0006] The vehicle seat according to the invention is characterized in that the seat frame is provided with a quick mounting mechanism according to claim 1.

[0007] The basic idea of the invention is that in order to release or mount the seat it is necessary to move only the first mounting means to an open position or locked position, and that the first mounting means are arranged at one end of the lever device fastened to the seat by means of a swivel, so that when the lever device is rotated the first mounting means pivot from the locked position to the open position and vice versa, and that the mechanism comprises a force element provided between the frame and the lever device so as to secure the first mounting means into the locked position. Further, the idea of a preferred embodiment is that the mechanism also comprises a second lever device, which is arranged to rotate the lever device in order to move the first mounting means. The idea of another preferred embodiment is that the mechanism comprises a locking device and/or securing means, which secure the first mounting means into the locked position. Further, the idea of a third preferred embodiment is that the mechanism comprises two handle parts and can thus be operated both from the front and the back of the seat. The idea of a fourth preferred embodiment is that the seat comprises an integrated 3-point safety belt. [0008] An advantage of the invention is that the mechanism comprises only a few components, which makes the structure reliable, simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The mechanism is easy to use and it automatically locks into corresponding parts provided in the vehicle. The use according to the invention can be arranged both from the front and the back of the seat. The locking device and the securing means further ensure that the seat is securely and firmly locked into the frame of the vehicle. Furthermore, the strength of the mechanism can be easily designed to also fulfil M1 requirements when the seat comprises an integrated 3-point safety belt.

[0009] The invention will be described in greater detail in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention,

Figure 2a is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention in a locked position, Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism shown in Figure 2b in an open position,

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention,

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention,

Figure 5a is a schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention in a locked position, and

Figure 5b is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism shown in Figure 5a in a partly open position. [0010] Figure 1 shows schematically a side view of an embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention. It should be noted herein that the direction of travel of the vehicle is from right to left in all Figures 1 to 5b, and that the direction of sitting on the seats can be either rear- facing or forward-facing. A seat frame 1 is fastened releasably to a vehicle frame 2 by means of first mounting means 3 that are movable with respect to the seat frame 1, and immovable second mounting means 4. The seat frame 1 is provided with a bench part 21 , which is shown only partly in the figure. The vehicle frame 2 is provided with two counterparts that are spaced apart, i.e. a first counterpart 5a and a second counterpart 5b, which move in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the situation shown in the figure, the counterparts 5a and 5b are profile rails, which are embedded in the floor of the vehicle. The mounting means 3 and 4 are fastened to horizontal flanges of the profile rails. In addition to profile rails, the counterparts 5a, 5b can also be formed of for example bars fastened to the vehicle, plate structures often used in ambulances, or other structures known to a person skilled in the art. The mounting means 3 and 4 are hook-like in shape, and the hooks face one another. A lever device 6 is attached to the seat frame 1 by a swivel 7 so as to be pivotable with respect to the frame 1 around the swivel 7. The swivel 7 divides the lever device 6 into two parts or ends: the first end 11 of the lever device is provided with a handle part 15 intended for rotating the lever device 6, and the first mounting means 3 are in turn arranged at the other end 12 of the lever device 6. When the lever device 6 is rotated, the first mounting means 3 pivot around the swivel 7. The lever device 6 extends substantially along the entire seat frame 1. Such a structure is particularly advantageous for example in connection with seats which are arranged as the last, forward- facing row of seats in the direction of travel of the vehicle, so that it is easy to handle the seats via the vehicle's back door. The second mounting means 4 are fastened substantially immovably to the seat frame 1.

[0011] The hooks of the first and the second mounting means 3 and 4 are spaced apart such that when the first mounting means 3 are in the locked position secured to the first counterpart, also the second mounting means 4 are locked to the second counterpart 5b. The mechanism also comprises a force element 8, which is located between a fastening point 9 provided in the seat frame 1 and the first end 11 of the lever device. The force of the force element 8 tends to turn the first mounting means 3 into a locked position. In the embodiment shown in the figure the force element 8 is for example a compressive spring, preferably a gas spring, or the like. Naturally, the force element 8 can also be arranged in the mechanism in some other manner: it can be for example a torsional spring arranged in connection with the swivel 7, or any other force element known per se, which is adapted to turn the first mounting means 3 into the locked position.

[0012] The seat typically comprises a pair of both mounting means 3 and 4 near the sides of the seat frame 1 , which means that two mounting means 3, 4 are locked to the same counterpart 5a, 5b. Each of the pair of first mounting means 3 is preferably arranged to be operated by the same lever device 6.

[0013] In the figure, a continuous line illustrates the locked position of the lever device 6 and the first mounting means 3, and a broken line shows the open position thereof. The leverage produced by the lever device 6 presses the first mounting means 3 against the first counterpart 5a and correspondingly the second mounting means 4 against the second counterpart 5b. Due to the leverage, the compressive force is considerably greater than the nominal force of the force element 8. If the components are designed suitably, namely if the width of the mounting means 3, 4 is increased, the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention fulfils for example the requirements set for an M1-type seat with an integrated 3-point safety belt. [0014] In order to remove the seat from the vehicle, the lever device is turned clockwise and the force generated by the force element is replaced such that the first mounting means 3 pivot around the swivel 7 and the lever device 6 does not press the mounting means 3 and 4 against the counterparts 5a, 5b. When the lever device 6 is rotated even further clockwise, the back of the hook of the first mounting means 3 comes into contact with one edge of the profile forming the first counterpart 5a. When the rotational movement is further continued, the seat frame 1 extends to the right in the situation shown in the figure, so that the bevelled back of the hook of the second mounting means 4 meets the edge of the profile forming the second counterpart 5b and lifts the second mounting means 4 out of the second counterpart 5b. The first mounting means 3 are thereafter lifted from their respective counterpart 5a. It is also possible to first lift the first mounting means 3 from the first counterpart 5a and then lift the second mounting means 4 from the second counterpart 5b, so that the seat is completely detached from the vehicle.

[0015] When the seat is being mounted onto the vehicle, the second mounting means 4 are inserted into the second counterpart 5b, and the lever device 6 is rotated clockwise a suitable distance, and the first mounting means 3 are connected to the first counterpart 5a. Due to the leverage, the force of the force element 8 is most often sufficient to firmly lock the seat to the vehicle. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the locking is further secured by a locking device 10, which locks the lever device 6 in place with respect to the frame 1. The locking device 10 can be any locking device known per se, which can be opened and closed preferably by the handle part 15 simultaneously with the rotation of the lever device 6.

[0016] Figure 2a is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention in a locked position, and Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the same embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention in an open position. The quick mounting mechanism comprises a second lever device 16, which is arranged in the seat frame 1 to be rotated by a second swivel 20. The first end of the second lever device 16 comprises a handle part 15 for operating the mechanism. The second end 19 of the second lever device 16 and the first end 11 of the lever device 6 are designed to match up and to remain substantially immovable against one another while the force element 8 is pulling them together. The force element 8 is for example a torsional spring or some other corresponding force element known per se, and it can also be located between the second lever device 16 and the seat frame 1.

[0017] When the seat is to be removed from the vehicle, the second lever device 16 is rotated clockwise so that its second end 19 pushes the first end 11 of the lever device 6 and forces it to rotate clockwise. The first mounting means 3 pivot clockwise as shown in connection with Figure 1 , which results in a situation shown in Figure 2b. The second end 19 of the second lever device has stopped at a retainer 17 in the first end 11 of the lever device 6, and the seat can thus be removed from the vehicle simply by lifting from the handle part 15. This is one of the advantages of the embodiment: the opening movement is parallel to the direction in which the seat is lifted out of the vehicle, which means that the locking is released and the seat removed from the vehicle by means of only one movement and one grip.

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention. The embodiment is particularly suitable for applications where the space under the seat is limited. The present embodiment differs from those shown in the previous figures in that the force element 8 is a torsional spring arranged on a swivel of the second lever device 16. The operation of the quick mounting mechanism is basically similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a fourth embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention. It should be noted that Figures 4, 5a and 5b do not show the vehicle frame 2 or the bench part 21 in order to simplify the illustration. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 is basically similar to what is shown already in Figures 2a and 2b. However, the lever device 6 is designed differently: the first end 11 of the lever device 6 extends substantially to the other side of the frame 1. It comprises a second handle part 15 arranged at the tip of the first end 11. The quick mounting mechanism thus comprises two handle parts 15, which are placed at opposite sides of the frame 1 from one another. The mechanism can thus be operated both from the front and the back of the seat. This feature makes the seat essentially easier to handle, for example easily removable. The seat can always be removed from the side where the person wishing to remove it is currently situated. Thus, he or she does not have to go to the other side of the seat or to enter the vehicle via some other access in order to reach the handle part 15. [0020] Figure 5a is a schematic side view of a fifth embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism according to the invention in a locked position, and Figure 5b is a schematic side view of the same embodiment of the quick mounting mechanism in a partly open position. The embodiment of the mechanism shown in Figures 5a and 5b corresponds substantially to the one shown in Figures 2a and 2b, excluding securing means 25. The securing means 25 comprise a latch 22, which is fastened rotatably to the seat frame 1. One end of the latch 22, which is opposite to the end fastened to the frame, comprises a gripping head 23 that is curved inwards. The gripping head prevents the lever device 6 from rotating to such an extent that the first mounting means 3 would be released from their counterparts 5a.

[0021] An opener 24 is fastened substantially immovably to the second lever device 16. The outer edge of the opener 24 is an arc arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the second swivel or the second lever device 16. When the second lever device 16 is rotated in order to release the locking of the frame 1 , the opener 24 moves the latch 22, whereafter the gripping head 23 moves to give way to the lever device 6. The seat can now be removed from the vehicle.

[0022] If the lever device 6 rotates for some reason even if the second lever device 16 does not rotate it, the latch 22 prevents the lever device 6 from rotating to such an extent that the first mounting means 3 would be released from their counterparts 5a. This may happen for example if the vehicle collides into something in the direction in which the first mounting means 3 tend to open as a result of the force of collision. [0023] The latch 22 can be provided for example with a spring, the force of which tends to keep the latch 22 in the locked position shown in Figure 5a. The opener 24 replaces the force of the spring and turns the latch 22 to the open position shown in Figure 5b.

[0024] The drawings and the description related thereto are only intended to illustrate the inventive idea. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. Therefore the forms of the mounting means 3, 4 and the counterparts 5a, 5b may also differ from those shown in the figures. The hooks of the mounting means 3, 4 can also be directed away from one another, in which case the rotational movements of the lever devices 6, 16 and the first mounting means 3, and the force of the force element 8 are aimed at opposite directions from what is disclosed above. The securing means 25 can also be implemented in some other manner than shown in Figures 5a and 5b: the essential feature is that if the locking is not released by means of the lever device 6, the securing means 25 prevent the first mounting means 3 from rotating so far that the frame 1 would be detached from the counterparts. The force element 8 can be a spring the operation of which is based on the elasticity of the material, such as a coil spring or a torsion rod, or a gas spring or a combination thereof, or any other corresponding force element known per se.

Claims

1. A quick mounting mechanism for mounting a seat releasably onto a vehicle, the mechanism comprising first and second mounting means (3, 4) for releasably mounting the seat onto counterparts (5a, 5b) provided in the vehicle, the first mounting means (3) being pivotable from a locked position to an open position and vice versa, a lever device (6) and a swivel (7), around which the lever device (6) can be pivoted with respect to a seat frame (1), characterized in that the first mounting means (3) are fastened immovably to one end (12) of the lever device (6), so that when the lever device (6) is rotated the first mounting means (3) are arranged to pivot from the locked position to the open position and vice versa, and that the mechanism comprises a force element (8), which is located between the seat frame (1) and the quick mounting mechanism so that it turns the first mounting means (3) provided in the counterpart into a locked position.

2. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second lever device (16), which is fastened by a second swivel (20) pivotably with respect to the seat frame (1), the second end (19) of the second lever device (16) being arranged to rotate the lever device (6) from the locked position of the first mounting means (3) into the open position and vice versa.

3. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that the mechanism comprises securing means (25), which are arranged to prevent the lever device (6) from rotating towards the open position when the lever device (6) is not being rotated by the second lever device (16).

4. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the securing means (25) comprise a latch (22) fastened rotatably to the frame (1) and arranged to obstruct the movement of the lever device (6), and an opener (24) which is fastened to the second lever device (16) so as to move with it and arranged to move said latch (22) out of the way of the lever device (6) when the second lever device (16) is being operated to release the locking.

5. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the first end (18) of the second lever device (16) is provided with a handle part (15), with which the mechanism is operated.

6. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one end (11) of the lever device (6) is provided with a handle part (15), with which the mechanism is operated.

7. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force element (8) is a spring.

8. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that the force element (8) is a gas spring.

9. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the force element (8) is an extension spring.

10. A quick mounting mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the force element (8) is a compressive spring.

11. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanism comprises a locking device (10), which locks the lever device (6) or the second lever device (16) to the seat frame (1) when the first mounting means (3) are in their locked position.

12. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mounting means (3) are arranged to be operated from the front of the seat.

13. A quick mounting mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mounting means (3) are arranged to be operated from the back of the seat.

14. A vehicle seat, which comprises a seat frame (1) and a bench part (21), characterized in that the seat frame (1) is provided with a quick mounting mechanism according to claim 1.

15. A vehicle seat according to claim 14, characterized in that it is provided with a 3-point safety belt.