WO2016091188A1

WO2016091188A1 - Vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: WO2016091188A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/097018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephane LY
Original assignee: Faurecia (China) Holding Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-12-10
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2016-06-16

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat (1) comprises a seat bottom, a seat back, and an optical system (2). The optical system (2) includes a first light inlet (3) coupled to the seat back and oriented to face in a forward direction towards a front of the seat bottom and a light outlet (4) coupled to a rear side of the seat back to face in a rearward direction away from the seat back and seat bottom. The optical system (2) is configured to communicate light received from the first light inlet (3) out of the light outlet (4).

Description

VEHICLE SEAT

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to Chinese Application No. 241410749702. X, filed December 10, 2014, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, and particularly to a vehicle seat including a seat bottom and a seat back. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat including a seat bottom, a backrest, and a headrest.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, a vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a front side arranged to face toward an occupant of the vehicle seat and an opposite back side arranged to face away the occupant of the vehicle seat.

In illustrative embodiments, the vehicle seat further includes an optical system coupled to the seat back. The optical system is configured to provide means for communicating a forward sight picture experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat to a passenger located behind the vehicle seat so that motion sickness experienced by the passenger is minimized.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system includes a light inlet and a light outlet. The light inlet is located on the surface of the seat back and arranged to face toward a front of the vehicle seat to receive the forward sight picture. The light outlet is coupled to the rear surface of the vehicle seat and is configured to communicate the forward sight picture to the passenger.

In illustrative embodiments, the light outlet is spaced apart longitudinally from the light inlet. The optical system is configured change a propagation orientation of light associated with the forward sight picture entering into the light inlet so that the light is emitted from the light outlet. The propagation orientation of the light entering into the light inlet is changed by the optical system to allow the rear passenger to see the light which is blocked by the seat back through the light outlet so that the passenger may have better forward visibility and motion sickness is minimized.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system further comprises one or more optical elements (e.g., mirrors, lens, or prisms) . The optical elements are configured adjust the propagation orientation of the light passing through the optical system. In illustrative embodiments, the optical elements are two plane mirrors arranged to reflect light associated with the forward sight picture. One of the plane mirrors is oriented towards the light outlet at an angle and the other plane mirror oriented towards the light inlet at an angle.

In illustrative embodiments, the two plane mirrors are arranged to face toward one another. An angle between the surfaces of the two plane mirrors and one of the front and rear surfaces of the seat back is in a range from about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees.

In illustrative embodiments, the one or more optical elements are first and second spherical mirrors. One of the spherical mirrors is oriented towards the light outlet. The other spherical mirror is oriented towards the light inlet at an angle.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system includes two groups of optical elements (e.g., mirrors, lens, or prisms) . The two groups of optical elements symmetrically distributed with respect to a vertical central axis of the seat back.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system further includes optical-element brackets configured to adjust an orientation of the optical elements. In illustrative embodiments, each optical element is fixed to an associated optical-element bracket to move therewith in response to movement of the optical-element bracket.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system further comprises adjustable bases configured to adjust the displacement of the optical elements. The optical-element bracket is coupled to an associated adjustable based to move therewith.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system further comprises an anti-dazzle device arranged on a light path of the at least one group of optical elements. In illustrative embodiments, the anti-dazzle device is an anti-dazzle film which covers the optical elements.

In illustrative embodiments, the optical system further comprises at least one cover for covering the light inlet and/or light outlet. The at least one cover is configured to block selectively use of the optical system by the passenger.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and an optical system configured to receive light associated with a forward sight picture and communicate the light to a passenger behind the vehicle seat as suggested in Fig. 2；

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing a passenger viewing the forward sight picture associated with an occupant of the vehicle seat as a result of the optical system communicating light around the seat back to the passenger；

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing how the optical system of Fig. 1 is configured to provide the forward sight picture through a single light inlet coupled to a right side of the seat back；

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the vehicle seat of Fig. 1 showing how light associated with the forward sight picture is received in the light inlet and communicated around the seat back to a light out let which emits the light to the passenger；

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the optical system of Figs. 1 and 4；

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view a second embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that the vehicle seat includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and an optical system including two light inlets configured to receive light associated with a forward sight picture and communicate the light to a passenger behind the vehicle seat；

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of an optical system in accordance with the present disclosure；

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of an optical system in accordance with the present disclosure；[0025]Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth embodiment of an optical system in accordance with the present disclosure；

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present disclosure that is configured to provide a forward sight picture to each rear passenger；

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present disclosure that is configured to provide a forward sight picture to each rear passenger；

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present disclosure that is configured to provide a forward sight picture to each rear passenger；

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present disclosure that is configured to provide a forward sight picture to each rear passenger；

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that light inlet is coupled to a headrest to pivot between an opened position and a closed position as shown in Fig. 15；

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 showing the light inlet in the closed position that minimizes a size of the optical system when the optical system is not in use；

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of the vehicle seat of Figs. 14 and 15；

Figs. 17 and 18 are a series of views showing a seating system which may be arranged in a forward-visibility mode as suggested in Fig. 17 and reconfigured in a conversation mode as suggested in Fig. 18；

Fig. 17 is a view similar to Fig. 12 showing both optical systems of each front vehicle seat arranged in a forward-visibility mode in which the forward sight picture is communicated to each rear passenger；

Fig. 18 is a view similar to Fig. 17 showing the seating system in the conversation mode in which portions of each optical system have been moved so that the other rear passenger is viewable by the other rear passenger；

Fig. 19 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure arranged in a vanity-mirror mode in which an light inlet has been rotated to cause the rear passenger to be able to view his own image when looking at the light outlet；

Figs. 20 and 21 are a series of diagrammatic views of another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing that an optical system includes a movable light-input panel that includes a mirrored surface on a first side for use when the optical system is in a forward-visibility mode as suggested in Fig. 20 and an electronic display on an opposite side for use when the optical system is in an entertainment mode as suggested in Fig. 21；

Fig. 20 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle seat including an optical system arranged in a forward-visibility mode；

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig. 20 showing the optical system arranged in an entertainment mode in response to moving the light-input panel to cover the light output；

Fig. 22 is a another embodiment of a vehicle seat including an optical system that provides a forward-visibility mode and electronic display coupled to a backrest to provide the entertainment mode at the same time；

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure showing the vehicle seat includes an optical system includes a movable light-input panel that includes a mirrored surface on a first side and a portable electronic device holder on an opposite second side and showing the optical system in an entertainment mode in which the light-input panel blocks the light output；

Fig. 24 is a top plan view of the vehicle seat of Fig. 23；

Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 23 showing the optical system in a forward-visibility mode after the movable light-input panel has been moved away from the light output and suggesting that a portable electronic device retained in the portable electronic device holder is viewable by another rear passenger；

Fig. 26 is a view similar to Fig. 25 showing the optical system in the forward-visibility mode； and

Fig. 27 is a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a vehicle seat showing that the vehicle seat includes an optical system arranged in a forward-visibility mode and a portable electronic device has been coupled to the headrest in line with the light outlet to allow a rear passenger to see a larger portion of the forward sight picture while viewing the portable electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of a vehicle seat 1 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 1-5. Vehicle seat 1 includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and an optical system 2. Optical system 2 is coupled to vehicle seat 1 and configured to provide means for communicating light associated with a forward sight picture experienced by an occupant of the vehicle seat around the seat back to a passenger located behind the vehicle seat so that motion sickness experienced by the passenger is minimized. A second embodiment of an optical system 102 in accordance with the present disclosure is suggested in Fig. 6. A third embodiment of an optical system 202 is shown in Fig. 7. A fourth embodiment of an optical system 302 is shown in Fig. 8. A fifth embodiment of an optical system 402 is shown in Fig. 9.

Vehicle seat 1 includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a backrest 20 and a headrest 30. Backrest 20 is coupled to the seat bottom to move relative to the seat bottom. Headrest 30 is coupled to backrest 20 in spaced-apart relation to the seat bottom to locate backrest 20 therebetween. In some examples, backrest 20 and headrest 30 are a monolithic component. Vehicle seat 1 further includes optical system 2 which is configured to communicate light associated with the forward sight picture of the occupant sitting in vehicle seat 1 around the seat back to a passenger located behind vehicle seat 1 as shown in Fig. 2.

Optical system 2 includes a light inlet 3 and a light outlet 4 as shown in Fig. 4. During use, light associated with the forward sight picture travels along a light propagation path 40 by entering light inlet 3, traveling through a hollow cavity 5 formed in headrest 30 as suggested in Fig. 4, and exiting through light outlet 4. Optical system 2 changes a propagation of the light from an original propagation associated with the forward sight picture as the light passes through optical system 2.

Light inlet 3 is coupled to the seat back and arranged to face away from the passenger toward a front of the vehicle. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, light inlet 3 is coupled to a right side of headrest 30. However, light inlet 3 may be coupled to headrest 30 or backrest 20 and located at any location (e.g., left side, right side, or above) so that light associated with forward sight picture enters light inlet 3 when the occupant is in vehicle seat 1. Light inlet 3 is located in spaced apart relation above the seat bottom. In one example, light inlet 3 is aligned with a forward looking sight line of the passenger so that the light associated with the forward sight picture is similar to or matches the sight picture of the passenger if vehicle seat 1 and the occupant were not present.

Light outlet 4 is coupled to the seat back and arranged to face away from the front of the vehicle toward the passenger. In one example, light outlet 4 is coupled to a rear surface of headrest 30. In one example, light outlet is aligned with a forward looking sight line of the passenger so that neck and eye strain of the passenger is minimized. Light outlet 4 is configured to lie in spaced apart longitudinal relation to the passenger a distance. In one example, the distance is about 500 mm. However, any other suitable distance may be used.

As shown in Fig. 4, headrest 30 includes a head supporting area 6 on a front surface of headrest 30. Light inlet 3 is located in spaced-apart lateral relation to head supporting area 6 so that light associated with the forward sight picture is not interrupted or blocked by a head of the occupant. Head supporting area 6 has a length as measured in a lateral direction of greater than or equal to about 200 mm so as to completely support the head of the occupant. Light inlet 3 has a length as measured in the later direction that is smaller than or equal to about 100 mm. Smaller light inlets may minimize interaction with the occupant’s head during use of vehicle seat 1. In one illustrative example, headrest has an overall length measured in the lateral direction of about 300 mm. Light outlet 4 has a length measured in the lateral direction of about 300 mm and may be limited to the overall length of headrest 30. Larger light outlet 4 maximizes the forward sight picture communicated to the passenger.

Headrest 30 may have a width less than or equal to 200 mm in a longitudinal direction. Width of headrest 30 is constrained by the desire to provide a suitable size for hollow cavity 5 while minimizing an overall size of headrest 30.

Optical system 2 further includes two groups of

optical elements

11 and 12 as shown in Fig. 5.

Optical elements

11 and 12 and located between light inlet 3 and light outlet 4 and are located in hollow cavity 5. As shown in Fig. 5, optical element 11 and optical element 12 are plane mirrors. Plane mirrors 11 and 12 are arranged to lie in spaced-apart generally parallel face-to-face relation to one another. First plane mirror 11 is oriented towards light inlet 3 and second plane mirror 12 is oriented toward light outlet. An angle formed between reflective surfaces of plane mirrors 11 and 12 and a surface of headrest 30 is in a range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees.

In one example, a horizontal distance between first plane mirror 11 and second plane mirror 12 is less than about 30cm. In another example, the horizontal distance is less than about 25 cm. Optical system 2 is configured to receive the incident light associated with the forwards sight picture from light inlet 3, bounce the light off plane mirrors 11 and 12, and out through light outlet 4. As a result, the rear passenger is provided with forward visibility which is otherwise blocked by the seat back of vehicle seat 1.

A vehicle includes front vehicle seat 1 and a rear vehicle seat located in spaced-apart longitudinal relation to front vehicle seat 1 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Headrest 30 and backrest 20 blocks a portion of the rear passenger’s sight picture as a result of rectilinear propagation of light blocking a portion of forward sight picture S as suggested in Fig. 2.

As shown in Fig. 3, the first plane mirror 11 of the optical system 2 reflects a point A, for example, 5 m away from a first side 15 of second plane mirror 12, and reflects a point B, for example, 5 m away to a second side 16 of second plane mirror 12. The reflected views of both A and B then reflected off second plane mirror 12 through light outlet 4 which allow the rear passenger to see a visible forward sight picture S’ from the light outlet 4. The size, shape, and amount of visible forward sight picture S’ may be changed by adjusting the angle between first plane mirror 11 and second plane mirror 12 and the relative position of first plane mirror 11 to second plane mirror 12.

In one example, first plane mirror 11 and second plane mirror 12 are rectangle plane mirrors having a dimension smaller than that of headrest 30. Any other suitable shape and size of the plane mirrors may be used. Plane mirrors having longer lengths provide for greater transverse views to the rear passenger. Plane mirrors having longer widths provide for grater longitudinal views of the rear passenger.

First plane mirror 11, second plane mirror 12, and the schematic of changing the propagation path of the distanced light by the first plane mirror 11 and the second plane mirror 12 are shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 4, β is a reflex angle of a first time total reflection of light after radiating on the first plane mirror 11 through the light inlet 3. α is a reflex angle of a second time total reflection of the light after being reflected to second plane mirror 12 from first plane mirror 11. θ is an angle between the path orientation of this light directly radiating to the rear passengers and the path orientation of this light radiating to the rear passenger after reflecting through the optical system. The angles of the two propagation paths are provided by the formula: 2α＝2β+θ. When these angles are provided, light may be reflected to the rear passengers so that the rear passengers may see the light originally block by the headrest of the front vehicle seats.

Two vehicle seats in accordance with the present disclosure may be used as a front row of vehicle seats. In this example, a second row of vehicle seats located behind the first row of vehicle seats may use optical systems included in each of the first row vehicle seats to provide forward sight pictures for each rear passenger. In one example as shown in Fig. 10, light inlets for each optical system may be located on a left side of the front vehicle seat when looking forward from the rear vehicle seat. In another example as shown in Fig. 11, light inlets for each optical system may be located on a right side of the front vehicle seat when looking forward from the rear vehicle seat. In another example as shown in Fig. 12, one light inlet may be located on a left side of a left front vehicle seat while the other light inlet may be located on a right side of a right front vehicle seat. In another example as shown in Fig. 13, one light inlet may be located on a right side of a left front vehicle seat while the other light inlet may be located on a left side of a right front vehicle seat.

A second embodiment of an optical system 102 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 6. Optical system 102 includes two light inlets 103 and 103’ and a light outlet 104. Each light inlet 103, 103’ is located in spaced-apart symmetric relation to a vertical central axis of the seat back. Light inlets 103, 103’ are oriented toward a front of the vehicle. Both light inlets 103, 103’ are located in spaced-apart relation above the seat bottom to align with a forward looking sight line of the passenger so that the light associated with the forward sight picture is similar to or matches the sight picture of the passenger if vehicle seat 1 and the occupant were not present. Each light inlet is configured to have a large opening so as to maximize light captured by optical system 102.

Light outlet 104 of optical system 102 is arranged on a central portion of headrest 30 of backrest 20 and oriented towards the rear passenger. In one example, light outlet 104 is aligned with a forward looking sight line of the passenger so that neck and eye strain of the passenger is minimized. In one example, light outlets in accordance with the present disclosure may have a rectangular shape, oval shape, a shape which is similar to the front windshield, or any other suitable alternative.

Optical system 102 includes two groups of optical elements located in hollow cavity 5 of headrest 30. The two groups of optical elements are located symmetrically relative to the vertical central axis of the backrest 20. In one example, the optical elements are plane mirrors with each group including two plane mirrors. One plane mirror of each group is oriented towards one of light inlets 103, 103’ . The other plane mirror of each group is oriented towards the light outlet 104. The dimensions and installation angles used for plane mirrors 11 and 12 may be used with optical system 102. Each first plane mirror is respectively used for receiving an incident light entering into the corresponding light inlet 103, 103’ and reflecting the incident light to the second plane mirror. The incident light is then emitted from light outlet 104 through the second plane mirror to the rear passengers so that the rear passenger may see the light originally blocked by the headrest of the front vehicle seat.

Propagation paths

40 and 50 show example paths light may travel through optical system 102.

Optical system 202 is shown, for example, in Fig. 7. An exemplary light-propagation path associated with optical system 202 is shown in Fig. 7. Optical system 202 includes

optical elements

213, 214, 215 in the form of spherical mirrors, particularly concave mirrors. Inlet

spherical mirrors

213, 214 are arranged symmetrically relative to the vertical central axis of backrest 20. Inlet

spherical mirrors

213, 214 are oriented toward one of the associated light inlets. Outlet spherical mirror 215 is oriented towards the light outlet. In this example, outlet spherical mirror 215 is shared between first and second inlet spherical mirrors 213, 214. Each inlet

spherical mirror

213, 214 receives the incident light from the corresponding light inlet and reflects the incident light to the outlet spherical mirror 215. The incident light is then emitted from the light outlet though the outlet spherical mirror 215 to provide the forward sight picture to the rear passenger. Point F is the focus. In one example, the focus F is on a center line of the light outlet.

Optical system 302 is shown, for example, in Fig. 8. An exemplary light-propagation path associated with optical system 302 sis shown in Fig. 7. Optical system 302 includes optical elements 313, 314, 315 in the form of spherical mirrors. Inlet spherical mirrors 313, 314 are, for example, concave mirrors. Outlet spherical mirror 315 is, for example, a convex mirror. Spherical mirrors 313, 314, 315 are arranged symmetrically relative to the vertical central axis of the backrest 20. Inlet spherical mirrors 313, 214 are arranged symmetrically relative to the vertical central axis of backrest 20. Inlet spherical mirrors 313, 314 are oriented toward one of the associated light inlets. Outlet spherical mirror 315 is oriented towards the light outlet. In this example, outlet spherical mirror 315 is shared between first and second inlet spherical mirrors 313, 314. Each inlet spherical mirror 313, 314 receives the incident light from the corresponding light inlet and reflects the incident light to the outlet spherical mirror 315. The incident light is then emitted from the light outlet though the outlet spherical mirror 315 to provide the forward sight picture to the rear passenger. Point F is the focus. In one example, the focus F is on a center line of the light outlet.

Optical system 402 is shown, for example, in Fig. 9. Optical system 402 includes

optical elements

421, 422, 423, and 424 and shown in Fig. 9.

Optical elements

421, 422, 423, 424 are prisms, and particularly triple prisms.

Optical elements

421, 422, 423, 424 are arranged symmetrically relative to the vertical central axis of the backrest 20. One surface of

inlet prisms

421, 423 is is oriented towards one of the light inlet at an angle. One surface of

outlet prisms

422, 424 oriented towards the light outlet at an angle. One surface 31 of inlet prism 421 is arranged in spaced-apart generally parallel relation to a surface 32 of outlet prism 422. One surface 33 is arranged in spaced-apart generally parallel relation a surface 34 of outlet prism 424. As a result of the parallel arrangement of surfaces, the incident light is emitted from the light inlets, through the surface of the inlet prisms and the surface of the outlet prisms after refraction. Prisms may be used to minimize issues associated with the passenger seeing double images in the light outlet.

An optical system in accordance with the present disclosure may further comprise an optical element bracket for supporting the optical element. The optical element bracket comprises a frame and a pivot element connected with each other. The pivot element is, for example, a pivot, a hinge, a transfer bar, or any other suitable alternative. The optical element is coupled to the frame to move therewith. The pivot element interconnects the frame to the headrest to cause the frame and optical element to move relative to the headrest. Movement of the pivot element causes the optical element and frame to move together to change the orientation of the optical element relative to the headrest.

An optical system in accordance with the present disclosure may further includes a stop block. The stop block may limit a range of movement of the optical element bracket in order to block movement of the optical element beyond a point in which incident light cannot be communicated from the light inlet to the light outlet.

The optical system may also include an adjustable base. The adjustable base may be used to change a displacement of the optical elements. The optical element brackets are coupled to the adjustable base to slide relative to the adjustable base so that the position of the optical elements in the hollow cavity may be changed.

An optical system in accordance with the present disclosure may further include an anti-dazzle device. The anti-dazzle device is located, for example, on the light path of the optical elements. In one example, the anti-dazzle device is an anti-dazzle film coupled to the optical elements.

In addition, an anti-dazzle device is provided on the light path of at least one group of optical elements of the optical system, such as an anti-dazzle film which covers the optical elements.

In another embodiment, semi-transparent mirrors may be used as optical elements of the optical system. In one example, input mirrors may be semi-transparent so as to provide the forward sight picture via the optical output while allowing for the rear passenger to see through the semi-transparent mirrors maximizing existing forward visibility for the rear passenger.

In another example, hollow cavity 5 may be evacuated of gas or atmosphere to maximize precision and light propagation. In another example, hollow cavity 5 may be filled with a gas and sealed to maximize precision and light propagation.

An optical system in accordance with the present disclosure may further includes at least one cover for covering one or both of the light inlet (s) and light outlet. The at least one cover allows for selective use of the optical system by the occupant or passenger.

In another embodiment, the backrest of the vehicle seat is formed to include a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity is in communication with light inlets and a light outlet. The light inlets of the optical system are arranged on two lateral sides of the backrest and oriented towards the front of the vehicle seat. The light inlets are configured to receive light entering into the front of the vehicle. The optical system includes optical elements located in the hollow cavity configured to communicate the light around the backrest to the light outlet so that forward visibility of the rear passenger is maximized.

In another embodiment, the backrest of the vehicle seat has a headrest integrated with the backrest. Both the backrest and the headrest are arranged with an optical system having a hollow cavity communicating with light inlets and a light outlet. Therein, the light inlets of the optical system are arranged on two lateral sides of the headrest and oriented towards the front of the seat for receiving the light entering into the front. An optical system same or similar with the one in the first, second, third, fourth or fifth embodiment is arranged in the hollow cavity, for reflecting or refracting the incident light from the light inlets and emit it from the light outlet after multiple times of reflecting or refracting, so that the rear passenger can get a forward visibility.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 14-16. An optical system included in the vehicle seat includes a light inlet arranged to pivot about a vertical axis between an opened position as shown in Fig. 14 and a closed position as shown in Fig. 15. When the optical system is in use, the light inlet is rotated away from the headrest to cause light associated with the forward sight picture to be communicated around the headrest and through a light outlet. When the optical system is not in use, the light inlet is rotated toward the headrest to block light from being communicated around the headrest. As a result, a size of the optical system is minimized and unintended reflections are minimized. In one example, movement of the light inlet may be manual or motorized. During manual movement, the light inlet may be indexed or biased into one of the opened or closed position to minimize error in moving the light inlet between the opened and closed positions.

Another embodiment of a seating system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. The seating system includes a front of vehicle seat and a rear row of vehicle seats. Each vehicle seat in the front row includes an optical system. The seating system may be arranged to be in one of a forward-visibility mode as shown in Fig. 17 and a conversation mode as shown in Fig. 18. When the seating system is in the forward-visibility mode, both rear passengers are provided with independent and separate forward sight pictures. When the seating system is in the conversation mode, each rear passenger is able to view the other rear passenger by looking straight ahead toward the front vehicle seat directly in front of the rear passenger. The seating system moves from the forward-visibility mode to the conversation mode by rotating the outer light inputs relative to the vehicle seats toward the inner light inputs. In one example, movement of the light inlets may be manual or motorized. During manual movement, the light inlets may be indexed or biased into one of the forward-visibility modes or conversation modes to minimize error and maximize simplicity when changing configurations of the optical system.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 19. The vehicle seat includes an optical system which may be arranged in one of several different modes of operation. The optical system is arranged in a vanity-mirror mode in Fig. 19. A light inlet included in the optical system is rotated toward the light outlet to cause the rear passenger to be able to view his own image when looking at the light outlet. In one example, movement of the light inlet may be manual or motorized. During manual movement, the light inlet may be indexed or biased into vanity mode to minimize error in moving the light inlet and maximize simplicity when changing configurations of the optical system.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure includes an optical system as shown in Figs. 20 and 21. The optical system includes a movable light-input panel that is movable between a forward-visibility mode as shown in Fig. 21 and an entertainment mode as shown in Fig. 20. The light-input panel is coupled to a headrest of the vehicle seat by a movement linkage. The movement linkage cooperates with the headrest and the light-input panel to establish a four-bar mechanism as shown in Figs. 20 and 21.

The light-input panel includes a mirrored surface on a first side for use when the optical system is in the forward-visibility mode as suggested in Fig. 20 and an electronic display on an opposite side for use when the optical system is in an entertainment mode as suggested in Fig. 21. The optical system moves from the forward-visibility mode to the entertainment mode by moving the light-input panel towards a light output to cause the light-input panel to block the light output and locate the electronic display in a view path of the rear passenger.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 22. The vehicle seat includes an optical system that provides a forward-visibility mode and an electronic display that is located in spaced-apart vertical relation to the light output. As shown in Fig. 22, the electronic display is coupled to a backrest of the vehicle seat and is configured to allow use of the electronic display when the optical system is in the forward-visibility mode.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 23-26. The optical system includes a movable light-input panel that is movable between an entertainment mode as shown in Figs. 23 and 24 and simultaneous-use mode as shown in Figs. 25 and 26. The light-input panel is coupled to a headrest of the vehicle seat by a movement linkage. The movement linkage cooperates with the headrest and the light-input panel to establish a four-bar mechanism as shown in Figs. 23-26.

The light-input panel includes a mirrored surface on a first side for use when the optical system is in the simultaneous-use mode as suggested in Figs. 25 and 26. A device holder is coupled to an opposite side of the light-input panel and is configured to receive and retain a portable electronic device therein. When the optical device is in the entertainment mode, the light-input panel has moved towards a light output to cause the light-input panel to block the light output and locate the light-input panel and portable electronic device in a view path of the rear passenger. When the optical device is in the simultaneous-use mode, the light-input panel rotates away from the light output to cause the forward sight picture to be provided to the rear passenger and the portable electronic device to be viewable by one or both rear passengers.

Another embodiment of a vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 28. The vehicle seat includes an optical system and a portable electronic device holder coupled to the headrest in a fixed position relative to the headrest. In one example of use, a rear passenger has arranged the optical system in the forward-visibility arrangement and coupled a portable electronic device to the portable electronic device holder to cause the portable electronic device to be in line with the light outlet to allow a rear passenger to see a larger portion of the forward sight picture while viewing the portable electronic device.

When driving in a vehicle, a front occupant of a vehicle seat has access to a forward sight picture provided by the windshield and side windows of the vehicle. Rear passengers have portions of the forward sight picture blocked by the seat back of the occupant’s vehicle seat. Because portions of the forward sight picture are blocked, the rear passenger may feel uncomfortable and experience increased incidents of motion sickness due to the passenger’s eyeballs absorbing less light from the forward sight picture. A size and shape of the seat back may be configured to minimize impact on the rear passengers access to the forward sight picture. A vehicle seat in accordance with the present disclosure may increase a size of the seat back so as to accommodate an optical system which communicates light associated with the forward sight picture around the seat back.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

Clause 1. A vehicle seat comprising

a seat bottom,

a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend away from the seat bottom, and

an optical system including a first light inlet coupled to the seat back and oriented to face in a forward direction towards a front of the seat bottom and a light outlet coupled to a rear side of the seat back in spaced-apart longitudinal relation to the light inlet, and arranged to face in a rearward direction away from the seat back and seat bottom,

wherein the optical system is configured to provide means for communicating light received into the first light inlet around the seat back and out of the light outlet.

Clause 2. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes a first optical element arranged to face toward the first light inlet and a second optical element arranged to face toward the light outlet.

Clause 3. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first optical element is a first plane mirror and second optical element is a second plane mirror.

Clause 4. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first plane mirror is generally parallel to the second plane mirror.

Clause 5. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first plane mirror is spaced apart from the second plane mirror and arranged to lie in confronting face-to-face relation.

Clause 6. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein an angle formed between a mirrored surface of the first plane mirror and a front surface of the seat back is in a range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees.

Clause 7. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first optical element is a first spherical mirror and second optical element is a second spherical mirror.

Clause 8. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first spherical mirror is a concave mirror.

Clause 9. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the second spherical mirror is a concave mirror.

Clause 10. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the second spherical mirror is a convex mirror.

Clause 11. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the first optical element is a first prism and second optical element is a second prism.

Clause 12. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein one surface of the first prism is generally parallel to one surface of the second prism.

Clause 13. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes a second light inlet located in spaced-apart relation to the first light inlet to cause the first and second light inlets to be spaced apart about an equal distance from a vertical central axis of the seat back.

Clause 14. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes an optical element bracket coupled to the seat back to move relative to the seat back and one of the first optical element and the second optical element is coupled to the optical element bracket in a fixed position relative to the optical element bracket.

Clause 15. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes an adjustable base coupled to the seat back in a fixed position and the optical element bracket is coupled to the adjustable base to translate relative to the adjustable base.

Clause 16. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes an anti-dazzle device located in a light path established as light travels from the light inlet to the light outlet.

Clause 17. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the anti-dazzle device is an anti-dazzle film coupled to one of the first and second optic elements.

Clause 18. The vehicle seat of any other clause or combination of clauses, wherein the optical system further includes a cover coupled to the optical device to move between a blocked position in which communication of light through the optical system is blocked and a freed position in which communication of light through the optical system is permitted.

Claims

A vehicle seat comprising

a seat bottom,

a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend away from the seat bottom, and

an optical system including a first light inlet coupled to the seat back and oriented to face in a forward direction towards a front of the seat bottom and a light outlet coupled to a rear side of the seat back in spaced-apart longitudinal relation to the light inlet, and arranged to face in a rearward direction away from the seat back and seat bottom,

wherein the optical system is configured to provide means for communicating light received into the first light inlet around the seat back and out of the light outlet.
The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the optical system further includes a first optical element arranged to face toward the first light inlet and a second optical element arranged to face toward the light outlet.
The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the first optical element is a first plane mirror and second optical element is a second plane mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 3, wherein the first plane mirror is generally parallel to the second plane mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 4, wherein the first plane mirror is spaced apart from the second plane mirror and arranged to lie in confronting face-to-face relation.
The vehicle seat of claim 4, wherein an angle formed between a mirrored surface of the first plane mirror and a front surface of the seat back is in a range of about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees.
The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the first optical element is a first spherical mirror and second optical element is a second spherical mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 7, wherein the first spherical mirror is a concave mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 8, wherein the second spherical mirror is a concave mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 8, wherein the second spherical mirror is a convex mirror.
The vehicle seat of claim 2, wherein the first optical element is a first prism and second optical element is a second prism.
The vehicle seat of claim 11, wherein one surface of the first prism is generally parallel to one surface of the second prism.
The vehicle seat of claim 1, wherein the optical system further includes a second light inlet located in spaced-apart relation to the first light inlet to cause the first and second light inlets to be spaced apart about an equal distance from a vertical central axis of the seat back.
The vehicle seat of any of claims 2-13, wherein the optical system further includes an optical element bracket coupled to the seat back to move relative to the seat back and one of the first optical element and the second optical element is coupled to the optical element bracket in a fixed position relative to the optical element bracket.
The vehicle seat of claim 14, wherein the optical system further includes an adjustable base coupled to the seat back in a fixed position and the optical element bracket is coupled to the adjustable base to translate relative to the adjustable base.
The vehicle seat of any of claims 1-15, wherein the optical system further includes an anti-dazzle device located in a light path established as light travels from the light inlet to the light outlet.
The vehicle seat of claim 16, wherein the anti-dazzle device is an anti-dazzle film coupled to one of the first and second optic elements.
The vehicle seat of any of claims 1-17, wherein the optical system further includes a cover coupled to the optical device to move between a blocked position in which communication of light through the optical system is blocked and a freed position in which communication of light through the optical system is permitted.