WO2021043777A1

WO2021043777A1 - Seat bench having a height-adjustable central seat

Info

Publication number: WO2021043777A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/074372
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonas Scheler; Jörg Gropp; Sandra Kieser
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
Priority date: 2019-09-04
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2021-03-11
Also published as: DE102019123679A1

Abstract

A seat bench (1) for a vehicle (2) comprises a first seat part (10A) and a second seat part (10B) which provide mutually adjacent seat surfaces (100A, 100B) which can be sat on, wherein the second seat part (10B) is adjustable in height relative to the first seat part (10A) between a basic position and a position which is raised in relation to the first seat part (10A).

Description

Bench with height-adjustable middle seat

description

The invention relates to a seat bench for a vehicle according to claim 1.

Benches with several, for example three seats, in practice often have a foldable element which, in a folded-up state, is inserted into a backrest of the bench and can be folded down to provide an armrest or a table. Compartments can be introduced into the foldable element, but their size is limited by the shape of the foldable element. The variability in the use of such foldable elements is therefore usually limited.

However, a bench that can be used as variably as possible not only enables improved comfort. With taxis, especially shared taxis, a family travels with you in certain situations, while two unfamiliar passengers travel with you in other situations. The demands on the number of seats and the degree of privacy for each individual passenger can be very different. With the arrival of self-driving shared taxis, this topic is expected to become even more important.

The object of the present invention is to provide a bench that can be used as versatile as possible.

This object is achieved by an object with the features of claim 1.

A seat bench for a vehicle is then provided, which has a first seat part and a second seat part. Both seat parts each provide a seat surface that can be seated by a seat user, the seat surfaces adjoining one another. The second seat part is adjustable in height relative to the first seat part between a basic position and a raised position, the second seat part being raised in the raised position relative to the first seat part.

This makes it possible, for example, for a child to take a seat on the seat surface of the second seat part while it is in the raised position or in an intermediate position between the basic position and the raised position. Depending on the size of the child, the increased sitting position allows them to rest their head securely on the headrest without the need for a separate seat shell or the like. In addition, the raised position enables the first seat part to be separated from a further seat in order to enable improved privacy for several passengers. Thus, the bench enables a particularly versatile use. The height of the seat surface of the second seat part relative to the seat surface of the first seat part is adjustable, for example, without changing the inclination of the seat surface of the second seat part relative to the seat surface of the first seat part and / or without adjusting a backrest.

If the bench seat is arranged in such a way that a seat user can take a seat on the seat surface of the first or the second seat part, then the height corresponds to the position of the seat part, in particular the seat surface, along the vertical. With regard to a state of the seat bench installed in the vehicle, the height corresponds to the position along the vehicle height axis Z in the vehicle coordinate system.

In the raised position, the seat surface of the second seat part can provide an armrest for a seat user sitting on the seat surface of the first seat part. If no seat user is sitting on the second seat part, then this can be in the lifted position be placed so that the seat surface of the second seat part then serves as an armrest and the seat surface is raised to support the arm. As a result, the most comfortable setting possible can be selected depending on the number of seat users present. In comparison to an element that folds forward out of the backrest, there is no indentation in the backrest, which in some situations is bothersome and sometimes difficult to clean. Furthermore, in many cases, significantly more installation space is available below the seat surface than in an element that folds forward out of the backrest. Thus, an assembly is raised in which a larger compartment or the like can be formed and can be brought within reach by lifting.

It can be provided that the seat surface of the second seat part is arranged in the basic position at the level of the seat surface of the first seat part. For example, the seat surfaces of the first and second seat parts extend in one plane.

The bench optionally comprises at least one screen or another adjustment part, in particular two screens. The at least one screen can be connected to the second seat part in such a way that it can be adjusted in height together with it. Thus, the at least one screen can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the second seat part relative to a seat user sitting on the first seat part.

The at least one screen can be adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the second seat part, in particular relative to the seat surface of the second seat part. This makes it possible to only extend the screen when it is needed.

According to a development, the at least one screen is arranged, in particular stowed, in the retracted position below the seat surface of the second seat part. Since a relatively large amount of space can be provided there, it is possible to use a particularly large screen. Computer-generated graphics can be displayed on the screen, e.g. a graphical user interface.

The at least one screen can be mounted in such a way that it can be pivoted about two pivot axes relative to the second seat part, in particular relative to the seat surface of the second seat part, when moving from the retracted position to the extended position. This is a particularly convenient setting of the at least a screen possible. The two pivot axes run perpendicular to one another, for example.

The seat surface of the second seat part is supported on a carrier which can be connected to a bracket via at least one pair of rockers. As a result, the second seat part with the seat surface can be moved relative to the holder so that its height can be adjusted. Each of the rockers is pivotably connected to the holder and the carrier via a swivel joint. The distances between the swivel joints of the two rockers can be the same, so that when the height of the second seat part is adjusted, the inclination of the seat surface of the second seat part is not changed.

The support of the seat part, the rocker arms and the holder can jointly form a four-bar joint, which enables particularly precise guidance and stable mounting.

Optionally, the bench includes an additional swivel arm, which is pivotably mounted on the bracket via a swivel joint and on the carrier via a further swivel joint. The swivel joints of the additional swivel arm are, for example, offset from the swivel joints of the rocker arms. This can prevent the four-bar linkage from being indefinite in a dead center position. This makes it possible to use comparatively short swing arms and to swing them far and in particular beyond the dead center. As a result, a comparatively wide height adjustment can be achieved with only a slight movement in a direction perpendicular to it.

Optionally, the bench seat comprises a second pair of rockers for the second seat part, each of which connects a carrier supporting the seat surface of the second seat part to a bracket. This enables, for example, a particularly stable support for the second seat part. Furthermore, a receptacle can be formed between the two pairs of rockers.

Optionally, the at least one screen is arranged in the retracted position (in the receptacle) between the two pairs of rockers. As a result, the available installation space can be used particularly efficiently and it is also possible to use the second seat part either as a seat for a vehicle occupant or, for example, as an entertainment area for at least one seat user on the first seat part. The at least one screen can be mounted in such a way that, in the retracted position, it is oriented perpendicular to the seat surface of the second seat.

The seat bench optionally comprises at least one drive unit for adjusting the seat surface of the second seat part between the basic position and the raised position. The drive unit includes, for example, an electric motor. While manual adjustment is also possible as an alternative, adjustment by means of a drive unit can provide a particularly convenient setting. In addition, it is possible, for example, for a driver to adjust the seat, which can generally be a seat in a second or third row of seats in the vehicle, e.g. during or before passengers get on.

The bench seat may comprise a third seat part, the second seat part being arranged, for example, between the first and the third seat part. Here, two seat users who have sat down on the two outer seat parts can use the inner, second seat part as an armrest when it is appropriately placed in the raised position. It is also possible to provide a screen for each of the two seat users, with the two screens being able to be retracted and extended together.

The idea on which the invention is based will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. It shows in schematic representations:

1A-1C show a bench seat with two outer seat parts and a middle one

Seat part, which has a seat surface that is adjustable in height relative to the outer seat parts, in three different positions of the seat surface of the middle seat part;

2A and 2B are views of the seat bench with the seat surface of the middle seat part in the position according to FIG. 1C and additionally extended screens;

3A-3C show the bench in the positions according to FIGS. 1C, 1B and 1A and with the screens also extended;

4A-4F show the bench with the seat surface of the second seat part in the position according to FIG. 1A, with the screens in several stages between an extended position and a retracted position are shown;

5A and 5B are views of a swivel mechanism of the second seat part of the seat bench according to FIGS. 1A-4F for adjusting the height of the seat surface of the second seat part; and

6A-6C show the pivot mechanism according to FIGS. 5A and 5B in several different positions.

1A-1C show a bench 1 for a vehicle F. The bench 1 provides several, specifically three, seats for one seat user each. For this purpose, the bench 1 comprises a first seat part 10A, a second seat part 10B and a third seat part 10C, each of the seat parts 10A-10C having a seat surface 100A-100C that can be seated. Up to three people can be seated on the bench 1 at the same time, specifically on the corresponding seat surface 100A-100C of the corresponding seat part 10A-10C.

The bench 1 also comprises a backrest 11, which has a backrest surface 110A-110C for each of the seat surfaces 100A-100C. A seat user taking a seat on one of the seat surfaces 100A-100C can lean against the corresponding backrest surface 110A-110C.

The seat parts 10A-10C and the backrest 11 are in the present case each covered with a cushion P, which can also include a cover. The cushions P have surfaces that define the seat surfaces 100A-100C and the backrest surfaces 110A-110C, respectively.

The subdivision of the bench 1 corresponds to 40% -20% -40% in the example shown, i.e. the outer seat parts, i.e. the first seat part 10A and the third seat part 10C, are wider than the middle, i.e. the second seat part 10B.

The seat parts 10A-10C and the backrest 11 are connected to the vehicle F (of which the vehicle floor is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1A) via a substructure 15. In the present case, the bench 1 also includes an optional longitudinal adjustment device 13, via which the substructure 15 can be mounted and mounted on the vehicle floor so as to be displaceable along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. From the synopsis of FIGS. 1A-1C it can be seen that the second seat part 10B is height adjustable relative to the first seat part 10A and the third seat part 10C between a basic position and a higher, raised position than the first seat part 10A and the third seat part 10C.

1A shows the basic position. In the present case, the basic position is the lowest possible setting of the second seat part 10B relative to the first seat part 10A and third seat part 10C. In the basic position, all three seat surfaces 100A-100C are arranged at the same height. In the present case, the seat surfaces 100A-100C are flat and have no seat hollows. The seat surfaces 100A-100C are therefore all arranged in the same plane in the basic position. Optionally, at least some of the seat surfaces 100A-100C can each have a seat pan. The basic position would then be, for example, the position in which the outer edges of the respective seat surfaces 100A-100C are arranged at the same height.

The height is measured, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the seat surfaces 100A-100C and / or in the vehicle height direction Z of the vehicle coordinate system. The vehicle height direction Z extends perpendicular to the vehicle width direction Y and to the vehicle longitudinal direction X.

1C shows the raised position of the second seat part 10B. In this position, the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B is arranged higher than the seat surfaces 100A, 100C of the first seat part 10A and of the third seat part 10C. In the present case, each point on the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B is arranged higher than each point on the seat surfaces 100A, 100C of the first and third seat parts 10A, 10C. For example, the difference in the height of the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B between the basic position and the raised position on the bench 1 is so great that an average seat user can rest his elbow on the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B when he is upright on the first or the third seat 10A, 10C is seated and the second seat part is set in the raised position.

In the raised position, the second seat part 10B serves as an armrest for seat users on the first and third seat parts 10A, 10C. The seat surface 100B then serves as an arm support surface. In this way, the same cushion P that forms the seat 100B that can be seated in the basic position is used in the raised position as cushion P for the armrest, in contrast to armrests that can be folded forward from a backrest, in which the armrest generally requires an additional cushion. In addition, in the case of the present bench 1, when the armrest is provided, no recess is formed in the backrest 11, the cleaning of which can sometimes be complex.

In the raised position, the second seat part 10B forms a step with the first seat part 10A and with the third seat part 10C.

1B shows an intermediate position between the basic position according to FIG. 1A and the raised position according to FIG. 1C. If the second seat part 10B is adjusted from the basic position into the raised position or vice versa, then the second seat part 10B passes through the intermediate position according to FIG. 1B.

Optionally, the intermediate position according to Fig. 1B or another intermediate position between the basic position and the raised position can also be adjustable and adjusted, e.g. to separate the first seat part 10A and the third seat part 10C from each other, e.g. when seat users who are not familiar with each other sit on it.

It is also possible to set the raised position or an optionally individually adjustable intermediate position in order to provide a raised child seat. For this purpose, it is optionally possible, instead of a 40-20-40 subdivision, to provide e.g. a third division of the seat parts 10A-10C and / or to provide the second seat part 10B with a seat trough. Optionally, retaining elements, e.g. in the form of retaining eyelets, are mounted on the second seat part 10B in order to attach a child seat to it.

In particular in FIGS. 1B and 1C it can also be seen that screens 12A, 12B are mounted on the second seat part 10B. 1A-1C show the screens 12A, 12B in a retracted position in which the screens 12A, 12B are arranged stowed below the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B.

2A and 2B show the bench 1 with the second seat part 10B in the raised position corresponding to FIG. 1C, in contrast to FIG. 1C, the screens 12A, 12B being shown in an extended position. Here, the screens 12A, 12B extend obliquely upwards from a front edge of the second seat part 10B facing away from the backrest 11. The screens 12A, 12B are aligned so that a seat user on the first seat part 10A or a seat user on the third seat part 10C at a favorable angle on the respective screen surface of the facing screen 12A, 12B can see. Digital content, such as, for example, films or route navigation, can be displayed on the screens 12A, 12B.

3A to 3C show the bench 1 with the extended screens 12A, 12B, the second seat part 10B being shown in FIG. 3A in the raised position, in FIG. 3B in the intermediate position and in FIG. 3C in the basic position. It can thus be seen that the second seat part 10B can be adjusted between the basic position and the raised position both with the retracted screens 12A, 12B and with the extended screens 12A, 12B. Furthermore, the screens 12A, 12B can optionally be extended and retracted in any position between the basic position and the raised position.

4A to 4F show how the screens 12A, 12B can be retracted and extended. FIG. 4A shows the screens 12A, 12B in the extended position and the second seat part 10B in the basic position according to FIG. 3C. 4B to 4F show several intermediate positions of the screens between the extended position according to FIG. 4A and the retracted position according to FIG. 1A.

In the extended position according to FIG. 4A, the screens 12A, 12B are arranged in the same plane. To transfer from the extended position to the retracted position, the screens 12A, 12B are pivoted relative to one another about a first pivot axis S1, as a result of which they are folded together. At the same time, both screens 12A, 12B jointly pivot about a second pivot axis S2 relative to the second seat part 10B. The second pivot axis S2 runs along the width of the bench 1 (in the Y direction). The first pivot axis S1 runs perpendicular to the second pivot axis S2 and is pivoted relative to the second seat part 10B in the course of the adjustment movement, see in particular FIGS. 4A to 4D. Then, the collapsed screens 12A, 12B are linearly moved and turned into one

Receiving area moved under the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B, see in particular FIGS. 4D to 4F and 1A.

It should be noted that the screens 12A, 12B do not necessarily have to be extended to the position according to FIG. 4A, in which the screens 12A, 12B are arranged in one plane. Optionally, an angle can also be left between the screens, for example in accordance with FIG. 4B, which shows a position in which the screens 12A, 12B are inclined to one another. This allows the screens to be arranged even more individually in the field of vision and touch of the individual seat users. Of the The respective seat user can thereby look even better at the screen 12A, 12B facing him and the screen 12A, 12B is also protected from the eyes of the other seat user. It should also be mentioned that in the present example each of the seat parts 10A-10C (or at least the two outer) loudspeakers are assigned, which in the present case are mounted on corresponding headrests. These loudspeakers form separate audio zones for the seat occupants. For example, several seat users can simultaneously watch different films on the screens 12A, 12B and hear the sound in their audio zones.

The screens 12A, 12B can be oriented either vertically or horizontally with their long sides in the extended position and / or in the retracted position.

5A and 5B show an adjustment mechanism 14 of the bench 1 for adjusting the second seat part 10B from the basic position to the raised position and vice versa.

The adjustment mechanism 14 comprises two holders 142 which are mounted on the substructure 15 (alternatively or additionally on the longitudinal adjustment device 13). Each of the brackets 142 is connected to the second seat part 10B via two rockers 140A-140D. The second seat part 10B comprises a support plate 102 which supports the cushion P. The support plate 102 is supported on two carriers 101. The carriers 101 extend parallel downward from the support plate 102 and define between them at least part of a receptacle for the screens 12A, 12B.

Each of the rockers 140A-140D is pivotably mounted on one of the brackets 142 via a pivot joint D1, D3 and pivotably mounted on one of the supports 101 via a further pivot joint D2, D4.

In each case a holder 142, the two rockers 140A-140D mounted thereon and the carrier 101 mounted thereon together form a four-bar linkage. The distances between the two swivel joints D1-D4 from each of the rockers 140A-140D are the same. As a result, the seat surface 100B of the second seat part 10B maintains its inclination relative to the other seat surfaces 100A, 100C when it is adjusted between the basic position and the raised position.

The adjustment mechanism 14 further comprises a motor drive unit 145 which is coupled to one of the four-jointed joints. In the present case, the drive unit 145 comprises a Electric motor and a gearbox. The drive unit 145 is in engagement (via a pinion) with a toothed segment 143 which is provided on one of the (rear) rockers 140A, 140C, specifically formed thereon. The toothed segment extends concentrically around the axis of rotation D1 of the rocker 140C on the holder 142. By activating the drive unit 145, the rockers 140A-140D can be pivoted relative to the holders 142.

Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 14 comprises a motorized drive unit 146 for extending and retracting the screens 12A, 12B. In the present case, this drive unit also comprises an electric motor and a transmission and is mounted on the support plate 102. The drive unit 146 is coupled to a slide guided on a guide in order to adjust this slide longitudinally along the guide. A bracket is mounted on the slide so that it can pivot about a swivel joint. If the bracket strikes against end stops, then two support rods mounted on it, nested in one another and carrying the screens 12A, 12B, are pivoted upwards. As a result, a four-bar linkage coupled to the holding rods causes the holding rods to move in opposite directions, which together form a swivel joint. As a result, the screens 12A, 12B are folded out or in depending on the direction of advance of the drive unit 146.

Two of the rockers 140A, 140C (the two rear rockers), one from each of the two four-bar links, are firmly connected to one another via a connecting rod 144, so that the four-bar links always move together.

In addition to the rockers 140A-140D, a swivel arm 141 is also provided, which is likewise mounted so as to be swivelable via a swivel joint D5 on one of the brackets 142 and via a further swivel joint D6 on one of the supports 101. The swing arm 141 is curved. The swivel joints D5, D6 are arranged offset to the swivel joints D1-D4 of the rockers 140A-140D. The distance between the two swivel joints D5, D6 of the swivel arm 141 is equal to the distance between the two swivel joints D1-D4 from each of the rockers 140A-140D.

The swivel joints D5, D6 of the swivel arm 141 are each arranged below a swivel joint D1, D2 of an adjacent (rear) rocker 140A. For this purpose, the corresponding carrier 101 has a projection on which the swivel joint D6 provided thereon is mounted. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the swivel arm 141 to be arranged above the swivel joints D1, D2. A connecting axis between the swivel joints D5, D1 of the swivel arm 141 and the adjacent rocker 140A on the bracket 142 runs (approximately) perpendicular to a connecting axis of the swivel joints D1, D3 of the two rockers 140A, 140B on the same bracket 142.The same applies to the arrangement of the swivel joints D2, D4, D6 on carrier 101.

The function of the swivel arm 141 can be seen in particular with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. 6A shows the raised position of the second seat part 10B, FIG. 6C shows the basic position and FIG. 6B shows an intermediate position. In order to reveal a view, the front bracket 142 in the view of FIGS. 6A to 6C is not shown.

Between the basic position and the raised position, the rockers 140A-140D are pivoted by more than 90 degrees relative to the respective bracket 142. In doing so, they pass a dead center position in which all rockers 140A-140D are aligned at the same height and parallel to one another with respect to their axes of rotation D1-D4. In this position the four joints are indefinite. The additional swivel arm 141 is (with respect to the swivel joints D1-D6) in the dead center position parallel to the rockers 140A-140D but at a different height than the rockers 140A-140D (below them). The swivel arm 141 thus ensures that the four-jointed joints are sufficiently determined in the dead center position, which makes it possible to use comparatively short and therefore particularly far swiveling rockers 140A-140D. This enables a compact design and, at the same time, a relatively large stroke with only a small evasive movement. The adjustment mechanism 14 thus comprises (with the swivel arm 141) an additional element which couples two links of a four-bar linkage of the adjustment mechanism 14 to one another.

List of reference symbols

1 bench

10A-10C seat part

100A-100C seat

101 carriers

102 support plate

11 backrest

110A-110C back surface 12A, 12B screen

13 Longitudinal adjustment device

14 adjustment mechanism

140A-140D swingarm

141 swivel arm

142 bracket

143 tooth segment

144 connecting rod

145 drive unit

146 drive unit

15 substructure

D1-D6 swivel joint

F vehicle

P upholstery

S1, S2 swivel axis X, Y, Z vehicle coordinates

Claims

1. Bench (1) for a vehicle (2), with a first seat part (10A) and a second seat part (10B), which provide adjacent, seatable seat surfaces (100A, 100B), the second seat part (10B) relative to first seat part (10A) is adjustable in height between a basic position and a position raised relative to the first seat part (10A).

2. Bench (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B) in the raised position provides an armrest for a seat user sitting on the seat surface (100A) of the first seat part (10A).

3. Bench (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B) is arranged in the basic position at the level of the seat surface (100A) of the first seat part (10A).

4. Bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one screen (12A, 12B) is connected to the second seat part (10B) in such a way that the at least one screen (12A, 12B) is adjustable in height together with it.

5. bench (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one

Screen (12A, 12B) is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the second seat part (10B).

6. Bench (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one screen (12A, 12B) is arranged in the retracted position below the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B).

7. Bench (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one screen (12A, 12B) is mounted such that it is pivotable about two pivot axes (S1, S2) relative to the second seat part (10B).

8. Bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B) is supported on a carrier (101) which has at least one pair of rockers (140A, 140B) with a bracket (142) is connected.

9. Bench (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the carrier (101), the rockers (140A, 140B) and the holder (142) form a four-bar linkage.

10. Bench (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by an additional swivel arm (141) which is mounted on the holder (142) and on the carrier (101) via a respective swivel joint (D5, D6).

11. Bench (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by a second pair of rockers (140C, 140D), each having a carrier (101) on which the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B) is supported with a bracket (142).

12. Bench (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7 and according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one screen (12A, 12B) is arranged in the retracted position between the two pairs of rockers (140A-140D).

13. Bench (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one screen (12A, 12B) is aligned in the retracted position perpendicular to the seat surface (100B) of the second seat (10B).

14. Bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a drive unit (15) for adjusting the seat surface (100B) of the second seat part (10B) between the basic position and the raised position.

15. Bench (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a third seat part (10C), wherein the second seat part (10B) is arranged between the first and the third seat part (10A, 10C).