WO2015048110A1

WO2015048110A1 - Seat folding structure

Info

Publication number: WO2015048110A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/057183
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel J. BRENNAN; Ornela Zekavica; Kannan S. Stanz; Steve P. LIVESEY; Yannis Poulos; Keith ZIEGLER
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Current assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co
Priority date: 2013-09-25
Filing date: 2014-09-24
Publication date: 2015-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2016-03-25

Abstract

A seat folding structure may include a seat back frame (30), a seat cushion frame (40) with a front end and a rear end, a front end guide mechanism (58), and a rear end guide mechanism (68). The seat cushion frame may be movable between a rearward use position and a forward folded position. The front end guide mechanism may be configured to guide the front end along a first path of travel during movement between the use position and the folded position. The rear end guide mechanism may be configured to guide the rear end along a second path of travel during movement between the use position and the folded position. The front end guide mechanism and the rear end guide mechanism may cause independent vertical positioning of the front end and the rear end during movement along the first path of travel and the second path of travel, respectively.

Description

SEAT FOLDING STRUCTURE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/882,578, filed 9/25/2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to a seat folding structure for folding a vehicle seat.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicle seats can be designed to fold to provide different configurations of the seat and to allow for different configurations of cargo space. In some typical structures, the seat cushion will move and allow for folding of the seat back.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one embodiment, a seat folding structure may include a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame with a front end and a rear end, a front end guide mechanism, and a rear end guide mechanism. The seat cushion frame may be movable between a rearward use position, in which the seat cushion frame may be positioned to receive an occupant, and a forward folded position, in which the seat cushion frame may be positioned to allow folding of the seat back frame. The front end guide mechanism may be configured to guide the front end along a first path of travel during movement of the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position. The rear end guide mechanism may be configured to guide the rear end along a second path of travel during movement of the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position. The front end guide mechanism and the rear end guide mechanism may cause independent vertical positioning of the front end and the rear end during movement along the first path of travel and the second path of travel, respectively.

[0005] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, appended claims, and the accompanying exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat that can be disposed in the vehicle of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a seat cushion and a seat back of a vehicle seat in a use position.

[0010] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the seat cushion and seat back in a partially folded position.

[0011] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the seat cushion and seat back in a fully folded position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of a seat cushion frame and a seat back frame according to one embodiment in a use position.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded 10 degrees relative to the use position.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded 30 degrees relative to the use position. [0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded 50 degrees relative to the use position.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded 70 degrees relative to the use position.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded 90 degrees relative to the use position.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side view of the seat cushion frame and seat back frame of FIG. 6 folded into a folded position of 105 degrees relative to the use position.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a side, perspective view of a seat cushion frame in a use position.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a side, perspective view of the seat cushion frame of FIG. 13 in a folded position.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a side, perspective view of the seat cushion frame and a track and guide according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a side, perspective view of a seat cushion frame and an alternative track according to yet another embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 17A is a top view of the track of FIG. 15.

[0024] FIG. 17B is a side view of the track of FIG. 15.

[0025] FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 15 with the guide disposed thereon.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a side, perspective view of an alternative track and guide.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of the track of FIG. 18.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 18 with the guide disposed thereon.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a side, perspective view of yet another alternative track and guide.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a side view of the track of FIG. 21. [0031] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 21 with the guide disposed thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a seat folding structure that allows for folding of a vehicle seat, as shown according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle 20, in which a seat folding structure may be used. The vehicle 20 may include an interior passenger compartment containing front and rear vehicle seats 22 for providing seating to an occupant. Although a four door sedan automobile is shown in FIG. 1, the seat folding structure may be used in a variety of applications, but is particularly useful within a vehicle seat in any type of vehicle, such as a two door or four door automobile, a truck, a SUV, a van, a train, a boat, an airplane, or other suitable vehicular conveyance. While the seat folding structure may be applied to any row of seating in a vehicle, it is expected to find typical operation in a second or third row of seating.

[0034] The vehicle seat 22, as shown in FIG. 2, preferably includes a seat back 24 and a seat cushion 26. The vehicle seat 22, including its structural frame, padding, and covering can be any known seat known in the art. For example, the overall structure of the seat may be, for example, any of the vehicle seats disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2012/0032486, 2011/0316317, 2011/0260514, 2011/0080026, 2011/0074199, 2010/0320816, 2007/0132266, and 2002/0171282 and PCT Application Publication No. WO 2011103501 A3, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference.

[0035] As illustrated schematically in FIGS. 3-5, the seat folding structure 38 may be provided to allow the seat cushion 26 and the seat back 24 to move relative to one another such that the vehicle seat 22 may be movable between a design or use position 92 (FIGS. 3, 6, 13, and 15), intermediate positions (FIGS. 4 and 7-11), and a flat or folded position 94 (FIG. 5, 12, 14, and 16). In the use position 92, the seat cushion 26 (and its corresponding seat cushion frame 40) may be positioned relatively rearward (compared to the folded position 94) within the vehicle 20 to provide seating for an occupant or to receive an occupant. In the intermediate positions, the seat cushion 26 will be located between the use position 92 and the folded position 94 and may be elevated to avoid obstructions, such as the floor pan 36 of the vehicle 20, but such elevation is not always required. In the folded position 94, the seat cushion 26 (and its corresponding seat cushion frame 40) may be positioned relatively forward within the vehicle 20 to allow the seat back 24 (and the corresponding seat back frame 30) to be at least partially folded.

[0036] In general, the seat folding structure 38, which allows for such movement, can include a seat back frame 30, a seat cushion frame 40 with a front end 42 and a rear end 44, a front end guide mechanism 58 that guides the movement of the front end 42, and a rear end guide mechanism 68 that guides the movement of the rear end 44. The front end 42 may be positioned closer to the front of the vehicle 20 than the rear end 44.

[0037] The seat back frame 30 can be a conventional seat back frame (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-12) that supports the cushions of and/or various structures within the seat back 24. The seat back frame 30 may move congruently with the seat back 24 (e.g., the seat back frame 30 may be located at least partially within or attached to the seat back 24). The seat back frame 30 can be pivotally supported by conventional means to rotate or pivot relative to a vehicle floor pan 36 (or a lower attachment surface beneath the seat cushion 26) and relative to the seat cushion frame 40 to allow for folding of the seat back 24 into the folded position 94. In each of FIGS. 7-12, the original use position UPSB of the seat back frame 30 (Use Position Seat Back) is illustrated to contrast the position of the seat back frame 30 relative to the original use position in each stage of movement. However, it is understood that, within FIGS. 6-12, the seat back frame 30 is only in the original use position UPSB in FIG. 6.

[0038] The seat cushion frame 40 can include many of the features of a conventional seat cushion frame (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-12) that supports the cushions of and/or various structures within the seat cushion 26. The seat cushion frame 40 may move congruently with the seat cushion 26 (e.g., the seat cushion frame 40 may be located at least partially within or attached to the seat cushion 26).

[0039] However, the various portions of the seat cushion frame 40 may be supported by certain other components within the seat folding structure 38 so as to undergo unique movement to allow for folding of the vehicle seat 22. In particular, FIGS. 6-12 show the seat folding structure 38 moving from a use position 92 (FIG. 6), to a position folded approximately 10 degrees relative to the use position 92 (FIG. 7), to a position folded approximately 30 degrees (FIG. 8), to a position folded approximately 50 degrees (FIG. 9), to a position folded approximately 70 degrees (FIG. 10), to a position folded approximately 90 degrees (FIG. 11), and to a folded position 94 of approximately 105 degrees relative to the use position 92 (FIG. 12).

[0040] The front end guide mechanism 58 and the rear end guide mechanism 68 can support and guide the movement of the front end 42 and the rear end 44, respectively, of the seat cushion frame 40, so as to allow it to undergo unique movement. While moving the vehicle seat 22 between the use position 92 and the folded position 94, the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 may follow a first path of travel defined by the front end guide mechanism 58 (e.g., the support arms 50 and extending arms 54), and the rear end 44 of the seat cushion frame 40 may follow a different second path defined by the rear end guide mechanism 68 (e.g., the track 60 and guide 70). This unique configuration may allow the seat cushion frame 40 to be, for example, folded forward into the folded position 94 while avoiding interference from an upward protrusion of the vehicle seat pan 36. Such an upward protrusion is shown, for example, in FIGS. 6-12. It is anticipated that the front end 42 may include and utilize all of the components and features of the rear end 44, and vice versa.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the guide mechanisms 58 and/or 68 may cause the front end 42 and/or the rear end 44 to move vertically while moving between the use position 92 and the folded position 94 (e.g., the front end 42 and/or the rear end 44 may be moved upward and then subsequently downward between the use position 92 and the folded position 94). However, the degree of vertical movement of the front end 42 and the rear end 44 may be different. The front end guide mechanism 58 and the rear end guide mechanism 68 may cause independent vertical positioning of the front end 42 and the rear end 44 during movement along the first and second paths of travel, respectively, between the use position 92 and the folded position 94. The independent vertical positioning may allow the seat cushion frame 40 to overcome any protrusions or obstacles (e.g., the seat pan 36) easily and according to their specific shape and contours as the seat cushion frame 40 is being moved. This may be particularly beneficial since the front end 42 may need to move differently than the rear end 44.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the front end guide mechanism 58 may include one or more support arms 50 to guide the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 along the first path of travel, as well as pivotally support the front end 42. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 6- 12, the front end guide mechanism 58 may include two support arms 50. The support arms 50 may be pivotally mounted to a lower area, surface, section, or region beneath or under the seat cushion frame 40, such as the vehicle floor pan 36, by conventional means. Accordingly, as the support arm 50 pivots relative to the seat cushion frame 40 and, for example, the floor pan 36, the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 may be moved along the first path of travel between the use position 92 and the folded position 94. For example, the support arm 50 may cause the front end 42 to move upward in a vertical direction (e.g., the y-axis) along certain portions, as well as moving in a horizontal direction (e.g., the x-axis).

[0043] The support arms 50 may each be pivotally connected (by conventional means) to the seat cushion frame 40 through a respective extending arm 54. For example, one end of the support arm 50 may be pivotally connected to the lower surface beneath the seat cushion frame 40 and another end of the support arm 50 may be pivotally connected to a first end 55 of the extending arm 54. A second end 56 of the extending arm 54 may be connected (by conventional means) to the seat cushion frame 40, either pivotally (as a pivoting arm) or statically, depending on the desired configuration. The first end 55 and the second end 56 of the extending arm 54 may be opposing ends or sides of the extending arm 54.

[0044] As a result of the combination of the support arms 50 and the extending arms 54, the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 can be guided along a desired path (e.g., the first path) from the use position 92 (FIG. 6) to a folded position 94 (FIG. 12). The first path followed by the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 can be altered to the desired path by adjusting the configuration, size, and shape of the support arms 50 and the extending arms 54, or by otherwise modifying the structure connecting the seat cushion frame 40 to the vehicle floor pan 36. [0045] As the support arms 50 pivot forward within the vehicle 20, the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 is guided along the first path of travel from the use position 92 to the folded position 94, as shown in FIGS. 6-12. As the support arm 50 is moved, the support arm 50 may pivot such that the front end 42 is moved along the vertical axis during movement between the use position 92 and the folded position 94. According to one embodiment, the support arms 50 may lift up the front end 42 vertically (along the y-axis) as the front end 42 is being moved forward horizontally (along the x-axis) in the first path of travel. Depending on the

configuration, the support arms 50 may allow the front end 42 to be vertically lower than in the folded position 94 than the use position 92. In each of FIGS. 6-12, the original use position UPA of the support arms 50 (Use Position Arms) is illustrated to contrast the position of the support arms 50 relative to the original use position in each stage of movement. However, it is understood that, of FIGS. 6-12, the support arms 50 are only in the original use position UPA in FIG. 6.

[0046] According to one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15, the rear end guide mechanism 68 may include one of more tracks 60 to guide the movement of the rear end 44 of the seat cushion frame 40 along the second path of travel as the seat cushion frame 40 is being moved between the use position 92 and the folded position 94.. The track 60 may define a particular path for the rear end 44 of the seat cushion frame 40. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, moving the rear end 44 relative to the track 60 moves the seat cushion frame 40 between the use position 92 (FIG. 13) and the folded position (FIG. 14).

[0047] Depending on the desired configuration and the desired second path of travel for the rear end 44, the track 60 may have a lower portion 64 and an elevated portion 66 corresponding to the second path of travel, as shown in FIG. 15, to move the rear end 44 along the vertical axis during movement between the use position 92 and the folded position 94. The elevated portion 66 may be vertically higher than the lower portion 64 along the longitudinal axis of the track 60. Accordingly, as the rear end 44 is moved along the track 60, the rear end 44 may be elevated and/or lowered according to the contours and configuration of the track 60 along the second path of travel. Since the track 60 may provide a second path of travel that moves upward and then downward again, the track 60 may allow the seat cushion frame 40 to avoid any protrusions (e.g., the seat pan 36) while moving between the use position 92 and the folded position 94.

[0048] The second path of travel can be altered to a desired path by adjusting the configuration of the track 60, or by otherwise modifying the structure connecting the seat cushion frame 40 to the vehicle floor pan 36. For example, depending on the configuration of the vehicle 20, and in particular the vehicle floor pan 36, it may not be necessary for the track 60 to move in an upward path. The track 60 may maintain the vertical position of the rear end 44 along the second path of travel as the seat cushion frame 40 is being moved between the use position 92 and the folded position 94, as shown in FIG. 16. Accordingly, the track 60 may follow an essentially linear path and at least the portion of the track 60 that the rear end 44 moves along may not change in elevation (e.g., is substantially flat).

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein can be advantageous because the configuration of the track 60 can allow the rear end 44 of the seat cushion frame 40 to be moved along a second path of movement that is independent of the first path of movement of the front end 42 of the seat cushion frame 40 (e.g., movement of the rear end 44 along the track 60 contrasted with radial movement of the front end 42 with the support arm 50). Thus, the rear end 44 can follow a second path of movement that avoids obstacles, such as protrusions from the floor pan.

[0050] In order to move the rear end 44 along the track 60, a follower member or guide 70 may be configured to follow the second path of travel along the track 60. The guide 70 can be pivotally or statically connected or attached by conventional means (not shown for ease of illustration) to the rear end 44 of the seat cushion frame 40 and may be movable along or within the track 60 along the second path of travel.

[0051] The track 60 and guide 70 can be designed in any of a variety of ways according to the desired configuration and mechanism. According to one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 17A- 17C, for example, the track 60 may be in the form of a partial hollow tube with a longitudinal guide opening 62 extending along at least a length or portion of the track 60. The opening 62 may extend along a top section of the track 60 (as shown in FIGS. 17A-17C) or a side section of the track 60. The guide 70 may move within the opening 62 and extend at least partially into an inner region of the track 60 (as shown in FIG. 17C). The guide 70 can include a connector member 72 (for connecting to the seat cushion frame 40), a pin 74 that projects or extends from the connector member 72 and through the opening 62, and a retainer member 76 that connects to the pin 74 and maintains the guide 70 within the track 60. The shape of the opening 62 along the track 60, as well as the contours of the track 60, may determine the second path of travel.

[0052] According to an alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 18-20, the track 160 may include a vertical wall, area, surface, or section 164 and a horizontal wall, area, surface, or section 166, each extending along a length or portion of the track 60. Accordingly, the track 160 may be shaped as an "L" bracket. A follower member or guide 170 may be configured to roll or move along a portion of the track 160, such as a top surface of the horizontal section 166. The guide 170 can include a connector member 172 (for connecting to the seat cushion frame 40) connected to at least one pin 174. The pin 174 may connect to wheels or movable surfaces 176 that ride along second path of the track 160. The guide 170 may optionally include two pins 174 and two movable surfaces 176 to move along both sides or surfaces of the horizontal section 166 (e.g., the top surface and the bottom surface, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20) for additional stability. The location of the horizontal section 166 along the track 160, as well as the contours of the track 160, may determine the second path of travel.

[0053] According to yet another alternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 21-23, the track 260 may be a tube with a rectangular cross section with a guide opening 262 formed therein. Although a rectangular cross section is shown, it is anticipated that the track 260 may have a variety of different cross sections, such as oval or round. The guide opening 262 may extend along a length or portion of the track 260 along a side section of the track 260 (as shown in FIGS. 21-23) or along a top section of the track 260. A follower member or guide 270 may move along the length of the track 260 with the opening 262 and, therefore, along the second path of travel. The guide 270 can include a connector member 272 (for connecting to the seat cushion frame 40) having a pin 274 that projects or extends into the opening 262 to guide movement along the second path of travel. The shape of the opening 262 along the track 260, as well as the contours of the track 260, may determine the second path of travel. [0054] It is further anticipated that a variety of other configurations could be utilized. For example, the track could be a conventional seat rail, which is conventionally used to allow forward and rearward adjustment of a seat. The track can be a shortened version of such a seat rail and may be positioned anywhere beneath the seat cushion frame 40.

[0055] It is anticipated that the various components, configurations, systems, methods, and features of the different embodiments of the seat folding structure may be combined or used alone according to the desired use and configuration.

[0056] As utilized herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," "essentially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided.

[0057] Besides the embodiments depicted in the figures and described in the above description, other embodiments of the present invention are also contemplated. For example, any single feature of one embodiment of the present invention may be used in any other embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Given the disclosure of the prevent invention, one versed in the art would appreciate that there may be other embodiments and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, all modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present invention within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A seat folding structure comprising:

a seat back frame;

a seat cushion frame with a front end and a rear end, wherein the seat cushion frame is movable between a rearward use position, in which the seat cushion frame is positioned to receive an occupant, and a forward folded position, in which the seat cushion frame is positioned to allow folding of the seat back frame;

a front end guide mechanism configured to guide the front end along a first path of travel during movement of the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position; and

a rear end guide mechanism configured to guide the rear end along a second path of travel during movement of the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position,

wherein the front end guide mechanism and the rear end guide mechanism cause independent vertical positioning of the front end and the rear end during movement along the first path of travel and the second path of travel, respectively.

2. The seat folding structure of claim 1, wherein the front end guide mechanism includes a support arm pivotally connected to the front end, wherein pivoting the support arm moves the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position.

3. The seat folding structure of claim 2, wherein the support arm is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame through an extending arm, wherein a first end of the extending arm is pivotally connected to the support arm and a second end of the extending arm is connected to the seat cushion frame, wherein the first end and the second end are on opposing sides of the extending arm.

4. The seat folding structure of claim 3, wherein the second end of the extending arm is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame.

5. The seat folding structure of claim 3, wherein the second end of the extending arm is statically connected to the seat cushion frame.

6. The seat folding structure of claim 1, wherein the rear end guide mechanism includes a track, wherein moving the rear end relative to the track moves the seat cushion frame between the use position and the folded position.

7. The seat folding structure of claim 6, wherein the track has an elevated portion and a lower portion corresponding to the second path of travel, wherein the elevated portion is vertically higher than the lower portion.

8. The seat folding structure of claim 6, wherein the track maintains a vertical position of the rear end along the second path of travel.

9. The seat folding structure of claim 6, further comprising a guide attached to the rear end, wherein the guide is movable along the track along the second path of travel.

10. The seat folding structure of claim 9, wherein the track has a vertical section and a horizontal section extending along a length of the track, wherein the guide is configured to roll along at least a top surface of the horizontal section.

11. The seat folding structure of claim 9, wherein the track is a partial tube with an longitudinal opening extending along a length of the track, wherein the guide is configured to move within the opening.

12. The seat folding structure of claim 11, wherein the opening extends along a top section of the track.

13. The seat folding structure of claim 11, wherein the opening extends along a side section of the track.

14. The seat folding structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the front end and the rear end of the seat cushion frame is moved upward and subsequently downward between the use position and the folded position.