WO2025152100A1

WO2025152100A1 - Vehicle swivel seat

Info

Publication number: WO2025152100A1
Application number: PCT/CN2024/072968
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wen Zhang; Bharath BIRADAR; Senyu YE; Joerg Gropp; Jacqueline ALBRECHT; Jonas Scheler
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2024-01-18
Filing date: 2024-01-18
Publication date: 2025-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-18

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a vehicle swivel seat (1), comprising: a base (10A, 10B), a carrier (11A, 11B) rotatably supported on the base (10A, 10B), a seat part (12) mounted on the carrier (11A, 11B) and a drive unit (13) for driving a rotation of the carrier (11A, 11B) relative to the base (10A, 10B), wherein the drive unit (13) comprises a motor unit (130) and a spindle (131) displaceable by the motor unit (130) relative to the motor unit (130).

Description

Vehicle Swivel Seat

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle swivel seat for a vehicle.

Vehicle seats can be rotatable for various use cases in a vehicle. For example, rotating a seat towards a door of the vehicle can ease an entry or exit into or out of the vehicle. Further, it can be desired to rotate the vehicle seat by 180 degrees to allow an occupant of the rotatable vehicle seat to face other occupants in a rear row of vehicle seats in the vehicle, e.g., to enable a more natural conversation between the occupants.

CN 214607191 U describes a rotatable vehicle seat that can be unlocked and rotated manually. However, motor-driven adjustments of vehicle seats can be more convenient to operate and allow an improved control.

CN 213973681 U describes a motor-driven rotatable vehicle seat. Therein, an inner circumferential toothing is engaged by a pinion rotated by means of a motor.

However, it has been found that solutions with a driven pinion that rolls along an inner circumferential toothing can tend to have a substantial weight.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved vehicle swivel seat.

The objective is achieved with a vehicle swivel seat having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a vehicle swivel seat comprises a base, a carrier being rotatably supported on the base, a seat part (directly or indirectly) mounted on the carrier, and a drive unit for driving a rotation of the carrier (together with the seat part) relative to the base. Therein, it is provided that the drive unit comprises a motor unit and a spindle displaceable by the motor unit relative to the motor unit.

By using a motor unit with a spindle, i.e., a spindle drive, a reduced total weight of the parts is possible, particularly because no large inner circumferential toothing is necessary. In addition, a reduced play can be achieved. Thereby, a motor-driven swivel seat for a vehicle is provided that allows a reduced weight, a convenient use with an improved control and little play. Further, the construction of such a spindle drive can be relatively simple and robust. The spindle has a spindle axis. A thread of the spindle defines a spiral around the spindle axis. The spindle axis is oriented along the length of the spindle. An activation of the motor unit displaces the spindle relative to the motor unit along its spindle axis.

The drive unit may be pivotably mounted on the base or on the carrier. By this, a transmission of a force generated by the motor unit to drive the rotation of the carrier can be simplified.

The motor unit has a motor-shaft rotational axis. For example, an electric motor of the motor unit has a stator and a rotor rotatable about the motor-shaft axis relative to the stator. The spindle may extend at an angle to the motor-shaft rotational axis, in particular perpendicular to the motor-shaft rotational axis. This allows a compact construction.

The carrier is mounted rotatable relative to the base about a swivel axis extending through the seat part. Therein, when the vehicle swivel seat is oriented usable such that it is seatable by an occupant, the swivel axis is oriented upright.

The carrier may be rotatable relative to the base by at least 180 degrees, optionally by 360 degrees. This allows to turn towards a rear row of seats.

The drive unit may be mounted on one of the base and the carrier. The drive unit may be operatively connected to the other one of the base and the carrier via a swivel drive mechanism. For example, the drive unit is fixedly or rotatably mounted to the base (or the carrier) , and the swivel drive mechanism connects the drive unit (in particular the spindle) with the carrier (or the base) . This allows a robust connection and effective drive.

The swivel drive mechanism may comprise a lever. The lever may be fixed to the spindle. The lever may be pivotably connected to one of the base and the carrier. This allows a robust mechanism. Compared to solutions with an inner circumferential toothing, a play can be significantly reduced.

Alternatively, the swivel drive mechanism may comprise a lever pivotably connected to the spindle. This allows to provide a large extend of rotation using a relatively short spindle, and little play.

For example, the lever is pivotably mounted on the base. A connection link may be pivotably connected to the lever. The connection link may be pivotably connected to the carrier. The connection link may, thus, connect the lever with the carrier. By this, the extend of rotation may be further enlarged. Together, the parts can form a four-bar linkage. This allows a precise adjustment and little play. Stated more generally, the vehicle swivel seat may comprise a swivel drive mechanism with a four-bar linkage.

In an example, the connection link is arch-shaped. By this, the swivel axis may be arranged between the point of connection of the connection link to the lever and the point of connection of the connection link to the carrier (or base) . Therefore, a large extent of rotation of the carrier can be achieved with a simple design.

The lever may be fixed to the carrier. By this, the design may be simple and robust.

Alternatively, the lever may be pivotably mounted to the carrier. This allows a large degree of rotation.

In an example, the lever is arch-shaped. By this, a large degree of rotation is possible and the drive unit may be arranged more flexible.

The swivel drive mechanism may comprise a pinion. The pinion may be fixed to one of the base and the carrier. The swivel drive mechanism may comprise a toothed segment. The toothed segment may be pivotably mounted on the other one of the base and the carrier. The toothed segment may be in toothed engagement with the pinion. The toothed segment may be pivotably connected to the spindle. This allows to provide a simple and compact design.

The swivel drive mechanism comprises a traction element. The traction element may be forming a closed loop. The spindle may be fixed to a section of the traction element, e.g., by means of a connection piece. This allows large rotation angles and a simple mount of the drive unit.

For example, the traction element is a belt or a chain. These are robust elements and standard parts.

The base may comprise a base plate. The base may comprise a circular bearing, e.g., mounted on the base plate. Such a base plate can provide an even support. The circular bearing can provide a robust support for the carrier with the seat part.

The base may comprise one or more hooks. The carrier may comprise one or more hooks. At least one hook of the base may be engaged with at least one hook of the carrier, at least in one rotational position of the carrier relative to the base. Such engaged hooks can provide a strong support even under exceptional loads, such as in an accident.

For example, the at least one hook of the carrier movably rests on the circular bearing. By this, the hook (s) can have a dual function, namely, a support during use and a security against exceptional loads.

In some examples, the base is mounted on a longitudinal adjustment mechanism. The longitudinal adjustment mechanism may allow a displacement along an axis at an angle, e.g., perpendicular to the swivel axis of the carrier. Such a longitudinal adjustment mechanism in combination with the swivel seat allows a comfortable adjustment of the vehicle seat.

The seat part may be mounted on the carrier by means of and via a height-adjustment mechanism. Therefore, the weight of the carrier and base dos not have to be lifted with the height-adjustment mechanism. A further degree of freedom in the adjustment of the vehicle swivel seat allows to further increase the comfort.

A backrest may be pivotably mounted on the seat part. By this, seat part and backrest can be adjusted as a unit.

According to an aspect, a vehicle is provided, comprising the vehicle swivel seat according to any aspect or embodiment described herein. Regarding the advantages of this vehicle swivel seat, reference is made to the description further above.

The idea underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Therein:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle swivel seat of a vehicle;

Fig. 2 shows a swivel mechanism comprising a base and a carrier of the vehicle swivel seat of Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A and 3B show the base of Fig. 2 with a drive unit and a swivel drive mechanism in two different positions;

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the parts shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the base and the carrier of Fig. 2, and further parts therebetween;

Fig. 6 shows a close view of the drive unit and the swivel drive mechanism of Fig. 3A;

Fig. 7 shows a bearing and hooks which are arranged between the base and the carrier of Fig. 2 in the mounted state;

Fig. 8 shows the hooks and the bearing of Fig. 7 in a sectional view;

Fig. 9 shows one segment of the bearing of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10A and 10B show a carrier with a drive unit and a swivel drive mechanism in two different positions for the vehicle swivel seat of Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 shows a close view of the drive unit and the swivel drive mechanism of Fig. 10A;

Figs. 12-14 show different views of a base and a carrier with a drive unit and a swivel drive mechanism for the vehicle swivel seat of Fig. 1; and

Figs. 15-18 show further drive units and swivel drive mechanisms for the vehicle swivel seat of Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle seat for a vehicle in the form of a vehicle swivel seat 1. The vehicle seat 1 can be a co-driver seat, a driver seat, particularly in autonomous vehicles, or a seat in a second or other row of seats in the vehicle. The vehicle swivel seat, in the following simply referred to as vehicle seat 1 for brevity, comprises a seat part 12 and a backrest 15. On the seat part 12 a person can take a seat and lean his or her back against the backrest 15. In Fig. 1, the structural parts of the seat part 12 and the backrest 15 are shown. In use, cushions or the like are mounted on the seat part 12 and the backrest 15.

The backrest 15 is mounted on the seat part 12. The backrest 15 is pivotable relative to the seat part 12. For this purpose, the backrest 15 is connected to the seat part 12 via a recliner arrangement which, in the present example, includes two recliners 18 that can be operated to pivot the backrest around a backrest pivot axis B relative to the seat part 12. The backrest further comprises an opening for guiding through a safety belt (on an upper edge) . In the mounted state, the safety belt is mounted on the backrest 15.

The vehicle seat 1 further comprises a longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16. The longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16 allows to displace the seat part 12 together with the backrest 15 along a longitudinal axis X. When mounted in a vehicle, the longitudinal axis X corresponds to the longitudinal vehicle axis in the vehicle coordinate system. The longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16 comprises two pairs of guide rails. The pairs of guide rails are arranged parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis X. The pairs of guide rails are displaced to one another along a transverse axis Y. The transverse axis Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. the longitudinal and transverse axes span a plane (XY plane) which is horizontal when mounted in a vehicle arranged on a horizontal surface. A vertical axis Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y. When the when vehicle seat 1 is mounted in a vehicle arranged on a horizontal surface, the vertical axis Z is vertical.

The vehicle seat 1 further comprises a swivel mechanism 19 that will be described in more detail below. The swivel mechanism 19 allows to rotate the seat part 12 (together with the backrest 15) around a swivel axis A, in the present example by up to 180 degrees. The swivel axis A is parallel to the vertical axis Z. As such, it is perpendicular to the XY plane. When the vehicle seat 1 is oriented usable such that it is seatable by an occupant, the swivel axis A is oriented upright. In use, a person sitting (or taking a seat) on the vehicle seat 1 can use the swivel mechanism 19 to rotate the seat part 12 and backrest 15, e.g., by 90 degrees for an easier exit (or entry) or 180 degrees to face persons in a second or third row of seats in the vehicle. The swivel axis A is perpendicular to the backrest pivot axis B. The swivel axis A centrally projects through the seat part 12. In the example of Fig. 1, the swivel mechanism 19 is mounted on the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16.

Further, the vehicle seat 1 comprises a height-adjustment mechanism 17. The height-adjustment mechanism 17 is for adjusting the height of the seat part 12 (together with the backrest 15) along the vertical axis Z. The height-adjustment mechanism 17 comprises two pivotable links on the left side as well as on the right side. These links can be rotated in order to lift or lower the seat part 12.

Notably, the height-adjustment mechanism 17, the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16 and the recliner 18 arrangement are not necessarily provided. The vehicle seat 1 of Fig. 1 comprises all of these adjustment mechanisms, but could also comprise only one or two, or even none, of these mechanisms.

Here, the swivel mechanism 19 is mounted on the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16. The height-adjustment mechanism 17 is mounted on the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16. The seat part 12 is mounted on the height-adjustment mechanism 17. Thus, the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16 is configured to carry the swivel mechanism 19, the height-adjustment mechanism 17, the seat part 12 and the backrest 15. The swivel mechanism 19 is configured to carry the height-adjustment mechanism 17, the seat part 12 and the backrest 15.

Fig. 2 shows the swivel mechanism 19 separately. The swivel mechanism 19 (and, therefore, the vehicle seat 1) comprises a base 10A and a carrier 11A rotatably supported on the base 10A. In the mounted state as shown in Fig. 1, the base 10A is mounted on the longitudinal adjustment mechanism 16, and the height-adjustment mechanism 17 is mounted on the carrier 11A. The seat part 12 is mounted on the carrier 11A, 11B. More specifically, the seat part 12 is mounted on the carrier 11A, 11B by means of a height-adjustment mechanism 17. The base 10A comprises a base plate 100A which is planar in major parts. It has a rim extending around its outer edge. The base plate 100A has a quadratic outer shape with rounded corners. The carrier 11A is also mostly planar and has a quadratic outer shape with rounded corners. The outer shapes of the base 10A and the carrier 11A match each other. This configuration allows a very flat construction.

The carrier 11A is mounted rotatable relative to the base 10A about the swivel axis A. Centrally, a marriage bolt (or another fastener) rotatably secures the carrier 11A to the base 10A. The marriage bolt 111 is arranged in a central depression of the carrier 11A. The marriage bolt 111 extends through a central hole 112A in the carrier 11A. The carrier 11A is rotatable relative to the base 10A by 180 degrees.

In Fig. 2, also parts of a bearing 101A and a drive unit 13 can be seen which will now be described in more detail.

Turning to Figs. 3A and 3B, a view on the base 10A without the carrier 11A is shown, so that the bearing 101A and the drive unit 13 can be seen entirely from the top.

The bearing 101A is circular. The bearing 100A is mounted on the base plate 100A. The bearing 101A extends adjacent the outer edges of the base plate 100A. The bearing 101A is, as an example, made of plastics. The base 10A and the carrier 11A are, as examples, made of metal, e.g., steel. In the bearing 101A, a plurality of rollers 103 are mounted. Each roller 103 has the shape of a roll but could alternatively be formed as a ball. The rollers 103 are disposed in receptacles in the bearing 101A, around the swivel axis A, on a side facing the carrier 11A. The bearing 101A in the present example is made of a plurality of parts. Namely, the bearing 101A comprises four segments 107 (while other numbers are also conceivable) . One of the segments 107 is shown in Fig. 9. The segment 107 defines a quarter of a circle. The segment 107 has openings in which the rollers 103 are disposed. The segment 107 has one male connector 108 end, and one female connector 109 end. Thereby, the segments 107 can be securely connected to one another to form the bearing 101A.

The swivel mechanism 19 further comprises a drive unit 13 for driving a rotation of the carrier 11A relative to the base 10A. The drive unit 13 comprises a motor unit 130 and a spindle 131 displaceable by the motor unit 130 relative to the motor unit 130. The drive unit 13 is mounted on the base 10A. More specifically, the drive unit 13 including the motor unit 130 is pivotably mounted on the base 10A. Notably, the drive unit 13 could alternatively be mounted on the carrier 11A.

The drive unit 13 is shown in more detail in Fig. 6. The motor unit 130 comprises an electric motor and a gearbox. The motor unit 130 has a spindle nut. Activation of the motor unit 130 rotates the spindle nut in a selectable sense of rotation. The spindle nut is rotatably held on the motor unit 130. The drive unit 13 further comprises a bracket 134, to which the motor unit 130 is mounted. The bracket 134 comprises an opening through which a bolt or the like extends in the mounted condition as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. This connection holds the drive unit 13 on the base 10A but allows to pivot the drive unit 13 relative to the base 10. A mounting bracket 132 fixed to the base 10A allows to pivotably connect a second hole on the bracket 134 (on the other side of the spindle 131) for an even more secure connection. Thereby, the drive unit 13 is pivotable relative to the base 10A about a pivot axis P (see Fig. 6).

The motor unit 130 has a motor-shaft rotational axis R. A rotor of the motor unit 130 is supported rotatable relative to a stator of the motor unit 130 about the motor-shaft rotational axis R. The motor unit 130 has a motor shaft fixed to the rotor. The spindle 131 extends perpendicular to the motor-shaft rotational axis R. More specifically, the spindle 131 is elongate with an elongate axis being perpendicular to the motor-shaft rotational axis R.

The spindle 131 comprises an outer thread. The spindle 131 is in threaded engagement with the spindle nut. A rotation of the spindle nut, thereby, screws the spindle back or forth, depending on the sense of rotation. A rotation of the spindle 131 is prevented by a connection of the spindle to a swivel drive mechanism 14A. The drive unit 13 is mounted on the base 10A and operatively connected to the carrier 11A via the swivel drive mechanism 14A.

The spindle 131 is pivotably connected to a lever 140A of the swivel drive mechanism 14A. The spindle 133 and the lever 140A together form a pivot axis P. The In the present example, on one end of the spindle 131, a connection ring 133 is formed. The connection ring 133 is pivotably connected to the lever 140A of the swivel drive mechanism 14A, e.g., by means of a bolt or the like. The bolt extends through the connection ring 133 and a hole in the lever 140A. The hole in the lever 140A is located at one end of the lever 140A.

The lever 140A itself is pivotably mounted on the base 10A. for this purpose, the lever 140A comprises a hole between its two ends on which it is pivotably mounted about a further pivot axis P, on the base 10A.

The lever 140A has a third pivot axis P, in the present example at its other end with a connection link 141 of the swivel drive mechanism 14A. Also for this pivot axis P the lever 140A has a hole for a bolt or the like. The three pivot axes P of the lever 140A are arranged along a straight line. The corresponding holes in the lever 140A are arranged along a straight line. Further, the central pivot axis P is located closer to the pivot axis P with the spindle than to the pivot axis P with the connection link 141. This provides a leverage effect for a larger movement of the connection link 141 compared to the corresponding movement of the spindle 131.

The connection link 141 is pivotably connected to the carrier 11A. Here, the connection link 141 is pivotably connected to the carrier 11A by means of a bolt 147 as shown in Fig. 2, for example. The bolt 147 extends through a hole 112B in the carrier 11A. The bolt 147 (and the point of connection) is eccentric to the marriage bolt 111 and to the swivel axis A. Thereby, a movement of the connection link 141 effects a rotation of the carrier 11A relative to the base 10A. The connection link 141 connects the lever 140A with the carrier 11A.

The swivel mechanism 19 comprises a four-bar linkage. More specifically, together, the base 10A, the lever 140A, the connection link 141 and the spindle 131 (with its connection to the base 10A) form the four-bar linkage. The length on one of the links, namely, of the spindle 131, is adjustable to adjust the position of the four-bar linkage. The four-bar linkage allows a high adjustment speed, continually without steps, little free play and a light weight.

The connection link 141 is arch-shaped. More specifically, the connection link 141 has the shape of the section of a circle. Thereby, the connection link 141 allows a rotation of the carrier about a large angle, because it does not interfere with the marriage bolt 111 due to its shape.

This can be seen in Figs. 3A and 3B, for example. In Fig. 3A, a starting position is shown, e.g., such as in Fig. 1, where the seat part 12 is oriented in the forward driving direction. The spindle 131 is fully retracted and the motor side of the lever 140A is drawn to the motor unit 130. The connection link 141 is drawn to the side of the drive unit 13. When the motor unit 130 is activated, the spindle 131 is extended such that the connection ring 133 moves away from the motor unit 130. The lever 140A is pivoted about its pivot axis P with the base 10A, so that the connection link 141 is pushed. Thereby, the connection link 141 pushes the carrier 11A to rotate around the swivel axis A relative to the base 10A. During this movement, the drive unit 13 pivots relative to the base 10A.

Notably, the motor unit 130 is arranged within a cutout 104 of the base plate 100A. This cutout 104 allows the pivoting motion of the motor drive 130 while arranging major parts of the motor unit 130 below the base 10A, as shown in Fig. 4. Therein, it can be seen that the lever 140A and the connection ring 141 (as well as the spindle 131) are arranged between the base 10A and the carrier 11A. This allows a particularly flat construction.

The drive unit 13 and the swivel drive mechanism 14A are arranged inside the circle defined by the bearing 101A.

What can also be seen particularly in Fig. 4 with further reference to Figs. 5 and 8 is that hooks 102 are fixed (e.g., welded) to the base 10A and hooks 110 are fixed (e.g., welded) to the carrier 11A. At least in some rotational positions of the carrier 11A, the hooks 110 of the carrier 11A are engaged with the hooks 102 of the base 10A. Here, the hooks 102, 110 are engaged in the starting position, after rotation by 90 degrees, and after rotation by 180 degrees relative to the starting position. The hooks 102, 110 are arranged at the four corners of the base 10A and the carrier 11A. As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B, 5 and 7, four pairs of hooks 102, 110 are provided (at equidistant spacing around the swivel axis A) .

The hooks 102, 110 provide a secure retention of the carrier 11A on the base 10A, even under crash loads.

The hooks 102, 110 follow sections of the circular bearing 101A. The hooks 110 of the carrier 11A movably rest on the circular bearing 101A. The hooks 110 of the carrier 11A roll over the rollers 103 on the bearing 101A. The bearing 101A forms a cage for the rollers 103.

Further, the hooks 102 of the base 10A have an over molding, e.g., made of plastics, that reduces friction and play between the hooks 102 of the base 10A and the respective hooks 110 of the carrier 11. In the cross section, the hooks 102, 110 have a shape of a J.

Figs. 4 and 5 also show a nut 106 formed on or fixed to the base plate 100A. The marriage bolt 111 is screwed into the nut 106. The marriage bolt 111 is a shoulder bolt in the present example.

Turning now to Figs. 10A, 10B and 11, an alternative swivel drive mechanism 14B will now be described. While the base 10A, carrier 11A and drive unit 13 can be just as described above, the swivel drive mechanism 14A comprises a toothed segment 143 and a pinion 142 instead of the lever 140A and connection link 141.

The pinion 142 is fixed to the carrier 11A. The toothed segment 143 is pivotably mounted on the base 10A via a pivot axis P. The toothed segment 143 is in toothed engagement with the pinion 142. The toothed segment 143 is pivotably connected to the spindle 131 vis a further pivot axis P.

When the drive unit 13 operates as described above, particularly with reference to Figs. 3A and 3B, the spindle 131 pushes against (or, depending on the direction of movement pulls on) the toothed segment 143 at the further pivot axis P. The further pivot axis P is displaced from the pivot axis P, so as a result the toothed segment 143 pivots relative to the base 10A. While pivoting, the toothed segment 143 rolls along the pinion 142 and thereby forces the pinion 142 to rotate. Since the pinion 142 is fixed to the carrier 11A, the carrier 11A is rotated relative to the base 10A.

Starting from the position in Fig. 10A with the spindle 131 retracted, the carrier 11A is rotatable by up to 180 degrees with the spindle 131 fully extended as shown in Fig. 10B.

With reference to Figs. 12 to 14, a further alternative swivel drive mechanism 14C for the vehicle seat 1 will now be described.

As described above, a base 10B, a carrier 11B rotatably supported on the base 10B and for supporting the seat part 12 (e.g., via the height-adjustment mechanism 17) and a drive unit 13 for driving the rotation of the carrier 11B relative to the base 10B are provided. Also, the drive unit 13 comprises a motor unit 130 and a spindle 131 displaceable by the motor unit 130 relative to the motor unit 130.

The drive unit 13 is part of a swivel drive mechanism 14C which comprises a lever 140B that is fixed to the spindle 131. Further, the lever 140B (directly) pivotably connected to the carrier 11B. This allows a particularly robust and simple construction. The drive unit can be disposed behind, before or besides the bearing 101B.

Here, the carrier 11B is rotatably secured to the base 10B by means of a central bearing 101B. The central bearing 101B has an inner through hole though which, e.g., cables could be routed. Eccentric to the central swivel axis A defined by the centrally arranged bearing 101B, the lever 140B is pivotably mounted on the carrier 11B via a pivot axis P. In the sectional view of Fig. 14 it can be seen that the lever 140B extends between the base 10B and the carrier 11B and is rotatably fixed to the carrier 11B by means of a bolt. The lever 140B extends coaxially with the spindle 131. The lever 140B is mounted on (or formed in one piece with) one of the longitudinal ends of the spindle 131.

The motor unit 130 is mounted on a motor plate 136. The motor plate 136 is pivotably mounted, about a pivot axis P, on the base 10B using a bolt.

The carrier 11B is additionally supported on the base 10B by means of supports 114 further displaced from the swivel axis a than the central bearing 101B. Each of the supports 114 comprises a roller (here: a ball) that is configured to roll over a base plate 100B of the base 10B. Depending on the location of the connection of the lever 140B with the carrier 11B, rotation angles of more than 180 degrees are possible.

Fig. 15 schematically shows another swivel drive mechanism 14D for the vehicle seat 1. Reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition. The swivel drive mechanism 14D comprises a lever 140C that is fixedly connected to the carrier 11B. The lever 140C is pivotably connected to the spindle 131 via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) .

The drive unit 13 is mounted to the base 10B (not shown in Fig. 15) via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) .

This arrangement is particularly robust.

Fig. 16 schematically shows another swivel drive mechanism 14E for the vehicle seat 1. Again, reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition.

The swivel drive mechanism 14E of Fig. 16 comprises a traction element 144. The traction element 144 forms a closed loop. The spindle 130 is operatively connected to the traction element. In the present example, the spindle 131 is fixed to a section of the traction element 144 by means of a connection piece 145. The connection piece 145 is fixed to a section of the traction element 144. The connection piece 145 is connected to the spindle 131 either fixedly or vis a pivot bearing. The drive unit 13 is fixedly mounted on the base 10B (although a pivoting connection would also be possible) .

The traction element 144 is, e.g., a belt or a chain.

The traction element 144 is guided around one or more, here two, pulleys 146. The connection piece 145 is connected to the traction element 144 between the two pulleys 146. The traction element 149 is in contact with a part of the carrier 11B forming a contact area 149. The contact area 149 may comprise teeth engaged with teeth or chain links or the like of the traction element 144. The contact area 149 is circular (or at least forms a part of a circle) .

Depending on the diameter of the contact area 149 and the distance of the pulleys, the maximum angle of rotation of the carrier 11B can be adjusted, wherein angles of 360 degrees or even more are possible.

A tensioner 148 may be provided that exerts a force F against the traction element 144, particularly from against an outside thereof.

Fig. 17 schematically shows another swivel drive mechanism 14F for the vehicle seat 1. Again, reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition.

The swivel drive mechanism 14F of Fig. 17 comprises a lever 140D that is (directly) pivotably connected to the carrier 11B via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) . The lever 140D is also (directly) pivotably connected to the spindle 131 via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) . The lever 140D is elongate and has the shape of a straight line (acurved form would also be possible) .

The drive unit 13 is fixedly mounted on the base 10B (although a pivoting connection would also be possible) . The spindle 131 is arranged, e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis X or to the transverse axis Y.

Fig. 18 schematically shows another swivel drive mechanism 14G for the vehicle seat 1. Again, reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition.

The swivel drive mechanism 14G of Fig. 18 comprises a lever 140E that is (directly) pivotably connected to the carrier 11B via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) . The lever 140E is also (directly) pivotably connected to the spindle 131 via a pivot bearing 135 forming a pivot axis P (being parallel to the swivel axis A) .

The drive unit 13 is fixedly mounted on the base 10B (although a pivoting connection would also be possible) . The spindle 131 is arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis X and at an angle to the transverse axis Y (and at an angle, in particular perpendicular to the vertical axis Z) . According to Fig. 18, the lever 140E is arch-shaped. It follows a curve. The lever 140E can grasp around the swivel axis A.

Alternatively, or in addition, the swivel drive mechanisms can comprise a crank gearing. The spindle drive is a linear drive mechanism.

List of reference signs

1 vehicle swivel seat

10A, 10B base

100A, 100B base plate

101A, 101B bearing

102 hook

103 roller

104 cutout

105 over molding

106 nut

107 segment

108 male connector

109 female connector

11A, 11B carrier

110 hook

111 marriage bolt

112A, 112B hole

114 support

12 seat part

13 drive unit

130 motor unit

131 spindle

132 mounting bracket

133 connection ring

134 bracket

135 pivot bearing

136 motor plate

14A-14G swivel drive mechanism

140A-140E lever

141 connection link

142 pinion

143 toothed segment

144 traction element

145 connection piece

146 pulley

147 bolt

148 tensioner

149 contact area

15 backrest

16 longitudinal adjustment mechanism

17 height-adjustment mechanism

18 recliner

19 swivel mechanism

A swivel axis

B backrest pivot axis

F force

P pivot axis

R motor-shaft rotational axis

X longitudinal axis

Y transverse axis

Z vertical axis

Claims

A vehicle swivel seat (1) , comprising:

- a base (10A, 10B) ,

- a carrier (11A, 11B) rotatably supported on the base (10A, 10B) ,

- a seat part (12) mounted on the carrier (11A, 11B) and

- a drive unit (13) for driving a rotation of the carrier (11A, 11B) relative to the base (10A, 10B) ,

characterized in that

the drive unit (13) comprises a motor unit (130) and a spindle (131) displaceable by the motor unit (130) relative to the motor unit (130) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit (13) is pivotably mounted on the base (10A, 10B) or on the carrier (11A, 11B) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the motor unit (130) has a motor-shaft rotational axis (R) , wherein the spindle (131) extends perpendicular to the motor-shaft rotational axis (R) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (11A, 11B) is mounted rotatable relative to the base (10A, 10B) about a swivel axis (A) extending through the seat part (12) , wherein, when the vehicle swivel seat (1) is oriented usable such that it is seatable by an occupant, the swivel axis (A) is oriented upright.
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the carrier (11A, 11B) is rotatable relative to the base (10A, 10B) by at least 180 degrees.
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive unit (13) is mounted on one of the base (10A, 10B) and the carrier (11A, 11B) and operatively connected to the other one of the base (10A, 10B) and the carrier (11A, 11B) via a swivel drive mechanism (14A-14F) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the swivel drive mechanism (14C) comprises a lever (140B) fixed to the spindle (131) and pivotably connected to one of the base (10B) and the carrier (11B) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the swivel drive mechanism (14A, 14D, 14F, 14G) comprises a lever (140A, 140C-140E) pivotably connected to the spindle (131) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the lever (140A) is pivotably mounted on the base (10A) , and a connection link (141) is pivotably connected to the lever (140A) and pivotably connected to the carrier (11A) , the connection link (141) connecting the lever (140A) with the carrier (11A) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the connection link (141) is arch-shaped.
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the lever (140C) is fixed to the carrier (11B) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the lever (140A, 140B, 140D, 140E) is pivotably mounted to the carrier (11A, 11B) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the lever (140E) is arch-shaped.
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the swivel drive mechanism (14B) comprises a pinion (142) fixed to one of the base (10A) and the carrier (11A) , and a toothed segment (143) pivotably mounted on the other one of the base (10A) and the carrier (11A) , the toothed segment (143) being in toothed engagement with the pinion (142) and pivotably connected to the spindle (131) .
sThe vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the swivel drive mechanism (14E) comprises a traction element (144) forming a closed loop, wherein the spindle (130) is fixed to a section of the traction element (144) by means of a connection piece (145) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that the traction element (144) is a belt or a chain.
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (10A, 10B) comprises a base plate (100A, 100B) and a circular bearing (101A, 101B) mounted on the base plate (100A, 100B) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one hook (102) of the base (10A) is engaged with at least one hook (110) of the carrier (11A) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to claim 17 and claim 18, characterized in that the at least one hook (110) of the carrier (11A) movably rests on the circular bearing (101A) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (10A, 10B) is mounted on a longitudinal adjustment mechanism (16) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the seat part (12) is mounted on the carrier (11A, 11B) by means of a height-adjustment mechanism (17) .
The vehicle swivel seat (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a backrest (15) is pivotably mounted on the seat part (12) .

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