VEHICLE SEAT WITH FOLD-FLAT POSITION

A vehicle seat comprises: first and second risers to engage with respective first and second rails on a floor of a vehicle; a seatback extending from a first pivot at the first and second risers; and a seat cushion mounted to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage, wherein the seat cushion is not attached to the seatback and is not supported by the seatback; wherein the vehicle seat has (i) a comfort position in which a latch holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seatback, the seat cushion supported only by the four-bar linkage in the first position, and (ii) a fold-flat position in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor, and in which the seatback is folded about the first pivot and assumes a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to a vehicle seat with a fold-flat position.

BACKGROUND

Vehicle seats can be designed for the dual purposes of providing a seat for an occupant, and being folded to provide a load floor for luggage or other vehicle cargo. Some existing sport utility vehicles (SUVs) allow their second-row and optionally third row-seats to be folded to provide a substantially flat load floor; however, the mechanical approaches that have been used may result in the load floor being positioned at a significant height above the vehicle floor (and therefore at a significant height above the ground as well). As another example, at least one existing minivan uses captain's chairs in the second row, which can be folded into compartments formed in the so-called body-in-white of the vehicle (i.e., the frame or bodywork of the vehicle that provides its constituent structure). However, the latter approach is not applicable where the space below the vehicle floor is used for another purpose, such as to house a battery pack of an electric vehicle.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, a vehicle seat comprises: first and second risers to engage with respective first and second rails on a floor of a vehicle; a seatback extending from a first pivot at the first and second risers; and a seat cushion mounted to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage, wherein the seat cushion is not attached to the seatback and is not supported by the seatback; wherein the vehicle seat has (i) a comfort position in which a latch holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seatback, the seat cushion supported only by the four-bar linkage in the first position, and (ii) a fold-flat position in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor, and in which the seatback is folded about the first pivot and assumes a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

Implementations can include any or all of the following features. The four-bar linkage comprises: a first bar extending from a first riser pivot on the first riser to a first seat pivot on a second bar on the seat cushion; a third bar extending from a second seat pivot on the second bar to a second riser pivot on the first riser, wherein the first riser forms a fourth bar of the four-bar linkage; a fifth bar extending from a third riser pivot on the second riser to a third seat pivot on a sixth bar on the seat cushion; and a seventh bar extending from a fourth seat pivot on the sixth bar to a fourth riser pivot on the second riser, wherein the second riser forms an eighth bar of the four-bar linkage. The latch is positioned on one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first or second risers, and wherein the latch engages with a striker to hold the seat cushion in the first position relative to the seatback, the striker positioned on another one of (i) the four-bar linkage or (ii) the first or second risers. The vehicle seat comprises first and second latches for the first and second risers, respectively. The seatback further comprises connection links each having a first end at the first pivot, and each having a second end at a second pivot, wherein a remainder of the seatback is coupled to the second pivot, the connection links positioned at opposite sides of the seatback. The vehicle seat further comprises a cross member extending between the connection links. The vehicle seat further comprises at least one child-seat attachment point on the cross member. Orientations of the connection links are adjusted using the second pivot before the seatback is folded about the first pivots and assumes the second position overlapping the seat cushion. The vehicle seat further comprises a first shaft extending along the first pivot, and a second shaft extending along the second pivot. The second pivot, and not the first pivot, is used for comfort adjustment of the seatback. The vehicle seat also has (iii) an easy entry position in which the seatback is rotated using the second pivot and the vehicle seat is moved along the first and second rails. The vehicle seat is part of a split seat row in the vehicle, the split seat row including a wider portion and a narrower portion. The vehicle seat is the wider portion of the split seat row. The wider portion of the split seat row further comprises a center seat, the center seat cantilevered by the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is the narrower portion of the split seat row. The vehicle seat further comprises a seatbelt retractor supported by a plate extending between the first and second risers. A seatbelt webbing extends from the seatbelt retractor and through the vehicle seat to a top of the seatback, and wherein the seatbelt webbing has anchors at the first and second risers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes examples of systems and techniques that provide a vehicle with a row of one or more robust and utilitarian seats that can also be folded away to provide a flat load floor at a conveniently low load level. In some implementations, the vehicle seat has a seat cushion that in a comfort position is suspended only by a four-bar linkage and does not rest against a seatback of the seat. The four-bar linkage allows the seat cushion to be folded down in a fold-flat position where the seat cushion is positioned toward a floor of the vehicle. The seatback, moreover, can have at least one pivot, allowing it to be folded into a position overlapping the seat cushion.

The present subject matter can provide improved seating and loading capability for different types of vehicles. A vehicle is sometimes characterized in terms of the height of its load floor. For example, some minivans have been recognized as providing a relatively low load floor, which can simplify loading or cargo and make it easy for occupants to enter the vehicle. On the other hand, in such vehicles occupants may be seated at a relatively low level based on the low load floor. Indeed, another vehicle characteristic is the height at which occupants are seated in the vehicle (sometimes referred to as “H point” with reference to the expected elevation of a nominal occupant's hip joint.) SUVs are often referred to as providing relatively high H points compared to other types of vehicles, while many of these SUVs also suffer from the disadvantage of having a relatively high load floor.

In contrast to the above, a vehicle according to the present subject matter can be designed to have a high H point like an SUV, but a low load floor like a minivan. Such a vehicle can have a row of one or more seats according to the present subject matter, where the seats are easily placed into a comfort position with a high H point for the occupant; or the seats are conveniently stowed away into a fold-flat position to boast a significant cargo space of essentially unparalleled proportions in its vehicle class. The approach by which the present seat can be stowed into the fold-flat position is particularly advantageous in that it does not require any space for storage within the body-in-white, which in some implementations (i.e., electric vehicles) can instead be used for accommodating a battery pack of significant capacity.

Examples herein refer to a vehicle. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers or cargo, or both. A vehicle can have one or more motors using at least one type of fuel or other energy source (e.g., electricity). Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, and buses. The number of wheels can differ between types of vehicles, and one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels can be used for propulsion of the vehicle, or the vehicle can be unpowered (e.g., when a trailer is attached to another vehicle). The vehicle can include a passenger compartment accommodating one or more persons.

Examples described herein refer to a top, bottom, front, side, or rear. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects in a relative way based on an express or arbitrary notion of perspective. That is, these terms are illustrative only, used for purposes of explanation, and do not necessarily indicate the only possible position, direction, and so on.

In the following, examples of vehicle seats will be described, including some operations of folding/unfolding or stowing/deploying with regard to the seats. In some implementations, the seat movement can be at least partially automated by way of motorized operation powered by the vehicle itself. For example, a power recliner or other actuator can use electric energy to rotate and/or translate mechanical components relative to each other. In other implementations, the operation can be manual, meaning that the user manually provides the necessary force. As such, the following description covers both automated and manual operation.

FIG.1shows an example of a vehicle seat100in a comfort position. The vehicle seat100can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Some portions of the vehicle seat100are omitted in the illustrations for clarity.

The vehicle seat100is positioned on rails that are mounted to a floor102of the vehicle. One or more rails can be used, and a rail104supporting the vehicle seat100is here visible. The vehicle seat100can have one or more risers for engaging with the rail(s)104, and a riser106of the vehicle seat100is here shown as positioned on the rail104. The vehicle seat100can have a bracket108extending from the riser106. For example, the bracket108can be a portion of the riser106that extends away from the rail104, or the bracket108can be a separate piece that is mounted to the riser106.

The vehicle seat100has a seatback110for supporting the upper body of the occupant. The seatback110can include a frame covered by a cushion and/or trim. The seatback110can include a connection link112that allows for folding or other adjustment. The connection link112can have a first end at a pivot114, such that the seatback110including the connection link112extends from the pivot114. The connection link112has a second end (e.g., opposite the first end) at a pivot116. That is, a remainder of the seatback110other than the connection link112can be coupled to the pivot116and thereby to the connection link112. As used herein, the pivot114continues through the seatback110in a direction into the present illustration so that the pivot114extends from side to side of the seatback110; similarly, the pivot116continues through the seatback110in a direction into the present illustration so that the pivot116extends from side to side of the seatback110. The vehicle seat100can have two instances of the connection link112positioned at opposite sides of the seatback110, of which only one is visible in the present view.

The vehicle seat100can have a seat cushion118for an occupant to sit on when the vehicle seat100is in the comfort position. The seat cushion118can include a frame covered by a cushion and/or trim. The seat cushion118is mounted to the riser106using a four-bar linkage120. The seat cushion118is not attached to the seatback110and is not supported by the seatback110. That is, the seat cushion118can be free and does not rest on anything except the four-bar linkage120. For example, the seat cushion118does not rest against the bracket108. In the comfort position of the vehicle seat100(e.g., the shown position), a gap can exist between an end of the seat cushion118and a lowermost end of the seatback110. In some implementations, the gap can be covered by a filler piece. For example, the filler piece can be attached to the seatback110.

The pivot114and/or116can be used in performing one or more functions of the vehicle seat100. In some implementations, the pivot114can be used when stowing the vehicle seat100into a fold-flat position. For example, this can allow the seatback110to assume a position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion118. In some implementations, the pivot116can be used when adjusting the seatback110in a comfort position (e.g., for greater or lesser incline). For example, this comfort adjustment can be done using only the pivot116and not the pivot114. In some implementations, the pivot116can be used when placing the vehicle seat100into an easy entry position (e.g., to create a wider opening for an occupant to enter a subsequent row of seats in the vehicle).

FIGS.2A-2Dshow examples200-206of moving the vehicle seat100ofFIG.1between the comfort position and a fold-flat position. Any of the examples200-206can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. In the example200, the seatback110is currently in any of the multiple positions that the seatback110can assume when the vehicle seat100is in the comfort position. The seat cushion118is no longer in the comfort position; rather, the seat cushion118has been rotated about the four-bar linkage120, in a counterclockwise direction in the present view, in a direction away from the seatback110. Rotations in the example200are here schematically represented by an arrow208. For example, this motion can be facilitated by unlatching the seat cushion using a latch210. Due to the four-bar linkage120, the rotation in the example200can initially cause the seat cushion118to be elevated higher than in the comfort position, and thereafter to descend toward the floor102.

Before the seat cushion118is unlatched, the vehicle can check that the vehicle seat100is in a rearmost position on the rails104(e.g., so that an uppermost part of the seatback110will clear the backs of any seat in a row in front of the vehicle seat100in the fold-flat position). For example, this check is performed using an electronic sensor after a user input, such as pressing a button. If the vehicle seat100is not presently in the correct position, the vehicle seat100can first be moved rearward on the rails104. Other than the feature just described, the vehicle seat100may not move along the rails104in any of the examples200-206.

In the example202, the seat cushion118has been folded to a position toward the floor102. For example, a part of the seat cushion118and/or a part of the four-bar linkage120can rest on the floor102and/or on the rails104. The seat cushion118is now positioned significantly lower than in the comfort position (e.g.,FIG.1), providing substantial clearance for obtaining a low flat load floor in the vehicle. The seatback110may not have been moved from the comfort position in the situation shown in the example202.

In the example204, the connection link112can be rotated about one or both of the pivots114and116to move the seatback110. The connection link112can be rotated in either direction. In some implementations, the connection link112is rotated so that the pivot116is positioned substantially above the pivot114in a vertical direction. The remainder of the seatback110other than the connection link112can also or instead be rotated about the pivot116. For example, the remainder of the seatback110can be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the connection link112. Rotations in the example204are here schematically represented by an arrow212. As such, orientations of the one or more connection links112can be adjusted using at least the pivot116before the seatback110is folded about the pivot114and assumes a position overlapping the seat cushion118(to be described next).

In the example206, the seatback110is folded about the pivot114and assumes a position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion118. Rotations in the example206are here schematically represented by an arrow214. The seatback110is now positioned essentially flat against the seat cushion118, thereby providing a low flat load floor in the vehicle. For example, the seatback110is substantially parallel to the floor102(e.g., horizontal) in the example206.

The present example illustrates that the vehicle seat100can include first and second risers (e.g., the risers106inFIG.1) to engage with respective first and second rails (e.g., the rails104) on a floor of a vehicle (e.g., the floor102). The vehicle seat100can include a seatback (e.g., the seatback110) extending from a first pivot (e.g., the pivot114) at the first and second risers. The vehicle seat100can include a seat cushion (e.g., the seat cushion118) mounted to the first and second risers using a four-bar linkage (e.g., the four-bar linkage120). The seat cushion may not be attached to the seatback and is not supported by the seatback. The vehicle seat100can have a comfort position (e.g., as shown inFIG.1) in which a latch (e.g., the latch210) holds the seat cushion in a first position relative to the seatback, wherein the seat cushion is supported only by the four-bar linkage in the first position. The vehicle seat100can have a fold-flat position (e.g., as shown inFIG.2D) in which the four-bar linkage is folded to position the seat cushion toward the floor, and in which the seatback is folded about the first pivot and assumes a second position at least partially overlapping the seat cushion.

The vehicle seat100can also support one or more other movements, for example as will now be described.FIGS.3A-3Bshow examples300-302of moving the vehicle seat100ofFIG.1between the comfort position and an easy entry position. Any of the examples300-302can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein.

In the example300, the vehicle seat100is at the rearmost position on the rail104. The seatback110has been rotated from the comfort position (e.g.,FIG.1), counterclockwise in the present view, about the pivot116. By contrast, the seat cushion118may not have been rotated in the example300. As such, the seat cushion118is presently supported only by the four-bar linkage120.

In the example302, the vehicle seat100has been moved along the rails104. For example, this can involve moving the vehicle seat100towards a preceding row of seats in the vehicle. As such, the vehicle seat100can presently create a wider opening for an occupant to enter a subsequent row of seats in the vehicle. As such, the example302can be characterized as an easy entry position in which the seatback110is rotated using the pivot116and the vehicle seat100is moved along the rails104.

FIG.4shows an example of the rail104and the riser106ofFIG.1. The mechanical interaction between the rail104and the riser106allows the vehicle seat100(e.g.,FIG.1) to be selectively moved, or to be firmly held in place, along the rail104.

FIG.5shows an example of a rear view of the vehicle seat100ofFIG.1. The vehicle seat100has the connection link112and, on the other side of the seatback110, a connection link112′. The connection links112and112′ can be substantially similar to each other (e.g., identical, or mirror image designs). The vehicle seat100has a cross member500extending between the connection links112and112′. The cross member500can perform one or more functions with regard to the vehicle seat100. In some implementations, one or more child-seat attachment points502can be provided on the cross member500. For example, the child-seat attachment points502can be used as an anchor point according to the ISOFIX standard relating to child safety seats.

The pivots114and116are shown to extend from side to side of the seatback110. The vehicle seat100can have a shaft504extending along the pivot114. The vehicle seat100can have a shaft506extending along the pivot116.

The vehicle seat100can have a seatbelt retractor508. In some implementations, the seatbelt retractor508is mounted underneath the vehicle seat100, such as between the bracket108and a bracket108′ on the other side of the vehicle seat100.

FIG.6shows an example of the vehicle seat100ofFIG.1serving as a wider portion of a split seat row in a vehicle. A split seat row can have two or more portions. Instances of the vehicle seat100, and/or of another seat described herein, can serve as one or more of such portions. In some implementations, the split seat row includes a wider portion and a narrower portion. For example, the wider portion can correspond to about 60% of the width of the split seat row, and the narrower portion can correspond to about 40% of the width of the split seat row. Other proportions can be used. In some implementations, the vehicle seat100is the wider portion of the split seat row. The seatback110can include a seatback portion110′ (e.g., corresponding to an outboard seat position) and a seatback portion110″ (e.g., corresponding to a center seat position). The seat cushion118can include a seat cushion portion118′ (e.g., corresponding to an outboard seat position) and a seat cushion portion118″ (e.g., corresponding to a center seat position). The center seat having the seatback portion110″ and the seat cushion portion118″ can be cantilevered by the vehicle seat100. For example, the outboard seat having the seatback portion110′ and the seat cushion portion118′ can be positioned above the rail104and a rail104′ on the opposite side, whereas the center seat may not have any rail directly underneath it.

The vehicle seat100can include a plate600extending between the riser106and a riser106′ on the opposite side. For example, the seatbelt retractor508can be supported by the plate600.

The vehicle seat100can have one or more seatbelts for the occupant(s). Here, a seatbelt webbing602extends initially from the seatbelt retractor508underneath the seat cushion portion118′, thereafter extends through the vehicle seat100(e.g., between the risers106and106′ and inside the seatback portion110′) to a top of the seatback100(e.g., at a top of the seatback portion110′). The seatbelt webbing has anchors at the risers106and106′.

FIG.7shows an example of a vehicle seat700that can serve as a narrower portion of a split seat row in a vehicle. For example, the narrower portion can correspond to about 40% of the width of the split seat row. Other proportions can be used. The vehicle seat700can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. The vehicle seat700can have a seatback702and a seat cushion704. The seatback702and a seat cushion704can be positioned on a four-bar linkage706mounted to risers708and708′, which engage with rails710and710′, respectively. The seat cushion704is not attached to the seatback702and is not supported by the seatback702. That is, the seat cushion704can be free and does not rest on anything except the four-bar linkage706.

FIGS.8-9show examples of the four-bar linkage120of the vehicle seat100inFIG.1. In the four-bar linkage120, three of the four bars can be moveable relative to the riser106or106′. The fourth bar can be part of the riser106or106′.

The four-bar linkage120can include a bar800extending from a riser pivot802on the riser106to a seat pivot804on a bar806on the seat cushion118.

The four-bar linkage120can include a bar808extending from a seat pivot810on the bar806to a riser pivot812on the riser106, wherein the riser106forms a bar814of the four-bar linkage120.

The four-bar linkage120can include a bar816extending from a riser pivot818on the riser106′ to a seat pivot820on a bar822on the seat cushion118.

The four-bar linkage120can include a bar824extending from a seat pivot826on the bar822to a riser pivot828on the riser106′, wherein the riser106′ forms a bar830of the four-bar linkage120.

That is, the bars806and822can be respective parts of the seat cushion118; the bar814can be a part of the riser106; and the bar830can be a part of the riser106′.

The vehicle seat100can have a latch832configured to engage with a striker834. For example, the latch832and the striker834can selectively latch the four-bar linkage120to the riser106so that the seat cushion118is in the comfort position. Either of the latch832and the striker834can be positioned on the riser106, and the other of the latch832and the striker834can be positioned on the four-bar linkage120. The vehicle seat100can have a latch832′ configured to engage with a striker834′. For example, the latch832′ and the striker834′ can selectively latch the four-bar linkage120to the riser106′ so that the seat cushion118is in the comfort position. Either of the latch832′ and the striker834′ can be positioned on the riser106′, and the other of the latch832′ and the striker834′ can be positioned on the four-bar linkage120.

The vehicle seat100can have a cross member836extending at least between the risers106and106′. In some implementations, the cross member836can extend beyond either or both of the risers106or106′. For example, this can facilitate cantilevering of a seat (e.g., in FIG.6, the center seat having the seatback portion110″ and the seat cushion portion118″.)

FIG.10shows an example of a vehicle seat1000having only a single pivot. The vehicle seat1000can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere herein. Some portions of the vehicle seat1000are omitted in the illustrations for clarity. The vehicle seat1000is positioned on one or more rails1002that are mounted to a floor1004of the vehicle. The vehicle seat1000can have one or more risers1006for engaging with the rail(s)1002. The vehicle seat1000can have a bracket1008extending from the riser1006. The vehicle seat1000has a seatback1010for supporting the upper body of the occupant. The seatback1010can be connected to a pivot1012. As used herein, the pivot1012continues through the seatback1010in a direction into the illustration so that the pivot1012extends from side to side of the seatback1010. The pivot1012can be used in performing one or more functions of the vehicle seat1000, including, but not limited to, moving the vehicle seat1000into a fold-flat position and/or an easy entry position, or adjusting the seatback1010for occupant comfort. The vehicle seat1000can have a seat cushion1014mounted to the riser1006using a four-bar linkage1016. The seat cushion1014is not attached to the seatback1010and is not supported by the seatback1010. That is, the seat cushion1014can be free and does not rest on anything except the four-bar linkage1016.

The terms “substantially” and “about” used throughout this Specification are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, when used herein, an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” means “at least one.”

In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other processes may be provided, or processes may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.