Motor vehicle seat

A folding seat arrangement comprising a first carrying structure (2) having a backrest (3) and guiding elements (11) for the removable attachment in guide rails (9) to a vehicle floor, a second carrying structure (5) pivotally mounted to the first carrying structure (2) and having a seat cushion (4), and a supporting structure (6; 31), on which in a first end region guiding elements (10) are provided for the removable attachment in guide rails (9) and which in a second region is mounted a carrying structure (2; 5) in an articulated manner such that the seat arrangement in the folded setting requires the least amount of space in the lower region of the expanded luggage compartment. This is achieved in that the guiding elements (11) on the first carrying structure (2) and the supporting structure (6; 31) can be moved relative to one another to pivot the supporting structure (6; 31).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from German Patent Application Ser. No. 102007063565.8 filed on Dec. 5, 2007, German Patent Application Serial No. 102007060934.7, filed Dec. 14, 2007 and German Patent Application Serial No. 102008006425.4, filed Jan. 28, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a folding seat arrangement for a motor vehicle and in particular for a minibus or van.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In station wagons, minibuses or vans, the second seat row is frequently designed in a manner such that it can be folded. As a result, a simple enlargement of the luggage compartment is possible without removal of the seat row. For example, a seat arrangement of this type is shown in the publication US 2002/0027383 A1. In general, when the seat row is folded, the backrest is laid over the seat surface and the entire seat is subsequently positioned forward in the front region of the seat base via a pivot axis. However, when folding in said manner, a step is produced in the expanded luggage compartment, as a result of which the portion of the luggage compartment floor which is usable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is considerably shortened. In addition, the seats of the first seat row have to be protected against luggage being hurled around by an additional luggage compartment partition.

DE 10 2005 002 916 A1 discloses a seat arrangement in which the vehicle seat is held in a manner such that it can be displaced via the floor support thereof along the vehicle floor such that it can be retained in any position. The seat can be displaced from a use position into a storage position in which the backrest and the seat surface form a common vertical plane. The design of a vertical vehicle compartment separating means of this type requires little space in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but a free view to the rear through the rear window is no longer possible.

Furthermore, seat arrangements which can be displaced forward are known, in which the backrest is folded forward in order to facilitate entry to a rear seat row. In very confined space conditions, a forward movement of the seat arrangement along the floor rails is additionally also provided. Seat arrangements of this type are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,800 B2 and WO 2006/017933.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a folding seat arrangement which has an improved functional diversity and which, in the folded setting (storage setting), takes up as little space as possible in the lower region of the expanded luggage compartment, but still permits a free view through the rear window.

In a preferred embodiment of the seat arrangement, means for coupling the displacement movement between the first carrying structure and the vehicle body to the pivoting movement between the seat cushion and the backrest are provided. It is therefore unnecessary for the user to have to manually pivot the seat cushion into a vertical position when folding the seat arrangement.

Other advantageous refinements of the present invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2show a folding seat arrangement1in different settings. The folding seat arrangement1comprises a first carrying structure2with a backrest arranged thereon, a seat cushion4with seat upholstery and an associated second carrying structure5, and with a floor support which comprises a supporting structure6.

The second carrying structure5assigned to the seat cushion4extends substantially within the seat cushion4and gives the latter the stability required for use. The first carrying structure2is assigned to the backrest3in order to carry and mechanically stiffen the backrest upholstery. The second carrying structure5with the seat cushion4is fastened pivotably in the rear region to the backrest3. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection8exists in particular between a point of the above-described second carrying structure5, which point is located in the rear region or in the central region, and on side members7connected to the first carrying structure2. The side members7are designed as plate-like elements which are fastened laterally to the first carrying structure2. The first carrying structure2continues downward beyond the backrest3and essentially consists of supporting struts which are arranged spaced apart in the transverse direction, run parallel and extend in the plane of the backrest3. The supporting struts are connected at the lower end region to sliding or guide elements11which are mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the guide rails9. The sliding or guide elements11can be retained in the guide rails9via locking means (not illustrated).

The supporting structure6consists of two supporting struts which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction and run parallel to each other. The supporting struts are coupled pivotably at the first end region thereof to the second carrying structure5via an articulated arrangement12. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection is in particular arranged in the region upstream of the pivotable connection8between the seat cushion and backrest on the second carrying structure5and the first end region of the supporting strut6. The second end region of the supporting struts of the supporting structure6is coupled pivotably via an articulated arrangement13to sliding or guide elements10. The sliding or guide elements10are guided in a sliding manner in the guide rails9and can be retained in any position along the guide rails9via locking means.

In the use setting shown inFIG. 1, the supporting struts which run parallel to each other are aligned such that they point diagonally downward in the direction of travel from an approximately central to rear side region of the seat cushion.

The seat arrangement1can be transferred from the use setting into the storage setting shown inFIG. 2as follows. First of all, the retention of the sliding or guide elements11, which are assigned to the first carrying structure2, in the region of the guide rails9is released. The supporting structure6continues to be retained in the guide rails9in the position illustrated via the sliding or guide elements10. The first carrying structure2is subsequently displaced forward in the direction of travel along the guide rails9(direction of displacement illustrated by an arrow).

By the supporting structure6being retained in the guide rails9, when the first carrying structure2is displaced the distance of the sliding or guide elements11arranged thereon from the sliding or guide elements10of the supporting structure6is reduced. In the process, the first carrying structure2is displaced into the position which is shown inFIG. 2and in which the sliding or guide elements11come to bear against the sliding or guide elements10. When the first carrying structure2is displaced, the above-described arrangement of the supporting structure6at the same time causes the seat cushion4to be forcibly guided upward by pivoting into a vertical position.

The folding seat arrangement20shown in the different settings inFIGS. 3 and 4differs from the embodiment described with regard toFIGS. 1 and 2by means of the arrangement of a second supporting structure21which has a number of further supporting struts. Said number of further supporting struts is preferably connected to the second carrying structure5in the front lower region of the seat cushion4, the supporting struts expediently being aligned at approximately a right angle or at a slight inclination in relation to the plane of the bearing surface of the seat upholstery. The further supporting struts serve to additionally support the folding seat arrangement20on a vehicle body.

For this purpose, the supporting struts are fastened at the first end region thereof to the second carrying structure in a manner such that they can pivot transversely with respect to the seat direction which, in the present case, coincides with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. At the second end region thereof, the supporting struts are connected releasably to the sliding or guide elements10. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the releasable connection is brought about by means of latching hooks which are arranged on the end sides of the supporting struts and engage around a bolt arranged in the sliding or guide element10.

A forcibly guided pivoting of the supporting struts of the second supporting structure21upward into the vertical alignment (shown inFIG. 4) of the supporting struts, and unlatching of the latching hook from the sliding or guide element10upon transfer of the seat arrangement20into the storage setting and latching of the latching hook onto the sliding or guide element10when the seat arrangement20is set back into the use setting are brought about via a coupling element22. For this purpose, the coupling element22in the form of a lever of angled design is fastened pivotably at one end thereof in the central region of the supporting strut of the second supporting structure21and at the other end thereof at the upper region of the supporting structure6.

In contrast to the above-described embodiments, in the case of the folding seat arrangement30shown in the different settings inFIGS. 5,6and7, means which bring about a coupling of the displacement movement between the first carrying structure and the vehicle body to the pivoting movement between the seat cushion and the backrest are not provided.

The folding seat arrangement30comprises a first carrying structure2with a backrest3arranged thereon, a seat cushion4with seat upholstery and an associated second carrying structure5, and a floor support which comprises a supporting structure6.

The second carrying structure5assigned to the seat cushion4extends substantially within the seat cushion4and gives the latter the stability required for use. The first carrying structure2is assigned to the backrest3in order to carry and mechanically stiffen the backrest upholstery. The second carrying structure5with the seat cushion4is fastened pivotably in the rear region to the backrest3. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection8exists in particular between a point of the above-described second carrying structure5, which point is located in the rear region or in the central region, and on side members7connected to the first carrying structure2. The side members7are designed as plate-like elements which are fastened laterally to the first carrying structure2. The first carrying structure2continues downward beyond the backrest3and essentially consists of supporting struts which are arranged spaced apart in the transverse direction, run parallel and extend in the plane of the backrest3. The supporting struts are connected at the lower end region to sliding or guide elements11which are mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in the guide rails9.

Furthermore, a supporting structure31is provided, said supporting structure consisting of two toggle joint arrangements arranged parallel to each other. The toggle joint arrangement comprises two articulated levers32,33which are connected pivotably to each other at the mutually facing end regions thereof via a joint34. The other end region of the first lever32is fastened pivotably to the side member connected to the first carrying structure2. The second lever33is fastened pivotably by the other end region thereof via an articulated arrangement35to the sliding or guide element10.

In the use setting shown inFIG. 5, the two articulated levers32,33form a supporting strut which points diagonally downward in the direction of travel. The seat cushion4is aligned horizontally.

The seat arrangement30can now be transferred from the use setting into the storage setting shown inFIG. 7in a first step by manual pivoting of the seat cushion4upward into the vertical alignment (shown inFIG. 6) of the seat cushion4. The retention of the sliding or guide elements11of the first carrying structure2in the guide rails9is subsequently released and the seat arrangement30is displaced in the guide rails9, as illustrated by the arrow.

By the sliding or guide elements10being retained in the guide rails9, when the first carrying structure2and the sliding or guide elements11arranged thereon are displaced, the distance of the sliding or guide elements11of the first carrying structure from the sliding or guide elements10of the supporting structure31is reduced. The first carrying structure2is displaced into the position which is shown inFIG. 7and in which the sliding or guide elements11of the first carrying structure2come to bear against the sliding or guide elements10of the supporting structure. When the first supporting structure2is displaced, the two levers32,33are pivoted into an angled arrangement by means of the above-described arrangement and configuration of the toggle lever arrangement.

The carrying structures and the supporting structures of the above-described folding seat arrangement are preferably designed in the manner of a frame or framework. The possibility of advantageous production arises with the use of suitably bent metal tubes which are connected to one another and to adjoining fittings, in particular joints and locks, via bushings or welds.

A core consisting of a foamed elastic plastics material, such as, for example, polyurethane, which is provided with a durable cover made of fabric material, or synthetic or natural leather, is customarily provided as the upholstery for the above-described folding seat arrangement.

For a folding seat arrangement with an individual seat, two edge supporting struts are preferably provided on the seat cushion in the rear and front end regions of the seat cushion. In the case of a folding seat arrangement having a plurality of seats, further supporting struts running parallel and located in between are preferably provided in order to avoid sagging of the seat cushion.

FIG. 8shows, in a perspective illustration, a seat arrangement40of the second seat row in a storage setting, and a seat arrangement41, which is arranged therebehind, of the third seat row in the storage setting. In order to enlarge the luggage compartment, the retention of the sliding or guide elements10of the supporting structure6in the guide rails9is released and, as illustrated by the arrow, the folded seat arrangement41of the third seat row is displaced along the rail arrangement onto the rear side of the backrest3of the seat arrangement40of the second seat row.

The folding seat arrangement can be designed in such a manner that it has a carrying structure and supporting structure, with sliding or guide elements10,11which are located one behind another in pairs in the longitudinal direction and on which undoable locking means for the releasable and/or removable securing in guide rails9on the floor of the motor vehicle interior are arranged. The carrying structure and supporting structure can be folded for storage in the longitudinal direction by the sliding or guide elements10,11being converged in pairs, wherein the locking means are set up to interact in pairs upon convergence of said elements in order, by means of the movement of an unlocked locking means, to undo the locking of the associated locking means.

FIGS. 10,11and12show yet another embodiment of a folding seat arrangement50in different settings. The folding seat arrangement50comprises a first carrying structure2with a backrest3arranged thereon, a seat cushion4with seat upholstery and an associated second carrying structure5, and a floor support which comprises a supporting structure6.

The second carrying structure5which is assigned to the seat cushion4extends essentially within the seat cushion4and gives the latter the stability required for use. The first carrying structure2is assigned to the backrest3in order to carry and mechanically stiffen the backrest upholstery. The second carrying structure5together with the seat cushion4is fastened pivotably in the rear region to the backrest3. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection8exists in particular between a point of the above-described second carrying structure5, which point is located in the rear region or in the central region, and on side members7connected to the first carrying structure2. The side members7are configured as plate-like elements which are fastened laterally to the first carrying structure2. The first carrying structure2continues downward beyond the backrest3and essentially consists of supporting struts which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction, run parallel and extend in the plane of the backrest3. At the lower end region, the supporting struts each have a connecting section51which comprises locking and unlocking elements. The first carrying structure2can be secured at fastening sections53bon the floor of the motor vehicle via the connecting sections (not illustrated specifically). The locking and unlocking means are preferably designed as locks which comprise a rotary latch and an associated pawl arrangement. In this case, the releasable locking of the first carrying structure2is produced in a known manner by interaction of the locking latch with a locking member, namely a transverse bolt, arranged on the fastening section.

The supporting structure6consists of two supporting struts which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction and run parallel to each other. The supporting struts are expediently aligned at approximately a right angle or with a slight inclination in relation to the plane of the bearing surface of the seat cushion. The supporting struts are coupled pivotably at the first end region thereof to the second carrying structure5via an articulated arrangement12. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection is arranged in particular in the front end region of the second carrying structure5and the first end region of the supporting strut6. The second end region of the supporting struts of the supporting structure6is secured releasably on fastening sections53aon the floor of the motor vehicle via a connecting section52which comprises locking and unlocking means. The releasable locking of the supporting structure6is brought about in a known manner, as already described above with respect to the releasable securing of the carrying structure2, by interaction of a locking latch with a locking member, namely a transverse bolt, arranged on the fastening section. Of course, other locking means/unlocking means may also be provided.

It is apparent fromFIGS. 10-12that a coupling element54is additionally provided. Said coupling element54is designed as a transverse strut which is fastened pivotably at the first end region thereof to the supporting structure6and is fastened pivotably at the second end region thereof to the lower end region of the first carrying structure2.

The seat arrangement1can be transferred from the use setting into the storage setting shown inFIG. 11as follows. First of all, the retention of the connecting sections52, which are assigned to the supporting structure6, in the region of the fastening sections53ais released. The first carrying structure2continues to be retained in the position illustrated in the fastening sections53bvia the connecting sections51. The seat cushion4is subsequently brought by manual pivoting upward into the vertical alignment (shown inFIG. 11) of the seat cushion4. When the second carrying structure5is pivoted, the above-described arrangement of the coupling element54at the same time causes the supporting structure6to be pivoted upward in a forcibly guided manner. In the storage setting shown inFIG. 11, it is apparent that the supporting struts of the supporting structure are aligned vertically and bear against the vertically aligned second carrying structure5.

FIG. 12shows, in a perspective illustration, a seat arrangement50of the second seat row in the storage setting and a seat arrangement51, which is arranged therebehind, of the third seat row in the storage setting. To enlarge the luggage compartment, the retention of the connecting section51of the first carrying structure2in the fastening section53bis likewise released. After removal of the seat arrangement, the folded seat arrangement51of the third seat row is retained again in the fastening section53avia the connecting section51.

Instead of the above-described connecting sections with locking/unlocking means, the sliding or guide elements described with respect to the other embodiments may also be arranged. The seat arrangement may therefore be connected releasably and removably in guide rails on the floor of the motor vehicle.

FIGS. 13-16show a seat arrangement with a safety device which permits use of a folded seat only after the supporting structure6, which has been previously released from the fastening sections53a, is securely retained. The structural design of the seat arrangement substantially corresponds to the design described in relation toFIGS. 10-12. In contrast to the seat arrangement according toFIGS. 10-12, the second carrying structure5and the seat cushion4are designed as separate components. The second carrying structure5is fastened pivotably to the backrest3. Said pivotable connection exists in particular between a point of the carrying structure5, which point is located in the rear or central region, and on side members7connected to the first carrying structure2. The seat cushion4rests on the second carrying structure and is pivotable toward the backrest3about the same axis.

In order for the second carrying structure to be automatically pivoted upward after the locking of the connecting sections52to the fastening sections53ahas been released, a prestressed spring element61is provided. Said spring element61is designed, for example, as a gas-filled compression spring and is connected in an articulated manner by the first end region, which is connected to a cylinder housing, to the lower end region of the first carrying structure2. The piston rod which is connected to a piston from the gas-filled compression spring and is guided out of the cylinder housing is connected in an articulated manner by the free end region thereof to the first end region of the supporting struts of the supporting structure6.

The safety device consists in that the seat cushion4is not connected fixedly to the frame but rather is pivotable toward the backrest about approximately the same axis. Furthermore, a locking device is provided, said locking device causing the seat cushion4to be locked when the supporting structure6is swung upward. For this purpose, a locking bolt62is provided in the rear side region of the seat cushion, said locking bolt engaging in locking elements, for example a lock63, when the seat cushion is pivoted upward, and being able to bring about locking. In the embodiment shown, a lock is arranged in the region of a side member7only on one side. A clamping element in which a locking bolt arranged on the opposite side is releasably held is provided in the region of the second side member.

When the seat arrangement is transferred from the storage setting illustrated inFIG. 14into the use setting shown inFIG. 16, the second carrying structure5is first of all swung downward in a first step. When the second carrying structure5is swung downward, the seat cushion first of all remains locked upright. Owing to the arrangement of the coupling element, when the second carrying structure5is pivoted, a forcibly guided pivoting of the supporting structure6is brought about at the same time. The connecting sections52can then be secured again on the fastening sections53avia the locking elements.

The safety device furthermore comprises an unlocking device which causes the seat cushion4to be unlocked after the supporting structure6has been locked in the fastening section53a. In this case, the lock63is unlocked via a force transmission means designed as a Bowden cable after the supporting structure6has been latched in the fastening section53a. After the seat cushion4is unlocked, said seat cushion can be manually released from the clamping element and folded downward onto the second carrying structure.

It is ensured by the above-described safety device that no-one can sit on the seat cushion if the supporting structure is not connected correctly to the floor of the motor vehicle.

FIGS. 17,18and19show a further refinement of an embodiment of a folding seat arrangement70in different settings. The folding seat arrangement70comprises a first carrying structure2with a backrest arranged thereon, a seat cushion4with seat upholstery and an associated second carrying structure5, and a floor support which comprises a supporting structure71.

The second carrying structure5assigned to the seat cushion4extends essentially within the seat cushion4and gives the latter the stability required for use. The first carrying structure2is assigned to the backrest3in order to carry and mechanically stiffen the backrest upholstery. The second carrying structure5together with the seat cushion4is fastened pivotably in the rear region to the backrest3. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable articulated connection exists in particular between a point of the above-described second carrying structure5, which point is located in the rear region or in the central region, and on side members7connected to the first carrying structure2. In the present case, the side members7are designed as plate-like elements which are fastened laterally to the first carrying structure2.

Furthermore, a locking device is provided which can bring about locking of the seat cushion4in the use setting. For this purpose, a lock is arranged in the rear side region of the seat cushion4, said lock engaging in associated locking bolts when the seat cushion4is pivoted from the storage setting or from the entry setting into the use setting, and being able to bring about locking. Known unlocking means are provided to undo the locking.

The first carrying structure2continues downward beyond the backrest3and essentially consists of supporting struts which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction, run parallel and extend in the plane of the backrest3. At the lower end region, the supporting struts each have a connecting part72for connection to an associated connecting part9on the vehicle floor. The connection is configured in such a manner that pivoting of the first carrying structure is possible. A connection of this type is not illustrated specifically graphically and is known in general. In the use setting illustrated inFIG. 17, the connection between the first connecting part72and the associated connecting part9on the vehicle floor can be blocked in relation to the designated pivoting by means of a rotary catch73. In this case, the rotary catch73may comprise locking and unlocking elements. The locking and unlocking means are preferably designed as locks which comprise a rotary latch and an associated pawl arrangement. The releasable locking of the first carrying structure2in relation to pivoting is produced in a known manner by interaction of a locking latch, which is arranged on the first connecting part72, with a locking member, namely a transverse bolt, arranged on the connecting part9on the vehicle floor.

The supporting structure71consists of two toggle joint arrangements which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction and run parallel to each other. The toggle joint arrangements are expediently aligned at approximately a right angle or with a slight inclination in relation to the plane of the bearing surface of the seat cushion4. The toggle joint arrangement comprises two articulated levers74,75which are connected to each other at the mutually facing end regions thereof via a buckling joint76. The buckling joint76permits pivoting of the two articulated levers74,75into an angled arrangement. Furthermore, a pivoting catch is provided in the region of the buckling joint76and can be used to block pivoting of the articulated levers74,75.

The first articulated lever74is coupled pivotably at the end region thereof which lies opposite the buckling joint76to the second carrying structure5via an articulated arrangement12. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection is arranged in particular in the front end region of the second carrying structure5and a first end region of the toggle joint arrangement. The second articulated lever75is secured releasably at the end region thereof which lies opposite the buckling joint76on a connecting part15on the vehicle floor via a second connecting part14. In this case, the connecting part comprises locking and unlocking means. The releasable locking of the supporting structure71is produced by interaction of a locking latch, which is arranged on the connecting part14, with a locking member, namely a transverse bolt, arranged on the connecting part15on the vehicle floor. Of course, other locking means/unlocking means may also be provided.

It is apparent fromFIGS. 17-19that a coupling element16is additionally provided. Said coupling element16is designed as a transverse strut which is connected in an articulated manner by the first end region thereof to the supporting structure71and is connected in an articulated manner by the second end region thereof to the first connecting part72of the first carrying structure2. In this case, the pivot axis of the buckling joint76coincides with the articulated connection of the coupling element16.

The above-described articulated connections between the first carrying structure2and the second carrying structure5, the second carrying structure5and the first articulated lever74, the first articulated lever74and the coupling element16, and the coupling element16and the first carrying structure2form a virtually parallel, double-jointed connection between the first carrying structure2and the first articulated lever74. In the present case, the double-jointed connection is referred to as virtually parallel because a genuinely parallel movement on a segment of a circular arc or a movement on a segment of a circular arc together with an additional rotational movement which is more or less clearly distinct is produced as a function of the lever length ratio and the distances between the joints. If, in the particular case, the levers formed by the second carrying structure5and the coupling element16are exactly equal in length and parallel, during the pivoting of the second carrying structure together with the seat cushion4, an approximately parallel movement of the first articulated lever74on a segment of a circular arc is produced. In the event of deviations of the lever lengths from one another or in the event of different distances between the joints, the first articulated lever74then moves differently on a segment of a circular arc, the movement comprising pivoting.

The seat arrangement70can be transferred from the use setting to the storage setting shown inFIG. 18as follows. First of all, the retention of the second connecting part14on the associated connecting part15on the vehicle floor and the locking of the seat cushion to the first carrying structure2are released. The first carrying structure2continues to remain secured in the position illustrated on the connecting part9of the vehicle floor via the first connecting part72and continues to remain blocked with respect to pivoting. The seat cushion4is subsequently brought by manual pivoting upward into the vertical alignment (shown inFIG. 18) of the seat Cushion4. When the second carrying structure5is pivoted, the above-described arrangement of the coupling element16simultaneously brings about a forcibly guided pivoting upward of the supporting structure71. The buckling joint76likewise remains in a blocked setting. In order for the second carrying structure5to be automatically pivoted upward after the locking is released, a spring means18is provided which prestresses the second carrying structure5toward the stored position. In the present case, said spring means18is designed, for example, as a gas-filled compression spring and is connected in an articulated manner by the first end region thereof, which is connected to a cylinder housing, to the second carrying structure5. The piston rod which is connected to a piston from the gas-filled compression spring18and is guided out of the cylinder housing is connected in an articulated manner by the free end region thereof to the first connecting part72.

It is apparent from the storage setting shown inFIG. 18that the toggle joint arrangements of the supporting structure71are aligned vertically and bear against the vertically aligned second carrying structure5.

To enlarge the luggage compartment, the folded seat arrangement70can now be removed from the vehicle interior. For this purpose, the connection of the first carrying structure2via the first connecting part72to the connecting part9on the vehicle floor is designed to be releasable.

The above-described connecting parts may also comprise sliding or guide elements. The seat arrangement70can therefore be connected in a releasable and removable manner and in a displaceable manner in guide rails arranged on the vehicle floor.

FIG. 19shows the above-described seat arrangement70in an entry setting. In said position, the first carrying structure2is pivoted forward about the pivot axis in the region of the connecting point of the first connecting part72to the associated connecting part9on the vehicle floor. In this position, easier access to the rear seats in the vehicle interior is possible.

Transfer from the use setting shown inFIG. 17into the entry setting shown inFIG. 19can be obtained by release of the rotary catch73in the region of the first connecting part72, release of the locking of the seat cushion4to the first carrying structure2and release of the buckling joint76. After the rotary catch has been undone and the locking of the buckling joint has been undone, the first carrying structure2can be pivoted forward. At the same time, pivoting of the two articulated levers74,75into an angled arrangement is obtained by means of the buckling joint76. By means of the above-described, virtually parallel, double-jointed arrangement, when the first carrying structure is pivoted forward the connecting point of the supporting structure71to the second carrying structure5is displaced forward at the same time.

The alternative embodiment (shown inFIGS. 20 and 21) of a folding seat arrangement80in the different settings differs from the embodiment described with respect toFIGS. 17,18and19by means of the configuration of the coupling element21, the supporting structure71and the connection of the supporting structure71to the associated connecting part on the vehicle floor via the second connecting part.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21, the supporting structure81comprises two supporting struts82which are arranged at a distance in the transverse direction and run parallel to each other. The supporting struts82are coupled pivotably at the first end region thereof to the second carrying structure5via an articulated arrangement12. In the embodiment shown, said pivotable connection is arranged in particular in the region upstream of the pivotable connection between the seat cushion and backrest on the second carrying structure5and the first end region of the supporting strut82. The second end region of the supporting struts82is connected pivotably to a connecting part84on the vehicle floor via a second connecting part83, via a pivoting joint.

The above-described connecting parts14,15,83,84may also comprise sliding or guide elements. The seat arrangement can therefore be connected releasably and removably and in a displaceable manner in guide rails arranged on the vehicle floor.

In the alternative embodiment, the coupling element85is configured as a gas-filled compression spring which is connected in an articulated manner by the first end region thereof, which is connected to a cylinder housing, to the first connecting part72. The piston rod which is connected to a piston from the gas-filled compression spring and is guided out of the cylinder housing is connected in an articulated manner by the free end region thereof to the supporting strut82. In the use setting, the gas-filled compression spring85is prestressed with respect to an increase in the distance between the connecting points. Furthermore, the coupling element85, i.e. the gas-filled compression spring in the present case, is designed to be lockable. As a result, in the locked situation, a predetermined distance can be forced between the connecting points. The coupling element85may also be any other known component which permits an increase in the distance between the connecting points.

Transfer from the use setting shown inFIG. 20into the entry setting shown inFIG. 21can be obtained by release of the rotary catch73in the region of the first connecting part72, release of the locking of the seat cushion4to the first carrying structure2and release of the locking of the coupling element85. After the locks have been undone, the first carrying structure2can be pivoted forward into the position shown inFIG. 21. When the first carrying structure is pivoted, pivoting of the supporting structure about the pivot axis of the articulated arrangement, the pivot axis running in the transverse direction, is brought about at the same time. Said pivoting movement is assisted by the prestressed gas-filled compression spring which also compensates for the increase in the distance between the connecting points.

The carrying structures and the supporting structures of the above-described folding seat arrangement are preferably designed in the manner of a frame or framework. The possibility of advantageous production arises with the use of suitably bent metal tubes which are connected to one another and to adjoining fittings, in particular joints and locks, via bushings or welds.

A core consisting of a foamed elastic plastics material, such as, for example, polyurethane, which is provided with a durable cover made of fabric material, or synthetic or natural leather, is customarily provided as the upholstery for the above-described folding seat arrangement.

For a folding seat arrangement with an individual seat, two edge supporting struts are preferably provided on the seat cushion in the rear and front end regions of the seat cushion. In the case of a folding seat arrangement having a plurality of seats, further supporting struts running parallel and located in between are preferably provided in order to avoid sagging of the seat cushion.