Abstract:
A vehicle seat ( 1 ) with a seat segment ( 14 ) which includes a first seat area ( 11 ) with a first backrest ( 21 ) that can be pivoted about a pivot axis (A) running in a transverse direction (y) and a second seat area ( 12 ) with a second backrest ( 22 ) that can be pivoted about the pivot axis (A). The second backrest ( 22 ) is equipped with a locking device ( 9 ) which interacts with a locking bracket ( 8 ) provided on the first backrest ( 21 ). The locking device ( 9 ) includes at least one axis pin ( 92 ) with a longitudinal axis ( 94 ) that is inclined relative to the transverse direction (y).

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a United States National Phase Application of International Application PCT/EP2014/071742 filed Oct. 10, 2014 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Applications 10 2013 221 576.2 filed Oct. 23, 2013 and 10 2014 202 239.8 filed Feb. 7, 2014 the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat segment which comprises a first seating space having a first backrest which can be pivoted about a pivot axis which extends in the transverse direction and a second seating space having a second backrest which can be pivoted about the pivot axis, wherein there is arranged on the second backrest a locking device which cooperates with a curved locking member which is provided on the first backrest. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    DE 10 2006 009 613 B3 discloses a generic vehicle seat. The vehicle seat which is constructed as a rear seat has a backrest with at least a first backrest portion and a second backrest portion, wherein the first backrest portion has a lower extension which protrudes in the transverse direction and the second backrest portion is articulated to the lower extension. The second backrest portion is arranged beside the first backrest portion and can be locked laterally in a first locking device to the first backrest portion and can be folded forward after unlocking via an unlocking device. The first locking device has in this instance a rotary latch lock which is provided on the second backrest portion and a locking bolt which is provided on the first backrest portion for receiving in the rotary latch lock. 
         [0004]    WO 2012/152361 A1 discloses, for example, a locking device which is suitable for this purpose. 
         [0005]    The locking device or the rotary latch lock in this instance is fitted laterally to one backrest and protrudes in the transverse direction from the structure of this backrest. The locking counter-piece, in particular a curved locking member or a locking pin, is then fitted laterally to the other backrest and protrudes in the transverse direction from the structure of this backrest. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An object of the invention is to improve a vehicle seat of the type mentioned in the introduction, in particular to reduce the overhang of the locking device and the curved locking member in the transverse direction beyond the structure of the backrest. 
         [0007]    A generic vehicle seat has a seat segment which comprises a first seating space having a first backrest which can be pivoted about a pivot axis which extends in the transverse direction and a second seating space having a second backrest which can be pivoted about the same pivot axis. According to the invention, there is arranged on the second backrest a locking device which cooperates with a curved locking member which is provided on the first backrest, wherein the locking device comprises at least one axial pin whose longitudinal axis extends in an inclined manner relative to the transverse direction. 
         [0008]    The locking device is thus according to the invention, with respect to an arrangement which is known from the prior art, rotated about an axis which extends at least substantially in a vertical direction. 
         [0009]    The overhang of the locking device beyond the structure of the backrest in the transverse direction is thereby reduced. In particular, a protruding head of the axial pin extends to a lesser extent in the transverse direction toward the first backrest than in an arrangement in which the axial pins of a locking device extend in the transverse direction. 
         [0010]    Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the axial pin defines with the transverse direction an inclination angle of from 5° to 15°, preferably substantially 10°. In an angular range, the extension of the locking device in the transverse direction away from the structure of the backrest is minimal 
         [0011]    The locking device preferably comprises a rotary latch, which is pivotably supported about the axial pin. The longitudinal axis of the axial pin forms the pivot axis of the rotary latch in this case. 
         [0012]    The curved locking member preferably comprises a locking region around which the rotary latch engages when the locking device is locked to the curved locking member. 
         [0013]    In this instance, the locking region is preferably constructed in a substantially linear manner and extends along a curved member axis. 
         [0014]    According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the curved member axis extends in an inclined manner relative to the transverse direction. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the curved member axis defines in this instance with the transverse direction an inclination angle of from 5° to 15°, preferably approximately 10°. 
         [0016]    In a particularly advantageous manner, when the locking device is locked to the curved locking member, the curved member axis extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the axial pin. 
         [0017]    Preferably, the locking device comprises an additional axial pin about which a clamping cam and/or a catch cam which serves to secure the rotary latch when the locking device is locked is pivotably supported. 
         [0018]    Advantageously, the additional axial pin has in this instance another longitudinal axis which extends parallel with the longitudinal axis of the axial pin, about which the rotary latch is pivotably supported. 
         [0019]    The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to an advantageous embodiment which is illustrated in the Figures. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a seat segment of a vehicle seat comprising two seating spaces without upholstery in the position for use; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a detailed illustration from  FIG. 1  in the region of the locking device; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the region of  FIG. 2  with an unlocked locking device in the travel direction in the position for use; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a sectioned view along the line B-B in  FIG. 3  in the vertical direction. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    A vehicle seat is constructed as a rear seat installation of a motor vehicle. The vehicle seat  1  comprises a seat segment  14  with a seat member  24  and another seat segment (not illustrated) which are connected independently of each other to the vehicle structure of the motor vehicle so as to be able to be longitudinally adjusted by means of longitudinal adjusters. 
         [0026]    The arrangement of the vehicle seat within the vehicle and the conventional travel direction x thereof define the direction indications used below. In this instance, a direction which is orientated perpendicularly relative to the ground is referred to below as the vertical direction z and a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction z and perpendicular to the travel direction x is referred to below as the transverse direction y. The vertical direction z in this instance also defines angles of up to 30° with respect to the perpendicular and comprises in particular the orientation of a backrest of the vehicle seat in a substantially upright position for use, which backrest is mounted in the vehicle. 
         [0027]    The seat segment  14  takes up approximately 60% of the total width of the vehicle seat, whilst the other seat segment which is not illustrated takes up approximately 40% of the width. A first backrest  21  and a second backrest  22  are fitted to the seat member  24  so as to be able to be pivoted about a pivot axis A. The pivot axis A extends horizontally in the transverse direction y. 
         [0028]    The first backrest  21  forms with a portion of the seat member  24  a first seating space  11 . The second backrest  22  forms with a portion of the seat member  24  a second seating space  12 . The second backrest  22  is arranged in the transverse direction y between the first backrest  21  and the additional seat segment which is not illustrated. 
         [0029]    The first backrest  21  comprises a first backrest sheet  31  which is reinforced by means of a right longitudinal strut  41 , a left longitudinal strut  43 , an upper transverse strut  46  and a lower transverse strut  48 . The longitudinal struts  41 ,  43  are constructed in a substantially parallelepipedal and linear manner. When the first backrest  21  is in the substantially upright position for use, the longitudinal struts  41 ,  43  extend in a vertical direction z from the pivot axis A to the upper end of the first backrest  21 , which upper end faces away from the pivot axis A. 
         [0030]    The second backrest  22  comprises a second backrest sheet  32  and a lateral strut  71 . When the second backrest  22  is in the substantially upright position for use, the lateral strut  71  extends from the pivot axis A to the upper end of the second backrest  22  facing away from the pivot axis A. 
         [0031]    The lateral strut  71  comprises a lower region which faces the pivot axis A and which is constructed in a substantially parallelepipedal and linear manner and which extends in a vertical direction z when the second backrest  22  is in the substantially upright position for use. The lateral strut  71  comprises an upper region which faces away from the pivot axis A and which is constructed in a substantially parallelepipedal and linear manner and which extends in a vertical direction z when the second backrest  22  is in the substantially upright position for use. Between the lower region and the upper region of the lateral strut  71  there is provided a central region which, when the second backrest  22  is in a substantially upright position for use, extends in an inclined manner relative to the vertical direction z and in an inclined manner relative to the transverse direction y. 
         [0032]    The upper region of the lateral strut  71  is consequently further away from the right longitudinal strut  41  of the first backrest  21  than the lower region of the lateral strut  71 . 
         [0033]    Each of the backrests  21 ,  22  further comprises a first headrest receiving member  61 , a second headrest receiving member  62  and a top-tether strap  64  which are each constructed in an identical manner. 
         [0034]    The seat member  24  and the backrests  21 ,  22  are provided in a manner known per se with upholstery members which are not illustrated. The first backrest  21  takes up approximately 40% of the total width of the vehicle seat, whilst the second backrest  22  takes up approximately 20% of that width. 
         [0035]    The first backrest  21  is connected to the seat member  24  by means of two fittings  5 . The fittings  5  are in this instance structurally identical. Each fitting  5  has a first fitting member which is securely connected to the first seat member  24 , that is to say, which is secured to the seat member, and a second fitting member which is securely connected to the first backrest  21 , that is to say, which is secured to the backrest, which can be pivoted relative to each other. The two fitting members may in structural terms form a disc-like unit and, for example, be held together by means of a clamping ring. 
         [0036]    In this instance, the fittings  5  are each constructed as a catch fitting, that is to say, the two fitting members can be locked to each other by means of movable bars. The bars are, for example, moved into a locking position by means of a resiliently loaded cam. The first backrest  21  can, on the one hand, be adjusted by means of the fittings  5  in terms of their inclination relative to the first seat member  24  into different positions for use and can, on the other hand, be pivoted forward into a non-use position. 
         [0037]    The second backrest  22  is in this instance connected to the seat member  24  by means of two rotary bearings  7 . 
         [0038]    Close to the upper end of the second backrest  22  facing away from the pivot axis A, there is arranged a locking device  9  which cooperates with a curved locking member  8  which is provided on the first backrest  21 . The locking device  9  is secured to the side of the upper region of the lateral strut  71 , which side faces the first backrest  21 . The curved locking member  8  is secured to the side of the right longitudinal strut  41 , which side faces the second backrest  22 . 
         [0039]    When the locking device  9  is locked to the curved locking member  8 , the second backrest  22  can be pivoted together with the first backrest  21  relative to the seat member  24  about the pivot axis A. When the locking device  9  is unlocked, the second backrest  22  can be pivoted independently of the first backrest  21  relative to the seat member  24  from a substantially upright position for use forward and downward into a non-use position. 
         [0040]    The locking device  9  is secured to the lateral strut  71  by means of a first securing element  81  and a second securing element  82 . The securing elements  81 ,  82  are in this instance constructed to be substantially circular-cylindrical and substantially rotationally-symmetrical with respect to a center axis. In this instance, the securing elements  81 ,  82  are constructed as screws. Other embodiments of the securing elements  81 ,  82 , for example, as clinch bolts, are also conceivable. 
         [0041]    The center axes of the securing elements  81 ,  82  extend in an inclined manner with respect to the transverse direction y. When the second backrest  22  is in a substantially upright position for use, the center axes of the securing elements  81 ,  82  extend substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction z and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the travel direction x. When the second backrest  22  is in the non-use position, the center axes of the securing elements  81 ,  82  extend substantially perpendicularly to the travel direction x and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the vertical direction z. 
         [0042]    The locking device  9  comprises a first axial pin  91 , about which a clamping cam and a catch cam are pivotably supported. The locking device  9  comprises a second axial pin  92 , about which a rotary latch  95  is pivotably supported. The structure and the function of the locking device  9  is described in WO 2012/152361 A1, the content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0043]    The axial pins  91 ,  92  are in this instance constructed to be substantially circular-cylindrical and substantially rotationally symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis  93 ,  94 , respectively. The first longitudinal axis  93  of the first axial pin  91  forms the rotation axis of the clamping cam and the catch cam. The second longitudinal axis  94  of the second axial pin  92  forms the rotation axis of the rotary latch  95 . 
         [0044]    The longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  extend in an inclined manner relative to the transverse direction y. When the second backrest  22  is in a substantially upright position for use, the longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  extend substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction z and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the travel direction x. When the second backrest  22  is in the non-use position, the longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  extend substantially perpendicularly to the travel direction x and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the vertical direction z. 
         [0045]    The curved locking member  8  is constructed as a metal wire which is bent several times and in this instance welded to the first backrest sheet  31  and to the right longitudinal strut  41  of the first backrest  21 . When the locking device  9  is locked to the curved locking member  8 , the rotary latch  95  engages around a locking region  85  of the curved locking member  8 . 
         [0046]    The locking region  85  is a substantially linear portion of the curved locking member  8  and extends along a curved member axis  86 . 
         [0047]    The curved member axis  86  extends in an inclined manner relative to the transverse direction y. When the first backrest  21  is in a substantially upright position for use, the curved member axis  86  extends substantially perpendicularly to the vertical direction z and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the travel direction x. When the first backrest  21  is in the non-use position, the curved member axis  86  extends substantially perpendicularly to the travel direction x and in an inclined manner, but not perpendicularly to the vertical direction z. 
         [0048]    The longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  extend parallel with each other and parallel with the center axes of the securing elements  81 ,  82 . When the locking device  9  is locked to the curved locking member  8 , the curved member axis  86  extends parallel with the longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  and parallel with the center axes of the securing elements  81 ,  82 . 
         [0049]    When the second backrest  22  is in a substantially upright position for use, the longitudinal axes  93 ,  94  of the axial pins  91 ,  92  define with the transverse direction y an inclination angle W of in this instance approximately 10°. The inclination angle W may also have other values and is preferably in a range between 5° and 15°. 
         [0050]    When the first backrest  21  is in a substantially upright position for use, the curved member axis  86  of the locking region  85  of the curved locking member  8  defines with the transverse direction y an inclination angle W of in this instance approximately 10°. The inclination angle W may also have other values and is preferably in a range between 5° and 15°. 
         [0051]    As a result of the selected arrangement, the overhang of the locking device  9  beyond the structure of the backrest in the transverse direction y is reduced. In particular, protruding heads of the axial pins  91 ,  92  protrude to a lesser extent in the transverse direction y toward the first backrest  21  than in an arrangement known from the prior art, in which the axial pins of a locking device extend in the transverse direction. 
         [0052]    The features disclosed in the above description, claims and drawings may be significant both individually and in combination for implementing the invention in its various embodiments. While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.