Patent Application
20240198865
This application claims priority to French Patent Application FR2213496, field Dec. 16, 2022, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure relates to a control system for locking devices for a vehicle seat. The present disclosure relates, in particular, to a control system for locking devices for a vehicle seat track, a track mechanism for vehicle seats and a vehicle seat assembly.
According to the present disclosure, a control system for locking devices for vehicle seats, in particular locking devices for vehicle seat tracks, where the control system comprises:
In illustrative embodiments, the control system is independent of the locking devices that it controls. It is thus possible to use any locking device suited for being controlled by action on a pin. Such devices may have a greater mechanical strength than comparative levers and/or provide a greater security for locking/unlocking. The assembly of the control system is also made easier.
In illustrative embodiments, the control system may comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken alone or in combination:
In illustrative embodiments, a track mechanism is proposed for a vehicle seat, comprising:
In illustrative embodiments, the control system is suited for moving the first and second pivoting arms concomitantly such that:
In illustrative embodiments, the track mechanism may comprise a first play between the second end of the first pivoting arm and the first pin of the first locking device and/or a second play between the second end of the second pivoting arm and the second pin of the second locking device, where the first play and/or the second play are preferably included between 1 mm and 2 mm.
In illustrative embodiments, the first pin is elastically constrained, in particular by means of a first spring, into a locked position of the translation of the first mobile rail relative to the first fixed rail, where the first pivoting arm is suited for moving the first pin into a locked position of the translation of the first mobile rail relative to the first fixed rail, against the elastic stress experienced by the first pin and/or the second pin is elastically constrained, in particular by means of a second spring, into a locked position of the translation of the second mobile rail relative to the second fixed rail, where the second pivoting arm is suited for moving the second pin into an unlocked position for the translation of the second mobile rail relative to the second fixed rail, against the elastic stress experienced by the second pin.
In illustrative embodiments, a vehicle seat assembly is proposed comprising an automotive vehicle seat with a vehicle seat bottom and a track mechanism such as described above, in all combinations thereof, where the seat bottom of the vehicle seat is fixed to the first and second mobile rails.
In illustrative embodiments, the first pivoting arm may be mounted pivoting around a first axis of rotation, where the first end and/or the second end of the first pivoting arm is arranged vertically below the first axis of rotation; and/or the second pivoting arm may be mounted pivoting around a second axis of rotation, where the first end and/or the second end of the second pivoting arm is arranged vertically below the second axis of rotation.
Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar items. In the interest of conciseness, only the elements, which are useful for understanding the embodiment described, are shown on the figures and are described in detail in the following.
In the following description, when referring to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” etc., or relatives such as the terms “above,” “below,”, “upper,” “lower,” etc. or orientation qualifiers, such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., unless indicated otherwise refer to the orientation of the figures or of a seat in the normal position of use thereof.
In particular, the longitudinal direction X extends in the longitudinal direction of the seat. The longitudinal direction of the seat is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction of the automotive vehicle in which the seat is mounted. This longitudinal direction X corresponds to the normal direction of forward motion of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is horizontal. The transverse direction Y of the seat thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction of the automotive vehicle. This transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of forward motion of the vehicle. The transverse direction Y is horizontal. Finally, the vertical direction Z is a vertical direction of the seat, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.
The seat 11 comprises a seat bottom 13, with a seat bottom framework 14 and seat bottom padding 15 on which a seatback 16 is mounted, which comprises a seatback framework 17 and a seatback padding 18. The seatback framework 17 here pivots around an axis A, relative to the seat bottom framework 14. In order to do that, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the seat bottom framework 14 and the seatback framework 17. The axis A is for example substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y.
The seat bottom 13 is mounted on mobile profiles 22, also called slides or male profiles, by means of feet 24, 26. Each mobile profile 22 is associated with a fixed profile 28 in order to form a track 19. The fixed profile 28 is also called rail or female profile. The fixed profile 28 is fixed to the floor 30 of an automotive vehicle. The fixed 28 and mobile 22 profiles of the tracks 19 may be made of metal.
In this example, the seat 11 comprises a manual control element 32 for locking/unlocking the tracks 19. In that way, this control element 32 serves to lock and unlock the locking devices 42 of the sliding of the mobile profiles 22 relative to the respective fixed profiles 28. Once the locking devices 42 are unlocked, the occupant of the seat may slide the mobile profiles 22 relative to the respective fixed profiles 28 of the tracks 19, in the longitudinal direction X of the tracks 19. To do that, the occupant may in particular pull or push the seat bottom 13 or the seatback 16.
Alternatively, the movement of the mobile profiles 22 relative to the fixed profiles 28 is controlled by means of an actuator. One or more control buttons for that actuator may then be provided on the seat 11 in particular on the seat bottom 13. In this case, the buttons command, in a first step, unlocking of the locking devices 42, and then a movement of each of the mobile profiles 22 relative to the associated fixed profile 28.
The seat 11 also comprises a headrest 34. The headrest 34 comprises a headrest framework 35 and a headrest padding 36. The headrest framework 35 is connected to the seatback framework 17 by means of at least one headrest attachment rod 38, preferably two headrest attachment rods 38. The one or more headrests attachment rods 38 may have variable length in order to allow a height adjustment of the position of the headrests 34. Alternatively or additionally, the headrest framework 35 is mobile relative to the one or more headrest attachment rods 38 in order to allow this height adjustment of the headrest position 34. The headrest padding 36 and/or the seatback padding 18 may cover all or part of the headrest attachment rods 38, for example in order to improve the appearance of the vehicle seat 11.
In the following, a control system 40 for the locking devices 42 of the tracks 19 of the vehicle seat 11 is described in more detail with reference to
The end 52 of the screw 50 is fixed to a rod 54. As shown in
Further, an arm 60 is fixed on the case 48 or is formed by the case 48, on the side opposite the end 52 of the screw 50. The arm 60 is fixed, at its end opposite the case 48, to a second pivoting arm 56. A pin 58 here connects the end of the arm 60 and the second pivoting arm 56, such that the second pivoting arm 56 can pivot relative to the end of the arm 60, in case of movement of the screw 50 relative to the case 48 of the linear actuator 46. As shown, the second pivoting arm 56 can pivot relative to the end of the arm 60, around an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction X, in case of movement of the screw 50 relative to the case 48 of the linear actuator 46.
Each pivoting arm 56 is mounted freely in rotation around a respective axis A56. In order to do this, here, each pivoting arm 56 is fixed on the cover 44, where a cylindrical relief 62 of the cover 44 is received in a housing or a hole of the pivoting arm 56, of complementary section. More generally, each pivoting arm 56 is fixed to a respective mobile rail 22 of the track mechanism 12, via a part allowing rotation of the pivoting arm 56 relative to the mobile rail 22. Alternatively or additionally, each pivoting arm is fixed to a respective foot 24, 26 and/or to the seat bottom framework 14. Each axis A56 is parallel to the longitudinal direction X.
Each pivoting arm 56 has one end 64 suited for engaging with one end of a pin 66 of a respective locking device 42. Here, the end 64 is formed by a recess between two bands 65. The end 64 here has the shape of a cylindrical angular portion, where the cylinder has a circular transverse section.
Referring to
In the locking position of the track, shown in
The pin 66 additionally forms, at the end thereof opposite the upper portion 78, a throat 80 and a tip 82, allowing attachment of a plate 84. The plate 84 here defines claws 86 (or teeth) intended to be received in the corresponding slots of the mobile 22 and fixed 28 rails in order to prevent sliding of the mobile rail 22 relative to the fixed rail 28. For example, the plate 84 defines three claws 86 extending towards the first side of the mobile 22 and fixed 28 rails, and three other claws 86 extending towards the second side of the mobile 22 and fixed 28 rails. In that way, the plate 84 may have the shape of a double comb.
As can be seen in
It should be noted that in this locked position shown in
As can be seen in
Because the pivoting of the pivoting arms 56, each of them pushes on the associated pin 66, against the elastic force of the spring 74 pushing the pin 66 towards the locked position thereof of the track 19. Pressing the pin 66 into the box 70 is accompanied by a movement of the plate 84, until the claws 86 come out of the slots in the mobile 22 and fixed 28 rails. The sliding of the mobile rail 22 relative to the fixed rail 28 is then released. It should be noted that the movement of the plate 84 between the locked position and the unlocked position may be guided by the case 70. In particular, the case 70 may form two tabs 88 guiding the plate 84.
Once the command for actuation of the motor of the linear actuator 46 is interrupted, for example by releasing the command element 32, the spring 74 pushes the pins 66 back into the positions thereof for locking the tracks 19. The springs 74 may also push back the rod 54 and the screw 50. Alternatively or additionally, a movement of the screw 50 towards the outside of the case 48 of the linear actuator 46 can be ordered by means of the motor therefore.
The second example of a command device 40 is different from the first example of a command device 40 described in that the rod 54 and the arm 60 fixed to the case 48 or formed by the case 48 are not fixed to the pivoting arms 56, but are indirectly connected to the pivoting arms 56, via respective connecting rods 90, 92.
In that way, a first connecting rod 90 connects the rod 54 to the associated pivoting arm 56. At one first end, the first connecting rod 90 is mounted pivoting relative to the rod 54 around a first axis of rotation A1. Here, the first axis of rotation A1 is parallel to the direction of extension of the tracks 19 corresponding to the longitudinal direction X. For example, a cylindrical pin with circular section is received in a housing with complementary section, in the first control rod 90 and in the rod 54. At one second end, the first connecting rod 90 is mounted pivoting relative to the associated pivoting arm 56 around a second axis of rotation A2. Here, the second axis of rotation A2 is parallel to the direction of extension of the tracks 19 corresponding to the longitudinal direction X. For example, a cylindrical pin with circular section is received in a housing with complementary section, in the first control rod 90 and in the pivoting arm 56.
Analogously, a second control rod 92 connects the arm 60, fixed on the case 48 or formed by the case 48, to the associated pivoting arm 56. At one first end, the second connecting rod 90 is mounted pivoting relative to the arm 60 around a third axis of rotation A3. Here, the third axis of rotation A3 is parallel to the direction of extension of the tracks 19 corresponding to the longitudinal direction X. For example, a cylindrical pin with circular section is received in a housing with complementary section, in the first control rod 92 and in the pivoting arm 60. At one second end, the first connecting rod 92 is mounted pivoting relative to the associated pivoting arm 56 around a second axis of rotation A4. Here, the third axis of rotation A4 is parallel to the direction of extension of the tracks 19 corresponding to the longitudinal direction X. For example, a cylindrical pin with circular section is received in a housing with complementary section, in the first control rod 92 and in the pivoting arm 56.
The control device 40 according to the second example from
As can be seen in
The present disclosure is not limited to just the examples described solely for information, but it encompasses all the variations which could be conceived by the person skilled in the art in the context of the protection sought.
In the examples described, the linear actuator 46, in particular the motor of the linear actuator 46, is controlled by means of a button 32. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator 46, in particular the motor of the linear actuator 46, is controlled by means of a position sensor. The seat 11 can thus be moved to a prestored position, referenced by the position sensor on the fixed rail 28. Such a linear actuator control 46 is in particular useful when the seat assembly 10 has an easy entry position in which the seat 11 is moved forward, and where the seatback 16 could be pivoted for increasing the space behind the seat 11 in the easy entry position. The linear actuator 46 may also be controlled as a function of a pivoting of the seatback 16 of the seat 11, for example in order to command a movement of the seat longitudinally forward in the passenger compartment, in order to reach an easy entry position.
Further, the return of the command system 40 into the position may be obtained by one or more springs each acting on a respective pivoting arm 56. The pivoting of the pivoting arms 56 so as to move the pins 66 is then done against the stress produced by these restoring springs.
Also, in the examples described, the control system 40 controls a passage from the locked position to the unlocked position of the tracks 19 by pulling on the pivoting arms 56. Alternatively, however, the control system 40 controls a passage from the locked position to the unlocked position of the tracks 19 by pushing on the pivoting arms 56.
Further, here, the locking devices 42 are normally in locked position and the change of these locking devices 42 from a locked position to an unlocked position is controlled with the control system 40. Alternatively, however, the locking devices 42 are normally in unlocked position and the change of the locking devices 42 from an unlocked position to a locked position is controlled with the control system 40.
Finally, the control system 40 is used for controlling two locking devices 42 for tracks 19, simultaneously. However, such a control system 40 may be used for controlling a single locking device 42 or one or more locking devices of any lockable element of a vehicle seat.
Mounting a vehicle seat on tracks may be done in order to adjust the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat in the passenger compartment. A comparative longitudinal position adjustment device for the vehicle seat may be driven by an electric motor. Alternatively, a comparative adjustment device for the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat may not have any electric motor at all. In this case, the comparative longitudinal position of the vehicle seat may be adjusted by the user by pulling or pushing the seat towards the front or towards the rear of the vehicle.
A comparative non-motorized longitudinal adjustment device comprises a separate locking device for each track. The comparative locking devices are normally in a track locking state. The comparative locking devices may be brought into an unlocked position of the tracks by means of a manual actuation device. The comparative actuation device may take the form of a beam, mounted rotatably around an axis perpendicular to the direction of extension of the tracks. In order to unlock the comparative locking devices, the user pulls on the beam in order to control pivoting thereof against an elastic force intended to keep the locking devices in a track locking state. Also, in order to avoid a deformation of the beam because of the forces exerted, the beam must be relatively massive. Further, the grasp for the beam, generally in the front of the vehicle seat under the seat bottom, is not ergonomic.
Further, a comparative adjustment device for the longitudinal position of the vehicle seat may be used. This comparative device comprises two tracks each of which comprises a fixed rail and a mobile rail. A respective comparative locking device, comprising a rotatably mounted unlocking device, is associated with each track, where one end of the lever is suited for locking the displacement of the fixed rail relative to the mobile rail. The two unlocking levers are moved concomitantly by means of a control device. The control device comprises a motor, and a gear driven by the motor and driving a rack in translation. The rack is connected to a rod rotationally mounted relative to a first unlocking lever. The motor, the gear and the rack are here mounted inside a case, forming an arm which is connected, freely in rotation, to the second unlocking lever. In that way, by commanding the rotation of the motor, a traction on the unlocking levers is controlled which, by pivoting, release the translation of each of the mobile rails relative to the associated fixed rail.
However, the comparative device has some fragility. For example, the locking of each track is provided by a simple lever, whose weight must remain low in order to be moved by the electric motor with reduced dimensions. Further, in case of frontal impact of the vehicle equipped with the device, the seat tends to dive, which may cause an unlocking of the tracks, and could lead to a particularly dangerous movement of the seat. Further, placement of the comparative control device is delicate. In particular, getting a good length of the assembly composed of the arm, the motor case and the rod, in order to assure a concomitant locking and unlocking of the two tracks, during actuation and cut off of the motor is delicate. A meticulous adjustment appears to be necessary which leads to a long assembly time. The mounting of the levers in the tracks also seems to be fastidious in the comparative device.
The present disclosure aims to improve the situation.
A control system is proposed for locking devices for vehicle seats, in particular locking devices for vehicle seat tracks, where the control system comprises:
In that way, advantageously, the control system is independent of the locking devices that it controls. It is thus possible to use any locking device suited for being controlled by action on a pin. Such devices may have a greater mechanical strength than the levers and/or provide a greater security for locking/unlocking. The assembly of the control system is also made easier.
According to preferred embodiments, the control system may comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken alone or in combination:
According to another aspect, a track mechanism is proposed for a vehicle seat, comprising:
Preferably, the control system is suited for moving the first and second pivoting arms concomitantly such that:
The track mechanism may comprise a first play between the second end of the first pivoting arm and the first pin of the first locking device and/or a second play between the second end of the second pivoting arm and the second pin of the second locking device, where the first play and/or the second play are preferably included between 1 mm and 2 mm.
The first pin is elastically constrained, in particular by means of a first spring, into a locked position of the translation of the first mobile rail relative to the first fixed rail, where the first pivoting arm is suited for moving the first pin into a locked position of the translation of the first mobile rail relative to the first fixed rail, against the elastic stress experienced by the first pin and/or the second pin is elastically constrained, in particular by means of a second spring, into a locked position of the translation of the second mobile rail relative to the second fixed rail, where the second pivoting arm is suited for moving the second pin into an unlocked position for the translation of the second mobile rail relative to the second fixed rail, against the elastic stress experienced by the second pin.
According to another aspect, a vehicle seat assembly is proposed comprising an automotive vehicle seat with a vehicle seat bottom and a track mechanism such as described above, in all combinations thereof, where the seat bottom of the vehicle seat is fixed to the first and second mobile rails.
The first pivoting arm may be mounted pivoting around a first axis of rotation, where the first end and/or the second end of the first pivoting arm is arranged vertically below the first axis of rotation; and/or the second pivoting arm may be mounted pivoting around a second axis of rotation, where the first end and/or the second end of the second pivoting arm is arranged vertically below the second axis of rotation.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2213496 | Dec 2022 | FR | national |
