Patent Application
20240217412
This application claims priority to French Patent Application No. FR2300090, filed Jan. 4, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The present disclosure relates to an assembly for a vehicle seat backrest, in particular for a motor vehicle.
According to the present disclosure, an assembly for a first backrest and a second backrest of a vehicle seat, the assembly comprising a first suspension system intended to be attached to a first frame (of a backrest) and a second suspension system intended to be attached to a second frame (of a backrest), wherein:
In illustrative embodiments, the structural core performs a suspension function. Multiple different seat models can be produced, the main support of these seat models having been made in the same mold or at least in molds having molding cavities of identical dimensions to within manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, savings can be made in the development and the production of the mold, the manufacturing of the main supports, and the management of the elements constituting the backrest.
Considering manufacturing tolerances, a second main support will be considered geometrically identical to the first main support if each of its dimensions differs from those of the first support by less than 1%.
It is specified that, in accordance with the usual definition, the term “plate” means a flat, thin and rigid piece. Therefore, in particular inflatable elements are not considered to form a plate. However, the first backrest and/or the second backrest may comprise one or more inflatable element(s).
In illustrative embodiments, the second main support is preferably technically identical to the first main support.
In illustrative embodiments, not only is the second main support geometrically identical to the first main support, but also the first main support and the second main support are made of the same material. The second main support may not be totally identical to the first main support; aesthetic differences may exist, for example a color difference due to different dyes or the affixing of a manufacturing date or the like.
Given manufacturing tolerances, a second main support geometrically identical to the first main support will be considered technically identical to the first main support if the contents of the elements constituting the material of the second main support differ by less than 1% by weight of the elements constituting the material of the first main support.
In illustrative embodiments, the first ancillary plate further has a first lateral portion on the first side, the first lateral portion on the first side extends in the first transverse direction from the first central portion to a first outer lateral edge on the first side, located beyond the first main edge on the first side (preferably at least 5 centimeters).
In illustrative embodiments, the first ancillary support makes it possible to adapt to the differences between the first backrest and the second backrest not only in a central part, but also in a lateral part.
In illustrative embodiments, the first lateral portion on the first side extends in the first elevation direction to a first bottom edge on the first side, the first bottom central edge being located between the first upper central edge and the first bottom edge on the first side along the first elevation direction, and the first lateral portion on the first side has an inner edge on the first side extending opposite the first main edge on the first side.
It is thus possible to produce a wide variety of different backrests having geometrically identical main supports.
In illustrative embodiments, the first ancillary support extends along the first elevation direction over a first height between the first upper central edge and (a first lower ancillary edge to which the first lower edge on the first side belongs), the second ancillary support extends along the second elevation direction over a second height from the second upper central edge, and the first height is (strictly) greater than the second height.
Being able to vary the height of the ancillary support makes it possible to adapt effectively to the specific features of each backrest.
In illustrative embodiments, the first height is preferably greater than the second height by at least 5 centimeters, preferably by at least 10 centimeters.
In various embodiments of the assembly according to the disclosure, one and/or more of the following arrangements may also be used:
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 elements. For simplicity's sake, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.
In the following description, when referring to terms qualifying absolute position, such as the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, etc., or relative ones, such as the terms “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.
A first longitudinal direction X1 is understood to mean the longitudinal direction of the first seat 100. The longitudinal direction of the seat is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 1 wherein the seat 100 is mounted. This first longitudinal direction X1 corresponds to the normal direction in which the vehicle advances. The first longitudinal direction X1 is substantially horizontal. The first transverse direction Y1 is understood to mean the transverse direction of the first seat 100 and thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction of the motor vehicle. This first transverse direction Y1 corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction X1. The first transverse direction Y1 is substantially horizontal. Finally, a first elevation direction Z1 is a substantially vertical direction of the seat, perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction X1 and to the first transverse direction Y1. The first elevation direction Z1 corresponds to a vertical direction of the vehicle.
The first motor vehicle seat 100 is mounted on a slide mechanism 12. The first seat 100 comprises a first squab 104 and a first backrest 102. The first squab 104 comprises a first squab frame 105. The first backrest 102 comprises a first backrest 190. The first frame 190 is mounted on the first squab frame 105, pivotably around an axis 18, extending along the first transverse direction Y1, in the embodiment shown. To do this, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the first squab frame 105 and the first frame 190.
The first squab frame 105 is mounted on movable sections 22, also called slides or male sections, via front feet 24 and rear feet 26. The slide mechanism 12 comprises the movable sections 22 and the fixed sections 28. Each movable section 22 cooperates with one of the fixed sections 28 within one of the two slides of the slide mechanism 12. Each fixed section 28 is attached to the floor 30 of a motor vehicle 1.
The first seat 100 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a manual control element 32, called a yoke, configured to control the slidable unlocking/locking of the slide mechanism 12. This manual control element 32 makes it possible in particular to release/block the systems for stopping the sliding of the movable sections 22 relative to the respective fixed sections 28. Once the stop systems have been released, the manual control element 32 can also be used to cause the movable sections 22 to slide relative to their respective fixed sections 28; in other words, the first seat 100 relative to the floor 30 in the first longitudinal direction X1. The fixed 28 and movable 22 sections are generally metallic.
Alternatively, the translation of the movable sections 22 along the first longitudinal direction X1 relative to the fixed sections 28, in other words the movement of the first seat 100 relative to the floor 30, can be controlled by an actuator.
In the embodiment shown, the first seat 102 may also comprise a headrest 34, the headrest 34 comprising a headrest frame provided with rods mounted slidably along the first elevation direction Z1 on the first frame 190 of the first backrest 102.
Below, the first backrest 102 of the first seat 100 is described in greater detail.
As shown in particular in
The first suspension system 150 comprises a first main support 110, a first ancillary support 120, a first secondary support 180 and a first structural core 140.
The first main support 110 is single-piece and comprises a first main plate 112 and first main resilient interlocking elements 117 (or first main clips). The first main resilient interlocking elements 117 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the first main plate 112. The first main plate 112 has a first front main face 118 and a first rear main face 119. The first main plate 112 is substantially planar, of constant thickness, and extends substantially perpendicular in the first longitudinal direction X1. The first main plate 112 extends along the first elevation direction Z1 between a first upper main edge 113 and a first lower main edge 114. The first main plate 112 extends along the first transverse direction Y1 between a first main edge on the first side 115a and a first main edge on the second side 115b. The first upper main edge 113 and the first lower main edge 114 extend substantially along the first transverse direction Y1. The first main edge on the first side 115a and the first main edge on the second side 115b extend substantially along the first elevation direction Z1. The first main plate 112 is therefore substantially rectangular.
The first ancillary support 120 is single-piece and distinct from the first main support 110. The first ancillary support 120 comprises a first ancillary plate 122, first central resilient interlocking elements 127 (or first ancillary clips) and first lateral resilient interlocking elements 137 (or first lateral clips). The first central resilient interlocking elements 127 and the first lateral resilient interlocking elements 137 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the first additional plate 122. The first ancillary plate 122 has a first front ancillary face 128 and a first rear ancillary face 129. The first ancillary plate 122 has a first central portion 121, a first lateral portion on the first side 131a and a first lateral portion on the second side 131b. The first central plate extends along the first elevation direction Z1 between a first upper central edge 123 and a first lower central edge 124. The first central portion 121 extends along the first transverse direction Y1 between a first boundary on the first side 130a and a first boundary on the second side 130b. The first upper central edge 123 and the first lower central edge 124 extend substantially along the first transverse direction Y1.
The first central portion 121 is adjacent to the first main plate 112. The first lower central edge 124 is opposite the first upper main edge 113. The first central portion 121 extends in the extension of the first main plate 112. The first boundary on the first side 130a extends in the extension of the first main edge on the first side 115a in the first elevation direction Z1 and the first boundary on the second side 130b extends in the extension of the first main edge on the second side 115b along the elevation direction Z1. The first central portion 121 is substantially rectangular.
The first lateral portion 131a extends along the first lateral direction Y1 from the first boundary on the first side 130a to a first outer edge on the first side 136a located beyond the first main edge on the first side 115a. The first lateral portion on the first side 131a extends along the first elevation direction Z1 from a first upper edge on the first side 133a to a first lower edge on the first side 134a. The first upper edge on the first side 133a extends along the first transverse direction Y1 in the extension of the first upper central edge 113. The first lower central edge 124 is located between the first upper central edge 123 and the first lower edge on the first side 134a, in other words the first lateral portion on the first side 131a descends lower than the first central portion 121. Furthermore, in the first elevation direction Z1, the first upper main edge 113 is located between the first lower central edge 124 and the first lower edge on the first side 134a, in other words the first lateral portion on the first side 131a has a first inner edge on the first side 135a extending opposite the first main edge on the first side 115a. Preferably, the spacing between the first inner edge on the first side 135a and the first main edge on the first side 115a is between 5 millimeters and 5 centimeters. In the embodiment illustrated, the first lower edge on the first side 134a is substantially at the same level along the first elevation direction Z1 as the first lower main edge 114. In other words, the first inner edge on the first side 135a extends opposite the first main edge 115a all along the first main edge on the first side 115a.
The first suspension system 150 has a plane of symmetry P1 extending perpendicular to the first transverse direction Y1. In particular, the first main support 110, the first ancillary support 120 and the first structural core 140 are symmetrical relative to the first plane of symmetry P1.
The first lateral portion on the second side 131b extends along the first lateral direction Y1 from the first boundary on the second side 130b to a first outer edge on the second side 136b located beyond the first main edge on the second side 115b. The first lateral portion on the second side 131b extends along the first elevation direction Z1 from a first upper edge on the second side 133b to a first lower edge on the second side 134b. The first upper edge on the second side 133b extends along the first transverse direction Y1 in the extension of the first upper central edge 113. The first lower central edge 124 is located between the first upper central edge 123 and the first lower edge on the second side 134b, in other words the first lateral portion on the second side 131b descends lower than the first central portion 121. Furthermore, in the first elevation direction Z1, the first upper main edge 113 is located between the first lower central edge 124 and the first lower edge on the second side 134b, in other words the first lateral portion on the second side 131b has a first inner edge on the second side 135b extending opposite the first main edge on the second side 115b. Preferably, the spacing between the first inner edge on the second side 135a and the first main edge on the second side 115b is between 5 millimeters and 5 centimeters. In the embodiment illustrated, the first lower edge on the second side 134a is substantially at the same level along the first elevation direction Z1 as the first lower main edge 114. In other words, the first inner edge on the second side 135b extends opposite the first main edge 115b all along the first main edge on the second side 115b.
The first ancillary support 120 extends along the first elevation direction Z1 over a first height H1 between the first upper central edge 123 and a first lower ancillary edge defined by the first lower edge on the first side 134a and the first lower edge on the second side 134b.
As shown in particular in
The first main plate 112 has a first recess on the first side 111a, the first edge on the first side 115a forming a recess along the first transverse direction Y1 and a first recess on the second side 111b, the first side edge 115b forming a recess in the first transverse direction Y1. The first lateral portion on the first side 131a has a first flange on the first side 132a protruding toward the first main plate 112 in the first transverse direction Y1 and inserted into the first recess on the first side 11a. The first flange on the first side 132a carries one of the first lateral resilient interlocking elements 137. The first lateral portion on the second side 131b has a first flange on the second side 132b protruding toward the first main plate 112 in the first transverse direction Y1 and inserted into the first recess on the second side 111b. The first lateral portion on the second side 131b carries one of the first lateral resilient interlocking elements 137.
The first main support 110, the first ancillary support 120 and the first secondary support 180 are preferably made of plastic material.
The first structural core 140 extends along the first elevation direction Z1 between a first upper structural end 143 and a first lower structural end 144. The first structural core 140 is attached to the first frame 190 at the first upper structural end 143 and the first lower structural end 144.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first structural core 140 more precisely comprises a first wire 142. The first wire 142 comprises a first wire portion on the first side 142a, a first wire portion on the second side 142b and a first lower wire portion 142c. The first wire portion on the first side 142a and the first wire portion on the second side 142b extend substantially along the first elevation direction Z1. The first lower wire portion 142c extends substantially along the first transverse direction Y1. The first lower wire portion 142c extends to the first lower structural end 144. The first lower wire portion 142c extends between the first wire portion on the first side 142a and the first wire portion on the second side 142b, so that the first wire portion on the first side 142a, the first lower wire portion 142c and the first wire portion on the second side 142b form three successive parts of the single first wire 142 constituting the first structural core 140.
The first wire portion on the first side 142a has a first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a. The first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a is curved around the first transverse direction Y1, the first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a thus forming a hook. As shown in particular in
The first wire portion on the second side 142b has a first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b. The first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b is curved around the first transverse direction Y1, the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145a thus forming a hook. As shown in particular in
The first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a and the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b are curved around the first transverse direction Y1 between 120 degrees and 180 degrees, preferably over about 150 degrees.
The first upper structural end 143 of the first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a and the first bore on the first side 125a closely surrounding the first upper structural end 143 of the first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a are received in a first fastening hole on the first side 195a of the first frame 190. The first upper structural end 143 of the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b and the first bore on the second side 125b closely surrounding the first upper structural end 143 of the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b are received in a first fastening hole on the second side 195b of the first frame 190.
The first wire portion on the first side 142a has a first lower fastening portion on the first side 146a. The first lower fastening portion on the first side 146a is curved around the first transverse direction Y1 at the first lower structural end 144 between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in the same direction as the first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a and the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b. The first wire portion on the second side 142b has a first lower fastening portion on the second side 146b. The first lower fastening portion on the second side 146b is curved around the first transverse direction Y1 at the first lower structural end 144 between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in the same direction as the first upper fastening portion on the first side 146a.
The first wire portion on the first side 142a has a first holding portion on the first side 148a between the first upper fastening portion on the first side 145a and the first upper fastening portion on the first side 146a. The first wire portion on the second side 142b has a first holding portion on the second side 148b between the first upper fastening portion on the second side 145b and the first lower fastening portion on the first side 146b.
The first main support 110 is attached directly to the first holding portion on the first side 148a by the first resilient interlocking elements 117 arranged along the first main edge on the first side 115a and on the first holding portion on the second side 148b by the first resilient interlocking elements 117 arranged along the first main edge on the second side 115b.
The first ancillary support 120 is attached directly to the first structural core 140. More particularly, the first central portion 121 is attached directly to the first holding portion on the first side 148a by means of the first resilient central interlocking elements 127 arranged along the first border on the first side 130a and on the first holding portion on the second side 148b by means the first resilient central interlocking elements 127 arranged near the first border on the second side 130b. The first lateral portion on the first side 131a is attached to the first holding portion on the first side 148a via one of the first resilient interlocking elements 137. The first lateral portion on the second side 131b is attached to the first holding portion on the second side 148b via one of the first resilient lateral interlocking elements 137.
The first wire portion on the first side 142a, in particular the first holding portion on the first side 148a, is separated along the first transverse direction Y1 by a first distance D1, preferably between 20 centimeters and 50 centimeters, relative to the first wire portion on the second side 142b, in particular relative to the first holding portion on the second side 148b.
The first wire 142 has a cross-section preferably comprised between 10 square millimeters and 100 square millimeters. The first wire 142 is preferably made of steel, sometimes referred to as spring steel.
The first secondary support 180 comprises a first secondary plate 182 and first secondary resilient interlocking elements 187 (or first secondary clips). The first secondary resilient interlocking elements 187 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the first secondary plate 182. The first secondary plate 182 has a first front secondary face 188 and a first rear secondary face 189.
The first secondary plate 182 is of constant thickness and curved. The first secondary plate 182 extends along the first elevation direction Z1 and the first longitudinal direction X1 between a first upper secondary edge 183 and a first rear secondary edge 184. The first secondary plate 182 extends along the first transverse direction Y1 between a first secondary edge on the first side 185a and a first secondary edge on the second side 185b. The first upper secondary edge 183 and the first rear secondary edge 184 extend substantially along the first transverse direction Y1. The first secondary edge on the first side 185a and the first secondary edge on the second side 185b extend from the first upper secondary edge 183 to the first rear secondary edge 184 along the first elevation direction Z1, then gradually toward the first longitudinal direction X1, and further away from each other along the first transverse direction Y1.
The first upper secondary edge 183 is opposite the first lower main edge 114. The first secondary plate 182 extends in the extension of the first main plate 112, the first main plate 110 being arranged between the first secondary plate 182 and the first ancillary plate 122 along the first elevation direction Z1.
The first secondary plate 182 is curved, in order to conform to the shape of the first structural core 140 near the first lower structural end 144. In particular, the first secondary plate 182 is in contact with the first lower fastening portion on the first side 146a and the first lower fastening portion on the second side 146b.
The first secondary resilient interlocking elements 187 are arranged on the first rear secondary face 189. The first secondary support 180 is attached directly to the first lower fastening portion on the first side 148a and to the first lower fastening portion on the second side 148b by the first secondary resilient interlocking elements 187. Alternatively or in addition to the illustrated first secondary resilient interlocking elements 187, the first secondary support 180 could be attached to the first lower wire portion 142c by similar resilient interlocking elements.
As shown in particular in
To produce the first backrest 102, the first main support 110, the first ancillary support 120, the first structural core 140 and the first secondary support 180 are made. Then, the first suspension system 150 is made by attaching the first main support 110, the first ancillary support 120 and the first secondary support 180 onto the first structural core 140. The first suspension system 150 then forms a first module, all of the elements of which are held relative to one another. The first suspension system 150 can then be easily transported into a place where the first frame 190 is manufactured.
The first structural core 140 and more generally the first suspension system is then suspended on the first frame 190 (by inserting the first upper structural end 143 into the first fastening hole on the first side 195a and the first second fastening hole on the second side 195b). Then, the first lower structural end 144 is engaged under the first lower crossmember 196 of the first frame 190. The first resilient fastening tabs 186 deform, then resiliently return to form a stop that attaches the first lower structural end 144 to the first frame 190.
The first padding 180 is then arranged on the first front main face 118, the first front ancillary face 128 and the first front secondary face 188. The first padding 180 is then covered with the first cover 170 and the first cover 170 is held on the first framework 190 by any suitable techniques, which holds the first padding 180 between the first cover 170 and the first suspension system 150.
In one variant, the first padding could be made from a single part by applying foam onto the first suspension system or alternatively in several parts respectively foamed onto the first main support 110, the first ancillary support 120 and the first secondary support 180.
The second motor vehicle seat 200 is mounted on a slide mechanism 12. The second seat 200 comprises a second squab 204 and a second backrest 202. The second squab 204 comprises a second squab frame 205. The second backrest 202 comprises a second frame 290. The second frame 290 is mounted on the second squab frame 205, pivotably around an axis 18, extending, in the illustrated embodiment, along a second transverse direction Y2 perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction X2 and to the second elevation direction Z2. To do this, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the second squab frame 205 and the second frame 290.
The second squab frame 205 is mounted on movable sections 22, also called slides or male sections, via front feet 24 and rear feet 26. The slide mechanism 12 comprises the movable sections 22 and the fixed sections 28. Each movable section 22 cooperates with one of the fixed sections 28 within one of the two slides of the slide mechanism 12. Each fixed section 28 is intended to be attached to a floor of the motor vehicle.
The second seat 200 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a manual control element (not shown), called a yoke, configured to control the slidable unlocking/locking of the slide mechanism 12. This manual control element makes it possible in particular to release/block the systems for stopping the sliding of the movable sections 22 relative to the respective fixed sections 28. Once the stop systems have been released, the manual control element can also be used to cause the movable sections 22 to slide relative to their respective fixed sections 28; in other words, the second seat 200 relative to the floor in the second longitudinal direction X2. The fixed 28 and movable 22 sections are generally metallic.
Alternatively, the translation of the movable sections 22 along the second longitudinal direction X2 relative to the fixed sections 28, in other words the movement of the second seat 200 relative to the floor 30, can be controlled by an actuator.
In the embodiment shown, the second seat 202 may also comprise a headrest, the headrest comprising a headrest frame provided with rods slidably mounted on the second frame 290, along a second elevation direction Z2 perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction X2.
Below, the second backrest 202 of the second seat 200 is described in greater detail.
As shown in particular in
The second suspension system 250 comprises a second main support 210, a second ancillary support 220, a second secondary support 280 and a second structural core 240.
The second main support 210 is single-piece and comprises a second main plate 212 and second main resilient interlocking elements 217 (or second main clips). The second main resilient interlocking elements 217 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the second main plate 222. The second main plate 212 has a second front main face 218 and a second rear main face 219. The second main plate 212 is substantially planar, of constant thickness, and extends substantially perpendicular in the second longitudinal direction X2. The second main plate 212 extends along the second elevation direction Z2 between a second upper main edge 213 and a second lower main edge 214. The second main plate 212 extends along the second transverse direction Y2 between a second main edge on the first side 215a and a second main edge on the second side 215b. The second upper main edge 213 and the second lower main edge 214 extend substantially along the second transverse direction Y2. The second main edge on the first side 215a and the second main edge on the second side 215b extend substantially along the second elevation direction Z2. The second main plate 212 is therefore substantially rectangular.
The second ancillary support 220 is single-piece and distinct from the second main support 210. The second ancillary support 220 comprises a second ancillary plate 222, second central resilient interlocking elements 227 (or second ancillary clips) and second lateral resilient interlocking elements 237 (or second lateral clips). The second central resilient interlocking elements 227 and the second lateral resilient interlocking elements 137 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the second additional plate 222. The second ancillary plate 222 has a second front ancillary face 228 and a second rear ancillary face 229. The second ancillary plate 222 has a second central portion 221, a second lateral portion on the first side 231a and a second lateral portion on the second side 231b. The second central plate extends along the second elevation direction Z2 between a second upper central edge 223 and a second lower central edge 224. The second central portion 221 extends along the second transverse direction Y2 between a second boundary on the first side 230a and a second boundary on the second side 230b. The second upper central edge 223 and the second lower central edge 224 extend substantially along the second transverse direction Y2.
The second central portion 221 is adjacent to the second main plate 212. The second lower central edge 224 is opposite the second upper main edge 213. The second central portion 221 extends in the extension of the second main plate 212. The second boundary on the first side 230a extends in the extension of the second main edge on the first side 215a in the second elevation direction Z2 and the second boundary on the second side 230b extends in the extension of the second main edge on the second side 215b along the elevation direction Z2. The second central portion 221 is substantially rectangular.
The second lateral portion 231a extends along the second lateral direction Y2 from the second boundary on the first side 230a to a second outer edge on the first side 236a located beyond the second main edge on the first side 215a. The second lateral portion on the first side 231a extends along the second elevation direction Z2 from a second upper edge on the first side 233a to a second lower edge on the first side 234a. The second upper edge on the first side 233a extends along the second transverse direction Y2 in the extension of the second upper central edge 213. The second lower central edge 224 is located between the second upper central edge 223 and the second lower edge on the first side 234a, in other words the second lateral portion on the first side 231a descends lower than the second central portion 221. Furthermore, in the second elevation direction Z2, the second upper main edge 213 is located between the second lower central edge 224 and the second lower edge on the first side 234a, in other words the second lateral portion on the first side 231a has a second inner edge on the first side 235a extending opposite the second main edge on the first side 215a. Preferably, the spacing between the second inner edge on the first side 235a and the second main edge on the first side 215a is between 5 millimeters and 5 centimeters. In the embodiment illustrated, the second lower edge on the first side 234a is substantially at the same level along the second elevation direction Z2 as the second lower main edge 214. In other words, the second inner edge on the first side 235a extends opposite the second main edge 215a all along the second main edge on the first side 215a.
The second suspension system 250 has a plane of symmetry P2 extending perpendicular to the second transverse direction Y2. In particular, the second main support 210, the second ancillary support and the second structural core 240 are symmetrical relative to the second plane of symmetry P2.
The second lateral portion on the second side 231b extends along the second lateral direction Y2 from the second boundary on the second side 230b to a second outer edge on the second side 236b located beyond the second main edge on the second side 215b. The second lateral portion on the second side 231b extends along the second elevation direction Z2 from a second upper edge on the second side 233b to a second lower edge on the second side 234b. The second upper edge on the second side 233b extends along the second transverse direction Y2 in the extension of the second upper central edge 213. The second lower central edge 224 is located between the second upper central edge 223 and the second lower edge on the second side 234b, in other words the second lateral portion on the second side 231b descends lower than the second central portion 221. Furthermore, in the second elevation direction Z2, the second upper main edge 213 is located between the second lower central edge 224 and the second lower edge on the second side 234b, in other words the second lateral portion on the second side 231b has a second inner edge on the second side 235b extending opposite the second main edge on the second side 215b. Preferably, the spacing between the second inner edge on the second side 235b and the second main edge on the second side 215b is between 5 millimeters and 5 centimeters. In the embodiment illustrated, the second lower edge on the second side 234a is substantially at the same level along the second elevation direction Z2 as the second lower main edge 214. In other words, the second inner edge on the second side 235b extends opposite the second main edge 215b all along the second main edge on the second side 215b.
The second ancillary support 220 extends along the second elevation direction Z2 over a second height H2 between the second upper central edge 223 and a second lower ancillary edge defined by the second lower edge on the first side 234a and the second lower edge on the second side 234b.
As shown in particular in
The second main plate 212 has a second recess on the first side 211a, the second edge on the first side 215a forming a recess along the first transverse direction Y2 and a first recess on the second side 211b, the second side edge 215b forming a recess in the second transverse direction Y2. The second lateral portion on the first side 231a has a second flange on the first side 232a protruding toward the second main plate 212 in the second transverse direction Y2 and inserted into the second recess on the first side 211a. The second flange on the first side 232a carries one of the second lateral resilient interlocking elements 237. The second lateral portion on the second side 231b has a second flange on the second side 232b protruding toward the second main plate 212 in the second transverse direction Y2 and inserted into the second recess on the second side 211b. The second lateral portion on the second side 231b carries one of the second lateral resilient interlocking elements 237.
The second main support 210, the second ancillary support 220 and the second secondary support 280 are preferably made of plastic material.
The second structural core 240 extends along the second elevation direction Z2 between a second upper structural end 243 and a second lower structural end 244. The second structural core 240 is attached to the second frame 290 at the second upper structural end 243 and the second lower structural end 244.
In the illustrated embodiment, the second structural core 240 more precisely comprises a second wire 242. The second wire 242 comprises a second wire portion on the first side 242a, a second wire portion on the second side 242b and a second lower wire portion 242c. The second wire portion on the first side 242a and the second wire portion on the second side 242b extend substantially along the second elevation direction Z2. The second lower wire portion 242c extends substantially along the second transverse direction Y2. The second lower wire portion 242c extends to the second lower structural end 244. The second lower wire portion 242c extends between the second wire portion on the first side 242a and the second wire portion on the second side 242b, so that the second wire portion on the first side 242a, the second lower wire portion 242c and the second wire portion on the second side 242b form three successive parts of the single second wire 242 constituting the second structural core 240.
The second wire portion on the first side 242a has a second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a. The second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a is curved around the second transverse direction Y2, the second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a thus forming a hook. As shown in particular in
The second wire portion on the second side 242b has a second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b. The second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b is curved around the second transverse direction Y2, the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245a thus forming a hook. As shown in particular in
The second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a and the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b are curved around the second transverse direction Y2 between 120 degrees and 180 degrees, preferably over about 150 degrees.
The second upper structural end 243 of the second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a and the second bore on the first side 225a closely surrounding the second upper structural end 243 of the second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a are received in a second fastening hole on the first side 295a of the second frame 290. The second upper structural end 243 of the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b and the second bore on the second side 225b closely surrounding the second upper structural end 243 of the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b are received in a second fastening hole on the second side 295b of the second frame 290.
The second wire portion on the first side 242a has a second lower fastening portion on the first side 246a. The second lower fastening portion on the first side 246a is curved around the second transverse direction Y2 at the second lower structural end 244 between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in the same direction as the second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a and the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b. The second wire portion on the second side 242b has a second lower fastening portion on the second side 246b. The second lower fastening portion on the second side 246b is curved around the second transverse direction Y2 at the second lower structural end 244 between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, in the same direction as the second upper fastening portion on the first side 246a.
The second wire portion on the first side 242a has a second holding portion on the first side 248a between the second upper fastening portion on the first side 245a and the second upper fastening portion on the first side 246a. The second wire portion on the second side 242b has a second holding portion on the second side 248b between the second upper fastening portion on the second side 245b and the second lower fastening portion on the second side 246b.
The second main support 210 is attached directly to the second holding portion on the first side 248a by the second resilient interlocking elements 217 arranged along the second main edge on the first side 215a and on the second holding portion on the second side 248b by the second resilient interlocking elements 217 arranged along the second main edge on the second side 215b.
The second ancillary support 220 is attached directly to the second structural core 240. More particularly, the second central portion 221 is attached directly to the second holding portion on the first side 248a by means of the second resilient central interlocking elements 227 arranged along the second border on the first side 230a and on the second holding portion on the second side 248b by means the second resilient central interlocking elements 227 arranged near the second border on the second side 230b. The second lateral portion on the first side 231a is attached to the second holding portion on the first side 248a via one of the second resilient interlocking elements 237. The second lateral portion on the second side 231b is attached to the second holding portion on the second side 248b via one of the second resilient lateral interlocking elements 237.
The second wire portion on the first side 242a, in particular the second holding portion on the first side 248a, is separated along the second transverse direction Y2 by a second distance D2, preferably between 20 centimeters and 50 centimeters, relative to the second wire portion on the second side 242b, in particular relative to the second holding portion on the second side 248b.
The second wire 242 has a cross-section preferably comprised between 10 square millimeters and 100 square millimeters. The second wire 242 is preferably made of steel, sometimes referred to as spring steel.
The second secondary support 280 comprises a second secondary plate 282 and second secondary resilient interlocking elements 287 (or second secondary clips). The second secondary resilient interlocking elements 287 are obtained from the same part (during the same molding operation) as the second secondary plate 282. The second secondary plate 282 has a second front secondary face 288 and a second rear secondary face 289.
The second secondary plate 282 is of constant thickness and curved. The second secondary plate 282 extends along the second elevation direction Z2 and the second longitudinal direction X2 between a second upper secondary edge 283 and a second rear secondary edge 284. The second secondary plate 282 extends along the second transverse direction Y2 between a second secondary edge on the first side 285a and a second secondary edge on the second side 285b. The second upper secondary edge 283 and the second rear secondary edge 284 extend substantially along the second transverse direction Y2. The second secondary edge on the first side 285a and the second secondary edge on the second side 285b extend from the second upper secondary edge 83 to the second rear secondary edge 284 in the second elevation direction Z2, then gradually toward the second longitudinal direction X2.
The second upper secondary edge 283 is opposite the second lower main edge 214. The second secondary plate 282 extends in the extension of the second main plate 212, the second main plate 210 being arranged between the second secondary plate 282 and the second ancillary plate 222 along the second elevation direction Z2.
The second secondary plate 282 is curved, in order to conform to the shape of the second structural core 240 near the second lower structural end 244. In particular, the second secondary plate 282 is in contact with the second lower fastening portion on the first side 246a and the second lower fastening portion on the second side 246b.
The second secondary resilient interlocking elements 287 are arranged on the second rear secondary face 289. The second secondary support 280 is attached directly to the second lower fastening portion on the first side 248a and to the second lower fastening portion on the second side 248b by the second secondary resilient interlocking elements 287. Alternatively or in addition to the illustrated second secondary resilient interlocking elements 287, the second secondary support 280 could be attached to the second lower wire portion 242c by similar resilient interlocking elements.
As shown in particular in
To produce the second backrest 202, the second main support 210, the second ancillary support 220, the second structural core 240 and the second secondary support 280 are made. Then, the second suspension system 250 is made by attaching the second main support 210, the second ancillary support 220 and the second secondary support 280 onto the second structural core 240. The second suspension system 250 then forms a second module, all of the elements of which are held relative to one another. The second suspension system 250 can then be easily transported into a place where the second frame 290 is manufactured.
The second structural core 240 and more generally the second suspension system is then suspended on the second frame 290 (by inserting the second upper structural end 243 into the second fastening hole on the second side 295a and the second fastening hole on the second side 295b). Then, the second lower structural end 244 is engaged under the second lower crossmember 296 of the second frame 290. The second resilient fastening tabs 286 deform, then resiliently return to form a stop that attaches the second lower structural end 244 to the second frame 290.
The second padding is then arranged on the second front main face 218, the second front ancillary face 228 and the second front secondary face 288. The second padding is then covered with the second cover and the second cover is held on the second frame 290 by any suitable techniques, which holds the second padding 260 between the second cover 270 and the second suspension system 250.
In one variant, the second padding could be made from a single part by applying foam onto the second suspension system or alternatively in several parts respectively foamed onto the second main support 210, the second ancillary support 220 and the second secondary support 280.
The second main support 210 is geometrically identical to the second main support 110. In other words, the first main support 110 and the second main support 210 are preferably made in the same mold. Furthermore, the second main support 210 is preferably made of the same material as the first main support 110, the first main support 110 and the second main support 210 being technically indistinguishable. A marking concerning the date of manufacture or other non-technical difference may however optionally differentiate these parts.
The second structural core 240 is geometrically and/or technically identical to the first structural core 140. Advantageously, the first structural core 140 and the second structural core 240 are undifferentiated.
Although the figures may show a few minor differences in shape between the second secondary support 280 and the first secondary support 180, preferably the second secondary support is geometrically and/or technically identical to the first secondary support 180. Advantageously, the first secondary support 180 and the second secondary support 280 are undifferentiated.
The second frame 290 is geometrically and/or technically identical to the first frame 190. Advantageously, the first frame 190 and the second frame 290 are undifferentiated.
The second lower edge on the first side 234a is part of the second flange on the first side 231a and is located in the recess on the first side 211a. The second lower edge on the second side 234b is part of the second flange on the second side 231a and is located in the recess on the second side 212a. The first lower edge on the first side 134a and the first lower edge on the second side 134b are located substantially at the same level as the first lower main edge 114 along the first elevation direction Z1. Therefore, the second height H2 is less than the first height H1 between 20 centimeters and 30 centimeters.
Alternatively, a seat could be provided that differs from the second seat in that the second lower edge on the first side 234a and the second lower edge on the second side 234b would be approximately at the same level as the second lower central edge 224.
According to another variant, a seat could be provided that differs from the second seat in that the second ancillary plate 222 would have no second lateral portion on the first side 231a or second lateral portion on the second side 232a, so that the second ancillary plate 222 would be restricted to the second central portion 221.
If desired, other supports can be provided, for example attached directly to the second frame 290 and contributing to supporting the second padding 260 with the second main support 210 and the second ancillary support 220 or directly equipped with a dedicated padding.
Of course, the disclosure is in no way limited to the embodiments described by way of non-limiting illustration. Thus, if necessary, other comfort functions can be associated with the first main support 110 and the second main support 210, since they have the shapes making it possible to receive elements fulfilling these functions. In particular, one or more loudspeakers and/or one or more vibrating devices (“exciters”) and/or one or more resistive wires for heating the occupant's back can be attached to the first main support 110 and the second main support 210. Preferably, the loudspeaker(s) and/or the vibrating device(s) and/or the resistive wire (s) are arranged between on the one hand the first main support 110 or the second main support 210 and the first padding 160 or the second padding.
In the automotive field, a comparative vehicle backrest may comprise a backrest frame, at least one central lining module and two lateral lining modules each arranged on a respective side of the central lining module, each of the at least three lining modules being attachable to the backrest frame independently of the other two lining modules. Thus, the upholstery of such a comparative backrest can be easily and quickly mounted on the backrest frame. Furthermore, a module can easily be replaced.
However, with such a comparative backrest, it is difficult to connect the lining modules to one another in the absence of a backrest without complicating the replacement of a module and/or the assembly of the seat. However, since the comparative backrest frame is generally metallic and the lining modules are generally made of plastic or textile, the backrest frame and the lining modules are made using separate manufacturing techniques. Therefore, the comparative backrest frame and the lining modules are generally made at remote sites. It may therefore be necessary to transport numerous different elements to produce a seat.
To remedy the aforementioned problems, it is proposed according to the present description an assembly for a first backrest and a second backrest of a vehicle seat, the assembly comprising a first suspension system intended to be attached to a first frame (of a backrest) and a second suspension system intended to be attached to a second frame (of a backrest), wherein:
Thus, the structural core performs a suspension function. Multiple different seat models can be produced, the main support of these seat models having been made in the same mold or at least in molds having molding cavities of identical dimensions to within manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, savings can be made in the development and the production of the mold, the manufacturing of the main supports, and the management of the elements constituting the backrest.
Considering manufacturing tolerances, a second main support will be considered geometrically identical to the first main support if each of its dimensions differs from those of the first support by less than 1%.
It is specified that, in accordance with the usual definition, the term “plate” means a flat, thin and rigid piece. Therefore, in particular inflatable elements are not considered to form a plate. However, the first backrest and/or the second backrest may comprise one or more inflatable element(s).
According to a complementary feature in accordance with the present description, the second main support is preferably technically identical to the first main support.
Thus, not only is the second main support geometrically identical to the first main support, but also the first main support and the second main support are made of the same material. The second main support may not be totally identical to the first main support; aesthetic differences may exist, for example a color difference due to different dyes or the affixing of a manufacturing date or the like.
Given manufacturing tolerances, a second main support geometrically identical to the first main support will be considered technically identical to the first main support if the contents of the elements constituting the material of the second main support differ by less than 1% by weight of the elements constituting the material of the first main support.
According to another feature according to the present description, preferably the first ancillary plate further has a first lateral portion on the first side, the first lateral portion on the first side extends in the first transverse direction from the first central portion to a first outer lateral edge on the first side, located beyond the first main edge on the first side (preferably at least 5 centimeters).
Thus, the first ancillary support makes it possible to adapt to the differences between the first backrest and the second backrest not only in a central part, but also in a lateral part.
According to a complementary feature in accordance with the present description, preferably the first lateral portion on the first side extends in the first elevation direction to a first bottom edge on the first side, the first bottom central edge being located between the first upper central edge and the first bottom edge on the first side along the first elevation direction, and the first lateral portion on the first side has an inner edge on the first side extending opposite the first main edge on the first side.
It is thus possible to produce a wide variety of different backrests having geometrically identical main supports.
According to a further complementary feature in accordance with the present description, preferably the first ancillary support extends along the first elevation direction over a first height between the first upper central edge and (a first lower ancillary edge to which the first lower edge on the first side belongs), the second ancillary support extends along the second elevation direction over a second height from the second upper central edge, and the first height is (strictly) greater than the second height.
Being able to vary the height of the ancillary support makes it possible to adapt effectively to the specific features of each backrest.
According to an even complementary feature in accordance with the present description, the first height is preferably greater than the second height by at least 5 centimeters, preferably by at least 10 centimeters.
In various embodiments of the assembly according to the disclosure, one and/or more of the following arrangements may also be used:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2300090 | Jan 2023 | FR | national |
