Inner support module for seat back assembly

Abstract

Seat backrest assembly, comprising: an inner support module (10) comprising a first and second side element (12, 14) and an upper transverse element (16), wherein the upper transverse element (16) has a first and second fastening channel (52, 54) and a first and second access opening (32, 34) arranged through it; a seat back frame assembly (110) comprising a first and second side frame element (112, 114) and an upper frame element (116) with a first and second receiving opening (132, 134) arranged through these, wherein the inner support module (10) is attached to a front face (110A) of the seat back frame assembly (110) such that the first and second access opening (32, 34) of the inner support module (10) are aligned with the first and second receiving opening (132, 134) of the seat back frame assembly (110); and a rear wall module (210) comprising a first and second side element (212, 214) and an upper transverse element (216) with a first and second upper hook element (252, 254) arranged thereon, wherein the rear wall module (210) is attached to a rear (110B) of the seat back frame assembly (110), and wherein the first and second upper hook elements (252, 254) are partially received in the first and second mounting channel (52, 54) of the inner support module (10).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and in particular to a vehicle seat assembly comprising an inner support module which couples to a seat frame assembly and a rear wall using molded-in attachment features. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional vehicle seats are assembled by bringing together hundreds of parts that are to be integrated into a seat structure. This assembly can be a complex, technical process, where assembly time is a crucial factor. Therefore, the ability to divide the seat back assembly process into modules is desirable.

[0003] DE 102015 102 895 A1 describes a vehicle seat arrangement comprising a seat frame positioned between a one-piece molded back panel and an inner end panel. A cushion assembly is operatively connected to the inner end panel. A composite support element is substantially enclosed by the cushion assembly. The composite support element has fastening elements that project rearward from within the cushion assembly and engage with the inner end panel. The fastening elements have locking features located on a lower section of the composite support element. Retaining rings are arranged on an upper section of the composite support element. An upper decorative element extends over an upper section of the seat frame, the back panel, and the inner end panel. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object of the present invention is to enable a modularized assembly process for a seat back assembly in order to outsource the assembly of the seat structure to a location independent of the conventional assembly factory.

[0005] This problem is solved by a seat back assembly having the features of independent claims 1 and 12.

[0006] For use with the present invention, a new intermediate module design is required to achieve all structural fastening requirements of the seat back and to provide a clear aesthetic for the vehicle seat back.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention comprises a seat back assembly comprising an inner support module with first and second side elements and an upper cross element. The upper cross element includes first and second mounting slots and first and second access openings passing through it. A seat back frame assembly comprises first and second side frame elements and an upper frame element with access openings passing through them. The inner support module is attached to a front face of the seat back frame assembly such that, when the two components are coupled, the first and second access openings of the inner support module are aligned with the first and second access openings of the seat back frame assembly. A back panel module comprises first and second side elements and an upper cross element.The upper cross member incorporates a first and second upper hook element attached to it. During assembly, the back panel module is attached to the rear of the seat back frame assembly, with the first and second upper hook elements partially engaged in the first and second mounting slots of the inner support module.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention includes a seat back assembly comprising an inner support module with first and second access openings and an outwardly extending fixing element. A seat back frame assembly includes a first and second access opening and a fixing opening. The fixing element of the inner support module is received in the fixing opening of the seat back frame assembly to align the access openings of the inner support module with the access openings of the seat back frame assembly.

[0009] A further aspect of the present invention comprises a seat back assembly having an inner support module with an upper transverse element. The upper transverse element includes a substantially vertical front section and a substantially horizontal rear section, wherein a first and second access opening are arranged through the substantially horizontal rear section, and wherein a fixing element further extends outwards from a rear side of the substantially vertical front section. A seat back frame assembly comprises an upper frame element with a first and second access opening and a fixing opening arranged thereon. The fixing element of the inner support module is received in the fixing opening of the seat back frame assembly to align the first and second access openings of the inner support module with the first and second access openings of the seat back frame assembly.

[0010] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Description of the drawings: Fig. 1 a perspective front view of an inner support module according to an embodiment; Fig. 2A is a highlighted front view of the inner support modules of the Fig. 1; Fig. 2B is a highlighted rear view of the support modules of the Fig. 1; Fig. 3A is a perspective front view of the inner support module of the Fig. 1, showing a first and second reinforcement bracket, which are shown separately; Fig. 3B is a perspective front view of the inner support module of the Fig. 3A, wherein the first and second reinforcement clamps are coupled to the inner support module; Fig. 3C is a perspective rear view of the inner support module of the Fig. 3B. Fig. 3D is a close-up view of the first and second reinforcement clamps, which are attached to the inner support module of the Fig. 3C are coupled; Fig. 4A is a perspective front view of the inner support module of the Fig. 3B, which shows a support cushion assembly that is shown separately; Fig. 4B is a perspective rear view of the inner support module of the Fig. 4A, which shows the attached support cushion to form a mounted front seat back module; Fig. 5A is a perspective front view of the front seat backrest module of the Fig. 4B, which shows a seat back frame assembly separately; Fig. 5B is a perspective partial front view of an internal support module coupled to a seat back frame assembly at its upper sections; Fig. 5C is a perspective partial rear view of the inner support module of the Fig. 5B, which is coupled to the seat back frame assembly at its central sections; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective exploded view of a rear wall and the front seat back module of the Fig. 4B, shown away from a seat back frame assembly; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of hooks on the back panel engaging in mounting slots of an inner support module; and Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an assembled vehicle seat assembly with a headrest assembly shown separately. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0012] For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms “upper / s”, “lower / s”, “right / s”, “left / s”, “rear / s”, “front / s”, “vertical / s”, “horizontal / s” and derivatives thereof refer to the invention in its orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0013] Referring now to Fig. Reference numeral 10 generally designates an inner support module for use in a vehicle seat back assembly. The inner support module 10 comprises a front 10A and a back 10B. The inner support module 10 further comprises a first and second side element 12, 14, which are generally spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by an upper and lower transverse element 16, 18. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the side elements 12, 14 and the upper and lower transverse elements 16, 18 thus generally define a frame structure 20 arranged around a central opening or window 22. It is conceived that the inner support module 10 is a composite part made of a polymer or injection-molded material, so that the inner support module 10 is a single, unified part, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows that the first and second side elements 12, 14 generally include outermost edges 12A, 14A and innermost edges 12B, 14B, respectively. The outermost edges 12A, 14A generally define the side circumference of the inner support module 10 and also form a section of a detachable, mating connection function with a back panel module, as described further below. The first and second side elements 12, 14 further include a plurality of clamping embossings 24, which are generally arranged adjacent to the outer edges 12A, 14A along a circumference of the inner support module 10. As described further in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the clamping embossings 24 of the first and second side elements 12, 14 include flat mounting surfaces 24A, which are used to couple the inner support module 10 to a rear panel module, as described further below. The clamping embossings 24 are spaced apart along the first and second side elements 12, 14 by cladding mounting features 26 located between them. Thus, the cladding mounting features 26 are arranged along the first and second side elements 12, 14 and include mounting slots 28 extending through them. During assembly, the mounting slots 28 are used to couple a support cushion assembly to the inner support module 10. As further described in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, internal fastening structures 30A, 30B are arranged on the innermost edges 12B, 14B of the first and second side elements 12, 14 and are used to couple the inner support module 10 to reinforcement clamps, as further described below.

[0014] With particular reference to the upper transverse element 16, the upper transverse element 16 comprises a stepped configuration with a substantially vertical front section 16A, a substantially horizontal rear section 16B, and a substantially vertical upper edge section 16C. A first and second access opening 32, 34 are arranged through the rear section 16B and configured to receive guide sleeves for a headrest assembly for mechanically attaching the inner support module 10 to a seat frame assembly, as further described below. A central receiving slot 36 is also arranged through the rear section 16B of the upper transverse element 16 and is positioned between the first access opening 32 and the second access opening 34.A first and second fastening point 38, 40 are arranged on the substantially vertical front section 16A of the upper transverse element 16 and are used to couple the inner support module 10 to a seat frame assembly. The terms “substantially vertical” and “substantially horizontal,” as used in this disclosure, generally denote sections of a part that are perpendicular to each other. Thus, the specific sections mentioned above are identified in the figures as if the inner support module 10 were shown in an upright position, even though the inner support module 10 can be reclined when used in a seat back assembly. Similar terms are also used to describe parts of a seat back frame assembly, as will be further explained below.

[0015] With particular reference to the lower transverse element 18, a first and second mounting slot 42, 44 are arranged through opposite sides of the lower transverse element 18 and are used to couple the inner support module 10 to a support cushion assembly, as described below. A central clamping element 46 is arranged on the lower transverse element 18 and is also used to couple the inner support module 10 to a support cushion assembly.

[0016] Referring to Fig. 2A shows the inner support module 10 from the front 10A and features a suspension assembly 50 that is coupled to the frame 20 and is generally located within the window 22. Specifically, the suspension assembly 50 is coupled to the inner sections of the first and second side elements 12, 14 and the upper and lower transverse elements 16, 18. The suspension system 50 is configured to support a lumbar spine section of a vehicle occupant in a flexibly resilient manner.

[0017] Referring to Fig. Figure 2B shows the rear side 10B of the inner support module 10, wherein the upper transverse element 16 includes a first and second fastening channel 52, 54, which are arranged on the upper edge section 16C of the upper transverse element 16. In particular, the first and second fastening channels 52, 54 are arranged above the first and second access openings 32, 34, which are arranged on the substantially horizontal rear section 16B of the upper transverse element 16. On the substantially horizontal front section 16A of the upper transverse element 16, a four-way fixing element 56 extends outwards from the substantially vertical front section 16A of the upper transverse element 16 and is generally arranged centrally between the first fastening projection 38 and the second fastening projection 40.During assembly, the first and second mounting channels 52, 54 and the four-way fixing element 56 are used to couple the inner support module 10 to a seat frame assembly and a rear wall module, as described below. Fig. Figure 2B shows the lower cross element 18 with fastening attachments 43, 45 arranged on opposite sides of the lower cross element 18. The fastening attachments 43, 45 are used to couple the inner support module 10 to a seat back frame assembly, as described below.

[0018] What's next in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10 include reinforcing ribs 60, which are arranged in a substantially horizontal manner between the outermost edges 12A, 14A and the innermost edges 12B, 14B of the respective side elements 13, 14. The reinforcing ribs 60 stiffen the inner support module 10 at its side elements 12, 14 and provide increased durability for the overall structure of the inner support module 10.

[0019] Referring now to Fig. Figure 3A shows the inner support module 10 with reinforcing clips 70, 72, which are shown separately. The reinforcing clips 70, 72 are conceived as stamped metal parts that couple the side elements 12, 14 to the upper and lower mounting structures 30A, 30B, which are arranged at their innermost edges 12B, 14B. The reinforcing clips 70, 72 include body sections 74 through which fasteners 76 pass and couple the upper and lower inner mounting structures 30A, 30B to the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10. The body section 74 further includes a forward-extending section 78 and an upper and lower rearward-extending anchoring plate 80, 82. The upper and lower anchoring plates 80, 82 extend rearward from the body section 74 and are configured to couple to a seat back frame assembly using fasteners 84.An inwardly curved section 88 is arranged at a rear edge 86 of the body section 74, configured to align with openings arranged by the seat back frame assembly to support a transverse element between them, as further described below. As further in . Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the fixing element 56 extends outwards from the rear 10B of the inner support module 10 along the upper transverse element 16 and includes a number of vertically arranged ribs 56A and one horizontally arranged rib 56B. It is conceivable that the fixing element 56 can include any number of vertical or horizontal ribs to effectively fix the inner support module 10 to a seat back frame assembly, as further described below.

[0020] Referring now to Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 3C shows the reinforcing clips 70, 72 coupled to the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10. In use, the reinforcing clips provide attachment features to fasten the inner support module 10 to a seat back frame assembly, thereby strengthening the connection between them and preventing squeaking and rattling of the seat back components during use.

[0021] Referring now to Fig. In 3D, the first and second reinforcement brackets 70, 72 are shown coupled to the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10. The upper and lower anchoring plates 80, 82 are shown extending rearward from the side elements 12, 14, while the body section 74 of the reinforcement brackets 70, 72 is shown coupled to the side elements 12, 14 via fasteners 76. During assembly, the fasteners 76 are received by the internal fastening structures 30A, 30B, which are arranged on the side elements 12, 14.

[0022] Referring to Fig. Figure 4A shows a padded trim panel 92 arranged over a support cushion assembly 94. The support cushion assembly 94 is an outlined component, and the trim panel 92 has a configuration inverse to it, such that the trim panel 92 closely covers the outline of the support cushion assembly 94. The trim panel 92 is conceived to be made of a fabric, vinyl, or leather material, or another similar covering material (or a combination thereof), while the support cushion assembly 94 is conceived to be made of a resilient foam material that may include areas of variable density or stiffness. The support cushion assembly 94 is configured to support a back area of ​​a vehicle occupant during use. During assembly, the trim panel 92 and the support cushion 94 are further coupled to and supported by the inner support module 10. Fig. 4A includes the support cushion assembly 94, which comprises a central section 95 surrounded by a first and second side 96, 98 and a top and bottom side 100, 102. The first and second side 96, 98 are configured to align with and couple to the first and second side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10 at mounting features 26 using clamps that couple to mounting slots 28 of the mounting features 26. The top and bottom sides 100, 102 are configured to align with and couple to the top and bottom transverse elements 16, 18 of the inner support module 10 during assembly. It is envisaged that the upper side 100 of the front seat back module 90 shall include access openings 104, 106, arranged through the trim 92, to provide access to the access openings 32, 34, arranged through the horizontal central area 16B of the upper transverse element 16 of the inner support module 10.In this way, guide sleeves (. Fig. 5A) are inserted into the access openings 32, 34 through the upper side 100 of the front seat back module 90 to couple the inner support module 10 and the front seat back module 90 to a seat back frame assembly, as further described below. With reference to Fig. Figure 4B shows the inner support module 10 coupled to the support cushion assembly 94 to define an assembled front seat backrest module 90. The access openings 104, 106, arranged through the trim panel 92, are shown aligned with the access openings 32, 34 of the upper transverse element 16 of the inner support module 10 when assembled.

[0023] Referring now to Fig. 5A includes the assembled front seat backrest module 90 and the support cushion assembly 94, which is covered by the trim 92. The support cushion 94 and the trim 92 are coupled to the inner support module 10 for support. Fig. Figure 5A shows the front seat back module 90 separated from a seat back frame assembly 110. The seat back frame assembly 110 comprises a front 110A and a rear 110B. The seat back frame assembly 110 further comprises a first and second side frame element 112, 114, which are spaced apart from each other and connected by an upper and lower frame element 116, 118. The connection between the side elements 112, 114 and the upper and lower frame elements 116, 118 generally defines a frame 120 that surrounds a central opening or window 122. The seat back frame assembly 110 is envisioned to be pivotally coupled to a seat frame assembly to support a vehicle occupant in both an upright and a reclined position.The seat back frame assembly 110 is designed to be made of stamped metal material to provide the structural support necessary to bear the load of a vehicle occupant and the vehicle seat components coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110 during use. With particular reference to the upper frame element 116, the upper frame element 116 comprises a substantially vertical front section 116A, a substantially horizontal rear section 116B, and a substantially vertical edge section 116C. A first and second receiving opening 132, 134 are arranged through the substantially horizontal rear section 116B and configured to receive guide sleeves 150, 152 through them.The essentially vertical front section 116A includes a generally centrally located fixing opening 136, which is configured to accommodate the rearward-extending fixing element 56 of the inner support module 10, as shown in . Fig. 4B. By receiving the fixing element 56 through the fixing opening 136, the mounted front seat back module 90 is fixed to the seat back frame assembly 110, thereby aligning other mounting features of the front seat back module 90, the seat back frame assembly 110, and the rear wall assembly, as described below. The substantially vertical front section 116A of the upper frame element 116 further includes mounting openings 138, 140 configured to align with the first and second mounting projections 38, 40 on the vertical front section 16A of the inner support module 10, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the components are arranged. An upper mounting bracket 116D is arranged below the upper frame element 116, which has a first and second receiving slot 142, 144 for receiving hooks from a back panel assembly through it, as described below. As further described in Figure 116, the components are arranged below. Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the side frame elements 112, 114 generally include insertable body sections 112A, 114A with upper and lower mounting openings 146, 148, arranged above and below a receiving opening 149 on each side frame element 112, 114. During assembly, the receiving openings 149 are configured to accommodate a transverse element for further stiffening the structure of the seat back frame assembly 110. The transverse element is intended to span the distance between the spaced-apart first and second frame elements 112, 114 through the window 122, which is defined by the frame 120 of the seat back frame assembly 110. The fastening openings 146, 148 are configured to be aligned with the rearward-extending upper and lower anchoring plates 80, 82 of the reinforcement brackets 70, 72 using fasteners 84, as best shown in Fig. 5C is shown.

[0024] With particular reference to the lower frame element 118, fastening openings 143, 145 are shown, which are arranged on an opposite side of the lower frame element 118 and are used to couple the seat back frame assembly 110 to the inner support module 10 at fastening slots 42, 44, which are arranged on the lower transverse element 18 of the inner support module 10 ( Fig. 3A).

[0025] With particular reference to the first and second guide sleeves 150, 152, each guide sleeve 150, 152 includes a head section 154 with a downwardly extending hollow shaft section 156 coupled to it. The downwardly extending shaft section 156 includes a clamping element 158, which is used to clamp the guide sleeves 150, 152 to receiving openings 132, 134 on the seat back frame assembly 110. During assembly, the guide sleeves 150, 152 are received through the access openings 104, 106 of the support cushion assembly 94 on its upper section 100. The guide sleeves are then received through the first and second access openings 32, 34 of the upper transverse element 16 of the inner support module 10, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the process. Finally, the guide sleeves 150, 152 are received through the receiving openings 132, 134 of the upper frame element 116 of the seat back frame assembly 110, with clamping elements 158 being clamped onto the receiving openings 132, 134 of the upper frame element 116 of the seat back frame assembly 110. With the guide sleeves 150, 152 in place, the front seat back module 90 is mechanically coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110 without the need for screws, bolts, or similar fasteners. In this way, the front seat back module 90 can be quickly and efficiently coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110 before the latter is sent for final assembly.

[0026] Referring now to Fig. In Figure 5B, the support cushion assembly 94 was removed to show the inner support module 10 as it is coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110. Since the inner support module 10 is attached above the front 110A of the seat back frame assembly 110, the first and second access openings 32, 34 of the inner support module 10 are shown arranged around the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat back frame assembly 110. In this way, the guide sleeves 150, 152 gain access through the access openings 32, 34 of the inner support module 10 to the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat back frame assembly 110. The clamping elements 158 of the first and second guide sleeves 150, 152 can then be clamped onto the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat back frame assembly 110.

[0027] With further reference to Fig. Figure 5B shows the fixing element 56 in a transparent manner, extending rearward from the rear side 10B of the inner support module 10 along the upper transverse element 16. The fixing element 56 is received in the fixing opening 136 of the seat back frame assembly 110. The fixing element 56 includes a plurality of vertically arranged ribs 56A that bear against an upper and lower circumferential edge 136A, 136B of the fixing opening 136. In this way, the fixing element 56 is vertically aligned and fixes the inner support module 10 to the seat back frame assembly 110 along a Z-axis. Furthermore, the fixing element 56 includes a plurality of horizontally arranged ribs 56B that bear against a first and second lateral circumferential edge 136C, 136D of the fixing opening 136. In this way, the fixing element 56 is aligned horizontally (or laterally) and fixes the inner support module 10 to the seat back frame assembly 110 along an X-axis.In this way, the fixing element 56 is a four-way fixing element due to the four-way engagement with the four side edges 136A-136D of the fixing opening 136. When the inner support module 10 is fixed to the seat back frame assembly 110 using the interaction of the fixing element 56 and the fixing opening 136 in close engagement with it, the access openings 32, 34 of the inner support module 10 are aligned with the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat back frame assembly 110. When the access openings 32, 34 of the inner support module 10 are aligned with the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat back frame assembly 110, the guide sleeves ( Fig. 5A) and connected to it.

[0028] Referring now to Fig. 5C shows the inner support module 10 coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110 using the fasteners 84, which couple the insert body sections 112A, 114A of the side frame elements 112, 114 to the reinforcement brackets 70, 72 using the fasteners 84 arranged by the upper and lower anchor plates 80, 82, which extend rearward from the reinforcement bracket 70, 72. As further shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the curved section 88 of the outer edge 86 of the reinforcing bracket 72 is aligned with the receiving opening 149 of the side frame element 114. In this way, the reinforcing brackets 70, 72 can be coupled to the transverse element, which is arranged between the receiving openings 149 of the side frame elements 112, 114, in order to reinforce it.

[0029] Referring now to Fig. Figure 6 shows a seat back frame assembly 110 comprising the inner support module 10, which is shown separately in a forward direction. A back panel assembly or back panel module 210 is shown separately in a rearward direction from the seat back frame assembly 110. The inner support module 10 is shown from its rear side 10B. The rear side 10B of the inner support module 10 couples to the front side 110A of the seat back frame assembly 110 during assembly. The back panel module 210 comprises a front side 210A and a rear side 210B. The front side 210A of the back panel module 210 is configured to couple to the rear side 110B of the seat back frame assembly 110. The back panel module 210 further couples around the seat back frame assembly 110 to the inner support module 10, as described below.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the back wall module 210 includes a first and second side element 212, 214, which are generally spaced apart from each other and connected to each other by an upper and lower transverse element 216, 218. The back wall module 210 further includes a central plate 222, which is generally surrounded by the first and second side elements 212, 214 and the upper and lower transverse elements 216, 218. It is conceived that the back wall module 210 is a composite part made of a polymer or injection-molded material, such that the back wall module 210 and its features form a single, unified part, as shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 6 shows that the first and second side elements 212, 214 include circumferential edges 212A, 214A with integrally formed clamping elements 224 arranged along them. The clamping elements 224 are configured to be clamped to the flat mounting surfaces 24A of the clamping embossments 24, which are arranged along the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10. When the rear wall module 210 is clamped to the inner support module 10, the side elements 212, 214 generally cover the side frame elements 112, 114 of the seat back frame assembly 110. In this way, the rear wall module 210 couples the seat back frame assembly 110 to the inner support module 10. In other words, the seat back frame assembly 110 is arranged between the inner support module 10 and the rear wall module 210 when the inner support module 10 is coupled to the rear wall module 210.

[0031] With particular reference to the upper transverse element 216 of the back panel module 210, a first and second upper hook element 252, 254 with distal ends 252A, 254A are shown. During assembly, the distal ends 252A, 254A of the upper hook elements 252, 254 are configured to engage in the mounting channels 52, 54 located on the upper transverse element 16 of the inner support module 10. The upper transverse element 216 of the back panel module 210 further includes a first and second lower hook element 242, 244, which have distal ends 242A, 244A. During assembly, the first and second lower hook elements 242, 244 are configured to engage through receiving slots 142, 144 of the seat back frame assembly 110. In this way, the rear wall module 210 couples to both the seat back frame assembly 110 and the inner support module 10.

[0032] With particular reference to the lower transverse element 218 of the rear wall module 210, a first and second clamping element 243, 245 are configured to be clamped to mounting openings 143, 145 which are arranged on the lower frame element 118 of the seat back frame assembly 110.

[0033] As noted above, the coupling of the rear wall module 210 to the inner support module 10 is a detachable coupling, particularly when coupling the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10 and the side elements 212, 214 of the rear wall module 210. Specifically, the integrally formed clamping elements 224 of the rear wall module 210 detachably couple to the flat mounting surface 24A of the clamping embossings 24, which are integrally formed along the side elements 12, 14 of the inner support module 10. Due to the detachable coupling between the inner support module 10 and the rear wall 210, a side airbag can be inserted via this detachable coupling to inflate an airbag along a side section of a vehicle seat.An airbag module can be attached to the insert body section 112A or 114A of the seat back frame assembly 110, so that the airbag module would be aligned with a point located between the detachably coupled rear wall module 210 and the inner support module 10.

[0034] When assembling a complete vehicle seat backrest, the inner support module 10 is coupled to the support cushion assembly 94 to create the front seat backrest module 90. The front seat backrest module 90 is then coupled to the seat backrest frame assembly 110 by first fixing the fixing element 56 of the inner support module 10 to the fixing opening 136, which is located on the substantially vertical front section 116A of the upper frame element 116 of the seat backrest frame assembly 110. By fixing the fixing element 56 to the fixing opening 136, the access openings 32, 34 of the inner support module 10 should align with the receiving openings 132, 134 of the seat backrest frame assembly 110 in a manner as shown in Fig. Align as shown in Figure 5B. When the inner support module 10 is coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110, the fasteners 84 of the reinforcement clips 70, 72 can be driven into the mounting openings 146, 148 of the side frame elements 112, 114 of the seat back frame assembly 110. When the inner support module 10 is firmly coupled to the seat back frame assembly 110, the rear wall module 210 then couples to the inner support module 10 and the seat back frame assembly 110.

[0035] With particular reference to Fig. Figure 7 shows the first and second upper hook elements 252, 254, which are arranged on the upper transverse element 216 of the rear wall module 210, such that they are ready to be received into the mounting channels 52, 54, which are arranged on the upper transverse element 16 of the inner support module 10. In particular, the distal ends 252A, 254A of the first and second upper hook elements 252, 254 are received in the mounting channels 52, 54 of the inner support module 10 along the path indicated by the arrows 259. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the first and second upper hook elements 252, 254 are shown as a series of spaced-apart ribs 263, 265 to provide additional stiffness for the first and second upper hook elements 252, 254.

[0036] Referring to Fig. Figure 8 shows an assembled vehicle seat 260, comprising a seat section 262 and an assembled seat back section 264. The assembled seat back section 264 is provided by the coupling of the front seat back module 90 of the seat back frame assembly 110 and the rear wall module 210. A headrest assembly 266 is shown separately from an upper section of the assembled seat back section 264. Because the headrest assembly 266 is shown separately from the upper section of the assembled seat back section 264, the head areas 154 of the first and second guide sleeves 150, 152 are shown. The headrest assembly 266 includes a first and second support post 268, 270, which are located within the hollow shaft sections 156 ( Fig.5A) are received in the first and second guide sleeves 150, 152 and are vertically adjustable within them. The headrest assembly 266 further includes a headrest support 267, which is supported by the first and second support posts 268, 270.

[0037] The person skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the described invention and other components is not limited to any one specific material. Other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0038] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are connected to one another, directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be stationary or movable in nature. Such a connection may be achieved by integrally forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements with one another or with the two components as a single, unified body. Such a connection may be permanent in nature, or it may be removable or detachable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] It is equally important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements according to the invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. Although only some embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art, considering this disclosure, will readily recognize that several modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the subject matter.For example, elements shown as integral may be constructed from multiple sections, or elements shown as multiple sections may be integral; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connecting links or other elements of the system may be varied; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, alterations and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0040] It is understood that all described methods or steps within the described methods can be combined with other disclosed methods or steps for forming structures within the scope of protection of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein serve only for illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0041] It is further understood that changes and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless expressly provided otherwise by the wording of these claims. Reference symbol list 10 Inner support module 10A Front 10B back 12, 14 first and second page element 12A, 14A outermost edges 12B, 14B innermost edges 16, 18 upper and lower transverse element 16A vertical front section 16B horizontal back section 16C vertical upper edge section 20 Framework structure 22 central opening or a window 24 clamp embossings 24A flat mounting surfaces 26 Panel mounting features 28 mounting slots 30A, 30B Internal mounting structures 32, 34 first and second access opening 36 center recording slot 38, 40 first and second fastening approach 42, 44 first and second mounting slot 43, 45 fastening points 46 central clamping element 50 Suspension assembly 52, 54 first and second mounting channel 56 Four-way fixing element 56A vertical ribs 56B horizontal rib 60 reinforcing ribs 70, 72 Reinforcing clips 74 body sections / areas 76 Fasteners Section 78 80, 82 Anchoring plate 84 Fasteners 86 rear edge 88 curved section 90 front seat back module 92 Fairing 94 Support cushion assembly 95 middle section 96, 98 first and second page 100, 102 top and bottom side 104, 106 access openings 110 Seat back frame assembly 110A Front 110B back 112, 114 first and second side frame element 112A, 114A Insert body sections 116, 118 upper and lower frame element 116A vertical front section 116B horizontal back section 116C vertical edge section 116D upper mounting bracket 120 frames 122 central opening or window 132, 134 first and second aperture 136 central fixing opening 136A, 136B upper and lower circumferential edge 136C, 136D first and second side circumferential edge 138, 140 mounting holes 142, 144 first and second recording slot 143, 145 mounting holes 146, 148 upper and lower mounting opening 149 Intake opening 150,152 first and second guide sleeves 154 Head area 156 shaft section 158 terminal element 210 Rear panel module 210A Front 210B back 212, 214 first and second page element 212A, 214A Perimeter edges 216, 218 upper and lower transverse element 222 center plate 224 one-piece clamping elements 242, 244 first and second lower hook element 242A, 244A distal ends 243, 245 first and second clamping element 252, 254 first and second upper hook element 252A, 254A distal ends 259 Arrow 260 vehicle seats 262 Seating section 263, 265 ribs 264 Seat back section 266 Headrest assembly 267 Headrest cushion 268, 270 first and second support posts

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