MULTI-POSITION GUSSET FOR VEHICLE SEAT ARTICULATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-position gusset for providing a modular joint for a vehicle seat backrest. The modular joint allows for a flat floor when the seat backrest is in a horizontal position.

[0002] In the prior art, we are aware of document EP0965480, which describes a lightweight frame for a rear vehicle seat backrest. The seat comprises a main frame made from a light alloy extrusion with an I-section. The lower ends of the frame are connected by an extruded pivot bar. The pivot gusset supports are molded parts for simple construction. The extruded I-section has four mounting points at its lower ends, allowing simultaneous assembly of the I-section frame onto the supports and the gussets that receive the rod enabling the seat pivot. The gussets, as defined, are mounted vertically and fitted onto the web of the I-section and have mounting points positioned opposite the mounting points of the I-section and the support. Rivets or bolts engaged in the mounting points securely hold the assembly.They have different, specific shapes on the right and left sides of the frame and are rounded at the bottom. A bore designed to receive the hinge pin is centered on the rounded end. It is understood that the right and left gussets are different and must be matched for each seat frame assembly. These gussets are well-suited to an I-beam frame but not to a tubular structure. However, gussets for tubular structures are not standardized for assembly on a tubular generatrix in a vertical position. Furthermore, the gussets only have one bore to receive a hinge pin for the backrest. Therefore, there is no way to adjust the backrest height according to the floor level. Indeed, depending on the vehicle type, the floor level varies relative to the seat frame mounting points.This requires the manufacture of specific gussets to achieve a perfectly flat floor with a continuous seatback when folded down, particularly to enlarge the cargo space. Documents DE 10 2012 015008 A1 and FR 2 663 889 A1 disclose further examples of prior art.

[0003] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide gussets that allow the seat back to be articulated on a pivot rod at various center distances, thus permitting the adjustment of a horizontally folded seat back to different heights so that it is flush with the vehicle floor. These gussets are designed to fit equally well on the right or left corner of the seat back structure. These seat back pivoting gussets are standardized and designed to fit both one-third and two-third split bench seats.

[0004] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a hinge gusset comprising the characteristics of claim 1.

[0005] Advantageously, the openings are made in the area of ​​the wing having parallel sides.

[0006] Advantageously, at least one wing has a width slightly greater than the cross-section of the tubular structure.

[0007] According to one variant, the wing openings are placed at different distances from the base of the gusset.

[0008] According to another variant, the series of openings is aligned on a common line of a wing.

[0009] According to another characteristic, the openings have axes inclined relative to the edge of the wing tips, orthogonal to the base of the gusset.

[0010] Advantageously, the wing has at least one series of two openings.

[0011] The invention also relates to a vehicle seat back comprising at least two gussets, according to the aforementioned characteristics.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, given by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: There figure 1 is a front view of the structure of the hinged backrests in pivot supports fixed to the vehicle floor according to prior art; The figure 2 is a front view of the structure of the hinged backrests in pivot supports fixed to the vehicle floor according to an embodiment not forming part of the invention; The figure 3 is a front view of the gusset, which can be fixed either to a lower corner of the backrest structure according to an embodiment not forming part of the invention; The figures 4A-4B are schematic profile views of a multi-level floor configuration aligned with the back of a seat by means of multi-position gussets, according to the invention; The figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a multi-position gusset fixed to the structure of a backrest and to an arm via a pivot joint according to the invention.

[0013] There figure 1 This is a front view of the structure of the seat backs 19, 20, articulated on arms 22, 23, 24, 25 with pivot joints, fixed to the floor 26 of the vehicle according to the prior art. The structure of the seat backs 19, 20 relates more specifically to the second row of a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with seats 27, 28 of the two-thirds, one-third type, i.e., one seat has two places 27 and the other one place 28, mounted contiguously. The lower corners of the tubular structures 21 receive specific gussets 30, 31, 32, 33 intended to create pivot joints. The structure of the seat backs 19, 20 is identical; they differ only in size. They include a rectangular tubular structure of identical height having within their frame a wire network 34. The wire network 34 is arranged transversely and vertically in order to receive the padding of the backrest 19, 20.Supports 35, suitable for securing seat belts, are fixed to the upper outward corners of the tubular structures 21. Arms 22, 23, 24, 25, each with protruding rods at its free end, engage in an opening in the gussets 30, 31, 32, 33, which are integral with the tubular structure of the seat backs 19, 20, to create a pivot joint. The arms 22, 23, 24, 25 are fixed to the vehicle floor 26 by means of reinforcements positioned parallel to the tubular structure of the seat backs 19, 20. The gussets 30, 31, 32, 33 cover and fit onto the profile of the bends in the lower corners of the tubular structures 21, completely covering their 90-degree angled shape. The gussets 30, 31, 32, 33 are fixed by all appropriate means in particular by welding on the tubular structure 21.The gussets 30, 31, 32, 33 have openings located in the plane of the tubular structure 21 when the backrests 19, 20 are vertical. As shown in the figure, the gussets 30, 31, 32, 33 have different shapes, notably depending on the length of their asymmetrical wings 36, 37, according to their positioning on the tubular structures 21 of the seat backrests 19, 20.

[0014] There figure 2 is a front view of the structure of the backrests 19, 20 articulated in pivot supports fixed to the floor 26 of the vehicle. The tubular structures 21 of the backrests 19, 20 are rigorously identical to that of the figure 1 The gussets 1, positioned in the corners, have symmetrical wings 2, 3 along the median axis 4, forming a 45-degree angle with the horizontal edge 5 and the vertical edge 6. Identical flanges 7 project from the horizontal edges 5 and vertical edges 6. An opening 38 is provided in the flanges 15, 16 near the intersection of the horizontally and vertically positioned edges 5, 6. The opening 38 on the flange 15, 16 allows the radially projecting rod 8, located at the end of the arms 22, 23, 24, 25, to engage, thus providing a pivot joint. The rods 8 projecting from the arms 22, 23, 24, 25 are arranged to engage in the gussets 1 of the backrests 19, 20 are arranged opposite each other and aligned on the same horizontal axis 9, identically for the backrests 19, 20 of the two-thirds, one-third type seats.The gussets 1, located at each end of the tubular structures 21, are hinged so as to allow the backrest 19, 20 to be positioned either vertically or horizontally on the seat. It is understood that the opening 38 located on the horizontal edge 5 is not used.

[0015] There figure 3 is a front view of the gusset 1, which can be fixed either to a lower corner of the backrest structure 19, 20 (not visible). The gusset 1 has symmetrical wings 2, 3 along the median axis 4 passing through the intersection of the outer edges 5, 6, which form a right angle. The median axis 4 therefore forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the outer edges 5, 6. The outer edges 5, 6 of the gusset 1 form a right angle, while the straight inner edges 10, 11 are joined by a radius of curvature 12, forming a continuous inner edge 13. The inner edge 13 has an inner rim 14 oriented at a right angle to the surface 17 and joined by a radius of curvature 14a to this same surface 17. View F is a view along the reference arrow F of the figure 3 showing the rim 14 from the outside, while view G following the arrow G shows the rim 14 from the inside. It is understood that this rim 14 fits and aligns with the profile of the right-angled bends of the tubing 21 (visible figure 2 ) seat backs. As seen on the figure 2 In views F and G, the outer edges 5, 6 extend via a rounded profile 5a, 6a on each side in a direction opposite to the inner edge 14, continuing to form outer edges 15, 16. The outer edges 15, 16, identical in shape, are in the form of isosceles triangles, the side of which is located near the intersection of the outer edges 5, 6. The inner edge 14, oriented at a right angle to the surface 17 of the gusset 1, is opposite the outer edge 15, 16 in a parallel direction. Elongated openings 38 at the base of the face of the gusset 1 are rectangular and extend via a rounded semicircle 38a contiguous to the side of the triangular edge 15, 16. The openings 38 provide a regular contour at the boundary of the side of the triangular edge 15, 16. The outer edges 5, 6 and the inner edges 10, 11 abutting the two straight areas of the wings 2, 3 are arranged in planes parallel to each other and are oriented at 90 degrees.The gussets 1 comprise wings 2, 3 rigorously symmetrical along the median axis 4 making an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the outer edge 5 and 6. The opening 38 allows the passage of a rod enabling the pivoting of the backrest, (visible . figure 2 ) is perfectly symmetrical with respect to the median axis 4. Therefore, the gusset 1 is standard and can be mounted interchangeably on the profile of the right-angled elbows, on the right or left side of the tubing 21 of the backrest 19, 20 (visible figure 2 ) of the seats, simply turn the gusset 1 a quarter turn as appropriate.

[0016] THE figures 4A-4B et 5 They present a variant of gusset 1, in a configuration where gusset 1, mounted on a seat back and on a fixing arm on a base structure via a pivot joint, is able to adapt to different vehicle floor levels. For this purpose, some reference points have been changed for clarity.

[0017] THE figures 4A-4B are coupled schematic profile views of a floor configuration 52a, 52b at different levels aligned with the backrest 53a, 53b of a seat 54a, 54b by means of multi-position gussets 1, in order to form a continuously flat floor, according to the invention. According to the figures 4A-4B The seats are fixed to a base structure 49 of identical level, onto which the arms 51 are attached, and on which the axles 56 are mounted, providing pivot connections. The floors 52a and 52b are at separate levels, as shown by the level line 55 common to both. figures 4A-4B and correspond to vehicles with different silhouettes. In order to increase the loading space in the trunk of the vehicles concerned, the seatbacks 53a, 53b of the seats 54a, 54b can be folded horizontally onto their cushions and align perfectly with the floor panels 52a and 52b. It is understood, both practically and in terms of perceived quality, that the rear surfaces of the seatbacks 53a, 53b of the seats 54a, 54b must be positioned in line with the floor panels 52a, 52b of the vehicle, in order to create a perfectly flat floor 52a, 52b.

[0018] There figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a multi-position gusset 1 fixed to the structure of a seat back 53a, 53b 54a, 54b and to an arm 51 via an axis 56 providing a pivot joint, according to the invention. The gusset 1 is designed according to the description provided in the figures 1 à 3 Only the edges 58, 59 are different in order to accommodate several openings 60 arranged on an axis 61 parallel to the flat surface 17 of the gusset 1. The wings 2, 3, having edges 58, 59, have a generally trapezoidal shape, the longer side 70 of which is joined at a right angle to the flat surface 17. Another, shorter side 71 is parallel to this first side, from the ends of the edges 58, 59, forming a right angle with them. The end side 72 forms a right angle with the short side 71 and the long side 70. The short side 71 extends at the other end with a beveled side 75 to join the end of the long side 70, forming a triangular area. The rim area 57,58, framed by the parallel sides, includes the series of openings 60 distributed along the axis 61, allowing the pivot joints 56, articulated on the arm 51 attached to the base structure 49 of the vehicle, to be fixed. View H is a side view along the arrow H of the figure 5As shown in the view, the wings 2,3 comprise a series of oblong openings 60 whose transverse axes 62 are inclined identically with respect to the end side 72, forming a right angle with the short side 71 and long side 70. The oblong openings 60 have two sides with flat surfaces 73 closed by radii of curvature 74. The pivot joint is equipped with a shaft (not visible) having a profile corresponding to the oblong openings 60, which guarantees a secure fit without risk of rotation of the shaft within the opening 60. The attachment can be ensured by a weld bead made on the end of the shaft and the edge of the opening 60. Alternatively, the shaft could be equipped with a screw and nut system, a collar associated with the shaft bearing against the other face of the rim. The collar itself extends into a cylindrical tip with flats, designed to fit into a cylindrical opening in the arm provided for this purpose.The gusset 1 is shown with two wings 2, 3.

Claims

1. Jointing neck (1) comprising at least two wings (2,3) suitable for being bonded to the elbows forming the lower corners of a tubular (21) back structure (19,20) of the vehicle seat, at least two wings (2,3) of the base (1) comprising a series of openings (60), one of the selectable openings (60) to receive a pivot axis (56), in order to create a flat floor (52a, 52b), when the seat back (53a, 53b) is folded into a horizontal position, characterized by the apertures (60) of the wings (2,3) being oblong, and by the base having an axis (4) of median symmetry passing through the intersection of the outer edges (5,6) of the wings (2,3) forming a right angle.

2. Gusset (1) according to claim 1, characterized as openings (60) are made in the wing area (2, 3) with parallel sides.

3. Gusset (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 2, characterized as the series of openings (60) is aligned with a common wing line (2, 3).

4. Gusset (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized as the wing (2, 3) has at least two openings (60).

5. Vehicle seat back (53a, 54b), characterized by having at least two pods (1), as required by claims 1 to 4.