MODULAR CAR SEAT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the layout of a motor vehicle passenger compartment.

[0002] It relates more specifically to a motor vehicle seat comprising: a supporting structure, a seat mounted movably on the supporting structure between a position of use and a retracted position, and a backrest mounted movably in tilting on the supporting structure around a lower axis, between a position of use and a position folded forward.

[0003] It also applies to a motor vehicle equipped with such a seat.

[0004] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the production of a passenger seat, that is to say a seat intended to be located next to the driver's seat of the vehicle. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0005] Motor vehicles typically include two front seats positioned side-by-side. One seat, called the driver's seat, is located opposite the steering wheel, while the other, called the passenger seat, accommodates a possible passenger.

[0006] This passenger seat is known to be equipped with a forward-folding backrest. Therefore, when there are no passengers in the vehicle, the driver can fold down this backrest to create a cargo space connected to the rear of the vehicle. This additional cargo space is particularly useful when the driver needs to load long items into the vehicle.

[0007] We know from document FR3024681 of a retractable seat as defined in the introduction, whose seat can be raised forward and the backrest folded forward, in place of the seat.

[0008] One advantage of this seat is that once the seat cushion is raised and the backrest folded down, the rear face of the backrest, together with the rest of the vehicle floor, creates a flat surface that facilitates the loading of long objects. This is referred to as a "flat floor".

[0009] However, we want to further optimize the cargo space freed up by the seat when the backrest is folded forward.

[0010] We also want to offer the driver an area where he can easily place a sheet of paper on which he needs to write. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0011] For this purpose, the invention proposes a seat as defined in claim 1.

[0012] This way, when the passenger seat is unoccupied, it's possible to fold down not the entire seatback, but only the central section. This section can then be used as a tray table, allowing the driver, for example, to write on a sheet of paper placed on it.

[0013] This tablet is indeed positioned at an ideal height for this purpose (it is located above the seat), which would not be the case if the entire backrest served as a tablet.

[0014] Tilting only the central part of the case also has other advantages.

[0015] For example, since this central part has smaller dimensions than the rest of the seat, when it is in the tilted position, the central part does not interfere with the driver when using the gear lever.

[0016] Its compact dimensions also eliminate any concern about potential interference between the center section of the seat back and the airbags, as this section is located outside the airbag deployment zones. Therefore, the driver does not need to deactivate the airbags when the center section of the seat back is folded down into the table position.

[0017] Preferably, the seat is mounted to move relative to the supporting structure by means of at least one connecting rod which is articulated, on one side, on the seat and, on the other, on the supporting structure, around two distinct pivot axes.

[0018] Thus it is possible, on the one hand, to rotate the connecting rods relative to the supporting structure to free up the space in which the backrest fits when it is in the forward folded position, and on the other hand, to rotate the seat relative to the connecting rods so that the seat can fit under the dashboard of the vehicle (in the passenger's leg area).

[0019] In this way, the seat frees up more space in the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to accommodate objects of even greater lengths.

[0020] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the seat according to the invention are as follows: said two pivot axes are parallel; each connecting rod has a bent shape; the seat having, in the position of use, a front edge and a rear edge, each connecting rod is articulated on the seat at a distance from the front and rear edges of the seat which is greater than one-quarter of the length of the seat; means are provided for locking the mobility of the seat relative to the supporting structure, combined with a means for unlocking these locking means; the backrest comprises two parts, including a peripheral part which is mounted movably by tilting on the supporting structure around the lower axis, and a central part which is mounted movably by tilting on the peripheral part around a superior axis distinct from the lower axis, each of the two parts comprising a frame and, in front of the frame, a part of a backrest upholstery; the central part of the backrest comprises at the rear a rigid shell;said rigid shell comprises a base fixed to the frame of the central part of the backrest, and a plate hinged on this base; and a support is provided equipped with means for fixing to the floor of the motor vehicle, and the load-bearing structure is mounted movably in translation on the support along a sliding axis substantially parallel to said lower axis.

[0021] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a driver's seat and a passenger seat as defined above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PROJECT EXAMPLE

[0022] The description that follows, with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0023] Regarding the attached drawings: there figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a retractable seat according to the invention; the figure 2 is a schematic view of the headquarters of the figure 1 mounted in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle; the figure 3 is a schematic view of the headquarters of the figure 1 , shown with a central part of its backrest in a folded position; the figures 4 à 6 These are schematic perspective views of various details of the seat's framework. figure 1 ; THE figures 7 à 10 are schematic perspective views of the headquarters of the figure 1 mounted in the passenger compartment of the figure 2 , this compartment can accommodate loads of different sizes and / or a passenger.

[0024] On the figure 1 A very schematic representation of a seat 10 intended to be mounted in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle has been shown.

[0025] In the description, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used in relation to this motor vehicle, the front of an element referring to the side of that element which is turned towards the hood of the vehicle and the rear referring to the side of that element which is turned towards the trunk.

[0026] Similarly, the terms "lower" and "upper" will be used in relation to this motor vehicle, the lower part of an element referring to the part of that element which is located on the floor side of the vehicle and the upper part referring to the part of that element which is located on the roof side.

[0027] As it appears on the figures 7 à 10 This motor vehicle 1 is a "utility vehicle", that is to say, a vehicle with a single row of seats. However, it does not have a rear seat or bench, since the entire rear area of ​​the vehicle constitutes a cargo area.

[0028] Here, as the figures 7 à 10 , the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 1 is separated from this cargo compartment by a partition 3.

[0029] Although the invention will apply more particularly to such a utility vehicle, it will not be limited to this type of vehicle, but may also be applied to any other motor vehicle.

[0030] The motor vehicle 1 here has exactly two seats, including a driver's seat 2 and a passenger seat 10 located next to the driver's seat 2. As shown on the figures 7 à 10 , passenger seat 10 is located to the right of driver seat 2.

[0031] The present invention relates more specifically to this passenger seat 10.

[0032] This passenger seat 10 is retractable, meaning it can tilt forward to free up cargo space in the vehicle.

[0033] As schematically shown figure 1 , this passenger seat 10 comprises a seat 200 and a backrest 300 mounted on the same load-bearing structure 100.

[0034] The 200 seat and the 300 backrest each have a frame covered with padding for the passenger's comfort.

[0035] On the figures 1 et 2 , the seat 200 and the backrest 300 are shown in the position of use, i.e. in the position to accommodate a passenger.

[0036] In this position of use, the seat 200 extends substantially horizontally (within 20 degrees) and it has a front edge 201, a rear edge 202, and two side edges.

[0037] In this position of use, the backrest 300 is slightly inclined backwards (with an angle between 5 and 45 degrees from the vertical) and it has an upper edge 301, a lower edge 302, and two side edges.

[0038] The passenger seat 10 offers numerous adjustments, allowing it to be used in various ways, as will be clearly explained at the end of this presentation, with reference to the figures 7 à 10 .

[0039] To fully understand the invention, we can first briefly describe these mobilities, with reference to the figure 1 .

[0040] The seat 200 is mounted movably on the supporting structure 100 between a position of use and a position folded forward.

[0041] According to a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, it is more precisely mounted movably on the supporting structure 100 via two connecting rods 410 which are each articulated, on one side, on the seat 200 and, on the other, on the supporting structure 100.

[0042] In the following description, two elements will be said to be "articulated" when they are connected together by means of a simple pivot joint.

[0043] Each connecting rod 410 thus has a unique mobility relative to the seat 200, which is a pivoting mobility around a first pivot axis A3, and a unique mobility relative to the supporting structure 100, which is a pivoting mobility around a second pivot axis A4.

[0044] This second pivot axis A4 is generally located below the front edge 201 of the seat 200 (in its operating position). It extends parallel to the first pivot axis A3 (except for assembly defects), and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. Thus, the seat 200 can be moved from its operating position (see figure 2 ) to a retracted position facing forward under the vehicle's dashboard (see figure 5 ), while maintaining a roughly horizontal orientation.

[0045] As shown by figure 1 The backrest 300 is mounted to tilt on the supporting structure 100 around a lower axis A1. This lower axis A1 is generally located below the lower edge 302 of the backrest 300. It extends parallel to the pivot axes A3 and A4 (except for assembly errors). Thus, the backrest 300 can tilt from its position of use (see figure 2 ) up to a folded-forward position, in place of seat 200.

[0046] It is understood here that the backrest 300 can only be positioned in the folded-down forward position if the seat 200 has previously been folded forward.

[0047] Preferably, the load-bearing structure 100 is also mounted movably on a support 5 fixed to the vehicle floor. It thus exhibits translational mobility about a sliding axis A5 which is parallel to the pivot axes A3, A4 (except for assembly errors).

[0048] In this way, the passenger seat 10 can be moved closer to or further from the driver's seat 2.

[0049] We can now describe in more detail how, in the embodiment shown in the figures, these different mobilities are implemented in practice.

[0050] As shown by figure 4 The load-bearing structure 100 has a rectangular frame shape. It thus comprises two symmetrical lateral sides 101, 102, connected together at the front and rear by front cross members 103 and rear cross members 104.

[0051] As shown by figure 5 This load-bearing structure 100 is equipped with two parallel movable rails 110 which are welded under the two sides 101, 102 and which are mounted in two parallel fixed rails 6 so as to form a kind of slide. These two fixed rails 6 are screwed onto the chassis 7 of the vehicle.

[0052] This slide is shown schematically on the figure 1 As this same [document] shows figure 1 , means are provided to block the mobility of this slide 150, to allow the passenger seat 10 to be immobilized. A means of unlocking 160 of these blocking means 150 is also provided, to allow the passenger to move the passenger seat 10 from right to left.

[0053] Here, the fixed rails 6 are notched and the movable rails 110 have movable teeth that are adapted to cooperate with the notches of the fixed rails 6 to block the translational mobility of the supporting structure 100 about the slide axis A4. The unlocking means 160 is then formed by a lever that allows the teeth to be disengaged from the notches, so as to release the translational mobility of the supporting structure 100 about the slide axis A4.

[0054] As shown by figures 4 And 5, the front cross member 103 of the supporting structure 100 is mounted movably in rotation on the lateral sides 101, 102 of this supporting structure 100, around the second pivot axis A4.

[0055] The connecting rods 410, which connect the seat 200 to the supporting structure 100, are then welded by one of their ends onto this front cross member 103, which gives them their rotational mobility around the second pivot axis A4.

[0056] The connecting rods 410 are also articulated at their second ends on pins 205 fixed to the frame of the base 200.

[0057] As the figure 4 , the frame 210 of the seat 200 is here formed by a rigid, generally rectangular shell, on the lateral edges of which are located the two pins 205.

[0058] On this figure 4 We observe that the seat 200 extends over a length ℓ 200 and that the pins 205 are located at a distance from the front edges 201 and rear edges 202 of the seat greater than a quarter of this length ℓ 200. In practice, the pins 205 are placed approximately halfway along the length of the seat 200.

[0059] In this way, during the tilting of the connecting rods 410 around the second pivot axis A4, it is possible to keep the seat 200 substantially horizontal while ensuring that there is no obstacle in the path of the seat 200.

[0060] As shown by figure 1 The system includes locking mechanisms 250 to prevent the seat 200 from moving, which allow the seat 200 to be held in the usable position. It also includes a means 260 for unlocking these locking mechanisms 250, allowing the user to move the seat 200 forward in its retracted position.

[0061] Here, as the figures 4 And 5The locking means 250 include two lugs 251 fixed to the frame of the seat 200. These two lugs 251 are more precisely located projecting from the lateral edges of the frame 210 of the seat 200, near the rear edge of the seat 200.

[0062] These locking means 250 also include two pivoting tabs 252 adapted to hook onto the lugs 251 to lock the seat 200 in the usable position. These pivoting tabs 252 have hooks at their front ends for this purpose, which can engage with the lugs 251 when the backrest 300 and the seat 200 are in the usable position.

[0063] The unlocking means 260 then includes a handle 261 ( figure 2 ) accessible on the right side of the seat, at the height of the seat 200, and which allows the two tilting legs 252 to be rotated so that their hooks move away from the lugs 251 and free the mobility of the seat 200.

[0064] Here, as the figure 4 The connecting rods 410 are bent around an axis parallel to the pivot axes A3 and A4. More precisely, they are bent upwards. In this way, as shown in the figure 5 These features allow the seat 200 to pivot around the first pivot axis A3 (so that the seat remains horizontal during the rotation of the connecting rods 410 around the second pivot axis A4), without the lugs 251 striking these connecting rods 410. These connecting rods 410, however, act as a stop for the lugs 251 when they have fully tilted forward. More precisely, they define a cradle for the lugs 251, which ensures that the seat 200 is properly oriented to fit under the vehicle's dashboard.

[0065] As already mentioned in reference to the figure 1 , the file 300 is articulated on the load-bearing structure 100 around the lower axis A1.

[0066] For this reason, as clearly shown by figure 6 , seat 10 has four connecting rods 420, 421, 430, 431 distributed in pairs on each side of the backrest 300.

[0067] Each pair includes a front link and a rear link articulated, at one of their ends, on one of the sides 101, 102 of the supporting structure 100, and, at the other of their ends, on the frame of the backrest 300.

[0068] These connecting rods 420, 421, 430, 431 are designed to allow the backrest 300 to tilt according to a pseudo-rotational movement around the lower axis A1.

[0069] We observe on this figure 6 that each of the tilting legs 252 is pivotally mounted on one of the rear connecting rods 420, 430.

[0070] It is also observed that each tilting leg 252 is equipped with a return mechanism that allows it to automatically hook onto the lugs 251 of the seat 200 when the latter is returned to the usable position. This return mechanism is in the form of a tension spring 440 which is connected, on one side, to the supporting structure 100, and, on the other, to the tilting leg 252.

[0071] Finally, it is observed that each tilting leg 252 defines, between its pivot axis and its hook-shaped end, a slot adapted to hook onto a lug 432 located on one of the front connecting rods 421, 431. This lug 432 thus forms a stop limiting the travel of the tilting leg 252 when the seat 200 is placed in the retracted position towards the front.

[0072] As shown by figure 1 Furthermore, means are provided to lock the tilting mechanism of the backrest 300 around the lower axis A1, allowing the backrest 300 to be locked in the usable position. A means for unlocking these locking mechanisms 350 is also provided to allow the backrest 300 to be tilted into the folded position.

[0073] These locking and unlocking mechanisms 350, 360 being well known to those skilled in the art, they will not be described. Only the following will be observed: figure 3 that the unlocking means include in particular a lever 361 accessible to the user on the right side of the file 300, at the top thereof.

[0074] As shown by figure 5 The peduncle 450, into which the passenger's seat belt buckle can be locked, is hinged to the load-bearing structure 100. It is further coupled to the backrest 300 in such a way that, when the backrest 300 tilts from its usable position to its forward-folded position, the peduncle 450 automatically tilts from a position accessible to the user (shown as a solid line on the figure 5 ) until a forward-leaning position (dotted line on the figure 5 ). In this way, in the inclined position, this peduncle 450 does not obstruct the loading of any object into the vehicle, on top of the backrest 300 in the folded position.

[0075] It may happen that the driver wishes to have a tablet, for example to be able to write on a sheet of paper placed on it.

[0076] Here, the backrest, when it tilts around the lower axis A1, takes the place of the seat so that it is too low to serve as a tablet.

[0077] To remedy this problem, as shown by the figures 1 à 3 , the file 300 is here formed of two parts, including a peripheral part 310 which is mounted movably in tilting on the supporting structure 100 around the lower axis A1, and a central part (hereafter called "medallion 320") which is mounted movably in tilting on the peripheral part 310 around a higher axis A2 located above the lower axis A1, parallel to the latter (except for assembly defects).

[0078] The peripheral section 310 comprises the sides and the upper edge of the backrest 300. It supports, among other things, the headrest. In the raised position, the medallion 320 fits into the opening defined by the peripheral section 310.

[0079] Here, each of the two parts of the file has its own frame, one being articulated on the other around the upper axis A2.

[0080] Each of the frames of the two parts of the backrest 300 is then covered by a section of the backrest upholstery. Thus, when the backrest 300 is in the usable position and the medallion 320 is raised, the passenger's back is designed to rest jointly on the upholstery of the two parts 310 and 320 of the backrest 300.

[0081] However, in the absence of passengers, the driver can tilt the 320 medallion into a nearly horizontal position (called the "tablet position") shown on the figure 3 .

[0082] As this shows figure 3 , the 320 medallion has a rigid 330 shell which covers its entire back face.

[0083] This rigid shell 330 includes a base 331 which is fixed to the frame of the medallion 320, and a plate 332 which is hinged on the base 331 and which, once opened, provides access to a storage space and / or a computer screen support.

[0084] As shown by figure 1 Furthermore, means 370 are provided to lock the tilting mobility of the medallion 320 around the upper axis A2, allowing the medallion to be locked in the raised position. A means 380 for unlocking these locking means 370 is also provided to allow the medallion 320 to tilt into the tablet position.

[0085] Here, the locking means include a hook which is movably mounted on the peripheral part 310 of the backrest 300 and which is adapted to hook onto a lug provided on the medallion 320 to lock the latter in the raised position. The unlocking means includes a lever 381 ( figure 3 ) accessible to the user on the right side of the 300 file, halfway up, and which allows the hook to be maneuvered to release the lug of the medallion.

[0086] We observe on this figure 3 that the peripheral part 310 of the backrest 300 comprises a rigid shell 311 which covers its entire rear face (and which therefore closes off the rear of the space for the medallion 320). In this way, when the entire backrest 300 is folded forward, this rigid shell 311 is designed to protect the backrest 300.

[0087] Thanks to its various mobility options, passenger seat 10 allows for the transport of bulky loads.

[0088] As shown by figure 8 , the partition wall 3 has for this purpose an opening 4 which allows communication between the vehicle's trunk and the passenger compartment.

[0089] This opening 4 has a rectangular shape. It extends approximately across the width of the passenger seat 10, and to a height less than the height of the seat back 300.

[0090] On the figure 8 The backrest 300 is in the folded position (the seat being in the retracted forward position). In this configuration, it is then possible to carry a particularly long load 600, with a width and height equal to the width and height of the opening 4.

[0091] On the figure 7 The cargo area 610 is particularly long here, extending from the trunk floor to the dashboard of the vehicle. However, it is quite narrow. Therefore, the driver can move the passenger seat 10 closer to the driver's seat 2 (to create space for the cargo between the passenger door and the passenger seat), and can position the seat back 300 in its usable position and the center console 320 in its table position.

[0092] On the figure 9 It is not intended for carrying long loads. The backrest (300 mm) and seat (200 mm) are then positioned for use to accommodate a passenger. In this configuration, the passenger can move their passenger seat (10 mm) further away from the driver's seat (2 mm) to provide more elbow and shoulder room.

[0093] On the figure 10The plan is to carry a long, narrow-section load 610, as well as accommodate a passenger. The backrest 300 and seat 200 are then placed in the usable position and the passenger seat 10 is moved closer to the driver's seat 2 (so as to leave space for the load between the passenger door and the driver's seat).

[0094] It is thus understood that thanks to the mobility of the passenger seat 10, the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle 1 has a high degree of modularity.

[0095] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and represented, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the attached claims.

[0096] Thus, one could have planned, in a more conventional way, to mount the passenger seat support structure on the vehicle chassis with translational mobility along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

[0097] According to another variant, the vehicle could be without a partition wall.

[0098] As another alternative, the file could be a single piece and without a medallion.

[0099] According to another variant, a single connecting rod, or conversely more than two connecting rods, could have been used to connect the seat to the supporting structure of the seat.

Claims

1. Seat (10) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising: - a supporting structure (100), - a seat pan (200) mounted so as to be able to move on the supporting structure (100) between a use position and a stowed position, and - a backrest (300) mounted so as to be able to tilt on the supporting structure (100) about a lower axis (A1), between a use position and a folded-forward position, in place of the seat pan, characterized in that the backrest (300) comprises two parts (310, 320), one of which is a peripheral part (310) that is mounted so as to be able to tilt on the supporting structure (100) about the lower axis (A1), and the other of which is a central part (320) that is mounted so as to be able to tilt on the peripheral part (310) about an upper axis (A2) that is distinct from the lower axis (A1), each one of the two parts (310, 320) comprising a frame and, to the front of the frame, part of a trim of the backrest (300) .

2. Seat (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the seat pan (200) is mounted so as to be able to move relative to the supporting structure (100) by means of at least one connecting rod (410) that is articulated on one hand to the seat pan (200) and on the other hand to the supporting structure (100), about two distinct pivot axes (A3, A4).

3. Seat (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said two pivot axes (A3, A4) are parallel.

4. Seat (10) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein the shape of each connecting rod (410) includes a corner.

5. Seat (10) according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein, the seat pan (200) having a front edge (201) and a rear edge (202) when in the use position, each connecting rod (410) is articulated to the seat pan (200) at a distance from the front (201) and rear (202) edges of the seat pan (200), this distance being greater than one quarter of the length (l200) of the seat pan (200) .

6. Seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, there being provided immobilizing means (250) for preventing the seat pan (200) from moving relative to the supporting structure (100), these means being combined with a means (260) for locking these immobilizing means (250).

7. Seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central part (320) of the backrest (300) comprises, at the rear, a rigid shell (330).

8. Seat (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said rigid shell (330) comprises a base (331) fastened to the frame of the central part (320) of the backrest (300), and a plate (332) articulated to this base (331).

9. Seat (10) according to one of the preceding claims, there being provided a support (5) equipped with means for fastening to the floor of the motor vehicle (1), and wherein the supporting structure (100) is mounted so as to be able to move in translation on the support (5) along a slide axis (A5) that is essentially parallel to said lower axis (A1).

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a driver seat (2) and a seat (10) that is located next to the driver seat (2) and that is according to one of the preceding claims.