Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle with improved crash performance

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) for a motor vehicle, having a seat part (3) with a seat cushion (5) providing a seat surface (4), the seat cushion having a front seat section (7) and a rear seat section (8) extending oppositely with respect to the front seat section, and a backrest (6) with a lower backrest section (9) and an upper backrest section (10) extending oppositely with respect to the lower backrest section, wherein the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) is arranged adjoiningly to the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5), wherein at least one locking tab (12) is provided, which holds the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5) on the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) with respect to at least one spatial direction (Z), which extends essentially perpendicularly to the seat surface (4) in the direction of the upper backrest section (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle (particularly for a passenger motor vehicle), the vehicle seat having a seat component and a backrest, the seat component having a seat cushion providing a seat surface, wherein a lower backrest section of the backrest is arranged adjacent to a rear seat section of the seat cushion. Background Technology

[0002] Such vehicle seats are generally known in various configurations. Typically, the seat components and / or backrests in motor vehicles are fixed to the vehicle structure or body, particularly the vehicle frame. In this case, the seat fasteners are designed to securely and firmly hold the vehicle seat to the vehicle body even in the event of an accident (collision). However, standardized tests evaluating the drag resistance of vehicle seats and their fasteners (e.g., the Economic Commission for Europe ECE 17 test) have demonstrated that, in a vehicle collision, unloaded seat components and, in particular, unloaded seat cushions will (at least partially) release and fold upwards. This collision behavior of vehicle seats is undesirable and should be avoided, as the seat cushion released from the seat components during a collision poses a danger to vehicle occupants. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle seat that improves safety in collision accidents. Furthermore, the vehicle seat should be easy to install in a motor vehicle and require no additional consumables.

[0004] This objective is achieved by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims disclose other particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0005] It should be noted that the features listed individually in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically meaningful manner, and other embodiments of the invention are illustrated. This description further characterizes and specifies the invention, particularly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] It should also be noted that the connection between two features used and linked to each other in the following text is always interpreted as follows: in the first embodiment of the main body of the invention, only the first feature may exist; in the second embodiment, only the second feature may exist; and in the third embodiment, both the first and second features may exist.

[0007] According to the present invention, a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle (particularly for a passenger motor vehicle) has a seat component and a backrest, the seat component having a seat cushion providing a seat surface. The seat cushion has a front seat section and a rear seat section extending opposite to the front seat section, which substantially define the seat surface. The backrest has a lower backrest section and an upper backrest section extending opposite to the lower backrest section, which substantially define the surface upon which the back of a person sitting in the vehicle seat rests. Furthermore, the lower backrest section of the backrest is arranged adjacent to the rear seat section of the seat cushion.

[0008] It should be understood that the seat components and / or backrests of vehicle seats in vehicles (especially motor vehicles such as passenger cars) can be fixed to the vehicle structure or body. In this case, the seat components may have a seat plate made of, for example, metal or plastic material, into which the seat cushion is received and fixed. The seat components of the vehicle seat can ultimately be securely fixed to the vehicle by the seat plate.

[0009] According to the invention, at least one locking tab is also provided, which holds the rear seat section of the seat cushion onto the lower backrest section of the backrest relative to at least one spatial direction that extends substantially perpendicular to the seat surface along the direction of the upper backrest section. In other words, the locking tab is designed and arranged to block and thus prevent movement of the seat cushion or its rear seat section relative to the backrest or its lower backrest section in at least one spatial direction (also referred to herein as the blocking direction), i.e., to fix the seat cushion to the backrest relative to the blocking direction. In the event of a vehicle collision, the unloaded seat cushion, even if it should be released, for example, from the seat panel of the vehicle seat (partially) or normally from its anchors in the vehicle structure or body due to the high acceleration force acting on it, can therefore not move in the aforementioned spatial direction or blocking direction (i.e., substantially parallel to the direction of the upper backrest section in any case), because it is held onto the lower backrest section of the backrest by the locking tab. In this way, the vehicle seat according to the invention effectively increases safety in a vehicle collision.

[0010] It should be noted that, depending on the actual embodiment and / or arrangement, in addition to the at least one spatial direction specified above, at least one locking tab can also hold the seat cushion on the lower backrest section of the backrest in another spatial direction. If the at least one spatial direction mentioned above corresponds to an upward spatial direction in three-dimensional space, then at least one locking tab can also prevent downward, forward, backward, leftward, and / or rightward movement of the seat cushion or its rear seat section relative to the backrest or its lower backrest section. The "upward" and "downward" spatial directions correspond to the vertical extension direction of the vehicle seat, "forward" and "backward" correspond to the longitudinal extension direction of the vehicle seat, and "leftward" and "rightward" correspond to the lateral extension direction of the vehicle seat.

[0011] According to an advantageous development of the invention, at least one locking tab forms a form-locking effective engagement with the lower backrest section of the backrest and / or the rear seat section of the seat cushion with respect to the at least one spatial or blocking direction. This effective engagement of the form-locking provides a particular advantage, as a rigid (e.g., material-locked) connection between the seat cushion and backrest via the locking tab is not necessary. This allows, for example, easier assembly of the seat components and vehicle seat backrests, since the form-locking connection between the rear seat section of the seat cushion and the lower backrest section of the backrest is advantageously formed solely by the arrangement of the backrest on the seat components. Furthermore, the effective engagement of the form-locking allows for advantageous tolerance compensation in the arrangement of the seat cushion and backrest.

[0012] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking tab is securely attached to the seat cushion at one end and extends freely relative to the lower backrest section of the backrest at the other end. In other words, the locking tab protrudes relative to the contoured surface that substantially defines and surrounds the seat cushion. The fixed connection of the locking tab to the seat cushion can be achieved by shape, friction, or material locking. In this embodiment, the locking tab is not fixedly connected to the backrest or its lower backrest section. The connection provided by the locking tab, which holds the seat cushion or its rear seat section on the backrest or its lower backrest section in at least the blocking direction, advantageously functions solely through the arrangement of the backrest on the seat components, thereby simplifying the assembly of the vehicle seat itself and its installation in the vehicle.

[0013] According to another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking tab is securely connected to a wire frame at least partially enclosed by the seat cushion. The connection between the locking tab and the wire frame can be achieved, for example, by material bonding, while the wire frame and locking tab are held together, for example, by a locking shape within at least a portion of the foam in the cushion foam of the seat cushion. Preferably, the wire frame can be formed of metal. Although the seat components may include a seat plate as described above, preferably, the wire frame is not (directly) connected to the seat plate. According to the manner described herein, the locking tab alone ensures that the seat cushion is secured to the backrest in at least one blocking direction.

[0014] To facilitate easy fixation of the seat cushion or its rear seat section to the backrest or its lower backrest section in at least one blocking direction, according to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a locking tab extends at least partially beneath the lower backrest section of the backrest, which abuts the rear seat section of the seat cushion. If the locking tab is securely attached to the seat cushion, for example as described above, its movement in the at least one blocking direction (i.e., from the lower backrest section to the upper backrest section) is blocked by the locking tab. Therefore, the backrest or its lower backrest section does not require any special means for receiving or supporting the locking tab. More precisely, the backrest can be formed and manufactured entirely in a conventional manner.

[0015] More preferably, the locking tab can be formed to be substantially non-bending (rigid), particularly in at least one blocking direction, which ensures sufficient force transmission between the backrest and the seat cushion (particularly with respect to the acceleration force occurring in a vehicle collision event) and thus securely fastens the seat cushion to the backrest in the blocking direction.

[0016] Preferably, the locking tab can be formed of a metallic material (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) or a plastic (e.g., rigid plastic).

[0017] Locking tabs can also be formed as basically flat tabs or tongues. The shape of their periphery can be angular (e.g., rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, etc.) or circular (e.g., elliptical, circular, arc-shaped, etc.).

[0018] The portion of the locking tab protruding from the contoured surface of the seat cushion, in the case of its arrangement and extension to the lower backrest section, may have a length, for example, corresponding to approximately half the thickness of the backrest, such as approximately 10 cm. The width of the locking tab may correspond to, for example, approximately half the length in the previous example, such as approximately 5 cm.

[0019] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the locking tab is annular. Therefore, the locking tab can also be used in the form of circular, arcuate, or elliptical eyelets, in which hooks can be engaged, for example, for additional security. Furthermore, the annular shape of the locking tab can reduce weight and material usage.

[0020] Particularly preferably, a single locking tab can be arranged on the vehicle seat, which is substantially centered relative to the lateral extension direction of the seat components. This embodiment also advantageously allows for weight and material savings while ensuring that the seat cushion is securely fixed to the backrest in the desired blocking direction.

[0021] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the backrest is pivotally held relative to the seat components. In other words, the backrest is foldable, wherein the pivot axis can be arranged, for example, in the lower backrest section of the backrest or in the rear seat section of the seat cushion. In a particularly advantageous manner, the pivoting of the backrest is not hindered by the connection (fixed in the blocking direction) between the seat cushion and the backrest, which is provided by a locking tab on the vehicle seat according to the invention.

[0022] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention provides a synchronous fixing device (Isofix-Befestigungseinrichtung) for a child seat arranged in the area adjacent to the lower backrest section of the backrest and the lower seat section of the seat cushion. The connection described herein, provided by locking tabs, secures the seat cushion to the backrest in at least one blocking direction, allowing the backrest and / or seat cushion pads to be designed according to the thickness of the synchronous fixing device area, achieving sufficient seat comfort on the one hand, and easy access to the operation of the synchronous fixing device on the other.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the vehicle seat according to the invention can be a rear seat, which can be configured as a rear row seat, in which at least two people find adjacent positions to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, which will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically illustrate:

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective side view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the vehicle's seats from below;

[0027] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A bottom-view plan of a portion of the vehicle's seats; and

[0028] Figure 4 It shows in Figure 1 A perspective view of the wire frame housed in the seat cushion of a vehicle seat. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In different drawings, parts that are the same in terms of function always have the same reference numerals, so these are usually described only once.

[0030] Figure 1 A perspective side view schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat 1 for a motor vehicle (not shown in detail) (here, a passenger motor vehicle) according to the present invention, from which a portion of the vehicle structure or body 2 can be identified. Figure 1 As can be seen, the vehicle seat 1 has a seat component 3, and the seat component 3 has a seat cushion 5 that provides a seat surface 4. In addition, the vehicle seat 1 has a backrest 6.

[0031] As shown Figure 1A perspective view of a portion of the vehicle seat 1. Figure 2 As clearly shown, the seat cushion 5 has a front seat section 7 and a rear seat section 8 extending opposite to the front seat section. Furthermore, the backrest 6 has a lower backrest section 9 and an upper backrest section 10 extending opposite to the lower backrest section. Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can also be seen that the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest 6 is arranged adjacent to the rear seat section 8 of the seat cushion 5. The backrest 6 can be pivotally mounted about a pivot axis (not shown) in a manner known per se, which is located in the area of ​​the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest, that is, it can be folded substantially over the seat surface 4 of the seat cushion 5. However, this is not mandatory.

[0032] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A bottom plan view of a portion of the vehicle seat 1. In this view, the lower side of the seat panel 11 and the seat cushion 5 can be seen. Figure 2 ) can be arranged on and connected to the seat panel, so that seat component 3 ( Figure 1 The vehicle seat 1, or the vehicle seat 1, can be fixed in a manner known per se within the motor vehicle or on its vehicle structure 2. Figure 2 The image shows a vehicle seat 1 without a seat panel 11.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, a locking tab 12 can also be identified, which holds or secures the rear seat section 8 of the seat cushion 5 on the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest 6 relative to the spatial direction Z, which is along the direction of the upper backrest section 10. Figure 1 It extends substantially perpendicular to the seat surface 4.

[0034] from Figure 2 As can be seen, in the embodiment of the vehicle seat 1 shown, the locking tab 12 is annular. Furthermore, it is designed to be substantially rigid and made of a metallic material. However, the locking tab 12 can also be formed over the entire surface. Furthermore, in Figure 2 As can be seen, vehicle seat 1 shows only a single locking tab 12, which is relative to seat cushion 5 or seat component 3. Figure 1 The lateral extension direction Y is basically centered.

[0035] Locking tab 12 relative to seat component 3 ( Figure 1 The centered arrangement of the lateral extension direction Y of the ) can also be in Figure 3As can be clearly seen, the seat plate 11 shown extends substantially across the entire width (lateral extension Y) of the seat cushion 5 or seat component 3. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the vehicle seat 1 shown here, the locking tab 12 is not indirectly / directly connected to or fixed to the seat plate 11, but is connected only through the seat cushion 5 connected to the seat plate 11.

[0036] In particular, such as Figure 2 As shown, the locking tab 12 of the vehicle seat 1 is fixedly connected to the seat cushion 5 at one end, and extends freely relative to the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest 6 at the other end. Thus, the locking tab 12 extends at least partially below the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest in the illustrated vehicle seat 1, which abuts the lower seat section 8 of the seat cushion 5. The overlap length between the locking tab 12 and the lower backrest section 9 can preferably be approximately half the thickness of the backrest (substantially corresponding to the thickness of the backrest 6 in the extending direction X). However, this is not mandatory. Shorter or longer overlap lengths are also possible.

[0037] The container is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the line frame 13 in the seat cushion 5 of vehicle seat 1. Figure 4 As can be seen, the locking tab 12 of the vehicle seat 1 is fixedly connected to the wire frame 13. Since the wire frame 13 and the locking tab 12 are formed of a metallic material in the embodiment shown here, they can be connected to each other, for example, by welding. Other connection techniques are also conceivable, such as gluing, threaded connection, clamping, etc.

[0038] Figure 4 The wire frame 13 shown is housed within the seat cushion 5 of the vehicle seat 1, and is specifically enclosed by the cushion foam forming the seat cushion 5, i.e., foamed within the cushion foam. Therefore, the locking tab 12 is held in the seat cushion 5 in a form-locking manner by the wire frame 13, and the locking tab 12 forms an effective form-locking engagement with the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest 6 relative to at least one spatial direction Z (blocking direction), such that the seat cushion 5 is held or fixed on the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest in the spatial direction Z, at least in the direction of the upper backrest section 10.

[0039] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment of the vehicle seat 1 shown, a known synchronization fastening device 14 is provided and arranged in the area of ​​the vehicle seat 1, in which the rear seat section 8 of the seat cushion 5 is adjacent to the lower backrest section 9 of the backrest 6.

[0040] The vehicle seats for motor vehicles (particularly passenger motor vehicles) described above are not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but also include other similar embodiments resulting from further technically meaningful combinations of the features described herein. In particular, the locking tab need not be arranged abutting against the lower backrest section of the backrest as shown in the previous embodiment. Instead, it may be arranged in a recess formed on the lower backrest section of the backrest. For example, this recess may be completely closed around its periphery except for an opening through which the free end of the locking tab is inserted, such that in this case the locking tab can secure the seat cushion to the backrest in several spatial or blocking directions, for example, upward or downward in the vertical extension direction of the vehicle seat and left and right in its lateral extension direction.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle seat according to the invention is used as a rear seat in a motor vehicle (particularly a passenger motor vehicle).

[0042] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0043] 1. Vehicle Seats

[0044] 2 Vehicle structure / body

[0045] 3 Seat components

[0046] 4 Seat surface

[0047] 5 seat cushions

[0048] 6 Backrest

[0049] 7.5 front seat section

[0050] 8.5 rear seat section

[0051] 9 6 lower backrest section

[0052] 10 6 upper backrest section

[0053] 11 Seat Panel

[0054] 12 Locking flaps

[0055] 13-line frame

[0056] 14. Synchronous Fixing Device (Isofix-Befestigungseinrichtung)

[0057] X: First spatial direction, longitudinal extension direction

[0058] Y Second spatial direction, lateral extension direction

[0059] Z Third space direction, vertical extension direction

Claims

1. A vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, the vehicle seat having a seat component (3) and a backrest (6), the seat component having a seat cushion (5) providing a seat surface (4), the seat cushion having a front seat section (7) and a rear seat section (8) extending opposite to the front seat section, the backrest having a lower backrest section (9) and an upper backrest section (10) extending opposite to the lower backrest section, wherein the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) is arranged adjacent to the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5), wherein at least one locking tab (12) is provided, the locking tab holding the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5) on the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) relative to at least one spatial direction (Z), the spatial direction (Z) extending substantially perpendicular to the seat surface (4) along the direction of the upper backrest section (10).

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The locking tab (12) forms a shape-locking effective engagement with respect to the at least one spatial direction (Z) on the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) and / or the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5).

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The locking tab (12) is fixedly connected to the seat cushion (5) at one end and extends freely at the other end relative to the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6).

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The locking tab (12) is fixedly connected to the wire frame (13) which is at least partially closed by the seat cushion (5).

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 2, Its features are: The locking tab (12) extends at least partially below the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6), which is adjacent to the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5).

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The locking tab (12) is designed to be non-bending.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The locking tab (12) is designed to be annular in shape.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: A single locking tab (12) is provided, which is arranged substantially centrally relative to the lateral extension direction (Y) of the seat component (3).

9. The vehicle seat according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features are: The synchronous fixing device (14) for the child seat is arranged in the area adjacent to the lower backrest section (9) of the backrest (6) and the rear seat section (8) of the seat cushion (5).

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, Its features are: The vehicle seat is the rear seat of the vehicle (1).

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