Vehicle seat comprising a restraint system for a regulation and suspension device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat (10) for a vehicle, comprising a seat cushion (14), an adjustment and suspension device (16) comprising a base (40) fixed to a frame (12) and a support plate (42) fixed to the seat cushion (14), the support plate being translatable relative to the base (40) in a vertical direction (Z). The seat (10) includes a restraint system (18) comprising: at least one restraint member (58) fixed to the frame (12) defining at least one through opening (62) extending along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction (Z); and at least one restraint element (60) fixed to the support plate (42), the through opening (62) of the restraint member (58) receiving the restraint element (60) which is freely translatable along the main elongation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a frame for mounting on a floor of a vehicle, a seat cushion, and an adjustment and suspension device, the adjustment and suspension device comprising a base fixed to the frame and a plate fixed to the lower surface of the seat cushion, the plate being mounted to be translatably movable in a vertical direction relative to the base. Background Technology

[0002] This type of seat is typically installed inside commercial vehicles such as covered vans, trucks, light trucks, and refrigerated trucks.

[0003] In the event of a vehicle collision, the seat and its occupants come to a sudden stop. They are then thrown forward in the longitudinal direction due to inertia. In particular, the plates used for adjustment and suspension move and pivot forward about a lateral axis substantially perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel. This causes the occupant's pelvis to move significantly forward as it slides along the seat cushion. The occupant may therefore suffer serious injury, especially in the lumbar region and pelvic belt. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to address this drawback by providing a seat that can limit the displacement of the occupant's pelvis during a vehicle collision and improve the stability and strength of the seat.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention relates to a seat of the above type, wherein the seat further includes a restraint system that restrains a plate for adjustment and suspension devices to a frame, the restraint system comprising:

[0006] - At least one constraint member fixed to the frame, the constraint member defining at least one through opening extending along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0007] - At least one constraint element fixed to the plate, the through opening of the constraint member receiving the constraint element which is freely translated along the main elongation direction, the through opening being capable of constraining the constraint element along a constraint direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0008] Therefore, due to the restraint components and elements, the plate used for adjustment and suspension cannot move forward in the longitudinal direction during a collision with the vehicle, regardless of the plate's position and thus the seat cushion's position in the vertical direction before the collision. During the collision, the plate and seat cushion can no longer rotate relative to the frame, restricting the movement of the occupant's pelvis and improving occupant safety.

[0009] Depending on the implementation, the seat may also include one or more of the following features, either individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0010] -The constraint system includes:

[0011] - Two constraint members fixed to the frame, each constraint member defining at least one through opening extending along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0012] - At least two constraint elements fixed to two opposite walls of a plate, the two walls extending primarily along the longitudinal or transverse direction, the longitudinal and transverse directions being substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0013] -The constraint element, or each constraint element, extends from the wall to which the constraint member is fixed.

[0014] - The constraint members are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the frame.

[0015] -The frame defines the central housing for receiving adjustment and suspension devices.

[0016] - The constraint member, or each constraint member, defines two through openings, each through opening extending in an elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The plate includes four constraint elements received in pairs within the through openings of the constraint members.

[0017] - The constraint member, or each constraint member, includes at least one plate defining one or more openings and extending primarily along an elongated plane projecting at least partially from the upper surface of the frame, the elongated plane being substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0018] - The elongation plane of the plate is basically parallel to the transverse direction.

[0019] - The frame includes a front and a rear section extending primarily in a direction parallel to the transverse direction, and two side sections extending primarily in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, connecting the front and rear sections. The panels, or each panel, are fixed substantially equidistant from the side sections along the front and rear sections, and / or

[0020] The elongation plane of the plate is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the edge of the through opening defines a plurality of constraint receptacles adapted to constrain the constraint element received in the through opening along the constraint direction. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a seat according to the present invention, wherein the adjustment and suspension devices are in the central position.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A 3D view of the seat, with the adjustment and suspension mechanisms in a high position.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the constraint components of the seat.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the constraint components of the seat. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the following description, the term "longitudinal" is defined relative to the direction in which the vehicle is normally traveling, that is, the main extensional direction of the interior of the vehicle in which the seat according to the invention is placed under normal use conditions (i.e., the seat occupant faces the road).

[0028] The term "lateral" is defined relative to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. This direction corresponds to the width of the vehicle. The vertical direction Z is substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction T, and corresponds to the height of the vehicle. When the vehicle is on a level surface, the vertical direction Z is substantially vertical. The terms "front" and "rear" are defined in the longitudinal direction L relative to the vehicle's usual direction of travel. Similarly, the terms "up" and "down" are defined relative to the vertical direction.

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A vehicle seat 10 according to the present invention is shown.

[0030] Vehicles (not shown) include, for example, commercial vehicles such as covered vans, trucks, light trucks, refrigerated trucks, etc.

[0031] Alternatively, the vehicle can be of any type.

[0032] Seat 10 is, for example, a driver's seat or a passenger seat oriented along the longitudinal direction L toward the normal driving direction of the vehicle.

[0033] The seat 10 includes a frame 12 for mounting on the floor of the vehicle, a seat cushion 14, an adjustment and suspension device 16 connected to the seat cushion 14, and a restraint system 18 that restrains a portion of the adjustment and suspension device to the frame 12.

[0034] The frame 12 includes a front portion 20 and a rear portion 22, each extending in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse direction T, and two side portions 24 connecting the front and rear portions 22 and each extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0035] The frame 12 defines a central receiving portion 26 for receiving the adjustment and suspension device 16 between the front portion 20, the rear portion 22 and the side portion 24.

[0036] More specifically, the front portion 20, the rear portion 22, and the side portion 24 each include an inner front wall, an inner rear wall, and two inner side walls, which define a central receiving portion 26 between them.

[0037] As is well known, seat cushion 14 includes, for example, a seat cushion (not shown) mounted on frame 34.

[0038] It is also well known that the seat 10 includes a backrest 36, which is connected to the seat cushion 14 and includes a seat cushion (not shown) mounted on the frame 38.

[0039] The adjustment and suspension device 16 includes a base 40 fixed to the frame 12 and a support plate 42 connected to the base 40 and fixed to the seat cushion 14.

[0040] The support plate 42 can be positioned relative to the base 40 in the vertical direction Z at a low position near the base 40 and a high position away from the base 40. Figure 2 ) and multiple intermediate height positions ( Figure 1 They can be reversibly translated between each other.

[0041] This allows for height adjustment of the seat cushion 14 to accommodate the size of its occupant.

[0042] The support plate 42 includes an upper surface 44 fixed to the lower surface 46 of the seat cushion 14, a front wall 48, a rear wall 50, and two side walls 52 connected to the front wall 48 and the rear wall 50. The front wall 48, the rear wall 50, and the side walls 52 are connected to the upper wall 44.

[0043] "Fixed to the lower surface of the seat" means that the support plate 42 is fixed to the lower surface 46 of the seat cushion 14 directly or by one or more intermediate elements without any intermediate elements.

[0044] In the first embodiment, the seat 10 further includes two guide rails 53 fixed to the upper surface 44 of the support plate 42. These guide rails interact with two fixing members 55 fixed to the lower surface 46 of the seat cushion 14, thereby allowing the seat cushion 14 to translate relative to the support plate 42 in the longitudinal direction L. This allows the occupant of the seat 10 to move forward or backward relative to the dashboard.

[0045] In each raised position, the upper surface 44 of the support plate 42 extends primarily in an upper plane that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction Z (i.e., in a plane that is substantially parallel to the vehicle floor when the seat 10 is fixed to the vehicle floor).

[0046] The front wall 48, the rear wall 50, and the side wall 52 extend primarily on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the upper plane.

[0047] At least in the lowered position of the support plate 42, the front wall 48, rear wall 50 and side wall 52 of the support plate 42 face the inner front wall, inner rear wall and inner side wall of the frame 12, respectively.

[0048] As is well known, the adjustment and suspension system 16 also includes at least one damping element (not shown) for damping the movement of the seat cushion 14 along the vertical direction Z. This limits the vibrations felt by the occupant of the seat 10 when the vehicle is in motion.

[0049] The base 40 and the support plate 42 are connected to each other by a mechanism 54 known in the prior art.

[0050] For example, mechanism 54 includes a scissor-shaped connecting element 56 that connects the support plate 42 and base 40 of the adjustment and suspension device 16. This keeps the upper surface 44 of the support plate 42 substantially parallel to the vehicle floor in all raised positions.

[0051] The adjustment and suspension device 16 includes, for example, an actuator (not shown) that allows the occupant of the seat 10 to move the support plate 42 and thus the seat cushion 14 between different raised positions.

[0052] For example, the actuation of the adjustment and suspension device 16 is hydraulic, pneumatic or electric.

[0053] According to the present invention, the restraint system 18 ensures the connection between the support plate 42 of the adjustment and suspension device 16 and the frame 12.

[0054] The restraint system 18 includes at least one restraint member 58 fixed to the frame 12 and at least one restraint element 60 fixed to the support plate 42.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the restraint system 18 includes two restraint members 58 fixed to the frame 12 and two restraint elements 60 fixed to two opposing walls 48, 50, 52 of the support plate 42.

[0056] In the first embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 The constraint element 60 is fixed on the front wall 48 and rear wall 50 of the support plate 42.

[0057] Each constraint member 58 defines at least one through opening 62, which extends primarily along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0058] According to the first embodiment, each constraint member 58 includes two through openings 62, each through opening extending along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z. In other words, the two through openings 62 are parallel to each other.

[0059] The two openings 62 have the same size along the elongation direction.

[0060] For example, the dimension along the elongation direction is between 5cm and 30cm.

[0061] Preferably, the constraint members 58 are arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the frame 12.

[0062] More specifically, each constraint member 58 preferably includes a main plate 64 that defines one or more openings 62 and extends primarily along an elongation plane that is substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0063] like Figure 3 More notably, each constraint member 58 also includes two auxiliary plates 66 connected to the main plate 64, each auxiliary plate 66 extending primarily in a plane substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of the main plate 64.

[0064] More specifically, in the first embodiment, the main plates 64 of each constraint member 58 are fixed to the front part 20 and the rear part 22 of the frame 12, respectively.

[0065] Each main plate 64 protrudes at least partially from the top surface 70 of the front 20 and rear 22 of the frame 12.

[0066] Preferably, each main plate 64 is fixed at substantially equal distances from the side 24 of the frame 12 along the front 20 and rear 22 of the frame 12.

[0067] Therefore, the through openings 62 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the vertical midplane, which passes through a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0068] In a particular embodiment where the main plate 64 defines a single through opening 62, a restraint member 58 is fixed to the frame 12 such that the opening 62 is equidistant from the side 24 of the frame 12.

[0069] The auxiliary plate 66 of each constraint member 58 is fixed to the side 24 of the frame 12.

[0070] Preferably, each constraint member 58 includes a fixing bracket 68 for securing the constraint member 58 to the frame 12.

[0071] In the first embodiment, each constraint member 58 includes two fixed brackets 68 connected to the main plate 64 and two fixed brackets 68 respectively connected to the auxiliary plate 66.

[0072] The fixed bracket 68 extends primarily in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the extension plane of each of the plates 64, 66.

[0073] The fixing bracket 68 is held against the upper surface 70 of each of the front 20, rear 22 and side 24 of the frame 12.

[0074] Preferably, at least a portion of each main plate 64 of each constraint member 58 rests against the inner front and inner rear walls of the frame 12. Similarly, at least a portion of each auxiliary plate 66 of each constraint member 58 rests against the inner sidewall of the frame 12.

[0075] This distributes the force across the entire frame 12 when the support plate 42 is subjected to a thrust along the longitudinal direction L in the event of a collision. The mechanical strength of the restraint member 58 is improved and the deformation of the restraint member 58 is limited.

[0076] The constraint member 58 is preferably made of metal.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the restraint system 18 includes two restraint elements 60 fixed on the front wall 48 of the support plate 42 and two restraint elements 60 fixed on the rear wall 50 of the support plate 42.

[0078] Each constraint element 60 extends from its corresponding wall 48, 50 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding wall 48, 50 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0079] Each constraint element 60 includes, for example, a rod fixed to the walls 58, 60 of the support plate 42 and a head 74 connected to the rod.

[0080] The constraint element 60 is formed, for example, by a screw, bolt, or metal pin.

[0081] According to the invention, each through opening 62 of the restraint member 58 receives a restraint element 60 that translates freely along the main elongation direction. In the event of a vehicle collision, particularly a collision in the longitudinal direction L (a full frontal or rear-end collision) or any collision including a component along the longitudinal direction L, the through opening 62 restrains the restraint element 58 along a restraint direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. In other words, when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the support plate 42 along the longitudinal direction, the through opening 62 restrains the restraint element 58 along the restraint direction.

[0082] Therefore, when the adjustment and suspension device 16 is actuated, that is, when the support plate 42 is moved to a raised position, the restraint element 60 slides in the through opening 62 along the main elongation direction of the opening 62.

[0083] The lateral dimension of the head 74 of the constraint element 60 is larger than the lateral dimension of the opening 62. Therefore, the head 74 of the constraint element 60 cannot pass through the opening 62 in the longitudinal direction L. This prevents the support plate 42 from moving relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction L in the event of a collision.

[0084] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A seat 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This embodiment will be described in terms of its differences from the first embodiment.

[0085] In this embodiment, the main plate 64 of the constraint member 58 does not include an opening 62. Each of the auxiliary plates 66 defines at least one through opening 62, which extends along a main elongation direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z.

[0086] In this embodiment, each auxiliary plate 66 includes a single through opening 62.

[0087] The auxiliary plate 66 extends along the main elongation plane, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0088] Each auxiliary plate extends at least partially and protrudes above the upper surface 70 of the side 24 of the frame 12.

[0089] Advantageously, the edge 76 of the opening 62 of each plate 66 defines a plurality of constraint receptacles 78 adapted to constrain the constraint element 60 received in the opening 62 along the constraint direction. Each constraint receptacle 78 has at least one generally circular or curved portion, thereby forming a support for the axis of the constraint element 60 as the plate moves along the longitudinal direction L. This allows the constraint member 58 to reliably hold the support plate 42 in the event of a vehicle collision by preventing any slippage of the constraint element 60 along the edge 76 of the opening 62 in the vertical direction Z.

[0090] In this embodiment, the constraint member 58 also constrains the constraint element 60 along a constraint direction that is substantially parallel to the lateral direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the main plate 64 preferably rests entirely against the inner front wall of the front portion 20 of the frame 12. The auxiliary plate 66 rests, for example, at least partially against the inner side wall of the side portion 24 of the frame 12.

[0092] The constraint element 60 is fixed to the side wall 52 of the plate. More specifically, each constraint element 60 extends from its corresponding wall 48, 50 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding wall 48, 50 and substantially parallel to the transverse direction T.

[0093] In this particular embodiment, the restraint system 18 includes a single restraint element 60 on each sidewall 52 of the support plate 42.

[0094] Of course, in one variation, the restraint system 18 may include a plurality of restraint elements fixed to the sidewall 52 of the plate. In this case, the restraint member 58 includes the same number of through openings 62 for receiving these restraint elements 60.

[0095] Therefore, the seat according to the invention is particularly advantageous because, due to the restraint members and restraint elements, the plate for the adjustment and suspension device cannot move forward relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction during a vehicle collision, and this holds true regardless of the plate's position in the vertical direction.

[0096] Especially during a collision, the plate and seat cushion can no longer rotate relative to the frame, limiting the movement of the occupant's pelvis and improving occupant safety.

Claims

1. A seat (10) for a vehicle, said seat (10) comprising: - A frame (12) for mounting on the floor of the vehicle. - Seat cushion (14). - An adjustment and suspension device (16) comprising a base (40) fixed to the frame (12) and a support plate (42) supporting the seat cushion, the support plate being fixed to the lower surface (46) of the seat cushion (14), the support plate (42) being translatable relative to the base (40) in a vertical direction (Z), the support plate extending in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the support plate being disposed below the seat cushion along the vertical direction. The seat (10) is characterized in that it further includes a restraint system (18) that restrains the support plate (42) of the adjustment and suspension device (16) to the frame (12), the restraint system (18) comprising: - At least one constraint member (58) fixed to the frame (12), the constraint member (58) defining at least one through opening (62) extending along a main elongation direction parallel to the vertical direction (Z), - At least one constraint element (60) fixed on the support plate (42), the through opening (62) of the constraint member (58) receiving the constraint element (60) which is freely translated along the main elongation direction, the through opening (62) being capable of constraining the constraint element (60) along a constraint direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) in the event of a vehicle collision.

2. The seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The constraint system (18) includes: - Two constraint members (58) are fixed to the frame (12), each constraint member (58) defining at least one through opening (62) extending along a main elongation direction parallel to the vertical direction (Z). - At least two constraint elements (60) are fixed to two opposing walls (48, 50; 52) of the support plate (42), the two walls (48, 50; 52) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) or a transverse direction (T), the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T) being perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z).

3. The seat (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The constraint element (60) protrudes from the wall (48, 50; 52) to which the constraint element (60) is fixed.

4. The seat (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The constraint members (58) are arranged opposite each other on opposite sides of the frame (12).

5. The seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The frame (12) defines a central receiving portion (26) for receiving the adjustment and suspension device (16).

6. The seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The constraint member (58) defines two through openings (62), each of the through openings extending along an elongation direction parallel to the vertical direction (Z), and the support plate (42) includes four constraint elements (60) received in pairs in the through openings (62) of the constraint member (58).

7. The seat (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The constraint member (58) includes at least one plate (64; 66) defining one or more of the openings (62) and extending along an elongated plane that at least partially protrudes from the upper surface of the frame (12) and is parallel to the vertical direction (Z).

8. The seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elongation plane of the plate (64) is parallel to the transverse direction (T).

9. The seat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The frame (12) includes a front portion (20) and a rear portion (22) extending in a direction parallel to the transverse direction (T) and two side portions (24) extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) and connecting the front portion (20) and the rear portion (22), and the plate (64) is fixed equidistantly from the side portions (24) along the front portion (20) and the rear portion (22).

10. The seat (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The elongation plane of the plate (66) is parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), and the edge (76) of the through opening (62) defines a plurality of constraint receptacles (78) adapted to constrain the constraint element (60) received in the through opening (62) along the constraint direction.

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