Connecting element for a vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention provides a connection element (1) for a vehicle seat comprising a main body (4) on which a backrest and a seat cushion of the seat are intended to be mounted, the main body (4) defining a first edge (24) and at least a first slot (40) extending longitudinally from the first edge (24) along a first direction (D1) and defining a first inner end (41). The connection element (1) further comprises a first bridge (43) extending at least along a portion of the first edge (24) opposite the first slot (40), the first bridge (43) having a curved shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element for a vehicle seat, the type of connecting element comprising a body, a seat back and a seat cushion for mounting on the body, the body defining a first edge and at least a first through slot extending longitudinally from the first edge in a first direction and defining a first inner end. Background Technology

[0002] The connecting element of the vehicle seat, also known as a gusset plate for connecting the seat cushion to the seat back, may include a vehicle impact energy dissipation device configured to absorb a portion of the energy generated by an impact in order to protect the seat occupant.

[0003] Such dissipation devices are, for example, constructed from through slots.

[0004] In the event of a vehicle impact, particularly a frontal impact, the force applied to the seat can cause deformation of the connecting elements. Dissipation devices allow for specific, controlled deformation of the connecting elements, enabling the absorption of at least some of the impact energy. To dissipate energy, slots deform, for example, by closing.

[0005] However, such dissipation devices are difficult to adapt to all situations. For example, they may need to adapt to different types of impacts, different types of seats, and different occupant profiles. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide a connecting element that provides greater adaptability to the impacts it may be subjected to, the profile of the seat on which it is mounted, and the passenger occupying the seat.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a connecting element of the aforementioned type, which further includes a first bridging member extending at least along a portion of a first edge opposite to a first slot, the first bridging member having a curved shape.

[0008] Therefore, the first bridging element provides improved dissipation performance and greater adaptability. The size and geometry of the first bridging element, especially its radius of curvature, can be varied to accommodate different types of impacts, different types of seats, and different profiles of passengers occupying the seats.

[0009] Other features of the connecting element according to the invention, whether considered individually or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0010] - The body defines a second slot that extends at least through the body, the second slot extending from a first edge of the body and defining a second inner end portion.

[0011] The first through slot and the second through slot are separated by a material strip;

[0012] -The second slot extends substantially parallel to the first direction;

[0013] - The connecting element also includes a second bridging member extending at least along the portion opposite the second slot at the first edge;

[0014] -The second bridging element has a straight shape;

[0015] -The second slot opens along the first edge;

[0016] -The material strip has a strip width measured along the first edge, which is between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm;

[0017] -The first inner end of the first slot and the second inner end of the second slot each have a circular shape;

[0018] - At least one of the first slot and the second slot has a shape that expands accordingly from the first inner end and / or the second inner end toward the first edge;

[0019] - Each of the first slot and the second slot has:

[0020] The length measured along the first direction is between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0021] The width of the slot, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, is between 1 mm and 20 mm.

[0022] -The average slot width of the second slot is less than the average slot width of the first slot;

[0023] - The width of the second slot measured along the first edge is smaller than the width of the first slot measured along the first edge;

[0024] - The concave surface of the first bridging member faces a second direction opposite to the first direction in which the first slot extends;

[0025] - The connecting element also includes a flange extending substantially perpendicular to the first edge along the first edge, and the first bridging element is formed by a portion of the flange.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest, a seat cushion, and a connecting element as described above, wherein the backrest and seat cushion are for mounting on the body of the connecting element. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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:

[0028] -Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the connecting elements of the seat according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the connecting elements.

[0030] - Figure 3 It is integrated into the vehicle seat. Figure 1 A schematic side view of the connecting elements.

[0031] - Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the connecting element of the seat according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Reference Figure 1 Describes the connecting element 1 of the vehicle seat. This connecting element 1 is also called a gusset plate.

[0033] Connecting element 1 is configured to connect Figure 3 The seat back 2 and seat cushion 3 shown allow for relative rotational movement between the seat back 2 and seat cushion 3.

[0034] The connecting element 1 includes a body 4 extending between a first portion 8 and a second portion 10. The first portion 8 is located, for example, at one end of the body 4. The second portion 10 is located, for example, at the opposite end of the body 4.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first part 8 and the second part 10, for example, include a first attachment support 12 and a second attachment support 14, respectively.

[0036] The first attachment support 12 and the second attachment support 14 are, for example, the backrest 2 and seat cushion 3 of a seat, used as supports for fixing and / or mounting thereon in a rotatable manner.

[0037] When the backrest and / or seat cushion are used to be rotatably mounted on the connecting element 1, the first attachment support 12 and / or the second attachment support 14 each define, for example, at least one pivot cavity 18 for receiving at least one pivot connector 19 between the backrest 2 and the connecting element 1 and / or between the seat cushion 3 and the connecting element 1.

[0038] For example, pivot connector 18 is a joint for the backrest or seat cushion.

[0039] When the backrest 2 and / or seat cushion 3 are used to attach to the connecting element 1, the first attachment support 12 and the second attachment support 14 respectively define, for example, at least one attachment cavity 20 for receiving at least one attachment element 21 between the backrest 2 and the connecting element 1 and / or between the seat cushion 3 and the connecting element 1.

[0040] Fastening element 21 is, for example, a screw or rivet.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first attachment support 12 of the first part 8 defines a pivot cavity 18, while the second attachment support 14 of the second part 10 defines a plurality of attachment cavities 20.

[0042] The second attachment support 14 includes a base 22 for connection to the first attachment support 12 and two arms 23 extending from the base 22 in a direction away from the first attachment support 12.

[0043] The main body 4 extends substantially along plane P. The main body 4 is defined on both sides by a first edge 24 and a second edge 26 extending between the first portion 8 and the second portion 10. The second edge 26 is, for example, opposite to the first edge 24.

[0044] The first edge 24 and the second edge 26 define the edges of the first attachment support 12 and the second attachment support 14, and in particular extend from the first end of the first portion 8 toward the second end of the second portion 10 of the arm 23.

[0045] The connecting element 1 also includes a flange 30 that extends substantially perpendicularly toward the free end of the flange 30 relative to the plane P along at least one of the first edge 24 and the second edge 26.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The flange 30 extends along each of the first edge 24 and the second edge 26.

[0047] The main body 4 is defined by at least the first slot 40 that penetrates through.

[0048] A through-slot 40 extends longitudinally from the first edge 24 along a first direction D1. For example, the through-slot 40 extends toward the second edge 26 of the body 4. The through-slot 40 defines a first inner end portion 41 to which the first slot 40 extends from the first edge 24.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first slot 40 extends between the pivot cavity 18 of the first part 8 and the attachment cavity 20 of the second part 10.

[0050] For example, the first inner end 41 of the through first slot 40 has a circular shape.

[0051] The connecting element 1 also includes a first bridging member 43 extending at least along the portion of the first edge 24 opposite to the first slot 40. The first bridging member 43 closes the through-passage first slot 40. The first bridging member 43 constitutes the end of the through-passage first slot 40 opposite to the first inner end 41. In other words, the through-passage first slot 40 is defined by the body 4 and the first bridging member 43.

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first bridging element 43 is formed by a portion of the flange 30.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first bridging member 43 is integral with the flange 30, for example.

[0054] For example, the first bridging member 43 has a curved shape. This curved shape has a concave surface.

[0055] The concave surface of the first bridging member 43 is oriented along a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, for example, that is, it is turned toward the outside of the body 4.

[0056] For example, the main body 4 defines a through second slot 50.

[0057] A through-slot 50 extends from the first edge 24 of the body 4. The through-slot 50 defines a second inner end portion 51, extending from the first edge 24 to this second inner end portion 51. For example, the through-slot 50 extends substantially parallel to the first direction D1. For example, the through-slot 50 extends to the second edge 26 of the body 4.

[0058] The main body 4 includes a strip of material 56 extending between a first through slot 40 and a second through slot 50.

[0059] The material strip 56 has a strip width d measured along the first edge 24, which is between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0060] Therefore, the width d also represents the distance along the first edge 24 between the through first slot 40 and the through second slot 50.

[0061] For example, the width d along the material strip 56 along the direction D1 is variable.

[0062] For example, the second inner end portion 51 of the through second slot 50 has a circular shape.

[0063] according to Figures 1 to 3In the first embodiment shown, the connecting element 1 further includes a second bridging member 52 extending at least along a portion of the first edge 24 opposite to the second slot 50, the second bridging member 52 closing the through-through second slot 50. The second bridging member 52 constitutes an end of the through-through second slot 50 opposite to the second inner end portion 51. In other words, the through-through second slot 50 is defined by the body 4 and the second bridging member 52.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The second bridging member 52 is formed by a portion of the flange 30.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the second bridging member 52 is integral with the flange 30, for example.

[0066] The second bridging member 52 has a straight shape; for example, it is not curved like the first bridging member 43.

[0067] Each of the through-hole first slot 40 and the through-hole second slot 50 has a length measured along a first direction D1. The length of each slot is between 5 mm and 30 mm, for example, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0068] Each of the through-hole first slot 40 and the through-hole second slot 50 has a slot width l1, l2 measured along a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. For example, each slot width l1, l2 is between 1 mm and 20 mm. For example, the slot width l1, l2 along the first edge 24 is between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, for example, the average slot width l2 of the through second slot 50 is less than the average slot width l1 of the through first slot 40.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, for example, the slot width l2 of the through second slot 50, measured along the first edge 24, is smaller than the slot width l1 of the through first slot 40.

[0071] At least one of the through-through first slot 40 and the through-through second slot 50 has a shape that expands accordingly from the first inner end 41 and / or the second inner end 51 toward the first edge 24. In other words, the slot width l1, l2 of at least one of the through-through first slot 40 and the through-through second slot 50 increases from the inner end 41, 51 toward the first edge 24.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 have, for example, such an expanded shape.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the distance between the first through slot 40 and the second portion 10, measured along the first edge 24, is less than the distance between the second through slot 50 and the second portion 10, measured along the first edge 24.

[0074] According to a variation, the distance between the through first slot 40 and the second portion 10, measured along the first edge 24, is greater than the distance between the through second slot 50 and the second portion 10, measured along the first edge 24.

[0075] The operation of connecting element 1 when used in a seat is described below.

[0076] The seat back 2 is fixedly or rotatably mounted to the first attachment support 12 or the second attachment support 14. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The backrest of the seat is, for example, rotatably mounted on the first attachment support 12.

[0077] The seat cushion 3 is fixedly or rotatably mounted to the first attachment support 12 or the second attachment support 14. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The seat cushion 3 is attached, for example, to the second attachment support 14.

[0078] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The first edge 24 corresponds to the rear edge of the connecting element 1 extending toward the rear of the seat, and the second edge 26 corresponds to the front edge of the connecting element 1 extending toward the front of the seat. When the seat faces the front of the vehicle, the rear edge is the edge furthest from the support surface, which is the edge closest to the occupant resting on. When the seat faces the rear of the vehicle, the rear edge is the edge closest to the support surface, while the front edge is the edge furthest from the support surface.

[0079] In the event of an impact on the vehicle, when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 deforms to dissipate the impact energy. In this way, the connecting element 1 dissipates at least a portion of the energy generated by the impact through deformation.

[0080] For example, in the event of an impact on the vehicle, when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat, compression or tension can be caused on the connecting element 1 along the first edge 24 and the second edge 26.

[0081] Since the through first slot 40 and through second slot 50 are recesses extending into the body 4 of the connecting element 1, they represent advantageous deformation areas when force is applied to the connecting element 1.

[0082] In particular, when an impact force is applied to the connecting element 1, the lengths of the penetrating first slot 40 and the penetrating second slot 50, as well as their expanding shapes, are conducive to reducing or expanding their slot widths l1 and l2.

[0083] Specifically, refer to Figures 1 to 4 When an impact occurs on the vehicle, especially a rear impact, and when the impact force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 deforms, causing the slot width l1, l2 of at least one of the through first slot 40 and through second slot 50 to decrease.

[0084] When a frontal impact occurs on the vehicle, the connecting element 1 deforms, causing the width l1, l2 of at least one of the through-passage first slot 40 and the through-passage second slot 50 to increase. In this case, the length of the through-passage first slot 40 and / or the through-passage second slot 50 may also increase.

[0085] according to Figures 1 to 3 In the first embodiment shown, the second bridging member 52 has a straight shape compared to the first bridging member 43, which has a curved shape. Therefore, the second bridging member 52 is more resistant to compression or tension generated by impact forces and directed towards the first edge 24. Consequently, the through-hole second slot 50 is more resistant to compression or tension generated by impact forces. Therefore, advantageously, when an impact force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 deforms, causing the slot width l1 of the through-hole first slot 40 to decrease in a first step, and then the slot width l2 of the through-hole second slot 50 to decrease in a second step.

[0086] Therefore, the first bridging member 43 and the second bridging member 52 enable increased resistance to deformation of the penetrating first slot 40 and the penetrating second slot 50. Furthermore, when the connecting element 1 deforms, the first bridging member 43 and the second bridging member 52 bend by absorbing at least a portion of the impact energy.

[0087] The curved shape of the first bridging member 43 allows for modulation of resistance to deformation of the penetrating first slot 40. Therefore, the greater the curvature of the first bridging member 43, the less resistance it has to deformation of the penetrating first slot 40.

[0088] Modulating the length and width of the through first slot 40 and through second slot 50, the width of the material strip, the geometry of the first bridging member 43, especially the curvature of the first bridging member 43 and the geometry of the second bridging member 52, can change the deformation response of the connecting element 1, thereby enabling it to adapt to, for example, different impact forces, different types of seats and different occupant profiles.

[0089] Therefore, the connecting element 1 proposed in this invention allows for a wider range of deformation responses, enabling the connecting element 1 to exhibit greater adaptability and improved energy dissipation performance with different variables (e.g., the type of impact force applied thereto, the type of seat in which it is implemented, and the profile of the seat occupant).

[0090] According to a variation of the first embodiment, the first bridging member 43 is formed from a portion of the main body 4.

[0091] According to another variation, the first bridging element 43 is an attachment element and is fixed to the flange 30.

[0092] According to another variation, the second bridging member 52 is formed from a part of the main body 4.

[0093] According to another variation, the second bridging element 52 is an added element and fixed to the flange 30.

[0094] In another variation, the second bridging element 52 is also bent.

[0095] According to another variation, the average slot width l2 of the penetrating second slot 50 is equal to the average slot width l1 of the penetrating first slot 40.

[0096] according to Figure 4 In the second embodiment shown, the connecting element 1 does not include the second bridging member 52. The flange 30 includes an opening 53 extending opposite to the through-through second slot 50. In other words, the flange 30 includes material removal opposite to the through-through second slot 50. Therefore, the flange 30 is discontinuous along the first edge 24. Therefore, the flange 30 includes two flange portions separated by the opening 53. Therefore, the through-through second slot 50 opens along the first edge 24.

[0097] The second through slot 50 is less resistant to compression or tension caused by impact and directed toward the first edge 24 than the first through slot 40. Therefore, advantageously, when an impact force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 deforms, causing the slot width l2 of the second through slot 50 to decrease in the first step, and then the slot width l1 of the first through slot 40 to decrease in the second step.

[0098] Whether or not the second bridging element 52 is installed indicates an additional parameter that can change the deformation response of the connecting element 1.

[0099] According to an embodiment not shown, the connecting element 1 does not include a first bridging member 43 or a second bridging member 52. Therefore, the flange 30 includes three flange portions separated by two openings. Thus, the through first slot 40 and the through second slot 50 open along the first edge 24. According to this embodiment, the connecting element 1 includes a body 4, a seat back 2, and a seat cushion 3 for mounting on the body 4. The body 4 defines the first edge 24 and at least the through first slot 40, which extends longitudinally from the first edge 24 along a first direction D1 and defines a first inner end portion 41. The connecting element 1 also includes at least the through second slot 50, which extends longitudinally from the first edge 24 and defines a second inner end portion 51. The through first slot 40 and the through second slot 50 are separated by a material strip 56.

Claims

1. A connecting element (1) for a vehicle seat, comprising a body (4), wherein a backrest (2) and a seat cushion (3) of the seat are mounted on the body (4), The body (4) defines a first edge (24) and at least a through first slot (40), the first slot (40) extending longitudinally from the first edge (24) along a first direction (D1) and defining a first inner end (41). The connecting element (1) is characterized in that it further includes a first bridging member (43) extending at least along a portion of the first edge (24) opposite to the first slot (40), the first bridging member (43) having a curved shape. The body (4) defines a second slot (50) that extends at least through the body (4), the second slot (50) extending from the first edge (24) of the body (4) and defining a second inner end portion (51). The through first slot (40) and the through second slot (50) are separated by a material strip (56). The connecting element (1) further includes a second bridging member (52) extending at least along the portion of the first edge (24) opposite to the second slot (50), the second bridging member (52) having a straight shape, or the through second slot (50) opening along the first edge (24).

2. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through-hole second slot (50) extends substantially parallel to the first direction (D1).

3. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The material strip (56) has a strip width (d) between 1 mm and 10 mm as measured along the first edge (24).

4. The connecting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first inner end (41) of the first slot (40) and the second inner end (51) of the second slot (50) each have a circular shape.

5. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one of the first slot (40) and the second slot (50) has a shape that expands accordingly from the first inner end (41) and / or the second inner end (51) toward the first edge (24).

6. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the first slot (40) and the second slot (50) has: - The length measured along the first direction (D1) between 5mm and 30mm. - The width of the slot, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, is between 1 mm and 20 mm.

7. The connecting element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The average slot width of the second slot (50) is less than the average slot width of the first slot (40).

8. The connecting element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The width of the second slot (50) measured along the first edge (24) is smaller than the width of the first slot (40) measured along the first edge (24).

9. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The concave surface of the first bridging member (43) faces a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) in which the first slot (40) extends.

10. The connecting element (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The concave surface of the first bridging member (43) faces a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) in which the first slot (40) extends.

11. The connecting element (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The concave surface of the first bridging member (43) faces a second direction (D2) opposite to the first direction (D1) in which the first slot (40) extends.

12. The connecting element (1) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a flange (30) extending substantially perpendicular to the first edge (24) along the first edge (24), the first bridging element (43) being formed of a portion of the flange (30).

13. The connecting element (1) according to claim 7, further comprising a flange (30) extending substantially perpendicular to the first edge (24) along the first edge (24), the first bridging element (43) being formed of a portion of the flange (30).

14. The connecting element (1) according to claim 8, further comprising a flange (30) extending substantially perpendicular to the first edge (24) along the first edge (24), the first bridging element (43) being formed of a portion of the flange (30).

15. The connecting element (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material strip (56) has a strip width (d) between 3 mm and 5 mm as measured along the first edge (24).

16. The connecting element (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length is between 10mm and 20mm.

17. A vehicle seat comprising a backrest (2), a seat cushion (3), and a connecting element (1) according to any one of claims 1, 2, 7, and 8, wherein the backrest (2) and the seat cushion (3) are for mounting on the body (4) of the connecting element (1).

Images