Leaning vehicle seating assembly facilitating access to rear seats

Abstract

In a vehicle seating assembly (10), a cushion frame (11) is pivotable relative to a movable element (14) of a slide (15). A connecting rod (27) connected to a fixing element (16) of the slide (15) is guided in translation relative to the cushion frame (11). A stopper limits translation of the connecting rod (27). The slide (15), the stroke length of the connecting rod (27) and the stop are shaped such that when the connecting rod (27) is in contact with the stop, the extension of the slide (15) causes the cushion frame (11) to rotate (F3), which is supported by the action of a linear actuator (30) mounted between a movable element (14) of the slide (15) and the cushion frame (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly and a method of operating the vehicle seat assembly is also described. Background Art

[0002] In particular in the automotive field, a vehicle seat is known which is configured to have a position (called "easy entry position") that facilitates access to the rear portion of the seat. Such seats are usually used in vehicles comprising a plurality of pairs of doors, the number of which is less than the number of rows of seats, in order to allow access to the last row of seats in the vehicle, that is, the row of seats that is longitudinally arranged furthest to the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Typically, the easy entry position corresponds to a forward tilted position of a vehicle seat, in particular a backrest of a vehicle seat. When the seat is mounted on slides, the easy entry position can also advantageously correspond to a position in which the seat is advanced as far as possible towards the front of the motor vehicle.

[0004] It has been contemplated to use a motor disposed beneath a vehicle seat to control longitudinal movement of the vehicle seat along a slideway to control passage of the vehicle seat from its nominal position to its easy entry position to enable an occupant of the vehicle seat to be accommodated.

[0005] However, the weight of the seat necessitates the use of an oversized motor to move the vehicle seat longitudinally along the slide.

[0006] Then, for example in application FR-A-3 116 771, it is proposed to install a spring between a connecting rod controlling the tilting of a vehicle seat into its easy-entry position and a latch fixing the seat to a movable part of one of the slides. In particular, the control rod is located at the front end of the vehicle seat and the latch is located at the rear end. In this case, when the latch is closed, it can overcome the stress exerted by the spring and prevent the vehicle seat from tilting into its easy-entry position. On the other hand, when the latch is open, the spring will tilt the vehicle seat into its easy-entry position. However, it has proven difficult to control the pivoting of such a vehicle seat with such a spring.

[0007] In the unpublished application FR 22 04922, it is also proposed to use a torsion bar to control the tilting of a vehicle seat when a latch holding a seat cushion frame attached to a moving part of at least one slide is open.

[0008] However, this solution has proven to be unsatisfactory for relatively heavy vehicle seats or bench seats. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure aims to improve this situation.

[0010] To this end, a vehicle seat assembly is described, comprising:

[0011] - Seat cushion frame;

[0012] at least one slideway, the slideway comprising a first element and a second element, the second element being movable relative to the first element in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle seat assembly,

[0013] - at least one connecting rod,

[0014] a linear actuator, preferably a pneumatic cylinder, more preferably a gas spring, which is mounted at a first end to pivot about a first axis transverse to the second element of the at least one slideway, and which is mounted at a second end to pivot about a second axis transverse to the seat cushion frame, in particular to the front end of the seat cushion frame,

[0015] in:

[0016] - the seat cushion frame is pivotable relative to the second element of the slideway about a third transverse axis, the third transverse axis being near a front end of the vehicle seat assembly, the front end being opposite to a rear end of the vehicle seat assembly in a longitudinal direction;

[0017] - the first end of at least one connecting rod is mounted to pivot relative to the first element of at least one slideway about a fourth transverse axis;

[0018] - the second end of the at least one connecting rod is guided in translation relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction, the at least one connecting rod is pivotable relative to the seat cushion frame about a fifth transverse axis, and is movable in the longitudinal direction by translation of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame;

[0019] - a stopper that limits movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in a longitudinal direction toward a rear end of the vehicle seat assembly;

[0020] -The stroke length of the second element relative to the first element of at least one slide, the length of at least one connecting rod and the position of the stop are formed so that the movement of the second element relative to the first element of at least one slide tends to increase the distance between the third transverse axis and the fourth transverse axis, and when the second end of the connecting rod abuts, the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly is limited, causing the seat cushion frame to rotate around the third transverse axis, supported by the action of the linear actuator.

[0021] Thus, advantageously, a linear actuator, particularly a gas spring, can assist in the pivoting of the seat cushion frame to move the vehicle seat assembly into the easy entry configuration. If the vehicle seat assembly includes a slideway actuator, the slideway actuator can be smaller in size and therefore less expensive. In the absence of such a slideway actuator, less effort is required by an individual to move the seat assembly into its easy entry configuration.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the seat assembly includes one or more of the following features, used alone or in combination:

[0023] - the seat assembly includes a latch for selectively attaching a rear end of the seat cushion frame to a second element of the at least one slide;

[0024] - the seat assembly comprises means for unlocking the latch, at least when the second ends of the connecting rods abut, restricting movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly;

[0025] - the seat cushion frame comprises a groove or a rib, the slider is received in the groove or on the rib, slides in the longitudinal direction, the slider is fixed to the vicinity of the second end of at least one connecting rod, fixed or free to rotate about the transverse axis;

[0026] - the stopper is formed by a protrusion adapted to cooperate with the slide member to limit the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction;

[0027] - the cushion frame includes a first protrusion, at least one connecting rod includes a second protrusion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are shaped so that when the slider moves without contacting the stopper protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are not in contact, and when the slider contacts the stopper protrusion, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are in contact to prevent the slider from moving away from the stopper protrusion;

[0028] - the stopper projection is a non-open longitudinal end of the slot;

[0029] -The seat assembly includes two slides spaced apart in the transverse direction of the seat assembly, a seat cushion frame is fixed to the second element of each slide so as to pivot around the same third transverse axis, a connecting rod is installed between the first element of each slide and the seat cushion frame, the two connecting rods are connected by a transverse member, the first end of each connecting rod is installed to pivot around the same fourth transverse axis relative to the first element of the corresponding slide, the second end of each connecting rod is guided to translate relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction, the connecting rod is pivotable relative to the seat cushion frame around the same fifth transverse axis near its second end, and the fifth axis is movable in the longitudinal direction by translation of the second end of the connecting rod.

[0030] - the seat assembly comprises an actuator, preferably one, for controlling the movement of the second element of at least one slide relative to the corresponding first element; and

[0031] -The seat assembly includes two seats arranged side by side transversely.

[0032] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is also described, comprising a chassis and a body defining a passenger compartment having a floor, and at least one seat assembly in any combination as described above, the fixing element of each slide being attached to or formed by the floor of the passenger compartment.

[0033] In particular, the vehicle may have at least one door arranged longitudinally at the level of the seat assembly, and at least one further seat arranged longitudinally behind the seat assembly. The vehicle may not have a door arranged longitudinally on the further seat.

[0034] According to another aspect, a method of operating all combinations of vehicle seat assemblies as described above is described to allow switching from a first configuration suitable for accommodating an occupant to a second configuration that is easy to enter, the method comprising the steps of i) causing a second element of at least one slide to move relative to an associated first element in a direction tending to increase the distance between a third transverse axis and a fourth transverse axis, and when the second end of at least one connecting rod abuts, limiting the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod in a longitudinal direction relative to a seat cushion frame toward a rear end of the vehicle seat assembly.

[0035] The method may include a step ii) before step i), moving the second element of at least one slide relative to the associated first element until the second end of at least one connecting rod abuts, limiting the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in the longitudinal direction toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly.

[0036] The method may include the step of unlocking the latch, preferably before the second end of the at least one connecting rod abuts to restrict movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat cushion frame in a longitudinal direction toward the rear end of the vehicle seating assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a vehicle seating assembly in a first nominal configuration for accommodating at least one occupant, the seating assembly being devoid of facing material;

[0039] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a vehicle seat assembly in the position shown, along plane II-II, without facing material;

[0040] Figure 3 Shows something like Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a non-faced seat assembly in an intermediate configuration, between Figure 1between the nominal configuration and the easy-entry configuration;

[0041] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The seat assembly is Figure 1 Configuration and Figure 3 schematic perspective views of details in intermediate configurations between the configurations;

[0042] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a seat assembly of , the seat assembly being in an easy entry configuration;

[0043] Figure 6 Shows something like Figure 2 a schematic diagram of a seat assembly without upholstery material in an easy entry configuration;

[0044] Figure 7 is with Figure 6 A similar view with the seat assembly in the so-called emergency exit position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In the various drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. For simplicity, only the elements useful for understanding the described embodiments are shown in the drawings and described in detail below.

[0046] In the following description, when referring to terms defining absolute positions, such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or terms defining relative positions, such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or direction defining terms, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., unless otherwise specified, reference should be made to the drawings or the orientation of the vehicle seat in the normal use position.

[0047] In particular, the longitudinal direction X refers to the longitudinal direction of the seat assembly. The longitudinal direction of the seat assembly is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in which the seat assembly is installed. This longitudinal direction X corresponds to the normal driving direction of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is horizontal. Therefore, the transverse direction Y of the seat assembly corresponds to the transverse direction or lateral direction of the motor vehicle. This transverse direction corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the normal driving direction of the vehicle. The transverse direction Y is horizontal. Finally, the vertical direction Z is the vertical direction of the seat assembly, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

[0048] Figure 1Schematically, a detail of a motor vehicle seat assembly 10 is shown. Such a seat assembly 10 is usually arranged in the direction X of normal motor vehicle travel at the rear of the motor vehicle, behind one or more so-called front seats. In particular, the front seats can be closer to the motor vehicle steering wheel. In particular, the motor vehicle can have two or three front seats. The front seats can be different and separate, even spaced apart in the transverse direction Y. A console can then be placed between the two front seats and in front of the seat assembly 10.

[0049] In the example shown, the seat assembly 10 comprises two seats 1, 2. Alternatively, the seat assembly 10 may form a single seat or more than two seats, in particular more than three seats.

[0050] As shown, the seat assembly 10 includes a seat cushion frame 11 and a backrest frame 12. The backrest frame 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the seat cushion frame 11 about a first transverse axis A1 by a hinge device 13. The hinge device 13 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The hinge device 13 can be used to adjust the inclination of the backrest frame 12 relative to the seat cushion frame 11 and / or to fold the backrest frame 12 toward the seat cushion frame 11. Therefore, the hinge device 13 can be used to fold down the entire backrest of the seat assembly 10 at the same time.

[0051] Here, the backrest frame 12 of the seat assembly 10 defines the backrest frame 12 of the first seat 1 of the seat assembly 10. 1 and the backrest frame 12 of the second seat 2 of the seat assembly 10 2 Advantageously, the backrest frame 12 of the second seat 2 2 At least a portion of the seat back frame 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the seat cushion frame 11 about the second transverse axis A2, independently of the backrest frame 12 of the first seat 1 1 In this way, the backrest of the second seat 2 can be folded down, while the backrest frame 12 of the first seat 1 can be folded down. 1 in a position to accommodate an occupant of the first seat 1. This is particularly interesting in the example shown, in which the backrest of the second seat 2 is narrower than the backrest of the first seat 1, is intended to be arranged approximately in the middle of the vehicle and can be folded down to serve as an armrest for an occupant of the first side seat 1, or for an occupant of the other side seat, which is arranged symmetrically to the first seat 1 with respect to the second seat 2 and is not formed by the seat assembly 10 in the example shown.

[0052] The seat cushion frame 12 is mounted on a movable section 14 (also called sliding section or convex section) of a slide 15. Each movable section 14 is associated with a fixed section 16 in the slide 15. The fixed section 16 is also called a "track" or a "concave part". The fixed section 16 is attached to the floor of a motor vehicle, for example, and is formed by the body or chassis of the motor vehicle. The fixed section 16 and the movable section 14 of the slide 15 can typically be metal. The slides 15 are located here on each side of the seat cushion frame 12. The slides are separated from each other in the transverse direction Y. The two slides 15 are parallel and extend along the longitudinal direction X.

[0053] The seat assembly 10 includes an actuator 17 for synchronously controlling the movement of the movable sections 14 of the two slides 15 relative to the associated fixed sections 16. The actuator 17 is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The actuator 17 includes a motor 18, preferably a single motor 18. The motor 18 may be located between the two slides 15, such as Figure 1 The actuator 17 is associated with at least one device, not shown and well known to a person skilled in the art, for locking the movable sectors 14 of one of the slideways 15 in translation relative to the associated fixed sector 16, the actuator 17 preferably being associated with two such translation locking devices, each locking device making it possible to lock the sliding movement of the corresponding movable sector 14 relative to the associated fixed sector 16. Once the locking devices are unlocked, the movable sector 14 can slide under the action of the actuator 17 relative to its corresponding fixed sector 16 in the longitudinal direction X of the slideway 15, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the seat assembly 10.

[0054] Alternatively, the movement of the movable section 14 relative to the associated fixed section 16 is achieved by pulling or pushing the seat cushion frame 11 and / or the backrest frame 12. In this case, the seat assembly 10 may be without the actuator 17.

[0055] Each seat 1, 2 may include a headrest (not shown). For example, a socket 19 for receiving a headrest support rod may be attached to the backrest frame 12 of each seat 1, 2. 1 , 12 2 Here, the socket 19 is welded to the backrest frame 12 of the seat 1, 2 1 , 12 2 The headrest support rods may be of variable length to allow adjustment of the height of the headrest position. Alternatively or additionally, the headrest frame of each headrest may be movable relative to the headrest support rods to achieve height adjustment of the headrest position.

[0056] Each seat 1, 2 also includes a seat cushion frame 11 1 , 11 2 , two cushion frames 11 1 , 112 It is formed by the seat cushion frame 11 of the seat assembly 10. Here, the seat cushion frames 11 of the two seats 1 and 2 1 , 11 2 Mutually fixed, the two seat cushion frames 11 1 , 11 2 Become one.

[0057] The seat cushion frame 11 of the seat assembly 10 includes two lateral flanges 20 connected by a cross member 21. Here, the seat cushion frame 11 includes three cross members 21, one of which is arranged near the front end of the seat assembly 10, and the other two are arranged near the rear end of the seat assembly 10. The longitudinal member 22 between the cross member 21 located near the front end of the seat assembly 10 and one of the cross members 21 located near the rear end of the seat assembly 10 defines the seat cushion frame 11 of the seat 1, 2. 1 , 11 2 .

[0058] The seat cushion frame 11 of the seat assembly 10 further comprises two lateral supports 23. Each lateral flange 20 is rigidly attached to the respective lateral support 23. In this way, each lateral flange 20 is integral with the respective lateral support 23. Each lateral support 23 is pivotally mounted relative to the movable section 14 of the respective slide 15 about a third transverse axis A3 (common to both lateral supports 23). Here, therefore, the third axis A3 is movable along the longitudinal direction X. The third axis A3 is preferably located near the front end of the lateral support 23 and / or the movable section 14 of the slide 15.

[0059] exist Figure 1 and 2 In the position shown, the lateral supports 23 are prevented from pivoting relative to the third transverse axis A3 by means of a latch 24 connecting the lateral supports 23 to the respective movable section 14. A latch 24 can be mounted on each lateral support 23. For example, each latch 24 comprises a bolt integral with the movable profile 14 of the slide 15 and an associated retainer integral with the cushion frame 11, in particular integral with one of the lateral supports 23. For example, in the latched position of the latch 24, each bolt is at least partially accommodated in a retainer, and in the unlocked position of the latch, the retainer releases the bolt. The control unit can control the latch or both latches synchronously.

[0060] In addition, if Figure 2As shown, each lateral support member 23 has a slot 25 extending in the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10. Each slot 25 has a closed rear end 25a. Here, each slot 25 forms a notch at its rear end 25a. For example, the notch is substantially circular, and its diameter is greater than the width of the rest of the slot 25. According to the example shown, each slot 25 also has a front end 25b, which is also closed. In this way, the length of each slot 25 is limited. The length of each slot 25 is less than the stroke length of the movable section 14 in the corresponding fixed section 16.

[0061] The seat assembly 10 also comprises a structure 26, here shaped like an "H", for connecting the seat cushion frame 11, in particular the lateral supports 23, to the fixed section 16 of the slideway 15. In the example shown, the connecting structure 26 comprises two connecting rods 27 connected together by a cross member 28. Thus, the two connecting rods 27 and the cross member 28 are integral.

[0062] The two connecting rods 27 are pivotably mounted at a first end about a common fourth transverse axis A4 relative to the respective fixing section 16. The fourth transverse axis A4 is fixed.

[0063] Each connecting rod 27 is also pivotally mounted at a second end about a fifth transverse axis A5 relative to a slide 29 guided in translation along the longitudinal direction X by the slot 25 of the corresponding lateral support 23 . The fifth transverse axis A5 is thus movable along the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10 by sliding along the longitudinal direction X of the second end of the connecting rod 27 .

[0064] The seat assembly 10 also comprises a gas spring 30. In such a gas spring 30, a piston forming a first longitudinal end of the gas spring 30 is pushed away from a gas spring body forming a second longitudinal end of the gas spring 30 by receiving pressurized gas in a chamber delimited by the piston and the gas spring body, in a manner known per se.

[0065] The gas spring 30 is pivotally mounted at a first end relative to the movable section 14 of the slideway 15 about a sixth transverse axis A6. The gas spring 30 is also pivotally mounted at a second end opposite to the first end relative to the seat cushion frame 11 (more precisely, the flange 20 of the seat cushion frame 11) about a seventh transverse axis A7. Therefore, the sixth axis A6 and the seventh axis A7 are movable in the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10.

[0066] Next, combine Figures 2 to 6 The kinematics of changing the configuration of the seat assembly 10 from a first configuration 10A for accommodating at least one occupant of the seat assembly 10 to an easy entry configuration 10C are described.

[0067] As mentioned above, in Figure 2In the embodiment, the seat assembly 10 is in a configuration 10A that allows for accommodating at least one occupant of the seat assembly 10. Please note that this configuration 10A for accommodating at least one occupant is variable. Specifically:

[0068] - the backrest frame 12 can be tilted more or less relative to the seat cushion frame 11 about the first transverse axis A1;

[0069] - The backrest frame 12 can even be folded downward relative to the seat cushion frame 11;

[0070] The longitudinal position of the movable section 14 may differ from the fixed section 16 of the slide 15, for example to accommodate larger or smaller occupants. In the first configuration 10A, the longitudinal position of the movable section 14 is pre-variable within the entire range allowed by the length of the slot 25 accommodating the slide 29.

[0071] In any event, in the first configuration 10A of the seat assembly 10 , the latch 24 is closed, preventing the seat cushion frame 11 from rotating relative to the movable section 14 of the slide 15 about the third lateral axis A3 .

[0072] The latch of the slide 15 is also closed to prevent the movable section 14 from moving relative to the fixed section 16 .

[0073] from Figure 2 The configuration shown is 10A switched to Figure 6 The arrangement 10C shown for access to the rear seats first commands the opening of the latch of the slide 15 and a movement F1 of the movable section 14 of the slide 15 relative to the fixed section 16 in the longitudinal direction X. This movement is effected by the slide actuator 17 .

[0074] During this movement, the slide 29 moves in the slot 25 until it stops at the rear end 25a of the slot 25. The seat assembly 10 is then in the second intermediate configuration 10B, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0075] Preferably, the latch 24 is locked for most of the movement F1. Thus, the latch 24 remains locked for most of the movement F1, preferably substantially until each slide 29 abuts against the rear end 25a of the slot 25. Thus, the latch 24 is preferably unlocked when the slide 29 abuts against the rear end 25a of the slot 25, being received in the recess formed therein, or just before the slide 29 abuts against the rear end 25a of the slot 25. This can be achieved by a position sensor, such as a position sensor of the slide 29 or the movable section 14, when the movable section 14 approaches or reaches Figure 3, the latch 24 can be commanded to be unlocked so that the slide 29 abuts against the rear end 25a of the slot 25. Other ways of controlling the unlocking of the latch 24 shortly before the end of the movement F1 are available to those skilled in the art when the slide 29 approaches the rear end 25a of the slot 25.

[0076] It should be noted that during the movement of the slider 29 in the slot 25, the first protrusion 31 of the cushion frame 11 (here the lateral support 23, which is shaped to extend towards the corresponding connecting rod 27 of the connecting structure 26) does not come into contact with the second protrusion 32 on the corresponding connecting rod 27. Here, the first protrusion 31 is in the form of a cylindrical pin, the axis of which is parallel to the transverse direction Y of the seat assembly 10. The second protrusion 32 is substantially L-shaped, with a first leg extending along the connecting rod 27 and a second leg extending parallel to the transverse direction Y to the vicinity of the lateral support 23, that is, the free end of the second leg of the second protrusion 32 is at a distance from the lateral support 23 that is less than the height of the pin forming the first protrusion 31, measured along the transverse direction Y. In fact, when the slider 29 passes through the slot 25, the pin forming the first protrusion 31 extends vertically below the second leg of the second protrusion 32 without abutting against the rear end 25a of the slot 25.

[0077] However, when the slider 29 abuts against the rear end 25a of the groove 25 and is accommodated in the recess formed therein, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 31 abuts against the second protrusion 32. Since the recess is circular and has a diameter greater than the width of the slot 25, when the slide 29 is accommodated in the recess, the vertical extension of the second protrusion 32 is lower than when the slide 29 passes through the rest of the slot 25 and is opposite to the first protrusion 31. Then, the stopper between the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 prevents the relative movement of the slide 29 in the slot 25, thereby preventing the sliding movement of the seat cushion frame 11 relative to the movable section 14 in the direction of the slot 25.

[0078] from Figure 3 Starting from the intermediate position 10B, the seat cushion frame 11 tilts forward around the fourth transverse axis A4 (see arrow F2), which can be achieved by unlocking the latch 24 before the seat assembly 10 reaches the second intermediate configuration 10B or when the seat assembly 10 has reached the second intermediate configuration 10B.

[0079] In this case, the continuous movement F2 of the movable section 14 relative to the fixed section 16 tends to increase the distance between the rotation of the third axis A3, which is the rotation of the movable section 15 of the cushion frame 11 relative to the slide 15, and the rotation of the fourth axis A4, which is the rotation of the connecting rod 27 relative to the fixed section 16 of the slide 15, which causes the cushion frame 11 to rotate around the third axis A3, which here causes a forward tilt in the cushion frame 11. Here, advantageously, this rotation of the cushion frame 11 around the third axis A3 is supported by the gas spring 30. In other words, the gas spring 30 helps to pivot the cushion frame 11 around the third axis A3. In this way, the motor 18 of the actuator 17 can maintain reduced characteristics and size, and the actuator can be mainly used to move the movable section 14 relative to the fixed section 16, while the contribution of the actuator 17 to the pivoting of the cushion frame 11 around the third axis A3 can be reduced. This allows the actuator 17 and the motor 18 of the actuator 17 to be smaller, quieter, lighter and cheaper.

[0080] At the end of the travel of the movable section 14 relative to the fixed section 16, the rotation of the seat cushion frame 11 causes Figure 6 The easy entry configuration 10C is shown. In this configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10 for accessing the rear seats, the seat cushion frame 11 is advantageously pivoted forward about the third axis A3 by an angle between 30° and 45° relative to the first configuration 10A. In this way, the seat assembly 10 frees up a large amount of space at its bottom, making it easier for an individual to pass through the seat behind the seat assembly 10. To achieve this forward tilt position of the seat cushion frame 11, the connecting rod 2 itself is rotated about the fourth axis A4 by an angle between 75° and 85°.

[0081] Alternatively or optionally, in the easy entry configuration 10C, the back frame 12 forms an angle of 70° to 90° with the vertical direction Z, thereby limiting the overall size of the backrest of the seat assembly 10 and further facilitating access to a seat located behind the seat assembly 10 .

[0082] To return the seat assembly 10 from the easy entry configuration 10C to the first occupant accommodation configuration 10A, the actuator 17 is controlled to move the movable section 14 rearwardly relative to the fixed section 16 by F4. Figure 5 As shown, the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 are in contact, so the movement of the movable profile 14 tends to bring the third axis A3 and the fourth axis A4 closer together, causing the seat cushion frame 11 to move along the third axis A3. Figure 6The clockwise rotation F5 in the seat cushion frame 11 tends to fold the seat cushion frame 11 back into contact with the mobile profile 14 of the slide 15. As the movement F4 continues, the slide 29 is released from the recess of the rear end 25a of the slot 25, so that the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 are no longer adjacent. The slide 29 can then slide in the slot 25, while the mobile section 14 slides in the fixed section 16. The locking of the bolt 24 can then be controlled when the bolt 24 is in the closed position, in which the bolt is accommodated in the retainer.

[0083] Figure 7 A fourth configuration 10D of the seat assembly 10 is shown, which enables emergency exit of rear seat occupants, for example in the event of an accident. This configuration 10D differs from the easy entry configuration 10C in that the movable section 14 of the slide 15 is not in the front end position beforehand (unless adjusted accordingly in the first configuration 10A). As a result, the slide 29 does not abut against the rear end 25a of the slot 25 in the lateral support 23 of the cushion frame 11. This fourth configuration 10D is achieved by unlocking the latch 24, for example by means of unlocking the latch 24 accessible to the rear seat occupant. The rear seat occupant can then perform a push F6 on the backrest frame 12 to pivot F7 the cushion frame 11 relative to the movable section 14 of the slide 15 about the third axis A3. Once the latch is released, the gas spring 30 also assists in the pivoting F7 of the cushion frame 11. The movable section 14 is not moved in the fixed section 16 by the push F6.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, in the fourth configuration 10D, the forward inclination of the seat cushion frame 11 is less than that in the easy entry configuration 10C. For example, here, the seat cushion frame 11 is inclined at an angle between 40° and 60° relative to its position in the first configuration 10A. Similarly, the backrest frame 12 is more inclined relative to the vertical direction, so the backrest frame 12 here has a larger form factor than the form factor in the easy entry configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10. For example, in the fourth configuration 10D of the seat assembly 10, the backrest frame 12 forms an angle of 60° to 70° with the longitudinal direction X. Similarly, in this fourth configuration 10D, the inclination of the connecting rod 27 relative to the horizontal direction is less than that in the easy entry configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10. For example, the connecting rod 27 forms an angle of 40° to 60° with the horizontal direction, in particular with the longitudinal direction X.

[0085] The present disclosure is not limited to the examples described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. On the contrary, the present disclosure includes all variants and combinations that a person skilled in the art can conceive in the context of the protection sought.

[0086] In the case of the example described, the actuator 17 facilitates the switching from the nominal configuration to the easy entry configuration. However, in a downgraded version, the seat may not have the actuator 17. In this case, the switching from the occupant accommodation configuration to the easy entry configuration is at least partially performed manually: with each lock 24 unlocked, the seat assembly 10 is pivoted by exerting a force on the seat assembly 10, in particular on the backrest and / or the seat cushion, in the horizontal longitudinal direction X. This force may be a push force, in particular exerted by a person behind the seat assembly 10, or a pull force, in particular exerted by a person outside the vehicle equipped with the seat assembly 10.

[0087] Preferably, the number of connecting rods 27 of the connecting device 26 is equal to the number of slideways 15. However, alternatively, even in the case where the seat assembly 10 comprises two slideways 15, a single connecting rod 27 may be provided.

[0088] In addition, the seat assembly 10 preferably does not include other connecting rods or links between these components other than the above-mentioned components. However, alternatively, the seat assembly 10 can include other connecting rods and / or other connections between these components, especially to ensure other seat functions corresponding to configurations other than the above-mentioned configurations.

[0089] Furthermore, in the example described, the slide 29 is received in the groove 25, and the second end of each connecting rod 27 is pivotally mounted about the fifth axis A5 relative to the slide 29. However, those skilled in the art may devise other ways of mounting the second end of each connecting rod 27 so that it can pivot about an axis movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the seat cushion frame 11. For example, the slide 29 may be mounted on a complementary rib.

[0090] In the example described, a gas spring 30 is used. However, a person skilled in the art may use any suitable linear actuator, ie any actuator whose length can vary, in particular a gas cylinder. However, a gas spring 30 appears to be a preferred solution, since it a priori does not require an external energy source.

[0091] Finally, in the example described, the longitudinal movement of the slide 19, and thus of the fifth axis A5, is limited by the stop of the slide 19 against the longitudinal end 25a of the slot 25. However, a person skilled in the art may devise other means of forming a stop that limits the longitudinal movement of the slide 19, and more generally of the fifth axis A5. For example, the stop may be formed by a protrusion different from the end of the slot 25.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly (10), comprising: - Seat cushion frame (11); at least one slideway (15), said slideway comprising a first element (16) and a second element (14), said second element (14) being movable relative to said first element (16) in a longitudinal direction (X) of said vehicle seat assembly (10), - at least one connecting rod (27), - a linear actuator (30) mounted at a first end to pivot about a first axis (A6) of the second element (14) transverse to the at least one slideway (15), the linear actuator (30) being mounted at a second end to pivot about a second axis (A7) transverse to the seat cushion frame (11), in: - the cushion frame (11) is pivotable relative to the second element (14) of the slideway (15) about a third transverse axis (A3), the third transverse axis (A3) being near a front end of the vehicle seat assembly (10), the front end being opposite to a rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (11) in the longitudinal direction (X); - a first end of the at least one connecting rod (27) is mounted to pivot relative to the first element (16) of the at least one slideway (15) about a fourth transverse axis (A4); - the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) is guided to translate relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X), the at least one connecting rod (27) is pivotable relative to the seat cushion frame (11) about a fifth transverse axis (A5), and is movable in the longitudinal direction (X) by the translation of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11); - a stopper which limits the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10); - The stroke length of the second element (14) of the at least one slide (15) relative to the first element (16), the length of the at least one connecting rod (27) and the position of the stopper are formed so that the movement (F2) of the second element (14) relative to the first element (16) of the at least one slide (15) tends to increase the distance between the third transverse axis (A3) and the fourth transverse axis (A4), and when the second end of the connecting rod (27) abuts, the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10) is restricted, causing the seat cushion frame (11) to rotate (F3) around the third transverse axis (A3), supported by the action of the linear actuator (30).

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, comprising a latch (24) for selectively attaching the rear end of the seat cushion frame (11) to the second element (14) of the at least one slide (15).

3. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 2 comprises a device for unlocking the latch (24), limiting the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10) at least when the second end of the connecting rod (27) abuts.

4. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seat cushion frame (11) includes a groove (25) and one of the ribs, a sliding member (29) is accommodated in or on one of the groove (25) and the rib, and slides in the longitudinal direction (X), and the sliding member (29) is attached near the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) and is fixed or freely rotatable around the transverse axis (A5).

5. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The stopper is formed by a protrusion (25a) adapted to cooperate with the slideway (29) to limit the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X).

6. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The seat cushion frame (11) includes a first protrusion (31), the at least one connecting rod (27) includes a second protrusion (32), and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are formed so that when the sliding member (29) moves without contacting the stop member protrusion (25a), the first protrusion (31) and the second protrusion (32) are not in contact, and when the sliding member (29) contacts the stop member protrusion (25a), the first protrusion (31) and the second protrusion (32) contact to prevent the sliding member (29) from moving away from the stop member protrusion (25a).

7. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The seat cushion frame (11) includes a groove (25), and the stopper protrusion is a non-open longitudinal end (25a) of the groove (25).

8. A vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, comprising two slides (15) spaced apart in a transverse direction (Y) of the vehicle seat assembly (10), the seat cushion frame (11) being fixed to the second element (14) of each slide (15) so as to pivot about the same third transverse axis (A3), a connecting rod (27) being mounted between the first element (16) of each slide (15) and the seat cushion frame (11), the two connecting rods (27) being connected by a transverse member (28), each connecting rod (27) being connected to the first element (16) of each slide (15) and the seat cushion frame (11). 8) is mounted to pivot about the same fourth transverse axis (A4) relative to the first element (16) of the corresponding slide (15), the second end of each connecting rod (27) is guided to translate relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X), the connecting rod (27) is pivotable relative to the seat cushion frame (11) about the same fifth transverse axis (A5) near its second end, and the fifth axis (A5) is movable in the longitudinal direction (X) by translation of the second end of the connecting rod (27).

9. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, comprising an actuator (17) for controlling the movement of the second element (14) of the at least one slideway (15) relative to the corresponding first element (16).

10. The vehicle seat assembly according to claim 1, comprising two seats (1, 2) arranged laterally adjacent to each other.

11. A method for operating a vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, allowing switching from a first configuration (10A) suitable for accommodating an occupant to a second configuration (10C) that is easy to enter, the method comprising the step i) causing the second element (14) of the at least one slide (15) to move relative to the associated first element (16) in a direction (X) tending to increase the distance between the third transverse axis (A3) and the fourth transverse axis (A4), and when the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) abuts, limiting the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10).

12. The method according to claim 11 comprises, before step i), a step ii) of moving the second element (14) of the at least one slide (15) relative to the associated first element (16) until the second end of the at least one connecting rod abuts, limiting the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10).

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the vehicle seat assembly includes a latch (24) for selectively attaching the rear end of the seat cushion frame (11) to the second element (14) of the at least one slide (15), the method including the step of unlocking the latch.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The step of unlocking the latch occurs before the second end of at least one connecting rod (27) abuts to restrict movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod (27) relative to the seat cushion frame (11) in the longitudinal direction (X) toward the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly (10).

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