Pad system and method of manufacturing such system

Abstract

A cushion system (1) comprising:-a cushion (2) provided with a groove (4) in a surface (5) of the cushion accommodating an occupant, a hole (7) extending along an axis (A) and passing through the cushion from a bottom wall (6) of the groove,-fastening means (3) integral with the cushion configured to ensure the fixation of a cover (40) to said cushion, the fastening means (3) comprising:-a fastening member (10) comprising a portion (11) allowing the fixation of the cover, the invention relates to a fastening device (1) comprising a gasket (2) having a groove (4), a fastening part (10) held so as to extend into the groove (4), a base part (15) extending below the fastening part and into the hole (7), at least one connecting part (20) connected to the base part (15), comprising a rod (21) passing through the gasket (2) at a distance from the hole (7), and a stop flange (22) protruding from the bottom wall (6) of the groove, the stop flange (22) is obtained by an operation of melting material from the free end (23) of the rod (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of fastening devices for securing covers to pads, particularly for seat pads, preferably for vehicle seat pads. This disclosure relates to a padding system comprising a pad and fastening devices attached to the pad, designed to ensure the cover is secured to the pad, and a method of manufacturing such a padding system. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, seat cushions are primarily made of polyurethane polymer (PU) foam, particularly polyurethane foam derived from polyether polyols (or PUR). This foam can be relatively easily molded in a mold to form cushions of different shapes for various vehicle seat components, such as seat sections and backrests.

[0003] It is also known to insert fasteners into a mold before overmolding. These fasteners are primarily used to secure the cover to the pad by snap-fit.

[0004] Polyurethane foam padding is satisfactory, but it can retain moisture in humid conditions. This can cause discomfort for occupants sitting in vehicle seats with such padding components.

[0005] Furthermore, polyurethane foam is typically made by mixing polyols with isocyanates and other additives. The chemical reactions involved release carbon dioxide to form the foam, and the emitted carbon dioxide contributes to global warming.

[0006] Furthermore, polyurethane foam is not recyclable. Therefore, at the end of its service life, the seats are disassembled and sorted to separate the various recyclable materials and extract the non-recyclable parts. The recyclable parts are then ground to form new raw materials, while the non-recyclable parts are typically landfilled or, if possible, incinerated to generate energy.

[0007] However, it is known from the prior art, particularly from the gasket in application FR 3 139 025, that gaskets are formed by the three-dimensional entanglement of continuous fibers, which are irregularly arranged to form welded loops. Such gaskets are breathable and less expensive in terms of carbon dioxide manufacturing costs. Fasteners conventionally used as inserts in polyurethane foam gaskets are incompatible with this three-dimensional entanglement of continuous fibers.

[0008] Application FR 3 139 025 teaches the densification and rigidification of localized areas of three-dimensional entanglement of continuous fibers in order to secure the covering to the liner according to various techniques.

[0009] Based on the research findings, there is a need for other fastening systems suitable for securing coverings to pads, especially to pads formed by the three-dimensional entanglement of continuous fibers. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This disclosure improves the status quo.

[0011] A padding system is proposed, comprising:

[0012] - A liner with grooves on its occupant-receiving surface, and holes extending along the axis and passing through the bottom wall of the grooves through the liner.

[0013] - A fastening device integrated with the padding, configured to ensure the cover is securely attached to the padding, the fastening device comprising:

[0014] - Fastening components, particularly snap-fit ​​components, including portions that allow the cover to be secured, especially resiliently deformable portions, are retained to extend into the groove.

[0015] - The base component extends below the fastening component and enters the hole.

[0016] - At least one connecting component, connected to the base component, includes a rod and a stop flange protruding from the bottom wall of the groove, the rod passing through the liner at a distance from the hole, the stop flange being obtained by melting material from the free end of the rod.

[0017] The fastening device is inserted into the gasket prior to the melting operation, such that the gasket system includes a fastening device that is integral with the gasket through an abutment formed by the flange of the connecting member.

[0018] The features described in the following paragraphs can be implemented independently or in combination:

[0019] The stop flange can be welded to the gasket. In this case, the melting operation includes the welding operation. The stop flange is then obtained by melting material from the free end of the rod and welded to the bottom wall of the groove in the gasket.

[0020] Alternatively, the stop flange is not welded to the gasket, and the melting operation is only used to form the stop flange at the bottom wall of the trench. In this case, the stop flange only forms a retaining element that functions by abutment.

[0021] The stop flange is obtained, for example, by ultrasonic fusion. In this case, the melting operation involves using at least one acoustic electrode and an anvil to melt the end of the rod to obtain the stop flange while holding the fastening device in place of the gasket.

[0022] The rod preferably extends approximately perpendicular to the bottom wall of the groove. It passes through all or part of the thickness of the liner.

[0023] In some examples, the rod has a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical rod is hollow at least at its free end.

[0024] In other examples, the rod has a blade shape. In this case, the liner preferably includes a through groove into which the blade extends.

[0025] The blade can extend laterally along the axis of the groove, and more specifically, perpendicular to that axis.

[0026] Alternatively, the blade can extend along the axis of the groove.

[0027] Regardless of its shape, the rod can serve as a stabilizer for fastening devices in locations that facilitate the securing of the cover, especially in locations where clips are used. In particular, when multiple fastening devices are present, they are preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the groove to facilitate the securing of the cover.

[0028] The fastening device may include two connecting parts extending on both sides of the hole, preferably symmetrical to each other, particularly aligned with the rod and the hole on the axis of the groove.

[0029] The hole may include a first channel portion in the upper first portion of the hole, and at least one second channel portion as an extension along the hole axis in the lower second portion of the hole. The at least one second channel portion may be wider than the first channel portion, forming at least one shoulder located between the upper first portion and the lower second portion of the hole. In this case, the fastening device may be primarily located in the upper first portion of the hole.

[0030] The fastening device may include at least one connecting member configured to connect the base portion and the at least one connecting member. In cases where the hole includes first and second channel portions, the connecting member may extend to the second channel portion, particularly at the shoulder.

[0031] The gasket may comprise a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers, irregularly arranged to form loops welded together. In this case, grooves and holes can be formed within the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers. In the case of a rod forming a blade, the grooves in the gasket are preferably formed within the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers.

[0032] This provides a non-polyurethane foam liner. This liner material is a recyclable plastic whose production generates less CO2 emissions than polyurethane foam, thus reducing the ecological impact of seat components containing this liner. In addition to environmental benefits, the liner may be significantly lighter than similar polyurethane foam trim components. Furthermore, the liner material may be more breathable, allowing air and any moisture to pass through the liner more effectively.

[0033] The materials of the liner and the fastening device can be the same, or two different materials with similar physicochemical properties, particularly having the same chemical composition. This may allow the liner and fastening device to be recycled simultaneously without separation. Alternatively, the materials of the liner and the fastening device may be incompatible. In this case, solutions can be implemented to separate the incompatible materials for recycling.

[0034] In some examples, the material of the liner and the material of the fastening device may be a thermoplastic polymer whose main chain repeating unit comprises ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups, particularly a thermoplastic elastomer whose main chain repeating unit comprises ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups.

[0035] According to another aspect, in conjunction with all or part of the foregoing, a vehicle seat assembly is provided, including a padding system as defined above, and a cover that covers all or part of the padding and is secured to the padding by fastening elements that resiliently interlock with fastening components of a fastening device, particularly snap-fit ​​components.

[0036] According to another aspect, in conjunction with all or part of the foregoing, a method for manufacturing a gasket system as defined above is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0037] - / A / : A liner is provided, which has grooves on the surface accommodating the occupant, and holes extend along axis (A) and pass through the liner from the bottom wall of the groove.

[0038] - / B / : Provides fastening devices, which include:

[0039] - Fastening components, especially snap-fit ​​components, including parts that allow the cover to be secured.

[0040] - The base component extends below the fastening component.

[0041] - At least one connecting component, connected to the base component, including a rod extending a distance from the base component.

[0042] - / C / : Insert the fastening device into the hole so that the fastening component is positioned in the groove, protruding from the bottom wall of the groove, the base component extends into the hole, the rod passes through the gasket at a certain distance from the hole, and the free end of the rod protrudes from the bottom wall of the groove.

[0043] - / D / : Melt material from the free end of the rod to form a stop flange protruding from the bottom wall of the groove.

[0044] Providing a liner may include obtaining a liner by extruding a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers arranged irregularly to form loops welded together, and shaping the three-dimensional entanglement by thermoforming to obtain grooves and holes.

[0045] According to another aspect, in conjunction with all or part of the foregoing, a method for recycling vehicle seat components as defined above is provided, wherein the material of the liner and the material of the fastening device are thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units comprise ester functional groups and optionally ether functional groups, the method comprising:

[0046] -Optionally, the covering can be separated from the padding system.

[0047] - Grinding the pad and fastening device attached to the pad to generate particles.

[0048] - Use granules to manufacture plastic products based on thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units contain ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups, especially by molding or extrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Other features, details, and advantages will become clear after reading the following detailed description and analyzing the accompanying drawings, which...

[0050] In the picture:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective top view of an exemplary padding system.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective bottom view of an exemplary padding system.

[0053] Figure 3 This is an enlarged, schematic perspective top view of the fastening device of an exemplary padding system.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a stand-alone, schematic perspective side view of the fastening device of an exemplary padding system.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary gasket system along a plane including the groove axis.

[0056] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 The view illustrates a portion of the implementation of a method based on an example.

[0057] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 3 Another example of a fastening device is shown in the view.

[0058] Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 3 Another example of a fastening device is shown in the view.

[0059] Figure 9 A perspective side view of an exemplary seat component is shown schematically.

[0060] Figure 10 A perspective view of an exemplary facility is schematically shown for implementing a portion of at least one example method. Detailed Implementation

[0061] In the various figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts. For the sake of brevity, only parts useful for understanding the described embodiments are shown in the figures, and are described in detail below.

[0062] In the following description, when absolute positional qualifiers such as “front,” “back,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” etc., or relative positional qualifiers such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., or directional qualifiers such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., are mentioned, they all refer to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings or the direction of the vehicle seat components or the vehicle seat in their normal use position.

[0063] Now for reference Figure 1 The figure illustrates a padding system 1, including a pad 2 and a fastening device 3 integrated with the pad for allowing a cover to be secured to the pad 2, preferably by pulling the cover taut on the pad. Only one fastening device 3 is shown in the figure, but the padding system 1 may include multiple fastening devices.

[0064] The liner may comprise a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers, irregularly arranged to form welded loops, to which fastening device 3 is connected. Typically, the fibers of the three-dimensional entanglement are polyester-based and may be hollow and / or solid fibers. The fiber diameter can be between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. "Continuous" in "continuous fiber" means that the length of the fiber is much greater than its diameter, and due to the manufacturing method described below, the length-to-diameter ratio is typically at least 100, even 500, or even 1000.

[0065] The apparent density of three-dimensional entanglement in continuous fibers can reach 20 kg / m³. 3 Up to 70kg / m 3 Between, especially at 45kg / m 3 Up to 60kg / m 3 Between 35 and 70 kg / m 3 between.

[0066] Typically, and particularly as can be understood from the extrusion manufacturing method described below, the fiber typically extends from a first end of the three-dimensional entanglement at a first edge of the three-dimensional entanglement to a second end at a second edge of the three-dimensional entanglement, opposite to the first edge.

[0067] The fibers of the padding can comprise thermoplastic polymers, and the fiber composition preferably comprises at least 95% by weight polyester. For example, the composition of the fibers, or even the composition of the padding, can comprise 95% to 99% by weight of a polymer from a first polyester family, such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), and 1% to 5% by weight of a polymer from a second polyester family, such as PTT (polytrimethyl terephthalate), or a polymer from another polyester family. The sum of PBT and PTT (or others) can account for 100% by weight of the fibers, or even the padding.

[0068] Preferably, the gaps between the three-dimensionally entangled padding fibers remain empty. This produces a highly breathable pad, as the numerous spaces between the fibers promote airflow compared to the relatively impermeable molded polyurethane body.

[0069] The padding may be, but is not limited to, seat padding, particularly seat section padding, or backrest padding, armrest padding, or any other seat padding.

[0070] The liner 2 has a groove 4 at its depth, extending along the longitudinal axis X in this example, on the surface 5 that accommodates the occupant.

[0071] Gasket 2 also includes holes 7, and further in Figure 2 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the hole 7 extends along axis A and passes through the bottom wall 6 of the groove 4 and through the gasket 2. In this example, the hole 7 is a through hole extending from the opening in the bottom wall 6 of the groove to the opening in the sidewall 8 of the gasket opposite the groove 4. The hole 7 includes a first channel portion S1 in the upper first portion along axis A, and at least one second channel portion S2, as an extension along axis A, in the lower second portion of the hole.

[0072] The length of the first part 71 of hole 7 along axis A can be less than or equal to the length of the second part 72 of hole 7 along axis A.

[0073] In the example shown, the second channel portion S2 is wider than the first channel portion S1, forming at least one shoulder 73 located between the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 of the hole 7. The channel portion of the hole refers to the cross-section viewed in a plane perpendicular to axis A. The shoulder 73 is formed due to the difference in cross-section between the first portion S1 and the second portion S2.

[0074] In this example, the surface 5 of the pad 2 is flat on one side of the groove 4, while on the other side it has a curved, protruding shape, as shown. Figure 1 As shown. The shape of surface 5 may vary without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0075] Fastening device 3 includes, for example Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown more clearly, the fastening member 10, in this example a snap-fit ​​member, includes a portion 11, in this example a resiliently deformable portion, configured to allow the cover to be secured. The fastening member 10 is held to extend into the groove 4. In this example, the resiliently deformable portion 11 includes two resilient latches, each latch having a curved portion extending upward beyond the bottom wall 6 of the groove, such that they together form part of a circle. Then, at the free end of the fastening member 10, two elongated plates extend along the longitudinal axis of the groove and slope inward toward the inside of the circle. Other shapes of the fastening member 10 can be envisioned, which function to allow the cover to be hooked in the context of a seat.

[0076] The fastening device 3 also includes a base member 15 extending below the fastening member 10 and into the hole 7. In the illustrated example, the base member 15 forms a base supporting the fastening member 10. In this example, the base member 15 forms a hollow cuboid with an opening to its base, extending primarily into a first portion 71 of the hole 7, and its lower end extending into a second portion 72 of the hole 7.

[0077] The fastening device 3 further includes at least one connecting member 20 connected to the base member 15, in the illustrated example being two connecting members 20 on either side of the base member 15 along the longitudinal axis X. Each connecting member 20 includes a rod 21 and a stop flange 22 projecting from the bottom wall 6 of the groove 4, the rod passing through the gasket at a distance from the hole. "At a distance from the hole" indicates a non-zero distance, meaning the rod 21 does not extend into the hole 7. In this example, the rods 21 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fastening member 10, equidistant along the longitudinal axis X.

[0078] Each stop flange 22 is obtained by melting material from the free end 23 of the rod 21. The diameter of the stop flange 22 is larger than the diameter of the rod 21, especially the free end 23 of the rod 21 after melting. The stop flange 22 formed by melting creates an extended fixing surface and ensures the alignment of the fastening device 3, i.e., its non-rotation. Figure 4 The fastening device 3 is shown in its state before the inserting of the liner and before the melting operation. Figure 3 The position of the fastening device 3 in the gasket 2 is shown after one or more, for example two, stop flanges 22 are formed during the melting operation.

[0079] Two connecting parts 20 extend on both sides of the hole 7 and are symmetrical to each other in this example, particularly aligning the rod 21 and the hole 7 on the longitudinal axis X of the groove 4.

[0080] In this example, the fastening device 3 includes at least one connecting member 16 configured to connect the base member 15 and each connecting member 20, and extending into the second portion 72 of the hole 7. In this example, as... Figure 5As shown, the connecting member 16 abuts against the shoulder 73, extending along the entire extent of the second channel portion S2 together with the base member 15, and abutting against the shoulder 73. It should be noted that each rod 21 extends above the second portion 72 of the hole 7 and close to the first portion 71 of the hole 7, parallel to the axis A of the hole 7 in this example. In the illustrated example, the connecting member 16 extends perpendicular to the axis A of the hole, surrounding the base member 15.

[0081] In an example not shown, the hole 7 has only one channel portion from surface 5 to the opposite side 8. In this case, the connecting member 16 can abut against side 8.

[0082] The fastening device 3 is held in place by the stop flange 22 abutting against the surface 5 of the pad 2, and the reverse stop is formed by the connecting member 16 abutting against the shoulder 73, or, in the absence of the shoulder 73, against the opposite side 8 of the pad 2. For example, a tear resistance of 7 daN is required.

[0083] In the example shown, the stop flange 22 is welded to the gasket 2. In this case, the stop flange 22 is welded and thus secured to the bottom wall 6 of the trench. In other examples, it is not welded, but merely forms a stop surface extending on the bottom wall 6 of the trench, but is not secured to the wall 6.

[0084] The stop flange 22 can be obtained by ultrasonic fusion. In this case, as... Figure 6 As shown, the tool may include one or more acoustic electrodes SO and anvil CO for securing the fastening device 3 during a melting operation, which may be a welding operation to weld the stop flange 22 to the liner 2 of the groove bottom wall 6. In the example shown, two acoustic electrodes SO enter the groove 4 to cover the end of the rod 21, while the anvil CO is inserted into the second channel portion S2, passing through the hole 7 throughout the second portion 72 in this example. In the case of welding, the materials of the liner and the fastening device are weldable. They may be made of the same thermoplastic polymer material. Alternatively, they may both be polyester. Alternatively, they may include weldable plastic materials, for example, the fastening device may include ABS (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene) or PC (polycarbonate).

[0085] The melting operation involves melting solid material, in this case the free end 23 of the rod, to bond with the liner in the case of welding, rather than the other way around.

[0086] Therefore, such as especially Figure 6As shown, the method of manufacturing the padding system includes providing a pad 2 having a groove 4 on an occupant-receiving surface 5, with a hole 7 extending along axis A and passing through the pad 2 from the bottom wall 6 of the groove. A fastening device 3 is also provided, inserted into the hole 7 such that a fastening member 10 is positioned in the groove 4, protruding from the bottom wall 6 of the groove, with the free end 23 of a rod 21 protruding from the bottom wall 6 of the groove. The free end 23 of the rod 21 is then melted to form a stop flange 22 protruding from the bottom wall 6 of the groove.

[0087] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the example, rod 21 has a cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is hollow at least at the free end 23 of rod 21, and in this example, it is hollow along the entire height of rod 21. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows a hollow shape. This hollow shape allows for faster melting during the molten operation that produces the stop flange 22.

[0088] In the example shown, the liner 2 comprises a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers irregularly arranged to form loops welded together, with grooves 4 and holes 7 formed in the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers.

[0089] The materials of the gasket 2 and the fastening device 3 can be the same, or two different materials with similar physicochemical properties, particularly having the same chemical composition. In this case, the melting operation may result in welding of the stop flange 2 and the bottom wall 6 of the trench. This may allow the gasket and the fastening device to be recycled simultaneously without separation. Alternatively, the materials of the gasket and the fastening device can be incompatible. In this case, the stop flange 22 may not be welded, but will simply abut against the bottom wall 6 of the trench.

[0090] In some examples, the materials of the liner 2 and the fastening device 3 may be thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units include ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups, particularly thermoplastic elastomers whose main chain repeating units include ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups.

[0091] exist Figures 1 to 6 In the example shown, each of the rods 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape. In this example, holes are not pre-formed in the liner 2, for example, by thermoforming, to accommodate the rods 21. Therefore, the rods 21 penetrate the liner 2, for example, separating the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers.

[0092] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example shown, the rod 21 has a blade shape, i.e., a rod 21 with a rectangular cross-section. In this case, the liner 2 may include a through groove 30, for example, formed in the three-dimensional entanglement of fibers, into which the blade extends.

[0093] exist Figure 7 In the example, the blade extends laterally along the axis X of the groove. This means that in the cross-section, the length L of the blade extends along an axis perpendicular to the axis X of the groove 4. The groove 30 also extends laterally along the axis X of the groove 4. In this example, the stop flange 22 is approximately rectangular in shape. Similarly, in... Figure 7 In the example, such as in Figure 8 In the example, the fastening device 3 includes a connecting member 20, which, due to its shape, allows for a desired alignment position to secure the cover in the pad 2.

[0094] Figure 8 Examples and Figure 7 The difference is that the blade forming the rod 21 extends along the axis X of the groove 4.

[0095] The formation of the groove does not require the removal of material.

[0096] Figure 9 An exemplary vehicle seat assembly 100 is shown, including a cushioning system 1 and a cover 40. The cover is intended to cover all or part of the cushion 2 and is secured to the cushion 2 by fastening elements, particularly snap-fit ​​elements, which resiliently interlock with fastening members 10 of fastening devices 3 in a known manner. Preferably, a plurality of fastening devices 3 are provided in the cushion 2 to engage with a plurality of fastening elements, particularly snap-fit ​​elements, of the cover 40.

[0097] The vehicle seat assembly 100 includes a seat portion and a backrest, the backrest forming the vehicle seat component 50, including a frame 51 or structure, particularly of metal, and a pad 2.

[0098] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows an XYZ coordinate system, with the X direction oriented along the sliding direction of the slide rail G between the seat frame 51 and the vehicle floor, the Y direction oriented along the lateral direction of the seat, and the Z direction oriented along the vertical direction. The frame 51 includes a seat portion frame and a backrest frame, the backrest frame being hinged to the seat portion frame about a lateral rotation axis via a continuous hinge.

[0099] Providing padding may include, for example Figure 10 As shown, the liner is obtained by extruding a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers arranged irregularly to form a loop welded together, and the three-dimensional entanglement is formed by thermoforming to obtain the groove 4 and the hole 7.

[0100] The method involves extruding a thermoplastic polymer, particularly a thermoplastic polymer as defined above, in an extrusion die FE in a facility. The extrusion die FE may be supplied, particularly, with granules of a thermoplastic polymer, especially as defined above, such as granules from a recycling process.

[0101] The extrusion die FE includes extrusion nozzles distributed longitudinally and transversely along the die. From the thermoplastic polymer, the extrusion die generates a continuous molten fiber cord RD, which falls due to gravity. The continuous molten fiber cord RD then passes between two counter-rotating calendering components RC1, RC2, for example in the form of pressure rollers, generating irregular or randomly distributed three-dimensional fiber entanglements and fusing loops between continuous fibers in the layer. The total thickness of the layer is determined by the center distance between the two calendering components RC1, RC2.

[0102] The two calendering components RC1 and RC2 rotate at a speed lower than the fiber falling speed to ensure fiber accumulation, which leads to the formation of thermally welded loops between the fibers, resulting in irregular, random three-dimensional entanglement.

[0103] Finally, the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers is cured into layers by immersion in the coolant LR, allowing for the acquisition of continuous three-dimensional entanglement of fibers after possible cutting operations. Curing is completed immediately, and for this purpose, both calendering parts can be partially immersed in the coolant.

[0104] The continuously advancing three-dimensional fiber entangled layers are then guided out of the coolant tank for drying, typically by shaking / vibration. The advancing layers are then transversely cut to obtain different first-layer CH liner 2, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0105] It is understood that the gasket system may include one fastening device, or preferably multiple fastening devices, particularly multiple fastening devices accommodated in multiple holes distributed along the length of the same groove in the gasket.

[0106] When the padding is used for the seat portion or backrest, the padding, particularly a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous fibers, may include a central portion (often referred to by those skilled in the art as a center panel) for receiving the occupant's hips and / or thighs of the seat portion padding, and at least one side portion PL, particularly the right and left sides, typically forming a lateral support that protrudes relative to the central portion PC, the side portion being configured to ensure lateral support for the occupant and raised relative to the central portion.

[0107] The groove 4 can extend along the length of the pad, deeper than the central portion PC, and extend along the entire side. This groove is located next to the side and is intended to stretch the cover onto the central portion while also adhering to the surface of the central portion of the pad.

[0108] When the materials of the liner 2 and the fastening device 3 are thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units contain ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups, a recycling process can be implemented at the end of their service life, which includes:

[0109] -Optionally, the covering can be separated from the padding system 1.

[0110] - Grinding pad 2 and fastening device 3 attached to the pad to generate particles,

[0111] - Use granules to manufacture plastic products based on thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units contain ester functional groups and optional ether functional groups, especially by molding or extrusion.

Claims

1. A padding system (1), comprising: - A liner (2) having grooves (4) on the occupant-receiving surface (5) of the liner, and holes (7) extending along the axis (A) and passing through the liner (2) from the bottom wall (6) of the groove. - A fastening device (3) integrated with the padding (2), configured to ensure the cover (40) is fixed to the padding (2), the fastening device (3) comprising: - A fastening component (10), including a portion (11) that allows the cover (40) to be secured, the fastening component (10) being held to extend into the groove (4), - Base component (15), extending below the fastening component (10) and entering the hole (7), - At least one connecting part (20) is connected to the base part (15), including a rod (21) and a stop flange (22) protruding from the bottom wall (6) of the groove, the rod passing through the liner (2) at a distance from the hole (7), the stop flange (22) being obtained by melting material from the free end (23) of the rod (21).

2. The padding system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop flange (22) is welded to the gasket (2).

3. The padding system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stop flange (22) is obtained by ultrasonic fusion.

4. The padding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rod (21) has a cylindrical shape, and at least the free end (23) of the rod (21) is hollow.

5. The padding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rod (21) has a blade shape, and the liner (2) includes a through groove (30) into which the blade extends laterally along the axis (X) of the groove (4).

6. The padding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rod (21) has a blade shape, and the liner (2) includes a through groove (30) into which the blade extends along the axis (X) of the groove.

7. The padding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The fastening device (3) includes two connecting parts (20) that extend on both sides of the hole (7) respectively, preferably symmetrical to each other, particularly aligned with the rod (21) and the hole (7) on the axis (X) of the groove (4).

8. The padding system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The liner (2) comprises a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers, which are irregularly arranged to form loops welded together, with grooves (4) and holes (7) formed in the three-dimensional entanglement of the fibers.

9. A vehicle seat assembly (100) comprising a padding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and a cover (40) covering all or part of the padding (2) and secured to the padding (2) by means of a fastening element (10) interlocking with a fastening device (3), particularly a resiliently interlocking fastening element.

10. A method of manufacturing a padding system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: - / A / : A liner (2) is provided, which has grooves (4) on the occupant-receiving surface (5) of the liner (2), and holes (7) extend along the axis (A) and pass through the liner (2) from the bottom wall (6) of the groove. - / B / : Provides a fastening device (3), which includes: - Fastening component (10), which includes a portion (11) that allows the cover (40) to be secured, - The base component (15) extends below the fastening component (10), - At least one connecting member (20) connected to the base member (15), including a rod (21) extending a distance from the base member (15). - / C / : Insert the fastening device (3) into the hole (7) so that the fastening component (10) is positioned in the groove (4) and protrudes from the bottom wall (6) of the groove. The base component (15) extends into the hole (7). The rod passes through the gasket (2) at a certain distance from the hole (7). The free end (23) of the rod (21) protrudes from the bottom wall (6) of the groove. - / D / : Melt material from the free end (23) of the rod (21) to form a stop flange (22) protruding from the bottom wall (6) of the groove.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Providing a liner (2) involves obtaining a liner by extruding a three-dimensional entanglement of continuous thermoplastic fibers arranged irregularly to form loops welded together, and shaping the three-dimensional entanglement by thermoforming to obtain grooves (4) and holes (7).

12. A method for recycling a vehicle seat assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The materials of the liner (2) and the fastening device (3) are thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units contain ester functional groups and optionally ether functional groups, and the method includes: -Optionally, the covering can be separated from the padding system. - Grinding the pad and fastening device attached to the pad to generate particles, - Use granules to manufacture plastic products based on thermoplastic polymers whose main chain repeating units contain ester functional groups and optionally ether functional groups, particularly by molding or extrusion.

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