Vehicle seat arrangement

Abstract

A wiring harness (300) for a vehicle seat suspension assembly (200), comprising: a body section (302), which comprises a latticework of interconnected lateral support members (310) defined by a peripheral frame (312) and which includes a plurality of engagement hooks (304, 306, 308) projecting from the lateral support members (310) and adapted to engage an underside of a vehicle seat cushion pan (100).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wiring harness for a vehicle seat assembly.

[0002] Conventional vehicle seat assemblies are often designed based on the space constraints of a vehicle interior and the fulfillment of design requirements. DE 203 07 185 U1 discloses a vehicle seat assembly with a seat pan and a retaining plate provided with pre-positioned plugs to prevent confusion of the plug positions during contact. DE 10 2005 002 166 A1 discloses a door module with a personal identification keypad, wherein the door module includes a lock bracket with ribs. DE 100 80 343 T5 discloses an electrically adjustable seat assembly with branched wiring harnesses. US 5 315 798 A discloses a window and ventilation unit. DE 101 50 533 A1 discloses a wiring harness for a vehicle seat in which the number of components of a circuit branch is reduced to a minimum level for standardization.

[0003] The present invention provides a robust seat assembly that uses minimal material while providing safer seat components that help protect an occupant during a crash event, reduce seat manufacturing time, and reduce the possibility of injury to the manufacturer during installation.

[0004] According to the present invention, a wiring harness includes the features of claim 1.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a front support for a vehicle seat assembly includes the above-mentioned wiring harness and a cushion pan having a recessed lower portion configured to secure the wiring harness.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the following description, claims and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings show: Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective top view of a portion of the seating arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the vehicle seating assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an adjuster bracket engaging an adjuster core member; Fig. 5 a perspective top view of an adjuster bracket before installation; Fig. 6 is a perspective top view of a portion of the adjuster bracket of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a rear elevation of the adjuster bracket of Fig. 5; Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a portion of the adjuster bracket of Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion tray of the present invention; Fig. 10 a top view of the upholstered tub of Fig. 9; Fig. 11 a bottom view of the upholstered tub of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension assembly for a vehicle seat assembly; Fig. 13 a plan view of the suspension arrangement of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 a bottom view of the suspension arrangement of Fig. 12; Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wire harness of the present invention; Fig. 16 a bottom view of the wiring harness of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the wiring harness engaging a lower portion of a cushion tray and supporting a module thereon; and Fig. 18 a perspective top view of the wiring harness connected to the (partially transparent) cushion tray of Fig. 17 is engaged.

[0008] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivatives thereof refer to the present invention as defined in Fig. 1. However, it is understood that the

[0009] The invention may take various alternative forms unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are simply embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics are not to be considered limiting with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0010] On the Fig. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seat assembly including a seat and a backrest 14 configured for use in a vehicle. The backrest 14 includes first and second side members 16, 18 separated by an upper support member 20 and a lower support member 22. The backrest 14 includes first and second adjuster core portions 24, 25 about which the backrest 14 pivots with respect to the seat. The adjuster core portions 24, 25 are received in first and second adjuster brackets 30, 32 that support the backrest 14 and serve as an interface between the backrest 14 and the first and second side supports 34, 36 of the seat.

[0011] Now to the Fig. 1-5, the first and second adjuster brackets 30, 32, when used in conjunction with the vehicle seat assembly 10, generally define an adjuster bracket assembly. It should be understood that the first adjuster bracket 30, or left adjuster bracket, is a mirror image of the second adjuster bracket 32, or right adjuster bracket. For clarity, only the left adjuster bracket 30 will be discussed in detail below. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the right adjuster bracket 32 ​​is a mirror image of the left adjuster bracket 30, and that all features and functions of the right adjuster bracket 32 ​​are identical to the left adjuster bracket 30.

[0012] Again on the Fig. 1-5, the adjuster bracket 30 includes a web 40 defining an adjuster core portion receiving opening 42. As previously mentioned, the adjuster core portion 24 is operatively connected to both the first side support 34 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 and the adjuster bracket 30. A stop flange 44 is positioned over the adjuster core portion receiving opening 42. The adjuster bracket 30 further includes front and rear side support connecting tabs 50, 52 containing openings 54 for mechanical fasteners configured to engage a side support 56 of the seat. The planar extent of the rear side support connecting tab 52 is offset from the planar extent of the web 40 of the adjuster bracket 30. In particular, the rear side support connecting tab 52 is offset inwardly to a position closer to the center of the vehicle seat assembly 10.The adjuster bracket 30 includes an arcuate lower portion 60 between the front side member connecting tab 50 and the rear side member connecting tab 52. In addition, an inner wall 62 of the web 40 includes downwardly turned hooks 64 configured to secure trim components or other modules beneath the adjuster core receiving opening 42 of the adjuster bracket 30. The web 40 further includes a front flange 70 and a rear flange 72. The rear flange 72 of the web 40 includes a deformation notch 74, as shown in FIG. Fig. 4. The deformation notch 74 is generally configured to collapse under a predetermined loading condition associated with a rear impact event. In other words, when the vehicle is struck from behind, the loading forces applied to the seat 12 in a rearward direction, if large enough, will cause the deformation notch 74 to collapse or compress downwardly in a controlled manner, thereby minimizing a grinding effect on an occupant and helping the vehicle seat assembly 10 support the occupant. As illustrated, the deformation notch 74 is disposed in the rear flange 72 such that a central portion of the deformation notch 74 is directly laterally aligned with the web 40 as it begins to translate inwardly toward the offset portion that supports the rear side support connecting tab 52 ( Fig. 7) generally defined.

[0013] Now on the Fig. 4-8, the recliner bracket 30 further includes a deformation opening 80. The deformation opening 80 is disposed forward of the deformation notch 74 in the planar extent of the web 40. The deformation opening 80 is also disposed slightly above the deformation notch 74 such that a lower edge 82 of the deformation opening 80 is tangent to a line generally defining the transition of the web 40 as it begins to curve inwardly toward the offset portion generally defining the rear seat support connecting tab 52. Together, the deformation opening 80 and the deformation notch 74 provide controlled deformation of the vehicle seat assembly 10 as a result of applied forces in a rearward direction generally associated with a rear impact event and the loads distributed by an occupant on the vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0014] Again on the Fig. 2 - 8, and as particularly in Fig. 3, the left and right adjuster brackets 30, 32 and the adjuster bracket assembly generally define a deflection triangle 90 in which an occupant hip point 92 or H-point serves as the apex 94, the deflection notch 74 of the left adjuster bracket 30 serves as the second apex 96, and the deflection notch 74 of the right adjuster bracket 32 ​​serves as the third apex 98. The deflection triangle 90 is generally an isosceles triangle, allowing controlled deflection based on the occupant hip point 92, the adjuster pivot, and the attachment points of the adjuster bracket 30. Conventional adjuster brackets used to attach support mechanisms for seat cushion structures are relatively stiff and exhibit limited deflection and compliance resulting from loading. Consequently, the back frame side members must withstand higher loads.The energy management features discussed above with reference to the disclosed recliner mounts 30, 32 enable optimization of the backrest 14 and the first and second side members 34, 36 for both thickness and cross-sectional geometry because the recliner mounts 30, 32 reduce the required load-bearing capacity.

[0015] Now on the Fig. Referring to Figures 9-11, an embodiment of a cushion pan 100 for the vehicle seat assembly 10 is generally disclosed. The cushion pan 100 includes a body portion 102 having a first side pocket 104, a middle pocket 106, and a second side pocket 108 that include a module retaining opening 110. In the illustrated embodiment of the Fig. 9-11, each of the module retention openings 110 is recessed in one of the pockets 104, 106, 108 so that the retention hooks of a wiring harness extending into the module retention openings 110 do not extend beyond a top wall 112 of the cushion pan 110. Accordingly, the retention hooks do not contact any cushions of the vehicle seat assembly 10, thereby limiting damage to the cushion and further allowing an occupant sitting on the cushion pan 100 to not feel, or at least only slightly feel, the retention hooks. Furthermore, the cushion pan 100 includes first and second suspension assembly retainers 120, 122 disposed within the body portion 102. The first and second suspension assembly retainers 120, 122 include an upturned flange 124 having an arcuate slot 126 substantially formed within the flange 124.The arcuate slot 126 is structurally complementary to an arcuate wedge disposed on the vehicle seat suspension assembly, as further detailed herein.

[0016] Again on the Fig. Referring to Figures 9-11, the cushion pan 100 also includes a peripheral flange 130 that extends substantially orthogonal to the top wall 112 and to the planar extent of the body portion 102 generally. The peripheral flange 130 includes a plurality of trim tabs 132. The trim tabs 132 are designed to engage a seat trim covering the vehicle seat assembly 10. A lower portion of the peripheral flange 130 includes a peripheral rim 134. The peripheral rim 134 is crimped around a substantial portion of the peripheral rim 134. The crimped portion of the peripheral rim 134 forms a generally blunt contact surface with few or no sharp edges, thereby reducing the possibility of injury to a manufacturer during installation. In addition, the rolled edge minimizes the likelihood of a sharp edge protruding through the seat trim.The cushion pan 100 includes rearwardly extending pivot arms 136 having a pivot receiving opening 138. Consequently, the cushion pan 100 can be rotated between raised and lowered positions to provide additional support to an occupant's legs.

[0017] Again on the Fig. Referring to Figures 9-11, the body portion 102 of the cushion pan 100 includes a web having an approximate thickness of 0.7 millimeters.

[0018] The central portion of the cushion pan 100 includes first and second support ribs 142, 144 extending from a front portion of the body portion 102 to a rear portion of the body portion 102. The first and second support ribs 142, 144 provide additional strength to the cushion pan 100, allowing the cushion pan 100 to maintain an approximate thickness of 0.7 millimeters. Additionally, a third support rib 146 is disposed between and substantially parallel to the first and second support ribs 142, 144. However, the third support rib 146 does not extend all the way from the front portion of the body portion 102 to the rear portion of the body portion 102. Instead, the third support rib 146 extends from the central pocket 106 in the body portion 102 and does not extend as far rearward as the first and second support ribs 142, 144.The middle pocket 106 of the body section 102 is positioned further forward in the body section 102 relative to the first and second side pockets 104, 108. Furthermore, the cushion pan 100 includes a plurality of openings configured to engage a module holder, wiring harness, etc. Rounded areas 150 adjacent each of the rearwardly extending pivot arms 136 provide additional support to the body section 102, thereby increasing the rigidity of the cushion pan 100.

[0019] The cushion pan 100 generally includes a plurality of rounded edges so that sharp corners and sharp edges are essentially eliminated from the overall structure. This configuration provides additional comfort for occupants as well as additional safety for the manufacturer during the installation process. The cushion pan 100 is generally designed and configured to handle the stresses and strains associated with the weight of an occupant during transport of the occupant from one location to another. The geometries of the pierced panel tabs are designed to cooperate with the panel in a secure manner. Additional retention features are arranged throughout the body portion 102 of the cushion pan 100 and are strategically positioned to provide robust attachment of occupant classification systems and multi-contour seating mechanisms.The retention features further incorporate an error-proofing methodology to prevent improper assembly during installation. Pockets 104, 106, 108 are designed to provide retention features for the plastic module holder and eliminate problems related to buzzing, squeaking, and rattling. Furthermore, the cushion pan 100 is designed for both power and manually adjustable seat assemblies. Furthermore, the cushion pan 100 is designed for both driver and passenger side seats, thereby minimizing production tooling complexity. Furthermore, the perimeter profile of the cushion pan 100 is optimized to provide clearance for center console features in a vehicle interior.

[0020] Now on the Fig. 12 - 14, the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a vehicle seat suspension assembly 200. The suspension assembly 200 includes a rear support 202 for engagement with a torque tube 204 ( Fig. 1) of the vehicle seating assembly 10. The rear support 202 includes a polymeric overmold configured to engage ends of the first and second spring members 206, 208. Furthermore, the rear support 202 includes a plurality of openings 210 configured to receive wires configured to carry data and power for the vehicle seating assembly 10. The rear support 202 includes a lower flange 212 having the plurality of openings 210 and a rear vertical flange 214 that provides rigidity to the rear support 202. The rear support 202 further includes first, second, third, and fourth hooks 216, 218, 220, and 222 configured to receive the feet of an occupant seated behind the vehicle seating assembly 10. Thus, the space between the first hook 216 and the second hook 218 is larger than between the second hook 218 and the third hook 220.However, the space between the first hook 216, the second hook 218, the third hook 220 and the fourth hook 222 is substantially the same.

[0021] The rear support hooks 216, 218, 220, 222 include load distribution tabs 230 configured to effectively manage the load associated with the weight of an occupant, such that the load distribution is evenly distributed across each of the hooks 216, 218, 220, 222. Accordingly, the load applied to the torque tube 204 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 is substantially evenly distributed. The suspension assembly 200 includes rear and front trim attachment members 240 on both the first and second spring members 206, 208. The trim attachment members 240 include fastener openings 242 configured to secure portions of the trim to the suspension assembly 200.

[0022] Again on the Fig. 12-14, the suspension assembly 200 further includes a cross member 250 extending over and interconnecting the first and second spring members 206, 208. A central portion 252 of the cross member 250 includes a climate control air supply duct 254 configured to cooperate with ducts that supply cool or warm air to the cushion of the vehicle seat assembly 10. A first side 256 of the cross member 250 includes a first set of duct openings 258 configured to organize and route data and power lines to mounting locations on the vehicle seat assembly 10. Similarly, a second side 260 of the cross member 250 includes a second set of duct openings 262 configured to route both power and data lines to mounting locations on the vehicle seat assembly 10.Each conduit opening 262 includes markings indicating which conduits should pass through each particular opening 262. A forward location 270 of the first and second spring members 206, 208 includes a polymeric overmold with an arcuate key 272 disposed at a central portion thereof. The arcuate key 272 is configured to cooperate with the complementary arcuate slot 126 on the cushion pan 100. Accordingly, the arcuate key 272 and the arcuate slot 126 have complementary designs that permit a precise fit, minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness, as well as humming, squeaking, and rattling. Accordingly, mechanical attachment of the suspension assembly to the cushion pan 100 is unnecessary.

[0023] The suspension assembly 200 incorporates robust attachment features and an ideal interface for multi-contour seat tubes while ensuring directional guidance. Furthermore, the directional attachment and interface features associated with the conduit openings 258, 262 on the cross member provide robust connection integrity, minimizing the likelihood of loosening due to jarring, ingress / egress, and occupant loading. Furthermore, the conduit openings 258, 262 incorporate ergonomic insertion efforts; that is, the openings 258, 262 are elongated and adjacent openings arranged such that the longitudinal extent of adjacent openings is orthogonal to each other.

[0024] Now on the Fig. 15-18, the illustrated embodiment includes an integrated wiring harness 300 for use with the vehicle seating assembly 10. The integrated wiring harness 300 includes a body portion 302 having a first side hook 304, a second side hook 306, and a center hook 308 for engaging the cushion pan 100. Additionally, a latticework of interconnected lateral support members 310 is disposed within the body portion 302 and defined by a perimeter frame 312. The integrated wiring harness 300 is configured to engage a variety of modules, including memory modules and seat position control modules. The body portion 302 of the integrated wiring harness 300 is at least partially constructed from a polymer made from recycled materials. In one embodiment, 30 percent of the body portion 302 is constructed from recycled materials.Additionally, the integrated wiring harness 300 includes module engagement tabs 320 extending downwardly from the body portion 202. The module engagement tabs 320 include a friction-fit construction so that a module can be inserted into the integrated wiring harness 300 and secured in place with a snap-lock construction. The hooks 304, 306, 308 serve as engagement hooks that generally align with the module retention openings 110 in the cushion pan 100. Accordingly, the integrated wiring harness 300 can be secured to a lower portion of the cushion pan 100 by engagement of the retention hooks 304, 306, 308 with the module retention openings 110 in the cushion pan 100. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 17 and Fig.18, the engagement hooks secure the integrated wiring harness 300 to the underside of the cushion pan 100, thereby simultaneously securing modules, such as a memory module or a seat position control module, to a lower side of the vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0025] The above descriptions generally dealt with metallic and polymeric components. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the material used to fabricate the described invention and other components is not limited to metal and polymer. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be made of metallic and polymeric or any other suitable material.

[0026] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) together. Such a connection may be of a stationary type or a movable type. Such a connection may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members integrally molded as a single unitary body with each other or with the two components. Such a connection may be of a permanent type or of a detachable or releasable type, unless otherwise specified.

[0027] Furthermore, it is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention set forth herein, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. While only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the present disclosure that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the recited subject matter.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be made of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the functionality of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise altered; the length or width of the structures and / or links or connectors or other elements of the system may be changed; the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be understood that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be made of any of a variety of materials that provide sufficient strength and durability, in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.Other modifications, changes, and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, or equivalents thereof, without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0028] It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary disclosed structures and processes are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0029] It is further understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the following claims unless such claims expressly state otherwise. Reference symbol 2 lower support link 10 Vehicle seat arrangement 14 Backrest 16 first side link 18 second side link 20 upper support link 24 first adjuster core part 25 second adjuster core part 30 first / left adjuster bracket 32 second / right adjuster bracket 34 first side support 36 second side support 40 bridge 42 Adjuster core part receiving opening 44 Stop flange 50 front side support connecting nose 52 rear side carrier connecting nose 54 openings for mechanical fasteners 56 Side supports of the seat 60 arched lower section 62 interior wall 64 downward-turned hooks 70 front flange 72 rear flange 74 Deformation notch 80 deformation opening 82 lower edge of the deformation opening 90 deformation triangle 92 hip point 94 vertex 96 second vertex 98 third vertex 100 upholstered tub 102 body section 104 first side pocket 106 medium pocket 108 second side pocket 110 Module holding opening 112 upper wall section of the upholstered tub 120 first suspension assembly holder 122 second suspension assembly holder 124 upwardly turned flange 126 arched slot 130 circumferential flange 132 fairing noses 134 peripheral edge 136 rearward-extending swivel arms 138 Pivot pin opening 142 first support rib 144 second support rib 146 third supporting rib 150 rounded areas 200 vehicle seat suspension arrangement 202 rear carrier 204 Torsion tube 206 first spring link 208 second spring link 210 several openings in the rear carrier 212 lower flange 214 rear vertical flange 216 first hook 218 second hook 220 third hook 222 fourth hook 230 load distribution lugs 240 fairing fasteners 242 fastener openings 250 cross members 252 middle section of the cross member 254 Climate control air supply duct 256 first side of the cross member 258 first set of line openings 260 second side of the cross member 262 second set of cable openings 270 front position of the spring links 272 arched wedge 300 integrated wiring harness 302 Body section of the wiring harness 304 first side hook / engagement hook 306 second side hook / engagement hook 308 middle hook / engagement hook 310 lateral support members 312 perimeter frames 320 module engagement tabs

Claims

[1] A wiring harness (300) for a vehicle seat suspension assembly (200), comprising: a body section (302), which comprises a latticework of interconnected lateral support members (310) defined by a peripheral frame (312) and which includes a plurality of engagement hooks (304, 306, 308) projecting from the lateral support members (310) and adapted to engage an underside of a vehicle seat cushion pan (100). [2] A wiring harness according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory module coupled to the body portion (302) of the wiring harness (300). [3] A wiring harness according to claim 2, further comprising: a seat position control module coupled to the body portion (302) of the wiring harness (300). [4] A wiring harness according to claim 1, further comprising: Module engagement tabs (320) extending downwardly from the peripheral frame (312) and designed to secure one or more modules. [5] A front support for a vehicle seat assembly (10) comprising: a wiring harness (300) according to claim 1 and a cushion tray (100) with a recessed lower section designed to attach the wiring harness (300). [6] The front carrier of claim 5, further comprising a memory module coupled to the body portion (302) of the wiring harness (300). [7] A front carrier according to claim 5, further comprising: a seat position control module coupled to the body portion (302) of the wiring harness (300). [8] A front carrier according to claim 5, further comprising: Module engagement tabs (320) extending downwardly from the peripheral frame (312) and designed to secure one or more modules.

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