LOWER BACKWALL BRACKET ANCHOR FEATURES FOR DYNAMIC EVENTS

Abstract

Vehicle seating arrangement (10), comprising: a backrest frame (12) which includes a lower cross member (14); a back panel (16) which is operatively coupled to the backrest frame (12) and includes internal supports (18) configured to receive a retaining clip (20), wherein the retaining clip (20) includes a first and a second detent (22, 24) which engage notches (26) on the internal supports (18) of the back panel (16), and wherein the retaining clips (20) further include retaining hooks (30); and an anchoring holder (32) which is operatively coupled to the lower crossbeam (14) and contains the following: Fastening element slots (34) configured to receive the retaining hooks (30) for fixing the back panel (16) to the anchoring bracket (32); and Cable harness features (36) arranged at distal ends of the anchoring holder (32), wherein a cable (40) is routed between the lower cross member (14) and the anchoring holder (32).

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seating arrangement and in particular to lower rear wall clamp anchoring features for dynamic events for a vehicle seating arrangement. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

[0002] Vehicle seat arrangements are already known from DE 10 2014 200 996 A1, DE 10 2015 102 895 A1, DE 10 2013 112 699 B4, DE 10 2012 220 227 A1, and DE 103 47 550 B3. To enhance the passenger experience, vehicle seat arrangements have been given a wide variety of options, many of which include power and / or data lines. These power and / or data lines can communicate with the vehicle's motor and / or CAN bus (CAN - controller area network). Furthermore, these cables must be routed properly without adding excessive bulk or weight to the vehicle seat arrangement. Proper cable management helps to keep the cables in a position where they are not damaged during controlled seat movement, while maintaining a slim and efficient profile for the vehicle seat arrangement. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] Based on this, improved vehicle seating arrangements according to the invention are proposed, comprising the features of claims 1, 8 and 16. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat arrangement comprises a backrest frame with a lower cross member. A back panel is operatively coupled to the backrest frame and includes internal supports configured to receive a retaining clip. The retaining clip includes a first and a second detent that engage notches on the internal supports of the back panel. The retaining clips further include retaining hooks. An anchoring bracket is operatively coupled to the lower cross member and includes fastening slots configured to receive the retaining hooks for fixing the back panel to the anchoring bracket. Wiring harness features are arranged at the distal ends of the anchoring bracket. Wiring is routed between the lower cross member and the anchoring bracket.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly comprises a backrest frame with a lower cross member and a back panel. The back panel is operatively coupled to the lower cross member by an anchoring bracket. The anchoring bracket includes fastening slots configured to receive fasteners from the backrest frame. Wiring harness features are located at the distal ends of the anchoring bracket. Wiring is routed between the lower cross member and the anchoring bracket.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seat assembly comprises a backrest frame and a back panel. The back panel is operatively coupled to the backrest frame by an anchoring bracket and includes a lower support body. A first and a second fastener receptacle are configured to receive fasteners from the backrest frame. A recess is defined between the lower support body and the first and second fastener receptacles. Cable harness guides are arranged at distal ends of the anchoring bracket and guide wiring over the lower support body.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present disclosure will be understandable and apparent to the person skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of a vehicle seating arrangement arranged in a vehicle of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a perspective top view of the vehicle seating arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective rear underside view of an embodiment of a rear wall of a vehicle seating arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 a perspective front top view of an embodiment of a rear wall of the vehicle seating arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 a perspective front view of a rear wall with a cable harness coupled to it; Fig. 6A a perspective top view of an anchoring holder of the present disclosure; Fig. 6B a perspective bottom view of the anchor holder of Fig. 6A; Fig. 6C a rear view of the anchor holder of Fig. 6A; Fig. 7A a perspective top view of an embodiment of a hard back wall and the anchoring holder of the present disclosure; Fig. 7B a perspective top view of part of the anchoring holder next to a lower cross member of the vehicle seating arrangement; Fig. 8A a perspective top view of a support extending from a hard back wall and engaging with a retaining clamp; Fig. 8B a perspective top view of the support of Fig. 8A with retaining clip removed; Fig. 9A a perspective top view of an embodiment of cable harness features and an anchoring holder of the present disclosure after engagement with a back wall; and Fig. 9B an enlarged perspective top view of an anchoring bracket that guides cables with a wiring harness and simultaneously fixes the back panel to the vehicle seatback. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall refer to the revelation as it appears in Fig. 1 is oriented. However, it is understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts of the invention as defined in the attached claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0010] In this writing, relational terms, such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like, are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without actually requiring or implying any such relationship or order between such units or actions. The terms "includes," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are meant to refer to non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, procedure, object, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, procedure, object, or apparatus. An element that "includes..."The fact that “a” precedes it does not, without further restrictions, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, object or device that includes the element.

[0011] On the in the Fig. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 1-9B, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a vehicle seat arrangement with a backrest frame 12 that includes a lower cross member 14. A back panel 16 is operatively coupled to the backrest frame 12 and includes internal supports 18 configured to receive a retaining clip 20. The retaining clip 20 includes a first and a second detent 22, 24, which engage notches 26 on the internal supports 18 of the back panel 16. The retaining clips 20 also include retaining hooks 30. An anchoring bracket 32 ​​is operatively coupled to the lower cross member 14 and includes fastening slots 34 configured to receive the retaining hooks 30 for fixing the back panel 16 to the anchoring bracket 32. Wiring harness features 36 are located near distal ends 38 of the anchoring bracket 32. A cable 40 is routed between the lower crossbeam 14 and the anchoring bracket 32.

[0012] With renewed reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The vehicle seating arrangement 10 is generally configured for use in a vehicle 45 and comprises a seat 46 and a backrest 48. Both the seat 46 and the backrest 48 include upholstery assemblies 49 attached to them. It is generally considered that the vehicle 45 may be an automobile, such as a car, a truck, or a van, and that the vehicle seating arrangement 10 is adjustable in the vehicle 45. The vehicle seating arrangement 10 is positioned on a sliding arrangement 52, which includes a rail 54 and a slide 56. The rail 54 is generally attached to a floor 58 of the vehicle 45, and the slide 56 is attached to the vehicle seating arrangement 10. The rail 54 and the slide 56 are adjustable and slidable relative to each other, so that the vehicle seating arrangement 10 can be moved forwards and backwards in the vehicle 45.Furthermore, the vehicle seating arrangement includes 10 different other adjustment functions, including backrest adjustment (48), which can include upper body and lumbar support, as well as reclining functions. The seat (46) is also adjustable and includes thigh and leg adjustment.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 3 The rear wall 16 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 generally comprises a rigid, one-piece structure made of a single material. It is generally considered that the rear wall 16 is made of a polymer material. The lower part of the rear wall 16 contains recesses 60 configured to receive a rear portion of the seat 46 of the vehicle seating assembly 10. A rear intermediate section 62 of the rear wall 16 contains a recess 64 configured for receiving and storing items on the rear wall 16 of the vehicle seating assembly 10. The rear wall 16 may include a rear flap 66 or a pocket for holding the items to be stored. The rear flap 66 may be rigid, flexible, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the rear flap 66 may be positioned on a hinge or similar mechanical feature.A lower part of the rear wall 16 includes a forward-curving cover part 67, which is configured to cover a lower part of the vehicle seating arrangement 10.

[0014] On the Fig. 4 and Fig. Referring to Section 5, a front or intermediate portion 70 of the rear wall 16 includes upper engagement clips 72 that engage an upper portion 74 of the rear wall 16 and secure it to a cross member 79 of the backrest frame 12 in an upper portion 76 of the backrest 48. A lower portion 80 of the rear wall 16 includes a W-shaped controlled deformation area 82. The controlled W-shaped controlled deformation area 82 is generally configured to allow expansion of the lower portion 80 of the rear wall 16 during a rear-end collision. The wiring harness feature 36 generally routes the wiring 40 around the controlled W-shaped controlled deformation area 82. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lower part 80 of the rear wall 16 also includes several retaining clips 20. The retaining clips 20 extend forward with respect to the rear wall 16 and are configured to engage the anchoring bracket 32 ​​fixed between sides of the backrest 48. The wiring 40, in the form of several cables, is arranged between a rear part of the upholstery assembly 49 and the backrest 48 and includes connectors 41 for coupling with the cables 40 of the vehicle 45. The wiring 40 is routed through the wiring harness features 36 of the anchoring bracket 32, which are located at the distal ends 38 of the anchoring bracket 32.

[0015] Now to the Fig. Referring to 6A-6C, the anchoring holder 32 is configured to engage with the backrest frame 12 and, in particular, with the lower cross member 14 of the backrest frame 12. The anchoring holder 32 has a shape that is complementary to the lower cross member 14. The anchoring holder 32 includes a central body 90 that terminates at the first and second lower flanges 92, which are located at the distal ends 38 of the anchoring holder 32. The central body 90 includes a vertically oriented portion 91 that is operatively coupled to a horizontally oriented portion 93, which projects forward from the vertically oriented portion 91. A first and a second upper flange 94 are positioned beside and above the first and second lower flanges 92 and include openings 96 that are generally configured to receive mechanical fasteners 97 of a cable fastening element 98.In the illustrated embodiment, each mechanical fastening element 97 includes a flange support 100 extending through the opening 96. The cable fastening element 98 also includes an elongated body 102 configured to guide the wiring 40 from a position below the anchoring bracket 32 ​​to a position above the anchoring bracket 32. For example, power and data lines can be routed from a controller located in a seat support to a motor in the upper backrest 48. A first and a second upper mounting element 106, together with the first and second lower flange 92, are configured to fix the anchoring bracket 32 ​​in position against the lower cross member 14 of the backrest frame 12.Consequently, the shape and angle of the first and second upper mounting element 106 and of the first and second lower flange 92 correspond to the shape of a rear part of the lower cross member 14 of the backrest frame 12 (. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B) complementary. Furthermore, the first and second upper flanges 94 are positioned outside the first and second upper plant element 106, respectively, but above the first and second lower flanges 92.

[0016] Once again, focus on the Fig. Referring to 6A-6C, a first and a second connection area 110 of the anchor holder 32, each containing a corresponding fastener slot 34, are integral with the central body 90 of the anchor holder 32. Furthermore, the fastener slots 34 are generally elongated and extend in a vertical direction V with respect to the body of the anchor holder 32. Consequently, the fastener slots 34 provide some room for the adjustability of the retaining hooks 30 within the fastener slots 34. The fastener slots 34 have a width H that is smaller than the retaining hooks 30 of a retaining clip 20 in a snap-fit ​​arrangement and are designed for their tight reception. However, it is also conceivable that the fastener slots 34 can receive the retaining hooks 30 so tightly that any movement of the retaining hooks 30, and consequently of the back panel 16, is reduced to a minimum.Nevertheless, the fastening element slots 34 are configured to receive and securely engage the retaining hooks 30.

[0017] Now to the Fig. 7A and Fig. With reference to Figure 7B, the rear portion of the anchoring bracket 32 ​​is shown. The anchoring bracket 32 ​​is configured to be attached or otherwise fixed to the lower cross member 14 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 by means of fasteners extending through fastener openings 120 on the first and second lower flanges 92 and the first and second upper flanges 94. The first and second lower flanges 92 and the first and second upper flanges 94 are closely complementary to the lower cross member 14 of the backrest frame 12. As disclosed generally herein, the anchoring bracket 32 ​​performs two essential functions. The first function is to properly secure the rear panel 16 to the backrest 48. The second function is to properly guide data and power cables that extend through the backrest 48. In the illustration, the power and data cables extend across both sides of the backrest 48.

[0018] Now to the Fig. 8A and Fig.Referring to 8B, the retaining clips 20 are configured to engage the first and second detents 22, 24, which engage with the notches 26 on the inner supports 18 of the back wall 16. Each inner support 18 is integral with the back wall 16 and is specifically designed to receive the retaining clips 20. Each inner support 18 incorporates several reinforcements 130 extending around a base of each inner support 18. In addition, each inner support 18 incorporates external guides 132 that define a channel 134 configured to receive a retaining clip 20. It is obvious to the average person skilled in the art that the channel 134 may be located on more than one side of each inner support 18. The retaining clips 20 rest against the inner supports 18 and incorporate positioning features that secure the retaining clips 20 to the inner supports 18. Furthermore, the retaining clips 20 also include the retaining hooks 30.The retaining hooks 30 are designed to engage, in particular, the fastening element slots 34 of the anchoring holder 32 and can engage with the first and second connection areas 110 in a snap-fit ​​arrangement, friction fit arrangement, etc. The retaining hooks 30 extend into the fastening element slots 34 and are fixed therein after being secured with the anchoring holder 32. As a result, the anchoring holder 32 is fixed to the back wall 16.

[0019] In summary, the lower back panel clamp anchoring features set forth in the present application are generally configured for the easy installation of a back panel with an anchoring bracket fixed to a lower cross member of a vehicle seat. The arrangement offers a cost-effective alternative to a variety of fasteners and can provide a tool-free design that is quick and easy to install on a vehicle seating assembly. The back panel and the anchoring bracket guide wiring from the backrest to a seat support along the space defined between the back panel and a backrest cushion to ensure consistent cable positioning and minimize the possibility of damage to the wiring during vehicle use.

[0020] It is understood by the average person skilled in the art that the implementation of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other embodiments of the disclosure mentioned herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0021] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the direct or indirect joining of two components (electrically or mechanically). Such a joining may be fixed or movable. Such a joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements, which are integrally formed with each other or with the two components as a single, one-piece body. Such a joining may be permanent or detachable or releasable unless otherwise specified.

[0022] It is also important to note that the design and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, a person skilled in the art reading this disclosure will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (for example, variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the subject matter presented.For example, elements shown to be integrally formed may be made from multiple parts, or elements shown to be consisting of multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of the structures and / or links or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied; the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be made from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of protection of these inventions.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without deviating from the idea of ​​the present innovations.

[0023] It is understood that any described processes or steps within described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of protection of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein serve for illustration purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0024] It is also understood that changes and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned structures and procedures without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise. Reference symbol list 10 Vehicle seating arrangement 12 backrest frames 14 lower crossbeam 16 Back panel 18 support 20 retaining clips 22 first locking 24 second locking 26 notch 30 retaining hooks 32 anchor holders 34 fastening element slots 36 Wiring harness feature 38 distal ends 40 Cabling 41 plugs 45 vehicles 46 seats 48 Backrest 49 Upholstery arrangement 52 Sliding arrangement 54 rail 56 sleds 58 Floor 60 recess 62 Intermediate part 64 recess 66 flap 67 Cover part 70 Intermediate part 72 Intervention clamp 74 upper part of the back wall 76 upper part of the backrest 79 crossbeams 80 lower part 82 W-shaped area 90 medium body 91 medium body 92 lower flange 93 horizontally oriented part 94 upper flange 96 Opening 97 Fastening element 98 Cable fastening element 100 flange support 102 elongated body 106 upper plant element 110 connection area 120 fastening element opening 130 reinforcement 132 Exterior Channel 134 H width V Vertical direction

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat assembly (10) comprising: a backrest frame (12) including a lower cross member (14); a rear wall (16) operatively coupled to the backrest frame (12) and including inner supports (18) configured to receive a retaining clip (20), the retaining clip (20) including first and second detents (22, 24) that engage notches (26) on the inner supports (18) of the rear wall (16), the retaining clips (20) further including retaining hooks (30); and an anchoring bracket (32) which is operatively coupled to the lower cross member (14) and contains the following: Fastener slots (34) configured to receive the retaining hooks (30) for securing the rear panel (16) to the anchor bracket (32); and Wiring harness features (36) disposed at distal ends of the anchor bracket (32), wherein a wiring (40) is routed between the lower cross member (14) and the anchor bracket (32). [2] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the fastener slots (34) are elongated in a vertical direction (V). [3] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the fastener slots (34) extend through first and second connecting portions of the anchor bracket (32), and wherein the first and second connecting portions project rearwardly from a central body (90) of the anchor bracket (32). [4] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the wiring harness features (36) include a vertically extending elongated body (102) that carries wiring (40) between the seatback frame (12) and the anchor bracket (32). [5] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the central body (90) of the anchor bracket (32) is defined by a substantially vertically oriented portion (91) and a substantially horizontally oriented portion (93) extending from the vertically oriented portion (91). [6] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the rear wall (16) includes a controlled deformation region (82). [7] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the controlled deformation region (82) has a generally W-shaped configuration. [8] Vehicle seat arrangement (10) comprising: a backrest frame (12) including a lower cross member (14); a rear wall (16); and an anchoring bracket (32) which operatively couples the rear wall (16) to the lower cross member (14), the anchoring bracket (32) containing the following: Fastener slots (34) configured to receive fasteners from the backrest frame (12); and Wiring harness features (36) disposed at distal ends of the anchor bracket (32), wherein a wiring (40) is routed between the lower cross member (14) and the anchor bracket (32). [9] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the fastener slots (34) extend through first and second connecting portions of the anchor bracket (32), and wherein the first and second connecting portions project rearwardly from a central body (90) of the anchor bracket (32). [10] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the rear wall (16) includes forwardly projecting inner supports (18) configured to engage the anchor bracket (32). [11] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the forwardly projecting inner supports (18) include removable retaining clips (20). [12] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 11, wherein the retaining clips (20) include retaining hooks (30) that engage notches (26) in the forwardly projecting inner supports (18). [13] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 11, wherein each forwardly projecting inner support (18) includes outer guides (132) generally defining a channel (134) in the forwardly projecting inner support (18). [14] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the rear wall (16) includes a controlled deformation region. [15] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 14, wherein the controlled deformation region has a generally W-shaped configuration. [16] Vehicle seat assembly (10) comprising: a backrest frame (12); a rear wall (16); and an anchoring bracket (32) which operatively couples the rear wall (16) to the backrest frame (12) and contains the following: a lower support body; a first and a second fastener receptacle configured to receive fasteners from the backrest frame (12), wherein between the lower support body and the first and second a recess (60) is defined in the fastening element receptacle; and Cable harness guiding devices arranged at distal ends of the anchor bracket (32) and guiding a wiring (40) over the lower support body. [17] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the rear wall (16) includes forwardly projecting inner supports (18) configured to engage the anchor bracket (32). [18] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 17, wherein the forwardly projecting inner supports (18) include removable retaining clips (20). [19] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein the retaining clips (20) include retaining hooks (30) that engage notches (26) in the forwardly projecting inner supports (18). [20] The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 18, wherein each forwardly projecting inner support (18) includes outer guides (132) generally defining a channel (134) in the forwardly projecting inner support (18).

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