VEHICLE SEATING ARRANGEMENT WITH SEAT BACKREST COMFORT BRACKET

Abstract

Vehicle seat arrangement (10) comprising: a seat backrest (12); a back panel (14) having a front cover panel (16); and a support (18) that supports the seat backrest (12) and comprising: an upper chest area (20) having a peripheral support (22), wherein a peripheral gap (24) is defined between the front cover panel (16) and the upper chest area (20), wherein a lower section (26) of the upper chest area (20) has a lower wall (28) with a corrugated configuration; a lower lumbar area (32) having a peripheral support (34), wherein a peripheral gap (36) is defined between the front cover panel (16) and the lower lumbar area (32), wherein an upper section (38) of the lower lumbar area (32) has an upper wall (40) with a corrugated configuration;and a plurality of concave connectors (42) which couple the lower wall (28) of the upper chest region (20) with the upper wall (40) of the lower lumbar region (32).;

Description

FIELD OF DISCLOSUREThe present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle seating assembly, and more particularly, to a seat back comfort carrier for a vehicle seating assembly.GENERAL STATE OF THE ARTVehicle seating assemblies typically include a seat back to support a back of an occupant in an upright seating position and various reclined positions. Similar to other portions of a vehicle seating assembly, seat backs are typically designed to support an occupant in the upright seating position during acceleration, directional change, and vehicle crash. Accordingly, seat backs are substantially rigid and large in size.EP 2 711 250 A1 is known from the prior art. This describes a vehicle seating assembly comprising a seat back, a back panel having a front visor panel, a carrier having an upper chest region, a peripheral support, a peripheral gap between the front visor panel and the upper chest region, a lower portion of the upper chest region having a bottom wall with a corrugated configuration; and a lower lumbar region having a peripheral support, a peripheral gap being defined between the front visor panel and the lower lumbar region, an upper portion of the lower lumbar region having a top wall with a corrugated configuration.DE 10 2013 208 522 A1 describes a vehicle seat arrangement comprising a seat back, a rear plate and a carrier having an upper chest region and a lower lumbar region.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSUREA vehicle seat assembly is provided having the features of the independent claims.According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat back. A back plate includes a front cover plate. A carrier supports the seat back and includes an upper chest portion with a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front visor plate and the upper chest portion. A lower portion of the upper chest region has a lower wall with a sinusoidal configuration. A lower lumbar region has a peripheral support. A peripheral gap is defined between the front visor plate and the lower lumbar region. An upper portion of the lower lumbar region has an upper wall with a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors couple the bottom wall of the upper chest portion to the top wall of the lower lumbar portion.According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a rear panel having a front visor panel. A carrier supports a seat back and has a chest region defining a peripheral gap between the front visor panel and the chest region. A bottom wall of the chest portion has a sinusoidal configuration. A lumbar region defines a peripheral gap between the front visor panel and the lumbar region. An upper wall of the lumbar region has a sinusoidal configuration.According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a rear panel having a front visor panel. A carrier supports a seat back and includes a chest portion having a bottom wall that has a sinusoidal configuration. A lumbar region has an upper wall with a sinusoidal configuration and a lower wall with retaining slots configured to receive a cushion attachment strap releasably secured to an engagement pin.These and other aspects, objects and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art after studying the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the drawings, the following shows: FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, but with a majority of the vehicle seating assembly shown shaded and a seat back support shown in solid lines; FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the seat back support of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 is an elevational view from the side of the seat back support of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a rear perspective plan view of the seat back support of FIG. 5 ; FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the seat back support of FIG. 6 ; FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the seat back support of FIG. 5 prior to installation of side bolster supports; FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the seat back support and cushion supports of FIG. 8 ; FIG. 10 is an enlarged top perspective view of a seat back support of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the seat back support of FIG. 10 ; FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view from above taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 11 ; FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line XIII--XIII of FIG. 11; FIG. 14 is a top cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 11 ; FIG. 15 is a front elevation of the portion XV of FIG. 11 ; FIG. 16 is a front elevation of the portion XVI of FIG. 9; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional top elevational view of the connecting elements after engagement; FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional elevation of the connecting elements from FIG. 17 after the detachment; FIG. 19 is a perspective top view of the area XIX of FIG. 10 ; FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the seatback carrier of FIG. 6 of the region XX; FIG. 21 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the seat back support of FIG. 9 of region XXI; and FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the support portion illustrated in FIG. 21.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSFor purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and derivatives thereof are all intended to refer to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure may take various alternative orientations, unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.In this document, relational expressions such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used exclusively to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions being necessarily required or implied. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements may not only include those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element that is preceded by "comprises... a / an" does not exclude, without further limitations, the existence of further identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-22, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seating assembly that includes a seat back 12 having a back panel 14 with a front visor panel 16. A carrier 18 is supported in the seat back 12 and has an upper chest portion 20 with a peripheral support 22. A peripheral gap 24 is defined between the front visor panel 16 and the upper chest portion 20. A lower portion 26 of the upper chest region 20 has a lower wall 28 having a sinusoidal configuration. The vehicle seating assembly 10 also includes a lower lumbar region 32 having a peripheral support 34. A peripheral gap 36 is defined between the front visor plate 16 and the lower lumbar region 32. An upper portion 38 of the lower lumbar region 32 includes an upper wall 40 having a sinusoidal configuration. A plurality of concave connectors 42 couple the bottom wall 28 of the upper chest portion 20 to the top wall 40 of the lower lumbar portion 32.Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating assembly 10 is generally configured for use in a vehicle 50 and includes, adjacent to the seat back 12 defining a seat back surface 53, a seat 52 defining a seat surface 51. Both the seat 52 and the seat back 12 have cushion assemblies 54 and 55, respectively, disposed thereon. It is generally contemplated that the vehicle 50 is a motor vehicle such as a car, truck, or van, and that the vehicle seating assembly 10 is adjustable within the vehicle 50. The cushion assembly 54 is coupled to a seat frame 56, while the cushion assembly 55 is supported on a seat back frame 57. The vehicle seating assembly 10 is disposed on a slide assembly 60 that includes a rail 62 and a slider 64. The track 62 is generally secured to a floor 66 of the vehicle 50, and the slider 64 is secured to the vehicle seating assembly 10. The rail 62 and the slider 64 are slidably adjustable relative to each other such that the vehicle seating assembly 10 is longitudinally adjustable within the vehicle 50. The vehicle seating assembly 10 also includes various other adjustability functions, including adjustability of the seat back 12, which may include a chest and lumbar upper support as well as reclining functions. The seat 52 is also adjustable and has thigh and leg adjustability.Referring to FIGS. 2-6, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier 18 for the seat back 12 is configured to support the weight of a passenger exerting pressure on the cushion assembly 55 disposed on the seat back 12. Accordingly, the carrier 18 generally creates an interface between the cushion assembly 55 and the structural components of the seat back 12. the carrier 18 includes various connection points 72 for coupling to the cushion assembly 55, a covering material 74, and directly to the seat back frame 57. The wearer 18 is generally defined by the upper chest region 20 and the lower lumbar region 32. The concave connectors 42 couple the bottom wall 28 of the upper chest portion 20 to the top wall 40 of the lower lumbar portion 32. the upper chest portion 20 generally defines an interior cavity 80 in which a fan support 82 is disposed. Similarly, the lower lumbar region 32 also defines a central space 84 that may include climate comfort features, lumbar support features, etc.Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9, the carrier 18 includes an upper necked down portion 90 configured to receive a head restraint 92 disposed on an upper portion 94 of the seat back 12. In addition, the carrier 18 includes a plurality of covering material detents 96 disposed about a peripheral edge 98 of the carrier 18. The covering material locks 96 are configured to receive fasteners disposed about a periphery 100 of the covering material 74. The fasteners are designed to directly engage the peripheral edge 98 of the carrier 18 such that the cover material 74 and the cushion assembly 55 are supported on the carrier 18. In addition, the upper chest portion 20 of the carrier 18 includes snap-fit connection apertures 110 configured to receive snap-fit connectors disposed on a front side of an articulating upper chest support of the seat back 12. A plurality of covering material securing members 120 are disposed adjacent a space 122 defined in the upper chest region 20. The covering material securing members 120 are spaced a predetermined distance apart and are configured to engage intermediate fasteners on a back side of the covering material 74. In addition, different clearance openings 124 are disposed between each of the covering material securing members 120.Referring again to FIGS. 2-4 and 6-9, the fan support 82 is operatively coupled to the bottom wall 28 of the upper chest portion 20 and also coupled to the first and second angled supports 130, 132. Each of the first and second angled supports 130, 132 extends into the space 122 of the upper chest portion 20 and each has a corrugated or sinusoidal configuration. This construction allows flexibility and movement of the fan support 82 to accommodate the different weights of users and also different postures and loads that may affect the seat back 12. As mentioned above, the lower portion of the upper chest portion 20 includes the bottom wall 28 having a corrugated or sinusoidal configuration. Notably, the wavy or sinusoidal configuration of the bottom wall 28 of the upper chest portion 20 is wavy in a plane generally parallel to a seating surface of the seat 52. Accordingly, the shafts extend forward and rearward with respect to the seat back surface 53. The upper portion of the lower lumbar region 32, and more specifically the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32, also has a sinusoidal configuration. The sinusoidal configuration of the top wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32 also corrugations forward and rearward with respect to the seat back 12. It will be appreciated that the carrier 18 is generally curved to conform to the shape of the back of an occupant. More specifically, the upper chest portion 20 is shaped to generally support and support the upper back of an occupant, while the lower lumbar portion 32 is designed to support and support the lower back of an occupant.Referring to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat back 12 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes the following components. The seat frame 56 is connected to the seat 52 and provides general structural support to the occupant. The rear panel 14 is connected to a rear portion of the seat back frame 57. The head restraint 92 is disposed over and operatively coupled to the seat back frame 57. The headrest 92 may have various functions including forward and rearward movement as well as upward and downward movement to better support the head of an occupant. In addition, the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes an upper chest support 116 adjustable between a front and rear position. The upper breast support 116 is located forward of the front visor panel 16. the front visor panel 16 includes an upper portion 156 and a lower portion 158. The upper portion 156 of the front visor panel 16 wraps around a front portion of the seat back frame 57 and is coupled to the hard back panel 14. The lower portion 158 of the front visor panel 16 engages a lower portion of the seat back frame 57 and engages a lower portion of the hard back panel 14. The peripheral gap 24 is defined between the upper portion 156 of the breast support 116 and the front visor panel 16. The peripheral gap 24 is also located between the lower lumbar region 32 and the lower portion 158 of the front visor panel 16. first and second side support members 164, 166 are configured to be attached to sides of the carrier 18. The entire carrier 18, as well as the first and second side support members 164, 166, are designed to engage the upper portion 156 and the lower portion 158 of the front visor panel 16. Simultaneously, the carrier 18 supports the cushion assembly 55 and the cover material 74, The cushion assembly 55 may be operatively coupled to the cover material 74 by an adhesive or adhesive, or by fasteners configured to engage the cushion assembly 55, as disclosed above.Referring to Figs. 6-10, 15 and 16, the carrier 18 has openings 170 on either side of the lower lumbar region 32. The apertures 170 are configured to receive engagement features 172 on each of the first and second side support members 164, 166. In addition, a lower protrusion 174 extending in a forward direction is configured to engage an opening 176 having peripheral slots 178. The opening 176 is configured to receive and secure the protrusion 174 such that the first and second side support members 164, 166 may be retained on the carrier 18. Additionally, a second lower protrusion is disposed below the protrusion 174 and is configured to engage a lower opening 182 on the carrier 18. A lower opening 182 also has peripheral slots 184. Each of the projections 174, 180 maintains the first and second side support members 164, 166 in secure engagement with the carrier 18. The upper hook securely engages an engaging wall 192 on a front side of the carrier 18. It will be appreciated that the first and second side support members 164, 166 are mirror images of each other.Referring to Figs. 12-14, various wavy and sinusoidal configurations of portions of the carrier 18 are illustrated. FIG. 12 shows a corrugated configuration extending along the first and second angled supports 130, 132. The corrugated configuration extending along the first and second angled supports 130, 132 allows flexibility of the fan support 82, such that the fan support 82, or a fan disposed therein, does not provide an uncomfortable protrusion into the back of a passenger. In addition, the first and second angled supports 130, 132 and the sinusoidal configuration of the first and second angled supports 130, 132 enable flexible movement of the fan support 82 relative to the already flexible carrier 18. FIG. 13 illustrates the sinusoidal configuration across the bottom wall 28 of the upper chest region 20. The sinusoidal configuration allows flexible movement of the upper chest portion 20 relative to the lower lumbar portion 32. the lower wall 28 of the upper chest portion 20 is operatively coupled to the upper wall 40 of the lower lumbar portion 32 by the concave connectors 42. Accordingly, flexibility is provided in both lateral and vertical directions. For even added flexibility, the sinusoidal configuration is provided in the top wall 40 of the lower lumbar region 32, as shown in FIG. 14. It should also be appreciated that a periphery of the upper chest portion 20 and the lower lumbar portion 32 includes a rear opening slot configured to receive trim material fasteners that secure a trim material to a rear portion of the carrier 18.Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the illustrated embodiment shows the configuration of the protrusions 174, 180 with respect to the openings 176, 182, respectively. As shown, an inner wall 194 defining the apertures 176, 180 is chamfered or angled on one side of the apertures 176, 182 to provide an easier snap fit connection with the protrusions 174, 180. This construction has the additional benefit of maintaining a more secure connection between the protrusions 174, 180 and the apertures 176, 182. The beveled or angled wall portion is specifically sized and fitted to retain the protrusions 176, 180 during use.Referring to FIGS. 8-12, as well as 19 and 20, a lower cross member 200 of the carrier 18 has lateral elongated slots 202. The elongated slots 202 are configured to receive engagement features in the form of tethers 204 having a securing member 206 and a flexible band 208 connected to the securing member 206. The flexible band 208 may be secured to the cushion assembly 55 or the covering material 74, and may be elastic in nature to allow expansion and contraction. The tethers 204 provide releasable but yet reliable engagement of the cushion assembly 55 with the carrier 18 (FIGS. 19 and 20 ).Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, upper corners 230 of the carrier 18, and more specifically the upper chest portion 20 of the carrier 18, include a generally planar portion having a fastener receiving opening 234. The fastener receiving opening 234 includes slots configured to receive a mechanical fastener that engages the fastener receiving opening 234. The fastener receiving opening 234 has a generally semi-circular construction with slots 236 extending therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the slots 236 extend approximately 120 degrees from each other. However, it should be appreciated that the slots 236 may extend at any angle to each other and may be more than or less than three slots 236 extending from the fastener receiving opening 234.

Claims

A vehicle seating assembly (10) comprising: a seat back (12); a back panel (14) having a front visor panel (16); and a carrier (18) supporting the seat back (12) and having: an upper chest region (20) having a peripheral support (22), a peripheral gap (24) defined between the front visor panel (16) and the upper chest region (20), a lower portion (26) of the upper chest region (20) having a lower wall (28) with a corrugated configuration; a lower lumbar region (32) having a peripheral support (34), a peripheral gap (36) defined between the front visor panel (16) and the lower lumbar region (32), an upper portion (38) of the lower lumbar region (32) having an upper wall (40) with a corrugated configuration; and a plurality of concave connectors (42) coupling the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20) to the top wall (40) of the lower lumbar portion (32).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the corrugated configuration of the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20) is generally aligned with the corrugated configuration of the top wall (40) of the lower lumbar portion (32).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising: a fan support (82) centrally located in the upper chest region (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein the fan support (82) is directly coupled to the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising: a base wall defined by the lower lumbar region (32), the base wall having a slot (202) that receives a tether (204) of a cushion assembly (55).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 5, further comprising: a rearward extending tab hook extending from the base wall and engaged with an opening defined in the tether (204).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of covering material locks (96) defined by a U-shaped fold at a peripheral edge (98) of the upper chest portion (20), the plurality of covering material locks (96) configured to retain a fastener; and a retaining boss proximate each covering material lock (96) disposed within the U-shaped fold.A vehicle seating assembly (10) comprising: a back panel (14) having a front visor panel (16); and a carrier (18) supporting a seat back (12) and having: an upper chest portion (20) defining a peripheral gap (24) between the front visor panel (16) and the upper chest portion (20), wherein a bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20) has a corrugated configuration; and a lower lumbar region (32) defining a peripheral gap (36) between the front visor panel (16) and the lower lumbar region (32), wherein an upper wall (40) of the lower lumbar region (32) has a corrugated configuration, and a plurality of covering material locks (96) defined by a U-shaped fold at a peripheral edge (98) of the upper chest region (20), the plurality of covering material locks (96) configured to retain a fastener; and a retaining nub proximate each covering material lock (96) disposed within the U-shaped fold.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 8, wherein the corrugated configuration of the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20) is generally aligned with the corrugated configuration of the top wall (40) of the lower lumbar portion (32).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 8, further comprising: a fan support (82) centrally located in the upper chest region (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the fan support (82) is directly coupled to the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 8, further comprising: a base wall defined by the lower lumbar region (32), the base wall having a slot (202) that receives a tether (204) of a cushion assembly (55).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 12, further comprising: a rearward extending tab hook extending from the base wall and engaged with an opening defined in the tether (204).A vehicle seating assembly (10) comprising: a back panel (14) having a front visor panel (16); and a carrier (18) supporting a seat back (12) and having: an upper chest portion (20) having a bottom wall (28) with a corrugated configuration; and a lower lumbar portion (32) having a top wall (40) with a corrugated configuration and a lower cross member (200) with slots (202) configured to receive a tether (204) releasably secured to a securing member (206).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 14, wherein the corrugated configuration of the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20) is generally aligned with the corrugated configuration of the top wall (40) of the lower lumbar portion (32).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 14, further comprising: a fan support (82) centrally located in the upper chest region (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 16, wherein the fan support (82) is directly coupled to the bottom wall (28) of the upper chest portion (20).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of covering material locks (96) defined by a U-shaped fold at a peripheral edge (98) of the upper chest portion (20), the plurality of covering material locks (96) configured to retain a fastener; and a retaining boss proximate each covering material lock (96) disposed within the U-shaped fold.

Images