Motor vehicle seat assembly and seat backrest assembly

Abstract

Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (8) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14) comprises the following: a seat backrest frame (24); a decorative seat backrest back panel module (28); and a seat backrest and suspension module (26) attached to the seat backrest frame (24), the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) with a pair of vertically extending side elements (34), an upper transverse element (36) and a lower transverse element (38), wherein an outer edge (44, 46, 48) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) forming an outer circumference (42), and a plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer circumference (42) at separate locations, and a seat backrest cover (60) having an outer circumference (64) with a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) arranged around a circumference of the seat backrest cover (60) at locations,which correspond to the separate locations of the outer perimeter (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), and , wherein the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) comprises a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposite side edges (126), each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses (128), and the outer edge (44) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment fasteners (124) aligned with and corresponding to the attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28), wherein one of the plurality of attachment fasteners (124) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) is elastically secured by one of the plurality of attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) when the seat backrest and suspension module (26) is assembled.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a mechanical locking mechanism for a one-piece inner composite support substrate and a seat backrest frame of an upwardly extending seat backrest of a seat assembly for a motor vehicle, and in particular to a pair of headrest guide sleeves attached to an upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate and an upper section of the seat backrest frame to mechanically lock the one-piece inner composite support substrate to the seat backrest frame. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modern automotive seating assemblies are becoming increasingly comfortable as designers refine their understanding of human ergonomics, posture, and comfort. Seating assemblies that incorporate comfort components can provide drivers and passengers with enhanced comfort and extended durability on long journeys. However, accommodating the diverse sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers can pose a challenge when designing seating assemblies. Therefore, aesthetically pleasing seating assemblies that include components optimized to accommodate the varying sizes and shapes of drivers and passengers, as well as their desired postures and seating positions, are becoming increasingly important.

[0003] German patent DE 10 2004 007 370 A1 is known from the prior art. This describes a motor vehicle seat backrest comprising a seat backrest frame, a seat backrest cushion, and a seat backrest cover, wherein the seat backrest cover is attached to grooves of the seat backrest frame by means of fastening clips.

[0004] DE 10 2014 201 111 A1 describes a motor vehicle seat backrest, comprising a seat backrest frame, a seat backrest cushion and a trim carrier with access openings, wherein the seat backrest cushion is connected to the access openings of the trim carrier by means of connecting devices on elastic elements.

[0005] Consequently, current automotive seat assemblies now contain hundreds of individual parts. Assembling such current automotive seat assemblies requires bringing these hundreds of parts together to form a final automotive seat assembly, typically employing so-called "Kanban" or "Just-In-Time" (JIT) assembly processes to achieve the complete automotive seat assembly. Using such assembly processes, it has been found that it is advantageous to modularize the automotive seat assembly into separate sub-assemblies to reduce the costs of final assembly. This allows the sub-assemblies to be sourced from a location independent of the final JIT assembly line.An improved automotive seat assembly module design was desired to meet all the needs of the automotive seat assembly, in particular a design that couples the one-piece inner composite support substrate to the seat backrest frame in a form-fitting and practical manner. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to claim 1 of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly, comprising a seat backrest frame, a decorative seat backrest backplate module, and a seat backrest and suspension module attached to the seat backrest frame. The seat backrest and suspension module further comprises a one-piece inner composite support substrate having a pair of vertically extending side elements, an upper transverse element, and a lower transverse element, wherein an outer edge of each of the vertically extending side elements, the upper transverse element, and the lower transverse element forms an outer circumference. A plurality of attachment openings is arranged at separate locations around the outer circumference. A seat backrest cover has an outer circumference,which has a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices arranged around a circumference of the seat backrest cover at locations corresponding to the separate locations of the outer circumference of the one-piece inner composite support substrate, and wherein the decorative seat backrest backplate module comprises a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing, and opposite side edges, each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment receptacles, and the outer edge of each of the vertically extending side elements of the one-piece inner composite support substrate includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment devices aligned with and corresponding to the attachment receptacles of the decorative seat backrest backplate module.wherein one of the multiple attachment devices of the one-piece inner composite support substrate is elastically secured by one of the multiple attachment receptacles of the decorative seat backrest backplate module when the seat backrest and suspension module is mounted.

[0007] According to claim 10 of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly, comprising a seat backrest frame, a decorative seat backrest backplate module, and a seat backrest and suspension module attached to the seat backrest frame, wherein the seat backrest and suspension module further comprises a one-piece inner composite support substrate having a pair of vertically extending side elements, an upper transverse element, and a lower transverse element, wherein an outer edge of each of the vertically extending side elements, the upper transverse element, and the lower transverse element forms an outer circumference, and a plurality of attachment openings arranged around the outer circumference at separate locations.and a seat back cover with an outer circumference having a plurality of seat back cover attachment devices arranged around a circumference of the seat back cover at locations corresponding to the separate locations of the outer circumference of the one-piece inner composite support substrate, wherein an inner edge of each of the vertically extending side elements, the upper transverse element and the lower transverse element of the one-piece inner composite support substrate forms an inner circumference around a central opening of the one-piece inner composite support substrate, and a suspension system comprising a first row of wires extending transversely between a second row of wires extending vertically between an upper section of the vertically extending side elements and the lower transverse element of the one-piece inner composite support substrate,wherein each of a pair of transversely extending wires connects a corresponding wire of the second row of wires to one of the vertically extending side elements of the one-piece inner composite support substrate in an operational manner.

[0008] According to claim 11 of the present disclosure, a seat backrest assembly comprises a one-piece inner composite support substrate having a pair of vertically extending side elements, an upper transverse element and a lower transverse element forming an outer circumference, a plurality of openings arranged around the outer circumference, and a cover having a plurality of cover attachment devices arranged around a circumference thereof at locations corresponding to the openings arranged on the outer circumference of the inner composite support substrate, a decorative seat backrest backplate module comprising a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposing side edges, each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses,and the outer edge of each of the vertically extending side elements of the one-piece inner composite support substrate includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment points aligned with and corresponding to the attachment recesses of the decorative seat backrest backplate module, wherein the plurality of attachment points of the one-piece inner composite support substrate is elastically secured by the plurality of attachment recesses of the decorative seat backrest backplate module when the vertically extending seat backrest is fitted, wherein the one-piece inner composite support substrate is arranged in a seat backrest and suspension module, the seat backrest and suspension module further comprising a padding foam layer arranged in a subordinate relationship to and beneath the cover,and the multitude of openings are arranged around an outer edge of the one-piece inner composite support substrate to attach the cover and the padding foam layer to the one-piece inner composite support substrate, in order to allow modular assembly of the seat backrest and suspension module.

[0009] According to claim 14 of the present disclosure, a motor vehicle seat assembly comprises a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly, wherein the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly comprises a seat backrest frame, a seat backrest and suspension module attached to the seat backrest frame, the seat backrest and suspension module further comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate with a pair of vertically extending side elements, an upper transverse element and a lower transverse element, wherein an outer edge of each of the vertically extending side elements, the upper transverse element and the lower transverse element forms an outer circumference, and an inner edge of each of the side elements, the upper transverse element and the lower transverse element forms an inner circumference around a central opening, and a plurality of attachment openings,which are arranged around the outer perimeter at a plurality of separate locations, and a seat backrest cover having an outer perimeter with a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices arranged around a perimeter of the seat backrest cover at locations corresponding to the separate locations of the outer perimeter of the inner composite support substrate; and a decorative seat backrest backplate module comprising a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing, and opposite side edges, each including a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses, wherein the outer edge of each of the vertically extending elements of the one-piece inner composite support substrate includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment devices aligned with and corresponding to the attachment recesses of the decorative seat backrest backplate module.which are accommodated in the multitude of mounting points of the decorative seat backrest back panel module and are elastically secured by them when the vertically extending seat backrest is mounted. These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present disclosure are understandable and comprehensible to the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a motor vehicle equipped with the motor vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 3 is a stretched perspective front view of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective front view of the seat backrest and suspension module of the automotive seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 5 is a perspective rear view of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective rear view of an upper section of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective rear view of a lower section of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 8 is another perspective rear view of a lower section of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly. Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 8A is an enlarged perspective view of a seat backrest cover attachment device of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly. Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective rear view of a side section of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective front view of the one-piece inner composite support substrate of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 11 is a front view of the one-piece inner composite support substrate of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 12 is a rear view of the one-piece inner composite support substrate of the seat backrest and suspension module of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective rear view of the decorative seat backrest backplate module of the automotive seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 14 is a perspective expanded rear view of the decorative seat backrest backplate module of the automotive seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 15 is a perspective front view of the seat backrest frame of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 16 is a perspective front view of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate and the upper section of the seat backrest frame of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 17 is a perspective rear view of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. Figure 18 is a perspective lateral cross-sectional view of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate and the upper section of the seat backrest frame of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; Fig. 19 is a lateral cross-sectional view along the XIX-XIX line in Fig. 18 of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate and the upper section of the seat backrest frame of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present revelation; and Fig. Figure 20 is a perspective top view of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate and the upper section of the seat backrest frame of the motor vehicle seat assembly made of Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] With regard to the references in the figures, the same reference symbols may be used here to refer to the same parameters and components, or to similar modifications and alternatives. For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal", and variations thereof refer to the present revelation in its orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. The drawings referred to herein are schematic representations, and related views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] In relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. Reference numeral 2 10 generally denotes a motor vehicle seat assembly for a motor vehicle 8, comprising a lower seat assembly 12 and an upwardly extending backrest assembly 14. The backrest assembly 14 preferably supports a headrest 16. The upwardly extending backrest assembly 14 is pivotably coupled to the lower seat assembly 12 such that it can be moved between an upright and an inclined position relative to the lower seat assembly 12. The headrest 16 is operatively and preferably slidably connected to the backrest assembly 14 and is also positioned in a plurality of positions and heights relative to the upwardly extending backrest assembly 14 to support the head and neck of a driver or passenger.

[0013] In relation to Fig. 3 The lower seat assembly 12 includes a lower seat frame base 18 to which a lower seat cushion and suspension module 20 is attached. A decorative plastic cover 22 is attached to the lower seat assembly 12 and around the seat cushion and suspension module 20. The upwardly extending seat backrest assembly 14 includes a seat backrest frame 24, an upper seat backrest and suspension module 26, a decorative seat backrest backplate module 28, and the headrest 16, as further discussed herein.

[0014] It is best in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the seat backrest and suspension module 26 includes a one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and a suspension system 32 which is attached to and supported by the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 10-12, the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 is preferably formed as an integrated and uniform structure from a rigid plastic material containing reinforcing fibers, such as glass fibers, via an injection molding process. The one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 generally consists of a pair of vertically extending side elements 34, an upper transverse element 36, and a lower transverse element 38. A generally rectangular opening 40 is defined by the vertically extending side elements 34, the upper transverse element 36, and the lower transverse element 38.

[0015] The result is an outer perimeter 42 extending around an outer edge 44 of the vertically extending side elements, an outer edge 46 of the upper transverse element 36, and an outer edge 48 of the lower transverse element 38. Furthermore, an inner perimeter 50, defining the generally rectangular opening 40, is created by an inner edge 52 of the vertically extending side elements 34, an inner edge 54 of the upper transverse element 36, and an inner edge 56 of the lower transverse element 38. A plurality of insertion openings 58 are arranged around the outer perimeter 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.

[0016] The one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 of the seat backrest and suspension module 26 forms a support structure to which a seat backrest cover 60 can be attached, as shown in Fig. Figures 6-9 show that the seat backrest cover 60 can be made of any material typically used for such applications, such as leather, vinyl, fabric, or any combination thereof. The seat backrest and suspension module 26 further comprises a padding foam layer 62, which is concealed beneath and in an accessory relationship to the seat backrest cover 60. The seat backrest cover 60 has an outer circumference 64 that is slightly larger than the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 of the seat backrest and suspension module 26, allowing the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60 to be folded over the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, as discussed below.

[0017] A plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices 66, preferably each comprising a J-retaining means, are provided around the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60, as best shown in Fig. Figure 8A shows that, as an advantageous feature of the present disclosure, the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 are located at strategic positions around the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60. Furthermore, the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 are preferably selected from a specific size among a plurality of sizes of seat backrest cover attachment devices 66, corresponding to the tension applied to the position around the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60. This means that, when installed on the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 as described herein, the seat backrest cover 60 experiences different tension at different locations around its outer circumference 64 when occupied by a seated occupant.At these points, which experience higher stress, it is therefore advantageous to select a larger seat backrest cover attachment device 66 in order to provide a more robust attachment of the seat backrest cover 60 to the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. The attachment openings 58, which are arranged around and near the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, are preferably dimensioned such that they accommodate the corresponding seat backrest cover attachment device 66 in the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 at a specific location.

[0018] The seat backrest cover attachment devices 66, as are well known in the art, each comprise a plastic clip with a main section 70 and a hook 72 provided at a distal end 74 of the main section 70. The hook 72 preferably has a U-shaped configuration with an engagement section 76 extending parallel to the main section 70. An inwardly extending gripping barb 78 is preferably provided at a distal end 80 of the engagement section 76, which elastically and releasably engages an edge 82 of the attachment opening 58 of the circumferential cover, as shown in Fig. Figure 8A shows that the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 are preferably made of a non-breakable material, such as polypropylene. The main section 70 of the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 is further preferably sewn directly onto the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60, which, when attached to an opening 58 of the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, holds the seat backrest cover 60 tightly to the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.

[0019] During the assembly of the seat backrest and suspension module 20, the seat backrest cover 60 is positioned, with an exposed surface 84 facing forward relative to the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. The padding foam layer 62 is arranged beneath it against a front surface 86 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, and the suspension system 32 is attached to and supported by the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. The outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60, with the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 installed at locations around its circumference 64 corresponding to the separate locations of the attachment openings 58 of the circumference cover, is folded over the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.The seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 are then inserted into and picked up by the attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover to attach the seat backrest cover 60 at separate points around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 in order to keep the seat backrest cover 60 in a taut state.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6-12, each of the attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover, which are arranged on the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, preferably has a plurality of opening widths corresponding to the size of the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 selected and applied for that location around the outer circumference 64 of the seat backrest cover 60. However, the width of the attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover can be dimensioned such that it meets the requirements of the seat backrest cover 60 at any desired position around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.A lower section 88 of the seat backrest cover 60 is preferably attached to the lower transverse element 38 of the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 via a transversely extending integrated comb 90 of the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66, which are received within a transversely extending and corresponding plurality of attachment openings 58 arranged along the lower transverse element 38 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, as best shown in . Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown.

[0021] As a result of the use of the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 and the attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover, which are strategically arranged around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, the seat backrest cover 60 can be quickly and easily attached around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. The attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover, which are arranged around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, therefore allow the seat backrest cover 60 to be attached from top to bottom at all critical points around the seat backrest and suspension module 26, ensuring that the seat backrest cover 60 remains taut and maintains a polished appearance even when the occupant sits down on or leaves the motor vehicle seat assembly 10.In addition, the attachment openings 58 of the circumferential cover are intentionally positioned to allow for easy attachment, low assembly effort and faster assembly times.

[0022] The decorative seat backrest backplate module 28 represents a further innovation. In the past, most decorative backplates were typically manufactured as a single-piece cast component, some of which were wrapped in vinyl. However, this approach tended to limit the ability to provide unique designs and contrasting materials and surface finishes. Additionally, a modular design and assembly concept offers reduced costs and can provide for the inclusion of additional components, such as airbag inserts, within the automotive seat assembly 10.

[0023] Accordingly, the decorative seat-back back panel module 28 of the present disclosure comprises a first seat-back back circumferential panel 94 and a second seat-back back center panel 96, which is operatively connected to the first seat-back back circumferential panel 94 and which together define a rear outer surface area 98 of the decorative seat-back back panel module 28. In contrast, the second seat-back back center panel 96 comprises a cast substrate 100 with a rearwardly facing outer surface 102 and a covering 104, which is arranged against and attached to the outer surface 102 of the cast substrate 100. As best as in Fig. 13 and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the cast substrate 100 further comprises an outer circumference 106, wherein the covering 104 is folded over the outer circumference 106 of the cast substrate 100. Preferably, the covering 104 is adhered to the cast substrate 100 at all contact points via a thin layer of adhesive to provide a smooth, wrinkle-free surface. Additionally, as noted above, the covering 104 can be made of any of the usual materials used for coverings for automotive seat assemblies, such as leather, vinyl, fabric, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the second seat backrest center panel 96 also accommodates a base trim panel 108 depending on a lower section 110 of the second seat backrest center panel 96.

[0024] The first seat backrest circumferential panel 94 is preferably injection-molded from a semi-rigid plastic material. As a decorative component, the exposed rear outer surface area 98 of the first seat backrest circumferential panel 94 represents an A-surface within the interior of the motor vehicle 8 and is preferably provided with a high-quality, structured, grained surface to simulate leather or another predetermined surface finish.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the first seat backrest backplate 94 comprises a smaller section of the rear outer surface area 98 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28, and the second seat backrest backplate 96 comprises a larger section of the rear outer surface area 98 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28. Preferably, the first seat backrest backplate 94 comprises approximately 30% of the rear outer surface area 98 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28, and the second seat backrest backplate 96 comprises approximately 70% of the rear outer surface area 98 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28.This ratio between the sections of the rear outer surface area 98 of the first seat backrest circumferential plate 94 relative to the second seat backrest central plate 96 presumably provides an unprecedented flexibility in design and styling, by allowing the interchangeable second seat backrest central plate 96, each with different features and covers, to be easily exchanged to provide a wide variety of different automotive seat assembly designs. For example, as in . Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the cover 104 for the second seat backrest center plate 96 comprises a sewn fabric cover having a sewn-in map pocket 112. Alternatively, cup holders and lockable compartments (not shown) can be integrated into the second seat backrest center plate 96 and then simply attached to the first seat backrest center plate 94 for subsequent assembly into the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 for a specific vehicle production run, without having to use the same second seat backrest center plate 96 for each motor vehicle seat assembly 10 installed in a particular motor vehicle series.

[0026] For ease of assembly, the first seat backrest back panel 94 has an outer circumference 114, which defines the outer circumference of the decorative seat backrest back panel module 28, and an inner circumference 116 with a first mounting flange 118. The second seat backrest center panel 96 has a complementary outer circumference 120 with a second mounting flange 122, which overlaps and is attached to the first mounting flange 118 of the inner circumference 116 of the first seat backrest back panel 94. The second mounting flange 122 of the second seat backrest center panel 96 is preferably heat-pressed onto the first mounting flange 118 of the first seat backrest back panel 94. Alternatively, the second mounting flange 122 of the second seat backrest center plate 96 can be vibration welded to the first mounting flange 118 of the first seat backrest circumferential plate 94.

[0027] With regard to the assembly of the upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14, as noted above, the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 has a pair of vertically extending side elements 34. The outer edge 44 of each of the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 preferably incorporates a plurality of vertically oriented, molded-in attachment points 124, preferably snap-in attachment points, as best shown in Fig. shown on 10-11. The first seat backrest back circumferential plate 94 of the decorative seat backrest back plate module 28, which is in Fig. 14 is similarly provided with a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposing side edges 126, each similarly enclosing a plurality of complementarily vertically oriented, molded attachment receptacles 128 that correspond to, are aligned with and accommodate the vertically oriented, molded attachment receptacles 124 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.With the vertically oriented, molded attachment devices 124 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, which is aligned with and corresponds to the molded attachment receptacles 128 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28, the molded attachment devices 124 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 are elastically secured by the molded attachment receptacles 128 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28 when the seat backrest and suspension module 26 is mounted on the seat backrest frame 24. Preferably, the seat backrest cover attachment devices 66 of the circumference, which are arranged on the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, alternate with the vertically oriented, molded attachment devices 124, which are arranged on the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.

[0028] In addition, the side edges 126 of the first seat backrest perimeter plate 94 of the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28 are preferably configured to extend forward to form a cladding plate 130 which adjoins the resulting folded perimeter 64 of the seat backrest cover 60 to form an aesthetically pleasing and finished appearance when attached to the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.

[0029] Preferably, the one-piece inner composite support substrate supports the suspension system 32 within the generally rectangular opening 40 to elastically support the weight of an occupant seated in the motor vehicle seat assembly 10. The suspension system 32 generally comprises a first row of metal, preferably spring metal, wires 132 of a nominal wire gauge extending transversely between a second row of metal wires 134 extending vertically between the vertically extending side element 34, as best shown in Fig. shown in Figures 11-12. A pair of transversely extending wires 136 connects the second row of metal wires 134 to each of the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.

[0030] One of the pair of transversely extending wires 136 can be attached to each of the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 via a load cell 138 which is fixed within a cavity 140 formed along the inner edges 52 of each of the vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, as shown in Fig. Figure 11 shows the result. The result is a suspension system 32, which has a spring mesh arranged within the generally rectangular opening 40 and provides elastic support against the weight of the occupant in a motor vehicle seat assembly 10. In the event of a rear-end collision, the inertia of an occupant seated in the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 also pushes back against the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly 14, resulting in tension in the suspension system 32. Optionally, the load cell 138, which is operatively connected to the suspension system 32, can be positioned to detect this event and transmit a corresponding signal to a motor vehicle control unit (not shown).

[0031] Thus, an additional advantage of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28 of the present disclosure is that they can be easily provided with additional features or structures by modifying the shapes of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 or the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28. For example, one or more vertically extending side elements 34 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 can be modified and adapted to accommodate a housing or other mounting structure for a side airbag assembly that is attached to the motor vehicle seat assembly 10 (not shown).Similarly, the pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposing side edges 126 of the first seat backrest circumferential plate 94 can be configured to enclose an integrated side airbag mounting chamber (not shown).

[0032] A further innovation of the present invention is the manner in which the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 of the seat backrest and suspension module 20 is coupled to the seat backrest frame 24. In the past, ensuring the structural integrity of the upper section 142 of the vertically extending seat backrest assembly 14 was an important design consideration. In accordance with the present disclosure, headrest guide sleeves 150 are used as structural elements to mechanically lock the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 of the seat backrest and suspension module 26 to the seat backrest frame 24. The headrest guide sleeves 150 are pressed through the aligned openings 152, 154 in each of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the seat backrest frame 24, respectively, during final seat assembly until they are fully seated and locked in place.Once installed, the headrest guide sleeves 150 function in their usual manner, forming guide sleeve cavities 156 in which the headrest mounting pins 158 of the headrest 16 can be vertically adjusted. This innovation contributes to the modular design disclosed herein and provides an assembly concept that offers reduced costs and improved design flexibility.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the headrest 16 is rather conventional and consists of a headrest cushion 160 and a pair of headrest mounting pins 158 which are suspended from a lower surface 162 in the headrest cushion 160. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the seat backrest frame 24 is the main structural element of the upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14 and consists of a pair of vertically extending side elements 164, an upper transverse element 166 forming its upper section, and a lower transverse element 168. An optional pivot assembly 170 rotatably couples the seat backrest frame 24 and the upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14 to the lower seat base frame. The seat backrest frame 24 thus forms a forward-facing surface 172 and a rearward-facing surface 174 and is provided with a pair of vertically oriented frame openings 154 within the upper transverse element 166, which forms its upper section.Similarly, the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, which forms the upper section of the seat backrest and suspension module 26, is provided with a pair of vertically oriented module openings 152 in its upper section. The module openings 152 and frame openings 154 are arranged vertically aligned with each other.

[0034] The pair of headrest guide sleeves 150 is received vertically and held within the module openings 152 and frame openings 154, with the headrest mounting pins 158 being received and adjustable within the headrest guide sleeves 150, as shown in Fig. Figures 15-20 show that the headrest guide sleeves 150 are received and held within the module opening 152 and the frame openings 154 of the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24, respectively, to mechanically lock the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 to the seat backrest frame 24. Vertically oriented openings 148 extend through each of an upper section of the seat backrest cover 60 and an upper section of the upholstery foam layer 62, overlapping the upper section 142 of the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly 14.Thus, the headrest guide sleeves 150 pass through the upper section of the seat backrest and suspension module 26, which includes the upper section of the seat backrest cover 60, the upper section of the upholstery foam layer 62 and the upper transverse element 36 of the upper section of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, and into the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame, which receives and locks the headrest guide sleeve 150 after the assembly of the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly 14. As an injection-molded component, the module openings 152 are molded within the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 to accommodate the headrest guide sleeves 150 and to lock the headrest guide sleeves 150 to the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 on the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24.

[0035] For this purpose, the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 also includes a pair of molded integral elastic locking latches 176, which are preferably arranged at a peripheral position near a rear edge 178 of the molded module openings 152, as shown in Fig. Figure 16 shows that each of the elastic locking latches 176 is located adjacent to and extends towards each of the aligned module openings 152 in the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. Each of the elastic locking latches 176 also extends upwards in a cantilevered manner relative to an upper surface 180 of the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and is adjustable between a released position and a locked position, as further discussed below. Furthermore, each of the elastic locking latches 176 has an inwardly inclined upper surface 182, a flat vertical end face 184 and a lower edge 186. The front and side edges 188, 190 of the molded module openings 152 need not be circular and may be oversized relative to the frame openings 154 in the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24.Most importantly, the downward-extending headrest mounting pins 158 of the headrest 16 easily pass through the molded module openings 152 in the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30. Instead, the headrest guide sleeves 150 are held rigidly and firmly in position via the frame openings 154 in the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24, as discussed below. As best described in . Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the pair of headrest guide sleeves 150 each comprises a tubular element 92 with an outer cylindrical surface 194 and the guide sleeve cavity 156, in which the fastening pins 158 of the headrest 16 are received and held. The outer cylindrical surface 194 of each of the headrest guide sleeves 150 has a locking tab 196. The outer cylindrical surface 194 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 also includes a stop 198 that engages the frame opening 154 of the upper transverse element 166 of the upper section 142 of the seat backrest frame 24 when the headrest guide sleeve 150 is fully inserted.

[0036] When each of the headrest guide sleeves 150 has been inserted after the seat backrest has been mounted and the suspension module 26 has been mounted with the decorative seat backrest backplate module 28 as described above, the outer cylindrical surface 194 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 is accommodated within an aligned opening 148 in the seat backrest cover 60 and the upholstery foam layer 62, then the module opening 152 of the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the frame openings 154 in the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24.When inserted, the locking tab 196 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 acts against the inwardly inclined upper surface 182 of the elastic locking pawl 176 and elastically displaces the elastic locking pawl 176 away from the module opening 152 to the released position until the locking tab 196 moves downward relative to the flat vertical end face 184, clearing it. When the headrest guide sleeve 150 is fully inserted to the stop 198, the lower edge 186 of the elastic locking pawl 176 moves to the engaged position and mechanically engages an upper surface 200 of the locking tab 196 to prevent the headrest guide sleeve 150 from being withdrawn from the module opening 152 in the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30.If it is desired to remove the headrest guide sleeve 150, an upper section 202 of the elastic locking latch 176 can be manually adjusted to the released position, whereby the lower edge 186 of the elastic locking latch 176 releases the upper surface 200 of the locking tab 196 and the headrest guide sleeve 150 can be removed.

[0037] The two headrest guide sleeves 150, when pressed through the molded module openings 152 in the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 during final seat assembly and fully seated, act as “mechanical locks” for the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 on the seat backrest frame 24. The advantage of the “locks” is to prevent the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 from being moved forward during dynamic events and to keep it “locked” to the seat backrest frame 24 until manually released.

[0038] Preferably, the upper transverse element 36 of the seat backrest frame 24 comprises a U-shaped beam 204 with an upper horizontal flange 206, a vertical central section 208, and a lower horizontal flange 210, which adds structural support to the seat backrest frame 24. Each of the upper horizontal flange 206 and lower horizontal flange 210 has vertically oriented frame openings 154 in which the outer cylindrical surface 194 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 is snugly received. Preferably, each of these frame openings 154 has a downwardly curved and flared edge 212 to facilitate the insertion of the headrest guide sleeve 150, as shown in Fig. 19 shown. The upper and lower horizontal flanges 206, 210 also provide a mechanical fastening that establishes a “line-to-line” contact to ensure that the headrest guide sleeves 150 do not tilt or move in a longitudinal or transverse direction when installed, and provide a passage feature for the headrest guide sleeves 150.

[0039] Preferably, an upper section 214 of the headrest guide sleeves 150 comprises a cover plate 216 which is in Fig. 15 and Fig.Figure 19 shows. As noted above, the outer cylindrical surface 194 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 also includes a stop 198 which engages the frame opening 154 on the upper horizontal flange 206 of the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24 when the headrest guide sleeve 150 is fully inserted. Preferably, the stop 198 is positioned relative to the locking tab 196 on the outer cylindrical surface 194 of the headrest guide sleeve 150 and below the cover panel 216 by a distance corresponding to the total thickness of the seat backrest cover 60 and the padding foam layer 62, which is arranged below the seat backrest cover 60 on the seat backrest and suspension module 26. Thus, when installed, the cover panel 216 conceals the openings 148 in the seat backrest cover 60 and also provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0040] As described above, the seat backrest and suspension module 26 and the seat backrest frame 24 of this disclosure provide integrated modular assembly features and support JIT assembly practices by modularizing the seat backrest and suspension module 26 into a single module. This reduces final assembly costs by allowing this assembly to be performed at a location independent of the traditional JIT assembly facility. The described seat backrest and suspension module 26 utilizes a one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, which allows the seat backrest cover 60 to be fully assembled and attached around the outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30, thus providing a more refined, easier-to-assemble, and more cost- and time-efficient product for an upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14.

[0041] To modularize the upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14 and thereby reduce final assembly costs by requiring less time for cover assembly and eliminating the difficulty associated with "filling" the seat cover, as well as by enabling the covering of this assembly from a single location independent of the conventional JIT assembly plant, the disclosed one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 can be used. Furthermore, the padding foam layer 62 located beneath the seat backrest cover 60 can be reduced, resulting in the use of less material and a lower weight for the upward-extending seat backrest assembly 14.Furthermore, the use of strategically positioned mounting openings 58 and the seat backrest cover mounting devices 66 around almost the entire outer circumference 42 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the seat backrest cover 60 enables easy assembly, low assembly costs, and good manufacturing consistency. The use of headrest guide sleeves 150, which are received and held within the module opening 152 and the frame openings 154 of the upper transverse element 36 of the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the upper transverse element 166 of the seat backrest frame 24, respectively, provides a ready-to-use and reliable mechanical locking mechanism between the one-piece inner composite support substrate 30 and the seat backrest frame 24.The one-piece internal composite support substrate 30 advantageously utilizes a joining technique to obtain a high-strength composite structure, while integrating various advantages and features into a cost-effective and robust design, achieving a new look for the design. Reference symbol list 8 Motor vehicle 10 Motor vehicle seat assembly 12 lower seat assembly 14 Seat backrest assembly 16 Headrest 18 Seat frame base 20 seat cushion and suspension module 22 plastic cover 24 seat backrest frames 26 Seat backrest and suspension module 28 decorative seat backrest back panel module 30 composite carrier substrate 32 Suspension system 34 vertically extending side element 36 upper transverse element of 30 38 lower transverse element 40 rectangular opening 42 outer circumference 44 outer edge 46 outer edge 48 outer edge 50 inner circumference 52 inner edge 54 inner edge 56 inner edge 58 Approach opening 60 seat backrest covers 62 layers of upholstery foam 64 outer circumference 66 Seat backrest cover attachment device 70 Main Section 72 hooks 74 distal end 76 Intervention section 78 barbs 80 distal end 82 edge 84 surface 86 Front surface 88 lower section 90 comb 92 tubular element 94 Seat backrest back circumferential plate 96 Seat backrest center panel 98 rear exterior area 100 substrate 102 outdoor area 104 coating 106 outer circumference 108 Baseboard cladding panel 110 lower section 112 map pockets 114 outer circumference 116 inner circumference 118 Mounting flange 120 outer circumference 122 second mounting flange 124 Attachment device 126 side edge 128 Approach recording 130 cladding panel 132 first row of metal wires 134 second row of metal wires 136 pairs of transversely extending wires 138 load cell 140 cavity 142 upper section 148 Opening 150 headrest guide sleeve 152 Module opening 154 Frame opening 156 Guide sleeve cavity 158 Headrest mounting pin 160 headrest cushions 162 lower surface 164 page elements 166 upper transverse element 168 lower transverse element 170 Swivel assembly 172 forward-facing surface 174 rearward-facing surface 176 Locking latch 178 rear edge 180 upper surface 182 inwardly inclined upper surface 184 Front 186 lower edge 188 front edge 190 side edge 194 outer cylindrical surface 196 Locking tab 198 attacks 200 upper surface 202 upper section 204 bars 206 upper horizontal flange 208 vertical middle section 210 lower horizontal flange 212 edge 216 Cover plate

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (8) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14) comprises: a seat backrest frame (24); a decorative seat backrest back panel module (28); and a seat backrest and suspension module (26) attached to the seat backrest frame (24), the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) with a pair of vertically extending side elements (34), an upper transverse element (36) and a lower transverse element (38), wherein an outer edge (44, 46, 48) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) forming an outer circumference (42), and a plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer circumference (42) at separate locations, and a seat backrest cover (60) having an outer circumference (64) with a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) arranged around a circumference of the seat backrest cover (60) at locations,which correspond to the separate locations of the outer perimeter (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), and, wherein the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) comprises a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposite side edges (126), each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses (128), and the outer edge (44) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment fasteners (124) aligned with and corresponding to the attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28), wherein one of the plurality of attachment fasteners (124) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) is elastically secured by one of the plurality of attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) when the seat backrest and suspension module (26) is assembled. [2] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) further comprises a suspension system (32) which is attached to and supported by the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30). [3] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat backrest cover (60) has a plurality of locations around the outer circumference (64) and the seat backrest cover (60), when installed, experiences a different tension at one of the plurality of locations around the outer circumference (64) of the seat backrest cover (60) and the plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) are provided in a plurality of sizes corresponding to the tension applied at one of the plurality of locations around the outer circumference (64) of the seat backrest cover (60). [4] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) comprises J-holding means and the plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) comprises a plurality of attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover which are formed into the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) which accommodates the J-holding means of the cover and enables the seat backrest cover (60) to be attached to one of the plurality of openings around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) in order to hold the seat backrest cover (60) in a tensioned state. [5] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein each of the attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover, which are arranged on the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), is selected from a plurality of opening widths corresponding to a size of one of the plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) which is applied at one of the plurality of locations around the outer circumference (64) of the seat backrest cover (60). [6] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) comprises a J-retaining means of the cover and each of the plurality of attachment openings (58) around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) comprises attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover adapted to accommodate a J-retaining means of the cover. [7] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged on the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) alternate with the vertically oriented molded attachment fastening devices (124) arranged on the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30). [8] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprises a padding foam layer (62) arranged in an ancillary relationship to and under the seat backrest cover (60). [9] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein a lower section (88) of the seat backrest cover (60) is attached to the lower transverse element (38) of the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) via a transversely extending integrated comb (90) of J-retaining means of the cover, which are received in a transversely extending and corresponding plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged along a lower section of the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30). [10] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (8) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14) comprises the following: a seat backrest frame (24); a decorative seat backrest back panel module (28); and a seat backrest and suspension module (26) attached to the seat backrest frame (24), the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) with a pair of vertically extending side elements (34), an upper transverse element (36) and a lower transverse element (38), wherein an outer edge (44, 46, 48) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) forming an outer circumference (42), and a plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer circumference (42) at separate locations, and a seat backrest cover (60) having an outer circumference (64) with a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) arranged around a circumference of the seat backrest cover (60) at locations,which correspond to the separate locations of the outer perimeter (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), wherein an inner edge (52, 54, 56) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) forms an inner perimeter (50) around a central opening (40) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), and a suspension system (32) comprises a first row of wires (132) extending transversely between a second row of wires (134) extending vertically between an upper section of the vertically extending side elements (34) and the lower transverse element (38) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), wherein each of a pair of transversely extending wires (136) connects to an associated second row of wires (134) with one of the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) connects in an operational manner. [11] Seat backrest assembly (14) comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) having a pair of vertically extending side elements (34), an upper transverse element (36) and a lower transverse element (38) forming an outer perimeter (42), a plurality of openings arranged around the outer perimeter (42) and a cover having a plurality of cover attachment devices arranged around a perimeter thereof at locations corresponding to the openings arranged on the outer perimeter (42) of the inner composite support substrate (30), a decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) comprising a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing, and opposing side edges (126), each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses (128), and the outer edge (44) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment fasteners (124) aligned with and corresponding to the attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28), wherein the plurality of attachment fasteners (124) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) is elastically secured by the plurality of attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) when the vertically extending seat backrest is mounted, wherein the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) is arranged in a seat backrest and suspension module (26), wherein the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprises a padding foam layer (62) arranged in an ancillary relationship to and beneath the cover, and the plurality of openings is arranged around an outer edge of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) to attach the cover and the padding foam layer (62) to the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) in order to enable modular assembly of the seat backrest and suspension module (26). [12] Seat backrest assembly (14) according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of cover attachment devices each comprise a J-retaining means and the plurality of openings arranged around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) each comprise an attachment opening (58) of the circumferential cover formed in the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) which accommodates one of the plurality of cover attachment devices to enable the cover to be attached at a plurality of separate locations around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) to hold the cover in a tensioned state, and wherein, when installed, the cover experiences a different tension at one of the plurality of locations around the outer circumference of the cover and the J-retaining means are provided in a plurality of sizes corresponding to the tension.which is applied at one of the multiple locations around the outer perimeter (64) of the seat backrest cover (60). [13] Seat backrest assembly (14) according to claim 12, wherein each of the attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover, which are arranged on the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), has a plurality of opening widths corresponding to a size of the cover attachment fastening device which is applied at one of the plurality of locations around the outer circumference (64) of the cover. [14] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) comprising a lower seat assembly (12) and an upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14), wherein the upwardly extending seat backrest assembly (14) comprises the following: a seat backrest frame (24); a seat backrest and suspension module (26) attached to the seat backrest frame (24), the seat backrest and suspension module (26) further comprising a one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) with a pair of vertically extending side elements (34), an upper transverse element (36) and a lower transverse element (38), wherein an outer edge (44, 46, 48) of each of the vertically extending side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) forms an outer perimeter (42), and an inner edge (52, 54, 56) of each of the side elements (34), the upper transverse element (36) and the lower transverse element (38) forms an inner perimeter (50) around a central opening (40), and a plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer perimeter (42) at a plurality of separate locations,and a seat backrest cover (60) with an outer circumference (64) having a plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) arranged around a circumference of the seat backrest cover (60) at locations corresponding to the separate locations of the outer circumference (42) of the inner composite support substrate (30); and, a decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) comprising a pair of vertically extending, forward-facing and opposing side edges (126), each enclosing a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment recesses (128), wherein the outer edge (44) of each of the vertically extending elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) includes a plurality of vertically oriented molded attachment fasteners (124) that are aligned with and correspond to the attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28), which are received in the plurality of attachment recesses (128) of the decorative seat backrest backplate module (28) and are elastically secured by them when the vertically extending seat backrest is mounted. [15] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of seat backrest cover attachment devices (66) comprises a J-holding means and the plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) comprises a plurality of attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover formed into the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), each receiving one of the plurality of J-holding means and enabling the seat backrest cover (60) to be attached at one of the plurality of separate locations around the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) to hold the seat backrest cover (60) in a tensioned state. [16] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 15, wherein the attachment openings (58) of the circumferential cover, which are arranged on the vertically extending side elements (34) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30), alternate with the vertically oriented molded attachment fastening devices (124) which are arranged on the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30). [17] Motor vehicle seat assembly (10) according to claim 14, wherein a lower section (88) of the seat backrest cover (60) is attached to the lower transverse element (38) of the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30) via a transversely extending integrated comb (90) of J-retaining means which are received in a transversely extending and corresponding plurality of attachment openings (58) arranged along the lower section of the outer circumference (42) of the one-piece inner composite support substrate (30).

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