Seat assembly and method for securing the seat assembly

Abstract

Seat assembly (10), comprising: a seat backrest frame (12); a carrier (16); and a mounting subassembly (18) connecting the seat backrest frame (12) to the support (16), wherein the mounting subassembly (18) includes a first mounting (24) with a first fastening feature (37) and a second mounting (40) with a second fastening feature (43), wherein the first fastening feature (37) engages in the second fastening feature (43) to lock the mounting subassembly (18) around the support (16), wherein the first bracket (24) includes a body (26) which is connected to the seat backrest frame (12), the first fastening feature (37) includes a flange (34) with a first hook (36) at a first end and a second hook (38) at a second end, the second fastening feature (43) includes a third hook (42) at a third end and a fourth hook (44) at a fourth end, the first hook (36) engages in the third hook (42) and the second hook (38) engages in the fourth hook (44), and the flange (34) is contoured to rest on the support (16), and the second support (40) is contoured to rest on the support (16), and wherein the support (16) is a vehicle cross member tube which is mounted on a motor vehicle by a first mounting bracket (20) and a second mounting bracket (22).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This document generally concerns the field of motor vehicle equipment and in particular a seat assembly in which a mounting sub-assembly for mounting an adjustable seat in a motor vehicle is integrated. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] This document describes a novel and improved mounting subassembly for attaching an adjustable seat to a vehicle crossmember, as well as a seat assembly into which this mounting subassembly is integrated. Advantageously, the mounting subassembly reinforces the vehicle crossmember, thereby increasing the strength of the connection, while also enabling a simple and efficient assembly, particularly at the connection point on the inner arm of the seat backrest frame.

[0003] US 5,193,881 A relates to a backrest frame attached to the rear of a vehicle seat, the end of which is provided with a slot through which a lower arm of an adjustment device is inserted.

[0004] US 5 599 070 A refers to a vehicle seat with an integrated seat belt system. SUMMARY

[0005] For the purposes and advantages described herein, a seat assembly according to claim 1 is provided. This seat assembly comprises a seat backrest frame, a support, and a mounting subassembly. The mounting subassembly connects the seat backrest frame to the support. The mounting subassembly includes a first support with a first fastening feature and a second support with a second fastening feature, the first fastening feature engaging with the second fastening feature to lock the mounting subassembly around the support. In effect, the mounting subassembly completely surrounds the support.

[0006] The first bracket comprises a body that is connected to the seat backrest frame. Specifically, the first bracket is connected to the arm of the seat backrest frame.

[0007] The first fastening feature includes a flange with a first hook at one end and a second hook at the other end. The second fastening feature includes a third hook at the third end and a fourth hook at the fourth end. Upon assembly, the first hook engages with the third hook, and the second hook engages with the fourth hook.

[0008] The first flange is contoured to fit over the beam. Similarly, the second bracket is contoured to fit over the beam. Thus, the beam can be gripped and reinforced by the assembled bracket subassembly. This beam is a vehicle crossmember tube that is mounted to the vehicle by a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket.

[0009] The flange of the first bracket may include a first weld window. A first weld may be provided to attach the first bracket to the beam at the first weld window. Similarly, the second bracket may include a second weld window. A second weld may be provided to attach the second bracket to the beam at the second weld window.

[0010] A socket may be provided to connect the first bracket to the arm of the seat backrest frame. Furthermore, the vehicle crossmember tube may have a circular cross-section, and the flange may include an arc-shaped section extending concentrically around the vehicle crossmember tube in an arc of approximately 100–180 degrees.

[0011] According to yet another aspect, a method according to claim 6 is provided for attaching a seat backrest frame to a support in a motor vehicle. This method comprises the steps of connecting a first support to the seat backrest frame and engaging a first fastening feature on the first support with a second fastening feature on a second support, while the support is grasped between the first support and the second support. The method further comprises the steps of engaging a first hook of the first fastening feature with a third hook of the second fastening feature and engaging a second hook of the first fastening feature with a fourth hook of the second fastening feature.

[0012] Furthermore, the procedure can include the step of aligning the first hook with the third hook and the second hook with the fourth hook. This is followed by the step of sliding the first bracket along the support into engagement with the second bracket.

[0013] Furthermore, the process can include the step of attaching the first bracket to the beam and the second bracket to the beam. This can be done by welding the first bracket to the beam through a first welding window in the first bracket and by welding the second bracket to the beam through a second welding window in the second bracket.

[0014] The following description presents and describes several preferred embodiments of the seat assembly and the mounting subassembly. It should be noted that the seat assembly and the mounting subassembly are capable of other, different embodiments, and that several of their details can be modified in various obvious aspects without deviating from the seat assembly and the mounting subassembly as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be considered illustrative and not limiting in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included herein and form part of the patent specification, illustrate various aspects of the seat assembly and the mounting subassembly and, together with the description, serve to explain certain fundamental principles. The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat assembly comprising two adjustable seat backrest frames, each of the adjustable seat backrest frames being attached by a mounting subassembly to a support, illustrated as a vehicle crossmember, which is mounted to the motor vehicle by a first and a second mounting bracket at its ends. Fig. Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the first bracket of the mounting subassembly used to attach a seat backrest frame to the vehicle crossmember. Fig. Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the second bracket of the mounting subassembly, which is used to attach a seat backrest frame to the vehicle crossmember. Fig. Figure 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating how the first and second supports of the support subassembly are connected to each other by interlocking hooks to nest around and grip the beam, thereby providing additional strength and structural integrity. Fig. Figures 5a - 5c are a series of views illustrating a method for attaching a seat backrest frame to a support using the mounting subassembly.

[0016] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the seat assembly and the mounting sub-assembly, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig. Reference is made to Figure 1, which illustrates a seat assembly 10. This seat assembly 10 comprises a first seat backrest frame 12 and a second seat backrest frame 14, which are connected to a support 16 by a mounting subassembly 18, which will be described in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the support 16 comprises a vehicle crossmember tube, which is mounted to the floor (not shown) of the motor vehicle by a first mounting bracket 20 at a first end of the support 16 and a second mounting bracket 22 at a second end.

[0018] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig. Reference is made to Figure 2, which illustrates in detail the first bracket 24 of the bracket sub-assembly 18. As illustrated, the first bracket 24 includes a body 26. The body 26 includes a mounting opening 28, which allows the first bracket 24 to be connected to an inner arm 30 of either the first or the second seat backrest frame 12, 14 by means of an adjustable disc mechanism or bushing 32, which defines a pivot axis about which the seat backrest frame 12, 14 can be adjusted.

[0019] As further in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first bracket 24 also includes a flange 34 with a first hook 36 at a first end and a second hook 38 at a second end. As can be seen from the following: Fig. As can be understood from Figure 3, the flange 34 is contoured to be nested over the support 16 when the mounting subassembly 18 is assembled to mount the first seat backrest frame 12 or the second seat backrest frame 14 to the support 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle crossmember tube / support 16 has a circular cross-section. Thus, the flange 34 includes an arc-shaped section that extends concentrically around the support 16 through an arc of approximately 100–180 degrees, and particularly between 120–180 degrees.

[0020] Furthermore, as can be seen by considering the Fig. As can be understood from 3, 4 and 5a - 5c, the support sub-arrangement 18 also includes a second support 40 with a third hook 42 at a third end and a fourth hook 44 at a fourth end.

[0021] When the mounting sub-assembly 18 is properly assembled, the first fastening feature 37, which includes the first hook 36 and the second hook 38, engages with the second fastening feature 43, which includes the third hook 42 and the fourth hook 44. Specifically, the first hook 36 opens outward, while the third hook 42 opens inward. In this way, the first hook 36 and the second hook 42 are complementary in shape. This allows the first hook 36 to engage with the third hook 42. Similarly, the second hook 38 opens outward, while the fourth hook 44 opens inward. In this way, the second hook 38 and the fourth hook 44 are complementary in shape. This allows the second hook 38 to engage with the fourth hook 44.

[0022] As further in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the flange 34 of the first bracket 24 and the body of the second bracket 40 are both contoured to be nested over and around the beam 16. When the two brackets 24, 40 are joined together, they can thus nest around and grip the beam 16, providing a reinforced connection of high strength and integrity.

[0023] Now, reference is made to the Fig. Figures 5a-5c illustrate a method for attaching a seat backrest frame 12, and in particular an inner arm 30 of the seat backrest frame 12, to the support 16. The method can be largely described as including the steps of connecting the first support 24 to the seat backrest frame 12 and subsequently engaging the first fastening feature 37, including the first hook 36 and the second hook 38, with the second fastening feature 43, including a third hook 42 and a fourth hook 44, while the support 16 is gripped between the first support 24 and the second support 40. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5a, the first bracket 24 is connected to the inner arm 30 of the seat backrest frame 12 by the socket 32.

[0024] The second bracket 40 is attached to the support 16 at the corresponding location. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bracket 40 includes a second welding window 46 in the contoured body between the third hook 42 and the fourth hook 44 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) After proper positioning, a second weld 48 is provided at the second welding window 46 to complete the connection and attach the second bracket 40 to the support 16 in the desired position. Note that in Fig. 3 three windows 46 are present and that each can contain a weld 48.

[0025] Next, the first seat backrest frame 12 is manipulated to bring the first bracket 24 into nested engagement with the support 16 adjacent to the second bracket 40, with the first hook 36 aligning with the third hook 42 and the second hook 38 aligning with the fourth hook 44 (see again Fig. 5a). As by considering Fig. As can be understood from Figure 4, the first hook 36 and the second hook 38 open in one direction, while the third hook 42 and the fourth hook 44 open in the opposite direction. Accordingly, one simply slides the first seat backrest frame 12 and the first bracket 24 along the support 16 in the direction of the action arrow A to engage the first hook 36 with the third hook 42 and the second hook 38 with the fourth hook 44, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5b is illustrated.

[0026] When the first and second hooks 36, 38 of the first fastening feature 37 on the first bracket 24 are fully engaged with the third hook 42 and the fourth hook 44 of the second fastening feature 43 on the second bracket 40, respectively, the first bracket 24 is attached to the support 16. In the illustrated embodiment, this is done by welding. In particular, the body 26 of the first bracket 24 includes a first welding window 50. A first weld 52 is provided at the first welding window 50 to complete the connection of the first bracket 24 to the support 16. Fig. Figure 5c illustrates the completed connection with the weld seam. Fig.Figure 5c illustrates how the second seat backrest frame 14 is mounted in the same manner using a second mounting subassembly, generally designated by reference numeral 54, including a second first mounting bracket 56 and a second second mounting bracket 58.

[0027] The seat assembly 10 and the mounting subassembly 18 offer a number of advantages. In particular, the seat assembly 10 and the mounting subassembly 18 provide a simple and efficient way to mount a seat backrest frame 12, 14 to a support 16, such as the vehicle crossmember tube illustrated in the drawing figures. This effectively reduces assembly time and virtually eliminates assembly errors. The simple sliding connection of the first support 24 with the second support 40 is made possible by the alignment of the first, second, third, and fourth hooks 36, 38, 42, 44, which open along axes adjacent to and parallel with the support 16.Since the first and second brackets 24, 40 are further contoured to nest around and engage with the support 16 when assembled, the bracket subassembly 18 effectively reinforces and increases the structural integrity of the connection between the seat backrest frames 12, 14 and the support 16.

[0028] The foregoing has been set forth for the purpose of illustration and description. It makes no claim to completeness and is not intended to limit the embodiments to the exact form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted according to the breadth to which they are entitled under law, statute, and equity.

Claims

[1] Seat assembly (10), comprising: a seat backrest frame (12); a carrier (16); and a mounting subassembly (18) connecting the seat backrest frame (12) to the support (16), wherein the mounting subassembly (18) includes a first mounting (24) with a first fastening feature (37) and a second mounting (40) with a second fastening feature (43), wherein the first fastening feature (37) engages in the second fastening feature (43) to lock the mounting subassembly (18) around the support (16), wherein the first bracket (24) includes a body (26) which is connected to the seat backrest frame (12), the first fastening feature (37) includes a flange (34) with a first hook (36) at a first end and a second hook (38) at a second end, the second fastening feature (43) includes a third hook (42) at a third end and a fourth hook (44) at a fourth end, the first hook (36) engages in the third hook (42) and the second hook (38) engages in the fourth hook (44), and the flange (34) is contoured to rest on the support (16), and the second support (40) is contoured to rest on the support (16), and wherein the support (16) is a vehicle cross member tube which is mounted on a motor vehicle by a first mounting bracket (20) and a second mounting bracket (22). [2] Seat assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the flange (34) includes a first weld window (50) and a first weld (52) attaches the first support (24) to the carrier (16) at the first weld window (50). [3] Seat assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second support (40) includes a second welding window (46) and a second weld (48) attaches the second support (40) to the carrier (16) at the second welding window (46). [4] Seat assembly (10) according to claim 3, which further includes a bushing (32) which connects the first support (24) to an arm (30) of the seat backrest frame (12). [5] Seat assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle cross member tube has a circular cross-section and the flange (34) has an arc-shaped section extending concentrically around the vehicle cross member tube by an arc of about 100 - 180 degrees. [6] Method for attaching a seat backrest frame (12) to a support (16), comprising: Connecting a first bracket (24) to the seat backrest frame (12); Engagement of a first fastening feature (37) on the first support (24) with a second fastening feature (43) on a second support (40) while the carrier (16) is gripped between the first support (24) and the second support (40); Engagement of a first hook (36) of the first fastening feature (37) with a third hook (42) of the second fastening feature (43); and Engagement of a second hook (38) of the first fastening feature (37) with a fourth hook (44) of the second fastening feature (43). [7] Method according to claim 6, which includes aligning the first hook (36) with the third hook (42) and the second hook (38) with the fourth hook (44). [8] Method according to claim 7, which includes sliding the first support (24) along the carrier (16) in engagement with the second support (40). [9] Method according to claim 8, which includes attaching the second support (40) to the carrier (16). [10] Method according to claim 9, which includes attaching the first support (24) to the carrier (16). [11] Method according to claim 8, which includes welding the second support (40) to the carrier (16) through a second welding window (46) in the second support (40). [12] Method according to claim 11, which includes welding the first holder (24) to the support (16) through a first welding window (50) in the first holder (24).

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