Shock absorption arrangement for a rear occupant

Abstract

Seat backrest (22) with a shock absorption arrangement (140) for a vehicle seat, comprising: a wire mesh structure (150) attached to a front surface (42) of a seat back structure (142), wherein the wire mesh structure (150) has an upper deformation zone (154), wherein the upper deformation zone (154) deforms plastically upon impact from a rear direction.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement for a front seating arrangement to protect a rear occupant. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the event of sudden deceleration or a collision, a rear passenger may make contact with a front seat. Features in the front seat can absorb the energy of an impact to reduce the forces and thus lessen the risk of injury to the rear passenger.

[0003] Documents US 3,523,710 A, DE 10 2008 049 641 A1, EP 0 017 388 A1 and DE 23 18 615 A ​​disclose a seat back with energy-absorbing devices. Document US 3,544,164 A discloses a seat frame for a vehicle seat.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved seat backrest.

[0005] This problem is solved by a seat back with the features of claim 1, claim 6 or claim 9 or by a vehicle seat with the features of claim 16. SUMMARY

[0006] According to at least one embodiment, a seat back is provided with a shock absorption arrangement for a vehicle seat, which has a wire mesh structure attached to a front surface of a seat back structure, wherein the wire mesh structure has an upper deformation zone. The upper deformation zone deforms plastically upon impact from a rear direction.

[0007] In another embodiment, the seat back with a shock absorption arrangement has a plastic cover arranged over the upper deformation zone, wherein the upper deformation zone and the plastic cover deform plastically upon impact from a rear direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the plastic cover has an inner cover part designed to connect to the seat back structure and an outer cover part. At least part of the wire mesh structure is arranged between the inner and outer cover parts.

[0009] In another embodiment, the deformation zone is defined by a pair of wire mesh segments extending laterally in a width direction.

[0010] In another embodiment, the pair of wire mesh segments are spaced apart in the vertical direction, with at least one of the wire mesh segments being positioned above an upper surface of the seat back structure.

[0011] According to at least one other embodiment, a seat back with a shock absorption arrangement for a vehicle seat is provided, comprising an elongated metal extrusion extending along its length and mounted beneath an upper surface of a seat back structure. The metal extrusion has a deformation zone designed as a partial tube extending along its length. This tube deforms plastically upon impact from a rearward direction.

[0012] In another embodiment, the partial tube has an opening along its circumference that extends along the length of the partial tube, wherein, upon impact, the deformation zone is plastically deformed to close the opening.

[0013] In another embodiment, the opening is concealed by a connecting part that connects the partial tube to a mounting part, wherein the concealed part and the connecting part extend along the length of the elongated metal extrusion.

[0014] In another embodiment, the elongated extrusion has a substantially constant cross-section along its length.

[0015] According to at least one other embodiment, a seat back with a shock-absorbing arrangement for a vehicle seat is provided, comprising a metal clamp and attached to a seat back structure at a mounting position. The metal clamp comprises at least one deformation element having a curved, projecting portion extending away from the mounting position and designed to be positioned over an upper surface of the seat back. Upon impact from a rearward direction, the metal clamp deforms plastically along the projecting portion.

[0016] In another embodiment, the seat back with a shock absorption arrangement has a pair of retaining clamp segments that extend vertically upwards from the mounting position and define a second deformation zone.

[0017] In another embodiment, the pair of clamp segments are spaced apart from the seat back structure in the rearward direction, with the clamp segments deforming plastically upon impact in order to reduce the distance.

[0018] In another embodiment, the metal clamp comprises a lateral connecting segment that extends in a lateral direction between the pair of vertical clamp segments.

[0019] In another embodiment, the lateral segment is spaced away from the mounting position in the vertical direction.

[0020] In another embodiment, the pair of vertical segments are asymmetrical to each other.

[0021] In another embodiment, the pair of vertical segments each have a curved contour that projects forward in the direction of the front.

[0022] In another embodiment, a vehicle seat is provided which has a seat back structure comprising a rigid upper part that is more rigid than a lower part. A shock absorption arrangement is connected to the rigid upper part.

[0023] In another embodiment, the rigid upper part comprises a seatbelt tower designed for the attachment of a seatbelt assembly.

[0024] In another embodiment, the rigid upper part defines at least a part of the upper surface of the seat back structure.

[0025] In another embodiment, the rigid upper part is designed for the attachment of a headrest assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of a seating arrangement according to at least one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a side view of part of a seat backrest. Fig. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a rear view of part of the seat back of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective front view of part of the seat backrest. Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 6 is a front view of part of the seat back of Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is a side view of a shock protection clamp from Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective front view of the impact protection clamp from Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a front view of part of a seat backrest. Fig. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a detailed front view of a shock protection assembly of Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is a sectional view along line 11-11 of part of the impact protection arrangement of Fig. 10. Fig. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the seat backrest and the shock absorption arrangement 140, in which the components are separated from each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments described here are merely exemplary of the invention, which can also be embodied by various alternative embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some parts may be enlarged or reduced to illustrate details of certain components. The specific details of the structure and function described and shown here are not limiting but are intended merely as a representative basis for the person skilled in the art who wishes to implement the present invention.

[0027] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a seating arrangement 10. A shock absorption arrangement is provided for the seat back of a front vehicle seat 12 of a vehicle. The shock absorption arrangement of the front seat 12 protects an occupant in a rear seat 14 by absorbing energy when the rear seat occupant contacts the front seat during a collision. For example, the shock absorption arrangement absorbs energy from a high head acceleration of the rear occupant during a frontal impact.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the front seat 12 and the rear seat 14 are designed to be mounted on a vehicle body in a manner known from the prior art. The front seat 12 and the rear seat 14 can be installed in any vehicle, such as a car or any other vehicle with multiple rows of seats. The front seat 20 and a rear seat 22 can be driver's or passenger's seats, or they can be middle seats. The front vehicle seat 12 can be a front seat or a middle-row seat, with a rear seat 14 positioned behind the vehicle seat 12.

[0029] The front seat 12 comprises a seat surface 16 designed to be adjustable in the vehicle along a seat rail or frame 18. The seat surface 16 and the frame 18 can include a mounting arrangement known from the prior art with an adjustment option in the forward-backward direction. In this case, the seat surface 16 can be moved along arrow B in the forward-backward direction.

[0030] The front seat 12 further comprises a seat back 22, which is designed to be pivotably connected to the vehicle body adjacent to the seat surface 16 in a manner known from the prior art. The seat back 22 can be pivotably connected to the seat surface 16 by means of a tilting mechanism 24 in a manner known from the prior art. Alternatively, the seat back 22 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle body 24 via the tilting mechanism 24. For example, the seat back 22 can be pivoted in the direction of arrow A. A headrest 28 is held on the seat back 22. The headrest 28 can be mounted on a pair of rods extending from the seat back 22 to hold the headrest 28 and optionally to allow height adjustment.

[0031] Seating arrangement 10 still includes a rear seat 14. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the rear seat 14 is a second-row seat, although the seating arrangement 10 can also have any other number of rows. The rear seat 14 comprises a seat surface 30 configured to be operatively connected to a vehicle body for adjustment between at least one upright and one stowed position. The rear seat 14 also comprises a seat back 32 configured to be operatively connected to the vehicle body adjacent to the seat surface 30 for adjustment to an upright and a stowed position. A headrest 34 is held on the seat back 32. The headrest 34 can be mounted on a pair of rods extending from the seat back 32 to hold the headrest 34 and optionally to allow height adjustment. The headrest 34 is also pivotally connected to the seat back 32 to stow or fold the headrest 34 when not in use.

[0032] Fig. Figures 2-5 show an embodiment of a shock protection arrangement 40 for a front seat 12 to protect a rear occupant in a rear seat 14. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the seat 12 comprises a seat back frame 18 configured to be oriented in a vehicle such that a front seat surface 42 faces forward and a rear surface 44 faces the rear seat 14. The front seat 12 has the impact protection arrangement 40, which includes a metal insert 46 located adjacent to an upper surface 48 of the frame 18. The insert 46 is an elongated extrusion having a constant cross-section along its length. The insert 46 can be formed from a sheet of metal that is shaped, rolled, or bent to achieve a desired form. Alternatively, the insert 46 can be extruded or formed by any other suitable method. The insert 46 can also be formed from other suitable materials, such as a plastic.

[0033] The insert 46 has a deformable part 50 that is arranged above the upper surface 48. The insert 46 extends along the width of the seat back frame 18, such that the deformable part 50 substantially covers the upper surface 48 of the frame 18. The insert 46 also has a fastening element 54 for attaching the metal insert 46 to the frame 18.

[0034] In the event of a collision or impact, the deformable part 50 deforms upon impact by an object such as the head or body of a rear-row occupant in order to provide energy absorption and reduce injury compared to a case in which the rear occupant impacts the rigid frame 18.

[0035] The deformable part 50 is designed as a partial tube 58 extending along the length of the metal insert 46 and the width of the seat 12. As shown in the cross-section of Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the partial tube 58 has an arcuate section 60 that forms part of a circle. The partial tube 58 has an elongated opening 62 opposite the arcuate section 60. The elongated opening 62 also extends along the length of the metal insert 46 and the width of the seat 12. A connecting leg 64 extends between the arcuate section 60 of the deformable part 50 and the fastening part 54. As shown in Figure 4, the partial tube 58 has an arcuate section 60 that forms part of a circle. Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the elongated opening 62 is concealed by the connecting leg 64.

[0036] In another embodiment, the elongated opening 62 can be visible and not be concealed by the connecting leg 64.

[0037] Upon impact by an object, the partial tube 58 is plastically deformed. The arc-shaped section 60 can deform to close the elongated opening 62, or it can be crushed and compressed against the upper surface 48 of the frame 18. The connecting leg 64 can also bend and plastically deform.

[0038] Fig. Figures 6-8 show a front seat 12 with a shock absorption arrangement 80 according to another embodiment. The vehicle seat 12 has a seat back assembly 82, which can form the seat back frame 18 and provide rigidity for the seat back. The seat assembly 82 has a rigid upper part 84, which is more rigid than a lower part 86. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the rigid upper part 84 can be a seatbelt tower 88 designed to attach a seatbelt assembly to the seat back 22. In another embodiment, the rigid upper part is designed, for example, to attach a headrest assembly.

[0039] The shock absorption arrangement 80 is connected to the rigid upper part 84, the shock absorption arrangement 80 having a deformation zone 90 extending rearward from the seat back structure 82. Upon impact from an object approaching from the rear, the deformation zone 90 deforms plastically.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6-8, the shock absorption arrangement 80 can be a metal clamp 92 designed to be attached to the front surface 42 of the seat back assembly at a mounting position 94. The clamp 92 can also be made of other suitable materials, such as a plastic. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the clamp 92 has at least one deformation zone 90 which extends over the upper surface 48 and also extends forward from the mounting position 94.

[0041] The deformation zone 90 can have a pair of clamp segments 96 connected by a connecting segment 98. The pair of clamp segments 96 extends vertically upwards from the mounting position 94. The pair of vertical clamp segments 96 has, as shown in Fig. Figures 6-8 each show a curved contour projecting forward. In another embodiment, the curved contour can project backward.

[0042] The deformation zone 90 is defined by the pair of projecting parts 100 along each of the vertical clamp segments 96, which are connected by the connecting segment 98. The connecting segment 98 extends laterally between the pair of vertical clamp segments 96. The lateral connecting segment 98 is vertically spaced from the mounting positions 94 and from the upper surface 48 of the seat back frame 82.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6-8, the pair of vertical segments 96 are asymmetrical to each other. The first projecting part 102 may, for example, differ from the second projecting part 104 due to packing constraints. The clamp 92 has an opening 106 opposite the projecting parts 100. The opening 106 is defined below the connecting segment 98.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6-8, the pair of projecting parts 100 of the connecting segment 98 are spaced upwards from the upper surface 48 of the seat back assembly 82. Upon impact by an object, the deformation zone 90 of the metal clamp 92 deforms plastically to absorb energy from the impact. The deformation zone 90 deforms plastically to reduce the distance between the connecting segment 98 and the upper surface 48 of the seat back assembly 82. The connecting segment 98 can be crushed and compressed against the upper surface 48 by closing the opening 106 of the impact guard.

[0045] The shape and structure of the bracket 92 provide at least three deformation zones for plastic deformation in three directions for energy absorption during a rear-end collision. First, the deformation zone 90 can be crumpled, changing the curvature of the projecting parts 100. During deformation, the projecting parts 100 can extend in the forward direction as they are crumpled.

[0046] Furthermore, the clamp 92 can be bent at a second deformation zone 108. The clamp 92 forms a first bending angle C at the intersection of the mounting legs 94 and the projecting parts 100. The clamp 92 can bend forward at any position along the vertical segments 92. During an impact, the second deformation zone 108 bends at the intersection and deforms plastically to a second bending angle that is smaller than the original bending angle C. The originally formed bending angle C can be between 90 and 130 degrees. In another embodiment, the original bending angle C can be between 105 and 120 degrees. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the bending angle C for the first foreground part 102 may be different from that of the second foreground part 104.

[0047] Finally, the clamp 92 can have a third deformation zone 110 along the connecting segment 98. The clamp 92 can absorb energy during an impact when the connecting segment 98 is moved downwards towards the upper surface 48. Furthermore, the connecting segment 98 can deform plastically and create a bend between the pair of vertical clamp segments 96.

[0048] Fig. Figures 9-11 show a front seat 12 with a shock absorption arrangement 140 according to another embodiment. The vehicle seat 12 has a seat back structure 142, which can form the seat back frame 18 and provide rigidity for the seat back 22.

[0049] The shock absorption arrangement 140 comprises a wire mesh structure 150 designed to be attached to a front surface 42 of a seat back structure 142. The wire mesh structure 150 has an upper deformation zone 154 that deforms plastically upon impact from a rearward direction. The deformation zone 154 is defined by a pair of transverse wire mesh segments 158 extending laterally in a width direction. The transverse wire mesh segments 158 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0050] The transverse wire mesh segments 158 are spaced apart from the seat back frame structure 142. Upon impact from an object from the rear, the wire mesh segments 158 deform plastically.

[0051] The wire mesh structure 150 comprises a pair of vertical wire mesh sections 160, each extending vertically from the outer lateral sides 162 of the transverse wire mesh segments 158. The vertical wire mesh sections 160 have a forward-facing or outward-facing vertical segment 166, spaced apart from the seat back structure 142 to define a front contour of the seat back 22. The vertical wire mesh sections 160 may also have an inward-facing vertical segment 168, located adjacent to the seat back structure 142 and attachable to the seat back frame structure 142.

[0052] The wire mesh structure 150 can be integrated into the foam part of the seat backrest 22. For example, fastening parts of the wire mesh structures 150, such as the inwardly directed vertical segments 168, can be covered with the foam part of the seat backrest 22.

[0053] The shock absorption arrangement 140 can also include a plastic cover 170 positioned over the upper transverse wire mesh segments 158. The wire mesh structure 150 provides fixing positions for the easy attachment of additional components that aid in shock protection. No separate fixing points on the seat back 22 are required. The plastic cover 170 deforms plastically upon impact from a rear direction. The plastic cover 170 includes clips 176 for attaching the plastic cover 170 to the wire mesh structure 150. The clips 176 allow the plastic cover 170 to be attached to the wire mesh structure 150 by a snap fit or other press fit.

[0054] The plastic cover 170 can comprise an inner cover part 144 and an outer cover part 148. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the inner cover part 144 is attached to the metal seat back frame 142. The wire mesh structure 150 is attached to the inner cover 144, and then the outer cover is attached to the wire mesh structure 150. At least one of the transverse wire mesh segments 158 is held in the clip 176 formed on the inner cover part 144. The clip 176 allows the wire mesh structure 150 to be attached to the inner plastic cover 144 by a snap fit or other press fit.

[0055] The plastic cover 170 can also include an outer cover part 148. Fig. Figure 12 is an exploded view of the seat backrest and the shock absorption assembly 140 with separate components. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the wire mesh structure 150 is arranged between the inner cover part 144 and the outer cover part 148. The transverse wire segments 158 of the wire mesh structure 150 are coupled to the retaining devices 174 on the outer cover part 148 and the clip devices 174 on the inner cover part 144.

[0056] The wire mesh structure 150 is attached to the inner cover part 144, and then the outer cover part 148 is attached to the wire mesh structure 150. The outer cover part 148 can include a retaining device 174, which is formed on an inner surface of the outer cover part 148 and is attached to at least one of the transverse wire mesh segments 158. The retaining device 174 enables the outer cover part to be attached to the wire mesh structure 150 by a snap fit or other press fit.

[0057] Fig. Figure 12 shows the inner cover part 144, which is spaced apart from the seat back frame assembly 142, with the inner cover 144 as shown in Fig. 11 shows against the seat back frame structure 142. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the plastic cover 170, including the inner and outer covers 144, 148, extends over the upper surface 48 of the seat back assembly 142. The plastic cover 170 extends transversely in the lateral direction to cover the upper surface 48 along substantially the entire lateral width of the seat back assembly 142. As also shown in Fig. As shown in Figures 9-11, at least one transverse wire mesh segment 158 ​​is arranged above the upper surface 48 of the seat back frame structure 142.

[0058] Features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these. The description is to be understood as exemplary and not restrictive, and various modifications to the embodiments described here can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.

Claims

[1] Seat backrest (22) with a shock absorption arrangement (140) for a vehicle seat, comprising: a wire mesh structure (150) attached to a front surface (42) of a seat back structure (142), wherein the wire mesh structure (150) has an upper deformation zone (154), wherein the upper deformation zone (154) deforms plastically upon impact from a rear direction. [2] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 1, which further comprises a plastic cover (170) arranged over the upper deformation zone (154), wherein the upper deformation zone (154) and the plastic cover (170) deform plastically upon impact from a rear direction. [3] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the plastic cover (170) comprises an inner cover part (144) designed to be connected to the seat back structure (142) and an outer cover part (148), wherein at least a part of the wire mesh structure (150) is arranged between the inner and outer cover parts (144, 148). [4] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformation zone (154) is defined by a pair of wire mesh segments (158) extending laterally in a width direction. [5] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the pair of wire mesh segments (158) are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, wherein at least one of the wire mesh segments (158) is positioned over an upper surface of the seat back structure (142). [6] Seat backrest (22) with shock absorption arrangement (40) for a vehicle seat comprising: an elongated metal extrusion (46) extending over a length, wherein the metal extrusion (46) has a deformation zone (50) formed as a partial tube (58) extending along the length, wherein the tube (58) deforms plastically upon impact from a rear direction, characterized by , that the elongated metal extrusion (46) is attached under an upper surface (48) of a seat back assembly (82, 142), and the partial tube (58) has an opening (62) along its circumference extending along the length of the partial tube (58), wherein, upon impact, the deformation zone (50) is plastically deformed to close the opening (62). [7] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the opening (62) is concealed by a connecting part (64) which connects the partial tube (58) to a mounting part (54), wherein the concealed part (60) and the connecting part (64) extend along the length of the elongated metal extrusion (46). [8] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the elongated extrusion has a substantially constant cross-section along its length. [9] Seat backrest (22) comprising a shock absorption arrangement (80) for a vehicle seat: a metal clamp (92) attached to a seat back assembly (82) at a mounting position (94), wherein the metal clamp (92) has at least one deformation part (90) having a curved, projecting part (100) extending away from the mounting position (94) and positioned above an upper surface (48) of the seat back (22), wherein the metal clamp (92) deforms plastically along the protruding part (100) upon impact from a rear direction. [10] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 9, which further comprises a pair of retaining clamp segments (96) extending vertically in a direction upwards from the mounting position (94) and defining a second deformation zone (108). [11] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the pair of clamp segments (96) is spaced a distance from the seat back structure (82) in the rearward direction, wherein the clamp segments (96) deform plastically upon impact in order to reduce the distance. [12] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the metal clamp (92) comprises a lateral connecting segment (98) extending in a lateral direction between the pair of vertical clamp segments (96). [13] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the lateral connecting segment (98) is spaced apart in the vertical direction from the mounting position (94). [14] Seat back with a shock absorption arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the pair of vertical clamp segments (96) are asymmetrical to each other. [15] Seat backrest with a shock absorption arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the pair of vertical clamp segments (96) each have a curved contour that projects forward in the direction of the front. [16] Vehicle seat (12), comprising: a seat back assembly (82) comprising a rigid upper part (84) which is more rigid than a lower part (86), and a shock absorption arrangement (80) according to claim 10, which is connected to the rigid upper part (84). [17] Vehicle seat according to claim 16, wherein the rigid upper part (84) comprises a seat belt tower (88) designed for the attachment of a seat belt assembly. [18] Vehicle seat according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the rigid upper part (84) defines at least a part of the upper surface (48) of the seat back structure (82). [19] Vehicle seat according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the rigid upper part (84) is designed for the attachment of a headrest arrangement (28, 34).

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