CONNECTING ELEMENT OF A VEHICLE SEAT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting element of a vehicle seat according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] US 8,967,663 B2 discloses a connecting element of a vehicle seat.

[0003] DE 10 2008 006549 A1 discloses a file holder.

[0004] A connecting element of a vehicle seat, also known as a gusset for connecting a seat to a back of the seat, may include an energy dissipation device in the event of an impact on the vehicle arranged to absorb part of the energy due to the impact in order to protect the occupant of the seat.

[0005] Such a dissipation device consists, for example, of a through slot.

[0006] In the event of an impact, particularly a frontal impact, of the vehicle, the force exerted on the seat may be such that it causes deformation of the connecting element. The dissipation device then allows a specific, controlled deformation of the connecting element, which makes it possible to absorb at least part of the energy of the impact. To dissipate the energy, the slot deforms, for example, by closing.

[0007] However, such a dissipation device is difficult to adapt to various situations. For example, adaptation to different types of impacts, different types of seats, different occupant profiles may be necessary.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is to propose a connection element offering greater adaptability to the impacts it may undergo, to the seat on which it is installed and to the profile of the passenger occupying said seat.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a connection element of the aforementioned type and according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0010] Thus, the first bridge allows for improved dissipation performance and greater adaptability. The dimensions and geometry of the first bridge, including its radius of curvature, can be modified to adapt to different types of impacts, different types of seats and different profiles of passengers occupying the seat.

[0011] Alternatively, the connecting element is according to any one of claims 2 to 14.

[0012] The invention also relates to a vehicle seat according to claim 15.

[0013] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: there Fig. 1is a schematic side view of a connecting element of a seat, according to a first embodiment of the invention, the Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective representation of the connecting element of the Fig. 1 , there Fig. 3 is a schematic side representation of the connecting element of the Fig. 1 integrated into a vehicle seat, the Fig. 4 is a schematic side representation of a connection element of a seat, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0014] In reference to the Fig. 1 , a connecting element 1 of a vehicle seat is described. Such a connecting element 1 is also known as a gusset.

[0015] The connecting element 1 is configured to secure a backrest 2 and a seat 3 of the seat as illustrated in the Fig. 3 , while allowing relative rotational movement between the backrest 2 and the seat 3.

[0016] The connecting element 1 comprises a body 4 extending between a first part 8 and a second part 10. The first part 8 is, for example, located at one end of the body 4. The second part 10 is, for example, located at an opposite end of the body 4.

[0017] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first part 8 and the second part 10 comprise, for example, respectively a first securing support 12 and a second securing support 14.

[0018] The first securing support 12 and the second securing support 14 are, for example, supports on which the backrest 2 and the seat 3 of the seat are intended to be fixed and / or mounted to be mobile in rotation.

[0019] When the backrest and / or the seat are intended to be mounted in rotation on the connection element 1, the first securing support 12 and / or the second securing support 14 define, for example, respectively at least one pivot cavity 18 intended to receive at least one pivot connection 19 between the backrest 2 and the connection element 1 and / or between the seat 3 and the connection element 1.

[0020] The pivot link 18 is, for example, a joint of the backrest or the seat.

[0021] When the backrest 2 and / or the seat 3 are intended to be fixed to the connection element 1, the first securing support 12 and the second securing support 14 define, for example, respectively at least one fixing cavity 20 intended to receive at least one fixing element 21 between the backrest 2 and the connection element 1 and / or between the seat 3 and the connection element 1.

[0022] The fastening element 21 is, for example, a screw or a rivet.

[0023] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first securing support 12 of the first part 8 defines a pivot cavity 18 and the second securing support 14 of the second part 10 defines a plurality of fixing cavities 20.

[0024] The second securing support 14 comprises a base 22 for connection to the first securing support 12 and two arms 23 extending from the base 22 towards a direction opposite to the first securing support 12.

[0025] The body 4 extends substantially along a plane P. The body 4 defines a first edge 24 and a second edge 26 extending between the first part 8 and the second part 10 on either side of the body 4. The second edge 26 is, for example, opposite the first edge 24.

[0026] The first and second edges 24 and 26 define the edges of the first and second securing supports 12, 14 and extend from a first end of the first part 8 towards a second end of the second part 10 in particular of the arms 23.

[0027] The connecting element 1 further comprises a shoulder 30 extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane P along at least one of the first edge and the second edge 24, 26 towards a free end of the shoulder 30.

[0028] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , a shoulder 30 extends along each of the first and second edges 24 and 26.

[0029] The body 4 defines at least a first through slot 40.

[0030] The first through slot 40 extends longitudinally in a first direction D1 from the first edge 24. The first through slot 40 extends, for example, towards the second edge 26 of the body 4. The first through slot 40 defines a first inner end 41 to which it extends from the first edge 24.

[0031] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first through slot 40 extends between the pivot cavity 18 of the first part 8 and a fixing cavity 20 of the second part 10.

[0032] The first inner end 41 of the first through slot 40 has, for example, a rounded shape.

[0033] The connection element 1 further comprises a first bridge 43 extending along at least a portion of the first edge 24 opposite the first slot 40. The first bridge 43 closes the first through slot 40. The first bridge 43 constitutes one end of the first through slot 40 opposite the first inner end 41. In other words, the first through slot 40 is delimited by the body 4 and by the first bridge 43.

[0034] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first bridge 43 is formed by a part of the shoulder 30.

[0035] As illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first bridge 43 is, for example, made of the same material as the shoulder 30.

[0036] The first bridge 43, for example, has a curved shape. This curved shape has a concavity.

[0037] The concavity of the first bridge 43 is, for example, directed in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1, that is to say it is turned towards the outside of the body 4.

[0038] The body 4 defines, for example, a second through slot 50.

[0039] The second through slot 50 extends from the first edge 24 of the body 4. The second through slot 50 defines a second inner end 51 to which it extends from the first edge 24. The second through slot 50 extends, for example, substantially parallel to the first direction D1. The second through slot 50 extends, for example, towards the second edge 26 of the body 4.

[0040] The body 4 comprises a strip of material 56 extending between the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50.

[0041] The strip of material 56 has a strip width d, measured along the first edge 24, of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

[0042] The bandwidth d therefore also represents the distance between the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50, along the first edge 24.

[0043] The strip width d is, for example, variable along the strip of material 56 in the direction D1.

[0044] The second inner end 51 of the second through slot 50 has, for example, a rounded shape.

[0045] According to a first embodiment illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 3, the connection element 1 further comprises a second bridge 52 extending along at least a portion of the first edge 24 opposite the second slot 50. The second bridge 52 closes the second through slot 50. The second bridge 52 constitutes one end of the second through slot 50 opposite the second inner end 51. In other words, the second through slot 50 is delimited by the body 4 and by the second bridge 52.

[0046] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 3 , the second bridge 52 is formed by a part of the shoulder 30.

[0047] As illustrated in the Fig. 2 , the second bridge 52 is, for example, made from the same material as the shoulder 30.

[0048] The second bridge 52 has, for example, a rectilinear shape, that is to say that it is not curved like the first bridge 43.

[0049] Each of the first and second through slots 40, 50 has a length measured along the first direction D1. Each slot length is, for example, between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0050] Each of the first and second through slots 40, 50 has a slot width l1, l2, measured in a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. Each slot width l1, l2 is, for example, between 1 mm and 20 mm. The slot width l1, l2 is, along the first edge 24, for example between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0051] As illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 4 , the average slot width l2 of the second through slot 50 is, for example, less than the average slot width l1 of the first through slot 40.

[0052] As illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 4, the slot width l2 of the second through slot 50, taken along the first edge 24 is, for example, less than the slot width l1 of the first through slot 40.

[0053] At least one of the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 has a flared shape from the first inner end 41 and / or the second inner end 51 towards the first edge 24, respectively. In other words, the slot width l1, l2 of at least one of the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 increases from the inner end 41, 51 towards the first edge 24.

[0054] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 have, for example, such a flared shape.

[0055] As illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 4, the distance between the first through slot 40 and the second portion 10 measured along the first edge 24 is less than the distance between the second through slot 50 and the second portion 10 measured along the first edge 24.

[0056] According to a variant, the distance between the first through slot 40 and the second part 10 measured along the first edge 24 is greater than the distance between the second through slot 50 and the second part 10 measured along the first edge 24.

[0057] The following describes the operation of the connecting element 1 in use in a seat.

[0058] A backrest 2 of the seat is fixed or rotatably mounted on the first securing support 12 or the second securing support 14. With reference to the Fig. 3 , the seat back is, for example, rotatably mounted on the first securing support 12.

[0059] A seat 3 of the seat is fixed or rotatably mounted on the first securing support 12 or the second securing support 14. With reference to the Fig. 3 , the seat 3 of the seat is, for example, fixed to the second securing support 14.

[0060] In reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , the first edge 24 corresponds to a rear edge of the connecting element 1 extending towards the rear of the seat and the second edge 26 corresponds to a front edge of the connecting element 1 extending towards the front of the seat. In the case of a seat facing towards the front of the vehicle, the rear edge is the edge far from the support surface on which an occupant of the seat rests in comparison to the front edge which is the edge close to the support surface. In the case of a seat facing towards the rear of the vehicle, the rear edge is the edge close to the support surface and the front edge is the edge far from the support surface.

[0061] In the event of an impact on the vehicle, when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 is deformed so as to dissipate the energy of the impact. The connecting element 1 thus dissipates at least part of the energy due to the impact by deformation.

[0062] For example, in the event of an impact on the vehicle, when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat, compression or traction may be induced along the first and second edges 24, 26 on the connecting element 1.

[0063] The first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 being recesses extending into the body 4 of the connection element 1, they represent zones of deformation favored in the event of application of a force on the connection element 1.

[0064] In particular, the lengths of the first and second through slots 40, 50 as well as their flared shape promote the reduction or enlargement of their slot width l1, l2 when an impact force is applied to the connection element 1.

[0065] In particular, with reference to the Fig. 1 to 4 , when an impact, in particular a rear impact, occurs on the vehicle and when an impact force is applied to the seat, the connecting element 1 is deformed so that the slot width l1, l2 of at least one between the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 is reduced.

[0066] When a front impact occurs on the vehicle, the connecting element 1 is deformed so that the slot width l1, l2 of at least one of the first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 is increased. The lengths of the first and / or second through slots 40, 50 may also be increased in this case.

[0067] According to the first embodiment illustrated on the Fig. 1 to 3, unlike the first bridge 43 which has a curvilinear shape, the second bridge 52 has a rectilinear shape. Thus, the second bridge 52 is more resistant to compression or traction resulting from the impact force and directed along the first edge 24. Thus, the second through slot 50 is more resistant to compression or traction resulting from the impact force. Thus, advantageously, when an impact force is applied to the seat, the connection element 1 is deformed so that the slot width l1 of the first through slot 40 is reduced in a first step, then the slot width l2 of the second through slot 50 is reduced in a second step.

[0068] The first bridge 43 and the second bridge 52 are therefore elements making it possible to increase the resistance to deformation of the first and second through slots 40, 50. Furthermore, when the connection element 1 is deformed, the first and second bridges 43, 52 bend, absorbing at least part of the energy of the impact.

[0069] The curved shape of the first bridge 43 makes it possible to modulate the resistance to deformation of the first through slot 40. Thus, the greater the curvature of the first bridge 43, the less the resistance to deformation of the first through slot 40.

[0070] Modulating the slot lengths and widths of the first and second through slots 40, 50, the width of the strip of material 56, the geometry of the first bridge 43, in particular the curvature of the first bridge 43, as well as the geometry of the second bridge 52, makes it possible to modify the deformation response of the connection element 1 in order to adapt it, for example, to different impact forces, different types of seats and different occupant profiles.

[0071] The connecting element 1 proposed by the invention thus makes it possible to obtain a greater variety of deformation responses of the connecting element 1, so that the connecting element 1 has greater adaptability and improved energy dissipation performance depending on different variables such as the type of impact force applied to it, the type of seat in which it is implemented and the profile of the seat occupant.

[0072] According to a variant of the first embodiment, the first bridge 43 is formed by a part of the body 4.

[0073] According to another variant, the first bridge 43 is an element added and fixed on the shoulder 30.

[0074] According to yet another variant, the second bridge 52 is formed by a part of the body 4.

[0075] According to another variant, the second bridge 52 is an added element fixed to the shoulder 30.

[0076] Alternatively, the second bridge 52 is also curved.

[0077] According to another variant, the average slot width l2 of the second through slot 50 is equal to the average slot width l1 of the first through slot 40.

[0078] According to a second embodiment illustrated in the figure 4, the connection element 1 does not comprise a second bridge 52. The shoulder 30 comprises an opening 53 extending opposite the second through slot 50. In other words, the shoulder 30 comprises a removal of material opposite the second through slot 50. The shoulder 30 is thus discontinuous along the first edge 24. The shoulder 30 therefore comprises two shoulder portions separated by the opening 53. The second through slot 50 is thus open along the first edge 24.

[0079] The second through slot 50 is then less resistant to compression or traction resulting from the impact force and directed along the first edge 24 than the first through slot 40. Thus, advantageously, when an impact force is applied to the seat, the connection element 1 is deformed so that the slot width l2 of the second through slot 50 is reduced in a first step, then the slot width l1 of the first through slot 40 is reduced in a second step.

[0080] The installation of a second bridge 52 or not represents an additional parameter making it possible to modify the deformation response of the connection element 1.

[0081] According to a non-illustrated embodiment, the connection element 1 does not comprise a first bridge 43 or a second bridge 52. The shoulder 30 therefore comprises three shoulder portions separated by the two openings. The first and second through slots 40, 50 are thus open along the first edge 24. According to this embodiment, the connection element 1 comprises a body 4 on which a backrest 2 and a seat 3 of the seat are intended to be mounted. The body 4 defines a first edge 24 and at least one first through slot 40 extending longitudinally in the first direction D1 from the first edge 24 and defining a first inner end 41. The connection element 1 further comprises at least one second through slot 50 extending longitudinally from the first edge 24 and defining a second inner end 51.The first through slot 40 and the second through slot 50 are separated by the strip of material 56.

Claims

1. A connection element (1) of a vehicle seat comprising a body (4) on which a backrest (2) and a seat cushion (3) of the seat are intended to be mounted, the body (4) defining a first edge (24) and at least one first through slot (40) extending longitudinally in a first direction (D1) from the first edge (24) and defining a first inner end (41), the connection element (1) furthermore comprising a first bridge (43) extending along at least part of the first edge (24) opposite the first slot (40), the first bridge (43) having a curved shape, characterized in that the first bridge (43) closes the first through slot (40) and in that the first bridge (43) forms one end of the first through slot (40) opposite the first lower end (41).

2. The connection element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the body (4) defines at least one second through slot (50) extending from the first edge (24) of the body (4) and defining a second inner end (51), the first through slot (40) and the second through slot (50) being separated by a strip of material (56).

3. The connection element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second through slot (50) extends substantially parallel to the first direction (D1).

4. The connection element (1) according to claim 2 or 3, furthermore comprising a second bridge (52) extending along at least part of the first edge (24) opposite the second slot (50).

5. The connection element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second bridge (52) has a rectilinear shape.

6. The connection element (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second through slot (50) is open along the first edge (24).

7. The connection element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the strip of material (56) has a strip width (d), taken along the first edge (24), of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 5 mm.

8. The connection element according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first inner end (41) of the first slot (40) and the second inner end (51) of the second slot (50) each have a rounded shape.

9. The connection element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein at least one of the first slot (40) and the second slot (50) has a flared shape from the first inner end (41) and / or the second inner end (51), respectively, toward the first edge (24).

10. The connection element (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein each of the first and second slots (40, 50) has: - a length, measured in the first direction (D1), of between 5 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm, and - a slot width (l1, l2), measured in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, of between 1 mm and 20 mm.

11. The connection element (1) according to claim 10, wherein the average slot width (l2) of the second slot (50) is less than the average slot width (l1) of the first slot (40).

12. The connection element (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the slot width (l2) of the second slot (50), taken along the first edge (24), is less than the slot width (l1) of the first slot (40), taken along the first edge (24).

13. The connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the concavity of the first bridge (43) is directed in a second direction (D2) opposite the first direction (D1) of extension of the first slot (40).

14. The connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, furthermore comprising a shoulder (30) extending along the first edge (24) substantially perpendicularly to said first edge (24), the first bridge (43) being formed by part of the shoulder (30).

15. A vehicle seat comprising a backrest (2), a seat cushion (3), and a connection element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, the backrest (2) and the seat cushion (3) being intended to be mounted on the body (4) of the connection element (1).