Vehicle seat element trim incorporating a vibrating device

Abstract

A vehicle seat element upholstery (15) comprises padding (36) comprising at least a first face (36A) intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat (10) and a second face (36B), opposite the first face (36A), the padding (36) having at least one hole (40) opening onto the first and / or the second face (36A; 36B) of the padding (36); at least one vibrating device (42) arranged in a hole (40), each vibrating device (42) comprising at least two first elastic fitting reliefs (50); a plurality of separate vibrating device supports (54), each comprising a base, overmolded by the padding (36), and a second elastic fitting relief (64), each vibrating device (42) being fixed to at least two respective supports (54), by elastic fitting of the first and second elastic fitting reliefs (50; 64). Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat element trim incorporating a vibrating device Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a vehicle seat element trim incorporating a vibrating device. The present description also relates to a motor vehicle seat element comprising such a trim, a vehicle seat comprising such a motor vehicle seat element and a method of manufacturing such a trim. Prior art

[0002] In the automotive field, in particular, it is known to integrate a vibrating device (also called a "vibrator" or "exciter", using the English term) into a vehicle seat. Such a vibrating device can in particular be implemented to alert the occupant of the vehicle seat of a danger. Such a seat is therefore more particularly intended for the driver of the motor vehicle.

[0003] A difficulty inherent in integrating such a vibrating device into a motor vehicle seat is reconciling the comfort of the occupant and the occupant's perception of the alert when the vibrating device is implemented.

[0004] Thus, placing the vibrating device in contact with the occupant of the seat allows for optimal perception to be obtained. In this case, however, the comfort of the occupant is significantly deteriorated, who constantly feels contact with the vibrating device.

[0005] Also, fixing such a vibrating device to a seat frame tends to cause vibrations of this frame, in reaction to the implementation of the vibrating device. Here again, the comfort of the seat occupant is then too deteriorated for this solution to be adopted.

[0006] Finally, it was considered to fix the vibrating device in the upholstery of the motor vehicle seat, in particular in the foam of this upholstery. The first solutions envisaged did not allow the problems mentioned above to be completely resolved. Thus, it was proposed to overmould the foam block on the vibrating device. In this case, however, there appeared a diffusion of the vibration of the vibrating device, making its perception more delicate by the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0007] Furthermore, FR-A-2 889 495 describes a seat covering comprising padding obtained by overmolding a support plate so as to provide a housing suitable for receiving a vibrator. The vibrator is subsequently fixed to the plate, for example by clipping. The housing is then plugged by placing a block of foam therein. However, as indicated in this document, the vibrations emitted by the vibrator propagates to the padding, via the plate. This is also used in FR-A-2 889 495 to transmit vibrations to locations that are not directly opposite the vibrator. The solution proposed in this document thus tends to make the propagation of vibrations from the vibrator more diffuse.

[0008] There therefore remains a need for a motor vehicle seat element trim comprising a vibrating device, and not having at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary

[0009] To this end, there is described a vehicle seat element trim comprising: - padding comprising at least a first face intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat and a second face, opposite the first face, the padding having at least one hole opening onto the first and / or the second face of the padding, - at least one vibrating device, each vibrating device being arranged in a respective hole, each vibrating device comprising at least two first elastic fitting reliefs, - a plurality of separate vibrating device supports, each comprising a base, overmolded by the padding, and a second elastic fitting relief, each vibrating device being fixed to at least two respective supports, by elastic fitting of a first elastic fitting relief with a second elastic fitting relief.

[0010] Thus, advantageously, the padding makes it possible to dampen the vibrations emitted by the vibrating device which would tend to propagate in the frame equipped with the lining. In addition, the use of separate supports makes it possible to limit the transmission of the vibrations emitted by each vibrating device to the padding.

[0011] According to preferred embodiments, the vehicle seat element trim comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - each hole opens onto a single face of the padding, among the first face and the second face of the padding; - each hole opens onto the first face of the padding, the hole preferably being blocked on the side of the first face of the padding, by a block of foam, placed in the hole and separate from the padding, the block of foam being, more preferably, denser than the padding; - each hole opens onto the second face of the padding, each hole preferably being free of a block of foam blocking the hole on the side of the second face of the padding; - each vibrating device comprises a frame forming the at least two first elastic casing reliefs, and a vibrating element fixed to the chassis; - the chassis comprises a cylindrical portion extending mainly along a longitudinal axis and receiving the vibrating element, the at least two elastic fitting reliefs being integral with the cylindrical portion; - each first elastic casing relief is connected to the cylindrical portion by a tab preferably extending radially and / or axially relative to the cylindrical portion; - each second elastic fitting relief comprises two elastic blades symmetrical with respect to a plane extending between the two blades, each blade comprising a free end folded towards the other blade, the distance between the two free ends of the two blades being less than the thickness of the associated first elastic fitting relief; - each first elastic fitting relief comprises a cylindrical rod, preferably extending orthoradially relative to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion, where appropriate; - each vibrating device comprises three distinct first elastic fitting reliefs, in particular exactly three distinct first elastic fitting reliefs, the three first elastic fitting reliefs preferably being regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion, where appropriate; - the base of each support comprises a first tab, preferably two first tabs extending on either side of a second tab, each first tab preferably having holes, each first tab being overmolded by the padding; and - the seat element is one of a seat, a backrest, a headrest, an armrest, and a seat nose of a seat with adjustable length.

[0012] According to another aspect, there is also described a motor vehicle seat comprising a seat with a seat frame, a backrest with a backrest frame, and at least one vehicle seat element trim as described above, in all its combinations, each vehicle seat element trim preferably being fixed to the seat frame, to the backrest frame or to a support movable relative to the seat frame.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, there is described a method of manufacturing a vehicle seat element trim as described above, in all its combinations, comprising the steps of: (i) provide the vibrating device supports; ii) overmolded the padding onto the vibrating device supports, the overmolding being carried out so as to form at least one hole opening onto the first and / or second face of the padding; iii) inserting a vibrating device into each of the at least one hole and securing each vibrating device to the vibrating device supports by elastically engaging the first and second elastically engaging reliefs.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one hole opens onto the first face of the padding and the method comprises a step iv) subsequent to step iii) consisting of plugging each hole on the side of the first face of the padding using a block of foam. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other characteristics and advantages will appear during the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings:

[0016] [Fig-1] schematically represents a side view of an example of a seat of vehicle ;

[0017] [Fig.2] schematically represents in perspective a first example of trim seat that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.3] schematically represents an exploded view of the seat upholstery of the [Fig.2] ;

[0019] [Fig.4] schematically represents an example of a vibrating device which can be implemented in the trim of figures 2 and 3;

[0020] [Fig.5] schematically represents in perspective a second example of seat upholstery that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l]; and

[0021] [Fig.6] schematically represents in section a variant of the seat base of the [Fig.l], the length of which is adjustable. Description of the embodiments

[0022] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements which are useful for understanding the embodiment described are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0023] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.

[0024] In particular, the longitudinal direction X means the longitudinal direction of the seat. The longitudinal direction of the seat is considered to be the same as the direction longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in which the seat is mounted. This longitudinal direction X corresponds to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is horizontal. The transverse direction Y of the seat thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction of the motor vehicle. This transverse direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The transverse direction Y is horizontal. Finally, the vertical direction Z is a vertical direction of the seat, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0025] [Fig.l] schematically represents a motor vehicle seat 10 mounted on a sliding mechanism 12.

[0026] The seat 10 comprises a seat 13, with a seat frame 14 and a seat upholstery 15, on which a backrest 16, with a backrest frame 17 and a backrest upholstery 18, is mounted. The backrest frame 17 is here pivotable about a transverse axis A, relative to the seat frame 14. To do this, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the seat frame 14 and the backrest frame 17.

[0027] The seat 13 is mounted on movable profiles 22, also called slides or male profiles, by means of feet 24, 26. Each movable profile 22 is part of a slide 12 and is associated with a fixed profile 28. The fixed profile 28 is also called a rail or female profile. The fixed profile 28 is fixed to the floor 30 of a motor vehicle.

[0028] The seat 10 comprises in this example a manual control element 32, called a lever, for controlling the sliding of the slides 12. This manual control element 32 makes it possible in particular to block and unlock systems for stopping the sliding of the movable profiles 22 relative to the respective fixed profiles 28. Once the stop systems are unlocked, the manual control element 32 can also be used to slide the movable profiles 22 relative to their respective fixed profiles 28 of the slide 12 in the longitudinal direction X of the slides 12. The fixed profiles 28 and movable profiles 22 of the slides 12 are generally metallic.

[0029] Alternatively, the movement of the movable profiles 22 relative to the fixed profiles 28 is controlled by means of an actuator.

[0030] According to the illustrated example, the seat 10 may also comprise a headrest 34. The headrest 34 may also comprise a headrest frame and a headrest trim.

[0031] In the following, an example of a seat upholstery 15 that can be implemented in the seat 10 of [Fig. 1] is described in more detail, with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0032] [Fig.2] shows more particularly the face 15A of the lining 15 intended to be facing a vehicle seat occupant.

[0033] The upholstery 15 essentially comprises padding 36. The padding 36 also comprises a face 36A intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0034] The padding 36 is here produced in the form of a block of foam. The padding 36 has a bowl shape open towards the front 36a. The padding thus comprises a bottom portion 36f intended to form the majority of the surface of the padding 36 in contact with an occupant of the vehicle seat. The bottom portion 36f is surrounded by a bead forming the sides 36c and the rear 36b of the padding 36. This bowl shape of the padding 36b contributes to improving the positioning of the occupant of the vehicle seat relative to the seat 13, and thus the comfort of the vehicle seat. Between the bead and the bottom portion 36f of the padding 36, the latter has a groove 38. Here this groove 38 is continuous, which borders the bottom portion 36f on three sides. At the bottom of this groove 38 there may be provided devices for fixing a cover covering the padding 36. For example, the padding 36 is overmolded onto these fixing devices.These fixing devices, arranged at the bottom of the groove 38, allow satisfactory fixing of the cover, keeping it taut on the padding 36, for a better aesthetic effect.

[0035] Furthermore, in the example illustrated, the padding 36 has two holes 40. The two holes are here made in a front portion of the padding 36 corresponding to the front third of the padding 36. Indeed, it has been found that these at the level of the lower thighs, that vibrations emitted most significantly improve the comfort of an occupant of the seat.

[0036] However, in the case where the vibrations are implemented as a seat occupant alert, it is preferred that the vibrations are formed in the middle and / or towards the rear of the seat. In this case, holes 40 may be made in the middle and / or on the rear third of the padding 36, each hole 40 receiving a vibrating device 42 as described below.

[0037] Here, the holes 40 are blind, in that they only open onto one face, in this case the face 36A intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat, of the padding 36.

[0038] Each hole 40 is here cylindrical. In other words, each hole 40 extends in the direction of a respective axis A1, A2, having a substantially constant cross-section. Here, the axes A1, A2 of the two holes 40 are parallel. Furthermore, the cross-sections of the two holes 40 are substantially identical. Here, the cross-section of each hole 40 comprises a central portion, substantially in the form of a disc, with the axis A1, A2 of extension of the hole 40. The cross-section of each hole 40 further comprises three rectangular portions extending substantially radially from the central portion. The three rectangular portions are sen possibly identical. Here, the three rectangular portions are regularly distributed around the respective axis Al, A2 of the hole 40 considered. Thus, each hole 40 has a section substantially complementary to the section of a vibrating device 42, as described later.

[0039] Furthermore, each hole 40 is deeper than the height of a vibrating device 42. In particular, each hole 40 may have a depth, measured along the direction of the respective axis A1, A2, between 10 mm and 20 mm deeper than the height of the vibrating device 42 received therein. This makes it possible to place a foam block 44 in the hole 40, above the vibrating device 42 received therein. The foam block 44 may plug the hole 40 in which it is received. In particular, the foam block 44 may be flush with the surface of the bottom portion 36f of the padding 36. This foam block 40 prevents direct contact of the occupant of the seat with the vibrating device 42, which improves the comfort of the occupant.

[0040] Each block of foam 44 may be made of a different foam from the padding 36. In particular, each block of foam 44 may be made of a denser foam than the padding 36. Thus, the vibrations of the vibrating device 42 are advantageously guided primarily by the block of foam 44 towards the occupant of the seat, rather than in the padding 36. For example, the padding 36 may have a density of between 30 and 50 kg.m 3, while the blocks of foam 44 have a density of between 70 and 80 kg.m 3. It is thus possible to obtain a better concentration of the effect of the vibrating devices 42, in a reduced area of ​​the upholstery 15.This is particularly desirable in an application in which the vibrating devices 42 are implemented to vibrate in harmony with music played in the motor vehicle, by a HI-FI device of the motor vehicle and / or to massage specific areas of the occupant of the vehicle seat, in particular specific areas of the thighs of the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0041] In the illustrated example, each vibrating device 42 comprises a frame 46, a vibrating element 48 fixed to the frame 46, and means, not shown, for vibrating the vibrating element 48. The means for vibrating the vibrating element 48 are accessible to those skilled in the art. These means may for example comprise a coil for vibrating a vibrating body in the vibrating element 48 made of a magnetic material or secured to a piston made of a magnetic material.

[0042] The vibrations of each vibrating device 42 are advantageously directed essentially along the direction of the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42 considered, common to the axis of the hole 40 in which the vibrating device 42 is received.

[0043] Each vibrating device 42 is devoid of any vibrating membrane. Each vibrating device 42 is thus to be distinguished from a loudspeaker in that each device vibrating device 42 aims primarily to transmit vibrations (or solid-borne noise) to the occupant of the vehicle seat, rather than sound (or airborne noise). The vibrations of each vibrating device 42 may in particular be in a frequency range that is not audible. The vibration frequencies of the vibrating devices 42 may in particular be outside the range 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Alternatively or in addition, the vibrating element 48 may have a shape such that these three dimensions are substantially of the same order of magnitude. In particular, one dimension of the vibrating element 48, measured along the direction of the axis A1, A2, of the vibrating device 42, is not 100 times smaller, preferably 10 times smaller, than the other dimensions of the vibrating element 42, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis A1, A2, of the vibrating device 42.

[0044] Here, as already mentioned previously, the vibrating devices 42 are implemented to vibrate in harmony with music played by a HI-FI device of the motor vehicle and / or to massage a specific area of ​​an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0045] The vibrating element 48 is here of substantially cylindrical shape, of circular section.

[0046] The vibrating element 48 is received in a complementary cylindrical portion 46c, of the chassis 46. The cylindrical portion 46c may be plugged on its face intended to be oriented towards the rear face 15B of the trim 15, which is not intended to be oriented towards the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0047] As more particularly visible in [Fig.4], the chassis 46 comprises, in addition to this cylindrical portion 46c, three legs 46p. Each of the three legs 46p has the shape of a substantially rectangular blade. The legs 46p are here regularly distributed around the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42. Each leg 46p extends mainly in a radial direction, relative to the axis A1, A2, of the vibrating device 42. Thus, a longitudinal end of each leg 46p is here secured to the cylindrical portion 46c of the chassis 46. The opposite end, hereinafter the free end, of each leg 46p has an elastic fitting relief 50, here in the form of a cylindrical rod 51. The rod 51 may in particular be of circular or polygonal section, in particular rectangular or square. The rod 51 extends in an orthoradial direction relative to the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42.The rod 51 is advantageously of greater thickness than the thickness of the rest of the tab 46p. An opening 52 is made in each tab 46p, in the vicinity of the rod 51.

[0048] Each rod 51 is fixed by elastic fitting on a support 54 of the vibrating device 42. Thus, each vibrating device 42 is here fixed to three supports 54 regularly distributed angularly around the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42. Better stability of the vibrating device is thus obtained. It is however possible to implement only two supports 54, or at least three supports which are not regularly distributed angularly other than the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42. This latter solution has the advantage of creating a foolproof feature for fixing the vibrating device 42 to the supports 54. Exactly three supports 54 regularly distributed angularly, however, have the advantage of better balance of the vibrating device 42 fixed to these supports 54, while limiting the contact surface of the supports with the foam of the lining.

[0049] Furthermore, the implementation of separate supports 54 limits the contact surface of these supports 54 with the padding 36. This limits the diffuse propagation of the vibrations emitted by a vibrating device 42 towards the padding 36. In other words, each vibrating device 42 is thus best isolated from the padding 36, by limiting the contact surface of the supports 54 with the padding 36. This makes it possible to further improve the feeling of the vibrations of the vibrating device(s) in one or more localized zones or points.

[0050] Each support 54 firstly comprises a base 56. The base 56 has, for example, a length, measured in an orthoradial direction relative to the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42 considered, of between 30 mm and 45 mm. The base 56 has, for example, a width, measured in a radial direction relative to the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42 considered, of between 20 mm and 30 mm. Furthermore, each support 54 has, for example, a height of 15 mm.

[0051] Here, the base 56 of each support 54 firstly comprises two lateral tabs 58 with holes 60. The lateral tabs 58 are substantially flat, extending in a plane normal to the axis A1, A2. The holes 60 facilitate the fixing of the supports 54 in the padding 36, in particular in the case where the padding 36 is overmolded on the supports 54. The holes 60 in the lateral tabs 58 thus make it possible to effectively fix the base 56 of the supports 54 in the padding 36.

[0052] The base 56 of each support 54 further comprises a central tab 62. The central tab 62 extends between the two respective lateral tabs 58 of the base 56 of the support 54 in question. The central tab 62 also extends, preferably, in a plane normal to the axis A1, A2. Here, the central tab 62 of the base 56 of the supports 54 is solid, i.e. without a hole.

[0053] Each support 54 further comprises an elastic fitting relief 64 complementary to the elastic fitting relief 50 at the free end of the legs 46p. Here, each elastic fitting relief 64 takes the form of two folded elastic blades 66, leaving between them a passage of thickness, measured in a radial direction relative to the axis A1, A2, less than the thickness of the rod 51 at the free end of a leg 46p. The two blades 66 are for example symmetrical to each other, relative to a plane extending between the two blades 66. One of the blades 66 is partially received in the opening 52 in the vicinity of the rod 51. Thus, the elastic fitting of the rod 51 on the support 54 is achieved by pushing the vibrating device 42 in the direction of the axis A1, A2, the rod 51 separating the two folded blades 66 until reaching a point between the free end of the folded blades 66 and the base 56 of the support 54. Advantageously, the base 54 has a housing for receiving the rod 51, the free end of the blades 66 holding the rod 51 in position in the receiving housing.

[0054] The lining 15 of figures 2 and 3 can in particular be produced by implementing the following method.

[0055] In a first step, the padding 36 is overmolded onto the supports 54, forming the two blind holes 40. Here, it is also ensured that the elastic fitting reliefs of the supports 54 protrude into the holes 40, as well as the housing for receiving the rod 51, if applicable.

[0056] A vibrating device 42 is then inserted into each of the holes 40 and fixed by elastic fitting, that is to say by cooperation of the elastic fitting reliefs 50, 64 complementary to the supports 54, on the one hand, and of the vibrating device 42 on the other hand.

[0057] Finally, a block of foam 44 is inserted into each hole 40, to plug it.

[0058] Thus, the lining 15 can be easily produced. However, the lining 15 ensures satisfactory comfort for the occupant of a seat whose seat is provided with such a lining 15. In particular, the presence of the foam blocks 44 contributes to limiting the feeling of the vibrating devices 42 by the occupant of the seat, when the vibrating devices are not implemented.

[0059] Finally, the fixing of the vibrating devices 42, each using a plurality of separate and spaced supports 54, limits the propagation of the vibrations of the vibrating devices 42 in the padding 36. It is thus possible to better guide the vibrations produced by the vibrating devices 42, towards the occupant of the seat, via the foam blocks 44. This guidance is further improved here, when the foam blocks 44 have a density greater than the density of the padding 36.

[0060] [Fig. 5] illustrates a second example of lining 15. According to this second example, the holes 40 open onto the face 36B of the padding 36, opposite the face 36A intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0061] In this case, the holes 40 are also preferably blind, in that they do not open onto the face 36A of the padding 36 intended to be oriented towards the occupant of the seat. On the contrary, a thickness of padding is advantageously retained between the bottom of the holes 40 and the face 36A of the padding 36 intended to be oriented towards the occupant of the seat. This thickness of padding 36 is for example greater than or equal to 10 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 15 mm and / or less than or equal to 30 mm, preferably less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0062] In this case also, the padding 36 is overmolded onto the supports 54 of such that the elastic fitting reliefs 64 of the supports 54 protrude into the holes 40. The vibrating devices 42 are then fixed in the holes 40, by cooperation of the elastic fitting reliefs 50, 64.

[0063] In this second example, it is a priori unnecessary to plug the holes 40 with a block of foam 44 as in the case of the first example. This saves blocks of foam and manufacturing steps.

[0064] [Fig.6] illustrates a variant of the seat 13 of [Fig.l].

[0065] According to the example illustrated in this [Fig.6], the seat 13 is of adjustable length. To do this, the upholstery 15 is here made in two separate parts 15i, 152. A first part of upholstery 15i, comprising a first part of padding 36i, is fixed relative to the seat frame 14. A second part of upholstery 152, comprising a second part of padding 362, is fixed on a support 68 movable in longitudinal translation relative to the seat frame 14. It is then possible to equip the second part 152 of the upholstery with vibrating devices 42, as described previously. The solutions described previously are particularly well suited to be implemented in this case. Indeed, the proposed solutions do not require a priori any particular support for a vibrating device 42, on the movable support 68.Furthermore, the linings obtained are substantially identical to conventional linings, not incorporating a vibrating device 42. Thus, the solutions described previously can easily be implemented to produce a part of lining intended to be fixed on a mobile support.

[0066] The assembly of the movable support 68 and the second trim part 152 is called the seat nose.

[0067] The invention is not limited to the examples presented here as illustrations. On the contrary, the invention is susceptible to numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0068] First of all, the examples presented are seat or seat nose trims. However, it is possible to equip the trim of any seat element with at least one vibrating device. In particular, the trim of a vehicle seat back, a headrest or even an armrest of a motor vehicle seat can thus be equipped with at least one vibrating device.

[0069] In the case of a seat back, it is preferred that the vibrating devices 42 are arranged in the lower part of the back, in particular in the lower third of the back, when the vibrations emitted essentially have the function of improving the comfort of the occupant of the seat. In the case where the vibrations are implemented to alert the occupant of the seat, it is then preferred to position vibrating devices substantially in the middle of the back and / or in the lower part of the back. In this case, the vibrating devices may in particular be arranged in the lower two-thirds of the back.

[0070] In the examples described, two vibrating devices are each arranged in the lining considered. Of course, this number of vibrating devices is not limiting. Thus, the lining may comprise a single vibrating device or more than two vibrating devices.

[0071] Furthermore, in the examples illustrated, each rod 51 is connected to the cylindrical portion 46c of the chassis of the vibrating device 42, by a tab 46p. Alternatively, however, the rod 51 is secured to the cylindrical portion 46c of the chassis, only by the two arms delimiting the opening 52 intended to receive a blade 66. This results in a substantially more compact assembly.

[0072] Also, in the examples presented, the legs 46p extend substantially in a plane normal to the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device 42 considered. Alternatively or in addition, the legs 46p may extend parallel to the axis A1, A2 of the vibrating device considered.

[0073] Finally, other forms of elastic casing reliefs can be implemented than those described previously. The examples described, however, have the advantage of being easy to produce, compact and reliable.

Claims

Claims

1. Upholstery (15; 18) for an element (13; 16) of a vehicle seat (10) comprising: - padding (36) comprising at least a first face (36A) intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat (10) and a second face (36B), opposite the first face (36A), the padding (36) having at least one hole (40) opening onto the first and / or the second face (36A; 36B) of the padding (36), - at least one vibrator (42), each vibrator (42) being arranged in a respective hole (40), each vibrator (42) comprising at least two first elastic fitting reliefs (50), - a plurality of separate vibrator supports (54), each comprising a base (56), overmolded by the padding (36), and a second elastic fitting relief (64), each vibrator (42) being fixed to at least two respective supports (54), by elastic fitting of a first elastic fitting relief (50) with a second elastic fitting relief (64).

2. Vehicle seat element trim according to claim 1, in which each hole (40) opens onto a single face (36A; 36B) of the padding (36), among the first face (36A) and the second face (36B) of the padding (36).

3. Vehicle seat element upholstery according to claim 1 or 2, in which each hole (40) opens onto the first face (36A) of the padding (36), the hole (40) preferably being blocked on the side of the first face (36A) of the padding, by a block of foam (44), inserted in the hole (40) and separate from the padding (36), the block of foam (44) being, more preferably, denser than the padding (36).

4. Vehicle seat element upholstery according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which each hole (40) opens onto the second face (36B) of the padding (36), each hole (40) preferably being free of a block of foam blocking the hole (40) on the side of the second face (36B) of the padding (36).

5. A vehicle seat element trim according to any preceding claim, wherein each vibrator (42) comprises a frame (46) forming the at least two first resilient fitting reliefs (50), and a vibrating element (48) fixed to the frame (46).

6. Vehicle seat element trim according to claim 5, in which the frame (46) comprises a cylindrical portion (46c) extending mainly along a longitudinal axis (A1, A2) and receiving the vibrating element (48), the at least two elastic fitting reliefs (50) being integral with the cylindrical portion (46c).

7. A vehicle seat element trim according to claim 6, wherein each first elastic fitting relief (50) is connected to the cylindrical portion (46c) by a tab (46p) preferably extending radially and / or axially relative to the cylindrical portion (46c).

8. Vehicle seat element trim according to claim 7, in which each second elastic fitting relief (64) comprises two elastic blades (66) symmetrical with respect to a plane extending between the two blades (66), each blade (66) comprising a free end folded towards the other blade (66), the distance between the two free ends of the two blades (66) being less than the thickness of the associated first elastic fitting relief (50).

9. A vehicle seat element trim according to any preceding claim, wherein each first resilient fitting relief (50) comprises a cylindrical rod (51), preferably extending orthoradially relative to the longitudinal direction (A1, A2) of the cylindrical portion (46c), where applicable.

10. A vehicle seat element trim according to any preceding claim, wherein each vibrator (42) comprises three distinct first elastic fitting reliefs (50), the three first elastic fitting reliefs (50) preferably being regularly distributed around the longitudinal axis (A1, A2) of the cylindrical portion (46c), where appropriate.

11. A vehicle seat element trim according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat element is one of a seat (13), a backrest (16), a headrest (34), an armrest, and a seat nose of an adjustable-length seat.

12. A vehicle seat element trim according to any preceding claim, wherein the base (56) of each support (54) comprises a first tab (58), preferably two first tabs (58) extending on either side of a second tab (62), each first tab (58) preferably having holes (60), each first tab (58) being overmolded by the padding (36).

13. A motor vehicle seat comprising a seat (13) with a seat frame (14), a backrest (16) with a backrest frame (17), and at least one vehicle seat element trim according to any one of the preceding claims, each vehicle seat element trim preferably being fixed to the seat frame (14), to the backrest frame (17) or to a support (68) movable relative to the seat frame (14).

14. A method of manufacturing a vehicle seat element trim according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: i) providing the vibrator supports (54); ii) overmolding the padding (36) onto the vibrator supports (54), the overmolding being carried out so as to form the at least one hole (40) opening onto the first (36A) and / or the second face (36B) of the padding (36); iii) inserting a vibrator (42) into each of the at least one hole (40) and fixing each vibrator (42) to the vibrator supports (54) by elastically fitting the first and second elastic fitting reliefs (50; 64).

15. Method according to claim 14, the at least one hole (40) opening onto the first face (36A) of the padding (36), the method comprising a step iv) subsequent to step iii) consisting of plugging each hole (40) on the side of the first face (36A) of the padding (36) by means of a block of foam (44).

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