Suspended seat and method for assembling such a seat

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a suspended seat (1) for a vehicle comprising: - a seat (2) including a seat frame (20) - a slide system having at least one slide (3, 4) - a suspension system (5) interposed between the seat frame (2) and the slide system, - a system for limiting the movement of the seat relative to the slide system having at least one flexible link (6, 7), having an untensioned state in the rest position of the suspension system, said at least one flexible link (6, 7) being configured to tighten during a tilting of the seat frame (20) relative to the slide system, limiting the amplitude of the tilting during a crash.

Description

Title of the invention: Suspended seat and method for assembling such a seat

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suspended seat, and further relates to a method of assembling such a seat. technical field

[0002] In the present disclosure, and in a known manner, a vehicle seat may typically include: - a base, which extends along a direction X, from a front edge to a rear edge, and extends transversely along a direction Y, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge, - a backrest which extends vertically from the rear edge of the seat, in a Z direction, vertical, or typically inclined backwards, from a lower edge to an upper edge of the backrest, and extends transversely in a Y direction, from a first lateral edge to a second lateral edge.

[0003] The backrest can be tilted relative to the seat, typically by a pivot axis between the backrest frame and the seat frame, extending along the transverse direction Y.

[0004] The position of the seat in the vehicle can typically be adjusted, along the X direction, by means of a sliding system, typically with a first slide and a second slide connecting the seat to the floor of the vehicle in parallel.

[0005] Thus, the or each of the two slides comprises two slide parts with a first slide part attached to the floor and a slide part attached to the seat, configured to slide relative to each other along the X direction.

[0006] However, the present disclosure is more particularly concerned with suspended seats, namely a seat which includes a suspension system interposed between the slides and the seat frame, and as taught for example by US 3,957,304 B1 or US 10,155,461 B2.

[0007] Such a suspension system comprises an upper frame attached to the seat frame and a lower frame attached to the slides, and a mechanism including an elastic suspension element, for example a scissor arm system and a metal spring as illustrated in US 3,957,304 B1 or of the pneumatic type, providing damping for the suspended part attached to the frame higher than the unsprung part attached to the lower frame anchored to the floor.

[0008] A height adjustment system, allowing the seat height to be adjusted, may be provided between the seat frame and the upper frame of the suspension system. As shown in the figures in US 3,957,304 Bl, the height adjustment system may include connecting rods linking the upper frame and the seat frame. The connecting rods are inclined relative to the upper frame to allow various spacings between the seat frame and the upper frame.

[0009] The seat suspension system is advantageously a comfort feature which filters out road irregularities by allowing the seat to move relative to the vehicle floor, particularly in a vertical direction.

[0010] However, the suspension system mechanism can cause the seat to tilt relative to the rails, for example, causing the seat to tip suddenly forward in the event of strong deceleration. In a frontal collision, the sudden deceleration could cause the suspension system mechanism to break, or even create a risk of occupant submarining, meaning that the occupant could slide under the pelvic portion of the seat belt during the impact. Previous technique

[0011] It is known from US document 3.957304 such a suspended seat which has two flexible links, disposed respectively on the two sides of the seat, connecting the lower frame by a first end of the cable, to the seat frame, or even the upper frame by a second end of the cable attached to an anchor point of the seat belt.

[0012] In the seat's rest position, these flexible links, such as cables, are in a slack state. In the event of a seat tilting, such as during a frontal collision, the cables tighten, limiting the forward tilt of the seat. The forces of the impact are transmitted through these cables, directly from the seat belt anchor points on each side of the seat to the lower chassis, relieving stress on the suspension mechanism and preventing damage to the suspension system.

[0013] According to the inventors' findings, such a system for limiting seat tilting has certain drawbacks such as: - the requirement to use flexible ties with a certain tensile strength to contain the forces during a crash, or even, - the need to provide certain anchor points, specific and dedicated solely to these flexible links, which increases the cost of the seat, or even further, - during the assembly of the suspended seat, the time spent by the operator anchoring these flexible links leads to an increase in the manufacturing cycle time of the suspended seat compared to the time that would be required for a seat without such flexible links. Summary

[0014] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0015] Also, this disclosure relates to a suspended vehicle seat comprising: - a seat comprising a seat frame, - a sliding system having at least one slide comprising a first, fixed part, intended to be anchored to the vehicle floor and a second, movable part, sliding relative to the first part, - a suspension system interposed between the seat frame and the sliding system, comprising an upper frame and a lower frame between which is interposed a mechanism comprising an elastic suspension element, said suspension system being fixed by its lower frame to the second, movable part of said at least one sliding, said suspension system being configured to allow movement of the upper frame relative to the lower frame, - a system for limiting the movement of the seat relative to the sliding system comprising at least one flexible link, having an unstretched state in the rest position of the suspension system, said at least one flexible link being configured to tighten when the seat frame tilts relative to the sliding system, limiting the amplitude of the tilt during a crash.

[0016] According to this disclosure, said at least one flexible link is configured to be put under tension during tilting, with tensioning of two strands of said at least one flexible link, comprising at least a first strand and at least a second strand, respectively arranged in parallel between the second movable part of said at least one slide, or a fastening portion of the lower frame, straddling and integral with the second part, on the one hand, and the upper frame, on the other hand, on the side of said at least one slide.

[0017] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other: - said at least one flexible link is connected to the upper frame by means of a guiding means configured to allow limited sliding of said at least one flexible link relative to the upper frame, or alternatively, said at least one flexible link is connected to the second part of the slide, or to the mounting portion of the lower frame straddling and integral with the second part, by means of a guiding means configured to permit limited sliding of said at least one flexible link relative to the second upper part; - said at least one slide being oriented along a direction X, said at least one first strand and said at least one second strand are in offset positions along the direction X;

[0018] - the upper chassis supports an anchoring hole for a seat belt, in in particular an anchor point for the stalk of a seat belt; - said at least one first strand and at least one second strand are arranged, along the X direction, in staggered positions, on either side of said anchoring orifice; - said at least first strand and said at least second strand of said at least one flexible link are joined to each other by an intermediate portion of said at least one flexible link cooperating in sliding with the guiding means, the guiding means and said intermediate portion being configured to slide relative to each other in order to balance the tension of said first strand and the tension of said second strand, offset along the X direction, during the tilting; - the guiding means includes one or more offset guides along the X direction, such as for example a first and second offset guides along the X direction, for example on either side of an anchorage hole for the safety belt, the guide(s) being formed on the upper frame according to the first possibility, or formed on the support fixed to the second part of the slide according to the second possibility; - the loop(s), in particular the first loop and the second loop, are formed by one or more cutouts in a metal part of the upper frame; optionally the loops are provided with plastic inserts configured to avoid contact between the metal and said at least link at the level of the loop(s); - the suspension system includes a tubular bellows protecting the mechanism comprising the suspension element received internally in the bellows, the bellows connecting the lower chassis and the upper chassis, said flexible link being engaged with the upper chassis, at the level of at least one lateral extension of the upper chassis, projecting laterally in a direction Y, perpendicular to the direction X of the slide in the seat's rest position, said at least one lateral extension cantilevering from the bellows, extending above said at least one slide, on the side of said at least one slide; - said lateral extension of the upper chassis supports said anchorage hole for a safety belt, in particular an anchorage hole for the stalk of a safety belt; - the flexible link comprises a first attachment portion fixed to said at least one first strand and a second attachment portion fixed to said at least one second strand, attached respectively to the second movable part of the slide, or to the portion of the lower frame integral with and straddling the second part according to a first possibility, or alternatively the flexible link comprises a first attachment portion integral with said at least one first strand and a second attachment portion integral with said at least one second strand, attached respectively to the upper frame according to a second possibility, and wherein said at least one flexible link engages with the upper frame, at the level of an intermediate portion of said at least one flexible link between said at least one first strand and said at least one second strand according to the first possibility, or again said at least one flexible link engages with a support fixed to the second part of the slide, according to the second possibility, and wherein in the case of tilting the at least one flexible link is configured to be under tension,with tension applied to the two strands of said at least one flexible link, comprising said at least a first strand formed between the first attachment portion and said intermediate portion and said at least a second strand formed between the second attachment portion and said intermediate portion; - said at least slide being oriented along a direction X, said at least first strand and said at least second strand being in offset positions along the direction X and the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion are offset along the direction X; - said at least one flexible link is a band having two longitudinal ends forming respectively the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion; - the lower frame of the suspension system comprises the attachment portion secured to the second part of said at least one slide by a first attachment member and a second attachment member, the first attachment member and the second attachment member being in offset positions along a direction X of said at least one slide and in which the first attachment portion is formed by a first longitudinal end of the band which is pinched between the attachment portion of the lower frame and the second part of said at least one slide, through which is passed the first attachment member, and a second longitudinal end of the band which is pinched between the attachment portion and the second part of the slide, through which is passed the second attachment member; - the first longitudinal end of the band forming the first portion of the attachment includes a first metal eyelet through which the first fastening element passes, and the second longitudinal end of the band forming the second portion of the attachment includes a second metal eyelet through which the second fastening element passes; - said at least one flexible link is a flexible loop, which is fixed by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, integral with the second part of the slide or of said lower chassis fixing portion, according to a first possibility, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring, and hooking the two folded loop portions onto the upper chassis, or alternatively by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, attached to the upper chassis according to the second possibility, then by folding two folded loop portions around the rigid ring, and hooking the two loop portions onto a support fixed to the second part of the slide; - said at least flexible link comprises a first bracelet, and a second bracelet, and a portion of flexible link joining the first bracelet and the second bracelet, and in which said at least one flexible link is fixed by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the second part of the slide according to the first possibility, then by folding the portion of the link around the rigid ring, and hooking the first bracelet and the second bracelet onto the upper frame, or by inserting said flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the seat frame according to the second possibility, then by folding the portion of the link around the rigid ring, and hooking the first bracelet and the second bracelet onto the support fixed to the second part of the slide; - the two loop portions of said at least one flexible link are attached to a part of the upper chassis bearing a seat belt anchorage hole, or alternatively the first bracelet and the second bracelet are attached to a part of the upper chassis bearing a seat belt anchorage hole; - said at least one slide of the slide system comprises a first slide and a second slide, oriented longitudinally along the X direction, distributed transversely, along a Y direction, on either side of the suspension system, and in which said at least one flexible link comprises a first flexible link connecting the first slide to the upper chassis, on the side of the first slide and a second flexible link connecting the second slide to the upper chassis, on the side of the second slide; - a riser system interposed between the seat frame and the upper frame comprising connecting rods linking the flanges of the seat frame to the upper frame in an articulated manner.

[0019] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a suspended seat according to a first embodiment in which at least one flexible link is put in place by attaching the first longitudinal end of the band and the second longitudinal end of the band, during the assembly of the attachment portion of the lower frame to the second part of said at least one slide, by pinching the first longitudinal end of the band forming the first attachment portion and the second end longitudinal of the strip forming the second attachment portion, between the lower chassis fixing portion and the second slide part and placement of the first fixing member and the second fixing member respectively through the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the strip, the first fixing member and the second fixing member joining respectively the second slide part and the lower chassis fixing portion.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for assembling a suspended seat according to a second or even a third embodiment allowing assembly of said at least one flexible link without tools, wherein said at least one flexible link is put in place - when said at least flexible link is the loop, by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, integral with the second part of said at least one slide according to the first possibility, then by folding two portions of the flexible loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions of said loop to the upper frame, or alternatively by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, integral with the upper frame according to the second possibility, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions to a support fixed to the second part of the slide, or alternatively, - when said at least one flexible link includes the first bracelet and the second bracelet as well as the portion of flexible link joining the first and second bracelets, by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the second part of said at least one slide according to the first possibility, then by folding the portion of link around the rigid ring, and attaching the first bracelet and the second bracelet to the upper frame, or alternatively, by inserting said flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the upper frame according to the second possibility, then by folding the portion of link around the rigid ring, and attaching the first bracelet and the second bracelet to a support fixed to the second part of the slide. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0022] [Fig. 1] shows a suspended seat comprising a seat and a backrest, as well as a sliding system, including a first slide and a second slide, on each side of the seat, and a suspension system interposed between the seat frame and the sliding system, and a system for limiting angular movement of the seat relative to the slide comprising a first flexible link in the form of a band, connecting an upper frame of the suspension system to the first slide, on the side of the first slide, and a second flexible link in the form of a band, connecting the upper frame to the second slide on the side of the second slide, and according to a first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 2

[0023] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the seat of the [Fig.1], illustrating the mechanism of the suspension system comprising an elastic suspension element, in particular at least one spring mounted in extension, and a scissor arm system. Fig. 3

[0024] [Fig.3] is a side view of the seat of the [Fig.1], illustrating the second link under in the form of a band, which has two strands with a first strand and a second strand, connecting in parallel the upper frame and the slide, the two strands being in offset positions along the direction of the slide. Fig. 4

[0025] [Fig.4] is an enlargement of the first flexible link of the seat of the [Fig.1]. Fig. 5

[0026] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view along a plane parallel to the XZ plane, passing through the second flexible connection, illustrating more particularly two guides on the upper frame, including a first and a second guide between which extends an intermediate portion of the strip arranged between the first and second strands, the first strand being terminated by a first attachment portion, pinched between the lower frame and the upper profile of the second slide, and traversed by a first fixing element ensuring the fixing of the lower frame to the upper profile of the slide, the second strand being terminated by a second attachment portion pinched between the lower frame and the upper profile of the second slide, and traversed by a first fixing element ensuring the fixing of the lower frame to the upper profile of the slide Fig. 6

[0027] [Fig.6] is an enlarged view of [Fig.5]. Fig. 7

[0028] [Fig.7] is a sectional view passing through a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing simultaneously through the anchor point of a seat belt and the first fastening device. Fig. 8

[0029] [Fig.8] shows a suspended seat comprising a seat and a backrest, as well as a a system of slides, including a first slide and a second slide, of each side of the seat, and a system interposed between the seat frame and the slide system, as well as a system for limiting the angular movement of the seat relative to the slide comprising a first flexible link in the form of a loop, connecting an upper frame of the suspension system to the first slide, on the side of the first slide, as well as a second flexible link in the form of a loop, connecting the upper frame to the second slide on the side of the second slide, and according to a second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 9

[0030] [Fig.9] is a detail view of [Fig.8], illustrating the hook of the second link flexible, in the form of a loop, which is hooked between a lower rigid ring attached to a portion of the lower chassis fixing and a wing forming a hook of the upper chassis, directed upwards, said wing having an anchoring hole for a safety belt. Fig. 10

[0031] [Fig. 10] is a view of [Fig.9], illustrating the cooperation of the loop which, during its assembly, is put in place without tools, by inserting the loop into the rigid (lower) ring, then folding the loop around the ring and hooking two portions of the folded loop onto the hook of the upper frame. Fig. 11

[0032] [Fig. 11] is a detail view of the flexible link in the form of a loop folded around the ring, in the lower part, with hooking on the hook in the upper part, the loop thus folded forming two first strands and two second strands, arranged in offset positions along the direction of the slide, on either side of the anchoring hole for the attachment of a safety belt. Fig. 12

[0033] [Fig. 12] is a view of a flexible connection, comprising a first bracelet and a second bracelet, connected to each other by an intermediate connecting portion, and which is perhaps used as a replacement for the loop illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Fig. 12a

[0034] [Fig. 12a] is a view of how the flexible link of [Fig. 12] is assembled which is put in place without tools, by inserting the flexible link into the rigid (lower) ring, then folding the portion of the link and with hooking the two bracelets consisting of the first bracelet and the second bracelet onto a hook of the upper frame. Fig. 13

[0035] [Fig. 13] is a view of a loop and its section formed of a textile sheath and an elastic internal to said sheath. Description of the implementation methods

[0036] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0037] Also, and as illustrated in the figures, the present disclosure relates to a suspended seat 1 for a vehicle comprising: - a seat 2 comprising a seat frame 20 - a sliding system having at least one slide 3, 4 comprising a first part 30, 40, fixed, intended to be anchored to the floor of the vehicle and a second part 31, 41, movable, sliding relative to the first part, - a suspension system 5 interposed between the seat frame 2 and the sliding system, comprising an upper frame 50 and a lower frame 51 between which is interposed a mechanism comprising an elastic suspension member 52, said suspension system being fixed by its lower frame 51 to the second part 31, 41, movable, of said at least one slide 3, 4, said suspension system being configured to allow a movement of the upper frame 50 relative to the lower frame 51.

[0038] Said at least one slide 3, 4 of the slide system may comprise a first slide 3 and a second slide 4, oriented parallel longitudinally along the direction X, distributed transversely, along a direction Y, on either side of the suspension system.

[0039] Each slide 3 or 4 comprises the first part 30 or 40, fixed, which can be formed by a lower profile PFinf and the second part 31 or 41 which can be formed by an upper profile PFsup, in a manner well known to the person skilled in the art, and as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of [Fig.7].

[0040] The lower chassis 51 is fixed by fastening portions to the second part 31, 41, by fastening elements, such as screw / nut systems.

[0041] The mechanism connecting the upper frame 50 to the lower frame 51, which includes said elastic suspension member 52, is illustrated, according to a non-limiting embodiment, in [Fig. 2]. A tubular bellows 53, illustrated in [Fig. 8], connects the upper frame 50 to the lower frame 51 and receives the mechanism. This bellows 53 protects against the risk of pinching by the mechanism.

[0042] The mechanism may include a scissor arm system, comprising a first arm 54 and a second arm 55, articulated to each other along an articulation axis 56, extending along the Y direction.

[0043] The first arm 54 is articulated at its upper end to an articulation axis 58 of the fixed upper chassis 50, for example in a rear position (along the direction X) on the upper chassis, and has at its lower end a rolling element such as a roller 57, mounted to roll along a raceway of the lower chassis 51

[0044] The second arm 55, is articulated at its lower end to an articulation axis 59 of the lower chassis 51, fixed, for example in rear position (along the direction X) on the upper chassis, and has at its upper end a rolling element such as a roller, mounted to roll along a raceway of the upper chassis 50.

[0045] In such a mechanism, and during a downward vertical movement of the seat, the mechanism guides the approach of the upper chassis 50 relative to the lower chassis, the rollers 57 of the arms (54 or 55) moving away from the articulation axes 58, 59. The arms 54, 55 thus move apart, brought back by the return force of the elastic suspension member 53, constituted here by one or more springs mounted in extension between the two arms 54, 55.

[0046] The suspended seat may further include a riser system interposed between the seat frame 20 and the upper frame 50 comprising connecting rods 8 articulating flanges 21 of the seat frame 20 to the upper frame 50.

[0047] Two connecting rods 8 are articulated, on the one hand, at their lower end to the upper frame 50, and on the other hand, at their upper end to the seat frame 20, along two articulation axes parallel to the Y direction on the rear of the seat, and two other connecting rods 8 are articulated, on the one hand, at their lower end to the upper frame 50, and on the other hand, at their upper end to the seat frame 20, along two articulation axes parallel to the Y direction on the front of the frame. The inclination of the connecting rods (and thus the distance between the seat frame 20 and the upper frame 50) can be adjusted by manual pumping on an irreversible adjustment mechanism, or even by motor, an output pinion of the irreversible adjustment mechanism (or of a motor) meshing with a toothed rod or with a rack.

[0048] In the event of a crash, for example in the event of a frontal crash (along the X direction), the seat occupant is held by the seat belt, the sudden deceleration of the crash causing a force which tends to tip the seat, in the direction S of the arrow illustrated in [Fig.2]

[0049] The suspended seat 1 then includes a system for limiting the movement of the seat relative to the sliding system, comprising at least one flexible link 6, 7, which is in a relaxed state in the rest position of the suspension system, namely when the seat and its occupant are not subjected to acceleration. Said at least one flexible link 6, 7 is then configured to tighten during a tilting of the seat frame 2 relative to the sliding system, particularly in the S direction, by limiting the amplitude of the tilt during a crash, namely when seat 2 of the seat tilts forward.

[0050] Thus, said at least one flexible link may include: - a first flexible link 6 connecting the first slide 3 to the upper frame 50 on the side of the first slide 3 - a second flexible link 7 connecting the second slide 4 to the upper frame 50, on the side of the second slide 4.

[0051] According to the illustrated embodiments, said at least link, namely said first link 6 and said second link 7, are arranged on a rear position of the seat along the direction X, namely in an optimal position to limit the tilting of the seat forward, in particular in the case of a frontal impact.

[0052] According to an embodiment not illustrated, said at least one link, namely said first link 6 and said second link 7, can also be arranged in a forward position of the seat along the direction X, namely in an optimal position to limit the tilting of the seat towards the rear, in particular in the case of a rear-facing impact.

[0053] According to yet another embodiment, said at least link, namely said first link 6 and said second link 7, can also be arranged in a front position and a rear position of the seat along the direction X, namely in optimal positions to limit the tilting of the seat forward and backward: in such a case, a first link 6 (respectively a second link 7) is in a front position, and another first link 6 (respectively second link 7) is in a rear position.

[0054] According to this disclosure, said at least one flexible link 6, 7 is configured to be put under tension during tilting, with tensioning of two strands of said at least one flexible link 6, 7, comprising at least one first strand B1 and at least one second strand B2, respectively arranged in parallel between the second movable part 31, 41 of said at least one slide, or a portion of the lower frame 51 straddling and integral with the second part, on the one hand, and the upper frame 50, on the other hand, on the side of said at least one slide 6.

[0055] Then and according to the present disclosure, each flexible link, (namely the first flexible link 6 and the second flexible link 7) comprises said at least one first strand B1 and said at least second strand B2, connecting in parallel the upper chassis, on the one hand, to the lower chassis, or even to the second movable part 31 of the first slide 3, for said first flexible link 6, or even to the second movable part 41 of the second slide 4, for the second flexible link 7.

[0056] According to the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, said at least one flexible link (first flexible link 6 or second flexible link 7) is constituted by a strip Bd, for example a textile strip, the first strand B1 and the second strand B2 being by two sections of length of the band Bd. In this embodiment, the restraining force limiting tipping is transmitted on each side of the seat in parallel on the two strands Bl, B2.

[0057] According to the second embodiment of Figures 8 to 11, said at least one flexible link (the first flexible link 6 or the second flexible link 7) is constituted by a loop Bc folded over a ring 9, on the lower frame 50 and attached to the upper frame 51 (or vice versa) and which forms two first strands Bl and two second strands B2. In this embodiment, the restraining force limiting tipping is transmitted on each side of the seat in parallel on the four strands Bl, B2.

[0058] According to a third embodiment (Figures 12 and 12a), the flexible link 6 7, (the first flexible link 6 or the second flexible link 7) comprises a first bracelet Br1, and a second bracelet Br2, and a flexible link portion L12, joining the first bracelet Br1 and the second bracelet Br2

[0059] This flexible link, when folded over a ring 9, on the lower frame 50 and attached to the upper frame 51 (or vice versa), forms, on the one hand, a first strand Bl, with the first bracelet Brl and half of the length section of the flexible link portion L12, and forms, on the other hand, a second strand B2 with the second bracelet Br2 and the other half of the length section of the flexible link portion L12.

[0060] In all cases, and advantageously, the section of the at least one flexible link 6, 7, which includes at least one first strand Bl (one first strand Bl, or even two first strands B1 in parallel) and at least one second strand B2 (one second strand B2, or even two second strands B2 in parallel) can be chosen to be smaller than the section that would be required if a single strand supported the entire restraint force on each side of the seat.

[0061] According to one embodiment, said at least one flexible link 6, 7 can be connected to the upper frame 50 by means of a guide means G configured to permit limited sliding of said at least one flexible link 6, 7 relative to the upper frame 50 and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 12.

[0062] Alternatively, said at least one flexible link is connected to the second part of the slide, or to the mounting portion of the lower straddle chassis and integral with the second part by means of a guide means G configured to allow limited sliding of said at least one flexible link relative to the upper second part.

[0063] In particular, and when said at least one first strand B1 and said at least one second strand are offset along the direction X, said at least one first strand B1 and said at least one second strand B2 of said at least one flexible link 6;7 are joined to each other by an intermediate portion Int of said at least one flexible link 6;7 cooperating in sliding with the guiding means G, the guiding means G and said intermediate portion Int being configured to slide relative to each other in order to balance the tension of said first strand B1 and the tension of said second strand B2, offset relative to each other along the X direction during the flip, in particular during a crash.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the guiding means G comprises one or more offset guides along the direction X or along a direction slightly inclined with respect to this direction, such as for example a first guide Pal and a second guide Pa2 offset along the direction X (in the seat's rest position), the guide(s) being formed on the upper frame 50 according to the first possibility, or formed on the support fixed to the second part of the slide according to the second possibility (not illustrated).

[0065] The loop(s), in particular the first loop Pal and the second loop Pa2, can be formed by one or more cutouts in a metal part of the upper chassis 50. The loop(s) can be provided with plastic inserts Ins configured to avoid contact between the metal and said at least link at the level of the loop(s), and in particular contact between the band Bd and the metal.

[0066] According to the second embodiment, the guiding means G may simply comprise one or more surfaces on which the intermediate portion Int of said at least one flexible link is attached, and in particular the upper part of the loop Bel.

[0067] According to one embodiment, with said at least one slide oriented along a direction X, said at least one first strand B1 and said at least one second strand B2 are in offset positions along the direction X, and as seen in the embodiments of figures 1 to 11. According to another embodiment illustrated by way of example in figure 12a, said at least one first strand B1 and said at least one second strand B2 may be in offset positions along the direction Y.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the upper frame 50 supports an anchorage hole Ac for a seat belt, in particular an anchorage hole for the stalk of a seat belt. In particular, the frame includes an anchorage hole Ac on each side of the upper frame 50.

[0069] According to one embodiment, and when said at least one first strand B1 and at least one second strand B2 are offset along the direction X then said at least one first strand Brl and said at least one second strand Br2 can advantageously be arranged, along the direction X, in offset positions, on either side of said anchoring orifice Ac.

[0070] Thus, and in [Fig. 6], it can be seen that the first strand B1 formed by a first section of length of the strip Bd and the second strand B2 formed by a second section of length of the strip Bd are arranged on either side of the orifice anchoring. We also note that the first passing Pal and the second passing Pa2 are offset along the X direction, on either side of the anchoring orifice Ac.

[0071] When the suspension system 5 includes the tubular bellows 53 protecting the mechanism comprising the suspension member 52, received internally in the bellows, the bellows connecting the lower chassis 51 and the upper chassis 50, said flexible link 6, 7 may be in contact with the upper chassis 50, at the level of at least one lateral extension 500, 501 of the upper chassis, projecting laterally in a direction Y, perpendicular to the direction X of the slide in the rest position of the seat.

[0072] This lateral extension 500, 501 cantilevers from the bellows, extending above said at least one slide 3, 4, on the side of said at least one slide 3, 4.

[0073] In general, the upper chassis 50 may include: - a first lateral extension 500 extending along the Y direction, cantilevered from the bellows extending above the first slide 3, engaging with the first flexible link 6, - a second lateral extension 501 extending along the Y direction, cantilevered from the bellows, extending above the first slide 3, engaging with the first flexible link 7.

[0074] Said lateral extension (first lateral extension 500 or second lateral extension 501) can be engaged with the flexible link (first or second flexible link) by means of the pass-through(s), in particular the first pass-through Pal and the second pass-through Pa2, through said at least one flexible link, and as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0075] Alternatively, said lateral extension 500, 501 can engage with the flexible link, first or second flexible link, by simple hooking, and as illustrated in [Fig.9] and 10. The lateral extension 500, 501 may have an upwardly folded wing 502, forming a hook, and on which said at least one flexible link 6, 7 can be hooked. This folded wing may carry the hooking hole Ac, or even a nut Ec extending the anchoring hole Ac and whose threading allows a threaded part to be screwed on for the attachment of a safety belt.

[0076] According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, the flexible link 6, 7 comprises a first attachment portion Atl integral with said at least one first strand B1 and a second attachment portion At2 integral with said at least one second strand, attached respectively to the second movable part 31, 41 of the slide, or to the portion of the lower frame 51 integral with and straddling the second part according to a first possibility. Said at least one flexible link 6, 7 then engages with the upper frame 50, for example with the upward-facing hook, or with the loop(s), at the level of an intermediate portion Int of said at least one flexible link between said at least one first strand B1 and said at least one second strand B2 according to this first possibility

[0077] Alternatively, and according to a reversed embodiment (not illustrated), the flexible link comprises a first attachment portion Atl attached to said at least one first strand B1 and a second attachment portion At2 attached to said at least one second strand, respectively attached to the upper frame according to a second possibility. Said at least one flexible link 6, 7 then engages with a support fixed to the second part of the slide, for example in the loop(s), or with a downward-facing hook.

[0078] In both cases, first possibility or second possibility, in the case of the switch, the at least one flexible link 6, 7 is configured to be put under tension, with tensioning of the two strands Bl, B2 of said at least one flexible link, comprising said at least one first strand Bl formed between the first attachment portion Atl and said intermediate portion Int and said at least one second strand 61 formed between the second attachment portion At2 and said intermediate portion Int.

[0079] According to the first embodiment, said at least one flexible link 6,7 is a strip Bd having two longitudinal ends forming respectively the first attachment portion At1 and the second attachment portion At2, and as illustrated by way of example in Figures 1 to 7. In [Fig. 6], this strip Bd extends from a first end fixed to the slide to the upper frame 50, forming the first strand B1, then through the first loop Pa and the second loop Pa2 over an intermediate portion Int, and finally extends to a second end fixed to the slide, forming the second strand B2

[0080] This strip Bd can be attached to the slide at its first attachment portion Atl and its second attachment portion, by the fastening elements used to attach the lower frame to the slide 3, 4, and therefore advantageously without a dedicated fastening element. Such an embodiment is clearly visible in [Fig. 6].

[0081] Thus, and in [Fig.6], the lower chassis 51 of the suspension system includes the fixing portion attached to the second part 31, 41 of said at least one slide 3,4 by a first fixing member Ogl and a second fixing member Og2.

[0082] The first fastening member Ogl and the second fastening member Og2 are in offset positions along a direction X of said at least one slide 3, 4. The first attachment portion Atl is formed by a first longitudinal end of the strip Bd which is pinched between the fastening portion of the lower frame 51 and the second part 31, 41 of said at least one slide 3, 4, through which the first fastening member Ogl passes. A second longitudinal end of the strip Bd is pinched between the fastening portion and the second part of the slide, through which by the second fastening element Og2. The first longitudinal end of the strip Bd forming the first fastening portion Atl may include a first metal eyelet through which the first fastening element Ogl passes, and the second longitudinal end of the strip Bd forming the second fastening portion At2 may include a second metal eyelet through which the second fastening element Og2 passes. Such eyelets may serve to protect the strip.

[0083] Such an embodiment advantageously allows the implementation of a method for assembling a suspended seat according to the present disclosure, in which at least one flexible link 6, 7 is put in place by attaching the first longitudinal end of the band Bd and the second longitudinal end of the band Bd, advantageously during the assembly of the attachment portion of the lower frame 51 to the second part 31, 41 of said at least one slide 3, 4, by pinching the first longitudinal end of the band forming the first attachment portion Atl and the second longitudinal end of the band forming the second attachment portion At2, between the attachment portion of the lower frame 51 and the second part of the slide 31, 41, and the first attachment member Ogl and the second attachment member Og2 are put in place respectively through the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the band,The first fastening element Ogl and the second fastening element Og2 respectively join the second part of the slide 31, 41 and the fastening portion of the lower frame 51. The fastening elements Og2 and Ogl may be a screw / nut system ensuring tightening by screwing, the screw passing directly through the strip, particularly textile, or through said metal eyelet.

[0084] According to a second embodiment, said at least one flexible link 6,7 can be a flexible loop Bel, which is fixed by inserting the flexible loop Bel into a rigid ring 9, integral with the second part of the slide 31, 41 or with said lower frame fixing portion 51, according to a first possibility, illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 by way of example, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring 9, and hooking the two folded portions of the loop onto the upper frame 50.

[0085] Thus and in [Fig.9], we note that the two portions of loops, folded on either side of the rigid ring 9, are hooked on said wing folded upwards 502 of the lateral extension 501, this wing bearing in particular the hooking orifice Ac.

[0086] Alternatively, and according to an embodiment not illustrated, the loop is put in place by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring 9, attached to the upper frame 50 according to the second possibility, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring, and hooking the two portions of the loop onto a support fixed to the second part of the slide.

[0087] According to a third embodiment, said at least flexible link 6, 7 may comprise a first bracelet Brl, and a second bracelet Br2, and a portion of flexible link L12, joining the first bracelet Brl and the second bracelet Br2.

[0088] According to a possibility illustrated in [Fig. 12a], said at least one flexible link 6, 7 can be fixed by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring 9, integral with the second part of the slide according to the first possibility, then by folding the connecting portion around the rigid ring, and hooking the first bracelet Brl and the second bracelet Br2 onto the upper frame 50. The first bracelet Brl and the second bracelet Br2, folded on either side of the ring 9, can be hooked onto said upwardly folded wing 502 of the lateral extension 501, this wing having in particular the hooking hole Ac.

[0089] Alternatively, said flexible link is inserted into a rigid ring, attached to the seat frame according to the second possibility, then by folding the portion of the link around the rigid ring, and hooking the first bracelet and the second bracelet onto the support fixed to the second part of the slide.

[0090] Generally, the two loop portions Bel of said at least one flexible link 6,7 can be hooked onto a part of the upper chassis 5 having an anchorage hole Ac of the safety belt and as illustrated in [Fig. 10], or the first bracelet Br1 and the second bracelet Br2 can be hooked onto a part of the upper chassis having an anchorage hole Ac of the safety belt, according to the figure illustrated in [Fig. 12a].

[0091] The second embodiment or the third embodiment can be the subject of an assembly process in which the flexible link is laid, and advantageously without a tool.

[0092] Thus, the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a suspended seat, in which said at least one flexible link 6, 7 is put in place (advantageously without tools): - according to the second embodiment, by inserting the flexible loop Bel into a rigid ring 9, attached to the second part 31, 41 of said at least one slide according to the first possibility, then by folding two portions of the flexible loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions of said loop to the upper frame 50, or alternatively by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, attached to the upper frame according to the second possibility, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions to the support fixed to the second part of the slide, or alternatively, - according to the third embodiment, by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the second part of said at least one slide according to the first possibility, then by folding the connecting portion around the ring rigid, and attaching the first bracelet Brl and the second bracelet Br2 to the upper frame 50, or by inserting said flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the upper frame 50 according to the second possibility, then by folding the portion of the link around the rigid ring 9, and attaching the first bracelet Brl and the second bracelet Br2 to a support fixed to the second part of the slide.

[0093] Generally, the flexible link can be made of a non-elastic material, in particular when it comes into contact with the loop(s), which ensures a reliable grip of the link passing through the loop(s).

[0094] Conversely, when said flexible link is simply supported by a hooked portion of the upper frame 50, said flexible link may be made of an elastic material, at least in part, in order to move with the upper hooked portion during the travel permitted by the suspension system. This prevents unwanted detachment of the flexible link.

[0095] In particular, [Fig. 13] shows an embodiment of a loop comprising an elastic core El and a sheath GA receiving an elastic band El. In the rest position of the loop Bl, the sheath is pleated by the action of the elastic core. When the loop Bc is stretched, the elastic core El elongates until the sheath is under tension, which limits the elongation. List of reference signs

[0096] - 1: Suspended seat, - 2. Seated, - 21. Flasks, -3,4 At least one slide, (respectively first slide and second slide) - 30, 40. First part, fixed, (respectively first slide and second slide), - 31, 41. Second part, movable, (respectively first slide and second slide), - 5. Suspension system; - 50. Upper chassis, - 500, 501 Lateral extensions, - 51. Lower chassis, - 52. Elastic suspension component, - 53. Bellows, - 54.55. First arm and second arm, - 56. Joint axis (between the first and second scissor arms), - 57. Pebbles, 53. 59. Joint axes, - 6, 7. At least one flexible link, (respectively first flexible link and second flexible link), - Ec. Nut (Seat belt anchor), - Comic Strip (First method of implementation), - Atl, At2. First attachment portion and second attachment portion - Bl, B2. First strand and second strand, - Int. Intermediate portion of said at least flexible link (between the first strand and the second strand) - Ac. Anchoring hole (for a seat belt, in particular for a seat belt stalk), - Bel. Loop (Second embodiment), - G. Guiding means, - GA. Sheath ([Fig. 13]), - El. Elastic ([Fig. 13]). - Pal, Pa2. First passer and second passer, - Plastic inserts (loops=), - Brl, Br2. First bracelet and second bracelet (Third embodiment), - PFsup. Upper profile (slide) - PFinf. Lower profile (slide), - 8. Connecting rods (Raise system), - 9. Rigid ring.

Claims

1. Demands Suspended seat (1) for a vehicle comprising: - a seat (2) including a seat frame (20), - a sliding system having at least one slide (3, 4) comprising a first part (30, 40), fixed, intended to be anchored to the floor of the vehicle and a second part (31, 41), movable, sliding relative to the first part, - a suspension system (5) interposed between the seat frame (2) and the slide system, comprising an upper frame (50) and a lower frame (51) between which is interposed a mechanism comprising an elastic suspension element (52), said suspension system being fixed by its lower frame (51) to the second movable part (31, 41) of said at least one slide (3, 4), said suspension system being configured to allow movement of the upper frame (50) relative to the lower frame (51), - a system for limiting the movement of the seat relative to the slide system comprising at least one flexible link (6, 7), having a slack state in the rest position of the suspension system, said at least one flexible link (6, 7) being configured to tighten during a tilting of the seat frame (20) relative to the slide system, limiting the amplitude of the tilting during a crash, and wherein said at least one flexible link (6, 7) is configured to be tensioned during tilting, with tensioning of two strands of said at least one flexible link (6, 7), comprising at least one first strand (B1) and at least one second strand (B2), respectively arranged in parallel between the second movable part (31, 41) of said at least one slide, or a portion of the lower frame (51) straddling and integral with the second part, on the one hand, and the upper frame (50), on the other hand, on the side of said at least one slide (6, 7), and wherein: - said at least one flexible link (6, 7) is a flexible loop (Bel), which is fixed by inserting the flexible loop (Bel) into a rigid ring (9), integral with the second part of the slide (31, 41) or with said lower frame fixing portion (51), according to a first possibility, then by folding two portions of the loop around the rigid ring (9), and hooking the two portions of the loop folded over the upper frame (50), or alternatively by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring (9), integral with the upper frame (50) according to the second possibility, then by folding two portions of the folded loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded loop portions to a support fixed to the second part of the slide, or - said at least one flexible link (6, 7) comprises a first bracelet (Brl), and a second bracelet (Br2), and a flexible connecting portion (L12), joining the first bracelet (Brl) and the second bracelet (Br2), and in which said at least one flexible link (6, 7) is fixed by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring (9), integral with the second part of the slide according to the first possibility, then by folding the connecting portion around the rigid ring, and attaching the first bracelet (Brl) and the second bracelet (Br2) to the upper frame (50), or alternatively,by inserting said flexible link into a rigid ring, attached to the seat frame according to the second possibility, then folding the portion of the link around the rigid ring, and attaching the first and second bracelets to the support fixed to the second part of the slide.

2. Suspended seat (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one flexible link (6, 7) is connected to the upper frame (50) by means of a guide means (G) configured to permit limited sliding of said at least one flexible link (6, 7) relative to the upper frame (50), or alternatively, said flexible link is connected to the second part of the slide, or to the mounting portion of the lower frame straddling and integral with the second part by means of a guide means configured to permit limited sliding of said at least one flexible link relative to the second upper part.

3. Suspended seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one slide being oriented along a direction X, said at least one first strand (B1) and said at least one second strand (B2) are in offset positions along the direction X.

4. Suspended seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein upper frame (50) supports an anchorage hole (Ac) for a safety belt, in particular an anchorage hole for the stalk of a safety belt.

5. Suspended seat (1) according to claims 3 and 4 and in which said at least one first strand (B1) and at least one second strand (B2) are arranged, along the direction X, in offset positions, on either side of said anchoring orifice (Ac).

6. Suspended seat (1) according to the combination of claim 2 in combination with claim 3 or 5 wherein said at least first strand (B1) and said at least second strand (B1) of said at least one flexible link (6;7) are joined to each other by an intermediate portion (Int) of said at least one flexible link (6;7) cooperating in sliding with the guiding means (G), the guiding means (G) and said intermediate portion (Int) being configured to slide relative to each other in order to balance the tension of said first strand (B1) and the tension of said second strand (B2), offset along the X direction, during tilting.

7. Suspended seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the suspension system (5) comprises a tubular bellows (53) protecting the mechanism comprising the suspension member (52) received internally in the bellows, the bellows connecting the lower frame (51) and the upper frame (50), said less flexible link (6, 7) being engaged with the upper frame (50), at the level of at least one lateral extension (500, 501) of the upper frame, projecting laterally in a direction Y, perpendicular to the direction X of the slide in the rest position of the seat, said at least one lateral extension (500, 501) cantilevering from the bellows, extending over said at least one slide (3, 4), on the side of said at least one slide (3, 4).

8. Suspended seat (1) according to claims 4 and 7, wherein said lateral extension (500, 501) of the upper frame (50) supports said anchorage hole (Ac) for a safety belt, in particular an anchorage hole for the stalk of a safety belt.

9. Suspended seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two loop portions (Bel) of said at least one flexible link (6,7) are hooked onto a part of the upper frame (50) having an anchorage hole (Ac) for the safety belt, or wherein the first strap (Brl) and the second strap (Br2) are hooked onto a part of the upper frame having an anchorage hole (Ac) for the safety belt.

10. Suspended seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one slide (3, 4) of the slide system comprises a first slide and a second slide, oriented longitudinally along the direction X, distributed transversely, along a direction Y, on either side of the suspension system, and wherein said at least one flexible link comprises: - a first flexible link (6) connecting the first slide (3) to the upper frame (50), on the side of the first slide (3) - a second flexible link (7) connecting the second slide (4) to the upper frame (50), on the side of the second slide (4).

11. Suspended seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a riser system interposed between the seat frame (20) and the upper frame (50) having connecting rods (8) articulating flanges (21) of the seat frame (20) to the upper frame (50).

12. A method for assembling a suspended seat according to any one of claims 1 to 11; wherein said at least one flexible link (6, 7) is put in place - by inserting the flexible loop (Bel) into a rigid ring (9), integral with the second part (31, 41) of said at least one slide according to the first possibility, then by folding two portions of the flexible loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions of said loop to the upper frame (50), or alternatively, by inserting the flexible loop into a rigid ring, integral with the upper frame according to the second possibility, then by folding the two portions of the loop around the rigid ring, and attaching the two folded portions to a support fixed to the second part of the slide, or alternatively, - by inserting the flexible link into a rigid ring, integral with the second part of said at least one slide according to the first possibility,then by folding the connecting portion around the rigid ring, and attaching the first bracelet (Brl) and the second bracelet (Br2) to the upper frame (50), or alternatively by inserting said flexible connection into a rigid ring, integral with the upper frame (50) according to the second possibility, then by folding the connecting portion around the rigid ring (9), and attaching, of the first bracelet (Brl) and the second bracelet (Br2) on a support fixed to the second part of the slide.

Images