Vehicle seat with movable seat belt anchor points

Abstract

A vehicle seat (10) comprises a seat (13) with a seat frame (14), a backrest (16) with a backrest frame (17), an articulation mechanism (20) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest frame (17) relative to the seat frame (14), about a first substantially transverse axis (A1), at least one anchoring element (44) for a strap (36) of a safety belt device (35), to the seat frame (14), the at least one anchoring element (44) being fixed to the seat frame (14) by means of at least one connecting member (48), such as a connecting rod (48), and means (50) for controlling a movement, in particular a rotation, of the at least one connecting member (48), as a function of a rotation of the backrest frame (17) about the first axis (A1). Figure from the summary: [Fig. 2]

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat with movable seat belt anchor points technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat. Previous technique

[0002] In the automotive field, it is known to equip a seat with a safety belt device in order to firmly restrain the occupant of the seat in the event of an impact or sudden braking of the vehicle containing the seat.

[0003] Generally, a seat belt device comprises a webbing attached to the seat frame by means of anchoring elements, each anchoring element being fixed to the seat frame or the vehicle chassis at at least one respective anchor point. More specifically, the webbing is attached at one end to a retention housing, generally fixed to the vehicle chassis. The webbing is also provided with a fastening clip. The fastening clip is designed to be received by a ratchet of the seat belt device. The ratchet thus forms a first anchoring element for the webbing to the seat cushion. At its other end, opposite the first, the webbing is attached to a loop located on one side of the seat cushion, opposite the side where the ratchet is located. The loop thus forms a second anchoring element for the webbing to the seat cushion.

[0004] Also known is the possibility of mounting a seat backrest to pivot relative to the seat cushion, along an axis substantially transverse to the seat. The seat backrest can thus be more or less inclined relative to the seat cushion. In particular, the seat backrest can be in a substantially vertical position, corresponding to a normal driving position for the seat occupant. The backrest can be pivoted from this substantially vertical position to present at least one other inclined position, corresponding to a more reclined position for the seat occupant than the normal driving position.

[0005] In the substantially vertical position of the backrest, a portion of the strap, located between the fastening attachment and the buckle, rests near the occupant's pelvis. This ensures satisfactory restraint of the occupant in the seat in the event of an impact or sudden braking of the vehicle carrying the seat.

[0006] However, when the seat back frame is in an inclined position, corresponding to a more reclined position of the seat occupant, the part of the strap The strap located between the fastening attachment and the buckle may be positioned too far from the seat occupant's pelvis. In this case, the occupant may slide under the strap during an impact or sudden braking of the vehicle carrying the seat. This sliding phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "submarining." Severe bodily injuries can result from submarining. Submarining is particularly critical for seats in autonomous vehicles, which may adopt configurations allowing the occupant to recline in more reclined positions than seats in conventional vehicles, where the occupant must maintain good visibility of the road at all times.

[0007] There is therefore a need to improve the safety of a vehicle seat occupant, in particular of a motor vehicle, in particular of an autonomous motor vehicle, and this regardless of the inclination of the seat, in particular in the reclining position of the seat.

[0008] Application FR-A-3 094 307 filed by the applicant addresses this need by proposing a vehicle seat comprising, in particular, two movable anchoring elements that slide relative to the seat, by means of sliding guide means, configured so that each anchoring element is able to slide along the seat between its rear and front edges. Such an embodiment is nevertheless complex to implement.

[0009] There is therefore a need to simplify the implementation proposed by application FR-A-3 094 307.

[0010] The present description aims to address at least some of the needs mentioned above. Summary

[0011] To this end, a vehicle seat comprising: is proposed - a seat with a seat frame, - a file with a backrest frame, - an articulation mechanism to adjust the inclination of the backrest frame relative to the seat frame, around a first substantially transverse axis, - at least one anchoring element for a seat belt device strap, to the seat frame, at least one anchoring element being fixed to the seat frame by means of at least one connecting member, such as a connecting rod, and - means to control a movement, in particular a rotation, of at least one linking element, as a function of a rotation of the backrest frame around the first axis.

[0012] Thus, advantageously, the anchor point of the seat belt device strap is movable, relative to the seat frame, depending on a rotation of the backrest frame around the first axis. The position of each anchor point can therefore be adjusted according to the inclination of the seat back frame relative to the seat frame. In particular, the position of each anchoring element can be adjusted to reduce the risk of submersion.

[0013] According to preferred embodiments, the vehicle seat comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - at least one anchoring element is mounted pivoting around a second substantially transverse axis, relative to at least one connecting member; - at least one connecting element includes at least one adjusting rod mounted pivotally relative to the base frame around a substantially transverse third axis, the third axis being preferably in the vicinity of a first end of at least one adjusting rod; - at least one anchoring element is mounted pivoting relative to at least one adjusting rod around the second axis, the second axis preferably being located in the vicinity of a second end of at least one adjusting rod, opposite to the first end of at least one adjusting rod where appropriate; - the means for controlling a movement of at least one adjusting rod comprise, preferably are made up of, at least one control rod fixed, preferably in the vicinity of a first end, pivoting with respect to the at least one adjusting rod around a fourth substantially transverse axis, the at least one control rod being mounted, preferably in the vicinity of a second end, pivoting with respect to the backrest frame, around a fifth substantially transverse axis; - the fourth axis is in the vicinity of the first end of at least one adjusting connecting rod; - at least one connecting element includes exactly one adjusting connecting rod; - the means for controlling a movement of at least one adjusting connecting rod include exactly one control connecting rod; - when the backrest frame is in an upright position, the third, fourth, second, if applicable, and fifth axes are located in that order along a longitudinal direction from the front of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle seat; - when the backrest frame is in an inclined position, the second, if applicable, fourth, third and fifth axes are located in that order along a longitudinal direction from the front of the vehicle seat to the rear of the vehicle seat; - The inclination of the backrest frame around the first axis is adjustable over a range of inclination suitable for accommodating a vehicle seat occupant, of at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, preferably even more preferably at least 60°, and even more preferably by significantly 90°; - at least one anchoring element includes one of a receiving ratchet and a loop; - the vehicle seat includes two anchoring elements, fixed on one side and the other of the seat frame, preferably one including a receiving ratchet and the other including a loop; - the means for controlling the movement of each adjusting rod are symmetrical or identical; and - the vehicle seat includes a strap guide, attached to the backrest frame or to a headrest frame attached to the backrest frame.

[0014] According to another aspect, a vehicle seat assembly is also described comprising a vehicle seat as described above in all its combinations and a strap of a safety belt device.

[0015] According to another aspect, a motor vehicle comprising a chassis and a seat as described above in all its combinations or a seat assembly as described above, in all its combinations, the seat being fixed to the chassis.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, a motor vehicle comprising a chassis and a seat as described above, in all its combinations or a seat assembly as described above, in all its combinations, is described, wherein the seat is fixed to the chassis and a strap guide is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0018] [Fig-1] schematically represents a first side view of an example of a vehicle seat equipped with a seat belt device in an unfastened configuration, the seat back frame being in a first angular position relative to the seat frame;

[0019] [Fig.2] schematically represents a detail of the seat of [Fig.1], the seat belt device being in an attached configuration;

[0020] [Fig.3] schematically represents a view analogous to [Fig.1], the backrest frame being in a second angular position relative to the seat frame and the safety belt device being in an attached configuration;

[0021] [Fig.4] schematically represents a view of a second side of the example vehicle seat of [Fig.1], the backrest frame being in the first angular position relative to the seat frame and the seat belt device being in an unattached configuration.

[0022] [Fig.5] schematically represents a detail of the second side, shown in [Fig.4], of the seat example in [Fig.1]. Description of the implementation methods

[0023] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0024] 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", "superior", "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.

[0025] In particular, the longitudinal direction X refers to the longitudinal direction of the seat. The longitudinal direction of the seat is considered to be the same as the 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 is 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.

[0026] Fig. 1 schematically represents a motor vehicle seat 10 mounted on a sliding mechanism 12.

[0027] The seat 10 comprises a seat 13, with a seat frame 14 and a seat cushion 15, on which a backrest 16, with a backrest frame 17 and a backrest cushion 18, is mounted. The backrest frame 17 pivots about a first axis A1, substantially transverse to the seat frame 14. To achieve this, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the seat frame 14 and the backrest frame 17. Various hinge mechanisms 20 for tilting the backrest frame 17 relative to the seat frame 14 about the first transverse axis A1 are well known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for the sake of brevity in this description, these various hinge mechanisms 20 are not described in detail here.

[0028] The inclination of the backrest frame 17 relative to the seat frame 14 can be defined as the inclination "i" between a first plane P14 of the seat frame 14, and a second plane P17 of the backrest frame 17. Here, the first plane P14 is a horizontal plane. The first plane P14 thus extends along the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions of the seat 10. The first plane P14 is chosen, for example, to be the horizontal plane intersecting a front crossbar of the seat frame 14 at mid-height. The second plane P17 is here a plane of the backrest frame 17, containing the first axis Al and intersecting an upper crossbar of the backrest frame 17 approximately at its midpoint. More generally, the second plane P17 extends along the transverse Y direction of the seat 10. Furthermore, the second plane P17 extends in a substantially vertical direction. In other words, a normal vector to the second plane P17 has a component along the longitudinal X direction that is greater than its component along the vertical Z direction.

[0029] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the backrest frame 17 is in a so-called "upright" position, allowing an occupant of the vehicle seat 10 to see the road. Here, this upright position corresponds to an angle "i" equal to 108°. More generally, an upright position of the backrest frame 17 corresponds to an angle ai approximately equal to 90°. Here, "approximately equal to 90" means "equal to 90° ± 20".

[0030] As shown in [Fig. 1], 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. Thus, the vehicle seat 10, in particular the seat frame 14, is fixed to the chassis of the motor vehicle, specifically to the floor 30 of the motor vehicle, here via the slides 12.

[0031] In this example, the seat 10 includes a manual control element 31, called a rocker arm, for sliding the rails 12. This manual control element 31 allows, in particular, locking and unlocking the sliding stop systems of the movable profiles 22 relative to the respective fixed profiles 28. Once the stop systems are unlocked, the manual control element 31 can also be used to slide the movable profiles 22 relative to their respective fixed profiles 28 of the rail 12 in the longitudinal direction X of the rails 12. The fixed profiles 28 and movable profiles 22 of the rails 12 are generally metallic.

[0032] Alternatively, the movement of the movable profiles 22 relative to the fixed profiles 28 is controlled by means of an actuator.

[0033] According to the illustrated example, the seat 10 may also include a headrest 32. The headrest 32 may include a headrest frame 33 and a headrest trim 34. The headrest frame 33 may in particular include rods fixed to the backrest frame 17 or mounted movable in translation relative to the backrest frame 17, in particular in a substantially vertical direction.

[0034] Finally, the seat 10 is here equipped with a safety belt device 35. The safety belt device 35 as illustrated first of all comprises a strap 36.

[0035] The seat belt device 35 also includes a retention housing 38. The strap 36 is attached, at one end, to the retention housing 38. The retention housing 38 allows the strap 36 to be wound up when not in use. The retention housing 38 thus prevents the strap 36 from dragging on the seat 10 or on the floor 30 of the vehicle's passenger compartment when not in use. The restraint box 38 also allows the length of the strap 36 outside the restraint box 38 to be adjusted to the size of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10. Here, the restraint box 38 is fixed to the floor 30. Alternatively, the restraint box 38 can be fixed to the seat frame 14 or the backrest frame 17. The restraint box 38 can be positioned on one side of the vehicle seat 10.

[0036] At its second end, opposite the first end, the strap 36 is attached to a loop 46 of the seat belt device. The loop 46 forms a first anchoring element 44 of the strap 36 to the seat frame 14 of the seat 10. The loop 46 is located on the same side of the vehicle seat 10 as the retention housing 38.

[0037] The strap 36 is also provided with a fastening fastener 42, visible in [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3], and [Fig. 4]. The fastening fastener 42 is, for example, movable along the strap 36. To achieve this, the fastening fastener 42 can form an opening through which the strap 36 passes. The movement of the fastening fastener 42 can, however, be limited, in the vicinity of the buckle 46, by a raised element fixed to the strap 36, which does not pass through the opening in the fastening fastener 42 through which the strap 36 passes.

[0038] The fastening attachment 42 is intended to be received into a receiving ratchet 43 of the seat belt device 35. The receiving ratchet 43 is fixed to the seat frame 14 of the seat 10 as will be explained below. The receiving ratchet 43, together with the fastening piece 52 rigidly attached to it, forms a second anchoring element 44 for the strap 36 to the seat frame 14 of the seat 10. The receiving ratchet 43 is located on the side of the vehicle seat 10 opposite the side of the vehicle seat 10 where the retaining housing 38 and / or the buckle 46 is / are located.

[0039] Finally, in the illustrated example, the seat belt device also includes a strap guide 40, shown in particular in [Fig. 4]. Here, the strap guide 40 is attached to the seat back frame 17. Alternatively, the strap guide 40 can be attached to the headrest frame 33 or to the vehicle chassis, in particular to one of the central chassis pillars. The strap guide 40 is on the same side of the vehicle seat 10 as the retention housing 38 and / or the buckle 46.

[0040] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], the seat belt device 35 is in an unattached configuration, meaning that the fastener 42 is not received fixed in the receiving ratchet 43. In this configuration, the seat belt device 35 cannot ensure the safety of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. In this unattached configuration of the seat belt device 35, the webbing 36 extends on only one side of the vehicle seat 10. In this case, the webbing 36 forms two strands: - a first ascending strand 36A, extending in a substantially vertical direction, between the retention housing 38 and the strap guide 40; and - a second descending strand 36B, which also extends in a substantially vertical direction, between the strap guide 40 and the buckle 46. The fastening attachment 42 can then be in contact with the buckle 46.

[0041] The strap guide 40 is thus the element around which the strap 36 makes a U-turn between the first and second strands 36A, 36B. The highest vertical point of the strap 36 is therefore the point of the strap 36 in contact with the strap guide 40.

[0042] In the configuration where the fastening attachment 42 is not received in the receiving ratchet 43, the retention device 38 makes it possible to limit the length of the strap 36 outside the retention device 38, substantially to the correct length so that the strap 36 forms the two strands 36A, 36B mentioned above.

[0043] On the contrary, when the seat belt device is activated by an occupant of the vehicle seat 10 and the fastening attachment 42 is received with a click, in the receiving click 43, the strap 36 forms three strands, as illustrated in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3]: - a first strand 36i which extends in a substantially vertical direction, between the retention housing 38 and the strap guide 40. This first strand 36i is a priori identical to the first strand 36A of the strap 36, when the safety belt device 33 is not implemented; - a second strand 362 which extends between the strap guide 40 and the fastening attachment 42. This second strand 362 thus extends vertically downwards and diagonally from one side of the vehicle seat 10, where the retention housing 38 and / or the strap guide 40 is located, to the opposite side of the vehicle seat 10 where the receiving ratchet 43 is located. The second strand extends opposite the backrest frame 17. The second strand 362 is thus intended to extend in contact with the torso of the occupant of the seat 10. Preferably, the second strand 362 is intended to be in contact with the bones of a clavicle on one side of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10 and on an opposite side of the pelvis of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10; - a third strand 363 which extends between the fixing attachment 42 and the loop 46. This third strand 363 thus extends substantially horizontally, above the seat frame 14. Advantageously, this third strand 363 extends essentially along the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat. The third strand 363 is intended to extend in contact with the pelvis of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10, preferably over substantially the entire width of the pelvis of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0044] The following describes in more detail the attachment of the first and second anchoring elements 44 of the safety belt device 35, on the vehicle seat 10.

[0045] First, the fixing of the receiving ratchet 43 on the seat frame 14 is described, with regard to [Fig.2] and [Fig.3].

[0046] The receiving ratchet 43 is fixed to the seat frame 14 via the fixing piece 52, forming a first connecting element of the receiving ratchet 43 to the seat frame 14, and a device 47 for adjusting the position of a first anchor point PA. The receiving ratchet 43 is, for example, integral with the fixing piece 52. In other words, the receiving ratchet 43 is rigidly fixed to the fixing piece 52.

[0047] The adjustment device 47 first includes a connecting rod 48 for adjusting the position of the first anchor point PAi. The adjusting rod 48 thus forms a second connecting element of the receiving pawl 43 to the base frame 14. The fixing piece 52 is fixed to the adjusting rod 48 at the first anchor point PAi. The fixing piece 52 is pivotally mounted, relative to the adjusting rod 48, about a second axis A2. The second axis A2 is substantially transverse. The second axis A2 passes through the first anchor point PAi. As illustrated, the first anchor point PA is in the vicinity of a first end of the adjusting rod 48. The fixing piece 52 being free to pivot relative to the adjusting rod 48, around the second axis A2, several inclinations of the fixing piece 52 around the second axis A2 are a priori possible, for the same position of the adjusting rod 48.

[0048] Furthermore, the adjusting rod 48 is fixed to the seat frame 14. Here, the adjusting rod 48 and the seat frame 14 are fixed together at a point B. As illustrated, the adjusting rod 48 is pivotally mounted relative to the seat frame 14 about a third axis A3. Here, the third axis A3 is substantially transverse. Point B can be near the second end of the adjusting rod 48, opposite the first end of the adjusting rod 48.

[0049] The adjustment device 47 also includes a connecting rod 50 for controlling the movement of the adjusting connecting rod 48. The control connecting rod 50 is fixed to the adjusting connecting rod 48. Here, the control connecting rods 50 and 48 are fixed at a point C. The control connecting rod 50 is pivotally mounted relative to the adjusting connecting rod 48 about a fourth axis A4. Here, the fourth axis A4 is substantially transverse. The fourth axis A4 passes through point C. Here, point C is in the vicinity of the second end of the adjusting connecting rod 48, opposite the first end of the adjusting connecting rod 48. Point C is also, in the example illustrated, in the vicinity of point B and, therefore, of the third axis A3. Point C is located in the illustrated example between the first anchor point PAX and point B.

[0050] The control rod 50 is also fixed to the backrest frame 17. In the figures, the control rod 50 and the backrest frame 17 are fixed together at a point D. The control rod 50 is pivotally mounted relative to the backrest frame 17, about a fifth axis A5. Here, the fifth axis A5 is substantially transverse. The fifth axis A5 passes through point D. Point D is near a second end of the control rod 50, in the illustrated example. Point D, which is fixed to the backrest frame 17, can rotate about the first axis A1 when the inclination of the backrest frame 17 relative to the seat frame 14 is changed by means of the articulation mechanism 20.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the first A1, second A2, third A3, fourth A4 and fifth A5 transverse axes are parallel.

[0052] In the seat configuration 10 illustrated in [Fig. 2], the third A3, fourth A4, second A2, and fifth A5 axes are arranged in that order along the longitudinal direction X, from the front of the vehicle seat 10 to the rear of the vehicle seat 10. Furthermore, in this seat configuration of [Fig. 2], the first A1 axis is arranged, along the longitudinal direction X, between the second axis A2 and the fifth axis A5. It should be noted here that the axes A1-A5 are not, however, aligned along the longitudinal direction X; at least two of the axes A1-A5, preferably all of the axes A1-A5, are offset along the vertical direction Z.

[0053] In the vehicle seat configuration 10 of [Fig. 3], the backrest frame 17 has an inclination a2 greater than the inclination of the configuration of [Fig. 2]. According to the illustrated example, the inclination a2 measured between the planes P14, P17 of the seat frame 14 and backrest frame 17 defined previously is approximately 135°. Of course, this inclination value is not limiting. The inclination of the backrest frame 17 can reach other values, lower or higher. The maximum inclination of the backrest frame 17 can, in particular, be approximately 180°, especially greater than 160°. This is especially true when the vehicle seat 10 is intended to equip an autonomous motor vehicle.Advantageously, the inclination of the backrest frame 17 is adjustable between two extreme positions suitable for accommodating a seat occupant, separated by at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, preferably even more so at least 60°, and even more preferably at least 90°. Thus, the entire adjustment range of the inclination of the backrest frame 17 mentioned above corresponds to vehicle seat configurations 10 that allow for the accommodation of an occupant.

[0054] To switch from the seat configuration of [Fig.2] to that of [Fig.3], the backrest frame 17 is rotated relative to the seat frame 14 around the first Axis A1. The movement of the backrest frame 17 can be guided or even controlled by the articulation mechanism 20. In the example described below, the backrest frame 17 is rotated to a more inclined position. The rotation of the backrest frame 17 is thus carried out in the clockwise direction in [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3].

[0055] The backrest frame 17 pivots about the first axis Al, and point D, belonging to the backrest frame 17, pivots about the first axis Al in the same direction. The rotation of point D about the first axis Al causes a displacement of point C, here towards the front of the seat frame 14. The displacement of point C towards the front of the seat frame 14 causes a rotation of the adjusting rod 48 about the third axis A3, clockwise. The rotation of the adjusting rod 48 about the third axis A3 ultimately causes a rotation of the first anchor point PAX about the third axis A3, also clockwise. Thus, in particular, the first anchor point PAX is displaced towards the front of the seat frame 14 when the backrest frame 17 pivots to a more inclined position. The receiving ratchet 43 is thus also moved towards the front of the vehicle seat 10.The displacement of the first anchor point PAi has a vertical component. This vertical component is negligible over the stroke of the adjusting rod 48. Furthermore, it is possible to compensate for this vertical component of the stroke of the anchor point PAi by rotating the receiving pawl 43 and the fixing piece 52 around the second axis A2.

[0056] In the vehicle seat configuration illustrated in [Fig. 3], the second A2, fourth A4, third A3, and fifth A5 axes are located in that order along a longitudinal direction X from the front of the vehicle seat 10 to the rear of the vehicle seat 10. Furthermore, the first axis A1 is then arranged longitudinally between the third axis A3 and the fifth axis A5. However, the various axes A1-A5 are not aligned along the longitudinal direction X; at least two axes A1-A5, preferably all of the axes A1-A5, are offset along the vertical direction Z.

[0057] Similarly, in the event of movement of the backrest frame 17, in the counterclockwise direction on the [Fig.2] or the [Fig.3], a displacement of the first anchor point PAi is caused, towards the rear of the seat frame 14.

[0058] Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of the first PAX anchor point, in particular its longitudinal position, and therefore the receiving ratchet 43, according to the inclination of the backrest frame 17. In particular, the more reclined the seat 10, the further forward the receiving ratchet 43 is located on the seat 10. This ensures that the third strand 363 of the strap 36 is always close to, or even in indirect contact with, the pelvis of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10, regardless of the inclination of the backrest frame 17. This ensures that in the event of a collision or sudden braking of the vehicle equipped of the vehicle seat 10, the third strand 363 securely holds the occupant of the vehicle seat 10. As a result, the risks of submarining are limited or even avoided.

[0059] Furthermore, the proposed solution is technically simple, employing only connecting rods articulated with respect to each other. In particular, no translational guidance device appears a priori necessary.

[0060] Figures [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5] represent the side of the vehicle seat 10 opposite to that shown in Figures [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 3]. In Figures [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], the backrest frame 17 is in the first angular position relative to the seat frame 14 illustrated by Figures [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2].

[0061] Like the receiving ratchet 43 on the other side of the seat 10, the loop 46 is attached to the seat frame 14 by means of a device 47 for adjusting the position of a second anchor point PA2. Here, the adjustment device 47 is identical to the one used on the other side of the seat 10 to adjust the position of the first anchor point PA1. For the sake of brevity, the adjustment device 47 is therefore not described again here. The same reference numerals as for the device 47 for adjusting the position of the first anchor point PA1 are used in [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], which illustrate the device 47 for adjusting the position of the second anchor point PA2. The second anchor point PA2 corresponds to the point where the loop 46 is attached to the adjusting rod 48 of the adjustment device 47.

[0062] Since the two adjustment devices 47 are identical, when the backrest frame 17 is rotated around the first axis A1, the position of each of the anchor points PAX,PA2 located on either side of the seat can be adjusted identically along the longitudinal direction X. The position of each of the anchor points PAX,PA2 located on either side of the seat can be adjusted alternately or, in addition, simultaneously. Alternatively, the position of each of the anchor points PAX,PA2 can be adjusted over different strokes along the longitudinal direction X. This can be achieved, in particular, by: - two adjusting connecting rods 48 of different lengths on one side and the other of the seat 10; - a different longitudinal position of points B on each side of the seat frame 14; - a position of point C on the adjusting rods 48 different on one side and the other of the vehicle seat 10.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. On the contrary, the invention is susceptible to numerous variations accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0064] First, according to the illustrated example, the vehicle seat 10 is a seat installed on the right side of a motor vehicle. By symmetry, the present description applies also to a seat installed on the left side of the vehicle.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the example described, each anchoring element 44 is pivotally mounted about the second axis A2, relative to the adjusting link 48, in order to provide an additional degree of freedom in adjusting the position of the anchoring element 44. This solution is advantageous because it allows, in particular, adjustment of the position of the anchoring element 44 along the vertical direction Z for a given position of the anchor point PAX, PA2. Alternatively, however, each anchoring element 44 can be fixed to the adjusting link 48 by a connection preventing any relative movement of the anchoring element 44 with respect to the adjusting link 48.

[0066] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the fourth axis A4 and point C are located near the second end of the adjusting link 48, in order to maximize the stroke of each anchor point PAX, PA2. Alternatively, the fourth axis A4 and point C can be located at any other point on the adjusting link 48, other than the a priori point B. A different position of the fourth axis A4 and the corresponding point C can, for example, increase the resistance torque of the adjusting device 47 in the event of an impact.

[0067] Also, in the illustrated example, each anchor point PA1, PA2 and the second axis A2 are located near the first end of the adjusting link 48, in order to maximize the stroke of the anchor point PA1, PA2. Alternatively, the anchor point PA1, PA2 and the second axis A2 can be located at any other point on the adjusting link 44, a priori outside point B. Here again, a different position of the anchor points PA1, PA2 can increase the resistance torque of the adjusting device 47 in the event of an impact.

[0068] In the illustrated example, the first A1, second A2, third A3, fourth A4, and fifth A5 transverse axes are distinct in pairs. Points PA1 / PA2, B, C, and D are thus distinct. Alternatively, the second A2 and fourth A4 axes may coincide. In this case, points PA1 / PA2 and C coincide.

[0069] According to the example illustrated, the rotation of the adjusting rod 48 around the third axis A3, as a function of the rotation of the backrest frame 17 around the first axis Al, is controlled by the control rod 50. This solution is preferred because of its great simplicity, not requiring, in particular, its own motorization.

[0070] Alternatively, other means of controlling the movement of the adjusting rod 48 may be considered. For example, means may be provided for controlling a rotation of the adjusting rod 48 about the third axis A3, including an actuator, in particular an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator. A cylinder may, for example, be implemented as an actuator in this case.

[0071] Thus, according to a first example, the means for controlling the rotation of the adjusting rod 48 around the third axis A3 may include an electric motor whose output shaft drives the adjusting rod 48 in rotation, via a speed reduction gear, if necessary.

[0072] According to a second example, the means for controlling the rotation of the adjusting rod 48 around the third axis A3 may include a pneumatic cylinder, fixed free to rotate at a point on the adjusting rod 48, on the one hand, and on the seat frame 14, for example, on the other hand.

[0073] The means for controlling the rotation of the adjusting rod 48 may also include an electronic unit for driving the electric motor or the actuator. In this case, optionally, a position sensor for the backrest frame 17 may be provided, so as to control the rotation of each adjusting rod 48 according to the signal received from the sensor.

[0074] Finally, a preferred embodiment comprising two anchoring elements 44, each fixed to a respective side of the seat frame 14, has been described above. In this example, each anchoring element 44 is associated with a respective adjustment device 47, to allow adjustment of the longitudinal position of the two anchoring elements 44 according to the inclination of the backrest frame 17. Alternatively, it may be provided that only one anchoring element 44 is adjustable. In this case, only one anchoring element 44 is fixed to the seat frame by means of an adjustment device 47.

Claims

Demands

1. A vehicle seat (10) comprising: - a seat (13) with a seat frame (14), - a backrest (16) with a backrest frame (17), - an articulation mechanism (20) for adjusting the inclination of the backrest frame (17) relative to the seat frame (14), about a first substantially transverse axis (A1), - at least one anchoring element (44) for a seat belt strap (36) (35) to the seat frame (14), the at least one anchoring element (44) being fixed to the seat frame (14) by means of at least one connecting member (48), such as a connecting rod (48), and - means (50) for controlling a movement, in particular a rotation, of the at least one connecting member (48), as a function of a rotation of the backrest frame (17) around the first axis (Al),in which at least one connecting member (48) comprises at least one adjusting rod (48) mounted pivotally relative to the seat frame (14) about a substantially transverse third axis (A3), and in which the means for controlling a movement of at least one adjusting rod (48) comprise at least one control rod (50) fixed, preferably in the vicinity of a first end, pivoting relative to at least one adjusting rod (48) about a substantially transverse fourth axis (A4), at least one control rod (50) being mounted, preferably in the vicinity of a second end, pivoting relative to the backrest frame (17), about a substantially transverse fifth axis (A5).

2. Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one anchoring element (44) is mounted pivotally about a second axis (A2) substantially transverse, relative to at least one connecting member (48).

3. Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third axis (A3) is in the vicinity of a first end of at least one adjusting connecting rod (48).

4. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in combination with claim 2, wherein at least one anchoring element (44) is pivotally mounted relative to at least one connecting rod adjustment (48) around the second axis (A2), the second axis (A2) preferably being located in the vicinity of a second end of at least one adjustment rod (48), opposite to the first end of at least one adjustment rod (48) if necessary.

5. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for controlling a movement of at least one adjusting rod (48) are constituted by at least one control rod (50).

6. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth axis (A4) is in the vicinity of the first end of at least one adjusting connecting rod (48).

7. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting member (48) comprises exactly one adjusting rod (48).

8. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for controlling a movement of at least one adjusting rod (48) comprise exactly one control rod (50).

9. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the backrest frame (17) is in an upright position, the third (A3), fourth (A4), second (A2), if any, and fifth (A5) axes are located in that order along a longitudinal direction (X) from the front of the vehicle seat (10) to the rear of the vehicle seat (10).

10. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the backrest frame (17) is in an inclined position, the second (A2), if applicable, fourth (A4), third (A3) and fifth (A5) axes are located in that order along a longitudinal direction (X) from the front of the vehicle seat (10) to the rear of the vehicle seat (10).

11. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclination of the backrest frame (17) about the first axis (A1) is adjustable over a backrest frame inclination adjustment range (17) suitable to allow the reception of a vehicle seat (10) occupant of at least 30°, preferably at least 45°, preferably still at least 60°, even more preferably substantially 90°.

12. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims preceding, in which at least one anchoring element (44) comprises one of a receiving ratchet (43) and a loop (46).

13. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two anchoring elements (44), fixed on one side and the other side of the seat frame (14), preferably one comprising a receiving ratchet (43) and the other comprising a loop (46).

14. Vehicle seat (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the means for controlling a displacement of each adjusting rod (48) are symmetrical or identical.

15. Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a strap guide (40), integral with the backrest frame (17) or with a headrest frame (33) attached to the backrest frame (17).

16. Vehicle seat assembly comprising a vehicle seat (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and a strap (36) of a safety belt device (35).

17. Motor vehicle comprising a chassis and a seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or a seat assembly according to claim 16, the seat (10) being fixed to the chassis.

18. Motor vehicle comprising a chassis and a seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 or a seat assembly comprising a vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a strap (36) of a safety belt device (35), wherein the seat (10) is fixed to the chassis and a strap guide (40) is fixed to the vehicle chassis.

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