Vehicle seat support element, vehicle seat and associated assembly method
The vehicle seat support element with fastening loops and shell openings simplifies cover attachment, addressing the complexity of existing assembly methods by providing a lightweight, easy-to-use, and cost-effective solution.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022002496
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-03-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-03-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle seat covers are complex to assemble and disassemble, requiring numerous parts and a lengthy process, making them time-consuming and inefficient.
A vehicle seat support element with fastening loops on the headrest and through openings in the shell, allowing the cover to be easily attached and detached by passing the loops through the openings, reducing the number of components and simplifying the assembly process.
The solution enables quick and easy assembly and disassembly of vehicle seat covers, resulting in a lightweight, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly support element with minimal parts.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Vehicle seat support element, vehicle seat and associated assembly method
[0001] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a support element for a vehicle seat, the support element comprising:
[0002] - a hull,
[0003] - a fairing mounted on the hull, the fairing defining a front surface forming a a support surface intended to accommodate a passenger, and a rear surface opposite the front surface,
[0004] - a padding arranged between the shell and the cap.
[0005] The support element is for example a backrest or a vehicle seat cushion.
[0006] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising such a support element.
[0007] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of assembling such a support element.
[0008] The construction of the support element requires attaching the cover to the other seat components. For example, the cover wraps around the padding and is held in place with zippers. Vehicle seats are also known in which the cover is attached to metal elements of the seat frame. For this type of seat, the assembly process is lengthy and tedious, requiring numerous additional parts to correctly position the cover. Replacing the cover is equally complex.
[0009] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a lightweight vehicle seat support element that is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and for which the headrest is easy and quick to assemble and disassemble.
[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a support element for a vehicle seat of the aforementioned type, in which the headrest comprises a plurality of fastening loops fixed on the rear surface of the headrest, the shell comprising a plurality of through openings arranged substantially opposite the fastening loops, the fastening loops passing through said through openings and cooperating mechanically with the shell so as to keep the headrest attached to the shell.
[0011] The fastening loops allow the cover to be attached simply and quickly to the seat shell. Changing the cover is just as easy. The support element is lightweight, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and environmentally friendly since it comprises only a limited number of parts.
[0012] The support element may further comprise one or more of the following features the following, considered alone or in all technically possible combinations:
[0013] - the fastening loops are sewn onto the rear surface of the headgear;
[0014] - the padding defines at least one through opening arranged substantially in view of one of the fastening loops and one of the through openings of the hull, said fastening loop passing through said through opening of the padding;
[0015] - the shell comprises a plurality of retaining elements, each fastening loop cooperating mechanically with a respective retaining organ;
[0016] - each retaining element came from the material with the shell;
[0017] - each retaining element is formed by a projection defined by the shell;
[0018] - a portion of the cap forms an envelope receiving one end of the shell and one end of the padding; and
[0019] - the hull comprises a central part and two lateral parts arranged on either side and on the other hand of the central part, the cap and the padding covering the central part of the shell, the lateral parts each defining a free support surface.
[0020] The invention also relates to a vehicle seat comprising a support element as described above.
[0021] The invention further relates to a method for assembling a support element as described above, the method comprising the following steps:
[0022] - installation of the padding between the shell and the cover,
[0023] - insertion of the fastening loops through the through openings in the hull,
[0024] - mechanical cooperation of the fastening loops with the shell so as to maintain the headgear attached to the shell.
[0025] The description also describes a support element for a vehicle seat, said support element comprising:
[0026] - a shell comprising a central part and two lateral parts arranged on either side and on the other side of the central part,
[0027] - a cap mounted on the hull, the cap defining a bearing surface intended to to receive a passenger,
[0028] - a padding arranged between the shell and the cap,
[0029] characterized in that the cap and the padding cover the central part of the shell, the lateral parts of the shell each defining a free support surface.
[0030] The support element may further comprise one or more of the following features, considered alone or in any technically possible combination:
[0031] - the bearing surface of the cap and the bearing surfaces of the lateral parts of the hulls define between them a cradle intended to receive a passenger;
[0032] - the cap and the padding cover only a front surface of the part central part of the hull;
[0033] - the headgear comprises a plurality of fastening loops fixed to a rear surface of the cap, the shell comprising a plurality of through openings arranged substantially opposite the fastening loops, the fastening loops passing through said through openings and cooperating with the shell so as to keep the cap attached to the shell;
[0034] - the fastening loops are sewn onto the inner surface of the cap;
[0035] - the padding defines at least one through opening arranged substantially in view of one of the fastening loops and one of the through openings of the hull, said fastening loop passing through said through opening of the padding;
[0036] - the shell comprises a plurality of retaining elements, each fastening loop cooperating with a respective maintenance body;
[0037] - each retaining element came from the material with the shell;
[0038] - each retaining element is formed by a projection defined by the shell;
[0039] - one end of the cap forms an envelope receiving one end of the shell and one end of the padding.
[0040] The description also describes a seat comprising a support element as described above.
[0041] The description also describes a method for assembling a support element as described above, the method including a step of placing the padding between the shell and the cap.
[0042] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0043] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a vehicle seat according to the invention,
[0044] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a support element of the seat of the [Fig.l],
[0045] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the support element of [Fig.3], and
[0046] - [Fig.4][Fig.5][Fig.6] Figures 4 to 6 are detailed views of three stages of a assembly method for the support element according to the invention.
[0047] With reference to [Fig. 1], a vehicle seat 10 is described. The seat 10 is, for example, a seat in a land, sea, or air vehicle. The seat 10 is, for example, a seat in a motor vehicle.
[0048] Seat 10 is intended to accommodate one passenger.
[0049] The seat 10 comprises a backrest 12 and a seat 14 and preferably a headrest fixed 16 on the backrest 12. The headrest 16 is known in itself from the prior art and is not described here.
[0050] The seat 10 comprises at least one support element 18 according to the invention.
[0051] In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 3, the support element 18 forms the backrest 12 of the seat 10.
[0052] The support element 18 extends primarily along a first axis AL. The support element 18 also extends along a second axis A2 substantially perpendicular to the first axis AL. When the seat 10 is in place in the vehicle, the first axis AL is, for example, substantially coincident with a direction of elevation or forms an angle with the direction of elevation of between 0° and 45°. The second axis A2 is then substantially coincident with a transverse direction of the vehicle, itself substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction corresponding to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle.
[0053] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used with reference to the first axis Al of the support element 18, i.e., in the illustrated example, of the backrest 12, when the seat 10 is in place in the vehicle. An "upper" element is located above a "lower" element along the first axis AL
[0054] Alternatively, the support element 18 forms the seat 14 of the seat 10. In a further alternative, the seat 10 comprises a first support element forming the backrest 12 of the seat 10 and a second support element forming the seat 14 of the seat 10.
[0055] In the following description, the adjective "front" describes a surface oriented towards the passenger seated on seat 10. Conversely, the term "rear" describes a surface located opposite a surface called "front", that is to say oriented away from the passenger.
[0056] The support element 18 according to the invention comprises a shell 20, a cap 22 mounted on the shell 20, and a padding 24 disposed between the shell 20 and the cap 22. The cap 22 comprises a plurality of fastening loops 26.
[0057] The padding 24 defines a front surface 28 oriented towards the head 22, and a rear surface 30, opposite the front surface 28 oriented towards the hull 20. The padding 24 further defines lateral edges 32 connecting the front surface 28 and the rear surface 30 of the padding 24. For example, the thickness of the padding 24 taken along a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface 28 is between 5 cm and 35 cm.
[0058] The padding 24 is in contact with the cover 22 and the shell 20. More particularly, the front surface 28 of the padding 24 is in contact with a rear surface 34 of the cover 22. The rear surface 30 of the padding 24 is in contact with at least a part of a front surface 36 of the shell 20.
[0059] The padding 24 is, for example, a foam body, preferably made of polyurethane foam. When the passenger uses the seat 10, they lean against the padding 24. The padding 24 gives the seat 10 its comfort qualities. The padding 24 is made of Preference is given to one-piece construction. For example, the 24-inch quilting is obtained by cutting from a panel. Alternatively, the 24-inch quilting is obtained by molding.
[0060] According to a particular embodiment, the padding 24 includes one or more through openings 38 allowing the passage of the fastening loops 26, as described below. The through opening(s) 38 are then positioned opposite the fastening loops 26 of the cap 22 to allow the fastening loops 26 to pass through the through openings 38 of the padding 24. For example, each through opening 38 is a slit made by an incision in the padding 24.
[0061] It is understood that, according to a particular embodiment, the padding 24 does not include through openings 38. The fastening loops 26 are then, for example, arranged around the padding 24, without through openings 38 being necessary in the padding 24.
[0062] The cover 22 defines a front surface 40 forming a support surface 42 intended to receive a passenger. The front surface 40 is positioned opposite the rear surface 34. The rear surface 34 of the cover 22 is in contact with the padding 24.
[0063] Preferably, the cover 22 forms a cover enveloping at least part of the padding 24. In the illustrated example, the cover 22 comprises an upper portion 44, a lower portion 46, and an intermediate portion 48 connecting the upper portion 44 to the lower portion 46. The upper portion 44 defines an envelope 49 receiving an upper portion 50 of the padding 24 and an upper portion 52 of the shell 20 ([Fig. 3]). The intermediate portion 48 defines two lateral spaces 54 enveloping at least part of the lateral edges 32 of the padding 24. The lower portion 46 surrounds the padding 24 and a lower portion 56 of the shell 20 along the second axis A2. The lower portion 46 of the cover 22 is fixed to the shell 20 and, in particular, to a rear surface 58 of the shell 20.
[0064] Thus, the cap 22 is integral with the shell 20. The cap 22 also keeps the padding 24 in contact with the shell 20 and prevents a displacement of the padding 24 relative to the shell 20 along the first axis Al and / or the second axis A2.
[0065] The cover 22 is, for example, made of leather, fabric, synthetic or natural material, or a mixture of these materials. The cover 22 gives its appearance to the support element 18. The cover 22 also contributes to the protection of the padding 24.
[0066] The fastening loops 26 are fixed to the rear surface 34 of the headgear 22. For example, the fastening loops 26 are sewn onto the rear surface 34 of the headgear 22. Alternatively, the fastening loops 26 are glued onto the rear surface 34 of the headgear 22.
[0067] In the illustrated example, the headgear 22 comprises five fastening loops 26. It is understood that the cap 22 may include any number of fastening loops 26 distributed over the rear surface 34 of the cap 22. Preferably, the fastening loops 26 are fixed to the intermediate portion 48 of the cap 22, for example along one or more directions substantially parallel to the first axis Al, and / or along one or more directions substantially perpendicular to the first axis Al.
[0068] Each fastening loop 26 extends projecting from the rear surface 34 of the liner 22 towards the padding 24 and the shell 20. For example, each fastening loop 26 is formed by a cord or a strip of fabric. Preferably, the fastening loop 26 is elastic, meaning that when a tensile force below a predetermined threshold is applied, the fastening loop 26 deforms. If the tensile force is no longer applied, the fastening loop 26 returns to its original shape. Above the predetermined threshold, the fastening loop 26 breaks.
[0069] The shell 20 comprises at least one central portion 60 positioned opposite the padding 24. Advantageously, the shell 20 further comprises two lateral portions 62 positioned on either side of the central portion 60 along substantially the second axis A2. Each of the lateral portions 62 defines a free bearing surface 64 visible to the passenger. In other words, the cover 22 and the padding 24 do not cover the lateral portions 62 of the shell 20. The cover 22 and the padding 24 cover only the central portion 60 of the shell 20.
[0070] The bearing surfaces 64 of the lateral parts 62 and the free bearing surface 42 of the headrest 22 together form a cradle for receiving the passenger. In other words, the bearing surfaces 64 of the lateral parts 62 and the free bearing surface 42 of the headrest 22 together form a curved passenger reception surface with a concave shape.
[0071] The shell is rigid. For example, the shell is made of plastic material, for example by molding.
[0072] According to the invention, the shell 20 comprises a plurality of through openings 66 arranged substantially opposite the fastening loops 26. Each fastening loop 26 passes through a corresponding through opening 66 and cooperates with the shell 20 so as to keep the cap 22 attached to the shell 20. The through openings 66 have any shape, for example circular, ellipsoidal or rectangular.
[0073] Advantageously, the shell 20 comprises a plurality of retaining members 68. Each fastening loop 26 cooperates mechanically with a corresponding retaining member 68. Each retaining member 68 extends, for example, mainly along an elongation axis E.
[0074] In the illustrated example, each retaining member 68 is formed from the material of the shell 20. Each retaining member 68 is, for example, formed by a projection 70 defined by the hull 20. In particular, the projection 70 is delimited by a portion of an edge of the opening of a hole 72 in the hull 20. The hole 72 is preferably through-hole, that is, it passes through the hull 20 from the rear surface 58 of the hull 20 to the front surface 36 of the hull 20. Alternatively, the hole 72 is blind-hole, that is, it extends from the rear surface 58 of the hull 20 but does not open onto the front surface 36 of the hull 20. In the illustrated example, each projection 70 extends substantially in the plane in which the opening extends. The projection 70 extends opposite the corresponding through-hole 66 of the hull 20.
[0075] In the illustrated example, each fastening loop 26 is arranged around a respective retaining member 68. Each fastening loop 26 surrounds the retaining member 68 along the elongation axis E.
[0076] Thus, the attachment of the fastening loops 26 to the shell 20 is simple since no external element is required to attach the cap 22 to the shell 20.
[0077] Advantageously, the shell 20 comprises at least one deformation line 74, preferably a plurality of deformation lines 74. Each deformation line 74 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis A2. Each deformation line 74 comprises a plurality of perforations 76 aligned side by side along the direction of extension. The perforations 76 pass through the shell 20 between the rear surface 58 and the front surface 36. The deformation lines 74 allow the shell 20 to deform, particularly when a passenger leans on the support element 18, thereby improving passenger comfort. In addition, the perforations 76 also allow ventilation of the support element 18 and, in particular, the dissipation of heat generated by the passenger when leaning on the support element 18.
[0078] A method for assembling a support element 18 as presented above will now be described.
[0079] First, the padding 24 is placed between the shell 20 and the cover 22. More specifically, the padding 24 is placed inside the cover 22. In particular, the upper part 44 of the cover 22 is placed on the upper part 50 of the padding 24.
[0080] The cap 22 and the padding 24 are then arranged opposite the front surface 36 of the shell 20. In particular, the upper part 52 of the shell 20 is inserted inside the cover 49 of the upper portion 44 of the cap 22. If necessary, the fastening loops 26 are inserted through the through openings 38 of the padding 24.
[0081] The fastening loops 26 are then inserted through the through openings 66 of the hull 20 ([Fig.4]) so that they extend in projection relative to the rear surface 58 of the hull 20 ([Fig.5]).
[0082] The fastening loops 26 are then mechanically made to cooperate with the shell 20 so as to keep the cap 22 attached to the shell 20. In the illustrated example, each fastening loop 26 is arranged around a respective retaining member 68 ( [Fig.6]).
[0083] Preferably, the lower portion 46 of the cover 22 is then folded back so as to surround a lower edge of the padding 24 and the shell 20, and then fixed to the rear surface 58 of the shell 20.
[0084] Disassembly of the cap 22 is easy since it is enough to remove each of the fixing loops 26 from its respective retaining member 68 and to detach the lower portion 46 of the cap 22 from the shell 20. The cap 22 can then be separated from the shell 20 and the padding 24 and, for example, replaced.
[0085] According to another embodiment not shown, the retaining member 68 is a hook extending projecting from the rear surface 58 of the hull 20.
[0086] Alternatively, according to another embodiment not shown, the shell 20 does not include retaining members 68. Each fastening loop 26 cooperates directly with the rear surface 58 of the shell 20. For example, a knot is formed with each of the fastening loops 26. Each knot has a dimension greater than at least one dimension of the through opening 66 of the shell 20. The knot then bears against at least a portion of the edge of the through opening 66. Alternatively, the support element 18 includes a plurality of locking members, for example, a plurality of rods. Each locking member is arranged through a fastening loop 26 and bears against the rear surface 58 of the shell 20.
[0087] As a further alternative to the embodiments presented above, the cap 22 covers only the front surface 28 of the padding 24. The fastening loops 26 are fixed on a periphery of the cap 22, for example at a free edge of the cap 22.
[0088] The support element 18 according to the invention is particularly advantageous. Indeed, the fastening loops 26 allow the cap 22 to be attached simply and quickly to the shell 20. Changing the cap 22 is just as easy. The support element 18 is lightweight, easy to manufacture, inexpensive to produce, and environmentally friendly since it comprises only a limited number of components.
Claims
Demands
1. A support element (18) for a vehicle seat (10), said support element (18) comprising: - a shell (20), - a cover (22) mounted on the shell (20), the cover (22) defining a front surface (40) forming a support surface (42) intended to receive a passenger, and a rear surface (34) opposite the front surface (40), - a safety mattress (24) disposed between the shell (20) and the cover (22), characterized in that the cover (22) comprises a plurality of fastening loops (26) fixed to the rear surface (34) of the cover (22), the shell (20) comprising a plurality of through-holes (66) disposed substantially opposite the fastening loops (26), the fastening loops (26) passing through said through-holes (66) and cooperating mechanically with the shell (20) so as to retain the cover (22) attached to the hull (20).
2. Support element (18) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening loops (26) are sewn onto the rear surface (34) of the cap (22).
3. Support element (18) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the padding (24) defines at least one through opening (38) disposed substantially opposite one of the fastening loops (26) and one of the through openings (66) of the shell (20), said fastening loop passing through said through opening (38) of the padding (24).
4. Support element (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shell (20) comprises a plurality of retaining members (68), each fastening loop (26) cooperating mechanically with a respective retaining member (68).
5. Support element (18) according to claim 4, wherein each retaining member (68) is made of material with the shell (20).
6. Support element according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each retaining member (68) is formed by a projection (70) defined by the shell (20).
7. Support element (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a portion of the cap (22) forms an envelope (49) receiving one end of the shell (20) and one end of the ma- telassure (24).
8. Support element (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the shell (20) comprises a central part (60) and two lateral parts (62) arranged on either side of the central part (60), the cap (22) and the padding (24) covering the central part (60) of the shell (20), the lateral parts (62) each defining a free bearing surface (64).
9. Vehicle seat (10) comprising at least one support element (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. Method of assembling a support element (18) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the following steps: - placing the padding (24) between the shell (20) and the cap (22), - inserting the fastening loops (26) through the through openings (66) of the shell (20), - mechanical cooperation of the fastening loops (26) with the shell (20) so as to keep the cap (22) attached to the shell (20).