Bench frame with a swiveling backrest frame with integrated pivot link and retention device
A centered retention device in the vehicle seat frame allows for easy assembly and secure attachment of the backrest frame, addressing the complexity and detachment issues in existing seat frames by facilitating a single translational movement and robust pivoting.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022007696
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-07-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle seat frames with backrest frames require complex and time-consuming assembly processes due to retention devices that interfere with the pivoting mechanism, complicating the assembly and potentially leading to detachment during impacts.
A retention device featuring a retention opening in the fixed upright and a retention rod on the backrest frame, both centered on the pivot axis, allowing for easy assembly with a single translational movement and ensuring the backrest frame remains securely attached during impacts.
The solution enables quick and tool-free assembly of the backrest frame while maintaining a robust pivot joint that prevents lateral disengagement during accidents, ensuring smooth pivoting and reduced component count.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Bench frame with a swiveling backrest frame with integrated pivot joint and retention device. Prior art
[0001] This disclosure relates to a vehicle seat frame, comprising a fixed post, a backrest frame pivotable relative to the fixed post around a pivot axis, and a device for retaining the backrest frame in the event of an impact suffered by the seat frame.
[0002] Such a bench seat frame is known from document WO 2014 / 090653 A1. With reference to [Fig. 1] of that document, this known bench seat frame 1 comprises a central backrest frame 22 which is pivotable about a pivot axis A. This pivoting is achieved by means of a pivot joint 72 which includes a pivot sleeve 54 and a pivot ring 42, see [Fig. 4]. In order to prevent the central backrest frame 22 from detaching during an accident, the pivot sleeve 54 is provided with a retaining arc 56.
[0003] However, the retention arch 56 complicates the assembly of the central backrest frame 22 during the assembly of the bench frame 1. Indeed, as shown in [Fig. 3], in order to assemble the central backrest frame 22, it is necessary to first tilt it to allow the retention arch 56 to pass through, and then straighten it. This operation is difficult and time-consuming.
[0004] US document 10,207,604 describes another known bench frame which has a central backrest frame 40” pivotable about an axis 38. The corresponding pivot joint 44 has a retention device consisting of a constriction 76 of a tube 60 and an enlarged head 106 of a rod 62 inserted into the tube 60.
[0005] Document EP 3 241 704 B1 describes yet another bench frame 20. This one has a retention device in the form of a hole 50 made in a fastener 28 and an enlarged head 52 of a transverse rod 24 inserted into the hole 50. Summary
[0006] In light of the foregoing, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle seat frame with an improved backrest frame retention device in the event of a crash. Specifically, it aims to provide a retention device that allows for quick and easy assembly of the backrest frame during the assembly of the seat frame.
[0007] In accordance with this disclosure, this purpose is achieved with a vehicle seat frame as defined in §1 above, which is characterized in that the retention device includes a retention opening made in the upright fixed and a retention rod arranged on the backrest frame and inserted into the retention opening, and in that the retention opening and the retention rod are both centered on the pivot axis.
[0008] By implementing the retention device as an opening in the fixed upright and a rod on the backrest frame inserted into the opening, the backrest frame is assembled with a single translational movement. No complex movement is required to secure the backrest frame to the rest of the bench frame. Since the retention opening and the retention rod are centered on the pivot axis, the retention device does not interfere with the pivoting of the backrest frame.
[0009] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other: - the bench frame further includes a pivot joint linking the backrest frame and the fixed post to guide the pivoting of the backrest frame relative to the fixed post, the pivot joint comprising a pivot sleeve and a pivot ring in connection with the pivot sleeve, one of the pivot sleeve and pivot ring being arranged on the backrest frame, and the other of the pivot sleeve and pivot ring being arranged on the fixed post, a pivoting of the backrest frame relative to the fixed post resulting in a relative rotation between the pivot sleeve and the pivot ring; - the pivot sleeve is arranged on the backrest frame and follows the rotation of the backrest frame when it pivots, and the pivot ring is arranged on the fixed post and guides the rotation of the pivot sleeve when the backrest frame pivots; - the backrest frame includes an assembly gusset and the pivot socket is mounted on the assembly gusset by a snap-fit connection; - the pivot sleeve includes a circular guide slot, and the pivot ring is inserted into the guide slot; - a circumferential gap separates the retention rod from the edge of the retention opening; - the retaining rod is arranged on the pivot socket; - the bench frame also includes an insert, the insert comprising a base and the retaining rod which protrudes from the base, the insert being housed with its base in a central housing made in the pivot socket; - the pivot ring surrounds the retention opening; - the pivot socket is made of plastic; - the retaining rod is made of metal. Brief description of the drawings
[0010] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1
[0011] [Fig.1] is an overall perspective view of a vehicle bench frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2
[0012] [Fig.2] is a perspective view along arrow II of a detail of the armature of bench of the [Fig.l]. Fig. 3
[0013] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional and perspective view of the pivot joint and the device bench frame retention according to [Fig.l]. Fig. 4
[0014] [Fig.4] is an exploded view of the elements of the pivot joint and the device retention located on the side of a backrest frame of the bench frame of [Fig.l]. Description of the implementation methods
[0015] Figure 1 shows an embodiment 10 of a bench seat frame according to this disclosure. Such a bench seat frame 10 is intended to be mounted in a motor vehicle. It can, for example, be mounted next to the driver's seat of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be a commercial vehicle such as a van.
[0016] The bench frame 10 includes a seat frame 12, two backrest frames 14 and 16, a fixed post 18 located between the two backrest frames 14 and 16, a retention device 20, an internal pivot joint 22, and an external pivot joint 28.
[0017] Fig. 1 is an exploded view in that one 14 of the two backrest frames is shown in a state detached from the rest of the bench frame 10. In the operational state, the backrest frame 14 is attached to the fixed upright 18 and the seat frame 12.
[0018] The two backrest frames 14 and 16 are different in that one, 14, is pivotable relative to the fixed upright 18, while the other, 16, is fixedly connected to the fixed upright 18.
[0019] The swiveling backrest frame 14 can be folded towards the seat frame 12 by pivoting it around a transverse pivot axis XX. To perform this pivoting, the swiveling backrest frame 14 is connected by a gusset plate. internal 24 and the internal pivot connection 22 to the fixed upright 18, and by an external assembly gusset 26 and the external pivot connection 28 to the seat frame 12.
[0020] The internal pivot joint 22 therefore connects the swiveling backrest frame 14 and the fixed post 18 to guide the pivoting of the swiveling backrest frame 14 relative to the fixed post 18. For this purpose, the internal pivot joint 22 includes a pivot sleeve 30 and a pivot ring 32 in connection with the pivot sleeve 30. Here, the pivot sleeve 30 is arranged on the swiveling backrest frame 14 and follows the rotation of the swiveling backrest frame 14 during its pivoting.
[0021] The pivot ring 32 is arranged on the fixed post 18 and guides the rotation of the pivot sleeve 30 when the pivoting backrest frame 14 pivots. In other words, pivoting the pivoting backrest frame 14 relative to the fixed post 18 causes the pivot sleeve 30 to rotate relative to the fixed pivot ring 32. In another embodiment not shown, reverse kinematics could be considered. Therefore, generally, it is sufficient that there be a relative rotation between the pivot sleeve 30 and the pivot ring 32.
[0022] Here, the pivot sleeve 30 is mounted on the internal assembly gusset 24, preferably by means of a snap-fit connection 34.
[0023] The pivot sleeve 30 has a circular guide slot 36. The pivot ring 32 is inserted into the guide slot 36. Thus, the pivot ring 32 and the guide slot 36 together form a plain bearing. This bearing is particularly reliable since the rotating element, namely the pivot sleeve 30, grips the pivot ring 32 on both its inner and outer sides. In this way, any play that could impair smooth pivoting is eliminated.
[0024] Preferably, the pivot socket 30 is made of plastic material.
[0025] The retention device 20 serves to retain the swiveling backrest frame 14 in position in the event of an impact suffered by the bench frame 10. Such an impact may, for example, occur when the motor vehicle in which the bench frame 10 is mounted is involved in a frontal or rear-end accident.
[0026] According to this disclosure, the retention device 20 comprises a retention opening 38 made in the fixed post 18 and a retention rod 40 arranged on the pivoting backrest frame 14 and inserted into the retention opening 38. The retention opening 38 and the retention rod 40 are both centered on the pivot axis XX.
[0027] A circumferential gap 42 separates the retaining rod 40 from the rim 44 of the retaining opening 38. It should be noted that the pivot ring 32 surrounds the retaining opening 38.
[0028] With reference to [Fig. 3], it can be seen that the retention device 20 is located within the pivot joint 22. In other words, the retention device 20 is surrounded by the pivot link 22. Thus, the retention device 20 and the pivot link 22 constitute a very compact and space-saving assembly.
[0029] In this compact assembly 20, 22, the retaining rod 40 is preferably arranged on the pivot sleeve 30. More specifically, a central recess 46 is formed in the pivot sleeve 30 and an insert 48, which includes the retaining rod 40, is housed in the central recess 46. The retaining rod 40 protrudes from a base 50 of the insert 48. It is the base 50 of the insert 48 that is housed in the central recess 46 of the pivot sleeve 30.
[0030] Preferably, the insert 48 is a single piece. Here, it consists of three cylindrical sections of different diameters. The cylindrical section with the smallest diameter corresponds to the retaining rod 40. The cylindrical section with the largest diameter corresponds to the base 50. The third section 52, with an intermediate diameter, is inserted into a hole 54 in the internal assembly gusset 24. Thus, the section 52 with an intermediate diameter allows the insert 48 to be fixed to the internal assembly gusset 24.
[0031] Preferably, the retaining rod 40 is made of metal. In the illustrated example, it is the complete insert 48 that is made of metal.
[0032] The retention device 20 operates as follows: It is assumed first that the seat frame 10 is mounted in a motor vehicle. If this motor vehicle is involved in a frontal or rear-end collision, then the fixed post 18 and / or the internal assembly gusset 24 may be deformed. In such a case, the retention rod 40 will become wedged in the retention opening 38. This locking action prevents the swiveling backrest frame 14 from disengaging laterally from the fixed post 18.
[0033] Thanks to the specific design of the retention device 20 according to this disclosure, the swiveling backrest frame 14 is easily mounted onto the rest of the bench frame 10. In fact, it is sufficient to bring the backrest frame 14 onto the fixed upright 18 and the seat frame 12 by a single transverse translational movement indicated by arrow A in [Fig. 1]. During this operation, the retention rod 40 is inserted into the retention opening 38, and the pivot ring 32 is inserted into the pivot sleeve 30. To complete the assembly of the backrest frame 14, it is then simply fixed to the seat frame 12 at a flange 56 shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[0034] Thanks to the pivot joint 22 and the retention device 20 described above, the bench frame 10 according to this disclosure has, in particular, the following advantages:
[0035] - Easy assembly of the swivel backrest frame 14 which can be done with a only tool;
[0036] - Easy and play-free pivoting of the backrest frame 14;
[0037] - A robust pivot joint 22 which integrates the retention device 20 for good to remain in position during accidents;
[0038] - A reduced number of components.
Claims
Demands
1. Vehicle bench frame (10), comprising: a. a fixed post (18); b. a backrest frame (14) pivotable relative to the fixed post (18) about a pivot axis (XX); and c. a device (20) for retaining the backrest frame (14) in the event of an impact on the bench frame (10), characterized in that the retention device (20) comprises: a. a retention opening (38) made in the fixed post (18); and b. a retention rod (40) arranged on the backrest frame (14) and inserted into the retention opening (38), and in that the retention opening (38) and the retention rod (40) are both centered on the pivot axis (XX).
2. Bench frame (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a pivot joint (22) connecting the backrest frame (14) and the fixed post (18) to guide the pivoting of the backrest frame (14) relative to the fixed post (18), the pivot joint (22) comprising a pivot sleeve (30) and a pivot ring (32) in connection with the pivot sleeve (30), one (30) of the pivot sleeve and pivot ring being arranged on the backrest frame (14), and the other (32) of the pivot sleeve and pivot ring being arranged on the fixed post (18), a pivoting of the backrest frame (14) relative to the fixed post (18) resulting in a relative rotation between the pivot sleeve (30) and the pivot ring (32).
3. Bench frame (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pivot sleeve (30) is arranged on the backrest frame (14) and follows the rotation of the backrest frame (14) when pivoting, and wherein the pivot ring (32) is arranged on the fixed post (18) and guides the rotation of the pivot sleeve (30) when pivoting the backrest frame (14).
4. Bench frame (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the backrest frame (14) comprises an assembly gusset (24) and the pivot sleeve (30) is mounted on the assembly gusset (24) by a snap-fit connection (34).
5. Bench frame (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pivot sleeve (30) includes a circular guide slot (36), and wherein the pivot ring (32) is inserted into the guide slot (36).
6. Bench frame (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the retaining rod (40) is arranged on the pivot sleeve (30).
7. Bench frame (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising an insert (48), the insert having a base (50) and the retaining rod (40) which protrudes from the base, the insert (48) being housed with its base (50) in a central housing (46) made in the pivot sleeve (30).
8. Bench frame (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the pivot ring (32) surrounds the retention opening (38).
9. Bench frame (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the pivot socket (30) is made of plastic material.
10. Bench frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a circumferential gap (42) separates the retaining rod (40) from the rim (44) of the retaining opening (38).
11. Bench frame (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining rod (40) is made of metal.