Vehicle seat comprising a frame assembled with connecting parts made of composite material

Abstract

Vehicle seat comprising a frame assembled by connecting pieces of composite material. The vehicle seat comprises a seat frame (10) formed of a plurality of metallic structural elements, at least two of said structural elements being connected to each other by at least one connecting piece of composite material. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat comprising a frame assembled by connecting parts made of composite material

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat, of the type comprising a seat frame, the frame being formed of a plurality of metallic structural elements.

[0002] The assembly of vehicle seats is complex, as the seats, and more specifically their frame, are composed of numerous structural elements that must be fixed to one another. The frame is also critical in the design of a seat since it is subjected to high stresses; the frame is arranged to give the vehicle seat its rigidity and must allow for energy dissipation in the event of an impact in order to best protect the seat occupant.

[0003] In order to limit these constraints, resistant fastening systems are being developed to fix different structural elements of the vehicle seat frame together.

[0004] However, such attachment systems add significant mass to the vehicle seat and are unsuitable in certain areas of use where weight reduction is a goal, such as the automotive industry. Furthermore, assembling the frame remains complex.

[0005] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by offering a vehicle seat whose frame can be assembled in a simple and robust way, while being particularly lightweight.

[0006] For this purpose, the invention relates to a vehicle seat of the aforementioned type, in which at least two of said structural elements are connected to each other by at least one connecting piece made of composite material.

[0007] Assembling metallic structural elements using composite material connecting pieces makes it possible to reduce the number of pieces needed to form the reinforcement while reducing the mass of these connecting pieces.

[0008] The manufacturing processes for connecting parts made of composite material also make it possible to have connecting parts adapted to the structural elements of the reinforcement. Such processes allow, for example, a connecting part to be shaped in any form and allow for the integration of additional functional elements onto these connecting parts. They also make it possible to eliminate the need for welding to ensure the fastening of the structural elements to one another.

[0009] A framework comprising structural elements connected by connecting pieces has a modular construction allowing for the creation of different frameworks with starting from a set of structural elements and a set of connecting parts, especially when one or more structural elements are provided in the form of profiles.

[0010] Structural elements in the form of profiles can be replaced by others of different lengths while keeping the already designed composite material connecting parts and thus being able to easily modify the size of the vehicle seat.

[0011] The vehicle seat may include one or more of the following optional features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0012] - at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by interlocking of the connecting piece and the structural element into each other;

[0013] - at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by the structural element is fitted into the connecting piece and / or at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fitting the connecting piece into the structural element;

[0014] - at least one structural element and one connecting piece fitted one inside the other are provided with openings, in particular holes, at least partially opposite each other when the structural element and the connecting piece are fitted together;

[0015] - a fastening element is engaged in the openings of the structural element and the connecting piece to hold the structural element and the connecting piece together;

[0016] - the fastener is a screw, a bolt, a rod or other structural element inserted into the openings of the structural element and the connecting piece, the fixing element being for example in contact with an anchoring element, such as a nut or a locking washer, in particular an anchoring element integrated into the connecting piece, for example by being overmolded by the connecting piece;

[0017] - at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by means of fastening in particular metallic means of fastening such as a screw / nut assembly and / or at least one deformable fastening element, for example metallic;

[0018] - at least one structural element is a profile;

[0019] - at least one structural element fixed to a connecting piece by interlocking crosses this connecting piece;

[0020] - the plurality of structural elements includes at least one structural element ending a portion of a seat cross member, at least one structural element defining a seat cross member, at least one structural element defining a seat spar, at least one structural element defining a seat support portion, at least one structural element defining a backrest upright, at least one structural element defining a portion of a backrest cross member and / or at least one structural element de- ending a backrest crossbar;

[0021] - at least one connecting piece links two structural seating elements together, at least one connecting piece links two structural backrest elements together, and / or at least one connecting piece links a seat structural element and a structural backrest element together;

[0022] - at least one connecting piece links at least three structural elements between them ;

[0023] - the plurality of connecting pieces includes at least one connecting piece connecting two parts of seat crossbeams together, at least one connecting piece connecting a seat support part to a seat crossbeam, at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest upright to a seat support part, at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest upright to a seat crossbeam, at least one connecting piece connecting a seat crossbeam to a seat spar, at least one connecting piece connecting a seat crossbeam to a backrest upright, at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest upright to a seat spar, at least one connecting piece connecting two parts of backrest crossbeams together, at least one connecting piece connecting a part of backrest crossbeams to a backrest upright, and / or at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest crossbeam to a backrest upright;

[0024] - at least one connecting piece configured to define a deformable element energy absorption in the event of a shock, at least one connecting piece with a strap passage for the passage of a safety belt strap, at least one connecting piece with a part for fixing to a wall of the vehicle, in particular a floor of the vehicle and / or at least one fixing piece with an anchoring element, for example a nut, the anchoring element preferably being overmolded by the connecting piece.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a vehicle seat frame, the assembly method comprising fixing at least two of the structural elements together using a connecting piece.

[0026] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] - [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a vehicle seat frame according to the invention;

[0028] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a folder connection part the vehicle seat frame shown in [Fig.1];

[0029] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of the connecting piece of file represented on the [Fig.2];

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a first connecting piece seat support of the vehicle seat frame shown in [Fig.1];

[0031] - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an exploded perspective view of a second part of connection of the seat support and a flange of the vehicle seat frame shown in [Fig. 1]; and

[0032] - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a seat connecting piece the vehicle seat frame shown in [Fig.1].

[0033] In the description, for a vehicle seat oriented in the traditional manner and facing the front of the vehicle, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are defined with respect to the usual directions of the vehicle, the longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle and the transverse direction corresponding to the width of the vehicle. The elevation direction corresponds to the height of the vehicle. The terms "lower" and "upper" are defined with respect to the elevation direction.

[0034] With reference to [Fig.1], a vehicle seat frame 10 comprises metallic structural elements connected to each other by connecting pieces made of composite material.

[0035] The vehicle seat described is in particular a vehicle bench seat comprising two seats, but it is understood that the invention applies to any type of vehicle seat.

[0036] The composite material is preferably formed of a matrix of plastic material reinforced with natural and / or synthetic fibers. The plastic material is, for example, polyamide, in particular PA6. The fibers are, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and / or aramid fibers.

[0037] Preferably, at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fitting the connecting piece and the structural element into each other.

[0038] A structural element is for example connected to a connecting piece by fitting the structural element into the connecting piece or by fitting the connecting piece into the structural element.

[0039] The term "interlocking" here means that a portion of one of the structural element and the connecting piece is inserted, preferably in a fitted manner, into an opening or cavity of the other to ensure a mechanical interlocking connection between the structural element and the connecting piece.

[0040] The term "interlocking" includes a connection in which a structural element fixed by interlocking to a connecting piece passes through this connecting piece, i.e. extends through an opening or a through cavity in the connecting piece, extending on both sides of the connecting piece.

[0041] Advantageously, a structural element and a connecting piece fitted together in the other are provided with openings, in particular holes, at least partially opposite when the structural element and the connecting piece are fitted together.

[0042] Such openings allow the insertion of a fastening element into the openings at least partially opposite, to keep the structural element and the connecting piece fitted together.

[0043] Thus, advantageously, a fastening element is engaged in the openings opposite the structural element and the connecting piece nested one inside the other to hold the structural element and the connecting piece nested one inside the other.

[0044] The fastening element is for example a screw, a bolt, a rod or another structural element inserted into the openings opposite the structural element and the connecting piece fitted one into the other.

[0045] Furthermore, a connecting piece is advantageously provided with at least one anchoring element integrated into the connecting piece, in particular by being at least partially overmolded by the connecting piece. Such an anchoring element is, for example, a nut or a locking washer, also called a pin claw.

[0046] A fastener engaged in openings opposite the structural element and the connecting piece nested one inside the other is for example in contact with an anchoring element, such as a nut or a locking washer, in particular an anchoring element integrated into the connecting piece, for example by being overmolded by the connecting piece.

[0047] Optionally or alternatively, the structural element and the connecting piece are connected by added fastening means, in particular fastening means such as a screw / nut assembly and / or at least one deformable fastener, preferably metallic.

[0048] Advantageously, at least one structural element is a profile, i.e. an elongated element having a constant cross-section.

[0049] The frame 10 preferably defines a seat and a backrest, each formed of one or more structural elements, including for example one or more crossbeams, one or more stringers and one or more uprights.

[0050] The frame 10 includes, for example, structural elements defining transversely extending crossbeams, longitudinally extending stringers, uprights extending substantially along the direction of elevation and / or support parts for fixing the seat to the floor of a vehicle.

[0051] The frame 10 then comprises at least one connecting piece which connects two structural seat elements together, at least one connecting piece which connects two structural backrest elements together, and / or at least one connecting piece which connects a structural seat element and a structural backrest element together.

[0052] In particular, the structural elements of the reinforcement 10 include at least one structural element defining a part of a seat crossbeam, at least one structural element defining a seat crossbeam, at least one structural element defining a seat spar, at least one structural element defining a part of a seat support, at least one structural element defining a backrest upright, at least one structural element defining a part of a backrest crossbeam and / or at least one structural element defining a backrest crossbeam.

[0053] Each connecting piece can connect two structural elements together, three structural elements together, four structural elements together or more than four structural elements together.

[0054] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the frame 10 comprises, for example, two structural backrest elements 15, each defining a backrest upright 17, extending along the elevation direction, and a backrest cross member 19, extending along the transverse direction, linked together by an elbow 20.

[0055] The structural elements of the backrest 15 are, for example, manufactured in one piece, for example from a bent metal profile tube. Each backrest upright 17 forms, for example, an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the portion of the backrest crossbar 19 to which the backrest upright is connected.

[0056] The two structural elements of folder 15 are linked to each other by a folder connecting piece 24

[0057] The backrest connection piece 24 includes, for example, a tubular structure 30 extending along the direction of elevation.

[0058] The tubular structure 30 comprises, for example, two walls extending substantially along the elevation direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0059] Openings 32 are made in each of these walls opposite the backrest cross members 19. The ends of the backrest cross members 19 of the two backrest structural elements 15 are fitted into these openings 32 in order to ensure the assembly of the two backrest structural elements 15 and the backrest connecting piece 24.

[0060] It is possible to ensure the fixing between a structural element and a connecting part, including when they are fitted together, by providing fixing means, such as for example a screw / nut assembly or a deformable fastener.

[0061] Thus, as an option, each opening 32 receives a fixing element such as a locking washer (or axle claw) 29 having a star-shaped opening delimiting claws.

[0062] Locking washers 29 placed in the holes 32 receiving the backrest cross members 19 of the two backrest structural elements 15, comprise by example of deformable claws

[0063] The backrest cross members 19 inserted into the locking washer 29, butt against the blades which causes a plastic deformation of the claws and results in the fixing.

[0064] The locking washers 29 are for example overmolded by the composite material of the backrest connection piece 24.

[0065] Each locking washer 29 thus forms a deformable fixing element to ensure the connection between a connecting piece and a structural element fitted one into the other.

[0066] The backrest cross member 19 of a backrest structural element 15 extends in alignment with the backrest cross member 19 of the other backrest structural element 15. The two backrest cross members 19 assembled by the connecting piece 24 thus together form a backrest cross member 31 of the frame 10.

[0067] In another embodiment, the two backrest cross members 19 are manufactured as a single unit. The backrest cross member 31 is fitted into the backrest connecting piece 24 and passes through the backrest connecting piece 24. The backrest cross member 31 then extends on both sides of the backrest connecting piece 24, with one part of the backrest cross member 19 extending on one side and the other part of the backrest cross member 19 extending on the other side.

[0068] It is possible to functionalize one or more connecting pieces of the frame 10, for example by providing at least one connecting piece configured to define a deformable energy-absorbing element in the event of a shock, at least one connecting piece with a strap passage for the passage of a safety belt strap, at least one connecting piece with a part for fixing to a wall of the vehicle, in particular a floor of the vehicle and / or at least one fixing piece with an anchoring element, for example a nut, the anchoring element preferably being overmolded by the connecting piece.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the backrest connecting piece 24 includes a strap passage 33. The strap passage 33 is, for example, made of the same material as the tubular structure 30. By integrating the strap passage 33 into the backrest connecting piece 24, the number of separate parts required is thus reduced.

[0070] The belt guide 33 is, for example, formed by a loop or an arc intended to receive a seat belt. Since the backrest connecting piece 24 is made of composite material, the friction and pressure experienced by a seat belt passing through the belt guide 33 are minimized compared to a belt guide 33 made of a metallic material, thus reducing wear on the seat belt. The angle of curvature of the belt guide 33 is more gradual than that of a metallic belt guide because it is simple to shape due to the use of a composite material, which further reduces wear on the seat belt.

[0071] Advantageously, a connecting piece can be provided with ribs. This makes it possible to provide satisfactory rigidity while limiting the amount of material and therefore the weight of the connecting piece. The ribs are preferably oriented along the principal directions of the forces applied to the connecting piece.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the backrest connection piece 24 has a ribbed surface, provided with protruding ribs 34.

[0073] As mentioned above, it is possible to configure a connection piece for energy absorption in case of shock.

[0074] The backrest connecting piece 24 optionally features deformable wings, not shown. Deformable wings are deformable structures that preferentially collapse upon impact to absorb energy.

[0075] The backrest connecting piece 24 also connects the backrest cross member 31 and a backrest upright 36, which is a profile. The backrest upright 36 is located transversely between the backrest uprights 17.

[0076] The entire folder connection piece 24 and the folder amount 36 form a folder column 35, shown in [Fig.2].

[0077] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the backrest connecting piece 24 is fitted into the backrest profile 36.

[0078] The cross-section of the backrest connecting piece 24 at the level of its tubular structure 30 is smaller than the cross-section of the backrest upright 36.

[0079] The folder connection piece 24 can then be fitted into the folder upright 36 as shown in [Fig.3].

[0080] Advantageously, the file amount 36 is provided with openings 41 which are at least partially opposite the openings 32 of the file connecting piece 24 when the file connecting piece 24 and the file amount 36 are nested one inside the other.

[0081] Preferably, a fastening element is inserted through the openings 32 and the openings 37 opposite the backrest connecting piece 24 and the backrest upright 36 fitted together, so as to prevent the backrest connecting piece 24 and the backrest upright 36 from coming apart.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, such a fixing element is defined by the backrest crossbar 31 which is fitted into the backrest connecting piece 24 through the openings 32 and the openings 41 and blocks in translation in the elevation direction the backrest connecting piece 24 relative to the backrest upright 36.

[0083] By varying, a fastening element engaged in the openings 32 and the openings 41 is for example a screw or a bolt, which in this case can cooperate with an additional fastening element integrated into the backrest connection piece 24, such as a locking washer 29 or alternatively a nut, in particular a nut at least partly overmolded by the backrest connection piece 24.

[0084] The backrest 36 optionally includes at least one upper opening 37, for example a row of upper openings 37, made in each of its transverse walls extending along the elevation direction and the longitudinal direction.

[0085] The upper openings 37 are intended to accommodate at least one wire element for the backrest, not shown in [Fig. 1]. The wire element(s) connect one structural element of the backrest 15 to another by passing through the backrest profile 36. The wire element(s) are rigidly fixed to the backrest uprights 17 by means of an added fastener. The wire element(s) form, for example, a suspension system for the backrest.

[0086] The tubular structure 30 of the backrest connecting piece 24 also includes, for example, openings 39 opposite the upper openings 37 of the backrest profile 36. As shown in [Fig. 2] where the tubular structure 30 includes an opening 39 aligned with the upper openings 37 of the backrest profile 36. The openings of the tubular structure 30 thus positioned allow the passage of a wire element of the backrest through the backrest profile 36 and the tubular structure 30.

[0087] In addition, the backrest connecting piece 24, by virtue of its integration into the backrest column 35, transmits the energy due to an impact into the backrest profile 36, reducing the transmission of this energy to the seat occupant.

[0088] The backrest connection piece 24 thus ensures, by virtue of its shape and composition, the function of an energy dissipator according to the ECE21 regulation. The ECE21 regulation (“Economy Commission for Europe” in English) is a test procedure for materials dissipating energy inside cars.

[0089] The structural elements of the backrest 15 are connected to two parts of the first seat cross member 38 by means of two first seat support connecting pieces 40 made of composite material, one of which is more particularly represented in [Fig.4].

[0090] The first connecting seat pieces 40 have two openings, a top opening 42 and a transverse opening 43, each opening being arranged to accommodate structural elements, as will now be described.

[0091] The backrest uprights 17 are press-fitted into the first seat support connecting pieces 40 through the upper openings 42. The upper opening 42 includes, for example, a locking washer integrated within the structure of the composite material. The locking washer includes, for example, deformable claws.

[0092] During assembly, the parts of the first seat cross member 38 inserted into the The sockets hit the claws, causing a plastic deformation of the claws and resulting in fixation.

[0093] The first cross member parts 38 are force-fixed into the first connecting pieces of the seat support 40 by passing through the transverse openings 43.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the first seat support connecting pieces 40 have ribbed surfaces, made up of ribs 34, as described previously for the backrest connecting piece 24.

[0095] The two parts of the first seat cross member 38 and the backrest profile 36 are joined together by a seat connecting piece 50 made of composite material, shown in [Fig.6].

[0096] The two parts of the first seat cross member 38 are fixed in the seat connecting piece 50 by means of holes 51.

[0097] The base connecting piece 50 includes, in particular, two walls extending substantially in the vertical and longitudinal directions. Openings 51 are provided in each of these walls opposite the first base cross members 38. The ends of the first base cross members 38 are fitted into these openings 51 to ensure the assembly of the two first base cross members 38 and the base connecting piece 50.

[0098] Optionally, each orifice 51 includes, for example, a locking washer within the structure of the composite material. The locking washers placed in the orifices 51, which receive the cross-member portions 38, include, for example, deformable claws.

[0099] During assembly, the first cross member sections 38, inserted into each socket, abut against the claws, causing plastic deformation of the claws and resulting in fastening. The locking washers are, for example, overmolded by the seat connecting piece 50.

[0100] The parts of the first bed rail 38 are then aligned and together form a first bed rail 52.

[0101] In another embodiment, the two parts of the first seat cross member 38 are manufactured as a single piece. The seat cross member 52 is fitted into the seat connecting piece 50 and passes through the seat connecting piece 50.

[0102] The seat connection piece 50 also includes a ground fixing part 53 of the vehicle and a through opening 54 allowing the passage of network elements of the vehicle located in the extension of the ground fixing part 53.

[0103] The seat connecting piece 50 also includes two openings, a top opening 55 and a side opening 56 in order to connect the uprights or crossbeams to the seat connecting piece 50.

[0104] The backrest profile 36 is forcibly fitted into the seat connecting piece 50 passing through the upper opening 55 and is fixed by deformation of the seat connecting piece 50. A bore made in the backrest profile 36, on its transverse wall in the area penetrating the seat connecting piece 50, is aligned with a bore made in the seat connecting piece 50. At least one screw is for example screwed and tightened by means of an overmolded nut insertion in the seat connecting piece 50 and thus reinforces the connection by passing through the seat connecting piece 50 and the backrest profile 36.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the seat connecting piece 50 has ribs 34 similar to those of the backrest connecting piece 24.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the seat connecting piece 50 has an anchoring piece such as a nut inserted into the seat connecting piece 50, in order to allow the anchoring of a safety belt and / or a safety belt fastening element.

[0107] Each first seat support connecting piece 40 is rigidly fixed by a fixing element attached to a seat support part 57 shown in [Fig.5].

[0108] The seat support portion 57 forms a support for the vehicle seat and comprises an inner face and an outer face, symmetrical and opposite. The faces extend mainly in the upward and longitudinal directions from a base intended to be fixed to the vehicle floor.

[0109] The or each part of the seat support 57 includes for example two openings 58, 59 allowing the passage of the ends of the seat crossbeams.

[0110] The end of each part of the first seat cross member 38, opposite the end embedded in the seat connecting piece 50, enters the orifice 58 through the transverse opening 43 of the first seat support connecting piece 40. At least one screw, for example two, fixed from the outside of the seat support part 57 and penetrating the seat support part 57 and then into the first seat support connecting piece 40 secure the first seat support connecting piece 40 with the seat support part 57.

[0111] The two seat support portions 57 are also connected to each other by a second seat cross member 60 extending in the transverse direction, and preferably made of a metallic material. The second seat cross member 60 is an oblong bar penetrating the opening 59 of each seat support portion 57.

[0112] A second seat support connecting piece 62 is passed through each end of the second seat cross member 60. Each second seat support connecting piece 62 is positioned against the inner surface of each seat support part 57.

[0113] Each second seat support connecting piece 62 is, for example, formed by a rectangular prism comprising a transverse opening receiving each end of the second foundation crossbeam 60.

[0114] Each end of the second seat cross member 60 enters the orifice 59 of each seat support part 57 by passing through the transverse opening of the second seat support connecting piece 62. At least one screw, for example two, fixed from the outside of the seat support part 57 and penetrating the seat support part 57 and then into the second seat support connecting piece 62, secure the second seat support connecting piece 62 with the seat support part 57, as shown in [Fig. 5].

[0115] According to one embodiment, the second seat support connecting pieces 62 have ribs 34 similar to those described for the backrest connecting piece 24.

[0116] A seat spar 65 connects the seat connecting piece 50 to the second seat cross member 60. The seat spar 65 is fitted into the seat connecting piece 50 at the lateral opening 56 of the seat connecting piece 50.

[0117] According to one embodiment, a bore extends in the seat spar 65, on its transverse wall in the area penetrating the seat connecting piece 50. The bore is aligned with a bore on the seat connecting piece 50. At least one screw is, for example, screwed and tightened by means of a nut integrated into the seat connecting piece 50, for example by overmolding, and thus reinforces the connection by passing through the seat connecting piece 50 and the seat spar 65.

[0118] The seat spar 65 is connected to the second seat cross member 60 preferably by means of another connecting piece made of composite material not shown. In a non-preferred embodiment, the connection could be made by welding.

[0119] The seat spar 65 provides reinforcement to the seat and rigidity, ensuring parallelism between the two seat cross members 52, 60.

[0120] A method for assembling a vehicle seat frame such as the frame 10 of [Fig. 1] comprises obtaining at least two metallic structural elements and fixing the structural elements together using at least one connecting piece made of composite material, preferably with interlocking of at least one structural element and a connecting piece into each other, possibly with the addition of additional fixing means such as a screw-nut assembly or a deformable fixing element.

[0121] The vehicle seat has the advantage of being manufactured without necessarily requiring welding of the structural elements for assembly, or by limiting the number of welds required. The size of the seat is adjustable by changing the structural elements, particularly when these structural elements are profiles.

[0122] The composite material also has the advantage of being lighter than a part of a similar connection made of metallic material.

[0123] The number of assembly elements is reduced and assembly is simple. The presence of composite material elements also allows, through the molding of complex parts, the introduction of elements to absorb energy and enhance vehicle safety.

[0124] The design of connecting parts is easier with composite materials. The composite material also allows for the integration of additional functionalities, such as fastening elements for components attached to the frame or fastening elements for the frame to the vehicle floor, for example.

[0125] As illustrated with the armature 10 of [Fig.1], an armature can include various connecting parts.In particular, a seat frame may include at least one connecting piece linking two parts of seat crossbeams together, at least one connecting piece linking a seat support part to a seat crossbeam, at least one connecting piece linking a backrest upright to a seat support part, at least one connecting piece linking a backrest upright to a seat crossbeam, at least one connecting piece linking a seat crossbeam to a seat spar, at least one connecting piece linking a seat crossbeam to a backrest upright, at least one connecting piece linking a backrest upright to a seat spar, at least one connecting piece linking two parts of backrest crossbeams together, at least one connecting piece linking a part of backrest crossbeam to a backrest upright and / or at least one connecting piece linking a backrest crossbeam to a backrest upright.

Claims

Demands

1. Vehicle seat comprising a seat frame (10), the frame (10) being formed of a plurality of metallic structural elements, at least two of said structural elements are connected to each other by at least one connecting piece of composite material, characterized in that at least one structural element fixed to a connecting piece by interlocking passes through that connecting piece.

2. Seat according to claim 1, wherein at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fitting the connecting piece and the structural element into each other.

3. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fitting the structural element into the connecting piece and / or at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fitting the connecting piece into the structural element.

4. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one structural element (36) and a connecting piece (24) fitted together are provided with openings (32, 41), in particular holes, at least partially opposite each other when the structural element (36) and the connecting piece (24) are fitted together.

5. Seat according to claim 4, wherein a fastening element is engaged in the openings (32, 41) of the structural element (36) and the connecting piece (24) to hold the structural element (36) and the connecting piece (24) nested into each other.

6. Seat according to claim 5, wherein the fastener is a screw, bolt, rod or other structural element (31) inserted into the openings (32, 41) of the structural element (36) and the connecting piece (24), the fastener being for example in contact with an anchoring element (29), such as a nut or a locking washer, in particular an anchoring element integrated into the connecting piece (24), for example by being overmolded by the connecting piece (24).

7. A seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one structural element is connected to at least one connecting piece by fastening means, in particular means of metallic fasteners such as a screw / nut assembly and / or at least one deformable fastener, for example metallic.

8. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one structural element is a profile.

9. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural elements comprises at least one structural element defining a seat cross member (38), at least one structural element defining a seat cross member (52, 60), at least one structural element defining a seat spar (65), at least one structural element defining a seat support part (57), at least one structural element defining a backrest upright (17, 36), at least one structural element defining a backrest cross member (19) and / or at least one structural element defining a backrest cross member (31).

10. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting piece links two structural seat elements together, at least one connecting piece links two structural backrest elements together, and / or at least one connecting piece links a structural seat element and a structural backrest element together.

11. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one connecting piece links at least three structural elements together.

12. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of connecting pieces comprises: - at least one connecting piece connecting two parts of seat crossbeams (38) to each other; - at least one connecting piece connecting a seat support part (57) to a seat crossbeam (52, 60); - at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest upright (17, 36) to a seat support part (57); - at least one connecting piece connecting a backrest upright (17, 36) to a seat crossbeam (52, 60); - at least one connecting piece connecting a seat crossbeam (52, 60) to a seat spar (65); - at least one connecting piece connecting a seat crossbeam (52, 60) to a backrest upright (17, 36); - at least one connecting piece linking a backrest upright (17, 36) to a seat rail (65); - at least one connecting piece linking two backrest cross members (19) together; - at least one connecting piece linking a backrest cross member (19) to a backrest upright; and / or - at least one connecting piece linking a backrest cross member (31) to a backrest upright (17, 36).

13. Seat according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one connecting piece configured to define a deformable energy-absorbing element in case of impact, at least one connecting piece provided with a strap passage (33) for the passage of a safety belt strap, at least one connecting piece provided with a fastening part (53) to a wall of the vehicle, in particular a floor of the vehicle and / or at least one fastening piece provided with an anchoring element, for example a nut, the anchoring element preferably being overmolded by the connecting piece.

14. Method of assembling a vehicle seat frame according to any one of the preceding claims, the assembly method comprising attaching at least two of the structural elements together using a connecting piece.

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