Lightweight seat support element

Abstract

Lightweight seat support element The vehicle seat support element (1) comprises a body (2) made of plastic material, a metal frame (4) fixed to the body (2) and four interface elements (28, 36) of the seat support element with its environment. Three of the interface elements (28) are integral with the metal frame (4), the fourth interface element (36) being integral only with the body (2). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Lightweight seat support element

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat support element, of the type comprising a body made of plastic material, a metal frame fixed to the body and four interface elements of the seat support element with its environment.

[0002] The invention applies for example to a support element for a vehicle seat back, in particular a rear bench seat of a motor vehicle. Such a support element is generally movable between a raised position and a folded position relative to its environment and, as such, comprises articulation elements and elements for locking the position of the seat in the passenger compartment. These articulation and locking elements thus form interface elements of the support element with its environment, formed by the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or by one or more adjacent support elements.

[0003] It is known to fix these interface elements on a metal frame extending into the support element in order to ensure a robust fixing of the interface elements in the support element. The interface elements generally extending to the four corners of the support element, the frame has a frame shape formed by crosspieces and uprights along the periphery of the support element. Thus, the frame has large dimensions and considerably weighs down the seat support element, in addition to increasing the production cost, due to the quantity of metal necessary to produce the frame.

[0004] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a support element comprising interface elements robustly fixed to the rest of the support element while lightening the support element.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a support element of the aforementioned type, in which three of the interface elements are integral with the metal frame, the fourth interface element being solely integral with the body.

[0006] The arrangement of the seat support element according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the size of the frame, the latter extending only between three interface elements instead of four. Thus, the frame is lightened, which lightens the support element as a whole and makes its production less expensive, the quantity of metal used being reduced. In addition, such a reduction in the quantity of metal makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint linked to the production of the seat support element. The robust attachment of three interface elements to the frame allows the support element to exhibit satisfactory behavior, in particular in the event of impacts. The fourth interface element can also be robustly attached to the body, in particular by overmolding the interface element by the body. By choosing an interface element which is less stressed in the event of an impact for being the one which is not connected to the frame, the support element according to the invention retains the desired robustness properties.

[0007] The support element according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, considered alone or in any technically conceivable combination:

[0008] - the body extends between a lower edge and an upper edge in a direction elevation and between two lateral edges in a transverse direction, substantially perpendicular to the elevation direction, the junction between the lateral edges and the lower edge forming the lower corners of the body and the junction between the lateral edges and the upper edge forming the upper corners of the body, the interface elements extending in the vicinity of the lower and upper corners of the body;

[0009] - the frame comprises a first branch extending substantially along the elevation direction along one of the lateral edges of the body and a second branch extending substantially in the transverse direction along the upper edge or the lower edge of the body, the first branch being fixed at one of its ends to the second branch;

[0010] - two interface elements extend at opposite transverse ends of the second branch, a third interface element being fixed to the free end of the first branch, opposite the end of the first branch fixed to the second branch;

[0011] - the frame comprises a third branch extending between the first branch and the second branch in a direction inclined relative to the elevation direction and the transverse direction;

[0012] - the frame and the fourth interface element are overmolded by the body;

[0013] - the interface elements extending to the lower corners of the body are elements of articulation of the support element to its environment, the support element being movable in rotation around an axis of rotation passing through said articulation elements;

[0014] - the interface elements extending in the vicinity of the upper corners of the body are elements for locking the support element to its environment;

[0015] - the body comprises reinforcing ribs made in one piece with the rest of the body;

[0016] - the support element forms part of a vehicle seat back.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle seat support element, comprising a body made of plastic material, at least one interface element of the seat support element with its environment, said interface element being made of a metallic material, a first part of the interface element being inserted into the plastic material of the body, in particular by means of a branch, formed for example by a tube, the body defining a window devoid of plastic material, in which a second part of the interface element extends.

[0018] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] - [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of the front of an element of support according to the invention, and

[0020] [Fig.2] - [Fig.2] is a schematic front representation of the frame and the interface elements of the support element of [Fig.l].

[0021] With reference to [Fig.l], a support element 1 is described comprising a body 2 made of plastic material and a metal frame 4 fixed to the body 2. Such a support element 1 forms, for example, a part of a vehicle seat back, for example a motor vehicle, and the body 2 has for this purpose the general shape of such a back. The support element 1, shown in [Fig.l], is intended to be covered at least in part by padding (not shown), for example made of foam, itself covered at least in part by a cover (not shown) to form the seat back. The padding and the cover have nothing particular in the context of the invention and will not be described in more detail here. The seat back thus formed forms, for example, the seat back of a rear bench seat of the vehicle.

[0022] The body 2 is made of plastic material, for example by injection molding. More particularly, the attachment between the body 2 and the frame 4 is for example obtained by overmolding the body 2 onto the frame 4 during the production of the body 2.

[0023] The body 2 is delimited by a lower edge 6 and an upper edge 8 in an elevation direction Z and by two lateral edges 10 in a transverse direction T. The elevation direction Z corresponds for example to the height of the vehicle when the support element 1 is in a raised position, which will be described later, and the transverse direction T is substantially perpendicular to the elevation direction Z and corresponds for example to the width of the vehicle.

[0024] The junction zones between the lateral edges 10 and the lower edge 6 form the lower corners 12 of the body 2 and the junction zones between the lateral edges 10 and the upper edge 8 form the upper corners 14 of the body 2. The body 2 thus has a generally rectangular shape, although this shape may deviate from that of a rectangle, the upper corners 14 being for example rounded and one of the lateral edges 10 having for example a widening 16 in the vicinity of the upper corner 14 as shown in [Fig.l]. It is however understood that the shape shown in [Fig.l] is only an example of wording and that other shapes can be envisaged, in particular depending on the location of the support element 1 in the vehicle interior.

[0025] Since the body 2 is made of plastic material, for example by injection molding, it is easy to integrate functional elements into or onto the body 2. Thus, the body 2 comprises, for example, reinforcing ribs 18 extending between the lateral edges 10 and / or the lower edge 6 and the upper edge 8. The shape and dimensions of the reinforcing ribs 18 depend on the mechanical characteristics desired for the support element 1. The reinforcing ribs 18 are, for example, more particularly concentrated in areas requiring high mechanical strength in order to reinforce these areas. Reinforcing ribs 18 are, for example, provided in the lower corners 12 of the body 2, where articulation elements are provided, as will be described later. The reinforcing ribs 18 are integral with the rest of the body 2. The shape and number and arrangement of the reinforcing ribs 18 shown in [Fig.l] are given only as an example and it is understood that these may vary from one support element 1 to another. The body 2 may comprise other functional elements made in one piece with the rest of the body 2, such as support elements for receiving elements added to the support element 1, screw barrels, etc. Reinforcing elements or other functional elements may also be overmolded by the body 2, in addition to the frame 4. The body 2 may comprise one or more through openings, in particular for the passage or fixing of elements added to the support element 1.

[0026] The frame 4 extends in a part of the body 2 and is, at least in part, coated by the material of the body 2. The frame 4 comprises in particular a first branch 20 extending substantially in the elevation direction Z along one of the lateral edges 10 of the body 2 and a second branch 22 extending substantially in the transverse direction T along the upper edge 8 or the lower edge 6 of the body 2. Preferably and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second branch 22 extends along the upper edge 8 of the body 2.

[0027] The first branch 20 extends from the lower corner 12, corresponding to the lateral edge 10 along which the first branch 20 extends, to the second branch 22. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first branch 20 does not completely follow the lateral edge 10 and moves away from it by approaching the second branch 22, in particular at the widening 16 of the lateral edge 10. For a support element 1 forming a seat back extending between a wall of the passenger compartment of the vehicle and an adjacent seat, the lateral edge 10 along which the first branch 20 extends is more particularly the lateral edge 10 adjacent to the wall of the passenger compartment. The first branch 20 is for example substantially tubular. One of the ends of the first branch 20, namely the upper end 24 when the second branch 22 extends along the upper edge 8 of the body 2, is fixed to the second branch 22, for example by welding. At the opposite end, namely the lower end 26, an interface element 28 is attached to the first branch 20, as will be described in more detail later. The lower end 26 of the first branch 20 extends into the lower corner 12 of the body 2.

[0028] In the case where the second branch 22 extends along the upper edge 8 of the body 2, the second branch 22 extends from one upper corner 14 to the other of the body 2 in the transverse direction T, in the vicinity of the upper edge 8 but being slightly spaced from it. In other words, the second branch 22 extends in the elevation direction Z between the lower edge 6 and the upper edge 8 in the vicinity of the upper edge 8. The transverse ends of the second branch 22 extend in the vicinity of the upper corners 14 of the body 2 and each carry an interface element 28 as will be described in more detail later. The second branch 22 serves as an upper crosspiece of the support element 1 and is shaped for this purpose, in particular to allow the transmission of energy from one end to the other of the crosspiece in the event of an impact. The second branch 22 can further be shaped to receive support rods of a headrest.

[0029] According to an embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the second branch 22 further carries a support plate 32 extending mainly in the direction of elevation in the vicinity of the transverse end of the second branch 22 opposite the fixing zone of the first branch 20. This support plate 32 forms for example a seat belt support for the seat and / or an adjacent seat.

[0030] According to an embodiment, also shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame 4 further comprises a third branch 34 extending between the first branch 20 and the second branch 22 and being inclined relative to the elevation direction Z and the transverse direction T. One of the ends of the third branch 34 is fixed, for example by welding, to the first branch 20, in the vicinity of the lower end 26 of the first branch 20 and the other end is connected to the second branch 22 in the vicinity of the transverse end of the second branch 22 opposite the fixing zone of the first branch 20. When the frame 4 comprises a support plate 32, as described previously, the third branch 34 is for example connected to the second branch 22 by being fixed to the support plate 32, for example by welding, as more particularly visible in [Fig.2].

[0031] Thus, the third branch 34 extends “diagonally” in the body 2 between the first branch 20 and the second branch 22, passing through a central part of the body 2, so that the third branch 34 reinforces the body 2 and promotes the transmission of energy between the second branch 22 and the first branch 20 in the event of an impact on the support element 1.

[0032] The arrangement of the frame 4 described above is such that the frame 4 does not extend into the lower corner 12 and in the vicinity of the lower corner 12 of the body 2 opposite the lower corner 12 in which the first branch 20 extends. The arrangement is such that the frame 4 does not extend throughout the part of the body going from the third branch 34 to this lower corner 12, which represents a significant surface area of ​​the body 2. The frame 4 also does not extend along the lower edge 6 of the body 2, when the second branch 22 extends along the upper edge 8. Thus, compared to a usual frame which has a frame shape extending over the entire periphery of the body 2, the frame 4 of the support element 1 according to the invention comprises only one lateral upright and only one of the lower and upper crosspieces.In other words, compared to a usual frame 4, the frame 4 according to the invention is lighter and less expensive because it does not require as much metal as a usual frame.

[0033] As indicated previously, three interface elements 28 of the support element to its environment are integral with the frame 4 described previously. By interface element of the support element to its environment, it is meant that the interface elements interact with the environment of the support element 1 to secure the interface element to this environment. The environment is more particularly formed by the passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or by one or more seats adjacent to the support element 1.

[0034] More particularly, a first of the interface elements 28 is fixed to the lower end 26 of the first branch 20 and extends projecting outside the body 2 in the transverse direction T at the corresponding lower corner 12, as more particularly visible in [Fig.l]. This first interface element 28 forms an axis of articulation of the support element 1 to the passenger compartment of the vehicle, making it possible to make the support element 1 movable in rotation as will be described in more detail later. This interface element 28 is for example welded to the lower end of the first branch 20 and is overmolded by the body 2 with the frame 4.

[0035] A second interface element 28 is integrated into the second branch 22 and forms one of the ends of the second branch 22 in the vicinity of the attachment zone of the upper end 24 of the first branch 20. By integrated, it is meant that the second interface element 28 is, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, integral with the second branch 22. Alternatively, the second interface element 28 is attached to the second branch 22 and is fixed thereto. The second interface element 28 is for example integrated into the body 2 between the attachment zone of the first branch 20 and the widening 16 of the lateral edge 10 of the body 2, as shown in [Fig.l]. This second interface element 28 forms a lock support. Such a lock support is for example formed by an orifice receiving a complementary locking element provided in the passenger compartment. It is however, it is understood that the second interface element 28 may have another shape.

[0036] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], this interface element 28 extends into a window 35 forming an opening extending around the interface element 28. In other words, a part of the second branch 22 carrying the second interface element 28 does not extend into the body 2, but into an opening formed in this body.

[0037] Thus, the invention also relates to a vehicle seat support element 1, comprising a body 2 made of plastic material, at least one interface element 28 of the seat support element with its environment, said interface element being made of a metallic material, a first part of the interface element 28 being inserted into the plastic material of the body 2, in particular by means of a branch 24, formed for example by a tube, the body 2 defining a window 35 devoid of plastic material, in which a second part of the interface element 28 extends.

[0038] Opposite the second interface element 28, a third interface element 28 is integral with the transverse end of the second branch 22 and extends projecting outside the body 2 in the transverse direction T in the vicinity of the corresponding upper corner 14 of the body 2, as shown in [Fig.l]. The third interface element 28 forms another element for locking a position of the support element 1 to a support element of an adjacent seat. The third interface element has, for example, the shape of a pin extending projecting from the body 2 in the transverse direction. It is however understood that the third interface element 28 may have another shape.

[0039] In addition to the three interface elements 28 secured to the frame 4, the support element 1 comprises a fourth interface element 36 secured only to the body 2. By secured only to the body 2, it is meant that the fourth interface element 36 is not secured to the frame 4. The fourth interface element 36 is for example overmolded by the body 2 and extends in the lower corner 12 of the body 2 opposite the lower corner 12 in which the lower end 26 of the first branch 20 extends. The fourth interface element 36 further extends projecting from the body 2 in the transverse direction T, as shown in [Fig.l]. The fourth interface element 36 thus comprises a portion overmolded by the body 2 and a portion extending outside the body 2 in the transverse direction T. The fourth interface element 36 forms an element for articulating the support element 1 to an adjacent seat.More particularly, the fourth interface element 36 forms, with the first interface element 28, an axis of rotation of the support element 1 extending in the transverse direction T, so that the support element 1 is. movable between a raised position, in which a passenger can lean against the support element 1, and a folded position, in which the support element 1 is for example folded against the seat base to free up storage space in the passenger compartment. The locking element formed by the second interface element 28 makes it possible, for example, to lock the support element 1 in the raised position and the third interface element 28 makes it possible, for example, to secure two adjacent backrests so that they move together between the raised and folded positions.

[0040] The fourth interface element 36 secured only to the body 2 is for example chosen to be the one which requires the least mechanical resistance in the event of an impact on the support element 1 so that the fact that it is not secured to the frame 4 does not prevent the support element 1 from having satisfactory behavior in the event of an impact.

[0041] It is understood that the arrangement of the frame 4 described above is given only as an example. Thus, the second branch could extend along the lower edge 6 so as to be integral with the first interface element 28 and the fourth interface element 36. In this case, it is the third interface element 28 which is integral only with the body 2 and not with the frame 4.

[0042] The support element 1 described above is lighter than a support element 1 comprising a conventional frame. The support element 1 is thus less expensive to produce while retaining satisfactory mechanical properties.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle seat support element (1), comprising a body (2) made of plastic material, a metal frame (4) fixed to the body (2) and four interface elements (28, 36) of the seat support element with its environment, characterized in that three of the interface elements (28) are integral with the metal frame (4), the fourth interface element (36) being solely integral with the body (2).

2. Support element according to claim 1, in which the body (2) extends between a lower edge (6) and an upper edge (8) in an elevation direction (Z) and between two lateral edges (10) in a transverse direction (T), substantially perpendicular to the elevation direction (Z), the junction between the lateral edges (10) and the lower edge (6) forming the lower corners (12) of the body (2) and the junction between the lateral edges (10) and the upper edge (8) forming the upper corners (14) of the body (2), the interface elements (28, 36) extending in the vicinity of the lower (12) and upper (14) corners of the body (2).

3. Support element according to claim 2, in which the frame (4) comprises a first branch (20) extending substantially in the elevation direction (Z) along one of the lateral edges (10) of the body (2) and a second branch (22) extending substantially in the transverse direction (T) along the upper edge (8) or the lower edge (6) of the body (2), the first branch (22) being fixed at one of its ends (24, 26) to the second branch (22).

4. A support element according to claim 3, wherein two interface elements (28) extend at opposite transverse ends of the second leg (22), a third interface element (28) being fixed to the free end of the first leg (20), opposite the end of the first leg (20) fixed to the second leg (22).

5. Support element according to claim 3 or 4, in which the frame comprises a third branch (34) extending between the first branch (20) and the second branch (22) in a direction inclined relative to the elevation direction (Z) and to the transverse direction (T).

6. A support element according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the interface elements (28, 36) extending at the lower corners (12) of the body (2) are articulation elements of the element support (1) to its environment, the support element (1) being movable in rotation around an axis of rotation passing through said articulation elements.

7. Support element according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the interface elements (28) extending in the vicinity of the upper corners (14) of the body (2) are elements for locking the support element (1) to its environment.

8. A support element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the frame (4) and the fourth interface element (36) are overmolded by the body (2).

9. Support element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the body (2) comprises reinforcing ribs (18) made in one piece with the rest of the body (2).

10. A support member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, forming part of a vehicle seat back.

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