VEHICLE SEATING SET INCLUDING A LOCKING DEVICE

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame (11), a slide (15), and a selectively activatable locking device (24) to lock / unlock the seat frame (11) relative to a movable profile (14) of the slide (15). The locking device (24) includes a shaft (55), a hook (52) movable between a locking position of the locking device and an unlocking position of the locking device, a locking cam (58) movable to selectively lock the hook (52) in its locking position, and a drive device (64, 68, 71) for the locking cam (58) between a locking position of the hook (52) in its locking position of the locking device (24) and another position. The drive device (64, 68, 71) includes a cam (68) which drives the locking cam (58) in motion as it travels along a fixed cam track (71). [Fig. 6]

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A LOCKING DEVICE technical field

[0001] This description relates to a vehicle seat assembly. A method for implementing such a vehicle seat assembly is also described. Previous technique

[0002] In the automotive field, in particular, a vehicle seat is known that is configured to provide a position facilitating access to the seats located behind the seat (or the so-called "easy entry position"). Such a seat is generally implemented in a vehicle with fewer pairs of doors than rows of seats, to allow access to the last row of seats in the vehicle, that is to say, the row of seats arranged longitudinally furthest to the rear of the vehicle.

[0003] Conventionally, the easy entry position corresponds to a forward-tilted position of the vehicle seat, in particular the seat cushion. When the seat is mounted on rails, the easy entry position can advantageously also correspond to a seat position as far forward as possible in the motor vehicle.

[0004] It was envisaged to implement the motor, already present under the vehicle seat to control the longitudinal movement of the vehicle seat along the rails, to control the passage of the vehicle seat from its nominal position, allowing to receive an occupant of the vehicle seat, to its easy entry position.

[0005] However, the weight of the seat then requires the implementation of an oversized motor compared to its sole implementation to move the vehicle seat longitudinally along the rails.

[0006] It was then proposed, for example in application FR-A-3 116 771, to implement a spring between a control rod for tilting the vehicle seat into its easy-entry position and a lock for securing the seat to the moving part of one of the slides. In particular, the control rod is located at a front end of the vehicle seat and the lock at a rear end. In this case, when the lock is closed, it prevents the vehicle seat from tilting into its easy-entry position, against the force exerted by the spring. When the lock is open, on the contrary, the spring controls the tilting of the vehicle seat into its easy-entry position. However, it proved difficult to control the pi- voting for such a vehicle seat, with such a spring.

[0007] It was also proposed, in unpublished application FR 22 04922, to implement a torsion bar to control the tilting of the vehicle seat, when the lock holding the seat frame fixed to the moving part of at least one of the slides, is open.

[0008] In the proposed solutions, it is advantageous that the locking mechanism securing the seat to the moving element of a slide can be controlled according to the position of the moving element of the slide relative to the fixed element. It is particularly beneficial that the locking mechanism be free of electrical and / or electronic components, in order to facilitate maintenance of the vehicle seat. Summary

[0009] The present disclosure is intended to improve the situation.

[0010] To this end, a set of motor vehicle seat(s) is described, comprising: - a seat frame; - at least one slide comprising a movable profile received movable in translation in a fixed profile, intended to be fixed to a chassis of the motor vehicle, the seat frame being mounted movable relative to the movable profile; - a selectively activatable locking device to lock / unlock at least one movement of the seat frame relative to the moving profile, the locking device comprising: — a shaft attached to the moving profile, — a movable hook between a locking position of the locking device in which the hook grips the shaft, and an unlocking position of the locking device, the movable hook being connected to the seat frame, in particular mounted to rotate relative to the seat frame around a transverse axis, — a movable locking cam to selectively lock the hook in its locking position of the locking device, — a locking cam drive device between a hook locking position in its locking position of the locking device and at least one other position, the locking cam drive device having a first cam and a cam track adapted so that the first cam drives the locking cam in motion when it travels along the cam track, the cam track being fixed relative to the fixed profile.

[0011] Thus the locking device can be purely mechanical, devoid of any electrical or electronic device, and adapted to be unlocked when necessary, in particular according to the kinematics to be applied to the seat assembly(ies).

[0012] According to preferred embodiments, the seat assembly(ies) comprises one or several of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination: - the locking cam, in a first locking position, holds the hook in a locking position of the locking device, and, in a second locking position, holds the hook in an unlocking position of the locking device; - the locking cam is mounted elastically constrained towards a position to maintain the hook in its locking position of the locking device, for example by means of a torsion spring interposed between the locking cam and a part integral with the seat frame, and, preferably, towards a position to maintain the hook in an unlocking position of the locking device, if necessary; - the locking cam and the hook are elastically constrained towards each other; - the hook is mounted free to rotate relative to the seat frame, preferably around an axis oriented transversely relative to the seat assembly(ies); - the locking cam is mounted to rotate freely relative to the seat frame, preferably around an axis oriented transversely relative to the seat assembly(s); - the locking cam drive device includes a second cam, interposed between the first cam and the locking cam, such that the movement of the first cam traveling along the cam path causes a movement of the second cam, which in turn causes the locking cam to move from its hook locking position in its locking device position to another position; - the locking cam is integral with a rod, preferably made of the same material as the locking cam, adapted to be driven by the movement of the second cam to cause the locking cam to move from its hook locking position in its locking position of the locking device to another position; - the second cam is mounted to rotate freely relative to the seat frame, preferably around a transversely oriented axis; - the hook includes a stop relief adapted to cooperate with the shaft to cause movement of the hook, including rotation where appropriate, towards its locking position of the locking device, when the stop relief comes against the shaft, in particular at the locking of the locking device; - the seat frame is mounted to rotate freely relative to the moving profile, preferably around an axis oriented transversely relative to the vehicle seat assembly, preferably also in the vicinity of a first longitudinal end of the seat frame, the locking device being adapted to lock the seat frame and the moving profile together, in the vicinity of a second longitudinal end of the seat frame, opposite the first longitudinal end; - The vehicle seat(s) set includes: — at least one connecting rod, — a linear actuator, preferably a cylinder, preferably a gas spring, mounted at a first end pivoting about a first transverse axis relative to the moving profile of at least one slide, the linear actuator being mounted at a second end pivoting about a second transverse axis relative to the base frame, in particular relative to a front end of the base frame, in which: — the seat frame pivots relative to the moving profile of the slide, around a third transverse axis, the third transverse axis being in the vicinity of a front end of the vehicle seat assembly, opposite a rear end of the vehicle seat assembly in the longitudinal direction; — a first end of the at least one connecting rod is mounted pivoting relative to the fixed profile of the at least one slide, around a fourth transverse axis; — the second end of at least one connecting rod is mounted guided in translation relative to the base reinforcement, along the longitudinal direction, the at least one connecting rod being pivotal relative to the base reinforcement around a fifth transverse axis, movable along the longitudinal direction by translation of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the base reinforcement; — a stop limiting the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly(ies); — the length of the stroke of the moving profile relative to the fixed profile of at least one slide, the length of at least one connecting rod and the position of the stop being configured so that a displacement of the moving profile relative to the fixed profile of at least one slide tending to increase the distance between the third transverse axis and the fourth transverse axis, while the second end of the connecting rod is against the stop limiting the displacement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly, causes a rotation of the seat frame around the third transverse axis, supported by the action of the linear actuator,the locking device preferably being configured to unlock at least when the second end of the connecting rod is against the stop, limiting the movement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly(ies); - the seat frame includes a slot or rib, a slide being received in the slot or on the rib, sliding along the longitudinal direction, the slide being fixed in the vicinity of the second end of the at least one connecting rod, fixed or free to rotate around a transverse axis; - the stop is formed by a relief adapted to cooperate with the slide to limit the displacement of the second end of at least one connecting rod relative to the seat reinforcement in the longitudinal direction; - the base reinforcement includes a first relief, at least one connecting rod includes a second relief and the first and second reliefs are shaped so that, when the slider is moved without being in contact with the relief forming a stop, then the first and second reliefs are not in contact and when the slider is in contact with the relief forming a stop, then the first and second reliefs are in contact so as to prevent the slider from moving away from the relief forming a stop; - the relief forming a stop is a non-through longitudinal end of the slot; - the seat assembly comprises two slides separated along a transverse direction of the seat assembly, the seat frame being fixed to the movable profile of each slide pivoting around the same third transverse axis, a connecting rod is mounted between the fixed profile of each slide and the seat frame, the two connecting rods being joined by means of a cross member, the first end of each connecting rod being mounted pivoting relative to the fixed profile of a respective slide, around the same fourth transverse axis and the second end of each connecting rod being mounted guided in translation relative to the seat frame, along the longitudinal direction, the connecting rods being pivoting relative to the seat frame around the same fifth transverse axis, in the vicinity of their second end, the fifth axis being movable along the longitudinal direction by translation of the second end of the connecting rods; - the seat assembly includes an actuator, preferably a single one, to control the movement of the movable profile of at least one slide, relative to the respective fixed profile; and - the seating set includes two seats arranged transversely next to each other.

[0013] Also described is a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a chassis and a body defining a passenger compartment with a floor, and at least one set of seat(s) as described above in all its combinations, the fixed profile of each slide being fixed to the floor or formed by the floor of the passenger compartment.

[0014] The vehicle may, in particular, include at least one door arranged longitudinally at the level of the seat assembly(ies), and at least one other seat arranged longitudinally behind the seat assembly(ies). The vehicle may not have a door arranged longitudinally at the level of said other seat.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, a method of implementing a vehicle seat assembly as described above is described, allowing the transition from a first configuration adapted to receiving an occupant to a second easy entry configuration, the method comprising step i) consisting of moving the movable profile of the at least one slide relative to the associated fixed profile in a direction tending to increase the distance between the third transverse axis and the fourth transverse axis while the second end of the at least one connecting rod is in a stop limiting the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly.

[0016] The method may include a step ii), preceding step i), consisting of moving the movable profile of the at least one slide relative to the associated fixed profile, until the second end of the at least one connecting rod is in a stop limiting the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly(ies).

[0017] The method may include a step of unlocking the locking device, preferably prior to the butting of the second end of the at least one connecting rod limiting the movement of the second end of the at least one connecting rod relative to the seat frame in the longitudinal direction, towards the rear end of the vehicle seat assembly(ies). Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0019] [Fig-1] schematically represents in perspective an example of a set of seat(s) of vehicle in a first nominal configuration for receiving at least one occupant, adapted for receiving at least one occupant, the seat assembly(ies) being without upholstery;

[0020] [Fig.2] schematically represents in cross-sectional view according to plane II-II, the example of vehicle seat(s) assembly, in the position of [Fig.1], without trim;

[0021] [Fig.3] schematically represents in perspective a locking device adapted to be implemented in the seat assembly(ies) of [Fig.1];

[0022] [Fig.4] schematically represents in front view a subset of the locking device of [Fig.3], in the locked position;

[0023] [Fig.5] schematically represents a view analogous to [Fig.2], the whole of seat(s) without trim being in an intermediate configuration, between the nominal configuration of [Fig.1] and an easy entry configuration;

[0024] [Fig.6] schematically represents in perspective a subset of the set seat(s) of [Fig.1] in a configuration between the nominal configuration of [Fig.1] and the intermediate configuration of [Fig.5];

[0025] [Fig.7] is a view analogous to [Fig.4] illustrating a first stage of a dever rusting of the locking mechanism;

[0026] [Fig.8] is a view analogous to [Fig.4] illustrating a second stage of unlocking the locking device;

[0027] [Fig.9] is a view analogous to [Fig.4] illustrating a third stage of the development rusting of the locking mechanism;

[0028] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in perspective, a detail of the seat assembly of [Fig.1] in an intermediate configuration between the configuration of [Fig.1] and the configuration of [Fig.5];

[0029] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in perspective, a detail of the seat assembly(ies) of [Fig.1], the seat assembly(ies) being in an easy entry configuration;

[0030] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a view analogous to [Fig.2], of the seat assembly(ies), without trim, in an easy entry configuration;

[0031] [Fig. 13] is a view analogous to [Fig.4] illustrating a first step of a locking of the lock during a return of the seat assembly(ies) to its nominal configuration;

[0032] [Fig. 14] is a view analogous to [Fig. 4] illustrating a second stage of locking the latch during a return of the seat assembly(ies) to its nominal configuration; and

[0033] [Fig. 15] is a view analogous to [Fig.6], the seat assembly(ies) being in a so-called emergency exit position. Description of the implementation methods

[0034] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0035] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., or relative positional qualifiers, such as the terms "above," "below," "superior," "lower," etc., or to orientational qualifiers, such as "horizontal," "vertical," etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or a vehicle seat in its normal operating position.

[0036] In particular, the longitudinal direction X refers to the longitudinal direction of the seat assembly(ies). The longitudinal direction of the seat assembly(ies) is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in which the seat assembly(ies) is mounted. This longitudinal direction X corresponds to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction X is horizontal. The transverse direction Y of the seat assembly thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction of the motor vehicle. This transverse direction is perpendicular to the normal direction of travel of the vehicle. The transverse direction Y is horizontal. Finally, the vertical direction Z is a vertical direction of the seat assembly, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0037] Figure 1 schematically represents a set of seats 10 in a motor vehicle. Such a set of seats 10 is generally located at the rear of a motor vehicle, behind one or more front seats, along the normal direction X of travel of the motor vehicle. The front seat(s) may, in particular, be closer to the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle may, in particular, include two or three front seats. The front seats may be separate and distinct, or even spaced apart in the transverse direction Y. A console may then be installed between two front seats and in front of the set of seats 10.

[0038] According to the illustrated example, the seat / s assembly 10 comprises two seats 1, 2. Alternatively, the seat / s assembly 10 may comprise a single seat or more than two seats, in particular three seats or even more than three seats.

[0039] The seat assembly 10 comprises, as illustrated, a seat frame 11 and a backrest frame 12. The backrest frame 12 is pivotally mounted relative to the seat frame 11 about a first transverse axis A1, by means of a hinge 13. The hinge 13, well known to those skilled in the art, is not described in further detail here. The hinge 13 allows the inclination of the backrest frame 12 relative to the seat frame 11 to be adjusted and / or the backrest frame 12 to be folded down opposite the seat frame 11. The hinge 13 can thus allow the entire backrest of the seat assembly 10 to be folded down simultaneously.

[0040] Here, the backrest frame 12 of the seat assembly 10 defines a backrest frame 12i of a first seat 1 of the seat assembly 10, and a backrest frame 122 of a second seat 2 of the seat assembly 10. Advantageously, at least a portion of the backrest frame 122 of the second seat 2 is pivotally mounted relative to the seat frame 11 about a second transverse axis A2 , independently of the backrest frame 12i of the first seat 1. Thus, it is possible to fold down the backrest of the second seat 2 while leaving the backrest frame 12i of the first seat 1 in position to accommodate an occupant of the first seat 1. This is particularly interesting in the illustrated example, where the backrest of the second seat 2, narrower than the backrest of the first seat 1, is intended to be positioned substantially in the middle of the vehicle and can be folded down to be implemented as an armrest for an occupant of the first seat 1, lateral, or of another lateral seat, positioned symmetrically to the first seat 1, with respect to the second seat 2 and which is not formed, in the illustrated example, by the seat assembly(ies) 10.

[0041] The seat frame 12 is mounted here on movable profiles 14, also called slides or male profiles, of rails 15. Each movable profile 14 is associated with a fixed profile 16 in a rail 15. The fixed profile 16 is also called a rail or female profile. The fixed profile 16 is, for example, attached to the floor of the motor vehicle, formed by the body or chassis of the motor vehicle. The fixed profiles 16 and movable profiles 14 of the rails 15 may, in particular, be metallic. A rail 15 is arranged here on each lateral side of the seat frame 12. The rails 15 are thus spaced apart in the transverse direction Y. The two rails 15 are parallel and extend along the longitudinal direction X.

[0042] The seat assembly 10 includes an actuator 17 for synchronously controlling the movement of the movable profile 14 of the two slides 15 relative to the associated fixed profile 16. The actuator 17, which is well known to those skilled in the art, is not described in further detail here. The actuator 17 includes, in particular, a motor 18, preferably a single motor 18. The motor 18 can be arranged, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], between the two slides 15. The actuator 17 is associated with at least one device, not shown but well known to those skilled in the art, for locking the movable profile 14 of one of the slides 15 against the associated fixed profile 16. The actuator 17 is preferably associated with two such locking devices, each locking device allowing the sliding of a respective movable profile 14 to be locked relative to the associated fixed profile 16.Once the locking device(s) is / are unlocked, the movable profiles 14 can slide, under the action of the actuator 17, relative to their respective fixed profiles 16, in the longitudinal direction X of the slides 15, corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the seat assembly(s) 10.

[0043] Alternatively, the movement of the movable profile(s) 14 relative to the associated fixed profiles 16 is obtained by pulling or pushing on the seat frame 11 and / or the backrest frame 12. In this case, the seat assembly(ies) 10 may be without an actuator 17.

[0044] Each seat 1, 2 may include a headrest (not shown in the figures). By For example, sockets 19 for receiving headrest support rods can be fixed to the backrest frame 12i, 122 of each seat 1, 2. Here, the sockets 19 are welded to the backrest frame 12i, 122 of seats 1, 2. The headrest support rod(s) can / may be of variable length to allow height adjustment of the headrest position. Alternatively, or additionally, a headrest frame of each headrest is movable relative to the headrest support rod(s) to allow this height adjustment of the headrest position.

[0045] Each seat 1, 2 also includes a seat frame 1115 112, the two seat frames 1115 112 being formed by the seat frame 11 of the seat assembly 10. Here, the seat frames 1115 112 of the two seats 1, 2 are fixed to each other, the two seat frames 1115 112 being here joined together.

[0046] The seat frame 11 of the seat assembly 10 here comprises two side flanges 20, connected by cross members 21. Here, the seat frame 11 comprises three cross members 21, one of which is located near a front end of the seat assembly 10 and two are located near a rear end of the seat assembly 10. A longitudinal member 22 located between the cross member 21 located near the front end of the seat assembly 10 and one of the cross members 21 located near the rear end of the seat assembly 10 delimits the seat frames 111, 112 of the seats 1, 2.

[0047] The seat frame 11 of the seat assembly 10 further comprises two lateral supports 23. Each side flange 20 is rigidly fixed to a respective lateral support 23. Thus, each side flange 20 is integral with a respective lateral support 23. Each lateral support 23 is pivotally mounted about a third transverse axis A3 – common to both lateral supports 23 – relative to a movable profile 14 of a respective slide 15. Thus, here, the third axis A3 is movable along the longitudinal direction X. The third axis A3 is preferably located near a front end of the lateral supports 23 and / or the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15.

[0048] In the position illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the pivoting of the lateral supports 23 relative to the third transverse axis A3 is prevented by a locking device 24 securing a lateral support 23 to a respective movable profile 14. A locking device 24 can be provided on each lateral support 23. For example, each locking device 24 comprises a shaft fixed to a movable profile 14 of a slide 15, and an associated hook, connected to the seat frame 11, in particular to one of the lateral supports 23. For example, each shaft is received at least partially in a recess formed by the hook; in the locking position of the lock 24, the hook releases the shaft in an unlocking position of the lock, i.e., the shaft is no longer received in the recess of the hook.

[0049] Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 2], each lateral support 23 has a slot 25 extending along the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10. Each slot 25 has a closed rear end 25a. Here, each slot 25 forms a notch at its rear end 25a. The notch is, for example, substantially circular, with a diameter greater than the width of the rest of the slot 25. According to the illustrated example, each slot 25 also has a closed front end 25b. Thus, each slot 25 has a finite length. The length of each slot 25 is less than the stroke length of the movable profiles 14 within the respective fixed profiles 16.

[0050] The seat assembly 10 further includes a structure 26, here in "H", for connecting the seat frame 11, in particular the lateral supports 23, to the fixed profiles 16 of the slides 15. Thus, the connecting structure 26 includes, according to the illustrated example, two connecting rods 27 linked together by a cross member 28. The two connecting rods 27 and the cross member 28 are thus fixed together.

[0051] The two connecting rods 27 are mounted pivotally relative to a respective fixed profile 16, at one end, around a common, transverse fourth axis A4. This transverse fourth axis A4 is fixed.

[0052] Each connecting rod 27 is also pivotally mounted about a fifth transverse axis A5, at a second end, relative to a slide 29 guided in translation along the longitudinal direction X, by the slot 25 of a respective lateral support 23. The fifth transverse axis A5 is thus movable along the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10.

[0053] The seat assembly 10 further comprises a gas spring 30 (or "gas spring"). In a manner known per se, in such a gas spring 30, a piston forming a first longitudinal end of the gas spring 30 is pushed away from a gas spring body forming a second longitudinal end of the gas spring 30, by a pressurized gas received in a chamber delimited by the piston and the gas spring body.

[0054] The gas spring 30 is here pivotally mounted at one end relative to a movable profile 14 of a slide 15, about a sixth transverse axis A6. The gas spring 30 is further pivotally mounted at a second end, opposite to the first end, relative to the seat frame 11, more precisely here a flange 20 of the seat frame 11, about a seventh transverse axis A7. The sixth and seventh axes A6, A7 are thus movable along the longitudinal direction X of the seat assembly 10.

[0055] In the following, a locking device 24 is described that is particularly suitable for implementation in the seat assembly 10 described previously. Indeed, the locking device 24 is adapted to be locked / unlocked automatically, depending on the position of the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15 relative to the fixed profiles 16. Advantageously, the 24 locking device is mechanical, devoid of any electronic means, in particular electrical sensors or actuators.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the locking device 24 here comprises hooks 51, 52 (or jaws). Two hooks 51 are fixed relative to the seat frame 11 and one hook 52 is movable, mounted here pivoting relative to the seat frame 11, around an eighth transverse axis A8.

[0057] Each fixed hook 51 has two teeth 53 extending vertically downwards, framing a recess 54 adapted to receive a shaft 55, extending substantially along the transverse direction Y of the seat assembly 10, the axis 55 being here integral with the movable profile 14 of a slide 15. Thus, when the shaft 55 is received in the recess 54 of a fixed hook 51, the fixed hook 51 limits or even prevents a relative movement of the seat reinforcement 11 with respect to the movable profile 14 of a slide 15, along the longitudinal direction X, on the one hand, and along the vertical direction Z, in the direction of the seat reinforcement 11 towards the movable profile 14, on the other hand.

[0058] Similarly, the movable hook 52 has two extending teeth 56, the movable hook 52 being in its locking position of the locking device 24, horizontally towards the rear of the vehicle seat assembly 10, framing a recess 57 adapted to receive the shaft 55. The movable hook 52, in its locking position of the locking device 24 in which the shaft 55 is received in its recess 57, limits or even prevents a relative movement of the seat frame 11 with respect to the movable profile 14 of a slide 15, along the vertical direction Z, on the one hand, and along the horizontal direction X, in a direction where the seat frame 11 and the movable profile 14 move away from each other, on the other hand.

[0059] The movable hook 52 is mounted pivoting about an eighth transverse axis A8 relative to the fixed hooks 51 of the locking device 24 and, more generally, relative to the seat frame 11.

[0060] To maintain the movable hook 52 in its locked position, the locking device 24 includes a stop piece or locking cam 58. The locking cam 58 is movable. Here, the locking cam 58 is pivotally mounted relative to the fixed hooks 51 of the locking device 24, about a ninth transverse axis A9. The locking cam 58 is elastically constrained in a position, illustrated in [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4], where it locks the movable hook 52 in its locked position. Here, the elastic constraint is obtained by means of a torsion spring 59 disposed between the locking cam 58, on the one hand, and one of the fixed hooks 51, on the other. Furthermore, the locking cam 58 and the movable hook 52 are elastically constrained towards each other, here by means of a tension spring 60 disposed between the locking cam 58 and the movable hook 52. The locking cam 58 has a stop relief 61 adapted to cooperate with a stop relief 62 additional, on the movable hook 52, to maintain the movable hook 52 in its locking position, in particular under the effect of the action of the torsion spring 59.

[0061] The locking cam 58 is integral with a rod 63 extending here parallel to the transverse direction Y. The rod 63 and the locking cam 58 may in particular be made of material.

[0062] The rod 63 is shaped to cooperate with a first cam 64, whose cam relief 65, abutting the rod 63, allows control of a rotation of the locking cam 58 around its axis of rotation A9 when the first cam 64 pivots around its own axis of rotation A10, here transverse.

[0063] The first cam 64 in turn has, according to the illustrated example, a pin 66 extending parallel to the transverse direction Y of the seat assembly 10. As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 6], this pin 66 is received in an oblong opening 67 of a second cam 68. The pin 66 is adapted to be able to pivot relative to the second cam 68 around an eleventh transverse axis A1, movable inside the oblong opening 67.

[0064] The second cam 68 is pivotally mounted about a fixed hook 51 around a twelfth transverse axis A12. The second cam 68 has a generally triangular portion 69 with rounded corners on one side of the oblong opening 67. On the other side of the oblong opening 67, the second cam 68 has an L-shaped portion 70, one arm 70i of which extends in a plane (X, Z) and the other arm 702 of which extends parallel to the transverse direction Y. The second arm 682 is adapted to be grasped by an occupant of a rear seat, to manipulate the second cam 68, in particular to rotate it about its axis of rotation A11. The L-shaped portion 70 of the second cam 68 allows for manual unlocking of the locking device 24 by an occupant of a seat located behind the seat assembly 10. However, portion 70 is optional. Portion 70 may also have a different shape.

[0065] The following describes the kinematics for modifying the configuration of the seat / s assembly 10, from a first configuration 10A illustrated in [Fig.2], allowing the reception of at least one occupant of the seat / s assembly 10, to an easy entry configuration 10C, illustrated in [Fig. 12].

[0066] As shown above in [Fig. 2], the seat assembly 10 is in a first configuration 10A allowing for the reception of at least one occupant of the seat assembly 10. It should be noted that this first configuration 10A, for receiving at least one occupant, is variable. In particular: - the backrest frame 12 can be more or less inclined relative to the seat frame 11 around the first transverse axis Al; - The backrest frame 12 can even be folded down opposite the seat frame 11; - The longitudinal position of the movable profiles 14 may differ from that of the fixed profiles 16 of the slides 15, for example, to accommodate occupants of varying heights. The longitudinal position of the movable profiles 14 in the first configuration 10A can, a priori, vary over the entire range permitted by the length of the slot 25, which receives the slide 29.

[0067] In all cases, in this first configuration 10A of the seat assembly 10, the locking device(s) 24 are closed, preventing the rotation of the seat frame 11 relative to the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15, around the third transverse axis A3. Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], the movable hook 52 is in its locking position for the locking device 24, with the shaft 55 being received in the recess 57 between the two teeth 56 of the movable hook 52. The movable hook 52 is elastically constrained by the spring 60 against the locking cam 58, in a position where the stop reliefs 61, 62 of the movable hook 52 and the locking cam 58 are in contact with each other so as to prevent rotation of the movable hook 52, which would unlock the locking device 24. The locking cam 58 is further elastically constrained in its position illustrated in [Fig. 4] by the torsion spring 59.

[0068] The slide locks 15 are also closed, to prevent relative movement of the movable profiles 14 with respect to the fixed profiles 16.

[0069] From the configuration 10A illustrated in [Fig.2], to move to the configuration 10C for access to the rear seats, the opening of the slide locks 15 is first ordered and a displacement Fl, along the longitudinal direction X, of the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15 relative to the fixed profiles 16. This displacement is carried out here under the effect of the slide actuator 17.

[0070] During this movement, the slide 29 is moved inside the slot 25, until it comes to rest against the rear end 25a of the slot 25. The seat assembly 10 is then in a second, intermediate configuration 10B, illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0071] Preferably, the locking device(s) 24 are locked here over most of the stroke Fl. Thus, preferably, the locking device(s) 24 are kept locked over most of the stroke Fl, preferably substantially until each slide 29 comes to rest against the rear end 25a of the slot 25. The locking device(s) 24 are therefore preferably unlocked when the slide 29 comes to rest against the rear end 25a of the slot 25, by being received in the notch formed therein, or just before the slide 29 comes to rest against the rear end 25a of the slot 25.

[0072] To achieve this, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], during the movement of the movable profiles 14, the triangular part 69 of the second cam 68 comes into contact and follows A ramp 71, fixedly mounted relative to the fixed profiles 16 of the slides 15. The ramp 71 can be attached to the fixed profile 16 or fixed to the chassis of the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the ramp 71 is integral with the fixed profile 16 of the slide 15.

[0073] The triangular portion 69 of the second cam 68 following the ramp 71, the second cam 68 pivots around its axis of rotation A12. This rotation of the second cam 68 causes a rotation in the opposite direction of the first cam 64 around its axis of rotation A10, the pin 66, received in the oblong opening 67, being driven by the rotation of the second cam 68. The cam relief 65 of the first cam 64 then controls a pivoting PI of the locking cam 58 around its axis of rotation A9, by pushing on the rod 63.

[0074] As illustrated in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the pivoting PI of the locking cam 58 around its axis of rotation A9 is such that the two stop reliefs 61, 62 are no longer in contact, allowing the movable hook 52 to pivot P2 around its axis of rotation A8, driven by the tension spring 60, until it comes to rest against the locking cam 58. In doing so, the movable hook 52 releases the shaft 55, so that the seat armature 11 of the seat assembly 10 can be pivoted around the third transverse axis A3, to lift the rear end of the seat armature 11 relative to the front end of the seat armature 11, which is located near the third transverse axis A3.

[0075] As the movement of the movable profile 14 relative to the fixed profile 16 continues and / or the pivoting of the seat frame 11 around the third transverse axis A3 begins, the triangular portion 69 of the second cam 68 is no longer in contact with the ramp 71. Then, the torsion spring 59 returns the locking cam 58, which pivots P3 around its axis of rotation A8 towards its locking position of the movable hook 52 in its locking position of the locking device 24. The stop reliefs 61, 62 are then in contact again, but by different surfaces, such that the movable hook 52 is locked in a unlocking position of the locking device 24 by the locking cam 58.

[0076] It should be noted that during this movement of the slide 29 in the slot 25, a first relief 31 of the seat reinforcement 11, here of a lateral support 23, shaped to extend towards a respective connecting rod 27 of the connecting structure 26, does not come into contact with a second relief 32 on the respective connecting rod 27. The first relief 31 here takes the form of a cylindrical lug, the axis of which is parallel to the transverse direction Y of the seat assembly 10. The second relief 32 has substantially an "L" shape with a first arm extending along the connecting rod 27 and a second arm extending parallel to the transverse direction Y, up to the vicinity of the lateral support 23 - that is to say, the free end of the second branch of the second relief 32 is at a distance from the lateral support 23 less than the height of the lug forming the first relief 31, measured along the transverse direction Y). Indeed, the lug forming the first relief 31 extends vertically below the second branch of the second relief 32 when the slider 29 travels through the slot 25, without being abutted against the rear end 25a of the slot 25.

[0077] However, when the slide 29 comes to rest against the rear end 25a of the slot 25, being received in the notch formed there, then the first relief 31 is abutted against the second relief 32 as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. Indeed, since the notch is circular here with a diameter greater than the width of the slot 25, the second relief 32 extends vertically lower when the slide 29 is received in the notch than when the same slide 29 travels the rest of the slot 25, and is thus opposite the first relief 31. The abutment between the first and second reliefs 31, 32 then prevents relative movement of the slide 29 in the slot 25 and, consequently, prevents sliding along the direction of the slot 25 of the seat reinforcement 11 relative to the movable profile 14.

[0078] From the intermediate position 10B of [Fig.5], the seat frame 11 is tilted (see arrow F3) forward, around the third transverse axis A3, this being made possible by the unlocking of the locking device(s) 24 which occurred just before the seat assembly 10 reached the second intermediate configuration 10B or when the seat assembly 10 reached the second intermediate configuration 10B.

[0079] In this case, the continuous displacement F2 of the movable profiles 14 relative to the fixed profiles 16, tending to increase the distance between the third axis A3, of rotation of the seat reinforcement 11 relative to the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15, on the one hand, and the fourth axis A4, of rotation of the connecting rods 27 relative to the fixed profiles 16 of the slides 15, causes a rotation of the seat reinforcement 11 around the third axis A3, which here results in a forward tilting of the seat reinforcement 11. Advantageously, this rotation of the seat reinforcement 11 around the third axis A3 is supported by the gas spring 30. In other words, the gas spring 30 helps to rotate the seat reinforcement 11 around the third axis A3.Thus, the motor 18 of the actuator 17 can maintain reduced characteristics and dimensions, as the actuator can be primarily used to move the movable profiles 14 relative to the fixed profiles 16, thereby reducing and limiting the contribution of the actuator 17 to the pivoting of the base frame 11 around the third axis A3. The actuator 17 and the motor 18 of the actuator 17 are therefore less bulky, quieter, lighter, and less expensive.

[0080] The rotation of the seat frame 11 allows, at the end of the travel of the movable profiles 14 relative to the fixed profiles 16, to reach the easy entry configuration 10C, illustrated in [Fig. 12]. In this configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10, which allows access to the rear seats, the seat frame 11 is advantageously pivoted forward around the third axis A3 at an angle between 30° and 45° relative to the first configuration 10A. This frees up considerable space at the base of the seat assembly 10, facilitating access for individuals wishing to reach the seats behind it. To achieve this forward-leaning position of the seat frame 11, the connecting rods 2 are themselves pivoted around the fourth axis A4 at an angle between 75° and 85°.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, the backrest frame 12 forms, in the easy entry configuration 10C, an angle between 70° and 90° with the vertical direction Z, thus limiting the bulk of the backrest of the seat assembly(ies) 10 and further facilitating access to the seats arranged behind the seat assembly(ies) 10.

[0082] To return from the easy entry configuration 10C to the first occupant reception configuration 10A of the seat assembly 10, the actuator 17 is controlled to move F4 the movable profiles 14 relative to the fixed profiles 16, backwards. Initially, as shown in [Fig. 11], the first and second reliefs 31, 32 are in contact, so that the movement of the movable profiles 14 tending to bring the third and fourth axes A3, A4 closer together causes a rotation F5 of the seat reinforcement 11 around the third axis A3 in a clockwise direction on [Fig. 12], tending to fold the seat reinforcement 11 into contact with the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15. As the movement F4 continues, the slide 29 is unlocked from the notch at the rear end 25a of the slot 25, so that the first and second reliefs 31, 32 are no longer in contact.The slide 29 can then slide in the slot 25, at the same time as the movable profiles 14 slide in the fixed profiles 16.

[0083] The locking of the locking devices 24 can be controlled as follows.

[0084] Initially, as illustrated in [Fig. 13], the shaft 55 comes into contact with one of the teeth 56 of the movable hook 52, forming a finger 72 that is longer than the other tooth 56 of the movable hook 52. This contact occurs, for example, when the seat frame 11 of the seat assembly 10 is folded down towards the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15. The contact of the shaft 55 with the finger 72 causes a pivoting P4 of the movable hook 52 around its axis of rotation A8, tending to move the movable hook 52 away from the locking cam 58. The movable hook 52 is pivoted until it reaches its locking position of the locking device 24, the stop ridges 61, 62 no longer being in contact. Indeed, the second cam 68 following the ramp 71 is at the same time pivoted P5 so as to spread out the stop reliefs 61, 62.

[0085] Then, the second cam 68 no longer being guided by the ramp 71, the locking cam 58 is pivoted P6 around its axis of rotation A9 under the cumulative action of the torsion spring 59 and the tension spring 60, towards its locking position of the movable hook 52 in its locking position of the locking device 24. The locking device 24 then returns to its configuration illustrated on [Fig.3] and [Fig.4].

[0086] Figure 15 illustrates a fourth configuration 10D of the seat assembly 10, allowing for emergency egress of rear seat occupants, for example in the event of an accident. This configuration 10D differs from the easy-entry configuration 10C in that the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15 are not, a priori, in an extreme forward position (unless a corresponding adjustment is made in the first configuration 10A). Consequently, the slides 29 are not abutted against the rear end 25a of the slot 25 in the lateral supports 23 of the seat frame 11. This fourth configuration 10D is achieved by unlocking the locking device(s) 24, for example by means of a locking device release mechanism accessible to a rear seat occupant.For example, a rear seat occupant directly actuates the second cam 69, for instance, by grasping the L-shaped portion attached to this second cam 69. Then, the rear seat occupant can push F6 on the backrest frame 12 to cause a pivoting F7 of the seat frame 11 relative to the movable profiles 14 of the slides 15, around the third axis A3. The gas spring 30 also contributes to the pivoting F7 of the seat frame 11, once the locks are unlocked. The movable profiles 14 are not displaced within the fixed profiles 16 by the push F6.

[0087] As can be seen in [Fig. 15], the seat frame 11 is less inclined forward in this fourth configuration 10D than in the easy entry configuration 10C. For example, here, the seat frame 11 is inclined at an angle between 40° and 60° with its position in the first configuration 10A. Similarly, the backrest frame 12 is more inclined relative to the vertical, so that the backrest frame 12 has a larger footprint here than in the easy entry configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10. For example, the backrest frame 12 forms an angle between 60° and 70° with the longitudinal direction X in this fourth configuration 10D of the seat assembly 10. Likewise, the connecting rods 27 are less inclined relative to the horizontal in this fourth configuration 10D than in the easy entry configuration 10C of the seat assembly 10.For example, the connecting rods 27 form an angle between 40° and 60° with the horizontal, particularly with the longitudinal direction X.

[0088] It should be noted here that the locking devices 24 can easily be unlocked by an occupant of a rear seat, by grasping the second cams 68 by their "L"-shaped portions 70, and by rotating these second cams 68 around their axis rotation A12. The rotation of the second cam 68 causes the rotation of the first cam 64, which pivots the locking cam 58, thus releasing the rotation of the movable hook 52.

[0089] This disclosure is not limited to the examples described above with respect to the figures. On the contrary, this disclosure encompasses all the variants and combinations that a person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the protection sought.

[0090] In the examples described, the actuator 17 helps to transition from a nominal configuration to an easy-entry configuration. However, in a degraded version, the seat may lack an actuator 17. In this case, the transition from an occupant reception configuration to the easy-entry configuration is carried out at least partially manually: with each locking device 24 unlocked, the seat assembly 10 is rotated by applying force in the horizontal longitudinal direction X to the seat assembly 10, particularly to the backrest and / or the seat cushion. This force may be a push, particularly if exerted by the person behind the seat assembly 10, or a pull if exerted, particularly by a person from outside the vehicle equipped with the seat assembly 10.

[0091] Preferably, the number of connecting rods 27 of the linking device 26 is equal to the number of slides 15. Alternatively, however, one connecting rod 27 may be provided even in the case where the seat assembly 10 comprises two slides 15.

[0092] Furthermore, the seat assembly 10 preferably does not include any other connecting rod(s) or other connections between its constituent elements than those described above. Alternatively, however, the seat assembly 10 may include other connecting rods and / or other connections between its constituent elements, particularly to ensure other seat functionalities corresponding to configurations other than those described above.

[0093] According to another aspect, in the example described, the rod 63 is integral, in particular made of material, with the locking cam 58. Alternatively, the rod 63 is integral, preferably made of material, with the first cam 64. In this case, the rod 63 is shaped to cooperate with a cam relief of the locking cam 58, so that the rod 63, driven in rotation by the rotation of the first cam 64 and abutting against the cam relief of the locking cam 58, controls a rotation of the locking cam 58 around its axis of rotation A9 when the first cam 64 pivots around its own transverse axis of rotation A10.

[0094] According to yet another possibility, the rod 63, the locking cam 58 and the first cam 64 are integral. For example, the rod 63, the locking cam 58 and the first cam 64 form a single piece.

[0095] Also, in the examples described, a slide 29 is received in a slot 25, the the second end of each connecting rod 27 being mounted pivoting about the fifth axis A5 relative to the slide 29. However, a person skilled in the art can devise other ways of mounting the second end of each connecting rod 27 pivoting about a movable axis in a longitudinal direction, relative to the seat frame 11. For example, the slide 29 can be mounted on a complementary rib.

[0096] In the example described, a gas spring 30 is used. However, a person skilled in the art could imagine using any linear actuator, that is, any actuator whose length can be modified or adapted, in particular a cylinder. The gas spring 30 appears, however, to be a preferable solution in that it does not, a priori, require an external energy source.

[0097] In the examples described, the longitudinal displacement of the slides 29—and therefore of the fifth axis A5—is limited by the stop of the slide 29 against the longitudinal end 25a of the slot 25. However, those skilled in the art can devise other means of forming a stop that limits the longitudinal displacement of the slides 29 and, more generally, of the fifth axis A5. For example, the stop can be formed by a relief distinct from the end of the slot 25.

[0098] Finally, the described locking device includes a second cam 68 cooperating with a ramp 71 to drive a first cam 64 in rotation. Alternatively, the second cam 68 cooperating with the ramp 71 directly drives the locking cam 58 in rotation.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle seat assembly / s, comprising: - a seat frame (11); - at least one slide (15) comprising a movable profile (14) received movable in translation in a fixed profile (16), intended to be fixed to a chassis of the motor vehicle, the seat frame (11) being mounted movable relative to the movable profile (14); - a locking device (24) selectively activatable for locking / unlocking at least one movement of the seat frame (11) relative to the movable profile (14), the locking device (24) comprising: — a shaft (55) secured to the movable profile (14), — a hook (52) movable between a locking position of the locking device in which the hook (52) grips the shaft (55), and an unlocking position of the locking device, the movable hook (52) being connected to the seat frame (11), in particular rotatably mounted relative to the seat frame (11) around a transverse axis (A8),— a movable locking cam (58) for selectively locking the hook (52) in its locking position of the locking device (24), — a drive device (64, 68, 71) of the locking cam (58) between a locking position of the hook (52) in its locking position of the locking device (24) and at least one other position, the drive device (64, 68, 71) of the locking cam (58) comprising a first cam (68) and a cam path (71) adapted so that the first cam (68) drives the locking cam (58) in movement when it travels along the cam path (71), the cam path (71) being fixed relative to the fixed profile (16).,

2. Seat assembly / s according to claim 1, in which the lock cam (58), in a first locking position, holds the hook (52) in a locking position of the lock device (24), and, in a second locking position, holds the hook (52) in an unlocking position of the lock device (24).

3. Seat assembly / s according to claim 1 or 2, in which the locking cam (58) is mounted elastically constrained towards a position for holding the hook (52) in its locking position of the locking device (24), for example by means of a torsion spring (59) interposed between the locking cam (58) and a part integral with the seat frame (11), and, preferably, towards a position for holding the hook (52) in an unlocking position of the locking device (24), if applicable.

4. A seat assembly / s according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking cam (58) and the hook (52) are elastically stressed towards each other.

5. Seat assembly / s according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hook (52) is mounted to rotate freely relative to the seat frame (11), preferably around an axis (A8) oriented transversely relative to the seat assembly / s (10).

6. Seat assembly / s according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the locking cam (58) is mounted to rotate freely relative to the seat frame (11), preferably around an axis (A9) oriented transversely relative to the seat assembly / s (10).

7. Seat assembly / s according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the drive device (64, 68, 71) of the lock cam (58) comprises a second cam (64), interposed between the first cam (68) and the lock cam (58), such that the movement of the first cam (68) traveling along the cam path (71) causes a movement of the second cam (64), which in turn causes the movement of the lock cam (58), from its position for locking the hook (52) into its position for locking the lock device (24), into another position.

8. Seat assembly / s according to claim 7, in which the locking cam (58) is integral with a rod (63), preferably made of the same material as the locking cam (58), adapted to be driven by the movement of the second cam (64) to cause the movement of the locking cam (58), from its position for locking the hook (52) into its position for locking the locking device (24), into another position.

9. Seat assembly / s according to claim 7 or 8, in which the second cam (64) is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the seat frame (11), preferably around a transversely oriented axis (A10).

10. Seat assembly / s according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hook (52) comprises a stop relief (72) adapted to cooperate with the shaft (55) to cause a movement (P4) of the hook (52), in particular a rotation (P4) if necessary, towards its locking position of the locking device (24), when the stop relief (72) comes into abutment against the shaft (55), in particular at the ver- rusting of the locking device (24).

11. Seat assembly / s according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the seat frame (11) is mounted to be movable in rotation relative to the movable profile (14), preferably around an axis (A3) oriented transversely relative to the vehicle seat assembly / s (10), more preferably in the vicinity of a first longitudinal end of the seat frame (11), the locking device (24) being adapted to lock the seat frame (11) and the movable profile (14) together, in the vicinity of a second longitudinal end of the seat frame (11), opposite the first longitudinal end.

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