Motor vehicle seat and motor vehicle equipped with such a seat

Abstract

A seat for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle comprising such a seat. The invention relates to a seat (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a seat (7), - a backrest (9), comprising a backrest frame (17) and a base, said backrest frame being pivotally mounted on said base about a substantially transverse axis by means of a hinge mechanism (23) disposed between said backrest frame and said base. According to the invention, the hinge mechanism (23) is adapted to allow pivoting of said backrest frame (17) such that said backrest frame extends substantially horizontally in said motor vehicle when said seat (1) is mounted in said motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a seat. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Seat for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle comprising such a seat Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of passive safety of motor vehicles, in particular to the safety of injured persons after a high-speed frontal impact.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a seat for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle comprising such a seat. Prior art

[0003] When a motor vehicle is subjected to an impact, for example a frontal impact at high speed, the passenger compartment of the vehicle may be severely deformed.

[0004] In particular, the impact suffered by the vehicle can cause deformation such that the doors, in particular the front doors, can become blocked.

[0005] A jammed front door slows down emergency response. Also, when the front row occupant is in contact with the deformed door, using heavy intervention tools to cut or tear off the door may be too dangerous or even impossible.

[0006] In such a situation, the rescue teams open the rear doors and / or the front door opposite the one where the occupant of the front row is located when there is only one occupant and provide care to the injured while waiting to be able to extract them.

[0007] First of all, this further delays the intervention of emergency services.

[0008] Second, the front seat backs make it difficult for rescue teams to access injured front row occupants through the vehicle's rear doors.

[0009] Also, it may be difficult to provide care from the seat opposite the seat in which the injured occupant is located.

[0010] However, in the case of a polytrauma victim, it is extremely dangerous to move him. Statement of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and to this end relates to a seat for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a seat, - a backrest, comprising a backrest frame and a base, said backrest frame being pivotally mounted on said base around a substantially transverse axis by means of an articulation mechanism arranged between said backrest frame and said base, remarkable in that said articulation mechanism is adapted to allow pivoting of said backrest frame such that said backrest frame extends substantially horizontally in said motor vehicle when said seat is mounted in said motor vehicle.

[0012] Thus, by providing a seat whose actuation of the articulation mechanism is adapted to allow pivoting of the backrest frame such that it extends substantially horizontally, the caregiver can actuate the articulation mechanism until the backrest frame reaches its substantially horizontal position.

[0013] Thus, the caregiver can provide first aid in situ to the injured occupant, without having to move them.

[0014] Thanks to the present invention, the intervention time of emergency teams is reduced and their intervention is facilitated. This significantly increases the safety of a motor vehicle equipped with such seats.

[0015] According to optional characteristics of the seat according to the invention: - the maximum angle formed between said seat and said backrest frame is equal to approximately 180° when the articulation mechanism is actuated; - the seat comprises a locking and unlocking system for said articulation mechanism, adapted to lock and unlock the movement of said articulation mechanism; - said articulation mechanism comprises an adjustment wheel mounted to rotate between said backrest frame and said base, and said locking and unlocking system comprises a locking valve mounted to pivot on said backrest frame between a locking position in which said locking valve cooperates with said adjustment wheel, preventing rotation of said adjustment wheel and an unlocking position in which said locking valve does not cooperate with said adjustment wheel, allowing rotation of said adjustment wheel; - said locking valve comprises a locking orifice adapted to cooperate with a locking orifice of said backrest frame, and said comprises a locking member received by said locking orifices of said locking valve and of said backrest frame when said locking valve occupies said locking position; - in one embodiment, said locking member comprises a tamper-evident locking screw; - in one embodiment, said locking member comprises a pyrotechnic bolt comprising a locking screw and a pyrotechnic charge adapted to break said locking screw when said pyrotechnic charge is ignited; - in one embodiment, the seat comprises a cable which is connected to said locking valve and which is arranged so that tensioning said cable causes said locking valve to move into said locking position, and the seat comprises a locking member adapted to ensure that said locking valve is held in said locking position.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment comprising at least one seat, remarkable in that said seat is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] shows a side view of a seat in a front row of a vehicle interior automobile according to the invention, on which an injured occupant is lying, rescued by a carer.

[0019] [Fig.2] shows the seat of the invention seen from the side, centered on zone A of [Fig.l], the seat being in an upright position relative to the position illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0020] [Fig.3] shows the seat of the invention in which the position holding means locking of the locking valve is produced according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0021] [Fig.4] shows the locking valve in which the position holding means locking of the locking valve is produced according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0022] [Fig.5] shows the seat of the invention in which the position holding means locking of the locking valve is produced according to a third embodiment of the invention, the locking valve being shown in the locking position.

[0023] [Fig.6] is a view similar to that of [Fig.5], the locking valve being in unlock position.

[0024] [Fig.7] shows the first stage of the kinematics of the passage from the worm position rusting to the unlocking position of the locking flap.

[0025] [Fig.8] shows the second stage of the kinematics of the passage from the worm position rusting to the unlocking position of the locking flap.

[0026] [Fig.9] shows the third stage of the kinematics of the passage from the worm position rusting to the unlocking position of the locking flap.

[0027] [Fig. 10] shows a side view of the seat of the invention in a substantially horizontal position on which an injured occupant is lying, being helped by a carer. Description of the embodiments

[0028] In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions are designated by the same reference.

[0029] By convention, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle will be adopted, without limitation.

[0030] In the following, the terms “left”, “right”, “lower” and “upper” are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0031] Similarly, the terms “front” and “rear” are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0032] Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2. [Fig.l] shows a side view of a seat 1 of a front row of a motor vehicle passenger compartment according to the invention, on which an injured occupant 3 is lying down while being helped by a carer 5. [Fig.2] shows the seat 1 seen from the side, centered on zone A of [Fig.l], the seat 1 being in an upright position relative to the position illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0033] The seat 1 comprises a seat 7 and a backrest 9.

[0034] The seat 7 comprises a seat frame 11, for example metallic, supporting a trim (not shown). The seat frame 11 is fixed by means of longitudinal lateral flanges 13 to two longitudinal slides 15 fixed to the floor (not shown) of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0035] The backrest 9 comprises a backrest frame 17, for example metallic, supporting a padding (not shown), and two legs 19 arranged laterally on either side of the backrest frame 17. The legs 19 consist of two lateral uprights connected together by a transverse crosspiece (not shown).

[0036] The backrest frame 17 is pivotally mounted relative to the base 19, around a substantially transverse axis 21, extending substantially transversely relative to the motor vehicle when the seat 1 is mounted in the motor vehicle.

[0037] A hinge mechanism 23 is arranged between the backrest frame 17 and the corresponding base 19, at a free end 25 of the base 19.

[0038] The actuation of the articulation mechanism 23 allows the pivoting of the backrest frame 17 relative to the legs 19 of the backrest 9.

[0039] The articulation mechanism 23 is adapted to allow pivoting of the backrest frame 17 relative to the base 19 of the backrest 9 such that the backrest frame 17 extends substantially horizontally in said motor vehicle when said seat is mounted in said vehicle, as shown in [Fig.l].

[0040] In other words, the maximum angle formed between the seat 7 and the backrest frame 17 can reach approximately 180° when the articulation mechanism 23 is actuated.

[0041] In this way, by providing a seat whose actuation of the articulation mechanism 23 is adapted to allow pivoting of the backrest frame 17 such that it extends substantially horizontally, the caregiver 5 can actuate the articulation mechanism 23 until the backrest frame 17 reaches its substantially horizontal position, this in order to be able to provide first aid in situ to the injured occupant 3, without having to move him. Access by the caregiver 5 to the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle can be via the doors of the vehicle not damaged by the impact.

[0042] Thus, thanks to the present invention, the intervention time of rescue teams is reduced. Certain statistical studies have revealed that one minute saved in the administration of care increases the chances of survival by 10%. Thus, when the motor vehicle is equipped with such seats according to the invention, the survival prognosis of injured occupants is very advantageously improved.

[0043] Also, by providing a seat whose actuation of the articulation mechanism 23 is adapted to allow pivoting of the backrest frame 17 such that it extends substantially horizontally, rescue teams can more easily transfer injured occupants from the passenger compartment to an external stretcher.

[0044] In order to avoid untimely pivoting of the backrest frame 17, the seat 1 comprises a system for locking and unlocking the articulation mechanism 23.

[0045] The locking and unlocking system is movable between an engaged position locking the movement of the articulation mechanism 23 and a disengaged position allowing the movement of the articulation mechanism 23.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the articulation mechanism 23 comprises an adjustment wheel 27 rotatably mounted between the backrest frame 17 and the base 19.

[0047] The locking and unlocking system comprises, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, a locking flap 29 pivotally mounted about a transverse axis 30 on the backrest frame 17 between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0048] In its locking position illustrated in [Fig.2], the locking valve 29 cooperates with the adjustment wheel 27 and prevents rotation of the adjustment wheel 27.

[0049] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the adjustment wheel 27 comprises a toothed wheel which comprises a set of teeth 31 and recesses 33 formed between two consecutive teeth 31. The locking valve 29 comprises at a free end 35 a retaining tab 37 which engages one of the recesses 33 when the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position.

[0050] In its unlocked position, the locking valve 29 does not cooperate with the adjustment wheel 27, thus allowing the adjustment wheel 27 to rotate.

[0051] The seat 1 further comprises a means for holding the locking valve 29 in the locking position when the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position.

[0052] Reference is made to [Fig. 3] showing the seat 1 in which the means for holding the locking valve 29 in the locking position is produced according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The locking valve 29 comprises a locking orifice 39 adapted to cooperate with a locking orifice (not visible) of the backrest frame 17.

[0054] The seat 1 comprises a locking member received by the locking orifice 39 of the locking valve 29 and by the locking orifice of the backrest frame 17 when the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position.

[0055] Thus, when the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position, the locking member maintains the locking valve 29 in its locking position.

[0056] In this first embodiment, the locking member comprises a tamper-evident locking screw 41, adapted to ensure security against intentional disassembly. The tamper-evident locking screw 41 is designed so that it cannot be unscrewed with standard tools. For this purpose, the tamper-evident locking screw 41 has a specific imprint on its screw head, which can be manipulated with a dedicated special key.

[0057] Reference is made to [Fig.4] showing the locking valve 29 in which the means for holding the locking valve 29 in the locking position is produced according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0058] The locking valve 29 comprises the locking orifice 39 adapted to cooperate with the locking orifice of the backrest frame 17 (not visible in [Fig. 4]). The seat 1 also comprises the locking member received by the locking orifice 39 of the locking valve 29 and by the locking orifice of the backrest frame 17 when the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position.

[0059] In this second embodiment, the locking member comprises a pyrotechnic bolt 43, comprising a locking screw and a pyrotechnic charge adapted to break the locking screw when the pyrotechnic charge is fired.

[0060] To do this, the locking screw of the pyrotechnic bolt 43 has a rupture zone near which the pyrotechnic charge is positioned.

[0061] Upon explosion of the pyrotechnic charge, the rupture zone is ruptured and the pyrotechnic bolt can be removed from the locking hole 39 of the locking valve 29 and from the locking hole of the backrest frame 17, thus allowing the passage of the locking valve 29 from its locking position to its unlocking position according to which the locking valve 29 does not cooperate with the adjustment wheel 27, thus allowing the rotation of the adjustment wheel 27.

[0062] The pyrotechnic charge can be ignited manually by the rescue teams. To do this, the pyrotechnic bolt can be connected to a switch for manual activation.

[0063] Alternatively, the pyrotechnic charge may be ignited by a delay device adapted to trigger following an impact suffered by the motor vehicle, for example after a predetermined duration following the impact.

[0064] The pyrotechnic bolt 43 is connected by means of cables 45 to pyrotechnic pretensioners (not shown) themselves connected to a control device comprising, among other things, a set of sensors adapted to detect the presence of an impact suffered by the motor vehicle and to authorize the ignition of the pyrotechnic charge, which makes it possible to avoid an untimely triggering of the pyrotechnic bolt 43.

[0065] Reference is made to [Fig. 5] showing the seat 1 in which the means for holding the locking valve 29 in the locking position is produced according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0066] The locking position of the locking valve 29 is ensured by a cable 47 arranged in the seat so that its tensioning causes the locking valve 29 to move into its locking position.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 1 comprises the cable 47 and a pulley 49 arranged in the seat 1 so that the tensioning of the cable 47 causes the locking valve 29 to be positioned in its locking position.

[0068] The seat 1 further comprises a locking member adapted to ensure that the locking valve 29 is held in the locking position.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the locking member is arranged at a first end 51 of the cable 47. The locking member may for example comprise a locking screw 53, mounted in the seat 1 at the base 19 of the backrest 9 and may consist for example of a tamper-proof locking screw adapted to ensure security against intentional disassembly. Alternatively, the locking member may for example comprise a pin key.

[0070] The seat 1 further comprises a return spring 55 comprising a first end 57 fixed to the base 19 of the backrest 9 and a second end 59 fixed to the locking valve 29. The return spring 55 is arranged in the seat so as to return the locking valve 29 to its unlocked position.

[0071] Thus, when the locking member is removed from the seat 1, the cable 47 no longer exerts tension on the return spring 55. The locking valve 29 moves from its position from locking to its unlocked position shown in [Fig.6].

[0072] Reference is made to Figures 7 to 9 showing the kinematics of the transition from the locking position to the unlocking position of the locking valve 29.

[0073] The passage of the locking valve 29 from its locking position to its unlocking position is carried out by the emergency teams following an impact suffered by the motor vehicle.

[0074] The seat 1 is initially in a conventional operating position capable of accommodating an occupant when the motor vehicle is in operation.

[0075] The locking and unlocking system occupies its engaged position locking the movement of the articulation mechanism 23. In this position, the locking valve 29 occupies its locking position in which it cooperates with the adjustment wheel 27 and prevents the rotation of the adjustment wheel 27.

[0076] When the motor vehicle suffers an impact, the emergency teams move the locking and unlocking system into its released position, as shown by arrow 61 in [Fig. 8]. To do this, the locking member locking the locking flap 29 in the locked position is removed by the emergency teams.

[0077] When the locking and unlocking system is in its released position, the rescue teams can pivot the backrest frame 17 relative to the base 19 of the backrest 9, as shown by the arrow 63 in [Fig.9]

[0078] When the backrest frame 17 reaches an optimal position, for example substantially horizontal, the caregiver 5 can provide care on site to the injured occupant 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], or can transfer the injured occupant 3 to an external stretcher.

[0079] As goes without saying, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this seat for a motor vehicle and of this motor vehicle comprising such a seat, described above solely as illustrative examples, but on the contrary it embraces all the variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Seat (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a seat (7), - a backrest (9), comprising a backrest frame (17) and a base (19), said backrest frame (17) being pivotally mounted on said base (19) about a substantially transverse axis (21) by means of an articulation mechanism (23) arranged between said backrest frame (17) and said base (19), characterized in that said articulation mechanism (23) is adapted to allow pivoting of said backrest frame (17) such that said backrest frame (17) extends substantially horizontally in said motor vehicle when said seat (1) is mounted in said motor vehicle.

2. Seat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the maximum angle formed between said seat (7) and said backrest frame (17) is equal to approximately 180° when the articulation mechanism (23) is actuated.

3. Seat (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a system for locking and unlocking said articulation mechanism (23), adapted to lock and unlock the movement of said articulation mechanism (23).

4. Seat (1) according to claim 3, wherein said articulation mechanism (23) comprises an adjustment wheel (27) rotatably mounted between said backrest frame (17) and said base (19), characterized in that said locking and unlocking system comprises a locking valve (29) pivotally mounted on said backrest frame (17) between a locking position in which said locking valve (29) cooperates with said adjustment wheel (27), preventing rotation of said adjustment wheel (27) and an unlocking position in which said locking valve (29) does not cooperate with said adjustment wheel (27), allowing rotation of said adjustment wheel (27).

5. Seat (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said locking valve (29) comprises a locking orifice (39) adapted to cooperate with a locking orifice of said backrest frame (17), said seat (1) being further characterized in that it comprises a locking member received by said locking orifices of said locking valve (29) and of said backrest frame (17) when said locking valve (29) occupies said locking position.

6. Seat (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said locking member comprises a tamper-proof locking screw (41).

7. Seat (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that said locking member comprises a pyrotechnic bolt (43) comprising a locking screw and a pyrotechnic charge adapted to break said locking screw when said pyrotechnic charge is ignited.

8. Seat (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a cable (47) connected to said locking valve (29) and arranged so that tensioning said cable (47) causes said locking valve (29) to move into said locking position, and in that it comprises a locking member adapted to ensure that said locking valve (29) is held in said locking position.

9. Motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment comprising at least one seat (1), characterized in that said seat (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images