vehicle seat available in a forward-facing version and a rear-facing version

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (1) comprising a backrest (3) and a main seat (2), said backrest (3) being adjustable in tilt and occupying a functional forward-facing position slightly inclined backward relative to a vertical position. According to the invention, the seat (1) comprises a secondary seat (4) mounted on a rear face (5) of the backrest (3), said secondary seat (4) being able to move from a stowed position in which it is parallel to said rear face (5) to a functional extended position in which it extends in a substantially horizontal plane behind said rear face (5) after the backrest (3) has been tilted forward to be in a position slightly inclined forward relative to the vertical position, said backrest (3) and said secondary seat (4) forming a seat in a rear-facing position. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat available in a forward-facing version and a rear-facing version

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat available in a forward-facing version and a rear-facing version. It is assumed that the vehicle seats referred to in the context of the present invention conventionally comprise a seat and a backrest.

[0002] In order to better understand the positioning of the different parts involved in a vehicle according to the invention, the description is made with reference to a direct orthonormal frame XYZ in which X is a front-to-back longitudinal axis of the vehicle oriented towards the rear, Y is a transverse axis oriented towards the right of the vehicle and Z is a vertical axis directed upwards.

[0003] Currently, a strong trend for certain existing vehicles of the space or SUV type is to allow an occupant who would be sitting in a front row seat to face at least one occupant who would be sitting in a rear row seat, to share convivial moments such as for example through a meal, a discussion or a game.

[0004] To achieve this, the front row seat on which the occupant is sitting must meet a dual requirement: -it must be able to occupy at least two positions: facing the road and facing away from the road, -it must be able to guarantee good safety to the occupant who would be sitting in said seat, particularly in the rear-facing configuration.

[0005] A solution developed to meet this dual requirement involves mounting the seat to rotate around a vertical axis passing through a central area of ​​the seat. The seat is then unlocked in its current position and manually rotated around the vertical axis until it reaches the other position, where it is locked again. This solution may or may not be equipped with a fully integrated seat belt.

[0006] Another existing solution is to make the seat removable. In this solution, the seat, which is placed in a certain position in the vehicle, is detached from the vehicle and then repositioned in the other position. With this solution, the seat may or may not be equipped with a seat belt fully integrated into the seat.

[0007] However, these two solutions, with or without an integrated seatbelt, present at least two major drawbacks: -Costs related to reinforcing the seat or the car, -A difficulty in implementation. Indeed, for a non-swivel seat, it must be possible to carry it in order to change its position despite its weight, and for a swivel seat, one must take into account the possible presence of a center console and the limited space offered by the vehicle, which are two elements that can hinder the rotation movement of the seat.

[0008] A seat according to the invention is designed to occupy a forward-facing position and a rear-facing position, while overcoming the disadvantages noted in the prior art.

[0009] The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising a backrest and a main seat, said backrest being adjustable in inclination and occupying a functional position facing the road slightly inclined towards the rear with respect to a vertical position.

[0010] According to the invention, the seat comprises a secondary seat mounted on a rear face of the backrest. This secondary seat can move from a stowed position, in which it is parallel to the rear face, to a deployed functional position, in which it extends in a substantially horizontal plane behind the rear face, after the backrest has been tilted forward to a slightly forward-inclined position relative to the vertical position. The backrest and the secondary seat together form a single seat in a rear-facing position. The terms "rear" and "front" should be interpreted as if the seat were mounted in a vehicle in a forward-facing configuration.In this way, a seat according to the invention can be configured in two versions, one facing forward and the other rear-facing, without having to be detached from the vehicle and without requiring a rotational movement that would necessitate significant clearance. To create a seat that can easily and quickly switch from a forward-facing to a rear-facing position, simply tilt the backrest forward and then place the secondary seat cushion in a substantially horizontal position. The term "substantially horizontal" means "horizontal plus or minus 15°." When placed in its deployed functional position, the secondary seat cushion is similar to a jump seat, allowing an occupant to sit comfortably facing occupants seated in the rear row of seats. The secondary seat cushion is preferably a flat, thin piece.This secondary seat can be rigid, for example, made of plastic. It can also be covered with a soft, deformable material designed to improve the comfort of an occupant sitting on it. This secondary seat may also have a textured surface to enhance the contact between an occupant and the seat. When stored, the secondary seat can be completely integrated into the backrest or be flush with the rear face. Advantageously, the seat... When stored in the backrest, the secondary seat does not create any additional volume that could increase the overall volume of the backrest. For example, the secondary seat can be mounted on the back of the backrest and rotated to move from the stored position to the deployed position, or vice versa. It can also be detachable, allowing it to be separated from the backrest before being directly attached in the deployed position.

[0011] According to one possible feature of the invention, the secondary seat is pivotally mounted on the rear face of the backrest around a horizontal axis of rotation passing through a lower edge of said secondary seat. The secondary seat can be moved from its stowed position to its deployed functional position, or vice versa, by rotating around said axis of rotation. In this way, the secondary seat remains permanently attached to the seat without ever being detached from it, and therefore without the need to create a specific storage space reserved for it.

[0012] According to a possible feature of the invention, the amplitude of rotation to go from the stowed position to the deployed functional position and vice versa, is greater than or equal to 90°.

[0013] According to one possible feature of the invention, the seat includes locking means for securing the secondary seat, either in the stowed position or in the deployed functional position. It is indeed inconceivable that the secondary seat could move or vibrate on the seat to which it is attached, whether in the stowed position or in the deployed functional position. This is particularly true when the secondary seat is in the deployed functional position, in which case an occupant would be seated on it.

[0014] According to one possible feature of the invention, the secondary seat is a flat, thin piece with a substantially rectangular outline. This secondary seat must be compact and easy to manufacture.

[0015] According to one possible feature of the invention, the seat comprises an integrated seat belt having a right-angle guide attached to an upper area of ​​the backrest, a strap having a buckle with a latch, and a loop strand emerging from an intersection area between the main seat and the backrest and adapted to receive said latch. The right-angle guide includes a guide with a slot allowing the seat belt to be operational whether the seat is in the forward-facing or rear-facing position. The seat belt is thus designed to be reversible, for use both when the seat is in the forward-facing and rear-facing positions, without the need to manufacture additional parts to adapt the seat belt to one position or the other.

[0016] According to one possible feature of the invention, the slot extends around the guide so that the seat belt webbing emerging from said guide, which is operational when the seat is in the forward-facing position, can be tilted backward within said guide to become operational when the seat is in the rear-facing position. In this configuration, the slot extends around almost the entire periphery of the guide. Simply moving the webbing along this slot makes the seat belt operational in the other seat position.

[0017] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one seat according to the invention.

[0018] According to this vehicle, the seat comprising the main seat, the secondary seat and the backrest can occupy a forward-facing position in which an occupant sitting on said seat views an area in front of the vehicle, said seat can occupy a rear-facing position in which an occupant sitting on it views an area behind the vehicle.

[0019] According to a possible feature of the invention, the two positions of the backrest corresponding to the two positions of the seat facing forward and rearward are symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method of transforming a seat according to the invention, to change from a forward-facing position to a rear-facing position.

[0021] Such a process comprises the following steps: - a forward tilting step of the backrest to a position that is slightly inclined relative to a vertical and transverse YZ plane of the vehicle, -a step of rotating the secondary seat from the stowed position to the deployed functional position to form with the backrest a rear-facing seat.

[0022] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a seat and a vehicle according to the invention is given below, with reference to the following figures:

[0023] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a seat according to the invention in a position functional facing the road,

[0024] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a side view of the seat of the [Fig.1], the backrest having pivoted forwards,

[0025] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a side view of the seat in Figures 1 and 2 in a functional rear-facing position.

[0026] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a front view of a seat according to the invention incorporating a seat belt in an inactive configuration,

[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a side view of the seat in [Fig.4], with the seat belt in a deployed configuration.

[0028] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a rear perspective view of a seat according to the invention. with the secondary seat in the stowed position,

[0029] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the seat of the [Fig.4], the secondary seat being in the functional position.

[0030] A seat 1 according to the invention comprises a main seat 2 and a backrest 3 adjustable in inclination. This seat 1 belongs to a front row of seats in a vehicle, behind which is located a rear row of seats, said seat 1 being capable of alternately occupying a forward-facing and a rear-facing position within said vehicle. The forward-facing position is a conventional and usual position of the seat, characterized by a seat 2 positioned in front of the backrest 3, allowing an occupant seated in said seat 1 to view a scene located in front of the vehicle. The rear-facing position is an original and rather unusual position of the seat 1, characterized by a seat 2 positioned behind the backrest 3, allowing an occupant seated in said seat 1 to view a scene located behind the vehicle.When seat 1 is in a rear-facing position, the occupant sitting in that seat faces the occupants who would be seated in the rear row. In this way, the different occupants of the vehicle can see each other and share a moment of interaction, for example through a casual conversation or a meal.

[0031] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7, a seat 1 according to the invention is unique in that it has a secondary seat 4 that is distinct from the main seat 2. This secondary seat 4 is in the form of a flat panel with a substantially rectangular outline and a thin thickness, preferably between 1 cm and 5 cm. The term "substantially rectangular" means that the secondary seat has a predominantly rectangular outline, but may also have specific local areas that make this outline no longer strictly rectangular. This secondary seat 4 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation located in a lower area of ​​a rear face 5 of the backrest 3. When the seat 1 is in the rear-facing or forward-facing position in the vehicle, the horizontal axis of rotation of the secondary seat 4 extends along a transverse axis Y of the vehicle.This axis of rotation extends along a lower edge of the secondary seat 4, thus allowing said secondary seat 4 to move from a stowed position, as illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 6, in which it extends parallel to the rear face 5 of the backrest 3, to an operational deployed position, as illustrated in Figures 3, 5, and 7, in which it extends in a substantially horizontal plane. The expression "substantially horizontal" means "horizontal to within ±10°." Indeed, since an occupant will be sitting on the secondary seat 4, it must occupy a predominantly horizontal position, although a slight incline is not excluded. In the... In its stowed position, the secondary seat 4 can either protrude slightly from the rear face 5 of the backrest 3, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, or be completely enclosed within the backrest 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. When the secondary seat 4 is completely enclosed within the backrest 3, a surface of said secondary seat 4 is flush with the rear face 5 of the backrest 3, thus ensuring visual continuity with the backrest 3.

[0032] When the seat 1 is in the forward-facing position, as illustrated in [Fig.1], the main seat 2 extends in a horizontal plane and the backrest 3, which is placed behind said main seat 2, is slightly inclined backwards, so that this main seat 2 and this backrest 3 form an angle greater than 90°, and preferably greater than 100°.

[0033] A method for transforming a vehicle seat 1 according to the invention, from a forward-facing position as illustrated in [Fig. 1], to a rear-facing position as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, comprises the following steps: -a forward tilting step of the backrest 3 as indicated by arrow 6 in [Fig. 1], to a position that is slightly inclined relative to a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. This slightly inclined position of the backrest 3 is the symmetrical position of the slightly inclined position of said backrest 3 when the seat 1 is in the forward-facing position, relative to a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle. -a step of rotating the secondary seat 4 from the stowed position to the deployed functional position to create with the backrest 3 a rear-facing seat.

[0034] In the forward-facing position of seat 1, the occupant is seated on the main seat 2 and in the rear-facing position of said seat 1, the occupant is seated on the secondary seat 4.

[0035] The secondary seat 4 has on one of its faces intended to receive the occupant, a slightly raised relief, designed to improve the support conditions of an individual who would be seated on said secondary seat 4. This secondary seat 4 may also include a soft and deformable upholstery cover, designed to increase the seating comfort of an individual who would be seated on said secondary seat 4. In addition, the secondary seat 4 may include a handle 50 allowing an individual to easily manipulate said secondary seat 4, to move it from the stowed position to the deployed functional position or vice versa.

[0036] Seat 1 in the rear-facing position can be used either when the vehicle is stationary or when the vehicle is in motion.

[0037] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a seat 1 according to the invention can accommodate a safety belt 6 comprising a strap 7, a buckle 8 equipped with a bolt 9, a loop strand 10 and an upper strap guide 11. When the seat 1 according to the invention is in the forward-facing position, the occupant who is sitting on the main seat 2 grasps the belt buckle 10 by deploying the strap 7 around him, then inserts the bolt 9 into the loop strand 10 so that said strap 7 holds said occupant against the seat 1.

[0038] The upper strap guide 11 includes a guide 12 in the form of a housing with an elongated slot 13 extending over a large portion of the housing's circumference. Thus, when the seat 1 is in the rear-facing position, the strap 7 is simply moved along the slot 13 of the housing containing the guide 12, pivoting it to the other side of the seat back 3 so that the seat belt 6 becomes operational when the seat 1 is placed in the rear-facing position. Similarly, the occupant then extends the strap 7 before inserting the bolt 9 of the buckle 8 into the loop strand 10. The seat belt 6 is designed to be reversible so that it can be used in both the forward-facing and rear-facing positions of the seat 1.

[0039] To improve the comfort of a person sitting on the secondary seat 4 when the seat 1 is in the rear-facing configuration, two modifications can be made: -cover the back face 5 of the backrest 3 with a comfortable material exhibiting some flexibility in order to soften the contact between the person's back and the back panel 5, - Adapt an existing headrest on seat 1 for a forward-facing configuration so that it can also be used in a rear-facing configuration. This adaptation could, for example, involve rotating the headrest 180° around a vertical axis relative to its position when the seat is in a forward-facing configuration. It could also involve using a headrest with structural symmetry so that the person can directly use the headrest in both seat configurations without having to make any modifications to it.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle seat (1) comprising a backrest (3) and a main seat (2), said backrest (3) being adjustable in inclination and occupying a functional position facing the road slightly inclined backwards relative to a vertical position, characterized in that it comprises a secondary seat (4) mounted on a rear face (5) of the backrest (3), and in that said secondary seat (4) can move from a stowed position for which it is parallel to said rear face (5) to a deployed functional position for which it extends in a substantially horizontal plane behind said rear face (5) after the backrest (3) has been tilted forwards to find itself in a position slightly inclined forwards relative to the vertical position, said backrest (3) and said secondary seat (4) forming a seat in a rearward-facing position.

2. Vehicle seat according to claim 1, characterized in that the secondary seat (4) is pivotally mounted on the rear face (5) of the backrest (3) around a horizontal axis of rotation passing through a lower edge of said secondary seat (4), and in that the secondary seat (4) can move from the stowed position to the deployed functional position or vice versa, by rotation around said axis of rotation.

3. Vehicle seat according to claim 2, characterized in that the amplitude of rotation for the secondary seat (4) to move from the stowed position to the deployed functional position or vice versa, is greater than or equal to 90°.

4. Vehicle seat according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises locking means making it possible to block the secondary seat (4), either in the stowed position or in the deployed functional position.

5. Vehicle seat according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the secondary seat (4) is a flat, thin piece, having a substantially rectangular contour.

6. Vehicle seat according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an on-board safety belt (6) having an angle return (11) secured to an upper zone of the backrest (3), a strap (7) having a buckle (8) provided with a bolt (9), and a loop strand (10) emerging from an intersection zone between the main seat (2) and the backrest (3) and capable of receiving said bolt (9), and in that that the angle drive (11) comprises a guide (12) provided with a slot (13) allowing the seat belt (6) to be operational when the seat (1) is in the forward-facing position or in the rearward-facing position.

7. A vehicle seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the slot (13) extends around the guide (12) so that the strap (7) of the seat belt (6) emerging from said guide (12) and which is operative when the seat (1) is in the forward-facing position, can be tilted towards the rear of the backrest (3) within said guide (12) to become operative when the seat (1) is in the rearward-facing position.

8. Vehicle comprising at least one seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the seat (1) comprising the main seat (2), the secondary seat (4) and the backrest (3) can occupy a position facing the road for which an occupant who would be seated on said seat (1) views an area placed in front of the vehicle, and in that said seat (1) can occupy a position facing the road for which an occupant who would be seated on it views an area placed behind the vehicle.

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the two positions of the backrest (3) corresponding to the two positions of the seat (1) facing the road and back to the road are symmetrical to each other with respect to a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle.

10. Method for transforming a seat (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, to move from the forward-facing position to the rear-facing position, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - a step of tilting the backrest (3) forward to a position which is slightly inclined relative to a vertical and transverse plane YZ of the vehicle, - a step of rotating the secondary seat (4) from the stowed position to the deployed functional position to form with the backrest (3) a rear-facing seat.

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