Vehicle seat backrest and seat including such a backrest

Abstract

A vehicle seat back (16) (10) comprises a backrest frame (17); a backrest trim (36, 38, 40) including a trim support (45), the trim support (45) being attached to the backrest frame (17); and a back trim panel (48A-48C). The back trim panel (48A-48C) is rigidly attached to the backrest frame (17). The back trim panel (48A-48C) forms a supporting relief (62A-62C, 64A-64C) bearing against the trim support (45), at least when an occupant is leaning against the backrest (16), to provide the suspension function of the trim support (45). Figure from the abstract: [Fig. 7]

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat back and seat comprising such a back Technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a vehicle seat back, in particular a motor vehicle seat. A vehicle seat comprising such a back is also described. Prior art

[0002] In the automotive field, in particular, it is known to produce a vehicle seat back by covering a back frame with foam. The whole is then covered with a cover.

[0003] The seat backrest can incorporate numerous comfort and / or safety functions. To do this, it is known to fix a trim support to the backrest frame, to mount the various elements necessary for achieving the comfort and / or safety functions on the support or on the backrest frame, then to cover the assembly thus obtained with foam. A cover then covers the assembly.

[0004] The upholstery support is generally formed by a plate fixed at its longitudinal ends to the backrest frame. In this case, however, the upholstery support contributes to the comfort of the occupant of the seat, by providing support for the occupant's back.

[0005] However, due in particular to the great length of the upholstery support, it is difficult to obtain satisfactory back support by the upholstery support. Thus, either the support is too rigid, so that the occupant feels a certain discomfort in the back. Or, on the contrary, the support is too flexible and then the occupant has the impression of sinking into the backrest upholstery, without feeling any back support.

[0006] The present description improves the situation. Summary

[0007] To this end, a vehicle seat back is described comprising: - a backrest frame; - a backrest upholstery comprising an upholstery support, the upholstery support being attached to the backrest frame; and - a rear trim panel, the rear trim panel being rigidly attached to the backrest frame; wherein the rear trim panel forms at least one support relief intended to bear against the trim support, at least when an occupant is resting on the backrest, the at least one support relief preferably being resting against the lining support, at least a portion of the at least one support relief being, more preferably, adapted to deform elastically under the effect of a support of the lining support to ensure the suspension function of the lining support.

[0008] Thus, advantageously, it is possible to maintain a relatively flexible upholstery support, while still providing back support to a seat occupant, preferably where such support is most desired by the seat occupant.

[0009] According to preferred embodiments, the vehicle seat back comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - the rear trim panel comprises at least two support reliefs arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the rear trim panel; - the rear trim panel comprises at least one first support relief, preferably at least two first support reliefs, and at least one second support relief, preferably at least two second support reliefs, the first and second support reliefs being offset in a longitudinal direction of the rear trim panel; - the rear trim panel comprises at least one first support relief, preferably at least two first support reliefs, and at least one second support relief, preferably at least two second support reliefs, each first support relief being arranged substantially opposite, in a transverse direction of the rear trim panel, a second support relief; - each support relief comprises, preferably consists of, a base and a blade extending from the base, the base holding at least a portion of the blade away from a base surface of the rear trim panel, the blade preferably being elastically deformable, in particular in the event of support from the trim support; - the blade comprises, at a first free end, an elastic fitting relief of the rear trim panel on an upright of the backrest frame, each elastic fitting relief preferably having a notch pressed into abutment against an upright of the backrest frame, in the event of pressure by an occupant of the vehicle seat on the trim support; - the blade is fixed, at one end, to a base surface of the rear trim panel, the blade preferably being curved between the base and said one end, the curvature of the blade being oriented towards the trim support; - the trim support has, on its face facing the rear trim panel, at least one support relief adapted to cooperate with at least one support relief, the trim support preferably having at least one support relief adapted to cooperate with each support relief; - the blade is, at a second free end, curved in a manner substantially complementary to a free end of at least one support relief of the lining support intended to cooperate with the blade; and - the blade of the at least one first support relief is intended to be sandwiched, preferably is sandwiched, between the blade of the at least one second support relief and the at least one support relief of the lining support.

[0010] According to another aspect, there is also described a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a seat with a seat frame and a backrest as described above in all its combinations, the backrest frame being fixed to the seat frame, preferably so as to be able to pivot around a transverse axis. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages will appear during the following description of one of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings:

[0012] [Fig-1] schematically represents a side view of an example of a seat of vehicle ;

[0013] [Fig.2] schematically represents in perspective the back of the vehicle seat of [Fig.l];

[0014] [Fig.3] schematically represents an exploded view of the vehicle seat back of [Fig.2], from which all covering has been removed;

[0015] [Fig.4] schematically represents in perspective the frame of the vehicle seat back of [Fig.2] and [Fig.3];

[0016] [Fig.5] represents a first example of a backrest subassembly that can be implemented in the vehicle seatback of [Fig.3];

[0017] [Fig.6] schematically represents in perspective a first example of a rear trim panel which can be implemented in the subassembly of [Fig.5];

[0018] [Fig.7] schematically represents a partial sectional view of a first detail of the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5] including the rear trim panel of [Fig.6];

[0019] [Fig.8] schematically represents a partial sectional view of a second detail of the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5] including the rear trim panel of [Fig.6];

[0020] [Fig.9] schematically represents in perspective a second example of a rear trim panel which can be implemented in the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5];

[0021] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a partial sectional view of a detail of the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5] including the rear trim panel of [Fig.9];

[0022] [Fig. 11] schematically represents in perspective a third example of a rear trim panel which can be implemented in the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5];

[0023] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a partial sectional view of a first detail of the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5] including the rear trim panel therefrom [Fig. 11];

[0024] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a partial sectional view of a second detail of the backrest subassembly of [Fig.5] including the rear trim panel of [Fig.II], Description of the embodiments

[0025] In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements which are useful for understanding the embodiment described are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0026] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.

[0027] In particular, the longitudinal direction X means the longitudinal direction of the seat. The longitudinal direction of the seat is considered to be the same as the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle in which the seat 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 thus corresponds to the transverse or lateral direction of the motor vehicle. This transverse direction corresponds to a direction 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, perpendicular to the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0028] [Fig.l] schematically represents a motor vehicle seat 10 mounted on a sliding mechanism 12.

[0029] The seat 10 comprises a seat 14, with a seat frame 15, on which a backrest 16, with a backrest frame 17, is mounted. The backrest frame 17 is here pivoting around a transverse axis 18, relative to the seat frame 15. To do this, an articulation mechanism 20 is arranged between the seat frame 15 and the backrest frame 17.

[0030] The seat 14 is mounted on movable profiles 22, also called slides or male profiles, by means of feet 24, 26. Each movable profile 22 is part of a slide 12 and is associated with a fixed profile 28. The fixed profile 28 is also called a rail or female profile. The fixed profile 28 is fixed to the floor 30 of a motor vehicle.

[0031] The seat 10 comprises in this example a manual control element 32, called a lever, for controlling the sliding of the slides 12. This manual control element 32 makes it possible in particular to block and unlock systems for stopping the sliding of the movable profiles 22 relative to the respective fixed profiles 28. Once the stop systems are unlocked, the manual control element 32 can also be used to slide the movable profiles 22 relative to their respective fixed profiles 28 of the slide 12 in the longitudinal direction X of the slides 12. The fixed profiles 28 and movable profiles 22 of the slides 12 are generally metallic.

[0032] Alternatively, the movement of the movable profiles 22 relative to the fixed profiles 28 is controlled by means of an actuator.

[0033] According to the example illustrated, the seat 10 may also comprise a headrest 34, with a headrest frame 35, partially visible in [Fig. 2], in the form of sockets 35 fixed to the backrest frame 17. The sockets 35 may in particular be intended to receive headrest rods.

[0034] The backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10 is described in more detail below.

[0035] As can be seen in [Fig.2] in particular, the illustrated file 16 comprises essentially a first side trim module 36, a second side trim module 38 and a central trim module 40, such that the first and second side trim modules 36, 38 are each arranged on a respective side of the central trim module 40. Each trim module 36, 38, 40 here comprises a foam block 42, 44, 46, fixed on a respective support 41, 43, 45. As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3], the foam block 46 of the central trim module 40 may comprise holes 47. These holes 47 allow ventilation of the back of the occupant of the seat, as will be described later.

[0036] In the example illustrated, the central upholstery module 40 forms the support face of the bowl of the backrest 16, that is to say the central support part of the back of the occupant of the seat, while the lateral modules 36, 38 form the lateral portions projecting relative to the bowl of this same support face of the back of the occupant of the seat.

[0037] It should be noted here that the trim modules 36, 38, 40 pre-exist their attachment to the backrest frame 17. Thus, these upholstery modules 36, 38, 40 are not produced by overmolding the backrest frame 17 and / or structural elements already integral with the backrest frame 17. This does not prevent the foam blocks 42, 44, 46 of the different upholstery modules 36, 38, 40 from being produced by overmolding a possible support 41, 43, 45 of the respective upholstery module 36, 38, 40. However, this overmolding is carried out prior to the fixing of the support 41, 43, 45 in question on the backrest frame 17.

[0038] The backrest 16 further comprises a rear trim panel 48A, here in the form of a shell, defining the greater part of the rear face of the backrest 16. The backrest 16 further comprises, according to the example illustrated, two upper finishing elements 50, 52. The two finishing elements 50, 52 surround the support sockets 35 of the headrest 34.

[0039] Remarkably here and as schematically illustrated by [Fig. 3], each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 is fixed to the backrest frame 17, independently of the other two upholstery modules 36, 38, 40. In other words, each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 can be fixed to the backrest frame 17 while the other two upholstery modules 36, 38, 40 are not fixed to the backrest frame 17. Thus, each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 is able to be fixed to the backrest frame 17 independently of the other two upholstery modules 36, 38, 40. A upholstery module 36, 38, 40 can however be fixed to another upholstery module 36, 38, 40. However, preferably, the upholstery modules 36, 38, 40 are independent in that there is no direct attachment of one trim module 36, 38, 40 to another trim module 36, 38, 40.The foam block 46 of the central trim module 40 can however be mounted clamped between the foam blocks 42, 44 of the two side trim modules 36, 38.

[0040] The rear trim panel 48A may also be directly attached to the backrest frame 17, preferably independently of the trim modules 36, 38, 40. The rear trim panel 48A may be attached to the backrest frame 17 by any suitable means, in particular by screwing or riveting. According to the example illustrated, however, the rear trim panel 48A is elastically fitted onto the backrest frame 17. Advantageously, the rear trim panel 48A is adapted to be fixed onto the backrest frame 17 after fixing the trim modules 36, 38, 40. This can in fact allow access from the rear of the seat 10 to the different elements of the trim modules 36, 38, 40 to be functionally connected, after the trim modules 36, 38, 40 have been fixed onto the backrest frame 17, before fixing the rear trim panel 48A.

[0041] The two finishing elements 50, 52 are fixed, according to the example illustrated, to the central trim module 40. These finishing elements 50, 52 can be fixed to the central trim module 40 by any suitable means, accessible to those skilled in the art. In particular, the finishing elements 50, 52 can be elastically fitted onto the foam block 46 of the central trim module 40. A finishing element 50, 52 can also be fixed to the other finishing element 52, 50. Here again, any fixing means accessible to those skilled in the art can be implemented, in particular an elastic fitting of the finishing elements 50, 52.

[0042] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the backrest frame 17 essentially comprises a first upright 17i, a second upright 172, a first crosspiece 173, hereinafter referred to as the “lower crosspiece 173”, and a second crosspiece 174, hereinafter referred to as the “upper crosspiece 174”. The uprights 174, 172 and the crosspieces 173, 174 form a backrest frame 17 in the form of a frame. To do this, the uprights 174, 172, and the crosspieces 173, 174 may be fixed together, in particular welded together. Alternatively, the backrest frame 17 is a single piece, for example being molded.

[0043] On the backrest frame 17, the central upholstery module 40 is fixed, in this case its support 45, and the rear upholstery panel 48A, as illustrated by the subassembly shown in [Fig.5].

[0044] The central trim module 40 essentially comprises the support 45, here in the form of a plate. The support 45 is notably more rigid than the foam block 46 of the central trim module 40. The foam block 46 of the central trim module 40 is fixed on the support 45. In particular, the foam block 46 can be overmolded on the support 45. Alternatively, the foam block 46 can be glued or elastically fitted onto the support 45, the foam block 46 preferably having plastic inserts in the latter case, forming elastic fitting reliefs on the support 45.

[0045] The support 45 extends essentially in a longitudinal direction, oriented substantially vertically in the backrest 16. The longitudinal ends 45x, 452 of the support 45 are here curved. Thus, the upper end 452 of the support 45 can rest on the upper crosspiece 174 of the backrest frame 17. Similarly, the lower end 45x of the support 45 can receive the lower crosspiece 173 of the backrest frame 17. The ends 45x, 452 here have means of attachment to the lower crosspieces 173 and upper 174, respectively, of the backrest frame 17. These attachment means can in particular comprise: - additional reliefs, for example for force-fitting the central upholstery module 40 onto the backrest frame 17; and / or - corresponding holes for fixing using screws, bolts or rivets, for example; and / or - additional elastic fitting reliefs (or clips), for fixing by elastic fitting. This latter solution appears to be the most favorable, limiting the number of parts and manipulations necessary to fix the support 45 to the backrest frame 17. In particular, elastic fitting tabs 54 are visible at the lower end 45i of the support 45, in [Fig.5].

[0046] Furthermore, the rear trim panel 48A can also be fixed to the backrest frame 17 by elastic fitting. To do this, according to the example illustrated, the rear trim panel 48A has first elastic fitting tabs 56, adapted to cooperate with the lower crosspiece 173 of the backrest frame 17, second elastic fitting tabs 58, adapted to cooperate with the upper crosspiece 174 of the backrest frame 17. The rear trim panel 48A can in particular be fixed to the backrest frame 17, by first placing the elastic fitting tabs 56 on the lower crosspiece 173 of the backrest frame, then by tilting the top of the rear trim panel 48A towards the upper crosspiece 174, until the elastic fitting tabs 58 are elastically fitted into the upper crosspiece 174.

[0047] The rear trim panel 48A also has, as visible in [Fig. 6], two projecting reliefs 60 in the vicinity of the upper end of the rear trim panel 48A. The two projecting reliefs 60 are adapted to come into abutment on the upper crosspiece 174 of the backrest frame 17 to limit or even prevent deformation of the upper end of the rear trim panel 48A.

[0048] The rear trim panel 48A also forms two pairs of support reliefs 62A, 64A adapted to support the support 45 of the central trim module 40, preferably so as to ensure the suspension function of the support 45. To do this, each relief 62A, 64A cooperates with a respective support relief 66, 68, formed by the support 45 of the central trim module 40. Each support relief 66, 68 takes for example the form of a stud or superimposed strips, easier to mold, in particular to mold by injection, than a single stud. The support reliefs 66, 68 extend on the face 45B of the support 45 intended to be opposite the occupant of the vehicle seat 10. Each support relief 66, 68 may have a rounded free end. Here, each support relief 66, 68 comprises a series of superimposed, substantially identical slats, which define a bead-shaped envelope, here substantially semi-cylindrical.

[0049] The support reliefs 62A, 64A of each pair of support reliefs 62A, 64A are arranged symmetrically with respect to a median plane (X, Z) of the rear trim panel 48A.

[0050] In the example of [Fig. 5], each support relief 62A, 64A is in contact with at least some of the slats of the support reliefs 66, 68, even in the absence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. Alternatively, however, the support reliefs 66, 68 may be distant from the support reliefs 62A, 64A in the absence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. In this case, the support reliefs 66, 68 may only be in contact with the support reliefs 62A, 64A in the event of pressure exerted by an occupant of the vehicle seat on the support 45 of the central trim module 40.

[0051] According to the example of [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], the support reliefs 62A, 64A are substantially aligned two by two, in a longitudinal direction of the rear trim panel 48A, oriented substantially vertically. Thus, first support reliefs 62A are arranged substantially halfway along (or halfway up) the rear trim panel 48A, for example between one-third and two-thirds of the length (or height) of the rear trim panel 48A. The second support reliefs 64A are arranged closer to the lower end of the rear trim panel 48A than the first support reliefs 62A.For example, the second support reliefs 64A are substantially one-quarter of the length (or height) of the rear trim panel 48A, from the lower end of the rear trim panel 48A, for example at a height of between one-sixth and one-third of the height of the rear trim panel 48A, from the lower end of the rear trim panel 48A.

[0052] As can be seen in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], each support relief 62A, 64A may comprise a base 70, extending from a base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48A, and a blade 72 supported by the base 70. The base 70 makes it possible to maintain at least a portion of the blade 72 distant from the base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48A. The base 70 is preferably more rigid than the blade 72.

[0053] The blade 72 can extend mainly in a transverse direction of the seat back 16. In this case, the blade 72 has a substantially “S” shape in the plane of [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]. At a first free end, the blade 72 forms an elastic fitting relief 74 on an upright 17i, 172 of the back frame 17. It should be noted that each elastic fitting relief 74 here comprises a notch, such that pressure exerted by the presence of an occupant of the seat, on the support 45 pushes a stop face of the notch into abutment against the upright 17i, 172 of the back frame 17. Thus, the presence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10 tends to lock the attachment of the rear trim panel 48A on the back frame 17.

[0054] Then, according to the example illustrated, the blade 72 has, on a portion in line with the base 70, grooves 76, extending along the longitudinal edges of the blade 72. The grooves 76 thus form rims along the portion of the blade 72, in line with the base 70, stiffening the blade 72 in line with the base 70.

[0055] The blade 72 also has, according to the examples of [Fig.7] and [Fig.8], a portion 75 extending substantially obliquely in the direction of the base surface 49 of the panel. rear trim 48A, from which the base 70 extends. It is on this portion 75 of the blade 72 that the support reliefs 66, 68 come to bear, which can cause elastic deformation of this portion 75 of the blade 72, the base 70 preferably not being deformed. The free end 78 of the blade 72, opposite the first free end, is curved, according to a curvature substantially complementary to the curvature of the free end of the support reliefs 66, 68, in particular of the strips forming these support reliefs 66, 68, to limit the risks or even to prevent the free end of the support reliefs 66, 68 from no longer being in contact with the blade 72 and from extending laterally next to the blade 72.

[0056] Preferably, each support relief 62A, 64A, in particular the blade 72 of each support relief 62A, 64A, is more flexible than the support relief 66, 68, with which it cooperates. In particular, each support relief 62A, 64A, in particular the blade 72 of each support relief 62A, 64A, is more flexible than the strips of the support relief 66, 68 with which it cooperates. Thus, the support relief 62A, 64A, in particular the blade 72 of each support relief 62A, 64A, deforms, preferably elastically, in the event of pressure exerted by the associated support relief 66, 68, the associated support relief 68, 68 preferably not deforming. The support reliefs 62A, 64A thus ensure the suspension function of the support 45 of the central trim module 40.

[0057] [Fig.9] illustrates a second example of a rear trim panel 48B identical to the first example of a rear trim panel 48A, except for the shape and position of the support reliefs 62B, 64B.

[0058] According to the example of [Fig.9], in fact, the first and second support reliefs 62B, 64B extend substantially at the same height of the rear trim panel 48B, a first support relief 64A being arranged opposite, in a substantially transverse direction of the backrest 48B, each second support relief 64B. Thus, the first and second support reliefs 62B, 64B extend substantially at mid-height of the rear trim panel 48B, for example at a height of between one third and two thirds of the height of the rear trim panel 48B.

[0059] As is more clearly visible in [Fig. 10], the first and second support reliefs 62B, 64B cooperate to support the support reliefs 66 of the support 45. As is notably visible in this [Fig. 10], the blade 72 of a first support relief 62B is supported by the blade 72 of a second support relief 64B, notably by its curved free end 78. Here, the curved free end 78 is practically folded so as to form a substantially right angle. Thus, the blade 72 of the first support relief 62B is sandwiched between the support relief 66 and the blade 72 of the second elastic casing relief 64B. It should be noted here that the blades 72 of the first and second support reliefs 62B, 64B extend towards each other, in a substantially transverse direction of the seat back 46, from their respective 70 bases.

[0060] As can be seen in [Fig. 10], the blade 72 of the first support reliefs 62B is here devoid of an elastic fitting relief, since the first support reliefs 62B do not extend close to the backrest frame 17. Here only the second support reliefs 64B which are arranged closer to the backrest frame 17 than the first support reliefs, comprise such an elastic fitting relief 74 at a free end.

[0061] Similarly, the end of the blade 72 of the first support reliefs 62B is not curved here, to increase the contact surface of the support relief 66 with the blades 72 of the first and second support reliefs 62B, 64B.

[0062] [Fig. 11] illustrates a third example of a rear trim panel 48C in which the support reliefs 62C, 64C are substantially aligned two by two, in a substantially vertical direction. Thus, the first reliefs 62C are arranged substantially at mid-height of the rear trim panel 48C, for example between one-third and two-thirds of the height of the rear trim panel 48C. The second reliefs 64C are arranged closer to the lower end of the rear trim panel 48C than the first reliefs 62C. For example, the second reliefs 64C are substantially at a quarter of the height of the rear trim panel 48C, from the lower end of the rear trim panel 48C, for example at a height between one-sixth and one-third of the height of the rear trim panel 48C, from the lower end of the rear trim panel 48C.

[0063] As can be seen in [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13], according to the illustrated example, only the second support reliefs 64C are in contact with the support reliefs 68 of the support 45 of the central trim module 40 in the absence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. On the contrary, in the absence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10, a clearance exists between the support reliefs 66 of the support 45 and the first support reliefs 62C. Alternatively, however, a clearance is maintained between the first and second support reliefs 62C, 64C and the support reliefs 66, 68 of the support 45 of the central trim module 40, in the absence of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10. According to yet another alternative, the first and second support reliefs 62C, 64C are in contact with the support reliefs 66, 68 even in the absence of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0064] The first and second support reliefs 62C, 64C of this third example of rear trim panel 48C are substantially identical to the first and second support reliefs 62A, 64A of the first example of rear trim panel 48A.

[0065] Here, however, the blade 72 is devoid of a free end opposite the elastic fitting relief 72. Thus, the end of the blade 72 opposite the relief elastic fitting 74 is integral with the base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48C. A bead 80 here connects the end of the blade 72 to the base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48C. The blades 72 of the first and second reliefs 62C, 64C of this third example of rear trim panel 48C are thus substantially more rigid than the blades 72 of the first and second reliefs 62A, 64A of the first example of rear trim panel 48A.

[0066] It should also be noted that according to the example of [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13], the blades 72 are curved between the base 70 and their end secured to the base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48C, the curvature of the blades 72 being oriented in the direction of the support reliefs 66, 68 of the support 45 of the central trim module 40. The blades 72 retain a main orientation in the direction of the base surface 49 of the rear trim panel 48C, from the base 70.

[0067] Finally, the blades 72 as illustrated in [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 13] are devoid of ribs 76 along their longitudinal edges.

[0068] Thus, the deflection of the support 45 is limited in the central part, by the support provided by the support reliefs 62A-62C, 64A-64C.

[0069] The support 45 can be equipped with different elements each associated with one or more comfort or safety functions for the occupant of the seat 10.

[0070] For example, a fan may be attached to the support 45, on the face 45B of the support 45 opposite the occupant of the vehicle seat 10, and adapted to blow air through an opening 82 made in the support 45. Other safety or comfort devices may be attached to the support 45, such as, for example, one or more exciters or vibrators (from the English "exciters"), one or more inflatable pockets, one or more resistive heating wires, or one or more loudspeakers. Preferably, these devices are attached to the face 45A of the support 45 facing the occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0071] Furthermore, the support 45 may comprise a certain number of reliefs to locally adapt the rigidity of the support 45. For example, slots 84 may be formed to locally increase the flexibility of the support 45. On the contrary, projecting reliefs, in particular ribs, may be formed, in particular on the face 45B of the support 45, opposite the occupant of the vehicle seat 10, to locally increase the rigidity of the support 45.

[0072] Other comfort functions may be associated with the support 45. In particular, one or more loudspeakers and / or one or more vibrating devices (from the English “exciter”) and / or one or more resistive wires for heating the back of the occupant of the vehicle seat 10 may be fixed to the support 45. Preferably, the loudspeaker(s) and / or the vibrating device(s) and / or the resistive wire(s) are arranged between the support 45 and the foam block 46 of the central trim module 40 or at less partially received in the foam block 46 of the central trim module 40

[0073] Preferably, all the elements fixed to the support 45 requiring an electrical power supply and / or control from outside the seat and / or a transfer of information to the outside of the seat are electrically connected to a single connector ensuring the connection with the outside of the vehicle seat 10. Thus, the assembly of the vehicle seat 10 is greatly simplified, which now only requires an electrical connection between the outside of the vehicle seat 10 and the connector to electrically power, control and communicate with the adapted elements of the central trim module 40. The connector is advantageously arranged on the face 45B of the support 45 intended to be opposite the back of the occupant of the seat.

[0074] Furthermore, the supports 41, 43 of the first and second lateral upholstery modules 36, 38 can each be fixed to a respective upright 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17. Each of the supports 41, 43 can be fixed to the associated upright 17b 172 by elastic fitting and / or screwing and / or riveting and / or force-fitting, in particular.

[0075] On each of the supports 41, 43 is fixed the associated foam block 42, 44 of the first or second lateral trim module 36, 38. In particular, each foam block 42, 44 can be overmolded on the respective support 41, 43. Each foam block 42, 44 can alternatively be glued or elastically fitted onto the associated support 41, 43. In the latter case, the foam blocks 42, 44 can comprise plastic inserts.

[0076] An inflatable pocket of a device for adjusting the lateral support of the back of the seat occupant (from the English "bolster") can be fixed on each support 41, 43 of the lateral trim modules 36, 38.

[0077] Each side trim module 36, 38 may further be equipped with one or more massage airbags and / or a side airbag device. Each side trim module 36, 38 may be pre-equipped with the side airbag device, before assembly on the backrest frame 17.

[0078] Again, the side trim modules 36, 38 may include other comfort functions.

[0079] As for the central trim module 40, the elements of each lateral trim module 36, 38 requiring an electrical power supply, a control or a transfer of information are preferably electrically connected to a single connector of each lateral trim module 36, 38. This simplifies the assembly of the backrest 16 of the seat 10.

[0080] The file 16 as it has just been described thus remains particularly simple to assemble.

[0081] It should also be noted that a trim module 36, 38, 40 can easily be changed, without having to change the other trim modules 36, 38, 40, or even without having to dismantle them. It may be interesting, for example, to replace the central trim module 40 with a central trim module 40 accommodating one or more new comfort functions compared to the old central trim module 40. In this case, not dismantling the side trim modules 36, 38 means not touching the safety functions of the vehicle seat 10 which are the two side airbags present in or associated with the side trim modules 36, 38. This limits the risks of failure of these safety systems after the operation of replacing the central trim module 40.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. On the contrary, the invention is susceptible to numerous variants accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0083] Thus, in the example illustrated, each lateral upholstery module 36, 38 comprises a support and a foam block fixed to the support. Alternatively, a lateral upholstery module may be without a support, or even only comprise a foam block. When a lateral upholstery module is without a support as described above, it may comprise rigid inserts, incorporated into the foam block, to facilitate its attachment to the backrest frame. Such inserts may be incorporated by overmolding the corresponding foam block onto these inserts. By “rigid”, it is meant here that the inserts are in particular more rigid than the foam.

[0084] Also, each trim module 36, 38, 40 may comprise a cover covering all or part of the respective foam block 42, 44, 46. The cover may in particular be arranged in the mold used for overmolding the foam block 42, 44, 46 onto the respective support 41, 43, 45. The cover then adheres to the foam block 42, 44, 46. Alternatively, the cover can be fixed to the foam block 42, 44, 46 and / or to the support 41, 43, 45 after the formation of the foam block 42, 44, 46. In other words, the cover can be attached to the foam block 42, 44, 46 and / or to the support 41, 43, 45. The fixing of the cover is then carried out by any means accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0085] According to yet another variant, a single cover is used to cover the three foam blocks 42, 44, 46 of the upholstery modules 36, 38, 40. Here again, in this case, the cover is attached to the foam blocks 42, 44, 46 and / or to the respective supports 41, 43, 45 of the upholstery modules 36, 38, 40, or even to the backrest frame 17 and / or the rear upholstery panel 48A-48C. And here again, the cover is fixed by any means accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0086] Advantageously, each filling module 36, 38, 40 is filled independently of the other two, as described above. Alternatively, however, it is conceivable that a foam block, for example, is common to several filling modules. trim, in particular to all trim modules 36, 38, 40.

[0087] More generally, in the example described above, each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 is fixed to the backrest frame 17 independently of the other upholstery modules 36, 38, 40. In other words, fixing means are implemented only between the backrest frame 17, on the one hand, and each of the upholstery modules 36, 38, 40, on the other hand. Alternatively, however, each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 is adapted to be fixed to the seat frame 17 independently of the other upholstery modules 36, 38, 40, although there are fixing means implemented between at least two upholstery modules 36, 38, 40, in particular between the central upholstery module 40 and one or both of the lateral upholstery modules 36, 38, each upholstery module 36, 38, 40 comprising fixing means capable of ensuring the fixing of the upholstery module 36, 38, 40 in question to the backrest frame 17, independently of the other upholstery modules 36, 38, 40.

[0088] Finally, the vehicle seat back upholstery may not be modular.

Claims

Claims

1. A backrest (16) of a vehicle seat (10) comprising: - a backrest frame (17); - a backrest trim (36, 38, 40) comprising a trim support (45), the trim support (45) being fixed to the backrest frame (17); and - a trim rear panel (48A-48C), the trim rear panel (48A-48C) being rigidly fixed to the backrest frame (17);wherein the rear trim panel (48A-48C) forms at least one support relief (62A-62C, 64A-64C) intended to bear against the trim support (45), at least when an occupant is resting on the backrest (16), the at least one support relief (62A-62C, 64A-64C) preferably bearing against the trim support (45), at least a portion of the at least one support relief (62A-62C, 64A-64C) being, more preferably, adapted to deform elastically under the effect of a bearing of the trim support (45) to ensure the function of suspending the trim support (45).;

2. A vehicle seat back according to claim 1, wherein the rear trim panel (48A-48C) comprises at least two support reliefs (62A-62C; 64A-64C) arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a median plane of the rear trim panel (48A-48C).

3. A vehicle seat backrest according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear trim panel (48A-48C) comprises at least one first support relief (62A; 62C), preferably at least two first support reliefs (62A; 62C), and at least one second support relief (64A; 64C), preferably at least two second support reliefs (64A; 64C), the first and second support reliefs (62A; 62C; 64A; 64C) being offset along a longitudinal direction of the rear trim panel (48A-48C).

4. Vehicle seat back according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear trim panel (48B) comprises at least one first support relief (62B), preferably at least two first support reliefs (62B), and at least one second support relief (64B), preferably at least two second support reliefs (64B), each first support relief (62B) being arranged substantially opposite each other, in a transverse direction of the rear trim panel (48B), of a second support relief (64B).

5. A vehicle seat backrest according to any preceding claim, wherein each support relief (62A-62C; 64A-64C) comprises, preferably consists of, a base (70) and a blade (72) extending from the base (70), the base (70) maintaining at least a portion of the blade (72) at a distance from a base surface (49) of the rear trim panel (48A-48C), the blade (72) preferably being elastically deformable, in particular when the trim support (45) is supported.

6. Vehicle seat backrest according to claim 5, in which the blade (72) comprises, at a first free end, a relief (74) for elastic fitting of the rear trim panel (48A-48C) on an upright (17b 172) of the backrest frame (17), each elastic fitting relief (74) preferably having a notch pressed into abutment against an upright (17b 172) of the backrest frame (17), in the event of pressure by an occupant of the vehicle seat (10) on the trim support (45).

7. A vehicle seat backrest according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the blade (72) is fixed, at one end, to a base surface (49) of the rear trim panel (48C), the blade (72) preferably being curved between the base (70) and said one end, the curvature of the blade (72) being oriented towards the trim support (45).

8. Vehicle seat backrest according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the trim support (45) has, on its face (45B) facing the rear trim panel (48A-48C) at least one support relief (66, 68) adapted to cooperate with at least one support relief (62A-62C; 64A-64C), the trim support (45) preferably having at least one support relief (66, 68) adapted to cooperate with each support relief (62A-62C; 64A-64C).

9. Vehicle seat backrest according to claim 8 in combination with claim 5 or 6, wherein the blade (72) is, at a second free end, curved in a substantially complementary manner to a free end of the at least one support relief (66, 68) of the trim support (45) intended to cooperate with the blade (72).

10. Vehicle seat backrest according to one of claims 5, 6 and 9 in combination with claims 4 and 8, wherein the blade (72) of the at least one first support relief (62B) is intended to be sandwiched, preferably is sandwiched, between the blade (72) of the at least one first support relief (62B) and the blade (72) of the at least one first support relief (62B). at least one second support relief (64B) and the at least one support relief (66) of the lining support (45).

11. Motor vehicle seat (10) comprising a seat (14) with a seat frame (15) and a vehicle seat backrest (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, the backrest frame (17) being fixed to the seat frame (15), preferably so as to be able to pivot about a transverse axis.

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