Tilting seat frame

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat frame (2) comprising: - a backrest frame (10), - a seat frame (20), and - means (30) for assembling the backrest frame onto the seat frame, which include, on each side of the seat frame, two fastening systems (32, 33), at least one of the fastening systems comprising a pin threaded through two openings and two stops to prevent the pin from coming out of the openings. According to the invention, a controlled actuator is provided to deactivate the first fastening system to allow the backrest frame to move relative to the seat frame. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: Tilting seat frame Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of seating.

[0002] It relates more specifically to a seat frame comprising: - a backrest frame, - a seat frame, and - means of assembling the backrest frame with the seat frame, which include, on each side of the seat frame, two fastening systems such as bolts.

[0003] The invention also relates to a seat comprising such a frame, and a vehicle equipped with such a seat. State of the art

[0004] Currently, driver's seats installed in motor vehicles allow drivers to adjust their driving positions. Passenger seats in these vehicles can also be equipped with means allowing passengers to adjust their positions.

[0005] These seats are of two types, namely manually operated and electrically operated.

[0006] Typically, a seat is known comprising a seat frame and a backrest frame articulated to each other by means of two "gussets" located on either side of the seat. Each gusset is in the form of a metal piece that is fixed to the seat frame and has an opening allowing the backrest to be articulated so that it can tilt forward or backward.

[0007] These armatures are designed so as not to deform excessively in the event of an accident.

[0008] However, it sometimes happens that during a collision, the vehicle chassis or the seat frame deforms despite everything and that it is difficult to extricate the occupants of the vehicle.

[0009] In this eventuality, the solution currently employed consists of cutting the vehicle's uprights in order to remove the roof so as to be able to access the victims more easily.

[0010] Unfortunately, this solution requires the use of powerful cutting pliers, which emergency services must be equipped with. Even if they had them, this operation is time-consuming, which can have serious consequences for the victims. Presentation of the invention

[0011] It is in this context that the applicant sought new solutions to facilitate the extrication of the victims.

[0012] One idea is to tilt the backrest horizontally so that they can be extracted through the luggage compartment.

[0013] For this purpose, the aforementioned tilting mobility of the backrest relative to the seat could be used.

[0014] But whether the seat is manually or electrically operated, it sometimes happens that the tilting mobility of the backrest is blocked due to deformation of the seat frame or the vehicle chassis or even an electrical power cut.

[0015] This solution is therefore not satisfactory.

[0016] The present invention then proposes to allow the tilting of the backrest using means distinct from this articulation.

[0017] More particularly, the invention proposes a seat frame as defined in the introduction, in which at least one of the fastening systems (belonging to the means for assembling the backrest frame onto the seat frame) comprises, in an activated state: - an axis that passes through two openings provided in the walls of the backrest and / or seat frames, - two stops supporting the said walls on either side to prevent the axle from coming out of the openings, and - a controlled actuator adapted to deactivate the first fixing system to free up mobility of the backrest frame relative to the seat frame.

[0018] Thus, when the piloted actuator is activated, it causes the deformation or breakage of the shaft or one of the stops, so that the first fastening system is deactivated.

[0019] Preferably, gussets are provided on either side of the seat, which are fixed to the seat frame (or backrest frame, respectively) and which form a hinge for the backrest frame (or seat frame, respectively). The invention then proposes to use the means for fixing these gussets to the seat frame (or backrest frame, respectively) in order to allow, in case of emergency, the seat back to be tilted backward.

[0020] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to unlock some of the gusset attachment points on the seat (or backrest) frame so as to allow the backrest to tilt backward. It is understood that if the gusset is fixed to the rest of the seat frame by two bolts, breaking the axis of the front bolt then allows the axis of the rear bolt to be used as a hinge to tilt the gusset and, consequently, the backrest.

[0021] The ability to allow this tilting without having to completely remove the axles used facilitates the extrication of victims. Indeed, if it It would have been necessary to completely remove the axles, and there would have to be a lot of space on either side of the seat, which is not necessarily the case, especially when the vehicle chassis has deformed.

[0022] Other advantageous and non-limiting features of the seat frame according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows: - said controlled actuator is adapted to break said shaft; - said controlled actuator is of electromechanical or pyrotechnic type, or even hydraulic or pneumatic; - said axis has a fusible zone of less resistance to tension and / or torsion; - said controlled actuator is adapted to break said shaft at said fuse zone; - said axis has an annular groove which delimits said fusible zone; - in the activated state, said fusible zone is centered in a support plane of the two walls; - one of the stops forms a screw with the axle, and the other of the stops forms a bolt screwed onto said screw; - said controlled actuator is adapted to be controlled by an electrical signal; - said piloted actuator has a ring shape engaged on said axis, between one of the stops and one of the walls; - the other fixing system is adapted to form a hinge to allow, when the first fixing system is deactivated, the tilting of the backrest frame relative to the seat frame; - the assembly means include a gusset which is fixed to a component of the seat frame (or, respectively, of the backrest frame) by said fixing systems and which is articulated on the backrest frame (or, respectively, on the seat frame) to pivot around a geometric axis distinct from a geometric axis of rotation of said hinge.

[0023] Preferably, said controlled actuator is non-pyrotechnic. Indeed, the explosion of a pyrotechnic component in a vehicle can be surprising or even dangerous for the occupants.

[0024] The invention also relates to a seat comprising a frame such as the one mentioned above, the seat frame and the backrest frame of which are covered with upholstery.

[0025] It also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with such a seat.

[0026] Of course, the various features, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The following description with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0028] On the attached drawings:

[0029] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a motor vehicle seat in accordance with the invention;

[0030] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of part of the means for assembling the reinforcements seat and backrest of the seat frame of the [Fig.l];

[0031] [Fig.3] illustrates three schematic cross-sectional views, along plane AA of [Fig.2], of a fastening system in the deactivated state, in the activation-being state, and in the activated state;

[0032] [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of the seat frame of the [Fig.1], after activation of the fastening system.

[0033] A motor vehicle (car, bus, truck, boat, airplane...) generally comprises a chassis and bodywork elements that define a passenger compartment.

[0034] In [Fig.1], a seat 1 is shown, intended to be installed in the passenger compartment of such a motor vehicle and to be fixed to the floor of that motor vehicle.

[0035] In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used in relation to the motor vehicle, the front part of an element designating the part of that element which is located on the side of the hood of the vehicle and the rear part designating the part of that element which is located on the opposite side.

[0036] The terms "lower" (or "bottom") and "upper" (or "top") shall be used in the same way, the lower part of an element designating the part of that element which is located on the floor side of the vehicle and the upper part designating the part of that element which is located on the roof side of the vehicle.

[0037] The adjective "longitudinal" shall apply to a direction or axis oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, parallel to the direction of travel of the vehicle when the steering wheel is in the neutral position.

[0038] The adjective "transverse" shall apply to a direction or axis oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal and horizontal axes when the vehicle is traveling on a horizontal road.

[0039] The adjectives "internal" and "external" will be used in relation to seat 1, an external face being for example turned towards the outside of the seat when an internal face is turned towards the geometric center of the seat.

[0040] As shown in [Fig. 1], the seat 1 conventionally comprises a seat 20A, a backrest 10A, and a headrest 30A, each consisting of a frame and upholstery attached to the frame. It should be noted that the frame of the backrest and that of the headrest could be considered the same.

[0041] As shown in [Fig.4], the frame 2 of the seat is therefore composed of at least a seat frame 20 and a backrest frame 10. Each of these frames is for example formed of metal pieces fixed together.

[0042] Here, the backrest frame 10 and the seat frame 20 will be considered to each have two metal side panels 11, 21, rigidly connected together by metal connecting elements (not visible). The two side panels 11, 21 of each frame extend in parallel vertical planes. Of course, alternatively, these frames could be in a different form, for example, in the form of plastic shells.

[0043] The seat frame 20 could be rigidly fixed to the vehicle floor, but it is generally intended to be mounted flexibly in translation on the floor. As shown in [Fig. 1], it is mounted for this purpose on two longitudinal slides 40A, each formed of a movable rail fixed to the seat frame 20, and a fixed rail fixed to the floor in which the movable rail slides.

[0044] The backrest frame 10 could, for its part, be rigidly fixed to the seat frame 20 so that the inclination of the backrest is not adjustable, but it is generally intended to be mounted mobilizably by tilting on the seat frame around a transverse geometric axis, hereinafter referred to as the pivot axis A2.

[0045] Figure 2 shows in detail the area ensuring the connection between the lateral sides 11, 21 of these two frames. It should be noted here that the connection is ensured in the same way on both sides of the seat, so that in the following, only one of them, shown in Figures 2 and 3, will be described here.

[0046] Here, this connection is ensured by assembly means 30 which include first of all a metal wall called gusset 31, which here is produced by a stamping operation of a sheet metal piece.

[0047] This gusset 31 is designed to connect one of the side sides 11 of the backrest frame 10 to one of the side sides 21 of the seat frame 20.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the gusset 31 is fixed to the side sides 21 of the seat frame 20 (it is therefore considered as part of this seat frame), and the backrest frame 10 is hinged on it around the pivot axis A2.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the gusset 31 is placed on the inside of the side sides 21 of the seat frame 20, but alternatively, it could be placed on the outside.

[0050] This gusset 31 has an overall triangular shape with rounded vertices, and it has three openings located near its vertices, the first two of which are lower than the third.

[0051] The first two openings 310 ([Fig.3]) preferably have circular shapes. They are located opposite two corresponding openings in the lateral side 21 of the base frame 20. These openings here have similar dimensions.

[0052] The third opening ([Fig.2]), the one located at the top of the gusset 31, is designed to allow the backrest 10A to tilt around the pivot axis A2. For this purpose, it accommodates, for example, a hinge pin mounted on the backrest frame 10. This assembly being well known to those skilled in the art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0053] The means for assembling the backrest frame 10 onto the seat frame 20 further comprise two fastening systems 32, 33 engaged respectively through the first two openings of the gusset (and the corresponding openings of the side panel 21) in order to rigidly fix the gusset 31 to the side panel 21.

[0054] In this configuration, these two fastening systems 32, 33 are in the "activated state".

[0055] These two fastening systems 32, 33 are designed so that, if necessary, at least one of them can fail (it is then said to be in the "deactivated state"). Here, it will be assumed that only one of these two fastening systems 32, 33 can fail, the other forming a hinge so that the gusset and the backrest can pivot backward, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, both fastening systems 32, 33 can be designed to fail.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the fastening system 32 which is intended to give way is the one which is engaged through the front opening of the gusset 31, while the fastening system 33 which is intended to allow the backrest to tilt relative to the seat is the one located furthest back.

[0057] The front fastening system 32 is the one which is more precisely the subject of the present invention.

[0058] This fixing system includes an axle equipped with two stops which are mounted on this axle, on either side of the gusset 31 and the lateral side 21 of the seat frame 20.

[0059] More specifically, as shown in [Fig. 3], this fastening system 32 is in the form of a bolt comprising a so-called safety screw 320 and a bolt 329 (forming one of said stops). The safety screw 320 has a head 321 (forming the other of said stops), a threaded body 322 (forming said axis), and a shear zone 323 located between the head 321 and the threaded body 322. It may also have a free, unthreaded end located in line with the threaded body 322.

[0060] The safety screw 320 is engaged through one of the first openings 310 of the gusset 31 and the corresponding opening 210 of the lateral side 21 of the seat frame 20. It is extended along a geometric axis passing through the centers of the aforementioned openings, hereinafter referred to as the safety geometric axis AL

[0061] It is oriented here so that its head 321 is located on the outside of the seat 1, so as to be easily accessible. This head 321 then rests against the outside face exterior of the lateral side 21 of the seat frame 20 while the nut 329 rests indirectly against the inner face of the gusset 31.

[0062] This bolt allows the gusset 31 to be held in support against the lateral side 21 of the seat reinforcement 20.

[0063] The head 321 has a hexagonal apex, so that the screw can be operated radially from the vehicle's luggage compartment using a wrench. This apex is surrounded by a circular collar that bears against the lateral side 21.

[0064] The fusible zone 323 is then located between this collar and the threaded body 322. In practice, the security screw 320 has an annular groove of revolution around the security axis Al, which therefore forms a reduction in section and thus a fusible zone.

[0065] This groove extends inward relative to the threaded body 322. It has an invariable profile all around the safety axis Al, but alternatively, it could be otherwise. Typically, it could be formed by a plurality of radial holes distributed all around this axis.

[0066] In any case, the fusible zone 323 makes it possible to locally reduce significantly the torsional and tensile resistance of the security screw 320.

[0067] Thus, the failure of the safety screw 320 when it is subjected to increasingly intense stresses always occurs in this fusible zone.

[0068] The groove is positioned along the safety screw 320 so that, once the nut is tightened on the screw, the bottom of the groove is in the bearing plane of the gusset against the lateral side 21 of the seat frame 20. Thus, when the stresses applied to the safety screw 320 exceed the resistance limits of this screw, the screw will break along this plane and it will then be possible to slide the gusset 31 against the lateral side 21 (without removing the pieces of the screw) to allow the backrest to tilt backwards, into the position illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0069] Here, the threaded body 322 of the security screw 320 has a standardized diameter, for example to the M10 standard.

[0070] The nut 29 used also has a standardized dimension, here M10. It may be a locking nut. Alternatively, an adhesive such as a threadlocker could be used on the screw thread to prevent the nut from loosening.

[0071] According to the invention, this fastening system 32 is also equipped with an electrically controlled system which, when activated, causes the safety screw 320 to break. Here, this system is designed to apply tensile stresses on the fastening screw 320 such that the latter gives way at its fusible zone 323.

[0072] This system could be pyrotechnic. Typically, one could use explosive screws such as those used on fighter jets to separate the canopy from the rest of the fuselage in case of pilot ejection.

[0073] However, this system will preferably be formed by an electromechanical actuator 328, so that its activation is less destructive and less distressing for the vehicle's passengers.

[0074] This electromechanical actuator 328 preferably takes the form of a ring threaded onto the threaded body 322 of the safety screw 320, between the head 321 and the nut 329. Here, it is interposed more precisely between the nut 329 and the gusset 31. Alternatively, it could be placed between the head 321 and the side flank 21, but the fusible zone 323 would have to be moved accordingly.

[0075] This electromechanical actuator 328 comprises a shape memory material which is compressed at the factory and which, when it receives an electric current, returns to its initial shape by elongating.

[0076] For example, the company EBAD markets such an actuator under the reference TiNi™ Frangibolt®.

[0077] This actuator is therefore equipped with an electrical wire enabling its activation. This electrical wire joins or is connected to another electrical wire which itself powers another electromechanical actuator located on the safety screw placed on the other side of the seat 1. Preferably, these electrical wires are electrically connected to an electrical plug located under the seat cover (invisibly), so that an operator can, if necessary, connect a portable battery to it in order to cause the safety screws to break.

[0078] As shown in [Fig.2], the other fastening system 33, the one engaged through the rear opening of the gusset 321, is here in the form of a bolt.

[0079] The tightening torque used will preferably be such that, when the gusset 31 is fixed to the seat frame 20 by this single bolt (on each side of the seat), it is possible to manually force the backrest to tilt backwards around the geometric axis of this bolt, hereinafter referred to as the hinge axis A3. Thus this bolt can act as a hinge.

[0080] It could be a conventional bolt (without a shear zone), in the M8 or M10 standard.

[0081] However, preferably, it will be a bolt identical to that of the The 32-part fixing system (with a fusible link and an electromechanical actuator connected to the plug) will not only reduce the number of part numbers required for seat assembly, but also allow the backrest to be completely separated from the seat if necessary by breaking the four gusset fixing screws.

[0082] We can now describe how, in the event of an accident, the emergency services can operate if they wish to extract the occupant from the vehicle by passing him through the luggage compartment.

[0083] The first operation will consist of possibly removing rear seats from the vehicle which would obstruct access to seat 1 where the victim is located.

[0084] Next, it will be possible to break the safety screws 320 located on both sides of the seat 1 by applying an electrical voltage to the terminals of the electromechanical actuators 328. For this purpose, emergency services can use an external power supply. This voltage causes the actuators to elongate, and the safety screws 320 break in just a few seconds.

[0085] The breakage of the safety screws 320 occurring in the bearing plane of the gussets 31 against the lateral sides 21 of the seat frame 20, the screw fragments will not prevent an individual from forcing the backrest 10A to tilt around the hinge axis A3, without a tool.

[0086] It should be noted that the mobility of the backrest around the pivot axis A2 allows the backrest to tilt backward, but this mobility, on the one hand, could be unavailable due to damage to the vehicle during the accident, and on the other hand, is not designed to allow the backrest to tilt over a sufficient distance to a horizontal position. Furthermore, the position of the hinge axis A3, below the pivot axis A2, ensures that the backrest tilts into a position more suitable for extracting victims.

[0087] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment shown, but a person skilled in the art will be able to make any variation in accordance with the invention.

[0088] Typically, the bolt engaged in the rear opening of the gusset (along the hinge axis) could be replaced by a shouldered axis equipped with a circlip, such an axis forming a perfect hinge.

[0089] Similarly, the bolt engaged in the front opening of the gusset (the one that carries the electromechanical actuator) could be replaced by a shouldered shaft equipped with a circlip or a pin. In this embodiment, the circlip or pin must be designed not to fail before the shear zone of the fixing screw breaks under the stress exerted by the electromechanical actuator. Alternatively, the safety screw could be designed not to have a shear zone, and therefore the circlip or pin would be designed to fail. However, this embodiment is not preferred since it would require the safety screws to be removed afterward to tilt the seat back.

[0090] In another variant, the openings provided in the gusset or the side of the base frame could have different shapes from those illustrated in the figures (typically octagonal).

[0091] In one embodiment, the gusset could be located on the outer side of the lateral side of the seat frame. The safety screw could then optionally be oriented head-to-tail with respect to the illustrated embodiment, with its head oriented towards the inside of the seat.

[0092] In another embodiment, the gusset could belong not to the seat frame but to that of the backrest. In this embodiment, the two fastening systems (32, 33) would therefore allow the gusset to be fixed to the corresponding lateral side of the backrest.

[0093] In another embodiment, the actuator could be in a different form. Typically, it could be a piezoelectric actuator. The use of a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator could even be considered, but an electrical control is preferred as it is simpler to implement in the event of an accident.

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuator is threaded onto the threaded body of the screw, but it could be otherwise. Typically, the actuator could be placed on the side of the screw head and include an arm adapted to break the screw by exerting a radial force on its head.

Claims

Claims

1. Seat frame (2) comprising: - a backrest frame (10), - a seat frame (20), and - means (30) for assembling the backrest frame (10) on the seat frame (20), which comprise, on each side of the seat frame, two fixing systems (32, 33), at least a first of the fixing systems (32) comprising, in an activated state, on the one hand, an axis (322) which passes through two openings (210, 310) provided in walls (21, 31) of the backrest (10) and / or seat (20) frames, and, on the other hand, two stops (321, 329) bearing on either side of said walls (21, 31) to prevent the axis (322) from coming out of the openings (210, 310), characterized in that a controlled actuator (328) is provided, adapted to deactivate the first fixing system (32) to release mobility of the backrest frame (20) relative to the seat frame (10).

2. Seat frame (2) according to claim 1, wherein said piloted actuator (328) is of the electromechanical type and is adapted to break said axis (322).

3. Seat frame (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in which said axis (322) has a fusible zone (323) of less resistance to traction and / or torsion, and in which said piloted actuator (328) is adapted to break said axis (322) at the level of said fusible zone (323).

4. Seat frame (2) according to claim 3, in which said axis (322) has an annular groove which delimits said fusible zone (323).

5. Seat frame (2) according to claim 3 or 4, in which, in the activated state, said fusible zone (323) is centered in a support plane of the two walls (21, 31).

6. Seat frame (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which one of the stops (321) forms with the axis (322) a screw (320), and the other of the stops (329) forms a bolt screwed onto said screw (320).

7. Seat frame (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which said piloted actuator (328) has the shape of a ring engaged on said axis (322), between one of the stops (329) and one of the walls (21, 31).

8. Seat frame (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the other fixing system (33) is adapted to form a hinge for allow, when the first fixing system (32) is deactivated, the tilting of the backrest frame (10) relative to the seat frame (20).

9. Seat frame (2) according to claim 8, wherein the assembly means (30) comprise a gusset (31) which is fixed to a component of the seat frame (20) or, respectively, of the backrest frame (10) by said fixing systems (32, 33) and which is articulated on the backrest frame (10) or, respectively, on the seat frame (20) to tilt around a geometric axis (A2) distinct from a geometric axis (Al) of rotation of said hinge.

10. Seat frame (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which said piloted actuator (328) is non-pyrotechnic.

11. Seat (1) comprising a frame (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, the seat frame (20) and the backrest frame (10) of which are covered with a lining.

Images