Vehicle seat back

Abstract

A backrest (16) of a vehicle seat (10) comprises a backrest frame (17) and a trim. The trim comprises a plurality of first trim modules (36, 38; 361, 362, 38) superimposed in a vertical direction. Each first trim module (36, 38) is fixed to the backrest frame (17). Abstract figure: [Fig. 7]

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat 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 padding, in particular foam. The whole is then covered with a cover.

[0003] The seat backrest can integrate numerous comfort and / or safety functions. To do this, it is known to fix a 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 padding. A cover then covers the assembly.

[0004] Thus, depending on the number and complexity of the functions to be integrated into the back of a seat, the assembly of a back can be very different on an assembly line.

[0005] Also known, in particular from application EP-A-4 011 695 in the name of the Applicant, is a vehicle seat back comprising a back frame, at least one central trim module and two lateral trim modules each arranged on a respective side of the central trim module. Each of the at least three trim modules can be fixed to the back frame independently of the other two trim modules.

[0006] A backrest as described in application EP-A-4 011 695 can be easily and quickly assembled. Such a backrest can also be easily adapted to different configurations, including different safety and / or comfort functions.

[0007] However, the configuration of the backrest described in application EP-A-4 011 695 appears more particularly suited to a seat backrest design comprising a central medallion, extending over substantially the entire height of the backrest, and two lateral bolsters for supporting the occupant. The backrest described in application EP-A-4 011 695, on the other hand, appears less well suited to different designs of the vehicle seat backrest.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a modular seat backrest more suited to a design different from that of the file of application EP-A-4 011 695. Summary

[0009] To this end, a vehicle seat back is described comprising a back frame and a trim, the trim comprising, preferably consisting of, a plurality of first trim modules superimposed in a vertical direction, each first trim module being fixed to the back frame, preferably independently of the other trim modules.

[0010] According to preferred embodiments, the seat back comprises one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - the vehicle seat backrest has only two or three first upholstery modules; - the trim further comprises at least two second, lateral trim modules, at least one first trim module extending wholly or partly between the two second trim modules; - each second trim module comprises a support and a mattress secured to the support, the supports of two second trim modules being secured together by means of crosspieces; - the set of two second modules, the supports of which are fixed together by means of crosspieces, is fixed to the backrest frame independently of the first upholstery modules, in particular by elastic fitting; - a first trim module forms a headrest; - a first trim module is fixed to an upper crosspiece of the backrest frame, by means of headrest frame rod receiving sockets, passing through said first trim module; - said first trim module defines the surface of the backrest in the vicinity of the upper end of the vehicle seatback; - another first trim module forms a first relief complementary to a second relief of said one first trim module to assemble together said one first trim module and said other first trim module together by receiving the first relief in the second relief or vice versa; and - at least one first upholstery module consists of padding fixed to a support, the support taking the form of a plate or a plurality of spring wires fixed to the backrest frame, the spring wires preferably extending mainly in a transverse direction between two uprights of the backrest frame. 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 a first example of a seat back that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig. 1].

[0014] [Fig.3] schematically represents in perspective the two modules implemented in the file of [Fig.2].

[0015] [Fig.4] schematically represents a perspective view of one of the modules of [Fig.3],

[0016] [Fig.5] schematically represents a sectional view of the two modules of [Fig.3]

[0017] [Fig.6] schematically represents a sectional view of the module of [Fig.4] fixed on the frame of the backrest of [Fig.2].

[0018] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.3] of a second example of a backrest upholstery that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0019] [Fig.8] schematically represents a sectional view of the three modules of [Fig.7].

[0020] [Fig.9] schematically represents in perspective the second example of a vehicle seat backrest that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0021] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in perspective a third example of a vehicle seat backrest which can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0022] [Fig. 11] schematically represents a fourth example of a vehicle seat backrest that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0023] [Fig. 12] schematically represents a fifth example of a vehicle seat backrest that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0024] [Fig. 13] schematically represents a subassembly of the fifth example of seat back of [Fig. 12].

[0025] [Fig. 14] schematically represents a sixth example of a vehicle seat backrest that can be implemented in the vehicle seat of [Fig.l]. Description of the embodiments

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] [Fig.l] schematically represents a motor vehicle seat 10 mounted on a sliding mechanism 12.

[0030] 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 pivotable about an axis 18 transverse to the seat frame 15. To do this, a hinge mechanism 20 is arranged between the seat frame 15 and the backrest frame 17.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Alternatively, the movement of the movable profiles 22 relative to the fixed profiles 28 is controlled by means of an actuator.

[0034] According to the illustrated example, the seat 10 may also comprise a headrest 34, with a headrest frame, which may include in particular rods fixed to the backrest frame 17.

[0035] In the following, the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10 is described in more detail.

[0036] As can be seen in [Fig.2] in particular, the backrest trim 16, in particular of the front face of the backrest 16 intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat 10, as illustrated, essentially comprises - here consists of - a first trim module 36, lower, and a second trim module 38, upper. The first trim module 36 here defines the lower end of the backrest 16. The first trim module 36 forms lateral pads 40 (from the English "bolster") projecting towards an occupant of the vehicle seat 10, relative to the central portion 42 of the first module 36, forming a medallion of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10 intended to be in contact with the central part of the back of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. The second trim module 38 forms the upper end of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10. The second trim module 38 extends mainly in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat 10.The second trim module 38 here forms the portion 44 of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10 intended to support the shoulders of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10. As can be seen in [Fig.2], the second trim module 38 may be less wide, in the transverse direction Y, than the first trim module 36.

[0037] The first upholstery module 36 here consists of padding 46, suspensions 48, here in the form of suspension wires 48, fixed to the padding 46, in particular in the padding or on a face of the padding 46 facing away from an occupant of the vehicle seat 10, a cover 50 and, here, a curtain 52 fixed to the cover 50, the curtain 52 being intended to cover at least part of the rear face of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10, facing away from an occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0038] Here, the padding 46 forms in particular a rim 54 at its upper end, forming three consecutive faces 54x, 542, 543 of a rectangle or a trapezoid. Alternatively, the rim 54 can be produced by a part added to the padding 46 or overmolded by the padding 46.

[0039] Furthermore, the padding 46 forms, seen in section along a plane (XZ) as in [Fig. 5], a central housing 56 in which the spring wires 48 extend. The spring wires 48 are for example each made of a wire, in particular metallic, extending in a serpentine fashion or forming crenellations, between two ends in the form of hooks, fixed to the padding 46. The spring wires 48 can be fixed to the padding 46 over substantially their entire length. In particular, the wires 48 can be overmolded by the padding 46 or attached to the padding 46. The hooks can be fixed to respective uprights of the backrest frame 17.

[0040] The padding 46 also forms a comma 58 at its lower end, intended to be in contact with a low (or lower) crosspiece of the backrest frame 17, so that the padding 46 is intended to extend equally, at least partially, on the rear face of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0041] Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 6], the padding 46 forms two lateral housings 60, substantially cylindrical, delimited by flaps 62 of the padding 46 extending opposite the pads 40. The two lateral housings 60 are each intended to receive an upright 17i, 172 of the frame 17 of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10. The flaps 62 are intended to be folded down in contact with a rear face of the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17, or even to be fixed on this rear face of the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17.

[0042] The second trim module 38 here consists of padding 64 with a “U” cross-section, in a plane (XZ) as in [Fig. 5]. The padding 64 is for example a block of foam. The padding 64 of the second trim module 38 thus defines a housing 66 of a shape complementary to the edge 54 of the padding 46 of the first trim module 36. Thus, the second trim module 38 can be assembled on the first trim module 36 to form the padding of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0043] The backrest 16 can in particular be produced by implementing the following steps.

[0044] First of all, a backrest frame 17 is provided, in particular in the form of a frame with a lower crosspiece, an upper crosspiece and two uprights 17i, 172 connecting the lower and upper crosspieces. The backrest frame 17 can already be assembled with the seat frame 15 of the vehicle seat 10, the seat 14 possibly already having received its upholstery.

[0045] The first trim module 36 is then provided as previously described.

[0046] We pass the comma 58 and a part of the cover 50 - intended to extend over the face back of backrest 16 - under the lower crossbar of the backrest frame 17.

[0047] The lateral housings 60 are then opened by pivoting the flaps 62 so as to insert the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17. It should be noted here that the flaps 62 are particularly flexible, due to the particular shape of the padding 46 of the first upholstery module 36.

[0048] The suspensions 48 are then fixed to the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17. In particular, this step may consist of fixing the hooks to the ends of the spring wires 48, in corresponding holes in the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17.

[0049] Then the flaps 62 are pivoted again until they are in contact with the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17. The side housings 60 are thus closed.

[0050] The second trim module 38 can then be placed on the first trim module 36, the rim 54 being received, preferably clamped, in the housing 66 delimited by the padding 64 of the second trim module 38. This placement of the second trim module 38 on the first trim module 36 reinforces the attachment of the latter to the backrest frame 17.

[0051] Finally, at least one headrest frame rod or, here, a socket 68 for receiving such a rod, is placed on the backrest frame 17. This rod or this socket 68 makes it possible to hold the second trim module 38 in position on the backrest frame 17.

[0052] The attachment of the first upholstery module 36 to the backrest frame 17 can be further reinforced by attaching the curtain 52 to the rear face of the backrest 16. For example, the curtain 52 is attached to the cover 50, in particular by means of a zipper (or zip or zip fastener). Attaching the curtain 52 to the cover 50 can stretch the cover 50, thus pressing the mattress 46 of the first upholstery module 36 against the backrest frame 17.

[0053] [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] illustrate a second example of upholstery of the front face of a backrest 16 of a vehicle seat 10. This second example differs from the first example in that the first upholstery module 36 of the first example is here replaced by a modular assembly 70 of two modules 36i, 362. Each module 36i, 362 comprises padding independent of the other module 362, 36i. Each module 36i, 362 may also comprise a cover 50i, 502 independent of the cover 502, 50i of the other module 362, 36i. Alternatively, the modules 36i, 362 may share the same cover 50.The upper module 36i of the modular assembly 70 is thus even more flexible and, by the same token, even easier to put in place on the backrest frame 17 by inserting the uprights 17i, 172 of the backrest frame into lateral housing sections, intended to be arranged opposite lateral housing sections 602 in the lower module 362 of the modular assembly 70 to form the lateral housings 60 similar to those of the first example of backrest 16.

[0054] In this case, the housings 60 are divided into two portions, a portion in the padding 46i of the first module 36i, in particular in the pads 40i of the padding 46i of the first module 36i, and a portion 602 in the padding 462 of the second module 362, in particular in the pads 402 of the padding 462 of the second module 362.

[0055] [Fig. 10] illustrates a third example of a backrest 16 in which the two modules 36, 38 are substantially of the same length, measured in a substantially vertical direction, and are of the same width, measured along the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat 10. Here, each side pad 40 is formed by a first part 40a produced by the first trim module 36 and a second part 40b produced by the second trim module 38.

[0056] [Fig. 11] illustrates a fourth example of a folder 16 in which the second trim module 38 also forms the headrest 34 of the vehicle seat 10. Furthermore, here, the first module 36 forms a central recess, at its upper end, receiving a portion of the second trim module 38 intended to be in contact with the upper back of an occupant of the vehicle seat 10.

[0057] [Fig. 12] illustrates a fifth example of backrest upholstery 16 comprising, in addition to the first and second upholstery modules 36, 38, here arranged in the center of the backrest 16, two lateral modules 72, 74. Here, each of the modules 36, 38, 72, 74 may comprise a support distinct from the support of the other modules and padding fixed to the support, distinct from the padding of the other modules. The lateral modules 72, 74 may then form the pads 40, while the first upholstery module 36 forms the medallion 42.

[0058] As illustrated in [Fig. 13], the supports of the two side modules 72, 74 can be fixed together, in particular by means of crosspieces 76, 78 thus forming a single modular assembly. The supports of the side modules 72, 74 and / or the crosspieces 76, 78 can be fixed to the backrest frame 17, in particular by elastic fitting (or clipping).

[0059] Finally, [Fig. 14] represents a sixth example of a backrest trim 16 of a vehicle seat 10. In this example, the second trim module 38 may be substantially more complex than in the first example, comprising a support and one or more members or devices providing a comfort and / or safety function for the vehicle seat 10. Preferably, none of the other trim modules 38, 72, 74 comprises such a member or device providing a comfort and / or safety function for the vehicle seat 10.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Thus, as mentioned, each trim module 36, 38, 38i, 382, ​​72, 74, described previously can be replaced by a modular trim assembly consisting of several trim modules, each trim module comprises at least one specific padding, distinct from the padding of the other modules.

[0062] Each modular upholstery assembly may comprise a respective cover, covering the padding of all the upholstery modules forming a considered modular upholstery assembly. Alternatively, each upholstery module has a respective cover. According to yet another alternative, a single cover is implemented to cover all of the padding present on the front face of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10, or even the entire backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0063] In the examples described, the trim modules 36, 38, 38i, 382, ​​72, 74, are fixed on a rigid, non-deformable backrest frame 17. Alternatively, however, the backrest frame 17 may comprise a part movable relative to a base part, in particular a frame of a high backrest support device, movable relative to a base of the backrest frame, relative to a transverse axis.

[0064] Also, the backrest frame 17 is a priori made of metal. The supports of the upholstery modules are a priori made of plastic. The padding is a priori made of polyurethane foam or a flexible plastic material, in particular more flexible than the plastic material from which the corresponding supports are made. However, the person skilled in the art may provide for these elements to be made of different materials.

Claims

Claims

1. Backrest (16) of a vehicle seat (10) comprising a backrest frame (17) and a trim, the trim comprising, preferably consisting of, a plurality of first trim modules (36, 38; 36i, 362, 38) superimposed in a vertical direction, each first trim module (36, 38) being fixed to the backrest frame (17), preferably independently of the other trim modules (36, 38).

2. A vehicle seat backrest according to claim 1, comprising only two or three first trim modules (36, 38; 36i, 362, 38).

3. Vehicle seat back according to claim 1, wherein the trim further comprises at least two second trim modules (72; 74), lateral, at least one first trim module (36, 38; 36i, 362, 38) extending wholly or partly between the two second trim modules (72; 74).

4. A vehicle seat back according to claim 3, wherein each second upholstery module (72; 74) comprises a support and padding attached to the support, the supports of two second upholstery modules (72; 74) being attached together by means of cross members (76; 78).

5. Vehicle seat backrest according to claim 4, in which the assembly of the two second modules (72; 74) whose supports are fixed together by means of crosspieces (76; 78), is fixed to the backrest frame independently of the first upholstery modules (36, 38; 36i, 362, 38), in particular by elastic fitting.

6. A vehicle seat back according to any preceding claim, wherein a first trim module forms a headrest (34).

7. A vehicle seat backrest according to any preceding claim, wherein a first trim module (38) is attached to a top cross member of the backrest frame (17) by means of headrest frame rod receiving sockets (68) passing through said first trim module (38).

8. A vehicle seat backrest according to claim 7, wherein said one first trim module (38) defines the surface of the backrest (16) in the vicinity of the upper end of the vehicle seat backrest (16) (10).

9. A vehicle seat back according to claim 6 or 7, wherein another first trim module (36; 36J forms a first relief (54) complementary to a second relief (66) of said one first trim module (38) for assembling together said one first trim module (38) and said other first trim module (36; 36,) together by receiving the first relief (54) in the second relief (66) or vice versa.

10. A vehicle seat backrest according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a first upholstery module consists of padding attached to a support, the support taking the form of a plate or a plurality of spring wires (48) attached to the backrest frame (17), the spring wires (48) preferably extending mainly in a transverse direction between two uprights of the backrest frame (17).

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