Vehicle seat
The vehicle seat design showcases high-quality padding by using flush fastening elements and a cooperating cover to expose a visible portion, addressing the challenge of complex manufacturing and non-display of quilting in existing methods.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023015211
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-12-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for manufacturing vehicle seats that showcase high-quality and aesthetically pleasing quilting are complex and do not allow the quilting to be effectively displayed.
A vehicle seat design featuring an armature, padding with first fastening elements flush with its surface, and a cover with second fastening elements that cooperate to maintain the cover while leaving a visible portion of the padding exposed, allowing the padding to be showcased without increasing manufacturing complexity.
The design enables easy visibility of high-quality padding, enhancing aesthetics while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity in manufacturing.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Vehicle seat technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a seat, particularly for the field of transport. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle seat and a method for manufacturing such a seat. Previous technique
[0002] To manufacture car seats, it is known to place a cover over a mattress which rests on a frame. The cover generally serves to conceal the padding from the user's view.
[0003] It is known to maintain the cuff on the padding using different fixing devices, for example clips, mounted on the padding at different places to have good tension on the cuff.
[0004] For example, such clamps can be positioned in the mold which enables the manufacture of the padding before injection.
[0005] This method is advantageous when the quilting is not aesthetically pleasing and / or of low quality. However, when the quilting itself is a high-quality and / or aesthetically pleasing product, it does not allow the quilting to be showcased. Description of the invention
[0006] There is a need for a seat that allows the padding to be showcased, without making the seat manufacturing too complex. Summary of the invention
[0007] The present invention addresses this need by means of, according to one of its aspects, a vehicle seat comprising:
[0008] - an armature;
[0009] - a padding comprising a first surface in contact with the frame;
[0010] - a plurality of first fastening elements attached to the padding, said plurality of first fixing organs flush with a second surface of the padding;
[0011] - a cover intended for covering the padding, the cover comprising at its tip riphere at least a second fixation organ configured to cooperate with at least one of the first fixation organs to maintain the periphery of the cap on the padding;
[0012] wherein each first fastening member is positioned so that the cap covers only a first portion of the second surface of the padding when said first and second fastening members cooperate with the other, a second portion of the second surface of the padding not covered by the headgear being visible to a user.
[0013] By "visible to a user," we mean that a person using the seat in a nominal manner, that is, with the intention of sitting on it without attempting to disassemble any parts or view it from a specific point of view, for example, from underneath the seat, will find the second portion visible. In other words, when the user looks at the seat from the front, the side, above, or even from behind, the second portion is clearly visible. Conversely, a part is not visible when it is invisible during nominal use of the seat. The second portion is thus free or uncovered by any portion of the cover. In particular, the second portion is thus free or uncovered by any portion of the cover in a direction perpendicular to the second surface at any point on the second portion.
[0014] Thanks to the invention, part of the padding, in the second section, is visible to the user. Thus, the seat user can easily see the padding, which allows it to be highlighted, especially when it is aesthetically pleasing and / or of high quality. Fixing organ
[0015] Each first fastening member can be positioned at a distance from the periphery of the second surface.
[0016] By "at a distance from the periphery of the second surface", it is meant that the first fixing member is at a non-zero distance from the periphery, in particular at least 1 mm from the periphery, for example at a distance equal to at least 15%, in particular at least 20%, of the distance between two opposite peripheral edges of the second surface.
[0017] Each first fastening element can be made of the same material as the padding. In other words, the first fastening element is integrally formed, or is a single piece, with the padding. This allows for better mechanical retention between the first fastening element and the padding.
[0018] The padding and the plurality of first fastening elements can be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, in particular a single one. This allows excellent control over the visual appearance of the first fastening elements and the padding while ensuring good integration of the first fastening elements onto the padding. In particular, the visual appearance of the padding can be controlled to obtain an aesthetic and high-quality finish.
[0019] When the padding has a honeycomb structure, the rigidity of the first fastening elements may be greater than that of the padding at the level of the honeycomb structure. In particular, the material density at the level of each first fastening element may be greater than that of the padding at the level of the alveolar structure. This ensures the proper functioning of the primary fixation structures, resulting in good fixation of the cap and proper tensioning of the cap to achieve a good visual appearance.
[0020] The first fastening elements can be made of a material identical to that of the padding.
[0021] The seat comprises a plurality of first fixation elements, the cap comprising at least one second fixation element. The seat may also comprise a plurality of first fixation elements and a plurality of second fixation elements. Preferably, the seat comprises an equal number of first and second fixation elements. In particular, the seat may comprise at least three first fixation elements and / or at least three second fixation elements.
[0022] The second surface of the padding may include an edge extending along a trajectory.
[0023] The edge may have a curvature extending along the path between a first point and a second point.
[0024] A first fixation member can be positioned along the anterior trajectory or at the first point, with another first fixation member positioned along the posterior trajectory or at the second point. Having the first fixation members in these positions allows for good tensioning of the cap at the curvature and good coverage, thus improving visual aesthetics.
[0025] The second surface is advantageously devoid of a first fixing member at the level of the curvature between the first point and the second point.
[0026] When the padding has a groove extending onto the second surface, the groove having a groove bottom, each first fastening element can extend from or beyond the groove bottom. Thus, the visibility of the first fastening elements is greatly reduced, and even the visibility of at least a second fastening element when engaged with the first fastening elements is reduced, thereby improving the visual aesthetics.
[0027] The first fastening elements can be selected from the group consisting of a clip, a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), a hook, or a combination thereof. In particular, the first fastening elements can be a clip.
[0028] Said second fastening element may be selected from the group consisting of a rod, a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), a buckle, or a combination thereof. In particular, said at least one second fastening element may be a rod. Matelassure
[0029] The padding can be a seat or a portion of a seat, a backrest or a portion of a backrest, an armrest or a portion of an armrest, or a combination of these.
[0030] The padding may have a honeycomb structure. This means that the ma- Telassure contains a network of cells which gives a certain flexibility to the Sure mattress.
[0031] The padding can be formed from a polymer material, for example an expanded polymer material.
[0032] The second surface of the padding may be adjacent to the first surface. For example, the second surface may form an angle with the first surface between 50° and 150°, particularly around 90°. In this case, the padding may include a third surface, adjacent to the second surface and opposite the first surface.
[0033] Alternatively, the second surface may be disjoint from the first surface. In particular, the second surface and the first surface may be opposite surfaces. In this case, the padding may include a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces.
[0034] The second portion can extend over 10% to 80% of the second surface.
[0035] The padding may include a groove extending over the second surface, the groove having a bottom of the groove.
[0036] The padding may include a reinforcing structure between the groove and the first portion of the second surface. Where the first organs extend from or beyond the groove, the reinforcing structure ensures proper tensioning and support of the rotator cuff. Furthermore, it helps to limit deformation of the portion covered by the padding, particularly by limiting the gap between the groove and the rotator cuff. Thus, the reinforcing structure helps to at least partially compensate for the force exerted by the rotator cuff on the padding due to the tension present in the rotator cuff.
[0037] The padding may include a counter-support structure between the groove and the second uncovered portion of the second surface. This structure may assume a first and a second position, and is configured to generate an elastic restoring force towards the first position. When the first components extend from or beyond the bottom of the groove, this facilitates the installation of the liner and ensures proper support and tension. The counter-support structure works in conjunction with the reinforcement structure to limit deformation of the covered portion of the padding. The counter-support structure thus exerts a restoring force on the groove to maintain it in position. Liner
[0038] Part of the periphery of the liner can be inserted into the groove of the padding. This makes it possible to conceal the periphery of the liner, which may not be very aesthetically pleasing.
[0039] The headdress may include a textile.
[0040] The cap may include at least one second attachment element for each first fastening element.
[0041] The cap may include a third fastening element located away from the periphery of the cap. In this case, a fourth fastening element may be attached to the safety pad to cooperate with the third fastening element. Seat manufacturing process
[0042] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to a method for manufacturing a seat as described above, the method comprising the following steps:
[0043] - provide the reinforcement;
[0044] - provide the headgear;
[0045] - to provide the padding, the plurality of first fixing members being joined to the padding after its manufacture, each first fixing element being positioned at the level of a second surface of the padding;
[0046] - position the padding on the frame so as to place the first surface of the padding in contact with the frame;
[0047] - cover the second surface with the cap by making each first fixation device with said at least a second fixation device at the periphery of the cap;
[0048] wherein, after the covering step, the cover only covers a first portion of the second surface of the padding, a second portion of the second surface of the padding not covered by the cover being visible to a user. Brief description of the drawings
[0049] The invention will be better understood upon reading the detailed description that follows, the non-limiting examples of its implementation, and upon examination of the accompanying drawing, in which
[0050] [Fig-1] illustrates, in perspective, schematically, an example of a seat according to the invention,
[0051] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view along II of [Fig. 1],
[0052] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.2] along III,
[0053] [Fig.4] illustrates, in perspective, in an isolated and schematic manner, a clip of the seat padding of the [Fig.1],
[0054] [Fig.5] illustrates, in perspective, partially and schematically, the head of the seat of the [Fig.1],
[0055] [Fig.6] illustrates in perspective, partially and schematically, another example of padding for an example of a seat according to the invention,
[0056] [Fig.7] illustrates in perspective, partially and schematically, another example of ma- telassure d’un exemple de siège selon la invention,
[0057] [Fig-8] is a cross-section of [Fig.7] along VIII,
[0058] [Fig.9] is a cross-section of [Fig.7] along IX,
[0059] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to [Fig. 3] illustrating a step of a process according to the invention, and
[0060] [Fig. 11] is a view similar to [Fig. 10] illustrating another step of a process according to the invention. Detailed description
[0061] In the following description, identical elements or elements with identical functions bear the same reference numeral. For the sake of brevity, they are not described opposite each figure; only the differences between the embodiments are described.
[0062] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.
[0063] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a first example of seat 1 according to the invention.
[0064] The seat 1 includes a frame 2 which allows the absorption of mechanical forces and which stiffens the seat 1.
[0065] This frame 2 is, for example, made of polymer material. However, the invention is not limited to this material; the frame 2 can be made of metal, wood, or any other sufficiently rigid material.
[0066] The frame 2 includes, for example, a backrest 3, partially shown for clarity, and a seat 4.
[0067] The seat 1 also includes a honeycomb padding 5 in contact, at the level of a lower surface 6, with the frame 2 at the level of the seat 4.
[0068] As illustrated, the padding 5 has a general U-shape, the sides 9 of the U being configured to support the user's legs when in the seat 1.
[0069] The padding 5 also includes an upper surface 7, opposite the lower surface 6, and a peripheral surface 8 connecting the lower surface 6 and the upper surface 7.
[0070] The upper surface 7 may be, in part, substantially parallel to the lower surface 6.
[0071] The peripheral surface 8 can extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the lower surface 6 and the upper surface 7.
[0072] The seat 1 also includes a textile cover 10 which completely covers the upper surface 7 and partially covers the peripheral surface 8.
[0073] In particular, as particularly visible in [Fig. 3], a first portion 11 of the peripheral wall 8 is covered by the cap 10 and a second portion 12 is not covered by the headdress 10.
[0074] The padding 5 includes first fixing elements, in this example clips 15, which cooperate with second fixing elements, in this example rods 16, of the cap 10. The clips 15 and the rods 16 are illustrated in figures 3 to 6.
[0075] In [Fig.1], the different cooperation points 17 between the clamps 15 and the rods 16 have been illustrated. For example, for each segment of the peripheral surface 8, there are two cooperation points 17.
[0076] As can be seen in [Fig.3], each clamp 15 extends from the bottom 21 of a groove 20 extending along the peripheral surface 8.
[0077] As seen in [Fig.4], each clamp 15 has two parallel arms 22 forming between them a hollow 23 intended to receive a rod 16. The arms 22 have at a free end enlargements 25 which constrain the extraction of a rod 16 inserted into the hollow 23.
[0078] For example, the arms 22 have a height Hb of 10 mm, which is equal to or slightly less than the depth of the groove 20. This allows the clamp 15 not to protrude from the padding 5.
[0079] The clamps 15 are at a non-zero distance Dp from the periphery 24 of the peripheral surface 8.
[0080] In this example, the clamps 15 and the padding are produced in a single additive manufacturing operation, which allows the clamps 15 to come from material in the padding 5.
[0081] Each reed 16 is arranged on the periphery 26 of the cap 10, as particularly illustrated in [Fig.5].
[0082] Each 16 has for example a cross-section in C, the periphery 26 being inserted and pinched inside the C.
[0083] The rod 16 can extend in an elongated manner along the periphery 26 over a length Loj equal to 16 mm.
[0084] The width laj of the rod 16, measured perpendicular to the periphery 26, can be equal to 6 mm.
[0085] In this example, the upper surface 7 of the padding 5 also has at the bottom of the sides 9, a second groove 30 in which the cap 10 is inserted and locked by means of a strip 31 in which a loop 32 of the cap 10 is engaged.
[0086] This groove 30, with the ruler 31, allows the U-shaped shape of the padding 5 to be followed by the cover 10, particularly at the sides 9, contributing to a good aesthetic.
[0087] In a variant illustrated in [Fig.6], the padding 5 has a peripheral surface 8 which extends along a trajectory T and which has a curvature 35.
[0088] The curvature 35 extends along the trajectory T between a first point PI and a second point P2.
[0089] As illustrated, a clamp 15 is located at the first point PI and another at the point P2. In addition, the peripheral surface 8 is advantageously devoid of a clamp 15 at the curvature 35.
[0090] In another variant, illustrated in figures 7 to 9, the width of the groove 20 is smaller than before and the clamps 15 extend beyond the bottom 21 of the groove 20.
[0091] The cap 10 is inserted into the groove 20 between the clips 15 in the overlapping areas 42.
[0092] In addition, the sure mattress 5 has a reinforcement structure 40 between the throat 20 and the reopened portion 11, all along the throat.
[0093] A counter-support structure 41 between the groove 20 and the uncovered portion 12 is also provided, along the entire length of the groove 21. This counter-support structure 41 can assume a first and a second position and is configured to generate an elastic restoring force towards the first position. This facilitates the insertion of the cap 10 into the groove 20 and into the clamp 15.
[0094] The counter-support structure 41 is produced by means of a reduction in section at the junction between the groove 20 and the uncovered portion 12 which forms a kind of hinge.
[0095] In this variant, the covered portion 11 is offset from the uncovered portion 12 so as not to be in line with it. The offset is approximately equal to the thickness of the cover 10. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, when the cover 10 is positioned on the padding 5, the cover 10 is in line with the uncovered portion 12, which provides a good visual appearance for the seat 1.
[0096] To manufacture one of the seats 1 described, the process described below and illustrated in figures 10 and 11 can be followed.
[0097] In a first step, an armature 2 and a cap 10 are provided.
[0098] In a second step, the padding 5 and the clips 15 are manufactured together using an additive manufacturing process.
[0099] Next, after positioning the padding 5 in the frame 2, and as illustrated in figures 10 and 11, the cap 10 is positioned on the padding 5, then the rods 16 are inserted into the clips 15.
Claims
Demands
1. Vehicle seat (1) comprising: - a frame (2); - padding (5) comprising a first surface (6) in contact with the frame (2); - a plurality of first fastening members (15) attached to the padding (5), said plurality of first fastening members (15) being flush with a second surface (8) of the padding (2); - a cover (10) for covering the padding (5), the cover (10) comprising at its periphery (26) at least one second fastening member (16) configured to cooperate with at least one of the first fastening members (15) to hold the periphery (26) of the cover (10) onto the padding (5); wherein each first fastening member (15) is positioned so that the cover (10) covers only a first portion (11) of the second surface (8) of the padding (5) when said first and at least one second member (15;16) the fixings cooperate with each other, a second portion (12) of the second surface (8) of the padding (5) not covered by the cover (10) being visible to a user.;
2. Seat (1) according to claim 1, in which each first fastening member (15) is made of material with the padding (5).
3. Seat (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the padding (5) and the plurality of first fastening members (15) are manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.
4. Seat (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the padding (5) has a honeycomb structure, the rigidity of the first fixing members (15) being greater than that of the padding (5) at the level of the honeycomb structure.
5. Seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second surface (8) has an edge extending along a trajectory (T), the edge having a curvature (35) extending along the trajectory (T) between a first point (PI) and a second point (P2), a first fastening member (15) being positioned along the trajectory (T) before or at the level of the first point (PI), a first fastening member (15) being positioned along the trajectory (T) after or at the level of the second point (P2).
6. Seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three first attachment members (15).
7. Seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the padding (5) has a groove (20) extending over the second surface (8), the groove (20) having a bottom (21) of the groove, each first member (15) extending from or beyond the bottom (21) of the groove.
8. Seat (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the padding (5) comprises a reinforcement structure (40) between the groove (20) and the first portion (11) of the second surface (8).
9. Seat (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the padding (5) comprises a counter-support structure (41) between the groove (20) and the second portion (12) of the second surface (5), the structure (41) being configured to take a first position and a second position, the counter-support structure (41) being configured to generate an elastic restoring force towards the first position.
10. A method for manufacturing a seat (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - providing the frame (2); - providing the cover (10); - providing the padding (5), the plurality of first fixing members (15) being attached to the padding (5) after its manufacture, each first fixing member (15) being positioned at the level of the second surface (8) of the padding (5); - positioning the padding (5) on the frame (2) so as to bring the first surface (6) of the padding (5) into contact with the frame (2); - covering the second surface (8) with the cover (10) by making each first fixing member (15) cooperate with said at least one second fixing member (16) at the periphery (26) of the cover (10);in which, after the covering step, the cover (10) covers only a first portion (11) of the second surface (8) of the padding (5), a second portion (12) of the second surface (8) of the padding (5) not covered by the cover (10) being visible to a user.;