VEHICLE SEAT BACKREST AND VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING SUCH A BACKREST

Abstract

A backrest (16) of a vehicle seat (11) comprises a backrest frame (17) with lateral uprights (171; 172) spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Y) of the backrest (16), a shell (50) carried by the lateral uprights (171; 172), the shell (50) having a front face (50A), intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat (11), and a rear face (50B), opposite the front face (50A), and at least one light source (60) adapted to emit a light beam (FL2) towards one of the backrest frame (17) and the shell (50), in particular towards the rear face (50B) of the shell (50). Abstract figure: [Fig. 9]

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE SEAT BACKREST AND VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING SUCH A BACKREST Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat backrest, in particular a motor vehicle seat, and to a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising such a backrest. Prior art

[0002] It is known to produce seats capable of adapting to the posture of an occupant or to a change in posture of an occupant. In particular, it is known from document EP-A-2 755 855, a seat whose backrest comprises a shell adapted to take various configurations, between a configuration adapted to a lordosis of the back of an occupant of the seat and a configuration adapted to a kyphosis of the back of the occupant, in response to variable loads applied by the back of the occupant, in particular by a lumbar region of the back of the occupant.

[0003] Furthermore, from application PCT / FR2022 / 052067, in the name of the applicant and unpublished, a vehicle seat is known, in which the backrest comprises such a shell, on which is further fixed one or more devices adapted to perform a comfort or safety function for the occupant of the seat. Summary

[0004] The present disclosure aims to improve the visual rendering of a vehicle seat back.

[0005] To this end, there is provided a vehicle seat back, in particular a motor vehicle seat back, comprising: - a backrest frame comprising a first lateral upright and a second lateral upright, the first and second lateral uprights being spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the backrest; - a shell carried by the first and second side uprights, the shell having a front face, intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat, and a rear face, opposite the front face; - at least one light source adapted to emit a light beam towards one of the backrest frame and the shell, in particular towards the rear face of the shell.

[0006] Thus, advantageously, the distance between the shell and the backrest frame is emphasized, and the shell is visually separated from the backrest frame even more clearly. The backrest may then appear to comprise a shell which floats in front of the backrest frame.

[0007] According to preferred embodiments, the vehicle seat back may comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination: - at least one light source is fixed on one of the shell, the backrest frame, in particular on a side upright of the backrest frame, preferably on each side upright of the backrest frame; - the at least one light source is fixed to a covering of the backrest frame, in particular of a lateral upright of the backrest frame, the at least one light source being adapted to emit a light beam towards the shell, in particular towards the rear face of the shell; - at least one light source is fixed to a covering of each side upright of the backrest frame, each at least one light source being adapted to emit a light beam towards the shell, in particular towards the rear face of the shell; - each at least one light source comprises a light-emitting diode, preferably a strip of light-emitting diodes, in particular a rectilinear strip of light-emitting diodes; - the backrest further comprises padding at least partly in contact with the front face of the shell; - the backrest further comprises a cover covering the padding on the front face of the shell and, preferably, at least partially the rear face of the shell; - the light beam illuminates at least part of the cover, on the rear face of the hull; and - the shell is intended to support an occupant of the vehicle seat, via the padding and / or the cover where appropriate, the shell preferably being deformable and / or movable relative to the first and second lateral uprights, the backrest comprising, more preferably, two connecting rods, each connecting rod being pivotally mounted on the backrest frame, around a first axis, the first axis preferably extending in a substantially transverse direction of the backrest, each connecting rod being further pivotally mounted on the shell, around a second axis, the second axis preferably extending in a substantially transverse direction of the backrest, the shell being, more preferably still, also connected, on each side, to the backrest frame by a spherical connection.

[0008] According to another aspect, there is provided a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising a vehicle seat back as described above in all its combinations. Brief description of the drawings

[0009] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0010] [Fig-1] schematically represents in perspective a vehicle seat assembly.

[0011] [Fig.2] schematically represents in perspective, an exploded view of the seat of the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0012] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the assembly of a modular seat cushion on the seat frame of the vehicle seat of [Fig.l].

[0013] [Fig.4] schematically represents a longitudinal sectional view of a first example of the vehicle seat base of [Fig.l].

[0014] [Fig.5] schematically represents in perspective view, a detail of the seat of the seat assembly of [Fig.l], devoid of padding and cover in order to reveal a shell of the backrest upholstery.

[0015] [Fig.6] schematically represents a perspective view of a first detail of the seat back of the seat assembly of [Fig.l].

[0016] [Fig.7] schematically represents a perspective view of a second detail of the seat back of the seat assembly of [Fig.l].

[0017] [Fig.8] schematically represents a perspective view of a third detail of the seat back of the seat assembly of [Fig.l].

[0018] [Fig.9] schematically represents in section, a detail of the seat back of the seat assembly of [Fig.l].

[0019] [Fig. 10] schematically represents in perspective a detail of the seat back of the seat assembly of [Fig.l]. Description of the embodiments

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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. 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.

[0023] [Fig.l] schematically represents a motor vehicle seat assembly 10, comprising a vehicle seat 11 and a slide mechanism 12, the seat 11 being mounted on the slide mechanism 12.

[0024] The seat 11 comprises a seat 13, with a seat frame 14 and a modular seat cushion 15, on which a backrest 16, with a backrest frame 17 and a backrest upholstery 18, is mounted. The backrest frame 17 can be pivoted about a transverse axis, relative to the seat frame 14. To do this, a hinge mechanism can be arranged between the seat frame 14 and the backrest frame 17, on each side of the backrest 17.

[0025] The seat 13, in particular the seat frame 14, is mounted on movable profiles, also called slides or male profiles, by means of feet 19, 20. Each movable profile is associated with a fixed profile 21 to form a slide 22. The fixed profile 21 is also called a rail or female profile. The fixed profile 21 is fixed to the floor of a motor vehicle. The fixed 21 and movable profiles of the slides 22 may be metallic.

[0026] In this example, the seat 11 comprises buttons B for controlling the slides 22 and other members for adjusting the position of the seat 11. One of the buttons B is thus configured to control the unlocking of the sliding of the movable profiles relative to the respective fixed profiles 21, and an actuator for moving the movable profiles relative to the fixed profiles 21.

[0027] The seat 11 also comprises, according to the illustrated example, a headrest 23. The headrest 23 comprises a headrest frame and a headrest upholstery 24. The headrest frame may be connected to the backrest frame 17. For example, the headrest frame may be integral with the backrest frame 17. In particular, the headrest frame may be monolithic with the backrest frame 17 or fixed, in particular rigidly fixed, to the backrest frame 17. Alternatively, the headrest frame may be fixed to the backrest frame 17 by means of at least one headrest fixing rod, preferably two headrest fixing rods. The headrest fixing rod(s) may be of variable length to allow height adjustment of the position of the headrest 23.Alternatively or additionally, the headrest frame may be movable relative to the headrest fixing rod(s) 23 to allow this height adjustment of the position of the headrest 23. The headrest trim 23 and / or the backrest trim 18 may cover all or part of the headrest fixing rod(s), for example to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle seat 11.

[0028] In the following, a first example of a vehicle seat base 13 that can be implemented in the vehicle seat 11 of [Fig. 1] is described in more detail, with reference to [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 4].

[0029] As already mentioned, the seat 13 comprises a modular seat cushion 15, configured to be fixed to the seat frame 14. The seat frame 14 comprises two side members 14i, 142, braced by a front cross member 143 and a rear cross member 144. Each side member 14i, 142 may for example take the form of a flange. Each cross member 143, 144 may for example take the form of a tube. Each side member 14x, 142 may form the feet 19, 20 or be rigidly fixed to the feet 19, 20.

[0030] The seat frame 14 may in particular be made of metal or of a composite material, in particular loaded with glass and / or carbon fibers. The seat frame 14 may be monolithic or made up of elements added and rigidly fixed together. The seat frame 14 may comprise a covering, for example made of plastic, in particular in the form of a plastic shell, rigidly fixed on at least one of the two side members 14b 142, and the two cross members 143, 144.

[0031] The modular seat cushion 15 comprises, in the assembled state, as illustrated in [Fig.2]: - a support 26, also called a trim support, forming a base comprising a mechanical interface system for fixing to the seat frame 14, - padding 28 resting on an upper surface of the support 26, intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat 11; and, here - a covering 30 covering the padding 38.

[0032] The padding 26 provides the comfort of the seat 13. The padding 26 may be based on polyurethane foam, typically obtained by molding, or another material such as a structure of fibers forming loops welded together, obtained by extrusion of thermoplastic fibers, and calendering of the fibers by two members (rollers), partially immersed.

[0033] The mechanical interface system may for example comprise at least one of, preferably each of the two of: - a rear mechanical interface, on a rear portion of the support 26, comprising a first housing, open, configured to house the rear cross member 144 in a mechanically lockable manner by a locking system, in particular of the rear mechanical interface. The locking system may be internal to the modular cushion 15, in particular to the mechanical interface, and / or be external to the rear mechanical interface, or even external to the modular seat cushion 15; - a front mechanical interface, on a front part of the support 26, comprising a second housing, open, configured to house the front cross member 143 in a pivotable manner around the cross member 143.

[0034] Thus, the mechanical interface system can be configured to allow the attachment of the modular seat cushion 15 by implementing the following steps, illustrated in [Fig.3]: i) aligning the front mechanical interface with the front cross member 143 and inserting the front cross member into the second housing; ii) pivoting the support 26 around the crosspiece 143 then fitted into the second housing of the front mechanical interface until the rear crosspiece 144 is inserted into the first housing of the rear mechanical interface; and iii) mechanical locking of the rear cross member 144 in the first housing, by implementing the locking system.

[0035] The first housing and / or the second housing may typically be "U"-shaped housings. The "U"-shaped housings may be continuous along the transverse direction Y, or result from several discontinuous sections, along this transverse direction Y.

[0036] For example, the second housing opens towards the front of the support 26, namely in the direction along the longitudinal direction X, from the rear cross member 144 of the seat frame 14, towards the front cross member 143 of the seat frame 14. The second housing, opening towards the front, ensures in particular effective retention of the modular seat cushion 15, in the event of a frontal crash. In this case, in fact, the force of the crash forces the front cross member 143 of the seat frame 14 to the bottom of the second housing.

[0037] The first housing can open towards the underside of the support 26, typically in the vertical direction Z. In the event of a crash, the first housing then participates in retaining the modular seat cushion 15 by pressing a wall delimiting the first housing, against the rear cross member 144.

[0038] In the event of a crash, advantageously, the retention of the modular seat cushion 15 and of the occupant weighing on the latter, relative to the seat frame 14 is essentially distributed between the front 143 and rear 144 crossmembers of the seat frame 14.

[0039] The direction of insertion of the rear crosspiece 144 into the first housing and the direction of insertion of the front crosspiece 143 into the second housing may be inclined relative to each other, for example by an angle of between 25° and 135°, in particular between 45° and 90°.

[0040] The locking system of the rear mechanical interface may be elastically deformable, configured to allow elastic locking so that the locking of the rear cross member 144 in the first housing is obtained, at the end of pivoting stroke of the modular cushion around the front cross member 143, by elastic deformation of the locking system of the rear mechanical interface. For this purpose, the first housing may be elastically deformable and comprise an entry groove, of a dimension smaller than the section of the rear cross member 144, and a central portion housing the rear cross member 144 in the locking position, adjusted to the section of the rear cross member 144.

[0041] The locking system may further comprise a specific retaining member, such as a tab. The retaining member may then be fixed, in a second step, by an operator. In particular, it may be a locking system comprising one or more screws. The locking system may further comprise a lock.

[0042] According to yet another locking possibility - possibly combinable with the elastic locking - the locking of the rear cross member 144 in the first housing is obtained by placing the backrest 16 or an element of the backrest 16, such as a modular backrest cushion on a backrest frame and / or by placing the backrest frame 17 on the seat frame 14. Once the backrest element is fixed to the backrest frame 16, the backrest element forms an upper stop, cooperating with a rear portion of the modular seat cushion 15, preventing the rear cross member 144 from leaving the first housing, by pivoting the support 26 around the front cross member 143.

[0043] The locking system can therefore be internal to the modular seat cushion 15, or external to the modular seat cushion 15, or even comprise a part internal to the modular seat cushion 15 and a part external to it.

[0044] The support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15 may be a plastic element, for example obtained by injection molding. The front and rear mechanical interfaces are preferably formed by the support 26, for example during the molding of the support 26.

[0045] The support 26 may form a frame. The frame may be configured to bear on the seat frame 14, for example by bearing on at least one, preferably on at least two opposite ones among, more preferably on each of, the side members 14x, 142 and the cross members 143, 144 of the seat frame 14. For example, the frame formed by the support 26 may bear only on the front cross member 143 and on the rear cross member 144 of the seat frame 14, only on the side members 14x, 142, or bear simultaneously on the front cross members 143 and 144 and on the side members 14x, 142.

[0046] The support 26 may comprise a substantially flat central portion 32, in the form of a plate here perforated, from which at least one rim 34 extends, at the front end of the support 26. The rim 34 may be continuous over the entire contour of the support 26 and, thus, form a skirt.

[0047] The central portion 32 of the support 26 may form a flexible suspension part, in particular more flexible than the peripheral frame of the support 26. The suspension part takes for example the form of a flexible, openwork blade. The suspension part may for example comprise recesses, blind or through, in the thickness of the central portion 32 of the support 26. The recesses are for example regularly distributed according to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions of the vehicle seat 11. The surface void rate of the suspension part is for example between 10% and 80%, in particular in the presence of through recesses, and for example greater than 20%, or even greater than 30%, or even greater than 40%, or even greater than 50%. The recesses contribute to giving flexibility to the suspension part in the vertical direction Z. The recesses also contribute to reducing the mass of the support 26.

[0048] The support 26 as illustrated is advantageously devoid of metal suspension, the suspension being obtained solely by the central portion 32, perforated, of the support 26. According to another embodiment, however, the support 26 may comprise a suspension, typically metal, with spring wires, received in a recess of a plastic part, for example forming a support frame on the seat frame 14.

[0049] [Fig.4] illustrates a detail of the seat 13. As illustrated in this [Fig.4], a light source 36, in particular a lamp, more particularly at least one light-emitting diode, for example a strip of light-emitting diodes, is fixed on the lower face 26i of the support 26, opposite the upper face 26s in contact with the padding of the modular seat cushion 15. The light source 36 is for example overmolded by the support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15.

[0050] Here, the light source 36 is fixed in a corner formed by the rim 34 of the support 26 and the central portion 32 of the support 26. Thus, the rim 34 can limit the visibility of the light source 36 for a user of the vehicle seat 11.

[0051] The light source 36 is adapted to emit a light beam FL towards the seat frame 14, in particular towards a covering 14s of the seat frame 14. The covering 14s of the seat frame 14 takes for example the form of a plastic shell, possibly composed of several pieces fixed together.

[0052] To do this, the cover 38 covering the padding of the modular seat cushion 15 and fixed to the support 26, does not cover the light source 36. Alternatively, the cover 38 may comprise parts made of translucent or transparent materials, in particular translucent or transparent plastic, covering the light source 36. In all cases, the cover 38 is adapted to allow the light beam emitted by the light source 36 to pass through.

[0053] Here, the light beam FL emitted by the light source 36 illuminates a surface 40 of the covering of the seat frame 14. The surface 40 is arranged at least by partly under the support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15. In particular, here, the surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL extends partly under the rim 34 of the support 26. The surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL is distant from the modular seat cushion 15, in particular from the support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15, in particular in the vertical direction Z. The surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL is preferably concave. The surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL is here oriented towards the front of the vehicle seat 11. Thus, the surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL is preferably visible from the front of the vehicle seat 11. The surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL can furthermore be visible from at least one side of the vehicle seat 11, preferably from both lateral sides of the vehicle seat 11.To do this, the covering 14s of the seat frame 14 may be devoid of lateral portions extending vertically above the surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL.

[0054] The surface 40 thus illuminated by the light beam FL thus makes it possible to give an effect of lightness to the seat 13, in particular the modular seat cushion 15, compared to a conventional seat, as described previously. The illuminated surface 40 in fact makes it possible to better visually separate the modular seat cushion 15 from the seat frame 14, the modular seat cushion 15 being able to appear as if levitating above the seat frame 14.

[0055] Furthermore, the surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL may be different depending on the inclination of the seat 13. Thus, this surface 40 illuminated by the light beam FL may allow a user to better visually understand the inclination of the seat 13, and thus facilitates the adjustment of this inclination of the seat 13.

[0056] In the following, an example of a backrest 16 that can be implemented in the vehicle seat 11 of [Fig. 1] is described in more detail, with reference to [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 10].

[0057] As illustrated, the backrest frame 17 here comprises two tubes 41, 42. The two tubes 41, 42 are spaced from one another, in the longitudinal direction X of the seat 11. A first tube 41 has a substantially “U” shape, forming two first substantially parallel uprights 43 and a crosspiece 44 connecting the two first uprights 43. A second tube 42 has two second substantially parallel uprights 45, and a “V” portion 46 connecting the two second uprights 45. The “V” portion here forms the headrest frame. On each lateral side of the backrest 16, a first upright 43 is connected to a second upright 45 by means of a first reinforcing plate 47, and, here, of a second reinforcing plate 48 and of a third reinforcing plate 49. For example, each reinforcing plate 47, 48, 49 is welded to each of the associated first and second uprights 43, 45. first reinforcing plate 47 extends for example in a middle zone of the uprights 43, 45 of the pipes 41, 42, here between the second and third reinforcing plates 48, 49. The second reinforcing plate 48 extends for example at the lower (or free) ends of the pipes 41, 42. The third reinforcing plate 49 extends for example in the vicinity of an upper end of the uprights 43, 45 of the pipes 41, 42.

[0058] Thus, the backrest frame 17 comprises two lateral uprights 17i, 172, each lateral upright 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17 comprising, according to the example illustrated: - a first amount 43 of the first tube 41; - a second amount 45 of the second tube 42; - a first reinforcement plate 47; - a second reinforcement plate 48; and - a third reinforcement plate 49. Each lateral upright 17i, 172, of the backrest frame 17 may however, according to another example, consist solely of a first upright 43 of the first tube 41, a second upright 45 of the second tube 42 and a single reinforcing plate 47.

[0059] Alternatively, each lateral upright 17i, 172 is formed by a flange, typically metallic.

[0060] Furthermore, the backrest 16 comprises a shell 50 intended to support an occupant of the vehicle seat 11, via the mattress and the seat covering if applicable. The plate 50 is in particular capable of supporting the back of an occupant of the seat 11. The shell 50 is supported by the backrest frame 17. More precisely, the shell 50 is here fixed to the backrest frame 17.

[0061] The shell 50 extends mainly transversely in the backrest 16 of the seat 11. The shell 50 has a front face 50A intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the seat 11, and a rear face 50B, opposite the front face 50A. The front face 50A of the shell 50 may be covered with padding, and / or a seat covering, such as a cover (or cover). The padding may be based on polyurethane foam, typically obtained by molding, or another material such as a structure of fibers forming loops welded together, obtained by extrusion of thermoplastic fibers, and calendering of the fibers by two members (rollers), partially immersed. The rear face 50B of the shell 50 may not be covered with padding or a seat covering. The rear face 50B of the shell 50 can thus be at least partially visible, or even totally visible, for a passenger seated behind the seat 11.Advantageously, the backrest 16 is devoid of padding covering the rear face 50B of the shell 50. Thus, the space arranged behind the shell . 50 can be left free and be accessible by a passenger seated behind the seat 11. Such a space can in particular improve the comfort of the passenger seated behind the seat 11 by leaving more room for the knees of this passenger seated behind the seat 11, which knees can be at least partially received in the space behind the shell 50, in particular between the uprights 45 of the tubing 42. To do this, the seat back 16 can be devoid of a rear trim element, such as a plate forming the rear face of the seat back 16, separate from the shell 50.

[0062] In the upper part, the shell 50 is here fixed directly to the first lateral upright 17i and to the second lateral upright 172 of the backrest frame 17.

[0063] To do this, as is notably visible in [Fig. 6], the first reinforcing plate 47 has a first face 51 (or internal face), with an articulation member 52 allowing a spherical connection. The first face 51 of each first reinforcing plate 47 is oriented towards the other first reinforcing plate 47, therefore towards the inside of the vehicle seat 11. The first face 51 is here substantially normal to the transverse direction Y of the seat 11. The articulation member 52 extends in the transverse direction Y from the first face 51 of the first reinforcing plate 47. The articulation member 52 has for example a part substantially in the shape of a sphere or a ball, integral with a cylindrical part connecting the part substantially in the shape of a sphere or a ball to the first face 51 of the first reinforcing plate 47. The articulation member 52 is for example a ball joint.The articulation member 52 is received in a complementary housing 53, formed on the rear face 50B of the shell 50. Here, the housing 53 is delimited in a flange 54 of the shell 50, extending on the rear face 50B of the shell 50.

[0064] Furthermore, in the lower part, the shell 50 is fixed on each side to the backrest frame 17, by means of a connecting rod 55.

[0065] On the one hand, as can be seen in particular in [Fig.8], each connecting rod 55 is pivotally mounted around a first transverse axis relative to the shell 50. To do this, a lug 56 of the shell 50, extending in the transverse direction Y of the seat 11 is received in a complementary housing, formed in the connecting rod 55. As can be seen in [Fig.7], the lug 56 is for example of a substantially cylindrical general shape.

[0066] On the other hand, each connecting rod 55 is pivotally mounted around a second transverse axis, relative to an upright 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17. To do this, here, a pin 58, integral with the second plate 48 and extending in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat 11, is received in a complementary housing 59, formed in the connecting rod 55. The pin 58 is for example of generally cylindrical shape. The pin 58 is for example attached to the second plate 48, in particular welded or screwed onto the second plate 48. Alternatively, however, the pin 58 is made of material with the second plate 48.

[0067] Furthermore, the shell 50 is deformable here. To improve the deformability of the shell 50, in particular in the area of the shell 50 intended to support the lumbar region of an occupant of the vehicle seat 11, the shell 50 has transverse slots, in particular in the lower part of the shell 50. The slots have at least one portion extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat 11. Each slot has a width of between 1 mm, preferably 2 mm, and 7 mm, preferably 6 mm. For example, each slot has a width of 5 mm.

[0068] Thus, the particular fixing of the shell 50 on the backrest frame 17, coupled here with the flexibility of the shell 50, in particular in the lower part of the shell 50 intended to support the lumbar region of an occupant of the vehicle seat 11, allows a better adjustment of the vehicle seat, in particular of the backrest 16 of the vehicle seat 11, to its occupant and to the position of this occupant in the vehicle seat 11.

[0069] Furthermore, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 5], the shell 50 has two recesses 59. Each recess 59 is open on the front face 50A of the shell 50. Each recess 59 is here closed on the rear face 50B of the shell 50. Here, each recess 59 has a truncated cone shape, facilitating the molding of the shell 50, in particular by injection molding. The shell 50 may in fact be made of a material capable of being shaped by molding. In particular, the shell 50 may be made of plastic, for example polyethylene (PE). The shell 50 has for example a minimum thickness of between 1 mm and 5 mm, in particular substantially equal to 2.5 mm. Furthermore, the truncated cone shape of the recesses 59 is particularly suitable for receiving a vibrating module, such as a haptic exciter (or exciter or vibrator or vibrating device, from the English “exciter”).

[0070] The production of the recesses 59 on the shell 50 may tend to reinforce the shell 50, which may limit the flexibility of the shell 50 in the vicinity of the recesses 59 and harm the comfort of the occupant of the seat 11.

[0071] To limit this phenomenon, the slots in the shell 50 can be made so as to best adapt the flexibility of the shell 50 to the different areas of support or non-support of the occupant of the vehicle seat 11. Thus, first slots can be substantially rectilinear and extend entirely outside the recesses 59, substantially in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle seat 11. Second slots can have curved portions, to avoid the recesses 59. Finally, third slots can extend at least partially inside the recesses 59.

[0072] Also to adapt the flexibility of the shell 50, the latter has reinforcement reliefs in the vicinity of its lateral sides, where the shell 46 can be fixed to side modules for holding the occupant in position in the vehicle seat 11. These modules are advantageously more rigid than the shell 50, in particular, in order to ensure that the occupant is held in position.

[0073] Advantageously, the vehicle seat 11 does not have a rear trim, in particular no rear trim plate. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle seat 11, thereby limiting the consumption of the motor vehicle equipped with the vehicle seat 11. As indicated previously, it is thus possible to leave a space accessible to an occupant of a seat located behind the vehicle seat 11, in particular for the knees of this occupant.

[0074] Thus, the shell 50 is a functional technical part which fulfills the functions of padding support, comfort support for the occupant of the vehicle seat and support for equipment fulfilling a comfort or safety function, but also an appearance part partly ensuring the aesthetics of the vehicle seat 11. The shell 50 in fact replaces the elastic support sheet generally used to support the padding of the vehicle seat back. The shell 50 also constitutes a support for the padding of the vehicle seat back, or even a cover covering this padding. The shell 50 also makes it possible to carry comfort and / or safety equipment for the vehicle seat, which can easily be removed or replaced. Comfort equipment can also be added throughout the life of the vehicle seat back.The vehicle seat back is thus modular according to the desires of the occupant, by adding or removing comfort equipment. Finally, the shell 50 is made of plastic as an appearance part intended to ensure the aesthetics and a pleasant feel of the vehicle seat back. Thus, it is possible that no trim part is added to the rear face of the vehicle seat back, to leave the shell 46 accessible and / or visible, from the rear of the vehicle seat 11.

[0075] [Fig. 9] illustrates a detail of the backrest 16. As illustrated in this [Fig. 9], a light source 60, in particular a lamp, more particularly at least one light-emitting diode, for example a strip of light-emitting diodes, is fixed on the front face 61 of a covering 17s of the backrest frame 17, oriented towards the shell 50, in particular towards the rear face 50B of the shell 50. The light source 60 is for example received in a housing 62 in the covering 17s of the backrest frame 17. Here, the covering 17s of the backrest frame 17 comprises two plastic shells 63, 64, elastically fitted together to form a housing, substantially cylindrical, for receiving the upright 172 of the backrest frame 17. The housing 62 can be closed, on a front face oriented towards the shell 50 by a plate of translucent material.

[0076] The light source 60 is adapted to emit a light beam FL2 towards the shell 50, in particular towards the cover 65 covering at least in part the rear face 50B of the shell 50. The cover 65, which can be composed of several pieces sewn together as illustrated in [Fig.9], can also cover the mattress in contact with the front face 50A of the shell 50.

[0077] Here, the light beam FL2 emitted by the light source 60 illuminates a surface 66 of the rear face 50B of the shell 50, covered here by the cover 65. The surface 66 is here convex, following the curvature of the shell 50 towards the lateral ends thereof. The surface 66 illuminated by the light beam FL2 is preferably visible from the side of the vehicle seat 11. The surface 66 illuminated by the light beam FL2 may also be visible from the front of the vehicle seat 11.

[0078] The surface 66 thus illuminated by the light beam FL2 thus makes it possible to give an effect of lightness to the backrest 16, in particular to the shell 50, compared to a conventional backrest, comprising a cover covering the entire upholstery and the backrest frame. The illuminated surface 66 in fact makes it possible to better visually separate the shell 50 from the backrest frame 17.

[0079] Furthermore, the surface 66 illuminated by the light beam FL2 may be different depending on the inclination and / or the deformations of the shell 50. Thus, this surface 66 illuminated by the light beam FL2 may allow a user to better visually understand the inclination of the shell 50, and thus facilitates the adjustment of this inclination of the shell 50.

[0080] Preferably, a light source 60 is associated with each upright 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17, each light source 60 illuminating a surface of the shell 50, on a respective side of the shell 50.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the examples described above. On the contrary, numerous variants are accessible to those skilled in the art.

[0082] In particular, according to a variant, the light source 36 in the seat is fixed to the seat frame 14 and is adapted to emit a light beam towards the modular seat cushion 15, in particular towards the support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15, and even more particularly on the lower face 26i of the support 26 of the modular seat cushion 15.

[0083] Also, according to another variant, the light source 60 is fixed on the shell 50 of the backrest 16 and is adapted to emit a light beam towards the backrest frame 17, in particular towards a covering 17s of an upright 17i, 172 of the backrest frame 17, in order to illuminate a surface of this covering 17s of the backrest frame 17.

Claims

Claims

1. Backrest (16) of a vehicle seat (11), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising: - a backrest frame (17) comprising a first lateral upright (17i) and a second lateral upright (172), the first and second lateral uprights (17i; 172) being spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (Y) of the backrest (16); - a shell (50) carried by the first and second lateral uprights (17i; 172), the shell (50) having a front face (50A), intended to be oriented towards an occupant of the vehicle seat (11), and a rear face (50B), opposite the front face (50A); - at least one light source (60) adapted to emit a light beam (FL2) towards one of the backrest frame (17) and the shell (50), in particular towards the rear face (50B) of the shell (50).

2. Backrest (16) according to claim 1 wherein the at least one light source (60) is fixed on one of the shell (50), the backrest frame (17), in particular on a lateral upright (17b 172) of the backrest frame (17), preferably on each lateral upright (17b 172) of the backrest frame (17).

3. Backrest (16) according to claim 1, in which the at least one light source (60) is fixed to a covering (175) of the backrest frame (17), in particular of a lateral upright (17i; 172) of the backrest frame (17), the at least one light source (60) being adapted to emit a light beam (FL2) towards the shell (50), in particular towards the rear face (50B) of the shell (50).

4. Backrest (16) according to claim 3, in which at least one light source (60) is fixed to a covering (175) of each lateral upright (17i; 172) of the backrest frame (17), each at least one light source (60) being adapted to emit a light beam (FL2) towards the shell (50), in particular towards the rear face (50B) of the shell (50).

5. A file (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein each at least one light source (60) comprises a light-emitting diode, preferably a strip of light-emitting diodes, in particular a rectilinear strip of light-emitting diodes.

6. Backrest (16) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising padding at least partly in contact with the front face. (50A) of the hull (50).

7. Backrest (16) according to claim 6, further comprising a cover (65) covering the padding on the front face (50A) of the shell (50) and, preferably, at least partially the rear face (50B) of the shell (50).

8. Backrest (16) according to claim 7, in which the light beam (FL2) illuminates at least part of the cover (65), on the rear face (50B) of the shell (50).

9. Backrest (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the shell (50) is intended to support an occupant of the vehicle seat, via the padding and / or the cover where appropriate, the shell (50) preferably being deformable and / or movable relative to the first and second lateral uprights (17i; 172), the backrest (16) comprising, more preferably, two connecting rods (55), each connecting rod (55) being pivotally mounted on the backrest frame (17), around a first axis, the first axis preferably extending in a substantially transverse direction (Y) of the backrest (16), each connecting rod (55) being further pivotally mounted on the shell (50), around a second axis, the second axis preferably extending in a substantially transverse direction of the backrest (16), the shell (50) being, more preferably still, also connected, on each side, to the backrest frame (17) by a spherical connection.

10. Vehicle seat (11), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a backrest (16) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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