Upholstery element for vehicle seat

Abstract

Upholstery element for vehicle seat The upholstery element (12) for vehicle seat (10) comprises a foam block, said block comprising an external surface (24) and a groove (26), said groove comprising a bottom (32) and side walls (30) opening onto said external surface; the upholstery element further comprising a hooking support (22), arranged at the bottom of the groove (26). The hooking support (22) comprises: a contact surface (40), integral with the bottom (32) of the groove; and a rib (42), arranged opposite the contact surface, in the direction of the external surface (24) of the foam block. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Upholstery element for vehicle seat

[0001] The present invention relates to a padding element for a vehicle seat, comprising a foam block, said block comprising an external surface and a groove, said groove comprising a bottom and side walls opening onto said external surface; the padding element further comprising a hanging support, arranged at the bottom of the groove.

[0002] Such a padding element is known in particular from document FR2815901 (Dl), in the name of the Applicant.

[0003] In order to secure the seat covering to the padding element, it is known to provide said padding element with attachment supports inserted into the foam and formed for example of metal rods, rigid plastic parts or self-gripping strips. Such configurations complicate the operations of recycling the padding elements.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to propose a padding element combining good strength and a configuration facilitating recycling.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a padding element of the aforementioned type, in which the attachment support comprises: a contact surface, integral with the bottom of the groove; and a rib, arranged opposite the contact surface, in the direction of the external surface of the foam block.

[0006] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the padding element comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0007] - the hanging support is formed from an unexpanded plastic material;

[0008] - each of the foam of the block and the unexpanded plastic material of the support grip includes polyurethane;

[0009] - the contact surface and the rib of the hanging support extend in such a way continues along a length of the groove of the foam block.

[0010] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a padding element as described above, the method comprising: a step of manufacturing the attachment support by molding the unexpanded plastic material; then a step of manufacturing the foam block, by overmolding on said attachment support, so as to secure the contact surface of said attachment support with the bottom of the groove of the foam block.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the manufacturing method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0012] - the step of manufacturing the hanging support comprises: the supply of an element molding comprising a groove of complementary shape to the rib of the hanging support; and casting the plastic material in a fluid state into said groove, so that an upper surface of said plastic material forms the contact surface of the hanging support;

[0013] - the molding element comprises flanks arranged on either side of the groove, said sides having a shape complementary to the side walls of the groove of the foam block; and the step of manufacturing the foam block comprises overmolding on said molding element receiving the attachment support, so as to form the groove, the bottom of said groove being integral with the contact surface of said attachment support.

[0014] The invention further relates to a padding element as described above, resulting from a manufacturing method as described above.

[0015] The invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising: a padding element as described above; a flexible covering, in contact with the external surface of said padding element; and a plurality of attachment elements, fixed on the one hand to said flexible covering and on the other hand to the rib of the attachment support of the padding element.

[0016] Optionally, the vehicle seat is such that the plurality of attachment elements comprises at least one metal clip extending between two ends, said ends being inserted into the rib of the attachment support.

[0017] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a partial view of a padding element according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0019] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detailed view, in section, of a vehicle seat comprising the padding element of [Fig.l]; and

[0020] [Fig.3] [Fig.4] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of steps in a method of manufacturing the padding element of [Fig.l].

[0021] [Fig. 2] schematically represents a detailed view, in section, of a vehicle seat 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] The seat 10 comprises in particular: a padding element 12; a covering 14; and a plurality of attachment elements 16. A single attachment element 16 is visible in [Fig.2].

[0023] [Fig. 1] represents a partial view of the padding element 12, showing the sectional plane of [Fig. 2]. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the padding element 12 is intended for the manufacture of a backrest of the seat 10. According to another embodiment not shown, a padding element allows the manufacture of a seat base of the seat 10.

[0024] The padding element 12 comprises a block 20 and a hanging support 22.

[0025] The block 20 is formed from an elastically deformable foam, said foam being composed of a first plastic material. By "foam" is meant that the block 20 has a flexible alveolar structure with open cells (not shown).

[0026] Preferably, the foam forming the block 20 has a density of between 30 kg / m3 and 100 kg / m3. Preferably, the foam forming the block 20 has a pressure stress-strain characteristic of between 3 KPa and 20 KPa according to standard DIN EN ISO 3386.

[0027] Preferably, the first plastic material comprises polyurethane.

[0028] The block 20 includes an outer surface 24 and a groove 26. As described more specifically below, the external surface 24 is intended to be covered with the covering 14 for contact with a part of the body of a user of the seat 10.

[0029] We consider an orthonormal base (X, Y, Z) associated with the padding element 12. In the embodiment shown, the external surface 24 of the block 20 extends substantially in a plane (Y, Z).

[0030] The groove 26 extends over the external surface 24, as seen in [Fig. 1]. More precisely, as seen in [Fig. 2], the groove 26 comprises two side walls 30, opening onto said external surface 24. The groove 26 further comprises a bottom 32, arranged opposite the external surface 24 relative to the side walls 30.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, the side walls 30 are substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the side walls 30 are substantially parallel to the X direction.

[0032] In a variant not shown, the side walls of the groove move slightly apart from each other between the bottom 32 of the groove and the external surface 24 of the block 20. For example, the side walls form an angle of between 0° and 15° with each other.

[0033] A depth of the groove 26 in the direction X, between the bottom 32 and the external surface 24, is preferably between 5 mm and 3 cm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the groove 26 extends continuously over the external surface 24 and comprises substantially rectilinear portions and / or curved portions. In the embodiment shown, the groove 26 has a substantially U-shape, comprising two lateral portions 34 extending substantially along Z and a portion upper portion 36 extending substantially along Y. Each of the lateral portions 34 is continuous with the upper portion.

[0035] In a variant not shown, the groove 26 is closed on itself, forming for example a rectangle or a square. Such a shape is particularly suitable for a seat base (not shown).

[0036] According to another variant not shown, the groove 26 has a substantially H-shape.

[0037] The shape of the groove 26 on the external surface 24 makes it possible to give a certain aesthetic appearance to the padding element 12, to ensure satisfactory application of the coating 14 on the padding element 12 and to ensure a certain comfort for the passenger.

[0038] The attachment support 22 is arranged at the bottom of the groove 26.

[0039] More precisely, the attachment support 22 comprises a contact surface 40 and a rib 42. The contact surface 40 is integral with the bottom 32 of the groove 26. The rib 42 is arranged opposite the contact surface 40, in the direction of the external surface 24.

[0040] Preferably, the contact surface 40 and the rib 42 of the attachment support extend continuously over a length of the groove 26 of the foam block. Like said groove, the attachment support 22 comprises substantially rectilinear portions and / or curved portions.

[0041] Preferably, the attachment support 22 comprises a base 44 materializing the contact surface 40. The rib 42 forms a projection relative to said base 44, opposite the contact surface 40. More preferably, the base 44 has a width 46 greater than a width 48 of the rib 42, perpendicular to a main direction of the groove 26.

[0042] Preferably, the attachment support 22 is formed from a second plastic material. More preferably, the second plastic material is non-expanded, that is to say that said second material does not have a cellular structure. In other words, said second material is homogeneous or solid.

[0043] Preferably, the second plastic material has a density of between 600 kg / m3 and 900 kg / m3. Preferably, the second plastic material has a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 100.

[0044] Preferably, the second plastic material comprises polyurethane.

[0045] The covering 14 of the seat 10 forms a flexible layer. The covering 14 is by example formed from a textile material, natural or synthetic, or from natural or synthetic leather.

[0046] The covering 14 comprises: a main zone 50, in contact with the external surface 24 of the foam block 20; and a fixing zone 52, arranged in the groove 26.

[0047] For example, the coating 14 comprises a plurality of layers, including a base layer, a split foam layer, and a finish layer.

[0048] Each of the plurality of attachment elements 16 is fixed, on the one hand to the rib 42 of the attachment support 22 of the padding element 12, and on the other hand to the fixing zone 52 of the covering 14.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the attachment element 16 has a curved shape, extending between two ends 54. The attachment element 16 further comprises a central portion 56 arranged between said ends 54.

[0050] Each of the ends 54 of the attachment element 16 is inserted into the rib 42 of the attachment support 22. The central part 56 of the attachment element 16 is fixed to the fixing zone 52 of the covering 14.

[0051] Preferably, the attachment element 16 is a metal clip, for example a self-piercing deformable metal clip. Preferably, the plurality of attachment elements 16 is distributed over a length of the groove 26.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the attachment element 16 is fixed in contact with the attachment zone 52 of the covering 14. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the seat 10 further comprises a plurality of return elements, each of said return elements being fixed, on the one hand to the central part 56 of an attachment element 16, and on the other hand to the attachment zone 52 of the covering 14.

[0053] A method of manufacturing the above padding element 12 will now be described.

[0054] The manufacturing method comprises: a first step of manufacturing the attachment support 22 by molding the second plastic material; then a second step of manufacturing the foam block 20, by overmolding on said attachment support 22. The contact surface 40 of said attachment support 22 is thus secured to the bottom 32 of the groove 26 of the foam block 20.

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 schematically represent steps of the aforementioned manufacturing method.

[0056] In particular, [Fig. 3] schematically represents, in section, a molding element 60 allowing the implementation of the first step of manufacturing the attachment support 22.

[0057] The molding element 60 comprises a groove 62, of a shape complementary to the rib 42 of the attachment support. In the embodiment shown, the molding element 60 comprises flanks 64, arranged on either side of the groove 62. The flanks 64 have a shape complementary to the side walls 30 of the groove 26 of the foam block 20. The groove 62 is arranged at one end of the flanks 64.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the molding element 60 is formed in one piece with a mold 66 shown in [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, the molding element 60 is an added piece and fixed to the mold 66.

[0059] The mold 66 comprises a mold base 68, of a shape complementary to the external surface 24 of the block 20. The flanks 64 of the molding element 60 form a projection relative to the mold base 68, the groove 62 being arranged opposite said mold base.

[0060] The molding element 60 is arranged on the mold base 68 along a trajectory corresponding to that of the groove 26 on the external surface 24 of the block 20. For example, according to the embodiment shown, the molding element 60 is integral with the mold base 68.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the mold 66 further comprises a cover 70, capable of being removably assembled with the mold bottom 68 to define a closed enclosure 72. An internal shape of said enclosure is complementary to an external shape of the padding element 12.

[0062] Preferably, the mold 66 includes vents (not shown) allowing degassing of the enclosure 72.

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, the first step of manufacturing the attachment support 22 takes place as follows:

[0064] First, the molding element 60 is arranged so that the groove 62 is open upwardly.

[0065] Then, a first fluid composition 74 is implemented in a first injection head 76. The first fluid composition 74 is a precursor of the second plastic material forming the attachment support 22.

[0066] Preferably, the first fluid composition 74 is obtained by mixing a first component, comprising an isocyanate resin, and a second component, comprising a polyol. For example, the second component comprises one or more polyols, as well as additives. The first fluid composition 74 thus makes it possible to obtain a polyurethane.

[0067] More preferably, a water content of the first fluid composition 74 is less than 0.5% by mass relative to the mass of polyols, so as to obtain a dense material.

[0068] Next, the first injection head 76 is arranged above the groove 62 of the molding element 60; then a bead 78 of casting first fluid composition 74 is cast into said groove 62 while the first injection head 76 is moved over a length of said groove. Preferably, a section of the casting bead 78 is between 0.2 cm2 and 0.6 cm2. Preferably, a flow rate of first fluid composition 74 is between 3 cm3 and 50 cm3 per second, so as to maintain a substantially laminar flow.

[0069] The groove 62 of the molding element is thus filled with first fluid composition 74. After hardening, an upper surface 80 of the second plastic material obtained forms the contact surface 40 of the attachment support 22. The material filling the groove 62 forms the rib 42 of said attachment support.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, the second step of manufacturing the foam block 20 takes place as follows:

[0071] After casting the first fluid composition 74, the attachment support 22 still being received in the groove 62 of the molding element 60, a second fluid composition 82 ([Fig.4]) is implemented in a second injection head 84. The second fluid composition 82 is a precursor of the foam forming the block 20 of the padding element 12.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fluid composition 82 comprises a mixture of the first and second components described above, respectively comprising an isocyanate resin and a polyol. In addition, a foaming agent such as water is added. Preferably, a water content of the second fluid composition 82 is between 0.5% and 6% by mass relative to the mass of polyols. The second fluid composition 82 thus makes it possible to obtain an expanded material such as a polyurethane foam.

[0073] Then, the mold 66 being open, the second injection head 84 is arranged above the mold bottom 68 and the second fluid composition 82 is poured onto said bottom 68. Preferably, a flow rate of second fluid composition 82 is greater than 150 cm3 per second.

[0074] The mold 66 is then closed by assembling the mold bottom 68 and the cover 70, materializing the enclosure 72. The second fluid composition 82 expands, filling said enclosure 72 to form the block 20 of foam.

[0075] During the expansion of the second fluid composition 82, said second composition submerges the molding element 60 carrying the attachment support 22. The contact surface 40 of said support is thus covered by the foam being formed.

[0076] The groove 26 of the block 20 is thus formed around the molding element 60. Furthermore, the bottom 32 of said groove is fixed to the contact surface 40 of the attachment support 22.

[0077] According to a first alternative, the casting of the second fluid composition 82 is carried out while the first fluid composition 64, received in the groove 62, is still hardening. According to a second alternative, the casting of the second fluid composition 82 is implemented after the end of the hardening of said first fluid composition 74. In both cases, good adhesion is obtained between the contact surface 40 of the attachment support 22 and the bottom 32 of the groove 26.

[0078] Preferably, the closing of the mold 66 is carried out while the second fluid composition 82 is already partially expanded. The degassing of said mold is thus facilitated.

[0079] After hardening of the second fluid composition 82, leading to the formation of the foam of the block 20, the padding element 12 thus obtained is removed from the mold.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, prior to the first and second steps described above, the manufacturing method comprises the application of a mold release agent to the molding element 60 and to the mold base 68. Such a mold release agent is for example in the form of a liquid solution, sprayed onto the surfaces concerned.

[0081] After obtaining the padding element 12, the seat 10 is obtained by stapling each of the attachment elements 16 along the rib 42 of the attachment support 22, said attachment elements 16 being previously assembled to the fixing zone 52 of the covering 14.

[0082] According to an alternative not shown, the attachment elements 16 are first stapled along the rib 42 of the attachment support 22, then the covering 14 is assembled to said attachment elements 16 by means of a plurality of return elements (not shown).

[0083] According to another alternative, the attachment elements 16 are each stapled simultaneously to the fixing zone 52 of the covering 14 and to the rib 42 of the attachment support 22, for example by a clamp deforming the attachment element 16 to perforate the rib 42 and the zone 52 then form a substantially closed loop of attachment element 16.

[0084] For example, the attachment elements 16 are distributed along the rib 42 so that each attachment element 16 is separated from its neighbors by a substantially regular distance.

[0085] The padding element 12 described above has good mechanical resistance due to the adhesion between the foam block 20 and the attachment support 22.

[0086] Furthermore, such a padding element 12 formed of plastic material, without a metal insert, facilitates recycling operations. To this end, the foam block 20 and the attachment support 22 are advantageously formed of similar materials, including in particular polyurethane.

Claims

Claims

1. A padding element (12) for a vehicle seat (10), comprising a block (20) of foam, said block comprising an external surface (24) and a groove (26), said groove comprising a bottom (32) and side walls (30) opening onto said external surface; the padding element further comprising a hooking support (22), arranged at the bottom of the groove (26); The padding element being characterized in that the hooking support (22) comprises: a contact surface (40), integral with the bottom (32) of the groove; and a rib (42), arranged opposite the contact surface, in the direction of the external surface (24) of the foam block.

2. A cushioning element according to claim 1, wherein the attachment support (22) is formed from an unexpanded plastic material.

3. A cushioning element according to claim 2, wherein each of the foam of the block (20) and the unexpanded plastic material of the attachment support (22) comprises polyurethane.

4. A padding element according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact surface (40) and the rib (42) of the hooking support extend continuously over a length of the groove of the foam block.

5. Method for manufacturing a padding element (12) according to one of claims 2 to 3, comprising: a step of manufacturing the attachment support (22) by molding the non-expanded plastic material; then a step of manufacturing the foam block (20), by overmolding on said attachment support, so as to secure the contact surface (40) of said attachment support with the bottom (32) of the groove (26) of the foam block.

6. A manufacturing method according to claim 5, wherein the step of manufacturing the hook support comprises: providing a molding element (60) comprising a groove (62) of complementary shape to the rib (42) of the hook support; and casting the plastic material in a fluid state into said groove, so that an upper surface (70) of said plastic material forms the contact surface (40) of the hook support.

7. Manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein: the molding element (60) comprises flanks (64) arranged on either side of the groove, said flanks having a shape complementary to the side walls (30) of the groove of the foam block; and the step of manufacturing the foam block comprises overmolding on said molding element receiving the attachment support, so as to form the groove (26), the bottom (32) of said groove being integral with the contact surface (40) of said attachment support.

8. Padding element (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4, resulting from a manufacturing method according to one of claims 5 to 7.

9. Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a padding element (12) according to one of claims 1 to 4 or according to claim 8; a flexible covering (14), in contact with the external surface (24) of said padding element; and a plurality of attachment elements (16), fixed on the one hand to said flexible covering and on the other hand to the rib (42) of the attachment support of the padding element.

10. Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of attachment elements (16) comprises at least one metal clip extending between two ends (54), said ends being inserted into the rib (42) of the attachment support.

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