SEAT WITH FOLDING BACKRESTS TRANSMITTING THE FORCES IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT, FOR A LAND VEHICLE

Abstract

A seat (SV) equips a land vehicle and comprises two foldable backrest frames (AD1, AD2) and having respectively sub-parts (SP1, SP2) placed next to each other and separated by a spacing (EP1) of a first width. These sub-parts (SP1, SP2) respectively comprise two coupling elements (EC1, EC2), placed opposite each other in the spacing (EP1) and having free ends spaced apart by a second width strictly less than the first width, and capable, in the event of a lateral impact suffered by the vehicle, of contacting each other to transmit at least part of the forces suffered by their backrest frame (AD1, AD2) during this lateral impact. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: SEAT WITH FOLDING BACKRESTS TRANSMITTING FORCES IN THE EVENT OF A SIDE IMPACT, FOR A LAND VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to seats intended to equip land vehicles and comprising two adjacent folding backrest frames. State of the art

[0002] Certain land vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise (generally in a rear part of their passenger compartment (or "row two")), a seat comprising two folding backrest frames placed next to each other and separated by a gap. Such a seat generally has one backrest frame which is wider than the other (for example the proportions of the two widths may be equal to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3).

[0003] In order to allow easy folding of each backrest frame forward, independently of the other backrest frame, these two backrest frames are not coupled together and therefore there is no transverse connection between the left and right sides of the (land) vehicle at the upper part of the backrest frames. As a result, when the vehicle suffers a side impact on one of its sides, the speed of movement of the upper part of the backrest frame located on this side and at the level of the thorax of the seated passenger, is significantly greater than the lower part of this same backrest frame (located at the level of the seat), which significantly increases the risk of injury to this passenger.

[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0005] It proposes in particular for this purpose a seat suitable for equipping a land vehicle and comprising two folding backrest frames and respectively having sub-parts placed one next to the other while being separated by a spacing of a first width.

[0006] This seat is characterized by the fact that the sub-parts of its backrest frames comprise two coupling elements, placed opposite each other in the spacing with free ends spaced apart by a second width strictly less than the first width, and capable, in the event of a lateral impact suffered by the land vehicle, of contacting each other to transmit at least part of the (transverse) forces suffered by their backrest frame during this lateral impact.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the two backrest frames appear as if coupled between them via their coupling elements, which makes it possible to establish a connection between the left and right sides of the vehicle at the upper parts of the backrest frames, and therefore to reduce the risk of injury to a passenger sitting on the part of the seat located on the side of the side impact.

[0008] The seat according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0009] - each sub-part of a backrest frame can be located near a upper part of this backrest frame;

[0010] - the second width may be equal to a sum of the thicknesses of two parts of seat trims intended to equip the sub-parts respectively by masking the coupling elements;

[0011] - in a first embodiment, each coupling element may comprise a tube having a first end fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part and a second end to which is fixedly secured a coupling plate suitable for transmitting or receiving at least part of the forces;

[0012] - in the presence of this first embodiment, each coupling plate can comprise at least two opposite sides curved towards the corresponding sub-part (of backrest frame);

[0013] - also in the presence of this first embodiment, each plate of coupling may have dimensions, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction along which the first width is defined, of between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm, and a thickness along this direction of between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm;

[0014] - also in the presence of this first embodiment, each sub-part (backrest frame) may be a portion of a frame tube of this backrest frame having a predefined section, and each tube of a coupling element may have a section equal to this predefined section;

[0015] - in a second embodiment, each coupling element may comprise a foam part having a hardness greater than or equal to 80 grams / litre and fixedly attached to the corresponding sub-part (backrest frame);

[0016] - in the presence of this second embodiment, each foam piece can be so fixedly lidarized to the corresponding sub-part by screwing;

[0017] - also in the presence of this second embodiment, each foam part may have dimensions, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction along which the first width is defined, of between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm.

[0018] The invention also proposes a land vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one seat of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a front side front view, part of a first example of embodiment of a seat according to the invention intended to equip a land vehicle,

[0021] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the sub-parts of the seat back frames of [Fig.l], with their first coupling elements,

[0022] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a front side front view, part of a second example of embodiment of a seat according to the invention intended to equip a land vehicle, and

[0023] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the sub-parts of the seat back frames of [Fig.3], with their second coupling elements. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The invention aims in particular to propose an SV seat with folding backrests and intended to equip a land vehicle and making it possible to reinforce the safety of the passengers it is designed to accommodate.

[0025] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle is of the automobile type. This is for example a car whose passenger compartment may include at least two rows of seat(s). But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It relates in fact to any land vehicle comprising a passenger compartment in which at least one seat with backrests that can be folded down independently of each other can be installed.

[0026] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the land vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the land vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the land vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0027] Figures 1 and 3 schematically illustrate two examples of SV seats intended to equip land vehicles (for example in the rear (or second row) parts of their passenger compartment).

[0028] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 3, a seat SV, according to the invention, comprises at least two backrest frames ADj (right (j = 1) and left (j = 2)), foldable, and respectively having sub-parts SPj which are placed next to each other while being separated by a first spacing EPI having a first width 11. The first width 11 is here defined along the transverse direction Y. Furthermore, the backrest frames ADj are intended to be equipped respectively with seat upholstery in order to participate in the definition of the right and left backrests of the seat SV. For example, the proportions of the two widths of the right backrest frames ADI and left backrest frames AD2 may be equal to 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 (as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3).

[0029] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, the right sub-part SP1 can be part of a left frame tube TA of the right backrest frame ADI, and the left sub-part SP2 can be part of a right frame tube TA of the left backrest frame AD2, placed in the vicinity of the left frame tube TA of the right backrest frame ADI when the two backrest frames ADj are simultaneously in their upright position (illustrated) or folded down (not illustrated).

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the right SP1 and left SP2 sub-parts respectively comprise two coupling elements ECj (right (j = 1) and left (j = 2)) which are placed opposite each other, at the same vertical level (Z), in the first spacing EPI by having free ends ELI and EL2 spaced apart by a second width 12 strictly less than the first width 11. The second width 12 is here defined along the transverse direction Y and corresponds to a second spacing EP2 between the free ends ELI and EL2.

[0031] Once the SV seat is installed in a vehicle, these two coupling elements ECj are capable, in the event of a lateral impact suffered by this vehicle, of contacting each other to transmit at least part of the forces (transverse (here following the transverse direction Y)) which are suffered by their backrest frame ADj during this lateral impact.

[0032] It will be understood that when the vehicle experiences a lateral impact on its right (respectively left) side, part of the force received is transmitted to the right backrest frame ADI (respectively left AD2), which moves at least its upper part towards the left backrest frame AD2 (respectively right ADI) until its right coupling element EC1 (respectively left EC2) contacts the left coupling element EC2 (respectively right EC1), which corresponds to a very short displacement because the second spacing EP2 between the coupling elements ECj is notably smaller than the first spacing EPI (12 « 11)). This results in a transmission of at least part of the forces experienced by the right backrest frame ADI (respectively left AD2) to the left backrest frame AD2 (respectively right ADI). Thus, the two backrest frames ADj appear as coupled to each other via their coupling elements ECj, even though these last (ECj) are not linked together so that the two backrests can be folded down easily independently of each other. This allows a "transverse connection" to be established between the left and right sides of the vehicle at the upper parts of the backrest frames ADj. This transverse connection advantageously makes it possible to prevent the speed of movement of the part of the backrest frame ADj, which is located on the side of the side impact and at the level of the thorax of the seated passenger, from being significantly greater than the lower part of this same backrest frame ADj (located at the level of the seat base of the SV seat), which reduces the risk of injury to this passenger.

[0033] Preferably, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, each sub-part SPj is located near an upper part of its backrest frame ADj. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, the sub-parts SPj could be located in intermediate parts (substantially central) of the frame tubes TA of the backrest frames ADj (located between the seat base SV and the aforementioned upper part).

[0034] It will be noted that the second width 12 (of the second spacing EP2) can be equal to the sum of the thicknesses of two parts of seat upholstery which are intended to equip respectively the sub-parts SPj by masking the coupling elements ECj.

[0035] In a first embodiment, illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, each coupling element ECj may comprise a tube TL and a coupling plate PC which is capable of transmitting or receiving at least part of the forces. In this case, each tube TL has a first end E1 fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part SPj and a second end E2 to which the coupling plate PC is fixedly secured.

[0036] It will be noted that each first end El can, for example, be fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part SPj by welding. But other means of fixed securing can be envisaged, and in particular screwing or gluing.

[0037] Furthermore, each coupling plate PC can, for example, be fixedly secured to the corresponding second end E2 by welding. But other means of fixed securing can be envisaged, and in particular screwing or gluing.

[0038] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], each coupling plate PC of a (first) coupling element ECj may comprise at least two opposite sides PC which are curved towards the corresponding sub-part SPj. This makes it easier to install the backrest upholstery on the backrest frame ADj concerned, to avoid damage to this backrest upholstery and to allow handling of the backrest concerned without risk of damage to the backrest upholstery.

[0039] Also for example, each coupling plate PC can have dimensions, in an XZ plane substantially perpendicular to the direction along which is defined the first width 11 (here the transverse direction Y), which are between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm, and a thickness along this direction between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. For example, the dimensions in the XZ plane can be equal to 100 mm x 100 mm, and the thickness (along Y) can be equal to 1 mm.

[0040] Also for example, each PC coupling plate and each associated TL tube can be made of steel. But other strong and rigid metals or plastic materials can be used.

[0041] Also for example, each sub-part SPj may be a portion of a right or left TA frame tube of the left or right backrest frame ADj. In this case, each TL tube of a coupling element ECj may have a section which is equal to the predefined section of the associated TA frame tube.

[0042] In a second embodiment, illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 and 4, each coupling element ECj may comprise a foam part PM fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part SPj. Each foam part PM then has a hardness which is greater than or equal to 80 grams / liter, in order to be sufficiently rigid to transmit the forces of a lateral impact reaching it.

[0043] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], each foam part PM can be fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part SPj by screwing, using at least one screw (or bolt) VF. In this case, it can, for example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], comprise a central bore fully housing the screw (or bolt) head. Furthermore, in order to immobilize the (each) screw (or bolt) VF relative to the frame tube TA of the backrest frame ADj which comprises the sub-part SPj concerned, the latter (SPj) can comprise on its external face a welded nut EF allowing the screwing of its threaded part.

[0044] But other means of fixed attachment of a PM foam part to the corresponding SPj sub-part can be envisaged, and in particular gluing.

[0045] Also for example, each foam part PM may have dimensions, in a plane XZ substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first width 11 is defined (here the transverse direction Y), which are between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm. By way of example, the dimensions in the plane XZ may be equal to 100 mm x 100 mm.

Claims

Claims

1. Seat (SV) suitable for equipping a land vehicle and comprising two foldable backrest frames (ADj) and respectively having sub-parts (SPj) placed next to each other while being separated by a spacing (EPI) of a first width, characterized in that said sub-parts (SPj) comprise two coupling elements (ECj), placed opposite each other in said spacing (EPI) while having free ends (ELj) spaced apart by a second width strictly less than said first width, and suitable, in the event of a lateral impact suffered by said land vehicle, for contacting each other to transmit at least part of the forces suffered by their backrest frame (ADj) during said lateral impact.

2. Seat according to claim 1, characterized in that each sub-part (SPj) is located near an upper part of its backrest frame (ADj).

3. Seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each coupling element (ECj) comprises a tube (TL) having a first end (El) fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part (SPj) and a second end (E2) to which is fixedly secured a coupling plate (PC) suitable for transmitting or receiving said at least part of the forces.

4. Seat according to claim 3, characterized in that each coupling plate (PC) comprises at least two opposite sides (PC) curved towards the corresponding sub-part (SPj).

5. Seat according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each coupling plate (PC) has dimensions, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction along which said first width is defined, of between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm, and a thickness along this direction of between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm.

6. Seat according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each sub-part (SPj) is a portion of a frame tube (TA) of the backrest frame (ADj) concerned having a predefined section, and each tube (TL) of a coupling element (ECj) has a section equal to said predefined section.

7. Seat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each coupling element (ECj) comprises a foam part (PM) having a hardness greater than or equal to 80 grams / liter and secured fixed to the corresponding subsection (SPj).

8. Seat according to claim 7, characterized in that each foam part (PM) is fixedly secured to the corresponding sub-part (SPj) by screwing.

9. Seat according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each foam piece (PM) has dimensions, in a plane substantially perpendicular to a direction along which said first width is defined, of between 80 mm x 80 mm and 120 mm x 120 mm.

10. Land vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one seat (SV) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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