Polyester seat upholstery

Abstract

TITLE: Polyester seat upholstery The invention relates to an upholstery 3 comprising: A first padding layer 31 comprising a 3D tangle of continuous polyester fibers arranged irregularly forming loops welded together, A cover 32 comprising: A second layer 33 comprising non-woven polyester fibers, A third layer 34 of appearance comprising polyester fibers woven together, each of the first and second layers comprising at least 95% polyester, the third layer comprising at least 92% polyester. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Polyester seat upholstery Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of motor vehicle seats which comprise at least one upholstery, typically fixed to a seat structure. The upholstery comprises a layer of secure padding which contributes to the comfort of the seat, and a cover, which in particular plays a finishing role by covering the padding. The cover generally comprises at least one layer of appearance fabric.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a seat upholstery, in particular a seat backrest upholstery, which can also be applied to a seat base part. The present disclosure also relates to a seat comprising such an upholstery, as well as a method for recycling such an upholstery. Prior art

[0003] The linings are conventionally made at least partly from urethane polymer foam (or polyurethane, PU), in particular from polyurethane foam obtained from polyols of the polyether / polyol (or PUR) type. Such foams can be shaped in molds relatively easily, to form different shapes of secure mattresses for different vehicle seat elements, such as the seat, the backrest, the armrest or the headrest, for example.

[0004] Polyurethane foam padding is satisfactory, but can retain moisture, particularly in humid conditions. This can cause discomfort for an occupant of a vehicle seat, an element of which includes such padding.

[0005] Furthermore, polyurethane foam is conventionally made by mixing, among other things, polyols with isocyanates. The chemical reaction carried out emits CO2 to form a foam, the emitted CO2 contributing to global warming.

[0006] In addition, polyurethane foam is not recyclable. Therefore, at the end of their life, the seats are dismantled to be sorted in order to separate the elements of different recyclable materials, and to extract the non-recyclable elements. The recyclable elements are then crushed to form a new raw material, while the non-recyclable elements are typically buried, or burned if possible to generate energy.

[0007] Thus, it appears desirable to limit the use of polyurethane in vehicle seat fittings, while guaranteeing an equivalent level of performance, particularly from the point of view of comfort and the appearance of the seat. Summary

[0008] The present disclosure improves the situation.

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a packing comprising: - A first layer of padding comprising a 3D tangle of continuous polyester fibers arranged irregularly forming loops welded together, - A headdress (32) comprising: • A second layer comprising non-woven polyester fibers, • A third appearance layer comprising polyester fibers woven together, each of the first and second layers comprising at least 95% polyester, the third layer comprising at least 92% polyester.

[0010] Thus, for the reasons discussed below, the lining according to the present disclosure is made entirely of recyclable material and has a reduced CO2 emission rate compared to the prior art.

[0011] According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle seat comprising a backrest portion and a seat portion connected to a vehicle seat structure, at least one of the backrest and seat portions comprising a trim according to the first aspect.

[0012] According to examples, the seat according to the second aspect comprises an interface fixed to the structure of the seat, the interface comprising a hooking zone. According to examples, the upholstery is placed on said interface on the side of the first padding layer, so that the first layer is closest to the interface compared to the second and third layers, the first layer and the second layer comprising passages, the third layer comprising a hooking element adapted to cooperate with the hooking zone, said hooking element reaching the hooking zone to ensure the fixing of the third layer by passing through said passages of the first layer and the second layer. Thus, the first layer is sandwiched between the interface and the third layer, the first layer not being directly fixed to the interface or to the structure of the seat.

[0013] According to examples, the interface may be of the type of a plastic support, otherwise called a “carrier”.

[0014] According to other examples, the interface may be of the type of a metallic suspension sheet.

[0015] According to examples, the interface may be a backrest interface or a seat interface.

[0016] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing a lining in which the manufacturing of the first layer comprises: - / Al / Extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer in an extrusion die comprising extrusion nozzles distributed along a lengthwise direction and along a widthwise direction of the extrusion die, generating a curtain of continuous molten fibers, falling by gravity, - / A2 / Reception of the curtain of continuous melted fibers falling by gravity onto one or more support elements with generation of a 3D tangle of irregularly arranged fibers with fusion of loops between the continuous fibers, - / A3 / possibly solidification of the 3D entanglement of fibers by immersion in a coolant.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of fixing a trim according to the present disclosure, on a vehicle seat according to the second aspect, the seat comprising an interface comprising a hooking zone, the fixing method comprising: - / BI / Laying the first layer of padding on the interface, - / B2 / Passage of the hanging element through the passage of the first padding layer to fix it to the attachment zones of the interface.

[0018] According to an improvement, the method of fixing the upholstery on the vehicle seat can comprise in / B3 / the fixing of the peripheral edges of the cover on the interface by cooperation between a rigid edging part of the cover and a peripheral fixing zone of the interface.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of recycling a vehicle seat according to the second aspect, comprising: - Separation of at least one upholstery from the seat structure, - Grinding of the entirety of at least one filling, without prior operation of separating the layer or layer element, in order to obtain polyester in the form of granules, - Reuse of at least part of the polyester granules for the manufacture of a product comprising polyester.

[0020] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0021] According to examples, the second layer may be bonded to the third layer, preferably with a hot melt adhesive. The adhesive may comprise at least 95% polyester. The second layer may be bonded to the third layer by a hot melt adhesive process.

[0022] In examples, the cap may include one or more attachment elements, configured to secure the cap to the first layer of padding, or to an interface of a vehicle seat. The attachment elements may be, for example, sewn or glued to an inner face of the cover, the inner face facing an interface of the seat and being opposite an outer face which receives the occupant of the seat. The attachment element may comprise at least 95% polyester.

[0023] According to examples, the attachment elements may be of the type of trim reminders, also called “tie-downs” in English. The trim may comprise one or more attachment elements.

[0024] In examples, the first layer of secure mattress may comprise one or more local areas densified and stiffened by hot pressing of the 3D entanglement, the hooking elements of the second layer being configured to cooperate with said local areas to fix the cover to the first layer of padding. For example, the hooking elements may comprise a set of hooks, and / or one or more points provided with hooks which hook loops of the 3D entanglement of the padding layer at the local areas densified and stiffened.

[0025] In other examples, the cover may be connected to the seat frame by the attachment elements. Optionally, the cover may then not be connected to the first layer of padding.

[0026] According to still other examples, the first padding layer comprises a through passage, the attachment element being configured to cooperate with an attachment zone of the vehicle seat interface by passing through the passage of the first padding layer.

[0027] According to examples, the first layer of padding is placed on a vehicle seat interface, and the cover covers the first layer of padding by being fixed to the interface by one or more attachment elements. The attachment elements pass through the first layer of padding to reach attachment zones of the interface.

[0028] According to examples, the seat comprises an interface comprising a peripheral attachment zone, and the cover comprises a rigid edging portion. Said peripheral attachment zone of the seat interface being configured to cooperate with said rigid portion of the cover to fix the cover on the interface.

[0029] The interface may be deformable so as to contribute to seating comfort.

[0030] In examples, the second layer may comprise a thickness at least twice, preferably at least five times, even more preferably at least ten times greater than the thickness of the third layer. The second layer may be obtained by a lamination process, and may in particular be of the polyester “felt” type. The second layer may comprise a binder resin. The second layer may also be made of polyester. The second layer may comprise at least less than 95% polyester. The third layer can be obtained by a process of weaving polyester fiber together.

[0031] In one example, the thickness of the cover, which represents the addition of the thickness of the second layer and the thickness of the third layer, may be less than the thickness of the first layer of padding. The cover may be twice, preferably five times, or even more preferably ten times less thick than the first layer of padding.

[0032] According to one example, the second layer comprises a surface mass of between 80 and 400 g / m2, preferably between 100 and 250 g / m2.

[0033] According to one example, the second layer comprises an air permeability greater than 1500 L / m2 / s. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig.l

[0035] [Fig.l] shows a schematic representation of a trim according to an example of the present disclosure, intended to equip a seat back. Fig. 2

[0036] [Fig.2] shows a perspective cross-section of a trim according to an example, equipping a seat back. Fig. 3

[0037] [Fig.3] shows a perspective cross-section of a lining according to an example in which the three layers are particularly visible. Fig. 4

[0038] [Fig.4] shows a schematic plan representation of a cross-section of a packing according to an example. Fig. 5

[0039] [Fig.5] shows a schematic representation of a part of a method of obtaining a filling according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig. 6

[0040] [Fig.6] shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a trim attached to a vehicle seat interface according to an example of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0041] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

[0042] In the various figures, the same references designate identical elements. or the like. For the sake of brevity, only those elements which are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0043] 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 element or of a vehicle seat in its normal position of use.

[0044] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1], in which a seat 1 is illustrated comprising a typically metallic structure 2, which may comprise plastic parts, and a trim 3 according to an example of the present disclosure intended to equip a backrest of the seat 1.

[0045] The backrest frame typically comprises side uprights, extending in height, as well as an upper cross member connecting two upper ends of the uprights. The uprights and the upper cross member are typically formed sheets, for example by stamping techniques.

[0046] The seat back 1 comprises in particular an interface 4, in particular here a backrest interface. It is nevertheless conceivable to provide a similar interface for a seat base part on which a trim according to the present disclosure would be applied. This may comprise a material entirely or partially made of plastic. For example, said interface 4 is made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and / or PC (Polycarbonate) and / or P / E (Polypropylene / Polyethylene Copolymer).

[0047] In other examples, the interface may comprise a metal suspension web.

[0048] Generally speaking, the interface 4, here a backrest, may comprise a shell. The shell may be a molded part or a thermoformed part.

[0049] The lining 3 according to the present disclosure comprises: - A first layer of padding 31 comprising a 3D tangle of continuous polyester fibers arranged irregularly forming loops welded together,

[0050] The fibers of the 3D polyester tangle of the first padding layer 31 may be hollow fibers and / or solid fibers. The fibers may have a diameter of between 0.2 mm and 2 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.5 mm. The term “continuous” in “continuous fibers” means that the fibers are of a length much greater than the diameter of the fibers, and due to the process which is described above- after, typically at least by a ratio of 100, or even 500, or even 1000. Very often, and in particular as understandable from the manufacturing process, the fibers typically extend from a first end on a first edge of the 3D entanglement and to a second end on a second edge of the 3D entanglement, opposite the first edge.

[0051] Preferably, the voids between the fibers of the 3D interlocking of fibers of the first layer 31 of padding are left free. This results in a very breathable padding, due to the numerous inter-spaces between the fibers which promote air circulation.

[0052] The trim according to the present disclosure also comprises a cap 32, comprising: • A second layer 33 comprising non-woven polyester fibers, • A third layer 34 of appearance comprising woven polyester fibers between them,

[0053] The second layer comprises an interweaving of non-woven polyester fibers. It may in particular be obtained by a lamination process, and be of the polyester “felt” type. It may optionally comprise a binding resin.

[0054] The third layer may comprise polyester fibers woven or knitted together. It may also have a polyester coating on the surface. The third layer has resistance to abrasion, light, and general wear which allows it to retain its appearance throughout the life of the vehicle.

[0055] The second layer and the third layer can be glued together.

[0056] [Fig.2] and 3 show a 3D modeling of a trim according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0057] The interface 4 is particularly visible in [Fig.2], in particular, said interface 4 is here a folder interface 4, and may comprise: - at least one deformable backrest shell receiving the upholstery 3, said deformable shell being configured to take different shapes, in particular from an initial position of lumbar lordosis and in particular up to a final position of lumbar kyphosis, in response to a variable load applied by the back of the occupant of the seat, - a system coupling said deformable backrest shell 40 to the structure comprising upper movement control links, and lower movement control links.

[0058] [Fig.4] shows a schematic representation of an example of a packing 3 according to the present disclosure.

[0059] In this example, the thickness H2 of the cap, which represents the addition of the thickness of the second layer H3 and the thickness of the third layer H4, perhaps less than the thickness of the first layer of padding Hl.

[0060] The cover can be twice, preferably three times less thick than the first layer of padding.

[0061] According to examples, the third layer comprises a thickness H4 of between 1 and 3 mm.

[0062] According to examples, the second layer comprises a thickness H3 of between 2 and 5 mm, or between 2 and 10 mm depending on the need to increase comfort.

[0063] According to examples, the first layer of padding comprises a thickness Hl equal to 30 mm.

[0064] Reference is now made to [Fig. 5], which represents an example of a method for manufacturing the first layer of padding according to the present disclosure. The method comprises an extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular a polyester, in an extrusion die 5 of the installation. The extrusion die 5 can in particular be supplied with granules of thermoplastic polymer, in particular polyester, for example from a recycling process.

[0065] The extrusion die 5 comprises extrusion nozzles 50, distributed along a direction L1 in length and along a direction L2 in width of the extrusion die 5. In / Al / , the extrusion die 5, from the thermoplastic polymer P, generates a curtain 6 of continuous melted fibers, falling by gravity. The curtain 6 of continuous melted fibers then passes between two counter-rotating guide members 7, 8, with a generation of a 3D entanglement of fibers according to an irregular, or random, distribution, with fusion of loops between the continuous fibers and according to a layer of total thickness and determined by the center distance between said two guide members 7, 8.

[0066] In / A2 / , the two guide members 7, 8 are rotated at a speed typically lower than the falling speed of the fibers, ensuring an accumulation of the fibers causing the formation of loops which heat-seal between fibers, generating the irregular, random, three-dimensional entanglement.

[0067] Finally, there is solidification of the 3D entanglement of fibers by immersion in a cooling liquid 9 to form a padding, which, after a possible cutting operation, makes it possible to obtain the first layer of padding 31. The solidification is obtained just after step / A2 / , the two guide members being able to be immersed halfway up in the cooling liquid, for this purpose.

[0068] The continuously moving 3D fiber entanglement layer is then guided out of the cooling liquid tank to be dried, typically by shaking / vibrating. The moving layer is then cut by cross-cuts, allowing different first layers of padding to be obtained. 31, and as visible in [Fig.5].

[0069] According to the inventor's findings, the first padding layer 31 obtained at the end of the method illustrated in [Fig. 5] has an apparent density of between 20 kg / m3 and 70 kg / m3, in particular between 45 kg / m3 and 60 kg / m3, preferably between 35 and 70 kg / m3, and in a substantially homogeneous manner. Such a padding density is optimized to ensure comfort and support for the occupant.

[0070] Concerning the cap, the second layer 33 can be manufactured according to the following method: - Deposit of mattress fibers on a carpet, - Entanglement of these fibers by needles perpendicular to the mattress, - Possibly hot calendering, - And possibly also additional knitting.

[0071] The third layer 34 can be manufactured according to the following method: - Warp and weft weaving of polyester threads - Or knitting polyester yarns - Or weaving or knitting, covered with a 90% polyester coating.

[0072] The cover 32 can then be placed over the first layer of padding so as to cover it, and be fixed to the interface 4.

[0073] [Fig. 6] shows a sectional view of the lining and the interface 4. In particular, an example of assembly of the cover 32 on the first layer of padding 31 is shown.

[0074] The third layer 34 is typically bonded to the second layer 33. Since the third layer comprises a hooking element 341 projecting towards the inside of the upholstery, an opening 321 is provided through the second layer to allow the hooking element to emerge from the cover 32, towards the inside of the seat. A through passage 311 is provided through the first padding layer 31, the passage 311 being configured to allow said hooking element 341 to pass through the passage 321 of the second layer 33, so that it can reach a hooking zone 41 formed on the interface 4.

[0075] The attachment element 341 comprises means for securing itself to the attachment zone 41, for example clipping means, in order to allow easy disassembly of the cover and / or the entire trim. The attachment element 341 is preferably made of polyester. The attachment element comprises at least 92% polyester, preferably at least 95% polyester.

[0076] The attachment element 341 may be of the type of a trim reminder, also called a “tie down” in English. According to one example, the attachment elements 341 are fixing elements (comprising a strap or a non-woven polyester part) which are fixed to the cap at a first end and have a rigid element at a second end.

[0077] The interface 4 also comprises a peripheral fixing zone 42 arranged at the edge of the interface 4. Said edge is for example a peripheral edge of the interface 4. The third layer 34 comprises a rigid part 342, for example sewn, configured to be housed in the peripheral fixing zone 42, in the manner of a edging. For the peripheral edges of the interface, the rigid part 342 can be sewn directly onto the cover 32, and folded down in the peripheral fixing zone 42 so as to remain stuck when the seat is in use.

[0078] According to one example, a method of fixing the upholstery 3 to the seat 1 comprises: - / B1 Laying the first layer of padding 31 on the interface 4, - / B2 / Passage of the attachment element 341 through the passage 311 of the first layer of padding 31 to fix it to the attachment zones 41 of the interface 4. - / B3 / Fixing the peripheral edges of the cap 32 on the interface 4 by co operation between the rigid part 342 and the peripheral fixing zone 42.

[0079] Said method may comprise, prior to / B2 / , the bonding of the third layer 34 to the second layer 33, with the passage of the attachment element through the opening 321 of the second layer 33.

[0080] The first layer of padding 31 is then at least partially covered by the cover 32. The assembly between the cover 32 and the interface 4 is removable. It is possible, according to examples, to “unclip” the attachment element 341 from the attachment zone 311. It is possible, according to examples, to urge the rigid part 342 out of the peripheral attachment zone 42.

Claims

Claims

1. Filling (3) comprising: - A first layer (31) of mattress cover comprising a 3D tangle of continuous polyester fibers arranged irregularly forming loops welded together, - A cover (32) comprising: • A second layer (33) comprising non-woven polyester fibers, • A third layer (34) of appearance comprising polyester fibers woven together, each of the first and second layers (31, 33) comprising at least 95% polyester, the third layer (34) comprising at least 92% polyester.

2. Filling (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the second layer is glued to the third layer, preferably with a hot-melt glue, the glue preferably comprising at least 95% polyester.

3. Trim (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cover comprises a fastening element (341) configured to fix the cover (32) to an interface (4) of a vehicle seat (1), preferably the fastening element (341) comprising at least 95% polyester.

4. Padding (3) according to the preceding claim, the first layer (31) of padding comprising a through passage (311), the attachment element (341) being configured to cooperate with an attachment zone (41) of the interface (4) by passing through said passage (311) of the first layer (31) of padding.

5. Lining (3) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the second layer (33) comprises a thickness (H3) at least twice the thickness (H4) of the third layer (34).

6. Lining (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the second layer (33) comprises a thickness (H3) of between 2 and 10 mm, preferably between 2 and 5 mm.

7. Vehicle seat (1) comprising a backrest portion and a seat portion connected to a vehicle seat structure (1), at least one backrest and seat parts comprising a trim (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Method of manufacturing a filling (3) according to one of the res indications 1 to 6 in which the manufacture of the first layer (31) comprises: / Al / Extrusion of a thermoplastic polymer in an extrusion die comprising extrusion nozzles distributed along a lengthwise direction and along a widthwise direction of the extrusion die, generating a curtain of continuous molten fibers, falling by gravity, / A2 / Reception of the curtain of continuous melted fibers falling by gravity onto one or more support elements with generation of a 3D tangle of irregularly arranged fibers with fusion of loops between the continuous fibers, / A3 / possibly solidification of the 3D entanglement of fibers by immersion in a cooling liquid.

9. Method for fixing a trim (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6 in combination with claim 4, on a vehicle seat (1) according to claim 7, the seat (1) comprising an interface (4) comprising a hooking zone (41), the fixing method comprising: / B 1 / Laying the first layer of padding (31) on the interface (4), / B2 / Passage of the attachment element (341) through the passage (311) of the first layer of padding (31) to fix it to the attachment zones (41) of the interface (4).

10. Method for recycling a vehicle seat (1) according to claim 7 comprising: Separation of the at least one lining (3) from the seat structure (1), Grinding of the entirety of at least one lining (3), without prior operation of separating the layer or layer element, in order to obtain polyester in the form of granules, Reuse of at least part of the polyester granules for the manufacture of a product comprising polyester.

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