Motor vehicle combination and vehicle comprising such a combination

Abstract

Motor vehicle assembly and vehicle comprising such an assembly. The invention relates to a motor vehicle assembly (1) (3), comprising at least one seat (7) mounted in a passenger compartment (9) of said vehicle and at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) arranged on one side of said passenger compartment, said at least one seat being mounted to move at least in translation, so as to alternately move said at least one seat closer to and further from said at least one entry / exit opening and / or at least in rotation about a vertical axis (19). According to the invention, said at least one seat (7) has a foot support plate (21), integral with said at least one seat and mounted on the underside of said at least one seat in an extended position such that said plate (21) supports the feet of a user when said user is seated on said at least one seat (7). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly of a motor vehicle and vehicle comprising such an assembly. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly to a motor vehicle assembly and a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. Previous technique

[0002] In an electric motor vehicle, the space formerly occupied by the internal combustion engine can be reduced.

[0003] This is how certain types of electric vehicles can have a cockpit positioned forward of the vehicle, which makes it possible to increase the available space on board the vehicle or even to reduce the length of the vehicle.

[0004] More particularly, certain types of vehicles with a forward cockpit have a driver's seat positioned substantially in the center of the vehicle relative to the width of the vehicle, i.e. that the front row has only one seat, that of the driver.

[0005] The arrangement in the driver's seat of the forward cockpit is such that, when the driver is seated in the driver's seat, the driver's legs are substantially opposite two areas of the vehicle, each of which houses a shock absorber system for one of the wheels of the front axle.

[0006] The two areas of the vehicle which house the shock absorber systems of the front axle wheels are each located in the extension, towards the front of the vehicle's passenger compartment, of each of the two front entry / exit doors allowing access to the vehicle.

[0007] In addition, the two areas of the vehicle that house the front axle wheel shock absorber systems extend into the vehicle's passenger compartment towards the driver's seat of the forward cockpit, thus reducing the available space in the cockpit.

[0008] Thus, when the driver is seated in the driver's seat of the forward cockpit and wishes to exit the vehicle, access to either of the two front entry / exit doors is relatively difficult. Indeed, the driver needs to bend down, or even squat, to reach the entry / exit door through which he wishes to exit.

[0009] In order to simplify access to either of the two front entry / exit doors from the driver's seat, consideration may be given to making the driver's seat mobile within the passenger compartment. The movement kinematics of the driver's seat are adapted to allow the driver to bypass the area of ​​the vehicle that houses the front axle wheel shock absorber system, simplifying access to the entry / exit doors from the driver's seat in that the driver no longer has to bend down, or even squat, to reach the entry / exit door through which they wish to exit.

[0010] However, the driver's feet, resting conventionally on a floor mat, rub against the mat during seat movements, which can hinder the proper execution of the seat movement kinematics and thus make the seat movement kinematics uncomfortable for the driver. Description of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, and for this purpose relates to an assembly of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one seat mounted in a passenger compartment of said vehicle and at least one entry / exit opening arranged on one side of the passenger compartment of said vehicle, said at least one seat being mounted movable in said passenger compartment at least in translation, so as to alternately bring said at least one seat closer to and further away from said at least one entry / exit opening, and / or at least in rotation about a vertical axis, said assembly being remarkable in that said at least one seat includes a foot support plate, integral with said at least one seat and mounted in the lower part of said at least one seat at least in a deployed position according to which said foot support plate supports the feet of a user when said user is seated on said at least one seat.

[0012] Thus, by providing an assembly comprising at least one seat and a foot support plate attached to and mounted on the underside of said seat, the user's feet rest on the foot support plate and no longer on the floor mat. This prevents the user's feet from rubbing against the floor mat when the seat moves within the passenger compartment. Consequently, the seat's movement is no longer disrupted by the friction of the user's feet during seat movement.

[0013] According to optional features of the assembly according to the invention: - said at least one seat comprises a base and said foot support plate is supported by said base; - said foot support plate is movable alternately between said deployed position and a retracted position according to which said foot support plate is moved under said base; - the passage of said foot support plate from its deployed position to its retracted position is achieved by a means designed to move said foot support plate under said base independently of the movement of said at least one seat; - said at least one seat is movable between a driving position and an access position according to which said at least one seat faces said at least one entry / exit opening, and said foot support plate occupies said retracted position when said at least one seat occupies its access position; - said at least one seat is movable in said passenger compartment in translation, so as to alternately move said at least one seat closer to and further from said at least one entry / exit opening, in rotation around said vertical axis and in rotation around a transverse axis of said at least one seat, said assembly further comprising a movement control system for said at least one seat designed to, when actuation, cause a movement kinematic sequence of said at least one seat comprising the following steps aimed at translating said at least one seat in a direction opposite to said at least one entry / exit opening, causing said at least one seat to rotate around said vertical axis so as to pivot said at least one seat facing said at least one entry / exit opening,to move said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and / or to rotate said at least one seat around said transverse axis of said at least one seat so as to tilt said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening; , - the assembly includes retaining stops arranged to prevent the translation of said foot support plate when said at least one seat is rotated around said transverse axis so as to tilt said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening; - the kinematics of movement of said at least one seat includes an additional step prior to said step aimed at translating said at least one seat in a direction opposite to said at least one entry / exit opening, consisting of rotating said at least one seat around said transverse axis of said at least one seat so as to tilt said at least one seat backwards; - said at least one seat is a driver's seat.

[0014] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one seat and an assembly, notable in that said assembly is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] [Fig-1] shows a motor vehicle assembly according to the invention in which is installed a driver.

[0017] [Fig.2] shows the passenger compartment in perspective view centered on the driver's feet 5.

[0018] [Fig.3] illustrates a first stage of moving a seat, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0019] [Fig.4] represents a second stage of seat movement, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0020] [Fig.5] represents a third stage of seat movement, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0021] [Fig.6] represents a fourth stage of seat movement, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0022] [Fig.7] represents a fifth stage of seat movement, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0023] [Fig.8] illustrates an optional preliminary step of seat movement, the passenger compartment being illustrated in perspective view centered on the driver's feet. Description of the implementation methods

[0024] In the following description, elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference.

[0025] By convention, and without limitation, longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientations will be adopted as indicated by the direct trihedron (L, V, T) designating the longitudinal, vertical and transverse axes of the vehicle.

[0026] In what follows, the terms "left", "right", "lower" and "upper" are understood in relation to the vehicle.

[0027] Similarly, the terms "front" and "rear" are understood in relation to the general orientation of the vehicle as taken in its normal direction of travel.

[0028] Reference is made to [Fig.1] showing an assembly 1 of a motor vehicle 3 according to the invention in which a driver 5 is installed.

[0029] Assembly 1 includes a seat 7, arranged at the front row of a passenger compartment 9 of the vehicle 3, opposite a dashboard (not shown) of the vehicle supporting in particular a steering wheel 11 and various dashboard instruments.

[0030] Assembly 1 comprises two inlet / outlet openings 13d, 13g arranged on either side of the vehicle 3, each capable of being closed by a corresponding inlet / outlet opening 14d, 14g. In one embodiment, assembly 1 includes a single entry / exit opening 13d, 13g arranged on one side of the vehicle and closed by an entry / exit opening 14d, 14g.

[0031] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the seat 7 is integrated into a forward-moving cockpit of the vehicle 3, which makes it possible to increase the available space on board the vehicle 3 or to reduce the length of the vehicle 3.

[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, seat 7 is a driver's seat positioned substantially in the center of the vehicle relative to the width of the vehicle, that is to say that the front row only includes seat 7, the driver's seat.

[0033] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the arrangement of the seat 7 of the forward cockpit is such that, when the driver 5 is seated on the seat 7, the legs 15 of the driver 5 are substantially opposite two areas 17d, 17g of the vehicle 3 which each house a shock absorber system for one of the wheels of the front axle.

[0034] The two zones 17d, 17g of the vehicle 3 are each located in the extension, towards the front of the passenger compartment 9 of the vehicle, of each of the two entry / exit openings 13d, 13g arranged on either side of the vehicle 3.

[0035] The two zones 17d, 17g of the vehicle 3 which house the shock absorber systems of the front axle wheels extend into the passenger compartment 9 towards the seat 7 of the forward cockpit, thus reducing the available space in the cockpit.

[0036] In order to simplify access to either of the two front entry / exit openings 13g, 13d from seat 7, seat 7 is movable within the passenger compartment.

[0037] The movement kinematics of the seat 7 is adapted to allow the driver 5 to bypass each of the areas 17g, 17d of the vehicle 3 which house the shock absorber systems of the front axle wheels, making it easier to access the entry / exit openings 13d, 13g from the seat 7.

[0038] For this purpose, the seat 7 is mounted movable in the cabin 9 at least in translation so as to alternately bring the seat 7 closer and further away from one or the other of the entry / exit openings 13d, 13g and / or at least in rotation around a substantially vertical axis 19, that is to say which extends in a substantially vertical direction relative to the vehicle.

[0039] More specifically, the seat 7 is mounted movably within the passenger compartment 9, at least in lateral translation, so as to alternately move the seat 7 closer to and further from one or the other of the entry / exit openings 13d, 13g. For example, the seat 7 is mounted movably within the passenger compartment 9 in translation along a substantially transverse direction relative to the vehicle 3. The translation of the seat 7 can be achieved by means of a set of slides, for example, fixed to the floor and supporting the seat 7.

[0040] Optionally, the seat 7 can also be mobile in rotation around an axis 20 (visible in [Fig.7]) substantially transverse to the seat 7.

[0041] In addition to [Fig.1] to which reference continues, reference is made to [Fig.2] showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0042] According to the invention, the seat 7 includes a foot support plate 21, attached to the seat 7 and mounted in the lower part of the seat 7 in a so-called "deployed" position in which the foot support plate 21 supports the feet of a user, here the feet of the driver 5, when the driver 5 is seated on the seat 7.

[0043] Thus, in its deployed position, the foot support plate 21 is located above the carpet 23 covering the floor of the passenger compartment 9.

[0044] In this way, the user's feet rest on the foot support plate 21 and no longer on the floor mat 23, which prevents the user's feet from rubbing against the floor mat 23 when the seat 7 performs its movement kinematics in the passenger compartment 9.

[0045] Thus, the kinematics of movement of the seat 7 is no longer disturbed by the friction of the user's feet during the movement of the seat.

[0046] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the foot support plate 21 consists of a flat surface, the dimensions of which are adapted to support the feet of the user when the user is seated on the seat 7 equipped with the plate 21. In order not to further clutter the passenger compartment 9, the thickness of the plate 21 is relatively thin.

[0047] In one embodiment, the seat 7 includes a base 25, supporting the seat of the seat 7, and the foot support plate 21 is supported by the base 25.

[0048] In one embodiment, the foot support plate 21 can be mobile alternately between its deployed position and a retracted position according to which the foot support plate 21 is moved under the base 25, as will be seen in the rest of the description.

[0049] The passage of the foot support plate 21 from its deployed position to its retracted position can, for example, be obtained by a means designed to move the foot support plate 21 under the base 25, independently of the movement of the seat 7.

[0050] Reference is made to figures 3 to 8 showing a non-limiting example of the motion kinematics of seat 7. Of course, other motion kinematics of seat 7 can be considered.

[0051] The kinematics of movement of the seat 7 can be initiated by the actuation of a seat movement control system 7.

[0052] In one embodiment, the seat movement control system 7 is capable of being manually operated by the driver 5 from an armrest of the seat 7. Alternatively, the seat movement control system 7 can be operated automatically by a central computer in the vehicle 3.

[0053] Reference is made to [Fig.3] showing a first stage of movement of the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0054] After activation of the seat 7 movement control system, the seat 7 is initially driven in translation in a direction opposite to one of the inlet / outlet openings 13d, 13g.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the seat 7 is initially driven in translation in the opposite direction to the inlet / outlet opening 13g, as represented by arrow 27.

[0056] When the vehicle has only one entry / exit opening, the seat 7 is initially moved in translation in the opposite direction to the single entry / exit opening.

[0057] The driver's feet 5 are supported by the foot support plate 21 during translational movement of the seat 7 according to the arrow 27. The feet do not rest on the floor mat 23.

[0058] Reference is made to [Fig.4] showing a second stage of movement of the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0059] After the seat 7 has been driven in translation in the opposite direction to the inlet / outlet opening 13g in the illustrated embodiment example, the seat 7 motion control system drives the seat 7 to rotate around the substantially vertical axis 19, as represented by the arrow 29, so as to pivot the seat 7 facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g.

[0060] Alternatively, the seat 7 can be driven in rotation around the axis 19 according to arrow 29 of [Fig.4], simultaneously with the drive of the seat in translation in the opposite direction to the inlet / outlet opening 13g, 13d, according to arrow 27 of [Fig.3].

[0061] Given that the seat 7 has been driven in translation in the opposite direction to the entry / exit opening 13g, the driver's feet 5 and the foot support plate 21 do not come into contact with the area 17g of the vehicle 3 which houses the shock absorber system of one of the wheels of the front axle during the rotation of the seat 7.

[0062] When the seat 7 has pivoted facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g in the illustrated embodiment example, the driver 5 is facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0063] Reference is now made to [Fig.5] showing a third stage of movement of the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0064] After the seat 7 has been rotated about the substantially vertical axis 19 so as to pivot it facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g in the example In the illustrated implementation, the seat movement control system 7 drives the seat 7 drive in translation towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g, as represented by arrow 31.

[0065] The translation of the seat 7 towards the entry / exit opening 13g allows the driver 5 to be brought closer to the entry / exit opening 13g.

[0066] Reference is made to [Fig.6] showing a fourth stage of movement of the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0067] From the driving position of the seat 7 initially occupied (represented in [Fig.1]), the seat 7 has here reached a so-called "access" position in which the seat 7 is facing the entry / exit opening 13g.

[0068] The foot support plate 21 then moves from its deployed position to its retracted position, as represented by arrow 33.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.6], the transition from its deployed position to its retracted position is achieved by means of a means designed to move the foot support plate 21 under the base 25, independently of the movement of the seat 7.

[0070] Moving the support plate 21 into the retracted position when the seat is in its access position prevents the driver 5 from getting out of the vehicle 3.

[0071] Reference is made to [Fig.7] showing a fifth stage of movement of the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0072] After the seat 7 has been driven in translation towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g, the seat 7 movement control system can drive the seat 7 drive in rotation around the axis 20 substantially transverse to the seat 7 so as to tilt the seat towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g, as represented by arrow 35.

[0073] Such an embodiment is for example applied when the vehicle 3 has a door height to pass through, i.e. a height between the ground and a lower edge of the entry / exit opening, of less than 400mm.

[0074] Thus, for this type of vehicle, called a "low vehicle", the advancement of the seat 7 in translation as close as possible to the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d and the tilting of the seat towards the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d makes it possible to further facilitate the descent of the driver 5.

[0075] Alternatively, only the rotational movement of the seat 7 around the axis 20 so as to tilt the seat towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g (arrow 35 in [Fig. 7]) can be controlled after the seat 7 has been rotated around the axis 19 (arrow 29 in [Fig. 4]). Thus, in such an embodiment, the seat 7 is not driven in translation along the arrow 31 shown in [Fig. 5].

[0076] Such an embodiment can for example be applied when the vehicle 3 has a door height to pass through, i.e. a height between the ground and a lower edge of the entry / exit opening, greater than 400mm.

[0077] Thus, for this type of vehicle, called a "high vehicle", a simple tilting of the seat 7 towards the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d may be sufficient to allow the driver 5 to get up and move forward in the passenger compartment 9 until reaching the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d.

[0078] In one embodiment, the assembly 1 includes retaining stops (not shown) arranged to prevent the translation of the foot support plate 21 when the seat 7 is driven in rotation around the transverse axis 20 so as to tilt the seat 7 towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g.

[0079] In this way, in the case where the foot support plate 21 is still in its deployed position before the seat movement control system 7 drives the seat 7 drive in rotation around the axis 20 so as to tilt the seat towards the entry / exit opening 13g, the foot support plate 21 does not advance at the same time as the seat 7 tilts.

[0080] Reference is made to [Fig.8] showing an optional preliminary step of moving the seat 7, the passenger compartment 9 being illustrated in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0081] Prior to the step of translating seat 7 in the opposite direction to the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d, activation of the seat 7 movement control system can cause seat 7 to rotate about the transverse axis 20 of seat 7, as shown by arrow 37. This tilts seat 7 towards the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the foot support plate 21 is not in contact with the passenger compartment floor during successive movements of seat 7, thus improving the ergonomics of the seat 7 movement kinematics.

[0082] According to one arrangement of the invention, the actuation of the seat movement control system 7 controls the passage of the entry / exit opening 14g, 14d from a closed position to an open position.

[0083] Thus, when the driver operates the seat movement control system 7, the entry / exit opening 14g, 14d moves from its closed position closing the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d to its open position allowing the driver to pass through the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d.

[0084] The opening of the entry / exit door 14g, 14d is thus triggered automatically when the seat movement control system 7 is activated. In this way, it allows the driver 5 who wishes to exit the vehicle 3 to avoid having to manually open the entry / exit door 14g, 14d.

[0085] Alternatively, it may be envisaged that there is no correlation between the actuation of the seat movement control system 7 and the opening of the entry / exit opening 14g, 14d.

[0086] In one embodiment, the opening of the entry / exit door 14g, 14d can automatically trigger the actuation of the seat movement control system 7, so as to present the seat 7 facing the entry / exit door 13g, 13d. This makes it easier to access the driver's seat 7.

[0087] In one embodiment, the seat movement control system 7 can be designed to drive the seat 7 into motion until it reaches an initial driving position (such as that shown in [Fig.1]) after the entry / exit opening 14g, 14d has passed from its open position to its closed position.

[0088] By automatically returning to its initial driving position after closing the entry / exit door 14g, 14d, the automatic transition of the seat 7 from its initial driving position to its position facing the seat 7 when opening the entry / exit door 14g, 14d is faster.

[0089] When the seat returns to its initial driving position, the foot support plate 21 moves from its retracted position to its deployed position, allowing the driver 5 to rest his feet directly on the plate 21 when he sits on the seat 7.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passenger compartment 9 may include a plurality of seats 7. In particular, the passenger compartment 5 may include the single seat 7 arranged at the front row of the passenger compartment 9, and one or more seats arranged at the rear row of the passenger compartment 9. In a variant, the front row may include a plurality of seats 7, for example two seats 7.

[0091] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this motor vehicle assembly and of this motor vehicle comprising such an assembly, described above solely by way of illustrative examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all variants involving the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Assembly (1) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least one seat (7) mounted in a passenger compartment (9) of said vehicle (3) and at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) arranged on one side of the passenger compartment (9) of said vehicle (3), said at least one seat (7) being movably mounted in said passenger compartment (9) at least in translation, so as to alternately move said at least one seat (7) closer to and further from said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), and / or at least in rotation about a vertical axis (19), said assembly (1) being characterized in that said at least one seat (7) has a foot support plate (21) integral with said at least one seat (7) and mounted on the underside of said at least one seat (7) at least in an extended position such that said foot support plate (21) supports the feet of a user when said user is seated on said at least one seat (7).

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one seat (7) comprises a base (25), characterized in that said foot support plate (21) is supported by said base (25).

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said foot support plate (21) is movable alternately between said deployed position and a retracted position according to which said foot support plate (21) is moved under said base (25).

4. Assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the passage of said foot support plate (21) from its deployed position to its retracted position is obtained by a means designed to move said foot support plate (21) under said base (25) independently of the movement of said at least one seat (7).

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said at least one seat (7) is movable between a driving position and an access position in which said at least one seat (7) faces said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), characterized in that said foot support plate (21) occupies said retracted position when said at least one seat (7) occupies its access position.

6. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said at least one seat (7) is movable in said passenger compartment (9) in translation, so as to alternately move said at least one seat (7) closer to and further from said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), in rotation about said vertical axis (19) and in rotation about a transverse axis (20) of said at least one seat (7), said assembly (1) being further characterized in that it comprises a movement control system for said at least one seat (7) designed to, when actuation, drive a displacement kinematic sequence of said at least one seat (7) comprising the following steps aimed at: - translating said at least one seat (7) in a direction opposite to said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), - rotating said at least one seat (7) about said vertical axis (19) so as to pivot said at least one seat (7) facing said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), - translating said at least one seat (7) to said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g,13d) and / or cause said at least one seat (7) to rotate about said transverse axis (20) said at least one seat (7) so as to tilt said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d).,

7. Assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises retaining stops arranged to prevent the translation of said foot support plate (21) when said at least one seat (7) is driven in rotation about said transverse axis (20) so as to tilt said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d).

8. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the displacement kinematics of said at least one seat (7) includes an additional step prior to said step of translating said at least one seat (7) in a direction opposite to said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d), consisting of rotating said at least one seat (7) about said transverse axis (20) of said at least one seat (7) so as to tilt said at least one seat (7) backwards.

9. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one seat (7) is a driver's seat.

10. Motor vehicle (3) comprising at least one seat (7) and an assembly (1), characterized in that said assembly (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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