Assembly for moving at least one vehicle seat and vehicle including such an assembly

Abstract

Assembly for the movement of at least one vehicle seat and vehicle comprising such an assembly. The invention relates to an assembly (1) for the movement of a motor vehicle seat (3), comprising a seat (7) mounted in a passenger compartment (9) and an entry / exit opening (13g, 13d), said seat being movable in translation, in rotation about a vertical axis and about a transverse axis to said seat. According to the invention, said assembly comprises a movement control system for said seat designed to drive a kinematic movement of said seat intended to: - translate said seat in a direction opposite to said opening, - rotate said seat about said vertical axis so as to pivot said seat facing said opening, - translate said seat towards said opening and / or rotate said seat about said transverse axis so as to tilt said seat towards said opening. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly for moving at least one vehicle seat and vehicle comprising such an assembly. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and more particularly concerns an assembly for the movement of at least one seat of a motor vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such an assembly. Previous technique

[0003] In an electric motor vehicle, the space formerly occupied by the internal combustion engine can be reduced.

[0004] Thus, certain types of electric vehicles can feature a cockpit positioned forward of the vehicle, which makes it possible to increase the available space on board the vehicle or even reduce the length of the vehicle.

[0005] 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.

[0006] The arrangement in the driver's seat of the advanced 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Thus, when the driver is installed 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 requires the driver to go around the area of ​​the vehicle which houses the shock absorber system of the front axle wheel which is located in the extension of the entry / exit door through which the driver wishes to exit.

[0010] Bypassing this area typically requires the driver to bend down, or even crouch, to reach the entry / exit opening through which he wishes to exit.

[0011] Thus, access to the front entry / exit doors from the driver's seat in the forward cockpit is complex. The same applies when the driver wishes to reach their seat from either of the vehicle's front entry / exit doors.

[0012] There is therefore a need to simplify access to one or both of the vehicle's front entry / exit doors from the driver's seat in the forward cockpit, as well as access to the driver's seat in the forward cockpit from one or both of the vehicle's front entry / exit doors. Description of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and, to this end, relates to an assembly for moving at least one seat in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one seat mounted in the passenger compartment of said vehicle and at least one entry / exit opening arranged on one side of said vehicle and capable of being closed by an entry / exit flap, said at least one seat being mounted to move in translation within said passenger compartment, so as to alternately move said at least one seat closer to and further from said at least one entry / exit opening, in rotation about a vertical axis and in rotation about a transverse axis of said at least one seat, said assembly being notable in that it comprises a movement control system for said at least one seat designed to, when actuation, drive a movement kinematic sequence of said at least one seat comprising the following steps aimed at: - to move said at least one seat in the opposite direction to said at least one entrance / exit opening, - rotate said at least one seat around said vertical axis so as to pivot said at least one seat facing said at least one entry / exit opening, - translate said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and / or 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.

[0014] Thus, by providing an assembly comprising a seat, capable of moving said seat so as to first translate said seat in the opposite direction to said at least one inlet / outlet opening, then secondly to rotate said seat around a vertical axis so as to pivot said seat facing said at least one inlet / outlet opening, and then thirdly to by translating said seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and / or by rotating said seat around a transverse axis to said seat so as to tilt said seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening, access to the entry / exit opening from the seat is greatly simplified and the driver no longer has to go around areas of the vehicle which house the shock absorber systems of the front axle wheels.

[0015] According to optional features of the assembly according to the invention: - the angle of rotation of said at least one seat around said transverse axis of said at least one seat is greater than a predetermined threshold value; - the step aimed at translating said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and / or 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 towards said at least one entry / exit opening consists of translating said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and 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 towards said at least one entry / exit opening when said vehicle has a door height to pass through of less than 400mm; - the step aimed at translating said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening and / or 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 towards said at least one entry / exit opening consists solely of tilting said at least one seat towards said at least one entry / exit opening when said vehicle has a door height to pass greater than 400mm; - said movement control system of said at least one seat is capable of being operated from an armrest of said at least one seat; - 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; - the actuation of said movement control system of said at least one seat controls the passage of said entry / exit opening from a closed position to an open position; - said motion control system for said at least one seat is designed to move said at least one seat until it reaches an initial position of driving after the passage of said entry / exit opening from its open position to its closed position; - said at least one seat is a driver's seat.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one seat and an assembly for moving said at least one seat, notable in that said assembly is according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] 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:

[0018] [Fig-1] shows a motor vehicle assembly according to the invention in which is installed a driver.

[0019] [Fig.2] illustrates a first step in moving a seat, vignette A showing the passenger compartment seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0020] [Fig.3] represents a second stage of seat movement, vignette A showing the passenger compartment seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0021] [Fig.4] represents a third stage of seat movement, vignette A showing the passenger compartment seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0022] [Fig. 5] represents a fourth stage of seat movement, vignette A showing the passenger compartment seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment in perspective view centered on the driver's feet.

[0023] [Fig.6] illustrates an optional preliminary step of seat movement, the vignette A showing the passenger compartment seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 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 an alternative embodiment, assembly 1 comprises a single inlet / outlet opening 13d, 13g, arranged on one side of the vehicle and closed by an inlet / outlet 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] The seat 7 is mounted movable in 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 movable in the passenger compartment 9 in translation along a substantially transverse direction relative to the vehicle 3.

[0037] In one embodiment, the seat 7 is also mobile in translation alternately from front to back in a substantially longitudinal direction relative to the vehicle 3.

[0038] The translation of the seat 7 can be operated by a set of slides for example fixed to the floor and supporting the seat 7.

[0039] The seat 7 is also mobile, rotating around an axis 19 (visible in [Fig.3]) substantially vertical, that is to say, extending in a substantially vertical direction relative to the vehicle.

[0040] The seat 7 is also mobile in rotation around an axis 20 (visible in [Fig.5]) substantially transverse to the seat 7.

[0041] According to the invention, assembly 1 comprises a seat movement control system 7 designed to, when actuation, drive a kinematic movement of the seat 7 comprising all or part of the steps illustrated in figures 2 to 6.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat movement control system 7 is capable of being operated manually 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 of the vehicle 3.

[0043] Reference is made to [Fig.2] showing a first stage of movement of the seat 7, vignette A showing the passenger compartment 9 seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 21 in [Fig.2].

[0046] 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.

[0047] Reference is made to [Fig.3] showing a second stage of movement of the seat 7, vignette A showing the passenger compartment 9 seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0048] 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 23, so as to rotate the seat 7 facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g.

[0049] Alternatively, the seat 7 can be driven in rotation around the axis 19 according to arrow 23 of [Fig.3], simultaneously with the drive of the seat in translation in the opposite direction to the inlet / outlet opening 13g, 13d, according to arrow 21 of [Fig.2].

[0050] Given that the seat 7 has been moved in translation in the opposite direction to the entry / exit opening 13g, the feet of the driver 5 do not come into contact the 17g zone of vehicle 3 which houses the shock absorber system of one of the wheels of the front axle during the rotation of seat 7.

[0051] 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.4].

[0052] Reference is now made to [Fig.4] showing a third stage of movement of the seat 7, vignette A showing the passenger compartment 9 seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0053] After the seat 7 has been driven in rotation around the substantially vertical axis 19 so as to pivot it facing the inlet / outlet opening 13g in the illustrated embodiment example, the seat 7 motion control system drives the seat 7 drive in translation towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g, as represented by arrow 25.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Reference is made to [Fig.5] showing a fourth stage of movement of the seat 7, vignette A showing the passenger compartment 9 seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0056] 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 the arrow 27.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 easier for the driver 5 to get out.

[0059] 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 27 in [Fig. 5]), can be controlled after the seat 7 has been rotated around the axis 19 (arrow 23 in [Fig. 3]). Thus, in such an embodiment, the seat 7 is not driven in translation along the arrow 25 shown in [Fig. 4].

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] According to another embodiment, only the translational movement of seat 7 (arrow 25 shown in [Fig. 4]) can be controlled after seat 7 has been rotated about axis 19 (arrow 23 in [Fig. 3]). Thus, in such an embodiment, seat 7 is not rotated about axis 20 so as to tilt the seat towards the inlet / outlet opening 13g (arrow 27 in [Fig. 5]).

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the angle of rotation of the seat 7 around the axis 20 so as to tilt the seat towards the entry / exit opening 13g (arrow 27 in [Fig. 5]) is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The predetermined threshold value corresponds to the "standard" angle of inclination of the seat which conventionally allows access to the rear row.

[0064] Reference is made to [Fig.6] showing an optional preliminary step of moving the seat 7, vignette A showing the passenger compartment 9 seen from above and vignette B showing the passenger compartment 9 in perspective view centered on the feet of the driver 5.

[0065] Prior to the step of translating seat 7 in the opposite direction to the entry / exit opening 13g, 13d (movement along arrow 21 in [Fig. 2]), activating the seat 7 movement control system can cause seat 7 to rotate around the transverse axis 20 of seat 7, as shown by arrow 29. This tilts seat 7 towards the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the driver's feet do not touch the ground during successive seat movements, thus improving the ergonomics of the seat 7 movement kinematics.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In one embodiment, the opening of the entry / exit opening 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 opening 13g, 13d. This makes it easier to access the seat 7.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] As will be understood, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of this assembly for the movement of at least one motor vehicle seat 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) for the movement of at least one seat 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 said vehicle (3) and capable of being closed by an entry / exit flap (14g, 14d), said at least one seat (7) being movably mounted 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 a vertical axis (19) and in rotation about a transverse axis (20) of said at least one seat (7), said assembly (1) being characterized in that it comprises a movement control system for said at least one seat (7) designed to, when actuation,to enact a kinematic movement of said at least one seat (7) comprising the following steps aimed at: - translating said at least one seat (7) in the opposite direction 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) towards said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) and / or 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) towards said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d).

2. Assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle of rotation of said at least one seat (7) around said transverse axis (20) of said at least one seat (7) is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

3. Assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the step of translating said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d) and / or 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) towards said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d) consists of translating said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one inlet / outlet opening (13g, 13d) and to rotate said at least one seat (7) around 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 entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) when said vehicle (3) has a door height to be passed of less than 400mm.

4. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the step of translating said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) and / or rotating said at least one seat (7) around said transverse axis (20) of said at least one seat (7) so as to tilt said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) consists solely of tilting said at least one seat (7) towards said at least one entry / exit opening (13g, 13d) when said vehicle (3) has a door height to be passed greater than 400mm.

5. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said movement control system of said at least one seat (7) is capable of being operated from an armrest of said at least one seat (7).

6. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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.

7. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the actuation of said movement control system of said at least one seat (7) controls the passage of said entry / exit opening (14g, 14d) from a closed position to an open position.

8. Assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said movement control system of said at least one seat (7) is designed to drive said at least one seat (7) into motion until it reaches an initial driving position after passing said entry / exit opening (14g, 14d) from its open position to its closed position.

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) for moving said at least one seat (7), characterized in that said assembly (1) is according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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