Load-bearing structure for vehicle seats

Abstract

The present invention relates to a load-bearing structure (2) of a seating structure for a vehicle seat, having a cavity (21) in which a belt retractor (40) is located. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a load support structure for a vehicle seat having the features described in the preamble of claim 1.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle seat having a seat belt device is known, for example, in use as a front seat in a convertible, where at least the belt retractor of the seat belt device is fastened to the backrest of the vehicle seat. In this case, due to the lack of a load-bearing B-pillar and for reasons related to access to the rear seat or the distance from the rear vehicle structure, the belt retractor is preferably incorporated into the backrest of the vehicle seat and must therefore be designed to absorb the tension acting in the case of restraint. The belt retractors themselves are identical to standard belt retractors in their basic structure and have only various additional sub-assemblies specifically provided for installation on the backrest, such as self-aligning inertial sensors.

[0003] The belt retractor has, as basic components, a load support frame and a belt reel that is rotatably mounted within the frame and onto which a safety belt can be wound. The frame not only mounts the belt reel but also serves to fasten the belt extraction device to the seat structure and is made of a corresponding thick steel sheet bent into a U-shaped frame for this purpose.

[0004] In its basic design, a vehicle seat has a seat structure consisting of a plurality of load support structures that serve to fasten the vehicle seat to the vehicle structure. The seat structure includes springs and a skin to improve seating comfort and is also used for fastening additional components such as various seat adjustment mechanisms, as well as an associated electric motor and further components such as a heating device, sensors, displays, headrests, etc.

[0005] In modern vehicles with autonomous driving systems, there is a growing demand for greater adjustability of vehicle seats in different orientations and positions so that vehicle occupants can use the degrees of freedom gained by autonomous driving, for example, for more meaningful communication with other occupants, for extended, more focused resting phases, or even for work, and so that vehicle seats can be oriented appropriately. As a result, safety belt devices, specifically belt retractors, must be fastened to the vehicle seat rather than to the front of the vehicle structure, as is already the case with the front seats of a convertible. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] In this context, the present invention is based on an object that enables the belt winding device to be fastened to a vehicle seat in a manner that saves as much space as possible and is dimensionally stable.

[0007] To achieve the objective, a load-bearing structure for a vehicle seat having the features described in claim 1 has been proposed. Further preferred embodiments of the present invention can be obtained from the dependent claims, drawings, and related description.

[0008] According to the basic concept of the present invention, a load-bearing structure having a cavity in which a belt winding device is housed is proposed by claim 1. With the proposed solution, the belt winding device can be housed on a vehicle seat in a space-saving structure, or the vehicle seat can be designed accordingly to be more compact in relation to the arrangement of the belt winding device. For this purpose, one of the structures specifically comprises a cavity for housing the belt winding device, the shape and position of which can be specifically adapted to the external shape and function of the belt winding device, for example, with respect to the exit of the safety belt. The load-bearing structure can also replace the previously required frame of the belt winding device, in that the belt reel of the belt winding device is mounted directly on the load-bearing structure or on a portion fixedly connected thereto. Furthermore, tensions arising in the case of restraint can be directly introduced into the structure, and the load-bearing structure can be specifically designed to absorb restraint forces, depending on the shape given to the cavity. The structural components of the seat structure already possess sufficient strength, as they are designed to absorb seating forces and, in any case, other forces acting on the vehicle seat. This strength is also utilized by the proposed solution for absorbing the restraining force provided by the seat belt. Furthermore, the provided cavity and the three-dimensional design thereby, with the walls standing at a certain angle to each other, gives the load-bearing structure particularly high torsional and bending rigidity, which is advantageous for occupant load absorption and restraint in the event of an accident.

[0009] The load-bearing structure according to the present invention can be designed so that the possible load absorption changes depending on forces acting from the outside or inside along the longitudinal orientation of the structure. These forces can be, for example, acted on the seat from the outside of the structure via belt straps or on the occupant on the seat, or acted from the inside of the structure by torque generated by, for example, a belt tensioner. The possible load absorption can preferably be reduced along the structure, starting from the belt strap exit. For this purpose, it may be located within the region of the belt strap exit, or in a region adjacent to the region facing away from the belt strap exit.

[0010] It has been further proposed that the cavity have an opening through which a safety belt that can be wound onto a belt winding device is led out. The opening serves to lead out the safety belt and can be additionally used for installation, in the latter case an additional insertion section can be provided to reduce the opening after the belt winding device is installed.

[0011] Furthermore, it has been proposed that the load-bearing structure is formed by a profile rail having a U-shaped cross-section, opening on one side and having two opposing sides extending from the base, with a cavity formed by the intermediate space between the opposing sides. The advantages of the proposed solution can be seen in the fact that the structure can first be assembled and manufactured very cost-effectively as a multi-part assembly, or it can be obtained as a semi-finished product. Secondly, the U-shaped profile rail has a very large access opening as a result of the free side between the sides. The profile rail also has three large-area contact and fastening surfaces formed by the inner surfaces of the sides and base. The U-shaped profile rail also has high torsional and bending rigidity, which is advantageous for absorbing the forces acting in the case of restraint, due to its shape.

[0012] Furthermore, it has been proposed that the opening be formed by a notch in the profile rail. The notch is located in the wall, preferably the central wall, i.e., the base, so that the safety belt can be pulled out through the profile rail. The belt winding device is supported in the profile rail, i.e., on the side of the profile rail opposite to the direction in which the safety belt is pulled out, so that the reaction force when the safety belt is pulled out or when the occupant is restrained is ideally absorbed by the profile rail and sent to the seat structure. The notch in the profile rail can be fitted to the safety belt as a narrow slot in both geometric shapes, and may also have corresponding rounding or insertions for the purpose of increasing the radius of the edge so that the safety belt is loaded as little as possible in possible contacts.

[0013] Furthermore, it has been proposed that the sides of the profile rail have different heights starting from the base. As a result of the proposed development, the opening width of the profile rail opening can be increased by increasing the distance between the side edges of the sides compared to the distance between the side edges at the same height.

[0014] Furthermore, it has been proposed that the side having a lower height faces the seat surface of the vehicle seat at the intended installation location of the structural component. As a result of the proposed development, the enlarged opening in the seat surface thus faces the side of the restrained occupant, and the safety belt is also routed toward that side. Thus, the belt reel can be positioned within the cavity such that one of the side protrudes on one side and is thereby protected, while the safety belt can be routed tangentially from the belt reel through the side at a lower height.

[0015] It has been further proposed that the belt winding device be mounted to a lateral element support between the sides of the profile rail. In addition to mounting the belt winding device, the lateral elements can also be used to stiffen the profile rail, in that the lateral elements prevent the two sides from bending toward each other when a force acts upon them. In terms of its actual function for mounting the belt shaft, the lateral elements themselves are specially molded, dimensioned, and positioned within the profile rail. Furthermore, the lateral elements can also additionally serve to accommodate further functional parts such as sensors, actuators, or locking devices. The lateral elements can then also be understood as functional walls.

[0016] It has been further proposed that at least a second lateral element be provided, supported between the sides of the profile rail and spaced apart from the first lateral element. The second lateral element can improve the deformation stiffness of the sides in movement relative to each other, and the torsional stiffness of the profile rail, and consequently the dimensional stability of the structural part in the case of constraint. The second lateral element can also be used in addition to further mounting of the belt winding device and / or further mounting of assemblies that interact with the belt winding device.

[0017] It has been further proposed that the belt winding device has a belt reel rotatably mounted around a pivot axis, and that the pivot axis of the belt reel is positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile rail. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly compact and space-saving arrangement of the belt winding device. When the lateral elements are positioned perpendicular to the profile rail, the mounting can be achieved in a particularly simple manner, in that the pivot axis of the belt reel of the belt winding device is also positioned perpendicular to the lateral elements provided for mounting.

[0018] It has been further proposed that the seat structure comprises two longitudinal supports that are parallel to each other and extend at a certain distance from each other, and that extend in the longitudinal direction of a portion of the seat structure forming the backrest, and that a load-bearing structure having a cavity and a belt winding device disposed therein connects the two longitudinal supports to each other at their ends to form a stable edge side of the backrest. Thus, the structure and longitudinal supports form a stable frame on three sides of the backrest that plays a role in supporting the upper body of the occupant and are further used to absorb restraining forces in the event of an accident as a result of the solution according to the present invention.

[0019] Furthermore, it has been proposed that the load-bearing structure be positioned such that the cavity opens outward from the vehicle seat. As a result of the proposed orientation of the structure, the safety belt wound onto the belt winding device can be led out from the vehicle seat to the occupant seated therein in a simplified manner.

[0020] It has been further proposed that the profile rail is closed by a cover portion that covers the free end face edges on the sides. The cover portion closes the profile rail, forming a profile that is closed in all four radial directions, thereby further stiffening the profile rail. The cover portion further closes any cavities present within the profile rail so that the belt winding device located inside is protected outward from any mechanical influences by its additional components.

[0021] It has been further proposed that the cover portion is pivotably connected by a hinge to at least one free edge of the side. The connection created by the hinge allows for a simplified and positionally precise fastening of the cover plate, in which the cover plate is first pivotably connected by the hinge to the edge of the side of the profile rail, and then pivots to the other edge of the other side by performing a pivoting motion, so that the cover plate is connected and supported by hinges on the edges of opposing sides.

[0022] It has been further proposed that the profile rail has a retaining plate on at least one of its end faces, having at least one fastening lug for fastening to a seat structure. The retaining plate serves both to stiffen the profile rail or structure and to fasten to the seat structure, in that the corresponding fastening lug is provided on the retaining plate and is designed in its shape and orientation to fasten in particular to corresponding fastening points on the seat structure.

[0023] The belt winding device may preferably be mounted on a retaining plate such that the load-bearing capacity and the tension acting in the case of restraint are directly introduced to the seat structure via the retaining portion, and the profile rail is released accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, the spring cassette of the belt winding device may preferably be held outside the retaining plate. The drive spring is held within the spring cassette and supported at one end via the housing of the spring cassette on the retaining portion, and connected at the other end to the belt shaft of the belt winding device so that the belt shaft is spring-loaded in the winding direction. Thus, the retaining portion is additionally used to support the drive spring. Moreover, the spring cassette is intentionally positioned outside the retaining plate so that no additional mounting space for the spring cassette needs to be provided on the profile rail.

[0025] The structural components can preferably be formed from metal sheets in a manner that allows for cost-effective production by a plastic bending process in mass production, and secondly, from a material that is sufficiently stable to meet the requirements for restraining occupants.

[0026] Alternatively, structural components can also be formed from fiber-reinforced plastic parts. Modern fiber-reinforced plastics such as GFK or CFK possess high strength comparable to metal or steel, but are significantly lighter. Furthermore, they can be manufactured very simply in complex shapes using the corresponding molding tools, eliminating the need for corresponding complex post-processing.

[0027] It has been further proposed that the structural part has one or more stiffening ribs within the region of the cavity. The stiffening ribs make it possible to increase the deformation resistance of the structural part very efficiently with only the slightly higher weight of the structural part. In this case, the ribs can be manufactured as mere thickening on the surface, for example by deposition welding or printing, or they can also divide the cavity of the structural part into various parts in a wall-like manner by extending from one wall of the cavity to the opposite wall of the cavity.

[0028] It is further proposed that the structural part has two abutting parts arranged offset from each other in a stepped shape for fastening to the seat structure. As a result of the abutting parts arranged offset from each other in a stepped shape, the structural part is supported on the seat structure offset in both the height and width of the structural part, that is, on two planes arranged offset from each other.

[0029] One of the abutting parts can preferably be designed as a swivel bearing and the other abutting part as a fastening flange. Then, the fastening process is carried out by first inserting the structural part into the abutting part designed as a swivel bearing, then pivoting it onto the other abutting part designed as a fastening flange by performing a pivoting movement, and finally fastening it there.

[0030] It is further proposed that the structural part has fastening protrusions at each of its ends that can fasten the structural part to the respective longitudinal struts of the backrest of the seat structure. Thus, the structural part connects the two longitudinal struts, thereby stiffening the seat structure to form a frame.

[0031] The present invention will be described below using preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] Shows two longitudinal struts of a vehicle seat having a load-bearing structural part according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Shows a load-bearing structural part having a cavity and a belt winder disposed therein. [Figure 3] Is a cross-sectional view of a load-bearing structural part having a cavity and a belt winder disposed therein. [Figure 4] Shows a load-bearing structural part in a second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] Figure 1 shows a portion of the seat structure of an automobile vehicle seat, forming the backrest of the vehicle seat. The seat structure forms the dimensionally stable "core" of the vehicle seat and is further equipped with springs and / or upholstery to improve seating comfort. Furthermore, additional functional components such as seat adjustment mechanisms, headrests, electronic devices such as displays, or even heating devices are provided on the seat structure.

[0034] The seat structure comprises a composite of multiple load-bearing structural units 2, two of which are formed by longitudinal support columns 1 positioned parallel to each other. The load-bearing structural units 2 designed according to the present invention connect the upper ends of the longitudinal support columns 1 to each other, forming a dimensionally stable upper section of the backrest. To connect the longitudinal support columns 1, upright tabs 4 with fastening openings are provided on the columns, and similar fastening openings are provided on the structural units 2, thereby connecting the components to each other by either screws or rivets. Furthermore, the structural units 2 are provided with headrest holders 3 in the form of two upright rods.

[0035] In Figure 2, the load-bearing structure 2 can be seen as a single component in an enlarged representation. The load-bearing structure 2 comprises a profile rail 7 as its basic component, having a U-shaped cross-section and a base surface 10, and two opposing wall-shaped sides 8 and 9 extending parallel to each other and projecting upward from the base surface 10. The profile rail 7 has an opening 28 formed between the edge sides of sides 8 and 9, as seen in Figure 1, but omitted in Figure 2 to improve the visibility of the structure 2, and has a slot 13 through which a safety belt 12, which will be described in more detail below, is led outward from the cavity 21 between sides 8 and 9 onto a vehicle occupant on a vehicle seat to be restrained. The insertion 6 closes or reduces the opening 28 except for the provided slot 13 so that the cavity 21 is closed outward, protecting the internally provided belt winding device 40 from mechanical influences. The end faces of the profile rail 7 are closed by the lateral elements 15 and 20, respectively.

[0036] A belt winding device 40, having a belt reel 14 and a safety belt 12 that can be wound on it and shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, is located within the cavity 21 of the load-supporting structure 2. In addition to the belt reel 14, the belt winding device 40 includes a force limiting device 25 having a plurality of torsion bars 26, a pyrotechnic irreversible belt tensioner 24, and a reversible electromotive belt tensioner 23 positioned coaxially with the rotation axis of the belt reel 14. The external dimensions of the belt reel 14 when the safety belt 12 is fully wound, as well as the external dimensions of the force limiting devices 25 of the pyrotechnic irreversible belt tensioner 24 and the reversible electromotive belt tensioner 23, are located in a cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the belt reel 14, selected so as not to exceed the dimensions of the cavity 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile rail 7, so that it can be positioned within the cavity 21 of the profile rail 7.

[0037] In the profile rail 7, a plurality of lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the profile rail 7 and are provided in the form of wall portions that extend from one of the sides 8 or 9 to the other side 8 or 9 and connect thereto. Furthermore, the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 extend to the base surface 10 of the profile rail 7 and thus can fill the entire cross-section of the profile rail 7. Each of the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 has one or more openings or lugs through which a portion of a belt winding device or belt reel 14, etc., is attached, fastened, and / or passed. Furthermore, for example, one of the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 may also have a toothed portion, or another type of locking design, through which a portion of the belt reel 14 or other part of the belt winding device can be locked. The lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 may also have additional cavities for housing further components of the belt winding device, such as pyrotechnic propellants for the pyrotechnic belt tensioner 24, sensors, electronic control units, or electronic components such as memory devices. If the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 extend from one of the sides 8 or 9 to the other side 8 or 9, the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 may be used additionally to stiffen the profile rail 7, which is also advantageous for load absorption and dimensional stability of the profile rail 7 in the case of occupant restraint. The components of the belt winding device are intentionally arranged coaxially and front to back so that the assembly has intentionally smaller dimensions and can therefore also be placed within the narrow and elongated cavities 21 of the profile rail 7. As a result, the profile rail 7 and the load-bearing structure can be designed to be correspondingly narrow and elongated, which is particularly advantageous for the use of the load-bearing structure according to the present invention in the seat structure of a vehicle seat.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a load-bearing structure according to the present invention in cross-section, passing through the profile rail 7 and the belt winding device. The profile rail 7, which has a U-shaped cross-section, has, in this figure, side surfaces 8 and 9 facing the viewer and a base surface 10. The cavity 21 in which the belt winding device is located is provided between side surfaces 8 and 9. The cavity 21 is divided by six lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, with two outer lateral elements 15 and 20 closing the cavity 21 outward at the two ends of the profile rail 7.

[0039] A spring cassette having a drive spring 27 is held on a right-hand lateral element 15, the drive spring being connected to a belt reel 14, thereby preloading the belt reel 14 in the winding direction of the safety belt 12 wound over it. The belt reel 14, which protrudes at its end onto the profile rail 7, comprises a force limiting device 25 formed by a tubular extension 38 arranged coaxially with the belt reel 14, three torsion bars 26, 36, and 37 arranged in series, and a locking part 41 that can be locked in a manner that is rotatably fixed to the profile rail 7. In this embodiment, three torsion bars 26, 36, and 37 are provided, each of which is indirectly or directly connected at one end to the belt reel 14 or to the tubular extension 38 in a manner that is rotatably fixed, and at the other end of each, it can be locked in a manner that is rotatably fixed to the profile rail 7 or can be detached therefrom by a switch device provided in each of the lateral elements 16 or 17. Therefore, the torsion bars 26, 36, and 37 can be operated individually or in combination, and as a result, the restraining force can be achieved at different force limiting levels or a stepped force limiting profile. The locking section 41 can be locked in the pulling direction of the safety belt 12 by a locking device that can be controlled by a vehicle sensing and / or belt sensing method, thereby locking the force limiting device 25 so that it is subsequently activated when the force limiting level defined by the force limiting device 25 itself is exceeded. Furthermore, there is a pyrotechnic irreversible belt tensioner 24 having a drive wheel 35 arranged coaxially with the belt reel 14, the drive wheel 35 which, when activated, drives the belt reel 14 in the winding direction by an interposed coupling, thereby tightening the safety belt 12. In addition, a reversible belt tensioner 23 having an electric motor 22 is provided, which, when in operation, drives the belt reel 14 in the winding direction via the same connection as the second, or even further, pyrotechnic belt tensioner 24, thereby tightening the safety belt 12. The electric motor 22 is similarly located coaxially with the belt reel 14, and therefore coaxially with the force limiting device 25 and the pyrotechnic belt tensioner 24.Furthermore, an electronic control unit 29 is provided on the profile rail 7 of the load-bearing structure 2, which can control the belt winding device 40 and / or further components. The load-bearing structure 2 is a basic component of the seat structure in that it connects further parts of the seat structure, such as the longitudinal support 1 which can be seen in Figure 1, to each other. The structure 2 therefore has an object that forms the seat structure and further functions by a cavity 21 provided for housing the belt winding device 40. The load-bearing structure 2 may be pre-assembled as an assembly with the belt winding device 40 and then assembled as a structural unit during the manufacture of the seat structure or vehicle seat.

[0040] The profile rail 7 forms the basic component of the load-bearing structure 2 and is shaped and dimensional according to the connections realized between further structural components in the seat structure. The profile rail 7 not only supports the belt winding device 40 but also serves to fasten the belt winding device 40 to the vehicle seat, thus replacing the previously required frame of the belt winding device 40.

[0041] The belt winding device 40 is modularly designed with a belt reel 14 and further assemblies, namely a force limiting device 25, a pyrotechnic belt tensioner 24, and a reversible belt tensioner 23, arranged coaxially in series. The assemblies are intentionally designed so that when the safety belt 12 is fully wound, their radial dimensions do not protrude beyond the dimensions of the wound belt on the belt reel 14. Thus, the maximum outer diameter of the belt winding device 40 is predetermined by the diameter of the wound belt when the safety belt 12 is fully wound. Since the wound belt has a circular cross-section, and the profile rail 7 or cavity 21 in the housing in Figure 4 has a rectangular cross-section, the maximum dimension predetermined by the wound belt should also be understood as a cavity with a rectangular cross-section and side lengths corresponding to or slightly larger than the diameter of the wound belt.

[0042] In addition to their bearing functions, the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 can also be understood as functional walls by additionally or alternatively providing corresponding containers, and can also provide arrangements of various functional units within or on the containers. In order to perform their support functions, the lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20 are preferably supported in a manner that they are rotatably fixed between the sides 8 and 9 and the base surface 10 of the profile rail 7, or between the housing portions 30 and 31 as can be seen in Figure 4.

[0043] Therefore, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4 differs from the embodiment in Figure 3 in that the belt winding device 40 has a two-part housing having two housing sections 30 and 31 instead of a profile rail 7. The housing sections 30 and 31 are each U-shaped and comprise a belt reel 14 and further assemblies, including lateral elements 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 positioned outward from the mounting position, as seen in the upper right diagram of Figure 4. In the assembled position, the housing sections 30 and 31 form an elongated cavity 21 with a square cross-section. The belt reel 14 has a safety belt 12 wound on top, and since the cross-section of the further assembly is circular, in each case, an elongated free space with a roughly triangular cross-section is provided at the corner between the wound belt of the belt reel 14 and the assembly and housing, which is used for arranging the tensioner drive tube 32. The tensioner drive tube 32 serves to lead an elastic drive train, which is accelerated when a drive device such as a chain of loosely contacting mass bodies or a pyrotechnic belt tensioner is activated, thereby driving and connecting to the drive wheel 35. The drive wheel 35 and belt reel are subsequently driven to rotate in the winding direction of the safety belt 12. The tensioner drive tube 32 has a straight section 33 and a curved section 34, and is positioned to be aligned with the straight section 33, which is parallel to the rotation axis of the belt reel 14 and the drive wheel 35, and the curved section 34, and is oriented tangentially on the outer circumference of the drive wheel 35. In this case, the curved section 34 is curved only in one plane such that the curved section 34 and the straight section 33 are aligned in one plane that extends parallel to the rotation axis of the belt reel 14 in the configuration in which the tensioner drive tube 32 is mounted.

[0044] In the assembled position, the housing sections 30 and 31, which have a belt winding device 40 located inside, form a dimensionally stable housing that can be used as a load-supporting structure in the seat structure, as can be seen in Figure 1.

[0045] The load-bearing structure 2 having profile rails 7 or housing portions 30 and 31 is described according to the representation in Figure 1 in a horizontally installed configuration, which has advantages with respect to the horizontal orientation of the safety belt 12 supplied to the occupant. Thus, the horizontal orientation of the safety belt 12 supplied to the occupant is advantageous in that the safety belt 12 can be led horizontally over the occupant's shoulders without being reoriented again. However, alternatively, the load-bearing structure 2 may also be positioned vertically or obliquely on the seat structure. The safety belt 12 is then supplied to the occupant in an oblique orientation or reoriented again to the intended supply direction by a separate deflection device. Furthermore, where the seat structure or safety belt 12 requires and / or enables it, the structure 2 may also be positioned at a point or one side of the lower side of the seat structure on the backrest instead of the upper edge of the backrest. Instead of profile rails 7 or housing portions 30 and 31, it is also conceivable to provide a tubular structure 2 having a circular or other type of cross-section, on which a belt winding device 40 is positioned and pressed in particular into the end face.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a load-bearing structure 2 that connects to two longitudinal support columns 1 of the backrest, thereby stiffening or completing the seat structure of the backrest. Fitting portions 50 are arranged on the end faces of the longitudinal support columns 1 shown in Figure 6, each having a pair of claws 48 and a fastening surface 49. The structure 2 shown in Figure 7 is provided with two abutment portions 43 and 44 that are offset from each other in a stepped shape. The front upper abutment portion 43 shown in the figure is in the form of two recesses in the profile rail 7 that are dimensioned so that the claws 48 of the fitting portion 50 can be fitted into them. The rear lower abutment portion 44 shown in the figure is in the form of a downwardly projecting fastening flange of the profile rail 7 that is molded and positioned to rest planarly on the fastening surface 49 of the fitting portion 50 at the fastening position of the structure 2. To fasten the structural part 2, the claws 48 engage with the front upper contact portion 43, thereby mounting the structural part 2 to the longitudinal support 1 so that it is initially pre-positioned. The front upper contact portion 43 and the engaging claws 48 then form a swivel bearing around which the structural part pivots backward to such an extent that the rear lower contact portion 44 is placed against the fastening surface 49. The structural part 2 is then finally fastened by two screws shown in Figure 8. For this purpose, the rear lower contact portion 44 has openings in each of its outer portions into which screws are inserted and then screwed into corresponding threads on the longitudinal support 1. Thus, the contact portion 44 in the form of a fastening flange forms two fastening projections 45 when the structural part 2 is connected to the longitudinal support 1. The structural part 2 is then fastened to the two contact portions 43 and 44, which are offset from each other in a stepped shape.

[0047] Figures 9 to 15 show further alternative embodiments of the structural part 2. The structural part 2 is in the form of a notch in the profile rail 7 and has an opening 28 through which the safety belt 12 shown in Figure 1 extends outward from the belt reel 14. This allows the belt winding device 40 to be supported inside the profile rail 7 when tension is applied through the safety belt 12. Furthermore, the structural part 2 has two fastening lugs 6 in the form of two fastening protrusions 45, which in this case are shaped to have elongated rectangular profile end faces of the longitudinal support 1. On its lower edge facing the occupant, i.e., on the reclining surface of the backrest, the profile rail 7 further has a curved inclined surface 53 on which the edge of the profile rail 7 is flattened. In this way, the upholstery or seat structure can be designed to be flatter without thereby limiting the occupant's seating comfort.

[0048] As shown in Figure 12, the profile rail 7 is closed outward by retaining plates 46, each of which is provided with fastening lugs 6 in the form of fastening projections 45 that project downward and are angled laterally. Furthermore, the retaining plates 46 serve to support the belt winding device 40 and, in particular, the belt reel 14. In the example in Figure 12, the right retaining plate 46 also serves to fasten a spring cassette 42 located on the outside, in which a drive spring (not shown) is located, which preloads the belt reel 14 in the winding direction.

[0049] As shown in Figure 13, the retaining plate 46 positioned on the side of the belt reel 14 has a U-shaped cross-section and, together with the L-shaped retaining portion 54, forms the frame to which the belt reel 14 is attached.

[0050] In addition to the profile rail 7, structural part 2 further includes a cover part 5, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, which protrudes beyond the end face edge of the side surface of the profile rail 7, thereby covering or completing the profile rail 7 to form a closed profile. On one of its edge surfaces, the cover part 5 has a plurality of regularly spaced teeth 52, along with a plurality of regularly spaced windows 51, which form a hinge 47 on one of the edge surfaces of the side surface of the profile rail 7. To attach the cover plate 5, the latter is inserted into the windows 51 along with the teeth 52 and then pivoted on the profile rail 7 to such an extent that it completely closes the profile rail in the fastening position.

Claims

1. A load-supporting structure (2) of the seat structure of a vehicle seat, A belt winding device (40) having a belt reel (14) rotatably mounted around a rotating shaft (A); A profile rail (7) is open on one side and has two opposing sides (8, 9) extending from the base surface (10); - A cavity (21) is formed by the intermediate space between the opposing sides (8, 9), - The structural part (2) has a front upper contact portion (43) and a rear lower contact portion (44) that are offset from each other for fastening to the seat structure, the front upper contact portion (43) is in the form of two recesses in the profile rail (7), and the rear lower contact portion (44) is in the form of a fastening flange that protrudes downward from the profile rail (7), and the front upper contact portion (43) is formed such that, after the engaging claw (48) provided on the seat structure is engaged, the structural part (2) can pivot around it to the extent that the rear lower contact portion (44) is placed against the fastening surface (49) provided on the seat structure. A load-supporting structure (2) characterized by the above.

2. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that an opening (28) is provided between the opposing sides (8, 9) through which a safety belt (12) that can be wound onto the belt winding device (40) is led out.

3. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the opening (28) is formed by a notch in the profile rail (7).

4. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the side surfaces (8, 9) of the profile rail (7) have different heights starting from the base surface (10).

5. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the belt winding device (40) is attached to a lateral element (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) supported between the side surfaces (8, 9) of the profile rail (7).

6. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of lateral elements (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) are supported between the side surfaces (8, 9) of the profile rail (7) and are spaced apart from each other.

7. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the belt winding device (40) is arranged such that the rotation axis (A) of the belt reel (14) is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the profile rail (7).

8. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the profile rail (7) is closed by a cover portion (5) that covers the free end face edge of the side surface (8, 9).

9. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover portion (5) is pivotably connected to at least one free edge of the side surface (8, 9) by a hinge (47).

10. - The rear lower contact portion (44) is formed as a fastening projection (45) or fastening lug (6) when the structural portion (2) is fastened to the longitudinal support column (1) of the backrest of the seat structure. The fastening projection (45) or the fastening lug (6) is provided on a retaining plate (46) that functions to support the belt reel (14). A load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

11. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that the end of the belt winding device (40) is supported by the retaining plate (46).

12. - The load support structure (2) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the spring cassette (42) of the belt winding device is attached to the outer surface of the retaining plate (46).

13. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the structural part (2) is formed from a metal sheet.

14. - The load-supporting structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the structural part (2) is formed from fiber-reinforced plastic.

15. - The load-bearing structure (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the structure (2) has one or more stiffening ribs within the region of at least the cavity (21).

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