Trim support

Abstract

The invention relates to a trim support configured to be attached to a seat structure, wherein the seat structure comprises a seat portion structure that comprises two lateral flanges braced by at least one transverse tube (TT), in particular a rear tube and / or a front tube, and wherein the trim support comprises: - a plastic element (1) forming a base having an upper surface configured to support padding; - a mechanical interface system comprising -- at least one open cavity (LG) on a portion of the plastic element, configured to accommodate the at least one transverse tube in the at least one cavity; -- a locking system comprising at least one movable locking member (OV).

Description

Description Title: Trim support

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a trim support, configured to be fixed to a seat structure having a seating structure, as well as to a seat assembly comprising a seat structure having a seating structure and a trim support according to the present disclosure, said seating structure having two cross-braced lateral flanges at least one transverse tube, in particular a front, transverse tube, and a rear, transverse tube, for fixing said trim support

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a modular seat cushion, configured to be fixed to a seat structure having a seat structure, as well as to a seat assembly comprising a seat structure having a seat structure and such a modular seat cushion according to the present disclosure, said seat structure having two lateral flanges braced by at least one transverse tube, such as a front, transverse tube, and a rear, transverse tube.

[0003] The present disclosure further relates to a method of obtaining a seat assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0004] The present disclosure further relates to a method of obtaining a lining support according to the present disclosure. Technical field

[0005]

[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle seats. Prior art

[0006] The state of the art in vehicle seating involves a seat design that requires the assembly of the various seat components at one site, typically using just-in-time manufacturing known as "JIT".

[0007] The seat structure comprises a typically metallic seat structure which classically comprises a seat structure and a back structure.

[0008] The seat structure may include: - two slides, right and left, each comprising a lower profile, typically female, fixed relative to a floor, and an upper profile, male, mounted to slide relative to the lower profile, typically in a direction X which may be the direction of travel of the vehicle, - a seat structure which conventionally comprises two flanges, right and left, braced by tubes, and in particular a front tube bracing the flanges, on a front portion of the seat structure and a rear tube bracing the flanges on a rear portion of the seat structure, the front and rear tubes extending in parallel, in a transverse direction, - a metal nose piece which connects the front ends of the flanges and is shaped to form a support surface for supporting the seat cushion.

[0009] The height of the seat structure, namely the assembly which includes the flanges and the nose piece, can typically be adjusted by a raising system which can include a pair of front links, right and left, connecting the front tube and the upper profiles of the right and left slides, and a pair of rear links, right and left, connecting the rear tube and the upper profiles of the right and left slides.

[0010] The seat of such a seat also includes a suspension system typically with spring wires, connecting the nose piece to a rear part of the seat structure, but also a seat padding, typically made of expanded polyurethane foam, and a covering covering the foam padding.

[0011] Depending on the options that can be chosen by the end user, different comfort equipment can be provided, such as in particular a resistive heating pad, a massage system, or even a ventilation system, or even a sliding mechanism that is fixed above the nose piece so as to be able to adjust the advancement of a front part of the cushion, and in relation to a fixed rear portion of the cushion.

[0012] A seat design requires assembling, typically manually, a large number of components at the final vehicle assembly site, which may not be economically optimal when the assembly site has high-cost labor.

[0013] Modern seats, especially in higher-end vehicles, can be equipped with additional functions, such as heating, massage, or ventilation.

[0014] These fittings are factory-installed during seat manufacturing, then topped with cushions with their padding and coverings. The assembled seat is then attached to the vehicle floor.

[0015] In motor vehicles equipped with such seats, and when the seat is not originally provided with such comfort equipment, the design of the seats known from the state of the art does not allow the seat to be removed from within the vehicle itself, that is to say without removing the seat from the floor of the vehicle, in order to improve the seat by adding an additional heating, ventilation or massage function. Indeed, the addition of such equipment would require removing the seat from the vehicle to remove the coverings and padding, this removal being necessary for such an addition.

[0016] However, for example, from document US 9,796,310 B1, other seat manufacturing methods are known which include the pre-assembly, typically on a site separate from the final assembly site of the vehicle, of a module, and in particular a modular seat cushion. This modular cushion comprises, in the assembled state, a base, padding and a trim covering. It can typically be transported to the final assembly site for assembly on the structure.

[0017] The state of the art also includes solutions from document CN103568911, US10239491, or even US10391910 B1, ensuring the fixing of a seat support to transverse tubes. of the seat structure, by means of rings in several parts, requiring the addition of fixing members such as screws for their locking.

[0018] According to the inventors' findings, such solutions are time-consuming during assembly operations and can be improved.

[0019] Also known from document US 2023011859 A1 is a cushion support (known as a "cushion pan") comprising a base which is fixed to a seat structure, on a front tube and on a rear tube of the seat structure, by a rapid, rotating locking system, the front tube and the rear tube extending parallel to each other, transversely to the seat.

[0020] The locking system comprises fasteners, each rotatably mounted in an opening in the base of the support, along a substantially vertical pivot axis, the fastener comprising a body which extends downwardly by two legs, extending from the body, each leg comprising a vertical portion extended by an end portion extending substantially at a right angle.

[0021] In a first relative position between the attachment and the support, the orientation of the attachment allows insertion of the tube (front or rear) of the structure into an intermediate space between the two legs, the locking being obtained by rotating the attachment a quarter turn to a locking position for which: - the first portions of the two legs of the attachment come on either side of the tube, following the front-rear direction of the seat, thus securing the support in relation to the tube, in this front-rear direction - the end portions of the two legs come below the tube, which is blocked along the vertical between the end portions and the body of the attachment, securing the support relative to the tube along a vertical direction, - a stud projecting towards the bottom of the body of the attachment, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment, engages in an upper opening of the tube, making it possible to lock the position of the support relative to the tube following the direction of the tube.

[0022] A protrusion projects from the body of the fastener, on the side opposite the pairs of legs, and is configured to fit into an opening in the wall of the support, in a certain angular position of the fastener, and comprises sloping locking wings, which after rotation of the fastener by a quarter turn engage with the wall of the support, to secure the fastener to said support, when the legs secure the tube to the fastener.

[0023] The locking system of document US 2023011859 A1 comprising such fasteners ensures rapid attachment to the tube.

[0024] The inventors note, however, that in the event of a crash, the fasteners absorb all the forces transmitted between the support and the tube according to all the components of the force, namely according to the three directions of space. All the forces transmitted between the fastener and the support are then absorbed by the base, over a very limited local area, around the opening crossed by the protrusion.

[0025] The inventors note that such a design which concentrates all of the forces on a local area, around the opening, is not optimal and requires that the localized area of ​​the base be particularly resistant, and typically made of metal, and as is apparent from the figures of document US 2023011859 A1.

[0026] According to the inventors' findings, such a solution can be improved, especially with regard to crash resistance. Summary

[0027] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0028] There is provided a trim support configured to be fixed on a seat structure, said seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges braced by at least one transverse tube, in particular a rear tube and / or a front tube, the trim support comprising: - a plastic element, forming a base having an upper surface configured for supporting padding, - a mechanical interface system comprising: -- at least one housing, open, on a portion of said plastic element, said housing configured to house said at least one transverse tube, -- a locking system comprising at least one movable locking member, comprising a guide portion configured to cooperate with a guide part secured to said plastic element, said locking member configured to move from an open position, allowing the insertion of said at least one transverse tube into said at least one housing or the extraction of said at least one transverse tube from said at least one housing, and to a closed position ensuring the blocking of said at least one transverse tube in said at least one housing for which said at least one locking member fits, in particular elastically, by a locking portion of said at least one locking member, into a locking part of said plastic element, said guide part and said locking part of said plastic element being arranged, in two offset positions,transversely relative to said at least one transverse tube housed in said at least one housing.,

[0029] In said closed position, said at least one locking member can be configured to physically connect the guide part and the locking part which are respectively arranged on either side of the transverse tube, and while the transverse tube is blocked between the base of the support and said locking member, said transverse tube is prevented from leaving said at least one housing by said at least one locking member.

[0030] According to one embodiment, said open position is a position in which said at least one movable locking member and said plastic element are assembled, in a stable position for which said at least one locking member and said plastic element form a self-supporting assembly, by cooperation between said guide portion of said at least one locking member and said guide part of said plastic element.

[0031] According to one embodiment, said guide portion of said at least one locking member, and said guide part of said plastic element comprise mutually engaging, circular surfaces, said circular guide part, preferably extending locally along a plane parallel to the support surface, said circular guide part and guide portion, ensuring rotational guidance of said at least one locking member relative to said plastic element to pass from said open position to said closed position.

[0032] According to one embodiment, said plastic element has a non-circular assembly opening, for example of T-shaped section, positioned centrally to said circular guide part, and in which said at least one locking member comprises an assembly portion, of complementary section to said assembly opening, for example T-shaped, configured to allow the insertion of the assembly portion in a determined orientation between said locking member and said plastic element corresponding to an initial position of insertion of said at least one locking member, then the pivoting of said at least one locking member relative to said plastic element to said stable opening position, for which, said at least one locking member is held on said circular guide part of said plastic element, in particular said guide part interposed between a lower guide surface and a guide surface,upper part of said guide portion of said at least one locking member, said lower guide surface and said upper surface spaced from each other by an axis portion of said at least one guide member.,

[0033] According to one embodiment, said guide portion and said locking portion are arranged respectively at a proximal portion and a distal portion of said at least one locking element, which has an L-shaped trajectory.

[0034] According to one embodiment, said locking portion projects lower than said plastic element and fits elastically with the locking portion of said at least one locking member: - by complementarity of shape between a rib and a groove, distributed between the locking part and the locking portion in said closed position and / or, - by elastic deformation of the locking portion on a lateral tooth of the locking part during pivoting from the open position to said closed position until the lateral tooth escapes the locking portion in the closed position, said lateral tooth forming a stop opposing the reverse pivoting in the opening direction.

[0035] According to one embodiment, said at least one locking member may comprise a structural body and a play elimination system comprising an elastic portion, integral with the structural body and flexible relative to said structural body, said elastic portion configured to press elastically on said at least one transverse tube in order to press it into said at least one housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the guide portion and said guide portion cooperate mutually to ensure translational guidance between the open position and said closed position.

[0037] In particular, the locking portion of said at least one locking member comprises two hooking members, at a distal end of said at least one locking member, comprising sloping surfaces configured so as to cooperate with said locking portion of said plastic element during the movement of said at least one locking member, to bring said two hooking members towards each other elastically and up to said closed position for which the two hooking members move apart elastically in a position preventing reverse translational movement.

[0038] According to one embodiment, said at least one locking member comprises: - a first locking member comprising a guide portion configured to cooperate with a first guide part of said plastic element to ensure translational guidance between the open position and said closed position, said first locking member comprising a locking portion configured to cooperate by fitting with a first locking part of said plastic element, - a second locking member comprising a guide portion configured to cooperate with a second guide portion of said plastic element to ensure translational guidance between the open position and said closed position, said second locking member comprising a locking portion configured to cooperate by fitting with a second locking part.

[0039] According to such an embodiment, the first guide part and the second guide part, on the one hand, are offset relative to each other along the transverse direction of said plastic element by a gap, and the first locking part and the second locking part, on the other hand, are offset relative to each other along the transverse direction of said plastic element by said gap.

[0040] The first locking member and the second locking member are formed by a single-piece element, comprising a connecting part connecting a proximal part of said first locking member and a proximal part of said second locking member, said connecting part configured to allow the simultaneous passages of the first locking member from the open position to the closed position and of the second locking member from the open position to the closed position. According to one embodiment, said plastic element of said support comprises a third locking part arranged, in the transverse direction of said plastic element in an intermediate position between, on the one hand, the first locking part and first guide part assembly, and on the other hand, the second locking part and second guide part assembly, and in which the connecting part comprises an intermediate locking portion, configured to elastically hook the third locking part so as to maintain the first locking member and the second locking member respectively in the closed positions.

[0041] According to one embodiment, said at least one locking member may be a rectilinear element having a guide section, and in which the guide part is a projection lower portion of said plastic element comprising a first through passage fitted to the guide section, and wherein the locking portion is a lower projection of said plastic element, having a second passage, aligned with the first passage, the second passage configured to receive said locking member (OV) in a nested manner, at the distal end of said locking member.

[0042] Generally, the transverse tube may have a bead forming at least one stop surface configured to form a stop ensuring blocking of said plastic element relative to the transverse tube in the transverse direction of the tube.

[0043] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a seat assembly comprising a seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges braced by at least one transverse tube, in particular a rear tube and a front tube, and a trim support according to the present disclosure, for which said at least one transverse tube is housed in said at least one housing, in particular blocked by said at least one locking member.

[0044] According to one embodiment, said assembly comprises one or more cables, in particular an electrical power cable, for example a power cable for a sensor, a ventilation means, a heating means, a massage actuator, and in which all or part of the cables are fixed to said at least one locking member, in particular by elastic fitting between a cable connector and a complementary shape of said locking member, for example a male part of the connector in a hole of said locking member.

[0045] The present disclosure also relates to a modular seat cushion comprising, in the assembled state: - a trim support according to the present disclosure, preferably said locking member in said stable opening position for which said at least one locking member and said plastic element form a self-supporting assembly, - a seated padding, and possibly, - a covering covering the padding.

[0046] According to a first embodiment of said modular seat cushion, the mechanical interface system may comprise: - a rear mechanical interface, on a rear portion of said plastic element, comprising a first housing, open, configured to house the rear tube, pivotably around the rear tube, - a front mechanical interface, on a front part of said plastic element, comprising a second, open housing, configured to house the front tube in a mechanically lockable manner by said at least one locking member, and in which said mechanical interface system is configured to allow the modular seat cushion to be fixed by the following steps: / A / placing the rear mechanical interface opposite the rear tube and inserting the rear tube into the first housing, and preferably while said at least one locking member is in said open, stable position / B / pivoting the modular cushion around the rear tube then fitted into the first housing of the rear mechanical interface until the front tube is inserted into the second housing of the front mechanical interface, and mechanical locking of the front tube in the second housing by moving said at least one locking member into said closed position for which said at least one locking member blocks said front tube in the second housing.

[0047] According to a second embodiment of said modular seat cushion, said mechanical interface system may comprise: - a rear mechanical interface, on a rear portion of the support, comprising a first housing, open, configured to house the rear tube in a mechanically lockable manner by said at least one locking member, - a front mechanical interface, on a front part of said support comprising a second housing, open, configured to house the front tube in a pivotable manner around said front tube, and in which said mechanical interface system is configured to allow the fixing of the modular seat cushion by the following steps: / A2 / placing the front mechanical interface opposite the front tube and inserting the front tube into the second housing, and preferably while said at least one locking member is in said open, stable position / B2 / pivoting the lining support around the front tube then fitted into the second housing of the front mechanical interface until the rear tube is inserted into the first housing of the rear mechanical interface and mechanically locking the rear tube in the first housing by moving said at least one locking member to the closed position.

[0048] The present disclosure also relates to a seat assembly comprising a modular seat cushion according to the present disclosure and a seat structure having a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges braced by a front, transverse tube and a rear, transverse tube, said modular cushion fixed to said structure by: - locking said at least one locking member on the front tube, in particular when said modular cushion is according to the first embodiment, or - locking said at least one locking member on said rear tube when said modular cushion is according to the second embodiment, or - locking at least one first locking member on the front tube and by locking at least one second locking member on the rear tube.

[0049] The present disclosure further relates to a method of manufacturing a trim support according to the present disclosure, in which said plastic element, including the guide portion and the locking portion, is obtained by injection molding, and said at least one locking member, including the guide portion and the locking portion, is obtained by injection molding. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0051] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a trim support according to the present disclosure comprising a plastic element comprising an upper surface and a rear mechanical interface comprising a first rear housing, open, oriented in a rear direction of said plastic element, receiving a rear tube, in simple interlocking, and a front mechanical interface comprising a second housing, open, oriented in a lower direction, receiving a front tube, locked in said second housing by a locking member, in a second locking position. Fig. 2

[0052] [Fig. 2] is one from below according to figure 1. Fig. 3

[0053] [Fig. 3] is a side view of Figure 1. Fig. 4

[0054] [Fig. 4] is a sectional view of the front mechanical interface, along a vertical plane, illustrating: - the guide portion of said locking member engaging with the guide portion of said plastic element, comprising circular guide surfaces, allowing the rotation of said locking member relative to said plastic element to pass from said open position to the closed position, - the locking portion of said elastic member comprising a groove, receiving in a nested manner a rib of a locking part of said plastic element in said closed position, - the guide part and the locking part of said plastic element being arranged on either side relative to said transverse tube locked in the housing opened by said locking member, - said guide portion and said locking portion are arranged respectively at a proximal portion and a distal portion of said at least one locking element, which has an L-shaped geometry, - said locking member comprises a structural body and a play elimination system comprising an elastic portion EL, integral with the structural body and flexible relative to said structural body, in the form of a flexible blade, configured to elastically press on said at least one transverse tube TT in order to press it into said at least one housing LG. Fig. 5

[0055] [Fig. 5] is a top view of the assembly portion of said locking member, relative to the assembly opening, in the closed position of said locking member. Fig. 6

[0056] [Fig. 6] is a first detailed view of said locking member. Fig. 7

[0057] [Fig. 7] is a second detail view of said locking member. Fig. 8

[0058] [Fig. 8] is from below the front portion of said trim support, the front tube of which is locked in the front housing by two locking members, in parallel. Fig. 9

[0059] [Fig. 9] is a detailed view of said locking member in three views, namely in the initial assembly position, in the open position in which said locking member and said plastic element form a self-supporting assembly, and in the closed position, and in three angular positions of said locking member, obtained by rotation of said locking member relative to said plastic element. Fig. 10

[0060] [Fig. 10] is a view of a trim support according to a second embodiment for which said locking member is mounted relative to said plastic element to move from said open position to the closed position in translation. Fig. 11

[0061] [Fig. 11] is a detail view of Figure 10. Fig. 12

[0062] [Fig. 12] are two views illustrating: - on the left, said locking member comprising two hooking members engaging with the locking part to prevent the release of said locking member from the closed position to the open position, - on the right, after pinching the two hooking members until they come together to allow the escape of said hooking members, in order to allow the sliding of said locking member to the open position. Fig. 13

[0063] [Fig. 13] illustrates a sectional view along a vertical plane passing through a longitudinal axis of said locking member, crossing a first passage of the guide part, and a second passage of the locking part, the guide part and the locking part both projecting under said plastic element, distributed, on either side of the open housing for said at least one transverse tube, according to Fig. 14

[0064] [Fig. 14] is an exploded view of a seat assembly comprising a seat structure, in particular a seat structure, a trim support comprising a plastic element according to the present disclosure, seat padding, or even a trim covering, as well as a set of options, such as a ventilation system comprising a fan and / or a massage system comprising a plurality of actuators, and / or an electric resistive heating system, comprising a resistive sheet. Fig. 15

[0065] [Fig. 15] is an exploded view of a modular seat cushion whose configuration of the first and second housings allows a first method of assembly. Fig. 16

[0066] [Fig. 16] is a view of the assembly permitted by the modular seat cushion according to figure 15. Fig. 17

[0067] [Fig. 17] is an exploded view of a modular seat cushion whose configuration of the first and second housings allows a second assembly method. Fig. 18

[0068] [Fig. 18] is a view of the assembly permitted by the modular seat cushion according to figure 17. Fig. 19

[0069] [Fig. 19] is a view of a variant of the support according to the present disclosure, said locking portion projects lower than said plastic element and fits elastically with the locking portion of said at least one locking member by elastic deformation of the locking portion on a lateral tooth of the locking portion during pivoting from the open position to said closed position until the lateral tooth escapes the locking portion in the closed position, said lateral tooth forming a stop opposing the reverse pivoting in the opening direction, the variant having a closing indicator window, configured to ensure the visibility of said locking member, through said window, from below said support, when said locking member is in said closed position. Fig. 19a

[0070] [Fig. 19a] is a detailed view of the lateral tooth, abutting against one side, preventing the reverse pivoting of said locking member from the closed position to the open position. Fig. 19b

[0071] [Fig. 19b] is a detail view of the support, from below, illustrating the closing indicator window, in the closed position of said locking member for which said locking member is visible through the closing indicator window. Fig. 20

[0072] [Fig. 20] is a view of a seat assembly comprising several cables, in particular an electrical power cable, for example a power cable for a sensor, a ventilation means, a heating means, a massage actuator, and the cables being fixed to said at least one locking member, in particular fixed to two locking members, in particular by elastic fitting between a cable connector and a complementary shape of said locking member, for example a male part of the connector in a female part such as a hole in said locking member. Fig.21

[0073] [Fig.21] is a view of a lining support according to a third embodiment which comprises a first locking member and a second locking member, formed respectively by two rectilinear elements in parallel, connected by a connecting portion, in the open position, the connecting portion, the first locking member and the second locking member advantageously forming a locking element in a single piece, typically plastic, the open position being a stable position in which said locking element forms a self-supporting assembly with said plastic element, and the open position is an open position for which the first locking member and the second locking member respectively pass through the passage of a first guide part and the passage of a second guide part, leaving the housing open,without being fitted into the first locking part and the second locking part, Fig. 22 [Fig.22] is a detail view of figure 21, illustrating a bead of said transverse tube cooperating with said plastic element, in particular with a groove complementary to the projection forming one of the guide parts to ensure blocking of the tube relative to the base of the support, in the transverse direction. Fig. 23

[0074] [Fig.23] is a detail view of Figure 21, illustrating a tooth at the distal end of the first locking member and a tooth at the distal end of the second locking member, opposing the removal of said locking element, and thus the disassembly between said locking element and said plastic element forming the base. Fig. 24

[0075] [Fig.24] is a detailed view of figure 21, after passage of said locking element to the locking position for which the first locking member fits into the first locking part, and the second locking member fits into the second locking part, the transverse tube blocked in the housings by: - the first locking member in the locking position which connects the first guide part and the first locking part, distributed on either side of said tube according to the X direction, - the second locking member in the locking position which connects the second guide part and the second locking part, distributed on either side of the tube in the X direction, - a locking portion of the connecting portion, elastically hooking a third part of said plastic element, arranged, in the transverse direction, between the two locking members. Fig. 25

[0076] [Fig.25] is a sectional view along a vertical plane illustrating the engagement between the third locking part, and the locking portion of the connecting portion, the engagement blocking the removal of the locking element. Fig. 26

[0077] [Fig.26] is a view of the trim support according to the third embodiment, the connecting portion between the first locking member and the second locking member attached to the third locking part, a connector associated with an electrical cable secured to the connecting portion being aligned with a second connector secured in sliding in a groove of said plastic element, the sliding of the second connector, according to a preferably limited course allowing an electrical connection of the connectors. Description of the embodiments

[0078] The present disclosure relates to a trim support configured to be fixed to a seat structure, said seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges 20 braced by at least one transverse tube TT, in particular a rear tube 2 and / or a front tube 23.

[0079] The trim support includes: - a plastic element 1, forming a base having an upper surface configured for supporting padding, - a mechanical interface system comprising: -- at least one LG housing, open, on a portion of said plastic element, said LG housing configured to house said at least one transverse tube, -- a locking system comprising at least one movable locking member OV.

[0080] Said plastic element 1 is typically obtained by molding techniques, in particular injection molding. Said plastic element is typically a single-piece element, extending: - from a front cross member 10 to a rear cross member 11, in a longitudinal direction to the seat, - from a first spar to a second spar 13, following a transverse direction Y of said seat.

[0081] The front and rear cross members 10, 11 and the first and second side members 12, 13 extend end to end to each other at the periphery of said plastic element 1, forming a support frame.

[0082] The support frame can be configured to come to bear on the seat structure 2 of a vehicle seat, by supports of the front cross member 10 and the rear cross member 11, on a front tube 23 and / or on a rear tube 22 extending parallel to each other by connecting the two flanges 20, or possibly even typically by support of the side members 12, 13 of said plastic element on flanges 20 of the seat structure.

[0083] Said plastic element 1 may comprise an intermediate portion 14, extending in the transverse direction Y, the intermediate portion 14 connecting the first side member 12 to the second side member 13, said intermediate portion 14 arranged in an intermediate position between the front cross member 10 and the rear cross member 11 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0084] The intermediate position typically begins at a distance from the front cross member 10 on the first half of support 1 along the longitudinal direction X, in particular at a distance L14 of between 1 / 6 and 1 / 3 from the front edge of the front cross member 10, for example at approximately % of the distance from the front cross member 10.

[0085] Said plastic element may comprise a flexible suspension portion 15, extending continuously in the longitudinal direction X from the intermediate portion 14 to the rear cross member 11 of said plastic element by connecting said intermediate portion 14 to the rear cross member 11.

[0086] The suspension portion preferably extends discontinuously in the transverse direction Y between the first spar 12 and the second spar 1, said suspension portion 15 being separated, on the one hand, by a first lateral opening 01 arranged between the first spar 12 and said suspension portion 15, and on the other hand, by a second lateral opening 02 arranged between the suspension portion 15 and the second spar 13.

[0087] Said first lateral opening 01 and the second lateral opening 02 separate said suspension portion 15 from the first spar 12 and from the second spar 13 over the length L15 of the suspension portion 15, preferably continuously over the entire length L15 (example illustrated) or even possibly discontinuously over the length L15 due to local interruption(s) of the first opening 01 and the second opening 02 over the length, (according to an example not illustrated).

[0088] The suspension portion forms a flexible plastic blade which extends over the length L15 in the longitudinal direction X between the openings 01, 02, and in width 115 in the transverse direction Y from the first opening 01, to the second opening 02.

[0089] The function of the suspension portion 15 is to receive the buttocks of the seat occupant while allowing flexibility of the suspension portion under load, in the vertical direction Z.

[0090] The maximum flexibility in Z can be of the order of 30 mm, typically between 0.5 cm and 3 cm, for example between 1 cm and 3 cm for an average 75 kg mannequin.

[0091] The width 115 of the suspension portion 15 in the transverse direction Y, delimited between the first opening 01 and the second opening 02, may be less than 60% of the width 11 of said plastic element between the first side member 12 and the second side member 13 in said transverse direction, for example between 25% and 50% of the width 11 of said plastic element. The suspension portion 15 typically extends over a median portion of said support in the transverse direction Y, and only partially over the width of the trim support. Such a dimensioning increases the flexibility under vertical stress of the suspension portion 15. The suspension portion extends over a rear portion of said support, close to the rear cross member 11, relatively to the front cross member 10.

[0092] The first opening 01 and the second opening 02 thus have the function of conferring increased flexibility to the suspension portion 15, and also contribute to an overall objective of reducing material, and therefore the weight of said plastic trim support.

[0093] The flexible blade of the suspension portion can extend in length L15, for example along a dimension between 25% and 50% of the dimension of the support S along the longitudinal direction.

[0094] In general, and as illustrated by way of example in the figures, the suspension portion 15 may comprise recesses 150 (blind or through) along a thickness of said suspension portion. The recesses 150 are distributed along a length dimension of said suspension portion 15, namely along the longitudinal direction X, and in particular over its entire length L15 or beyond, and / or along a dimension of said suspension portion 15 along the transverse direction Y and in particular over its entire width 115. The surface void rate of the suspension portion 15 is between 10% and 80%, in particular in the presence of through recesses, and for example greater than 20%, or even greater than 30%, or even greater than 40%, or even greater than 50%.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the flexible blade has all or part of the following characteristics: - a length L15 between 200cm and 300cm, for example 270cm, - a width 115 between 180cm and 250cm, for example 220cm, - a thickness e15 between 1 mm and 4 mm, for example 2.5 mm.

[0096] According to such an embodiment, the suspension is made in one piece with said plastic element, advantageously obtained during the molding of the element. According to another embodiment not illustrated, said plastic element may comprise a recess between the rear crosspiece 11 and the intermediate crosspiece 14 for a suspension attached to said plastic element 1, typically metallic.

[0097] The mechanical interface system comprises said at least one open LG housing which may be a housing at the rear cross member, or an LG housing at the front cross member.

[0098] The LG housing may be materialized by a projecting, U-shaped portion, or several projecting portions on the underside of said plastic element, of U-shaped section forming the LG housing which is discontinuous along the transverse direction, said portions distributed along the transverse direction Y of said plastic element. The projecting portion(s) are preferably in one piece with said plastic element, typically advantageously obtained during the molding of said plastic element 1. Said at least one locking member OV, in particular a first locking member OV1 and a second locking member OV2 are preferably interposed respectively at two interspaces between the projecting portions, along the transverse direction Y of said plastic element.

[0099] The projecting part(s) protrude downwards, the LG housing(s) being configured to ensure at least partial fitting of the tube, thus ensuring direct absorption of forces between the tube fitted into the LG housing and the support forming the base: - along the transverse direction to the tube - front / rear, typically along the X direction in figure 1, - and in the vertical direction Z, when the force of the tube on said plastic element is oriented towards a bottom of the housing.

[0100] The absorption of forces along the direction of the transverse tube TT, namely along the Y direction, can be obtained by one or more peripheral beads BR of the tube, coming into contact with the support, typically with downward projections, to ensure the support is locked relative to the tube relative to the direction of the transverse tube TT.

[0101] On the other hand, the housing(s) LG do not take up the forces on said tube which tend to extract the tube from the housing(s). The take up of the forces on the tube which tend to extract, comprising at least one component along the Z direction, are taken up by said locking member OV, once in a closed position.

[0102] According to the present disclosure, said at least one locking member OG comprises a guide portion PGO configured to cooperate with a guide portion PGE secured to said plastic element 1 to move from an open position P1, allowing the insertion of said at least one transverse tube TT into said at least one housing LG or the extraction of said at least one transverse tube TT from said at least one housing LG, and to a closed position P2 ensuring the blocking of said at least one transverse tube TT in said at least one housing LG for which said at least one locking member OV fits, preferably elastically, by a locking portion PVO of said at least one locking member OG, into a locking portion PVE of said plastic element 1.

[0103] Said guide part PGE and said locking part PVE of said plastic element 1 are thus arranged, in two offset positions, transversely relative to said at least one transverse tube TT, housed in said at least one housing LG, and more particularly in the direction X. The guide part PGE and the locking part PVE of said plastic element 1 are arranged on either side relative to said transverse tube TT which is blocked in the open housing LG, by said locking member OG then in the closed position P2, as illustrated according to all the embodiments, and as particularly visible in the sectional view of figure 4, or again in figure 11.

[0104] In the closed position P2, said at least one locking member OV physically connects the guide part PGE and the locking part PVE, on either side of the transverse tube TT, and while the transverse tube TT is blocked between the base of the support and said at least one locking member OG, prevented or prohibited from leaving the housing LG by said locking member OG.

[0105] In the event of a crash, such a design advantageously allows the forces to be distributed between the transverse tube TT and the plastic element forming the base of the support, namely that the forces can be distributed, depending on the direction of the forces, as follows: - all or part of the forces, in particular in the X direction, the Y direction, or even in the Z direction, are transmitted directly from the transverse tube to said plastic element 1 forming said base via the LG housings, this part of the forces preferably being taken up by several LG housings distributed in the transverse direction Y, - all or part of the forces, in particular in the Z direction when the force tends to extract the tube from the housings, are taken up by the locking member OG, and advantageously distributed by the locking member to the plastic element 1, respectively by the guide part PGE and the locking part PV2, according to two local zones, distributed on either side of said transverse tube TT, in the X direction.

[0106] Thus, the forces of the transverse tube TT on said plastic element 1 can pass directly from the transverse tube to said plastic element 1, and are distributed by the housing or housings LG which are distributed along the direction Y.

[0107] The forces of the transverse tube TT passing through the locking member OV are advantageously distributed by the guide part PGE and the locking part PVE on either side of the transverse tube TT in the direction X.

[0108] In the event of a crash, such a design makes it possible to distribute the forces of the tubes on the support base, not only on the housings LG which allow direct absorption of the force (without passing through the locking member), the housings LG preferably being two in number or more and distributed over the transverse direction Y, but also, when the forces pass through the locking member OV, a distribution of the force for the or each locking member OV, along the direction X, by means of the locking part PVE and the guiding part PGE, on either side of the transverse tube TT.

[0109] Such a distribution of forces makes compatible the use of a plastic base which presents a lower structural resistance compared to a base which would be made of metal.

[0110] The PGE guide part and the PVE locking part of said plastic element 1 are integral with said element, and are advantageously preferably obtained by injection molding. The PGE guide part and the PVE locking part may take the form of projections under the base of said plastic element, and in order to ensure optimized recovery of forces.

[0111] Preferably, said at least one locking member OV or each locking member OV, including the guide portion PGO and the locking portion PVO is a plastic component, preferably in one piece, obtained by injection molding.

[0112] Said plastic element, including said mechanical interface and said locking member can therefore be obtained at lower cost by injection molding techniques.

[0113] The preferably elastic interlocking between the locking portion PVO of said at least one locking member OV in the locking portion PVE of said plastic element ensures the locking of said locking member OV in its closed position, advantageously and preferably without requiring a tool to secure the locking, and unlike the prior art requiring screwing for tightening screws or the like.

[0114] Locking or unlocking operations are implemented easily and quickly by operators, or can even be automated simply.

[0115] According to one embodiment, said opening position P1 may be a position in which said at least one movable locking member OV and said plastic element 1 are assembled, in a stable position for which said at least one locking member OV and said plastic element 1 form a self-supporting assembly, by cooperation between said guide portion PGO of said at least one locking member OV and said guide part PGE of said plastic element 1.

[0116] Said at least one locking member OV and said plastic element 1 may be pre-assembled, in particular when these components form a sub-assembly of a modular seat cushion. The friction between the guide portion PGO of said at least one locking member OV and the guide portion PVE of said plastic element may ensure a stable position.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the passage from the opening position P1 to the opening position P2 can be obtained by a rotation of said at least one locking member OV relative to said plastic element, and for example along an axis of rotation, which is preferably substantially perpendicular to the upper surface. Such an embodiment is for example illustrated in Figures 1 to 9.

[0118] For this purpose, said guide portion PGO of said at least one locking member OV, and said guide portion PGE of said plastic element 1 comprise mutually engaging, circular surfaces, said circular guide portion preferably extending locally along a plane parallel to the support surface, at least locally. Said guide portion PGE and said circular guide portion PGO ensuring rotational guidance of said at least one locking member OV relative to said plastic element 1 to pass from said opening position P1 to said closing position P2.

[0119] According to one embodiment, said plastic element 1 may have an assembly opening OA, non-circular, for example of T-section, positioned centrally to said circular guide part PGE.

[0120] Said at least one locking member comprises an assembly portion PA, of complementary section to said assembly opening OA, for example in T, configured to allow the insertion of the assembly portion in a determined orientation between said locking member and said plastic element corresponding to an initial position PO of insertion of said at least one locking member, to allow its pre-assembly.

[0121] Successively, the pivoting of said at least one locking member relative to said plastic element makes it possible to move said at least one locking member OV from said initial position PO to said stable opening position P1, for which said at least one locking member OV is held on said circular guide part PGE of said plastic element 1.

[0122] According to one embodiment, in particular illustrated in figure 9, the passage from the initial position PO to said opening position P1 can be obtained by a first rotation of said locking member OV relative to said plastic element by an angle of less than 90°, or even less than 45°.

[0123] In said opening position P1, said at least one locking member OV can extend in length along the transverse direction Y, namely substantially parallel to the axis of said at least one transverse tube, or even along an orientation close to plus or minus 15°.

[0124] In said open position and up to the closed position, the guide portion PGE can be interposed between a lower guide surface SGI, preferably circular, and an upper guide surface SGS, preferably circular, of said guide portion PO of said at least one locking member OV, said lower guide surface and said upper surface spaced from each other by a portion of the axis of said at least one guide member OV.

[0125] According to one embodiment, said PGO guide portion and said PVO locking portion may be arranged respectively at a proximal portion and a distal portion of said at least one OV locking element, which may have an L-shaped trajectory or geometry.

[0126] The proximal part carrying the guide portion PGO, can extend, substantially projecting under said plastic element, and according to the first branch of the L and while the second branch of the L extends via an elbow below said transverse tube TT, in said closed position P2, blocking its exit from the housing LG, and up to the locking portion PVO engaged with the locking portion PVE.

[0127] Said locking portion PVE typically projects lower than said plastic element 1 and fits elastically with the locking portion PVO of said at least one locking member OV.

[0128] It can be an elastic fit: - by complementarity of shape between a rib NV and a groove RA, distributed between the locking part PE and the locking portion PVO, or vice versa, in said closing position P2 and / or, - by elastic deformation of the locking portion PVO on a lateral tooth DL of the locking portion PVE when pivoting from the opening position P1 to said closing position P2 until the side tooth escapes the locking portion PVO in the closing position P2, said side tooth forming a stop opposing the reverse pivoting in the opening direction, and as visible for information in figure 19a.

[0129] Said at least one locking member OV may comprise a structural body and a play elimination system comprising an elastic portion EL, integral with the structural body and flexible relative to said structural body, the elastic portion configured to elastically press on said at least one transverse tube TT in order to press it into said at least one housing LG.

[0130] Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figure 4. The elastic portion EL may be a flexible blade, extending in particular parallel to the second structural branch of said at least one locking member OV.

[0131] By eliminating the play of the transverse tube TT in said at least one housing LG, the elastic portion EL makes it possible to eliminate noise.

[0132] According to another embodiment, the guide portion PGO and said guide portion PGE cooperate mutually to ensure translational guidance between the opening position P1 and said closing position P2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in Figures 10 to 12, or according to a third embodiment illustrated in Figures 21 to 26.

[0133] The locking portion PVO of said at least one locking member OV may comprise two hooking members OC1, OC2, at a distal end of said at least one locking member OV, comprising sloping surfaces configured so as to cooperate with said locking part of said plastic element during the movement of said at least one elastic member, to bring said two hooking members OC1, OC2 towards each other, elastically, and up to said closed position for which the two hooking members OC1, OC2 move apart elastically in a position preventing a reverse translational movement.

[0134] The sloping surfaces of the two hooking members OC1, OC2 of said locking portion PVO are oriented so as to engage with the locking part PVE to bring the two hooking members together when said at least one locking member is moved from the open position P1 to the closed position P2.

[0135] Once the PVE locking part has passed, the sloping surfaces are no longer constrained, the two elastic members returning elastically to hook the PVE locking part, and as illustrated in figure 11. The two hooking members OC1, OC2 prohibit the reverse movement of said locking member OV from the closed position P2 to the open position P1.

[0136] The proximal end of said at least one elastic member OV may comprise a stop BT coming into abutment with the guide part PGE of said plastic element 1 so as to stop the insertion of said at least one locking member OV in the direction of insertion. The removal of said locking member can then be carried out by extracting said locking member OV in the direction opposite to the direction of insertion, after pinching the two attachment members OC1, OC2, and as visible on the right of figure 1.

[0137] Generally speaking, said at least one translationally lockable OV locking member can thus be a rectilinear element having a guide section.

[0138] Generally, the guide portion PGE is a lower projection of said plastic element having a first through passage which is adjusted to the guide section with the sliding clearance, and the locking portion PVE is a lower projection of said plastic element, having a second passage, aligned with the first passage, the second passage configured to receive in nesting form said locking member OV, at the distal end of said locking member OV. The second passage may be blind or preferably through and is preferably of section adjusted to the locking portion of said locking member OV.

[0139] Generally, and as illustrated in figure 19b for information purposes when said locking member OV is guided in pivoting, the support may have at the level of the locking part PVE, a closing indicator window FT allowing an operator to visually check that said locking member is in the closing position P2 of said locking member.

[0140] Thus, when said locking member is in the open position P1, or even when said locking member OV is only partially moved towards the closed position, a check through the closing indicator window FT does not allow the locking portion PVO to be seen opposite the control window. The locking portion PVO is only visible through the indicator window when said locking member is tilted into said closed position P2. In order to facilitate the check, said locking member and said support are preferably in two different colors, and preferably having a significant contrast (for example black and white).

[0141] A third embodiment is illustrated in Figures 21 to 26.

[0142] According to such an embodiment, said at least one locking member OV comprises: - a first locking member OV1 comprising a guide portion PGO configured to cooperate with a first guide part PGE1 of said plastic element 1 to ensure translational guidance between the open position P1 and said closed position P2, said first locking member OV1 comprising a locking portion PVO configured to cooperate by fitting with a first locking part PVE1 of said plastic element, - a second locking member OV2 comprising a guide portion PGO configured to cooperate with a second guide portion PGE1 of said plastic element 1 to ensure translational guidance between the open position P1 and said closed position P2, said second locking member OV2 comprising a locking portion PVO configured to cooperate by fitting with a second locking part PVE2 of said plastic element.

[0143] Generally speaking: - the first guide part PGE1 is a lower projection of said plastic element comprising a first through passage adjusted to the guide section of the first locking member OV1 with the sliding clearance, and the first locking part PVE1 is a lower projection of said plastic element, having a second passage which can be through or blind, aligned with the first passage, the second passage configured to receive in a nested manner said first locking member OV1, at the level of the distal end of said first locking member OV1, - the second guide part PGE2 is a lower projection of said plastic element comprising a first through passage adjusted to the guide section of the second locking member OG2 with the sliding clearance, and the second locking part PVE2 is a lower projection of said plastic element, having a second passage which can be through or blind, aligned with the first passage, the second passage configured to receive in nesting form said second locking member OV2, at the distal end of said second locking member OV2.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first guide part PGE1 and the second guide part PGE2, on the one hand, are offset, one relative to the other along the transverse direction Y of said plastic element by a gap.

[0145] Likewise, the first locking part PVE1 and the second locking part PVE2 on the other hand, are offset, one relative to the other along the transverse direction Y of said plastic element of said gap.

[0146] According to such an embodiment, the first locking member OV1 and the second locking member OV2 are formed by a single-piece element, typically plastic, typically injection-molded, comprising a connecting part L1 connecting a proximal part of said first locking member OV1 and a proximal part of said second locking member OV2.

[0147] The connecting part Ll is configured to allow simultaneous passages: - of the first locking member OV1 from the opening position P1 to the closing position P2 and - of the second locking member OV2 from the opening position P1 to the closing position P2.

[0148] Such an embodiment thus makes it possible to move the two locking members OV1, OV2 from their open position P1 to the closed position P2, simultaneously by the operator, the first locking member OV1, the second locking member OV2 and the connecting portion forming a single-piece locking element.

[0149] According to one embodiment, it is noted that the locking member OV, in particular the first locking member OV1 and the second locking member OV2, may have an elastic tooth DT, at a distal end of said locking member, the tooth DT coming to hook the guide part PGE (in particular first guide part PGE1 or second guide part PGE2) after passage of the tooth through the passage, and as illustrated in figure 23.

[0150] Thus said opening position P1 can be a position in which said at least one movable locking member OV and said plastic element 1 are assembled, in a position stable for which said at least one locking member OV and said plastic element 1 form a self-supporting assembly, by cooperation between said guide portion PGO of said at least one locking member OV and said guide portion PGE of said plastic element 1, the tooth DT preventing the disassembly of said locking member and said plastic element 1 forming the base.

[0151] In Figure 23, we note the presence of a third locking part PVE3 of said plastic element, arranged, along the transverse direction Y of said plastic element in an intermediate position between, on the one hand, the assembly of the first locking part PVE1 and the first guide part PGE1, and on the other hand, the assembly of the second locking part PVE2 and the second guide part PGE2.

[0152] The connecting part L1 comprises an intermediate locking portion PVLI, configured to elastically hook the third locking part PVE3 so as to maintain the first locking member OV1 and the second locking member respectively in the closed positions P2) and as illustrated in figure 11. The locking portion PVLI may comprise a hook portion for engaging with the third locking part, and a gripping portion which can be grasped by an operator to decouple the hooking.

[0153] The present disclosure also relates to a seat assembly comprising a seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges 20 spaced by at least one transverse tube TT, in particular a rear tube 22 and a front tube 23, and a trim support according to the present disclosure for which said at least one transverse tube TT is housed in said at least one housing LG, and in particular locked in the housing LG by said at least one locking member OV.

[0154] Said at least one locking member OV may comprise one or more locking members, blocking the front tube 23, or even one or more locking members blocking the rear tube 22, or even several locking members of which at least one part blocks the front tube 22, and at least one other part blocks the rear tube 23.

[0155] In general, and as illustrated in Figure 14, said assembly may comprise the seat structure comprising two flanges 20 braced by two tubes, a rear tube 22, and a front tube 23. The seat structure may be anchored to the floor by means of two slides G1, G2, right and left. Each slide may have a female profile, secured to the floor, and a male profile mounted to slide relative to the female profile. The male profile of the right slide is connected to the right flange, while the male profile of the left slide is connected to the left flange.

[0156] The connection between the slides and the flanges may comprise connecting rods of a raising mechanism, allowing adjustment of the chassis comprising the two flanges and the tubes 22, 23 spaced relative to the slides.

[0157] Said assembly also comprises the trim support which comprises said plastic element 1, and which serves as a support for a seat padding. The seat padding may include a polyurethane foam body, or include a three-dimensional tangle of continuous, thermoplastic fibers, comprising loops welded together.

[0158] Said assembly may also include a trim covering covering the padding and fixed to the trim support. The trim covering may be a textile, a leather, a synthetic leather and may be fixed in a mounting groove G, extending along the front crossmember and the two side members.

[0159] The said set may also include one or more options such as: - a ventilation system comprising at least one VT fan configured to ventilate the seat and its padding from below and / or - a resistive electrical system comprising an HT heating mat, and / or - a massage system comprising a plurality of mechanical actuators.

[0160] Notably, and in particular, said assembly may comprise several Ca cables, in particular an electrical power cable, for example a power cable for a sensor, a ventilation means (a fan VT), a heating means (for example the heating mat HT), a mechanical massage actuator, the cable(s) being fixed to said at least one locking member OV, in particular to two locking members, in particular by elastic interlocking between a cable connector CT and a complementary shape of said locking member, for example a male part of the connector in a hole of said locking member, and as visible in Figure 20. During assembly, this can ensure that said assembly is only wired when the modular cushion is locked by the presence of said locking member.

[0161] In particular, a second electrical connector CT2 may be pre-assembled on said plastic element, typically at a projection of said plastic element 1. According to such a design, it only becomes possible to align the connector CT, and the second connector CT2 to be electrically connected, after having moved said locking member OV to said closing position P2.

[0162] In Figure 26, we note that the connector CT is integral with the connecting portion L1 which comes to align with the second connector CT2, after the locking members OV1 and OV2 have passed into their locking position P2. Once aligned with each other, one of the CT or CT2 connectors can be slidably mounted with a limited stroke relative to the locking member (or said plastic element) to ensure the electrical connection of the two CT, CT2 connectors.

[0163] The present disclosure also relates to a modular seat cushion comprising, in the assembled state: - a trim support S according to the present disclosure, preferably said locking member OV in said stable opening position P1 for which said at least one locking member OV and said plastic element 1 form a self-supporting assembly - MA seat padding, and possibly, - a CF upholstery covering the padding.

[0164] According to the present disclosure, the mechanical interface system comprises: - a rear mechanical interface 16, on a rear part of said plastic element 1, comprising a first housing LG1, open, configured to house the rear tube 22, in a pivotable manner around the rear tube 22, - a front mechanical interface 17, on a front part of said plastic element, comprising a second housing LG2, open, configured to house the front tube 23 in a mechanically lockable manner by said at least one locking member OV.

[0165] Said mechanical interface system is configured to allow the attachment of the modular seat cushion by the following steps: / A / placing the rear mechanical interface 1 opposite the rear tube 22 and inserting the rear tube 22 into the first housing LG1, and preferably while said at least one locking member OV is in said stable opening position P1, / B / pivoting of the modular cushion around the rear tube 22 then fitted into the first housing LG1 of the rear mechanical interface 16 until the front tube 23 is inserted into the second housing LG2 of the front mechanical interface 17, and mechanical locking of the front tube 23 in the second housing LG2 by moving said at least one locking member OV into said closed position P2 for which said at least one locking member OV blocks said front tube 23 in the first housing LG1.

[0166] The first rear housing LG1 has the function of authorizing at / A / , the insertion of the rear tube 22, and of authorizing the pivoting of the modular seat cushion around the rear tube 22, in a secure manner, while this rear tube 22 is fitted into the first housing LG1.

[0167] Once the front tube 23 is received in the second housing LG2 and locked, the design of the first housing LG1 prevents an escape of the rear tube 22 which is blocked in the first housing LG1, and advantageously, without this first housing LG1 being equipped with a specific attachment to the rear tube.

[0168] To this end, according to such an embodiment, and as illustrated in Figure 15, the first U-shaped housing LG1, of U-shaped section, opens towards the rear of the support in a rear direction oriented from the front portion towards the rear portion of said plastic element 1, the first U-shaped housing LG1 having an upper side wall and an opposite lower side wall, as well as a bottom wall, said U-shaped housing being configured so as to ensure stable holding of the rear tube 22 against the bottom wall when said plastic element 1 exerts a force on the rear tube 22 directed in the rear direction, the rear tube 22 then blocked in a direction perpendicular to said plastic element 1 between the upper side wall and the lower side wall.

[0169] The first open housing LG1 opens towards the rear of said elastic element 1 and the second open housing LG opens towards the bottom, and in which the first housing LG1 comprises a first insertion direction D1 for the rear tube 22 and the second housing LG2 comprises a second insertion direction D2 for the front tube 21. The first insertion direction D1 and the second insertion direction D2 can be inclined relative to each other by an angle of between 45° and 90°.

[0170] Such assembly and locking kinematics are fast and intuitive for operators, offering short cycle times. Such assembly and locking kinematics, comprising in / A / a prior fitting of the rear tube into the first housing of the rear mechanical interface (i.e. before the locking of the front tube by the locking system of the front mechanical interface) also limits the handling and carrying efforts of the modular seat cushion by the operator. Such a design advantageously reduces the risks of musculoskeletal disorders.

[0171] Again, such a method of assembly at only these two fixing points consisting of the front and rear tubes can ensure universality of assembly of the modular seat cushion to seat structures of different designs, as long as the seat structures have both front and rear tubes, and even if the structures have different designs, and for example different flange designs.

[0172] Such modular seat cushion assembly and locking kinematics can still allow easy maintenance, and in particular rapid disassembly of the modular seat cushion, in particular without disassembling the seat structure from a vehicle floor.

[0173] The present disclosure further relates to a method of obtaining a seat assembly according to the present disclosure, in the assembled state (i.e. of the modular cushion on the seat structure) comprising the following steps: - provision of a modular seat cushion comprising in the assembled state said plastic element 1, comprising a mechanical interface system for fixing to the seat structure, padding MA resting on an upper surface of the base, or even a covering CF covering the padding, said mechanical interface system comprising a rear mechanical interface 16, on a rear part of said plastic element, comprising a first housing LG1 configured to house the rear tube 22, pivotably around the rear tube 22, and a front mechanical interface 17 on a front part of the base, configured to house the front tube 21, in a second housing LG2 in a lockable manner, - supply of a seat structure 2, in the assembled state, comprising a seat structure and a backrest structure, the seat structure comprising two lateral flanges 20 braced by a front tube 21, transverse, and a rear tube 22, transverse, - assembly of the modular cushion to said seat structure by implementing the following steps: / A / placing the rear mechanical interface 13 opposite the rear tube 22 and inserting the rear tube 22 into the first housing LG1 and / B / pivoting of the modular cushion 1 around the rear tube 22 then fitted into the first U-shaped housing LG1 of the rear mechanical interface 13 until the front tube 21 is inserted into the second housing LG2 of the front mechanical interface 14 and mechanical locking of the front tube in the second housing LG2 by the locking system of the front mechanical interface 14.

[0174] The assembly between the modular cushion and the seat structure can still allow rapid disassembly, and advantageously disassembly of the modular cushion without disassembly of the seat structure on the vehicle floor.

[0175] Also, the present disclosure further relates to a method of maintaining a seat assembly according to the present disclosure, comprising disassembling the modular cushion 1 from the seat structure 2, without disassembling the seat structure to a floor of the vehicle by implementing the following steps: HERE unlocking of the locking system by passing said at least one locking member OV from said closed position P2 to said open position 1, release of the front tube 23 from the front mechanical interface 17 and rotation of the modular cushion 1 around the rear tube 22 housed in the first housing LG1 until obtaining the escape of the front tube 23 outside the second U-shaped housing LG2, and successively / D / removal of the modular cushion by extracting the rear tube 22 from the first housing LG1 of the rear mechanical interface 16.

[0176] Such removal of the modular cushion, without dismantling the seat structure, allows easy maintenance of the cushion, by replacing one or more worn elements, for example replacing one or more upholstery, by substituting a new modular cushion, or even one fitted with comfort equipment, such as the resistive heating pad, the ventilation system, or even the massage system, or even the system comprising one or more haptic exciters.

[0177] According to another embodiment illustrated in figures 17 and 18 said mechanical interface system may comprise: - a rear mechanical interface 16, on a rear portion of the support S, comprising a first housing LG1, open, configured to house the rear tube 22 in a mechanically lockable manner by said at least one locking member OV, - a front mechanical interface 17, on a front part of said support comprising a second housing LG2, open, configured to house the front tube 23 in a pivotable manner around said front tube 23.

[0178] said mechanical interface system is configured to allow the attachment of the modular seat cushion by the following steps: / A2 / placing the front mechanical interface 17 opposite the front tube 23 and inserting the front tube into the second housing LG2, and preferably while said at least one locking member OV is in said stable opening position P1 / B2 / pivoting of the trim support around the front tube 23 then fitted into the second housing LG2 of the front mechanical interface 17 until the rear tube 22 is inserted into the first housing LG1 of the rear mechanical interface 6 and mechanical locking of the rear tube 22 in the first housing LG1 by moving said at least one locking member OV to the closed position P2.

[0179] The second front housing LG2 has the function of authorizing in / A / , the insertion of the front tube 23, and of authorizing the pivoting of the modular seat cushion around the front tube 23, in a secure manner, while this front tube 23 is fitted into the second housing LG1.

[0180] Once the rear tube 22 is received in the first housing LG1 and locked by the locking member, the design of the first housing LG2 prevents escape of the front tube 23 which is blocked in the second housing LG1, and advantageously, without this second housing LG1 being equipped with a specific attachment to the front tube.

[0181] For this purpose, the first housing LG1 and / or the second housing LG2 may be U-shaped housings. The second housing LG2, before 17, opens towards the front of the trim support S, in particular of said plastic element 1, and whereas the first housing LG1 opens towards the underside of the trim support S, in particular of said plastic element 1.

[0182] The first housing LG1 may comprise a first insertion direction D1 for the rear tube 22 and the second housing LG2 comprises a second insertion direction D2 for the front tube 23, the first insertion direction D1 and the second insertion direction D2 being inclined relative to each other by an angle of between 25° and 135°, for example between 45° and 90°.

[0183] The present disclosure also relates to a method of obtaining a seat assembly, in the assembled state, comprising the following steps: - supply of a seat structure 2, in the assembled state, comprising a seat structure, the seat structure comprising two lateral flanges 20 braced by a front tube 23, transverse, and a rear tube 22, transverse, - provision of a modular seat cushion CM comprising in the assembled state at least one support S comprising a mechanical interface system for fixing to the seat structure, padding MA resting on an upper surface of the base and a covering CF covering the padding, said mechanical interface system comprising a rear mechanical interface 16, on a rear part of the support S, comprising a first housing LG1 configured to house the rear tube 22 in a lockable manner, and a front mechanical interface 17 on a front part of the support, configured to house the front tube 23, in a second housing LG2, - assembly of the modular cushion to said seat structure by implementing the following steps: / A2 / placing the front mechanical interface 17 opposite the front tube 23 and inserting the front tube into the second housing LG2, and / B2 / pivoting of the trim support around the front tube 23 then fitted into the second housing LG2 of the front mechanical interface 17 until the rear tube 22 is inserted into the first housing LG1 of the front mechanical interface and mechanical locking of the rear tube 22 in the first housing LG1 by moving said at least one locking member OV from said opening position P1 to the closing position P2.

[0184] The present disclosure further relates to a method of maintaining a seat assembly comprising disassembling the modular seat cushion CM from the seat structure, in particular without disassembling the seat structure 2 to a floor of the vehicle by implementing the following steps: HERE unlocking of the locking system by moving said at least one locking member OV from said closed position P2 to said open position P1, releasing the rear tube 22 from the rear mechanical interface 16 and rotating the modular seat cushion CM around the front tube 23 housed in the second housing LG2 until the rear tube 22 escapes from the first housing LG1 and successively / D / removal of the modular cushion by extracting the front tube 23 from the second housing LG2 of the front mechanical interface 17.

[0185] Generally speaking, the configurations of the first housing LG1 and the second LG2 prohibit the extraction of the front tube 23 from the second housing LG2, and as long as the rear tube has not been extracted from the first housing LG1, by pivoting according to HERE. List of reference signs

[0186] - S. Trim support 1. Plastic element, - 10. Front cross member, - 11. Rear cross member, - 12. First spar, - 13. Second spar, - 14. Intermediate portion, - 140. Intermediate crosspiece, - 15. Suspension portion, - 150. Hollows, - 01. First opening (between the first side member and the suspension portion) - 02. Second opening (between the second side member and the suspension portion), - 2. Seat structure, - 20. Side plates, - 22. Rear tube, - 23. Front tube - 16. Rear mechanical interface, - LG1 . (First) rear housing (for 22 rear tube), - 17. Front mechanical interface, - LG2. (Second) front housing (for front tube 23), - CM. Modular seat cushion, - MA. Quilting, - CF. Trim covering, - D1, D2. First and second direction of insertion, - TT. Cross tube (especially front tube or rear tube), - LG. Housing (especially front or rear housing), - OV. Locking organ, - OV1, OV2. Respectively first locking member and second locking member - PGO. Guide portion (Locking organ), - SGS, SGI. Upper guide surface and lower guide surface (guide member); - PGE. Guide part (Plastic element), - PGE1, First guide part (for the first locking member OV1) - PGE2. Second guide part (for the second locking member OV2) - PVO. Locking portion (Locking organ), - PVE. Locking part (Plastic element), - PVE1. First locking part (of said plastic element for the first locking member), - PVE2. Second locking part (of said plastic element for the second locking member), - Ll. Connecting portion connecting the proximal ends of the first locking member and the second locking member, - PVE3. Third part of the lockdown - PVL1. Locking portion of the connecting portion configured to elastically hook the third locking part, - P1. Opening position, - P2. Closing position, - RA, NV. Groove and rib (mutually engaging), - BT. Stop, - DL. Lateral tooth, - DT. Dent - FT. Closing indicator window, - Ca. Electric cable, - CT. Electrical connector (cable) - CT2. Second connector.

Claims

Claims

1. Upholstery support configured to be fixed to a seat structure, said seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges (20) braced by at least one transverse tube (TT), in particular a rear tube (22) and / or a front tube (23), the upholstery support comprising: - a plastic element (1), forming a base having an upper surface configured for supporting padding, - a mechanical interface system comprising -- at least one housing (LG), open, on a portion of said plastic element, said housing (LG) configured to house said at least one transverse tube, -- a locking system comprising at least one movable locking member (OV), comprising a guide portion (PGO) configured to cooperate with a guide part (PGE) integral with said plastic element (1) to move from an open position (P1) of said locking member (OV), allowing the insertion of said at least one transverse tube (TT) into said at least one housing (LG) or the extraction of said at least one transverse tube (TT) from said at least one housing (LG), and to a closed position (P2) of said locking member (OV) ensuring the blocking of said at least one transverse tube (TT) in said at least one housing (LG) for which said at least one locking member (OV) fits, in particular elastically, by a locking portion (PVO) of said at least one locking member (OV), in a locking part of said plastic element (1),said guide portion (PGE) and said locking portion (PVE) of said plastic element (1) being arranged, in two offset positions, transversely relative to said at least one transverse tube (TT) housed in said at least one housing (LG) and in which in said closed position (P2), said at least one locking member (OG) is configured to physically connect the guide portion (PGE) and the locking portion (PVE), respectively arranged on either side of the transverse tube (TT), and while the transverse tube (TT) is blocked between the base of the support and said locking member (OG), said transverse tube (TT) being prevented from leaving said at least one housing (LG) by said at least one locking member (OG).,

2. A trim support according to claim 1, wherein said open position (P1) is a position in which said at least one movable locking member (OV) and said plastic element (1) are assembled, in a stable position for which said at least one locking member (OV) and said plastic element (1) form a self-supporting assembly, by cooperation between said guide portion (PGO) of said at least one locking member (OV) and said guide part (PGE) of said plastic element (1).

3. A trim support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said guide portion (PGO) of said at least one locking member (OV), on the one hand, and said guide part (PGE) of said plastic element, on the other hand, comprise mutually engaging, circular surfaces, said circular guide part preferably extending locally along a plane parallel to the support surface, said guide part (PGE) and guide portion (PGO), circular, ensuring rotational guidance of said at least one locking member (OV) relative to said plastic element (1) to pass from said open position (P1) to said closed position (P2).

4. A trim support according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said plastic element (1) has a non-circular assembly opening (OA), for example of T-shaped section, positioned centrally to said circular guide portion (PGE), and wherein said at least one locking member comprises an assembly portion (PA), of complementary section to said assembly opening, for example of T-shaped section, configured to allow the insertion of the assembly portion in a determined orientation between said locking member and said plastic element corresponding to an initial position (PO) of insertion of said at least one locking member (OV), then the pivoting of said at least one locking member relative to said plastic element to said stable opening position (P1), for which said at least one locking member (OV) is held on said circular guide portion (PGE) of said plastic element (1),in particular said guide portion (PGE) interposed between a lower guide surface (SGI) and an upper guide surface (SGS) of said guide portion (PGO) of said at least one locking member (OV), said lower guide surface and said upper surface spaced from each other by an axis portion of said at least one guide member (OV).,

5. A trim support according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein said guide portion (PGO) and said locking portion (PVO) are arranged respectively at a proximal portion and a distal portion of said at least one locking element (OV), which has an L-shaped trajectory.

6. A trim support according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein said locking portion (PVE) projects lower than said plastic element (1) and fits elastically with the locking portion (PVO) of said at least one locking member: - by complementarity of shape between a rib and a groove, distributed between the locking part (PVE) and the locking portion (PVO) in said closed position (P2) and / or, - by elastic deformation of the locking portion (PVO) on a lateral tooth (DL) of the locking portion (PVE) during pivoting from the open position (P1) to said closed position (P2) until the lateral tooth escapes the locking portion (PVO) in the closed position (P2), said lateral tooth (DL) forming a stop opposing the reverse pivoting in the opening direction.

7. Lining support according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which said at least one locking member (OV) comprises a structural body and a play elimination system comprising an elastic portion (EL), integral with the structural body and flexible relative to said structural body, said elastic portion (EL) configured to press elastically on said at least one transverse tube (TT) in order to press it into said at least one housing (LG).

8. A trim support according to one of claims 1, 2, or 7 in which the guide portion (PGO) and said guide portion (PGE) cooperate mutually to ensure translational guidance between the open position (P1) and said closed position (P2).

9. A trim support according to claim 8, wherein the locking portion (PVO) of said at least one locking member (OV) comprises two hooking members (OC1, OC2), at a distal end of said at least one locking member (OV), comprising sloping surfaces configured so as to cooperate with said locking portion (PVE) of said plastic element during the movement of said at least one elastic member, to bring said two hooking members (OC1, OC2) towards each other elastically and up to said closed position for which the two hooking members (OC1, OC2) move apart elastically in a position preventing reverse translational movement.

10. A trim support according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said at least one locking member (OV) comprises: - a first locking member (OV1) comprising a guide portion (PGO) configured to cooperate with a first guide part (PGE1) of said plastic element (1) to ensure translational guidance between the open position (P1) and said closed position (P2), said first locking member (OV1) comprising a locking portion (PVO) configured to cooperate by fitting with a first locking part (PVE1) of said plastic element, - a second locking member (OV2) comprising a guide portion (PGO) configured to cooperate with a second guide portion (PGE1) of said plastic element (1) to provide translational guidance between the open position (P1) and said closed position (P2), said second locking member (OV1) comprising a locking portion (PVO) configured to cooperate by interlocking with a second locking part (PVE2) of said plastic element, and in which the first guide part (PGE1) and the second guide part (PGE2), on the one hand, are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction (Y) of said plastic element by a gap, and the first locking part (PVE1) and the second locking part (PVE2), on the other hand, are offset relative to each other in the transverse direction (Y) of said plastic element by said gap,and wherein the first locking member (OV1) and the second locking member (OV2) are formed by a single-piece element, comprising a connecting portion (L1) connecting a proximal portion of said first locking member (OV1) and a proximal portion of said second locking member (OV2), said connecting portion (L1) configured to allow the simultaneous passages of the first locking member (OV1) from the open position (P1) to the closed position (P2) and of the second locking member (OV2) from the open position (P1) to the closed position (P2).,

11. A trim support according to claim 10 comprises a third locking part (PVE3) of said plastic element, arranged, in the transverse direction (Y) of said plastic element in an intermediate position between, on the one hand, the first part assembly of locking (PVE1) and first guide part (PGE1), and on the other hand, the assembly of second locking part (PVE2) and second guide part (PGE2), and in which the connecting part (L1) comprises an intermediate locking portion (PVLI), configured to elastically hook the third locking part (PVE3) so as to maintain the first locking member (OV1) and the second locking member (OV2) respectively in the closed positions (P2).

12. A trim support according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said at least one locking member (OV) is a rectilinear element having a guide section, and wherein the guide portion (PGE) is a lower projection of said plastic element comprising a first through passage adjusted to the guide section with the sliding clearance, and wherein the locking portion (PVE) is a lower projection of said plastic element, having a second passage, aligned with the first passage, the second passage configured to receive said locking member (OV) in a nested manner, at the distal end of said locking member (OV).

13. Support according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the transverse tube (TT) has a bead (BR) forming at least one stop surface configured to form a stop ensuring blocking of said plastic element (1) relative to the transverse tube (TT) in the transverse direction of the tube.

14. Seat assembly comprising a seat structure comprising a seat structure comprising two lateral flanges (20) braced by at least one transverse tube (TT), in particular a rear tube (22) and a front tube (23), and a trim support according to one of claims 1 to 13, for which said at least one transverse tube (TT) is housed in said at least one housing (LG)

15. Assembly according to claim 14, comprising one or more cables (Ca), in particular an electrical power cable, for example a power cable for a sensor, a ventilation means, a heating means, a massage actuator, and in which all or part of the cables are fixed to said at least one locking member (OV), in particular by elastic fitting between a cable connector (CT) and a complementary shape of said locking member (OV), for example a male part of the connector (CT) in a hole of said locking member (OV).

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