WO2017168103A1

WO2017168103A1 - Adjustable seat structure of a vehicle seat, comprising a seat belt buckle part

Info

Publication number: WO2017168103A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/050752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Pierre Gauthier; David HAYAT; Philippe Duhamel; Jean Marc JUDIC
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles S.A.
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2017-03-31
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: EP3436315A1; FR3049535A1; FR3049535B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat structure of a vehicle seat, comprising a frame (2) including two end plates (3) connected by two cross-members, means for adjusting the height of the frame (2), comprising a plurality of pivotably mounted links (10), a buckle part (20) coupled to one (3) of the end plates and comprising a connecting part having a clasp (21) at the upper end thereof, means for preventing the seat frame (2) from lifting when the buckle part (20) is subjected to a pull force greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold, said anti-lift means comprising a toothed locking member (26) which is mechanically connected to the buckle part (20) and, when the buckle part is subjected to such a pull force, said locking member is moved against an elastic return member into a locked position in which it engages by means of notching with one (10) of the links.

Description

ADJUSTABLE SEAT STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE SEAT COMPRISING A BELT BUCKLE OF A SAFETY BELT.

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the vehicle seat seat structures which are adjustable in height with respect to the floor of the vehicle.

It relates more particularly to the issue of the ergonomics of use of the buckle straps safety belts on such a seat structure and perceived quality.

Background of the invention

Some vehicle seats, including automotive type, have a seat structure whose frame is adjustable longitudinally and height vis-à-vis the floor.

Such a seat structure conventionally comprises a seat frame formed of two lateral flanges facing one another and between which extend two front and rear crosspieces.

Each lateral flange is slidably mounted on the floor of the vehicle by means of a corresponding slide formed of a movable rail capable of sliding axially along a fixed rail, so as to allow the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the vehicle. seat frame relative to the floor of the motor vehicle.

Extension means also allow to adjust the height of the seat frame relative to the floor. The latter are generally constituted by two pairs of front and rear links connecting the two flanges to two pairs of front and rear support feet fixed (for example welded) on the movable rails of the slides, the pivoting drive of these links by a device of control causing a change in the height of the seat frame.

Such a seat structure is also associated with a belt buckle strand carrying at its upper end a clasp adapted to removably receive the bolt of a seat belt. This loop strand also has a connecting strand sufficiently strong to withstand the regulatory constraints and formed for example by a strap, a cable or a metal strip.

This connecting strand is intended to ensure the coupling between the clasp and an element anchored not on the seat frame but on the floor of the vehicle or on one of the movable rails slides, so that its vertical displacement is zero or at least particularly limited (where the rail slides have a slight inclination to the floor).

This particular arrangement of the buckle strand is provided for safety reasons to prevent the rear portion of the frame of the seat structure of the seat is raised in case of a violent impact from the front resulting in a particularly large traction force (up to 2000 daN) of the seat belt on this loop strand.

However, this has the disadvantage of not allowing the clasp to follow the movement of the seat frame when the latter is adjusted in height via the raising means, which complicates the operations of looping and unfastening of the seat belt and night to the overall ergonomics of the vehicle.

In order to respond to this problem, US patent application US 20140265503 discloses a particular seating structure which will now be described in more detail in support of FIG.

This seat structure comprises a loop strand 100 comprising a clasp 102 and a strand formed by a rigid strip 103 whose lower end opposite the clasp is coupled to the flange 104 so as to follow the vertical movement of the frame 105.

More specifically, this lower end of the strip 103 is housed in a housing 106 mounted on the flange 104 and traversed by a rigid securing strip 107 whose lower end is rotatably mounted on a lug 108 attached to the movable rail of the slide 109 of the flange 104, so that its vertical displacement is zero or at least particularly limited.

The housing 106 is arranged to hold together the strip 103 and the securing strip 107 so that the strip 103 is suitable for slide along this slider 107 during the height adjustment of the position of the seat frame 105, a return spring being further disposed in this housing 106 in order to keep the strip 103 and the slider 107 apart.

The lower end of the strip 103 and the housing 106 are further shaped so that when a tensile stress greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold is exerted on the loop strand 100, this lower end of the strip 103 is close to the strip 107 against the elastic spring force of the spring and that a toothed portion of this strip 103 then engrainer on a toothed portion of this strip 107 to prevent the upward sliding of the strip 103 and thus the recovery of the seating frame 105.

However, the presence of the rigid securing strip 107 and the tab 108 attached to the movable rail of the slide causes a significant increase in the mass of the seat structure in comparison with conventional seating structures.

This securing strip 107 also has the disadvantage of protruding above the flange 104 when the seat frame 105 occupies a low position (as shown in Figure 1), this prominence is then revealed to be the least embarrassing and potentially dangerous for the passenger wishing to sit on the seat.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention therefore aims to provide an alternative solution easy to implement, reliable and low impact on the overall mass of the seat structure.

It proposes for this purpose, a seat structure of a vehicle seat comprising a seat frame comprising two side flanges connected to each other by two front and rear cross members, raising means for adjusting the height of said frame vis-à-vis the floor of said vehicle and comprising a plurality of links pivotally mounted between said flanges and a plurality of support legs, a loop strand coupled to one of the flanges and comprising a connecting strand carrying to its upper end a clasp fit to receiving a bolt secured to a seat belt means capable of preventing the lifting of said seat frame when said loop strand is subjected to a tensile force greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold;

characterized in that said anti-lifting means comprise a toothed locking member mechanically connected to said loop strand and adapted, when said loop strand is subjected to a traction force greater than or equal to said threshold, to be moved against a resilient member return to a locking position in which it cooperates by detent with one of said rods to block its pivoting and prevent the lifting of said frame.

Unlike the prior art, the blocking of the seat frame is here obtained by stowing a locking member connected to the loop strand on an element of the seat structure (in this case, a rear connecting rod) already participating in another function (in this case, adjusting the height of said frame), so as to limit considerably the impact in terms of mass on the seat structure.

The seat structure according to the invention also has the advantage of being particularly safe since it does not include any prominent element potentially dangerous for the user.

According to preferred features in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

- said connecting strand is formed by a metal cable passing through a hole in said flange and whose lower end opposite said clasp is fixed to said locking member;

comprises a rigid sheath passing through said cable and projecting from said flange at said orifice, said sheath being bent so as to ensure a substantially vertical holding of said clasp while avoiding the shearing of said cable around the periphery of said orifice;

said locking member is slidably mounted in a transverse direction and in that it comprises a first toothed gear adapted to cooperate in said locking position with a crown. toothed located on said link and centered on its axis of pivot relative to said flange;

said resilient return member is sandwiched between said link and said first pinion;

said loop strand comprises non-return means limiting the transverse clearance of said locking member with respect to said flange; and or

- Said locking member comprises a second toothed pinion adapted to be housed in said locking position in a complementary toothed housing defined by a cup fixed to said flange and protruding transversely thereof.

According to preferred features in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

said connecting strand is formed by a metal strip articulated in rotation about a first transverse axis on an activation arm pivotally mounted on said flange along a second transverse axis, said activation arm being connected in rotation with a cam adapted to cause the displacement of said locking member to said locking position;

- Said locking member is constituted by a pivotally mounted plate in a third transverse direction and having a toothed portion adapted to cooperate in said locking position with a toothed sector located on said link and centered on its axis of pivot relative to said flange; and or

said elastic return member is arranged so as to generate a prestress on said second transverse axis permanently urging said cam towards a position where it forces said locking member away from said link. Brief description of the drawings

The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of two exemplary embodiments, given below by way of illustration but without limitation, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 2 shows a partial side view of a seat structure according to a first embodiment of the invention showing the anti-lifting means of the seat frame;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the elements constituting the anti-lifting means of the seat frame of FIG.

1, with the exception of the connecting strand of the loop strand which is not shown for ease of reading;

- Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 but taken from the opposite side and on which the seat frame occupies its low position;

- Figure 5 is a top view of the portion of the seat structure shown in Figure 2 in which the locking member is in its unlocked position;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 but in which the locking member occupies its locked position;

- Figure 7 shows a partial side view of a seat structure according to a second embodiment of the invention showing the outer face of the flange on which are mounted the anti-lifting means of the seat frame;

- Figure 8 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the seat structure of Figure 7 showing the inner face of the flange of Figure 7 and on which the locking member is in its unlocked position; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 but in which the locking member is in its locked position.

Detailed Description of Two Preferred Embodiments

In the following description, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "longitudinal" and "transverse" are defined with respect to the mounting position of a motor vehicle seat in the cockpit of this vehicle. The seat structure 1, of which only a portion is shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, comprises a seat frame 2 comprising two left lateral flanges (not visible) and right 3 facing one another and between which extend two front crosspieces (not visible) and rear 4 (the latter being constituted here by a cylindrical tube as shown in Figure 4).

The flanges and sleepers are made of sheet steel or other rigid material.

The seat frame 2 is slidably mounted on the floor of the vehicle by means of two slides each having a movable rail capable of sliding axially along a fixed rail anchored on the floor of the vehicle.

The seat structure 1 also comprises raising means for adjusting the height of the seat frame 2 vis-à-vis the floor between an extreme low position (Figure 4) and an extreme high position (Figure 2).

The latter consist of two pairs of front and rear links connecting the two flanges to two pairs of front and rear support feet fixed (for example welded) on the movable rails of the slides (only one rear support leg 6 and the rear connecting rod 10 connecting this foot 6 to the side flange 3 being visible in the figures).

More specifically, the first end of each front link is rotatably mounted on the seat frame 2 about a first transverse axis, while its second end is articulated in rotation on a corresponding front support foot around a second transverse axis.

Similarly, the first end of each rear link 10 is rotatably mounted on the seat frame 2 about a third transverse axis C, while its second end is articulated in rotation on a rear support leg 6 corresponding around a fourth transverse axis D.

The height adjustment of the seat frame 2 is thus obtained by pivoting the front and rear links 10 controlled for example by a gear mechanism connected to a manual or motorized control device.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the seat frame 2 comprises a cup 7 fixed (for example welded) to the inner face of the flange 3 and protruding transversely from the periphery of a circular orifice 3A formed in the flange nearby. of the rear crossmember 4 (Figure 4).

This cup 7 which defines a toothed frustoconical housing, passes through a circular arc light 11 formed in the rear link 10 and centered on the pivot axis C of this link 10 relative to the flange 3 (Figure 2).

This light 11 extends over a predefined angular range so that the cup 7 does not interfere with the rod 10 on its pivoting stroke about the C axis.

The seat structure 1 also comprises a loop strand 20 comprising at its upper end a clasp 21 adapted to removably receive the bolt 22 of a not shown seat belt.

This loop strand 20 further comprises a connecting strand here formed by a metal cable 23 of the strand type covered by a plastic protective sheath 24 and whose upper end is fixed to the lower part of the clasp 21 (Figure 3).

The cable 23 passes successively through an elbow sheath 25 of rigid plastic projecting from the outer face of the flange 3, this flange 3 at the circular orifice 3A, the tapered toothed cup 7, the rear link 10 at the level of the light. arc 11 and a helical compression spring 30 whose role will be explained in detail below.

The lower end of the cable 23, opposite the clasp 21, is further fixed (for example welded) to a locking member 26 whose dimensions are sufficient to prevent withdrawal of the loop strand 20 so that the latter remains permanently coupled. flask 3. The sheath 25 comprises a first portion 25A extending in a substantially transverse direction and whose free end is fixed to the flange 3 around the circumference of the circular orifice 3A, and a second portion 25B extending substantially in parallel. to this flange 3 and facing upwards.

It thus makes it possible to maintain the clasp 21 substantially vertically while avoiding the shearing of the cable 23 around the periphery of the orifice 3A.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the plastic protective sheath 24 surrounding the cable 23 further comprises a non-return overmolding 24A whose outer diameter is greater than the diameter of the orifice 3A, so as to limit the transverse movement of the locking member 26 with respect to the flange 3.

The locking member 26 consists of two coaxial pinions contiguous to one another, namely:

- A frustoconical pinion 26A having a shape complementary to that of the toothed housing of the cup 7; and

- A frustoconical pinion 26B but of greater diameter and located further away from the flange 3, the latter being provided to cooperate with a frustoconical ring gear 12 located on the link 10 and centered on the pivot axis C of this link 10 compared to the flange 3.

As illustrated in the figures, the spring 30 is sandwiched between the rod 10 and the pinion 26B, being at least partially traversed by the pinion 26A which ensures its retention.

This spring 30 thus permanently urges the locking member 26 away from the rod 10 towards its unlocking position, as shown in FIG. 5, in which none of the gears 26A, 26B interact with the cup 7 of the frame. 2 or with the ring gear 12 of the rod 10, so as to allow the height adjustment of the seat frame 2.

When a tensile force greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold is exerted on the loop strand 20 via the bolt 22 of the safety belt, the locking member 26 is transversely driven towards the rod 10 against the elastic force of the spring 30, the pinion 26A then entering the complementary toothed frustoconical housing of the cup 7 while the second pinion 26B is notched on the ring gear 12 of the link 10 so as to block its pivoting and prevent the lifting of the seat frame 2. The locking member 26 then occupies its locking position shown in Figure 6.

The minimum threshold of the traction force is predetermined so as to prevent this locking from occurring when the user adjusts the height of the frame of the seat structure while simultaneously exerting a tensile force on the seat belt ( such a traction force may for example occur when the user comes to buckle the latch of the belt on the clasp of the buckle strand or when it leans forward while the belt is already buckled).

In practice, this threshold will preferably be between 40 and 60 daN.

According to alternative embodiments not shown, the toothed gear 26A and the cup 7 are absent, the locking member being then constituted by the single toothed gear 26B cooperating by notching with the ring gear 12 of the rod 10.

In such a case, the locking member would not be fixed to the flange 3 in its locked position, which could possibly lead to a very small rotation of the pinion 26B and therefore the ring gear 12 of the rod 10 so to cause insignificant lifting of the back of the seat frame 2.

According to other embodiments not shown, the coil spring is replaced by another type of resilient return member such as for example a corrugated washer or a piece of "Silentbloc" type elastomeric material.

According to still other embodiments not shown, the front and / or rear cross members are different and constituted for example by tubular sections having circular, rectangular or square sections. A seating structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

This seating structure of which only a portion is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, comprises a seat frame 2 'comprising two lateral pans left (not visible) and right 3' facing one another and between which extend two front cross members 4A 'and rear 4B' (the front cross member here being constituted by a tub 4A 'partially visible in Figure 7 and the rear cross member by a cylindrical tube 4B').

The seat frame 2 'is slidably mounted on the floor of the vehicle by means of two rails each having a movable rail capable of sliding axially along a fixed rail anchored to the floor of the vehicle.

The seat structure also comprises raising means for adjusting the height of the seat frame 2 'vis-à-vis the floor between a low extreme position and an extreme high position. The latter consist of two pairs of front and rear links connecting the two flanges to two pairs of front and rear support feet fixed (for example welded) on the movable rails of the rails (only a rear support leg 6 'and the rear link 10 connecting this foot 6 'to the side flange 3' being visible in the figures).

More specifically, the first end of each front link is rotatably mounted on the seat frame 2 'around a first transverse axis, while its second end is articulated in rotation on a corresponding front support foot around a second transverse axis.

In the same way, the first end of each rear link 10 'is pivotally mounted on the seat frame 2' about a third transverse axis C, while its second end is rotatably mounted on a support leg rear 6 'corresponding to a fourth transverse axis D'.

The height adjustment of the seat frame 2 'is thus obtained by pivoting the front and rear links 10' controlled for example by a gear mechanism connected to a manual or motorized control device.

The seat structure also comprises a loop strand 20 'comprising at its upper end a clasp 2 adapted to removably receive the bolt 22' of a not shown seat belt.

This loop strand 20 'further comprises a connecting strand formed here by a metal strip 23' whose upper end is fixed to the lower part of the clasp 21 (Figure 7).

The lower end of the strip 23 ', opposite the clasp 2, is further articulated in rotation about a transverse axis E' on an activation arm 24 'itself pivotally mounted on the outer face of the flange 3' according to a transverse axis F '.

As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, a cam 25 'is pivotally mounted on the inner face of the flange 3' along the same axis F 'being rotatably connected with the activation arm 24'.

The seat structure further comprises a locking member 26 'constituted by a preferably triangular plate with concave sides, and articulated pivotally at one of its vertices on the inner face of the flange 3' along a transverse axis G .

This locking member 26 ', cooperating with the cam 25', further comprises a toothed portion 27 'extending near another of its vertices and provided to cooperate with a toothed sector 12' located on the rod 10 ' and centered on the pivot axis C of this link 10 'relative to the flange 3'.

A spiral spring is furthermore provided between the cam 25 'and the flange 3' (and not visible in FIGS. 7 to 9) so as to generate a prestressing on the pivot axis F 'permanently urging the activation arm 24 'and the cam 25' to their rest positions illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In this rest position and as can be seen in FIG. 8, the cam 25 'forces the locking member 26' to occupy its unlocking position in which its toothed portion 27 'is at the gap of the toothed sector 12 'of the rod 10', so as to allow the height adjustment of the seat frame 2 '.

When a tensile force greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold is exerted on the loop strand 20 'by means of the bolt 22' of the safety belt, the activation arm 24 'and the cam 25' are driven pivoting about the axis F 'against the spring force of the spiral spring.

This pivoting of the cam 25 'also forces the locking member 26' to pivot about the axis G 'with its toothed portion 27' which is notched on the toothed sector 12 'of the rod 10' so as to lock its pivoting and prevent the lifting of the seat frame 2 '.

The locking member 26 'then occupies its locking position illustrated in FIG. 9.

According to embodiments not shown, the cam 25 'and the locking member 26' can be shaped differently.

The cam 25 'and the locking member 26' could also be replaced by a single piece pivotally mounted on the internal face of the flange 3 'along the axis F' while being connected in rotation with the activation arm 24 '. this piece also acting as a locking member and comprising a toothed portion adapted to cooperate by detent with the toothed sector 12 'of the rod 10'.

However, this variant has the disadvantage of subjecting the rod 10 'to much greater mechanical stress resulting in an increased risk of deterioration or rupture of the latter.

According to other embodiments not shown, the front and / or rear cross members are different and constituted for example by tubular sections having circular, rectangular or square sections.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but encompasses any other embodiment within the scope of those skilled in the art. Finally, note that this invention is not limited to the automotive field but can be implemented in any type of land vehicle, maritime or air.

Claims

1. Seat structure of a vehicle seat comprising a seat frame (2; 2 ') comprising two lateral flanges (3; 3') connected to one another by two front cross members (4Α ') and rear (4; 4B '), raising means for adjusting the height of said frame (2; 2') to the floor of said vehicle and having a plurality of pivotally mounted links (10; 10 '). between said flanges (3; 3 ') and a plurality of support legs (6; 6'), a loop strand (20; 20 ') coupled to one (3; 3') of the flanges and comprising a connecting strand (23; 23 ') carrying at its upper end a clasp (21; 2) adapted to receive a bolt (22; 22') integral with a seat belt, means adapted to prevent the lifting of said seat frame ( 2; 2 ') when said loop strand (20; 20') is subjected to a tensile stress greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum threshold;

characterized in that said anti-lifting means comprise a toothed locking member (26; 26 ') mechanically linked to said loop strand (20; 20') and adapted, when said loop strand (20; 20 ') is subjected to an effort traction force greater than or equal to said threshold, to be moved against an elastic return member (30) disposed between the flange (3; 3 ') coupled to the loop strand (20; 20') and the toothed locking member (26; 26 ') to a locking position in which it cooperatively engages with one (10; 10') of said links to block its pivoting and to prevent the lifting of said seat frame (2; 2 ').

2. Seat structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting strand is formed by a wire rope (23) passing through an orifice (3A) formed in said flange (3) and whose lower end opposite said clasp (21) is attached to said locking member (26).

3. Seat structure according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a rigid sheath (25) traversed by said cable (23) and protruding said flange (3) at said orifice (3A), said pass sheath (25) being bent so as to maintain substantially vertically said clasp (21) while avoiding the shearing of said cable (23) around said orifice (3A).

4. Seat structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said locking member (26) is slidably mounted in a transverse direction and in that it comprises a first toothed gear (26B) adapted to cooperating in said locking position with a ring gear (12) located on said link (10) and centered on its pivot axis (C) relative to said flange (3).

5. Seat structure according to claim 4, characterized in that said elastic return member (30) is sandwiched between said link (10) and said first toothed gear (26B).

6. Seat structure according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said loop strand (20) comprises antiretour means (24A) limiting the transverse clearance of said locking member (26) relative to said flange (3). ).

7. Seat structure according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said locking member (26) comprises a second toothed pinion (26A) adapted to be housed in said locking position in a toothed housing complementary defined by a cup (7) fixed to said flange (3) and protruding transversely thereof.

8. Seat structure according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting strand is formed by a metal strip (23 ') articulated in rotation about a first transverse axis (Ε') on an activation arm ( 24 ') pivotally mounted on said flange (3') along a second transverse axis (F '), said activation arm (24') being rotatably connected to a cam (25 ') adapted to cause said body to move locking (26 ') to said locking position.

9. Seat structure according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking member is constituted by a plate (26 ') pivotally mounted in a third transverse direction (G') and having a toothed portion (27 ') adapted to cooperate in said locking position with a sector gear (12 ') located on said link (10') and centered on its pivot axis (C) relative to said flange (3 ').

10. Seat structure according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said resilient return member is arranged to generate a preload on said second transverse axis (F ') permanently urging said cam (25'). ) to a position where it constrains said locking member (26 ') away from said link (10').