EP1373012A1

EP1373012A1 - Vehicle seat system

Info

Publication number: EP1373012A1
Application number: EP02737883A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Schmodde; Clemens Lowinski; Dave Watkins
Original assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
Current assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
Priority date: 2001-03-23
Filing date: 2002-03-15
Publication date: 2004-01-02
Also published as: WO2002085665A1; JP2004525817A; DE20105080U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat system, particularly a rear bench seat. This system is comprised of a seating part (1), which can be pivoted out of an essentially horizontal position of use and into an essentially vertical stowed position and is comprised of a backrest part (2), which can be pivoted out of an essentially vertical position of use and into an essentially horizontal stowed position. When the backrest part (2) is placed in the stowed position, a rear side (2a) of the backrest part (2) forms a loading area, and the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2) is located in a position next to the underside (1b) of the seating part (1). A securing means (4) is arranged on the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2), and a detent means (5) is arranged on the underside (1b) of the seating part (1). The securing means (4) and the detent means (5) are designed and arranged in such a manner that, when the seat is in a stowed position, they (4, 5) engage with one another in a releasable non-positive and/or positive manner.

Description

Johnson Controls GmbH, Industriestrasse 20 - 30, D-51399 Burscheid

Vehicle seat assembly

The invention relates to a vehicle seat assembly, in particular a rear seat, with a pivotable from a substantially horizontal position of use ^'in a substantially vertical non-use position, the pivotable seat part and with a from a substantially vertical position of use into a substantially horizontal non-use position, the backrest part , in particular a rear side of the backrest part in the non-use position forming a loading area and wherein an upper edge of the backrest part is in a position next to an underside of the seat part.

Such vehicle seat arrangements are known, a problem with these arrangements being to keep the loading floor formed by the back of the backrest in a flat, defined position.

The invention has for its object to improve a vehicle seat arrangement of the type described above with simple construction in such a way that this problem can be remedied.

This object is achieved by a vehicle seat arrangement of the type described in the introduction, in which a fastening means is arranged on the upper edge of the backrest part and a locking means is arranged on the underside of the seat part, the fastening means and the locking means being designed and arranged such that the fastening means and the locking means enter into a releasable non-positive and / or positive connection with one another in their respective non-use position.

According to the invention, the connection of the fastening means in the form of a bracket on the backrest (backrest part) to the preferably designed as a fork locking means on the seat part, the folded back can be fixed relative to the pivoted seat cushion in a simple manner. The fastener transmits the forces of the loads on the loading surface of the swiveled backrest into the cushion base or directly into the vehicle floor. Pressing a backrest cushion under load is advantageously avoided. Contamination or damage to the backrest upholstery is prevented and a defined inclination of the loading area can be securely set.

In addition, the fastening means provided according to the invention is of independent importance in and of itself in that it acts as a multifunctional fastening element, i.e. can not only be used for the mutual fixation of the backrest part and seat part, but also for other purposes.

The fastening means can advantageously also be used as a fastening hook for shopping bags, sports bags, for hanging up clothing, e.g. of jackets, hangers etc., are used - generally also to secure loads for many items that you want to secure in the luggage compartment against falling over, but it is also possible to arrange the fastener for this purpose in a front seat.

Furthermore, the fastening means can be used with advantage, in particular if it has at least one eyelet-like area in addition to one or more fastening sections for the backrest part, as a lashing eyelet for heavier loads - e.g. for beverage crates, televisions, refrigerators, pieces of furniture etc. The lashing eye can also be combined with other lashing eyes in the vehicle using an additional element.

In addition, it is also advantageously possible to use the fastener as a top-tether connection (a hanging device according to FMVSS 225, which corresponds to more recent legal regulations) or as a rigid bracket connection (using so-called ISOFIX bracket) for additional locking of a child seat placed on the seat part in the position of use , In the case of the bracket connection, for example, one with three locking elements equipped child seat from the front (against the direction of view of a seat user) can be locked against misuse and simply on the seat.

Similarly, via the fastening means, in particular if one or more rigid connecting means, such as brackets, are used, a container placed on the seat part in the position of use can be fixed, the connecting means being releasably connected to the container at one end and to the fastening means at the other can.

Finally, the fastening means, preferably in the case of an existing headrest, can perform a further function, namely a function as an information carrier. For saddle headrests, which, according to trend analyzes, will in future be installed more and more often in rear seat systems, there is a clearing position below a lower use position. The taking of this non-use position by the headrest must be clearly indicated, for which purpose the fastening means can advantageously be used. For example, Provide with a warning color, such as painted red, and if necessary with a pictogram - projecting beyond the backrest shoulder to indicate the non-use position of a headrest sunk in the backrest or pivoted forward or backward.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are contained in the subclaims and the following specific description.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawing.

Show:

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in side view

Non-use position of the seat part and non-use position of the backrest part, FIG. 2 shows an enlarged detail of the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 in the area designated II in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3 in an enlarged perspective individual representation of a first

Embodiment of a fastening means of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 4 in an enlarged perspective individual representation of a second

5 shows a representation according to the invention in a representation corresponding to FIG. 1

Vehicle seat arrangement in side view with the seat part not in use position and the backrest part not in use position, for a specific application,

6 and 7 each a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a side view in the position of use of the seat part and position of use of the backrest part with a child seat placed on the seat part,

8 shows a side view of a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention

Position of use of the seat part and position of use of the backrest part with a container placed on the seat part,

9a shows a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in a side view

Position of use of the seat part and position of use of the backrest part with a headrest attached to the backrest part,

9b shows an enlarged detail of the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention shown in FIG. 9a in the area designated IX b in FIG. 1, FIG. Fig. 10 shows a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention in side view

Use position of the seat part and use position of the backrest part for another specific application.

In the different figures of the drawing, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals, so that they are generally only described once.

As initially shown in FIG. 1, but also in FIGS. 5 to 8, 9a and 10, a vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention, which can in particular be a rear bench seat, has a substantially vertical position from an essentially horizontal position of use - Seat part 1 which can be pivoted and a back part 2 which can be pivoted from a substantially vertical position of use about a pivot axis X into a substantially horizontal non-position of use. 1 and 5 each show the non-use position of seat part 1 and backrest part 2, while these parts are shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, 9a and 10 in their position of use.

In the non-use position, a seat on the top 1a of the seat part 1 faces forward, i.e. in a direction (indicated by arrow B) in which a seat user looks when looking straight ahead. This viewing direction B will in most cases be identical to the direction of travel of the vehicle, but it is also possible that the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention is arranged in a motor vehicle in such a way that this does not apply.

In the non-use position, an upward-facing rear side 2a of the backrest part 2 forms a loading area for goods 3 to be transported in the vehicle. An upper edge 2b of the backrest part 2 is in a position next to an underside 1b pointing backwards (against direction B) the seat part 1.

A fastening means 4 is arranged on the upper edge 2b of the backrest part 2, and a locking means 5 is arranged on the underside 1b of the seat part 1. The fastening means 4 and the locking means 5 are designed and arranged such that they are detachable from the seat part 1 and backrest part 2 in the non-use position (FIGS. 1 and 5) enter into a non-positive and / or positive connection with one another, which is particularly clear from the enlarged illustration in FIG. 2. This fixes the folded backrest (backrest part 2) - with the advantages mentioned above.

While in the remaining figures a preferred embodiment of the fastening means 4 is only shown in a side view, FIG. 3 shows this embodiment and FIG. 4 shows a further possible embodiment, each in a perspective view. As can be seen from the illustrations, the fastening means 4 can preferably be designed like a bow. In particular, the fastening means 4 can have two fastening legs 4a, 4b for the backrest part 2 and an eyelet-like connecting region 4c between the fastening legs 4a, 4b.

Thus, the fastening means 4, optionally using an additive, can be used as a lashing eye for larger or heavier loads 3, as shown in FIG. 5. The reference numeral 6 designates a lashing means, such as a belt, and reference numeral 7 a further lashing eye.

In its simplest form, the fastening means can be approximately U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 4. Even more favorable - also with regard to the other functions that the fastening means 4 can perform - is the curved embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in which the eyelet-like connection area 4c of the fastening means 4 lies in one plane (approximately horizontally in the illustration), the - seen in cross section of the fastener 4 - at a non-extended angle α, in particular at a right angle, to a plane (in the illustration approximately vertical) in which the fastening legs 4a, 4b lie, such that the fastening means 4 - in Cross section seen - is hook-shaped.

The locking means 5 can preferably be fork-shaped for receiving the fastening means 4, as is very clearly shown in particular by the enlarged illustration in FIG. 2, but also in all the other figures in which the locking means 5 is shown.

The eyelet-like connection area 4c of the fastening means 4 can protrude in particular at a distance A beyond the upper edge 2b of the backrest part 2, so that the Fastening means 4 can interact freely with the locking means 5. In the case of the preferred curved design of the fastening means and the fork-shaped design of the locking means 5, in particular the eyelet-like connection area 4c of the fastening means 4 should point in the viewing direction B of a seat user, so that these two parts which connect to one another can come into good engagement with one another.

If it was stated above that the backrest part 2 assumes a substantially vertical position of use, this includes according to the invention that the backrest part 2 deviates from the vertical V by an acute angle in the sense of greater convenience of a seat user with respect to the viewing direction B of a seat user ß can be tilted backwards. This is shown in detail in FIG. 6 and also shown qualitatively in the other figures, which show the position of use of the seat part 1 and the backrest part 2. In this case, in particular the eyelet-like connection area 4c of the fastening means 4 should also be inclined upwards by an acute angle with respect to the viewing direction B of a seat user, preferably by the same acute angle β of the inclination of the backrest part 2 with respect to the vertical V. (In the case of a right angle α between the plane of the connecting area 4c and the plane in which the fastening legs 4a, 4b lie, this is obvious.)

In order to ensure a high stability of the connection between the fastening means 4 and the locking means 5, the fastening means 4 should each be arranged approximately in the middle of the upper edge 2b of the back part 2 and the locking means 5 correspondingly approximately in the middle of a width of the seat part 1. In the case of a bench with two or three seats, each seat should be assigned a fastening means 4 and a locking means 5.

6 and 7 illustrate, the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention can comprise a child seat 8 placed on the seat part 2 in the position of use, at least one connecting means 9 being provided which can be detachably connected at one end to the child seat 8 and at the other end to the fastening means 4 is. The fastening means 4 can thus, as already mentioned, advantageously for connecting the child seat 8 to the top ether according to FMVSS 225 (FIG. 6) a flexible connecting means 9 or for rigid connection of the child seat 8 using one or more brackets (ISOFIX bracket) can be used as a connecting means 9 (Fig. 7). In the latter case, a child seat 8 equipped with three locking elements (in the lower area of the child seat 8 with the reference number 10) can be securely and easily locked on the seat from the front (against viewing direction B).

As illustrated in FIG. 8, using a rigid connecting means 9 it is alternatively also possible for the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention to be combined with a container 11 instead of a child seat 8, which can be attached to the fastening means 4 via the connecting means 9. As far as the container 11 is concerned, there is a whole family of multifunction boxes (in particular with three locking elements 10), e.g. Dog boxes, cool boxes, play boxes, boxes with trays, office boxes with a personal computer and monitor, etc., which are suitable for this. In general, all containers 11 are conceivable which are to be secured against misuse, fast (- de) assembly on a seat (seat part 1 and / or backrest part 2) and are to be locked in a crash-proof manner up to a total weight to be defined in accordance with the seat system.

As FIG. 9a shows, a headrest 12 can also be attached to the backrest part 2 of the vehicle seat arrangement according to the invention. In the embodiment shown, it is specifically a headrest 12 that can be pivoted relative to the backrest part 2 from a position of use in the direction of view B of the seat user into a non-use position. This non-use position (clearing position) is shown in FIG. 9a.

In terms of a high level of accident safety, it is advantageous if the fastening means 4 (when the headrest 12 is in the use position) projects into an intermediate space between a lower edge of the headrest 12 and the upper edge 2b of the backrest part 2 (not shown).

In the case of a retractable headrest or a headrest 12 which can be pivoted relative to the backrest part 2, the fastening means 4 can advantageously be arranged such that it projects beyond the headrest 12 which is in the non-use position. Such Positioning is particularly well suited to use the fastening means 4 for indicating the non-use position of the headrest 12, which according to ECE R 17 has to be 750 mm above SRP (length L in FIG. 9a) and which must be clearly indicated. For this purpose, the fastening means 4 can be designed as an information carrier, for example by marking it with a warning color or providing it with a pictogram 13, as shown in FIG. 9b.

A further advantage of the fastening means 4 provided according to the invention is that it can be used in particular with a hook-shaped design for hanging bags, bags, clothing, etc., as can be seen in FIG. 10 (reference numeral 14 denotes a pocket suspended on the fastening means 4) .)

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown, but also encompasses all embodiments having the same effect in the sense of the invention. In particular, the shape, dimensioning and position of the fastening means 4 can deviate from the designs shown. These features can be varied in compliance with the relevant regulations and with regard to the multifunctionality described, with reference to the ECE R21 e.g. Minimum radii, head impact areas etc. and with reference to the FMVSS 225 details of the top tether connections and taking into account the load-bearing capacity for loading floor function of the rear side 2a of the backrest part 2, corresponding details can be determined.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed overall. This means that in principle practically every single feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one single feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. In this respect, claim 1 is only to be understood as a first attempt at formulation for an invention.

Claims

Expectations

1. Vehicle seat arrangement, in particular a back seat bench, with a seat part (1) which can be pivoted from an essentially horizontal position of use into an essentially vertical non-use position and with a back part which can be pivoted from an essentially vertical position of use into an essentially horizontal non-use position ( 2), in particular a rear side (2a) of the backrest part (2) which is in the non-use position forms a loading area and an upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2) in a position next to an underside (1b) of the seat part (1 ), so that a fastening means (4) is arranged on the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part and a locking means (5) is arranged on the underside (1b) of the seat part (1), the fastening means ( 4) and the locking means (5), are designed and arranged such that the fastening means (4) and the locking means (5) in respective non-Gebr also a releasable non-positive and / or positive connection with each other.

2. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1, d ad u rc h g e ke n n ze i c h n et that the fastening means (4) is designed like a bracket.

3. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, d ad u rc hgeken nz equates that the fastening means (4) at least one fastening section, in particular two fastening legs (4a, 4b), for the backrest part (2) and an eyelet-like, in particular between the fastening legs (4a, 4b) arranged, connecting area (4c).

4. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the eyelet-like connection area (4c) of the fastening means (4) lies in a plane which - seen in cross section of the fastening means (4) - is at an unextended angle (α), in particular at a right angle, to a plane , in which the fastening legs (4a, 4b) lie in such a way that the fastening means (4) - seen in cross section - is hook-shaped.

5. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking means (5) is fork-shaped.

6. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the backrest part (2) with respect to a viewing direction (B) of a seat user from the vertical (V) is inclined to the rear by an acute angle (ß) ,

7. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the eyelet-like connection area (4c) of the fastening means (4) with a distance (A) over the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2).

8. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the eyelet-like connection area (4c) of the fastening means (4) in a viewing direction (B) of a seat user or with respect to this viewing direction (B) by an acute angle upwards is inclined.

9. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, g e ke n n ze i net d u rch by two or three seats, each seat being associated with a fastening means (4) and a locking means (5).

10. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fastening means are each arranged approximately in the middle of the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2) and the locking means (5) correspondingly approximately in the middle of a width of the seat part (1).

11. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the fastening means (4) protrudes into an intermediate space between a lower edge of a headrest (12) and the upper edge (2b) of the backrest part (2).

12. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a retractable or one with respect to the backrest part (2) in or against a direction of view (B) of a seat user in a non-use position pivotable headrest (12).

13. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening means (4) projects beyond the headrest (12) which is in the non-use position.

14. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, d ad u rch g eke nze i ch net that the fastening means (4) is designed as an information carrier.

15. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, ge ke nn ze ichn et du rc h a child seat (8) placed on the seat part (1) in the position of use, at least one connecting means (9) being provided is detachably connectable at one end to the child seat (8) and at the other end with the fastening means (4).

16. Vehicle seat arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by a container (11) placed on the seat part (1) in the position of use, at least one connecting means (9) being provided which connects to the container (11) at one end. and can be releasably connected to the fastening means (4) in another way.

7. Vehicle seat arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the connecting means (9) for the child seat (8) or for the container (11) is designed as a rigid bracket.