EP4634000A1

EP4634000A1 - Shield plate for vehicle seat track and vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4634000A1
Application number: EP23802271.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Junxue Ma; Jianxin Kevin ZHANG; Frederic DONNADIEU; Mingqing Bill LIU; Jing Liang GENG
Original assignee: Stellantis Auto SAS
Current assignee: Stellantis Auto SAS
Priority date: 2022-12-14
Filing date: 2023-11-08
Publication date: 2025-10-22
Also published as: CN118182279A; WO2024125900A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a shield plate for a vehicle seat track and a vehicle. The shield plate includes a shield plate bracket and a shield plate main body connected to the shield plate bracket. The shield plate main body includes a vertical first plate, a vertical second plate, and a connecting plate connected between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, with respect to the seat track, is disposed on an outer side of the seat track and is spaced apart from the seat track, and the first plate extends in a longitudinal direction of the seat track. The second plate, with respect to the first plate, is disposed on a side of the first plate away from the seat track and is spaced apart from the first plate. The second plate is fixedly connected to the shield plate bracket. The shield plate main body of the shield plate according to the present application shields the seat track from being hit and improves the sensory quality of the vehicle. Further, the first plate and the second plate of the shield plate are connected through the connecting plate into a whole, which enhances the strength and installation stability of the shield plate so that the seat track can be better protected by the shield plate.

Description

DESCRIPTION

SHIELD PLATE FOR VEHICLE SEAT TRACK AND VEHICLE

RELATED FIELD

[0001] The present invention claims the priority of the Chinese application 202211606053.9 filed on 2022, the 14th of December (14.12.2022), the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobile parts, and in particular to a shield plate for a vehicle seat track. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle including such a shield plate.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A vehicle seat assembly usually has a seat track system. The seat track system allows adjustment of a vehicle seat backward and forward within a vehicle, so as to improve the ride comfort of a passenger and a driver. The track system may include a seat support provided on the vehicle seat, and a seat track disposed on the floor of the vehicle. The seat support is connected to the seat track and is slidable relative to the seat track. The track system, however, is prone to being kicked by the passenger and/or the driver, rendering the seat support unable to slide smoothly on the seat track.

[0004] Patent document US10913402B2 discloses a kick plate of a door of a vehicle. The kick plate is installed on a door side sill panel of the vehicle, and includes a kick plate body and a mount structure. The kick plate body is groove-shaped as a whole so as to be mounted on the vehicle body by means of the mount structure. However, the kick plate cannot serve as a protection for the seat track.

SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the above technical problems, the present disclosure, in a first aspect, proposes a shield plate for a vehicle seat track. The shield plate includes: a shield plate bracket; and a shield plate main body connected to the shield plate bracket. The shield plate main body includes: a vertical first plate, the vertical first plate, with respect to the seat track, being disposed on an outer side of the seat track and being spaced apart from the seat track, and the first plate extending along a longitudinal direction of the seat track; a vertical second plate, the second plate, with respect to the first plate, being disposed on a side of the first plate away from the seat track and being spaced apart from the first plate, and the second plate being connected to the shield plate bracket; and a connecting plate connected between the first plate and the second plate.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first plate and/or the second plate are inclined towards each other.

[0007] In one embodiment, a gap between the first plate and the second plate has a maximum width of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second plate is configured on a first side surface thereof facing the first plate with a plurality of vertically extending first ribs, the first ribs being spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the second plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connecting plate is configured thereon with a plurality of second ribs, the second ribs corresponding to respective ones of the first ribs.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first plate is configured on a third side surface thereof facing the second plate with a plurality of third ribs, the third ribs corresponding to respective ones of the second ribs.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connecting plate is connected between a vertical top of the first plate and a vertical top of the second plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the shield plate bracket includes a fixing portion extending vertically and a horizontal extension plate connected to the fixing portion, the second plate being fixedly connected to the extension plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second plate is configured on a second side surface thereof away from the first plate with a mounting plate which extends towards the extension plate. One of the extension plates and the mounting plate are configured therein with a plurality of connecting holes, and the other one of the extension plates and the mounting plate are configured thereon with a plurality of connecting pins which are adapted to mate respective ones of the connecting holes.

[0014] In one embodiment, one of the extension plates and the mounting plate is configured therein with a plurality of limit holes, each of the limit holes being offset from the connecting holes; and the other one of the extension plate and the mounting plate is configured thereon with a plurality of limit pins which are adapted to mate respective ones of the limit holes.

[0015] In one embodiment, the seat track is fixedly disposed on a floor; and the first plate is configured on a fourth side surface thereof facing the seat track with a pressing plate, the pressing plate being configured to extend towards the seat track and be pressed tightly against and fitted to the floor.

[0016] In one embodiment, the shield plate main body has greater strength than the shield plate bracket.

[0017] The present disclosure, in a second aspect, proposes a vehicle. The vehicle includes: a vehicle body, the vehicle body being provided on a floor thereof with at least one seat track; at least one vehicle seat, the vehicle seat being connected to the seat track and adapted to be moveable relative to the vehicle body by means of the seat track; and at least one shield plate for a vehicle seat track described above, the shield plate bracket being fixedly connected to the vehicle body, and the shield plate main body being vertically fixed on the floor so as to shield the seat track.

[0018] The present disclosure brings the following beneficial effects. In the vehicle of the present disclosure, the shield plate disposed on the outer side of the seat track shields the seat track from being hit. Further, according to the shield plate of the present disclosure, the first plate and the second plate are connected into a whole through the connecting plate, by way of which the connecting plate and the first plate serve as a good support for the second plate. This, on the whole, improves the strength and installation stability of the shield plate, so that the seat track can be better protected. Moreover, the first plate close to the seat track is spaced apart from the seat track, in which case the first plate (or the shield plate) does not hinder the movement of the vehicle seat relative to the seat track. Even if the shield plate is hit, the gap between the first plate and the seat track can absorb the deformation of the shield plate to avoid affecting the movement of the vehicle seat relative to the seat track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure will be further described in conjunction with multiple accompanying drawings in the following detailed description by means of non-limiting examples of typical embodiments of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0020] Fig. 1 schematically shows part of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 2 schematically shows a shield plate for a vehicle seat track according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 3 schematically shows a shield plate main body.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a view of Fig. 3 in direction A.

[0024] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of part I in Fig. 4.

[0025] Fig. 6 schematically shows a fitting relationship between a mounting plate of the shield plate main body and an extension plate of a shield plate bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The details presented herein are exemplary and are used only for illustrative discussion of embodiments of the present disclosure. They are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present disclosure. At this point, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present disclosure in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art may clearly understand how to implement several forms of the present disclosure in practice from the description and accompanying drawings.

[0027] Fig. 1 schematically shows part of a vehicle 1 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 13, and a vehicle seat 10 disposed in the vehicle body 13. A seat track 11 is fixedly disposed on floor of the vehicle body 13. The vehicle seat 10 is fitted on the seat track 11 and adapted to be moveable relative to the vehicle body 13 through the seat track 11. For example, it is possible to adjust the vehicle seat 10 forward and backward relative to the vehicle body 13, so as to improve the ride comfort of a passenger and a driver. The vehicle 1 further includes a shield plate 2 for shielding the seat track 11. The shield plate 2 includes a shield plate bracket 14 fixedly disposed on the vehicle body 13, and a shield plate main body 15 fixedly connected to the shield plate bracket 14. The shield plate main body 15 is vertically fixed on the floor and is located on an outer side of the seat track 11. In this way, the shield plate main body 15 shields the seat track 11 from being hit, for example, being accidentally kicked by a passenger and/or a driver, thereby protecting the seat track 11. In addition, the shielding of the seat track 11 by the shield plate main body 15 makes it impossible to see the seat track 11 from the outside of the vehicle 1, which helps to improve the sensory qualities of the vehicle 1.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the direction term “vertical” or “vertically” refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle 1. The direction term “outer” refers to a direction pointing to the outside the vehicle 1, and the direction term “inward” and “inner” refers to a direction opposite to “outer”. The direction term “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction substantially along a length of a component in question.

[0029] The shield plate 2 will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figs. 2 to 6.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, the shield plate 2 includes a shield plate bracket 14 and a shield plate main body 15 connected to the shield plate bracket 14. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the shield plate main body 15 includes a vertically disposed first plate 210, a vertically disposed second plate 220, and a connecting plate 230 connected between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220. Both the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 are installed vertically on the floor of the vehicle body 13. Specifically, the first plate 210, with respect to the seat track 11, is disposed on an outer side of the seat track 11 and is spaced apart from the seat track 11. The first plate 210 extends along a longitudinal direction of the seat track 11 (as shown in Fig. 1). The second plate 220, with respect to the first plate 210, is disposed on a side of the first plate 210 away from the seat track 11 and is spaced apart from the first plate 210. The second plate 220 is fixedly connected to the shield plate bracket 14, so as to connect the shield plate main body 15 and the shield plate bracket 14 together.

[0031] In the shield plate 2 of the present disclosure, the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 of the shield plate main body 15 are connected through the connecting plate 230 to form a whole. In this way, the connecting plate 230 and the first plate 210 serve as a good support to the second plate 220, thereby improving the strength and stability of the shield plate main body 15 on the whole. In a case that the second plate 220 is hit (for example, being kicked by a passenger or a driver), the shield plate main body 15 cannot be easily damaged. In addition, the first plate 210 close to the seat track 11 is spaced apart from the seat track 11, in which case the first plate 210 (or the shield plate main body 15) does not hinder the movement of the vehicle seat 10 relative to the seat track 11. Moreover, when the shield plate main body 15 is hit, a gap between the first plate 210 and the seat track 11 can also absorb the deformation of the shield plate main body 15 to avoid affecting the movement of the vehicle seat 10 relative to the seat track 11. The shield plate 2 of the present disclosure thus serves as a good protection for the seat track 11.

[0032] In one embodiment, the gap between the first plate 210 and the seat track 11 is about 10 mm. The gap, of course, can also be set to other values depending on actual conditions.

[0033] Optionally, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the connecting plate 230 is connected between a vertical top of the first plate 210 and a vertical top of the second plate 220. Viewed as a whole, the shield plate main body 15 is substantially in a shape of a U-shaped groove with its opening facing downward (i.e., with its opening facing the floor). This can reduce accumulation of contaminants on the connecting plate 230 and can also help to improve the aesthetics of the shield plate 2.

[0034] Optionally, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first plate 210 and/or the second plate 220 are inclined towards each other. Viewed as a whole, the shield plate main body 15 is substantially in a shape of a trapezoidal groove. According to such a structure, the inclined first plate 210 and/or the inclined second plate 220 exerts a better supporting effect to each other, which helps to further improve the strength and stability of the shield plate main body 15. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the first plate 210 is disposed substantially vertically, and the second plate 220 is inclined towards the first plate 210, with an angle between the second plate 220 and the first plate 210 being, for example, between 10 degrees and 20 degrees. In other embodiments, it is also possible to configure the second plate 220 to be substantially vertical, with the first plate 210 being inclined towards the second plate 220; it is also possible to configure both the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 to be inclined towards each other.

[0035] Optionally, the gap between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220 has a maximum width of between 10 mm and 20 mm. In this way, the shield plate main body 15 has a small thickness and is in a long and narrow shape on the whole (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4), and occupies a small space, so that it can be easily disposed in a narrow space below the vehicle seat 10. Of course, it is also possible to configure the shield plate main body 15 to have a thickness (i.e., the gap between the first plate 210 and the second plate 220) of other values depending on actual situations, as long as it can be disposed below the vehicle seat 10.

[0036] In one embodiment, the shield plate main body 15 has a height of between 35 mm and 40 mm. The shield plate main body 15 having such a height is adapted to a height of the space below the vehicle seat 10, so as to further facilitate the installation of the shield plate 2. Of course, it is also possible to configure the shield plate main body 15 to have other heights depending on actual conditions.

[0037] Optionally, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the second plate 220 is configured on a first side surface 222 thereof facing the first plate 210 with a plurality of vertically extending first ribs 221. These first ribs 221 are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction LI of the second plate 220. These first ribs 221 further increase the strength of the second plate 220, thereby improving the impact resistance of the shield plate main body 15. It should be understood that the number and size of the first ribs 221 can be determined depending on actual conditions and are not limited herein.

[0038] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 5, the connecting plate 230 is configured thereon with a plurality of second ribs 232. These second ribs 232 correspond to respective ones of the above-mentioned first ribs 221. Viewed as a whole, an end of each of the second ribs 232 is abutted against a respective end of a respective first rib 221. This not only enhances the strength of the connecting plate 230, but also enhances the support of the connecting plate 230 for the second plate 220, which helps to further improve the impact resistance of the shield plate main body 15.

[0039] Optionally, as also shown in Fig. 5, the first plate 210 is configured on a third side surface 211 thereof facing the second plate 220 with a plurality of third ribs 213. The third ribs 213 correspond to respective ones of the second ribs 232. Viewed as a whole, an end of each of the third ribs 213 is abutted against a respective end of a respective second rib 232, which also helps to improve the support of the first plate 210 for the connecting plate 230 and the second plate 220, thus further improving the overall strength and impact resistance of the shield plate main body 15.

[0040] Optionally, the shield plate main body 15 is formed in one piece by injection molding. In this case, the first ribs 221 are connected to respective ones of the second ribs 232, and the second ribs 232 are connected to respective ones of the third ribs 213.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first plate 210 is configured at a front end thereof with a transverse extension (not shown in the figures) which extends inwardly. The transverse extension is in front of the seat track 11 to shield and protect the front end of the seat track 11. Correspondingly, the second plate 220 and the connecting plate 230 are each configured with an extension that matches the transverse extension of the first plate 210. Viewed as a whole, the shield plate main body is substantially in an “L” shape. In the present disclosure, the directional term “front” refers to a direction of the vehicle travel.

[0042] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 2, the shield plate bracket 14 includes a vertically extending fixing portion 141, and a horizontal extension plate 142 connected to the fixing portion 141. The second plate 220 of the shield plate main body 15 is fixedly connected to the extension plate 142. The fixing portion 141 is fixed to the vehicle body 13. The extension plate 142 may be formed as part of the floor. In this way, during assembly of the vehicle 1, the shield plate bracket 14 and the shield plate main body 15 are fitted as a whole to the vehicle body 13. Because the extension plate 142 is part of the floor, after the fixing portion 141 and the extension plate 142 are fitted to the vehicle body 13, the shield plate main body 15 is naturally fitted in position in the vehicle body 13, which further facilitates the assembly of the shield plate 2. In one embodiment, the fixing portion 141 may be installed on a C-pillar 131 of the vehicle body 13, or installed on a B-pillar 132. For example, the fixing portion 141 may serve as an inner panel of the C-pillar 131 or an inner panel of the B-pillar 132. Of course, the fixing portion 141 may also be installed at other positions of the vehicle body 13, which will not be described herein in detail. In another embodiment, the extension plate 142 may also serve as a rear door sill or front door sill of the vehicle 1.

[0043] As still shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 6, the second plate 220 is configured on a second side surface 223 thereof away from the first plate 210 with a mounting plate 224 which extends towards the extension plate 142. The mounting plate 224 is configured therein with a plurality of connecting holes 225 (as shown in Figs. 3 and 4), and the extension plate 142 is configured thereon with a plurality of connecting pins 143 (as shown in Fig. 6). The connecting pins 143 are adapted to mate the connecting holes 225. In this way, the shield plate main body 15 and the shield plate bracket 14 may be formed separately and then fitted together. Specifically, the mounting plate 224 at least partially overlaps the extension plate 142, so that the connecting pins 143 are fixedly connected to respective ones of the connecting holes 225 to achieve a stable connection between the shield plate main body 15 and the shield plate bracket 14. Optionally, the connecting pins 143 and the respective connecting holes 225 may be fixedly connected together by welding or riveting. It should be understood that the connecting holes 225 may also be formed on the extension plate 142, with the connecting pins 143 being correspondingly formed on the mounting plate 224.

[0044] Optionally, as still shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the mounting plate 224 is configured therein with a plurality of limit holes 226 which are offset from the connecting holes 225. Correspondingly, as shown in Fig. 6, the extension plate 142 is configured thereon with a plurality of limit pins 144. The limit pins 144 are adapted to mate the limit holes 226. During assembly, the limit pins 144 are inserted into respective limit holes 226 to assist in the connection between the mounting plate 224 and the extension plate 142, which helps to improve the connection stability between the shield plate main body 15 and the shield plate bracket 14.

[0045] Optionally, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first plate 210 is configured on a fourth side surface 212 thereof facing the seat track 11 with a pressing plate 214. The pressing plate 214 extends towards the seat track 11 and is pressed tightly against and fitted to the floor. The tight pressing of the pressing plate 214 against the floor also helps to improve the stability of the shield plate 2. In addition, according to such a structure, when the shield plate bracket 14 is installed in position, the pressing plate 214 gets naturally pressed against the floor without using an additional connector, which also simplifies the assembly.

[0046] Optionally, the shield plate main body 15 has greater strength than the shield plate bracket 14. In this case, the shield plate bracket 14 may be made of a flexible material, so that the shield plate bracket 14 can be deformed to conform to the vehicle body 13 so as to be easily mounted to the vehicle body 13. The shield plate main body 15 however may be made of a material of a high strength to improve its impact resistance. In an embodiment, the shield plate bracket 14 is made of PP (i.e., polypropylene) material, while the shield plate main body 15 is made of PC-ABS (i.e., a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) material. These materials are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described herein in detail. Of course, it is also possible to make the shield plate bracket 14 and the shield plate main body 15 from other materials, which will not be described herein. [0047] Listing of reference numerals

1 vehicle

10 vehicle seat

11 seat track

13 vehicle body

131 C-pillar

132 B -pillar

14 shield plate bracket

15 shield plate main body

141 fixing portion

142 extension plate

143 connecting pin

144 limit pin

2 shield plate

210 first plate

211 third side surface

212 fourth side surface

213 third rib

214 pressing plate

220 second plate

221 first rib

222 first side surface

223 second side surface

224 mounting plate

225 connecting hole

226 limit hole 230 connecting plate

232 second rib

LI longitudinal direction of the second plate

[0048] It should be noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that the words which have been used herein are descriptive and illustrative, rather than limiting. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects. Although the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present disclosure extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shield plate for a vehicle seat track, wherein the shield plate comprises: a shield plate bracket (14); and a shield plate main body (15) connected to the shield plate bracket (14); the shield plate main body (15) comprises: a vertical first plate (210), wherein the first plate (210), with respect to the seat track (11), is disposed on an outer side of the seat track (11) and is spaced apart from the seat track (11), and the first plate (210) extends in a longitudinal direction of the seat track (11); a vertical second plate (220), wherein the second plate (220), with respect to the first plate (210), is disposed on a side of the first plate (210) away from the seat track (11) and is spaced apart from the first plate (210), and the second plate (220) is connected to the shield plate bracket (14); and a connecting plate (230) connected between the first plate (210) and the second plate (220).

2. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the first plate (210) and/or the second plate (220) are inclined towards each other.

3. The shield plate according to claim 2, wherein a gap between the first plate (210) and the second plate (220) has a maximum width of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

4. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the second plate (220) is configured on a first side surface (222) thereof facing the first plate (210) with a plurality of vertically extending first ribs (221), the first ribs (221) being spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction (LI) of the second plate (220).

5. The shield plate according to claim 4, wherein the connecting plate (230) is configured with a plurality of second ribs (232), the second ribs (232) corresponding to respective ones of the first ribs (221).

6. The shield plate according to claim 5, wherein the first plate (210) is configured on a third side surface (211) thereof facing the second plate (220) with a plurality of third ribs (213), the third ribs (213) corresponding to respective ones of the second ribs (232).

7. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the connecting plate (230) is connected between a vertical top of the first plate (210) and a vertical top of the second plate (220).

8. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the shield plate bracket (14) comprises a fixing portion (141) extending vertically and a horizontal extension plate (142) connected to the fixing portion (141), the second plate (220) being fixedly connected to the extension plate (142).

9. The shield plate according to claim 8, wherein the second plate (220) is configured on a second side surface (223) thereof away from the first plate (223) with a mounting plate (224) which extends towards the extension plate (142); one of the extension plates (142) and the mounting plate (224) are configured therein with a plurality of connecting holes (225), and the other one of the extension plates (142) and the mounting plate (224) are configured thereon with a plurality of connecting pins (143) which are adapted to mate respective ones of the connecting holes (225).

10. The shield plate according to claim 9, wherein one of the extension plate (142) and the mounting plate (224) is configured therein with a plurality of limit holes (226), each of the limit holes (226) being offset from the connecting holes (225); and the other one of the extension plate (142) and the mounting plate (224) is configured thereon with a plurality of limit pins (144) which are adapted to mate respective ones of the limit holes (226).

11. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the seat track (11) is fixedly disposed on a floor; and the first plate (210) is configured on a fourth side surface (212) thereof facing the seat track (11) with a pressing plate (214), the pressing plate (214) being configured to extend towards the seat track (11) and be pressed tightly against and fitted to the floor.

12. The shield plate according to claim 1, wherein the shield plate main body (15) has greater strength than the shield plate bracket (14).

13. A vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises: a vehicle body (13), the vehicle body (13) being provided on a floor thereof with at least one seat track (11); at least one vehicle seat (10), the vehicle seat (10) being connected to the seat track (11) and adapted to be moveable relative to the vehicle body (13) by means of the seat track (11); and at least one shield plate (2) for a vehicle seat track according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the shield plate bracket (14) being fixedly connected to the vehicle body (13), and the shield plate main body (15) being vertically fixed on the floor so as to shield the seat track (H).