FR2612908A1 - APPARATUS FOR ADHESIVING A TRIM COVER WITH A VEHICLE SEAT MATTRESS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO AN APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE SEAT BY ADHESIONING A UPPER TRIM COVER A WITH A FOAM PADDING B USING AN ADHESIVE. THE APPLIANCE INCLUDES A LOWER MATRIX 3 TO RECEIVE THE UPPER TRIM COVER, AND AN UPPER 21 DIE EQUIPPED WITH SUCTION MEANS 4 TO TIGHTEN THE PADDING AND MOVABLE VERTICALLY WITH RESPECT TO THE LOWER MATRIX TO PRESS THE MATRIX. TRIM. AFTER THE ADHESION ASSEMBLY, THE AIR SUCTION IS STOPPED TO RELEASE FROM THE UPPER MATRIX THE PADDING CONTAINING THE TRIM COVER ASSEMBLED WITH IT BY ADHESION AND THUS OBTAIN A SEAT.

Description

26 1 2908

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a vehicle seat, and in particular a mechanism for placing a cushioning on an upper matrix of a manufacturing apparatus. of seat in the-

  which a seat is mounted by assembling by adhesion a cover of upholstery

  upper sage with the surface of a padding that has been conformed by

  expansion using a mold according to the external configuration of the seat.

  As can be seen in Figure 1, in a manufacturing apparatus

  classic seat cation, assembly by adhesion of a cover

  upper padding a with foam padding b (made, for example.

  urethane foam material) requires, first, to apply

  an adhesive on the external surface of padding b shaped by expan-

  sion according to an external configuration of the seat or on the reverse surface of the upper lining cover to be formed by sewing in a predetermined shape and, secondly, to treat these two members, so as to assemble them one with the other by adhesion. Figure 2, for its part, illustrates a finished seat in which the mateiassure c, which comprises the upper trim cover assembled with it by adhesion, is mounted on a frame forming part of the seat, and the ends of the trim cover greater than are subject to

  reinforcement c using fastening rings d or equivalent devices.

  In this Figure 2, a reference letter e designates an elastic member

  tensioned in the frame c to support the padding b.

  In this type of conventional device, two matrices are provided

  upper and lower arranged in such a way that the upper matrix

  lower is adapted so that the padding b is mounted on it using securing devices, such as clamping devices, while the lower die is adapted so that the upper lining cover a is placed on it, and a lowering and ur. pressing the upper die against the lower die causes the members forming the upper lining cover to bond together and

padding with each other.

  However, in this apparatus in which a clamping means

  mechanical is used to secure padding b to a sub matrix

  higher, so that the lateral walls of the batting b scient retained --2- between the clamping devices, and in which the quilting b thus retained is kept immobilized on the upper matrix, it can be seen,

the following disadvantages.

  1. When it is desired to mechanically force the clamping devices to hold the walls of the padding together, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for opening and closing the clamping devices with respect to the padding, which results by a structure

  more complex mechanical of the device.

  2. The subjugation of the padding to the upper matrix

  re requires a certain number of workers and assembly steps, which

  is detrimental to operating efficiency.

  3. The pressure exerted by the clamping devices on the side walls of the padding causes deformation of the surfaces thereof, which prevents close contact between the padding and the

upper upholstery cover.

  4. If a small number of clamping devices are provided on the upper die, the padding is not really subject

  to the matrix and move relative to it, which therefore

  that the padding is offset from its correct position vis-

  opposite the upper trim cover.

  A main object of the present invention is to provide a

  apparatus for manufacturing a seat, which is of a simple structure,

  put to easily subject a padding to a higher matrix,

  improves the operation of mounting the padding on the upper die

  and avoids deformations of the padding.

  In order to achieve the above goal, it is proposed, according to the pre-

  invention, suction means which operate an air suction

  so as to suck the padding and subject it to the upper matrix

  better. In operation, while the suction hubs are actuated, the padding secured to the upper die is pressed against the

  upper lining cover placed on a lower die available

  placed opposite, so that these two parts can be joined by adhesion to each other, and then the air evacuation or suction operated

  by the suction means being stopped, the upper die is removed

  pledged with padding that includes the assembled trim cover 3-

with it by adhesion.

  In the present invention, the upper matrix intervenes,

  therefore, to function as a suction plate - secure -

  in order to suck the padding out and subject it to it in a

  re fixed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of upper dies and a turret-shaped turret are provided.

  cross on which the upper dies are fixed. The matrices

  The upper ends are fixed to the respective ends of the revolver turret in the shape of a cross and the latter is rotatably mounted in the apparatus of the present invention, so that each of the upper dies can be selectively rotated. In addition,

  lower matrices in corresponding number are mounted on cha-

  movable riots on a rail so that they can be moved selectively-

  is lying. Thanks to this construction, it is possible to assemble by adhe-

  effectively manages a number of orgar: es fcrmar.nz upper upholstery covers and padding with each other to

  obtain a certain number of seats at one time.

  The above as well as other goals, aspects and characteristics

  ticks of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading

  of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of

  the invention given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view showing the state in which an upper lining cover is not assembled by adhesion with padding; Figure 2 is a sectional view showing the state in which the upper lining cover is assembled by adhesion with the padding, and these two members are subject to a frame; Figure 3 is a partially sectional view of an apparatus

  according to the present invention, showing the state in which a matrix su-

  is positioned a certain distance above the lower die before being lowered; Figure 4 is a partially running view of the apparatus

  in relation to Figure 3, showing the state Cans which the matriae su-

-4-

  is lowered and pressed against the lower die to assenm-

  adhere to each other by adhesion an upper lining cover and padding; Figure 5 is a perspective view in elevation of the upper die; Figure 6 is a front view showing the state in which the padding is drawn in and secured to the upper die; Figure 7 is a sectional view of the upper die; Figure 8 is a sectional view of an upper die whose structure differs from that of the above-mentioned upper die; Figure 9 is a sectional view of a connection part of the

  suction means, connected to the upper matrix.

  Referring to Figure 3, is illustrated a state in which a padding b is subject to an upper matrix, and a cover

  of upper upholstery has retoGrnee and placed on a rmari-e inr. upper 3.

  In this figure, the reference numbers 10 and 11 respectively designate an upper chassis and a ring-shaped base (endless). On this base 11, are arranged two rails 11a spaced from one another on which carriages 17 are mounted in a movable manner. The matrix

  lower 3 is fixedly mounted on each of the carriages 17.

  The lower matrix 3 is adapted to receive on it the upper lining cover a, and its surface is shaped in a shape corresponding to the surface configuration

  padding b. In addition; the way in which the matrix in-

  3est mounted on the carriages 17 is such that four dies

  are arranged in a fixed manner on the four carriages

  pective so as to coincide with respective upper matrices 21, 22, 23, 24 which will be described later. A lifting cylinder 12 is provided on the upper frame 10 so as to be arranged just

  above the lower die 3.

  A revolver turret mounting member 13 is coupled to a rod of the lifting cylinder 12, so that actuation of the jack 12 causes vertical movement of the turret mounting member

revolver 13.

  A revolver turret 14 is rotatably mounted on the member of -5-

  revolver 13 turret mounting so that it can be driven by a

  rotationally rotating 90 degrees around a shaft 15. The revolver turret 14 has a cross-shaped configuration and has four ends on which the upper dies 21, 22, 23 and 24 are respectively mounted. cylinder 18 is pre-

  seen on the revolver turret mounting member 13. Under the effect of an

  actuation of the jack 18, the revolver turret 14 is forced to operate

  rotate 90 degrees intermittently, as shown above

  above, in the direction of the arrows. To describe precisely this mechanism

  nism, an arm 19 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 15, one end of this arm 19 being coupled to a rod 18a of the jack 18, while the other

  end thereof is detachably coupled with ia all

  relle revolver 14, and an actuation of the jack 18 therefore constrains the rod 18a to retract, which forces the arm 19 to operate a rotation of

  so that the revolver 14 turns 90 degrees.

  Each of the upper matrices 21, 22, 23 and 24 above-

  born is adapted so that the padding b is subject to it, and the respective surface of these upper dies conforms according to a

  configuration corresponding to that of the lower surface of the mat-

  lassure b. A rotation of the revolver turret 14 in the direction of

  arrows causes one of the upper matrices to move down

  21 which includes the padding b attached to it. Then an ac-

  actuation of the lifting cylinder 12 constrains the upper die 21 to

  move down towards the lower die 3.

  Suction means are provided on the upper dies.

  res 21, 22, 23 and 24 and adapted for, upon actuation, retaining the

  b padding on each of these.

  In FIG. 3, the reference number 16 corresponds to a foot switch, using which a switching operation is carried out.

  electric on-off to operate the aforementioned vacuuming means.

  Referring now to Figure 9, this represents

  te an embodiment of the suction means, which include a vacuum pump (not shown), a vacuum tank (not shown and unr. vacuum tube L connected to these pump and vacuum tank. A free end of the tube vacuum L is connected to arm 19. which ccn.pzrte a tee: e 1__n 9a

26 129 0 8

  -6 - which extends from it in a direction oriented towards the middle part of one of the upper dies 21, 22, 23 and 24. On the tube

  projecting 19a, a connecting member 5 is arranged to slide coaxia-

  to this one. The connecting member 5 is movable in the direction

  tion of the boom under the effect of an actuation of the foot switch 16, as indicated by the dashed line. So when the switch to

  foot 16 is actuated, the connecting member 5 is moved in this direction

  tion and connected to a connection tube 7 provided on the side of the upper dies 21, 22, 23 and 24. If the foot switch 16 is

  actuated again, the connecting member 5 is moved in a direction

  opposite and away from the connection tube 7. According to this mode of operation, when the connection member 5 is put in relation with the connection tube 7, thus establishing communication between the protruding tube 19a of the arm 19 and the connection 7 located on the side of the upper dies 21, 22, 23 and 24, an air suction is then operated in one of these upper dies - and simultaneously is

  established a coupling relationship between the arm 19 and this upper matrix

  after which a linear force supplied by the aforementioned cylinder 18 is transformed into a rotational force, itself transmitted to the revolver turret 14 for the purpose of rotation thereof. On the other hand, when the connection member 5 is moved away from the connection tube 7, the air suction

  is stopped and the arm 19 uncoupled from the upper die.

  Another arm identical to the aforementioned arm 19 is provided on the side

  opposite of the revolver turret mounting member 13 illustrated, and also

  ment equipped with suction means identical to those which have just been described. This other arm is arranged on the revolver turret 14 so as to be positioned at a point 90 degrees apart from the arm 19 illustrated. Thus, as shown in Figure 4, while a padding b placed on the upper die 21 is undergoing the bonding assembly process, air is sucked from the other upper die 24 on which is placed the other padding b ', using the

  other suction means provided on said other arm.

  Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the matrix above.

  21, in which the securing surface 21a thereof,

261 2 9 0 8

  -7- which has a contact surface for padding b, is formed

  according to a non-uniform configuration corresponding to the lower surface

  of padding b, and also has a plurality of holes

suction 1.

  Figure 6 shows the state in which padding b is as-

  hacked and subject to the upper matrix 21.

  In Figure 7, we can see an embodiment of the ma-

  upper trice 21, given by way of example and in which a plurality of suction tubes 6 are respectively connected to the suction holes 1, all the suction tubes 6 also being collectively connected to the connection tube 7 mentioned above, for so communicate with a

vacuum pump (not shown).

  In Figure 8, is shown another form of the upper die designated by the reference number 25. The upper die 25 has the shape of a closed box comprising, defined er. she, a space

  empty 6 '. A vacuum tube 4 'is connected to the vacuum space 6' in a connection

  fluid communication, the vacuum tube 4 'being additionally

  in the same communication relationship with a vacuum pump (not shown

felt).

  The following description will relate to the operation of the device.

  similar of the present invention with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

  First, the upper lining cover a is placed

  cee on the lower die 3 and the padding b is sucked and

  jettie to the upper matrix 21 corresponding to the lower matrix 3. It can be seen that, in this state, the connecting member 5 located on

  one end of the arm 19 is brought into contact with the connection tube

  cord 7 located on the side of the upper die 21, and an air suction force is exerted through these connection elements 5 and 7 on the securing surface 21a of the upper die 21 of

  so as to vacuum the padding b.

  During the above-described step, an adhesive is applied to the surface of padding b subject to the upper matrix 21, or to that of the upper lining cover a placed on the matrix.

lower 3.

  Then, when the foot switch 16 is actuated, the rod -8- 18a of the jack 18 is retracted, which forces the arm 19 to rotate around

  of the shaft 15 and, consequently, the connecting member 5 is in rela-

  tion with the connection tube 7; in other words, thanks to the organ of

  connection 5, one end of the arm 19 is in a coupling relationship-

  ment with the upper die 21, and the revolver turret 14 is then forced to rotate 90 degrees in the direction of the arrows (see Figure 3). Consequently, the padding b placed on the upper die 21 is positioned in a face to face relationship with the cover.

  upper packing placed on the lower die 3.

  Then, the upper die 21 is lowered by an actuator.

  cylinder 12 so as to exert pressure on the cover as well

  se of upper packing a than on the padding b, and as illustrated in Figure 4, these two members are assembled by adhesion to each other. After assembly by adhesion, the foot switch 16 is actuated again, and the connection member 5 is then uncoupled from the connection tube 7, and therefore from the upper die 21. At this time, no force d air suction is not exerted on the upper matrix 21. The padding b is then released from the subjugation

  by aspiration of the upper matrix 21, and under the effect of an action-

  ment of the jack 12, the upper die is raised. And, the resulting seat thus formed is extracted from the lower die 3 and mounted on the frame

  c, whereby a complete vehicle seat is obtained.

  Then, the actuator 18 being actuated, the arm 19 is brought back into

  its initial position, as in Figure 3, so that the upper matrix

  next 24 is placed on availability to subject to

  she by suction another padding b '.

  Or, as previously mentioned, in the case where

  another arm is provided on the opposite side of the arm 19 relative to the or-

  revolver 13 turret mounting gane, this other padding b 'can

  be placed on the other upper die 24 for its subjection

  by suction, during the process in which the padding b

  is being subjected to the upper matrix 21.

  By continuously operating the present apparatus in the manner described above, it is possible to produce a certain

261 2 9 0 8

-9-

number of seats.

  The present invention therefore has the following advantages. 1. The actuation mechanisms of conventional clamping devices intended to open and close the clamping devices are no longer necessary and the structure of the apparatus is thus simplified. 2. As the padding is retained on the matrix due to the fact that an air suction force is exerted on the padding to

  through the suction holes of the die, the use of means of re-

  held by pressure to secure the padding to the matrix is not necessary, and as there is practically no more deformation of the padding due to pressure, this allows an assembly by effective adhesion of the upper lining cover with the padding and significantly improves the quality of the resulting seat compared to

that of classic seats.

  3. The padding is put in the impossibility of moving relative to the matrix, which ensures a correct position and padding vis-à-vis the upper lining cover. I] is therefore possible to bond the padding and the cover

  upper packing with precision, at a predetermined point

born from it.

  4. An assembly and a disassembly of the padding vis-a-vis the matrix are based on suction and release mechanisms

  of air. The operating efficiency of such a process is considerably improved.

  improved compared to that of seat manufacturing devices

classics.

  The above description relates to a pre- 'embodiment

  fairy of the present invention, but it is understood that it is not limited to the illustrated embodiment; various other supplements, variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of

the invention.

- 1 0-

Claims (6)

  1. Apparatus for manufacturing a vehicle seat by bonding an upper upholstery cover (a) with padding   foam (b), characterized in that it comprises at least one matrix   lower (3) adapted to receive on it the upper lining cover; at least one upper die (21) adapted to secure the padding to it and movable vertically relative to the lower die in order to press the padding against the upper padding cover; and suction means (1, 4, 6) intended to suck the padding by subjecting it to the upper matrix and to release it from the latter, these suction means being arranged in the upper matrix. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper die (21) is provided with means (12) intended to move it - vertically, and in that it is fixed to a respective end of a   revolver turret (14) in the shape of a cross.   3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the   suction means (1, 4, 6) are arranged in such a way that a suction   tion or an air evacuation is stopped following the process during which the padding (b) is sucked and subject to the upper matrix (21) by the suction means and then the upper matrix, comprising   the padding, lowered and pressed against the upper lining cover   lower (a) placed on the lower die (3), to carry out the assembly   bonding by adhesion of the two bodies forming padding and cover filling.   4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that   each of the upper matrices (21, 22, 23, 24) placed on the ends   respective halves of the revolver turret (14) is rotated by means of an arm (19) which constitutes a means of rotation,   and in that this arm is connected to a tube (4) of the suction means.   5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the upper dies (21, 22, 23, 24) has a securing surface (21a) shaped according to a configuration corresponding to that of a lower surface of the padding ( b), and in that this securing surface comprises, drilled in it, a plurality of holes -1 1-12 suction (1).   6. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower die (3) is provided with at least one carriage (17) arranged with a movably on a rail (11a).