FR3082467A1 - DEVICE FOR MOVING A COMPONENT OF A SEAT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for moving (5) in rotation an element of a vehicle seat, comprising: - a first part (6) connected to a seat part - a second part (7) connected to the seat element. According to the invention, the second part (7) is arranged inside the first part (6), and the device comprises a bearing system ensuring the guiding of the second part (7) relative to the first part (6) around an axis of rotation (Y), and in which the bearing system comprises a guide bearing (70), external to the second part (7) cooperating with a guide bearing (60) internal to the first part when the relative rotation between the second part (7) and the first part (6) and a blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part (6).

Description

Device for moving an element of a seat

The present invention relates to a device for moving an element of a seat, and in particular an armrest.

Vehicle seats are known, in particular motor vehicle seats, which include an armrest. The armrest is configured to be rotated relative to a part of the seat, and in particular relative to the seat or the backrest, at least between a first position and a second position.

This allows for example the occupant to retract the armrest into the first position for easy access to the seat, while benefiting from support for his arm once he is seated in the seat and when the armrest is arranged in the second position.

The seat can thus comprise a device connecting the armrest to the part of the seat and making it possible to electrically control such a rotation movement. More specifically, such a displacement device may comprise a first part connected to a seat frame and a second part connected to the armrest, the pivoting of the first part causing the second part to rotate, and therefore a rotation of the entire armrest.

However, the existing displacement devices are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, they often require a large number of parts in order to obtain a sufficiently solid connection between the part of the seat and the armrest.

The present invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks.

The invention aims in particular to obtain a displacement device which is simple to implement and sufficiently robust to allow the armrest to move in rotation.

Also, the invention relates to a device for the rotational movement of an element of a vehicle seat, comprising:

- a first part connected to a seat part,

- a second part connected to the seat element.

According to the invention, the second part is arranged inside the first part, and the device comprises a bearing system ensuring the guiding of the second part relative to the first part around an axis of rotation and in which the system level includes:

a guide surface, external to the second part cooperating with an internal guide surface of the first part, during the relative rotation between the second part and the first part,

- A blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part relative to the second part, in the direction of rotation, comprising a first stop and a second stop arranged laterally on either side of the first part.

According to these optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination:

- The internal guide surface of the first part and the external guide surface of the second part are cylindrical surfaces;

- The second part comprises, in the direction of rotation, an insertion end configured to be introduced into the first part, and in which the blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part relative to the second part comprises :

- A peripheral shoulder of the second part, in one piece with said second part, projecting radially from the outer guide surface, forming the first stop ensuring the stop in translation of the first part, on one side of the first part, when inserting the second part,

- a closure means, mounted on the second part, forming the second stop ensuring the translational stop of the second part, on the other side of the first part;

- The closing means is a closing ring, mounted on the second part;

- The closure means and the second part have radial bores, facing each other, crossed by a fixing member;

the displacement device comprises a first attenuation ring mounted around the second part, arranged between the first part and the first stop, in lateral abutment on the first part, and a second attenuation ring arranged between the first part and the second stop mounted around the second part, in lateral support on the first part. The first attenuation ring and the second attenuation ring are for example made of plastic;

- the seat element is an armrest.

According to one embodiment, the first part comprises:

a ring whose internal wall forms the internal guide surface,

- A peripheral shoulder projecting outwardly from the ring, said shoulder being fixed to a frame by fixing members.

According to one embodiment, the second part comprises a main wall extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a flange extending along the direction of the axis of rotation, the external guide surface being defined by an external surface of the flange, and in which the main wall is, in the direction of rotation centered with respect to the surfaces of the internal guide surface and the external guide surface of the bearing system.

According to one embodiment, the displacement device comprises an electric or geared motor, preferably integral with the first part, the output of the motor being, in continuous engagement with the second part, ensuring the rotational drive of the second piece compared to the first piece.

According to one embodiment, the displacement device comprises a third part connected to the seat part comprising a toothed member configured to pivot around the axis of rotation, driven by the motor or gear motor, and in which the second part delimits an interior space, the toothed member being received in said interior space, at least one blocking element being configured to be disposed between the toothed member and the second part in order to keep the toothed member and the second piece integral in rotation , around the axis of rotation.

The invention also relates to a seat equipped with a displacement device according to the invention.

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows of the embodiment shown by way of non-limiting example. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seat according to an embodiment of the invention comprising an armrest in a first position;

- Figure 2 is a side view of the seat of Figure 1 comprising the armrest in a second position;

- Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a device for moving the armrest according to one embodiment of the invention, the first part forming the internal bearing of the bearing system not being shown;

- Figure 4 is a sectional view along the section plane IV-IV shown in Figure 3 of the displacement device in an initial assembly configuration;

- Figure 5 is a view of the displacement device of Figure 3, along a sectional plane passing through the direction of rotation, the first part forming an internal guide bearing being shown;

- Figure 6 is a sectional view of the displacement device along a cutting plane passing through the direction of rotation, particularly illustrating the fixing of the closure ring to the second part.

It should be noted that, in the figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the embodiment may have the same references. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

Unless specified otherwise, the expressions approximately, substantially, approximately, of the order of, etc. mean that a slight variation from the nominal value considered is possible, in particular by a small percentage, in particular to within 10%.

In the following description, the terms "front" and "rear" and their synonyms are understood to refer to the front and rear of the seat when the seat is in its usual position, the rear edge of the seat being the edge which is extended vertically by the seat back, and the front edge being the edge opposite the rear edge.

The terms "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" and their synonyms are defined with respect to the seat of the seat in its usual horizontal position.

Displacement device

FIG. 1 represents a seat 1 of a vehicle according to the invention, for example of a motor vehicle.

The seat 1 includes a seat 2 configured to receive an occupant. Seat 2 has a front edge and a rear edge opposite the front edge.

The seat 1 also includes a backrest 3 which is connected to the rear edge of the seat 2 and which extends the seat 2 in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the seat 2.

In the following description and in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat 1 is in its usual position, with the seat 2 extending substantially in a horizontal plane, the backrest 3 extending in a substantially vertical plane.

The seat 2 extends transversely in a transverse direction T visible in Figures 1 and 2 from a first side edge 2a to a second side edge 2b.

The backrest 3 can be articulated on the rear edge of the seat 2, so that the backrest 3 is configured to pivot around an axis extending in the transverse direction T, by tilting forwards or forwards. rear relative to the seat 2.

The seat 1 also comprises an element, such as an armrest 4.

The armrest 4 is located against a lateral edge of the seat 2. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the armrest 4 is located at the level of the first lateral edge 2a of the seat 2. However, this embodiment is not limiting and the armrest 4 can be located at the second lateral edge 2b of the seat 2, or an armrest 4 can be located on each side of the seat 1.

The armrest 4 has a substantially planar shape, in a vertical plane, with a thickness which extends in the transverse direction T.

The armrest 4 is configured to be rotated relative to a part of the seat 1, and in particular relative to the seat 2 or the backrest 3, at least between a first position and a second position.

The rotational movement of the armrest 4 is carried out around an axis of rotation Y directed in a direction of rotation V.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the axis of rotation Y connects the armrest 4 to the seat 2. However, this embodiment is not limiting and the axis of rotation Y can alternatively connect the armrest 4 in file 3, or any other part of seat 1.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the armrest 4 can be moved more particularly between a reception position and a rest position.

The reception position is shown in FIG. 1. In the reception position, the armrest 4 laterally extends the seat 2 in the transverse direction T, and therefore contributes to widening the surface of the seat 2 in the direction transverse T.

Thus, an occupant who usually enters the vehicle in the transverse direction T is able to bear on the armrest 4 in its movement to sit on the seat 2. The installation of the occupant on the seat 1 is thus facilitated.

The rest position is shown in Figure 2. In the rest position, the armrest 4 is vertically higher than the side edge 2a of the seat 2 so as to be able to receive an arm of a seated occupant on the seat 2.

As a variant, the armrest 4 can also take other intermediate positions between the reception position and the rest position.

In order to move the armrest 4, the seat 1 comprises a movement device 5.

The displacement device 5 is configured to allow a rotation movement of the armrest 4 around the axis of rotation Y.

The displacement device 5 comprises a first part 6 and a second part 7 configured to cooperate with one another.

The first part 6 is connected, advantageously fixed, to a part of the seat 1, in particular to the seat frame 2 or to the back frame 3. The second part 7 is connected, advantageously fixed, to the armrest 4.

The second part 7 is arranged inside the first part 6 and is configured to pivot relative to the first part 6, around the axis of rotation Y.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the displacement device 5 comprises a bearing system. This bearing system ensures the rotation guide of the second part 7 relative to the first part 6, around the axis of rotation Y,

This bearing system includes a guide surface 70, external to the second part 7 cooperating, during the relative rotation between the second part 7 and the first part 6, with a guide surface 60, internal to the first part 6.

The displacement device 5 also comprises a blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part 6 relative to the second part 7, in the direction of rotation V.

As visible in FIG. 5, this system comprises a first stop B1 and a second stop B2 arranged on either side of the first part 6, blocking the first part 6 on the second part 7, in both directions of the direction of rotation V.

As visible in FIG. 5, the guide surface 60, internal, of the first part 6 and the guide surface 70, external, of the second part 7 are cylindrical surfaces. Alternatively, these surfaces can be (trunk) conical.

The second part 7 comprises, in the direction of rotation V, an insertion end 71 configured to be introduced into the first part 6 during the assembly of the first part with the second part.

The blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part relative to the second part then comprises:

- A peripheral shoulder 72 of the second part 7, in particular in one piece with said second part, projecting radially from the outer guide surface 70, said shoulder forming the first stop B1 ensuring the stop in translation of the first part 6 , on one side of the first part, when inserting the second part 7,

- a closure means 73, mounted on the second part 7, forming the second stop B2 ensuring the stop in translation of the second part 7, on the other side of the first part 6.

In FIG. 5, the closing means 73 is a closing ring, mounted (in particular removably) on the second part. This closure ring and the second part having bores, preferably radial, facing each other. A fixing member 74, preferably removable, passes through these bores to ensure the fixing of the closure ring on the second part 7. In FIG. 6, this fixing member 74 is a screw.

During the assembly of the first and second part forming the bearing system, the insertion end 71 of the second part 7 is inserted into the hollow of the first part 6 until the abutment, direct (or indirect), of the first part 6 against the first stop B1.

The first part 6 is then immobilized in the other direction, in the direction of rotation V, by the installation of the closing means 73 on the second part 7. This closing means 73 forms the second stop B2 which engages directly or indirectly with the first part 6. The position of the closing means 73 is locked by the positioning of the fixing member 74 through the bores.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first part 6 may include a ring 61 whose inner wall forms the guide surface 60, internal. This ring 61 can be cylindrical (or conical). This ring 61 has a first edge 62, circular, in direct or indirect support against the first stop B1, and a second edge 63, circular in direct or indirect support against the second stop B2.

The first part 6 may also include a peripheral shoulder 64 extending radially outward from the ring 61, from its outer wall. This shoulder 64 is fixed by fixing members 66 to a frame 65 integral with the seat part.

The first part 6 and the second part 7 can be made of metal, typically steel or aluminum. Advantageously, a first attenuation ring 75 is mounted around the second part 7, disposed between the first part 6 and the first stop B1, in lateral support on the first part 6. In FIG. 5, the first attenuation ring 75 is supported laterally, on the one hand, on the peripheral shoulder of the second part 7 forming the first stop B1, and on the other hand, on the first part 6 bearing on the edge 62 of the ring 61.

A second attenuation ring 76 is disposed between the first part 6 and the second stop B2, mounted around the second part 7, in lateral abutment on the first part 6. In FIG. 5, the second attenuation ring 76 is resting, on the one hand, laterally against the edge of the closure ring, and on the other hand, on the first part 6, bearing on the other edge 63 of the ring 61.

The first attenuation ring 75 and the second attenuation ring 76 have the function of attenuating noise. These rings 75, 76 can be made of a plastic material, for example a polyamide such as nylon.

Note that the second part comprises a main wall 11a extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation Y and a flange 11b extending in the direction of rotation V. The external guide surface is defined by an external surface of the flange 11 b.

It will also be noted that the main wall 11a is, in the direction of rotation V, centered with respect to the mutually engaging surfaces of the internal guide surface 60 and of the external guide surface 70 of the bearing system.

The displacement device 5 may comprise an electric motor (or geared motor M), fixed relative to the first part 6, for example secured to the first part 6, the output of which is in continuous engagement with the second part 7. This motor drives the second part 7 in rotation relative to the first part 6.

The displacement device 5 comprises a third part 10 connected to the seat part, and comprising a toothed member 8 configured to pivot around the axis of rotation Y. This toothed member 8 is driven in rotation about the axis of rotation Y by the motor or gear motor M. The second part 7 delimits an interior space 12, the toothed member 8 being received in said interior space 12. This interior space is in particular defined between the side wall 13 of the flange 11b and the main surface 11a.

At least one blocking element 17 is configured to be disposed between the toothed member 8 and the second part 7 in order to keep the toothed member 8 and the second part 7 integral in rotation about the axis of rotation.

The toothed member 8 is centered on the axis of rotation Y. The toothed member 8 is configured to pivot around the axis of rotation Y.

The toothed member 8 comprises a plurality of teeth 9. The teeth 9, advantageously identical to each other, are uniformly distributed over the circumference of the toothed member 8.

The teeth 9 advantageously have a substantially constant section perpendicular to the direction of rotation V.

The second part 7 thus comprises the main surface 11a, advantageously planar, and the circular flange 11b which extends from the main surface 11a.

In FIG. 3, the main surface 11a extends perpendicularly to the direction of rotation V while the circular flange 11 b extends in the direction of rotation V.

The interior space 12 is advantageously circular, intended to be arranged around the toothed member 8.

The interior space 12 includes said internal lateral wall 13 of circular section.

The interior space 12 has a conical profile. More particularly, the side wall 13 of the second part 7 is advantageously inclined relative to the direction of rotation V.

The side wall 13 of the second part 7 further comprises protruding ribs.

To ensure the alignment of the first part 6 and the second part 7 therebetween, the toothed member 8 may also include a centering element 15, centered on the axis of rotation Y. The second part 7 then comprises a central opening 16 of complementary shape and configured to cooperate with the centering element 15 of the toothed member 8.

The displacement device 5 also comprises said at least one locking element 17, and in particular a plurality of locking elements 17. According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the displacement device 5 comprises four locking elements 17.

However, this embodiment is not limiting and the displacement device 5 can comprise two, four, or more than four locking elements 17.

The locking elements 17 are made of metal, in particular steel. The locking elements 17 are in particular rigid.

Each blocking element 17 comprises a side wall 18. The side wall 18 of the blocking elements 17 comprises a first part and a second part

The first part of the side wall has a section of at least partially circular shape complementary to the shape of the side wall 13 of the second part 7.

The first part 19 of the side wall is advantageously inclined relative to the direction of rotation V. As can be seen more particularly in FIG. 4, the first part 19 of the side wall 18 is inclined in a rectilinear manner.

The locking elements 17 are configured to be arranged between, and in particular in simultaneous contact with, the toothed member 8 and the second part 7 of the movement device 5.

Each blocking element 17 comes into contact with teeth 9 of the toothed member 8 and of the side wall 13 of the second part simultaneously.

Each blocking element 17 is also disposed between two ribs of the side wall 13 of the second part 7.

Thus arranged, the blocking elements 17 are held between the toothed member 8 and the second part 7. The blocking elements 17 are thus fixed relative to the toothed member 8 and relative to the second part

7. The toothed member 8 and the second part 7 are then held in rotation with respect to the axis of rotation Y. A pivoting of the toothed member 8 causes the second part 7 to rotate.

In addition, the first part 6 and the second part 7 can thus also be held integral in translation by the locking elements 17 in the direction of rotation V.

In order to keep the locking elements 17 in contact with the toothed member 8 and the second part 7, the displacement device 5 also comprises at least one fixing element 21, and in particular a plurality of fixing elements 21.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the fastening elements 21 are for example screws, comprising a threaded rod 22. The number of fastening elements 21 is then equal to the number of locking elements 17.

The threaded rod 22 of a fastening element 21 is configured to be disposed in a recess 23, advantageously internally threaded, of a locking element 17.

A fixing element 21 is configured to keep a blocking element 17 fixed relative to the toothed member 8 and to the second part 7.

Assembly process

The method of assembling the displacement device 5 is described below.

During a first phase, the bearing system, namely the first part 6, is assembled with the second part 7. For this purpose, the insertion end 71 of the second part 7 is inserted, successively in the first ring attenuation 75, the ring 71 of the first part 6, and the second attenuation ring 76, until they come into abutment on the peripheral shoulder 72 forming the first abutment B1.

These three elements are immobilized in translation - first attenuation ring 75, ring 71, and second attenuation ring 76- by the installation of the closure ring constituting the second stop B2. This closure ring is pivoted about its axis in order to coincide a radial bore of this ring and a corresponding bore of the second part 7.

A fixing member 74 is inserted through these two bores to lock the position of the closing ring on the second part 7.

In a second phase, the first part 6 / second part 7 is assembled with the third part 10.

In a first step, the blocking elements 17 are placed between the toothed member 8 and the second part 7.

More particularly, the blocking elements 17 are placed in contact with the teeth 9 of the toothed member 8. In particular, each blocking element 17 is arranged between, and in contact with, two consecutive teeth 9 of the toothed member 8 .

The second part 7 is placed on the third part 10 so that the toothed member 8 is located in the interior space 12 of the second part 7. In particular, each locking element 17 is placed between, and in contact with, two ribs 14 of the side wall 13 of the second part 7.

The displacement device 5 is then obtained in an initial assembly configuration, that is to say in a configuration before use.

In this initial assembly configuration, there is a space or a clearance between the locking elements 17 and the side wall 13 of the second part 7. In this initial assembly configuration, a pivoting of the toothed member 8 does not is therefore not likely to cause the second part 7 to rotate.

In a second step, the blocking elements 17 are moved in the direction of rotation V to keep the toothed member 8 and the second part 7 in rotation around the axis of rotation Y.

More particularly, the fastening elements 21 are placed.

According to the embodiment illustrated in the figures in which the fastening elements 21 are for example screws, the fastening elements 21 are placed in the recesses 23 of the locking elements 17 and in openings 24 of the main surface 11a.

The threaded rod 22 of the fastening elements 21 is screwed into the recesses 23 of the locking elements 17. The ribs make it possible to prevent the locking elements 17 from pivoting relative to the second part 7 during screwing.

Due to the screwing, the locking elements 17 are displaced in the direction of rotation V, in particular towards the main surface 11a of the second part 7. Due to the inclined shape of the respective side walls 13, 19 of the interior space 12 and blocking elements 17, the blocking elements 17 approach, and in particular come into contact with, the side wall 13 of the second part 7. The blocking elements 17 are then blocked between the toothed member 8 and the second room

7. The displacement device 5 is then obtained in a final assembly configuration, that is to say a configuration of use.

Thus arranged, the locking elements 17 make it possible to keep the toothed member 8 of the third part 10 and the second part 7 of the displacement device 5 integral in rotation.

Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided only by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants which a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the present invention and in particular any combination of the different operating modes described above, which can be taken separately or in combination.

NOMENCLATURE

1. Headquarters,

2. Seat,

3. File,

4. Armrest,

5. Displacement device,

6. First play,

7. Second room,

8. Toothed organ,

9. Teeth,

10. Third room,

11a. Main surface,

b. Circular collar,

12. Interior space,

13. Side wall

15. Centering element

16. Central opening,

17. Blocking elements

21. Fastening element

22. Threaded rod,

Obviously

24. Openings (main surface)

60. Guide surface, internal (first part 6),

61. Ring (forming internal guide surface)

62. 63. Circular edges (ring)

64. Peripheral shoulder,

65. Frame

66. Fixing device,

70. Guide surface, external (second part 7)

71. Insertion end,

72. Peripheral shoulder,

73. Removable closure means,

74. Fixing member (between the closure means and the second part),

75, 76. First attenuation ring and second attenuation ring

B1, B2, First stop and second stop

T. Cross direction

V. Direction of rotation,

Y. Rotation axis

Claims (13)

1. A device for moving (5) in rotation an element of a vehicle seat, comprising: - a first part (6) connected to a seat part, - a second part (7) connected to the seat element, characterized in that the second part (7) is arranged inside the first part (6), and in that the device comprises a bearing system ensuring the guiding of the second part (7) relative to the first part (6) about an axis of rotation (Y), and in that the bearing system comprises: - a guide surface (70), external to the second part (7) cooperating with a guide surface (60) internal to the first part during the relative rotation between the second part (7) and the first part (6) , - a locking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part (6) relative to the second part (7), in the direction of rotation (V), comprising a first stop (B1) and a second stop (B2 ) arranged laterally on either side of the first part (6). 2. Device according to claim 1, in which the internal guide surface of the first part (6) and the external guide surface of the second part (7) are cylindrical surfaces. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second part (7) comprises, in the direction of rotation (V), an insertion end (71) configured to be introduced into the first part (6), and in which the blocking system ensuring the immobilization in translation of the first part with respect to the second part comprises: - A peripheral shoulder (72) of the second part (7), in one piece with said second part (7), projecting radially from the outer guide surface (70), forming the first stop (B1) ensuring the stop in translation of the first part (6), on one side of the first part, during the insertion of the second part (7), - a closure means (73), mounted on the second part (7), forming the second stop (B2) ensuring the stop in translation of the second part (7), on the other side of the first part (6 ). 4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the closure means (73) is a closure ring, mounted on the second part (7). 5. Device according to claim 4, wherein the closure means (73) and the second part (7) have radial bores, facing each other, traversed by a fixing member (74). 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, having a first attenuation ring (75) mounted around the second part (7), disposed between the first part (6) and the first stop (B1), lateral support on the first part, and a second attenuation ring (76) disposed between the first part (6) and the second stop (B2), mounted around the second part, in lateral support on the first part. 7. Device according to claim 6, in which the first attenuation ring (75) and the second attenuation ring (76) are made of plastic. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the first part (6) comprises: a ring (61), the internal wall of which forms the internal guide surface (60), - a peripheral shoulder (62) projecting outwardly from the ring (61), fixed to a frame (65) by fixing members (66). 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second part (7) comprises a main wall (11a) extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Y) and a flange (11b) extending in the direction of rotation (V), the external guide surface being defined by an external surface of the flange (11a), and in which the main wall (11a) is, in the direction of rotation (V), centered relative to to the mutually engaging surfaces of the internal guide surface (60) and the external guide surface (70) of the bearing system. 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an electric motor or gear motor (M), secured to the first part (6), the outlet of which is in continuous engagement with the second part (7), ensuring the rotational drive of the second part (7) relative to the first part (6). 11. Device according to claim 10, comprising a third part (10) connected to the seat part comprising a toothed member (8) configured to pivot around the axis of rotation (7), driven by the motor or geared motor, and in wherein the second part (7) delimits an interior space (12), the toothed member (8) being received in said interior space (12), at least one blocking element (17) being configured to be disposed between the member toothed (8) and the second part (7) in order to keep the toothed member (8) and the second part (7) integral in rotation about the axis of rotation (Y). 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the seat element (4) is an armrest. 13. Vehicle seat comprising a displacement device according to one of claims 1 to 12.