FR3091214A1 - Vehicle seat with vertical swivel movement - Google Patents

Abstract

Vehicle seat, with a pivoting function with vertical axis, the seat comprising a base (1) configured to be connected to the floor (PL) of the vehicle directly or via longitudinal guides (15), a rotating crown (2) mounted at rotation on the base, the seat comprising a seat frame (4) connected to the rotating crown, directly or via a mechanism for raising and / or longitudinal guides, an annular guide device comprising a rim (20) mounted on the rotating ring and a plurality of rollers (5) integral with the base, with an elastic return piece (56), the rim comprising first and second annular tracks (P1, P2), arranged to receive the interposed rollers between the first and second annular tracks, so as to allow a guided rotation about a vertical main axis (Z1) of the rotating ring relative to the base so as to avoid any source of noise play. [Fig. **]

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle seat with vertical swivel movement

Technical area

The present invention relates to vehicle seats with a pivoting movement of vertical axis, that is to say comprising a pivoting functionality about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the floor of the vehicle on which the seat in question.

Context

In transport vehicles, it has already been proposed to be able to rotate a passenger seat to obtain a lounge type configuration, that is to say at least one seat oriented in position other than forward. It has also already been proposed to use a vertically pivoted movement to facilitate the entry and exit of passenger (s) in a vehicle when conventional wide access by the door is not available.

In addition, in the context of more or less advanced delegation of driving situations using autonomous vehicle driving functions, not only the passengers but also the driver may be led to prefer a seat position which is not oriented directly towards the road, and varied and very different seat orientations can prevail inside the passenger compartment.

Furthermore, the seats with vertical pivoting function are often equipped with an on-board seat belt anchoring, often a lower anchoring, and in addition sometimes an upper anchoring, which reinforces the constraints imposed on the mechanical strength. .

It has been proposed a vertical axis movement as taught by the document LR2676690; some have also provided a motorization as for example taught by the document US4846529.

However, these known solutions are no longer optimal with regard to the requirements of comfort and security which have increased, so much so that the absence of noise and / or play are determining criteria for acceptance of mechanical solutions. which must be offered now as well as the performance of the holding and integrity of the seat and its attachment to the floor in the event of an impact. The inventors have also noticed that the systems using balls sandwiched between two spans are noisy because the spans on which the balls move are not perfectly flat.

It therefore appeared a need to provide a vehicle seat with a pivoting function with a vertical axis and at the same time satisfying the requirements for absence of noise and / or play and resistance in the event of impact.

To this end, a seat for a vehicle is therefore proposed, with a pivoting function with a vertical axis, the seat comprising a pivoting assembly (10) which comprises:

- a base (1) configured to be connected to the floor (PL) of the vehicle directly or via longitudinal rails (15),

- a rotating crown (2) rotatably mounted on the base, the seat further comprising a seat frame (4) connected to the rotating crown, directly or via a raising mechanism and / or longitudinal slides,

- an annular guide device comprising a rim (20) mounted on one of the elements chosen from the base and the rotating crown and a plurality of guide elements (5) integral with the other of the elements chosen from base and rotating crown, each guide element comprising an elastic return piece (56), the rim comprising a first annular track, and a second annular track, the first and second annular tracks being arranged to receive the guide elements interposed between the first and second annular tracks, so as to allow rotation around a vertical main axis (Zl) of the rotating ring relative to the base and preventing any substantial movement according to other degrees of freedom, namely the two other rotations and the three translations in an orthogonal coordinate system, and so as to avoid any source of noise.

Advantageously, there is obtained a precise and robust rotational guide to the stresses; in particular, the elastic return pieces make it possible to make up for any play which would be a source of noise.

The possible angular movement is at least equal to 90 °, preferably at least equal to 180 °, and even more preferably at least 360 °; in certain configurations it is possible to obtain a multi-tower solution.

The term "rotating crown" should be understood here in the broad sense, that is to say, this term includes any structure / frame / plate intended to pivot relative to a base.

The term "swivel assembly" as mentioned may cover an assembly which can be delivered and assembled as a swivel module, or conversely as an assembly perfectly integrated into the bearing structure of the seat.

[0013] It is necessary to understand by “guide elements” rollers or skids. The case of the rollers will be detailed below, but the use of pads of very low friction material can be envisaged as an alternative.

In various embodiments of the invention, one can optionally have recourse to one and / or the other of the provisions which follow.

According to an option, it is expected that the plurality of guide elements comprises four rollers, each mounted on an axis. Whereby a well balanced hyperstatic guidance is obtained; this solution represents an optimum in terms of cost and performance with regard to the number of rollers and assembly geometry (rectangle or even square if the rollers are regularly spaced). However, it is not excluded to have configurations with three rollers or more than four rollers.

According to an option, the axis of each roller is secured to the base, with the rim secured to the rotating crown; this configuration proves to be more advantageous with regard to the assembly process of the pivoting assembly, and its packaging. Another advantage is that the position of the rollers is always identical with respect to the vehicle floor whatever the pivoting orientation of the seat; this reduces the number of safety and crash resistance tests.

R3 according to an option, the axis of the rollers is vertical. Inclined bearing areas are then used which come to rest on the annular tracks of the rim. The assembly is relatively simple because parts are stacked in the vertical direction.

According to an alternative option, the axis of the rollers is horizontal. Whereby one can have a flat reach in a horizontal plane for the recovery of the weight of the seat and its occupant.

According to an option, there are provided 2 rollers on a front cross member (11) and 2 rollers on a rear cross member (12) and a spacer (13) keeping the front and rear cross members at a distance. This allows each of the front and rear crosspieces to be pre-assembled and then to move apart said crosspieces so that the rollers fit into the concave shape of the rim.

According to a particular arrangement, the rim is formed integrally in the rotating ring and the axes of the guide elements are integral with the base. This facilitates assembly in module of the pivoting assembly.

According to an option, the rim is formed as a ring with a U or V section open in the direction of the axis. By means of which the guidance is carried out over 360 ° around the axis, the concave section making it possible to provide the first and second annular tracks for the bearing of the rollers.

According to one option, the rim has a main axis centered with respect to the center of the base with a diameter of at least 300mm, preferably at least 350mm and even more preferably of the order of 380mm . As a result, such a large diameter allows effective recovery of the forces, accidental or not, applied to the seat in particular of the forces applied to the top of the backrest. Note: we are talking here about the inside diameter of the annular tracks.

According to an option, there is provided a motorization device (3) with a rack (30) integral with the rim, and a geared motor with pinion engaged with the rack. This provides a motorized pivoting of the seat around the vertical axis over 360 °, which contributes to the comfort of the user.

According to one option, the elastic return piece is formed like a corrugated washer (156) and the body of the roller (5 ’) comprises two half-shells (5a, 5b) between which the corrugated washer is interposed. Thanks to the use of such a corrugated washer, in particular a metallic corrugated washer, the backlash efficiency works under all climatic conditions including temperature, humidity, dust, etc. and the durability is very good, there is no aging of the material.

According to one option, the elastic return piece is formed like an O-ring made of elastomeric material; this forms an economical solution.

According to a complementary option, there may also be provided an additional retention device (7) in the event of an accident, with a first part secured to the base and a second piece secured to the rotating crown, the first and second parts coming into contact with each other to prevent lifting of the rotating crown in the event of an accident suffered by the vehicle, the first and second parts being arranged at a distance from the axis (R7) of at least 200 mm. Such an auxiliary retention device makes it possible to maintain the cohesion of the seat even in the event of a significant impact.

Note that these first and second so-called "anti-crash" parts are not in contact with each other in the field of normal forces.

Brief description of the drawings

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example. The invention will also be better understood with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[Fig.l] Figure 1 is a general top view of two vehicle seats each equipped according to the invention,

[Fig.2] Figure 2 is a schematic profile view of a seat, [fig.3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a module or pivot assembly of a seat of Ligure 1, according to a first embodiment, [FIG. 4A] FIGS. 4A and AB show a guide roller respectively in assembled form and in exploded form, according to the first embodiment, [0033] [Fig.5] FIG. 5 illustrates a section of the roller in position in the rim, according to the first embodiment,

[Fig.6] Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 and shows an exploded perspective view of a module or pivot assembly according to a second embodiment,

[Fig.7] Figure 7 shows the pivot assembly of Figure 6, in assembled form according to the second embodiment,

[Fig. 8 A] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a guide roller respectively in assembled form and in exploded form, according to the second embodiment,

[Fig.9] Figure 9 is a detail view in vertical section of the rolling members.

Description of the embodiments

In the different figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements. For reasons of clarity of the presentation, certain elements are not necessarily represented to scale.

In the following text, the term "front / e" means the position of the seat in which the seat is oriented towards the front of the vehicle, that is to say that a person seated in the seat is oriented / directed towards the front of the vehicle (arrow FW in Fig 1).

Such a seat with pivoting movement of vertical axis is desirable in the case where it is desired that the passengers of the vehicle, seated on seats which are normally all oriented in a frontal direction, can turn towards each other to chat, play, or engage in another activity in a more convivial way.

A pivoting movement of vertical axis can also be used for the passenger reception function; in this case the seat is turned towards the outside of the vehicle unlike the previous case.

In addition, in the context of more or less advanced driving delegation situations using autonomous vehicle driving functions, the driver may have to prefer a seat position which is not oriented directly towards the road. .

Thus, varied and very different seat orientations can prevail inside the passenger compartment.

In Figure 1. there is shown two seats in top view, the left one is in a conventional position oriented strictly forward FW while the right one is illustrated with several different angular positions shown.

In Figure 2. is shown schematically a seat connected to the floor PL of the vehicle through a pivot module 10 of axis Zl. The seat comprises a seat cushion 44, a backrest 45. In the context of the present invention, we are interested in forces F which can be applied to the place at the top of the backrest marked 46, in various directions and any, without forgetting to take into account the cases where the vehicle undergoes an accident (held with the 'crash').

We define a main pivot axis denoted Zl. In the following, it will also be possible to use the conventional geometrical reference system commonly used in vehicles, that is to say the longitudinal direction of axis X, the transverse direction of axis Y and the vertical direction of axis Z.

According to the direction of pivoting of the vertical axis, each angular position of the seat can be characterized by its orientation with respect to the forward position FW by means of the angle 0. Thus θ = 0 represents a forward-facing seat, θ = 90 ° represents a seat which has turned a quarter turn to the right, θ = 180 ° represents a rear-facing seat, θ = 270 ° represents a seat which has turned three quarters of a turn to the right, (or equivalent to a quarter of a turn to the left). Of course, the seat occupant can adjust the angular position according to a plurality of intermediate positions. According to certain variant embodiments, a complete turn is possible or even several turns, i.e. multi-turn configuration.

In the example illustrated in the figures, starting from the vehicle floor PL, the seat includes a pair of longitudinal rails 15, a base 1 forming the base part of a pivoting assembly 10, a rotating crown 2 forming the movable part of the pivoting assembly, a seat frame 4 mounted on the rotating crown and forming the bearing structure of the seat base 44 on which is also mounted the seat back 45.

It should be mentioned here the possibility of a different mounting in a variant embodiment, namely the pivoting assembly comprises a base directly fixed to the floor and the longitudinal slides are located above the rotating ring of the assembly. pivoting, in other words the longitudinal adjustment slides are then loaded into the rotating part and their orientation therefore varies according to the orientation of the vertical pivoting movement.

It should also be noted that it is possible to have a raising movement between the pivoting assembly and the seat frame, this raising movement and the associated kinematics are known per se and will not be particularly described here.

According to the present invention, there is provided an annular guide device allowing rotation around a vertical main axis Zl of the rotating ring relative to the base and preventing any substantial movement according to other degrees of freedom, namely the two other rotations (around X and around Y) and the three translations in the orthogonal coordinate system (namely translation along X translation along Y translation along Z).

In general, the annular guide device comprises a rim 20 mounted on one of the elements chosen from the base 1 and the rotating ring 2 and a plurality of guide elements 5.5 ′ secured to the other of the elements chosen from the base and the rotating crown. The guide elements may be rollers or pads. The case of the rollers will be detailed below, but the use of pads of very low friction material can be envisaged as an alternative.

According to the examples shown in the figures, the rim 20 is secured to the rotating ring and the guide elements are connected to the base, however reverse mounting although not shown in the figures is just as possible.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the base 1 can be formed by two crosspieces 11, 12 which extend transversely between the two movable profiles of the longitudinal slides 15, the two crosspieces being connected by a longitudinal spacer 13.

The base 1 further comprises fixing lugs which are configured to receive the axes of rollers denoted 50; in the example illustrated here, four fixing lugs referenced 25 are provided, the assembly of the four lugs being generally arranged in a square.

In Figure 3. the fixing lugs 25 are presented as metal sides which generally extend in a vertical plane and the roller axes which are fixed therein generally extend horizontally.

Each of the axes 50 includes a wide flange 50a abutting on the fixing lug 25, a first cylindrical bearing 50b and second cylindrical bearing 50c of smaller diameter than the first. Typically, a roller axis is a piece of steel with a low-cut axis with this tax being in a radial direction with respect to the general axis Zl. The roller pin can be welded or screwed onto the fixing lug 25.

Each of the rollers comprises a first cylindrical rolling body 51 with a bore 51b coming to bear on the first bearing 50b of the axis, and a second rolling body 52 with a bore 52c coming to bear on the second bearing 50c. Between the first and second rolling bodies 51, 52, an elastic return piece 56 is arranged which tends to separate the first and second rolling bodies from one another along the axis A.

In the first example shown, the elastic return piece is formed like an elastomeric O-ring. In the example illustrated, this seal is framed by two flat washers 54, 55. The elastic seal can bear directly on the axis or else be housed in a hollow recess either in the first rolling body or in the second rolling body or straddling the two as shown.

There is provided a functional play space e5 between the first rolling body and the second rolling body. This functional clearance is dimensioned in order to be able to absorb the manufacturing tolerances and the rib chain of the entire assembly. The functional clearance e5 can have a value at rest before mounting of the order of 4 to 8 mm. An end washer 53 is also provided. On the cylindrical rolling body 51, the external rolling track is denoted 58.

When the base 1 is assembled with the rotating crown, the elastic return pieces are compressed. The functional clearance e5 then takes a value of the order of 2 to 4 mm; this functional clearance is also used to compensate for possible runouts in rim 20.

The rim 20 is presented as an annular piece of substantial diameter with a first annular track PI and a second annular track P2. The annular tracks PI, P2 can be qualified as running tracks if using rollers, sliding tracks if using pads. Each of the two tracks is located at a distance from the axis expressed by the radius R5, illustrated in FIG. 9. Each of the tracks thus has a diameter of at least 300mm for a compact seat, preferably at least 350 mm for a seat automotive standard and even more preferably around 380 mm, without excluding larger dimensions

The rolling bodies of the guide elements (the rollers, or even the pads) are interposed between the first and second annular tracks, to provide positive guidance in a rotary movement around the axis Zl.

As shown in Figure 5, the section of the rim in a radial plane comprises a first portion 28 which extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis, a second generally cylindrical portion 26 which extends in a direction parallel to the axis a third portion 27 inclined relative to the axis and finally a flange 29 which extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

The first annular track PI is located on the first portion 28, the second annular track P2 is located on the third portion 27.

Generally, the rim is formed like a ferrule or ring with a U or V section open towards the axis Zl. The rim is made of steel by forming, rolling, turning or any other method.

It should be noted that reverse mounting, that is to say a U or V section open opposite the axis, with the rollers therefore located outside, is also possible.

In addition to the aforementioned rim, the rotating ring 2 comprises four flanges of structures 21,22,23,24 generally extending in a horizontal plane XY and forming the corners of a general square-shaped frame; the flanges 21-24 complete the rim and are welded to the rim by robust S4 laser welds.

Above the rotating ring between the seat frame 4, in particular with the two lateral flanges 41,42 of the seat frame, and other elements not shown in the figures.

[0071]

According to a second embodiment visible in Figures 6. 7. 8Λ and 8B. the roller axes extend in a vertical direction. Each roller axis is referenced 150 and the roller is generally identified 5 ’. Each roller axis 150 is mounted on a plate 140 which is itself welded to the base, more precisely on a front cross member 11 or rear cross member 12.

The rolling body of the roller is formed by two half-shells 151,152 separated by a wavy washer 156. In other words, an elastic return washer is arranged interposed between the two half-shells and which tends to spread said half-shells shells of each other.

The corrugated washer is preferably a metallic steel washer. The 151,152 half-shells can also be made of steel, without however excluding plastics with high mechanical performance.

In this second embodiment, the corrugated washer exerts a force which tends to separate the two half shells from one another, thus inducing contact both on the first annular track and on the second annular track. so as to avoid any operating clearance. When we come to assemble the crossbeams of the base with its rollers mounted on it in the rim, the corrugated washer 156 is stressed and we obtain a configuration with a nominal spacing e5 ’between 1 and 3 mm.

According to manufacturing tolerances, this functional clearance can vary when the rotating crown rotates, and also depending on the forces applied to the seat, but preferably this clearance e5 ’remains positive. Furthermore, this clearance makes it possible to obtain a balancing of the forces taken up by each of the rollers in the hyperstatic assembly with more than three rollers.

Between the rim 20 and the rest of the rotating ring 2, a weld marked S4 ’is provided, in particular a laser weld.

In each embodiment, one can provide a motorization device 3 with a rack 30 secured to the rim, and a geared motor with pinion engaged with the rack. The geared motor 3 is mounted on the rear crossmember as in the example shown in FIG. 7.

The rack 30 has an arcuate toothing, the center of curvature of this arc being coincident with the main axis of rotation Zl.

The rack can be made in the same room as the rim on one of the radially inner edges for example (Eig. 7). According to another embodiment (cf. FIG. 3), the rack can be a separate piece fixed to the rim.

It can also be provided that the rotation is not motorized, that there is for the pivoting movement of the vertical axis a mechanical locking system with unlocking controlled by a manual lever 98.

An additional retention device 7 is provided, designed to prepare for the eventual event of an accident.

The additional retention device 7 comprises a first part 71 secured to the base and a second piece 72 secured to the rotating crown 2.

The first part has a hook-shaped section with the end facing downwards, while conversely the second part has a hook-shaped section with the end facing upwards, it s 'engages in the complementary shape of the first hook, as can be seen in Figure 9.

The first and second parts 71.72 extend along an arc portion centered on the main axis ZI, the arc portion extending angularly over a range between 25 ° and 35 °.

It is therefore understood that around the normal forward position Θ = 0 °, as well as around the other cardinal positions Θ = 90 °, Θ = 180 °, Θ = 270 °, the first part 71 and the second retention part 72 is found one opposite the other and the anti-crash protection is effective.

Furthermore, it is noted that it is possible to assemble the pivoting module by positioning the rotating crown at Θ = 45 °, position at which the second retention pieces 72 are found in the intervals which separate the first pieces of retention 71, and then we can turn the upper part to finalize the assembly.

[0088]

The first and second parts 71.72 ‘anti-crash’ are not in contact with each other in the field of normal forces. It is only in the case where a very significant force is applied to the seat that plastic deformations will appear and that the additional retention device will come into play to prevent any dislocation of the seat.

In other words, in the event of extreme stress, the first and second parts come into contact with one another to prevent the rotary crown from being raised in the event of an accident suffered by the vehicle.

The first and second parts being arranged at a distance from the axis R7 of at least 200 mm, which forms a very wide seat, that is to say a distance between the opposite parts of at least 400 mm.

Note that the pivoting assembly as described above can cover an assembly which can be delivered and assembled as a pivoting module, or conversely as an assembly perfectly integrated into the bearing structure of the seat .

In the examples illustrated, four rollers are used, which forms a hyperstatic configuration; however, the absorption of tolerances by the elastic return pieces makes it possible to have a balanced assembly with the four rollers which each play a role in the guidance and which each relates both to the first annular track and to the second annular track.

According to the present invention, there could be only three rollers. We could also have more than four pebbles.

There may be provided an actuator 98 accessible by the occupant of the seat to be able to control a change in angular position in pivoting about Zl. The actuator 98 can be arranged on the side of the seat, for example; other positions are also possible.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Vehicle seat, with a pivoting function with vertical axis, the seat comprising a pivoting assembly (10) which comprises: - a base (1) configured to be connected to the floor (PL) of the vehicle directly or via longitudinal rails ( 15), - a rotating crown (2) rotatably mounted on the base, the seat further comprising a seat frame (4) of seat connected to the rotating crown, directly or via a mechanism for raising and / or longitudinal slides, - an annular guide device comprising a rim (20) mounted on one of the elements chosen from the base and the rotating crown and a plurality of guide elements (5) integral with the other of the elements chosen from base and rotating crown, each guide element comprising an elastic return piece (56), the rim comprising a first annular track (PI), and a second annular track (P2), the first and second annular tracks being arranged to receive the guide elements interposed between the first and second annular tracks, so as to allow rotation around a vertical main axis (Zl) of the rotating ring relative to the base and preventing any substantial movement according to other degrees of freedom, namely the other two rotations and the three translations in an orthogonal coordinate system, and in such a way as to avoid any source of noise. [Claim 2] The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide elements comprises four rollers, preferably each mounted on an axis (50). [Claim 3] The system of claim 2, wherein the axis of the rollers is vertical. [Claim 4] The system of claim 2, wherein the axis of the rollers is horizontal. [Claim 5] System according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which 2 rollers are provided on a front cross member (11) and 2 rollers on a rear cross member (12) and a spacer (13) holding the front and rear cross members at a distance. [Claim 6] System one of claims 2 to 5, in which the rim (20) is formed integrally in the rotating ring (2) and the axes (50) of the rollers are integral with the base. [Claim 7] System according to one of Claims 1 to 5, one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the rim is formed as a ring with a U or V section open in the direction of the axis. [Claim 8] System according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the rim has a main axis centered with respect to the center of the base with a diameter of at least 300 mm. [Claim 9] System according to one of claims 1 to 8, there is provided a motorization device (3) with a rack (30) integral with the rim, and a geared motor with pinion engaged with the rack. [Claim 10] System according to one of claims 2 to 9, in which the elastic return piece is formed like a wavy washer (156) and the body of the roller (5 ') comprises two half-shells (151,152) between which the washer is interposed wavy. [Claim 11] Seat according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which there is provided an additional retention device in the event of an accident, with a first part secured to the base and a second piece secured to the rotating crown, the first and second parts coming into contact with each other to prevent the rotating crown from being raised in the event of an accident suffered by the vehicle, the first and second parts being arranged at a distance from the axis (R7) of at least 200 mm. 1/7