FR3102416A1 - Reclining seat including an energy absorption device - Google Patents

Abstract

Reclining seat including an energy absorbing device The seat (10) comprises a backrest (14) movable in rotation between a raised position and a reclined position, and an energy absorbing device (16) by deformation, comprising a rigid member (22) arranged to move by deforming an absorption member (20) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10). A locking device (18) of the absorption device (16) is movable between an inactive position, in which the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) moves by deforming the element d. absorption (20) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10) while the backrest (14) is in the reclined position, and an active position, in which the locking device (18) prevents displacement of the rigid member (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10) while the backrest (14) is in the raised position. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Reclining seat with energy absorbing device

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat of the type comprising a seat and a backrest, the backrest being rotatable relative to the seat between a raised position, in which the backrest forms a first angle with the direction of elevation, and at least one reclined position, in which the backrest forms a second angle with the direction of elevation, the second angle being greater than the first angle, the seat further comprising a device for absorbing energy by deformation, comprising a rigid element arranged to move by deforming an absorption element when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat, said impact force causing deformation of the backrest relative to the seat.

In the event of an impact, in particular a frontal impact, of the vehicle, the force acting on the seat may be such that it leads to involuntary or voluntary deformation of the backrest in relation to the seat cushion, in particular when the backrest is placed in a position inclined. This sudden and rapid movement has a high risk of injuring the occupant of the seat. In the reclined position of the backrest, the risk of injury to the passenger is increased. It is thus necessary to protect the passenger in the event of an impact, in particular when his seat is tilted.

To do this, it is known to provide a device for absorbing energy by deformation in the event of impact. This energy absorbing device generally comprises an element capable of deforming when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat. This deformation makes it possible to absorb part of the energy due to the impact and accompanies the rotation of the backrest in order to lessen the effects of this impact on the occupant of the seat.

Nevertheless, such an energy absorbing device is necessarily destroyed when used. Thus, it must be replaced after an impact, which may require replacing all or part of the seat at the same time depending on where the seat absorption device is installed. However, the energy absorbing device is designed to be actuated as soon as an impact force is exerted on the seat regardless of the position of the backrest, and in particular when the position of the backrest does not require this absorption of energy because the passenger is protected by other means, such as his seat belt or the like, which is for example the case when the backrest is in its upright position. The energy absorption device is then activated when it is not useful, which then requires its replacement.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a vehicle seat making it possible to reduce the risks incurred by the passenger in the event of an impact while limiting the need to repair the seat in the event of an accident.

To this end, the invention relates to a vehicle seat of the aforementioned type further comprising a device for locking the energy absorbing device, said locking device being movable between an inactive position, in which the rigid element of the device energy absorbing element moves by deforming the absorbing element when an impact force is applied to the seat while the backrest is in the reclined position or in a position between the reclined position and the raised position, and an active position, in which the blocking device prevents movement of the rigid element of the energy absorbing device when an impact force is applied to the seat while the backrest is in the raised position.

Thus, when the backrest of the passenger seat is in a reclined position and in the event of an impact resulting in the application of a force exceeding a certain threshold on the seat, the energy absorption device is capable of absorbing the energy of the impact and to limit the angular momentum experienced by the passenger when the seat back moves from the reclined position to the raised position. When the backrest is in the upright position and the passenger is protected by other means, the energy absorption device is not engaged in the event of an impact and is therefore not damaged during this impact.

According to other characteristics of the seat according to the invention, taken in isolation or according to any technically possible combination :

- the device for absorbing energy by deformation comprises a bridge extending between the rigid element and the absorption element, said bridge breaking under the effect of the displacement of the rigid element of the absorption device energy when an impact force is applied to the seat so that the rigid element can deform the absorbing element;

- the locking device comprises a pin and a slot made in a plate, integral with the seat via for example a gusset, said pin being engaged in the slot, said pin being movable in the slot when the backrest moves between the position reclined and the raised position and being preferably locked in the slot when the backrest is in the raised position;

- the rigid element of the absorption device is formed by a rod, for example a screw or a rivet, integral with the seat and the absorption element of the absorption device is formed by the edge of the slot in the locking device, said rod having a diameter greater than the width of the slot and being arranged to engage in the slot and to deform the said slot when the backrest moves between the inclined position and the raised position when a force of impact is applied to the seat;

- the pin comes into abutment against the rod or against one end of the slot when the backrest is in the raised position so as to prevent movement of the rod in the slot in this position;

- the locking device comprises a first connecting rod articulated to the seat, the pin being secured to one end of said first connecting rod, the opposite end of said first connecting rod being secured to a second connecting rod articulated to the backrest;

- the first link of the locking device of the energy absorbing device is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation fixed relative to the seat and the second link is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation defined by the articulation of the first connecting rod to the seat;

- the rotation of the backrest relative to the seat causes the rotation of the second connecting rod around an axis of rotation defined by the articulation of the first connecting rod to the seat, the rotation of the second connecting rod causing the rotation of the first connecting rod around the fixed axis of rotation with respect to the seat, the rotation of the first connecting rod causing the movement of the pin towards one end of the slot;

- the rigid element of the energy absorbing device is a fastening element of the backrest to the seat; And

- the slot of the blocking device of the energy absorbing device is made in a plate extending projecting from a gusset secured to the seat and extending projecting from the seat.

The invention also relates to a method of using the vehicle seat according to the invention comprising the following steps:

– positioning of the seat in a raised position, the blocking device being in the active position, the said blocking device preventing the displacement of the rigid element of the energy absorbing device when an impact force is applied to the seat ; And

– positioning of the seat in a reclined position, the blocking device being in the inactive position, in which the rigid element of the energy absorbing device moves by deforming the absorbing element when an impact force is applied to the seat.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation from the side of part of the seat according to the invention when the backrest is in an inclined position,

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation from the side of the part of the seat of FIG. 1 when the backrest is in the raised position,

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the energy absorbing device in normal conditions of use when the backrest is in an inclined position, and

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the energy absorber device of FIG. 3 when a shock occurs while the backrest is in a tilted position.

In the description, the elevation direction Z is defined according to the height of a vehicle. This direction of elevation Z is for example vertical when the vehicle is resting on horizontal ground.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, a vehicle seat 10 is described comprising at least one seat 12, a backrest 14, an energy-absorbing device 16 by deformation and a device 18 for blocking the energy-absorbing device 16.

Apart from the energy absorbing device 16, the blocking device 18 and their mounting on the seat 10, the seat 10 is conventional and will not be described in more detail here. The seat 10 is for example intended to be mounted in a motor vehicle or in any other type of vehicle, for example railway, maritime or other.

The backrest 14 is mounted so as to be able to rotate around an axis of rotation R with respect to the seat 12 between a raised position (FIG. 2) in which the backrest 14 forms a first angle α with the direction of elevation Z and at least one inclined position (Fig. 1), in which the backrest 14 forms a second angle β with the elevation direction Z, the second angle β being greater than the first angle α. The first and second angles α and β are such that the seat and the backrest define an obtuse angle between them, that is to say an angle greater than 90°. The first angle α is for example between 15° and 25° and is for example substantially equal to 20°. The second angle β is greater than the first angle α and is for example less than or equal to 60°. For example, for a seat 10, the first angle α of which is 20°, the angle β is between 20° and 60° depending on the inclination desired by the passenger. Thus, in the raised position, the occupant of the seat is seated in an upright position, in which the occupant faces, for example, the windshield and can observe the environment outside the vehicle. In the reclined position, the seat occupant is seated in a reclining position, in which the occupant can relax as if using a sleeper. For any type of vehicle, a passenger who is not the driver of said vehicle can adjust his seat in the raised position or the reclined position according to his desire. In the context of an autonomous vehicle, in which the intervention of a driver is limited or even zero, the raised position corresponds for example to a manual driving configuration for a driver's seat and the inclined position corresponds for example to a configuration of automatic driving, requiring no driver intervention.

According to one embodiment, the backrest can be placed in a plurality of inclined positions relative to the seat 12, in which the second angle β is greater or lesser but remains greater than the first angle α.

The backrest 14 is for example rotatably mounted on the seat by means of a gusset 15.

The gusset 15 includes a back hinge 40, a lower mounting bracket 42 and an upper mounting bracket 44.

The gusset 15 is fixed to the seat 12 by the lower fixing support 42 fixed to the seat 12 by at least one fixing element 46 adapted to be mounted on the lower fixing support 42 of the gusset 15. For example, the the fixing element 46 is a screw. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower fixing support 42 is fixed to the seat by two fixing elements 46, for example formed by two screws. The gusset 15 is fixed to the backrest 14 by the upper fixing bracket 44.

The backrest articulation 40 allows a rotation of the upper fixing support 44 with respect to the lower fixing support 42 around the axis of rotation R. The backrest 14 is thus fixed to the seat 12 while being able to rotate by relative to the seat 12 around the axis of rotation R.

The energy absorbing device 16 comprises an absorbing element 20, a rigid element 22.

In the event of an impact, when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the backrest, the absorption element 20 is deformed by the rigid element 22. The absorption element 20 thus absorbs the least part of the energy due to the shock by deformation.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the absorption element 20 is formed by the edge of a slot 24 having a width l and being able to be deformed by widening its width l. According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, slot 24 is made in a plate 25 secured to the seat 12 substantially in the extension of the backrest 14 and opposite it with respect to the gusset 15. According to a variant, the plate 25 is made of one piece with the seat 12 and extends projecting from the seat 12. In a variant, the slot 24 is made in a plate 25 which is fixed to or made in one piece with the fixing support 42 of the gusset 15, the plate 25 extending projecting from the gusset 15. In a variant, the slot 24 is made in a plate 25 which is fixed to another element of the vehicle than the seat 10.

The rigid element 22 is capable of deforming the absorption element 20. According to the embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 4, the rigid element 22 is a rod 26 integral with the seat 12 and the backrest 14, the rod 26 having a diameter dt greater than the width l of the slot 24. The rod 26 is for example a screw or a rivet, more particularly the rod 26 is the fastening element 46 of the gusset to the seat 12. In the event of impact, an impact force is applied to the backrest. When this impact force is greater than a predetermined force, the rod 26 is introduced into the slot 24 widening said slot 24. As illustrated in FIG. 4, after deformation, the slot 24 has a width l′, the width l′ being greater than or equal to the diameter dt of the rod 26 and being greater than the width l. According to a variant, the rod 26 is formed by an element for fixing the backrest to the seat. Thus, the rod 26 is for example formed by a fastening element 46 of the gusset 15 to the seat 12.

According to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the rigid element 22 is separated from the slot 24 by a bridge 23. As illustrated in Fig.4, in the event of an impact, when the impact force applying to the backrest is greater than a force predetermined, the bridge 23 is deformed and is broken to allow the rigid element 22 to be introduced into the slot 24.

The locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 comprises a pin 28, a first connecting rod 30 and a second connecting rod 32.

The pin 28 is engaged in the slot 24 of the energy absorbing device 16. The pin 28 has a diameter dp less than or equal to the width l of the slot 24 and is able to move in translation along the slot 24. The pin 28 is able to move in translation between an active position of the locking device 18 in which the pin 28 abuts one end of the slot 24 when the seat 10 is in the raised position and an inactive position of the locking device 18 in which the pin 28 is away from the end of the slot 24 when the seat 10 is in an inclined position. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, the end of the slot 24 is formed by the bridge 23. The first connecting rod 30 is hinged to the seat 12 by a first pivot 33 and comprises a first end 30A and a second end 30B.

The first connecting rod is mounted in rotation with respect to the seat 12 around the axis of rotation R' defined by the first pivot 33.

The first end 30A of the first connecting rod 30 is integral with the pin 28. The second end 30B of the first connecting rod 30 is articulated to the second connecting rod 32 by a second pivot 34 and is rotatably mounted with respect to an axis of rotation R'' defined by the articulation of the first connecting rod 30 to the second connecting rod 32.

The second link 32 includes a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The first end 32A of the second connecting rod 32 is articulated to the backrest 14 by a third pivot 35. The second connecting rod 32 is mounted in rotation with respect to the backrest 14 around the axis of rotation R''' defined by the third pivot 35 and is mounted rotatably relative to the seat 12 around the axis of rotation R''. The second end 32B of the second connecting rod 32 is articulated to the first connecting rod 30 by the second pivot 34 and is rotatably mounted with respect to the axis of rotation R'' passing through the second pivot 34.

According to another embodiment, blocking device 18 is separate from energy absorbing device 16 and includes a second slot separate from slot 24. According to this other embodiment, when blocking device 18 is in position active, the pin 28 is in abutment against one end of the second slot and prevents the deformation of the slot 24 by the rigid element 22. According to this other embodiment, in the event of impact, when the impact force applying on the backrest is greater than a predetermined force and when the locking device 18 is in the inactive position, the pin 28 is away from the end of the second slot and the rigid element 22 deforms the slot 24.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 4, we will now describe the operation of the seat 10 according to the invention when the backrest is in the inclined position (Fig. 1), in the raised position (Fig. 2), when no shock has occurred (Fig. .3) while the backrest is in the inclined position and when an impact occurs (Fig. 4) while the backrest is in the inclined position.

In the raised position, the backrest 14 forms a first angle α with the elevation direction Z (Fig. 2). In the reclined position, the backrest 14 forms a second angle β with the elevation direction Z (Fig. 1), the second angle β being greater than the first angle α. The backrest 14 is rotatable relative to the seat 12 between the raised position and the inclined position.

A method of using the seat described above will now be described.

During normal use of the vehicle, that is to say conventional use of the vehicle when stationary or moving, apart from an accident or impact situation against the vehicle, the backrest 14 of the seat 10 can be in a reclined position or in a raised position.

With reference to FIG. 1, when the backrest is in the inclined position and during normal use of the vehicle, the locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 is in the inactive position. The pin 28 is engaged in the slot 24 and is away from the end of the slot 24. The rigid element 22 is away from the slot 24.

With reference to Fig.2, when the backrest is in the raised position and during normal use of the vehicle, the locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 is in the active position. The pin 28 is engaged in the slot 24 and is in abutment against the end of the slot 24. The rigid element 22 is away from the slot 24. The rigid element 22 is then blocked in abutment against the end of the slot 24. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the pin 28 and the rigid element 22 are in abutment against the trigger guard 23 on either side of the trigger guard 23.

When the passenger voluntarily moves the backrest 14 from an inclined position to the raised position, the rotation of the backrest 14 relative to the seat 12 around the axis of rotation R causes the rotation of the first end 32A of the second connecting rod 32 relative to the second pivot 34 around the axis of rotation R'' and the rotation of the first connecting rod 30 relative to the axis of rotation R''. The rotation of the first connecting rod 30 with respect to the axis of rotation R'' causes the rotation of the first connecting rod 30 around the axis of rotation R' and causes the translation of the pin 28 from an inactive position of the lock 18 in which the pin 28 is away from the end of the slot 24 to the active position of the locking device 18 in which the pin 28 is in abutment against the end of the slot 24. Depending on the mode of embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, pin 28 abuts bridge 23.

In the event of an impact on the vehicle, in particular when the impact causes the application of a force greater than a predetermined force on the seat 10, the backrest 14 of the seat 10 can be in an inclined position or in a raised position.

When the backrest is in the raised position, in the event of an impact on the vehicle, the locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 is in the active position. The pin 28 is engaged in the slot 24 of the plate 25 and abuts the end of the slot 24. The rigid element 22 is away from the slot 24. The rigid element 22 is then blocked in abutment of the end of the slot 24 by the pin 28 and cannot be introduced into the slot 24. In this case, the passenger is protected by other means and there is no unnecessary deformation therefore no unnecessary damage to the energy absorbing device 16.

When the backrest is in the inclined position, in the event of an impact on the vehicle, the locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 is in the inactive position. The pin 28 is engaged in the slot 24 of the plate 25 and is away from the end of the slot 24. Upon impact, under the effect of the impact force, the rigid element 22 inserts into the slot 24. The deformation of the slot 24 by the rigid element 22 occurs until the impact energy is absorbed or until the rigid element 22 comes into abutment against the pin 28. Thus, the deformation of said slot 24 allows the energy absorbing device 16 to absorb part of the impact energy. In the variant illustrated in FIG. 4, the rigid element 22 breaks the bridge 23 and is introduced into the slot 24 by deforming said slot 24.

It is possible that in the event of an impact on the vehicle, when the backrest is in an inclined position, the force applied to the seat 10 causes a deformation of the backrest 14 with respect to the seat 12. During the impact, under the effect of the impact force, the rigid element 22 is inserted into the slot 24 and the involuntary rotation of the backrest 14 relative to the seat 12 causes the translation of the pin 28 in the slot 24 in the direction of the rigid element 22. The deformation of the slot 24 by the rigid element 22 occurs until the rigid element 22 abuts the pin 28. The deformation of the slot 24 then makes it possible to avoid, during the passage involuntary from a reclined position to the raised position, a too rapid deformation of the backrest 14 with respect to the seat 12.

The locking device 18 of the energy absorbing device 16 makes it possible to avoid the use of the energy absorbing device 16 when its use is not necessary, that is to say when the backrest 14 of the seat is in the raised position. The blocking device 18 therefore saves the energy absorption device in the event of an impact on the vehicle.

The invention as described thus makes it possible to propose a vehicle seat 10 making it possible to reduce the risks incurred by the passenger in the event of an impact.

Claims (11)

Vehicle seat (10) comprising a seat (12) and a backrest (14), the backrest (14) being rotatable relative to the seat (12) between a raised position, in which the backrest (14) forms a first angle with the elevation direction (Z), and at least one reclined position, in which the backrest (14) forms a second angle with the elevation direction (Z), the second angle being greater than the first angle, the seat (10) further comprising a deformation energy absorbing device (16), comprising a rigid element (22) arranged to move by deforming an absorption element (20) when an impact force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the seat (10), said impact force causing deformation of the backrest (14) relative to the seat (12), the seat (10) being characterized in that it comprises further a blocking device (18) of the energy absorbing device (16), said blocking device (18) being movable between an inactive position, in which the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device energy (16) travels by deforming the absorption member (20) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10) while the backrest (14) is in the reclined position or in a position between the inclined position and the raised position, and an active position, in which the blocking device (18) prevents the displacement of the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) when a force of impact is applied to the seat (10) while the backrest (14) is in the raised position. A vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing device (16) by deformation comprises a bridge (23) extending between the rigid element (22) and the absorbing element (20), said bridge (23) breaking under the effect of the displacement of the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10 ) so that the rigid element (22) can deform the absorption element (20). Seat (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the locking device (18) comprises a pin (28) and a slot (24) made in a plate (25), integral with the seat (12) via example a gusset (42), said pin (28) being engaged in the slot (24), said pin (28) being movable in the slot (24) when the backrest (14) moves between the inclined position and the raised position and being preferably locked in the slot (24) when the backrest (14) is in the raised position. Seat (10) according to Claim 3, in which the rigid element (22) of the absorption device is formed by a rod (26), for example a screw or a rivet, integral with the seat and the element of absorption (20) of the absorption device is formed by the edge of the slot (24) of the blocking device (18), said rod (26) having a diameter greater than the width of the slot (24) and being arranged to engage the slot (24) and to deform said slot (24) as the backrest (14) moves between the reclined position and the raised position when an impact force is applied to the seat (10). Seat (10) according to Claims 3 and 4, in which the pin (28) abuts against the rod (26) or against one end of the slot (24) when the backrest (14) is in the raised position so to prevent movement of the rod (26) in the slot (24) in this position. Seat (10) according to Claim 5, in which the locking device (18) comprises a first link (30) hinged to the seat (12), the pin (28) being integral with one end of the said first link ( 30), the opposite end of said first connecting rod (30) being integral with a second connecting rod (32) hinged to the backrest (14). Vehicle seat (10) according to Claim 6, in which the first connecting rod (30) of the locking device (18) of the energy absorbing device (16) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation fixed with respect to to the seat (12) and the second link (32) is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation defined by the articulation of the first link (30) to the seat (12). Vehicle seat (10) according to Claim 7, in which the rotation of the backrest (14) relative to the seat (12) causes the rotation of the second connecting rod (32) around an axis of rotation defined by the articulation of the first connecting rod (30) to the seat (12), the rotation of the second connecting rod (32) causing the rotation of the first connecting rod (30) around the fixed axis of rotation with respect to the seat ( 12), the rotation of the first connecting rod (30) causing the movement of the pin (28) towards one end of the slot (24). Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) is an element for fixing the backrest (14) to the seat (12). A vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the slot (24) for the locking device (18) of the energy absorbing device (16) is formed in a plate (25) s extending projecting from a gusset (15) secured to the seat (12) and extending projecting from the seat (12). A method of using a vehicle seat (10) according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of:
– positioning of the seat (10) in a raised position, the blocking device (18) being in the active position, the said blocking device (18) preventing the movement of the rigid element (22) of the absorption device energy (16) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10),
– positioning of the seat (10) in an inclined position, the locking device (18) being in the inactive position, in which the rigid element (22) of the energy absorbing device (16) moves by deforming the absorbing element (20) when an impact force is applied to the seat (10).