GB2607057A

GB2607057A - Moulded structure for a vehicle seat

Info

Publication number: GB2607057A
Application number: GB2107545.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ozcan Zafer
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-27
Filing date: 2021-05-27
Publication date: 2022-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 2041-05-27
Also published as: GB202107545D0; GB2607057B

Abstract

An anti-submarining ramp structure 40, suitable for a vehicle seat 16, having an opening 52 for supporting an electrical component 44, 46 such that, in use, the electrical component 44, 46 is visible from within a cabin 13 of the vehicle 1 in which the seat 16 is installed. The opening 52, which can be used to cover the opening 52, can receive a mount for the electrical component 44, 46; and can receive and secure a portion of seat trim (30, Fig. 2). Also provided is a moulded polymeric structure 40, suitable for a vehicle seat 16, having an opening 52 for supporting an electrical component 44, 46 such that, in use, the electrical component 44, 46 is visible from within a cabin 13 of the vehicle 1 in which the seat 16 is installed.

Description

MOULDED STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE SEAT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a moulded structure for a vehicle seat. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to an anti-submarining ramp structure for a vehicle rear passenger seat.

BACKGROUND

In some vehicles, rear seat occupants are able to charge their devices via receptacles. Rear seat occupants may also be able to operate switchgear to control one or more vehicle functions.

Due to limited packaging space in a rear part of a vehicle cabin, it can be difficult to find a suitable mounting location for electrical components such as receptacles and switchgear. Depending on where the electrical components are mounted, the complexity of assembling a vehicle interior may also be affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for mounting electrical components to a vehicle seat. The invention is as defined in the appended independent claims According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an anti-submarining ramp structure for a vehicle seat, the anti-submarining ramp structure comprising an opening arranged to support at least one electrical component in use so that, the at least one electrical component is presented to a cabin of a vehicle in which the seat is located.

An advantage is that the electrical component does not require additional packaging space within the vehicle body. The structure enables a seat to be supplied with the opening for the electrical component and directly secured to the vehicle body for reduced assembly steps, improved interoperability across vehicle architectures, and relaxed manufacturing tolerances.

In some examples, the at least one electrical component comprises a receptacle configured to at least deliver electrical power to an electrical device when in use.

In some examples, the opening is configured to receive a mount for the at least one electrical component.

In some examples, the opening is configured to receive and secure a portion of seat trim.

In some examples, the anti-submarining ramp structure comprises a fascia configured to cover the opening and present the at least one electrical component.

In some examples, the anti-submarining ramp structure comprises a moulded polymeric material configured to be secured to a body structure of the vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a seat comprising the anti-submarining ramp structure.

In some examples, the seat is for at least a centre seat of a row of seats, and wherein the antisubmarining ramp structure is located at the centre seat. This enables occupants sitting in left and right outboard seats to access each electronic component, without the need for separate assemblies and wiring harnesses for each seat.

In some examples, the opening is at a front edge of the seat.

In some examples, the opening is recessed relative to the front edge. This protects the electronic components against accidental foot kick.

In some examples, the opening is recessed so that, in use, a portion of a cushion of the seat overhangs the at least one electrical component. This provides a more comfortable centre seat and protection against foot kick.

In some examples, the seat comprises a wiring channel and/or one or more wiring supports configured to provide a conduit for electrical wiring to the at least one electrical component.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a seat arrangement comprising the seat and comprising a seat back comprising a headrest.

In some examples, the seat back is foldable, wherein the opening of the anti-submarining ramp structure is located so that when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the at least one electrical component remains uncovered by the headrest.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the seat or the seat arrangement.

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a moulded polymeric structure for a vehicle seat, the moulded polymeric structure comprising an opening arranged to support at least one electrical component so that, in use, the at least one electrical component is presented to a cabin of a vehicle in which the seat is located.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat arrangement; FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an anti-submarining ramp structure; and FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a mount and a fascia for supporting electronic components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle 1 in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vehicle 1 is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles. Conventional longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes (x, y, z) of the vehicle 1 are shown.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a seat arrangement 12 of seats 14, 16, 18 for a cabin 13 of the vehicle 1, the seat arrangement 12 comprising integrated electrical components for a user (occupant). In at least some examples, the electrical components comprise one or more electrical connectors, such as receptacles 44, 46.

The receptacles 44, 46 are supported by an anti-submarining ramp structure which is hidden behind an aesthetic fascia panel 72 in FIG. 2, and which is visible in the exploded view of FIG. 3.

The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 of FIG. 3 is a structural seat portion of a seat 16. An anti-submarining ramp is forwardly X+ and upwardly Z+ inclined ramp which helps to prevent occupants from slipping down under a seatbelt during rapid longitudinal vehicle deceleration.

Submarining refers to an occupant sliding under the lap part of the seat belt in the event of a collision.

The anti-submarining ramp structure is not visible in normal use. According to FIG. 3, the anti-ramp structure 40 can comprise a moulded rigid block that underlies a separate compressible cushion 38.

The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 and the compressible cushion 38 may be wrapped by seat trim 30 (e.g., leather and/or cloth) as shown in FIG. 2. The seat trim 30 may tuck under the seat 16 and may be secured to an underside (B-surface) of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 by trim fixings such as J-retainers (not shown). A B-surface refers to a surface in the cabin 13 that is not visible to occupants.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receptacles 44, 46 are integrated with a seat of a row of rear seats 14, 16, 18 for a passenger vehicle. However, it would be appreciated that the location within the cabin could alternatively be a front row.

FIG. 2 also shows two receptacles 44, 46, although a different number could be provided. In an implementation, the receptacles 44, 46 are configured to receive a standard or proprietary charging cable 100 for an occupants electronic device 102 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 4) or a vehicle electronic accessory. The receptacles 44, 46 can deliver electrical power at less than or equal to 20 volts and/or less than or equal to 3 amps, to charge the occupant's device. An example standard is the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard, which typically supports 5V (or 20V) and up to 3A (or 5A).

When more than one receptacle is provided, it can be convenient to locate the receptacles 44, 46 in a central location of the seat arrangement 12, corresponding to a centre seat 16, as shown in FIG. 2. This enables occupants sitting in left and right outboard seats 14, 18 of the seat arrangement 12 to access each receptacle 44, 46. In some examples, each seat may have its own receptacle.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the outboard seats 14, 18 are independently slidable forwards and backwards relative to each other and relative to the centre seat 16. Rear seats with these types of high-level functions can be referred to as 'executive seats'. The centre seat 16, however, may be fixed and not slidable.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receptacles 44, 46 can be located at an A-surface of the seat 16, presented to the cabin of the vehicle 1, so that occupants of the seats 14, 16, 18 can access the receptacles 44, 46. An A-surface refers to a surface in a cabin 13 that is visible to occupants. The receptacles 44, 46 can be located at a front edge 26 of the seat 16, proximal to knees of the occupant of the centre seat 16 when an occupant is seated on the centre seat 16. This ensures that if a seat back 20 is rotatable forward into a folded down configuration, the receptacles 44, 46 remain uncovered by the seat back 20 or a headrest 22 (if provided), and continue to be accessible.

The receptacles 44, 46 and the fascia 72 can also be recessed relative to the front edge 26, to protect against foot kick during ingress/egress. In the same regard, a front portion 37 of a compressible cushion 38 (FIG. 3) of the seat 16 may overhang the receptacles 44, 46 and the fascia 72.

Depending on the type of vehicle 1, the receptacles 44, 46 can be positioned over a transmission tunnel (not shown) of a vehicle body-in-white (BIVV) 11 (FIG. 3), without being directly connected to the BIW 11.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the seat 16, representing a seat bottom (excluding seat back 20) on which an occupant can sit. The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 and the receptacles 44, 46 are also shown, as well as electrical wiring 32 to the receptacles 44, 46 and means 60 for securing the receptacles 44, 46 to a front opening 52 of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

In the example of FIG. 3, the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 underlies a compressible cushion 38. The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 can function as a moulded rigid carrier for the mounting of the receptacles 44, 46. In some examples, the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 comprises one or more moulded polymeric materials such as polyurethane (FUR), polycarbonate (PC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), glass fiber-reinforced polyamide (PA), and/or similar materials. The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 may be removably secured to the vehicle BIW 11 by any appropriate means, such as hooks and/or clips. The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 may have a hollow interior.

The compressible cushion 38 can comprise any appropriate comfort material, such as polyurethane cushion foam. The compressible cushion 38 is molded separately from the anti-submarining ramp structure 40. The polyurethane cushion 38 may have a lower Shore A/D hardness than the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

The compressible cushion 38 and the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 may be wrapped together by the seat trim 30 shown in FIG. 2, and may or may not be further secured to each other by other means.

In some examples, an underside (B-surface) of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 may comprise edge slots (not shown) for engaging with J-retainers to enable seat trim attachment to the underside of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

The illustrated receptacles 44, 46 are moulded housings comprising sockets. The electrical wiring 32 is shown, terminating at plugs 48, 50 that are removably attachable to the receptacles 44, 46. The electrical wiring may lead to the vehicle BIW 11 for connection to a vehicle electrical system.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a conduit for the electrical wiring 32. The anti-submarining ramp structure 40 can be moulded into a shape that comprises an interior wiring channel 36 leading to the receptacles 44, 46. The exploded view of FIG. 3 shows the underside of the interior wiring channel 36. In some examples, the wiring channel 36 is an open channel, open at the underside (hollow interior) of the ramp structure 40.

The electrical wiring 32 may comprise a wiring harness, integrating wiring for each receptacle 44, 46.

In some examples, the electrical wiring 32 can be secured to the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 at one or more locations. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a series of (one or more) wiring supports 34 that can secure the wiring harness to the underside (B-surface) of the antisubmarining ramp structure 40, within the wiring channel 36.

A raised ramp end 41 of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40 comprises an opening 52 arranged to support the receptacles 44, 46 in use, so that the receptacles 44, 46 are presented to a cabin of a vehicle in which the seat is located. The opening 52 leads to an at least partially hollow interior of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

The raised ramp end 41 is aligned with the front edge 26 of the seat 16. In use, the raised ramp end 41 is concealed by a front portion 37 of the cushion 38 and by the seat trim 30 to form a front face of the seat 16. A lower edge of the raised ramp end 41 defines a forward edge 26' of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40, and is aligned with the front edge 26 of the seat 16.

In the illustrated example, but not necessarily all examples, a forward edge 26' of the antisubmarining ramp structure 40, at a base of the raised ramp end 41, comprises a raised edge portion, creating an opening between the forward edge 26' and the underlying BIW 11. The raised edge portion may be arch-shaped as shown. Therefore, the illustrated opening 52 is arch-shaped. The receptacles 44, 46 protrude through and are secured to the arch-shaped opening 52 by a mount 60.

In some examples, the front portion 37 of the compressible cushion 38 may comprise an opening 39 aligned with the underlying opening 52 of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

In the illustrated example, the opening 39 of the compressible cushion is an arch-shaped opening at a front edge 26" of the front portion 37 of the compressible cushion 38.

In other examples, the openings 52, 39 are not arch-shaped. The openings 52, 39 may be enclosed apertures within a face of the raised ramp end 41, for example.

In further examples, a plurality of openings 52 is provided, one for each receptacle 44, 46. A mount 60 may not be required.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the mount 60 and the fascia 72.

The fascia 72 comprises a set of apertures 74, 76 through which the receptacles 44, 46 extend. The fascia 72 can comprise a plate having the shape of the opening 52 of the anti-submarining ramp structure 40.

The fascia 72 can be secured to a mount 60 via any appropriate means, such as a first clip portion 73 on the fascia 72 which engages with a second clip portion 66 on a mount 60. The mount 60 is removably secured via any appropriate means to the opening 52 of the antisubmarining ramp structure 40 shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, the mount 60 may function as a fascia to obviate the need for a separate fascia 72.

The mount 60 may comprise a rigid polymeric part with a set of one or more apertures 68, 70 through which the receptacles 44, 46 extend. The apertures 68, 70 are aligned with the apertures 74, 76 of the fascia 72.

The mount 60 can be removably secured to the opening 52 by any appropriate fixing such as a fixing portion 62 (e.g., protrusion) on the mount 60 which engages with a corresponding fixing portion (e.g., hook) on the anti-submarining ramp structure 40. Additionally, or alternatively, a further fixing such as a screw 64 is provided.

The opening 52 shown in FIG. 3 is further optionally configured to receive and secure a portion of seat trim 30. The opening 52 is sized so that an edge of the seat trim 30 can be tucked into the opening 52 between the mount 60 and the wall of the opening 52, prior to attaching the mount 60 and the fascia 72. One or more trim retainers (not shown) within the opening 52 may retain the seat trim 30.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the receptacle 44, 46 may be replaced with a different electronic component such as switchgear. In some examples, the anti-submarining ramp structure may be replaced with a different moulded polymeric structure that is part of the seat arrangement 12, not the vehicle BIW 11.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An anti-submarining ramp structure for a vehicle seat, the anti-submarining ramp structure comprising an opening arranged to support at least one electrical component in use so that, the at least one electrical component is presented to a cabin of a vehicle in which the seat is located.
2. The anti-submarining ramp structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one electrical component comprises a receptacle configured to at least deliver electrical power to an electrical device when in use.
3. The anti-submarining ramp structure of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is configured to receive a mount for the at least one electrical component.
4. The anti-submarining ramp structure of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the opening is configured to receive and secure a portion of seat trim.
5. The anti-submarining ramp structure of any preceding claim, comprising a fascia configured to cover the opening and present the at least one electrical component.
6. The anti-submarining ramp structure of any preceding claim, wherein the anti-submarining ramp structure comprises a moulded polymeric material configured to be secured to a body structure of the vehicle.
7. A seat comprising the anti-submarining ramp structure of any preceding claim.
8. The seat of claim 7, wherein the seat is for at least a centre seat of a row of seats, and wherein the anti-submarining ramp structure is located at the centre seat.
9. The seat of claim 7 or 8, wherein the opening is at a front edge of the seat.
10. The seat of claim 9, wherein the opening is recessed relative to the front edge.
11. The seat of claim 10, wherein the opening is recessed so that, in use, a portion of a cushion of the seat overhangs the at least one electrical component.
12. The seat of any one of claims 7 to 11, comprising a wiring channel and/or one or more wiring supports configured to provide a conduit for electrical wiring to the at least one electrical component.
13. A seat arrangement comprising the seat of any one of claims 7 to 12 and comprising a seat back comprising a headrest
14. The seat arrangement of claim 13, wherein the seat back is foldable, wherein the opening of the anti-submarining ramp structure is located so that when the seat back is in a folded configuration, the at least one electrical component remains uncovered by the headrest.
15. A vehicle comprising the seat of any one of claims 7 to 12 or the seat arrangement of claim 13 or 14.
16. A moulded polymeric structure for a vehicle seat, the moulded polymeric structure comprising an opening arranged to support at least one electrical component so that, in use, the at least one electrical component is presented to a cabin of a vehicle in which the seat is located.