WO2011154638A1

WO2011154638A1 - Support device comprising walls that slide in opposite directions on vehicle seat backrests

Info

Publication number: WO2011154638A1
Application number: PCT/FR2011/051211
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gabriel Brucamp
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2010-06-10
Filing date: 2011-05-27
Publication date: 2011-12-15
Also published as: FR2961138B1; FR2961138A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a support device (D) to be provided in a vehicle including at least first (S1) and second (S2) seats that are placed one in front of the other in a longitudinal direction and that each include a seat part (AS1, AS2) and a backrest (DS1, DS2) that can be folded down towards the front. Said device (D) includes first and second walls that are slidably mounted, respectively, on the rear surface (FR) of the backrests (DS1, DS2) of the first (S1) and second (S2) seats and are slidable, once said backrests are folded down, respectively towards the rear and and towards the front so as to jointly define, with the rear surfaces (FR) of the backrests (DS1, DS2), a support surface (SS) having a long longitudinal extension.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE FOR SLIDING WALLS IN OPPOSITE MANNER ON VEHICLE SEAT BACKREST

The invention relates to support devices which are responsible for supporting objects or at least one person lying down in vehicles, possibly automotive type.

Most vehicles, which are not dedicated to camping, do not have retractable devices for supporting in a substantially horizontal position at least one person (lying down) or objects. Therefore, when a person wishes to sleep in such a vehicle, it can do so only by tilting the back of the seat as far as possible, which is not at all comfortable and induces aches.

To improve the situation, several solutions have been proposed. A first solution, described in US patent 6,536,843, consists in providing a plate rotatably mounted on the rear face of a front seat back. With the front and rear seatbacks folded forward, the platform is rotated backward until its free end rests on the upper end of the backside of the rear seatback. The rear faces of the front and rear seat backs and the platform then constitute a support surface.

A second solution, described in document US 2002/140270, consists in providing a plate rotatably mounted on the rear face of a rear seat back. With the front and rear seatbacks folded forward, the platform is rotated forward until its free end rests on the lower end of the back of the front seatback. The rear faces of the front and rear seat backs and the platform then constitute a support surface.

A third solution, described in patent document FR 2895333, consists in providing a plate mounted to slide forwardly on the rear face of a rear seat back. Once the front seat backs and rearward folded forward, the tray is slid forwards until its free end rests on the lower end of the rear face of the backrest of the front seat. The rear faces of the front and rear seat backs and the platform then constitute a support surface.

In the case of these three solutions, the longitudinal extension of the support surface is insufficient to accommodate a person of medium or large size. In addition, these three solutions can be implemented only if the distance between the front and rear seats is relatively small, and in particular strictly less than the longitudinal extension of the tray (which is limited by the height of the backrest on which he climbed).

The invention therefore aims to provide an alternative solution that does not present all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

The invention proposes more specifically for this purpose a support device, intended to equip a vehicle comprising at least first and second seats placed one in front of the other in a longitudinal direction and each comprising a seat and a folding backrest to the seat. front, and comprising first and second walls intended to be respectively slidably mounted on the rear face of the backs of the first and second seats, and clean, once these folders folded, to be respectively slid backwards and forwards to define together with the backs of the backs a support surface of great longitudinal extension.

The support device according to the invention may comprise other features that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

its first wall may be provided, at a rear end, with first fixing means, and its second wall may be provided, at a front end, with second fixing means adapted to cooperate with the first fastening means for securing to one another its first and second walls;

the first fastening means may comprise two housings defining side strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges the first wall, and the second fixing means may comprise two hooks rotatably mounted on two opposite longitudinal edges of the second wall and each comprising an end adapted to be introduced and immobilized in a corresponding side striker;

alternatively, the second fixing means may comprise two housings defining side strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges of the second wall, and the first fixing means may comprise two hooks mounted to rotate on two opposite longitudinal edges of the first wall and comprising each end clean to be introduced and immobilized in a corresponding strike;

- Its first wall may comprise, at the transverse edge of its rear end, at least two housings, and its second wall may comprise, at the transverse edge of its front end, at least two pins adapted to be at least partially housed in the corresponding accommodations. As a variant, its second wall may comprise, at the transverse edge of its front end, at least two housings, and its first wall may comprise, at the transverse edge of its rear end, at least two pieces adapted to be at least partially housed in the corresponding dwellings; the pins can be slidably mounted so that they can be hidden when not in use;

it may furthermore comprise locking means intended to be implanted in a lower part of the rear face of the backrest of the first seat, and arranged in such a way as to prevent the sliding of the first wall when the backrest of the first seat is placed in a rectified position;

the locking means may comprise at least one pin partially slidably housed in a housing of the backrest of the first seat, under an elastic stress able to push it outwards so that it constitutes a stop on which is supported by the transverse edge of the rear end of the first wall; at least one of the first and second walls may be provided with at least one foot rotatably mounted so as to be placed in a désescamotée position, in which it comprises a free end resting on a part of a floor of the vehicle, or in a retracted position in which it is not used.

The invention also proposes a vehicle comprising a floor on which are installed at least first and second seats placed one in front of the other in a longitudinal direction and each comprising a folding backrest and a seat, the files being further equipped with at least one support device of the type shown above. Such a vehicle can be for example of the automotive type.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, a floor on which first and second seats are installed in their upright position and whose foldable backs are equipped with an embodiment of a support device according to FIG. invention in a retracted position,

FIG. 2 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, the first and second seats of FIG. 1 with their backs folded down and the first and second walls of the support device in a partially disengaged position,

FIG. 3 schematically and functionally illustrates, in a side view, the first and second seats of FIG. 1 with their backs folded down and the first and second walls of the support device in a totally unconscored position, and

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically and functionally, in a side view, details of a portion of the support device of FIGS. 1 to 3.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

We schematically and functionally represented on 1 to 3 a portion of a vehicle floor PL on which are installed one in front of the other, in a longitudinal direction X, examples of first S1 and second S2 seats equipped with an embodiment of the device of support D according to the invention.

In the following, by way of non-limiting example, the floor PL is considered to be part of a motor vehicle. But, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, a support device D according to the invention can be installed on seats of any type of vehicle, land or sea (or fluvial).

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the first seat S1 is located in the front part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in what is generally called the rank one (1), and that the second seat S2 is located in the central or rear part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in what is generally called the rank two (2). But, the invention is not limited to this type of implantation. Thus, the first S1 and second S2 seats could respectively be installed at the levels of the ranks two and three of a vehicle interior, or even rows that follow each other and whose orders are higher.

In addition, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the first S1 and second S2 seats are intended to accommodate one person. But, at least one of the first S1 and second S2 seats could be a bench seat intended to accommodate at least two people.

In the figures, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, and the direction Z is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is substantially perpendicular to the floor PL. The Y direction (not shown) is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is substantially perpendicular to the lateral sides having the side doors.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first seat S1 comprises a first seat AS1 (i = 1) secured to the floor PL, here via PT legs, and a first folder DS1 (i = 1) rotatably mounted on the first seat AS1 so that it can be folded forward against the upper face of the latter (AS1). As illustrated without limitation, the legs PT are optionally mounted in translation, in the longitudinal direction X, on the floor PL, via two first longitudinal rails (or longitudinal rails) G1.

Also as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the second seat S2 comprises a second seat AS2 (i = 2) secured to the floor PL, here on an elevated portion, and a second backrest DS2 (i = 2) rotatably mounted on the second seat AS2 so that it can be folded forward against the upper face of the latter (AS2). As illustrated without limitation, the second seat AS2 is preferably mounted in translation, in the longitudinal direction X, on the floor PL, via two longitudinal second rails (or longitudinal rails) G2. We will understand further the usefulness of these second longitudinal rails G2.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, a device (support) D, according to the invention, comprises at least first P1 and second P2 walls (or plates or tablets).

The first wall P1 is intended to be slidably mounted on a rear face FR of the first backrest DS1 (of the first seat S1). This sliding can, for example, be done via two longitudinal rails (or longitudinal rails) GL which are secured to the rear face FR of the first file DS1.

Here is meant by "rear face FR" the face which is opposite to the front face on which a person can support his back.

The first wall P1 is intended to be slid backwards (that is to say towards the second seat S2 - arrow F2 of FIGS. 2 and 4), once the first file DS1 has been folded forward. against the first seat AS1 (as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4).

Note that this first wall P1 being intended to partially support at least one person in the extended position, it must be made of a resistant material and if possible non-flexible, such as a metal (possibly steel or aluminum) or a molded plastic or synthetic material.

The second wall P2 is intended to be slidably mounted on a rear face FR of the second backrest DS2 (of the second seat S2). This sliding can, for example, be done via two longitudinal rails (or longitudinal rails) GL which are secured to the rear face FR of the second folder DS2.

This second wall P2 is intended to be slid forward (that is to say to the first seat S1 - arrow F3 of Figures 2 and 4), once the second folder DS2 has been folded forward against the second seat AS2 (as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4).

Note that this second wall P2 is also intended to partially support at least one person in the extended position, it must be made of a resistant material and if possible non-flexible, such as a metal (possibly steel or aluminum) or a molded plastic or synthetic material.

Once the first P1 and second P2 walls have been respectively slid backwards and forwards, they define together with the rear faces FR of the first DS1 and second DS2 records a support surface SS of great longitudinal extension, as illustrated. in FIG. 3. It will be understood that this longitudinal extension is then substantially equal to the sum of the heights of the first DS1 and second DS2 backrests and the lengths (in the longitudinal direction X) of the first P1 and second P2 walls.

In order to reinforce the support offered by the first P1 and second P2 walls, it is advantageous, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for the device D to comprise at least first MF1 and second MF2 fastening means (or locking / unlocking means) for to cooperate together to secure to one another the first P1 and second P2 walls.

For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first fixing means MF1 can be defined at a rear end ER of the first wall P1, and the second fixing means MF2 can be defined at one end. before EV of the second wall P2.

The term "front end" here means an end which is oriented towards the front of the vehicle, and "rear end" an end which is oriented towards the rear of the vehicle. All fastening means (or locking / unlocking) known to those skilled in the art, compact and to effectively secure between them two ends of walls, can be envisaged.

Thus, and as illustrated in non-limiting manner in FIG. 4, the first fixing means MF1 may comprise two housings which define lateral strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges of the first wall P1, and the second attachment means MF2 may comprise two hooks which are rotatably mounted on two opposite longitudinal edges of the second wall P2 and which each comprise an end which is intended to be inserted and immobilized in the corresponding lateral keeper MF1.

In a variant not illustrated, it is the second attachment means MF2 which may comprise two housings defining side strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges of the second wall P2, and these are the first attachment means MF1 which may comprise two hooks mounted on rotation on two opposite lateral edges of the first wall P1 and which each then comprise an end intended to be introduced and immobilized in the corresponding lateral keeper MF2.

Note that instead of using hooks and latches one can for example use form co-operating means and / or clipping means.

In order to reinforce the fastening of the first wall P1 to the second wall P2, the device D may comprise reinforcing means LO and PN. For example, and as shown in non-limiting manner in FIG. 4, the reinforcing means may comprise, on the one hand, at least two housings LO defined at the transverse edge of the rear end ER of the first wall P1, and on the other hand, at least two very strong pins PN, defined at the transverse edge of the front end EV of the second wall P2, and intended to be at least partially housed in the corresponding LO housings.

In a variant that is not illustrated, the housings LO can be defined at the transverse edge of the front end EV of the second wall P2, and the PN pieces may be defined at the transverse edge. the rear end ER of the first wall P1.

It will be noted that the PN pins may optionally be slidably mounted in housings of the first P1 or second P2 wall so as to be concealed when not in use.

In order to further strengthen the support provided by the first P1 and second P2 walls, it is also advantageous, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for the device D to comprise at least one of its first P1 and second P2 walls. at least one support leg PD. The latter (PD) can be rotatably mounted on the lower face of a wall P1 or P2 in order to be placed in a désescamotée position, illustrated in Figure 3 (arrow F3) and wherein it comprises a free end in support on a portion of the PL floor, in a retracted position (not shown) in which it is not used.

By "lower face" is meant here the face that is opposite to the upper face intended to receive a person or objects.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, each foot PD may consist of at least two parts mounted to rotate relative to one another so that it can be folded under the lower face of its wall P1 or P2. reception, possibly in a housing provided for this purpose. This rotation can for example be achieved through a hinge or hinge which is preferably lockable in the désescamotée position, to secure the support.

Note also that the free end of a foot PD is preferably equipped with fastening means for cooperating with other fastening means (or locking / unlocking) MF3 secured to the part of the floor PL. All fixing means known to those skilled in the art, compact and effective to secure a foot end PD to a floor portion PL (optionally inclined), may be envisaged. Thus, it will be possible to use clipping means, or a hook and a notch (or a loop), or even form-cooperation means.

Note also that in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 3, the device D comprises only one foot PD fixed on the face lower of its second wall P2, for example in the vicinity of the transverse edge of its front end EV, in a central position. But, it could include a single foot PD fixed on the underside of its first wall P1, for example in the vicinity of the transverse edge of its rear end ER, in a central position, or at least two feet PD fixed on the underside of its second wall P2 and / or on the lower face of its first wall P1, on lateral parts and / or in central position.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 to 4, that the device D may comprise blocking means (or stopping means) MB intended to be located in a lower part of the rear face FR of the first folder DS1 of the first seat S1. These blocking means (or stopping) MB are arranged to prevent the spontaneous sliding of the first wall P1 when the first folder DS1 is placed in its upright position (illustrated in Figure 1). It will be understood in fact that in this latter position the first wall P1 is found in a position close to the vertical and therefore could spontaneously slide down by inertia due to vibrations and / or shocks to the vehicle.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 to 4, the blocking means MB may comprise at least one pin partially partially sliding inside a housing, defined in the rear face FR of the first folder DS1. under an elastic stress. The latter is for example provided by a spring which is placed in the bottom of the housing and pushes the pin outwardly so that it constitutes a stop on which comes to rest the transverse edge of the rear end ER of the first wall P1 when the latter is in its retracted position. When the first wall P1 is in the désescamotée (including partially) position, its lower face defines a stop for the pin which is then forced to remain inside its housing. It will be understood that in order to retract the first wall P1, it is necessary to start manually pushing the pin into its housing and then the first wall P1 must be slid so that its rear end ER exceeds said pin.

When a person wishes to use the device D, for example to lie on the support surface SS, it can, for example, start by folding forward the first DS1 and second DS2 folders. Then, it can translate back the second seat S2 (arrow F1 of Figure 2) to a stop if the latter (S2) is slidably mounted on second slides G2. Then, it can slide the first wall P1 towards the rear (arrow F2 of FIG. 2) and the second wall P2 towards the front (arrow F3 of FIG. 2) until the possible guide means ( here LO and PN) cooperate together. Then, it can join together the first P1 and second P2 walls by cooperating together the possible fixing means MF1 and MF2. Finally, it can deploy each possible foot PD (arrow F4 of Figure 2) so that it serves as a reinforcement support, locking its end with the possible attachment means (or locking / unlocking) MF3 secured to the part of the PL floor. It should be noted that in order to improve comfort, it is possible to place a mattress (possibly inflatable) on the support surface SS constituted by the device D.

It is important to note that the same folder DS1 or DS2 can possibly, when part of a bench, have several (at least two) first P1 or second P2 walls intended to participate in the definition of several support surfaces SS neighbors.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of support device, seat and vehicle described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that can be considered by those skilled in the art in the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. Support device (D) for a vehicle comprising at least first (S1) and second (S2) seats placed one in front of the other in a longitudinal direction and each comprising a seat (ASi) and a backrest (DSi) foldable forward, characterized in that it comprises first (P1) and second (P2) walls intended to be respectively slidably mounted on a rear face (FR) of the folders (DSi) of said first (S1) and second ( S2) seats, and clean, once said folders (DSi) folded, to be respectively slid backwards and forwards to jointly define with said rear faces (FR) of the folders (DSi) a support surface (SS) of great longitudinal extension.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first wall (P1) is provided at a rear end (ER), first fixing means (MF1), and said second wall (P2) is provided , at a front end (EV), second fixing means (MF2) adapted to cooperate with said first fixing means (MF1) for securing to each other said first (P1) and second ( P2) walls.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first fixing means (MF1) comprise two housings defining side strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges of said first wall (P1), and said second fixing means (MF2) comprise two hooks rotatably mounted on two opposite longitudinal edges of said second wall (P2) and each comprising an end adapted to be introduced and immobilized in a corresponding lateral striker (MF1).

4. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said second fixing means (MF2) comprise two housings defining side strikes on two opposite longitudinal edges of said second wall (P2), and said first fixing means (MF1) comprise two hooks rotatably mounted on two opposite longitudinal edges of said first wall (P1) and each comprising an end adapted to be introduced and immobilized in a corresponding lateral striker (MF2).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first wall (P1) comprises, at a transverse edge of its rear end (ER), at least two housings (LO), and said second wall (P2) comprises, at a transverse edge of its front end (EV), at least two pins (PN) adapted to be at least partially housed in said housings (LO) corresponding.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second wall (P2) comprises, at a transverse edge of its front end (EV), at least two housings (LO), and said first wall (P1) comprises, at a transverse edge of its rear end (ER), at least two pins (PN) adapted to be at least partially housed in said housings (LO) corresponding.

7. Device according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that said pins (PN) are slidably mounted so as to be hidden when not in use.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises blocking means (MB) intended to be located in a lower portion of the rear face (FR) of the folder (DS1). of the first seat (S1), and arranged to prevent the sliding of said first wall (P1) when said backrest (DS1) of the first seat (S1) is placed in a rectified position.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking means (MB) comprise at least one pin partially partially sliding in a housing under an elastic stress able to push it outwards so that it constitutes a abutment on which abuts a transverse edge of the rear end (ER) of said first wall (P1).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of said first (P1) and second (P2) walls is provided with at least one foot (PD) rotatably mounted so as to it can be placed in a désescamotée position, in which it comprises a free end resting on a part of a floor (PL) of said vehicle, or in a retracted position in which it is not used.

1 1. Vehicle comprising a floor (PL) on which are installed at least first (S1) and second (S2) seats placed one in front of the other in a longitudinal direction and each comprising a seat (ASi) and a backrest (DSi) foldable forward, characterized in that said folders

5 (DSi) are equipped with at least one support device (D) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Vehicle according to claim 1 1, characterized in that said second seat (S2) constitutes a seat provided with at least two second walls (P2).

13. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 1 and 12, characterized in that said first seat (S1) constitutes a seat provided with at least two first walls (P1).

14. Vehicle according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that it constitutes a motor vehicle.