RETAINING ELEMENT FOR A COVER RETAINING ASSEMBLY, SET OF RETAINING ELEMENTS, AND COVER RETAINING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A retaining element for a cover retaining assembly of a vehicle seat may have a fastening region for a cover fastening element and at least one anchoring region for foaming into a cushion element. The retaining element is in the form of a one-part, bent wire or a one-part, filiform plastic structure. The bent wire or the filiform plastic structure is shaped in the anchoring region in such a way that at least one anchoring opening is defined which has at least one concavity directed towards the fastening region. A set of multiple retaining elements formed as identical parts may also be used in association with a cover retaining assembly and a vehicle seat.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A retaining element for a cover retaining assembly of a vehicle seat, wherein the retaining element has a fastening region for a cover fastening element and at least one anchoring region for foaming into a padding element, and wherein the retaining element is in the form of a one-part bent wire or a one-part filiform plastic structure, and wherein the bent wire or the filiform plastic structure is shaped in the anchoring region in such a way that at least one anchoring opening is defined which has at least one concavity directed toward the fastening region.

17. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein the wire or the plastic structure is shaped such that the anchoring opening is configured as at least one loop.

18. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein the anchoring opening extends perpendicularly to the fastening region.

19. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein the anchoring opening is divided into two by the concavity.

20. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein at least two loops, with in each case an associated opening portion, are configured in the anchoring region.

21. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein two anchoring regions protrude from the fastening region.

22. The retaining element as claimed in claim 16, wherein the element has an H-shape, a butterfly shape, a spectacles shape or a wing shape.

23. The retaining element as claimed in claim 22, wherein the two anchoring regions are formed by longitudinal webs of the H-shape or by wings of the butterfly shape or the wing shape.

24. The retaining element as claimed in claim 22, wherein the anchoring opening has a radially open slot.

25. A set of retaining elements formed as identical parts as claimed in claim 16.

26. The set as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one anchoring opening of each retaining element is configured such that the retaining elements which are interlocked, entangled or twisted with one another can be released from one another.

27. The set as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one anchoring opening of each retaining element is configured such that loosely arranged retaining elements are not connected together.

28. A cover retaining assembly for attaching the seat cover to the padding element of the vehicle seat, wherein the cover retaining assembly comprises the set of retaining elements configured as identical parts, as claimed in claim 25, which in each case have the fastening region and the at least one anchoring region with the at least one concavity.

29. A vehicle seat, comprising: a set of retaining elements for a cover retaining assembly of the vehicle seat, wherein the set of retaining elements is configured as identical parts, wherein each retaining element in the set has a fastening region for a cover fastening element and at least one anchoring region for foaming into a padding element, and wherein each retaining element is in the form of a one-part bent wire or a one-part filiform plastic structure, and wherein the bent wire or the filiform plastic structure is shaped in the anchoring region in such a way that at least one anchoring opening is defined which has at least one concavity directed toward the fastening region, and a seat cover which comprises a plurality of engagement elements which can be releasably fastened to the set of retaining elements arranged in the padding element.

30. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 29, wherein the anchoring regions are inserted into the padding element and the fastening regions are arranged in each case in the region of an opening which is open in the direction of the seat cover.

Description

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows in a plan view a wire-shaped retaining element for a cover retaining assembly,

[0033] FIG. 2 shows schematically in a perspective view two wire-shaped retaining elements, in particular retaining elements configured as identical parts which are interlocked with one another,

[0034] FIG. 3 shows schematically in a side view two wire-shaped retaining elements, in particular retaining elements configured as identical parts which are interlocked with one another,

[0035] FIG. 4 shows schematically in a sectional view two wire-shaped retaining elements, in particular retaining elements configured as identical parts which are interlocked with one another,

[0036] FIG. 5 shows schematically in a sectional view a padding element with a partially molded-in cover retaining assembly with a plurality of wire-shaped retaining elements,

[0037] FIG. 6 shows schematically in a sectional view a partial region of a seat assembly in the region of a wire-shaped retaining element which is partially molded into a padding element and in which an engagement element of seat cover engages and is retained for fastening the seat cover to the padding element,

[0038] FIG. 7 shows schematically a tool for manufacturing a padding element with a cavity and a plurality of receivers for arranging a plurality of wire-shaped retaining elements of a cover retaining assembly,

[0039] FIG. 8 shows schematically in a plan view receivers for a wire-shaped retaining element,

[0040] FIG. 9 shows schematically in a plan view an alternative embodiment of a retaining element, and

[0041] FIG. 10 shows in a schematic view a vehicle seat with a longitudinal adjustment device according to the prior art.

[0042] Parts which correspond to one another are provided in all of the figures with the same reference signs.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows schematically in a plan view a wire-shaped retaining element 1 for a cover retaining assembly 2.

[0044] A retaining element 1, shown schematically in FIG. 1, is described hereinafter by using three spatial directions running perpendicularly to one another. For example, in a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle (shown in FIG. 10) a longitudinal direction x runs substantially horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction which corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x is also horizontally oriented in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicularly to the transverse direction y. In the vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0045] The wire-shaped retaining element 1 has a fastening region 1.1 and two anchoring regions 1.2. The anchoring regions 1.2 have in each case a concavity 1.3 oriented inwardly, in particular in the direction of the fastening region 1.1. For example, the retaining element 1 has a constriction. For example, in the respective anchoring region 1.2 the retaining element 1 has a substantially V-shaped concavity 1.3. By the respective concavity 1.3, each anchoring region 1.2 is configured to be substantially in a figure of eight (8-shaped) or B-shaped or loop-shaped, in particular bow-shaped with two loops.

[0046] Alternatively, the wire-shaped retaining element 1 can have a fastening region 1.1 and an anchoring region 1.2.

[0047] The retaining element 1 comprises an anchoring opening 1.4 which is configured by the anchoring region 1.2. The anchoring opening 1.4 is provided to retain fastening elements, such as for example engagement elements 4 (shown in FIG. 6, also called the cover fastening element or padding fastening element), on the retaining element 1. The anchoring opening 1.4 of one respective anchoring region 1.2 is divided by the concavity 1.3 into a plurality of, in particular two, opening portions 1.4.1. For example, the concavity 1.3 separates or divides the anchoring opening 1.4 into an upper and lower or front and rear opening portion 1.4.1. The opening portions 1.4.1 are provided in each case for anchoring a cover fastening element and/or a padding fastening element, such as the engagement element 4 (shown in FIG. 6).

[0048] For example, the retaining element 1 has a constriction over its entire width. The overall width refers to a dimension running in the transverse direction y.

[0049] For example, the retaining element 1, in particular the wire-shaped retaining element 1, has a wire diameter D of ca. 2 mm.

[0050] For example, the retaining element 1 has an overall length L of ca. 26 mm. The overall length L refers to a dimension running in the longitudinal direction x.

[0051] For example, the retaining element 1 has a spacing A1 in the millimeter range, for example of ca. 16 mm or in a range of 10 mm to 20 mm, between the two anchoring regions 1.2. The spacing A1 corresponds to the width of the fastening region 1.1.

[0052] For example, the retaining element 1 has a radius R of ca. 1.5 mm in the region of the anchoring opening 1.4, in particular an opening portion 1.4.1.

[0053] The wire-shaped retaining element 1 is configured as a repeatedly bent profile wire. For example, the wire-shaped retaining element 1 is configured as a uniformly and repeatedly bent wire, in particular a uniformly bent metal wire, in particular a uniformly bent steel wire. For example, the wire-shaped retaining element 1 has an H-shape or a spectacles shape or a butterfly shape or a wing shape.

[0054] The retaining element 1 can be configured, in particular, as a one-part bent wire. Alternatively, the retaining element 1 can be configured as a one-part filiform plastic structure, for example a plastic fiber structure. The bent wire or the filiform plastic structure is shaped in the anchoring region 1.2 so as to define the at least one anchoring opening 1.4 which has the at least one concavity 1.3 oriented in the direction of the fastening region 1.1.

[0055] The wire-shaped retaining element 1 shown has, for example, the centrally arranged fastening region 1.1 and two anchoring regions 1.2 protruding therefrom. The fastening region 1.1 is formed by a central web of the H-shape, spectacles shape or butterfly/wing shape. The two anchoring regions 1.2 are formed by longitudinal webs of the H-shape or by wings of the butterfly/wing shape or circular shape or frame shape of the glasses of the spectacles shape.

[0056] The anchoring opening 1.4 of the respective retaining element 1 can also comprise a radially open slot 1.4.2. The respective radially open slot 1.4.2 of the two anchoring openings 1.4, which laterally adjoin the central fastening region 1.1, is formed by the respective end of the bent wire or the filiform plastic structure of the retaining element 1.

[0057] While the various retaining elements 1 described hereinafter have the above-described features, fastening regions 1.1 and anchoring regions 1.2 provided on both sides with anchoring openings 1.4 with the concavities 1.3 of the retaining element 1, they only differ in terms of shape, for example bow shape, loop shape, wing shape, spectacles shape or the like.

[0058] A cover retaining assembly 2, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, comprises as a set a plurality of uniformly bent wire-shaped retaining elements 1. The retaining elements 1 are configured as identical parts G. The respective wire-shaped identical part G has a small height, in particular in the millimeter range, for example of a maximum of 2 mm.

[0059] FIGS. 3 to 5 show schematically in a perspective view, a side view and a sectional view two wire-shaped retaining elements 1, in particular retaining elements 1 which are configured as identical parts G which are interlocked with one another. In the event that an anchoring region 1.2 of a first retaining element 1 is interlocked between the concavity 1.3 and an opening portion 1.4.1 of a second retaining element 1, they can be separated in a simple manner from one another. As a result, if the retaining elements 1 are twisted, entangled and/or interlocked, they can be easily separated from one another, sorted and arranged in a magazine. As indicated in FIG. 5, a height of the retaining element 1 approximately corresponds to a width of an opening portion 1.4.1.

[0060] For example, in the event of the anchoring region being interlocked and/or jammed in an opening portion 1.4.1 of a further retaining element 1, the anchoring region 1.2 is arranged in the region of the concavity 1.3 spaced apart from the inner faces of the opening portion 1.4.1, so that the interlocked and/or jammed anchoring region 1.2 can be separated in a simple manner from the opening portion 1.4.1. The spacings A2, A3 are ca. 0.2 mm. A height of the retaining element 1 is accordingly smaller than a width of the opening portion 1.4.1.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows schematically in a sectional view a padding element 3 with a partially molded-in cover retaining assembly 2 with a set of a plurality of wire-shaped or filiform retaining elements 1 as identical parts G.

[0062] The padding element 3 comprises a plurality of openings 3.1. The openings 3.1 in the padding element 3 can be configured to be slotted or cylindrical. However, other suitable geometries of the openings are possible. The anchoring regions 1.2 are inserted into the padding element 3, in particular the foam material of the padding element 3 is molded or injection molded around said anchoring regions. The fastening region 1.1 of the respective retaining element 1 is arranged so as to be freely accessible in the internal end region of the respective opening 3.1.

[0063] FIG. 6 shows schematically in a sectional view a partial region of a seat assembly 6 in the region of a wire-shaped retaining element 1 which is partially molded into the padding element 3 with its anchoring regions 1.2, and an engagement element 4 of a seat cover 5 engages on the fastening region 1.1 thereof for fastening the seat cover 5 to the padding element 3. The seat assembly 6 can be, for example, a backrest 104 or a seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100 which is shown by way of example in FIG. 10.

[0064] The seat cover 5 can be configured in multiple parts, as shown. The seat cover 5 extends over a contoured outer surface of the padding element 3. The padding element 3, in particular, is foam padding, in particular a foam shell of the backrest 104 or of the seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100 (shown in FIG. 10).

[0065] The padding element 3 comprises openings 3.1 at which the seat cover 5 is held in situ on the padding element 3 by its engagement elements 4 which are coupled to identical parts G of the cover retaining assembly 2. The openings 3.1 in the padding element 3 can be configured to be slotted or cylindrical. However, other suitable geometries of the openings are also possible.

[0066] In this exemplary embodiment, the respective engagement element 4 comprises a hook element 4.1 or a different suitable element, such as a clamping body, staple body, an annular body or a U-shaped profile body or a so-called hog ring.

[0067] A coupling element 4.2, for example a flexible band, a metal wire, a textile band or a plastic strip, can also be provided for connecting the hook element 4.1 to the seat cover 5. The coupling element 4.2 has the hook element 4.1 at one end and is connected to the seat cover 5, for example by a fastening seam 7, at the other opposing end which faces the seat cover 5. Optionally the coupling element 4.2 can be provided at the end of the hook element 4.1 with a receiving element 4.3, in particular a ball-shaped element, for receiving and movably connecting the hook element 4.1.

[0068] Such a cover retaining assembly 2 with a plurality of wire-shaped identical parts G permits a variable seat cover holder which can be used for a plurality of different types of padding elements 3. The plurality of engagement elements 4 and the fastening regions 1.1 of the plurality of identical parts G are designed such that they fasten and retain the seat cover 5 on the padding element 3 in a connected-together state. The number of identical parts G can correspond to the number of engagement elements 4. This permits a simple construction of the seat assembly 6 and a simple assembly.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows schematically a tool 8 for manufacturing a padding element 3 which is configured as a seat part 102 (shown in FIG. 10) with a cavity 8.1 and a plurality of receivers 8.2 for arranging a plurality of retaining elements 1 which are configured as identical parts G of a cover retaining assembly 2.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows schematically in a plan view the receivers 8.2 for a wire-shaped retaining element 1.

[0071] The receivers 8.2 are configured as pin-shaped, bolt-shaped or cylindrical elevations protruding from the bottom of the cavity 8.1. Two receivers 8.2 are provided for each wire-shaped identical part G. The two receivers 8.2 are arranged obliquely opposing one another so that in each case the fastening region 1.1 bears on one side against one of the receivers 8.2 and thus is laterally secured and positioned.

[0072] The receivers 8.2 can also be arranged on a support 8.3, for example a longitudinal or bottom support, on the bottom of the cavity 8.1. The fastening region 1.1 is directly positioned at the free end of the receiver 8.2. The anchoring regions 1.2 are configured as free ends and protrude freely over the receivers 8.2, so that they are enclosed and thus encapsulated by the padding material when a padding material is filled into the cavity 8.1.

[0073] In the method for manufacturing the padding element 3 for a seat component, for example a seat part 102 or a backrest 104 (both shown in FIG. 10), a corresponding tool 8 comprises a corresponding cavity 8.1 which has a plurality of receivers 8.2 on which a plurality of wire-shaped identical parts G is arranged, in each case the identical parts having at least one fastening region 1.1 and at least one anchoring region 1.2, wherein after the tool 8 is closed a padding material is introduced into the respective cavity 8.1 for shaping the padding element 3, and foamed and cured therein, such that the wire-shaped identical parts G are anchored with their at least one anchoring region 1.2 in the padding element 3 and are freely accessible with their fastening regions 1.1 in the region of the openings 3.1 of the padding element 3, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The padding element 3 is shaped by foaming in the respective cavity 8.1, wherein the cover retaining assembly 2, in particular the anchoring regions 1.2 of the wire-shaped identical parts G, are foamed and encapsulated at the same time as the shaping by foaming.

[0074] Due to the plurality of wire-shaped identical parts G as the cover retaining assembly 2 for the seat cover 5, the manufacturing method can be used for different types of padding elements 3 since the cover retaining assembly 2 for the different types of padding elements 3 only differs by the number of wire-shaped identical parts G and the positioning thereof in the respective padding element 3.

[0075] FIG. 9 shows schematically in a plan view a further embodiment for a retaining element 10 of the cover retaining assembly 2 which is configured as a wire-shaped identical part G. The function and the purpose of the retaining element 10 according to FIG. 9 are the same as for the retaining elements 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0076] The wire-shaped retaining element 10 only differs from the wire-shaped retaining element 1 in terms of shape.

[0077] The retaining element 10 is formed from a single bent wire. The single wire of the respective retaining element 10 is bent to form two circles which are connected together via a web 10.1. The web 10.1 forms the fastening region 1.1. The circles form in each case the anchoring region 1.2 with the associated anchoring opening 10.4. The free wires ends 10.3 of the single wire bear in each case in the bent state against one of the ends 10.1.1 of the web 10.1 or are arranged through a radially open slot 10.4.2 at a spacing from the ends 10.1.1. The single wire of the respective retaining element 10 can be pre-bent to form two anchoring regions 10.2 which are connected via the web 10.1.

[0078] FIG. 10 shows an example of a vehicle seat 100 which is described hereinafter by way of three spatial directions which run perpendicularly to one another. In a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, a longitudinal direction x runs substantially horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction which corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y running perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x is also horizontally oriented in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicularly to the transverse direction y. In a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0079] The positional information and directional information which is used, such as for example front, rear, top and bottom, refer to a viewing direction of an occupant seated in the vehicle seat 100 in the usual seating position, wherein the vehicle seat 100 is installed in the vehicle in a position of use which is suitable for passenger conveyance with an upright backrest 104 and is oriented in the direction of travel as is usual. The vehicle seat 100, however, can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example transversely to the direction of travel. Unless described differently, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed mirror-symmetrically to a plane running perpendicularly to the transverse direction y.

[0080] The backrest 104 can be pivotably arranged on a seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100. To this end, the vehicle seat 100 optionally can comprise a fitting 106, in particular an adjustment fitting, rotary fitting, latching fitting or wobble fitting.

[0081] The positional information and directional information which is used, such as for example radial, axial and in the circumferential direction, refer to an axis of rotation 108 of the fitting 106. Radial means perpendicular to the axis of rotation 108. Axial means in the direction of or parallel to the axis of rotation 108.

[0082] The vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise a longitudinal adjustment device 110. The longitudinal adjustment device 110 comprises, for example, a rail assembly 112 with a first rail element 114 and a second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is adjustable relative to the second rail element 116 in the longitudinal direction x. The first rail element 114 is fastened to the seat part 102. The second rail element 116 is fastened to a structural element of a vehicle, for example a vehicle floor.

[0083] The backrest 104 and the seat part 102 can comprise in each case the above-described padding element 3 with the cover retaining assembly 2, with the seat cover 5 and the set of retaining elements 1, 10, which are configured as identical parts G for fastening the seat cover 5 to the padding element 3 (shown in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6).

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0084] 1, 10 Retaining element [0085] 1.1 Fastening region [0086] 10.1 Web [0087] 10.1.1 End [0088] 1.2, 10.2 Anchoring region [0089] 1.3 Concavity [0090] 10.3 Wire end [0091] 1.4, 10.4 Anchoring opening [0092] 1.4.1 Opening portion [0093] 1.4.2, 10.4.2 Slot [0094] 2 Cover retaining assembly [0095] 3 Padding element [0096] 3.1 Opening [0097] 4 Engagement element [0098] 4.1 Hook element [0099] 4.2 Coupling element [0100] 4.3 Receiving element [0101] 5 Seat cover [0102] 6 Seat arrangement [0103] 7 Fastening seam [0104] 8 Tool [0105] 8.1 Cavity [0106] 8.2 Receiver [0107] 8.3 Support [0108] 100 Vehicle seat [0109] 102 Seat part [0110] 104 Backrest [0111] 106 Fitting [0112] 108 Axis of rotation [0113] 110 Longitudinal adjustment device [0114] 112 Rail assembly [0115] 114 First rail element (upper rail) [0116] 116 Second rail element (lower rail) [0117] A1 to A3 Spacing [0118] D Wire diameter [0119] G Identical part [0120] L Overall length [0121] R Radius [0122] x Longitudinal direction [0123] y Transverse direction [0124] z Vertical direction