Claims:We claim:
1. A cushion portion (200) for seat of a vehicle, the cushion portion (200) comprising:
a right side member (201) and a left side member (202), wherein each member (201, 202) having a front part, arranged at a distance from a backrest and a rear part close to the backrest; and
a plurality of transverse tubes (203, 204, 205) joins the right side member (201) and the left side member (202), wherein at least one transverse tube (205, 203) is provided at front end and at rear end; and
characterized in that
a frame wire structure (300) is mounted on front transverse tube (205) by welding at middle (306) and at first end (301) and second end (301a) of the frame wire (300), wherein the frame wire structure (300) comprising:
a first end portion (301) and second end portion (301a) extending along a transverse axis (Y) opposite to each other and welded on the transverse tube (205);
a longitudinal portion (302, 302a) perpendicularly bent from the first end portion (301) and the second end portion (301a) and extend along longitudinal direction (X axis) upto end of the right side flange (201) and the left side flange (202);
a inclined portion (303, 303a) extend at an angle in longitudinal direction (X axis) from the longitudinal portion (302, 302a);
a longitudinal portion (304, 304a) extend in the longitudinal direction (X axis) from the inclined portion (303);
a thigh support portion (305, 305a) perpendicularly bent from the longitudinal portion (304) and extend in inner direction along the transverse direction (Y axis) and bent at the middle to define a middle support portion (306) extend along the transverse direction (Y axis) and welded on the transverse tube (205) to provide rigidity to the frame wire structure (300) on the transverse tube (205).

2. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame wire structure (300) further comprising two transverse wires (307) disposed along transverse width of the frame wire structure (300), the transverse wires (307) are mounted with the right side member (201) and the left side member (206) to provide rigidity to the frame wire structure (300).

3. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transverse wires (307) are welded on all four inclined portion (303, 303a) of the frame wire structure (300).
4. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame wire structure (300) has four inclined portion (303, 303a) where two inclined portion (303, 303a) define the thigh support portion (305, 305a).

5. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame wire structure (300) has two thigh support portion (305, 305a) at right hand side and left hand side of the middle support portion (306) in transverse direction (Y axis).

6. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the middle support portion (306) forms a U shape structure in conjunction with the longitudinal portion (302, 302a) and the inclined portion (303, 303a) at middle of the frame wire structure (300).

7. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination for the inclined portion (303, 303a) is in range 45o to 55o C to restrict movement of occupant during crash.

8. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thigh support portion (305, 305a) and transverse wires (307) extend parallel with the transverse tube (205).

9. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the longitudinal portion (302, 302a), the inclined portion (303, 303a), and the longitudinal portion (304, 304a) are perpendicular to the transverse tube (205) and extend in forward longitudinal direction.

10. The cushion portion (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame wire structure (300) is a single structure wire which is optimized at different angles.
, Description:FRAME WIRE STRUCTURE FOR FRONT SEAT CUSHION FRAME
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a front seat portion of a vehicle, and, in particular, a frame wire structure for front seat portion to support thigh portion and to trim seat fabric. More particularly, the frame wire structure is mounted on front transverse tube of the front seat portion with optimized shape and angular configuration to restrict forward movement of occupant during front crash.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Generally, a front seat of a vehicle has a backrest frame and cushion portion which usually comprises several structural tubes connecting the side members. The cushion portion is fitted on a floor of the automobile chassis through one or more slides, for example, two side slides. The cushion portion comprises a frame, preferentially rigid, on which PU pad and seat fabric is mounted.
[003] Fig. 1 illustrates structure of the cushion portion as known in the art. The seat portion has two side members 101, 102 and a plurality of transverse tubes 103, 104, 105 disposed in between the two side members. The side members extend in the longitudinal direction from rear part to front part and define a seat portion. Further, the upper portion of the cushion portion may comprise a wire frame to hold the PU pad for the seat. The front part of the side members 101, 102 has a front member 106 which is made of sheet metal to support thigh portion of occupant.
[004] Technical problem associated with the existing cushion portion is use of front sheet member which leads extra material cost, tooling cost and high assembly lead time.
[005] Therefore, there is a need in the art to manufacture the front member apart from the sheet metal to provide more rigidity and strength to front end of the cushion portion. The front member structure should be easy to manufacture with low cost and less assembly time. The present invention has been conceived in view of the aforementioned circumstances.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to use wire structure at front end of cushion portion of front seat of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame wire structure with a transverse wire to hold trim of the cushion portion.
[008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cushion portion which restricts forward movement of occupant during frontal crash of the vehicle.
[009] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, effective, and cost efficient cushion portion with a frame wire structure for thigh support and trim attachment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0010] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a cushion portion for a seat of a vehicle. In particularly, the present subject matter relates to a frame wire structure for cushion portion for a seat to support thigh of occupant and to hold trim of the seat. The cushion portion has a right side member and left side member arranged at a distance from each other in parallel. The right side member and the left side member are joined by a plurality of transverse tubes. There is at least one transverse tube at front end and at least one transverse tube at rear end of the right side member and left side member. Further, a frame wire structure is mounted on front transverse tube by welding at three locations, such as at right side and left side end and at middle loop. The frame wire structure has two thigh support portion and a middle support portion. The frame wire structure is optimized with different shapes and angles to provide facility which it intended to be. The frame wire structure comprises a first end portion or right hand side portion and second end portion or left hand side portion extending along a transverse axis (Y) opposite to each other and welded on the front transverse tube. The frame wire structure has a longitudinal portion bent perpendicularly from the first end portion and the second end portion and extend along longitudinal direction (X axis) upto end of the right side member and the left side member. Further, an inclined portion extend at an angle in longitudinal direction (X axis) from the longitudinal portion. The inclined portion goes above top end surface of the right side member and the left side member at both end. The inclined portion bent and extended in parallel with the longitudinal portion in longitudinal direction (X axis). The frame wire structure has a thigh support portion which bent perpendicularly from the longitudinal portion and extends in inner direction along the transverse direction (Y axis) and bent at the middle to define a U shape portion. The horizontal base of the U shaped portion which is a middle support portion extends along the transverse direction (Y axis) and welded on the transverse tube. Further, the frame wire structure has a straight transverse wire which is disposed along transverse width of the frame wire structure and mounted on opening in the left side memberand right side member. The transverse wire is welded on four inclined portion of the frame wire. The inclined profile of the frame wire structure restricts movement of occupant during frontal crash. The transverse wire is used to hold the trim of the seat. The present frame wire structure is easy to manufacture from a single wire. The present frame wire structure has high rigidity.
[0011] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates cushion portion with front member as known in the art;
[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates cushion portion with frame wire structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates structure of the frame wire, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates structure of the frame wire with transverse wire, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates side view of the cushion portion with the frame wire structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates top view of the cushion portion with the frame wire structure of fig. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0019] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0020] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a cushion portion for a seat of a vehicle. In particularly, the present subject matter relates to a frame wire structure for cushion portion for a seat to support thigh of occupant and to hold trim of the seat. The cushion portion has a right side member and left side member arranged at a distance from each other in parallel. The right side member and the left side member are joined by a plurality of transverse tubes. There is at least one transverse tube at front end and at least one transverse tube at rear end of the right side member and left side member. Further, a frame wire structure is mounted on front transverse tube by welding at three locations, such as at right side and left side end and at middle loop. The frame wire structure has two thigh support portion and a middle support portion. The frame wire structure is optimized with different shapes and angles to provide facility which it intended to be. The frame wire structure comprises a first end portion or right hand side portion and second end portion or left hand side portion extending along a transverse axis (Y) opposite to each other and welded on the front transverse tube. The frame wire structure has a longitudinal portion bent perpendicularly from the first end portion and the second end portion and extend along longitudinal direction (X axis) upto end of the right side member and the left side member. Further, an inclined portion extend at an angle in longitudinal direction (X axis) from the longitudinal portion. The inclined portion goes above top end surface of the right side member and the left side member at both end. The inclined portion bent and extended in parallel with the longitudinal portion in longitudinal direction (X axis). The frame wire structure has a thigh support portion which bent perpendicularly from the longitudinal portion and extends in inner direction along the transverse direction (Y axis) and bent at the middle to define a U shape portion. The horizontal base of the U shaped portion which is a middle support portion extends along the transverse direction (Y axis) and welded on the transverse tube. Further, the frame wire structure has a straight transverse wire which is disposed along transverse width of the frame wire structure and mounted on opening in the left side member and right side member. The transverse wire is welded on four inclined portion of the frame wire. The inclined profile of the frame wire structure restricts movement of occupant during frontal crash. The transverse wire is used to hold the trim of the seat. The present frame wire structure is easy to manufacture from a single wire. The present frame wire structure has high rigidity.
[0021] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various assembly that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0023] Fig. 2 illustrates cushion portion with frame wire structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The cushion portion 200 has a right side member 201 and left side member 202. The right side member 201 and the left side member 202 having a front part and arranged at a distance from a backrest and a rear part close to backrest. The two side members 201, 202 extend longitudinally in X axis at a distance relative to the direction of the vehicle. Further, a plurality of transverse tubes 203, 204, 205, 211 are provided in between the two side members 201, 202 to join the right side member 201 and the left side member 202. The two side members 201, 202 are joined at the front part by a front transverse tube 205 and at the rear part by a rear transverse tube 203. The two transverse tubes 203, 205 are resistant structural elements capable of withstanding impact in the event of the vehicle being involved in an accident so as to minimize deformation of the cushion portion 200. Further, the two transverse tubes 204 and 211 are provided to join the side members at lower side in front and rear end respectively. Furthermore, number of transverse tubes depends on the rigidity requirement of the cushion portion. Further, the cushion portion 200 is upholstered with foam designed to ensure the comfort of an occupant of the seat. After the upholstered foam on the cushion portion a seat trim is provided to cover the seat foam. Further, it is required to fix the seat trim with the seat portion so that the seat trim remain in touch with the seat foam of the cushion portion.
[0024] As shown in the figure 2, a frame wire structure 206 is mounted at front end 210 of the side members 201, 202. Preferably, the frame wire structure 206 is mounted on the front transverse tube 205 by welding process. The frame wire structure 206 has two thigh support portion and a middle support portion. The frame wire structure 206 is welded at three locations, such as right end side 206a, left end side 206b, and at middle support portion 206c with the front transverse tube 205. The frame wire structure 206 has two transverse wires 207 which is welded on the frame wire structure 206 at four inclined portion. The transverse wires 207 receive the hook to hold the seat trim. Further, the transverse wires 207 is engaged with receiving holes of the side members 201, 202 at both ends to avoid tilting of the complete frame wire structure 206. The transverse wires 207 can be in single piece structure mounted on the frame wire structure 206. The transverse wire 207 provides strength and rigidity to the frame wire structure 206 on the side members 201, 202. The frame wire structure 206 and the transverse wire 207 are made of steel wire, particularly thick steel wire which has high strength.
[0025] Figure 3 illustrates structure of the frame wire structure as shown in the figure 2. The frame wire structure 300 extends in longitudinal direction as well in transverse direction. The frame wire structure 300 is bent in middle and defines a U shape where horizontal portion which extend along transverse direction Y axis is welded on the front transverse tube 205.
[0026] The frame wire structure 300 comprises a first end portion 301 and second end portion 301a towards right side member and left side member respectively. The first end portion 301 and second end portion 301a extend along transverse direction Y axis opposite to each other and welded on the front transverse tube 205. For explanation point of view, the frame wire structure 300 is divided into two parts, i.e., right hand side part and left hand side part along the axis AB. The right hand side part and left hand side part are symmetric about the axis AB. The right hand side part and left hand side part are mirror image of each other. However the frame wire structure is a single integral part. To avoid complexity in structure of the frame wire structure, here, right hand side part is explained, where the left hand side part is exactly similar to the right hand side part.
[0027] The frame wire structure 300 comprises a longitudinal portion 302 extending in longitudinal direction X axis from the first end portion 301. The longitudinal portion 302 extend upto end of the right side member in longitudinal direction. The longitudinal portion 302 is perpendicularly connected with the first end portion 301. The longitudinal portion 302 further extends at an angle 400 (as shown in the figure 4) in longitudinal direction X axis as an inclined portion 303. The angle 400 between the inclined portion 303 and the longitudinal portion 302 is in range 45o to 55o. The inclined portion 303 restricts occupant movement in forward direction during crash situation. The inclined portion 303 extends above the height of the right side member. The inclined portion 303 bent with same angle 400 in downward direction and extends as a longitudinal portion 304 in longitudinal direction X axis. The longitudinal portion 302 and the longitudinal portion 304 are parallel to each other. The longitudinal portion 304 perpendicularly bent in inner side and extends along transverse direction Y axis to define a thigh support portion 305. The thigh support portion 305 extends in transverse axis Y and bent with similarly angular profile of longitudinal portion 304a, inclined portion 303a, longitudinal portion 302a and define a middle U shaped portion. All the angles and extending dimensions of longitudinal extending sides of the middle U shaped portion is similar to right side end and left side end sides of the frame wire structure300. The middle support portion or horizontal portion of the middle U shaped portion which extend along transverse direction Y axis is welded on the front transverse tube 205.
[0028] Similarly, the left hand side part has similar angle, shape, and dimensions with the right hand side part which meets at the middle and define the middle U shaped portion. The left hand side part and right hand side part joins and define the middle U shaped portion. The frame wire structure 300 is made of single or integral steel wire with high strength. The middle support portion 306 forms a U shape structure in conjunction with the longitudinal portion 302, 302a and the inclined portion 303, 303a of the right hand side and left hand side part at middle of the frame wire structure 300.
[0029] The left hand side part of the frame wire structure 300 comprises a longitudinal portion 302a extending in longitudinal direction X axis from the first end portion 301a. The longitudinal portion 302a extend upto end of the right side member in longitudinal direction. The longitudinal portion 302 is perpendicularly connected with the first end portion 301a. The longitudinal portion 302a further extends at an angle 400 (as shown in the figure 4) in longitudinal direction X axis as an inclined portion 303a. The angle 400a (not shown in the figure) between the inclined portion 303a and the longitudinal portion 302a is in range 45o to 55o. The inclined portion 303a restricts occupant movement in forward direction during crash situation. The inclined portion 303a extends above the height of the right side member. The inclined portion 303a bent with same angle 400a in downward direction and extends as a longitudinal portion 304a in longitudinal direction X axis. The longitudinal portion 302a and the longitudinal portion 304 are parallel to each other. The longitudinal portion 304a perpendicularly bent in inner side and extends along transverse direction Y axis to define a thigh support portion 305. The thigh support portion 305a extends in transverse axis Y and bent with similarly angular profile of longitudinal portion 304a, inclined portion 303a, longitudinal portion 302a and define a middle U shaped portion. All the angles and extending dimensions of longitudinal extending sides of the middle U shaped portion is similar to right side end and left side end sides of the frame wire structure 300. The middle support portion or horizontal portion of the middle U shaped portion which extend along transverse direction Y axis is welded on the front transverse tube 205. The thigh support portion 305, 305a provide an angular up rise to the thigh and avoid forward movement of the occupant during crash situation. The angle 400, 400a can be optimised based on the shape and configuration of the seat portion.
[0030] The transverse wire 207 can be a single piece wire or can be two piece wire welded at four points on the wire frame structure 200. As shown in the figure 4, the frame wire structure 300 has two transverse wires 307 which are disposed along transverse width in Y axis. The transverse wires 307 are a straight wire which is engaged with holes of the right side member 201 and the left side member 202 to provide rigidity to the frame wire structure 300. The transverse wires 307 are welded on all four inclined portions, i.e., one at right side end, two at middle in the middle U shaped portion and one at left end side. The transverse wires 307 are extend from the frame wire structure 300 in transverse axis Y to get engage with the right side member 201 and the left side member 202. The transverse wires 307 provide rigidity to the frame wire structure 300 and restrict tilting of the frame wire structure 300 in downward direction. Further, the transverse wires 307 is used for trimming the seat fabric or seat cover. The middle U shaped portion may or may not have the transverses wire 307.
[0031] The present frame wire structure is easy to manufacture from the single steel wire. Further, there is no tooling cost to manufacture the frame wire structure. The frame wire structure is rigid structure which provides more strength to the cushion portion. At the end, material cost for the present frame wire structure is less as compared to any other existing solution.
[0032] In the above description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms “before,” “behind,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms “above,” “below,” “superior,” “inferior,” etc., or to orientation qualifiers, reference is made to a seat in a normal position of use in the ordinary direction in which the vehicle progresses.
[0033] The term “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs.
[0034] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0035] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.