Seat suspension with maximized downward distraction feature

Abstract

Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a seat frame assembly (24); a cushion support (38) which is supported on the seat frame assembly (24); and at least one spring element (52, 54) that is rigidly coupled to a front section (42) of the cushion support (38) and slidably coupled to a rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) on one or more engagement hooks (60), wherein the engagement hooks (60) slide rearward along the rear section (44) when the spring element (52, 54) bends downwards under a load force (LF).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat with a seat suspension system and in particular to a vehicle seat with a seat suspension system having an improved ability to deflect downwards under a force applied to a seat occupant. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Conventional vehicle seat assemblies are often designed based on the size limitations of a vehicle interior, current design requirements and trends, and various comfort options. The present invention provides a robust seat arrangement with a seat suspension system that offers improved deflection in a Z-dimension to provide a stronger cushioning effect for a vehicle occupant.

[0003] Prior art includes JP 2008 - 220 496 A and DE 10 2006 029 299 A1. These describe a vehicle seat comprising a seat frame assembly, a cushion support with spaced-apart front and rear sections that partially define a window, a suspension system with at least one spring element suspended within the window and rigidly coupled to a front section of the cushion support and movably coupled to a rear section of the cushion support at one or more engagement hooks. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A vehicle seat with the features of the independent claims will be provided.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention comprises a vehicle seat with a seat frame assembly and a cushion support that is supported on the seat frame assembly. At least one spring element is rigidly coupled to a front section of the cushion support and slidably coupled to a rear section of the cushion support by one or more engagement hooks. The engagement hooks slide inwards along the rear section when the spring element deflects downwards under a load force.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seat comprising a seat frame assembly and a cushion support mounted on the seat frame assembly. The cushion support includes spaced-apart front and rear sections that partially define a window formed by the cushion support. A suspension system with one or more spring elements is suspended within the window of the cushion support. Each spring element is deflectable downwards and slidably coupled to the rear section of the cushion support by one or more engagement hooks. The seat frame assembly also includes a rear support element.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention involves a vehicle seat with a cushion support. A suspension system is suspended from the cushion support and includes one or more deflectable spring elements that are coupled to a front section of the cushion support at a first end and movably coupled to a rear section of the cushion support at a second end. The second end of the one or more deflectable spring elements rotates on the rear section of the cushion support when the suspension system moves between the rest and bent positions. The second end of the one or more deflectable spring elements includes engagement hooks that are slidably received in channels arranged on the rear section of the cushion support.

[0008] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention will become understandable and apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, the patent claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective top view of a vehicle seat located inside the interior of a vehicle; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the vehicle seat from Fig. 1 with upholstery materials removed to reveal a vehicle seat frame assembly comprising a seat frame assembly and a seat backrest frame assembly; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective top view of a cushion support and a suspension system; Fig. 4A is a rear perspective view of the upholstery support and suspension system made of Fig. 3; Fig. 4B is a close-up view of a rear section of the upholstery support and suspension system made of Fig. 4A; Fig. 4C is a close-up view of a section of the upholstery support and suspension system made of Fig. 4B at position IVC; Fig. 4D is a close-up view of the rear section of the upholstery support and suspension system. Fig. 4A with the suspension system in a bent position; and Fig. 4E is a close-up view of a section of the upholstery support and suspension system made of Fig. 4D at location IVE. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0010] For the purposes of description in this document, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the device in its orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood, however, that the device can assume various alternative orientations and sequences of steps, unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly provide otherwise.

[0011] Now, the focus will shift to... Fig. 1 Reference is made to Figure 1, which shows a vehicle seat 10 arranged in a vehicle 12 within an interior space 12A of the vehicle 12. The vehicle seat 10 is arranged in the vehicle interior space 12A adjacent to an instrument panel or dashboard 13. Fig. In this context, the vehicle seat 10 is specifically arranged in the vehicle interior 12A in a seating area on the driver's side. However, it is considered that the vehicle seat 10, or various components and functions thereof, may be arranged in other areas of a vehicle interior, such as the seating area on the passenger side, a rear seating area, or a third-row seating area. The vehicle seat 10 is supported on a rail system 14 arranged on a vehicle floor support surface 15 and generally comprises a substantially horizontal seat section 16 and a substantially upright backrest 18. A headrest assembly 19 is arranged on an upper section of the seat backrest 18. It is considered that the backrest 18 is a pivoting element configured to pivot relative to the seat section 16.The seat section 16 generally includes a central support section 16C, which has projecting ribs or side supports 16A, 16B arranged on opposite sides of it. The side supports 16A, 16B are generally arranged at an inward angle directed toward the central support section 16C, which is generally angled in a rearward direction within the vehicle. The side supports 16A, 16B are configured to provide support for a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat 10 when the vehicle 12 is in motion. Similarly, the backrest 18 includes side supports 18A, 18B and an upper collar section 18D. The side supports 18A, 18B and the upper collar section 18D are generally angled toward a central support section 18C of the backrest 18. The various parts of the seat section 16 and the seat backrest 18 are shown in the illustration in . Fig. 1. The vehicle seat is covered with a padded seat cover 20, which covers various padding materials CM used to provide more heavily padded support for a vehicle occupant. The seat cover 20 is considered to be made of a suitable natural or synthetic material, or any combination thereof, used to generally cover the padding material CM of the vehicle seat 10. Together, the padding material CM and the seat cover 20 cover a vehicle seat frame assembly 22 ( Fig. 2) and essentially cover them, as described in more detail below.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 2. The vehicle seat 10 is fitted with the upholstery material CM and the seat cover 20 ( Fig. 1) shown, which has been removed to reveal a vehicle seat frame assembly 22. The vehicle seat frame assembly 22 generally comprises a seat frame assembly 24 and a seat backrest frame assembly 26, which is pivotally coupled to the seat frame assembly 24. When in use, the seat frame assembly 24 supports the seat section 16 of the vehicle seat 10, while the seat backrest frame assembly 26 supports the seat backrest 18 of the vehicle seat 10. The seat frame assembly 24 includes a front support element 28 and a rear support element 30, which connects the spaced-apart first and second side supports 32, 34. The front and rear support elements 28, 30 are defined in particular as transverse elements in the form of torsion tubes which, together with the first and second side supports 32, 34, essentially bear the load of the vehicle seat 10 when the vehicle seat 10 is occupied by a passenger.The first and second side supports 32, 34 are generally upright elements that are coupled to the rail system 14 and further coupled to the seat backrest frame assembly 26. As in . Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, the seat frame assembly 24 supports a cushion support 38 which includes a suspension system 40.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 3 is the upholstery support 38 made of Fig. 2 as shown in the illustration, removed from the vehicle seat frame assembly 22. The upholstery support 38 comprises a front section 42 and a rear section 44, which are connected to each other by the spaced-apart first and second side elements 46, 48 to define a window 50, which is positioned at a generally central location of the upholstery support 38. As in the embodiment shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, window 50 is essentially square, although other shapes for window 50 are also considered. The suspension system 40 is suspended in window 50 of the upholstery support 38. It is considered that when a vehicle occupant rests upon it, the suspension system 40 bends under a plane P defined by window 50 of the upholstery support 38 and extends in a direction indicated by arrow D. Thus, the suspension system 40 is configured to remain in a bent position F below the seat frame assembly 24 ( Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E) to extend when a downward loading force LF is applied to the suspension system 40. In Fig. Figure 3 shows the suspension system 40 in a rest position AR. When in use, the front section 42 of the upholstery support 38 is used to support a vehicle occupant at or around the occupant's thighs and is generally supported by the front support element 28 of the seat frame assembly 24. The rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 is used to couple the upholstery support 38 to the rear support element 30 of the seat frame assembly 24, as described in more detail below. The suspension system 40 of the upholstery support 38 is configured to support a vehicle occupant at or around the occupant's buttocks. The load supported by the suspension system 40 causes the suspension system 40 to deflect downward in the direction indicated by arrow D. Arrow D illustrates a generally downward direction for bending the suspension system 40 from the rest position AR.This downward direction is generally referred to as a vertical or Z-dimensional deflection, as in . Fig. 3 indicated.

[0014] The suspension system 40 includes the first and second spring elements 52, 54, each of which includes serpentine body sections 56 that connect the front sections 58 to the rear engagement hooks 60. The front sections 58 of the first and second spring elements 52, 54 are coupled to the front section 42 of the upholstery support 38 at the fastening hooks 62. It is considered that the front sections are rigidly coupled to the front section 42 of the upholstery support 38. The engagement hooks 60 are coupled to the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 in a sliding or rotating arrangement with the rear section 44, as described in more detail below. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first and second spring elements 52, 54 are connected to each other by a support assembly 64, which can be used to route the wiring or air vents for various seat controls and comfort functions. The first and second spring elements 52, 54 are further connected to each other by a rear support assembly 61, which is arranged adjacent to the engagement hooks 60. The first and second spring elements 52, 54 are flexible spring elements designed to deflect in the Z-dimension along the path, as indicated by arrow D, which shows the coiled serpentine body sections 56 thereof. The first and second spring elements 52, 54 are configured to provide the Fig. The engagement hooks 60 are configured, when movably or flexibly coupled to the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38, to rotate or slide in a direction indicated by arrow R to extend the Z-dimensional deflection of the suspension system 40 along the path indicated by arrow D. This pivoting connection of the engagement hooks 60 to the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 provides maximized Z-dimensional deflection of the suspension system 40 compared to a suspension system that includes fixed connections between the front and rear sections 42, 44 of the seat upholstery support 38. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the serpentine body sections 56 of the first and second spring elements 52, 54 generally comprise tubular wires, which may be made of a metallic material, such as spring steel. The suspended coupling of the suspension system 40 within the window 50 of the cushion support 38 is shown in Fig. 4A further exemplified. In the rear perspective view from Fig. 4A The rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 has, as shown in the illustration, a curved or rounded body section 70 that defines a cavity 72 below it. The rear support element 30 of the seat frame assembly 24 is received in the cavity 72, as shown in the Fig. 2, Fig. 4B and Fig. Shown in 4D.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 4B, the rear support element 30 of the seat frame assembly 24 is accommodated within the cavity 72 of the body section 70 of the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38, as shown in the illustration. The curvature of the body section 70 of the rear section 44 provides a close engagement between a rounded lower surface 70B of the rear section 44 and the rounded outer surface 30A of the rear support element 30. Thus, it is considered that the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 is a polymeric overmold configured for close engagement with the rear support element 30 of the seat frame assembly 24. When rigidly coupled to the rear support element 30, the rear section 44 of the upholstery support 38 is specifically configured to provide a sliding or pivoting engagement of the engagement hooks 60 of the first and second spring elements 52, 54.In particular, an outer surface 70A of the rear section 44 includes a plurality of channels 74 in which the engagement hooks 60 are slidably received. The engagement hooks 60 are held within the channels 74 by retaining elements 76 and guides 78. During use, the retaining elements 76 and guides 78 hold the engagement hooks 60 in a sliding engagement with the rear section 44 of the cushion support 38 as the engagement hooks 60 move along the path indicated by arrow R.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 4C is an engagement hook 60, as shown in the illustration, arranged within a channel 74 of the rear section 44 of the cushion support 38. The one in Fig. The 4C shown engagement hook 60 is exemplary for all those in Fig. The engagement hook 60 shown in Figure 4B. Furthermore, it is considered that the suspension system 40 of the present concept may include more than two spring elements, and may also include spring elements with different configurations that differ from the first and second spring elements 52, 54 described above. Fig. 4C, the engagement hook 60 is held by the retaining element 76, which includes first and second tabs 80, 82 that essentially define a clamp extending over the channel 74 in which the engagement hook 60 is slidably arranged. The engagement hook 60 further includes an end 60A, which is arranged within a guide 78. The guide 78 consists of a first and second outwardly extending leg 84, 86, which are connected to each other by a central section 88 arranged above the outwardly opening channel 74. The outwardly extending legs 84, 86 are arranged on opposite sides of the channel 74 and extend outward from the outer surface 70A of the body section 70 of the rear section 44 of the cushion support 38.By covering the channel 74, the guide 78 ensures that the end 60A of the engagement hook 60 remains engaged with the channel 74 when the engagement hook 60 slides along the channel 74 in the direction indicated by the arrow R as a suspension system 40 moves from the rest position AR to a bent position F (. Fig. 4D).

[0017] With reference to Fig. Figure 4D shows the suspension system 40 in a bent position F, where the suspension system 40 has deflected downwards along the path indicated by arrow D due to a load force LF acting on the suspension system 40. It is considered that the load force LF illustrates a load on a vehicle occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 10 ( Fig. 1) which deflects the suspension system 40 downwards. When the suspension system 40 is deflected in the Z-dimension, the first and second spring elements 52, 54 in particular bend and extend downwards to cushion the vehicle occupant when seated in the vehicle seat 10. In addition, the engagement hooks 60 of the suspension system 40 of the present concept pivot or rotate inwards towards the window 50 along the path indicated by arrow R within the channels 74 of the rear section 44 of the cushion support 38.

[0018] With reference to Fig. 4E, the engagement hook 60 has moved or rotated inwards in the direction indicated by the arrow R as the suspension system 40 moves from the rest position AR ( Fig. 4B) has moved to the curved position F. With reference to Fig. 4C is thus the end 60A of the engagement hook 60 rotated inwards along a length of the channel 74 to provide a further downward deflection of the suspension system 40 in the Z-dimension. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4E, the end 60A of the engagement hook 60 is still contained in the guide 78 arranged above the channel 74, in which the engagement hook 60 is slidably received. Furthermore, when the suspension system 40 is in the bent position F, the engagement hook 60 is still held by the retaining element 76 via the first and second tabs 80, 82, which extend over the channel 74.

[0019] The person skilled in the art understands that the design of the described concepts and other components is not limited to a specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0020] In the present disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms such as couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally denotes the direct or indirect connection of two (electrical or mechanical) components to one another. Such a connection may be essentially immovable or movable. Such a connection may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements in one piece with each other or with the two components as a single, unified body. Such a connection may be essentially permanent or may be essentially removable or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] It is equally important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements according to the invention, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, serve only for illustrative purposes. Although only some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art, considering this disclosure, will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter.For example, elements shown as integral may be constructed from multiple sections, or elements shown as multiple sections may be integral; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connecting links or other elements of the system may be varied; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed from a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other embodiments without deviating from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0022] It is understood that all described methods or steps within the described methods can be combined with other disclosed methods or steps for forming structures within the scope of protection of the present invention. The exemplary structures and methods disclosed herein serve only illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0023] It is further understood that variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless expressly provided otherwise by the wording of these claims. Reference sign AR Resting position CM upholstery material LF load capacity D arrow F curved position P level R arrow 10 vehicle seats 12 vehicles 12A Vehicle interior 13 Dashboard 14 rail system 15 Vehicle floor support surface 16 Seating section 16A Side support 16B Side support 16C central support section 18 Backrest 18A Side support 18B Side support 18C central support section 18D collar section 19 Headrest assembly 20 Seat cover 22 Vehicle seat frame assembly 24 Seat frame assembly 26 Seat backrest frame assembly 28 front support element 30 rear support element 30A outer surface 32 first side support 34 second side support 38 cushion supports 40 Suspension system 42 front section 44 rear section 46 first page element 48 second page element 50 windows 52 first spring element 54 second spring element 56 Body section 58 front section 60 access hooks 60A End 61 Holder assembly 62 fastening hooks 64 Holder assembly 70 Body section 70A outer surface 70B lower surface 72 Cavity 74 Channel 76 Holding element 78 Leadership 80 first tab 82 second tab 84 first thigh 86 second thigh 88 middle section

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a seat frame assembly (24); a cushion support (38) which is supported on the seat frame assembly (24); and at least one spring element (52, 54) that is rigidly coupled to a front section (42) of the cushion support (38) and slidably coupled to a rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) on one or more engagement hooks (60), wherein the engagement hooks (60) slide rearward along the rear section (44) when the spring element (52, 54) bends downwards under a load force (LF). [2] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the seat frame assembly (24) includes a rear support element (30). [3] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 2, wherein the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) is coupled to the rear support element (30) of the seat frame assembly (24). [4] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) includes one or more channels (74) arranged thereon, and wherein the one or more engagement hooks (60) of the at least one spring element (52, 54) are further slidably received in the one or more channels (74) of the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38). [5] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 4, comprising: a retaining element (76) which is arranged above each channel (74) of the one or more channels (74) for holding the engagement hooks (60) within the one or more channels (74). [6] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 5, wherein each retaining element (76) comprises first and second tabs (80, 82) arranged on opposite sides of the channel (74) and extending from an outer surface of the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) over the channel (74). [7] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 4, comprising: a guide (78) arranged above each channel (74) of the one or more channels (74) for holding the engagement hooks (60) within the one or more channels (74). [8] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 7, wherein each guide (78) comprises first and second legs (84, 86) extending from an outer surface of the rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) on the opposite side of the channel (74), and a middle section (88) connecting the first and second legs (84, 86) over the one or more channels (74). [9] Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a seat frame assembly (24); a cushion support (38) which is supported on the seat frame assembly (24) and has spaced-apart front and rear sections (42, 44) which partially define a window (50) arranged therein; and a suspension system (40) with one or more spring elements (52, 54) suspended within the window (50), each spring element (52, 54) being deflectable downwards and slidably coupled to the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) on one or more engagement hooks (60), the seat frame assembly (24) including a rear support element (30). [10] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) includes a curved body section (70) which defines a cavity (72) below it in which the rear support element (30) of the seat frame assembly (24) is received. [11] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 9, wherein the rear section (44) of the upholstery support (38) includes one or more channels (74) arranged along a curved body section (70) thereof. [12] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 11, wherein the one or more engagement hooks (60) of the one or more spring elements (52, 54) are slidably received in the one or more channels (74) of the rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) for movement along a length of the one or more channels (74). [13] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 12, wherein the one or more engagement hooks (60) of the one or more spring elements (52, 54) rotate along the length of the one or more channels (74) when the suspension system (40) moves between rest and bent position (AR, F). [14] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 13, wherein the one or more spring elements (52, 54) deflect under a plane (P) defined by the window (50) of the upholstery support (38) when the suspension system (40) is in the bent position (F). [15] Vehicle seat (10), comprising: a cushion support (38); and a suspension system (40) suspended from the cushion support (38) and comprising one or more deflectable spring elements (52, 54) coupled to a front section (42) of the cushion support (38) at a first end and movably coupled to a rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) at a second end, the second end rotating on the rear section (44) of the cushion support (38) when the suspension system (40) moves between the rest and bent positions (AR, F), the second end of the one or more deflectable spring elements (52, 54) comprising engagement hooks (60) slidably received in channels (74) arranged on the rear section (44) of the cushion support (38). [16] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 15, wherein the suspension system (40) is suspended within a window (50) defined by the upholstery support (38), and wherein the one or more deflectable spring elements (52, 54) further deflect below a plane (P) defined by the window (50) of the upholstery support (38) when the suspension system (40) is in the bent position (F). [17] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 15, wherein the first end of one or more deflectable spring elements (52, 54) is rigidly coupled to the front section (42) of the upholstery support (38). [18] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 15, wherein the engagement hooks (60) rotate inwards when the suspension system (40) moves from the rest position to the bent position (AR, F).

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