Seating arrangement

Abstract

Seating arrangement (12), comprising: a frame (16); a seat base (26) connected to the frame (16), wherein the seat base (26) comprises a rigid support structure (28) and a suspension (36) extending between the frame (16) and a circumferential region (30) of the rigid support structure (28); and wherein the suspension (36) bends between the rigid support structure (28) and the frame (16) in response to a user sitting on the seat arrangement (12) in order to allow movement of the rigid support structure (28) relative to the frame (16); characterized by the fact that the suspension (36) includes a flexible seal (52) that surrounds the circumferential area (30) of the rigid support structure (28).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a seating arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 for a vehicle, of a type essentially known from JP H04 - 104 943 U.

[0002] Further details of the state of the art can be found in documents DE 10 2018 127 996 A1 and US 5 103 513 A.

[0003] Conventional seating arrangements include a seat base that rigidly conforms to the body shape of an average user, providing a more comfortable seating surface compared to a non-contoured base. A conventional seat base, for example, may have a slight curve depending on the occupant's seating and thigh position. While the contoured seating surface provides an ergonomically beneficial surface for many occupants, the seat base is typically fixed to the seat frame, for example, by welding, threaded fasteners, snap-fit ​​connections, and the like. Because of this, the seat base offers no displacement movement or flexibility, thus limiting the cushioning experienced by an occupant when seated on the base. As a result, forces are transmitted directly from the seat to the occupant when the vehicle travels over bumps or uneven roads. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, a seating arrangement is presented which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The seating assembly comprises a frame and a seat base connected to the frame. The seat base includes a rigid support structure and a suspension extending between the frame and a circumferential region of the rigid support structure. In response to a user sitting on the seating assembly, the suspension between the rigid support structure and the frame flexes to allow movement of the rigid support structure relative to the frame. The suspension includes a flexible seal that surrounds the circumferential region of the rigid support structure.

[0006] Implementations of the invention may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the rigid support structure comprises an ergonomic shape configured to conform to the contours of the user sitting on the seating arrangement.

[0007] In further implementations, the flexible seal is attached to a selected surface from the group consisting of: (i) an upper surface of the rigid support structure and (ii) a lower surface of the rigid support structure opposite the upper surface.

[0008] In some examples, the seat arrangement further includes a damper between a lower surface of the rigid support structure and a lower frame surface positioned beneath the seat base. The damper comprises a first magnet connected to the rigid support structure and a second magnet connected to the lower frame surface. The first and second magnets repel each other. In some aspects, the suspension allows movement of the rigid support structure relative to the frame along three axes.

[0009] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is described. The vehicle comprises a seating arrangement consisting of a frame and a seat base connected to the frame. The seat base includes a rigid support structure and a suspension extending between the frame and a circumferential region of the rigid support structure. In response to a user sitting on the seating arrangement, the suspension between the rigid support structure and the frame flexes to allow movement of the rigid support structure relative to the frame. This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features.

[0010] In some implementations, the rigid support structure incorporates an ergonomic shape configured to conform to the contours of the user seated on the seating arrangement. In some examples, the suspension comprises multiple springs extending between the frame and the rigid support structure along opposite sides of the rigid support structure's perimeter.

[0011] In some aspects, the suspension includes a flexible seal that surrounds the circumference of the rigid support structure. In other aspects, the flexible seal is attached to a selected surface from the group consisting of: (i) an upper surface of the rigid support structure and (ii) a lower surface of the rigid support structure opposite the upper surface.

[0012] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the description below. Further aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein serve only to illustrate selected configurations. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle comprising a seating arrangement according to the principles of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior cabin of the vehicle from Fig. 1, which determines the seating arrangement of Fig. 1 records. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a frame of a seating arrangement. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a seat base of the seating arrangement of Fig. 1, which is configured to be supported on the frame via a suspension which, contrary to the invention, comprises a plurality of springs. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a seat base of the seating arrangement of Fig. 1, which is configured to be supported on the frame via a suspension which, according to the invention, includes a flexible seal. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a seat base of the seating arrangement of Fig. 1, which is configured to be supported on the frame via a suspension system comprising a plurality of magnets.

[0014] The corresponding reference symbols indicate the corresponding parts in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A vehicle 10 comprises an interior cabin 14 that accommodates one or more seating arrangements 12 at corresponding seating positions within the interior cabin 14 of the vehicle 10, for example, a driver's seat 12, 12a at a driver's seat position and a passenger seat 12, 12b at a passenger seat position. It can be understood that the seating arrangement 12 can be positioned at any passenger position in a vehicle.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 3 The seat assembly 12 comprises a support structure or frame 16 configured to support the upholstery or padding of the seat assembly 12. The frame 16 and the upholstery may be covered with a covering, such as fabric, vinyl, leather, or another suitable material, to provide a Class A surface for the seat assembly 12. Furthermore, the frame 16 may include one or more floor fixings or rails 18 on a lower section of the frame 16 configured to secure the seat assembly 12 within the interior cabin 14 of the vehicle 10, such as to the floor of the interior cabin 14. The frame 16 also includes a rear frame section 20 configured to support the backrest of the seat assembly 12 and a lower frame section 22 configured to support the seat cushion of the seat assembly 12.In the illustrated example, the lower frame section 22 is generally positioned above the floor supports 18 of the frame 16 and defines a lower cavity or seat cushion receiving section 24 of the frame 16. That is, the lower frame section 22 can generally provide a perimeter frame structure, with the lower cavity 24 extending between or within the lower frame section 22. Thus, the lower cavity 24 is enclosed by the lower frame section 22 and is configured to receive a seat base or cushion assembly 26 of the seating arrangement 12. Fig. 4) As discussed below, the seat base 26 may include padding, and the seat base 26 and the lower frame section 22 may be covered with the seat assembly 12.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 4. The seat base 26 comprises a rigid support structure 28 that is connected to or supported by the lower frame section 22 of the frame 16. Although not shown, the rigid support structure 28 of the seat base 26 may support and / or encase cushions or upholstery material. The rigid support structure 28 may be formed from any suitable material that provides rigid support to the user when seated in the seating arrangement 12, such as wood, composite material, metal, or the like. Furthermore, the rigid support structure 28 comprises an ergonomic shape or contour, such as a shape based on an average user of the seating arrangement 12.By incorporating a contoured shape into the rigid support structure 28, even when the rigid support structure 28 is ultimately covered with foam, leather, fabric, and / or other materials, the contoured shape contributes to a more comfortable and precise seating experience for the user, particularly when the user sits on the seating arrangement 12 for extended periods. As further explained below, contrary to the invention, the rigid support structure 28 is supported on the lower frame section 22 of the frame 16 by a flexible suspension 36 extending between a circumferential or edge region 30 of the support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22.

[0018] The seat base 26 comprises a first or upper surface 32 and a second or lower surface 34 opposite the upper surface 32. The upper surface 32 can face the interior 14 of the vehicle 10 and includes the contoured shape of the rigid support structure 28, such that the upper surface 32 is configured to accommodate the user seated on the seat assembly 12. The lower surface 34 can face away from the interior cabin 14, for example, towards the floor of the interior cabin 14.

[0019] The suspension 36 extends between the circumferential edge region 30 of the support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22, and flexes between the support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22 to allow movement of the seat base 26 and the user relative to the frame 16. When the vehicle is traveling on the road, the suspension 36 can, for example, flex or deflect to allow movement of the support structure 28 relative to the frame 16 and to at least partially dampen or absorb forces, thereby preventing the forces from acting on the user through the seat assembly 12.

[0020] This means that by attaching the seat base 26 to the frame 16 with the suspension 36, the seat base 26 is able to provide the user with flex while seated on the seat assembly 12. This occupant flex provides the user with an additional degree of suspension, which offers greater comfort, especially when the vehicle 10 travels over bumpy and / or uneven roads. The suspension 36 can, for example, allow movement of the seat base 26 along three axes of movement relative to the frame 16. In other words, and as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the suspension 36 allows movement of the seat base 26 in the X direction (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle), in the Y direction (e.g., along a transverse axis of the vehicle), and in the Z direction (along a vertical axis). When the suspension 36 is combined with the contoured shape of the rigid support structure 28, the user is provided with a seat base 26 that not only adapts to the user's contours but also provides enhanced suspension to increase the level of user comfort, especially when the vehicle 10 is in motion. Furthermore, the suspension 36 can respond to the user seated on the seat assembly 12 and provide a more comfortable feel on the seat base 26, even when the vehicle 10 is stationary.

[0021] In some examples, contrary to the invention, the suspension 36 comprises a plurality of springs 38 extending between at least one section of the circumferential edge region 30 of the rigid support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22. For example, the springs 38 can extend between the rigid support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22 along opposite sides of the rigid support structure 28, such as along a first side 30a of the circumferential edge region 30 and along an opposite second side 30b of the circumferential edge region 30. Optionally, the springs 38 can extend between the rigid support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22 substantially around the circumferential edge region 30, for example along the first side 30a, the second side 30b, a third or front side 30c, and a fourth or rear side 30d.

[0022] A plurality of mounting holes 40 can be formed around the circumferential edge region 30 of the support structure 28 to allow the attachment of the plurality of springs 38. In one configuration, the springs 38 are coil springs that are movable between a relaxed state and an extended or extended state. Thus, each spring 38 comprises a first end 42 that is attached to the circumferential edge region 30 of the rigid support structure 28, such as in a corresponding mounting hole 40, and a second end 44 that is attached to the lower frame section 22 in a corresponding mounting hole (not shown). Thus, the seat base 26 cannot directly contact any section of the frame 16, but rather the seat base 26 is connected to the frame 16 via the plurality of springs 38. This provides the seat base 26 with three-dimensional movement relative to the frame 16.This means that as the support structure 28 and the attached padding move with the user relative to the lower frame section 22, the springs 38 extend and contract to support the user and absorb forces, thereby limiting the transmission of forces from the seat assembly 12 to the user. Furthermore, the suspension 36 can push the support structure 28 into a centered or preset position to keep the user in a desired seating position when traveling on uneven or bumpy roads.

[0023] Optionally, the suspension 36 can include a flexible fabric extending between the support structure 28 and the lower frame section 22. For example, and with reference to Fig. 5. The suspension 36 can comprise a flexible fabric 46 attached to the circumferential edge region 30 of the rigid support structure 28 and enclosing the seat base 26. The flexible fabric 46 comprises a seat edge 48 attached to the seat base 26 and a frame edge 50 attached to the lower frame section 22. The flexible fabric 46 can be attached to the seat base 26 and the lower frame section 22 by any suitable means, such as adhesive, screws, and the like. Furthermore, the type of flexible fabric 46 used for the suspension 36 can be a woven fabric, a metal mesh, a rubber sheet, or another suitable material to support the user seated on the seating arrangement 12 and to allow three-dimensional movement of the seat base 26 relative to the frame 16.As the support structure 28 and the attached padding move with the user relative to the lower frame section 22, the flexible fabric 46 can bend and / or stretch to support the user and absorb forces. In this way, the forces experienced by the lower frame section 22 when the vehicle 10 travels over rough or uneven road surfaces are absorbed by the suspension 36 and not transmitted to the user.

[0024] According to the invention, the suspension 36 comprises a flexible seal or a rubberized material that surrounds the circumferential edge region 30 of the rigid support structure 28. For example, and with reference to Fig. 6. The suspension 36 can comprise a flexible seal 52, which is attached to the circumferential edge region 30 of the rigid support structure 28 and encloses the seat base 26. The flexible seal 52 comprises a sealing seat edge 54, which is attached to the seat base 26, and a sealing frame edge 56, which is attached to the lower frame section 22. The sealing seat edge 54 can be attached to at least one upper edge section of a circumferential edge 58 of the support structure 28 (i.e., at a connection point between the circumferential edge 58 and the upper surface 32 of the support structure 28) and one lower edge section of the circumferential edge 58 (i.e., at a connection point between the circumferential edge 58 and the lower surface 34 of the support structure 28). The flexible seal 52 can be attached to the seat base 26 and the lower frame section 22 by any suitable means, such as adhesive, screws, and the like.Furthermore, the flexible seal 52 used for the suspension 36 can be a rubber or silicone seal, a foam material, or another suitable flexible and durable material to support the user seated on the seat assembly 12 and to allow three-dimensional movement of the seat base 26 relative to the frame 16. Thus, as the support structure and the attached padding move with the user relative to the lower frame section 22, the flexible seal 52 can flex and / or stretch to support the user and absorb forces. In this way, the forces experienced by the lower frame section 22 when the vehicle 10 travels over rough or uneven road surfaces are absorbed by the suspension 36 and not transmitted to the user.

[0025] With further reference to Fig. 6 The seat arrangement 12 includes one or more dampers 62 which provide a damping effect to resist movement of the seat base 26 when the user is seated on the seat arrangement 12. Although Fig.Figure 6, which is shown as containing the flexible seal 52 of the suspension 36 and the one or more dampers 62, the seat assembly 12 can include one or more of the suspension components discussed herein and / or one or more dampers 62. That is, the dampers 62 can be attached to the seat assembly 12 in conjunction with the suspension 36, including one or more of the plurality of springs 38, the flexible fabric 46, and the flexible seal 52. As further explained below, the one or more dampers 62 are arranged between the rigid support structure 28 and a surface or structure below the seat base 26 to resist movement of the seat base 26 at least in the vertical Z-direction.The dampers 62 can provide less rigid support than the frame 16 of the seating assembly 12 in order to at least partially dampen or absorb forces and thereby prevent them from being perceived by the user. One or more lashing elements or straps 64 can extend between the seat base 26 and the frame 16 to restrict the movement of the seat base 26 within a range of motion. That is, the fastening elements 64 can prevent evasive movement of the seat base 26 and ensure smooth three-dimensional movement.

[0026] In the illustrated example, each damper 62 comprises a first magnet 66 located on the lower surface 34 of the rigid support structure 28 and a corresponding second magnet 68 on a lower frame surface 70 located below the seat base 26, such as at or near the base supports 18 of the frame 16. The first magnet 66 and the second magnet 68 repel each other to provide the damping force between the lower frame surface 70 and the support structure 28. For example, the first magnet 66 may have a north pole opposite the north pole of the second magnet 68. The fasteners 64 generally hold the first magnet 66 positioned above the second magnet 68 to maintain the mutual repulsive action of the first magnet 66 and the second magnet 68.While the suspension 36 absorbs the three-dimensional movement of the seat base 26, the damper 62 can at least partially prevent movement along the vertical Z-direction and reduce the transmission of vibrations to the user through the seat assembly 12. In some examples, the magnets of the damper 62 can be electromagnets, allowing the damper to be selectively activated, for example, based on user input or the determination that the vehicle is traveling over a particularly bumpy section of road.

[0027] By connecting the seat base 26 to the frame 16 via the suspension 36, in combination with the rigid support structure 28 of the seat base 26, which has a shape specifically contoured to the user, the seat arrangement 12 provides the user with ergonomic comfort and support. The configurations described in this disclosure can be individually tailored to different seating arrangements in different vehicles and adapted to different passenger positions in different vehicles based on manufacturer preference. The differences in the configurations may include, but are not limited to, the exact placement and orientation of the suspension, the stiffness of the suspension, whether dampers are incorporated, and the exact shape of the contoured seat base.

Claims

[1] Seating arrangement (12), comprising: a frame (16); a seat base (26) connected to the frame (16), wherein the seat base (26) comprises a rigid support structure (28) and a suspension (36) extending between the frame (16) and a circumferential region (30) of the rigid support structure (28); and wherein the suspension (36) bends between the rigid support structure (28) and the frame (16) in response to a user sitting on the seat arrangement (12) in order to allow movement of the rigid support structure (28) relative to the frame (16); characterized by , that the suspension (36) includes a flexible seal (52) that surrounds the circumferential area (30) of the rigid support structure (28). [2] Seating arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the rigid support structure (28) has an ergonomic shape configured to conform to the contour of the user sitting on the seating arrangement (12). [3] Seat arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the flexible seal (52) is attached to a selected from the group consisting of: (i) an upper surface (32) of the rigid support structure (28) and (ii) a lower surface (34) of the rigid support structure (28) opposite the upper surface (32). [4] Seating arrangement (12) according to claim 1, further comprising a damper between a lower surface (34) of the rigid support structure (28) and a lower surface (70) of the frame (16) below the seat base (26), wherein the damper comprises a first magnet (66) connected to the rigid support structure (28) and a second magnet (68) connected to the lower surface (34), the first magnet (66) and the second magnet (68) repelling each other. [5] Seating arrangement (12) according to claim 1, wherein the suspension (36) enables movement of the rigid support structure (28) relative to the frame (16) along three axes.

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