Seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator

Abstract

This invention provides a seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator that increases the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat. [Solution] The seat support mechanism 1 of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator comprises a base 2 placed on the ground, a seat support base 5 to which the seat 3 is fixed, a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 with universal joints at both ends that connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at two locations on the front side of the seat support base 5 with a gap between them, a single connect bar 7 with universal joints at both ends that connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at one location on the rear side of the seat support base 5 with a gap between them, and a ball joint 9 that connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the center of the seat support base 5 with a gap between them. As a result, since there is only one connect bar 7, there is nothing to obstruct rotation around the universal joint as the pivot point, allowing for a wider range of forward and backward tilt of the seat.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat support mechanism for a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator, particularly to a seat support mechanism for a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator with an extended front-back tilt range of the seat during off-road reproduction and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a seat support mechanism for a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator, there are a base placed on the ground, a seat support base to which a seat is fixed, a pair of cylinder-type actuators with universal joints at both ends that connect the base and the seat support base at two locations on the front side of the seat support base with a gap, a pair of hydraulic dampers with universal joints at both ends that connect the base and the seat support base at two locations on the rear side of the seat support base with a gap, and a ball joint that connects the base and the seat support base at the central part of the seat support base with a gap. A seat support mechanism for a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, as shown in the embodiment, it is described that by arranging a pair of hydraulic dampers in an inverted V shape imitating the suspension structure of an actual vehicle, a more realistic operation can be realized.

[0004] However, in the seat support mechanism of Patent Document 1, since a pair of hydraulic dampers are arranged in an inverted V shape, the rods of the respective hydraulic dampers collide with each other when extended. Therefore, when the seat front tilt amount is large, the extension of the rod on one side may be restricted by the rod on the other side. In other words, in the seat support mechanism of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the front tilt range of the seat will be restricted.

[0005] Furthermore, if the seat tilt range is large, and there are multiple hydraulic dampers, the rotation of one hydraulic damper around the universal joint may be restricted by another hydraulic damper, limiting the range of seat tilt and potentially worsening the responsiveness of the movement. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7165367 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator that widens the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator comprises a base placed on the ground, a seat support base to which the seat is fixed, a pair of cylinder actuators, a connect bar, and a ball joint.

[0009] Here, the pair of cylinder-type actuators have universal joints at both ends and are connected to the base and the seat support at two points on the front side of the seat support, with a gap between them. Furthermore, each connect bar has universal joints at both ends, connecting the base and the seat support at one point on the rear side of the seat support, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, the ball joint connects the base and the seat support at the center of the seat support, leaving a gap between them.

[0010] Here, the pair of cylinder actuators connect the base and the seat support at two points on the front of the seat support. Therefore, when the seat tilts forward, such as during brake simulation, the cylinder actuators retract their rods. In this case, the cylinder actuators can utilize gravity, allowing them to retract their rods quickly. Therefore, the seat support mechanism of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator disclosed herein can improve the responsiveness of the seat tilt when braking is simulated, etc.

[0011] Furthermore, one connect bar connects the base and the seat support at one point on the rear side of the seat support. Here, the rear side of the seat support, which is furthest from the front side of the seat support where the cylinder actuator is located, is a so-called open end with nothing to restrict its movement beyond it. As a result, overshoot, undershoot, hunting, etc., are likely to occur in response to the extension and retraction of the rod of the cylinder actuator.

[0012] Therefore, by connecting the base and the seat support base with a connect bar, the occurrence of overshoot and other issues is suppressed, and the operation of the seat support mechanism of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator is stabilized. In addition, when simulating off-road conditions, the vehicle speed is generally set to a slower speed, and the range of fore-aft tilt of the seat is wider. However, the rate of change in fore-aft tilt over time is relatively slow, so the impact load acting on the connect bar is not very large.

[0013] Furthermore, since there is only one connect bar, there is nothing to obstruct the rotation around the universal joint as the pivot point. This allows the seat to become nearly perpendicular to the ground with the universal joint as the pivot point, thereby achieving maximum forward tilt. Furthermore, by using the universal joint as the pivot point and becoming nearly parallel to the ground, the seat can achieve its maximum reclining position. Therefore, by adjusting the length of the connect bar, the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat can be widened. Furthermore, there is only one connect bar, and nothing to obstruct its operation, resulting in excellent responsiveness.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the seat support mechanism of a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator comprises a base placed on the ground, a seat support base to which the seat is fixed, a pair of cylinder actuators, a hydraulic damper, and a ball joint.

[0015] Here, the pair of cylinder-type actuators have universal joints at both ends and are connected to the base and the seat support at two points on the front side of the seat support, with a gap between them. Furthermore, each hydraulic damper has universal joints at both ends, connecting the base and the seat support at one point on the rear side of the seat support, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, the ball joint connects the base and the seat support at the center of the seat support, leaving a gap between them.

[0016] Since there is only one hydraulic damper, there is nothing to obstruct the rotation around the universal joint as the pivot point. Therefore, by becoming nearly perpendicular to the ground with the universal joint as the pivot point, the seat can achieve its maximum forward tilt. Furthermore, by using the universal joint as the pivot point and becoming nearly parallel to the ground, the seat can achieve its maximum reclining position.

[0017] Therefore, by adjusting the length of the hydraulic damper, the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat can be widened. Here, since the hydraulic damper's rod is extendable, the range of length adjustment is also wide. In other words, the hydraulic damper allows for a wider range of forward and backward tilt of the seat. Furthermore, since there is only one hydraulic damper and nothing to hinder its operation, the responsiveness is also good.

[0018] Also, by using a hydraulic damper, unnecessary vibrations and the like can be actively attenuated, and the operation of the seat support mechanism of the four-wheel vehicle driving simulator can be made more stable. Furthermore, since the hydraulic damper has a structure that can absorb shocks, it suppresses its own damage and enables longer-term use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a rear perspective view of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 1). [Figure 2] It is a frame configuration diagram of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 1). [Figure 3] It is a side view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 1). [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 1). [Figure 5] It is a front view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 1).

[0020] [Figure 6] It is a rear perspective view of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 2). [Figure 7] It is a frame configuration diagram of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 2). [Figure 8] It is a side view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 2). [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 2). [Figure 10] It is a front view of the seat support mechanism of a four-wheel vehicle driving simulator (Example 2).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure will be described based on examples. It should be noted that the following embodiments disclose only specific examples, and this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Examples]

[0022] [Configuration of Example 1] The configuration of the seat support mechanism 1 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as seat support mechanism 1) of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator of Example 1 will be explained using Figures 1 to 5. The seat support mechanism 1 comprises a base 2 placed on the ground G, a seat support base 5 to which the seat 3 is fixed, a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6, a connect bar 7, and a ball joint 9.

[0023] The base 2 consists of a rectangular base plate 10 that is long in the front-to-back direction, and a rectangular frame 11 that extends downward from the outer circumference of the base plate 10. The seat support base 5 is the component to which the seat 3 is fixed, and it has a rectangular box shape with an open top. Its length in the front-to-back direction is approximately equal to that of the base 2, and its width in the left-to-right direction is slightly narrower than that of the base 2.

[0024] A hood section 13 is formed on the front side of the seat support base 5, and a steering wheel mechanism 15 is installed inside the hood section 13. A brake pedal 16, an accelerator pedal 17, etc., are positioned on the underside of the hood section 13.

[0025] Then, by operating the steering mechanism 15, brake pedal 16, accelerator pedal 17, etc., the control device 20 tilts the seat support base 5 in the front, back, left, and right directions, and changes the image displayed on the monitor 21 installed in front, thereby simulating the driving of a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0026] Here, the control device 20 is configured to include a well-known microcomputer having a CPU with control functions, calculation functions, etc., various storage devices such as ROM and RAM, input devices, and output devices. Then, based on the control signals output from the control device 20, the tilt state of the seat support base 5 in the front, back, left, and right directions is controlled, and the control device 20 outputs video information corresponding to the operating state of the seat support base 5 to the monitor 21.

[0027] Furthermore, any discrepancy between the video information on monitor 21 and the tilt state of the seat support base 5 will cause significant discomfort to the occupant. Therefore, it is crucial to eliminate the discrepancy between the video information on monitor 21 and the tilt state of the seat support base 5. In other words, for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, it is essential to ensure that the tilt state of the seat support base 5 quickly follows the video information calculated instantaneously from the operating state of the seat support base 5.

[0028] The pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 have universal joints at both ends and connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at two points on the front side of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them. More specifically, the cylinder actuator 6 has a universal joint at its upper end connected to a bar 25 that protrudes from the side of the hood portion 13 in the left-right direction, and a universal joint at its lower end connected to a bar 28 that extends in the left-right direction and is supported by a support piece 27 provided on the base 2.

[0029] Furthermore, since the cylinder-type actuator 6 is located on the front side of the seat support base 5, extending the rod allows the seat support base 5 to be tilted backward, and retracting the rod allows the seat support base 5 to be tilted forward.

[0030] Furthermore, the pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 are each positioned perpendicular to the ground G. Here, "perpendicular to the ground G" means that the minimum angle it makes with the ground G is 80° or greater.

[0031] Furthermore, one connect bar 7 has universal joints at both ends, connecting the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the rear side of the seat support base 5 with a gap between them. More specifically, the connect bar 7 connects the universal joint at its upper end to a plate 30 extending downward from the rear end of the seat support base 5, and connects the universal joint at its lower end to a plate 31 extending upward from the rear end of the base 2.

[0032] Here, the connect bar 7, with the universal joint as its pivot point, becomes approximately perpendicular to the ground G, thereby enabling the maximum forward tilt of the seat 3. Furthermore, the connect bar 7, with the universal joint as its pivot point, is approximately parallel to the ground G, thereby enabling the maximum backward tilt of the seat 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the ball joint 9 connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the center of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them. More specifically, the ball joint 9 is fixed such that the ball portion 33 faces the base 2 and the ball stud portion 34 faces the seat support base 5, with the end of the ball stud portion 34 and the upper surface of the base 2 fixed to the end of the retaining base 35 that holds the ball portion 33. As a result, the seat support base 5 rotates with the ball portion 33 as the pivot point.

[0034] Here, the maximum distance between the connection point between the ball joint 9 and the base 2, i.e., the connection point between the holding base 35 and the base 2, and the connection point between the ball joint 9 and the seat support base 5, i.e., the connection point between the ball stud portion 34 and the seat support base 5, is 20 cm or more. This is to ensure a sufficient range of forward and backward tilt of the seat 3. The maximum distance between the ball joint 9 and the base 2 is preferably 30 cm or more, and more preferably 40 cm or more.

[0035] [Effects of Example 1] The sheet support mechanism 1 of Embodiment 1 comprises a base 2 placed on the ground G, a sheet support base 5 to which the sheet 3 is fixed, a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6, a pair of hydraulic dampers 7, and a ball joint 9.

[0036] Here, the pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 have universal joints at both ends and connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at two points on the front side of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, each connect bar 7 has universal joints at both ends, connecting the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at one point on the rear side of the seat support base 5, with a gap between them. Furthermore, the ball joint 9 connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the center of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them.

[0037] Here, the pair of cylinder actuators 6 connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at two points on the front side of the seat support base 5. Therefore, when the seat tilts forward, such as during brake simulation, the cylinder actuators 6 retract their rods. In this case, the cylinder actuators 6 can utilize gravity, allowing them to retract their rods quickly. Therefore, the seat support mechanism 1 can improve the responsiveness of the seat's forward tilt during braking simulations and other situations.

[0038] Furthermore, since the seat support mechanism 1 can improve the responsiveness of the seat's forward tilt during braking and other situations using only a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6, the overall size, cost, and power consumption of the seat support mechanism 1 can be reduced.

[0039] One might be concerned that the seat support mechanism 1 might have poor responsiveness when tilting the seat backward during acceleration in a four-wheeled vehicle, as it extends the rod of the cylinder actuator 6 against gravity. However, since four-wheeled vehicles inherently have high inertia, even rapid acceleration does not require such a steep rod change, so the extension of the cylinder actuator 6's rod against gravity provides sufficient responsiveness.

[0040] Additionally, one connect bar 7 connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the rear side of the seat support base 5. Since there is only one connect bar 7, there is nothing to obstruct its rotation around the universal joint as the pivot point. Therefore, the connect bar 7 becomes approximately perpendicular to the ground G around the universal joint as the pivot point, enabling the maximum forward tilt of the seat 3 to be achieved. Furthermore, the connect bar 7, with the universal joint as its pivot point, is approximately parallel to the ground G, thereby enabling the maximum rearward tilt of the seat 3.

[0041] Therefore, by adjusting the length of the connect bar 7, the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat 3 can be increased. Furthermore, since there is only one Connect Bar 7 and nothing to interfere with its operation, the responsiveness is also good.

[0042] In addition, when simulating off-road driving, the vehicle speed is generally set to a slower speed, and the range of forward and backward tilt of seat 3 is wider. However, the rate of change in forward and backward tilt over time is relatively gradual, so the impact load acting on connect bar 7 is not very large.

[0043] Furthermore, the ball joint 9 connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the center of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them. Here, the ball joint 9 enables smoother rotation of the seat support base 5 compared to a universal joint, etc., thereby improving the responsiveness of the seat tilt forward during braking simulations, etc. Furthermore, because the ball joint 9 enables smooth rotation of the seat support base 5, the responsiveness of the seat tilt backward during acceleration simulations, etc., is also improved.

[0044] Furthermore, in the seat support mechanism 1 of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator of Embodiment 1, a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 are each positioned perpendicular to the ground G. This allows for maximum utilization of gravity's effects, further improving the responsiveness of the seat's forward tilt during braking simulations and other situations.

[0045] Furthermore, since the pair of cylinder actuators 6 are each positioned perpendicular to the ground G, the projected area of ​​the cylinder actuators 6 on the ground G is minimized, and the three-dimensional occupied area is minimized, allowing the size of the seat support mechanism 1 to be made smaller.

[0046] Furthermore, in the seat support mechanism 1 of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator of Embodiment 1, the maximum distance between the connection point between the ball joint 9 and the base 2 and the connection point between the ball joint 9 and the seat support base 5 is 20 cm or more. This expands the range of rotation of the seat support base 5 with the ball portion 33 of the ball joint 9 as the pivot point, thereby widening the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat 3.

[0047] [Configuration of Example 2] The configuration of the sheet support mechanism 1 in Example 2 will be explained using Figures 6 to 10, focusing on the parts that differ from those in Example 1. In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for parts that have the same function as in Example 1. In Embodiment 2, the sheet support mechanism 1 comprises a base 2 placed on the ground G, a sheet support base 5 to which the sheet 3 is fixed, a pair of cylinder-type actuators 6, a hydraulic damper 37, and a ball joint 9.

[0048] Here, the pair of cylinder-type actuators 6 have universal joints at both ends and connect the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at two points on the front side of the seat support base, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, one hydraulic damper 37 has universal joints at both ends, and connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at one point on the rear side of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them. Furthermore, the ball joint 9 connects the base 2 and the seat support base 5 at the center of the seat support base 5, leaving a gap between them.

[0049] Since there is only one hydraulic damper 37, there is nothing to obstruct its rotation around the universal joint as the pivot point. As a result, the hydraulic damper 37 becomes approximately perpendicular to the ground G around the universal joint as the pivot point, enabling the maximum forward tilt of the seat 3 to be achieved. Furthermore, the hydraulic damper 37, with the universal joint as its pivot point, is approximately parallel to the ground G, thereby enabling the seat 3 to achieve its maximum rearward tilt. Therefore, by adjusting the length of the hydraulic damper 37, the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat 3 can be increased.

[0050] Here, the hydraulic damper 37 has a wide range of length adjustment because its rod is extendable and retractable. Therefore, by using the hydraulic damper 37, the range of forward and backward tilt of the seat 3 can be increased. Furthermore, since there is only one hydraulic damper 37 and nothing to obstruct its operation, the responsiveness is also good.

[0051] Furthermore, by using the hydraulic damper 37, unwanted vibrations can be actively dampened, thereby stabilizing the operation of the seat support mechanism 1. Furthermore, because the hydraulic damper 37 has a structure that can absorb shocks, it suppresses damage to the hydraulic damper 37 and enables longer-term use.

[0052] [Differentiation] The present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in the seat support mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the pair of cylinder actuators 6 were each positioned perpendicular to the ground G, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the configuration may have an angle from the direction perpendicular to the ground G. In other words, the minimum angle between the cylinder actuator 6 and the ground G may be less than 80°. This increases the degree of freedom in the installation of the cylinder actuator 6.

[0053] Furthermore, in the seat support mechanism 1 of the embodiment, the ball portion 33 was positioned on the base 2 side and the ball stud portion 34 on the seat support base 5 side, between the seat support base 5 and the base 2. However, the ball portion 33 may be positioned on the seat support base 5 side and the ball stud portion 34 on the base 2 side. This allows for adjustment of the position of the pivot center of the seat support base 5. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Seat support mechanism (seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator) 2. Base 3 seats 5 seat support base 6 cylinder actuator 7 connect bar 9 Ball joint 37 Hydraulic damper G ground

Claims

1. A base that is placed on the ground, A seat support base that secures the seat, A pair of cylinder-type actuators, each having a universal joint at both ends, connect the base and the seat support at two locations on the front side of the seat support so as to have a gap between them, A single connect bar, with universal joints at both ends, connects the base and the seat support at one point on the rear side of the seat support, leaving a gap between them. A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, comprising a ball joint that connects the base and the seat support at the center of the seat support so as to have a gap between them.

2. In the seat support mechanism of the four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator according to claim 1, A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, characterized in that the maximum distance between the connection portion between the ball joint and the base and the connection portion between the ball joint and the seat support base is 20 cm or more.

3. In the seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator according to claim 1 or 2, A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, characterized in that the pair of cylinder-type actuators are each positioned perpendicular to the ground.

4. A base that is placed on the ground, A seat support base that secures the seat, A pair of cylinder-type actuators, each having a universal joint at both ends, connect the base and the seat support at two locations on the front side of the seat support so as to have a gap between them, A single hydraulic damper, with universal joints at both ends, connects the base and the seat support at one point on the rear side of the seat support so as to have a gap between them, A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, comprising a ball joint that connects the base and the seat support at the center of the seat support so as to have a gap between them.

5. In the seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator according to claim 4, A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, characterized in that the maximum distance between the connection portion between the ball joint and the base and the connection portion between the ball joint and the seat support base is 20 cm or more.

6. In the seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator according to claim 4 or 5, A seat support mechanism for a four-wheeled vehicle driving simulator, characterized in that the pair of cylinder-type actuators are each positioned perpendicular to the ground.

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