Seat suspension unit

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a seat suspension unit (20) for a vehicle. The seat suspension unit (20) comprises a seat support (22) connected to a seat (100), a base (24) connectable to a floor (102), and a compression assembly (26) positioned between and connected to the seat support (22) and the base (24). The seat suspension unit (20) further comprises a bias device (30), a fluid compressor (40), a fluid container (42), a plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48), one or more adapters (50), and at least one valve (56). The seat suspension unit (20) configured according to the present invention has the advantage of not only improving ease of adjustment but also providing greater comfort and safety to the seat occupant by absorbing low-frequency vibrations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automotive engineering. In particular, the present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, seat suspension units. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to low-frequency seat suspension units.

Background Art

[0002] The information in this section only provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute the prior art of the present disclosure.

[0003] Pneumatic suspension systems generally use compressed air to absorb shocks and vibrations received by the vehicle body frame or components connected to the vehicle body frame. In a vehicle seat, the pneumatic suspension system provides a comfortable ride for the driver, passengers, or seated occupants by absorbing bumps and vibrations on the road surface. Pneumatic suspension systems are widely used in various vehicles such as commercial trucks, buses, off-road vehicles, and luxury cars.

[0004] Pneumatic suspension seats are used to isolate the seated person from vibrations during vehicle travel. Such cushions typically utilize a pneumatic suspension system to extend or compress and support the weight of the occupant. However, since the weight range of seated occupants often exceeds 150 pounds and the space available for seats in commercial vehicles is relatively limited, it is not only difficult to configure a pneumatic suspension system that fits within such a small space, but it is also a challenge to adjust the pneumatic suspension system that supports the seat suspension to provide optimal comfort.

[0005] Figure 1 shows a conventional seat suspension unit (10). The seat suspension unit (10) is located between the seat (100) and the floor (102) of a vehicle (not shown). The seat suspension unit (10) includes an air spring (2), an air compressor (4), and a pneumatic valve (6). A scissor linkage (8) is located between the seat (100) and the floor (102). However, due to space constraints in the conventional configuration, the amount of compressed air that can be stored in the air spring (2) is limited, and therefore the conventional seat suspension unit (10) cannot absorb low-frequency vibrations. Low-frequency vibrations in vehicles are a type of vibration that occurs at relatively low frequencies (usually 2-20 Hz). This type of vibration is often felt as a low rumbling sound or shaking and can be caused by a variety of factors, including an imbalance between the engine and transmission, suspension problems, and drivetrain problems.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations, or other limitations related to seat suspension units.

[0007] The shortcomings, difficulties, disadvantages, and limitations of the prior art described in the background section are for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure does not limit its scope solely by such limitations. Those skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure and the following description that other problems of the prior art not expressly described above can also be solved, or other shortcomings / disadvantages can be overcome. [Overview of the project]

[0008] One or more drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by the claimed system / assembly, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the claimed system / assembly / method in this disclosure. Further features and advantages are realized by the technology of this disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the disclosure described in the claims.

[0009] In one non-limiting embodiment, a seat suspension unit is disclosed. The seat suspension unit comprises a seat support unit connectable to a seat and a base unit connectable to the vehicle floor. A linkage assembly is interposed between the seat support unit and the base unit. A bias device is configured to engage with the seat support unit to prevent crushing of the linkage assembly. Furthermore, a fluid container is provided located below the seat and configured to store a compressed fluid. This fluid container is connected to the bias device and provides a low-frequency suspension based on the fluid pressure within the bias device.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the linkage assembly includes a scissor linkage assembly having at least a pair of first and second scissor links to facilitate relative movement between the seat support and the base.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bias device is a pneumatic spring.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat suspension unit comprises a fluid compressor configured to supply compressed fluid to a fluid container.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat suspension unit comprises at least one valve connected to a fluid container. The at least one valve is configured to selectively release fluid from the fluid container and to regulate the pressure in the fluid container.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat suspension unit includes a plurality of fluid conduits. The plurality of fluid conduits includes a first fluid conduit configured to connect a fluid container to at least one valve, a second fluid conduit configured to connect a fluid compressor to the fluid container, and a third fluid conduit configured to connect the fluid container to a bias device.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fluid conduit is a 4 mm hose, the second fluid conduit is a 6 mm hose, and the third fluid conduit is a 10 mm hose.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the seat suspension unit comprises a fluid compressor, a fluid container, and one or more adapters for facilitating fluid connection between the fluid and the bias device.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more adapters include a plurality of orifices, each connectable to a plurality of fluid conduits.

[0018] In one non-limiting embodiment, a method for operating a seat suspension unit within a seat is disclosed. This method includes the steps of supplying compressed fluid from a fluid compressor to a fluid container via a second fluid conduit to adjust the desired fluid pressure within the fluid container; then transferring the compressed fluid from the fluid container to a bias device via a third fluid conduit to facilitate engagement of the seat support to the bias device via a linkage assembly; and maintaining fluid communication between the fluid container and at least one valve via a first fluid conduit. The bias device is configured to prevent collapse of the linkage assembly and to support a seat occupant seated in the seat.

[0019] It should be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above can be used in any combination. Furthermore, multiple aspects and embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of this disclosure.

[0020] The above summary is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the invention in any way. Further embodiments, features, and characteristics will become apparent by referring to the drawings and the following detailed description, in addition to the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and features described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] Novel features and characteristics of this disclosure are described in the specification. However, the disclosure itself, as well as its preferred uses, further purposes, and advantages, will be best understood by referring to the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are described illustratively with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals represent similar elements.

[0022] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a seat suspension unit mounted under the seat using conventional technology is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of a seat suspension unit mounted under a seat according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of a seat suspension unit according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of an air accumulator connected to an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Those skilled in the art will understand that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others in order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Although the present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4 and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] Before describing the embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the novelty and inventive step of the present invention lie in the seat suspension unit. Those skilled in the art should note that they can obtain inspiration from the present disclosure and modify various configurations of the seat suspension unit. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings show only specific details important for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, and consideration is given to ensure that the present disclosure is not obscured by details that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this specification.

[0026] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Embodiments or implementations of the subject matter of the present invention described as "exemplary" herein should not necessarily be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments.

[0027] Terms such as "comprising", "including", or variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device including a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not explicitly listed or not specific to such a setup or device. In other words, one or more elements of a system or device following "comprising" do not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements within the system or device without additional constraints.

[0028] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings will be used. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used for identical or similar parts. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 2 to 4. In Figures 2 to 4, the same elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0029] The present invention relates to a seat suspension unit (20) which may have many applications, including use in the seats of off-road vehicles such as lift trucks, trackers, skid steer loaders, and small excavators. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a seat suspension unit (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is positioned between and connected to a seat (100) and a floor (102) of a vehicle (not shown). The seat suspension unit (20) comprises a seat support (22) connected to the seat (100), a base (24) connectable to the floor (102), and a compression assembly (26) positioned between and connected to the seat support (22) and the base (24). In one embodiment, the compression assembly (26) is positioned below the seat (100). The compression assembly (26) allows relative movement between the seat support (22) and the base (24), for example, when a person sits on the seat (100).

[0030] The seat suspension unit (20) includes a linkage assembly (28). In one embodiment, the linkage assembly (28) is a scissor linkage assembly (28), as shown in Figure 2. The scissor linkage assembly (28) is interposed between the seat support (22) and the base (24). The seat suspension unit (20) further includes a bias device (30) supported by the base (24). The bias device (30) engages with the seat support (22) in such a manner that it resists crushing of the scissor linkage assembly (28) and supports a seat occupant (not shown) seated in the seat (100). In one embodiment, the scissor linkage assembly (28) comprises at least a pair of first scissor links (34) and second scissor links (36), which are connected by a pivot (38) and rotate relative to each other about the pivot (38). In one embodiment, the base portion (24) is fixed to the vehicle body frame (not shown) on which the seat (100) is mounted.

[0031] Referring to Figure 3, the seat suspension unit (20) further comprises a fluid compressor (40), a fluid container (42), also known as an air accumulator, a plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48), one or more adapters (50), and at least one valve (56). In one embodiment, the bias device (30) is a pneumatic spring. In one embodiment, the bias device (30) is made of a flexible, compressible material such as a bellows or bladder. However, other types of materials may be selected without limiting the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the fluid compressor (40) is electrically driven, such as by being connected to the vehicle's electrical system. In one embodiment, the fluid compressor (40) can compress a variety of fluids, including air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, other gases, and mixed gases. In one embodiment, the fluid container (42) is made of aluminum and / or plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid container (42) can withstand pressure requirements up to 20 bar.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 3, the multiple fluid conduits (44, 46, 48) comprise a first fluid conduit (44), a second fluid conduit (46), and a third fluid conduit (48). The first fluid conduit (44) connects a fluid container (42) to at least one valve (56). The second fluid conduit (46) is configured to connect a fluid compressor (40) to the fluid container (42). In one embodiment, the fluid compressor (40) may include a pressure gauge (not shown) indicating the pressure in the second fluid conduit (46). The third fluid conduit (48) is configured to connect the fluid container (42) to a bias device (30). In one embodiment, the first fluid conduit (44) is a 4 mm hose, the second fluid conduit (46) is a 6 mm hose, and the third fluid conduit (48) is a 10 mm hose, but this does not limit the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the multiple fluid conduits (44, 46, 48) can be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to rubber, PVC, nylon, and polyurethane.

[0033] In one embodiment, at least one valve (56) is configured to release fluid from a fluid container (42). At least one valve (56) is connected to the fluid container (42) via a first fluid conduit (44). In one embodiment, at least one valve (56) is configured to release fluid from at least one of the fluid container (42) and the bias device (30), but this is not limited to the scope of the disclosure. In one embodiment, at least one valve (56) is a pneumatic relief valve. In one embodiment, the seat suspension unit (20) includes an adjustment arm (not shown) that constitutes at least one valve (56) to selectively adjust the pressure in the fluid container (42). Thus, by adjusting the adjustment arm, at least one valve (56) releases fluid from the fluid container (42). The release of fluid from the fluid container (42) adjusts the amount of resistance provided by the bias device (30) to resist crushing of the scissor linkage assembly (28).

[0034] Referring to Figure 4, a fluid container (42) is shown. The fluid container (42) comprises a cylindrical chamber (42a) configured to store compressed fluid under the required pressure. In one embodiment, the fluid container (42) is made of aluminum. However, other types of materials may be selected without limiting the scope of this disclosure. One or more adapters (50) are connected to one end of the fluid container (42). In one embodiment, one or more adapters (50) have an outer groove that engages with an inner groove of the fluid container (42). In one embodiment, one or more adapters (50) comprises three orifices (52a, 52b, 52c) of different sizes. The three orifices (52a, 52b, 52c) are each connectable to a plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48). The positions of the three orifices on the adapter (50) are provided to align with the plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48). Connecting multiple fluid conduits (44, 46, 48) to the three orifices (52a, 52b, 52c) of the adapter (50) offers the advantage of being able to respond quickly to even small vibrations. A sealing member (54) is used to fluidly seal one or more adapters (50) to the fluid container (42). In one embodiment, one or more adapters (50) are made of an elastomer material. However, other types of materials may be selected without limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] In accordance with this disclosure, a method of operating the seat suspension unit (20) is disclosed. When the fluid compressor (40) is motorized, a second fluid conduit (46) supplies compressed fluid from the fluid compressor (40) to the fluid container (42) at a desired fluid pressure. Once the compressed fluid fills the fluid container (42), a third fluid conduit (48) supplies compressed fluid from the fluid container (42) to the bias device (30). Furthermore, a first fluid conduit (44) maintains fluid communication between the fluid container (42) and at least one valve (56). Once the fluid container (42) and the bias device (30) are filled as described above, the high-pressure section of the bias device (30) engages with the seat support section (22), preventing the scissor linkage assembly (28) from collapsing and supporting the seat occupant seated in the seat (100). A vehicle equipped with a seat (100) configured according to the present invention may encounter shocks or collisions while driving, but these shocks are better dampened and blocked by the seat suspension unit (20).

[0036] A seat suspension unit (20) configured according to this disclosure has the advantage of not only improving ease of adjustment but also being able to support a wider range of seat occupants, such as a vehicle driver. Such a seat suspension unit (20) has the advantage of being suitably used in a variety of vehicles, including off-road vehicles and ships. Furthermore, the arrangement of multiple fluid conduits (44, 46, 48) ensures a rapid response to small vibrations. In addition, by providing a fluid container (42) in the disclosed seat suspension unit (20), the fluid volume in the series of bias devices (30) is increased, and the natural frequency of the seat (100) is reduced. Thus, the seat suspension unit (20) provides greater comfort and safety by absorbing small vibrations.

[0037] The primary objective of the seat suspension unit disclosed in this invention is to increase the amount of air in the pneumatic suspension system.

[0038] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an additional air accumulator configured to provide a low-frequency suspension.

[0039] Another object of this disclosure is to provide hose wiring configured to operate in response to small vibrations.

[0040] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide greater comfort to occupants of vehicle seats by increasing the amount of air and lowering the natural frequency of the seat.

[0041] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a seat suspension unit that can be mounted under a seat.

[0042] Various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout the drawings, the same numbers refer to the same elements. The thickness and dimensions of some parts may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0043] In this specification, terms such as “attached,” “connected,” “interconnected,” “in contact,” “mounted,” and “joined” may mean direct or indirect attachment or contact between elements unless otherwise specified.

[0044] For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, detailed descriptions of known features or structures may be omitted. In this specification, the expression "and / or" includes one or any combination of the relevant items.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” as used herein also include the plural form unless explicitly stated otherwise in the context. Furthermore, the terms “equipped,” “equipped,” “contains,” and / or “contains” as used herein identify the presence of a described feature, operation, element, and / or component, and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] While there is considerable emphasis here on certain features of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various modifications and many changes to preferred embodiments are possible without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the nature of the present disclosure or preferred embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it will be clearly understood that the foregoing descriptions should be construed as merely illustrative and not as limiting to the present disclosure.

[0047] [Equal amounts] The embodiments described herein, as well as details of their various features and advantages, are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended solely to facilitate understanding of how to carry out the embodiments herein and to enable those skilled in the art to further implement the embodiments herein. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0048] The foregoing description relating to specific embodiments makes the general nature of the embodiments herein sufficiently clear, and others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses without departing from the general concept by applying their current knowledge. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be understood within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting. Accordingly, although the embodiments herein are described as preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments herein can be carried out with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0049] Throughout this specification, the term “equipped with,” or variations such as “equipped with” or “equipped with,” shall be understood to mean that the specified element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, is included, but not that other elements, integers or steps, or groups of elements, integers or steps are excluded.

[0050] The use of the phrases "at least" or "at least one" implies the use of one or more elements, components, or quantities when used in embodiments of this disclosure to achieve one or more desired objectives or results.

[0051] Any discussion of the documents, actions, materials, devices, articles, etc. contained herein is for the sole purpose of providing context for the disclosure. It should not be construed as acknowledging that any or all of these matters constitute part of the basis of the prior art or were common knowledge in the art relevant to the disclosure that existed prior to the priority date of this application.

[0052] The numerical values ​​mentioned for various physical parameters, dimensions, or quantities are approximations only, and values ​​higher or lower than those assigned to parameters, dimensions, or quantities are assumed to be within the scope of disclosure unless otherwise stated in the specification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 20 Seat Suspension Unit 22 Seat support section 24 Base section 26 Compression Assembly 28 Scissor Linkage Assembly 30 Bias device 34. The First Scissor Link 36. The Second Scissorlink 38 Pivot 40 Fluid Compressor 42. Fluid container or air accumulator 42a Cylindrical chamber 44 First fluid conduit 46. ​​Second fluid conduit 48 Third fluid conduit 50 adapter 52a, 52b, 52c orifices 54 sealing member 56 valves 100 sheets 102nd floor

Claims

1. A sheet support part (22) that can be connected to the sheet (100), and a base part (24) that can be connected to the floor (102), A linkage assembly (28) interposed between the seat support portion (22) and the base portion (24), A bias device (30) configured to engage with the seat support portion (22) for resisting crushing of the linkage assembly (28), A fluid container (42) is positioned beneath the sheet (100) and configured to store compressed fluid, A seat suspension unit (20) comprising, The fluid container (42) is connected to the bias device (30) and provides a low-frequency suspension based on the fluid pressure within the bias device (30) in a seat suspension unit (20).

2. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly (28) comprises a scissor linkage assembly (28) having at least a pair of first scissor links (34) and second scissor links (36) to facilitate relative movement between the seat support (22) and the base (24).

3. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the bias device (30) is a pneumatic spring.

4. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid compressor (40) configured to supply compressed fluid to the fluid container (42).

5. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 1, comprising at least one valve (56) connected to the fluid container (42), wherein the at least one valve (56) is configured to selectively release fluid from the fluid container (42) to regulate the pressure of the fluid container (42).

6. The seat suspension unit (20) includes a plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48), The aforementioned plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48) A first fluid conduit (44) is configured to connect the fluid container (42) to at least one valve (56), A second fluid conduit (46) is configured to connect a fluid compressor (40) to the fluid container (42), The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 5, further comprising a third fluid conduit (48) configured to connect the fluid container (42) to the bias device (30).

7. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 6, wherein the first fluid conduit (44) is a 4 mm hose, the second fluid conduit (46) is a 6 mm hose, and the third fluid conduit (48) is a 10 mm hose.

8. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 6, further comprising one or more adapters (50) for facilitating fluid connection between the fluid compressor (40), the fluid container (42), and the bias device (30).

9. The seat suspension unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein the one or more adapters (50) include a plurality of orifices (52a, 52b, 52c) that can be connected to the plurality of fluid conduits (44, 46, 48), respectively.

10. A method for operating a seat suspension unit (20) inside a seat (100), The steps include supplying compressed fluid from a fluid compressor (40) to a fluid container (42) via a second fluid conduit (46) and adjusting the desired fluid pressure within the fluid container (42), The steps include transferring compressed fluid from the fluid container (42) to the bias device (30) via the third fluid conduit (48), and engaging the seat support portion (22) with the bias device (30) via the linkage assembly (28), The steps include maintaining fluid communication between the fluid container (42) and at least one valve (56) via a first fluid conduit (44), It includes, A method of operation wherein the bias device (30) is configured to resist the collapse of the linkage assembly (28) and to support a seat occupant sitting in the seat (100).

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