Air suspension system with seat position maintenance mechanism

Abstract

To provide an air suspension device having a mechanism which is used for maintaining a seat position, and enables reduction of the number of components and can be downsized.SOLUTION: A position maintaining mechanism to be fitted to an air suspension device comprises: a bracket from which a cam plate downwardly attached to a third shaft body projects, and which has an aperture extending in a front and rear direction and is fixed to a lower side of a first coupling frame; a cam which is attached in a freely rotatable manner to the bracket having a first surface and a second surface; a slider which is connected to the cam plate, and fitted to be movable along the aperture on the bracket, and movably contacts the first surface; and an air intake / exhaust valve (52) which is attached to the bracket, and has an air feed valve for feeding air to an air spring, and an air exhaust valve for exhausting air from the air feed valve, and in which the second surface contacts either the air exhaust valve or the air feed valve, in order to feed or exhaust air, when the cam revolves.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air suspension device having a mechanism for maintaining the position of a seat at a reference height position set according to the body type of a passenger, etc., and particularly relates to an air suspension device in which the position maintaining mechanism is simple and excellent in durability.

Background Art

[0002] In order to drive a vehicle comfortably and safely, an air suspension device that can set the height of a vehicle seat to a desired position suitable for the body type of a passenger and accurately attenuates and absorbs impacts, vibrations, etc. is used for the vehicle seat. This air suspension device has a function of adjusting and maintaining the air suspension at a reference position of a predetermined set height regardless of the weight of the passenger by supplying air from the outside to the air spring or exhausting air from the air spring by valve control according to the height change of the vehicle seat.

[0003] There is a suspension position detection device characterized by accurately detecting the vertical movement (expansion and contraction) position of an air suspension in order to maintain the position of a seat (Patent Document 1).

[0004] There is an air suspension device having a conventional seat position maintaining mechanism that uses two cams to maintain the position of a seat. This conventional device is shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of a conventional air suspension device, FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the air suspension device of FIG. 1 (the position maintaining mechanism is provided on the back side of the air suspension device), and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air suspension device of FIG. 1 seen from the bottom. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the position maintaining mechanism provided in the air suspension device of FIG. 1.

[0006] The air suspension system 1 includes a lower frame 12 installed on the floor of the vehicle or on a slide rail on the floor, and an upper frame 13 positioned above the lower frame 12 and located below the vehicle's seat (not shown).

[0007] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lower frame 12 consists of a pair of lower frames 12a and 12b on the left and right sides, and connecting frames 12c and 12d that connect their front ends and rear ends. Similarly, the upper frame 13 also consists of a pair of frames 13a and 13b on the left and right sides, and connecting frames 13c and 13d that connect their front ends and rear ends.

[0008] The system includes a pair of X-links 15a and 15b that intersect in an X shape, positioned on the left and right sides between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13, and connected to the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13 to support the upper frame 13 so that it can move up and down.

[0009] The lower frames 12a and 12b are members with a U-shaped cross-section on their left and right sides, and the openings of the U-shaped members are directed towards the inside of the air suspension device 1.

[0010] The upper frames 13a and 13b are members with a U-shaped cross-section on their left and right sides, and the openings of the U-shaped members are directed towards the inside of the air suspension device 1.

[0011] The X-links 15a and 15b are positioned on the left and right sides of the air suspension device 11, respectively, between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13. The X-link 15a has an X-shape in which the outer link member 16a and the inner link member 16b intersect at approximately the midpoint, and similarly, the X-link 15b has an X-shape in which the outer link member 16c and the inner link member 16d intersect at approximately the midpoint.

[0012] As the height of the upper frame 13 changes vertically, the intersection angle of the two link members (16a, 16b) and (16c, 16d) that constitute the X-links 15a and 15b, respectively, which are support members for the upper frame 13, changes clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.

[0013] Between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13, an air spring 18 is positioned on an air spring lower support member 19a installed on the lower frame 12 (12a, 12b) to move the upper frame 13 up and down by adjusting the pressure through the supply and exhaust of air. An air spring upper support member (not shown) is attached to the upper part of the air spring 18 and is installed on the upper frame 13 (13a, 13b), causing the upper frame 13 to move up and down due to pressure fluctuations of the air spring 18.

[0014] Furthermore, the rear end of the inner link member 16b of the X-link 15a and the rear end of the inner link member 16d of the X-link 15b are connected to the shaft body 21a, and each end of the shaft body 21a is pivotally supported on the lower frame 12 (12a, 12b) by passing through each rear end.

[0015] Similarly, the rear end of the outer link member 16a of the X-link 15a and the rear end of the outer link member 16c of the X-link 15b are connected to a shaft 21b that is pivotally supported on the upper frame 13, and the shafts are pivotally supported on the upper frame 13 by passing through each rear end of the shaft 21b.

[0016] The front ends of the outer link member 16a and the outer link member 16c are fixed to the shaft body 23a. Both ends of this shaft body 23a are attached to the lower frame 12 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0017] The front ends of the inner link member 16b and the inner link member 16d are fixed to a shaft (not shown; see 23b in Figure 7). Each end of this shaft is attached to the lower frame 12 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0018] The shock absorber 29 dampens the rotational movement of the X-links 15a and 15b and the vertical movement of the upper frame 13 (Figures 2 and 3).

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the conventional position maintenance mechanism 40 is located at the bottom of the lower frame 12.

[0020] The position-maintaining mechanism 40 has a bracket 41 that is horizontally fixed to the connecting frame 12c. The bracket 41 is fitted with an intake / exhaust valve 42 which has a supply valve for supplying air to the air spring 18 and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there.

[0021] A first cam 43 is rotatably mounted adjacent to the intake / exhaust valve 42. When the cam 43 rotates, the outer surface 43b of the cam 43 presses against either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrudes from the intake / exhaust valve 42, thereby supplying air to the air spring 18 or exhausting air from there.

[0022] Furthermore, the bracket 41 is rotatably provided with a second cam 44 whose tip (roller) can slidably contact the inner surface 43a of the cam 43. The cam 44 has a rectangular window 44a approximately in the center (Figure 4).

[0023] The bracket 41 is provided with an opening 41a that extends forward and backward, and a cam plate 24, which is mounted outward (upward when viewed from the bottom), protrudes from the shaft 23a in the direction normal to the shaft. This cam plate 24 also protrudes from the window 44a of the cam 44.

[0024] When the upper frame 13 moves up and down, the shaft 23 moves along the lower frame while rotating, and the cam plate attached to the shaft moves along the opening 41a, but also protrudes from the window 44a, causing the cam 44 to rotate.

[0025] The tip of the rotating cam 44 rotates the cam 43 while contacting the inner surface 43a of the cam 43. By this rotation, the outer surface 43b of the cam 43 presses either the projection for opening and closing the intake valve protruding from the air supply and exhaust valve 42 or the projection for opening and closing the exhaust valve, and supplies air to or exhausts air from the air spring 18.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0026]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0027] In a conventional air suspension device, although one air supply and exhaust valve can be used, two rotating cams 43 and 44 are required. This leads to an increase in the size of the device.

[0028] Also, since the shaft body moves while rotating, the cam plate 24 traces a locus on an arc, while the cam 44 rotates and rubs against the side surface of the window 44a obliquely. For this reason, the durability of the cam 44 decreases.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to shorten the rubbing distance, the distance between the rotation center of the cam 44 and the window 44a has to be increased, but this shortens the contact distance between the tip of the cam 44 and the inner surface of the cam 43, making it difficult to rotate the cam 43 required for the operation of the air supply valve and the exhaust valve.

[0030] An object of the present invention is to provide an air suspension device having a seat position maintaining mechanism that can reduce the number of parts and achieve miniaturization.

[0031] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air suspension device in which the seat position maintaining mechanism can use one air supply and exhaust valve.

[0032] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide an air suspension system that can use a single cam to operate the intake and exhaust valves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an air suspension device having a seat position maintenance mechanism, A pair of lower frames (12a, 12b) are installed on the floor side of the vehicle, A first connecting frame (12c) that connects the ends of the pair of lower frames, A second connecting frame (12d) connects the rear ends of the pair of lower frames, A pair of upper frames (13a, 13b) are positioned above the lower frame and provided below the vehicle seat of the vehicle, A third connecting frame (13c) connects the tips of the pair of upper frames, A fourth connecting frame (13d) that connects the rear ends of the pair of upper frames, A pair of X-links (15a, 15b) are positioned on the left and right sides between the lower frame and the upper frame, respectively, and support the upper frame so that it can move up and down. A first shaft body (21a) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of lower frames, A second shaft (21b) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of upper frames, A third shaft (23a) is positioned on the front side of the pair of lower frames, A fourth shaft (23b) is positioned and connected to the front side of the pair of upper frames, An air spring (18) moves the upper frame up and down due to pressure changes caused by the supply of compressed air from a supply source and exhaust to the outside, A reference height position maintenance mechanism (50) that maintains the upper frame at a preset reference height position, Equipped with, The rear end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the first shaft body. The front end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the third shaft body. The rear end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the second shaft body. The front end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the fourth shaft body. A cam plate (24) is attached to one of the aforementioned shaft bodies so as to extend in the direction normal to the shaft body. The position maintenance mechanism is, A bracket (51) fixed to the connecting frame located near the shaft body to which the cam plate is attached, A cam (53) having a first surface and a second surface is rotatably mounted on the bracket, A slider (55) is mounted on the bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while sliding in contact with the first surface of the cam, connected to the cam plate, Mounted on the bracket, the intake valve (52) has an intake valve for supplying air to the air spring and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there, and when the cam rotates, the second surface contacts either the exhaust valve or the intake valve for intake or exhaust, It is equipped with.

[0034] When the upper frame moves up and down and the shaft rotates, the cam plate (24) attached to the shaft moves the slider in the front-rear direction, and the moving slider rotates the cam via the first surface (53e) of the cam, and the second surface (53d) of the rotating cam comes into contact with either the exhaust valve or the intake valve of the intake and exhaust valves, and the position of the upper frame is maintained by the supply of air to or exhaust from the air spring.

[0035] Instead of the above position maintenance mechanism, A bracket (61) having a straight end extending in the front-rear direction, which is fixed to the connecting frame located near the shaft body to which the cam plate is attached, Near the straight end of the bracket, a cam (63) is rotatably mounted on the bracket and has a first surface and a second surface that slide in contact with the cam plate, Mounted on the bracket, the intake valve (62) has an intake valve for supplying air to the air spring and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there, and when the cam rotates, the second surface contacts either the exhaust valve or the intake valve for intake or exhaust, A position-maintaining mechanism equipped with such a mechanism may also be used.

[0036] In this air spring equipped with a position-maintaining mechanism, when the upper frame moves up and down and the shaft rotates, the cam plate attached to the shaft moves in the front-rear direction along the straight end of the bracket and slides into contact with the first surface (63e) of the cam, thereby rotating the cam. The rotating cam causes the second surface (63d) to come into contact with either the exhaust valve or the intake valve of the intake / exhaust valve, and the position of the upper frame is maintained by supplying air to or exhausting air from the air spring.

[0037] The pair of links in the air suspension system can be an X-link, a parallel link, or a multi-link. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to the present invention, the position-maintaining mechanism that maintains the seat position to which the air suspension device is attached has only one intake / exhaust valve and only one cam that operates the intake / exhaust valve, thereby reducing the number of parts and enabling miniaturization.

[0039] By integrating the position-maintaining mechanism into a single unit, the overall weight of the mechanism can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view of a conventional air suspension system for vehicle seats. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the air suspension system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the air suspension system shown in Figure 1, viewed from below. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the position-maintaining mechanism provided in the air suspension system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of an air suspension device for a seat according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the air suspension system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the air suspension system shown in Figure 5, viewed from below. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the position-maintaining mechanism provided in the air suspension system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the position-maintaining mechanism provided in the air suspension system shown in Figure 5. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of an air suspension device for a seat according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the air suspension system shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an exploded view of the position-maintaining mechanism provided in the air suspension system shown in Figure 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] An air suspension device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 to 7. An enlarged view of the position-maintaining mechanism incorporated in this device is shown in Figure 8, and an exploded view thereof is shown in Figure 9.

[0042] The configuration of the air suspension system, excluding the position-maintaining mechanism, is the same as that of conventional air suspension systems; therefore, the corresponding components are given the same names and reference numerals. Specifically, Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 1, Figure 6 to Figure 2, and Figure 7 to Figure 3.

[0043] Therefore, the description of the air suspension device 50, excluding the position maintenance mechanism according to the present invention, will be given in accordance with the description of the configuration of conventional air suspension devices.

[0044] In addition, while the air suspension system of the present invention also uses an X-link, corresponding to the use of an X-link in the conventional air suspension system described above (Figures 1 to 4), it goes without saying that it is not limited to an X-link, and parallel links and multi-links can also be used.

[0045] The air suspension system 50 includes a lower frame 12 installed on the floor of the vehicle or on a slide rail on the floor, and an upper frame 13 positioned above the lower frame 12 and located below the vehicle's seat (not shown).

[0046] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower frame 12 consists of a pair of lower frames 12a and 12b on the left and right sides, and connecting frames 12c and 12d that connect their front ends and rear ends. Similarly, the upper frame 13 also consists of a pair of frames 13a and 13b on the left and right sides, and connecting frames 13c and 13d that connect their front ends and rear ends.

[0047] The system includes a pair of X-links 15a and 15b that intersect in an X shape, positioned on the left and right sides between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13, and connected to the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13 to support the upper frame 13 so that it can move up and down.

[0048] The lower frames 12a and 12b are members with a U-shaped cross-section on their left and right sides, and the openings of these U-shaped members are oriented toward the inside of the air suspension device 2.

[0049] The upper frames 13a and 13b are members with a U-shaped cross-section on their left and right sides, and the openings of these U-shaped members are directed towards the inside of the air suspension device 11.

[0050] The X-links 15a and 15b are positioned on the left and right sides of the air suspension device 2, respectively, between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13. The X-link 15a has an X-shape in which the outer link member 16a and the inner link member 16b intersect at approximately the midpoint, and similarly, the X-link 15b has an X-shape in which the outer link member 16c and the inner link member 16d intersect at approximately the midpoint.

[0051] As the height of the upper frame 13 changes vertically, the intersection angle of the two link members (16a, 16b) and (16c, 16d) that constitute the X-links 15a and 15b, respectively, which are support members for the upper frame 13, changes clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively.

[0052] Between the lower frame 12 and the upper frame 13, an air spring 18 is positioned on an air spring lower support member 19a installed on the lower frame 12 (12a, 12b) to move the upper frame 13 up and down by adjusting the pressure through the intake and exhaust of air. An air spring upper support member (not shown) is attached to the upper part of the air spring 18 and is installed on the upper frame 13 (13a, 13b), causing the upper frame 13 to move up and down due to pressure fluctuations of the air spring 18.

[0053] Furthermore, the rear end of the inner link member 16b of the X-link 15a and the rear end of the inner link member 16d of the X-link 15b are connected to the shaft body 21a, and each end of the shaft body 21a is pivotally supported on the lower frame 12 (12a, 12b) by passing through each rear end.

[0054] Similarly, the rear end of the outer link member 16a of the X-link 15a and the rear end of the outer link member 16c of the X-link 15b are connected to a shaft 21b that is pivotally supported on the upper frame 13, and the shafts are pivotally supported on the upper frame 13 by passing through each rear end of the shaft 21b.

[0055] The front ends of the outer link member 16a and the outer link member 16c are fixed to the shaft body 23a. Both ends of this shaft body 23a are attached to the lower frame 12 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0056] The front ends of the inner link member 16b and the inner link member 16d are fixed to the shaft 23b. Each end of this shaft 23b is attached to the lower frame 12 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0057] A shock absorber 29, fastened with bolts and nuts between a bracket fixed to the lower air spring support member 19a and a bracket fixed to the shaft 23b, extends and compresses in conjunction with the vertical movement of the upper frame, damping the rotational movement of the X links 15a and 15b and the vertical movement of the upper frame 13 (Figures 6 and 7).

[0058] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the position maintenance mechanism 50 of the present invention is located at the bottom of the lower frame 12.

[0059] The position-maintaining mechanism 50 has a bracket 51 that is horizontally fixed to the connecting frame 12c. An air intake / exhaust valve 52, which has an air intake valve for supplying air to the air spring 18 and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there, is attached to the bracket 51 by bolts 52a.

[0060] As clearly shown in Figure 9, a cam 53, preferably made of resin, is rotatably mounted adjacent to the intake / exhaust valve 52 by a stepped stud bolt 53a welded to the bracket 51, a washer 53b, and a nut 53c.

[0061] When the cam 53 rotates, the outer surface 53d of the cam 53 presses against either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrudes from the intake and exhaust valve 52, thereby supplying air to the air spring 18 or exhausting air from there.

[0062] The bracket 51 is provided with an opening 51a that extends forward and backward, and a cam plate 24 is provided on the shaft 23a in the direction normal to it (upward when viewed from the bottom view).

[0063] When the upper frame 13 moves up and down, the shaft 23 rotates and moves along the lower frame, and the cam plate 24 attached to the shaft moves along the opening 51a.

[0064] A slider base 54 is attached to the bracket 51 by bolts 54a so as to be close to the opening 51a, parallel to the cam plate 24, and facing the cam 53. A slider 55, preferably made of resin, is preferably mounted on this slider base 54 so as to be movable back and forth.

[0065] A roller 55a is preferably made of resin and attached to the slider 55, which can smoothly contact the inner (concave) surface 53e of the cam 53. Furthermore, a projection 55b (Figure 9) extends outwards from a hole 24a provided at the tip of the cam plate 24.

[0066] As the upper frame 13 moves up and down, the shaft 23a moves back and forth while rotating on the lower frame 12. The tip of the rotating cam plate 24 moves back and forth within the opening 51a in a gentle arc. By making the hole 24a a vertically elongated slot, the slider 55 can move smoothly back and forth along the slider base 54 along with the back and forth movement of the cam plate 24.

[0067] Next, it will be explained that the position of the upper frame 13 to which the seat (not shown) is attached is maintained in a predetermined position by the position maintenance mechanism 50 described above.

[0068] When the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position, the outer (convex) surface 53d of the cam 53 does not come into contact with either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrude from the intake and exhaust valve 52. Therefore, there is no supply of air to the air spring 18 and no exhaust from it, and consequently, the upper frame 13 remains in its position.

[0069] When a passenger sits in the seat, the upper frame 13 descends (the shock absorber 29 mitigates the sudden descent), and the X links 15a and 15b rotate. As a result, the shaft 23a rotates and moves forward along the lower frame 12, and the cam plate 24 also moves forward along the opening 51a.

[0070] The slider 55, which is attached to the cam plate 24, moves forward along the slider base 54, and the roller 55a of the slider 55 also moves along the inner surface 53e of the cam 53, causing the cam 53 to rotate (counterclockwise in the diagram).

[0071] When the cam 53 rotates, the outer surface 53d of the cam 53 pushes open the projection that opens and closes the intake valve of the intake / exhaust valve 52, allowing air from the air source to be supplied to the air spring 18, causing the upper frame 13 to begin rising.

[0072] As the upper frame 13 rises, the shaft 23a moves backward, the slider 55 moves backward, and the cam 53 rotates (clockwise in the diagram) until the outer surface 53d no longer contacts any of the protrusions of the intake and exhaust valves. At this point, the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position.

[0073] When the upper frame 13 rises above a predetermined position, such as when a passenger disembarks (the shock absorber 29 mitigates the sudden rise), the X-link rotates, causing the shaft 23a to move rearward along the lower frame 12, and the slider 55 also moves rearward.

[0074] The roller 55a of the slider 55 contacts the inner surface 53e of the cam 53, causing the cam 53 to rotate (clockwise). The outer surface 53d of the cam 53 presses against the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve of the intake / exhaust valve 52, exhausting air from the air spring 18. The air spring 18 contracts, and the upper frame 13 descends.

[0075] As the upper frame 13 descends, the shaft 23a moves forward, the slider 55 moves forward, and the cam 53 rotates (counterclockwise in the diagram) until the outer surface 53d no longer contacts any of the protrusions of the intake and exhaust valves. At this point, the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position.

[0076] As the position-maintaining mechanism performs the above operations, the upper frame 13 is maintained in a predetermined position even if its position changes due to the rider's weight or getting on and off the vehicle.

[0077] In this embodiment, there is only one cam and one intake / exhaust valve can be used, reducing the number of parts and allowing the position-maintaining mechanism to be integrated.

[0078] In the embodiment described above, the bracket 51 is attached to the connecting frame 12c, but it can be attached to other connecting frames. When attaching the bracket to another connecting frame, the cam arm 24 is provided on a shaft body located near that connecting frame.

[0079] Furthermore, although the slider and air spring are provided on the underside of the bracket 51 (the side facing the floor), they are not limited to this and can also be provided on the opposite side. In this case, the opening 51a becomes unnecessary.

[0080] Furthermore, although the opening 51a is provided so as to be able to protrude from the cam arm 24, it is not limited to the opening. The cam plate 24 may be configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along a straight edge provided on the bracket 51.

[0081] Other embodiments of the position-maintaining mechanism attached to this air suspension system are shown in Figures 10 and 11, with an exploded view shown in 12.

[0082] Since the air suspension system, equipped with a position-maintaining mechanism, has the same configuration as the embodiment described above, the same names and reference numerals are used for the components. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the configuration is described in outline.

[0083] Figure 10 is a side view of an air suspension device 3 to which a position-maintaining mechanism 60 of another embodiment is attached, and the upper frame 13 moves up and down by an X-link.

[0084] The upper frame 13 moves up and down due to the expansion and contraction of the air spring 18. The shock absorber 29 mitigates the rapid movement of the upper frame 13.

[0085] The configuration of the position-maintaining mechanism 60 in this embodiment is clearly shown in the exploded view of Figure 12. A roughly L-shaped bracket 61 is horizontally fixed to the connecting frame 12c, and an intake / exhaust valve 62 having a supply valve for supplying air to the air spring 18 and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there is mounted on it. A first cam 63 is rotatably mounted adjacent to the intake / exhaust valve 62. When the cam 63 rotates, the outer (convex) surface 63d of the cam 63 presses against either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrudes from the intake / exhaust valve 62, thereby supplying air to the air spring 18 or exhausting air from there.

[0086] Adjacent to the intake / exhaust valve 62, a cam 63 preferably made of resin is rotatably mounted to the bracket 61 by a stepped stud bolt 63a welded to the bracket 61, a washer 63b, and a nut 63c.

[0087] When the cam 63 rotates, the outer surface 63d of the cam 63 presses against either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrudes from the intake and exhaust valve 62, thereby supplying air to the air spring 18 or exhausting air from there.

[0088] Bracket 61 has an edge E along the front-rear direction. A cam plate 24, which is provided on the shaft 23a facing outward (upward when viewed from the bottom), is movable back and forth along this edge E as the shaft 23a rotates. A resin cap 24a is suitably fitted onto the tip of the cam plate 24, and the cap 24a makes smooth contact with the inner (convex) surface 63d of the cam 63.

[0089] The above-described position-maintaining mechanism 60 maintains the position of the upper frame 13 to which the seat (not shown) is attached in a predetermined position.

[0090] When the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position, the outer surface 63d of the cam 63 does not come into contact with either the projection that opens and closes the intake valve or the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve, which protrudes from the intake and exhaust valves 62. Therefore, there is no supply of air to the air spring 18 and no exhaust from it, and thus the upper frame 13 remains in its position.

[0091] When a passenger sits in the seat, the upper frame 13 descends (the shock absorber 29 mitigates the sudden descent), and the X links 15a and 15b rotate. As a result, the shaft 23a rotates and moves forward along the lower frame 12, and the cam plate 24 also moves forward along its edge E.

[0092] The cap 24a, which is attached to the cam plate 24, moves along the inner surface 63e of the cam 63, causing the cam 63 to rotate (counterclockwise in the diagram).

[0093] When the cam 63 rotates, the outer surface 63d of the cam 63 pushes open the projection that opens and closes the intake valve of the intake / exhaust valve 62, allowing air from the air source to be supplied to the air spring 18, causing the upper frame 13 to begin rising.

[0094] As the upper frame 13 rises, the shaft 23a moves backward, the cam plate 24 moves backward, and the cap 24a rotates the cam 63 until its outer surface 53d no longer contacts any of the protrusions of the intake and exhaust valves (clockwise in the diagram). At this point, the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position.

[0095] When the upper frame 13 rises above a predetermined position, such as when a passenger disembarks (the shock absorber 29 mitigates the sudden rise), the X-link rotates, causing the shaft 23a to move rearward along the lower frame 12, and the cam plate 24 also moves rearward.

[0096] The cap 24a of the cam plate 24 contacts the inner surface 63e of the cam 63, causing the cam 63 to rotate (clockwise). The outer surface 63d of the cam 63 presses against the projection that opens and closes the exhaust valve of the intake / exhaust valve 62, exhausting air from the air spring 18. The air spring 18 contracts, and the upper frame 13 descends.

[0097] As the upper frame 13 descends, the shaft 23a moves forward, the cam plate 24 moves forward, and the cam 63 rotates (counterclockwise in the diagram) until the outer surface 63d no longer contacts any of the protrusions of the intake and exhaust valves. At this point, the upper frame 13 is in its predetermined position.

[0098] The position-maintaining mechanism in this embodiment also performs the above-described operation, so that the upper frame 13 is maintained in a predetermined position even if its position changes due to the rider's weight or getting on and off the vehicle.

[0099] In this embodiment, components such as the slider base and slider can be eliminated, making the structure simpler and more compact. [Industrial applicability]

[0100] The air suspension device according to the present invention can be used in seats where it is necessary to maintain the seat position at a standard height set according to the passenger's body type, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 11. Air suspension system for vehicle seats 12 Lower Frame 13 Upper Frame 15a, 15b X-link 16a, 16c Outer link members 16b, 16d Outer link members 18 Air springs 21a, 21b shaft body 23a, 23b shaft body 24 Cam Plate 50 Position maintenance mechanism 51 Bracket 51a aperture 52 Intake and exhaust valves 53 Cam 54 Slider Base 55 Slider 55a Laura 60 Position-maintaining mechanism of other embodiments 61 Bracket E edge 62 Intake and exhaust valves 63 Cam 24a cap

Claims

1. An air suspension system having a seat position maintenance mechanism, A pair of lower frames (12a, 12b) are installed on the floor side of the vehicle, A first connecting frame (12c) that connects the ends of the pair of lower frames, A second connecting frame (12d) connects the rear ends of the pair of lower frames, A pair of upper frames (13a, 13b) are positioned above the lower frame and provided below the vehicle seat of the vehicle, A third connecting frame (13c) that connects the tips of the pair of upper frames, A fourth connecting frame (13d) that connects the rear ends of the pair of upper frames, A pair of links (15a, 15b) are positioned on the left and right sides between the lower frame and the upper frame, respectively, and support the upper frame so that it can move up and down. A first shaft body (21a) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of lower frames, A second shaft (21b) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of upper frames, A third shaft (23a) is positioned on the front side of the pair of lower frames, A fourth shaft (23b) is positioned on the front side of the pair of upper frames, An air spring (18) moves the upper frame up and down due to pressure changes caused by the supply of compressed air from a supply source and exhaust to the outside, A reference height position maintenance mechanism (50) that maintains the upper frame at a preset reference height position, Equipped with, The rear end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the first shaft body. The front end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the third shaft body. The rear end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the second shaft body. The front end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the fourth shaft body. A cam plate (24) is attached to one of the aforementioned shaft bodies so as to extend in the direction normal to the shaft body. The position maintenance mechanism is, A bracket (51) fixed to the connecting frame located near the shaft body to which the cam plate is attached, A cam (53) having a first surface and a second surface is rotatably mounted on the bracket, A slider (55) is connected to the cam plate and mounted on the bracket so as to be movable in the front-rear direction while sliding in contact with the first surface of the cam, Mounted on the bracket, the intake valve (52) has an intake valve for supplying air to the air spring and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there, and when the cam rotates, the second surface contacts either the exhaust valve or the intake valve for intake or exhaust, Equipped with, An auto-leveling mechanism characterized in that, when the upper frame moves up and down and the shaft rotates, a cam plate (24) attached to the shaft moves the slider in the front-rear direction, the moving slider rotates the cam via the first surface (53e) of the cam, the second surface (53d) of the rotating cam contacts either the exhaust valve or the intake valve of the intake / exhaust valve, and the position of the upper frame is maintained by supplying air to or exhausting air from the air spring.

2. A suspension device having a seat position maintenance mechanism, A pair of lower frames (12a, 12b) are installed on the floor side of the vehicle, A first connecting frame (12c) that connects the ends of the pair of lower frames, A second connecting frame (21d) connects the rear ends of the pair of lower frames, A pair of upper frames (13a, 13b) are positioned above the lower frame and provided below the vehicle seat of the vehicle, A third connecting frame (13c) connects the tips of the pair of upper frames, A fourth connecting frame (13d) connects the rear ends of the pair of upper frames, A pair of links (15a, 15b) are positioned on the left and right sides between the lower frame and the upper frame, respectively, and support the upper frame so that it can move up and down. A first shaft body (21a) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of lower frames, A second shaft (21b) is positioned on the rear side of the pair of upper frames, A third shaft (23a) is positioned on the front side of the pair of lower frames, A fourth shaft (23b) shaft positioned on the front side of the pair of upper frames, An air spring (18) moves the upper frame up and down due to pressure changes caused by the supply of compressed air from a supply source and exhaust to the outside, A reference height position maintenance mechanism (60) that maintains the upper frame at a preset reference height position, Equipped with, The rear end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the first shaft body. The front end of the lower end of the pair of links is connected to the third shaft body. The rear end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the second shaft body. The front end of the upper end of the pair of links is connected to the fourth shaft body. A cam plate (24) is attached to one of the aforementioned shaft bodies so as to extend in the direction normal to the shaft body. The position maintenance mechanism is, A bracket (61) having a straight end extending in the front-rear direction, which is fixed to the connecting frame located near the shaft body to which the cam plate is attached, Near the straight end of the bracket, a cam (63) is rotatably mounted on the bracket and has a first surface and a second surface that slide in contact with the cam plate, Mounted on the bracket, the intake valve (62) has an intake valve for supplying air to the air spring and an exhaust valve for exhausting air from there, and when the cam rotates, the second surface contacts either the exhaust valve or the intake valve for intake or exhaust, An auto-leveling mechanism comprising the above, wherein when the upper frame moves up and down and the shaft rotates, the cam plate attached to the shaft moves in the front-rear direction along the straight end of the bracket and slides into contact with the first surface (63e) of the cam, thereby rotating the cam, and the second surface (63d) of the rotating cam comes into contact with either the exhaust valve or the intake valve of the intake and exhaust valve, and the position of the upper frame is maintained by supplying air to or exhausting air from the air spring.

3. The air suspension device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface (53e, 63e) is concave and the second surface (53d, 63d) is convex.

4. The air suspension device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of links are X-links, parallel links, or multi-links.

Images