Chair with shock-absorbing spring block

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of transport engineering. A chair with a shock-absorbing spring unit 1 comprises a seat module 2 comprising a seat 4, a backrest 3 with soft elements and a metal frame, a spring unit 6 with an upper support secured to the metal frame, with two leaf springs and a lower support for attachment to a lower base 5, as well as a shock absorber 7 mounted to dampen the movements of the upper support relative to the lower support. The spring block 6 contains an upper bracket 8 and a lower bracket 9, made from bent sheet elements, as well as spring plates 10, the opposite ends of which are located in the landing zones 11 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9. Each landing zone 11 is formed by a support section 12 of the bracket and a clamping element 13, connected by fastening elements 14 with the possibility of clamping the corresponding end of the spring plate 10.The seating area 11 comprises lateral limiting surfaces 15 interacting with the lateral edges of the corresponding spring plate 10 and limiting its transverse displacement relative to the bracket. In particular embodiments, the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 are made of sheet metal material, have a box-shaped form with places for installing the spring plates 10 and platforms for securing the seat module 2 and the lower base 5 and are assembled using tongue-and-groove elements 17. The tongue-and-groove elements 17 can be made on the bent sheet elements of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9, ensuring the positioning of the said elements during the assembly of the brackets. Each seating area 11 of the spring plate 10 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 can comprise an end stop 16 interacting with the end of the corresponding spring plate 10.The clamping element 13 of the seating area 11 may be implemented as a clamping plate mounted on the side opposite the supporting surface of the bracket and clamping the spring plate 10. The shock absorber 7 may be a gas-filled, double-acting hydraulic shock absorber. The lower base 5 may be implemented as a pedestal made of sheet material. The technical result consists in increasing the stability of the movement of the seat module relative to the lower base by limiting the lateral displacement of the spring plates in the seating areas of the upper and lower brackets while simultaneously maintaining the working stroke of the shock-absorbing spring unit and damping the movements of the seat module.

Description

[0001] This utility model pertains to transport engineering, primarily to specialized marine, offshore, and operator seats designed for installation on small vessels, high-speed boats, service vehicles, and other equipment in which the operator or passenger is subject to shock and vibration loads. The utility model can be used in seat designs containing a damping mechanism between the seat module and the lower base, particularly in seats with a spring unit that provides shock absorption and directional movement of the seat module relative to the base.

[0002] The Ullman Biscaya XLT 00 MK3 seat is known (https: / / ullmandynamics.com / suspension-seats / jockey-seats / , https: / / ullmandynamics.com / wp-content / uploads / 2025 / 05 / BIS-XLT-00-MK3.pdf). This seat, like the claimed utility model, is a special shock-absorbing seat for marine use and comprises a seating section with a backrest, a base, a spring assembly, a damper, and a structure that ensures vertical movement of the seat. Common features with the claimed seat are the purpose, the presence of a seat module, a lower base, a shock-absorbing assembly, and a shock absorber. The distinctive feature of the claimed utility model is that the spring block is made with upper and lower brackets made of bent sheet elements, with seating zones for clamping the ends of the spring plates, containing lateral limiting surfaces that interact with the lateral edges of the spring plates.A disadvantage of the known solution in relation to the stated problem is the lack of disclosure of the stated design of the seating zones of the spring plates, which ensure the limitation of the transverse displacement of the spring plates relative to the brackets.

[0003] Patent EP3337691B1 discloses a vehicle seat suspension mechanism comprising support elements, a mechanism for moving the seat relative to the base, and a damping element. Common features include the design to reduce shock and vibration impacts on the user and the presence of a joint between the seat and the base. The claimed utility model differs in that the directional movement of the seat module is provided by spring plates, the opposite ends of which are located in the seating zones of the upper and lower brackets, whereas the prior art solution utilizes a different kinematic scheme with a lever mechanism. A disadvantage of the prior art solution compared to the claimed utility model is its structural complexity, the presence of additional kinematic links, and the lack of an opening in the spring block with seating zones limiting the lateral displacement of the spring plates.

[0004] Publication US20090314919A1 discloses a seat suspension mechanism, used in watercraft, including watercraft, comprising a seat, a base, and a shock-absorbing mechanism between them. Similar features to the claimed seat include the presence of a seat, a base, and a shock-absorbing mechanism. The claimed utility model differs in its use of a spring unit with spring plates clamped in the seating areas of upper and lower brackets made of bent sheet elements. A disadvantage of the known solution for the purposes of the claimed utility model is the use of a different telescopic or guide suspension design, which does not provide the claimed fixation of the spring plates by the lateral limiting surfaces of the seating areas and does not provide the same simple sheet structural design of the spring unit.

[0005] Utility model RU177004U1 "Vehicle Seat Suspension" is known. This known suspension, like the claimed utility model, is designed to be placed between the seat and the vehicle's base and is aimed at reducing dynamic impacts on the user. Common features include a seat, a support section, and a suspension assembly. The claimed seat differs in the use of a shock-absorbing spring unit comprising upper and lower brackets made of bent sheet elements, spring plates, and seating zones limiting the lateral displacement of the spring plate ends. A disadvantage of the known utility model is the more complex suspension arrangement and the lack of disclosure of the claimed spring unit design with bent sheet brackets and spring plate clamping elements.

[0006] Utility model RU206711U1, "Operator Seat Vibration Protection System," is known. This device, like the claimed utility model, is related to operator protection against vibration and dynamic loads and comprises a seat, a base, and a vibration-isolating unit. Common features include the intended purpose, the placement of the vibration-isolating unit between the seat and the base, and the focus on reducing the impact of loads on the operator. The claimed solution differs in the use of spring plates, the opposite ends of which are clamped in the seating areas of the upper and lower brackets of the spring block, as well as in the fact that the brackets are made of bent sheet metal elements. A disadvantage of the known system is the lack of opening of the claimed spring block with seating areas, lateral limiting surfaces, and tongue-and-groove elements, which ensure easy assembly and stability of the spring plates.

[0007] WO2014007663A1 / AU2013285628A1 disclose a shock load reduction device applicable to marine chairs, comprising a seat or support unit, a base, leaf spring elements, upper and lower clamping elements, a damper, and a pedestal with an access port. Common features with the claimed utility model include the presence of a seat unit, a lower base, spring elements, a damper, and a shock load absorption mechanism. The difference of the claimed solution lies in the implementation of the upper and lower brackets of the spring block from bent sheet elements, in the use of seating zones formed by the support section of the bracket and the clamping element, as well as in the presence of lateral limiting surfaces interacting with the lateral edges of the spring plate to limit its lateral displacement.A drawback of the existing solution is the lack of disclosure of the specific box-shaped sheet structure of the brackets and seating areas that ensure the spring plates are secured against lateral displacement within the claimed spring unit. The technical solution from the aforementioned documents was selected as a prototype because it is closest to the claimed utility model in its intended purpose, component composition, and shock-absorbing principle using spring elements and a damper.

[0008] The technical objective of the utility model is to create a chair with a shock-absorbing spring block, suitable for use under conditions of shock and vibration loads, in which the directed movement of the chair module relative to the lower base is ensured while reducing the lateral displacement and play of the spring block, maintaining the working stroke of the damping and simplifying the manufacture of load-bearing elements of the spring block from sheet material.

[0009] The technical result consists in increasing the stability of the movement of the chair module relative to the lower base by limiting the transverse displacement of the spring plates in the seating areas of the upper and lower brackets while simultaneously maintaining the working stroke of the shock-absorbing spring block and damping the movements of the chair module.

[0010] The technical result is achieved in a chair with a shock-absorbing spring block 1, containing a chair module 2, including a seat 4, a backrest 3 with soft elements and a metal frame, a spring block 6 with an upper support secured to the metal frame, with two leaf springs and with a lower support for fastening on a lower base 5, as well as a shock absorber 7, installed with the possibility of damping the movements of the upper support relative to the lower support. The spring block 6 contains an upper bracket 8 and a lower bracket 9, made from bent sheet elements, as well as spring plates 10, the opposite ends of which are located in the landing zones 11 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9. Each landing zone 11 is formed by a support section 12 of the bracket and a clamping element 13, connected by fastening elements 14 with the possibility of clamping the corresponding end of the spring plate 10.The seating area 11 comprises lateral limiting surfaces 15 interacting with the lateral edges of the corresponding spring plate 10 and limiting its transverse displacement relative to the bracket. In particular embodiments, the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 are made of sheet metal material, have a box-shaped form with places for installing the spring plates 10 and platforms for securing the seat module 2 and the lower base 5 and are assembled using tongue-and-groove elements 17. The tongue-and-groove elements 17 can be made on the bent sheet elements of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9, ensuring the positioning of the said elements during the assembly of the brackets. Each seating area 11 of the spring plate 10 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 can comprise an end stop 16 interacting with the end of the corresponding spring plate 10.The clamping element 13 of the seating area 11 may be implemented as a pressure plate mounted on the side opposite the support surface of the bracket and clamping the spring plate 10. The shock absorber 7 may be a gas-filled, double-acting hydraulic shock absorber. The lower base 5 may be implemented as a pedestal made of sheet material.

[0011] Brief description of the drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 shows a general view of a chair with a shock-absorbing spring block 1 in assembly, including a chair module 2, a backrest 3, a seat 4, a lower base 5, a spring block 6, a shock absorber 7, a handle 19 and a seat belt 20.

[0013] Fig. 2 shows a chair with a shock-absorbing spring block 1 from the side with a chair module 2, a lower base 5, a spring block 6, a shock absorber 7 and the positions of the chair module 2 when moving relative to the lower base 5.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows the shock-absorbing spring block 6 separately, including the upper bracket 8, the lower bracket 9, the spring plates 10, the seating zones 11, the clamping elements 13, the fastening elements 14 and the tongue-and-groove elements 17.

[0015] Fig. 4 shows views and sections of the shock-absorbing spring block 6, revealing the location of the upper bracket 8, the lower bracket 9, the spring plates 10, the seating zones 11, the support sections 12, the clamping elements 13, the fastening elements 14, the side limiting surfaces 15, the end stops 16 and the tongue-and-groove elements 17.

[0016] Fig. 5 shows a fragment of the upper bracket 8 and its assembly from bent sheet elements using tongue and groove elements 17, as well as support sections 12 for forming landing zones 11.

[0017] List of items in the drawings

[0018] 1 - chair with shock-absorbing spring block;

[0019] 2 - chair module;

[0020] 3 - back;

[0021] 4 - seat;

[0022] 5 - lower base, made in a private version in the form of a pedestal;

[0023] 6 - shock-absorbing spring block;

[0024] 7 - shock absorber;

[0025] 8 - top bracket;

[0026] 9 - bottom bracket;

[0027] 10 - spring plates;

[0028] 11 - landing zone;

[0029] 12 - support section of the bracket;

[0030] 13 - clamping element;

[0031] 14 - fasteners;

[0032] 15 - lateral limiting surfaces;

[0033] 16 - end stop;

[0034] 17 - tongue and groove elements;

[0035] 18 - access window to the interior of the lower base;

[0036] 19 - handle;

[0037] 20 - seat belt.

[0038] A chair with a shock-absorbing spring unit 1 comprises a seat module 2, a lower base 5, a shock-absorbing spring unit 6, and a shock absorber 7. Chair module 2 includes a seat 4, a backrest 3 with soft elements, and a metal frame. The metal frame absorbs operational loads from seat 4, backrest 3, and the user and transfers them to the upper support of the spring unit 6. In one embodiment, the metal frame of chair module 2 is a welded structure made of stainless materials, such as pipe and sheet metal. Frame elements can be manufactured using laser cutting and bending, and frame assembly can be performed in a welding fixture. The use of a metal frame improves the dimensional stability and strength of chair module 2, which is important for the operation of chair 1 under impact loads.

[0039] Seat 4 and backrest 3 are equipped with soft elements that provide user comfort and additional load cushioning. The shaping elements of seat module 2 can be made of sheet glass-filled ABS plastic using vacuum forming and mounted to the frame using screw connections and adhesive. The soft element of seat 4 can be made of elastic polyurethane foam by injection molding and have specified load-bearing and damping characteristics. This design allows for the combination of the main shock-absorbing spring unit 6 with localized damping in the soft elements of seat 1. In a specific embodiment, seat module 2 can be equipped with a handle 19 and a seat belt 20.

[0040] The lower base 5 in this particular embodiment is designed as a pedestal made of sheet material. The pedestal can be manufactured using laser cutting, bending, and subsequent welding, including laser welding. The lower base 5 has attachment points to the deck or floor of the vehicle and mounting locations for the spring unit 6 in the upper portion. A window 18 can be provided in the front or side wall of the lower base 5, providing access to the interior of the lower base 5, for example, for storing gear, equipment, or rescue equipment. The exterior of the lower base 5 can be coated with a decorative or protective coating. Depending on the intended use of the seat 1, positions for installing folding footrests for the passenger may be provided.

[0041] The shock-absorbing spring unit 6 is located between the seat module 2 and the lower base 5 and is the main component providing shock absorption. The spring unit 6 comprises an upper support connected to the metal frame of the seat module 2, a lower support for mounting on the lower base 5, an upper bracket 8, a lower bracket 9, and spring plates 10. The upper bracket 8 and lower bracket 9 are made of bent sheet metal elements. This design improves manufacturing efficiency, enables repeatable geometry of parts during laser cutting and bending, and ensures sufficient rigidity of the brackets with a relatively low structural weight.

[0042] The upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 may be box-shaped. The box-shaped shape of the brackets increases their bending and torsional rigidity and helps maintain the relative position of the seating zones 11, in which the spring plates 10 are secured. In a particular embodiment, brackets 8 and 9 are assembled using tongue-and-groove elements 17 made on bent sheet elements. The tongue-and-groove elements 17 ensure preliminary positioning of the parts during assembly, reduce the risk of part displacement during welding or other connections, and increase the geometric stability of the spring block 6. The geometric stability of brackets 8 and 9 is directly related to the technical result, since a violation of the position of the seating zones 11 could lead to a distortion of the spring plates 10 and the occurrence of lateral play.

[0043] Spring plates 10, in particular two leaf springs, are installed between the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9. The spring plates 10 can be made of special spring steel with heat treatment and an anti-corrosion coating. The opposite ends of the spring plates 10 are located in the landing zones 11 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9. Each landing zone 11 is formed by a support section 12 of the bracket and a clamping element 13, connected by fasteners 14 with the possibility of clamping the corresponding end of the spring plate 10. The clamping element 13 can be made in the form of a clamping plate installed on the side opposite the supporting surface of the bracket. Fastening elements 14 create the pressing force necessary for reliable fixation of the end of spring plate 10 and transfer of loads from seat module 2 to spring block 6.

[0044] Seating area 11 contains lateral limiting surfaces 15 interacting with the lateral edges of the corresponding spring plate 10. Such interaction limits the lateral displacement of the spring plate 10 relative to the upper bracket 8 or the lower bracket 9 and prevents the rotation of the spring plate 10 in the seating area 11. As a result, the spring plates 10 not only perceive vertical impact loads, but also participate in the formation of the directed movement of the chair module 2 relative to the lower base 5. During such operation, the spring plates 10 form an elastic guide apparatus that makes it possible to maintain the working stroke of the spring block 6 and simultaneously reduce the lateral play of the chair module 2.

[0045] For additional fixation of the spring plate 10, the seating area 11 may comprise an end stop 16 interacting with the end of the corresponding spring plate 10. The end stop 16 prevents longitudinal displacement of the spring plate 10 under the action of variable loads. The combined action of the support section 12, the clamping element 13, the fastening elements 14, the lateral limiting surfaces 15, and the end stop 16 ensures the fixation of the spring plate 10 in a predetermined position. This reduces the likelihood of skewing of the spring plates 10 and the occurrence of lateral displacement of the seat module 2 during repeated damping of impact loads.

[0046] Limiting the lateral play of seat module 2 is ensured by the design of cassette seating zones 11, which house the opposite ends of the spring plates. Lateral limiting surfaces 15 of cassette seating zones 11 interact with the lateral edges of the corresponding spring plates and prevent their lateral displacement within cassette seating zones 11, while clamping elements and fasteners ensure the clamping of the spring plate ends relative to the upper and lower brackets. Due to this design, the spring plates not only absorb the impact load as elastic elements but also participate in the formation of an elastic guide apparatus, limiting the lateral displacement of seat module 2 relative to the lower base while maintaining the working stroke of the upper support.To confirm the said influence of the lateral limiting surfaces 15, it is advisable to provide the results of tests of the lateral play of the seat module 2 before and after cyclic loading, as well as comparative data for a design without cassette seating zones 11 or without lateral limiting surfaces 15.

[0047] Shock absorber 7 is installed to dampen the movements of the upper support relative to the lower support. In a specific embodiment, shock absorber 7 is a gas-filled, double-acting hydraulic shock absorber. This shock absorber 7 accommodates the movements of spring unit 6 during both compression and retraction strokes, reducing the abruptness of movement of seat module 2 and helping to reduce the impact load on the user. According to the initial data, the damping stroke can be 150 mm, allowing seat 1 to be used in conditions subject to significant impact loads, such as on high-speed vessels.

[0048] In one embodiment, the special chair 1 weighs approximately 22.650 kg, has a stroke of approximately 150 mm, and a packaged weight of approximately 26.50 kg. The design is optimized for shock absorption, reducing the risk of user injury, reducing physical fatigue, and lowering operating costs. The spring unit 6 with spring plates 10 requires no complex maintenance during operation, as the guide function is provided by the spring plates 10 themselves and the seating areas 11 of brackets 8 and 9, rather than by a separate, complex hinged or telescopic guide mechanism.

[0049] The upper support travel relative to the lower base of approximately 150 mm is chosen as a technically justified range for shock-absorbing seats intended for use under impact loads, since a comparable value of the travel is disclosed in well-known shock-absorbing seats for high-speed boats, such as the Ullman Daytona Crew, for which a suspension travel of 150 mm is specified, as well as in the S2J Jockey Seat, for which a 150 mm progressive shock-absorbing mechanism is specified (https: / / ullmandynamics.com / suspension-seats / bucket-seats / daytona-crew-2; https: / / www.kpm-marine.com / s2j-jockey-seat).The use of a shock-absorbing spring unit and a shock absorber as an energy-intensive shock-absorbing mechanism in the claimed chair is aimed at reducing peak shock loads transmitted from the lower base to seat module 2 and the user, thereby reducing the risk of user injury and reducing physical fatigue during prolonged use of the chair under vibration and impact conditions. These conclusions are subject to confirmation by the results of prototype tests, including a table or graph of the load versus the displacement of the upper support relative to the lower base, as well as comparative data on known shock-absorbing chairs or suspension mechanisms. Reputable manufacturers of shock-absorbing marine chairs also indicate the purpose of such chairs as reducing shock impacts, protecting the user, and reducing fatigue (https: / / shoxs.com / landing / shoxs; https: / / www.sharkseating.com / product / flex / ).

[0050] In another embodiment, spring unit 6 can be mounted directly to structural elements of the vessel's deck or saloon. Lower base 5 serves as a pedestal, providing attachment to the deck and transferring loads from spring unit 6 to the vessel's hull. If desired, seat 1 may be available in various designs, differing in the shape of the upholstered elements, the presence of folding footrests, the decorative coating of lower base 5, or the arrangement of the mounting pads, all while maintaining the claimed design of spring unit 6, seating areas 11, and shock absorber 7.

[0051] Vacuum forming tooling, a wooden seat base mold 4, and a wooden backrest mold 3 can be used for the shaping elements. A casting mold for the seat cushion can be used for the upholstered seat element 4. Bending and assembly tooling can be used for the handle 19 and other metal components. These examples confirm the feasibility of manufacturing seat 1 using serial methods while maintaining the required geometry of spring block 6 and seat module 2.

[0052] Thus, the connection between the features of the utility model and the technical result consists in the fact that the seat module 2 transfers the load to the upper support of the spring block 6, the spring plates 10 absorb and soften the impact loads, the shock absorber 7 dampens the movements of the upper support relative to the lower support, and the seating zones 11 of the upper bracket 8 and the lower bracket 9 fix the ends of the spring plates 10 and limit their lateral displacement. The manufacture of brackets 8 and 9 from bent sheet elements and the use of tongue-and-groove elements 17 increase the assembly accuracy and the dimensional stability of the spring block 6, which further reduces the likelihood of lateral play during the operation of the seat 1.

Claims

1. A chair with a shock-absorbing spring block, comprising a chair module including a seat, a backrest with soft elements, a metal frame, a spring block with an upper support secured to the metal frame, with two leaf springs, and with a lower support for fastening to the base, and a shock absorber installed with the possibility of damping the movements of the upper support relative to the lower support, characterized in that the spring block contains upper and lower brackets made of bent sheet elements, as well as spring plates, the opposite ends of which are located in the landing zones of the upper and lower brackets, wherein each landing zone is formed by a support section of the bracket and a clamping element connected by fastening elements with the possibility of clamping the corresponding end of the spring plate, wherein the landing zone contains lateral limiting surfaces,interacting with the side edges of the corresponding spring plate and limiting its transverse displacement relative to the bracket.

2. The chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the upper and lower brackets are made of sheet metal material and have a box-shaped form with places for installing spring plates and platforms for securing the chair module and the base and are assembled using tongue and groove elements.

3. The chair according to item 2, characterized in that the tongue and groove elements are made on the bent sheet elements of the upper and lower brackets, ensuring the positioning of said elements during assembly of the brackets.

4. The chair according to item 1, characterized in that each seating area of ​​the spring plate of the upper and lower brackets contains an end stop interacting with the end of the corresponding spring plate.

5. The chair according to item 1, characterized in that the clamping element of the seating area is made in the form of a clamping plate installed on the side opposite the supporting surface of the bracket and clamping the spring plate.

6. The chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the shock absorber is a gas-filled, double-acting hydraulic shock absorber.

7. The chair according to item 1, characterized in that the lower base is made in the form of a pedestal made of sheet material.

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