DE102012220621B4 - VEHICLE SEAT SUSPENSION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle seat suspension assembly (200) comprising: a rear bracket (202) for engaging a torsion tube (204) of a vehicle seat (12), first and second spring members (206, 208) having end portions that engage the rear bracket (202 ) engage, intercushion shell connectors disposed on the first and second spring members (206, 208), and a cross member (250) coupled to the first and second spring members (206, 208) and having power and data cable routing apertures.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a vehicle seat suspension system.

Conventional vehicle seat assemblies are often built based on size constraints of a vehicle interior as well as meeting design requirements. The present invention provides a robust seat assembly with minimal material while providing safer seat components that help protect an occupant during a crash event, speeds time to manufacture the seat, and reduces the possibility of injury to a manufacturer during installation.

U.S. 8,662,483 B2 describes a shock absorber for a vehicle seat that is suspended from a seat frame to resiliently support a cushion. The shock absorber includes: a plurality of wires arranged in parallel to the seat frame, both ends of the wires being locked to the seat frame; and a member connecting the wires to each other in an elastically deformable manner.

U.S. 5,284,381 A discloses a seat cushion frame structure of a motor vehicle seat, wherein the seat cushion frame is formed with a front and a rear frame section and a U-shaped main frame section, which is arranged between the two frame sections, so that the main frame section is conveniently positioned at its two front ends with the front frame section and can be welded, allowing a variation in the length of the seat cushion frame.

In the DE 20 2008 011 499 U1 a motor vehicle seat with seat depth adjustment is described, which consists of two side parts which are connected by connecting axles, with part of the seat surface having a sheet metal tub. In addition, a frame fastened to a rear transverse axis with a spring mat located therein is arranged above the seating area.

DE 10 2009 046 757 A1 relates to a motor vehicle seat with a seat support and an upholstered body, the seat support having two side parts and a base spring system and a rear transverse tube which connects the two side parts. The seat support also has a rear cushion support which extends between the side parts and is connected to the end area of the base spring system.

• - erste und zweite Federelemente, die Endteile haben, die in einen hinteren Träger eingreifen und die Zwischenkissenschalenverbinder aufweisen,
• - einen Querträger, der einen ersten und einen zweiten Satz von Kabelführungsöffnungen und eine Luftzuführleitung zur Klimasteuerung aufweist, und
• - einen hinteren Träger, dessen hinterer Teil sich in Haken erstreckt.

However, vehicle seat assemblies described above do not disclose

• - first and second spring members having end portions engaging a rear beam and having inter-cushion shell connectors,
• - a cross member having a first and a second set of cable routing openings and an air supply duct for climate control, and
• - a rear support, the rear part of which extends in hooks.

The various aspects of the invention are realized by vehicle seat suspension assemblies having the features of independent claims 1, 7 and 13.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear bracket for engaging a torque tube of a vehicle seat. First and second spring members have end portions that engage the rear bracket. Inter-pad shell connectors are disposed on the first and second spring members. A cross member is coupled to the first and second spring members and has power and data cabling openings.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear beam having hooks with load distribution tabs for engaging a torque tube of a vehicle seat. The first and second spring members have a front portion with a cushion shell interface and a rear portion that extends into the hooks. A cross member has first and second sets of wiring openings, and a climate control air supply duct is disposed between the first and second sets of wiring openings.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon study of the following specification, claims and accompanying drawings.

character list

• - ist 1 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform einer Fahrzeugsitzbaugruppe der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• - ist 2 eine perspektivische Draufsicht eines Teils der Fahrzeugsitzbaugruppe der 1,
• - ist 3 eine hintere Aufrissansicht eines Teils der Fahrzeugsitzbaugruppe der 1,
• - ist 4 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform eines Umlegerarms, der in einen Umlegerkern eingreift,
• - ist 5 eine perspektivische Draufsicht eines Umlegerarms vor der Installation,
• - ist 6 eine perspektivische Draufsicht eines Teils des Umlegerarms der 5,
• - ist 7 eine hintere Aufrissansicht des Umlegerarms der 5,
• - ist 8 eine Seitenaufrissansicht eines Teils des Umlegerarms der 5,
• - ist 9 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform einer Kissenschale der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• - ist 10 eine obere Draufsicht der Kissenschale der 9,
• - ist 11 eine untere Draufsicht der Kissenschale der 9,
• - ist 12 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform einer Aufhängungsbaugruppe für eine Fahrzeugsitzbaugruppe,
• - ist 13 eine obere Draufsicht der Aufhängungsbaugruppe der 12,
• - ist 14 eine untere Draufsicht der Aufhängungsbaugruppe der 12,
• - ist 15 eine perspektivische Draufsicht einer Ausführungsform eines Kabelstrangs der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• - ist 16 eine untere Draufsicht des Kabelstrangs der 15,
• - ist 17 eine untere perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Kabelstrangs im Eingriff mit einem unteren Teil einer Kissenschale und ein Modul darauf tragend, und
• - ist 18 eine perspektivische Draufsicht des Kabelstrangs im Eingriff mit der Kissenschale (teilweise transparent) der 17.

In the drawings

• - is 1 a top perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle seat assembly of the present invention,
• - is 2 12 is a top perspective view of a portion of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG 1 ,
• - is 3 12 is a rear elevational view of a portion of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG 1 ,
• - is 4 12 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a clincher arm engaging a clincher core.
• - is 5 a top perspective view of a transfer arm before installation,
• - is 6 FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of part of the transfer arm of FIG 5 ,
• - is 7 FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the transfer arm of FIG 5 ,
• - is 8th Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a portion of the transfer arm of Figure 12 5 ,
• - is 9 a top perspective view of an embodiment of a pillow shell of the present invention,
• - is 10 FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the cushion shell of FIG 9 ,
• - is 11 FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the cushion shell of FIG 9 ,
• - is 12 a top perspective view of an embodiment of a suspension assembly for a vehicle seat assembly,
• - is 13 FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the suspension assembly of FIG 12 ,
• - is 14 FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the suspension assembly of FIG 12 ,
• - is 15 a top perspective view of an embodiment of a wire harness of the present invention,
• - is 16 FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the wiring harness of FIG 15 ,
• - is 17 12 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the wire harness engaged with a lower portion of a cushion shell and carrying a module thereon, and
• - is 18 12 is a top perspective view of the wire harness engaged with the cushion shell (partially transparent) of FIG 17 .

For purposes of description, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof relate to the invention as described in 1 is aligned. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is capable of embodying various alternative orientations, except where expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specifications are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With reference to the general in 1 In the illustrated embodiment, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seat assembly having a seat 12 and a backrest 14 and configured for use in a vehicle. The seat back 14 includes first and second side members 16, 18 separated by an upper support member 20 and a lower support member 22. As shown in FIG. The backrest 14 includes first and second turndown cores 24, 25 about which the backrest 14 pivots relative to the seat 12. As shown in FIG. The foldover cores 24,25 are housed in first and second foldover arms 30,32 which support the backrest 14 and serve as the interface between the backrest 14 and the first and second side rails 34,36 of the seat 12.

Referring to the general in the 1 until 5 Illustrated embodiment, when used in conjunction with the vehicle seat assembly 10, the first and second fold down arms 30, 32 generally define a fold down arm assembly. It is noted that the first transfer arm 30 or left transfer arm is a mirror image of the second transfer arm 32 or right transfer arm. For clarity, only the left transfer arm 30 will be discussed in detail below. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the right shifter arm 32 is a mirror image of the left shifter arm 30 and that all of the features and functions of the right shifter arm 32 and the left shifter arm 30 are identical.

Referring again to the 1 until 5 , the handler arm 30 includes a framework 40 that defines a handler core-receiving opening 42 . As mentioned above, the foldover core 24 is operably connected to both the first side rail 34 of the vehicle seat assembly 10 and the foldover arm 30 . A stop flange 44 is positioned above the splitter core receiving opening 42 . The fold-down arm 30 also includes front and rear seat support connecting tabs 50, 52 having openings 54 for mechanical fasteners adapted to engage a side support 56 of the seat 12. As shown in FIG. The flat extension of the rear seat support connecting tab 52 is offset from the flat extension of the framework 40 of the folding arm 30 . More specifically, the rear seat support connector tab 52 is offset inwardly to a position closer to the center of the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The fold down arm 30 has an arcuate lower portion 60 between the front seat beam connector tab 50 and the rear seat beam connector flap 52 on. Additionally, an interior wall 62 of the carcass 40 has downwardly directed hooks 64 adapted to secure trim components or other modules beneath the rigger core receiving opening 42 of the rigger arm 30 . The framework 40 also includes a front flange 70 and a rear flange 72 . The rear flange 72 of the framework 40 has a deformation notch 74, as in FIG 4 illustrated, on. The deformation notch 74 is generally adapted to collapse under a predetermined loading condition associated with a rear impact event. In other words, if the vehicle has been hit from the rear, the loading forces acting on the seat 12 in a rearward direction, if severe enough, will cause the deformation notch 74 to collapse or compress downward in a controlled manner so that a abrasive impact to an occupant is minimized and the vehicle seat assembly 10 is assisted in wrapping around the occupant. As illustrated, the deformation notch 74 is located in the rear flange 72 such that a central portion of the deformation notch 74 is directly laterally aligned with the truss 40 when it begins to transition inward to the offset portion generally defining the rear seat beam connecting tab 52 ( 7 ) Are defined.

Referring again to the 4 until 8th , the folding arm 30 also has a deformation opening 80 . The deformation opening 80 is located in the flat extension of the carcass 40 forward of the deformation notch 74 . The deformation opening 80 is also located slightly above the deformation notch 74 such that a lower edge 82 of the deformation opening 80 is tangent to a line that generally defines the transition of the carcass 40 as it begins to flex inward toward the displaced portion. which generally defines the rear seat beam connecting bracket 52. FIG. Together, the deflection opening 80 and deflection notch 74 provide controlled deflection of the vehicle seat assembly 10 as a result of the rearwardly applied forces generally associated with a rear impact event and the loads distributed by an occupant onto the vehicle seat assembly 10 are.

Referring again to the 2 until 8th and how specific in 3 As shown, the left and right shifter arms 30, 32 and shifter arm assembly generally define a buckling triangle 90 in which an H-point 92 or hip point of an occupant serves as a peak 94, the buckling notch 74 of the left shifter arm 30 as a second Peak 96 serves and the deformation notch 74 of the right shifter arm 32 serves as a third peak 98 . The deflection triangle 90 is generally an isosceles triangle that allows for controlled deflection based on the occupant H-point 92, the flex pivot, and the flex arm 30 attachment points. Conventional flexure arms used to attach flexure mechanisms to seat cushion structures are relatively stiff and have limited flex and compliance that occur under loading. The backrest side elements must therefore withstand higher loads. The energy management features discussed above with respect to the disclosed flexing arms 30, 32 allow the seat back 14 and first and second side members 34, 36 to be optimized for both dimensional and cross-sectional geometry because the flexing arms 30, 32 provide the required reduce carrying capacity.

Referring again to the 9 until 11 An embodiment of a cushion pan 100 for the vehicle seat assembly 10 is generally disclosed. The cushion shell 100 includes a body portion 102 having a first side pocket 104, a center pocket 106, and a second side pocket 108 having a module retaining aperture 110 therein. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG 9 until 11 , Each of the module retention openings 110 is recessed into one of the pockets 104 , 106 , 108 such that retention hooks of a wire harness that extend into the module retention openings 110 do not extend above a top wall 112 of the cushion shell 100 . Therefore, the tether hooks do not contact cushions of the vehicle seat assembly 10 and therefore limit damage to the cushion and also eliminate or at least minimize any feeling of the tether hooks by an occupant seated on the cushion pan 100 . The cushion shell 100 also includes first and second suspension assembly brackets 120, 122 disposed within the body portion 102. As shown in FIG. The first and second suspension assembly brackets 120, 122 include an upturned flange 124 having an arcuate slot 126 disposed generally in the flange 124. As best seen in FIG. The arcuate slot 126 is complementary in construction to an arcuate key 272 disposed on the vehicle seat suspension assembly, as discussed in more detail below.

Referring again to the 9 until 11 , the cushion shell 100 also includes a peripheral flange 130 that extends generally orthogonal to the top wall 112 and the flat extent of the body portion 102 generally. The peripheral flange 130 includes a plurality of trim tabs 132 . The trim tabs 132 are designed to engage a seat trim covering the vehicle seat assembly 10 . A lower part of the peripheral flange 130 has a peripheral edge 134 . The peripheral edge 134 is hollow stitched around a substantial portion of the peripheral edge 134 . The hollow-stitched portion of the peripheral edge 134 provides a generally blunt mating surface with few or no sharp edges, reducing the possibility of injury to a fabricator during installation. In addition, the hollow-stitched edge minimizes the likelihood of a sharp edge protruding through the seat trim. The cushion shell 100 includes rearwardly extending pivot arms 136 having a pivot pin receiving aperture 138 therein. The cushion pan 100 can therefore be rotated between raised and lowered positions to provide additional support for an occupant's legs.

Referring again to the 9 until 11 , the body portion 102 of the cushion shell 100 has a framework that has a thickness of about 0.7 millimeters. The center portion of the cushion shell 100 includes first and second support ribs 142, 144 extending from a front portion of the body portion 102 to a rear portion of the body portion 102. As shown in FIG. The first and second support ribs 142, 144 provide additional strength to the cushion shell 100, allowing the cushion shell 100 to maintain an approximate thickness of 0.7 mm. In addition, a third support rib 146 is disposed between the first and second support ribs 142, 144 in a substantially parallel orientation thereto. However, the third support rib 146 does not extend the entire distance from the front of the body portion 102 to the rear of the body portion 102. Rather, the third support rib 146 extends from the central pocket 106 into the body portion 102 and does not extend as far rearwardly rearward as are the first and second support ribs 142,144. The cushion shell 100 further includes a plurality of openings adapted to engage a modular arm, wire harness, and the like. Rounded areas 150 adjacent each of the rearwardly extending pivot arms 136 provide additional support to the body portion 102, thereby increasing the rigidity of the cushion shell 100.

The cushion shell 100 generally includes a plurality of rounded edges such that sharp angles and sharp edges are substantially eliminated from the entire construction. This configuration provides additional comfort for the occupants as well as additional safety for the manufacturer during the installation process. The cushion shell 100 is generally designed and configured to manage the stresses and loads associated with an occupant's weight during transportation of the occupant from one location to another. The solid facing tab geometries are designed to interface with the facing in a secure manner. Further, retention features are located throughout the body portion 102 of the cushion shell 100 and are strategically positioned to provide robust attachment of occupant classification systems as well as multi-contour seat mechanisms. The retention features also include keying methods to prevent mismating during installation. The pockets 104, 106, 108 are designed to provide retention features for the plastic modular arm and to eliminate hum, squeak and rattle. Furthermore, the cushion pan 100 is designed for both powered and manual seat assemblies. The cushion shell 100 is also designed for both driver's side and passenger's side seats and therefore minimizes the complexity of the production tooling. Further, the perimeter profile of the cushion pan 100 is optimized to provide spacing from center console members in a vehicle interior.

Referring to the 12 until 14 , the vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a vehicle seat suspension assembly 200 . The suspension assembly 200 includes a rear bracket 202 for engaging a torsion tube 204 ( 1 ) of the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The rear support 202 includes a polymeric coating adapted to engage ends of first and second spring members 206,208. Additionally, the rear beam 202 includes a plurality of openings 210 designed to accommodate wiring that communicates data and power to the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The rear bracket 202 has a bottom flange 212 with the plurality of openings 210 and a rear vertical flange 214 that provides the rear bracket 202 with rigidity. The rear bracket 202 also includes first, second, third, and fourth hooks 216, 218, 220, and 222 configured to receive the feet of an occupant seated behind the vehicle seat assembly 10. As shown in FIG. Thus, the space between the first hook 216 and the second hook 218 is larger than between the second hook 218 and the third hook 220. The space between the first hook 216, the second hook 218, the third hook 220 and the fourth hook 222 is however essentially the same.

The rear beam hooks 216, 218, 220, 222 have load distribution tabs 230 which are designed to effectively manage the load associated with an occupant's weight such that the load is distributed to each of the hooks 216, 218, 220, 222 is distributed evenly. Therefore, the load imposed on the torsion tube 204 of the driving vehicle seat assembly 10 is placed substantially evenly distributed. The suspension assembly 200 includes rear and front trim fasteners 240 on both the first and second spring members 206,208. The trim fasteners 240 have fastener openings 242 designed to secure portions of the trim to the suspension assembly 200 .

With further reference to the 12 until 14 , the suspension assembly 200 also includes a cross member 250 extending across and connecting the first and second spring members 206,208. A center portion 252 of the cross member 250 includes a climate control air supply duct 254 adapted to interface with the ducts that provide cool or warm air to the cushion of the vehicle seat assembly 10 . A first side 256 of the cross member 250 includes a first set of wiring openings 258 designed to organize and route data and power cables to attachment locations on the vehicle seat assembly 10 . Similarly, a second side 260 of the cross member 250 includes a second set of wiring openings 262 designed to route both power and data cables to attachment locations on the vehicle seat assembly 10 . Each wiring opening 262 has indicia indicating which wiring is to extend through each individual opening 262 . A front portion 270 of each of the first and second spring members 206, 208 has a polymeric coating with an arcuate wedge 272 disposed on a central portion thereof. The arcuate wedge 272 is adapted to interface with the complementary arcuate slot 126 on the cushion shell 100 . Therefore, the arcuate wedge 272 and arcuate slot 126 have complementary constructions that allow for a precise mating that minimizes noise, vibration, and background noise, as well as buzz, squeak, and rattle. Therefore, mechanical attachment of the suspension assembly 200 to the cushion shell 100 is unnecessary.

The suspension assembly 200 features solid fasteners and an ideal interface for multicontour seat tubes while providing directional guidance. In addition, the aligned attachment and interface elements associated with the wiring apertures 258, 262 on the cross member 250 provide solid integrity of the connections, thereby minimizing the likelihood of breakaways due to jarring, boarding/egress and occupant loading. In addition, the wiring openings 258, 262 have ergonomic insertion forces, that is, the openings 258, 262 are elongated and adjacent openings are configured such that the longitudinal extent of adjacent openings are orthogonal to one another.

Referring to the 15 until 18 , the illustrated embodiment includes an integrated wire harness 300 for use on the vehicle seat assembly 10 . The integrated wire harness 300 includes a body portion 302 having a first side hook 304, a second side hook 306, and a center hook 308 for engaging the cushion shell 100. FIG. In addition, a latticework of interconnected support members 310 is disposed within body portion 302 and bound by a peripheral frame 312 . The integrated wiring harness 300 is adapted to engage a variety of modules including memory modules and seat position control modules. The body portion 302 of the integrated wire harness 300 is at least partially made from a polymer formed from recycled materials. In one embodiment, 30 percent of the body portion 302 is made from recycled materials. Additionally, the integrated wire harness 300 includes module-engaging tabs 320 extending downwardly from the body portion 302 . The module-engaging tabs 320 have a frictional construction such that a module can be inserted against the integrated wire harness 300 and secured in position with a snap fastener. The hooks 304, 306, 308 serve as mating hooks that are generally aligned with the module retention openings 110 in the cushion shell 100. FIG. The integrated wire harness 300 can therefore be secured against a lower portion of the cushion shell 100 by engaging the retaining hooks 304, 306, 308 in the module retaining openings 110 in the cushion shell 100. As in the 17 and 18 As shown, the engagement hooks 304, 306, 308 secure the integrated wire harness 300 to the underside of the cushion pan 100, which simultaneously secures modules, such as a memory module or a seat position control module, to an underside of the vehicle seat assembly 10.

The above descriptions dealt with metal and polymer components in general. However, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the metal and other components used to form the invention described are not limited to metallic components and polymeric components. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be fabricated from metal and polymer or any other suitable material.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means generically (in all its for men, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) the direct or indirect joining together of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such a connection can be stationary or mobile. Such a connection can be achieved with two components (electrical or mechanical) and with any additional intermediate elements integrally formed as a single body with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connection may be permanent or removable or releasable in nature.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will understand that many changes are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without departing materially from the new teachings and advantages of said subject. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It will be appreciated that the elements and/or assemblies of the system can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of colors, textures and combinations. Therefore, all such changes are intended to be considered as intended and included within the scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made to the concept, operating conditions, and arrangements of the desired embodiment or other example embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present inventions.

It is understood that the described processes or steps within described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The example structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Further, it is understood that variations and changes can be made in the above structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, except where these claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

Reference List

10

vehicle seat assembly

12

Seat

14

backrest

16

first page element

18

second page element

20

upper support element

22

lower support element

24

first/left turner core

25

second/right turner core

30

first transfer arm

32

second transfer arm

34

first side carrier

36

second side carrier

40

skeleton

42

Shifter Core Receiving Port

44

stop flange

50

front seat support connecting tab

52

rear seat support connecting tab

54

opening

56

side carrier

60

arched lower part

62

inner wall

64

downward hooks

70

front flange

72

rear flange

74

deformation notch

80

deformation opening

82

lower edge

90

deformation triangle

92

H point / hip point

94

(first) summit

96

second peak

98

third peak

100

cushion shell

102

body part

104

first side pocket

106

center pocket

108

second side pocket

110

module holding hole

112

top wall

120

first suspension assembly holder

122

second suspension assembly holder

124

upward flange

126

arcuate slot

130

circumferential flange

132

trim tab

134

peripheral edge

136

backward extending swing arm

138

Pivot Pin Receiving Hole

142

first support rib

144

second support rib

146

third support rib

150

rounded area

200

vehicle seat suspension assembly

202

rear carrier

204

torque tube

206

first spring element

208

second spring element

210

variety of openings

212

lower flange

214

rear vertical flange

216

first hook

218

second hook

220

third hook

222

fourth hook

230

Load distribution tab rear and front

240

trimming fastener

242

fastener openings

250

cross member

252

middle part

254

air supply line

256

first side of the cross member

258

first set of wiring holes

260

a second side of the cross member

262

second set of wiring holes front part of the first and second

270

spring element

272

arcuate wedge

300

integrated wiring harness

302

body part

304

first side hook

306

second side hook

308

center hook

310

connected support elements

312

extensive framework

320

module engagement tabs

Claims (20)

Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200) comprising: a rear bracket (202) for engaging a torsion tube (204) of a vehicle seat (12), first and second spring members (206, 208) having end portions that engage the rear bracket (202), intercushion shell connectors disposed on the first and second spring members (206, 208), and a cross member (250) coupled to the first and second spring members (206, 208) and having power and data cable routing apertures. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 1 wherein the rear bracket (202) has a plurality of cable routing apertures (210). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 1 wherein each inter-cushion pan connector includes an arcuate wedge (272) adapted to interface with a complementary arcuate slot (126) on a vehicle seat cushion pan (100). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 3 and further comprising: a polymeric coating disposed on said first and second spring members (206, 208) near of the arcuate wedge (272) of each inter-pad shell connector. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 1 and further comprising: trim fasteners (240) disposed on said first and second spring members (206, 208). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 1 wherein the rear bracket (202) has hooks (216, 218, 220, 222) adapted to engage the torque tube (204). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200) comprising: a rear support (202) having hooks (216, 218, 220, 222) with load distribution tabs (230) that engage a torsion tube (204) of a vehicle seat (12), first and second spring members (206, 208) having a front portion with a cushion shell interface and a rear portion extending into the hooks (216, 218, 220, 222), and a cross member (250) having first and second sets of cable routing apertures (258, 262) and a climate control air supply duct (254) disposed between said first and second sets of cable routing apertures (258, 262). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 7 wherein the rear bracket (202) has a plurality of cable routing openings (210). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 7 and further comprising: inter-cushion pan connectors configured to interface with a receiving slot (126) on a vehicle seat cushion pan (100). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 9 wherein the inter-cushion pan connectors include an arcuate wedge (272) configured to interface with a complementary arcuate slot (126) on the vehicle seat cushion pan (100). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 7 and further comprising: trim fasteners (240) disposed on said first and second spring members (206, 208). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 7 wherein the first and second sets of conduit openings (258, 262) have indicia adapted to provide connection information to an installer. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200) comprising: a rear support (202) having hooks (216, 218, 220, 222) with load distribution tabs (230) that engage a torsion tube (204) of a vehicle seat (12) and further having cable routing apertures (258, 262), and first and second spring members (206, 208) having a front portion with a wedge (272) configured to be detachably coupled to a complementary suspension assembly bracket (120, 122) on a vehicle seat cushion pan (100), and a rear portion , which extends into the hooks (216, 218, 220, 222). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 wherein the rear support (202) has a first horizontal portion and a second portion integral with the hooks (216, 218, 220, 222), the second portion extending vertically. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 and further comprising: a polymeric coating disposed on said first and second spring members (206, 208) proximate an arcuate wedge (272) of each interpad shell connector. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 and further comprising: trim fasteners (240) disposed on said first and second spring members (206, 208). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 wherein the wedge (272) has an arcuate construction and wherein the suspension assembly bracket (120, 122) has an arcuate slot (126) for receiving the wedge (272). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 wherein first and second sets of cable routing apertures (258, 262) have indicia adapted to provide connection information to an installer. Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). Claim 13 and further comprising: a front cross member (250) having an air supply duct (254) for climate control disposed at its center portion (252). Vehicle seat suspension assembly (200). claim 19 , wherein the front cross member (250) has front and rear ribs and a plurality cable routing apertures (258, 262) located therebetween.

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