FR3058943A1 - SUSPENSION OF A VEHICLE SEAT AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE POSITION OF THE SEAT - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (4) for suspending a first body with respect to a second body (5), the suspension system comprising: - a primary connecting rod (15) rotatably mounted around a first primary axis (16) of the first body and in rotation about a second axis (17) primary of the second body; a secondary connecting rod (18) rotatably mounted about a first axis (19) secondary of the first body and rotating about a second axis (20) of the second body, the first primary axis, the second primary axis, the first secondary axis and the second secondary axis being substantially parallel; - A damping device (29) for damping at least one relative movement between the first body and the second body; the damping device being disposed between the first body and the second body, the damping device being directly integral with the first body and the second body.

Description

Holder (s): PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA Société anonyme.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): PEUGEOT CITROEN AUTOMOBILES SA Public limited company.

P4J SUSPENSION OF A VEHICLE SEAT AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE SEAT POSITION.

FR 3 058 943 - A1 (ÎV) A system (4) for suspending a first body relative to a second body (5), the suspension system comprising:

- A primary connecting rod (15) rotatably about a first primary axis (16) of the first body and rotating about a second primary axis (17) of the second body;

a secondary connecting rod (18) mounted for rotation about a first secondary axis (19) of the first body and for rotation about a second secondary axis (20) of the second body, the first primary axis, the second primary axis, the first secondary axis and the second secondary axis being substantially parallel;

- a damping device (29) for damping at least one relative movement between the first body and the second body;

the damping device being arranged between the first body and the second body, the damping device being directly integral with the first body and the second body.

SUSPENSION OF A VEHICLE SEAT AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE

SEAT POSITION The invention relates to the field of vehicles and relates, more specifically, to the suspension and the height adjustment of a vehicle seat.

The comfort of the occupants of a vehicle depends, among other things, on the state of the road, the suspensions and the vehicle seats.

The lack of comfort increases the irritation and fatigue of the occupants, increasing the risk of lack of attention from the driver and therefore the insecurity of the occupants. The lack of comfort also increases the risks related to the health of the occupants, by prolonged poor postural constraints, which can cause lumbar problems.

Damping vibrations or shocks transmitted by the vehicle to the occupants contributes to increasing the comfort of the latter. The position of the driver's seat, adjusted forwards or backwards and in height, also contributes to its comfort.

Document US 2014/0216242 describes a seat suspension system. A seat frame is connected, at a first end and at a second end opposite the first end, to a support, by means of the suspension system. The suspension system comprises connecting rods, connecting the seat frame to the support, these connecting rods being connected to each other by a damping device of the suspension system.

Such a system effectively makes it possible to dampen the vibrations or the shocks transmitted to the seat frame. The system also allows the seat position to be adjusted in height, by increasing or reducing the length of the cushioning device. However, the height adjustment of the seat changes the position of the feet of the person sitting on the seat which, for people over a certain height or below a certain height, can be a problem to reach the pedals. In fact, a person over a certain size will have to reduce the height of the seat, which will bring their knees, and therefore their feet, closer to the pedals forcing them to move their seat far back, at the risk of being too far from the steering wheel and, in in an extreme case, to reach the maximum limit of seat recoil. Conversely, a person below a certain size will have to increase the height of his seat, which will move his knees, and therefore his feet, from the pedals, forcing him to move his seat sharply, at the risk of being too close to the steering wheel and, in an extreme case, not being able to touch the pedals.

A first objective is to provide a suspension system for a vehicle seat capable of damping vibrations or shocks transmitted by the vehicle to the seat.

A second objective is to provide a suspension system for a vehicle seat allowing height adjustment of the seat.

A third objective is to provide a suspension system for a vehicle seat, the height adjustment of the seat does not change the position of the feet of a person sitting on the seat relative to the pedals of the vehicle.

A fourth objective is to propose a seat comprising a suspension system meeting the preceding objectives.

A fifth objective is to provide a vehicle comprising a seat meeting the preceding objective.

To this end, it is proposed, first, a suspension system of a first body relative to a second body, the suspension system comprising:

a primary connecting rod, mounted in rotation around a first primary axis of the first body and in rotation around a second primary axis of the second body;

a secondary connecting rod, mounted in rotation around a first secondary axis of the first body and in rotation around a second secondary axis of the second body, the first primary axis, the second primary axis, the first secondary axis and the second secondary axis being substantially parallel;

a damping device, intended to damp at least one relative movement between the first body and the second body;

the damping device being arranged between the first body and the second body, the damping device being directly integral with the first body and the second body.

Such a suspension system is capable of damping vibrations or shocks transmitted by the second body to the first body.

The suspension system also makes it possible to dampen vibrations or shocks transmitted, by an external element, to the first body or to the second body.

The suspension system allows adjustment of the position of the first body relative to the second body.

Various additional characteristics can be provided, alone or in combination:

the first body is movable, along a trajectory, relative to the second body, the trajectory is defined by the suspension system and includes a virtual pivot point, the virtual pivot point is fixed regardless of the position of the first body relative to in the second body, the primary connecting rod being disposed between the secondary connecting rod and the virtual pivot point;

the second secondary axis is movable along a lumen; the damping device includes:

• a spring, intended to control a compression of the damping device, • a damper, intended to control an expansion of the damping device;

the damping device comprises means for adjusting a stiffness of the spring and a damping of the damper; the system comprises means for adjusting the position of the first body relative to the second body;

the position adjustment means comprises a wheel complementary to a pinion of the secondary connecting rod, the wheel being in interaction with the pinion.

It is proposed, secondly, a suspended seat comprising a seat, a suspension system as presented above and a support, the seat being secured to the support through the suspension system, the seat acting first body and the support acting as a second body.

In one embodiment, the support comprises a rail and a slide capable of sliding in the rail, the rail and the slide being configured so that the seat is adjustable in translation in a direction.

It is proposed, thirdly, a vehicle comprising a suspended seat as presented above.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and concretely on reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle comprising a seat provided with a seat suspension system; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a seat frame, the suspension system and a seat support; Figure 3 is an exploded schematic view of the frame, the suspension system and the support;

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the path described by the seat relative to the support.

In Figure 1 is shown a vehicle 1 comprising a seat 2 suspended.

The suspended seat 2 comprises a seat 3 a system 4 for suspending the seat 3 and a support 5 for the seat 3.

The seat 3 is fixed to the vehicle 1 by means of the support 5. The suspension system 4 is arranged between the seat 3 and the support 5. In the remainder of this text, the seat 3, the system 4 of suspension and the support 5 are described assembled together and mounted on the vehicle 1.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the seat 3 comprises a frame 6. The frame 6 substantially defines the shape of a portion of the seat 3 intended to allow an individual to sit.

According to the embodiment shown, the frame 6 comprises a first side 7 and a second side 8 arranged on either side of a middle plane 9 and in a manner substantially symmetrical with respect thereto.

According to a different embodiment, the frame 6 is in one piece.

According to the embodiment shown, the support 5 comprises two feet 10, each provided with a rail 11 and a slide capable of sliding in the rail 11. The feet 10 are arranged on either side of the 9 middle plane and substantially symmetrical with respect thereto.

Each foot comprises a primary plate 13 and a secondary plate 14. The primary plates 13 and the secondary plates 14 are integral with the slides 12 of each foot 10.

Such feet 10 thus allow the seat 3 to move, so as to adjust the position of the seat 3 in advance or in retreat.

According to a different embodiment, the feet 10 of the support 5 are not movable. According to a different embodiment, the support 5 is in one piece.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the seat suspension system 4 3 comprises two primary connecting rods 15. The primary connecting rods 15 are integral with the frame 6 of the seat 3 and the primary plates 13 of the support 5.

Each primary link 15 is movable in rotation, relative to the frame 6, around a first primary axis 16. Each primary link 15 is also movable in rotation, relative to the support 5, around a second primary axis 17.

According to the embodiment shown, the primary connecting rods 15 are arranged substantially symmetrically relative to the middle plane 9.

The first primary axis 16 and the second primary axis 17 are substantially parallel.

The seat suspension system 4 3 also includes two secondary connecting rods 18. The secondary connecting rods 18 are integral with the frame 6 of the seat 3 and the secondary plates 14 of the support 5. Each secondary connecting rod 18 is movable in rotation, relative to the frame 6, around a first axis 19 secondary. Each secondary connecting rod 18 is also movable in rotation, relative to the support 5, around a second secondary axis 20.

According to the embodiment shown, the secondary connecting rods 18 are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the middle plane 9. The secondary connecting rods 18 are connected by a bar

21.

The first secondary axis 19 and the second secondary axis 20 are substantially parallel.

The first primary axis 16, the second primary axis 17, the first secondary axis 19 and the second secondary axis 20 are substantially parallel.

According to different embodiments, the primary connecting rods 15 are connected by means of an arm. The suspension system 4 comprises a single primary link 15 and a single secondary link 18.

As shown in FIG. 4, the primary connecting rods 15 and the secondary connecting rods 18 define a path described by the frame 6 of the seat 3 relative to the support 5.

The trajectory comprises a multitude of virtual pivot points 22, substantially fixed, whatever the position of the seat 3, along the trajectory, relative to the support 5.

The virtual pivot points 22 represent the heel of an individual sitting on the seat 3, so that the position of the feet of the individual relative to the pedals of the vehicle 1, regardless of the length of the thigh 23 and of the leg 24 of an individual, is not modified during an adjustment in height of the seat 3. This position is adjusted by advancing or retreating the seat 3 relative to the support 5. [0045] In FIG. 4 only three virtual pivot points 22 are represented among the existing multitude, the virtual pivot points 22 represented corresponding to three different lengths of thighs 23 and legs 24.

The suspension system 4 comprises a means 25 for position adjustment. The position adjustment means 25 makes it possible to move the seat 3 relative to the support 5 by following the trajectory. The position adjustment means 25 thus makes it possible to adjust the height of the seat 3 relative to the support 5, so as to adapt to the morphology of an individual.

According to a preferred embodiment, the position adjustment means 25 comprises a wheel 26 and a pinion 27 complementary to the wheel 26. The wheel 26 is integral with the frame 6 of the seat 3 and movable in rotation, around an axis 28 for positioning relative to the frame 6. The pinion 27 is integral with one of the two secondary connecting rods 18 and fixed relative thereto.

A rotation of the thumbwheel 26 thus causes a rotation of the secondary connecting rods 18 around the first secondary axis 19, so as to adjust, by following the trajectory, the height of the seat 3 relative to the support 5.

The suspension system 4 also comprises a damping device 29, intended to dampen vibrations or shocks exerted by the support 5 on the seat 3. The suspension system 4 also makes it possible to damp a movement d an individual seated in the seat 3.

According to one embodiment, the damping device 29 is directly secured to the support 5. The damping device 29 is advantageously secured to the slide 12 of the support 5. The damping device 29 is also directly secured to the frame 6 of the seat 3.

The support 5 comprises, preferably at the level of the secondary plates 14, a slot 30 along which the second secondary axis 20 slides. The light 30 preferably has a general shape in an arc.

When the height adjustment of the seat 3 has been carried out, by means of the position adjustment means 25, the angle formed by the secondary connecting rods 18 and the frame 6 is fixed, thanks to the design of the means 25 position adjustment. The light 30 thus offers a degree of freedom to the suspended seat 2, so as to dampen, thanks to the damping device 29, vibrations or shocks exerted on the seat 3. During the height adjustment of the seat 3, by means of the position adjustment means 25, the second secondary axis 20 is fixed relative to the light 30.

According to the embodiment shown, the damping device 29 comprises a spring 31 and a damper 32. The spring 31 is intended to control a compression of the damping device 29. The damper 32 is intended to control an expansion of the damping device 29.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the spring 31 and the damper 32 are arranged substantially in a V shape. According to a different embodiment, the spring 31 and the damper 32 are coaxial.

According to one embodiment, the damping device 29 comprises a means for adjusting a stiffness of the spring 31 and a damping of the damper 32.

The stiffness and damping adjustment means makes it possible, whatever the weight of the individual sitting on the seat 3, to keep the same seat plate 3 relative to the support 5. In the equilibrium position, the second secondary axis 20 is preferably disposed substantially at the center of the lumen 30 of the support 5.

Generally, the seat 3 can be assimilated to a first body 3 and the support 5 can be assimilated to a second body 5.

Such a suspension system 4 is thus able to absorb vibrations or shocks transmitted to the seat 3.

The suspension system 4 also allows for a height adjustment of the position of the seat 3 relative to the support 5, independently of a forward or backward adjustment thereof.

Claims (10)

1. System (4) for suspending a first body (3) relative to a second body (5), the suspension system (4) comprising: a primary connecting rod (15) mounted for rotation about a first primary axis (16) of the first body (3) and for rotation about a second primary axis (17) of the second body (5); a secondary connecting rod (18) rotatably mounted around a first secondary axis (19) of the first body (3) and rotating around a secondary second axis (20) of the second body (5), the first axis ( 16) primary, the second primary axis (17), the first secondary axis (19) and the second secondary axis (20) being substantially parallel; a damping device (29) for damping at least one relative movement between the first body (3) and the second body (5); the suspension system (4) being characterized in that the damping device (29) is arranged between the first body (3) and the second body (5), the damping device (29) being directly integral with the first body (3) and the second body (5). 2. Suspension system (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first body (3) is movable, along a trajectory, relative to the second body (5), the trajectory is defined by the system (4) of suspension and comprises a virtual pivot point (22), the virtual pivot point (22) is fixed whatever the position of the first body (3) relative to the second body (5), the primary connecting rod (15) being arranged between the secondary connecting rod (18) and the virtual pivot point (22). 3. Suspension system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second secondary axis (20) is movable along a light (30). 4. Suspension system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the damping device (29) comprises: a spring (31), intended to control a compression of the damping device (29), a damper (32), intended to control an expansion of the damping device (29). 5. Suspension system (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the damping device (29) comprises means for adjusting a stiffness of the spring (31) and a damping of the damper (32 ). 6. Suspension system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (25) for adjusting the position of the first body (3) relative to the second body (5). 7. Suspension system (4) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the position adjustment means (25) comprises a wheel (26) complementary to a pinion (27) of the secondary connecting rod (18), the wheel (26) being in interaction with the pinion (27). 8. suspended seat (2) comprising a seat (3), a suspension system (4) according to any one of the preceding claims and a support (5), the seat (3) is integral with the support (5) by the through the suspension system (4), the seat (3) acts as the first body (3) and a support (5) acts as the second body (5). 9. Seat (2) suspended according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (5) comprises a rail (11) and a slide (12) capable of sliding in the rail (11), the rail (11) and the slide (12) being configured so that the seat (3) is adjustable in translation in a direction. 10. Vehicle (1) comprising a suspended seat (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 9. ³ ° 58943