GB2612069A

GB2612069A - Seat suspension

Info

Publication number: GB2612069A
Application number: GB2115070.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Withey Dave; Evans Charlie; Spackman Ryan; Holland Mark
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2021-10-21
Filing date: 2021-10-21
Publication date: 2023-04-26
Also published as: GB202115070D0

Abstract

A vehicle seat squab suspension for suspending a back support 3 in a seat back frame 5 has upright support rods 35-1, 35-2, and a transverse support 45 with springs (55-1, 55-2, fig 3) between end connectors (49-1, 49-2, fig 3) and the upright support rods 35-1, 35-2. The springs can be serpentine form, in a plane of the seat back, and integral with the transverse support. The transverse support can wrap around the upright support rods 35-1, 35-2. A support panel 39 can support a seat pneumatic system (41, fig 3). In use the back support 3 can move relative to frame side members 21-1, 21-2.

Description

SEAT SUSPENSION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a seat suspension. Aspects of the invention relate to a seat squab suspension, a seat frame, a vehicle seat and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

It is known to incorporate one or more transverse support member in a seat squab suspension for a vehicle seat. A known seat squab suspension 101 is shown in Figure 7. The seat squab suspension 101 comprises a transverse support member 103 formed of a wire having first and second hooks 105-1, 105-2 for connection at each end to sidemembers of a seat frame assembly (now shown). The diameter (gauge) of the wire can be specified to allow sufficient deflection for seat comfort. However, this must be balanced with the need to maintain safety requirements which may be affected by occupant position in the seat.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a seat squab suspension, a seat frame, a vehicle seat and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle having a vehicle seat incorporating a seat squab suspension in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a seat frame for supporting the seat squab suspension shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a rear view of the seat squab suspension shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the transverse support of the seat squab suspension in an unloaded state; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the transverse support of the seat squab suspension in a loaded state; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the transverse support of the seat squab suspension in an unloaded state; and Figure 7 shows a known seat squab suspension.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A seat squab suspension 1 for suspending a back support 3 in a seat frame 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

The seat squab suspension 1 is disposed in a seat 7. The seat 7 is a vehicle seat for installation in a vehicle 9, as shown schematically in Figure 1. The seat 7 comprises a seat base 11 and a seat back 13. The seat 7 may optionally comprise a headrest 23. The position and/or orientation of the seat base 11 and the seat back 13 may be adjustable relative to each other, for example to adjust a recline angle of the seat back 13. The seat base 11 comprises a seat pan 15. The seat back 13 forms a backrest for the seat occupant. The seat frame 5 is incorporated into the seat back 13 and forms a structural assembly. As described herein, the seat squab suspension 1 suspends the back support 3 in seat back 13. A seat cushion (not shown) is provided in the seat base 11 on the seat pan 15. The vehicle 13 in the present embodiment is an automobile, but the seat 7 may be installed in other types of vehicle. The seat 7 is installed in a cabin 17 of the vehicle 13. The seat 7 is typically mounted to a body structure 19, such as a floor assembly.

As shown in Figure 2, the seat frame 5 comprises first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2 disposed on first and second sides 25A, 25B respectively of the seat frame 5. The seat squab suspension 1 is supported between the first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2. The seat frame 5 comprises an upper support assembly 27 for mounting the head rest; and a lower mounting assembly 29 for mounting the seat back 13 to the seat base 11. The lower mounting assembly 29 is configured to pivotally mount the seat back 13 to the seat base 11. A recline adjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided to adjust the recline angle of the seat back 13. The seat back 13 in the present embodiment comprises first and second armrests 31-1, 31-2 pivotally mounted to the first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2. The first and second armrests 31-1, 31-2 may be omitted from the seat 7.

As shown in Figure 3, the seat squab suspension 1 comprises first and second upright support rods 35-1, 35-2. The first and second upright support rods 35-1, 35-2 are disposed on respective first and second sides 37A, 37B of the seat squab suspension 1. In the present embodiment, the back support 3 comprises a support panel 39. The support panel 39 is in the form of a board which may be moulded from a plastic material, such as polypropylene or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The support panel 39 is configured to support one or more ancillary seat system. In the present embodiment, the support panel 39 is provided to support a pneumatic system 41 for selectively inflating/deflating one or more bladder (not shown) provided on the seat back 7. The pneumatic system 41 may, for example, comprise a pneumatic valve block, a compressor and/or a reservoir. The pneumatic system 41 is provided to control inflation and deflation of the one or more bladder disposed on the seat 7. The bladder(s) may be inflated to adjust support for the seat occupant, for example to adjust lumbar support. Alternatively, or in addition, the pneumatic system 41 may selectively inflate and deflate the bladder(s) to provide a massage function. It will be understood that the pneumatic system 41 may be omitted. Alternatively, or in addition, the support panel 39 may support actuators for implementing seat functions. For example, one or more electromechanical actuator may be provided on the support panel 39. The support panel 39 may optionally support seat climate systems, such as one or more heating element and/or a climate fan for circulating air.

The seat squab suspension 1 comprises a transverse support 45 having a first end 47-1 and a second end 47-2. The transverse support 45 is configured to extend across a width of the seat squab suspension 1 for connection to opposite sides of the seat frame 5. The transverse support 45 is disposed in a substantially horizontal configuration in the present embodiment.

In a variant, the seat squab suspension 1 may comprise more than one said transverse support 45. For example, the seat squab suspension 1 may comprise first and second said transverse supports 45 spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. The first and second said transverse supports 45 may have substantially the same configuration as each other. The transverse support 45 is formed from an elongated strip, for example a wire or a slender rod. The transverse support 45 in the present embodiment is formed of metal, such as a spring steel. Other materials may be used to form the transverse support 45.

The first end 47-1 of the transverse support 45 has a first connector 49-1 for connection to the first sidemember 21-1 of the seat frame 5. The second end 47-2 of the transverse support 45 has a second connector 49-2 for connection to the second sidemember 21-2 of the seat frame 5. The first and second connectors 49-1, 49-2 are formed integrally with the transverse support in the present embodiment. The first and second connectors 49-1, 49-2 each comprise a hook for locating in an aperture (not shown) formed in the first and second sidemembers 211, 21-2. The transverse support 45 has a first connector 49-1 for connection to the first sidemember 21-1 of the seat frame 5. The transverse support 45 is coupled to the first and second upright support rods 35-1, 35-2. In particular, the transverse support 45 comprises first and second wraparounds 51-1, 51-2 which extend around the first and second upright support rods 35-1, 35-2 respectively. The first and second wraparounds 51-1, 51-2 each comprise a coil or a turn formed around the respective first and second upright support rods 35-1, 35-2. The transverse support 45 comprises an anti-rotation feature 53 (shown in Figure 6) which is mounted to the support panel 39 to inhibit rotation. The anti-rotation feature 53 in the present embodiment comprises a generally U-shaped feature formed in a central portion of the transverse support 45.

The transverse support 45 comprises a first spring element (47-1) 55-1 disposed on the first side 37A of the seat squab suspension 1; and a second spring element 55-2 disposed on the second side 37B of the seat squab suspension 1. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are disposed in outboard locations. The first spring element (47-1) 55-1 is disposed between the first connector 49-1 and the first upright support rod 35-1 on the first side 37A of the seat squab suspension 1. The second spring element 55-2 is disposed between the second connector 49-2 and the second upright support rod 35-2 on the second side 37B of the seat squab suspension 1. In use, the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are operative to suspend the back support 3 in the seat frame 5. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 suspend the back support between the first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are configured to enable the back support 3 to move relative to the first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2 of the seat frame 5. In the present embodiment, the transverse support 45 enable an upper portion of the seat squab suspension 1 to move relative to the seat frame S. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are operative to apply a spring biasing force to bias the back support 3 towards a rest position.

The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are integral with the transverse support 45. In particular, the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are mechanically formed in the transverse support 45. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 each comprise a serpentine spring. The first spring element (47-1) 55-1 comprises a first serpentine spring; and the second spring element 55-2 comprises a second serpentine spring. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are formed in a plane of the seat back 7. The plane of the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 is substantially coincident with a plane of the support panel 39. The planar arrangement of the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 helps to avoid localised pressure points which may cause discomfort, for example as the seat back 7 is loaded. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 each comprise one or more bends in the form of an arc or curve. The or each bend has a predetermined radius of curvature. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 in the present embodiment are each generally S-shaped (or castellated). The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be supported under tension in the seat frame 5. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be tensioned when the seat squab suspension 1 is installed in the seat frame 5. In particular, the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be extended to connect the first and second connectors 49-1, 49-2 to the first and second sidemembers 21-1, 21-2 of the seat frame 5.

The back support 3 is supported by the seat squab suspension 1. The back support 3 may comprise padding to provide improved comfort, for example comprising one of more compressible foam members. In use, a load is applied to the back support 3 by a seat occupant. These operational loads may displace the back support 3 relative to the seat frame 5. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are configured to apply a spring biasing force for biasing the back support 3 towards a rest position (i.e., towards an unloaded position). The second spring element 55-2 is shown in an unloaded condition in Figure 4. By way of comparison, the first spring element (47-1) 55-1 is shown in a loaded condition in Figure 5. A perspective view of the first spring element (47-1) 55-1 connected to the first sidemember 21- 1 is shown in Figure 6. The first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be configured to apply an appropriate spring biasing force to maintain an H-point (hip point) of the seat occupant in a predetermined position or positional range.

The size and/or geometry of the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be defined to provide the desired spring properties. For example, the radius of curvature of the or each bend forming the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be adjusted to provide appropriate spring properties. Alternatively, or in addition, the amplitude of the bends (i.e., the displacement between peaks and troughs) forming the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 may be adjusted. Alternatively, or in addition, the diameter (gauge) of the wire used to form the transverse support 45 may be selected to determine the spring properties.

The transverse support 45 undergoes elastic deformation under normal loading conditions. When the transverse support 45 is unloaded (i.e. not under tension), the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 are resiliently biased towards their respective nominal, undeformed states. The properties of the transverse support 45 can be tuned by selection of the gauge of the wire and size of the serpentine (castellation) features formed in the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2. The rate and/or limit of deflection of the first and second spring elements 55-1, 55-2 can be tuned to provide the desired suspension properties in the vehicle seat 7.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seat squab suspension (1) for suspending a back support (3) in a seat frame (5) of a seat back (13), the seat squab suspension (1) comprising: first and second upright support rods (35-1, 35-2) disposed on respective first and second sides (37A, 37B) of the seat squab suspension (1); and at least one transverse support (45) having first and second ends (47-1, 47-2), the first end (47-1) having a first connector (49-1) for connection to a first sidemember of the seat frame (5) and the second end (47-2) having a second connector (49-2) for connection to a second sidemember of the seat frame (5); the at least one transverse support (45) comprising a first spring element (55-1) disposed between the first connector (49-1) and the first upright support rod (35-1) on the first side (37A) of the seat squab suspension (1); and a second spring element (55-2) disposed between the second connector (49-2) and the second upright support rod on the second side (37B) of the seat squab suspension (1); wherein, in use, the first and second spring elements (55-1, 55-2) suspend the back support (3) in the seat frame (5) such that the back support (3) can move relative to the first and second sidemembers of the seat frame (5).
2. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second spring elements (55-1, 55-2) each comprise a serpentine spring.
3. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second spring elements (55-1, 55-2) are formed in a plane of the seat back (13).
4. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first and second spring elements (55-1, 55-2) are formed integrally with the at least one transverse support (45).
5. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the or each transverse support (45) is formed of a wire extending across a width of the seat squab suspension (1).
6. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each transverse support (45) is coupled to the first and second upright support rods (35-1, 35-2).
7. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second connectors (49-1, 49-2) comprise first and second hooks.
8. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a support panel (39), the at least one transverse support (45) being connected to the support panel (39).
9. A seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support panel (39) is configured to support a pneumatic system (41) for the vehicle seat (7).
10. A seat frame (5) comprising a seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the seat squab suspension (1) being supported in the seat frame (5).
11. A seat frame as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and second spring elements (55-1, 55-2) are tensioned when the seat squab suspension (1) is installed in the seat frame (5).
12. A seat frame (5) as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 comprising a back support supported by the seat squab suspension (1).
13. A vehicle seat (7) comprising a seat squab suspension (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.
14. A vehicle (9) comprising at least one vehicle seat (7) as claimed in claim 13.