WO2017095337A1

WO2017095337A1 - A height adjustment mechanism comprising a valve system for driver's seats

Info

Publication number: WO2017095337A1
Application number: PCT/TR2015/050217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ercan İLMAN; Uğur AKBABA; Erman ARKIN; Ali Ihsan YURDDAŞ; Serkan KADAŞ; Aykut GÜNER; Çağdaş YALÇIN; Onur Emre DEMİREL; Zafer Serhat ÖZCAN
Original assignee: Assan Hani̇l Otomoti̇v Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2015-12-02
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2017-06-08

Abstract

A seat height adjustment mechanism (1) enabling drivers' seats to be adjusted at a desired level with the seat's upward and downward movement ability and bringing the seat to a desired height level- following absorbing its instantaneous upward and downward movements, comprising an outer spring bracket (2) and an inner spring bracket (3) which moves the mechanism upwards and downwards with its shearing motion, an air bellows bracket (9) which supports the air bellows, and onto which one end of a balance spring (52) is connected, a valve connection body (4) supporting an upper valve (6) and a lower valve (7) positioned to be able to rotate freely around the shaft spring (5) onto which the other end of the balance' spring (52) is connected, and also supporting an upper valve control lever (61) and a lower valve control lever (71), and a wire retaining bracket (8) onto which the course terminal (531) of a control wire (53) leans and contacts at the end of the course.

Description

A HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM COMPRISING A VALVE SYSTEM FOR

DRIVER'S SEATS

Technical Field The invention relates to a system designed for comfort enabling a seat's height adjustment, enabling the seat to spring during vibration and loading, and enabling the seat to be brought to an ergonomic height, i.e. an ideal height position which the driver had initially adjusted for his/her body.

State of the Art Nowadays, vehicles' seat height adjustment is done with mechanical systems. In some vehicles, in which there is too much vibration, the vehicle's suspension as well as the driver's seat is designed to be harmonically oscillatory. Valved systems have been designed for the seat to be brought back to its former height position again after its oscillation movement. Nowadays, magnets are used in the valve mechanism of vehicles' seat height adjustment, however the magnetic force needs to be adjusted very finely for the valve system to be able to operate correctly, and the system does not operate when the magnet's strength decreases over time.

In another model of the present art, the mechanical drive of the valve mechanism is provided with a large body connected between the middle spring shaft and the end spring shaft. This causes the system parts to be large.

In a further model of the present art, the driver's seat is adjusted once according to the driver's own ergonomic measurements when he/she first sits down, afterwards there may be changes in the initial height adjustment limits with the seat's suspension movement on tough road conditions.

In conclusion due to the disadvantages mentioned above and the insufficiency of the present solutions regarding the subject, a need for making a development in the related field of the art was rendered necessary. In the patent research conducted regarding the known state of art, application no. EP2008864B1 belonging to the company GRAMMER AG was found. The abstract page of this invention relates to a vehicle seat with a height-adjustable seat frame which comprises two relatively movable seat frame parts, and at least one fluid spring, particularly an air spring, arranged between the seat frame parts for height adjustment, arranged between a first seat frame part, with at least one valve device with control valves for controlling fluid flows for the fluid spring and also a control for controlling the control valves provided on a second seat frame part, with at least one valve device provided for affecting the fluid spring. A further application is application no. DE202007002243. This application discloses a height adjusting assembly which comprises control connecting links arranged on a control carriage which moves linearly in the direction of a linear switching movement. Preferred features: The control carriage is a component of a linear unit having a guiding body with a longitudinal extension. Additionally, the guiding body supports control valves and comprises control carriage slides.

Purpose Of The Invention

The present invention relates to a height adjusted vehicle seat mechanism for fulfilling the requirements mentioned above, eliminating all of the disadvantages and providing a number of additional advantages. The primary object of the invention is to develop a vehicle seat mechanism structure with a height adjustment which provides the benefit of ergonomics by enabling the seat system to oscillate upwards and downwards in tough conditions, and afterwards enables the seat to return to its initial height position, and also increases operation, comfort and efficiency.

The invention aims to enable the development of a mechanism providing easier and faster height adjustment of the seat mechanism in drivers' seats.

An object of the invention is to provide a seat mechanism structure having an easy to use, compact structure with few parts which is easy to disassemble and has a durable structure.

In an object of the invention, the apparatus used in the balance setting of the system enables the seat to be adjusted at equal height adjustments at each adjustment level by following a variable radius. In another object of the invention, the valve system is a lot more long-lasting with a magnet not being used, and the disadvantages are eliminated with the magnet losing its magnetic force over time.

In a further object of the invention, undesired situations, such as excess space being taken up and excess weight volumes from the large part connected between the middle spring shaft and the end spring shaft which is used in the present art as it has a simple and durable structure were seen to be eliminated.

The invention comprises an outer spring bracket and an inner spring bracket rotating on the limited spring shaft, and enabling the system to be elevated and lowered in order to carry out the objects of the invention.

When the rolled wire is pulled in the system, the valve balancing part fixed onto the spring shaft comprises valve balance adjustment levers which press on or open the valve control levers with the valve connection body rotating.

For the objects of the invention to be carried out, the invention comprises a balance spring mounted onto the valve connection body for the movement to be returned to its former position, i.e. balance.

The structural and characteristic features of the invention will be more clearly understood with the detailed description by means of the figures given below, and referring to these figures. Therefore, the evaluation needs to be made by taking these figures and the detailed description into account.

Figures Helping the Invention to Be Understood

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the seat height adjustment mechanism of the invention.

Figure 2 is a front view of the seat height adjustment mechanism of the invention.

Figure 3 is a view of the seat height adjustment mechanism of the invention, where the wire is pulled and the seat is elevated.

Figure 4 is a view of the seat height adjustment mechanism of the invention, where the wire is loosened and the seat is lowered.

Figure 5 is a general assembly view of the seat height adjustment mechanism of the invention, configured under the seat and adapted to the spring system in the main structure.

Description of the Part References

Detailed Description of the Invention The invention relates to a spring system (10) positioned between a fixed chassis (1 1 ) and a movable chassis (12), and a seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) which is configured in this spring system (10) and moves the seat upwards and downwards and makes desired level adjustments via the spring system (10).

This comprises a valve balance adjustment part (51 ) configured on the spring shaft (5) axis where said spring system (10) is centred, and an upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and a lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) which are applied pushing movement by the contact surface (51 1 ) as a result of the rotary motion on the x-axis of said valve balance adjustment part (51 ). On the other hand, the invention comprises an upper valve (6) having an upper valve control lever (61 ) onto which pressure is applied via the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) with the rotary motion of the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) in the x-axis (x1 ) direction. Furthermore, the invention comprises a lower valve (7) having a lower valve control lever (71 ) onto which pressure is applied via the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) with the rotary motion of the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) in the x-axis (x2) direction. The invention comprises a rolled wire (53) providing automatic or manual control to the valve balance adjustment part (51 ), and a balance spring (52) enabling the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) to remain in a neutral position without contact by retracting the mentioned valve balance adjustment part (51 ).

As seen in the perspective drawing in Figure 1 , in the mentioned seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ), the spring shaft (5) passing through the identical centre of both the outer spring bracket (2) and the inner spring bracket (3) supports the outer spring bracket (2) and the inner spring bracket (3), and enables the mechanism to be elevated and lowered by enabling a shearing motion by synchronising the two brackets.

As seen in Figure 2, the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) is mounted to the spring shaft (5) with fixed connection methods (moulding, welding, etc.). The valve balance adjustment part (51 ) has a triangular structure and comprises upper and lower contact surfaces (51 1 ). The upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and lower balance adjustment lever (42) which operate in conjunction with the contact surfaces (51 1 ) are mounted onto the valve connection body (4) with a swivel joint. Primarily, the valve connection body (4) is a main body securing the valve balance adjustment part (51 ). According to the rotational movement of the valve connection body (4), the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) rotate in synchronisation. Additionally, the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) does not rotate as it is fixed to the spring shaft (5). Furthermore, the invention comprises a fastening jaw (16) which enables the mentioned valve balance adjustment part (51 ) to be mounted onto the spring shaft (5) with a connection member (13). Similarly, a wire feeder (4.1 ) forming a travel range for the rolled wire (53) on said valve connection body (4) is formed.

As seen in Figure 1 , the upper valve (6) and the lower valve (7) are fastened onto the valve connection body (4) with bolts, and rotate together with the valve connection body (4).

In Figure 1 , the valve connection body (4) is supported onto the spring shaft (5) so as to rotate. Its anti-clockwise or clockwise rotation is enabled with the rolled wire (53) being pulled or loose, or with the momentary elevation and lowering of the seat. In Figures 3 and 4, the input and output directions of air are changed by applying pressure to the upper valve control lever (61 ) and the lower valve control lever (71 ) by contacting the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) which has been jointedly mounted onto the valve connection body (4), and lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) as the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) remains constant, i.e. does not rotate, with the valve connection body (4) rotating anti-clockwise or clockwise, and thus with the input and output directions of air changing, the seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is elevated and lowered. On the other hand, an axis of movement (15) which enables the free movement of the mentioned upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) on the valve connection body (4), and the stabilisation thereof with a connection member is formed.

The spring is returned to its initial position by withdrawing it after the valve connection body (4) is rotated clockwise by fastening one end of the balance spring (52) seen in Figure 1 to the valve connection body (4) and the other end to the air bellows bracket (9) which is a fixed part of the system. A connection flange (14) which is contacted with the mentioned balance spring (52) on the mentioned valve connection body (4) is formed.

The principles of operating the mechanism (1 ) are as follows:

As seen in Figure 3, when the driver desires to lift the seat up, the valve connection body (4) is rotated clockwise with the rolled wire (53) being pulled in the direction of the arrow, and the contact surface (51 1 ) presses onto the upper valve control lever (61 ) by pushing the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) as the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) is fixed, thus the seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) elevates upwards until the rolled wire (53) is released by enabling the output of pressurised air from the upper valve (6).

When the rolled wire (53) is released, the course terminal (531 ) on the rolled wire (53) keeps the valve connection body (4) neutral by contacting the wire retaining bracket (8) with the withdrawal of the balance spring (52). As seen in Figure 2, with the balance spring (52) withdrawing the valve connection body (4), the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) are kept in balance, i.e. maintained neutral without contact. The seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is maintained in the driver's desired height limits by being locked in this position.

As seen in Figures 3 and 4, when the seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is desired to be lowered, the rolled wire (53) is pulled again and the seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is pushed downwards with the gravitational force derived from the driver's own weight, and as a result of the valve balance adjustment part's (51 ) contact surface (51 1 ) pushing the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) with the valve connection part (51 ) rotating anti-clockwise, the seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is moved downwards by enabling the output of pressurised air from the lower valve by applying pressure to the lower valve control lever (71 ). Apart from these, as seen in Figure 3, the vehicle's involuntary upward movement at speed bumps or rough roads causes the seat's downward inertia, i.e. instantaneous downward movement, as a result thereof, due to the downward movement of the inner spring bracket (3) and the outer spring bracket (2), the downwardly lowered seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is returned to its previous position, i.e. the driver's ergonomic level by being elevated upwards again, with the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) contacting the upper valve control lever (61 ).

In Figure 4, again, the vehicle's involuntary downward movement at speed bumps or rough roads causes the seat's upward inertia, i.e. instantaneous upward movement, as a result thereof, due to the upward movement of the inner spring bracket (3) and the outer spring bracket (2), the upwardly elevated seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) is returned to its previous position, i.e. the driver's ergonomic level by being lowered downwards again, with the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) contacting the lower valve control lever (71 ).

In alternative embodiments of the invention, 2 2/2 or 1 3/3 valves may be used for the upper valve (6) and the lower valve (7).

Claims

1 . A spring system (10) positioned between a fixed chassis (1 1 ) and a movable chassis (12), and a seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) which is configured in this spring system (10) and moves the seat upwards and downwards and makes desired level adjustments via the spring system (10), characterised in comprising

- a valve balance adjustment part (51 ) configured on the spring shaft (5) axis where said spring system (10) is centred,

- an upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and a lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) which are applied a pushing movement with the contact surface (51 1 ) as a result of the rotary motion on the x-axis of said valve balance adjustment part (51 ).

- an upper valve (6) comprising an upper valve control lever (61 ) onto which pressure is applied via the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) with the rotary motion of the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) in the x-axis (x1 ) direction,

- a lower valve (7) comprising a lower valve control lever (71 ) onto which pressure is applied via the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) with the rotary motion of the valve balance adjustment part (51 ) in the x-axis (x2) direction, - a rolled wire (53) providing automatic or manual control to the valve balance adjustment part (51 ), and

- a balance spring (52) enabling the upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and the lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) to remain in a neutral position without contact by retracting the mentioned valve balance adjustment part (51 ).

2. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising a valve connection body (4) which secures the mentioned valve balance adjustment part (51 ).

3. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 2, characterised in comprising a wire feeder (4.1 ) formed on said valve connection body (4), and forming a travel range for the rolled wire.

4. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising a fastening jaw (16) which enables the mentioned valve balance adjustment part (51 ) to be mounted onto the spring shaft (5) with a connection member (13).

5. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising a wire retaining bracket (8) supporting the mentioned rolled wire (53).

6. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising a course terminal (531 ) determining the course of the rolled wire (53).

7. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising a connection flange (14) which is contacted with the mentioned balance spring (52) on the mentioned valve connection body (4).

8. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising an axis of movement (15) which enables the free movement of the mentioned upper valve balance adjustment lever (41 ) and lower valve balance adjustment lever (42) on the valve connection body (4), and the stabilisation thereof with a connection member.

9. A seat height adjustment mechanism (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in comprising an air bellows bracket (9) which supports the air bellows, and onto which one end of the mentioned balance spring (52) is connected.