Abstract: A set of fittings for a fuel tank including an elongated stem and a ferrule. The stem includes an elongated coupling body at one end configured to couple within a cavity defined by an end of a fuel tank liner. The ferrule includes a ferrule body having a first ferrule end and a second ferrule end; a lip defining a coupling orifice at the first ferrule end with the stem being operable to extend though the coupling orifice and engaging the lip, and a ferrule cavity defined by the ferrule body that extends between the first and second ferrule ends and opening to the coupling orifice at the first ferrule end and a ferrule opening at the second ferrule end, the ferrule cavity configured to surround the end of the fuel tank liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank cover for mounting on a filler neck of a container, including a grip cap, a threaded part and a locking mechanism which is provided between the grip cap and threaded part, wherein the locking mechanism is formed by latching noses and by elastically deformable latching lugs interacting therewith, the latching lugs are integrally formed on the threaded part and the latching noses are integrally formed on the grip cap, or the latching lugs are integrally formed on the grip cap and the latching noses are integrally formed on the threaded part. Here, the latching lugs are formed on or in the vicinity of a thread turn of the threaded part.

Abstract: An assembly bracket system is provided. The system includes a first bracket portion and a second bracket portion. The first bracket portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle tailgate. The second bracket portion is configured to be attached to a vehicle fuel system. The first bracket portion and the second bracket portion are configured to be engaged to each other in a manner that limits at least one degree of freedom of the vehicle fuel system relative to the vehicle tailgate while allowing pivoting of the second bracket portion relative to the first bracket portion.

Abstract: A shift gate assembly includes a detent plate having a shift gate pattern. The shift gate pattern is provided with a first detent, a second detent, and a plurality of intermediate sides that extend between the first detent and the second detent. A side of the first detent that faces towards another side of the second detent is disposed in a non-parallel relationship with another side of the second detent.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a driveshaft, first axle, second axle, first clutch, second clutch, and controller. The driveshaft is selectively coupled to outputs of the first and second axles by the first and second clutches, respectively. The controller is programmed to, in response to a command to reconnect the driveshaft to the outputs of the first and second axles, close the second clutch to transfer loads from the second axle to the driveshaft, adjust the slip speed of the first clutch to within a target range, and close the first clutch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a status of a vehicle door are provided. The method includes detecting a status of a door based on at least one image received from a camera of a vehicle, determining a function to be performed from among a plurality of functions based on the detected status of the door, and performing the determined function. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of a door being ajar or as a supplemental detection system to a hardwired door status sensor.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for managing the power consumption of an automotive vehicle, and thereby for optimizing the power consumption of the vehicle. The devices and systems for managing the power consumption of the vehicle typically include power management logic that can calculate an applied power for the vehicle engine based on information provided from the external environment of the vehicle, the operational status of the vehicle, one or more command inputs from a driver, and one or more operational parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention concerns an on-vehicle electric power storage apparatus including: a control unit 6 which performs internal control; a load 7 which is connected to a high voltage battery 3 via a switch 8 based on a command from the control unit 6, and forcibly consumes the power charged in the high voltage battery 3; and a cooling apparatus 10 which is driven based on a command from the control unit 6 and cools the high voltage battery 3. When collision of a vehicle is detected by a collision detection unit 14, the control unit 6 forcibly consumes the power in the high voltage battery 3 using the load 7, and cools the high voltage battery 3 using the cooling apparatus 10.

Abstract: A vehicle includes: a first battery unit including a front module group which has a plurality of battery modules and which is arranged under a front seat of the vehicle, a middle module group which has a plurality of battery modules and which is arranged under a rear seat of the vehicle, and a front casing accommodating the front module group and the middle module; and a second battery unit including a rear module group which has a plurality of battery modules and which is arranged in a rear portion of the vehicle, and a rear casing accommodating the rear module group. The front casing and the rear casing are independently fixed to a skeletal structure of the vehicle, and a space is provided between the front casing and the rear casing.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and sanity monitoring system for power modules that detect abnormal conditions with respect to transistors in the power modules. A sanity monitor is added to each transistor. The sanity monitor can include a sensor that detects voltage, current, temperature, magnetic fields or similar parameters that indicate a health of a transistor. A failure handling device receives measurements from the sanity monitors and determines whether the measured parameters are within expected ranges for the transistors. If an abnormality is detected, the failure handling device performs a corrective action. For example, the failure handing device can reduce the overall current in a power stage to prevent remaining transistors from failing. The failure handling device additionally informs the driver, (e.g., via an input/output (I/O device), of the problem, indicating that the driver should bring the car to service.

Abstract: A method for detecting an open line (10) of a receiver coil (17; 18) of a resolver (16) comprises—providing a pull-up resistor (R1; R3) and a pull-down resistor (R2; R4) at the terminals (7a, 7b; 8a, 8b) on a control device (1) for the signal lines (13a, 13b; 14a, 14b) of the receiver coil (17; 18);—measuring the voltage between the two signal line terminals (7a, 7b; 8a, 8b) of the receiver coil at two sampling times provided symmetrically at the middle of the excitation period;—calculating an offset value by calculating an average value that comprises the measured values measured at the two sampling times in an excitation period; and—identifying an open line (10) if the offset value exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of cooling control for a drive motor of an electric vehicle, the method including: a normal driving step of controlling the output of the cooling apparatus to be in proportion to a driving speed of the electric vehicle; a sensing step of predicting changes in the driving speed of the electric vehicle during the normal driving step; a first supercooling step of cooling residual heat of the drive motor prior to beginning of deceleration by temporarily operating the cooling apparatus at a higher output than the output controlled in the normal driving step, when deceleration is predicted in the sensing step; and a second supercooling step of cooling the drive motor in advance by temporarily operating the cooling apparatus at a higher output than the output controlled in the normal driving step, when acceleration is predicted in the sensing step after performing the first supercooling step.

Abstract: A motor for a vehicle, a motor system comprising the motor, and a charging and braking method using the motor system are disclosed. The motor comprises: a clutch unit, a planetary gear train, a rotor, a magnetic steel, and a stator, wherein during travelling of the vehicle, the motor utilizes an induced current generated in coils through the movement of the rotor relative to the stator to charge a battery of the vehicle; and the motor utilizes induced inverse potential generated in the coils through the movement of the rotor relative to the stator to brake the vehicle after the vehicle receives a braking signal.

Abstract: Electric motor scooters are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electric motor scooter includes an electric drive, an electric battery, an actuation unit, and a control unit. The actuation unit may be brought in to one of a plurality of positions along an actuation distance, and the control unit is configured to selective a drive mode depending on the position of the actuation unit along the actuation distance. The drive modes include a recuperation mode, a coasting mode, an acceleration mode, and a boost mode. When in the recuperation mode, at least a portion of the energy generated in the electric drive may be delivered to the battery.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a system for inductive power transfer and a method of operating a circuit arrangement, wherein the circuit arrangement includes at least one winding structure with a first and at least one other subwinding structure, wherein the subwinding structures are operatable in a first operational mode and a second operational mode, wherein an unipolar alternating electromagnetic field is providable in the first operational mode and a multipolar electromagnetic field is providable in the second operational mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for charging an auxiliary battery of a vehicle including a driving motor. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for charging an auxiliary battery of a vehicle including a driving motor, includes: a driving distance detector detecting a driving distance of the vehicle; a timer detecting time lapsing from a specific time; a main battery SOC detector detecting a state of charge (SOC) of a main battery; an auxiliary battery SOC detector detecting an SOC of the auxiliary battery; and a controller operated by a program set to control an operation of a DC converter based on signals of the driving distance detector, the timer, the main battery SOC detector, and the auxiliary battery SOC detector.

Abstract: A handheld device for jump starting a vehicle engine includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack (32) and a microcontroller (1). The lithium ion battery is coupled to a power output port of the device through a power switch circuit (15) actuated by the microcontroller. A vehicle battery isolation sensor (12) connected in circuit with positive and negative polarity outputs detects the presence of a vehicle battery (72) connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs. A reverse polarity sensor (10) connected in circuit with the positive and negative polarity outputs detects the polarity of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs, such that the microcontroller will enable power to be delivered from the lithium ion power pack to the output port only when a good battery is connected to the output port and only when the battery is connected with proper polarity of positive and negative terminals.

Abstract: A parking alignment sequence for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle can include determining a location of a charging station by a processing device of a user device based on communication over a cellular network. The charging station can have a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiver of the electric vehicle. A first user interface having directions to the charging station from a current location of the user device can be displayed. Alignment data can be wirelessly received via a communication path that is independent of the cellular network in response to the electric vehicle being located within a predetermined distance from the charging station. A second user interface having alignment instructions can be displayed for moving the electric vehicle into alignment based on the alignment data in response to the electric vehicle being located within the predetermined distance from the charging station.

Abstract: To prevent theft and/or leakage of electricity and to distribute electricity for recharging electric vehicles, the present invention discloses methods and systems for enabling and disabling a plurality of relays at a system. The system comprises a power supply, at least one ammeter, a power supply enabler and at least one power controller. The required steps include measuring current drawn by the plurality of loads by one or more ammeters. The power controller independently enables or disables each of the plurality of relays according to the instructions received. The power supply enabler enables or disables power supply to the system substantially based on the amount of current being drawn by the system.

Abstract: A cloud system is configured to execute method operations for communicating with connected vehicles of users having user accounts with the cloud system. One example method includes receiving a signal from of an electric vehicle that is associated to a user account. The signal of the electric vehicle is received in response to the electric vehicle parking over a charging pad of a charging unit, and the charging unit is one of a plurality of charging units located in various geo-locations. The method includes sending instructions to the charging unit to enable initiation of charge transfer to a battery of the electric vehicle upon the cloud system confirming that the user account for the electric vehicle is enabled for automatic charging upon parking over said charging pad of the charging unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electrical storage device, a notifier, a communication device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit predicts the amount of charging power of the electrical storage device and the use time in a case where external charging is performed, in accordance with the state of the electrical storage device. The electronic control unit predicts cost performance of the external charging in accordance with the amount of charging power and the use time that are predicted, and information relating to a fee-charging system. The electronic control unit controls the notifier so as not to execute a notification in a case where the cost performance is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and controls the notifier so as to execute the notification in a case where the cost performance is less than the first predetermined value.

Abstract: A charge controller for an electric mining vehicle is configured to determine an amount of charge to be provided to a battery of the electric mining vehicle for an upcoming trip based on regenerative braking power generation and load indication measured during a previous trip. The charge controller is further configured to command a battery charger to charge the battery up to the determined amount of charge and to stop charging the battery once the determined amount of charge has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power allocation method for an electric vehicle, which comprises: obtaining parameters for estimation from a power management system of the vehicle; b) estimating an available discharge power of the battery based on the obtained parameters for estimation; c) based on the available discharge power and power demands from a plurality of electric power demanding components of the vehicle, determining the power to be allocated for each of the plurality of power demanding components; d) outputting the allocated power to the electric power demanding components, and in the case the power is required to be converted into a torque, converting the allocated power into a torque and outputting the torque. A power allocation system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention proposes power battery pre-charge system and device for an electric vehicle, said power battery pre-charge device comprises a pre-charge circuit formed by a current source circuit and a bus capacitor, wherein said current source circuit provides a current for charging the bus capacitor, wherein said current source circuit includes a triode, a first resistor, a second resistor and at least two high-voltage MOSFET transistors. The power battery pre-charge system and device for an electric vehicle as disclosed in the present invention have high charging efficiency, low cost and low failure rate.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric device, a cover which is configured to cover the electric device, and a cooling circuit which is configured to cool the electric device with a refrigerant. An air-venting member is provided in the cooling circuit. A cover through portion is provided in the cover. The air-venting member is disposed to the cover through portion from an inner side of the cover and is configured such that an air discharging operation is performed from an outer side of the cover.

Abstract: A vehicle power source system includes a plurality of module groups each including a plurality of battery modules and disposed separately from each other, and a cooling circuit including a plurality of module group cooling units which are configured to respectively cool the plurality of module groups. The plurality of module group cooling units are connected in series. Each of the plurality of module group cooling units includes a plurality of module cooling units, each of which is configured to cool one or more of the battery modules. In each of the plurality of module group cooling units, the plurality of module cooling units are connected in parallel.

Abstract: An electrically-powered vehicle includes a high voltage battery, a charger, and a battery case. The high voltage battery stores electric power for travelling. The charger outputs charge current to the high voltage battery. The battery case accommodates the high voltage battery. The battery case includes a low stiffness material member that covers one side of the high voltage battery in a horizontal direction and that is formed of a material having stiffness lower than stiffness of a portion that covers the other side in the horizontal direction. The low stiffness material member and the charger are fastened to each other at different locations in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Provided is a voltage control device of a fuel-cell vehicle capable of securing good acceleration responsiveness while suppressing battery deterioration even when a vehicle acceleration request is made in the situation where the output from a battery is restricted. When determining that electric power suppliable from a secondary battery to an air compressor is less than a lower limit of an acceleration maintaining-electric power of the air compressor, a voltage control device of a fuel-cell vehicle maintains a state where electric power generated by a fuel cell is consumed by an electric power drive, and supplies the electric power consumed by the electric power drive to the air compressor when a vehicle acceleration request is made.

Abstract: An energy consumption predicting device includes: an acquisition unit acquiring a parameter correlated with at least one of a vehicle speed when a vehicle traveled on a route from a first point to a second point on which a vehicle traveling using only a power source consuming an energy source supplied from outside of the vehicle and stored therein is able to travel, a different vehicle speed when a different vehicle traveled on the route, an output of the power source when the vehicle traveled on the route, and an output of a different power source when the different vehicle traveling using only the same type of different power source as the power source traveled on the route; and a calculation unit calculating a predicted consumption of the energy source which is predicted when the vehicle travels on the route from the first point to the second point.

Abstract: A monitoring device of a fuel cell includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a predicted vehicle speed at each point on a scheduled traveling route of a vehicle which travels using the fuel cell, a temperature of a refrigerant that receives heat from the fuel cell, and a temperature of air outside the vehicle to which the refrigerant exposed to a traveling airflow radiates heat; and a calculation unit configured to calculate a predicted temperature of the refrigerant at a first point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the first point, the temperature of the refrigerant, and the temperature of the outside air and to calculate the predicted temperature at a second point on the scheduled traveling route based on the predicted vehicle speed at the second point, the predicted temperature at the first point, and the temperature of the outside air.

Abstract: A cryostat (28) intended to be integrated into a maglev transport system (10), the cryostat (28) comprising at least one superconductive element (36) and a jacket (34) inside which each superconductive element (36) is placed. The cryostat is suitable for maintaining each superconductive element (36) at the desired temperature and the jacket (34) extending along a longitudinal axis (X). The length of each superconductive element (36) along the longitudinal axis (X) is comprised between 30% and 100% of the length of the jacket (34), and each superconductive element is a bulk element made of superconductor material.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system and method is provided for preventing heat related injuries in hot cars. The system includes a sensor, to sensing the presence of a child or animal in a stationary vehicle; and a controller, configured to issue an alert in response to the detection of the presence of the child or animal in the vehicle. The controller may also be for controlling a change in temperature in the vehicle in response to detection of the presence of the child or animal in the vehicle.

Abstract: In a power seat operation device, a cam portion formed at a dial base has valleys and peaks that are alternately arranged in a row along a rotation direction of a dial so as to form an undulation in a radial direction. A slider is supported by the dial so as to be slidable in the radial direction. The slider is abutted against the cam portion by biasing force from a roller spring and fits into one out of the valleys so as to retain the dial at one of the rotary positions. During rotational operation of the dial, the slider crosses over at least one out of the peaks while elastically deforming the roller spring and sliding with respect to the dial.

Abstract: In a power seat operation device, a slider that is supported so as to be slidable in a radial direction with respect to a dial slides toward the radial direction center of the dial during rotation of the dial. A knob engagement portion that is provided to the slider is thereby disposed between a pair of slider engagement portions that are provided to a knob. This enables rotational operation of the knob to be restricted. However, during rotational operation of the knob, one out of the pair of slider engagement portions opposes the knob engagement portion from toward the radial direction center of the dial. This enables rotational operation of the dial in conjunction with sliding of the slider to be restricted.

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling a moveable object associated with a mobile platform are provided. The provided system and method generates an application specific protected volume between the moveable object and a feature of the mobile platform to be protected. The provided system and method use magnetic sensing techniques to sense the moveable object when it infringes upon the protected volume, and provide control of the moveable object responsive to sensed infringement.

Abstract: A seat drive device includes a first operation restricting portion provided to a first transmission member and restricting a second operation member from being operated to move from an original position to an adjustment position in a state where a first operation member has been operated to move from an original position to an adjustment position and the first transmission member has been operated to move in response thereto, and a second operation restricting portion provided to a second transmission member and restricting the first operation member from being operated to move from the original position to the adjustment position in a state where the second operation member has been operated to move from the original position to the adjustment position and the second transmission member has been operated to move in response thereto.

Abstract: Vehicle seat adjustment systems including cameras are disclosed. The vehicle seat adjustment system includes a camera configured to capture a seat arrangement of a front seat of a vehicle and one or more seats behind the front seat, a screen, communicatively coupled to the camera, configured to display the seat arrangement captured by the camera, an input device configured to receive an input from a user for adjusting positions of the one or more seats, an actuator communicatively coupled to the input device and configured to adjust positions of the one or more seats, and a controller communicatively coupled to the camera, the screen, the input device and the actuator. The controller receives the input from the input device and instruct the actuator to adjust the positions of the one or more seats based on the input from the user.

Abstract: A height-adjustable rotatable chair overlay for facilitating entry to and exit from a vehicle by a user includes a seat. A lift is coupled to and extends from a bottom of the seat. The lift is selectively extensible. A turntable is rotationally coupled to the lift distal from the seat. Each of a pair of arms is coupled to a top of the seat. The arms are positioned singly proximate to a left side and a right side of the seat. The turntable is positioned on the lift such that the seat is selectively rotatable relative to the turntable. The arms are positioned on the seat such that the arms are configured to assist a user in entering and exiting the seat. The lift is positioned on the seat such that the lift is positioned to extend and retract. The seat is raised and lowered relative to the turntable.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base, a seatback, and a recliner heart. The recliner heart is rotatably coupled to the seat base and the seatback and the recliner heart is operable between locked and unlocked states. The vehicle seating assembly additionally includes an actuator having a housing defining a housing tab, a motor, a gear operably coupled to the motor where the gear defines a gear tab and a spring tab. The actuator includes an actuator return spring defining a first and second hook where the first hook is coupled to the spring tab. The actuator additionally includes a lever coupled to the gear, a pulley coupled to the gear, a lifting cable coupled between the pulley and the seatback, and a release cable coupled between the lever and the recliner heart. The release cable is configured to transition the recliner heart between the locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: A recline adjustment assembly for a rear seat in a vehicle comprises a latch device disposed on a seatback of the seat; and a strike pivotally connected to a vehicle body behind the seatback and locked in the latch device at a use position. The latch device moves along the strike to adjust a reclining angle of the seatback as the strike pivots by a driving device.

Abstract: An electrical foldable car seat includes a base frame having a driver securely mounted thereon, a sliding frame operably connected to the driver and slidably attached to the base frame and having an adapter securely attached to a free end of the sliding frame so that the base frame is able to move relative to the sliding frame due to power from the driver and a back frame foldably connected to the base frame and consisting of a pair of lower support frames foldably connected to free ends of the base frame through a first folding device and a pair of upper support frames foldably connected to free ends of the pair of lower support frames through a second folding device. The pair of lower support frames are able to be folded 90 degrees relative to the base frame.

Abstract: A foldable car seat includes a base frame having a driver securely mounted thereon, a sliding frame operably connected to the driver and slidably attached to the base frame and having an adapter securely attached to a free end of the sliding frame so that the base frame is able to move relative to the sliding and a back frame foldably connected to the base frame and consisting of a pair of lower support frames foldably connected to free ends of the base frame through a first folding device and a pair of upper support frames foldably connected to free ends of the pair of lower support frames through a second folding device. The pair of lower support frames is foldable relative to the base frame and the pair of upper support frames is foldable relative to the pair of lower support frames. A locking mechanism is provided to the sliding frame to limit movement extent of as well as to position location of the sliding frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an end part for a cross member for a vehicle seat, a cross member for a vehicle seat comprising at least one end part, and a vehicle seat comprising at least one such cross member. The end part has a first portion with an impact receiving surface adapted to receive an impact during a side collision. The cross member has a longitudinal center line. A center point of the impact receiving surface is offset with respect to the longitudinal center line so as to bend the cross member in a predetermined direction during the side collision. The present invention provides for a simple way to modify a cross member, or to provide a cross member with additional functionality and increased safety properties.

Abstract: A seat impact energy absorbing system having an energy absorbing module that manages forces emanating from, for example, a land mine detonation. The module has frustoconical structures joined by hollow interconnecting ribs that create support pillars there between. At least some of the support pillars have tops that underlie an occupant-supporting surface. To receive forces associated with detonation, an impact-receiving surface underlies the energy absorbing module.

Abstract: A vehicle seat that ensures improving operability of a manipulating member. A supporting member includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion disposed at a predetermined interval. A strap is bridged between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion. A seat back has a recess. A space is formed between the strap (a part bridged between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion). The part of the strap bridged between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are manipulated in a direction entering into the recess or in a direction separating from the recess such that a wire cable is drawn. This allows easily drawing the wire cable using the space of the recess when the strap is manipulated. Accordingly, operability of the strap is improved.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first inflatable bladder and a pump fluidically coupled with the first bladder. A sound dampening assembly is fluidically coupled between the first bladder and the pump and includes an inner chamber defined by a first and second telescoping portions and a motor coupled between the first and second telescoping portions. A controller causes the motor to adjust the inner chamber in response to an operation of the pump.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a headrest capable of, when a user touches the headrest, preventing the user's finger from being inserted into the inner space of the headrest. The vehicle seat headrest according to the present invention includes: a stay (402) held on the seat back side; and a headrest main body (4A) supported forward rotatably from a using position with respect to the stay (402). The headrest main body (4A) has: a main body frame (401) forming a strength member; hinge parts (403a), (403b) which connect the main body frame (401) rotatably with respect to the stay (402); a locking mechanism (500) which fixes the main body frame (401) in the using position with respect to the stay (402); and cushion material (407) which covers the main body frame (401) and the hinge parts (403a), (403b). In the vehicle seat headrest, a resin lower cover (408), having an opening (408a) through which the stay (402) is inserted, covers a lower surface of the headrest main body (4A).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a pillow that can be detachably attached to a surface to provide support and comfort to a user while traveling; the pillow comprising one or more cushions; a cover that is configured to enclose the one or more cushions therein; the cushions further comprising a channel to accept a portion of the user's body; and a backing coupled to the one or more cushions to providing rigidity to the pillow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head rest arrangement for a vehicle seat and a vehicle seat comprising such head rest. The head rest arrangement comprises a cushion portion and a back portion. The head rest arrangement further comprises a displacement arrangement enabling at least the cushion portion to be displaced between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the vehicle seat after being mounted thereto. The displacement arrangement comprising a lock mechanism adapted to lock the cushion portion in the first position and the second position. The displacement arrangement comprises an actuator operable by a user to unlock the lock mechanism. The actuator is made from a compliant material and actuated via a pulling force in a first direction.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a device for levelling the vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat including an upper seat element, which can be moved relative to a lower seat element by a first air spring and on which a mass can be arranged The lower and the upper seat element are arranged at a predetermined distance from one another, and the first air spring is fluidically connected to an additional volume of an additional volume module by a first fluid connection. The internal pressure of the first air spring is controllable by the additional volume module.