DE102007020507A1 - Pneumatically controllable cushion arrangement for vehicle seat, has regulating valve that is arranged between cushion and pressure supply device, and is manually actuatable to fill, maintain or discharge desired gas volume in cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a control device (5), and a regulating valve (16) i.e. two way valve, arranged between a cushion (2) and a pressure supply device (6). The regulating valve is regulated by a regulating device for regulating a gas volume in the cushion. A valve (13) is arranged between another cushion (3) and the pressure supply device, and is manually actuatable to fill, maintain or discharge a desired gas volume in the cushion (3), where the cushion (2) is arranged directly adjacent to the cushion (3). An independent claim is also included for a method for pneumatically controlling and regulating gas volumes in a cushion arrangement.

Description

State of the art

The The present invention relates to a pneumatically adjustable cushion arrangement, especially for a vehicle seat with massage function, as well as a procedure for Control of a pneumatically adjustable cushion arrangement.

Pneumatic adjustable cushion arrangements for Seats are of the prior art in different configurations known. Recently Such seats are reinforced in vehicles for providing massage functions or for improvement of a page stop during used for driving. Known pneumatic systems usually include a variety of air cushions, each air cushion individually by means of an electronic regulation can be regulated. Such electronic Regulations have basically proven, However, they have the disadvantage that they are very expensive. Further Also electromechanical massage systems are known, which, however, also require a high mechanical complexity and thus also are very expensive. Therefore, such massage systems so far only offered in luxury vehicles and often at extra cost.

Advantages of the invention

The according to the invention pneumatically adjustable cushion arrangement with the features of the claim 1 shows in contrast the advantage that it has a very simple structure and thus particularly cost-effective can be produced. Here is a functionality of a massage function or a Seitenhaltfunktion by the cushion arrangement according to the invention at least as good as in the known elaborate pillow arrangements. This is inventively characterized achieved that the pneumatically adjustable cushion arrangement at least includes a first pillow and a second pillow. The two pillows are arranged directly adjacent to each other. The two Cushions can while a small distance, preferably up to 1 cm, or Alternatively, also touch. Furthermore, the seat comprises a control device and a pressure supply device. Between the first cushion and the pressure supply device is a control valve arranged, which by means of the control device is adjustable to regulate a gas volume in the first cushion. Further is between the second pad and the pressure supply device a manual valve arranged, which is manually operable, by a desired gas volume to fill in the second pillow, around the filled Gas volume in it to keep or drain. A filling of the second pad is preferably such that the second pad remains flexible to some extent. Preferably, the filling is included approximately the half the total volume of the second pillow. If now the pillow arrangement To provide a massage is by means of the control device the gas volume is regulated in the first cushion. By the alternate fill and emptying the first pillow is now a massage of a Person, whereby the range of action of the massage is increased via the second cushion, since this is arranged adjacent to the first cushion and flexible behave so that the massage process also transfers to the second pillow. During the scheme of the first pillow does not have to control the second pillow so that the cushion assembly requires only a simple control for a pillow.

The under claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Around To achieve a very good massage effect, includes the cushion arrangement preferably also a third cushion which is adjacent to the second, manually adjustable cushion is arranged such that the second Cushion placed between the first cushion and the third cushion is. Thus, the second cushion is centered between the first and arranged third cushion, wherein the third cushion also means the control device is adjustable. This allows a particularly harmonious massage process be realized, in particular, if preferably the first and third pillows are alternately filled and emptied.

Further preferably touched the first pillow the second pillow, so when regulating the gas volume in the first pillow, the outer shape of the second pad immediately changes.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the present invention a maximum gas volume of the first cushion equal to a maximum Gas volume of the second pad. This can be a sheet-like outer contour the cushion assembly are provided.

According to one Another preferred embodiment of the invention are the first Cushion and the second pillow are arranged overlapping each other.

Preferably, during the pneumatic control of the gas volume of the first cushion by means of the control device, a selected gas volume of the second cushion remains constant. As a result, a repeatable massage can be realized. In other words, during the regulation of the gas volume of the first cushion, the manual valve of the second cushion is closed so that a volume of gas present therein is kept constant becomes.

Further preferred are the control valve of the first pad, the manual Valve of the second cushion, the control device of the control valve and a switch for the manual valve is combined into a compact module.

The Control device for controlling at least the first cushion can as electronic control or as pneumatic mechanical Regulations, eg. B. by means of a shuttle valve can be realized.

Further It should be noted that air is preferably used as the gas. Of the Pneumatic circuit for the cushion assembly can be used as a closed circuit or alternatively be designed as an open circuit.

According to the inventive method for pneumatic control and regulation of gas volumes in a cushion arrangement, which comprises at least a first cushion and a second cushion, wherein the first cushion and the second cushion immediately adjacent to each other are arranged and the cushion assembly further comprises a control device and comprises a pressure supply device, a gas volume of the first cushion controlled by the control device and a gas volume the second cushion is controlled manually.

Preferably is the inventive method such that while the regulation of the gas volume of the first pad a selected volume of gas of the second pad is constant. This will be an easily reproducible Massage function of the cushion arrangement ensured. Before the start of Regulation of the gas volume in the first cushion is preferably manually set a gas volume of the second cushion, this volume of gas of the second cushion is chosen such that the second cushion still has some flexibility, to support the massage function.

Further Preferably, the cushion assembly comprises a third cushion, which also by means of the control device is controllable, wherein the third Cushion is disposed immediately adjacent to the second cushion and the third pillow is emptied when the first pillow is filled, and the third pillow filled when the first pillow is emptied. This can be a very good massage effect can be achieved by means of the cushion arrangement. Furthermore, it is in such a regulation of the first and third Pillow possible, that preferably a closed gas cycle between the first and third cushion is realized. This allows a structure of Cushion arrangement will be further simplified and there will be no additional Gas volume required by the pressure supply device.

Preferably is a gas volume of the second manual cushion during regulation about 50% a maximum gas volume of the controlled first cushion.

The inventive cushion arrangement is particularly preferably used in vehicle seats. Since the cushion arrangement according to the invention is very economical can be provided, in particular, not only for luxury vehicles, but also for other cheaper Vehicles usable. Furthermore, the cushion arrangement according to the invention also in other seats, such as dentist seats, TV armchairs, etc., or even in beds or beds.

drawing

following become preferred embodiments the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in Detail described. In the drawing is:

1 a schematic side view of a vehicle seat with a cushion assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention,

2 a schematic sectional view of the cushion assembly of the first embodiment in a first state,

3 a schematic sectional view of the cushion assembly of the first embodiment in a second state,

4 a schematic sectional view of the cushion assembly of the first embodiment in a third state,

5 a schematic representation of a pneumatic circuit for the cushion assembly of the first embodiment,

6 a schematic representation of the pneumatic circuit of a cushion assembly according to a second embodiment, and

7 a schematic sectional view of a cushion assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Preferred embodiments the invention

The following is with reference to the 1 to 5 a pillow arrangement 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention in Detail described.

How out 2 can be seen, includes the cushion assembly 1 a first pillow 2 , a second pillow 3 and a third pillow 4 , Furthermore, the cushion arrangement comprises 1 a control device 5 and a pressure supply device 6 (see. 5 ). The pressure supply device 6 For example, it may be a piston pump or a centrifugal compressor or a pressure accumulator. How out 2 it can be seen, the three pillows 2 . 3 and 4 on a cushion support 7 positioned. The reference number 8th indicates a seat cover. 1 shows an installation position of the cushion assembly 1 of the first embodiment in a vehicle seat 9 , The pillow arrangement 1 in this case, in particular, has the function of providing a massage in the lower back region of a person.

As in particular from 5 can be seen, includes the control device 5 a changeover valve 15 , a shuttle valve 16 and a scheme 17 which switches these two valves. The changeover valve 15 more precisely comprises three 2/2-way valves 15a . 15b and 15c , which can each be switched between an open and a closed position. The first directional valve 15a makes a connection between the pressure supply device 6 and the shuttle valve 16 ready, the second directional valve 15b makes a connection between the shuttle valve 16 and the third pillow 4 ready, and the third way valve 15c makes a connection between the shuttle valve 16 and the first pillow 2 ready. How farther 5 is apparent, is the second pillow 3 via a manually operated switch 13 with the pressure supply device 6 connectable or can be separated from this. The desk 13 For example, it can be designed as a toggle switch, and in the non-actuated position of the switch 13 is no connection between the pressure supply device 6 and the second pillow 3 available. How farther 5 is apparent, is still a manually operable switch 12 between the pressure supply device 6 and the first pillow 2 arranged as well as a manually operable switch 14 between the pressure supply device 6 and the third pillow 4 arranged.

Thus, the first pillow 2 and the third pillow 4 via the control device 5 adjustable in terms of their gas volume. The second pillow 3 can via the manually operated switch 13 be filled with compressed air or emptied. The desk 13 In this case, in a first position, a connection between the pressure supply device 6 and the second pillow 3 and in a second position, a connection between the second cushion 3 and the environment via an outlet 13a produce. In the in 5 shown non-actuated position of the switch 13 is neither a connection to the pressure supply device nor to the outlet 13a available. The manually operated switches 12 and 14 have the same structure as the switch 13 on and can be used to fill or empty the first and third pillows 2 . 4 be used. The arrows next to the switches 12 . 13 and 14 indicate the two directions of actuation of the switch.

The function of the cushion arrangement 1 according to the first embodiment is as follows. How out 1 is apparent, are the first pillow 2 and the third pillow 4 immediately adjacent to the second cushion 3 arranged, wherein an outer shell of the cushion is made respectively of a flexible material. The function of the cushion arrangement according to the invention 1 is such that in a first step, the second pillow 3 via the manually operated switch 13 is filled with compressed air. The filled gas volume is approximately half of the maximum volume of the second pad 3 , The capacity of the second cushion 3 However, it can be set individually by the user. About the changeover valve 15 as well as the shuttle valve 16 are further controlled by the scheme 17 the first pillow 2 as well as the third pillow 4 alternately charged with compressed air and emptied. In other words, while one of the two pillows is being filled, the other is being emptied at the same time. This process is schematic from the 2 . 3 and 4 can be seen, in 2 a first state is shown, in which the first cushion 2 is completely filled and the third pillow 4 almost completely emptied, in 3 a second state is shown where the first cushion 2 half filled and the third pillow 4 also half filled, and in 4 a third state is shown where the first cushion 2 almost completely emptied and the third pillow 4 completely filled. By this alternating filling and emptying is doing in the middle between the two adjustable cushions 2 and 4 arranged second pillow 3 deformed accordingly and adapts in particular at its directed to the respective pillow areas on the filled or deflated state of the two outer cushions 2 . 4 at. The adjustment of not by the scheme 17 regulated middle cushion 3 is further assisted by a person sitting on the seat. As by filling and emptying the two outer cushions 2 . 4 also the outer shape of the middle cushion 3 changes, sets the middle cushion 3 also a massage function, although this is not regulated. One on the seat 9 The seated person thus has the impression that all three pillows are constantly being filled or emptied to provide the massage function, and does not feel any worse massage compared with a pillow arrangement in which all three pillows are filled and emptied by a control.

The cushion arrangement according to the invention 1 thus has the advantage that it includes several individual pillows, but not all pillows must be regulated. As a result, in particular, the number of valves, pressure sensors, lines, etc., can be reduced. Next, the cushion arrangement according to the invention has the advantage that due to the reduced number of cushions to be controlled also an air consumption during operation can be reduced because not all pillows must be cyclically filled and emptied. As a result, in particular, the pressure supply device can be made smaller and less expensive.

It should also be noted that basically during the massage manual filling or emptying of the pillow 3 is not necessary. However, if a user wants a harder or softer middle cushion 3 would like, even during operation of the cushion assembly, the middle cushion 3 manually via the switch 13 be filled or emptied. Basically, during operation via the manual switch 12 and 14 also another filling or emptying of the two outer cushions 2 respectively. 4 respectively. The switches 12 and 14 for filling and emptying the outer cushions 2 and 4 however, are primarily intended to provide manually adjustable static support by means of the cushions when the massage function is off. As a result, in particular mechanical supports, such. B. a mechanical Lordosestütze be dispensed with in the vehicle seat, since this support can be manually realized by filling or emptying the three pillows.

It should also be noted that in an embodiment of the shuttle valve 16 with a valve piston and a slide element also during the regulation of the outer cushions 2 and 4 a closed circuit between the first pillow 2 and the third pillow 4 can be provided. As a result, an air consumption of the cushion assembly during the massage can be further reduced.

The manually operated switches 12 . 13 and 14 as well as the control device 5 are in a common control panel 10 summarized. The control panel 10 is for example on the outside of the seat 9 arranged so that in particular the manual switch 12 . 13 . 14 can be achieved easily. Furthermore, the control unit includes 10 nor a switch, not shown, which a massage function on or off.

The following is with reference to 6 a pillow arrangement 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention described in detail. Identical or functionally identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

6 shows a pneumatic control circuit for the cushion assembly 1 of the second embodiment. In contrast to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, no manually operable switch for filling and venting of the first pad 2 and the third pillow 4 intended. Only the second cushion arranged between the first and third cushions 3 can via the manually operated switch 13 filled or emptied. The massage function of the pillow arrangement 1 of the second embodiment is identical to that in the first embodiment. Only when the massage function is switched off is a targeted filling or emptying via the control device 5 realized. If the 2/2-way valves 15a . 15b . 15c the changeover valve 15 can be closed, one of the control device 17 previously predetermined degree of filling of the first and third pad are held and so a mechanical support can be achieved by means of all three cushions. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment, so that reference may be made to the description given there.

7 schematically shows a sectional view of a cushion assembly 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment shows a cushion arrangement 1 which only consists of two pillows, namely a first adjustable cushion 2 , whose degree of filling can be regulated by means of a control device, and a second cushion 3 , which has only a manual control of the degree of filling. If a massage is wanted, only the first pillow will be 2 cyclically filled and emptied, which also causes a deformation of the outer shape of the second pad 3 occurs. During the massage function, the filling level of the second cushion remains 3 preferably constant. Here is the second pillow 2 to the first pillow 3 arranged such that there is at least a partial overlap. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the previous embodiments, so that reference can be made to the description given there.

Claims (12)

Pneumatically adjustable cushion arrangement, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising a first cushion ( 2 ), a second pillow ( 3 ), a control device ( 5 ) and a pressure supply device ( 6 ), whereby between the first cushion ( 2 ) and the pressure supply device ( 6 ) a control valve ( 16 ), which is controllable by means of the control device, in order to control a volume of gas in the first cushion ( 2 ) and between the second cushion ( 3 ) and the pressure supply device ( 6 ) a valve ( 13 ) which is manually operable to provide a desired volume of gas in the second pad ( 3 ) to fill in, hold or withdraw leave, with the first cushion ( 2 ) immediately adjacent to the second cushion ( 3 ) is arranged. A cushion assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third cushion ( 4 ), which is adjacent to the second cushion ( 3 ) is arranged such that the second cushion ( 3 ) between the first cushion ( 2 ) and the third cushion ( 4 ), wherein a gas volume of the third cushion ( 4 ) by means of the control device ( 5 ) is controllable. Cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cushion ( 2 ) the second pillow ( 3 ) contacted. Cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum gas volume of the first cushion ( 2 ) equal to a maximum gas volume of the second pad ( 3 ). Cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cushion ( 2 ) and the second cushion ( 3 ) are arranged overlapping each other. Cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a selected gas volume of the second cushion ( 3 ) during a regulation of the gas volume of the first cushion ( 2 ) remains constant. Cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device ( 5 ) and the manual valve ( 13 ) in a compact assembly ( 10 ) are summarized. Method for the pneumatic control and regulation of gas volumes in a cushion arrangement ( 1 ), wherein the cushion arrangement ( 1 ) at least a first cushion ( 2 ) and a second pillow ( 3 ), wherein the first and second cushions are disposed immediately adjacent to one another, and the cushions arrangement further comprises a control device ( 5 ) and a pressure supply device ( 6 ), wherein a gas volume of the first cushion ( 2 ) by means of the control device ( 5 ) and a gas volume of the second cushion ( 3 ) is manually adjustable. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that during the regulation of the gas volume of the first cushion ( 2 ) by means of the control device ( 5 ) a gas volume of the second pad ( 3 ) is constant. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the pad assembly comprises a third pad ( 4 ), the gas volume by means of the control device ( 5 ), the third cushion ( 4 ) immediately adjacent to the second cushion ( 3 ) and the third cushion ( 4 ) is emptied when the first cushion ( 2 ) and the third cushion ( 4 ) is filled when the first cushion ( 2 ) is emptied. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that during the regulation of the gas volumes of the first cushion ( 2 ) and the third pillow ( 4 ) no additional gas volume from the gas supply device ( 6 ) to the first pillow ( 2 ) and to the third pillow ( 4 ) is supplied. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that during the regulation, a gas volume of the second cushion ( 3 ) about 50% of a maximum gas volume of the first pad ( 2 ) is.