DE102011089749A1 - Method for manufacturing fluid-filled and volume-variable blister for vehicle seat, involves providing two superimposed foil bearings which are welded with each other, so that three blister chambers and two fluid chambers are formed - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves providing two superimposed foil bearings, particularly made from plastic, where the foil bearings are welded with each other, so that three blister chambers (21,22,23) and two fluid chambers (24a,24b,25a,25b) are formed. The former and the latter blister chambers are connected with each other over the former fluid channel and the latter and the third blister chambers are connected with each other over the latter fluid channel. The former blister chamber is arranged between the latter and the third blister chambers. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a device for manufacturing a fluid-filled and volume-variable blister, particularly a blister for a vehicle seat; and (2) a fluid-filled and volume-variable blister with an extension.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder, in particular a bladder for a vehicle seat, and a corresponding bladder.

Fluid-fillable bladders are used, for example, in vehicle seats. The DE 103 55 519 A1 describes a seat system of a seat part and a backrest part, in each of which a bubble is integrated. The filling of the bubbles via a compressed air supply line from a compressed air supply with a compressed air reservoir and a compressor. The air pressure in the bubbles, which can be variably adjusted via the compressed air supply, allows for the desired comfort configuration of the seat system by creating a harder or softer seat part. Also laterally bubbles can be arranged, which are dynamically controlled, for example, during cornering. In addition, a massage function can be provided by continuously changing the filling pressures of the bubbles.

Such as the DE 10 2005 032 549 A1 describes, corresponding bubbles are usually formed by means of two plastic films, which are welded together at their edges to form a weld.

If a considerable stroke is to be generated by filling the bladder with a fluid, in many cases a simple bladder will not suffice. That is why so-called triple-bubbles are used. Basically, these are three bubbles that are stacked on top of each other and connected by fluid channels. An example of such a triple bubble is in the WO 2007/009275 described. So far, the production of such bubbles is quite expensive, since a variety of steps is needed.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and inexpensive to produce bubble and a corresponding method and a corresponding device for their preparation.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, an apparatus according to claim 8, and a bladder according to claim 9. Embodiments are given by the dependent claims.

The invention comprises a method for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder, in particular a bladder for a vehicle seat, in which initially two film layers arranged one above the other, in particular made of plastic, are provided. The two film layers are welded together, so that a first, second and third bubble chamber and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel arise. In this case, the first and second bladder chambers are connected to each other via the at least one first fluid channel and the second and third bladder chambers via the at least one second fluid channel. Subsequently, the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chamber is arranged.

By means of the method according to the invention, a triple bubble can be produced easily and quickly.

The two film layers may be cut before or after welding such that a respective shape of the blanks resulting from the trimming corresponds to a shape of the first, second and third bladder chambers and the at least one first and at least one second fluid channel. This avoids that disturbing foil material exists beyond the welds. If the cutting takes place before welding, the blanks resulting from the cutting are preferably welded at their edges. In this way, the film material is handled efficiently.

The step of disposing the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chambers may include bending the at least one first fluid channel to fold the first bubble chamber toward the second bubble chamber such that after flapping, a sheath of the first bubble chamber comprises a sheath of the second bubble chamber touched. Also, this step may include bending the at least one second fluid channel to fold the third bubble chamber onto the first bubble chamber, wherein after flapping, a sheath of the third bubble chambers contacts a sheath of the first bubble chamber. By a corresponding bending of the fluid channels and an associated flap can be particularly easily achieved that the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chamber is arranged.

A side of the first bubble chamber facing away from the at least one first fluid channel can be fastened to the at least one second fluid channel. In this way, it is intended to prevent the first bubble chamber from slipping out between the second and third bubble chambers. Of course, the first bubble chamber need not necessarily be attached to the at least one second fluid channel, but could for example also be attached to one side of the second or third bubble chamber.

In the same way, a side of the third bubble chamber facing away from the at least one second fluid channel can be fastened to the at least one first fluid channel. This prevents that when filling the triple bladder, the third bladder chamber rotates about the at least one second fluid channel and flips out in this way. Of course, in turn, the third bubble chamber need not be attached to the at least one first fluid channel, but alternatively could be attached to one side of the first or second bubble chamber.

A corresponding attachment of the third bubble chamber to the at least one first fluid channel is preferably carried out when a linear propagation behavior of the triple bubble is desired. If the triple bladder is to be used in a side region of the backrest, however, it may also be desirable to unfold the third bladder chamber in order to give the driver greater side support, especially when cornering. For such an application, attachment of the third bubble chamber to the at least one first fluid channel can be dispensed with.

In addition, the invention comprises an apparatus for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder, in particular a bladder for a vehicle seat. In this case, the device comprises a welding device for welding two superimposed film layers, in particular made of plastic. The welding device is configured to weld the two film layers arranged one above the other in such a way that a first, second and third bubble chamber and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel are formed. The first and second bubble chambers are connected to one another via the at least one first fluid channel and the second and third bubble chambers via the at least one second fluid channel. In addition, the device according to the invention comprises a flapper for arranging the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chambers.

The apparatus may further comprise a trimming device for trimming the two film layers such that a respective shape of the blanks resulting from the trimming corresponds to a shape of the first, second and third bladder chambers and the at least one first and at least one second fluid channel.

In one embodiment, the welding device is adapted to perform welding at the edges of the blanks resulting from the cutting.

In addition, the device according to the invention may comprise a fastening device for fastening a side of the first bubble chamber facing away from the at least one first fluid channel to the at least one second fluid channel and / or for attaching a side of the third bubble chamber remote from the at least one second fluid channel to the at least one first fluid channel ,

In addition, the invention comprises a bladder which has been produced using a method according to the invention or with a device according to the invention. In this case, the invention relates to such a bubble both in the folded, as well as in the unfolded state.

The invention thus also encompasses a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder, in particular for a vehicle seat, which consists of two superimposed film layers, in particular of plastic. According to the invention, the two film layers arranged one above the other are welded together in such a way that a first, second and third bubble chamber and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel are formed. The first and second bubble chambers are connected to one another via the at least one first fluid channel and the second and third bubble chambers are connected to one another via the at least one second fluid channel. The bladder according to the invention is designed in such a way that the first bladder chamber can be arranged between the second and third bladder chambers.

In one embodiment of the bladder, a side of the first bladder chamber facing away from the first fluid channel has a flat extension for attaching the first bladder chamber to the at least one second fluid channel and / or a side of the third bladder chamber facing away from the second fluid channel has a planar extension for attaching the third bladder chamber the at least one first fluid channel.

It should be noted that features of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some features represent an embodiment of a method, other features an embodiment of the resulting bladder and yet other features an embodiment of a corresponding device. Unless otherwise indicated, the features disclosed with respect to an inventive subject matter are also consistent with the other two subject matters combined. That is, for example, the device has the corresponding means for carrying out the method steps described.

In the following, further details and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the figures. Show

1a a triple bubble of the prior art in a plan view from above obliquely;

1b a top view of the bubble 1a from above;

1c a vertical cut through the bubble 1a ;

1d a blank, as in the manufacture of a bubble according to 1a is used;

2 a method according to the prior art for the production of the bubble 1a ;

3a an embodiment of a bladder according to the invention in a plan view;

3b the bubble off 3a in a folded state in a side view;

3c an embodiment of a blank for the production of the bladder 3a ;

4 an embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention and

5 an embodiment of a device according to the invention.

In the following description, the same and equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated, are given the same reference numerals.

The 1a to 1c visualize a triple bubble according to the prior art, by the in 2 shown method can be produced. For illustration purposes, the triple bubble is in the 1a and 1c shown pulled apart to facilitate an understanding of the structure of the bladder. In real use, the two upper bladder chambers would sag more strongly down. The 1a shows the triple bubble of the prior art in a plan view from above obliquely. This triple bubble is in the 1b again in a plan view from above and in 1c shown in a vertical section.

The triple bubble 1 in the prior art has a first 2 , a second 3 and a third 4 Bubble chamber. The first bubble chamber 2 is through a first 5 and second 6 Cut limited by a weld 7 connected to each other. About a hose 8th may be the first bubble chamber 2 be filled with air.

Please note that for purposes of illustration, the triple bubble in the 1a and 1c drawn apart to facilitate understanding of the structure of the bladder. In real use, the second and third bladder chambers would 3 . 4 sink more down.

The cut 6 is in 1d shown again in a plan view. He has an opening in the middle 9 on, through the air into the second bubble chamber 3 can flow. The first cut 5 is shaped differently than the blank 6 since the first cut 5 of course, has no hole. Also, the second bubble chamber is through two blanks 10 . 11 limited by means of a weld 12 connected to each other. The first and second bubble chamber 2 . 3 are by means of a weld 13 connected with each other. The third bubble chamber 4 consists of a fifth and sixth cut 14 . 15 by means of a weld 16 connected to each other. The second and third bubble chamber 3 . 4 are in turn by means of a weld 17 connected with each other. About an opening 18 can air from the second bubble chamber 3 in the third bubble chamber 4 reach.

The following is based on 2 explains with which method the in the 1a to 1c illustrated prior art triple bubble is produced.

In step S1, the blanks 6 and 10 by means of a weld 13 welded. In step S2 then the blanks 11 and 14 over the weld 17 connected with each other. In step S3, the semi-finished product, which was produced in step S1, is threaded into a steel sheet serving as an intermediate sheet such that the blanks 6 and 10 are on different sides of the steel sheet. The cut 6 lies above the steel sheet. In a step S4 then the hose 8th and the cut 5 on the blank 6 laid and the weld 7 produced. The steel sheet prevents the weld 7 in addition to the blanks 5 and 6 also the blanks 5 and 10 connects with each other. The resulting semi-finished product is removed from the steel sheet again.

In step S5, the semi-finished product produced in step S2 is then threaded into the steel sheet, so that the blank 14 located above the steel sheet, during cutting 11 below it lies. In step S6, the blank is then 15 by means of the weld 16 to the blank 14 welded.

In step S7, the semi-finished products which were produced in steps S4 and S6 are again threaded elaborately into steel sheets. In step S8 then these semi-finished products over the weld 12 connected with each other.

Of course, this prior art manufacturing process is very labor intensive and time consuming because it requires many operations and repeated threading into steel sheets, which makes the manufacture of a triple bubble of the prior art expensive.

The 3a shows an embodiment of a triple bladder according to the invention 20 in an unfolded state. This includes a first 21 , a second 22 and a third 23 Bubble chamber. The first bubble chamber 21 is with the second bubble chamber 22 via two first fluid channels 24a . 24b connected. The third bubble chamber 23 again is via two second fluid channels 25a . 25b to the second bubble chamber 22 connected. About a hose 26 can the second bubble chamber 22 be filled with air, extending over the first and second fluid channels 24a . 24b . 25a . 25b in the first and third bubble chamber 21 . 23 can spread. The first bubble chamber 21 has at its side, the two first fluid channels 24a . 24b turned away, a flat extension 27 on. This extension can after the first bubble chamber 21 to the second bubble chamber 22 has been worked out, for example, on the two second fluid channels 25a and 25b be attached, in particular by gluing. Also the third bubble chamber 23 has a flat extension 28 on, located at the side of the third bubble chamber 23 located, the two second fluid channels 25a . 25b turned away. This flat extension 28 can after the third bubble chamber 23 on the first bubble chamber 21 was worked, from the outside to the two first fluid channels 24a . 24b be attached. This attachment can in turn be done for example by gluing.

The 3b shows the bubble 20 out 3a in a folded state from the side. Again, the first, second and third bubble chambers 21 . 22 . 23 to see. The second bubble chamber 22 can via a hose 26 be filled with air, extending over the two first and second fluid channels 24a . 24b . 25a . 25b in the first and third bubble chamber 21 . 23 can spread. Again 3b it can be seen, was the first bubble chamber 21 with the help of the flat extension 27 at the two second fluid channels 25a . 25b and the third bubble chamber 23 by means of the flat extension 28 at the two first fluid channels 24a . 24b attached. Alternatively, an attachment of the flat extension would have 27 also at the second or third bubble chamber 22 . 23 near the two second fluid channels 25a . 25b can be done. Exactly the same would be a connection of the flat extension 28 with the first bubble chamber 21 or the second bubble chamber 22 near the first two fluid channels 24a . 24b been possible.

The 3c shows a blank of a film layer 29 , For the production of in 3a illustrated bubble 20 can use two such blanks 29 superimposed and welded together at the edges. This creates the in 3a shown welds 30a . 30b and 30c , Alternatively, two uncut film layers can be welded together, preferably then the supernatant film material is removed.

4 illustrates an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing a bubble according to the invention. In step S11, two plastic film layers are provided. These are tailored in step S12 such that two of the in 3c shown blanks 29 arise. A first of these blanks is placed in a welding device (step S13). Subsequently, a hose 26 (Step S14) and the second blank 29 (Step S15) disposed thereon. In step S16, the two blanks 29 then welded together at their edges.

The bubble thus obtained is taken from the welder and easily filled with air after a certain cooling time. A flapper works in step S17, the first bubble chamber 21 to the second bubble chamber 22 and attached in step S18 the flat extension 27 at the two second fluid channels 25a . 25b , In step S19, the flapper then correspondingly flips the third bubble chamber 23 on the first bubble chamber 21 and attach the flat extension 28 at the two first fluid channels 24a . 24b (Step S20).

5 shows an embodiment of an inventive device for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder. The device 31 includes a welding device 32 for welding two film layers arranged one above the other so that a first, second and third bubble chamber and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel are formed, wherein the first and second bubble chambers via the at least one first fluid channel and the second and third bubble chamber via the at least a second fluid channel are interconnected. In addition, the device includes 31 a flapper 33 for placing the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chambers.

The statements made with reference to the figures are purely illustrative and not restrictive. Many changes can be made to the embodiments shown without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Triple bubble according to the prior art

2

 First bubble chamber

3

 Second bubble chamber

4

 Third bubble chamber

5

 First cut

6

 Second cut

7

 Weld

8th

 tube

9

 opening

10

 Third cut

11

 Fourth cut

12

 Weld

13

 Weld

14

 Fifth cut

15

 Sixth cut

16

 Weld

17

 Weld

18

 opening

20

 Embodiment of a bubble according to the invention

21

 First bubble chamber

22

 Second bubble chamber

23

 Third bubble chamber

24a, 24b

First fluid channel

25a, 25b

Second fluid channel

26

 tube

27

 Flat extension

28

 Flat extension

29

 cut

30a, 30b, 30c

Weld

31

 Embodiment of a device according to the invention

32

 welding equipment

33

 folding device

S1

Welding of blank 6 with cut 10

S2

Welding of blank 11 with cut 14

S3

 Threading the semifinished product from step S1 into an intermediate sheet

S4

Welding the semifinished product from step S1 with blank 5

S5

 Threading the semifinished product from step S2 into an intermediate sheet

S6

Welding the semifinished product from step S2 with blank 15

S7

 Threading the semi-finished products from step S4 and S6 into respective intermediate plates

S8

 Welding the two semi-finished products together

S11

 Providing two layers of film

S12

 Cutting the two foil layers

S13

 Inserting a blank into a welding device

S14

 Placing a hose on the first blank

S15

 Arranging the second blank on the first blank

S16

 Welding the two blanks at their edges

S17

 Flaps the first bladder chamber to the second bladder chamber

S18

 Attaching the first bubble chamber to the at least one second fluid channel

S19

 Flaps the third bubble chamber to the first bubble chamber

S20

 Attaching the third bubble chamber to the at least one first fluid channel

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10355519 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005032549 A1 [0003]
• WO 2007/009275 [0004]

Claims (10)

Method for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder ( 20 ), in particular a bladder for a vehicle seat, comprising the steps of - providing two superimposed film layers (S11, S12, S13, S15), in particular of plastic, - welding (S16) of the two film layers together, so that a first, second and third bubble chamber ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel ( 24a . 24b . 25a . 25b ), the first and second bladder chambers ( 21 . 22 ) via the at least one first fluid channel ( 24a . 24b ) and the second and third bubble chambers ( 22 . 23 ) via the at least one second fluid channel ( 25a . 25b ), and - arranging (S17, S19) the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chambers. Method according to claim 1, comprising the further step of cutting (S12) the two film layers such that a respective shape of the blanks (C) produced by the cutting ( 29 ) a shape of the first, second and third bubble chamber ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) as well as the at least one first and at least one second fluid channel ( 24a . 24b . 25a . 25b ) corresponds. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of welding (S16) comprises welding the blanks (C) produced by cutting 29 ) at their edges. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arranging step comprises a step of bending the at least one first fluid channel to collapse the first bubble chamber onto the second bubble chamber (S17), wherein after shutting, a sheath of the first bubble chamber forms a sheath of the second bubble chamber Bubble chamber touched. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the arranging step comprises a step of bending the at least one second fluid channel to collapse the third bubble chamber onto the first bubble chamber (S19), after sheathing a sheath of the third bubble chamber comprises a sheath of the first bubble chamber Bubble chamber touched. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of attaching (S18) a side of the first bubble chamber facing away from the at least one first fluid channel to the at least one second fluid channel. Method according to one of the preceding claims, with the step of attaching (S20) a side of the third bubble chamber facing away from the at least one second fluid channel to the at least one first fluid channel. Contraption ( 31 ) for producing a fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder ( 20 ), in particular a bladder for a vehicle seat, comprising - a welding device ( 32 ) for welding two superimposed film layers, in particular made of plastic, to each other, so that a first, second and third bubble chamber and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel arise, wherein the first and second bubble chamber via the at least one first fluid channel and the second and third bubble chamber are connected to each other via the at least one second fluid channel, and - a flap device ( 33 ) for placing the first bubble chamber between the second and third bubble chambers. Fluid-fillable and variable-volume bladder ( 20 ), in particular for a vehicle seat, consisting of two superimposed film layers, in particular of plastic, which are welded together in such a way that - a first, second and third bubble chamber ( 21 . 22 . 23 ) and at least one first and at least one second fluid channel ( 24a . 24b . 25a . 25b ), - wherein the first and second bubble chamber ( 21 . 22 ) via the at least one first fluid channel ( 24a . 24b ) and the second and third bubble chambers ( 22 . 23 ) via the at least one second fluid channel ( 25a . 25b ), wherein the first bubble chamber ( 21 ) between the second and third bubble chamber ( 22 . 23 ) can be arranged. A bladder according to claim 9, wherein a side of the first bladder chamber facing away from the first fluid channel has a planar extension (FIG. 27 ) for fixing the first bubble chamber ( 21 ) on the at least one second fluid channel ( 25a . 25b ) and / or a side facing away from the second fluid channel of the third bubble chamber a flat extension ( 28 ) for attaching the third bubble chamber ( 23 ) on the at least one first fluid channel ( 24a . 24b ) having.

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