EP1750554A1 - Pneumatic structure - Google Patents

Pneumatic structure

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Publication number
EP1750554A1
EP1750554A1 EP05737519A EP05737519A EP1750554A1 EP 1750554 A1 EP1750554 A1 EP 1750554A1 EP 05737519 A EP05737519 A EP 05737519A EP 05737519 A EP05737519 A EP 05737519A EP 1750554 A1 EP1750554 A1 EP 1750554A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cells
layers
pneumatic structure
pneumatic
membrane
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05737519A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1750554B1 (en
Inventor
Res Kammer
Laszlo Kerekes
Fritz Fuchs
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Prospective Concepts AG
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Prospective Concepts AG
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Publication of EP1750554A1 publication Critical patent/EP1750554A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1750554B1 publication Critical patent/EP1750554B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
    • A47C4/54—Inflatable chairs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pneumatic structure, for example for use as a seat, recliner and backrest cushion according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Pneumatic seat and backrest cushions are known per se. They usually consist of a large number of communicating air hoses arranged side by side, which can be ventilated and vented via a common valve, and thus have the same structure and shape as the known air mattress.
  • a certain adaptation possibility is to bring individual hoses to different air pressures or to use different hose diameters, whereby the shape and softness can be varied to a limited extent.
  • pillows are additionally provided with a textile cover.
  • the basic structure of the hoses remains visible - and essential for a pillow - as well.
  • a pneumatic seat cushion is disclosed in WO 94/07396.
  • the object of the present invention is to create a pneumatic structure, in particular for seat, reclining and backrest cushions, which enables good formability, is capable of meeting high demands in the area of seating comfort, can bring about noticeable weight savings compared to conventional foam cushions and which is good can be combined with rigid structures.
  • the structure should not become rigid or hard, despite the great freedom in the design options of its shape, as is usually the case when using many shape-giving webs.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of a second exemplary embodiment in cross section
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a third exemplary embodiment in cross section
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth exemplary embodiment in cross section
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth exemplary embodiment in cross section
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a seventh exemplary embodiment in cross section
  • FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of an eighth exemplary embodiment in cross section.
  • FIG. 1 a is a schematic illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic structure 1 according to the invention in cross section.
  • the pneumatic structure 1 consists of at least two layers 3 of gas-filled cells 2 arranged in a row.
  • the cells 2 are, for example, tubular.
  • the structure 1 is made of a flexible gas-tight membrane 5.
  • This membrane 5 preferably consists of a suitable plastic film.
  • the cells 2 can be produced, for example, by welding or gluing elastic PU films.
  • the cells are 2 Connected to the neighboring cells 2 over part of their circumference and thus form parts of transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8.
  • a cell 2 not located on the edge of a layer 3 in the interior of the structure 1 thus has at least three adjacent cells 2, namely the two neighboring cells 2 of the same layer 3 on the left and right, and one or more adjacent cells 2 one above and / or underlying layer 3 '.
  • Communicating cells 2, which are under the same pressure - meaning here as well as in the following an overpressure with regard to the atmospheric ambient pressure form one or more groups 12 of cells 2 and each have at least one valve 4, which acts on the individual cell 2 or a composite 12 of cells 2 with a compressed gas is used.
  • FIG. 1b shows the first exemplary embodiment in longitudinal section AA '.
  • the cells 2 are not individually welded at their two ends, but each layer 3 is gas-tightly connected over its entire width to an edge membrane 9 which closes the layer 3, whereby this edge membrane 9 can also be formed by a part of the membrane 5. Through the openings thus created at the ends of the cells 2, pressure compensation between the cells 2 over the entire layer 3 is possible.
  • the multi-layer body formed by the layers 3 of cells 2, is in turn surrounded by an all-closing envelope 10, consisting of a flexible elastic membrane.
  • the lines of contact 11 of the cells 2 which are curved outwards and run in the longitudinal direction of the structure 1 can be covered with the envelope 10 over their full length or partially. se non-positively connected, for example welded or glued.
  • the touch line 11 will always be a touch area.
  • the line of contact 11 preferably runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of this contact surface. If the sheath 10 is additionally prestressed, this leads to a smooth surface of the pneumatic structure 1, without the tube-like cells 2 emerging as beads underneath.
  • the combination of several layers 3, 3 'of cells 2 enables a considerably better shape control of the pneumatic structure 1 than if the structure 1 has cells 2 which are continuous over their entire height.
  • the tension in the membrane 5 of the cells 2 is reduced with the same pressure being applied.
  • This enables a smooth cover 10, which is connected to the cells 2 at points or along the contact line 11, to provide a smooth surface uniform surface and shape of the pneumatic structure 1.
  • the structure 1 is softer by several smaller cells 2 than when only a few larger cells 2 are present.
  • the prestressing of the casing 10 can be achieved by selecting the distance 11-11 'between two contact lines 11 such that it is, for example, 1-20% smaller in the unpressurized state than in the pressurized state.
  • sleeve 10 is stretched and stretched between the contact lines 11, 11 'when the cells 2 are pressurized.
  • Structure 1 for example when used as a seat or recliner cushion, enables great shape retention and formability with high comfort and great softness. This means that structure 1 does not have to be inflated to hardness in order to assume and maintain its desired shape.
  • a three-layer pneumatic structure 1 is shown schematically in cross section as a second embodiment. It is according to the invention to combine three or more layers 3 of cells 2.
  • the cells 2 of a layer 3 are connected to one another by channels or openings in the common transverse and longitudinal webs 7, 8 and have the same pressure.
  • FIG. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment with three layers 3 of cells 2 again, but the layer 3 ′ does not extend over the entire width of the structure 1.
  • this structure 1 has the same gas pressure in all cells 2.
  • a single valve 4 is sufficient to apply compressed gas to the cells 2 that communicate with one another.
  • Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment. This is a variant of the first embodiment.
  • the crossbars 7 of the first layer 3 are not directly connected to the crossbars 7 of the second layer 3 '.
  • FIG. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of an inventive Pneumatic structure 1 according to the invention, which has three different pressure regimes with the pressures pl, p2, p3.
  • the groups 12 of communicating cells 2 with the same pressure are connected to one another by means of openings or channels 13 in the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8.
  • Means are present for pressurizing the composites 12, such as compressors, pressure sensors, electronic controls, valves, pressure lines. Such means are known to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail.
  • the Fig. ⁇ a, b show a sixth embodiment.
  • the schematic cross section in FIG. 6a shows the cells 2 of this example which are sealed off gastight from one another.
  • Each individual cell 2 has at least one separate valve 4 and can be pressurized independently of other cells 2.
  • the longitudinal section BB 'in FIG. 6b clearly reveals that the transverse webs 7 in this exemplary embodiment do not leave any opening free at the ends of the tubular cells 2.
  • the edge membrane 9 closes off each cell 2 individually, and therefore gas exchange between the cells 2 within a layer 3 is not possible.
  • 7 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment with an irregular asymmetrical arrangement and size of the cells 2. With a variation in shape, size, arrangement and number of cells 2 the specialist can manufacture pneumatic structures of various shapes and hardness.
  • FIG. 8 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment.
  • the sheath 10, the membrane 5, the transverse webs 7 and the longitudinal webs 8 are provided with fluid muscles 14 at some points.
  • FIG. 8 shows an example of possible arrangements, combinations and placements of such shortenable fluid muscles 14.
  • the fluid muscles 14 are linear actuators which shorten the webs 7, 8 or more generally the membrane 5 of the cells 2 and the sheath 10 at some point and thus the shape of structure 1 can change.
  • the fluid muscle 14 consists, for example, of tubular, fluid-tight chambers, which are integrated into the membrane 5 or sheath 10 to be shortened. When these chambers are acted upon by a fluid - for example compressed air - which is under a greater pressure than the surrounding cells 2, the chambers take on an essentially round shape in cross section.
  • Fluid muscles 14 of this type and the means necessary for their operation, such as lines, compressors and controls, are known per se to the person skilled in the art. It is therefore not discussed in any more detail.
  • cell 2 ' is delimited by double-walled webs 7, 8.
  • a multilayer structure of the webs 7, 8 - for example by gluing or welding the membrane 5 - can be implemented in all of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments.
  • the chamber of the fluid muscle 14 is formed by a membrane piece which is fastened in a fluid-tight manner at its edges to the web 7, 8 and by part of the web 7, 8 itself. It is contained in the inventive concept that the various features of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another as desired in order to arrive at further exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

Landscapes

  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
  • Paper (AREA)
  • Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

A pneumatic structure for sitting, lying and reclining cushions including a plurality of cells disposed together in rows and frictionally interconnected at a plurality of sides along a transversal web thereby forming a layer, the layer being charged with compressed gas through at least one valve and made from a membrane of flexible, gas-tight material. The structure displays a plurality of frictionally interconnected layers, the layers being interconnected such that a longitudinal web separating the layers is present. A casing made from flexible, elastic material is present and envelops the plurality of layers. The casing is frictionally connected partly or across a full length of a contact line to at least one cell.

Description

Pneumatische StrukturPneumatic structure
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine pneumatische Struktur beispielsweise zur Verwendung als Sitz-, Liege- und Lehnkis- sen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1. Pneumatische Sitz- und Lehnkissen sind an sich bekannt. Sie bestehen in der Regel aus einer Vielzahl nebeneinander gereihter kommunizierender LuftSchläuche, welche über ein gemeinsames Ventil be- und entlüftet werden können, und gleichen damit in Aufbau und Form der bekannten Luftmatratze. Eine gewisse Adaptionsmöglichkeit besteht darin, einzelne Schläuche auf unterschiedliche Luftdrucke zu bringen oder unterschiedliche Schlauchdurchmesser zu verwenden, wodurch Form und Weichheit in beschränktem Umfang variiert werden können. Für den prak- tischen Einsatz werden solche Kissen zusätzlich mit einem textilen Überzug versehen. Die Grundstruktur der Schläuche bleibt jedoch sichtbar - und für ein Kissen wesentlich - auch spürbar. Ein Beispiel für ein pneumatisches Sitzkissen ist in WO 94/07396 offenbart. Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist die Schaffung einer pneumatischen Struktur insbesondere für Sitz-, Liege- und Lehnkissen, welche eine gute Formbarkeit ermöglicht, hohen Ansprüchen im Bereiche des Sitzkomforts zu genügen vermag, gegenüber konventionellen Schaumstoffkissen eine spürbare Ge- wichtsersparnis bringen kann und die gut mit rigiden Strukturen kombiniert werden kann. Insbesondere soll die Struktur trotz grosser Freiheit in den Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten ihrer Form nicht steif oder gar hart werden, wie dies bei Verwendung vieler Form gebender Stege in der Regel zwangsläufig ge- schieht.The present invention relates to a pneumatic structure, for example for use as a seat, recliner and backrest cushion according to the preamble of claim 1. Pneumatic seat and backrest cushions are known per se. They usually consist of a large number of communicating air hoses arranged side by side, which can be ventilated and vented via a common valve, and thus have the same structure and shape as the known air mattress. A certain adaptation possibility is to bring individual hoses to different air pressures or to use different hose diameters, whereby the shape and softness can be varied to a limited extent. For practical use, such pillows are additionally provided with a textile cover. However, the basic structure of the hoses remains visible - and essential for a pillow - as well. An example of a pneumatic seat cushion is disclosed in WO 94/07396. The object of the present invention is to create a pneumatic structure, in particular for seat, reclining and backrest cushions, which enables good formability, is capable of meeting high demands in the area of seating comfort, can bring about noticeable weight savings compared to conventional foam cushions and which is good can be combined with rigid structures. In particular, the structure should not become rigid or hard, despite the great freedom in the design options of its shape, as is usually the case when using many shape-giving webs.
Die Lösung der Aufgabe ist wiedergegeben im Patentanspruch 1 hinsichtlich der wesentlichen Merkmale, in den weiteren Patentansprüchen hinsichtlich weiterer vorteilhafter Merkmale. Anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung wird die Erfindung näher er- läutert. Es zeigenThe solution to the problem is given in claim 1 with regard to the essential features, in the further claims with regard to further advantageous features. The invention is explained in more detail with the aid of the attached drawing. Show it
Fig. la,b schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels im Quer- und Längsschnitt,La, b schematic representation of a first embodiment in cross and longitudinal section,
Fig. 2 schematische Darstellung eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,2 shows a schematic illustration of a second exemplary embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 3 schematische Darstellung eines dritten Ausführungs- beispiels im Querschnitt,3 shows a schematic illustration of a third exemplary embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 4 schematische Darstellung eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,4 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth exemplary embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 5 schematische Darstellung eines fünften Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth exemplary embodiment in cross section,
Fig. βa,b schematische Darstellung eines sechsten Ausführungsbeispiels im Quer- und Längsschnitt,Βa, b schematic representation of a sixth embodiment in cross and longitudinal section,
Fig. 7 schematische Darstellung eines siebten Ausführungsbeispiels im Querschnitt,7 shows a schematic representation of a seventh exemplary embodiment in cross section,
Fig. 8 schematische Darstellung eines achten Ausführungs- beispiels im Querschnitt.8 shows a schematic illustration of an eighth exemplary embodiment in cross section.
Fig. la ist eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemässen pneumatischen Struktur 1 im Querschnitt. Die pneumatische Struktur 1 be- steht im Gegensatz zu einlagigen Strukturen, wie sie üblicherweise in Luftmatratzen und pneumatischen Sitzkissen Verwendung finden, aus mindestens zwei Lagen 3 in Reihe gegliederter gasgefüllter Zellen 2. Die Zellen 2 sind beispielsweise schlauchförmig. Die Struktur 1 ist aus einer flexiblen gasdichten Membran 5 gefertigt. Diese Membran 5 besteht vorzugsweise aus einer geeigneten Kunststoff-Folie. Die Zellen 2 können beispielsweise durch Verschweissen oder Verkleben elastischer Pü-Folien hergestellt werden. Die Zellen 2 sind über einen Teil ihres Umfanges mit den benachbarten Zellen 2 verbunden und bilden so Teile von Querstegen 7 und Längsstegen 8. Diese Stege 7,8 werden beispielsweise gebildet durch Zusammenschweissen oder Zusammenkleben der aneinander gren- zenden Membranen 5 oder indem sich benachbarte Zellen 2 im Bereich der Stege 7,8 eine einzelne gemeinsame Membran 5 teilen. Eine nicht am Rande einer Lage 3 liegende Zelle 2 im Innern der Struktur 1 hat somit mindestens drei benachbarte Zellen 2, nämlich die beiden nachbarlichen Zellen 2 derselben Lage 3 zur Linken und Rechten, sowie eine oder mehrere benachbarte Zellen 2 einer oben- und/oder untenliegenden Lage 3'. Kommunizierende Zellen 2, welche unter gleichem Druck stehen - gemeint ist hier wie auch im Folgenden ein Überdruck bezüglich des atmosphärischen ümgebungsdruckes - bilden einen oder mehrere Verbünde 12 von Zellen 2 und weisen je mindestens ein Ventil 4 auf, welches zur Beaufschlagung der einzelnen Zelle 2 oder eines Verbundes 12 von Zellen 2 mit einem Druckgas dient. Im ersten Ausführungsbeispiel treffen jeweils vier Zellen 2 entlang einer in Längsrichtung verlaufenden Li- nie 6 aufeinander. Die verschweissten oder miteinander geteilten Membranen 5 der Zellen 2 bilden die formstabilisierenden Stege 7,8, nämlich mehrere in der Figur vertikal ausgerichtete Querstege 7, und einen in der Figur horizontal ausgerichteten Längssteg 8. Fig. lb zeigt das erste Ausführungsbeispiel im Längsschnitt A-A' . Die Zellen 2 sind an ihren beiden Enden nicht einzeln verschweisst, sondern jede Lage 3 ist über ihre ganze Breite mit einer die Lage 3 abschliessenden Randmembran 9 gasdicht verbunden, wobei diese Randmembran 9 durchaus auch durch ei- nen Teil der Membran 5 gebildet werden kann. Durch die so entstehenden Öffnungen an den Enden der Zellen 2 ist ein Druckausgleich zwischen den Zellen 2 über die gesamte Lage 3 möglich. Der mehrlagige Körper, gebildet durch die Lagen 3 von Zellen 2, ist wiederum von einer alles u schliessenden Hülle 10, bestehend aus einer flexiblen elastischen Membran, umgeben. Dabei können die in Längsrichtung der Struktur 1 verlaufenden Berührungslinien 11 der nach Aussen gewölbten Zellen 2 mit der Hülle 10 über ihre volle Länge oder teilwei- se kraftschlüssig verbunden, beispielsweise verschweisst oder verklebt sein. Tatsächlich wird die Berührungslinie 11 immer eine Berührungsfläche sein. Die Berührungslinie 11 verläuft vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen entlang der Längssymmetrieachse dieser Berührungsfläche. Wird die Hülle 10 zusätzlich vorgespannt, führt dies zu einer glatten Oberfläche der pneumatischen Struktur 1, ohne dass sich darunter die schlauchartigen Zellen 2 als Wülste abzeichnen. Die Kombination mehrerer Lagen 3, 3' von Zellen 2, ermöglicht eine wesentlich bessere Formkontrolle der pneumatischen Struktur 1, als wenn die Struktur 1 über ihre ganze Höhe durchgehende Zellen 2 aufweist. Durch die Verkleinerung der Radien der Zellen 2 verringert sich bei gleicher Druckbeaufschlagung die Spannung in der Membran 5 der Zellen 2. Dies ermöglicht mittels der vor- gespannten und entlang der Berührungslinie 11 punktuell oder über die volle Länge mit den Zellen 2 verbundenen Hülle 10 eine glatte gleichmässige Oberfläche und Form der pneumatischen Struktur 1. Die Struktur 1 wird durch mehrere kleinere Zellen 2 weicher, als wenn nur wenige grössere Zellen 2 vor- handen sind. Die Vorspannung der Hülle 10 kann erreicht werden, indem die Distanz 11-11' zwischen zwei Berührungslinien 11 so gewählt wird, dass sie im drucklosen Zustand beispielsweise 1-20 % kleiner ist als im druckbeaufschlagten Zustand. Die Hülle 10 wird mit anderen Worten bei Druckbeaufschlagung der Zellen 2 zwischen den Berührungslinien 11,11' gespannt und gedehnt. Die Struktur 1 ermöglicht beispielsweise bei Anwendung als Sitz- oder Liegekissen grosse Formtreue und Formbarkeit bei gleichzeitig hohem Komfort und grosser Weichheit. Das heisst die Struktur 1 muss nicht bretthart aufgeblasen werden, um ihre gewünschte Form einzunehmen und einzuhalten. In Fig. 2 ist als zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eine dreilagige pneumatische Struktur 1 schematisch im Querschnitt dargestellt. Es ist erfindungsgemäss, drei oder mehr Lagen 3 von Zellen 2 zu kombinieren. In diesem Beispiel sind, wie in den vorangehenden, die Zellen 2 einer Lage 3 untereinander durch Kanäle oder Öffnungen in den gemeinsamen Quer- und Längsstegen 7,8 verbunden und weisen denselben Druck auf. Fig. 3 zeigt ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel mit erneut drei Lagen 3 von Zellen 2, wobei jedoch die Lage 3' sich nicht über die ganze Breite der Struktur 1 erstreckt. Ausserdem weist diese Struktur 1 in allen Zellen 2 denselben Gasdruck auf. Ein einziges Ventil 4 genügt zur Beaufschlagung der miteinander kommunizierenden Zellen 2 mit Druckgas. Fig. 4 zeigt ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Variante des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels. Die Querstege 7 der ersten Lage 3 sind nicht direkt mit den Quer- stegen 7 der zweiten Lage 3' verbunden. Eine Zelle 2, welche nicht am Rand einer Lage 3 liegt, grenzt an mindestens vier Zellen 2 an, nämlich an zwei Zellen 2 derselben Lage 3 und an mindestens zwei Zellen 2 einer angrenzenden Lage 3. Fig. 5 zeigt ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfin- dungsgemässen pneumatischen Struktur 1, welche drei verschiedene Druckregimes mit den Drucken pl, p2, p3 aufweist. Die Verbünde 12 kommunizierender Zellen 2 mit demselben Druck sind mittels Öffnungen oder Kanälen 13 in den Querstegen 7 und Längsstegen 8 miteinander verbunden. Zur Druckbeaufschlagung der Verbünde 12 sind Mittel vorhanden, wie beispielsweise Kompressoren, Drucksensoren, elektronische Steuerung, Ventile, Druckleitungen. Solche Mittel sind dem Fachmann bekannt und werden daher nicht näher erläutert. Die Fig. βa,b zeigen ein sechstes Ausführungsbeispiel. Der schematische Querschnitt in Fig. 6a zeigt die gasdicht gegeneinander abgeschlossenen Zellen 2 dieses Beispiels. Jede einzelne Zelle 2 verfügt über mindestens ein separates Ventil 4 und kann unabhängig von anderen Zellen 2 mit Druck beaufschlagt werden. Der Längsschnitt B-B' in Fig. 6b offenbart deutlich, dass die Querstege 7 in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel an den Enden der schlauchförmigen Zellen 2 keine Öffnung frei lassen. Die Randmembran 9 schliesst jede Zelle 2 einzeln ab, und es ist somit kein Gasaustausch zwischen den Zellen 2 innerhalb einer Lage 3 möglich. Fig. 7 zeigt ein siebtes Ausführungsbeispiel mit unregelmäs- siger asymmetrischer Anordnung und Grosse der Zellen 2. Mit Variation von Form, Grosse, Anordnung und Anzahl der Zellen 2 kann der Fachmann pneumatische Strukturen unterschiedlichster Form und Härte herstellen.FIG. 1 a is a schematic illustration of a first exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic structure 1 according to the invention in cross section. In contrast to single-layer structures, as are usually used in air mattresses and pneumatic seat cushions, the pneumatic structure 1 consists of at least two layers 3 of gas-filled cells 2 arranged in a row. The cells 2 are, for example, tubular. The structure 1 is made of a flexible gas-tight membrane 5. This membrane 5 preferably consists of a suitable plastic film. The cells 2 can be produced, for example, by welding or gluing elastic PU films. The cells are 2 Connected to the neighboring cells 2 over part of their circumference and thus form parts of transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8. These webs 7, 8 are formed, for example, by welding or gluing together the adjacent membranes 5 or by adjacent cells 2 being in the region of the Bars 7,8 share a single common membrane 5. A cell 2 not located on the edge of a layer 3 in the interior of the structure 1 thus has at least three adjacent cells 2, namely the two neighboring cells 2 of the same layer 3 on the left and right, and one or more adjacent cells 2 one above and / or underlying layer 3 '. Communicating cells 2, which are under the same pressure - meaning here as well as in the following an overpressure with regard to the atmospheric ambient pressure - form one or more groups 12 of cells 2 and each have at least one valve 4, which acts on the individual cell 2 or a composite 12 of cells 2 with a compressed gas is used. In the first exemplary embodiment, four cells 2 meet each other along a line 6 running in the longitudinal direction. The welded or divided membranes 5 of the cells 2 form the shape-stabilizing webs 7, 8, namely a plurality of transverse webs 7 oriented vertically in the figure, and a longitudinal web 8 oriented horizontally in the figure. FIG. 1b shows the first exemplary embodiment in longitudinal section AA '. The cells 2 are not individually welded at their two ends, but each layer 3 is gas-tightly connected over its entire width to an edge membrane 9 which closes the layer 3, whereby this edge membrane 9 can also be formed by a part of the membrane 5. Through the openings thus created at the ends of the cells 2, pressure compensation between the cells 2 over the entire layer 3 is possible. The multi-layer body, formed by the layers 3 of cells 2, is in turn surrounded by an all-closing envelope 10, consisting of a flexible elastic membrane. In this case, the lines of contact 11 of the cells 2 which are curved outwards and run in the longitudinal direction of the structure 1 can be covered with the envelope 10 over their full length or partially. se non-positively connected, for example welded or glued. In fact, the touch line 11 will always be a touch area. The line of contact 11 preferably runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of symmetry of this contact surface. If the sheath 10 is additionally prestressed, this leads to a smooth surface of the pneumatic structure 1, without the tube-like cells 2 emerging as beads underneath. The combination of several layers 3, 3 'of cells 2 enables a considerably better shape control of the pneumatic structure 1 than if the structure 1 has cells 2 which are continuous over their entire height. By reducing the radii of the cells 2, the tension in the membrane 5 of the cells 2 is reduced with the same pressure being applied. This enables a smooth cover 10, which is connected to the cells 2 at points or along the contact line 11, to provide a smooth surface uniform surface and shape of the pneumatic structure 1. The structure 1 is softer by several smaller cells 2 than when only a few larger cells 2 are present. The prestressing of the casing 10 can be achieved by selecting the distance 11-11 'between two contact lines 11 such that it is, for example, 1-20% smaller in the unpressurized state than in the pressurized state. In other words, the sleeve 10 is stretched and stretched between the contact lines 11, 11 'when the cells 2 are pressurized. Structure 1, for example when used as a seat or recliner cushion, enables great shape retention and formability with high comfort and great softness. This means that structure 1 does not have to be inflated to hardness in order to assume and maintain its desired shape. In Fig. 2, a three-layer pneumatic structure 1 is shown schematically in cross section as a second embodiment. It is according to the invention to combine three or more layers 3 of cells 2. In this example, as in the preceding, the cells 2 of a layer 3 are connected to one another by channels or openings in the common transverse and longitudinal webs 7, 8 and have the same pressure. 3 shows a third exemplary embodiment with three layers 3 of cells 2 again, but the layer 3 ′ does not extend over the entire width of the structure 1. In addition, this structure 1 has the same gas pressure in all cells 2. A single valve 4 is sufficient to apply compressed gas to the cells 2 that communicate with one another. Fig. 4 shows a fourth embodiment. This is a variant of the first embodiment. The crossbars 7 of the first layer 3 are not directly connected to the crossbars 7 of the second layer 3 '. A cell 2, which is not on the edge of a layer 3, borders on at least four cells 2, namely on two cells 2 of the same layer 3 and on at least two cells 2 of an adjacent layer 3. FIG. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of an inventive Pneumatic structure 1 according to the invention, which has three different pressure regimes with the pressures pl, p2, p3. The groups 12 of communicating cells 2 with the same pressure are connected to one another by means of openings or channels 13 in the transverse webs 7 and longitudinal webs 8. Means are present for pressurizing the composites 12, such as compressors, pressure sensors, electronic controls, valves, pressure lines. Such means are known to the person skilled in the art and are therefore not explained in more detail. The Fig. Βa, b show a sixth embodiment. The schematic cross section in FIG. 6a shows the cells 2 of this example which are sealed off gastight from one another. Each individual cell 2 has at least one separate valve 4 and can be pressurized independently of other cells 2. The longitudinal section BB 'in FIG. 6b clearly reveals that the transverse webs 7 in this exemplary embodiment do not leave any opening free at the ends of the tubular cells 2. The edge membrane 9 closes off each cell 2 individually, and therefore gas exchange between the cells 2 within a layer 3 is not possible. 7 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment with an irregular asymmetrical arrangement and size of the cells 2. With a variation in shape, size, arrangement and number of cells 2 the specialist can manufacture pneumatic structures of various shapes and hardness.
In Fig. 8 ist ein achtes Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt. Die Hülle 10, die Membran 5, die Querstege 7 und Längsstege 8 sind an einigen Stellen mit Fluidmuskeln 14 versehen. Die Fig. 8 zeigt beispielhaft mögliche Anordnungen, Kombinationen und Platzierungen solcher verkürzbarer Fluidmuskeln 14. Die Fluidmuskeln 14 sind lineare Aktoren, welche die Stege 7,8 oder allgemeiner die Membran 5 der Zellen 2 sowie die Hülle 10 an irgendeiner Stelle verkürzen und so die Form der Struktur 1 verändern können. Der Fluidmuskel 14 besteht beispielsweise aus schlauchförmigen, fluiddichten Kammern, welche in die zu verkürzende Membran 5 oder Hülle 10 integriert werden. Bei Beaufschlagung dieser Kammern mit einem Fluid - bei- spielsweise mit Druckluft - welches unter einem grösseren Druck steht als die umgebenden Zellen 2, nehmen die Kammern im Querschnitt eine im Wesentlichen runde Form an. Fluidmuskeln 14 dieser Art und die für ihren Betrieb notwendigen Mittel wie Leitungen, Kompressoren und Steuerungen sind dem Fachmann an sich bekannt. Es wird daher nicht näher darauf eingegangen.8 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment. The sheath 10, the membrane 5, the transverse webs 7 and the longitudinal webs 8 are provided with fluid muscles 14 at some points. FIG. 8 shows an example of possible arrangements, combinations and placements of such shortenable fluid muscles 14. The fluid muscles 14 are linear actuators which shorten the webs 7, 8 or more generally the membrane 5 of the cells 2 and the sheath 10 at some point and thus the shape of structure 1 can change. The fluid muscle 14 consists, for example, of tubular, fluid-tight chambers, which are integrated into the membrane 5 or sheath 10 to be shortened. When these chambers are acted upon by a fluid - for example compressed air - which is under a greater pressure than the surrounding cells 2, the chambers take on an essentially round shape in cross section. Fluid muscles 14 of this type and the means necessary for their operation, such as lines, compressors and controls, are known per se to the person skilled in the art. It is therefore not discussed in any more detail.
Die Zelle 2' ist als Beispiel von doppelwandigen Stegen 7,8 begrenzt. Ein mehrschichtiger Aufbau der Stege 7,8 - beispielsweise durch Verkleben oder Verschweissen der Membran 5 - kann bei allen obengenannten Ausführungsbeispielen realisiert werden. Bei den restlichen Stegen 7,8 wird die Kammer des Fluidmuskels 14 durch ein an seinen Rändern mit dem Steg 7,8 fluiddicht befestigtes Membranstück und durch einen Teil des Steges 7,8 selbst gebildet. Es ist im Erfindungsgedanken enthalten, dass die verschiedenen Merkmale der obengenannten Ausführungsbeispiele beliebig miteinander kombiniert werden können, um zu weiteren erfin- dungsgemässen Ausführungsbeispielen zu gelangen. As an example, cell 2 'is delimited by double-walled webs 7, 8. A multilayer structure of the webs 7, 8 - for example by gluing or welding the membrane 5 - can be implemented in all of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments. In the remaining webs 7, 8, the chamber of the fluid muscle 14 is formed by a membrane piece which is fastened in a fluid-tight manner at its edges to the web 7, 8 and by part of the web 7, 8 itself. It is contained in the inventive concept that the various features of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another as desired in order to arrive at further exemplary embodiments according to the invention.

Claims

P tentansprüche Claims
1. Pneumatische Struktur (1) insbesondere für Sitz-, Liege- und Lehnkissen bestehend aus mehreren aneinander gereih- ten, seitlich entlang einem Quersteg (7) kraftschlüssig miteinander verbundenen und so ein Lage (3) bildenden, durch mindestens ein Ventil (4) mit Druckgas beaufschlagbaren Zellen (2), gefertigt aus einer Membran (5) aus flexiblem, gasdichtem Material, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Struktur (1) mehrere kraftschlüssig miteinander verbundene Lagen (3) aufweist, die Lagen (3) so miteinander verbunden sind, dass ein die Lagen (3) trennender Längssteg (8) vorhanden ist, - eine Hülle (10) aus flexiblem, elastischem Material vorhanden ist und die Lagen (3) umfasst, und diese Hülle (10) teilweise oder über die volle Länge einer Berührungslinie (11) mit mindestens einer Zelle (2) kraftschlüssig verbunden ist.1. Pneumatic structure (1), in particular for seat, reclining and backrest cushions, consisting of a plurality of rows which are connected to one another, non-positively connected laterally along a transverse web (7) and thus form a layer (3) by at least one valve (4) cells (2) which can be pressurized with compressed gas, made from a membrane (5) made of flexible, gas-tight material, characterized in that the structure (1) has a plurality of non-positively connected layers (3), the layers (3) being connected to one another, that there is a longitudinal web (8) separating the layers (3), - a cover (10) made of flexible, elastic material is present and comprises the layers (3), and this cover (10) partially or over the full length of a line of contact (11) with at least one cell (2) is non-positively connected.
Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Zellen (2) und die Hülle (10) durch Kleben und/oder Schweissen von Kunststoff-Folien gefertigt werden.Pneumatic structure (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cells (2) and the sleeve (10) are made by gluing and / or welding plastic films.
3. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach Patentanspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Querstege (7) der Lagen (3) jeweils paarweise auf einer gleichen Linie (6) auf den Längssteg (8) treffen und somit jeweils einen durch die gesamte Struktur (1) durchgehenden Quersteg (3) bilden.3. Pneumatic structure (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transverse webs (7) of the layers (3) each meet in pairs on the same line (6) on the longitudinal web (8) and thus one through the entire Structure (1) form continuous crosspiece (3).
4. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens eine La- ge (3) sich nicht über die volle Breite und/oder Länge der Struktur (1) erstreckt. 4. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one layer (3) does not extend over the full width and / or length of the structure (1).
5. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Struktur (1) aus mindestens zwei Verbünden (12) kommunizierender Zellen (2) besteht, wobei diese Verbünde (12) mit unter- schiedlichen Drucken beaufschlagt werden können.5. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the structure (1) consists of at least two groups (12) of communicating cells (2), these groups (12) applying different pressures can be.
6. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwei Randmembranen (9) die Enden mindestens zweier Zellen (2) gasdicht ab- schliessen, wobei die Querstege (7) der durch die Randmembranen (9) verbundenen Zellen (2) nicht mit den Randmembranen (9) verbunden sind und somit eine Öffnung für den Druckausgleich zwischen den verbundenen Zellen (2) besteht.6. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two edge membranes (9) seal the ends of at least two cells (2) in a gas-tight manner, the transverse webs (7) passing through the edge membranes (9) connected cells (2) are not connected to the edge membranes (9) and thus there is an opening for pressure equalization between the connected cells (2).
7. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Druckausgleich zwischen verbundenen Zellen (2) gleichen Druckes mittels Öffnungen oder Kanälen (13) in Querstegen (7) und/oder Längsstegen (8) ermöglicht wird.7. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pressure equalization between connected cells (2) of the same pressure by means of openings or channels (13) in transverse webs (7) and / or longitudinal webs (8) is made possible ,
8. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede an die Hülle (10) angrenzende Zelle (2) mit der Hülle (10) teilweise oder über die volle Länge der Berührungslinie (11) kraftschlüssig verbunden ist.8. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each cell (2) adjoining the sheath (10) with the sheath (10) partially or over the full length of the line of contact (11) non-positively connected is.
9. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Grosse der Hül- le (10) so gewählt ist, dass sie bei Druckbeaufschlagung der Struktur (1) stärker als die Membran (5) gespannt wird, wobei die Umfangslänge der Hülle (10) ungespannt kleiner ist, als die Umfangslänge der mit Druck beaufschlagten Lagen (3) ohne Hülle (10) . 9. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the size of the envelope (10) is selected such that it is tensioned more than the membrane (5) when the structure (1) is pressurized , wherein the circumferential length of the casing (10) is less untensioned than the circumferential length of the pressurized layers (3) without casing (10).
10. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Distanz 11-11' zwischen zwei benachbarten Berührungslinien (11) bei nicht mit Druck beaufschlagter Struktur (1) , und somit ungespannter Hülle (10), kürzer ist, als die Distanz 11- 11' der Berührungslinien (11) auf den Zellen (2) bei druckbeaufschlagter Struktur (1) ohne Hülle (10) .10. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the distance 11-11 'between two adjacent contact lines (11) when the structure (1) is not pressurized, and thus untensioned casing (10), is shorter than the distance 11-11 'of the contact lines (11) on the cells (2) when the structure (1) is pressurized without a casing (10).
11. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Membran (5) und/oder die Hülle (10) mindestens einen Fluidmuskel (14) aufweisen und dass Mittel zum Betrieb von Fluidmuskeln (14) vorhanden sind.11. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the membrane (5) and / or the sheath (10) have at least one fluid muscle (14) and that means for operating fluid muscles (14) are present are.
12. Pneumatische Struktur (1) nach einem der Patentansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Membran (5) aus elastischem Material gefertigt ist. 12. Pneumatic structure (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the membrane (5) is made of elastic material.
EP05737519A 2004-06-04 2005-05-19 Pneumatic structure Not-in-force EP1750554B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH9622004 2004-06-04
PCT/CH2005/000282 WO2005117659A1 (en) 2004-06-04 2005-05-19 Pneumatic structure

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EP1750554A1 true EP1750554A1 (en) 2007-02-14
EP1750554B1 EP1750554B1 (en) 2008-03-19

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US (1) US20070256245A1 (en)
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AT (1) ATE389341T1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2005117659A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7025576B2 (en) 2001-03-30 2006-04-11 Chaffee Robert B Pump with axial conduit
EP1688067B1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2008-11-05 CHAFFEE, Robert B. Configurable inflatable support devices
WO2003093709A1 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-11-13 Chaffee Robert B Self-sealing valve with electromechanical device for actuating the valve
MXPA05005493A (en) 2002-11-18 2005-09-08 B Chaffee Robert Inflatable device.
US20080271251A1 (en) * 2004-06-04 2008-11-06 Prospective Concepts Ag Pneumatic Cushion for Sitting, Leaning or Lying Upon
US7334279B2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2008-02-26 Oprandi Arthur V Mattress pad
GB201017183D0 (en) * 2010-10-12 2010-11-24 Katan Joseph M Body support platform
US20190184883A1 (en) * 2017-12-19 2019-06-20 Jing Zhong Leg Rest Device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2542589B1 (en) * 1982-12-20 1986-04-18 Dejoux Andre FLEXIBLE STRUCTURES COMPRISING MULTIPLE INFLATED VOLUMES AT DIFFERENT PRESSURES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FURNITURE ELEMENTS
GB9220498D0 (en) 1992-09-29 1992-11-11 Pegasus Airwave Ltd Cushion

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
See references of WO2005117659A1 *

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ATE389341T1 (en) 2008-04-15
DE502005003341D1 (en) 2008-04-30
US20070256245A1 (en) 2007-11-08
EP1750554B1 (en) 2008-03-19
WO2005117659A1 (en) 2005-12-15

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