Air cushion assembly for a seat such as a vehicle seat

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) for a seat (130), such as a vehicle seat, comprising at least one air cushion (152) and an air supply system (101) for variably applying air to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly, wherein a supply line (151) comprising a valve (112) that can be shut off leads from the air supply system (101) to each air cushion (152), wherein a pulsation module (102) is provided, which is configured to apply pulsation to each air cushion, wherein the pulsation module (102) comprises a pneumatic element (121) connected to the at least one supply line (151) in a pressure-balanced manner and an operating element (122), which is used to transmit mechanical movement to the pneumatic element to change the volume of the pneumatic element and thus generate pulsation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with application number "202080037394.1", application date "March 24, 2020", and title "Air cushion assembly for seats such as vehicle seats". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an air cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, and a seat, such as a vehicle seat, including the corresponding air cushion assembly. The air cushion assembly includes at least one air cushion and an air supply system for variably applying air to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly. Supply lines including shutoff valves lead from the air supply system to each air cushion. A pulsation module is provided and configured to apply pulsation to each air cushion. The pulsation module includes a pneumatic element connected to the at least one supply line in a pressure-balanced manner and an operating element for transmitting mechanical motion to the pneumatic element to vary the volume of the pneumatic element, thereby generating pulsation. In particular, the present invention relates to the pulsation module. Background Art

[0003] Air cushion assemblies for vehicle seats and other seats, such as massage chairs, are well known from the prior art.

[0004] Broadly speaking, for example, DE 10 2011 079 712 A1 discloses a pneumatic device for generating pressure oscillations via an air cushion and transmitting them to the human body. This device comprises a pressure generator comprising an oscillating armature diaphragm pump, which can generate oscillations or pulsations by varying the pressure ratio in the air cushion and thus transmit them to the person. To generate the slight oscillations in the pressure level, a throttle valve is provided, which, for example, by exhausting air, causes a periodic pulsation of the pressure profile in the pressure line of the air cushion at a regular frequency.

[0005] Vehicle seats with a massage function are also generally known from the prior art, wherein the respective air cushions of the seat equipped with the massage function are alternately supplied with air and alternately (at least partially) exhausted, for which purpose a corresponding central or separate air supply can be provided for each air cushion.

[0006] However, the mechanical systems described are relatively slow and therefore only allow relatively low frequencies, which may be uncomfortable or may not fully achieve an actual massaging effect.

[0007] Starting from the prior art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify an air cushion assembly for a seat with which pulsations can also be superimposed at high frequencies on the pressure level of the air cushions in the air cushion assembly.

[0008] The object is achieved by an air cushion assembly for a seat, such as a vehicle seat, and a seat, such as a vehicle seat, comprising the air cushion assembly, the air cushion assembly comprising at least one air cushion and an air supply system for variably applying air to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly, wherein a supply line comprising a shutoff valve leads from the air supply system to each air cushion, wherein a pulsation module is provided and is configured to apply pulsations to each air cushion, wherein the pulsation module comprises a pneumatic element connected to the at least one supply line in a pressure-balanced manner and an operating element, the operating element being configured to transmit a mechanical movement to the pneumatic element to change the volume of the pneumatic element and thereby generate pulsations, and a seat, such as a vehicle seat, comprising the corresponding air cushion assembly. Advantageous developments of the invention are included in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to the present invention, an air cushion assembly for a seat such as a vehicle seat includes at least one air cushion and an air supply system for variably applying air to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly, wherein a supply line including a valve that can be shut off leads from the air supply system to each air cushion respectively, wherein a pulsation module is provided, which is constructed to apply pulsation to each air cushion, wherein the pulsation module includes a pneumatic element connected to at least one supply line in a pressure-balanced manner and an operating element, which is used to transmit mechanical movement to the pneumatic element to change the volume of the pneumatic element, thereby generating pulsation.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is specifically provided that the pulsation module is arranged separately from its own air supply system. This can be achieved, for example, by first providing an inlet in the supply line for the air introduced via the air supply system and thus a connection to a shutoff valve, and then providing a second inlet, independent of this inlet, which is connected to the pneumatic elements of the pulsation module in a pressure-equalizing manner. The other outlet leads to the corresponding air cushion.

[0011] A pressure-balanced connection between the pneumatic element and the supply line is understood to mean that, in the inactive position of the actuating element (in which no or minimal mechanical force acts on the pneumatic element), the same pressure is always present in the pneumatic element, which is also present in the supply line. If the actuating element is actuated, this results in a pressure change in the pneumatic element, which is then also transferred to the supply line due to the pressure-balanced connection of the pneumatic element to the supply line.

[0012] In principle, the pneumatic element is designed as an element that can accommodate a certain air volume, for example, in its substantially completely enclosed interior volume. Furthermore, the pulsation module is designed such that the actuating element and the pneumatic element can interact in such a way that the amount of air in the pneumatic element can be varied, for example, cyclically.

[0013] For this purpose, the mechanical movement of the actuating element preferably causes a change in the shape and / or volume of the pneumatic element.

[0014] Such an air cushion assembly also allows high-frequency vibrations (in the sense of the invention this means: >1 Hz, preferably 3-100 Hz, more preferably 60-80 Hz) and at the same time eliminates the need for an air supply system with corresponding shut-off valves for generating pulsations, so that pulsations can be reliably generated when the valve is shut off even with constant pressure ratios in the supply line or a constant amount of air in the supply line.

[0015] It can be provided that each pneumatic element is connected to exactly one supply line. This embodiment enables a variable and individually adjustable control of the pulsation for each air cushion.

[0016] Furthermore, the actuating elements can actuate the pneumatic elements independently of one another. This also allows different frequencies and / or phases and / or amplitudes of the pulsations transmitted to the individual air cushions.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pneumatic element includes an air cushion. The air cushion of the pneumatic element can also be referred to as a pneumatic cushion. This is a different type of air cushion than one connected to the pneumatic element via a supply line. The air cushion can be manufactured cost-effectively and has a long service life, even under high-frequency loads.

[0018] Each pneumatic component can be equipped with an independent operating element. This also ensures that the individual operating variables They can also be controlled mechanically independently of each other.

[0019] It can be set that the pneumatic element includes an air cushion, which has an internal space volume, which is connected to the supply line in a pressure-balanced manner, and the operating element is constructed to change the internal space volume of the air cushion by mechanical action to apply pulsation to the air cushion; or it can be set that the pneumatic element is composed of a flexible diaphragm, an operating element and a working space, wherein the flexible diaphragm, the operating element and the working space jointly define the internal space volume of the pneumatic element which is connected to the supply line in a pressure-balanced manner, and the operating element is constructed to change the internal space volume by mechanical movement to apply pulsation to the air cushion.

[0020] In a first alternative, the air cushion is compressed and / or deformed, for example, by actuation of an operating element, so that a portion of the air contained in the air cushion is additionally forced into the supply line because the available volume changes or decreases. This can cause pulsations. In a second alternative, the operating element is part of a pneumatic element, which results in the mechanical movement of the pneumatic element being directly transmitted as a pressure change in the entire system. Both embodiments allow for high-frequency pulsations in the air cushion of the air cushion assembly.

[0021] The operating element can be configured to operate a plurality of pneumatic elements in anti-phase. The anti-phase pulsation in the individual pneumatic elements may be more comfortable for passengers, for example, when a massage function is realized with an air cushion assembly.

[0022] The operating element can include a pivot arm that is pivotable about an axis at an angle, with at least one pneumatic element being provided on opposite sides of the pivot arm; or the operating element can be configured to be linearly movable along an operating path, with at least one pneumatic element being provided on opposite sides of the operating element. This embodiment of the operating element is mechanically robust and therefore less prone to failure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pulsation module includes a cylinder, a pneumatic element is concentrically arranged in the inner space of the cylinder with an inner space volume, and the inner space volume is connected to the supply line in a pressure-balanced manner, wherein the operating element includes a roller eccentrically arranged in the cylinder relative to the cylinder, wherein the pneumatic element and the operating element are arranged in the following manner, that is, the eccentric movement of the roller around the longitudinal axis of the cylinder can change the inner space volume of the pneumatic element to apply pulsation to the air cushion.

[0024] This embodiment makes it possible to actuate the pneumatic elements cyclically, offset from one another (ie, with a time delay), while at the same time reducing the number of required actuating elements.

[0025] In a modified solution of this embodiment, lubricant is applied to the contact surface between the roller and the pneumatic element, and / or the pneumatic element includes a TPU film or the contact surface with the roller includes a TPU film. This design solution increases the average service life of the entire component.

[0026] It can be provided that the joint of the pneumatic element is arranged at an angle to the axis of the cylinder and / or the axis of rotation of the roller. This embodiment also increases the life of the assembly.

[0027] Preferably, the roller can be connected to the drive element via a transmission. Thus, the periodic movement of the drive element can be converted into a suitable, if necessary lower or higher, movement frequency of the roller.

[0028] In one development, the drive element is an electric motor and a control unit is provided that can actuate the electric motor to control the rotational frequency of the electric motor. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for use in vehicles.

[0029] It can be set that the air cushion component includes a drive element for an operating element, wherein the drive element is constructed to generate pulsations with a frequency of 1 Hz to 1000 Hz, or 3 Hz to 100 Hz, or 60 Hz to 80 Hz, or between 5 and 20 Hz, in particular between 5 and 15 Hz, particularly preferably between 7 and 12 Hz; and / or the air cushion component is constructed to realize a massage function and / or an entertainment function and / or a route assistance function and / or a lane change warning function.

[0030] The pulsation frequency set according to this embodiment is particularly pleasant for people when implementing a massage function. The use of the air cushion assembly for the massage function and the other functions mentioned in this embodiment can be achieved in a comfortable manner because the uninterrupted pressure effect on the human body is exerted due to the additional pulsation even during longer journeys.

[0031] According to the invention, a seat, for example a vehicle seat, is also provided, comprising an air cushion assembly according to one of the aforementioned embodiments and optionally a lumbar support system. Realizing the air cushion assembly in a vehicle seat is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention and allows space-saving installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of an air cushion assembly according to one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 2a -c shows different implementations of the operating element;

[0034] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the operating element is shown;

[0035] Figure 4 An embodiment of the manipulation element as a pivoting arm is shown;

[0036] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the operating element is shown;

[0037] Figure 6 The realization of a transmission between the drive motor and the pulsating element is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1a a and b show schematic views of an embodiment of an air spring assembly 100 according to the present invention. An air spring assembly 100 is schematically shown in the view shown in FIG1 . Figure 1b The installation of an air cushion assembly 100 and the individual air cushions 152 of the air cushion assembly in a seat 130 , in particular a vehicle seat for a passenger car, a truck or the like, is schematically shown.

[0039] The air cushion assembly 100 according to the present invention is intended, in principle, to apply air to one or more air cushions 152 of the air cushion assembly 100 and to additionally achieve pulsation of the corresponding air cushion 152. It is not necessary for the air once introduced into the air cushion 152 to remain in the air cushion 152 at a constant pressure (apart from the pulsation). It can also be provided that the air introduced into the air cushion is partially or completely discharged from the air cushion over a longer period of time (the frequency of which is, in particular, longer than the pulsation) or is redirected back into the air cushion.

[0040] In particular, the application of air to the air cushion 152 does not have to be performed periodically. It is conceivable that the air cushion assembly is used, for example, to realize a massage function. In this case, air is applied to the air cushion 152 periodically and all the air is (completely or at least partially) discharged from the air cushion, so as to, for example, provide a massage to the vehicle occupant or a person who is usually sitting according to the present invention. Figure 1b A massage effect is achieved on various positions of the back or legs of a person on the seat 130 .

[0041] An air supply system 101 is provided to apply air to the air cushion 152. This system includes a pressure supply device 111 in the form of a pump, from which one or more lines 113 lead to a valve 112 that can be shut off. The present invention is not restrictive with respect to the design of the pump and particularly contemplates an embodiment using a pump commonly used in massage seats in vehicles.

[0042] The shutoff valves are each connected to an air cushion 152 via a separate supply line 151. This means, in particular, that a first shutoff valve 112 is connected to a first supply line 151, which leads to exactly one air cushion 152. A second shutoff valve is then connected to a second supply line and, via this, to a second air cushion. This allows each air cushion 152 to be supplied with air independently by appropriately controlling the shutoff valves, for example, via a control unit 160 (e.g., an onboard computer of a vehicle), which is shown only schematically here. Thus, for example, it is possible to supply air to some of the provided air cushions (if more than one is provided) by opening the shutoff valves and introducing air into them via the pressure supply device 111, while the remaining shutoff valves remain closed, and no air is introduced into the air cushions associated with these shutoff valves.

[0043] In this way, various functions can be implemented in a targeted manner. For example, the massage function mentioned above can be implemented by applying air to the individual air cushions, for example, also at different frequencies or in reverse or alternately. Therefore, certain entertainment functions can also be implemented, for example, by supporting acoustic effects such as music or movies by applying air to a single or multiple air cushions in a targeted manner. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the vehicle's auxiliary systems are implemented by applying air to or removing air from the air cushions. Thus, for example, the air cushion assembly can be used to implement a route assistance function and / or a lane change warning function. For example, when changing lanes from the right lane to the left lane, air can be applied to a row of cushions installed on the left side of the seat in the direction of the vehicle in order to warn the driver of the impending lane change. The air cushion installed on the right side in the direction of travel can then remain empty, that is, no air is applied.

[0044] In principle, for example, air cushions located adjacent to the seat (e.g., adjacent to the backrest area and / or the seat area and / or in the rim of the seat surface and / or in the rim of the backrest) can be equipped with a corresponding pulsation module. Air cushions located in the rim can also be used to adapt the seat contour to the occupant's body shape by applying more or less air to the corresponding air cushions in the rim, depending on the occupant's body shape, to provide lateral support to the occupant independently of their body shape. These rim air cushions can then not only achieve body shape adaptation but also implement other functions, such as massage, lane change warning functions, and entertainment functions including pulsation.

[0045] Other functions can also be realized with the air cushion assembly, which can utilize the support of this pressure effect on the body so as to convey certain information to the operator. The invention is not limited in this respect, although it is preferably used in a vehicle as part of a vehicle seat, in particular as part of a massage device in a vehicle seat.

[0046] The aforementioned additional functions can be achieved not only by applying air to the air cushion and removing air from the air cushion. Alternatively or additionally, the pulsation provided according to the invention can also be used for this purpose.

[0047] According to the invention, the air cushion assembly further comprises a pulsation module 102. This pulsation module is designed to be structurally independent and, if necessary, also separate from the air supply system and, in particular, from the shutoff valve 112. This means, in particular, that the pulsation module is not integrated into the shutoff valve or the pressure supply 111.

[0048] In particular, it is provided that the shutoff valves are connected to the corresponding air cushions 152 via supply lines 151. The pulsation module 102 is thus connected to the air cushions 152 in such a way that it is arranged at least downstream of the shutoff valves 112 in the direction of flow of air from the pressure supply 111 to the air cushions 152.

[0049] According to the present invention, the pulsation module 102 includes at least one pneumatic element 121. The pneumatic element 121 is understood to be an element that can contain a variable air volume, such as a compressible air cushion.

[0050] According to the present invention, pneumatic element 121 is connected to supply line 151 and, therefore, also to air cushion 152 in a pressure-balanced manner. This means that the same pressure ratios are always maintained in the pneumatic element, supply line 151, and air cushion 152, without any spatial variations in the pressure ratios due to information transfer, for example, in the form of density waves, hindering this. A pressure-balanced connection of pneumatic element 121 to supply line 151 and air cushion 152 is essentially understood to mean that, when valve 112 is closed, the total amount of air present in the pneumatic element, supply line 151, and air cushion 152 remains constant.

[0051] Pulsation module 102 also includes an operating element 122. This operating element is designed to act on pneumatic element 121 through mechanical movement to achieve a change in the volume of the pneumatic element. As described above, a pressure-balanced connection exists between pneumatic element 121, supply line 151, and air cushion 152. If the volume of pneumatic element 121 changes, this results in a change in the pressure within the system, provided the air volume in the system remains constant (with valve 112 closed). This can, for example, result in further expansion of air cushion 152 (increase in pressure) or a decrease in the volume of air cushion 152 or the pressure acting therein.

[0052] Due to the periodic manipulation of the operating element, this results in periodic pulsation of the air cushion 152. In the system including the pneumatic element, supply line 151, and air cushion 152, the pressure information of the volume change of the pneumatic element 121 transmitted by the manipulation of the operating element 122 moves at a speed less than or at most equal to the speed of sound. This results in the essentially instantaneous transmission of this pressure information and, therefore, also in a corresponding change in the pressure ratio in the air cushion 152, given the size of the seat. As a result, this pulsation can be performed very quickly, and the system as a whole is less sluggish.

[0053] exist Figure 1a In the embodiment shown, each pneumatic element 121 is connected to exactly one supply line 151 and, via it, to exactly one air cushion 152 .

[0054] This is a particularly preferred embodiment, but is not mandatory. For example, it is also possible to provide a single pneumatic element 121 for a plurality of air cushions 152. This is particularly advantageous if the plurality of air cushions are always supplied with air or not supplied with air as an air cushion group, since the same pressure ratio is always present for all air cushions, and pulsation can be applied to the air cushions.

[0055] FIG1 also schematically illustrates that one operating element 122 is assigned to exactly one pneumatic element 121. This, on the one hand, represents two separate embodiments. Thus, it can be provided that each of these separate operating elements 122 can be actuated completely independently of the other operating elements, for example by means of a control unit 160, in order to induce pulsations in the associated air cushion, if necessary. In this case, it is possible to coordinate the different phases of the vibrations or pulsations (by applying pulsations of different phases to different air cushions) to prevent undesirable vibrations in the vehicle seat, which could be caused, for example, by reaching a resonant frequency. Alternatively, it can also be provided that, although separate operating elements 122 are provided for each pneumatic element 121, all operating elements 122 are moved in the same phase to generate the pulsations. If the air cushions and, in particular, the pneumatic elements and the operating elements are distributed at different locations on the seat, this can be advantageously used to achieve a decentralized system in which the line path via the supply line 151 is as short as possible, at least between the respective pneumatic element 121 and the associated air cushion 152, but the pulsation occurs simultaneously in all air cushions. As already mentioned, even if the pressure information propagates at the speed of sound in the system, different line lengths can lead to slight delays that may be uncomfortable for the operator, which can be prevented using this embodiment.

[0056] However, as an alternative to the embodiment just described, it is also possible to provide that a series of pneumatic elements 121 is actuated by a single actuating element 122. As will be described later, this does not require that all pneumatic elements of a series of pneumatic elements be actuated simultaneously and in the same phase. It is also conceivable that the pneumatic elements are actuated alternately by this one actuating element.

[0057] In one embodiment, it can also be provided that a single actuating element is provided for all pneumatic elements of the air cushion assembly.

[0058] FIG2 shows a more detailed view of the pulsation module, as already described in FIG1 . In the embodiment shown here, the pulsation module includes only one pneumatic element and one actuating element; however, as already described with reference to FIG1 , the present invention is not limited in this respect. In particular, the pneumatic element and the actuating element do not necessarily have to be arranged in a 1:1 ratio; rather, one actuating element can also actuate multiple pneumatic elements.

[0059] exist Figure 2aThe embodiment of the pulsation module 220 shown provides that the pneumatic element is partially formed by an actuating element 224. The actuating element is designed here, for example, as a plunger, which is movable in the direction of the arrow shown by a drive 221 (e.g., an electric motor, in particular a servo motor). The movement of the actuating element 224 takes place within a volume 222 partially bounded by a surface (also referred to as a working space) 225 of the pneumatic element. Furthermore, the interior volume 222 of the pneumatic element thus formed is bounded by a (preferably) flexible diaphragm 223. This creates an externally closed interior volume 222, which is connected to the supply line 151 in a pressure-balanced manner, as in FIG. 1 .

[0060] If the operating element 224 is now moved by the drive 221, the interior volume 222 changes (eg periodically). The resulting air pressure change in the interior volume 222 is then transmitted via the supply line 151 to the Figure 2a 152, not shown, thereby achieving pulsations in air cushion 152. According to this embodiment, as well as all other described embodiments, frequencies between 1 Hz and 1000 Hz may be preferred. For massage functions or similar functions of vehicle seats, vibrations between 3 Hz and 100 Hz, particularly between 60 Hz and 80 Hz, particularly preferably around 70 Hz, or between 5 and 20 Hz, particularly between 5 and 15 Hz, particularly preferably between 7 and 12 Hz, have proven to be particularly pleasant, allowing users to use the corresponding function without discomfort even for extended periods.

[0061] Figure 2b Another embodiment of the pulsation module 230 is shown. Figure 2a The main difference is that the pneumatic element 233 is completely composed of an air cushion (also called a pneumatic cushion), which has an internal spatial volume and a flexible external shape, which can be changed by the operating element 232, for example by squeezing or compressing the pneumatic element 233 constructed as an air cushion.

[0062] In order to prevent the air cushion from being deflected relative to the mechanical movement of the actuating element 232, it can be provided that the air cushion 233 is arranged in a frame 234 or a holder and, if necessary, is also mechanically connected thereto (e.g., by gluing), so that a guided movement of the actuating element 232 and the air cushion 233 can preferably be brought about, which movement occurs only within the frame 234, so that the volume change of the air cushion 233 caused by the actuating element 232 is completely converted into pressure information or pulsations that can be transmitted via the supply line 151. This embodiment offers the advantage that only the air cushion serves as a pneumatic element and the actuating element is completely independent of the pneumatic element and, in particular, is not arranged to form part of the interior volume.

[0063] Figure 2a The flexible membrane 223 in the housing thus ensures a reliable sealing of the interior volume 222 even during a movement of the actuating element, without the movement of the actuating element having to be additionally sealed from the surroundings.

[0064] Figure 2c Another embodiment of the pulsation module 240 is shown. In the embodiment shown here, Figure 2a In contrast, a sealing assembly 243 is provided instead of the flexible diaphragm 223, which together with the operating element 242 and the housing 245 encloses an interior volume 244. Here, the interior volume 244 can also be changed by the movement of the operating element 242 by means of the drive 241, so as to provide a corresponding pulsation to the air cushion arranged downstream via the supply line 151.

[0065] This embodiment offers the advantage that the internal volume 244 of the pneumatic element is practically entirely bounded by mechanically incompressible elements (actuator 242 and housing 245). The sealing element or sealing assembly 243 can be made of a relatively hard rubber, for example. This prevents the usable volume from being "lost" even over long operating periods, as is the case with the air cushion and the flexible diaphragm 223. These can be subject to material fatigue, which would make them more difficult to use in pulsation-inducing applications or more prone to failure over long operating periods or service lives.

[0066] Figure 3 A further embodiment is shown, in which the movement of the actuating element (ie the mechanical actuation) is decoupled from the pneumatic element.

[0067] For this purpose, one or more pneumatic elements 322 (for example in the form of air cushions) are arranged in a spatial region delimited on the one hand by a housing or other suitable delimiting element 323 and on the other hand by a flexible membrane 321. As in the previous embodiment, the air cushions themselves are each preferably connected to precisely one air cushion of the air cushion assembly via a supply line 151.

[0068] The area formed on the opposite side of the flexible membrane 321 is connected to the further air volume 301 via the line 314. The air volume formed in the area between the flexible membrane 321, the line 314 and the area 315 is preferably constant and, most importantly, not connected to the air supply system of the air cushion assembly. Figure 2a The region 315 is delimited on the one hand by the actuating element 312 and the drive 311 assigned thereto, and on the other hand by the flexible membrane 313 and the housing 316 .

[0069] If actuating element 312 is now actuated, the result is a change in pressure within areas 315 and 324 and within line 314 due to the change in available volume. This acts via the flexible diaphragm on air cushions 322, which deform accordingly and transmit pulsations (due to the pulsating movement of the actuating element) to the air cushions connected to them via supply line 151. This embodiment can be used particularly advantageously to actuate multiple pneumatic elements using a single actuating element. As shown here, pneumatic elements 322 and 322" are filled with air, meaning that the corresponding supply line 151 is also pressurized. Air cushion 322' is flattened, specifically free of air, because no compressed air is introduced into the associated supply line. Therefore, even when the actuating element is actuated, it is ensured that no undesirable pulsations are caused in the air cushion assigned to air cushion 322' at the other end of the associated supply line. Thus, even though a single actuating element is used for a group of pneumatic elements, it can be ensured that pulsations are only applied to the air cushion or air cushion assembly to which air is applied.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to Figure 2b It is provided that a plurality of air cushions are arranged in housing 234. A "pressureless" air cushion, such as air cushion 322', does not transmit any pressure information to the associated air cushions of the air cushion assembly even through the mechanical travel of the actuating element. To further ensure this, it can be provided that the movement of the actuating element is adjusted in this case with respect to its amplitude so that the actuating element does not contact the pressureless air cushions. Thus, even if some "residual air" remains in the pneumatic element, this does not cause undesirable pulsations in the associated air cushions.

[0071] Figure 4 A further embodiment of an actuating element 400 is shown, in which the actuating element is designed as a pivot arm 411 which is pivotable about an axis 412 .

[0072] In the embodiment shown here, two air cushions 401 and 402 are provided, with the first air cushion 401 being located on one side of the pivot arm, and the second air cushion 402 being located on the opposite side. Furthermore, the mating pressure elements 441 and 442 are arranged so that the air cushions are respectively positioned between the pivot arm 411 and the mating pressure element associated therewith, which stabilizes the position of the air cushions. This ensures that the mechanical information transmitted to the air cushions is converted as completely as possible into pressure information, which can be transmitted as pulsations via the corresponding supply lines 451 and 452.

[0073] In the embodiment shown here, it is now provided that the actuating element, in the form of a pivot arm 411, is pivoted about axis 412 in the direction of the double-headed arrow shown. This alternately unloads one air cushion 401 while the other air cushion 402 is loaded, or vice versa. This results in air cushions 401 and 402 being loaded in opposite phases, and the pulsations thus also propagate in precisely opposite phases through supply lines 451 and 452. This is particularly advantageous in order to avoid resonances in the air cushion assembly, which could produce unpleasant effects.

[0074] In the embodiment shown here, only one air cushion is provided on each side of the pivot arm 411, but it is also possible (perpendicular to the Figure 4 A plurality of air cushions can be arranged (in the direction of the drawing plane) so that, for example, air cushions of different groups can be operated in opposite phases. It can also be provided that the unpressurized air cushions are not contacted by the pivot arm 411, or at least do not transmit pressure information to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly associated therewith, so that separate air cushions can also be closed (de-aired) without causing pulsations therein.

[0075] In addition, pivoting is not necessary. In some embodiments, instead of a pivoting arm, it can also be provided that the actuating element can be moved linearly, wherein the pneumatic element can be arranged on the opposite side of the actuating element (for example also when using corresponding mating pressure elements 441 and 442), and the movement of the actuating element is similar to Figure 4 The above-described embodiment alternately causes a loading of one pneumatic element and a relieving of another pneumatic element, in order to thus cause pulsations in the air cushion or in the air cushion assigned to the pneumatic element during the (periodic or repetitive) movement of the actuating element.

[0076] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the pulsation module 500 is designed as a cylinder, which is shown here only in a cross-sectional view, wherein Figure 5 The drawing plane extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

[0077] In the embodiment shown here, a series of air cushions 505 to 508 are arranged on the inner wall of the outer bounding cylinder 501. This can be achieved, for example, by gluing the air cushions or by other mechanical fastening methods, such as screwing or clamping, as long as the air cushions are airtightly closed. Each air cushion (shown using the example of air cushion 505) is connected to an air cushion 152 of the air cushion assembly via a corresponding supply line 151 leading from the outer bounding cylinder 501.

[0078] The air cushions 505 to 508 preferably have the same shape and / or the same volume.

[0079] Furthermore, an actuating element 502 is provided in the outer bounding cylinder 501 , which in this embodiment is realized as a roller arranged eccentrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer bounding cylinder 501 and extending at least along a portion of the total length of the outer bounding cylinder 501 (perpendicular to the drawing plane).

[0080] The roller can be provided with a cylindrical shape or with (slight) deviations from a cylindrical shape. In particular, deviations can be provided on the bottom and top surfaces of the roller (corresponding to the bottom and top surfaces of the outer bounding cylinder 501), which, for example, result in the roller being tilted toward the bottom or top surface. For example, it can be provided that, starting from the center of the roller, the radius of the roller decreases toward the bottom or top surface. This can preferably be implemented in the form of a curve (e.g., a parabola segment) to avoid edges and, therefore, undesirable loading of the air cushion.

[0081] In the embodiment shown here, the roller rotates with its central axis 504 around the central axis 503 of the outer limiting cylinder during operation of the operating element. Due to the eccentric arrangement of the roller 504, when the roller 502 rotates around the axis 503, the air cushions 505 to 508 are deformed to varying degrees, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As can already be seen in FIG. , air cushion 505 is deformed to such an extent that its volume is significantly smaller than that of air cushion 507. This again generates pressure information in the air cushion, which can be transmitted as pulsations (due to repeated and / or periodic rotations of the rollers) via supply line 151 to air cushion 152 of the air cushion assembly.

[0082] In the embodiment shown here, the rollers are arranged in the area where the air cushion is arranged, but it can also be provided that the air cushion is surrounded by an actuating element designed as a hollow roller in the cylinder 501. The air cushion is then firmly connected to, for example, a solid shaft 503 delimiting the cylinder 501 to fix their position. The rollers then run eccentrically around the air cushion on the outside, thereby generating the desired deformation to produce the pulsation.

[0083] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the roller is in direct contact with the air cushion, but it can also be provided that spacers, for example in the form of rubber elements or generally elastic elements, are provided on the surface of the air cushion facing the roller 502. The roller 502 interacts with these spacers during its rotation to convert the mechanical movement of the roller into a deformation of the air cushion. This reduces wear on the surface of the air cushion.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, provision can be made to apply a lubricant, such as grease, to the contact surface of the air cushion with the roller, and / or to provide the pneumatic element (particularly the air cushion) with a TPU film on its contact surface, thereby reducing friction with the cylinder. Both embodiments allow the physical load on the pneumatic elements to be reduced, thereby advantageously increasing their service life.

[0085] Furthermore, it can be provided that the seams of the air cushion are arranged so that the physical load acting on the seams is as small as possible. Such seams are provided for closing the air cushion. The seams can be glued, for example, by heating and partially melting the material of the air cushion. If the seams are perpendicular to the Figure 5 If the plane of the drawing shown extends, i.e., parallel to the axis 503 of the bounding cylinder 501, this means that the air cushion is loaded simultaneously along the joint by the simultaneous movement of the rollers over its entire length. To avoid this, it can be provided that the joint extends at least partially in the circumferential direction, starting from the upper end or upper corner surface of the outer bounding cylinder 501 in the direction of the lower surface of the outer bounding cylinder, so that it encloses an angle with the axis of the outer bounding cylinder 501. This ensures that the entire joint of the air cushion is not loaded simultaneously during the rotation of the roller 502, but rather different regions of the joint are loaded in different rotational positions of the roller. This results in a distribution of the forces acting on the air cushion, thereby increasing the expected service life of the air cushion.

[0086] To enable this embodiment to be installed as space-savingly as possible, for example in the backrest of a vehicle seat, the extension of the air cushion, rollers, and outer bounding cylinder perpendicular to the plane of the drawing can be as small as possible, preferably no more than 2 cm or no more than 3 cm. Nevertheless, to ensure a sufficient volume for inducing pulsation, the inner diameter of the outer bounding cylinder can be at least 5 cm, preferably at least 7 cm, but preferably no more than 10 cm. The rollers and air cushion can then be sized as required, with the volume of the air cushion, or generally the pneumatic element, also depending on the number of pneumatic elements provided.

[0087] In principle (not only Figure 5 2 ), an electric motor, in particular a servo motor, can be provided as the drive for the actuating element. However, since the frequency of the pulsations to be generated in the air cushion of the air cushion assembly may partially deviate from the conventional rotational frequency of the servo motor, it can be provided that the drive and the actuating element are connected via a transmission that achieves a certain transmission ratio.

[0088] This arrangement in Figure 6 The drive motor is shown here as a drive motor 601 and can be, for example, an electric motor or a servo motor. In the drive motor 601 and the pulsating element, in particular the operating element 603 (for example Figure 5A transmission 602 can be provided between the rollers (or the operating elements of Figures 2 to 4) to achieve a specific transmission ratio between the speed of the drive motor and the frequency of the operating element. This transmission ratio can be adjusted according to the application. In principle, it is also conceivable to achieve different transmission ratios using the same transmission, as is well known from transmissions in drive technology. The frequency of the pulsation can thus be adjusted, which is particularly advantageous for different areas of application of this pulsation effect (for example, massage functions on the one hand and support for entertainment systems on the other). It can therefore be provided that the control unit is connected to the transmission and can control the transmission ratio, for example, according to the desired or required pulsation frequency for a specific application.

[0089] While the air cushion assembly according to the present invention has been described only generally here, it can be provided in particular that the air cushion assembly is disposed in the area of ​​the backrest and / or the seat surface of a vehicle seat. In particular, such an air cushion assembly can be implemented in a seat in combination with a lumbar support system, such as is commonly used in the automotive industry. The number of air cushions in the air supply system that exert pressure on the body of the seated person is essentially arbitrary and can include, for example, 10 or 20 air cushions. Any number of air cushions is contemplated.

[0090] It is particularly provided that the pulsation module and the air cushion of the air cushion assembly are installed in the seat. However, the air supply system does not necessarily have to be arranged in the seat and can also be arranged in the vehicle floor, for example. Alternatively, for example, the air cushion assembly can be arranged in the seat backrest, while the air supply system is arranged in the seat surface.

[0091] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) for a seat (130), such as a vehicle seat, comprising at least one air cushion (152) and an air supply system (101) for variably applying air to the air cushions of the air cushion assembly, wherein a supply line (151) comprising a valve (112) that can be shut off leads from the air supply system (101) to each air cushion (152), respectively, wherein a pulsation module (102) is provided, which is configured to apply pulsation to each air cushion, wherein the pulsation module (102) comprises a pneumatic element (121) connected to the at least one supply line (151) in a pressure-balanced manner, and an operating element (122) for transmitting mechanical movement to the pneumatic element to change the volume of the pneumatic element to generate pulsation.

[0092] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to an air spring assembly (100) according to aspect 1, wherein each pneumatic element (121) is connected to exactly one supply line (151).

[0093] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the manipulation element (122) is capable of manipulating the pneumatic elements (121) independently of each other.

[0094] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the pneumatic element (121) comprises an air cushion (233).

[0095] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to an air spring assembly (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein each pneumatic element (121) is associated with a separate maneuvering element (122).

[0096] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to the air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 5, wherein the pneumatic element (121) comprises an air cushion (233) having an internal spatial volume, the internal spatial volume being connected to the supply line (151) in a pressure-balanced manner, and the operating element (121) is configured to change the internal spatial volume of the air cushion by mechanical action to apply pulsation to the air cushion; or

[0097] The pneumatic element (121) is composed of a flexible diaphragm (223), an operating element (224) and a working space (225), wherein the flexible diaphragm, the operating element and the working space jointly define the internal space volume of the pneumatic element, the internal space volume is connected to the supply line pressure in a balanced manner, and the operating element (224) is constructed to change the internal space volume through mechanical movement to apply pulsation to the air cushion.

[0098] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to the air cushion assembly (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the operating element (122) is configured to operate a plurality of pneumatic elements (121) in anti-phase.

[0099] According to an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to the air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 7, wherein the operating element (122) comprises a pivot arm (411) which is capable of pivoting about an axis by an angle, wherein at least one pneumatic element (401, 402) is respectively provided on opposite sides of the pivot arm (411); or

[0100] The operating element is arranged to be linearly movable along an operating path, and at least one pneumatic element is respectively arranged on opposite sides of the operating element.

[0101] According to a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the pulsation module comprises a cylinder (501), the pneumatic element (505-508) is concentrically arranged in the internal space of the cylinder with an internal space volume, and the internal space volume is connected to the supply pipeline (151) in a pressure-balanced manner, and the operating element comprises a roller (502) eccentrically arranged in the cylinder relative to the cylinder (501), wherein the pneumatic element and the operating element are arranged so that the eccentric movement of the roller (502) around the longitudinal axis (503) of the cylinder (501) can change the internal space volume of the pneumatic element (505-508) to apply pulsation to the air cushion (152).

[0102] According to a tenth aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 9, wherein a lubricant is applied to the contact surface between the roller (502) and the pneumatic element (505-508), and / or the pneumatic element (505-508) includes a TPU film or the contact surface with the roller (502) includes a TPU film.

[0103] According to an eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 9 or 10, wherein the joints of the pneumatic elements (505-508) form an angle with the axis of the column (501) and / or the axis of rotation of the roller (502).

[0104] According to a twelfth aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein the roller (502) is connected to the drive element (601) via a transmission (602).

[0105] According to a thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to an air cushion assembly (100) according to aspect 12, wherein the driving element (601) is an electric motor and is provided with a control unit (160) capable of operating the electric motor to control the rotation frequency of the electric motor.

[0106] According to a fourteenth aspect, the present invention relates to an air spring assembly (100) according to one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein:

[0107] The air cushion assembly (100) comprises a drive element for the operating element, the drive element being configured to generate pulsations with a frequency of 1 Hz to 1000 Hz, or 3 Hz to 100 Hz, or 60 Hz to 80 Hz, or between 5 and 20 Hz, in particular between 5 and 15 Hz, particularly preferably between 7 and 12 Hz; and or

[0108] The air cushion assembly (100) is configured to realize a massage function and / or an entertainment function and / or a route assistance function and / or a lane change warning function.

[0109] According to a fifteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a seat (130), such as a vehicle seat, comprising an air cushion assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and optionally comprising a lumbar support system.

Claims

1. A pulsation module (500) having a supply line (151) for an air cushion assembly (100), wherein: The pulsation module (102) includes a plurality of pneumatic elements (505-508) and a manipulation element for transmitting mechanical motion to the pneumatic elements to change the volume of the pneumatic elements to generate pulsation, wherein the pulsation module includes a cylinder (501), the pneumatic elements (505-508) are concentrically arranged in the internal space of the cylinder with an internal space volume, and the internal space volume is connected to the supply pipeline (151) in a pressure-balanced manner, and the manipulation element includes a roller (502) eccentrically arranged in the cylinder relative to the cylinder (501), wherein the pneumatic elements and the manipulation element are arranged so that the eccentric movement of the roller (502) around the longitudinal axis (503) of the cylinder (501) can change the internal space volume of the pneumatic elements (505-508) to apply pulsation to the supply pipeline (151).

2. The pulsation module (500) according to claim 1, wherein A lubricant is applied to the contact surface between the roller (502) and the pneumatic element (505-508), and / or the pneumatic element (505-508) includes a TPU film or the contact surface with the roller (502) includes a TPU film.

3. The pulsation module (500) according to claim 1, wherein The joints of the pneumatic elements (505-508) form an angle with the axis of the column (501) and / or the rotation axis of the roller (502).

4. The pulsation module (500) according to claim 2, wherein The joints of the pneumatic elements (505-508) form an angle with the axis of the column (501) and / or the rotation axis of the roller (501).

5. The pulsation module (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The roller (502) is connected to the drive element (601) via a transmission (602).

6. The pulsation module (500) according to claim 5, wherein: The driving element (601) is an electric motor and is provided with a control unit (160) capable of operating the electric motor to control the rotation frequency of the electric motor.

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