Seat for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a seat for a vehicle, comprising a seat cushion part, the seat cushion part comprising: a silica gel layer; an air bag capable of being selectively inflated and deflated; an air duct connected with the air bag to inflate and deflate the air bag; wherein the silica gel layer wraps the air bag. The application also relates to a corresponding vehicle. The positive effects of the application are particularly that the silica gel layer provides basic support strength, and the air bag is only used to additionally change the hardness of the silica gel layer, so that a user can always obtain a very good riding experience, especially compared with using an independent air bag layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a seat for a vehicle and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The firmness of a vehicle seat is crucial to the riding experience. Currently, the traditional methods for adjusting firmness are to change the firmness of the seat foam material itself, or to add a separate air cushion layer on top of the foam material. Inflating the air cushion layer increases seat firmness, and deflating it decreases it. However, in these solutions, the comfort provided by an independent air cushion layer is very limited, and the thickness and adjustability of the air cushion layer are usually also restricted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a seat for a vehicle, which in particular improves the riding experience.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this application, a seat for a vehicle is provided, the seat including a cushion portion comprising: a silicone layer; an airbag capable of selective inflation and deflation; and an air passage connected to the airbag for inflating or deflating the airbag; wherein the silicone layer encloses the airbag.

[0005] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the silicone layer includes an outer membrane and a silicone gel encapsulated by the outer membrane, with the airbag located within the silicone gel.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the airway includes an inner airway within the silicone layer and an outer airway outside the silicone layer.

[0007] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the seat includes an air supply device for inflating the airbag via the air passage.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the airbag includes a plurality of airbags.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the seat includes a foam layer located beneath the silicone layer.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the seat includes a seat controller for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag and a valve controlled by the seat controller.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the plurality of airbags are distributed within the silicone gel.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the internal airway includes a main internal airway and sub-internal airways branching from the main internal airway for supplying air to each airbag respectively.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the airbag is provided with a positioning strip, and the plurality of airbags are connected to each other and / or connected to the outer membrane via the positioning strip.

[0014] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the gas supply device can be connected to the air conditioning outlet of the vehicle to obtain temperature-controlled gas from the air conditioning outlet.

[0015] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the air supply device includes an air pump for inflating the airbag.

[0016] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the air supply device includes an air tank for inflating the airbag, and the air pump is capable of inflating the air tank.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the air pump can directly inflate the airbag.

[0018] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the air pump can selectively draw air from the environment or draw temperature-controlled air from the vehicle's air conditioning vent.

[0019] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the gas supply device is located below the foaming layer.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the external air passage passes through the foam layer.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the valve includes a first valve for inflating and / or deflating the airbag.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the valve includes a second valve for switching the air intake source of the air supply device.

[0023] According to an optional embodiment of this application, the seat controller can communicate with the vehicle's air conditioning controller.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the airbag has a spherical or cylindrical shape when inflated.

[0025] According to an alternative embodiment of this application, the seat includes a heating pad located above the silicone layer and a face cover located above the heating pad.

[0026] According to a second aspect of this application, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including the aforementioned seat for a vehicle.

[0027] At least in some embodiments, the positive effects of this application are as follows: the basic support strength is provided by the silicone layer, and the airbag is only used to additionally change the softness and hardness of the silicone layer, so the user can always have a very good riding experience, especially compared with the use of a separate airbag layer; the outer film of the silicone layer is more resistant to dirt; the silicone gel of the silicone layer has better riding comfort; and the airbag can be supplied with cold or hot air by the vehicle's air conditioning to regulate the temperature of the seat, thereby eliminating the need for seat heating pads and cooling fans. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The principles, features, and advantages of this application will be better understood below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings include: Figure 1 An example of the vehicle of this application is illustrated in the schematic diagram; Figure 2 The illustration shows a first example of the structure of the seat cushion portion of a vehicle seat according to this application; Figure 3 Another example of a silicone layer is illustrated schematically; Figure 4 A second example of the structure of the seat cushion portion of the chair is schematically shown; Figure 5 A third example of the structure of the seat cushion portion of the chair is schematically shown; Figure 6 The illustration shows a fourth example of the structure of the seat cushion portion of the chair. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0030] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle 9 according to this application is illustrated schematically. Vehicle 9 may be a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. Vehicle 9 may be fuel-powered, electric-powered, or hybrid-powered. Vehicle 9 has a seat 90 for use with vehicle 9. Only one seat 90 is shown here as an example. Seat 90 may include a cushion portion 91 and a backrest portion 92. Seat 90 may also include other components such as a seat frame.

[0031] Figure 2 The illustration shows a first example of the structure of the cushion portion 91 of the seat 90 for vehicle 9 of this application.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the seat cushion portion 91 includes: Silicone layer 1; Airbag 2 capable of selective inflation and deflation; An airway 3 connected to the airbag 2 to inflate and deflate the airbag 2; The silicone layer 1 encloses the airbag 2.

[0033] As a result, the following technical effects are achieved: the silicone layer 1 provides basic support strength, and the airbag 2 is only used to additionally change the softness and hardness of the silicone layer 1. Therefore, especially compared with the use of a separate airbag layer, users can always obtain a very good riding experience.

[0034] The airway is understood, in particular, as the trachea or other structures adapted to guide the flow of gas.

[0035] The silicone layer 1 encloses the airbag 2, specifically meaning that the silicone layer 1 completely encloses the airbag 2, or that the airbag 2 does not protrude from the silicone layer 1.

[0036] The hardness of the silicone layer 1 varies, particularly based on the degree of compression it receives from the airbag 2: when the airbag 2 inflates, it compresses the silicone layer 1, causing it to harden. When the airbag 2 deflates, the silicone layer 1 softens again.

[0037] Based on the inflation and deflation function of the airbag 2, the thickness of the silicone layer 1 can vary between 30 mm and 50 mm. For example, in the deflated state, the thickness of the silicone layer 1 is 30 mm, and in the inflated state, the thickness of the silicone layer 1 increases to 50 mm.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the silicone layer 1 includes an outer membrane 10 and a silicone gel 11 encapsulated by the outer membrane 10, with the air bladder 2 located within the silicone gel 11. Figure 2 In the diagram, the outer membrane 10 is indicated by a diagonal line, and the silicone gel 11 is indicated by a cross line.

[0039] In particular, the outer membrane 10 is more resistant to dirt compared to solid silicone. Furthermore, the silicone gel 11 is softer than solid silicone and, due to its better flowability, better distributes the occupant's weight. Silicone gel 11 also has better thermal conductivity. Therefore, overall, the above design achieves a better riding experience.

[0040] The outer membrane 10 can in particular have a pre-designed shape or form.

[0041] Alternatively, instead of the scheme in which the silicone layer 1 is composed of an outer membrane 10 and a silicone gel 11, it is theoretically conceivable that the silicone layer 1 is composed of solid silicone.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2As shown, the air bladder 2 comprises multiple air bladders 2. These multiple air bladders 2 are distributed within the silicone gel 11, particularly within the outer membrane 10. "Multiple" specifically refers to two or more. Theoretically, it is also conceivable that only one air bladder 2 exists within the silicone layer 1.

[0043] exist Figure 2 In this example, when inflated, the airbag 2 has a spherical shape.

[0044] Alternatively, it is conceivable that airbag 2 has a cylindrical shape or other shapes.

[0045] It is also conceivable that some of the multiple airbags 2 have a spherical shape, while others have a cylindrical shape.

[0046] Different airbags 2 can also have different sizes.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, airbag 2 can also be divided into different layers according to height. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates two airbag layers, upper and lower. Each airbag 2 within an airbag layer may, for example, have the same shape and size. Airbags 2 in different airbag layers may, for example, have different shapes, sizes, and / or distribution densities. It is conceivable that the upper airbag layer has fewer airbags 2 and / or smaller volumes; while the lower airbag layer has more airbags 2 and / or larger volumes.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the airway 3 includes an inner airway 30 within the silicone layer 1 and an outer airway 31 outside the silicone layer 1.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the internal airway 30 includes a main internal airway 301 and sub-internal airways 302 branching from the main internal airway 301 for supplying air to each of the individual air sacs 2. The main internal airway 301 is particularly accessible to the outside of the outer membrane 10 via a main vent.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat 90 includes a foam layer 80 located beneath the silicone layer 1. The foam layer 80 is, in particular, foamed sponge. The thickness of the foam layer 80 is, for example, 40 mm to 50 mm.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat 90 includes an air supply device 4 for inflating the airbag 2 via the air passage 3.

[0052] The air supply device 4 can be located below the foam layer 80. Furthermore, the external air duct 31 passes through the foam layer 80. Thus, the external air duct 31 can be connected to the air supply device 4.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air supply device 4 includes an air pump 40 for inflating the airbag 2.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air supply device 4 includes an air tank 41 for inflating the airbag 2, and an air pump 40 can inflate the air tank 41. The air tank 41 can quickly and stably inflate the airbag 2.

[0055] exist Figure 2 For example, the air pump 40 can also directly inflate the airbag 2.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat 90 includes a seat controller 5 for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag 2 and a valve 6 controlled by the seat controller 5. Figure 2 In the image, the control connection between the seat controller 5 and the valve 6 is shown in dashed lines.

[0057] The seat controller 5 can control the inflation and deflation of the airbag 2 in response to user input and / or based on the user's historical preferences.

[0058] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, valve 6 includes a first valve 61 for inflating and / or deflating airbag 2.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In this example, the first valve 61 may have at least one of the following valve positions: In the first valve position, the first valve 61 connects the gas storage tank 41 to the air bag 2 to inflate the air bag 2. In the second valve position, the first valve 61 connects the air pump 40 to the airbag 2 so that the airbag 2 can be inflated directly through the air pump 40. In the third valve position, the first valve 61 connects the air pump 40 to the air storage tank 41 so as to replenish the air storage tank 41 with air through the air pump 40. In the fourth valve position, the first valve 61 connects the airbag 2 to the environment for deflation. In the fifth valve position, the first valve 61 connects the air pump 40 and the air tank 41 to the airbag 2 simultaneously to inflate the airbag 2. In the sixth valve position, the first valve 61 closes the air passage 3 to maintain pressure.

[0060] exist Figure 2 In this example, only one first valve 61 is shown. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the first valve 61 may include multiple first valves 61 to respectively perform the functions corresponding to the valve positions described above.

[0061] In the fourth valve position, the airbag 2 can be directly connected to the environment or connected to the environment via the pressure relief valve 63. The pressure relief valve 63 may operate as follows: during deflation, when the pressure in the airway 3 drops to a threshold value, the pressure relief valve 63 will automatically close and stop deflation. Thus, a certain amount of pressurized gas, or a certain pressure, is always maintained inside the airbag 2.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air supply device 4 can be connected to the air conditioning outlet 7 of the vehicle 9 to obtain temperature-controlled gas from the air conditioning outlet 7. Therefore, cold or hot air can be supplied to the air supply device 4 from the air conditioning outlet 7 as needed, thereby supplying cold or hot air to the airbag 2. Here, as... Figure 2 As shown, in particular, the air pump 40 of the air supply device 4 is connected to the air outlet 7 of the air conditioner.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the air pump 40 can selectively draw air from the environment or draw temperature-controlled air from the air conditioning vent 7 of the vehicle 9. Thus, even when the air conditioning is not working and the vehicle 9 is in recirculation mode, the air pump 40 can still draw air from the environment to inflate the airbag 2.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, valve 6 may include a second valve 62 for switching the air supply source of the air supply device 4, particularly the air pump 40. The second valve 62 may have, for example, two positions: in a first position, the second valve 62 connects the air pump 40 to the environment, and in a second position, the second valve 62 connects the air pump 40 to the air conditioning outlet 7.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat controller 5 can communicate with the air conditioning controller 70 of the vehicle 9. Specifically, the seat controller 5 can obtain the actual temperature of the seat 90 based on a temperature sensor. Depending on the difference between the actual temperature and the desired temperature, the seat controller 5 can request either cool or hot air from the air conditioning controller 70 of the vehicle 9.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the seat 90 includes a heating pad 81 located above the silicone layer 1 and a cover 82 located above the heating pad 81. The heating pad 81 enables rapid heating, and the cover 82 protects the internal filling layer of the seat 90. It is also conceivable that the heating pad 81 could be omitted since the air conditioning system of the vehicle 9 can provide heat to the airbag 2.

[0067] Similarly, since the air conditioning in vehicle 9 can provide cooling, the cooling fan in seat 90 can be eliminated.

[0068] Figure 3 Another example of silicone layer 1 is illustrated schematically. Figure 3 In this example, the airbag 2 is provided with positioning strips 20, and multiple airbags 2 are connected to each other and / or connected to the outer membrane 10 via the positioning strips 20. Figure 3 In the middle, the positioning strip 20 is marked by a diagonal line. The positioning strip 20 enables the airbag 2 to maintain its position in the silicone layer 1 (especially the silicone gel 11) in a basically unchanged manner.

[0069] Figure 4 A second example of the structure of the cushion portion 91 of the seat 90 is shown schematically.

[0070] exist Figure 4 In this example, the first valve 61 includes a first inflation valve 610 and a first deflation valve 611 that are independent of each other.

[0071] Figure 5 A third example of the structure of the cushion portion 91 of the seat 90 is shown schematically.

[0072] exist Figure 5 In this example, the air pump 40 is used only to inflate the air tank 41, and not directly to inflate the air bag 2. Here, the air pump 40 draws air from the environment, for example, and does not draw temperature-controlled air from the air conditioner outlet 7.

[0073] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a fourth example of the structure of the cushion portion 91 of the seat 90.

[0074] exist Figure 6 In this design, the air tank 41 is eliminated, and the airbag 2 is inflated directly by the air pump 40.

[0075] In the accompanying drawings, the distances between the layers of the cushion portion 91 are exaggerated for clarity. In reality, the layers may actually be adjacent to each other.

[0076] See Figure 1 The backrest portion 92 of the seat 90 may have a similar configuration or layered structure to the cushion portion 91.

[0077] The proposed solution for seat 90 can be used for at least one seat 90 in vehicle 9, and in particular for all seats 90 in vehicle 9.

[0078] The dimensions, quantity, position, shape, and interrelationships of the elements in the accompanying drawings should be understood as examples, not as absolute limitations of this application. Those skilled in the art can also conceive of simple variations in the dimensions, quantity, position, shape, and interrelationships of these elements without departing from the scope of protection of this application.

[0079] In the accompanying drawings, there are multiple elements that have the same function. Sometimes only some of them are labeled as examples, but those skilled in the art can identify the other elements that have the same function without any doubt by the similarity between the shapes of these elements.

[0080] Provided that it is permissible in principle, each of the cited features can be considered as an individual feature and can be combined with any other feature in any form without departing from the scope of protection of this application. If it is permissible in principle, even if not explicitly stated, a feature described for one embodiment should be considered as being arbitrarily applicable to other embodiments.

[0081] Although specific embodiments of this application are described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

[0082] List of reference numerals 1 silicone layer, 10 outer membrane, 11 silicone gel; 2 airbags, 20 positioning strips; 3 airways, 30 internal airways, 301 main internal airway, 302 sub-internal airway, 31 external airway; 4. Gas supply unit, 40. Air pump, 41. Air storage tank 5. Seat controllers; 6 valves, 61 first valve, 610 first inflation valve, 611 first deflation valve, 62 second valve, 63 pressure limiting valve; 7 air conditioning outlets, 70 air conditioning controller; 80 foam layer, 81 heating pad, 82 face cover; 9 vehicles, 90 seats, 91 seat cushions, 92 backrests.

Claims

1. A seat (90) for a vehicle (9), characterized in that, The seat (90) includes a cushion portion (91), the cushion portion (91) comprising: Silicone layer (1); An airbag capable of selective inflation and deflation (2); An airway (3) is connected to the airbag (2) to inflate or deflate the airbag (2); The silicone layer (1) encloses the airbag (2).

2. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The silicone layer (1) includes an outer membrane (10) and a silicone gel (11) enclosed by the outer membrane (10), and the airbag (2) is located in the silicone gel (11); The airway (3) includes an inner airway (30) within the silicone layer (1) and an outer airway (31) outside the silicone layer (1). The seat (90) includes an air supply device (4) for inflating the airbag (2) via the air passage (3); The airbag (2) includes multiple airbags (2); The seat (90) includes a foam layer (80) located below the silicone layer (1). The seat (90) includes a seat controller (5) for controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbag (2) and a valve (6) controlled by the seat controller (5).

3. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The plurality of air sacs (2) are distributed in the silicone gel (11); The internal airway (30) includes a main internal airway (301) and sub-internal airways (302) branching off from the main internal airway (301) for supplying air to each airbag (2). The airbag (2) is provided with a positioning strip (20), and the plurality of airbags (2) are connected to each other via the positioning strip (20) and / or connected to the outer membrane (10) via the positioning strip (20).

4. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The gas supply device (4) can be connected to the air conditioning outlet (7) of the vehicle (9) to obtain temperature-controlled gas from the air conditioning outlet (7); The air supply device (4) includes an air pump (40) for inflating the airbag (2).

5. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The air supply device (4) includes an air tank (41) for inflating the airbag (2), and the air pump (40) is capable of inflating the air tank (41). The air pump (40) can directly inflate the airbag (2); The air pump (40) can selectively draw air from the environment or draw temperature-controlled air from the air conditioning outlet (7) of the vehicle (9).

6. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The gas supply device (4) is located below the foaming layer (80); The external air passage (31) passes through the foam layer (80).

7. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes at least one of the following features: The valve (6) includes a first valve (61) for inflating and / or deflating the airbag (2). The valve (6) includes a second valve (62) for switching the air intake source of the air supply device (4). The seat controller (5) can communicate with the air conditioning controller (70) of the vehicle (9).

8. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When inflated, the airbag (2) has a spherical or cylindrical shape.

9. The seat (90) for a vehicle (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The seat (90) includes a heating pad (81) on the silicone layer (1) and a face cover (82) on the heating pad (81).

10. A vehicle (9), characterized in that, The vehicle (9) includes a seat (90) for the vehicle (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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