Module carrier assembly and vehicle seat

Abstract

The utility model relates to a module carrier assembly and a vehicle seat, the module carrier assembly is used for being installed on a seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, the module carrier assembly is provided with a module carrier (3) and at least one fluid actuator (F), the module carrier (3) is provided with a front side (31) and a back side opposite to the front side (31), and the fluid actuator (F) is arranged on the back side of the module carrier (3). The fluid actuator is formed by a preferably fluid-tight connection (V) of at least one component (2) which is preferably produced by injection moulding and which can be deformed by fluid pressure to a front side (31) of the module carrier (3), such that a space (25) which can be filled with fluid is present between the deformable component (2) and the front side (31). In at least one or more fluid actuators (F), a portion (T) of the front side (31) of the module carrier (3), which delimits each of the spaces (25) that can be filled with fluid, is at least partially unflattened or / and provided with a projection (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a module carrier assembly. Background Art

[0002] It is known from DE102019219672A1 and DE102019219675A1 a massage pad for a vehicle seat. In Figure 5 there are schematic diagrams. Here, a carrier in the form of a foil is connected on its upper side to a plurality of injection-molded corrugated bellows in the edge region via a suitable connection V. The bellows with folding parts then together with the carrier form a fluid actuator F in a containing space. To operate the fluid actuator, the space is filled with fluid or fluid is removed from the space. In this way, the upper part of the component is lifted or lowered, so that a determined lifting and lowering pattern for a specific massage program can be achieved according to program control.

[0003] It is generally known that: a module carrier assembly is directly or indirectly mounted on a vehicle seat structure, which is configured to fix thereon certain functional components, such as a fluid actuator or a valve body or a pump. In addition, the module carrier assembly is also used to fix corresponding pipelines for transporting air or other fluids to various components. Usually such a module carrier assembly is located behind the backrest or the seat cushion of the seat component in a vehicle seat.

[0004] In the above system where the carrier is a more or less flatly configured foil, there are the following disadvantages: in order to operate the fluid actuator F, a relatively large volume of the space must be filled or emptied. This increases the response time of the system and sets significant limitations on the diversity of massage programs that can be achieved with this arrangement. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] Therefore, the task of the utility model is to provide a module carrier assembly that largely eliminates this disadvantage.

[0006] The module carrier assembly for mounting on a seat structure of a motor vehicle seat according to the utility model has a module carrier, which in turn has a front side and a back side opposite to the front side.

[0007] Furthermore, the module carrier assembly includes at least one fluid actuator, and the fluid actuator is preferably fluid-tightly connected to the front side of the module carrier by means of at least one member deformable by fluid pressure energy. Thus, it is achieved that there is a fluid-fillable space between the deformable member, preferably manufactured by injection molding, and the front side. According to the further provisions of the present invention: in at least one or more fluid actuators, the portions of the front side of the module carrier that respectively define the fluid-fillable space are at least partially unevenly configured and / or provided with protrusions.

[0008] By this measure, the internal volume of the at least one fluid actuator is reduced and the maximum extension or evacuation of the fluid actuator can be achieved by conveying or pumping out a smaller fluid volume. When less fluid, preferably air, has to be exchanged during evacuation or conveying, these processes can be accelerated and the response time of the fluid actuator becomes smaller. This enables more flexibility when implementing a massage program and, additionally, a faster sequence of filling and emptying cycles can be achieved.

[0009] The corresponding volume reduction can be achieved in different ways. One possibility is that the module carrier has an inconsistent surface and / or inconsistent thickness for the uneven configuration on its front side. For example, protrusions can be formed in the module carrier or the module carrier can be configured with a greater thickness in the corresponding area surrounded by the above-mentioned member.

[0010] It can further be provided that fluid guiding channels or components of the fluid guiding channels are formed or integrated in the module carrier and / or the protrusions. This allows for particularly effective filling or evacuation of the fluid actuator without having to install external pipelines. Here, at least one of the fluid guiding channels or a part of the fluid guiding channels can lead into the space.

[0011] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deformable member of at least one fluid actuator can be mounted on the module carrier by means of a connection manufactured by bonding, laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or heating element welding. It goes without saying that other connections are also possible, provided that they do not enable fluid exchange with areas outside the fluid actuator.

[0012] Many materials can also be used for the material selection of at least a part of the deformable member and / or the module carrier. It is preferably provided that at least a part of the deformable member and / or the module carrier comprises at least one of the following materials or is manufactured from at least one of the following materials: HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR, rubber material, silicone rubber material, silicone elastomer material.

[0013] The material of the module carrier and / or other components can be constructed in different ways and methods. According to a preferred embodiment, it can be further provided that: the material that is preferably more rigid relative to the deformable member includes or consists of plastic material, foil material or felt material. Here, the carrier material or the module carrier assembly can be a component constructed by injection molding or by thermoforming or have such components.

[0014] Other components can also be integrated into the module carrier assembly according to the present invention. For example, it can be preferably provided that: the module carrier includes an integrated fixing section for mounting or placing pneumatic components and / or non-pneumatic components. The pneumatic components can be selected from the following group, for example: pumps, valve bodies, fluid actuators. The non-pneumatic components can be selected from the following group, which includes: components of a vibration system, components of a ventilation system, electrical components, cable bundles, connectors, covers. Optional other components can be pneumatic or non-pneumatic components.

[0015] According to the present invention, a section capable of fixing a hose line or a fluid actuator can be provided on the module carrier.

[0016] Finally, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat frame structure and the above-mentioned module carrier assembly suspended on the seat frame structure via a suspension device. Description of the Drawings

[0017] The following will Figures 1 to 7 explain the present invention in detail.

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of the module carrier assembly according to the present invention is shown, wherein the deformable member is in a first deformation state;

[0019] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 the embodiment shown in, wherein the deformable member is in a second deformation state;

[0020] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 1 a side view of the module carrier assembly shown in;

[0021] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 2 a side view of the module carrier assembly shown in;

[0022] Figure 5 An arrangement according to the prior art is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 Shown in Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a part of a module carrier assembly according to the present invention in the region of detail D;

[0024] Figure 7 Showing a cross-sectional view of a part of a module carrier assembly according to the present invention in the region of detail D in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a part of a module carrier assembly according to the present invention in the region of detail D. Detailed Description

[0025] The module carrier assembly according to the present invention thus allows for at least partial integration of components of a pneumatic system in the module carrier. This can save components as at least part of the pneumatic components are formed by the module carrier itself or the material of the module carrier.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Showing a perspective view of the module carrier assembly 1 on the front side 31 according to the present invention, the module carrier assembly 1 having a deformable member 2, which is in Figure 1 a first deformation state in, in which the deformable member 2 or at least one of the deformable members (preferably implemented as a bellows) is evacuated, while the deformable member of the module carrier assembly is in Figure 2 a second deformation state 2 in, in which the deformable member 2 is filled with fluid. Of course, some of the members 2 can be in the first deformation state while other members are in the second deformation state. Therefore, Figure 1 and Figure 2 the illustrations in should only be understood exemplarily. The deformable members 2 can be arranged, for example, in pairs one above the other as shown. Thus, it is possible to respond to the shoulders, chest area and waist of a person sitting in the seat.

[0027] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the module carrier assembly 1 shown forms a part of the seat back, but can also be placed in a seat component. The module carrier 3 is arranged on the support frame 7 and has a deformable member 2 on the front side 31. In the upper region of the module carrier assembly 1, the seat frame 8 or the seat structure is shown, on which the module carrier 3 is suspended by means of a suspension device 7. In addition, other components (such as pumps, valves) and other members (such as control devices) can be provided on the front side 31 or the back side of the module carrier 3.

[0028] In Figure 1In [reference], all the deformable members 2 are exemplarily in the first deformation state, in which the volume enclosed by the deformable member 2 decreases. The deformable member 2 is placed substantially flat on the module carrier 3. When the member is filled with fluid, the member is in the second deformation state, as shown in Figure 2 . The deformable member 2 projects from the module carrier 3 and thus presses, for example, against a (not shown) cover of the backrest and thus against the back of a person sitting on the seat. The deformable member 2 and the module carrier section T are combined to construct a fluid actuator F, which has been applied to the module carrier section, and the fluid actuator will be described in detail below.

[0029] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are shown in side view respectively Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the module carrier assembly 1. In the side view, it can be clearly seen how the deformable member 2 lies flat against the module carrier 3 in the first deformation state (emptied) ( Figure 3 ) and stands upright protruding above the module carrier in the second deformation state (filled with fluid) ( Figure 4 ).

[0030] In Figure 4 the detail D characterized shows the region of the fluid actuator F, which is shown in enlarged view in different implementation variants in Figures 5 to 7 , Figure 5 shows an embodiment according to the prior art.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a fluid actuator F, in which a section of the assembly carrier 3, preferably a deformable member 2 in the form of a bellows, is arranged on the surface 31 of the section. Here, the edge region 26 of the deformable member 2 is connected to the surface 31 of the module carrier 3 by means of a fluid-tight connection V, such that the part T of the surface 31 delimited by the deformable member is part of the fluid actuator F and forms the lower boundary of the space 25 that can be filled with fluid. The connection V is preferably manufactured by laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding or heating element welding. Of course, other connections, such as bonding or clamping, are also conceivable. As materials for the deformable member 2 and / or at least the delimited part T of the module carrier 3, at least one of the materials HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR is considered.

[0032] The deformable member 2 is preferably embodied as a corrugated bellows. The edge region 26 is connected to the module carrier 3. Foldings 22 to 24 are provided in a manner such that they are connected thereto, whereby the upper part 21 forms a pressure surface which, for example, presses against a seat cushion or a seat cover and can thus act as a massage airbag on the back of a person sitting on the seat.

[0033] For example, within the space 25 in the defined part T of the module carrier 3 centered, a channel or a groove leads into the surface 31. Above this groove, a projection 4 is provided which is fixed to the surface 31 of the module carrier 3. The fixing of the projection can be carried out in one of the above-described ways. The underside of the projection 4 has a groove just like the surface 31 of the module carrier 3 and more precisely has a groove such that the two grooves are placed on top of each other and form a fluid guiding channel 5 through which the fluid-fillable space 25 is connected to a pump and possibly to other fluid-fillable spaces. This fluid guiding channel 5 can alternatively be fully integrated in the module carrier 3 or the projection 4. In order to introduce fluid into the space 25 or evacuate the space, there is at least one further fluid guiding channel 6 leading from the space 25 to the fluid guiding channel 5. Here, the projection 4 ideally is the volume occupied by the fluid actuator in the first deformation state (empty), such that as little as possible of the empty volume has to be pressure-loaded or pressure-relieved, and thus rapid filling or emptying can be carried out. Of course, it is appropriate to embody the projection 4 such that the projection does not contact the wall of the deformable member 2 in the first deformation state. Thereby, friction between the projection 4 and the deformable member 2 is avoided, which in turn increases the service life of the fluid actuator F.

[0034] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the fluid actuator F of the module carrier assembly 1 is shown. The difference from the first embodiment is that the projection 4 is constructed integrally with the module carrier 3 and is not a separate member. The thickening leading to the projection 4 is preferably a thickening of the module carrier 3. Here, the fluid guiding channels 5, 6 are machined into the module carrier.

[0035] The module carrier assembly 1 according to the present invention comprises at least one fluid actuator F which is formed by a deformable member 2 and the defined part T of the module carrier 3, the defined part T of the module carrier 3 comprising unevennesses and / or projections 4 on the surface 31, the unevennesses and / or the projections minimizing the empty volume, i.e., the volume 25 which also exists in the emptied state, so as to enable a faster filling or emptying of the fluid-fillable space 25 of the fluid actuator F. The faster the response time of the fluid actuator F, the more variably the control program for the seat massage function can be programmed in the control device.

Claims

1. A module carrier assembly, the module carrier assembly being used for being mounted on a seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, the module carrier assembly comprising: a module carrier (3) having a front side (31) and a rear side opposite the front side (31), and at least one fluid actuator (F), which is formed by a connection (V) of at least one component (2) deformable by fluid pressure to the front side (31) of the module carrier (3), so that a space (25) fillable with fluid is present between the deformable component (2) and the front side (31), It is characterized in that In at least one or more fluid actuators (F), a portion (T) of the front side (31) of the module carrier (3) which respectively delimits the fluid-fillable space (25) is at least partially unevenly configured and / or provided with projections (4).

2. The module carrier assembly according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The deformable component (2) is produced by injection molding.

3. The module carrier assembly according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The connection (V) is fluid-tight.

4. The module carrier assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The module carrier (3) has a non-uniform surface and / or a non-uniform thickness in order to achieve an uneven configuration on its front side (31).

5. The module carrier assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that Fluid-conducting channels (5, 6) or parts of the fluid-conducting channels are formed or integrated in the module carrier (3) and / or the projection (4).

6. The module carrier assembly according to claim 5, It is characterized in that At least one of the fluid-conducting channels (5, 6) or parts of the fluid-conducting channels open into the fluid-fillable space (25).

7. The module carrier assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The deformable component (2) of at least one fluid actuator (F) is mounted on the module carrier (3) by means of a connection (V) produced by bonding, laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, heating element welding.

8. The module carrier assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that At least a part of the deformable component (2) and / or the module carrier (3) comprises at least one of the following materials or is made of at least one of the following materials: HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR, rubber material, silicone rubber material, silicone elastomer material. 9 . A vehicle seat having a seat frame structure and a module carrier assembly ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , which is suspended on the seat frame structure via a suspension device.

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