Module carrier assembly for vehicle seat and vehicle seat

Abstract

The utility model relates to a module carrier assembly (1) for a vehicle seat (8), which is provided with a module carrier (4) with a front side and a back side; one or more fluid actuators (5), on which at least one connecting element is preferably arranged in each case, one or more receptacles (3) are arranged in the module carrier or in a component (2) mounted on the module carrier, and the receptacles are designed to receive the connecting elements, the at least one connecting element has a fluid passage opening into the interior of the fluid actuator, and the associated receptacle has a fluid passage opening into the fluid channel. The utility model further relates to a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat is provided with a backrest (10), a seat part (9) and the module carrier assembly, and the module carrier assembly is arranged in the backrest and / or the seat part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a module carrier component for a vehicle seat. The module carrier component is provided with a fluid actuator arranged thereon.

[0002] The utility model also relates to a vehicle seat, which comprises a backrest, a seat component and the module carrier assembly. Background Art

[0003] Fluid actuators are often used on vehicle seats to control the massage function of a vehicle seat by filling and / or emptying the bag with a structure that can be filled with fluid. For this reason, such massage bags must be fixed on a module carrier or on the vehicle seat.

[0004] A known method for attaching such massage bladders to the inside of a seat is to attach them to a film carrier, which is then attached to a cushioning element, for example made of foam, using other fastening means. The massage bladder is then assembled on the A side of the cushioning element, which faces the seat occupant.

[0005] However, a B-side massage concept is also conceivable, in which the massage bladders are no longer located on the A-side of the cushioning element, but behind the foam material on the so-called B-side. Here, too, known solutions with a membrane carrier fixed to a module carrier are initially proposed. However, studies have shown that this type of fixing of the massage bladders to the relatively rigid module carrier does not constitute a durable solution, since, for example, the fluid actuator can be detached from the carrier and moved on the module carrier. This freedom of movement does not negatively impact the massage result. Furthermore, this solution is relatively expensive. DE 10 2015 221 943 B4 discloses placing corresponding massage bladders in recesses in the seat cushion of a vehicle seat and connecting them to the fluid lines on the B-side of the cushioning element. This method eliminates the need for a membrane carrier, but of course, this system does not allow the fluid actuator to be installed on the B-side of the cushioning element. Utility Model Content

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a module carrier assembly with which a fluid actuator can be arranged and fixed in a fixed position both on the A side and on the B side of a cushion element of a motor vehicle and the film carrier makes the associated welding steps unnecessary.

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a module carrier assembly for a vehicle seat, the module carrier assembly having:

[0008] a module carrier having a front side and a back side;

[0009] one or more fluid actuators, at least one connecting element being provided on the one or more fluid actuators,

[0010] One or more receptacles are provided in the module carrier or in a component mounted on the module carrier, and the receptacles are designed to accommodate connecting elements, at least one connecting element having a fluid passage leading into the interior of the fluid actuator, and the associated receptacle having a fluid passage leading into the fluid channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention provides a vehicle seat having a backrest and a seat part and a module carrier assembly according to the present invention, which is arranged in the backrest and / or in the seat part.

[0012] The basic inventive concept is to use a module carrier of the module carrier assembly according to the invention, which is preferably constructed from a relatively rigid material, for fastening or fixing in position one or more fluid actuators, each of which is preferably designed as a fluid-fillable bladder, preferably designed for massage purposes, or has or includes at least one such bladder. Thus, at least one fluid actuator preferably includes at least one fluid-fillable bladder.

[0013] The corresponding fluid actuator is fixed more or less directly and fluidically to the module carrier using corresponding connecting elements. Thus, the following configuration is conceivable, in which the fluid actuator has:

[0014] - a fluid-filled bladder and a connecting element, or

[0015] - a fluid-filled bladder and a plurality of connecting elements, or

[0016] - a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders and a connecting element, or

[0017] - a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders and a plurality of connecting elements.

[0018] To this end, the module carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to the present invention has a module carrier having a front side and a back side. In addition, one or more fluid actuators are provided, on which at least one connecting element is correspondingly provided. Of course, a plurality of such connecting elements can also be provided on the fluid actuator. One or more receptacles are provided in the module carrier or in a component mounted on the module carrier, and the receptacles are designed to accommodate corresponding connecting elements. According to the present invention, the at least one connecting element or the plurality of connecting elements have a fluid passage leading into the interior of the fluid actuator. Correspondingly, the respectively assigned receptacles have a fluid passage leading into a fluid channel.

[0019] The basic invention concept is particularly suitable for use in modular comfort systems for vehicle seats, wherein air ducts are integrated into the module carrier without hoses. The production process of such a module carrier assembly can be largely automated in this way, which leads to further cost reductions.

[0020] Preferably, a fluid conduit device having at least one fluid channel is integrated into the module carrier. This makes it possible to save on other components, such as hoses or the like. Each fluid actuator can then be in fluid connection with at least one fluid channel. Therefore, according to the present invention, only the fluid actuator is still connected to the module carrier, for example, also clamped in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner, etc. Preferably, at least one connecting element and an associated receptacle are constructed in such a way that they engage with each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner and thus establish a preferably sealed or fluid-tight fluid connection between the fluid actuator and one or the fluid channels.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, it can be provided that the module carrier assembly has at least one cushion element, which is arranged on the front side of the module carrier. In this case, it is possible that the at least one or each fluid actuator is arranged on the front side or the back side of the cushion element.

[0022] As explained above, at least one or more fluid actuators include a fluid-fillable bladder. Such a bladder is flexible and changes its volume and, therefore, its external shape, when filled or emptied. Preferably, in this design, it is provided that at least one connecting element is connected to the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder or is integrated into this wall. The connection between the connecting element and the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder can be carried out in various ways. Preferably, the two components are welded to each other, mounted to each other by high-frequency welding, mounted to each other by laser welding, adhesively bonded to each other, or connected to each other by ultrasonic welding. This also makes it possible to avoid additional hoses in the area between the bladder and the connecting element. If the two components (bladder and connecting element) are made of thermoplastic, they can also be welded to each other, for example. Of course, other possibilities of use are also conceivable.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one fluid-fillable bladder can be arranged between the module carrier and the cushion element. This thus enables the arrangement of the massage elements between the cushion element and the module carrier and thus the direct mounting of the fluid actuator on the module carrier.

[0024] However, it is also conceivable that a fluid actuator, for example in the form of a fluid-fillable bladder, is arranged on the side of the cushioning element facing away from the module carrier. For this purpose, it can be provided that a fluid line, preferably made of the same material as the fluid-fillable bladder, is led out from at least one fluid-fillable bladder, one end of the fluid line being integrated into the corresponding fluid-fillable bladder and the other end of the fluid line being connected to an associated connecting element or an associated connecting element being integrated into the fluid line. Thus, it is possible to connect the corresponding bladder to the module carrier in such a way that the line is led through the cushioning element. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the cushioning element can be at least partially arranged between at least one fluid-fillable bladder and the module carrier. Thus, in this embodiment, it is advantageous if the fluid line is led through an opening in the cushioning element or around the cushioning element. The opening can be, for example, a hole or a cutout in the cushioning element. In this way, the length of the fluid line can be reduced to the necessary minimum.

[0025] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, in the aforementioned module carrier assembly, provision can be made for the fluid line to be constructed from at least one or more film strips or as a hose or tube. Construction as a film strip, preferably made of plastic, is particularly advantageous because it can be welded together with film segments, also preferably made of plastic, during the process, preferably from which the fluid-fillable bladder of the invention is formed.

[0026] Furthermore, in the modular carrier assembly according to the present invention, it is conceivable that a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders are each connected to a corresponding fluid line, wherein the shape and / or position of the fluid lines on the associated bladders are identical or different. It can also be provided that at least one or more fluid lines are arranged such that, in addition to their fluid-guiding function, they also hold the associated bladders in a predetermined position. Thus, the exact positioning of the fluid-fillable bladders on the front side of the cushioning element can be determined by the length of the fluid lines and also their orientation. This ensures that the corresponding fluid-fillable bladders do not become undesirably displaced during operation.

[0027] As mentioned above, the connecting element of the fluid-fillable bladder (regardless of whether it is attached directly to the bladder or to a fluid line leading therefrom) does not necessarily have to be directly connected to the module carrier. It is also possible to attach the connecting element to a component on the module carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the component attached to the module carrier is a cover that covers at least one underlying fluid channel integrated into the module carrier.

[0028] The position of the receptacle for the connection element of the capsule or fluid actuator is also not restricted to a specific location. It is possible that the at least one receptacle is arranged on the front side, the back side or a lateral region of the module carrier.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting element and the receptacle are designed so that they fit together and enable a defined fluid passage. Therefore, it is preferably provided that at least one connecting element and the associated receptacle have mutually matching cross-sections, which are preferably circular or oval. Of course, other cross-sections are also conceivable. In particular, it is also conceivable that each of the components can have a variable cross-section.

[0030] The orientation of the connecting element relative to the module carrier can also be configured differently. This means that the flow path of the fluid can preferably be different depending on the position of the fluid actuator. Thus, the orientation of at least one receptacle and the fluid passage of the connecting element can extend perpendicularly or at an angle different from 90° relative to the front side of the module carrier. As already indicated above, it is conceivable that the orientation of the fluid passages of the respectively assigned connecting elements of multiple receptacles and multiple associated fluid actuators aligns at different or the same angle relative to the front side of the module carrier.

[0031] As mentioned above, different cross-sectional geometries can be provided for the connecting element and the receptacle. Furthermore, the two components can also have specific external shapes. For example, it can be provided that the at least one connecting element and / or the at least one receptacle has a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, or a shape with a variable shape. Of course, this also applies to the form-locking or force-locking connection between the components, where the external shape of one component must match the internal shape of the other component.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the at least one connecting element can have at least one fixing aid designed to make it more difficult to remove the connecting element from the associated receptacle. In the simplest case, such a fixing aid can, for example, have the form of a latching projection or the like. It is conceivable that the corresponding counterpart then has a corresponding latching recess.

[0033] It should be noted that in the module carrier assembly according to the present invention, the type of connection between the connecting element and the receptacle can vary. Thus, it is conceivable that a plurality of connecting elements and associated receptacles each form a connection of the same type or at least partially different types. For example, some connections may be clip connections, while others may be screw connections or bayonet connections.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a vehicle seat, preferably a motor vehicle seat, having a backrest and a seat part and a module carrier assembly. Here, the module carrier assembly can be arranged in the backrest and / or the seat part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] With the help of Figures 1 to 9 Explain the utility model in detail.

[0036] Figure 1 A perspective view of a module carrier assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A partially enlarged view of a detail in FIG, wherein the cross-sectional view is taken along the line CC in the exploded view;

[0038] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 A similar figure, however not shown in exploded view;

[0039] Figure 4 A side view showing one possible configuration of the connecting element;

[0040] Figure 5 A side view showing another possible configuration of a connecting element;

[0041] Figure 6 A perspective view showing a portion of a module carrier assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 7 Shows a side view of a vehicle seat according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 8 A side view of a module carrier assembly according to the present invention is shown, wherein the module carrier assembly is placed on Figure 7 In the vehicle seat shown in;

[0044] Figure 9 A top view of a module carrier assembly according to the present invention is shown, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] exist Figure 1 The module carrier assembly shown in comprises a module carrier 4 having a front side A pointing in the direction of travel when typically implemented in a vehicle seat, and a back side B opposite the front side. The module carrier 4 itself is typically a relatively rigid structure made of plastic material and is typically supported on the seat structure of the vehicle seat. In the example shown here, a system consisting of channels for guiding a fluid is placed in the module carrier 4. The fluid in this case is preferably air, and the fluid channel can be completely integrated in the module carrier 4. In the example shown, only a recess (not shown) is integrated in the module carrier 4, which is then covered by a corresponding cover 2, thereby forming a complete fluid channel. In addition, a plurality of fluid actuators 5 are typically provided on the front side A of the module carrier 4, of which only a single fluid actuator 5 is shown here for better clarity. In this embodiment, the fluid actuator 5 can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the system of fluid channels by providing a receptacle 3 which is formed in the module carrier 4 itself or, as here, in a component 2 mounted on the module carrier 4 and opens into the fluid channel.

[0046] This is Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen better in the enlarged view of the part. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of line CC in Figure 2 Shown in exploded view, Figure 3 Shown in a combined diagram.

[0047] The fluid actuator 5 (generally preferably a fluid-fillable bladder, preferably constructed from at least two overlapping, welded plastic film sections) has at least one connecting element 5a. The connecting element 5a has a corresponding fluid passage 5b, so that the fluid of the fluid actuator 5 can flow into or out of the interior of the fluid actuator 5 through the connecting element 5a. The connecting element 5a has an outer contour that can be inserted (preferably with a positive or non-positive fit) into the receptacle 3 in the component 2 or module carrier 4. The receptacle 3 also has a fluid passage that opens into the fluid channel 2a of the module carrier 4. Therefore, when the connecting element 5a is inserted into the receptacle 3, a fluid connection is established between the fluid channel 2a and the interior of the fluid actuator 5. In this way, the fluid actuator 5 can be directly connected to the module carrier 4 in a very simple manner and without additional hoses, etc.

[0048] The connecting element 5a can generally be connected to the fluid actuator 5 or integrated into the fluid actuator 5. Here, the shape of the connecting element is different. Preferably, the connecting element 5a has a cylindrical section 5d, which can be preferably received by the receiving portion 3 in a form-fitting manner. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the connecting element 5a can have a T-shaped cross section as a whole, which is composed of a cylindrical section 5d and a section 5c extending transversely thereto. The fluid passage 5b then extends through the sections 5c and 5d. Figure 5 A modified embodiment is shown in FIG. Here, a fixing section 5b is additionally provided on the cylindrical section 5d. In the example shown, this fixing section has a latching projection or latching edge, so that the fixing section 5b can also be placed in a non-positive fit in the receptacle 3 (not shown). The receptacle 3 can (also not shown) be provided with a corresponding latching recess, so that the projection 5 fits behind the section in the receptacle 3. Of course, other geometric designs of the connecting element 5a and the receptacle 3 are also conceivable and are not excluded by the geometric configurations listed here as examples.

[0049] according to Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment of is particularly suitable for assembling the fluid actuator directly on the module carrier 4. Figures 1 to 3 The embodiment is particularly suitable for mounting the fluid actuator 5 between the module carrier 4 and a cushion element arranged on the module carrier or its front side A. Another embodiment of the present invention is Figures 6 to 9 Shown in.

[0050] As per Figure 6As can be seen from the drawing, the fluid actuator is arranged on a cushion element 6, which is preferably constructed of a foam material or a similar material. Therefore, the cushion element 6 is located between the module carrier 4 and the fluid actuator 5. In order to establish a fluid connection between the fluid actuator 5 and the module carrier 4, more precisely, the fluid channel 2a, a fluid line 7 is led out from the fluid actuator 5, one end of which passes into the fluid actuator 5 and the other end of which is connected to the connecting element 5a. Of course, the connecting element 5a can also be integrated into the fluid line 7. The fluid line 7 can also be constructed, for example, by stacked, mutually welded film sections. Of course, the fluid line 7 can also be a hose connected to the fluid actuator 5 and the connecting element 5a, etc.

[0051] If you can further Figure 6 As a result, the fluid lines 7 are guided through the openings 6a in the cushioning element 6 to the receptacles 3 in the module carrier or to components mounted on the module carrier 4, so that the connecting elements 5a can be connected directly to the module carrier or to components fastened thereto (as also in the first embodiment described above). Alternatively, it is conceivable that instead of openings, which can be cutouts or holes in the cushioning element 6, for example, the corresponding fluid lines 7 are guided externally around the cushioning element 6.

[0052] Even in the fluid pipeline Figure 6 The guidance shown in FIG5 still ensures that position shifts are excluded even when the fluid actuator is used, ie when it is filled and / or emptied. Therefore, different fluid actuators 5 can be provided with fluid lines 7 of different or identical lengths, for example.

[0053] Figure 7 A schematic view of a vehicle seat 8 is shown, with X indicating the direction of travel. The vehicle seat 8 comprises a backrest 10 and a seat part 9. In the example shown, the modular carrier assembly 1 according to the invention is accommodated in the backrest 10. However, it is also possible, as an alternative or in addition, to accommodate a corresponding modular carrier assembly 1 in the seat part 9.

[0054] If already with Figure 6 As described in Figure 8 , the module carrier assembly 1 is shown again in greater detail. The module carrier 4 can be seen with the system of fluid channels 2a integrated therein, which are not shown in detail. It can also be seen that a connection is established between the fluid actuator 5 and the fluid channel 2a via a connecting element 5a. It can also be seen here that the fluid line 7 from the actuator 5 to the corresponding connecting element 5a is guided through the cushioning element 6. If necessary, the fluid actuator 5 can also be partially immersed in the material of the cushioning element 6. Figure 9Finally, it can be seen what such an arrangement of multiple fluid actuators on the cushion element 6 might look like in a top view. Here, too, the fluid actuator 5, the fluid line 7, and the connecting element 5a can be seen. In the example shown, the fluid line 7 is guided slightly obliquely from the fluid actuator, which enables a relatively space-saving placement of the fluid actuator 5 on the cushion element 6.

Claims

1. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat, the modular carrier assembly comprising: a module carrier (4) having a front side (A) and a back side (B); One or more fluid actuators (5), at least one connecting element (5a) being provided on the one or more fluid actuators, It is characterized by: One or more receptacles (3) are provided in the module carrier (4) or in a component (2) mounted on the module carrier (4), and the receptacles are designed to accommodate connecting elements (5a), at least one connecting element (5a) having a fluid passage (5b) leading into the interior of the fluid actuator (5), and the associated receptacle (3) having a fluid passage leading into the fluid channel (2a).

2. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1, It is characterized by: A fluid line device having at least one fluid channel (2a) is integrated into the module carrier (4), and each fluid actuator (5) is in fluid connection with the at least one fluid channel (2a).

3. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The module carrier assembly has at least one cushion element (6) which is arranged on the front side (A) of the module carrier (4).

4. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The connecting element (5a) and the associated receptacle (3) are designed so that they engage with each other in a force-locking and / or form-locking manner and thus establish a fluid connection between the fluid actuator (5) and one or the fluid channels (2a).

5. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 4, It is characterized by: The fluid connection is a sealed fluid connection.

6. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: At least one fluid actuator (5) comprises at least one fluid-fillable bladder.

7. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 3, It is characterized by: At least one fluid actuator (5) comprises at least one fluid-fillable bladder.

8. The modular carrier assembly (1) for a vehicle seat according to claim 6, It is characterized by: At least one connecting element (5a) is connected to a wall of the fluid-fillable bladder or is integrated into the fluid-fillable bladder.

9. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 6, It is characterized by: At least one connecting element (5a) is welded to the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder or is integrated into the fluid-fillable bladder.

10. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 6, It is characterized by: At least one connecting element (5a) is mounted to the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder by high-frequency welding, by laser welding, by adhesive bonding or by ultrasonic welding.

11. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 7, It is characterized by: At least one fluid-fillable bladder is arranged between the module carrier (4) and a cushioning element (6) arranged on the front side (A) of the module carrier (4).

12. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 7, It is characterized by: A fluid line (7) leads from at least one fluid-fillable bag, one end of which leads into the corresponding fluid-fillable bag and the other end of which is connected to an associated connecting element (5a) or the associated connecting element is integrated into the fluid line.

13. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 12, It is characterized by: The fluid line (7) is constructed of the same material as the fluid-fillable bladder.

14. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 11, It is characterized by: The cushion element (6) is at least partially arranged between at least one fluid-fillable bladder and the module carrier (4).

15. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 12, wherein: The fluid line (7) is guided through the opening (6a) of the cushion element (6) or around the cushion element.

16. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 15, characterized in that The opening (6a) is a hole or a cutout.

17. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized by: The fluid line (7) is constructed from at least one or more membrane strips or as a hose or tube.

18. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized by: A plurality of fluid-fillable bags are respectively connected to corresponding fluid lines (7), the shapes of the fluid lines (7) and / or the positions of the fluid lines (7) on the associated bags being configured identically or differently from one another.

19. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized by: The at least one or more fluid lines (7) are designed such that, in addition to their fluid-guiding function, they also hold the associated bag in a predetermined position.

20. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The component mounted on the module carrier is a cover which covers at least one underlying fluid channel (2a) integrated into the module carrier (4).

21. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The at least one receptacle (3) is arranged on the front side (A), the rear side (B) or a lateral region of the module carrier (4).

22. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: At least one connecting element (5a) and the associated receptacle (3) have cross sections that match one another.

23. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 22, It is characterized by: The cross section is circular or oval.

24. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The direction of the fluid passage of at least one receiving portion (3) and the fluid passage of the connecting element (5a) extends perpendicularly or at an angle different from 90° relative to the front side (A) of the module carrier (4).

25. The modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 24, The directions of the fluid passages of the plurality of receptacles (3) and the fluid passages of the respectively assigned connecting elements (5a) of the plurality of assigned fluid actuators (5) occupy different or the same angles relative to the front side (A) of the module carrier (4).

26. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The at least one connecting element (5a) and / or the at least one receiving portion (3) has a cylindrical shape, a conical shape or a shape-changing shape.

27. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: The at least one connecting element (5a) has at least one fixing aid, which is designed to make it more difficult to release the connecting element (5a) from the associated receptacle (3).

28. A modular carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized by: A plurality of connecting elements (5a) and associated receptacles (3) each form a connection, the type of which is identical or at least partially different from one another.

29. A vehicle seat, characterized in that: The vehicle seat (8) comprises a backrest (10) and a seat part (9) and a module carrier assembly for a vehicle seat according to any one of claims 1 to 28, which is arranged in the backrest (10) and / or in the seat part (9).

Images