seat

Abstract

Seat (7) with at least one actuating element (13) that can be filled with a pressure medium and has a right and a left bladder (1 - 6, 101; 201), wherein the two bladders (1 - 6, 101; 201) are connected to each other via a web-like line (23), characterized in that - the seat (7) has a massage device (M), wherein the actuating element (13) generates a stroke to achieve a massage effect, - the actuating element (13) is arranged between a base spring (31) of the seat (7) and a foam part (32), wherein the foam part (32) is located below the seat surface (S) facing a seat user, - the bubbles (1 - 6, 101; 201) act directly on the foam part (32) on their side facing the seat user, - the bubbles (1 - 6, 101; 201) have a diameter of 50 to 90 mm and - the distance (d) between the right and left bladder (1 - 6, 101; 201) is between 20 and 90 mm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seat with at least one actuating element that can be filled with a pressure medium according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a seat is known, for example, from US Patent 5,902,011 A. In the known office chair, the adjusting element is designed as a lumbar support and has a right and a left bladder connected to each other by a rib-like conduit. Rectangular plates are provided on the underside and top of the adjusting element. The complete adjusting element is suspended between the lateral tubes of the backrest's supporting structure and acts on the inner shell of the backrest via an intermediate layer with a low coefficient of friction. In another embodiment of the known seat, the adjusting element has several bladders arranged one above the other.

[0003] The familiar adjustment element is designed as a lumbar support, especially for an office chair, and cannot be used to achieve a massage effect.

[0004] Furthermore, a seat for a motor vehicle, in particular for a truck or tractor, is known from DE 10 2004 010 877 A1. The seat has at least one right and one left bladder, which are arranged between a rear backrest structure and a front cover of the seat. The two bladders are large and extend over essentially the entire width of the backrest. Accordingly, the bladders are referred to as "inflatable backrest cushions". The bladders are connected to each other via a rib-like conduit, with the right and left bladders spaced apart from each other such that an elongated vertical channel is formed between the bladders to accommodate the spinal column of a seated person.

[0005] The well-known "backrest cushion" is designed as an inflatable cushion with a central free space to increase seating comfort and cannot be used to achieve a massage effect.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a seat, in particular a seat for a motor vehicle, with at least one actuating element with which a massage effect can be achieved effectively.

[0007] This problem is solved by a seat having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The core concept of the invention is to insert a symmetrically designed adjusting element, with a right and a left bladder, into a seat, particularly a car seat, between the base springs and the foam section, without the use of an upper cover plate facing the seat user. Due to the direct action of the bladders on the overlying foam section, without an intermediate layer in the form of a cover plate, optimal surface adaptation of the "seat contact surface" is achieved despite the comparatively small size. In the context of the present invention, the term "seat contact surface" refers to the surface of the seat facing the seat user, on the seat cushion and / or the backrest.The invention achieves an adaptation of the seating surface to both the respective sitting position of the user and a physiological adaptation to the individual curvature of the user's back, thereby producing a particularly effective massage effect. In particular, the invention results in a uniform pressure and a uniform contour change on the seating surface that extend beyond the size of the bubbles.

[0009] The at least one actuating element produces a relatively point-like stroke due to its relatively small size. The foam component above it, according to the invention, distributes this point-like stroke over a surface, thereby achieving the surface-like adaptation of the seat surface described above.

[0010] Although the volume of at least one adjusting element is relatively small, its action on the foam component results in a distributed pressure with a comparatively large effect on the seat user. Thus, a relatively large adjustment of the seat surface can be achieved with small volumes of pressure.

[0011] The two bladders of at least one actuator are supplied with the pressure medium via a common supply line.

[0012] Although a seat with multiple actuators in the form of pneumatic bladders is known from DE 102 42 760 A1 for changing the seat contour and achieving a massage effect, these actuators, with their comparatively small bladders, can each be controlled via separate lines and cause a essentially point-like change in the seat contour. A paired arrangement of the bladders into actuators, each with a left and a right bladder, is not provided. Even though the known bladders, due to their small size, can be inserted between the individual elements of a vehicle seat, in particular the suspension, padding, and the seat cover, DE 102 42 760 A1 prefers an arrangement below a layer covered by the seat cover. However, this arrangement of the bladders close to the body has a negative impact on the comfort of the seat user.

[0013] According to the invention, the bubbles are relatively small and have a diameter of between approximately 50 and 90 mm.

[0014] According to the invention, the actuating elements are further combined into a massage device in which the distances between the individual actuating elements in the horizontal direction, and optionally also in the vertical direction, are dimensioned such that the so-called "simultaneous spatial threshold" is not exceeded. The "simultaneous spatial threshold" refers to the perception of distance by a seated user, for example, at the back, at which the stroke of the individual actuating elements is no longer perceived as a single stroke, i.e., no longer as a point movement, but rather as a surface stroke. The distance between at least two bladders is dimensioned such that the seated user perceives an approximately linear stroke movement when the bladders move in the same direction. With two adjacent actuating elements that are controlled in the same direction, this results in a linear stroke.This gives the seat user a massage, similar to the manual massage technique of a physiotherapist, with a broad application.

[0015] To increase the travel distance, a further embodiment of the invention proposes arranging several bubbles on top of each other or using bellows-like bubbles.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rib-like conduit between the right and left bladders and / or the supply line for the pressure medium is arranged as far away as possible from the contact surface of the seat user on the seat, i.e., in the area of ​​the lower wall of the bladders. This results in an improved massage effect.

[0017] The adjusting elements are preferably used to achieve a massage effect, but can alternatively or additionally also be used to adjust the contour of the seat surface.

[0018] The actuators are particularly suitable for operation with a gaseous pressure medium, preferably air. However, they can also be operated with a liquid pressure medium.

[0019] The adjustment elements can be integrated into the backrest and / or the seat cushion. They are particularly suitable for use in vehicle and aircraft seats. For example, they can be used in the front and / or rear seats of passenger cars.

[0020] For the sake of linguistic simplification, in connection with the present invention, the designation “top” is assigned to the areas or components of the actuating elements facing the contact surface of a seat user on the seat, and the designation “bottom” is assigned to the areas and components facing away from the contact surface of the seat user on the seat, regardless of the actual spatial installation position.

[0021] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0022] Possible embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail below. It shows: Fig. 1 a seat according to the invention in a schematic perspective view, Fig. 2 a first embodiment of an actuating device according to the invention, shown in top view and in two side views (empty and filled state, respectively), Fig. 3 one of the Fig. 2 corresponding representation of a second embodiment of the invention and Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view through the backrest of the seat according to the invention.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front seat for a motor vehicle, designated as a whole by 7, comprising a seat cushion 8, a backrest 9, and a headrest 10. The seat cushion 8 and the lower section of the backrest 9 have side bolsters 11. The seat 7 is symmetrical about its central plane 12. Six actuating elements 13 are provided in the backrest 9, each consisting of right and left bladders 1 to 6. The bladders 1 to 6 are arranged symmetrically about the central plane 12 of the seat in the backrest 9, with approximately equal vertical distances between the actuating elements 13. The actuating elements 13, which are part of a massage device designated as a whole by M, produce a massage effect, as described in detail in German patent application DE 10 2006 018 184 A1.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of an actuating element 13 according to the invention, with two right and two left bubbles arranged one above the other, collectively designated 101. Each of the bubbles 101 comprises a lower and an upper bubble 101u and 101o, respectively. In plan view, the bubbles 101u and 101o each have an approximately circular shape and each consists of a lower and an upper wall 120 and 121, respectively. The approximately circular walls 120 and 121 are connected to each other circumferentially and sealingly at their edge sections, preferably by welding or bonding.

[0025] The supply of a pressure medium, preferably compressed air, is provided via a supply line 22. The right and left bladders 101 are in turn connected to each other via a bridge-like line 23. The two superimposed bladders 101u and 101o are fluidically connected to each other via openings 24 in the upper wall 121 of the lower bladder 101u and in the lower wall 120 of the upper bladder 101o.

[0026] The middle representation of the Fig. Figure 2 shows the actuating element 13 in the unfilled state, in which the bubbles 101u and 101o together form an initial height h. min exhibiting the following characteristics: The lower and upper walls 120 and 121 of the vesicles 101u and 101o lie on top of each other or are only slightly separated. In the upper part of Fig. Figure 2 shows the fully filled state of the actuating element 13, in which the bubbles 101u and 101o together have a maximum height h. max exhibit. From the difference of h min and hmax This results in the maximum possible travel S max .

[0027] The rib-like conduit 23 ensures that no pressure is exerted on the spinous processes of the vertebrae in the area of ​​the midline 12, i.e., in the area of ​​the spine of a seated user. This provides the seated user with a pleasant massage effect that is limited exclusively to the areas lateral to the spine, where it is particularly effective, and avoids the pressure-sensitive area of ​​the spine. The fact that the rib-like conduit 23 runs exclusively along the lower walls 120 of the lower bladders 101u, i.e., as far away as possible from the back of the seated user, further reduces pressure on the spine.

[0028] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of an actuating element 13, with a bellows-type bladder 201 on each side of the central plane 12 of the seat 7. Both bladders 201 have an approximately circular shape in plan view and each consists of a lower and an upper wall 220 and 221, respectively. The walls 220 and 221 are each connected to form a cylindrical structure via bellows-like outer surfaces 230, preferably by welding or bonding.

[0029] The supply of the pressure medium is provided via a single supply line 22. The right and left bladders 201 are connected to each other via a bridge-like line 23.

[0030] The middle representation of the Fig. Figure 3 shows the actuating element 13 in the unfilled state, in which the bubbles 201 have an initial height h minexhibit. Here, the bellows-like sections of the mantle surface 230 lie on top of each other or at only a small distance from each other. In the upper part of Fig. Figure 3 shows the fully filled state of the actuating element 13, in which the bubbles 201 reach their maximum height h. max exhibit. From the difference of h min and h max This results in the maximum possible travel S max .

[0031] The rib-like conduit 23 connects the two bladders 201 in the area of ​​their lower walls 220, thus again at the greatest possible distance from the contact surface of the seat user with the backrest 9.

[0032] The bubbles 101 and 201 preferably consist of a plastic material, for example, a thermoplastic PUR film. The diameter of the bubbles 101 and 201 is approximately between 50 and 90 mm, preferably between 60 and 80 mm, and particularly preferably about 70 mm. The initial height h minis approximately 2 to 3 mm, the maximum height h max approximately 55 mm, so that a maximum possible adjustment range s max resulting in approximately 50 mm.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4 shows the backrest 9 of seat 7. Fig. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view and illustrates in particular the massage device M in more detail. The massage device M has bladders 1 to 6, which are arranged in pairs one above the other at approximately equal intervals along the height of the backrest 9 on a thin support plate. The bladders 1 to 6 are each controlled by separate supply lines 22, as shown by way of example with bladder 1. The bladders 1 to 6 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the central plane 12 of the backrest 9.

[0034] The horizontal spacing between the individual bubbles 1 to 6 is designed so that the movement of each bubble is no longer perceived as a single movement, but rather as a continuous, even movement. This gives the user a massage-like sensation, similar to the manual massage techniques used by a physiotherapist, but with a broad, even application.

[0035] In Fig. 1 is the horizontal distance between bladders 1 to 6, denoted by d. The distance d is dimensioned such that when bladders 1 to 6 are activated in the same direction, the user does not perceive individual strokes of the right and left bladders 1 to 6, but rather a uniform stroke along the connecting line between a pair of right and left bladders 1 to 6. As explained above, this linear stroke of one or more pairs of bladders 1 to 6 produces a massage effect on the user, comparable to the manual massage techniques of a physiotherapist.

[0036] The distance d between the right and left bubbles 1 to 6 is approximately between 20 and 90 mm, preferably between 30 and 80 mm, and particularly preferably about 50 mm. These dimensions indicate the edge distance between bubbles 1 to 6.

[0037] The vertical spacing of the bladders 1 to 6 is naturally determined by the number of bladders 1 to 6 arranged along the length of the back of a seated user, since only a limited length of the backrest 9 is available for arranging the bladders 1 to 6. The spacing of the bladders 1 to 6 is approximately between -20 and +80 mm, preferably approximately between -10 and +50 mm. In other words, the edges of the bladders 1 to 6 overlap by, for example, 20 mm (negative dimension) or are spaced 80 mm apart (positive dimension). In a common embodiment, due to space constraints, the edges of adjacent bladders 1 to 6 are approximately touching in the vertical direction of the backrest 9, i.e., the vertical distance is approximately 0 mm.

[0038] Depending on the spacing of the (activated) bubbles 1 to 6, a "conventional, harmonious" massage with overlapping pressure zones results, or a type of "finger pressure massage," also called "Shiatsu massage," in which pressure zones are individually perceptible. This allows the type of massage to be varied if necessary.

[0039] According to the invention, the massage device M is arranged between a base suspension 31 and a foam part 32 of the backrest 9.

[0040] The carrier plate, for example, is approximately 2 to 4 mm thick and designed as a felt-film sandwich component. The carrier plate is a flexible component that nevertheless exhibits high surface pressure stability.

[0041] The basic spring assembly 31 has a plurality of wire-shaped spring elements 35, which are arranged in Fig. 4 appear in cross-section. The foam part 32 serves as padding for the backrest 9 and is covered with a cover 33. The cover 33 consists, for example, of a textile material or leather. The outer surface of the cover 33 forms a seating surface S, i.e., the surface of the backrest 9 facing the user. An intermediate layer 34, which is formed, for example, of a non-woven material, is provided between the cover 33 and the foam part 32.

[0042] As from Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the backrest 9 can additionally be equipped with a lumbar support 40. The lumbar support 40 is located below the massage unit M, i.e., between the support plate and the base springs 31. The lumbar support 40 provides static support for the lumbar region of the seat user, while the massage unit M sequentially alters the contour of the seat surface S. Reference symbol list 1 - 6 blisters 7 seat 8 seat cushions 9 Backrest 10 Headrest 11 side panels 12 Middle level 13 actuating elements 22 Supply line 23 bridge-like lines 24 openings 31 Basic suspension 32 foam parts 33 Reference 34 Intermediate layer 35 spring elements 40 Lumbar support 101 bubbles 101o upper bladder 101u lower bladder 120 lower wall 121 upper wall 201 bubbles 220 lower wall 221 upper wall 230 lateral surfaces d horizontal distance h max Maximum height h min Starting height M massage facility S Seating area s max Parking space

Claims

[1] Seat (7) with at least one actuating element (13) that can be filled with a pressure medium and has a right and a left bladder (1 - 6, 101; 201), wherein the two bladders (1 - 6, 101; 201) are connected to each other via a web-like conduit (23), characterized by , that - the seat (7) has a massage device (M), wherein the actuating element (13) generates a stroke to achieve a massage effect, - the actuating element (13) is arranged between a base spring (31) of the seat (7) and a foam part (32), wherein the foam part (32) is located below the seat surface (S) facing a seat user, - the bubbles (1 - 6, 101; 201) act directly on the foam part (32) on their side facing the seat user, - the bubbles (1 - 6, 101; 201) have a diameter of 50 to 90 mm and - the distance (d) between the right and left bladder (1 - 6, 101; 201) is between 20 and 90 mm. [2] Seat (7) according to claim 1, wherein at least two bubbles (101u, 101o) are arranged one above the other on the right and left sides of the actuating element (13), wherein the uppermost right and left bubble (101o) facing the seat user acts directly on the foam part (32). [3] Seat (7) according to claim 2, wherein the rib-like line (23) is provided exclusively between the two lowest bladders (101u) facing away from the seat user and the at least one bladder (101o) located above it on the right and left sides of the actuating element (13) is connected to each other via an opening (24) in the bladders (101u, 101o). [4] Seat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bladders (201) of the at least one actuating element (13) are formed in a bellows-like manner. [5] Seat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (13) can be filled with a gaseous pressure medium. [6] Seat (7) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bladders (101, 201) each have a lower and an upper wall (120, 121; 220, 221) and the web-like conduit (23) and / or a supply line (22) for the pressure medium runs in the area of ​​the lower wall (120; 220).

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