Vehicle seat with a massage device and at least one heating device to implement a "hot stone" massage function

Abstract

Vehicle seat (100) with a padded seat section (12) and / or a padded backrest section (14), which is / are covered, wherein at least one massage device (30) for massage and at least one heating device (H) for heat application to body parts of a person sitting on the vehicle seat (100) that come into contact with the cover of the vehicle seat (100), wherein a temperature difference between a cover material in at least one massage area (M) and a cover material in the at least one non-massage area (N) is increased by targeted thermal influence on the cover material in the massage area (M) by means of at least one element of the massage device (30), wherein the massage device (30) comprises at least one pneumatically or electropneumatically pressurised massage element (E) which is designed as a lifting bladder.which is integrated into the padding / padding foam of the seat part (12) and / or the backrest part (14) in a padding layer (16-3, 16-3'), characterized in that the at least one pressure-sensitive element (E) in the at least one massage area (M) is at a predefinable temperature (T, M > T N ) is heated more locally with warm air compared to the non-massage area (N), wherein the vehicle seat (100) has a seat ventilation system generating warm and cold air as a heating device (H), wherein the air heating within the seat ventilation system is carried out by heating elements which are designed so that the air in different ventilation channels has uniform and different temperatures (T M , T N ) can be operated in the massage area (M) and in the non-massage area (N), whereby the massage area (M) is always supplied with constant or variable warm air.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a padded seat part and / or a padded backrest part, which is / are provided with a cover, wherein at least one massage device for massaging and at least one heating device for applying heat to body parts of a person sitting on the vehicle seat that come into contact with the vehicle seat is arranged.

[0002] A so-called "hot stone massage" is known from the state of the art. It warms a person sitting in a vehicle seat during the massage, specifically targeting certain areas, particularly in the spinal region.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2009 031 331 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a seat cushion and / or backrest, a massage device with a plurality of pressure-sensitive elements integrated into the cushion and controllable to influence the seat contour, and a control device for the massage device, wherein, in addition to the massage device, a seat heater can also be controlled by means of the control device. The seat heater is arranged so that the spine of a seat occupant can be subjected to a combination of pressure and heat, both locally and temporally. This allows massaging pressure and soothing warmth to be combined in the area of ​​the occupant's spine, similar to a hot stone massage. Hot stone massage is usually based on placing hot stones, preferably lava stones, on the spine or applying pressure to them.In this process, hot stones are applied to specific areas of the body where, according to Far Eastern teachings, energy centers known as chakras are located. Such a hot stone massage can be replicated using the vehicle seat described here, whereby the deep heat effect, in particular, can achieve physical and / or mental relaxation and / or stimulate blood circulation and / or boost the metabolism of the occupant.

[0004] German patent application DE 103 55 519 A1 describes a seating system with a massage function. The seating system comprises a seat and / or a backrest that can be adjusted to a sitting position, a reclining position, and a folded position. Individually adjustable air cushions are integrated into the seat and / or backrest via a compressed air system. Actuators for moving the seat and / or backrest into a sitting or reclining position, or for folding the backrest, are connected to a compressed air supply for the air cushions. The air volume in the at least one air cushion of the seat and / or backrest is automatically filled or emptied when the backrest is folded.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2008 025 059 A1 discloses a ventilation system with ventilation components for ventilating a person seated in a vehicle seat. The ventilation system not only provides ventilation for the seated person, but also removes moisture from the air and can provide a type of massage therapy through controlled airflow. The airflow can be delivered in pulses via the vehicle seat to create the massage effect. For this purpose, the air is supplied to and distributed at some of the seat cushions. To achieve the massage effect, moving elements of an air movement device are ventilated at at least one seat contact point or surface. The air from the air movement device can be treated, in particular cooled, heated, and dehumidified.

[0006] A vehicle seat that also allows a massage function has pneumatically controlled air chambers to generate a massage effect, with the air chambers forming one or more massage mat(s) as part of the seat cover.

[0007] Document CN 2 391 770 Y also discloses a vehicle seat for a vehicle. Within the seat cushion, at least one elastic rubber ball is provided, which is movable via a motor, thereby producing a massage effect on the seat surface. Simultaneously, warm or cold air from an inflatable pad can be directed to the seat surface.

[0008] Vehicle seats of the appropriate type are also described in publications AT 009 483 U1 and EP 1 447 070 A1.

[0009] In summary, it is known to design vehicle seats that produce a massage effect on a person sitting in them in various ways. In some known solutions, the massage effect is supplemented by temperature changes in the seat surface. These temperature changes are caused by ventilation systems or seat heaters associated with the massage function.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of creating a vehicle seat of the type mentioned above, with which the effect of relaxation is improved in terms of its effectiveness.

[0011] The problem is solved by a vehicle seat having the features of claim 1.

[0012] The invention is based on a vehicle seat with a padded seat section and / or a padded backrest section, which is / are covered, wherein at least one massage device for massaging and at least one heating device for applying heat to body parts of a person sitting on the vehicle seat that come into contact with the cover of the vehicle seat are arranged, wherein a temperature difference between a cover material in at least one massage area and a cover material in the at least one non-massage area is increased by targeted thermal influence on the cover material in the massage area by means of at least one element of the massage device, wherein the massage device comprises at least one pneumatically or electropneumatically pressurizable massage element designed as a lifting bladder.which is integrated into the upholstery / upholstery foam of the seat section and / or the backrest section in a single layer of upholstery.

[0013] According to the invention, the at least one pressurizable element in the at least one massage area is heated locally to a greater temperature with warm air at a predefinable temperature compared to the non-massage area, wherein the vehicle seat has a seat ventilation system as a heating device which generates warm and cold air, wherein the air heating within the seat ventilation system is carried out by heating elements which are designed so that the air can be circulated in different ventilation channels at uniform and different temperatures in the massage area and in the non-massage area, wherein the massage area is always supplied with constant or variable warm air.

[0014] In a first and second embodiment variant, it is provided that the temperature difference between the at least one massage area and a non-massage area of ​​the vehicle seat is also increased by changes to the thermal resistance of the cover material in at least one of the areas (massage area and / or non-massage area), affecting the material and / or the structure in certain areas.

[0015] A third design variant provides that the temperature difference between the two areas (massage area and / or non-massage area) is increased by targeted thermal influence in at least one of the areas in combination with an electric seat heater.

[0016] The following definitions apply to the description below: The upholstery is covered with a fabric material. The fabric material comprises at least one cover fabric or a cover fabric and a facing on the underside of the cover in its used position.

[0017] A “different covering material” is understood to mean a material-related change to the covering material and / or the lamination or at least one further layer arranged on the lamination.

[0018] A "different" cover structure refers to a change in the structure and / or a structural change in the cover material, for example, cover material with or without lamination (foam). A "different" cover structure also results from the addition or removal of layers.

[0019] Up to now, the covering materials used consist of a specific material (cover fabric and lamination, additional foam layer, etc.) with a specific covering structure and are referred to as basic covering materials.

[0020] The basic cover material is currently used in both the massage and non-massage areas of the seat and / or backrest sections of the vehicle seat. In other words, the basic cover material, as defined in this patent application, is made of the same material and has the same structure in both the massage and non-massage areas.

[0021] In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, the basic covering material in the massage area is modified with regard to the covering materials and / or with regard to its covering structure (covering fabric and / or lamination or at least one further arranged, in particular sewn-on, layer) and is hereinafter referred to as a different M-covering material in the massage area.

[0022] In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, the covering material in the non-massage area is modified with regard to the covering materials (covering fabric and / or lamination) and / or with regard to its covering structure and is hereinafter referred to as a different N-covering material in the non-massage area.

[0023] A vehicle seat can therefore have a cover that consists entirely (in the massage area and in the non-massage area) of the basic cover material.

[0024] A vehicle seat can therefore have a cover that consists of a different M-cover material in the massage area and a different N-cover material, in particular a basic cover material, in the non-massage area.

[0025] A vehicle seat can therefore also have a cover that is made of a different M-cover material, in particular a basic cover material, in the massage area and of the other N-cover material in the non-massage area.

[0026] Accordingly, the vehicle seat may also have a cover that is made of a different M-cover material in the massage area compared to the basic cover material, and of a different N-cover material in the non-massage area compared to the basic cover material. 1. First design variant ( Fig. 1 to 1.4): The Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle seat 100 comprising a seat part 12 and a backrest part 14.

[0027] The following describes several possibilities for implementing a “hot stone” massage function with a massage device 30 and at least one heating device H, using the backrest part 14 of the vehicle seat 100 as an example.

[0028] In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the base cover material in the massage area M and the non-massage area N is made from a uniform base material. In this first embodiment, a conventional cover fabric, designated as base cover fabric 16-1, is used as the base cover material.

[0029] The basic reference material shows according to Fig. 1.1 - right image (section AA of the left image of the Fig. 1.1) a cover structure in which the conventional base cover fabric 16-1 of the cover, made from the base cover material, has on its underside a lamination 16-2 of, for example, 4.5 mm foam rubber in its position of use, wherein, for example, a further 5 mm of foam rubber is arranged under the lamination 16-2 as a further padding layer 16-3, in particular sewn underneath.

[0030] In the further layer 16-3, see Fig. 1.1 - Left and right illustrations show that at least one element E of a massage device 30 is arranged. The elements E, which form the massage elements or hot stone elements as part of the massage device 30, are arranged in a massage area M, such that a definable surface of the backrest part 14 can be heated and a massage effect towards the sitter, particularly in the spinal region of the sitter's back, can be achieved. The surface area of ​​the backrest part 14 surrounding the massage area M is the so-called non-massage area N.

[0031] 1.1 First design variant in a first embodiment ( Fig. 1.1): Change in the material thickness of a base covering material in the massage area M: In a first embodiment, the base covering material is designed with a reduced material thickness (not shown) in the massage area M to increase the temperature difference between the massage area M and the non-massage area N, thereby reducing the thermal resistance of the base covering material in the at least one massage area M.

[0032] It is proposed to reduce the material thickness of the conventional base covering material 16-1 and / or the lamination 16-2.

[0033] The vehicle seats 100 mostly have the heating device H, in the form of an electric seat heater and / or a seat ventilation system that generates warm and cold air.

[0034] The existing electric seat heating and / or seat ventilation systems of various types are mostly adjustable in stages, but the set temperature is provided evenly over the entire surface of the seat part 12 or the backrest part 14.

[0035] In this first embodiment, it is advantageous that the conventional electric seat heating and / or seat ventilation systems of the vehicle seats 100 designed in this way can be retained and used unchanged, whereby in the massage area M only the material thickness of the conventional base cover material 16-1 and / or the lamination 16-2 of the base cover material is reduced in order to create the temperature difference between massage area M and non-massage area N.

[0036] The advantage lies particularly in the fact that the heating device H belonging to the vehicle seat 100 does not need to be specifically controlled or regulated for the massage area M, as is the case, for example, with the vehicle seat described in German patent application DE 10 2009 031 331 A1. It is therefore not absolutely necessary to arrange special heating elements, either at specific points or across a larger area, in the massage area M to create a warmer massage area M compared to the non-massage area N. A noticeable temperature difference between the non-massage area N and the massage area M is achieved simply by reducing the thickness of the base cover material in the massage area M (either at specific points or across a larger area).

[0037] 1.2 First embodiment variant in a second embodiment ( Fig. 1.2): Change in the structure of the base covering material in the massage area M: - Perforation -

[0038] In a second embodiment of the first embodiment variant according to Fig. 1.2 The surface structure of the base surface material is perforated to increase the temperature difference between the massage area M and the non-massage area M in order to change the thermal resistance in the at least one massage area M, thereby increasing heat convection in the at least one massage area M, so that the thermal resistance of the surface material in the massage area M is reduced.

[0039] The advantage of this embodiment is also that the respective electric heating device H, in the form of a seat heater and / or the respective seat ventilation system of the conventional vehicle seats, can be retained and used unchanged, while in the massage area M only a perforation 18 of the base cover material takes place in order to improve the heat convection in the massage area M.

[0040] In particular, in vehicle seats 100 with a seat ventilation system, the base cover material is already perforated across the entire surface of the seat section 12 and / or the backrest section 14. According to this invention, the perforation is either arranged only in the massage area M or, in the massage area M, larger openings are perforated than in the non-massage area N, thereby improving heat convection in the massage area M compared to the non-massage area N. Even in this second embodiment, the existing step-adjustable electric seat heaters and / or seat ventilation systems can continue to be used as before, with the set heat being provided uniformly at the same temperature across the entire surface, i.e., in both the massage area M and the non-massage area N of the seat section 12 or the backrest section 14.

[0041] 1.3 First embodiment variant in a third embodiment ( Fig. 1.3): Change in the structure of the base cover material in the massage area M: - Omission of the lamination -

[0042] In a third embodiment of the first embodiment variant according to Fig. 1.3 It is proposed to modify the reference structure of the basic reference material to increase the temperature difference between the massage area M and the non-massage area N in order to change the thermal resistance by omitting the lamination 16-2' in the massage area M.

[0043] This increases heat convection in the at least one massage area M, thus also reducing the thermal resistance of the cover material, since only the conventional base cover material 16-1 remains on the massage device 30 in the massage area M. This embodiment is a particularly simple measure to create a temperature difference between the at least one massage area M and the at least one non-massage area N, either at a specific point or over a larger area. The other advantages correspond to those of the preceding embodiments.

[0044] 1.4 First embodiment variant in a fourth embodiment ( Fig. 1.4): Change to the structure of the base covering material in the non-massage area N: - Addition of an additional layer -

[0045] A slightly different approach is to modify the reference structure of a base reference material in a fourth embodiment such that, for example, an additional layer 16-4 is arranged in the non-massage area N.

[0046] In the use position of the cover, this additional layer 16-4 lies on the underside of the conventional base cover fabric 16-1 above the backing 16-2. The additional layer 16-4 can also be arranged (not shown) on the back of the backing 16-2 between the backing 16-2 and the further padding layer 16-3.

[0047] This additional layer 16-4 ensures that the thermal resistance in at least one non-massage area N is increased compared to the massage area M, thereby also providing the person sitting on the vehicle seat 100 with a cold-warm difference (warmer massage area M) in the sense of a "hot stone massage" and being felt by the person sitting on it.

[0048] In this fourth embodiment, the existing step-by-step adjustable electric seat heaters and / or seat ventilation systems can also be used as possible heating devices, in which the set temperature and thus a constant heat is provided evenly over the entire surface of the seat part 12 or the backrest part 14.

[0049] From a control perspective, it is generally proposed for all embodiments that the activation of the massage device 30, and, when the massage device 30 is activated, the full-surface activation of the heating device H (as seat heating and / or seat ventilation), be offered via a multimedia interface on a corresponding display in the vehicle. It is further clarified that, despite full-surface heating of the seat surface of the seat section 12 and / or the backrest surface of the backrest section 14, a temperature difference ΔT (T) perceptible to the seat user is not present in the exemplary embodiments mentioned. M < T N ) between at least one massage area M and at least one non-massage area N is created.

[0050] It is further proposed that the procedures of the different embodiments of the first design variant be meaningfully combined.

[0051] For example, when combining the first and second embodiments of the first design variant, the thermal resistance of the massage area M is further reduced due to increased heat convection by reducing the thickness of the base covering material and by perforating 18 of the base covering material or by creating larger perforation openings in the massage area M of the base covering material compared to the base covering material in the non-massage area N. The temperature difference ΔT between the massage area M and the non-massage area N, which is perceptible to the user, increases even further, representing a significant advantage of combining the embodiments.

[0052] For the seat user, this results in a noticeable, or more noticeable than in the prior art, cold-warm difference in the point and / or area massage zone M compared to the adjacent non-massage zone N in all embodiments, albeit to a different degree (T). M > T N ), as has not yet been achieved, for example, with the conventional “hot stone massage” in a vehicle seat.

[0053] 2. Second design variant ( Fig. 2 to 2.6): In the second design variant explained below, it is assumed that the covering material differs in the massage area M and / or in the non-massage area N, i.e., it is characterized by the use of different covering materials.

[0054] 2. Second embodiment variant in a first embodiment ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 2.1): 2.1 Change of the material of the upholstery fabric in the massage area M: In a first embodiment of the second design variant, according to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 2.1 To change the thermal resistance of the conventional base cover material in the at least one massage area M, a “different” M-cover material 20 is selected, whereby the selection of a different M-cover material 20 ensures that in the massage area M with the different M-cover material 20, a higher thermal conductivity or a lower thermal resistance is achieved compared to the non-massage area N with the respective cover material, in particular the base cover material.

[0055] For example: The conventional base cover material 16-1 is modified in the massage area M such that the other M cover material 20 in the massage area M is made of less heat-insulating fibers or yarns than the cover material of the respective cover material, in particular the conventional base cover material 16-1 in the non-massage area N, so that in the massage area M there is a lower thermal resistance of the other M cover material 20 compared to the respective N cover material in the non-massage area N.

[0056] 2.2 Second design variant in a second embodiment ( Fig. 2.2): Change in the material of the lining in the massage area M: In the case of the lamination 16-2 of the conventional base cover material 16-1 in the massage area M and in the non-massage area N with a foam or in the case of a foam sewn under the conventional base cover material in the massage area M and in the non-massage area N as a further padding layer 16-3, a further example is described below as a second embodiment of the second design variant.

[0057] In massage area M, according to Fig. 2.2 For example, an additional layer of laminated foam rubber as a “different” lamination material 22 is arranged on the inside of the conventional base cover material 16-1, or in addition to the lamination material 22, an additional padding layer 16-3' made of foam rubber, each with high compressibility, is arranged, in particular sewn underneath, whereby the thermal resistance due to the high compressibility of the laminated foam rubber as a different lamination material 22 in the other M cover material or the additional padding layer 16-3' is reduced by the easily compressible foam, thereby improving the thermal conductivity properties in the massage area M.

[0058] This means that the modified M-cover material in the massage area M is compressed more strongly when a person of comparable mass sits on it compared to the conventional base cover material than before.

[0059] In the case of a conventional base cover material made from the conventional base cover fabric 16-1, the lamination 16-2 or the foam arranged as a further padding layer 16-3' has, for example, a standard bulk density of 40 kg / m³. 3 on.

[0060] For the M-covering fabric 20, at least a different foam lamination is now proposed in the massage area M as a different lamination material 22, and furthermore, a foam is proposed for the further arranged padding layer 16-3' which has a lower density than the standard density of 40 kg / m³. 3 a lower bulk density of approximately 33 kg / m³ 3 exhibits such that the other lamination material 22 and, if applicable, the further arranged padding layer 16-3' is compressed more strongly compared to the previous design with the conventional base cover material.

[0061] The consequence is that in the point and / or area massage area M, with the modified M-covering material or the modified cover structure, a noticeable difference or a more noticeable cold-warm difference is caused compared to the adjacent non-massage area N made of the respective cover material, in particular the base cover material with the layers 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, since the thermal resistance is reduced due to the high compressibility of the laminated foam rubber as a different lamination material 22 in the other M-covering material with a highly compressible foam compared to the layers in the non-massage area N.

[0062] 2.3 Second design variant in a third embodiment ( Fig. 2.3): Change in the material of the cover fabric in the non-massage area N: In a third embodiment of the second design variant, according to Fig. 2.3 to change the thermal resistance of the conventional base cover material 16-1 in at least one non-massage area N by selecting a “different” N cover material 21 made of a different material and thus a different N cover material 21 with the lamination 16-2 in the non-massage area N, whereby this different selection ensures that the other N cover material in the non-massage area N has a lower thermal conductivity or a higher thermal resistance in the non-massage area N compared to the respective cover material in the massage area M, in particular the conventional base cover material 16-1 in the massage area M with the lamination 16-2.

[0063] For example, the other N-covering material in the non-massage area N is now made from another N-covering fabric 21 made of particularly heat-insulating fibers or yarns or down, so that a higher thermal resistance is formed than in the respective covering material, in particular the conventional basic covering fabric 16-1 with the lamination 16-2 of the massage area M.

[0064] 2.4 Second embodiment variant in a fourth embodiment ( Fig. 2.4): Change in the material of the lamination and / or the padding foam in the non-massage area N: Finally, a fourth embodiment results according to Fig. 2.4, in which, for example, a foam rubber laminated on the inside of the conventional base cover material 16-1 of the non-massage area N is used as a “different” lamination material 23, which has at least a lower compressibility than before, whereby the thermal resistance of the N-cover material modified in this way in the non-massage area N from the conventional base cover material 16-1 and at least one other less compressible lamination material 23 or in addition a less compressible at least one further padding layer 16-3’ in the non-massage area N remains almost constant.The thermal conductivity of the respective cover material in the massage area M, in particular with the conventional lamination 16-2 in combination with the M cover fabric 20, remains essentially unchanged compared to the lower compression of the cover material occurring in the non-massage area N when a person of comparable mass sits on it.

[0065] As explained above, the standard raw density of a lamination 16-2 or the foam of a further arranged padding layer 16-3' of a commonly used base cover material in the non-massage area N is, for example, 40 kg / m³. 3 .

[0066] For the N-covering material, a layer of the other lamination material 23 is now proposed, and for the further padding layer 16-3' arranged in the non-massage area N, a foam is proposed which has a density of 40 kg / m³ compared to the standard density. 3a higher bulk density of approximately 47 kg / m³ 3 exhibits such that the foam is less compressible when a person of comparable mass sits on it, compared to the previous design.

[0067] This results in the advantageous effect that the person sitting on the massage area M feels a warmer area and a greater cold-warm difference ΔT between the non-massage area N and the massage area M, even though the associated heating device H provides heat at the same temperature (T) in both the massage area M and the non-massage area N. M = T N ) provides.

[0068] By changing the N-cover material in the manner described, a noticeable cold-warm difference is created, since the thermal resistance, due to the low compressibility of the laminated foam rubber as a different lamination material 23 in the other N-cover material of the non-massage area N, is not reduced as before by the compression of the respective foam when a person sits on it.

[0069] Heat at the same temperature (T) M = T N), which is provided equally in the non-massage area N and in the massage area M by the associated heating device H, the N-cover material in the non-massage area N cannot be heated as much compared to the massage area M due to the difficult-to-compress foam and the resulting high or higher thermal resistance, which causes the noticeable cold-warm difference between the non-massage area N and the massage area M.

[0070] 2.5 Second design variant in a fifth embodiment ( Fig. 2.5): Change in the reference structure in massage area M: - Omission of the covering in massage area M -

[0071] In this fifth embodiment, according to Fig. 2.1 of the first embodiment of the second embodiment variant (compare point 2.1) for changing the thermal resistance of the conventional base covering material 16-1 in the at least one massage area M, a different M-covering material 20 is selected, wherein the selection of a different M-covering material 20 ensures that in the massage area M with the other M-covering material 20 with the lamination 16-2, a higher thermal conductivity or a lower thermal resistance is achieved compared to the non-massage area N with the respective covering material, in particular the base covering material.

[0072] In addition, for example, the lamination is completely omitted on the other M-cover fabric 20 in the massage area M, which further enhances the effect mentioned, since the massage device 30 and the heating device H come into effect very close to the back of the other M-cover fabric 20.

[0073] 2.6 Second embodiment variant in a sixth embodiment: Change in the reference structure in the non-massage area N: - Addition of an additional layer -

[0074] In this sixth embodiment, according to Fig. 2.6 of the fourth embodiment of the second design variant (compare point 2.4) in which, for example, a foam rubber laminated on the inside of the conventional base cover material 16-1 of the non-massage area N is used as a different lamination material 22, which has low compressibility preferably with the higher bulk density 47 kg / m³ 3 has.

[0075] With this low compressibility, the thermal resistance of the modified N-covering material made of conventional base cover material 16-1 and the other, less compressible lamination material 22 remains almost constant when a person sits on it, whereas the thermal conductivity of the respective cover material in the massage area M is higher due to the compression occurring there when a person of comparable mass sits on it, than in the other N-covering material of the less or hardly compressible non-massage area N.

[0076] In the sixth embodiment, an additional layer is formed as an “insulating layer” 24 on the underside of the cover in the at least one non-massage area N, thereby further increasing the effect mentioned.

[0077] In this embodiment, the additional padding layer 16-3 is made of a conventional padding foam with a standard density of 40 kg / m³ in the massage area M and in the non-massage area N. 3 trained and not as in Fig. 2.4 described under point 2.4 in the non-massage area N also made of a less compressible foam as an additional padding layer 16-3' with the higher density 47 kg / m³ 3 trained. 2.7 Combinations:

[0078] It is understood that the basic considerations of the embodiments of the first embodiment variant, in particular the reduction of the material thickness of the covering material, especially of the other M covering material 20 and / or the other lamination material 22 in the massage area M and / or the increase of the material thickness of the other N covering material 21 of the non-massage area N and / or the other lamination material 23, are transferable to the embodiments of the second embodiment variant.

[0079] It is further understood that the fundamental considerations of the second embodiment of the first design variant (compare point 1.2 - perforation of the cover material) – perforation openings in the M cover material in the massage area M or larger perforation openings of a perforation 18 in the massage area M compared to the non-massage area N and / or no or reduced perforation openings in the respective cover material, in particular in the other N cover material of the non-massage area N – are also transferable to the embodiments of the second design variant.

[0080] For these embodiments of the second design variant, it is also proposed that, on the control side, the activation of the massage device 30 and, when the massage device 30 is activated, the full-surface activation of the heating device H, in particular the seat heating and / or the seat ventilation system, is offered via a multimedia interface on a corresponding display in the vehicle.

[0081] Despite full-surface heating of the seat surface of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest surface of the backrest part 14, in the exemplary embodiments of the second design variant mentioned, a temperature difference ΔT perceptible to the seat user is generated between the at least one massage area M and the at least one non-massage area N.

[0082] 3. Third design variant ( Fig. 3): In the third embodiment, the inventive approach is pursued in that the at least one massage area M is heated more strongly (pointwise or over a surface) compared to the at least one non-massage area N, i.e., actually a higher temperature T. M > T N in the massage area M is generated.

[0083] 3.1 Third design variant in a first design: The temperature difference ΔT between the at least one massage area M and the at least one non-massage area N can be further increased, in addition to the solutions mentioned so far, if the heating device H, unlike what has been explained previously, is a seat heater that maintains a controllably higher temperature T between the at least one massage area M and the non-massage area N. MPartially, that is, more intensely heated in certain areas or at specific points. This is also referred to as local, area-specific, or local point-specific heating in the massage area M.

[0084] The seat heating is then constructed or arranged within the vehicle seat 100 in such a way that a different higher temperature T is reached in the point and / or area massage zone M. M is controllable and adjustable in the non-massage area N of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest part 14.

[0085] It is proposed that, with the massage function 30 activated, the seat heating can be selectively activated via a multimedia interface on a corresponding display in the vehicle, either locally in the massage area M and / or in the non-massage area N of the seat section 12 and / or backrest section 14, with different temperatures applied selectively, in specific areas, or across the entire surface of the seat section 12 and / or backrest section 14. It is understood that the operator can, if desired, set the same temperature in both temperature-setting areas M and N of the seat section 12 and / or backrest section 14, either selectively, in specific areas, or across the entire surface. It is evident that this advantageously creates convenient individual adjustability with a multitude of combinations.

[0086] 3.1.1 Third design variant in a first design: - first control system version -

[0087] In a first embodiment of the first configuration, the seat heating can be activated by the user, for example, by setting and regulating a higher temperature locally in the massage area M than in the non-massage area N. It is also possible to disable the seat heating in the non-massage area N entirely, and instead only heat the massage area M to a desired temperature T. M to warm up.

[0088] 3.1.2 Third design variant in a first design: - second control version -

[0089] In a second embodiment of the first configuration, the seat heating can be activated, for example, by activating both surfaces of the entire area of ​​the seat section 12 and / or the backrest section 14. The surfaces in the massage area M and the non-massage area N can be switched on and controlled independently of each other according to the user's wishes and can each be regulated to a predefinable temperature. It is proposed that, when the massage device 30 is switched on in massage area M and "Hot Stone Massage" is selected, a higher temperature is automatically maintained in massage area M than in the non-massage area N of the seat section 12 and / or the backrest section 14. The automatically achieved temperature difference ΔT can be predefinable by the user.

[0090] Electric heating elements, particularly heating fabrics, are used as electric seat heaters in massage and non-massage areas M and N. These heating fabrics are usually arranged within the upholstery material consisting of the cover fabric and backing.

[0091] Also known are so-called stranded heating elements, which are well-suited for use in both massage area M and non-massage area N. The stranded heating element (not shown) is usually attached to the foam of the cushion in the further cushion layer 16-3, 16-3' beneath the cover material consisting of the upholstery fabric and backing, and is typically glued in place.

[0092] 3.2 Third design variant in a second design: In a second embodiment of the third design variant, as already explained, a seat ventilation system providing cooling and warm air is used in combination with the electric seat heating or independently of the electric seat heating.

[0093] As already explained, conventional high-quality vehicle seats 100 have both electric seat heaters and seat ventilation systems that generate warm and cold air.

[0094] With such vehicle seats 100, it is particularly easy to integrate a “hot stone massage” function by arranging a massage device 30 with point elements E (massage elements) and to design the vehicle seat 100 in one of the described design variants, as explained below.

[0095] The seat ventilation system is designed within the vehicle seat 100 such that the partial (local) point and / or area massage points or massage areas M are heated more strongly by warm air than in the non-massage area N surrounding the massage area M.

[0096] It is proposed that the air be supplied via air channels at least to the massage area M and also to the non-massage area N of the seat part 12 and / or backrest part 14.

[0097] The air within the seat ventilation system is heated, for example, by Peltier elements or by heating elements such as PTC heating elements, which have an extremely positive temperature coefficient of electrical resistance. The PTC heating element is designed so that the air in the various ventilation ducts is at uniform and different temperatures (T). M , T N can be driven so that the massage area M is always supplied with constant or variable warm air, which, in accordance with the invention, is above the temperature T M > T N of the non-massage area N. It is understood that cooling of the massage area M compared to the non-massage area N is achieved by a lower operating temperature T. M < T Nin massage area M compared to non-massage area N is not fundamentally excluded.

[0098] The seat ventilation system can be controlled via the multimedia interface in the same way as the seat heating system, whereby the selection of the seat ventilation system alone or the seat ventilation system and the seat heating in parallel is offered on a corresponding display in the vehicle when the massage unit 30 is switched on, so that it is possible to switch on the seat heating and / or the seat ventilation system optionally.

[0099] The heat generated by the seat heating and / or seat ventilation systems can be switched on in different ways and assigned to the massage area M and the non-massage area N, as explained above in the two control versions of the third design variant according to point 3.1.1 or 3.1.2.

[0100] The use of a seat heating and / or a seat ventilation system also advantageously allows, through the corresponding operating mode described, an influence on the temperature difference ΔT (the cold-warm difference) between the massage area M and the non-massage area N.

[0101] Furthermore, it is possible to utilize the climate control functions of conventional, already used seat ventilation systems, in which air of the same temperature is supplied to the seat part 12 and / or the backrest part 14 in the massage area M and the non-massage area N of the upholstery material consisting of the upholstery fabric and lamination. It is then advantageous to combine such a seat ventilation system with at least one of the embodiments of the first design variant (see points 1 to 1.4) or at least one of the second design variant (see points 2 to 2.6).

[0102] Here are some examples: As explained above, in some embodiments it is possible to design the other M-covering material, in particular the other lamination material 22 in the massage area M, to be highly compressible (see point 2.2), so that when a person of comparable mass sits on it, the airflow in the associated massage points or massage areas is prevented by the compression of the respective cover material in the massage area M that takes place when sitting on it.

[0103] In contrast, in the non-massage area N, by selecting the other, only slightly compressible N cover material (see point 2.4), in particular the other lamination material 23, for example, no or only slight compression of the cover material takes place.

[0104] If the seat ventilation system is operated entirely with cold, i.e., unheated, air in its climate control function, the effect still occurs that the massage area M appears warmer to the occupant than the non-massage area N, because the air passes little or not at all through the compressed cover material in the massage area M.

[0105] In this context, in combination with the described embodiments, it is further proposed to prevent the cold, unheated airflow to the massage points or massage areas by reducing or completely omitting the perforation 18 in the M-covering material of the massage area M (compare point 1.2) or by forming perforation openings of a perforation 18 in the other N-covering material of the non-massage area N (compare point 2.7) that are larger than the perforation openings of the perforation 18 in the massage area M.

[0106] In summary, the invention consists of either changing the cover material (cover fabric and / or lamination on the cover fabric) and / or the cover structure in the massage area M and / or in the non-massage area N and / or designing and operating the electric seat heating and / or the seat ventilation system in such a way that the point-specific / area-specific or full-surface massage points or massage areas in the massage area M appear at least warmer or are warmer to the seat user compared to the non-massage area N. 4. Fourth design variant:

[0107] In a fourth embodiment, not shown in detail, at least the massage area M is heated by filling at least one pressurizable element E of the seat ventilation system with a pre-heated fluid or gas (air). The massage device 30 is usually pneumatically or electropneumatically operated with air, which is why this embodiment will be discussed in more detail.

[0108] It is proposed to arrange lifting bladders in the massage area M within the padding area, i.e. in the further padding layer 16-3, 16-3', which serve to be selectively filled or emptied with air by a pneumatic control device, thereby achieving the massage effect.

[0109] Furthermore, it is planned to fill the lifting bladder(s) located in the massage area M with warm air and not to operate them with ambient air as before, in order to create the massage effect.

[0110] In order to make the effect as effective as possible, the lifting bladder or bladders are also designed in such a way that, at least where they meet the back of the cover material of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest part 14 in the massage area M, they are made of a material which has a particularly high thermal conductivity.

[0111] The lifting bladder(s) consist entirely or at least at the point of contact with the back of the cover material (behind the cover fabric or the cover fabric with a lamination) in the massage area M of the seat part 12 and / or the backrest part 14 of a very thermally conductive foil, whereby in particular an aluminum foil or a copper foil is proposed.

[0112] In an additional embodiment of the invention, which is generally applicable to all previously described embodiments of the design variants, it is proposed that the reference material between massage area M and non-massage area N has a heat flow barrier.

[0113] Such a heat flow barrier ensures that a temperature difference achieved between massage area M and non-massage area N is not reduced by heat conduction in the boundary area of ​​the two areas M, N.

[0114] It is proposed that a vehicle seat 100, or the vehicle itself, has a control device that controls, regulates, and monitors all functions of the vehicle seat 100 according to the invention. The control device controls and regulates the massage device 30 and the at least one heating device H.

[0115] In a particularly comfortable version, the control unit takes over the control and regulation of the massage unit 30 as well as the electric seat heating and the seat ventilation system arranged as a heating unit H in combination.

[0116] The control unit is able to control and regulate corresponding massage programs of the massage unit 30 and / or heating programs of the heating unit(s) H, whereby the corresponding programs are offered or displayed for selection via the multimedia interface on a display in the area of ​​the driver and / or front passenger of the vehicle. Reference symbol list 100 vehicle seats 12 Seat section 14 Backrest section M massage area Non-massage area H Heating system 16-1 Base cover fabric 16-2 Lamination 16-2' Lamination with interruption in the massage area M 16-3 further layer of padding 16-3' further padding layer of the padding with modified density 16-4 additional layer 18 perforations 20 other M-cover fabrics in the massage area M 21 other N-covering fabric in the non-massage area N 22 other laminating materials in the massage area M with altered bulk density 23 other covering materials in the non-massage area N 24 Insulation layer 30 massage facilities E Element of the massage device (“Hot Stone”) T M Temperature in the massage area M T N Temperature in the non-massage area N ΔT temperature difference

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (100) with a padded seat section (12) and / or a padded backrest section (14), which is / are covered, wherein at least one massage device (30) for massaging and at least one heating device (H) for applying heat to body parts of a person sitting on the vehicle seat (100) that come into contact with the cover of the vehicle seat (100), wherein a temperature difference between a cover material in at least one massage area (M) and a cover material in the at least one non-massage area (N) is increased by targeted thermal treatment of the cover material in the massage area (M) by means of at least one element of the massage device (30), wherein the massage device (30) comprises at least one pneumatically or electropneumatically pressurised massage element (E) designed as a lifting bladder,which is integrated into the upholstery / upholstery foam of the seat part (12) and / or the backrest part (14) in an upholstery layer (16-3, 16-3'), , characterized by , that the at least one pressurizable element (E) in the at least one massage area (M) is at a predefinable temperature (T) M > T N ) is heated more locally with warm air compared to the non-massage area (N), wherein the vehicle seat (100) has a seat ventilation system generating warm and cold air as a heating device (H), wherein the air heating within the seat ventilation system is carried out by heating elements which are designed so that the air in different ventilation channels has uniform and different temperatures (T M , T N ) can be operated in the massage area (M) and in the non-massage area (N), whereby the massage area (M) is always supplied with constant or variable warm air. [2] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a basic cover material made of a uniform cover material is arranged on the seat part (12) and / or backrest part (14) in the massage area (M) and in the non-massage area (N), and the basic cover material has a reduced material thickness in order to change the thermal resistance in the at least one massage area (M) compared to the non-massage area (N), thereby reducing the thermal resistance of the basic cover material in the at least one massage area (M). [3] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized by, that on the seat part (12) and / or the backrest part (14) the base cover material in the massage area (M) and in the non-massage area (N) is made of the same cover material, and the base cover material has a perforation (18) in the at least one massage area (M) to change the thermal resistance or the perforation openings of the perforation (18) are larger than perforation openings of a perforation (18) in the non-massage area (N) of the base cover material, thereby increasing the heat convection of the base cover material in the at least one massage area (M). [4] Vehicle seat (100) according to claims 2 and 3, characterized by , that the reduced material thickness and the perforation (18) in the massage area (M) of the base cover material are combined. [5] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 2, characterized by, that to change the thermal resistance of the base covering material in the at least one massage area (M) compared to the respective covering material in the non-massage area (N), a different M-covering material is used and / or a different M-covering structure is / are formed, wherein the other M-covering material and / or the other M-covering structure of the massage area (M) has a higher thermal conductivity or a lower thermal resistance compared to the respective covering material of the non-massage area (N). [6] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 2, characterized by, that to change the thermal resistance of the base covering material in the at least one non-massage area (N) compared to the respective covering material in the massage area (M), a different N covering material is used and / or a different N covering structure is / are formed, wherein the other N covering material and / or the other N covering structure of the non-massage area (N) has / have a lower thermal conductivity and thus a higher thermal resistance compared to the respective covering material in the massage area (M). [7] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the other M-covering material in the at least one massage area (M) has a reduced material thickness to increase thermal conductivity, and / or the other M-covering material in the massage area (M) is provided with a perforation (18) or is provided with a perforation (18) whose perforation openings are larger than the perforation openings of a perforation (18) in the respective cover material of the non-massage area (N). [8] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the vehicle seat (100) has a seat heater as a heating device (H) which is arranged and designed in the vehicle seat (100) such that it heats the at least one massage area (M) and the at least one non-massage area (N) with an adjustable temperature (T) M T N) uniformly heated over the entire surface or they heat at least one massage area (M) compared to at least one non-massage area (N) at an adjustable higher temperature (T) M > T N ) locally more heated. [9] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the seat ventilation system in the vehicle seat (100), which provides cooling air and warm air as a heating device (H), is arranged and designed such that it supplies the at least one massage area (M) and the at least one non-massage area (N) with warm air at an adjustable temperature (T) M , T N ) uniformly heated over the entire surface or which heats at least one massage area (M) with warm air at an adjustable higher temperature (T) compared to the non-massage area (N). M > T N ) locally more heated. [10] Vehicle seat (100) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by, that the vehicle seat (100) has a seat heating system and a seat ventilation system in combination as a heating device (H). [11] Vehicle seat (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the at least one pressurizable element (E) of the massage device (30) in the massage area (M) is made of a material which has a high thermal conductivity, at least at the at least one contact point where the pressurizable element (E) meets the respective covering material in the massage area (M). [12] Vehicle seat (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that within the respective covering material a heat flow barrier is formed between the at least one massage area (M) and the at least one non-massage area (N).

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