Vehicle seat with sealed inflation system

Abstract

Vehicle seat including: a first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) arranged in a seat section (12); a first and a second supply line (40, 50) connecting the bellows (16, 18) together; a first valve arrangement (20) which is arranged on the first supply line (40) and can be opened towards the first inflation bellows (16) under pressure from the second inflation bellows (18); and a second valve arrangement (30) which is arranged on the second supply line (50) and can be opened by a downward folding movement of a seat back (22) towards the second inflation bellows (18).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat with an air-sprung seat surface and in particular to a vehicle seat with air bellows that define compressible sections with airflow direction valves to facilitate a folding movement of the seat. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicles may have folding seats where a seatback can be folded down and brought into contact with a corresponding seat section. Folding seats can be used, for example, in conjunction with the rear seats of a vehicle. The seatbacks can be folded down when not in use by a passenger or the like, to accommodate a large object in the rear seat or to increase the cargo space provided by the vehicle's trunk. Due to ergonomic and other considerations, seatbacks and seat cushions may have contours and material thicknesses that limit a user's ability to fold a seatback into a substantially flat position. This can result in a loading surface of the seatback, upon which a load is supported, rising at a significant angle from an adjacent trunk surface.This is particularly true for adjustable vehicle seats with air-sprung seat cushions. This can limit both the usable cargo space and the ability to safely place items on the sloping surface. Therefore, improvements to folding vehicle seats that allow for a virtually flat loading area are desirable.

[0003] DE 101 58 876 A1 describes a motor vehicle seat which has a low profile when folded. This is achieved by providing the upholstery of the seat and backrest with a gas-tight covering, which, when the seat is unfolded, forms gas-filled chambers and, when the seat is folded, is emptied at least to the extent that a surface of the back of the seat can be used as a loading area. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the present invention comprises a vehicle seat having first and second inflatable bellows arranged in a seat section. A first and a second supply line connect the first and second inflatable bellows to each other. A first valve arrangement, located on the first supply line, can be opened towards the first inflatable bellows when pressurized by the second inflatable bellows. A second valve arrangement, located on the second supply line, can be opened towards the second inflatable bellows by a downward folding movement of a seat back of the vehicle seat.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a vehicle seat with a sealed inflation system comprising first and second inflation bellows connected by a supply line for the mutual exchange of an inflation medium. Each inflation bellows has one or more guide pins extending outwards. A valve arrangement is operatively connected to the guide pins and the supply line and is operable between an open and a closed position. Compression of the second inflation bellows opens the valve arrangement, and compression of the first inflation bellows closes the valve arrangement.

[0006] A further aspect of the present invention comprises a vehicle seat with a seat section and a seat back, which is pivotably coupled to the seat section between an upright and a folded-down position. The seat back has a cam surface. A sealed inflation system is arranged in the seat section and comprises first and second inflation bellows. The first and second inflation bellows each have one or more guide pins extending outwards from them and are connected to each other by a first and a second supply line, which are designed to guide an inflation medium between the first and second inflation bellows. A first valve arrangement is arranged on the outside of the first supply line and is operatively connected to the one or more guide pins of the first and second inflation bellows.Compressing the second bellows inflates one or more guide pins of the second bellows to open the first valve assembly. Compressing the first bellows inflates one or more guide pins of the first bellows to close the first valve assembly. A second valve assembly is located externally on the second supply line. The cam surface of the seat back engages the second valve assembly to close it when the seat back is in the upright position. The cam surface of the seat back disengages from the second valve assembly to open it when the seat back is in the folded-down position.

[0007] These and other aspects, tasks and features of the present invention will become understandable and apparent to those skilled in the art upon closer examination of the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a side view of a section of a vehicle interior with a vehicle front seat and a fold-down vehicle rear view according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2A a side view of the folding rear vehicle seat from Fig. 1 with a seat back in a folded-down configuration; Fig. 2B a side view of the folding rear vehicle seat of Fig. 1 with a passenger sitting on it; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of a pneumatic inflation system; Fig. 4A a perspective view of a check valve and an airflow passage system with guide pins, shown in an exploded view from the former; Fig. 4B a perspective view of the check valve and the airflow passage system with the guide pins of Fig. 4A in an assembled state; Fig. 4C a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 4B along line IVC, showing the valve arrangement in an open state; Fig. 4D cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 4B along line IVC, showing the valve arrangement in a closed state; Fig. 5A a perspective view of an open / closed valve arrangement in a closed state; Fig. 5B a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 5A along line VB, showing the valve arrangement in a closed state; and Fig. 5C a cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement of Fig. 5A along line VB, showing the valve arrangement in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] For the purposes of this description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “inner”, “outer”, and derivatives thereof shall refer to the invention as described in Fig. 1 is oriented. However, it is understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawing and described in the following specification are only exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.Additionally, it is understood that the discussion of a particular feature of a component extending in or along a specified direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction, or that it extends only in such a direction or on such a plane, without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 2 having a front seat 4 arranged within a vehicle interior 5. As further shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a vehicle seat, and in particular a rear passenger seat, located behind the front passenger seat 4. The vehicle 2 generally has a floor 6 with a trunk or cargo floor 7 and a floor tray 8, which has a front section 8A and a rear section 8B. As shown in Figure 1, the reference numeral 10 generally denotes a vehicle seat, and in particular a rear passenger seat, which is located behind the front passenger seat 4. The vehicle 2 generally has a floor 6 with a trunk or cargo floor 7 and a floor tray 8, which has a front section 8A and a rear section 8B. Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 is supported on the floor tray 8 and arranged adjacent to the trunk floor 7. The vehicle seat 10 has a seat section 12 with a cushion 14 arranged on it. The cushion 14 can be a foam-like cushion, or it can have a cover used to cover the inflatable bellows arranged in the seat section 12. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 has a first 16 and a second inflatable bellows 18, with a first valve arrangement 20 positioned between them. The first valve arrangement 20 is assumed to be a one-way or check valve used to control the flow of an inflation medium in an assigned direction between the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18, as described in more detail below. The first valve arrangement 20 is further assumed to be able to maintain an open or closed state until it is reset by external circumstances, as described in more detail below.

[0011] It is assumed that the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 are parts of a sealed inflatable system 60 ( Fig. 3) as the suspension of the seat section 12 of the vehicle seat 10. The inflatable bellows 16, 18 can be filled with air or a similar fluid medium, which can be transferred from one inflatable bellows to another in response to various compression events performed on the vehicle seat 10. Although the inflatable bellows 16, 18 are described as being filled with an inflatable medium, for the purposes of this disclosure the inflatable medium is described here as air, even though the present concept is not limited to a pneumatic inflatable medium.

[0012] It is assumed that the first 16 and the second inflation bellows 18 components of a compliant pressure system 60 ( Fig. 3) are, which, as described in more detail below, is sealed. It is assumed that the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 are constructed by blow molding or by dielectric welding of preformed polymer sheets or other similar materials. It is important that the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 form a compressible pressure shell made of generally thin-walled, compliant, rubber-like materials.

[0013] The first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 are in Fig. 1 shown to be connected by a first supply line 40 and a second supply line 50, as described in more detail below, assuming that these are made of a similar material to the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 themselves. In the configuration of Fig. 1. It can be assumed that the first inflatable bellows 16 can be used to support the thigh of a seated vehicle occupant against an edge area of ​​the seat section 12, while the second inflatable bellows 18 can be used to support the seat of the vehicle occupant against a central section of the seat section 12 of the vehicle seat 10, as is best illustrated in Fig. 2B can be seen. In this way, the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 provide an air-sprung seat for a vehicle occupant on cushion 14. In Fig. Figure 1 shows the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 such that the first inflatable bellows 16 is arranged opposite the second inflatable bellows 18 in the frontal direction of the motor vehicle. It is assumed that the first 16 and the second 18 inflatable bellows can be arranged within the seat section 12 of the vehicle seat 10 in any configuration and can have multiple inflatable bellows, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 shown and described below with specific reference to it.

[0014] As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 1, the vehicle seat 10 has a seat back 22 with a headrest 24 arranged on an upper section 22B of the seat back 22. The seat back 22 is assumed to be a folding seat back, so that the vehicle seat 10 is a folding vehicle seat. Fig. 1 shows the seat back 22 in the upright or operating position U and for movement along a path marked with arrow A into a folded-down position F ( Fig. 2) pivotably coupled to the seat section 12. A second valve arrangement 30 is shown arranged near the pivotable connection of the seat back 22 with the seat section 12 of the vehicle seat 10. A cam or lever 32 is coupled to the seat back 22 at a lower section and has a cam surface 34 located at its end section. The cam surface 34 is designed to contact and close the second valve arrangement 30 when the seat back 22 is in the upright position U, thus preventing airflow through the second valve arrangement 30. The cam surface 34 of the lever 32 disengages from the second valve arrangement 30 to open it when the seat back 22 is in the upright position U. Fig. 2A is shown being moved into the folded-over position F. By disengaging the cam surface 34 of the lever 32 from the second valve arrangement 30, the second valve arrangement 30 opens, allowing air to flow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18.

[0015] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 2A shows the seat back 22 in the folded-down position F, such that the angle 36 of the seat back 22 relative to the trunk floor 7 is essentially flat. In the folded-down position F of the seat back 22, the cargo space 38 between the space occupied by the vehicle seat 10 and the trunk floor 7 is increased. Accordingly, the various features of the vehicle seat 10 described herein can be described in particular with regard to a vehicle seat 10 positioned towards the rear of the associated vehicle 2, and realized in conjunction with, for example, a rear seat, a second-row seat, or a bench-like third-row seat (such as a 60 / 40 split-folding rear bench seat), or with captain's-chair-like second- or third-row rear seats, or the like. However, such features can also be used in conjunction with the front passenger seat 4.

[0016] The seat section 12, in which the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 are in fluid communication with each other via the first supply line 40 and the second supply line 50, can have a profile as shown in Fig. 2B shown is adapted for the safe and comfortable transport of a vehicle occupant, but also the ability of the seat back 22 to move into a position as in Fig. The essentially flat position F shown in Figure 2 can be completely obstructed. The first supply line 40 allows a fluid medium 42 to be displaced between the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 under various conditions. It is assumed that both the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 are generally compressible and flexible, so that the first 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 can be inflated or expanded by various internal pressures applied by the fluid medium 42 arranged therein, as well as compressed by external pressures on the vehicle seat 10 at the seat section 12. As shown in Figure 2, the ... by external pressures on the vehicle seat 10 at the seat section 12. Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the first supply line 40 connects the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18 via the first valve arrangement 20. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As further shown in Figure 2A, the second supply line 50 connects the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18 via the second valve arrangement 30. It is assumed that the first inflation bellows 16, the second inflation bellows 18, the first supply line 40 and the second supply line 50 are made of similar airtight materials (such as a plastic, polyethylene, rubber, vinyl or other similar materials) so that these components form a closed or sealed inflation system 60 ( Fig. 3) define with a fixed quantity of a flowable medium 42 contained therein. In an example, the first inflatable bellows 16 and the second inflatable bellows 18 may be configured to contain the flowable medium 42 at an internal pressure of approximately 3 pounds per square inch (“psig”). Such a system can be used to provide approximately one-third and one-half of such a maximum pressure in a range of approximately 0.5 psig to 1.0 psig. Accordingly, an increase in the external pressure applied to either the first inflatable bellows 16 or the second inflatable bellows 18 may cause at least a portion of the flowable medium 42 to be transferred from one structure to the other via the first valve assembly 20 or via the second valve assembly 30.In this way, the fluid medium 42 can shift and increase the internal pressure of one inflation bellows by reducing the internal pressure of the other inflation bellows in fluid communication with the first.

[0017] Further referring to Fig. Figure 2A shows the lever 32 of the seat back 22 disengaged from the second valve assembly 30, so that the second valve assembly 30 can be assumed to be in an open position O. When the second valve assembly 30 is in the open position O, the inflation medium 42 can move rapidly from the first inflation bellows 16 via the second supply line 50 to the second inflation bellows 18. The second supply line 50 is assumed to be a rapid displacement supply line that allows the first inflation bellows 16 to collapse quickly, ensuring a flat seat back 22 in the folded position F. As shown in Figure 2A, the second supply line 50 is used to quickly displace the first inflation bellows 16, thus ensuring a flat seat back 22 in the folded position F. Fig. As shown in Figure 2A, the first inflatable bellows 16 is in a compressed state C due to a force exerted by the upper section 22B of the seat backrest 22, which acts on the seat cushion 14 located adjacent to or above the first inflatable bellows 16. When the first inflatable bellows 16 is in the compressed state C, the inflation medium 42, which is assumed to be air, flows rapidly through the second supply line 50 and the open second valve arrangement 30 from the first inflatable bellows 16 to the second inflatable bellows 18. Thus, the second inflatable bellows 18 is in Fig. 2A is shown in an inflated state I, in which it has absorbed a portion of the inflation medium 42 previously arranged in the first inflation bellows 16. As described above, the flow of the inflation medium 42 from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18 via the second supply line 50 is only possible if the second valve arrangement 30 is in an open position O, which is achieved when the seat back 22 is in the position shown in Figure 2. Fig. The seat back 22 is in the folded-down position F shown in Figure 2A. Thus, the airflow direction, indicated by arrow AF, moves towards the rear of the vehicle from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18 when the seat back 22 is in the folded-down position F. By expelling the inflation medium 42 from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18, the seat back 22 can move easily and quickly into the flat, folded-down position F without resistance from the compressed inflation bellows 16.

[0018] Now, referring to Fig. In Figure 2B, the vehicle seat 10 with the seat back 22 is shown in the upright position U, so that the lever 32 acts on the second valve assembly 30 to move the second valve assembly 30 into the closed position C. In this way, the inflation medium 42 cannot move from the first inflation bellows 16 via the second supply line 50 to the second inflation bellows 18. As shown in Fig. Figure 2B shows a vehicle occupant VO seated on the vehicle seat 10, such that the second inflatable bellows 18 is in a compressed state C. When the second inflatable bellows 18 is in the compressed state C, the inflation medium 42 moves under the pressure exerted by the vehicle occupant VO from the second inflatable bellows 18 via the first supply line 40 to the first inflatable bellows 16. Thus, it is assumed that the first valve arrangement 20 is in the open position O when the second inflatable bellows 18 is in the compressed state C. As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 2B, the first inflation bellows 16 is in the inflated state I, in which it has received a portion of the inflation medium 42 previously contained in the second inflation bellows 18. This is due to the fact, noted above, that the inflation system 60 of the present concept is a sealed system, in which the compression of one inflation bellows leads to the inflation of another inflation bellows through the supply lines and valve arrangements of the closed or sealed inflation system 60. Thus, the airflow direction indicated by the arrow AF from the second inflation bellows 18 to the first inflation bellows 16 is as shown in Figure 2B. Fig. 2B shown with the vehicle occupant VO sitting in the vehicle seat 10 facing forwards.

[0019] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the sealed inflation system 60, wherein the first inflation bellows 16 comprises two substantially similar inflation bellows 16A, 16B, and wherein the second inflation bellows 18 further comprises two substantially similar inflation bellows 18A, 18B. The first supply line 40 is shown with two supply lines 40A, 40B, which establish a fluid connection between inflation bellows 16A and inflation bellows 18A and between inflation bellows 16B and inflation bellows 18B, respectively. As shown in Fig. As further shown in Figure 3, the supply lines 40A and 40B are arranged to pass through the first valve arrangement 20 in order to regulate the airflow between the first and second groups of inflatable bellows 16 and 18, respectively. As shown in Figure 3, the supply lines 40A and 40B are arranged to pass through the first valve arrangement 20 in order to regulate the airflow between the first and second groups of inflatable bellows 16 and 18, respectively. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the direction of airflow through the first valve assembly 20 is indicated by arrow AF1 in a frontal direction of the motor vehicle, from the second air bellows 18A, 18B to the first air bellows 16A, 16B. The first air bellows 16A, 16B further have guide pins 42A and 42B, respectively, which also engage with the first valve assembly 20. The second air bellows 18A, 18B further have guide pins 44A and 44B, respectively, which also engage with the first valve assembly 20. As used throughout this disclosure, the term "guide pin" means, inter alia, a section of an associated air bellows in the form of a closed tube extending outwards from the associated air bellows. As an example with specific reference to the guide pin 42A of the inflation bellows 16A, the guide pin 42A has a first end 45A which leads into the inflation bellows 16A and is in fluid communication with it.The guide pin 42A further comprises a second end 46A, which is a closed end section that engages with the first valve assembly 20. The remaining guide pins 42B, 44A, 44B are similarly configured with their associated bellows and have end sections 46B, 48A, and 48B, respectively. The end sections 46A, 46B, 48A, and 48B of the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B, respectively, are configured to control the state of the first valve assembly 20 between an open and a closed state. When the first valve assembly 20 is in the position shown in Figure 42A, the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B are closed. Fig. With the first valve assembly 20 shown in the open state O (2B), the airflow direction through the first valve assembly 20, as indicated by arrow AF1, is in a frontal direction of the vehicle, from the second air bellows 18A, 18B to the first air bellows 16A, 16B. The end sections 46A, 46B, 48A and 48B of the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B, respectively, are pressurized, so that the first valve assembly 20 can open and close based on the inflation of one of the groups of guide pins 42A, 42B or 44A, 44B. The function of the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B for controlling the open or closed position of the first valve assembly 20 is described below with specific reference to Fig. 4A - 4D described in more detail.

[0020] As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 3, the second valve arrangement 30 has rapid-extension supply lines 50A, 50B of the second supply line 50, which are arranged passing through it. The second supply line 50 connects the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18, as noted above, and is Fig. Figure 3 shows that these double groups of inflatable bellows 16A, 16B and 18A, 18B are connected to separate supply lines 50A, 50B. The airflow through the second valve arrangement 30 is Fig. 3 as shown in a frontal direction of the motor vehicle, as indicated by arrow AF2. Arrow AF2, like airflow indicator AF1, schematically indicates an airflow direction through the second valve arrangement 30. The actual airflow directions may differ in the arrangement, but as described above, the first valve arrangement 20, in an open state O, allows airflow from the second inflation bellows 18 to the first inflation bellows 16, and the second valve arrangement, in an open state O, allows airflow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18. The configuration of the in Fig. The closed inflation system 60 shown in Figure 3 is purely exemplary, and the first inflation bellows 16 can have several inflation bellows in addition to the inflation bellows 16A and 16B. Furthermore, the second inflation bellows 18 can have several inflation bellows in addition to those shown in Figure 3. Fig. in addition to the 3 shown inflatable bellows 18A, 18B. The number and configuration of the in Fig. The three inflatable bellows shown are purely exemplary; they can be configured in any way depending on the requirements of the functionality of a specific vehicle seat.

[0021] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 4A shows an embodiment of the first valve assembly 20 with supply lines 40A, 40B and guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B, shown in an exploded view. The first valve assembly 20 is a two-part molded valve assembly comprising a base section 70 pivotably connected to an engagement section 72. The base section 70 has a first recess 74 and a second recess 76 arranged on opposite sides of the engagement section 72. Arms 78 and 80 extend upward from the first recess 74 and the second recess 76, respectively. A clamping blade 82 extends laterally from the arms 78, 80 and has a downwardly extending blade section 84 arranged above a central channel 90 of the engagement section 72. The intervention section 72 has the central channel 90 with intervention elements 92A, 92B, 94A and 94B extending outwards from it.As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4A, the engagement elements 92A and 94A are arranged above the first recess 74 of the base section 70, while the engagement elements 92B and 94B are arranged above the second recess 76 of the base section 70. Arms 96 and 98 extend upwards from the central channel 90 of the engagement section 72 and are connected to the arms 78 and 80 of the base section 70 via a pivot rod 100. Thus, the base section 70 and the engagement section 72 are designed to pivot relative to each other between an open position O and a closed position C along a path indicated by arrow 102. As shown in Fig. As further shown in Figure 4A, the clamping blade 82 of the base section 70 has a generally flat upper section 83, from which the blade section 84 extends downwards. A target position is shown in Fig. 4A is provided with the reference numeral 85 and is designed to engage in a pre-tensioning mechanism in order to pre-tension the clamping blade 82 in a downward direction towards the closed position.

[0022] Further referring to Fig. Figure 4A shows the first supply line 40 with supply lines 40A and 40B, which are arranged centrally opposite the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B. The end sections 46A, 46B, 48A, and 48B of the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B, respectively, have in Fig. 4A shaded zones represent target zones for alignment and engagement with the engagement elements 92A, 92B, 94A, and 94B of the engagement section 72 of the first valve assembly 20. The first 74 and the second recess 76 of the base section 70 are generally upwardly open U-shaped recesses designed to receive the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B in a Fig. are formed in the manner shown in Figure 4B. The central channel 90 of the intervention section 72 is a generally upwardly open U-shaped channel, which is formed as shown in Figure 4B. Fig. 4B is shown to be designed to accommodate the supply lines 40A and 40B.

[0023] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 4B shows the first valve assembly 20 with the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B arranged therein, as well as the supply lines 40A, 40B. Specifically referring to the first recess 74, the guide pins 42A and 44A are shown arranged on opposite sides of the first recess 74. The engagement element 92A is as shown in Fig. The engagement element 94A is arranged above the end section 46A of the guide pin 42A. Similarly, the engagement element 94A is arranged above the end section 48A of the guide pin 44A. With respect to the second recess 76, the engagement element 92B is arranged above the end section 46B of the guide pin 42B, and the engagement element 94B is arranged above the end section 48B of the guide pin 44B. Since the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A, and 44B of the present concept are pressurized or inflatable guide pins, they are designed to engage with the engagement elements 92A, 92B, 94A, and 94B of the engagement section 72 of the first valve assembly 20 in order to open and close the first valve assembly 20. The guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B are flexible links that are based on the application of pressure or compression of a material that acts on the guide pins 42A, 42B, 44A and 44B respectively.44B associated bellows are designed for inflation. Referring to . Fig. 4C and Fig. 4D now describes the articulated connection of the first valve arrangement 20 between the open and closed positions.

[0024] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 4C shows a cross-section of the first valve assembly 20, which is in the open position O. It is thus assumed that the base section 70 and the engagement section 72 have been pivoted or pivotally moved into the open position O by an inflation state I of the guide pin 44B along the path indicated by arrow 102. Thus, in the Fig. In the configuration shown in 4C, it is assumed that pressure is exerted on the second inflatable bellows 18, causing the second inflatable bellows 18 to expand in a manner as shown in Fig. 2B is in the compressed state C shown. When the second bellows 18 is in the compressed state C, the guide pin 44B is in the inflated state I, so that the end section 48B of the guide pin 44B engages the engagement member 94B of the engagement section 72 by exerting an upward force F1 on an underside of the engagement member 94B. By exerting the upward force F1 on the engagement member 94B, the end section 48B of the guide pin 44B provides a downward force F2 on the second recess 76 of the base section 70 to rotate or pivot the base section 70 and the engagement section 72 away from each other. When the base section 70 is rotated towards the open position O, the clamping blade 82 is raised so that the blade section 84 is positioned above the supply line 40B. In this configuration, air can be in the as in Fig. The air flows in the direction indicated by 4C from the compressed second inflation bellows 18 to the inflated first inflation bellows 16. Thus, if the internal pressure in the first inflation bellows 16 is low and the internal pressure in the second inflation bellows 18 is high, the clamping blade 82 lifts to open the supply line 40B, allowing the first inflation bellows 18 to inflate with the air supplied by the compression of the second inflation bellows 18.

[0025] Now, specifically referring to Fig. Figure 4D shows a cross-section of the first valve assembly 20, which is in the closed position C. It is thus assumed that the base section 70 and the engagement section 72 have been pivoted or articulated into the closed position C by an inflation state I of the guide pin 42B along the path indicated by arrow 102. Thus, in the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 4D, it is assumed that the pressure between inflation bellows 16 and inflation bellows 18 has equalized. This is likely in the case where a vehicle occupant VO has fully settled into a seated position and all the necessary air has been added, as shown in Figure 4D. Fig. Figure 2B shows the airflow from the inflation bellows 18 to the inflation bellows 16. As noted above, the clamping blade 82 has a generally flat upper section 83 with a target position 85 for engagement with a preloading mechanism, the preloading mechanism being configured to push the clamping blade downwards to the closed position C. In this way, the supply line 40B is clamped by the blade section 84. When the supply line 40B is clamped due to the closed position C of the first valve assembly 20, no air can flow from the second inflation bellows 18 to the first inflation bellows 16. Since the first valve assembly 20 is a one-way check valve, it remains closed despite the increasing pressure in the first inflation bellows 16.Thus, if the internal pressure in the first inflation bellows 16 is high and the internal pressure in the second inflation bellows 18 is low, the clamping blade 82 is pressed firmly downwards to internally seal the supply line 40B.

[0026] Thus, the first valve arrangement 20 is regulated as in Fig. 4C and Fig. Figure 4D shows the first valve assembly 20 automatically switching between an open position O and a closed position C depending on the relative pressure of the first inflation bellows 16 and the second inflation bellows 18. In this way, the first valve assembly 20 uses a dual guidance system to ensure that a high pressure in the second inflation bellows 18 always forces the inflation medium 42 into the first inflation bellows 16, but that the first valve assembly 20 will never open and a backflow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18 will occur, regardless of the internal pressure in the first inflation bellows 16. It is further assumed that the first valve assembly 20 is always closed when the internal pressure of the first inflation bellows 16 is greater than or equal to the internal pressure of the second inflation bellows 18.

[0027] Referring now to Fig. Figure 5A shows the second valve arrangement 30 in a closed position C, with a clamping blade 120 closed on the supply lines 50A and 50B to prevent airflow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18. The second valve arrangement 30 has the clamping blade 120, which is designed to pivot in a direction indicated by arrow 122 between an open and a closed position relative to a base section 130. The clamping blade 120 has a blade section 126 extending downwards from an upper engagement surface 124. The blade section 126 is in Fig. 5A is shown to compress the supply lines 50A, 50B in order to close the supply lines 50A, 50B. The upper engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120 is a generally flat surface designed to engage with the lever 32 when the seat back 22 is in the position shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the clamping blade in its upright position U. The lever 32 is designed to act on the upper engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120 in a downward direction, as indicated by arrow 128, in order to close the second valve arrangement 30. Thus, the lever 32 acts as a cam, while the upper engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120 acts as a cam follower, driving the clamping blade 120 from the open position O to the closed position C, as determined by the movement of the seat back 22.

[0028] The basic section 130 shows, as in Fig. Figure 5A further shows a central channel 132 in which the supply lines 50A and 50B are housed. The base section 130 has upwardly extending arms 134 and 136 which are pivotally coupled to the upper engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120 via a pivot rod 140. Thus, as Fig. As shown in supply lines 50A and 50B, no airflow is permitted in a right-to-left direction when the second valve assembly 30 is in the closed position C. This blocks air from entering the first inflation bellows 16 and then the second inflation bellows 18. As noted above, the second valve assembly 30 is in the closed position C when the seat back 22 of the vehicle seat 10 is in the upright position U, and the first valve assembly 20 assumes the open position O when a vehicle occupant VO is seated as shown in Fig. 2B shows the seat section 12 of the vehicle seat 10. When the first valve assembly 20 is in the open position O and the second valve assembly 30 is in the closed position C, an airflow can only occur in a frontal direction of the vehicle in the direction indicated by the arrow AF. Fig. Move in the direction indicated by 2B from the second inflatable bellows 18 to the first inflatable bellows 16.

[0029] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 5B shows the second valve arrangement 30 in the closed position C, with the lever 32 acting on the cam surface 34 of the lever 32 against the engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120. As noted above, the lever 32 engages the clamping blade 120 to drive the clamping blade 120 in a downward direction, as indicated by arrow 128, in order to close the supply lines 50A, 50B via the blade section 126 of the clamping blade 120. As further noted above, the engagement of the lever 32 on the clamping blade 120 occurs when the seat back 22 is in the position shown in Figure 5B. Fig. Figure 1 shows the valve in the upright position U. The supply lines 50A, 50B arranged within the second valve arrangement 30 are in Fig. 5B is clamped shut so that no air flows from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18. In Fig. 5B shows the supply lines 50A, 50B arranged outside the valve arrangement 30 in an open state, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows the supply lines running between the first inflation bellows 16 and the valve arrangement 30.

[0030] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 5C shows the second valve arrangement 30 in the open state O, with the clamping blade 120 facing away from Fig. 5B is in a raised state. When the clamping blade 120 is in the raised state, the blade section 126 is located above the supply lines 50A, 50B arranged in the central channel 132 of the base section 130. Thus, when the clamping blade 120 is raised in a direction as indicated by arrow 129, the second valve arrangement 30 is in the open position O, so that the supply lines 50A, 50B allow airflow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18. It is assumed that the clamping blade 120 is biased into the upper or open position and is moved into this position when the lever 32 of the seat back 22 is disengaged from the engagement surface 124 of the clamping blade 120. Thus, when the seat is moved into a position as indicated by arrow 129, the second valve arrangement 30 is in the open position O, allowing airflow from the first inflation bellows 16 to the second inflation bellows 18. Fig. When the indicated position 2A is folded downwards, the second valve arrangement 30 is located as shown in Fig. 5C shown in the open position O, to create an airflow as indicated by the arrow AF in Fig. To allow the direction indicated by 2A.

[0031] In Fig. Figures 4A-4D and 5A-5C show the first and second valve arrangements 20 and 30 as external or peristaltic valves, respectively. As used here, the term "peristaltic" refers to an external arrangement operated by compression means. Thus, the first and second valve arrangements 20 and 30 are external or peristaltic valves suitable for the compliant, pressurized, and sealed inflation system 60 of the present concept. In this way, the first and second valve arrangements 20 and 30 are able to achieve an internal pressure seal within the sealed inflation system 60 by using external forces and without penetrating the sealed inflation system 60.

[0032] Thus, the peristaltic air valves in the compliant air-sprung seat system of the present concept are designed for the external control of an airflow within compliant channels without penetrating the compliant channels, thereby eliminating potential leakage points that occur in systems that use valves inserted into the lines.

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat including: a first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) arranged in a seat section (12); a first and a second supply line (40, 50) connecting the bellows (16, 18) together; a first valve arrangement (20) which is arranged on the first supply line (40) and can be opened towards the first inflation bellows (16) under pressure from the second inflation bellows (18); and a second valve arrangement (30) which is arranged on the second supply line (50) and can be opened by a downward folding movement of a seat back (22) towards the second inflation bellows (18). [2] Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second valve arrangement (30) has a base section (70) with a clamping blade (120) pivotably coupled thereto, wherein the clamping blade (120) has an upper engagement surface (124). [3] Vehicle seat according to claim 2, wherein the seat back (22) has a cam surface (34) designed to engage the upper engagement surface (124) of the clamping blade (102) in order to close the second valve arrangement (30) when the seat back (22) is in an upright position (U). [4] Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the first valve arrangement (20) is a check valve arrangement which is actuable between an open (O) and a closed position (C) with respect to a state of the first and the second inflation bellows (16, 18). [5] Vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein the first valve arrangement (20) is in the closed position (C) when the first inflatable bellows (16) is in a compressed state. [6] Vehicle seat according to claim 5, wherein the first valve arrangement (20) is in the open position (O) when the second inflation bellows (18) is in a compressed state to allow movement of an inflation medium (42) from the second inflation bellows (18) via the first supply line (40) into the first inflation bellows (16). [7] Vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the second valve arrangement (30) is in an open position (O) when the first inflation bellows (16) is in a compressed state to allow movement of an inflation medium (42) from the first inflation bellows (16) into the second inflation bellows (18). [8] Vehicle seat including: a sealed inflation system (60) with first and second inflation bellows (16, 18), which are connected to each other by a supply line (40) for the mutual exchange of an inflation medium (42), each inflation bellows (16, 18) having one or more guide pins extending outwards from it; and a valve arrangement which is operatively connected to the guide pins and the supply line (40), wherein compression of the second inflation bellows (18) opens the valve arrangement, and wherein compression of the first inflation bellows (16) further closes the valve arrangement. [9] Vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the valve arrangement has a base section (70) with a first and a second recess (74, 76) arranged on opposite sides of a clamping blade (82), and wherein the one or more guide pins of the first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) are received in the first and second recess (74, 76) of the base section (70). [10] Vehicle seat according to claim 9, wherein the valve arrangement has an engagement section which is pivotably coupled to the base section (70), wherein the engagement section has several engagement elements which are arranged above the one or more guide pins of the first and the second inflation bellows (16, 18) as received in the first and in the second recess of the base section (70), and wherein the supply line is further received in a central channel of the engagement section which is arranged below the clamping blade (82) of the base section (70). [11] Vehicle seat according to claim 10, wherein the clamping blade (82) closes the supply line when the first inflation bellows (16) is compressed and one or more guide pins of the first inflation bellows (16) are inflated. [12] Vehicle seat according to claim 11, wherein the clamping blade (82) is raised over the supply line when the second inflatable bellows (18) is compressed and one or more guide pins of the second inflatable bellows (18) are inflated. [13] Vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the first inflatable bellows (16) comprises one or more inflatable bellows (16A, 16B) arranged near an edge of a seat section (12) of the vehicle seat (10). [14] Vehicle seat according to claim 13, wherein the second inflatable bellows (18) comprises one or more inflatable bellows (18A, 18B) arranged in a central section of the seat section (12) of the vehicle seat (10). [15] Vehicle seat according to claim 8, wherein the valve arrangement defines a first valve arrangement (20), and the supply line defines a first supply line (40), and wherein a second valve arrangement (30) is further arranged on a second supply line (50) which connects the first and the second inflation bellows (16, 18) together. [16] Vehicle seat according to claim 15, wherein the second valve arrangement (30) opens to allow an inflation medium to be expelled from the first inflation bellows (16) through the second supply line (50) to the second inflation bellows (18) when the first inflation bellows (16) is in a compressed state. [17] Vehicle seat according to claim 16, wherein the second valve arrangement (30) has an engagement surface designed to close the second valve arrangement (30) when a cam surface (34) of a seat back (22) acts on the engagement surface while the seat back (22) is moved into an upright position (U). [18] Vehicle seat including: a seat section (12); a seat back (22) which is attached to the seat section (12) between an upright (U) and in a folded position (F) pivotably coupled, wherein the seat back (22) has a cam surface (34) arranged thereon; a sealed inflation system (60) arranged in the seat section (12), the inflation system (60) comprising the following: first and second inflatable bellows (16, 18), each inflatable bellows (16, 18) having one or more guide pins extending outwards from it, and wherein the first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) are connected to each other by a first and a second supply line (40, 50) which are designed to carry an inflation medium (42) between the first (16) and the second inflation bellows (18); a first valve arrangement (20) which is arranged externally on the first supply line (40) and is operatively connected to one or more guide pins of the first and second inflation bellows (16), wherein compression of the second inflation bellows (18) inflates one or more guide pins of the second inflation bellows (18) and thus opens the first valve arrangement (20), and wherein further compression of the first inflation bellows (16) inflates one or more guide pins of the first inflation bellows (16) and thus closes the first valve arrangement (20); and a second valve arrangement (30) which is arranged externally on the second supply line (50), wherein the cam surface (34) of the seat back (22) engages the second valve arrangement (30) to close the second valve arrangement (30) when the seat back (22) is in the upright position (U), and wherein furthermore the cam surface (34) of the seat back (22) disengages from the second valve arrangement (30) to open the second valve arrangement (30) when the seat back (22) is in the folded-down position (F). [19] Vehicle seat according to claim 18, wherein the first valve arrangement (20) is a check valve comprising a base section (70) with a first and a second recess arranged on opposite sides of a clamping blade (82), and wherein the one or more guide pins of the first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) are received in the first and second recess (74, 76) of the base section (70). [20] Vehicle seat according to claim 19, wherein the first valve arrangement (20) has an engagement section (72) pivotably coupled to the base section (70), wherein the engagement section (72) has several engagement elements (92A, 94A, 92B, 94B) arranged above one or more guide pins of the first and second inflation bellows (16, 18) as received in the first and second recess (74, 76) of the base section (70), and wherein the supply line is further received in a central channel (90) of the engagement section (72) arranged below the clamping blade (82) of the base section (70).

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