Inflatable cushion positioned between the front and rear seats of a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle, including: a floor; a rear seat and a front seat which, with respect to the rear seat, can be rotated from a first position pointing towards the rear seat to a second position pointing away from the rear seat; an inflatable cushion, supported by the floor, between the front seat and the rear seat; a second inflatable cushion that is supported by the ground; a third inflatable cushion, positioned between and abutting the first and second inflatable cushions; and a pressure control device that is connected to the first inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion and independently controls the inflation pressure of the first inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion; wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion each have a top side; wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion are selectively movable between an uninflated position and an inflated position; wherein the inflatable cushions extend over the rear passenger compartment in a transverse direction across the vehicle; wherein the tops of the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion lie in a common upper plane in the inflated position and lie in a common lower plane in the uninflated position, and are configured to form a bed.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] An autonomous vehicle can operate autonomously, allowing its occupants to travel without monitoring its operation. Specifically, the autonomous vehicle can have a front and a rear row of seats, and the occupants in the front row can rotate their seats to face the rear while the vehicle is in operation. This allows the front-seat occupants to face the rear-seat occupants. It also allows all occupants to relax, interact with one another, and focus on the vehicle's amenities. There is also an opportunity to design vehicle amenities for the occupants that take into account the reduced monitoring of operations provided by the autonomous vehicle.

[0002] The publication DE 10 2013 005 075 A1 discloses a footrest for a passenger compartment of a vehicle with one or more first air cushions serving to adjust the height of the footrest and further second air cushions having a massage function, wherein the first and second air cushions are separated from each other by a support plate.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2006 006 362 A1 discloses a pneumatic leg rest for a motor vehicle with a cushion that can be inflated into a working position, which is arranged on a base plate and is firmly connected to it.

[0004] The publication DE 20 2012 004 674 U1 discloses a foot comfort device for a motor vehicle for placement in the floor area in front of a motor vehicle seat and for resting and supporting a passenger's foot, which has a cushion- or pad-like base body and a massage device, wherein the massage function can be controlled via the vehicle network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with two inflatable cushions in a deflated position between the front seats and the rear seats. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle from Fig. 1, with the front seats turned around and facing backwards. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle with the two inflatable cushions in an inflated position. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle with three inflatable cushions in the inflated position. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of the inflatable cushions in the uninflated position. Fig. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of one of the inflatable cushions in the uninflated position and with a retraction device. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the inflatable cushion made of Fig. 6A in the inflated position. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic view of a vehicle's control system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] Referring to the figures, in which identical numerals in each of the multiple views indicate identical parts, a vehicle 10 has a floor 12, a rear seat 14, and a front seat 16. The front seat 16 is rotatable relative to the rear seat 14 from a first position, facing away from the rear seat 14, to a second position, facing the rear seat 14. An inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20, supported by the floor 12, is arranged between the front seat 16 and the rear seat 14. A pressure control device 22 is connected to the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20.

[0006] The inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be repeatedly and selectively inflated and deflated by the vehicle occupant. For example, the vehicle occupant can deflate the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20, as described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is shown when the vehicle occupant wants to stand their legs upright. Alternatively, the vehicle occupant can inflate the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 if they want to use it as a footrest and / or bed. As shown below, the vehicle occupant can choose when to inflate and deflate the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20.

[0007] For example, a vehicle occupant in the rear seat 14 can inflate the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 as described above to use it as a footrest. In another example, if the vehicle 10 is operating in autonomous mode, a vehicle occupant in the front seat 16 can rotate the front seat 16 about a vertical axis and use the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 as a footrest. Specifically, the vehicle occupant in the front seat 16 can rotate the front seat 16 from the first position, e.g., facing away from the rear seat 14 in a forward direction of the vehicle, to the second position, e.g., facing the rear seat 14 in a reverse direction of the vehicle, in which the vehicle occupant in the front seat 16 can use the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20.In other words, when the front seat 16 is rotated into the second position, the vehicle occupants in the front seat 16 and the rear seat 14 face each other and can both use the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 as a footrest. Since the front seat 16 is rotatable and the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be used by both the front seat occupant 16 and the rear seat occupant 14, the journey can be more comfortable for the front seat occupant 16, and they can interact more easily with the rear seat occupant 14 when using the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20. In addition to or as an alternative to using it as a footrest, the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can also serve as a bed, as discussed further below.

[0008] As further detailed below, the vehicle 10 can have a suitable number of inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20, e.g. one, two (as in the Fig. 1-3 can be seen), three (as in Fig. 4 can be seen), etc. For example, the vehicle 10 may have a first inflatable cushion 18 and a second inflatable cushion 19 spaced apart from each other, as shown in the Fig. Figures 1-4 show that, as another example, the vehicle 10 can have a third inflatable cushion 20 extending from the first inflatable cushion 18 to a second inflatable cushion 19, as shown in Figure 1-4. Fig. 4 can be seen. As further detailed below, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can be selectively removed from an uninflated position, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen in an inflated position, as seen in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in 4, they are inflated. The adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., are used here for identification purposes and not to indicate the order of meaning.

[0009] Vehicle 10 can be an autonomous vehicle. In other words, vehicle 10 can be operated autonomously, meaning that it can be driven without the constant attention of a driver; that is, vehicle 10 can drive itself without human input.

[0010] With regard to the Fig. 1-4 The vehicle 10 can have a front row 24 of front seats 16 spaced apart from a rear row 26 of rear seats 14. A rear passenger compartment 60 can be arranged between the front row 24 and the rear row 26. The vehicle 10 can have any suitable number of seats in each row 24, 26, and it can have any suitable number of seat rows, and the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be arranged between any seat row.

[0011] With reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle 10 can have a left inner side 28 and a right inner side 30, which are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle, i.e., in a direction transverse to a direction of movement of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 can have a left door 32 on the left inner side 28 and a right door 34 on the right inner side 30. The front row 24 of front seats 16 and the rear row 26 of rear seats 14 can each extend from the left inner side 28 to the right inner side 30. The rear passenger compartment 60 can extend from the left inner side 28 to the right inner side 30 of the front row 24 to the rear row 26.

[0012] With regard to the Fig. 1-4 The floor 12 of the vehicle 10 can extend between the left inner side 28 and the right inner side 30. The floor 12 of the vehicle 10 can be made of any suitable material, e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.

[0013] As in the Fig. As can be seen in 1-4, the front row 24 and the rear row 26 are supported on the floor 12 of vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the front seats 16 can rotate between the first and second positions, particularly with respect to the floor 12, as described above. In other words, each front seat 16 can rotate about its respective axis transverse to the floor 12. The floor 12 can have suitable brackets for attaching the front seats 16 and the rear seats 14 to the floor 12.

[0014] As stated above, the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 is supported on the floor 12 of the vehicle 10. The floor 12 may have suitable brackets for attaching the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 to the floor 12.

[0015] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1-4, the floor 12 can define a recess 36 between each front seat 16 and rear seat 14. One of the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can be arranged in each recess 36. Furthermore, with reference to the Fig. 1-4 The floor 12 can define a tunnel 38 arranged along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10. The tunnel 38 can separate the depressions 36 from each other. At least one of the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can be arranged on the tunnel 38, as shown in Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0016] The floor 12 of the vehicle 10 may have a floor covering 62. The floor covering 62 may consist of plastic, carpet, etc.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can each have a top 42, a bottom 44, and sides 46 extending from the top 42 to the bottom 44, defining an inflation chamber between them. The top 42, the bottom 44, and the sides 46 can be sealed so that the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 is airtight. The top 42, the bottom 44, and the sides 46 can be formed in one piece, i.e., they can be formed simultaneously as a single continuous unit. Alternatively, the top 42, the bottom 44, and the sides 46 can be formed separately and then joined, for example, by welding, gluing, etc.

[0018] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the top 42 can be thicker than the sides 46. The relative thickness of the top 42 can support the vehicle occupants when using the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 as a footrest or bed and increase resistance to impact, punctures, etc.

[0019] The underside 44 can be attached to the floor 12 of the vehicle 10. As stated above, the floor 12 may have (not shown) mountings, and the underside 44 may engage with these mountings. The underside 44 may have (not shown) clamps or other features for engagement with the floor 12.

[0020] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the sides 46 can have folds 48 that are folded in the uninflated position. The folds 48 are unfolded in the inflated position. The folds 48 can guide the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 from the inflated position to the uninflated position. In other words, the folds 48 can guide the top 42 to a predetermined retracted position when the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 is deflated from the inflated position to the uninflated position.

[0021] The upper surfaces 42 of the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can be flush with the base 62 when the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 are in the deflated position. In other words, the base 62 can generally extend in one plane, and the upper surfaces 42 of the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can lie in the same plane as the base 62 when deflated. Thus, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can, for example, visually blend into the base 62. Therefore, the upper surfaces 42 can at least serve as part of the base 62 when the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 are in the deflated position, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be seen. The floor covering 62 can, for example, have cutouts 64 that accommodate the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20, so that the tops 42 are flush with the floor covering 62 in the uninflated position.

[0022] The inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can have any suitable shape. For example, the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can have a rectangular box shape, as shown in the figures.

[0023] The inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be molded from any suitable polymer material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride, urethane rubber, etc. As further examples, the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can exhibit both thermoplastic and elastomeric properties, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). A suitable class of TPE material for the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 could be, for example, thermoplastic olefin (TPO), etc. The inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20, e.g., the top 42 and / or the sides 46, can be covered with fabric, vinyl, or another upholstery material.

[0024] The pressure control device 22 can include an air pump in fluid connection with the inflation chamber of the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20. The pressure control device 22, e.g., the air pump, can be configured to pressurize the inflation chamber of the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 to move the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 into the inflated position, and to draw a vacuum from the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 to move it into the deflated position. In other words, the pressure control device 22, e.g., the air pump, can be reversible; for example, it can both inflate and draw a vacuum from the inflation chamber. The pressure control device 22 can be arranged at any suitable location, e.g., on the floor 12 under the floor covering 62 and / or under one of the front seats 16 and rear seats 14.

[0025] The pressure control device 22 can independently inflate the first inflatable cushion 18, the second inflatable cushion 19, and the third inflatable cushion 20. With reference to the [reference to the] Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, with the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19, the pressure control device 22 can, for example, be connected to both the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19 and independently control the inflation pressure of the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19, e.g., with a valve (not shown). Alternatively, the vehicle 10 can, for example, have two pressure control devices 22, which are specifically designed for inflating and / or deflating the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19, respectively.

[0026] With reference to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown with the third inflatable cushion 20, the pressure control device 22 can, as another example, be connected to the first inflatable cushion 18, the second inflatable cushion 19, and the third inflatable cushion 20 and independently control the inflation pressure of the first inflatable cushion 18, the second inflatable cushion 19, and the third inflatable cushion 20, e.g., with one or more valves (not shown). Alternatively, the vehicle 10 can, for example, have three pressure control devices 22, which are specifically designed for inflating and / or deflating the first inflatable cushion 18, the second inflatable cushion 19, and the third inflatable cushion 20, respectively.

[0027] The inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can have a retraction device 50 for retracting the top 42 and the sides 46 from the inflated position to the deflated position. The retraction device 50 can have a mechanism and a motor 66 for pulling the top 42 and / or the sides 46 to the bottom 44. The retraction device 50 can be connected to at least the side or the top 42. For example, the retraction device 50 can be a scissor lifter 52 connected to the top 42, as shown in the Fig. 6A-B can be seen.

[0028] As listed above, the vehicle 10 can have two inflatable cushions 18, 19, as shown in the Fig. 1-3 can be seen, or three inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20, as it is in Fig. 4 is shown. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 can have any suitable number of inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20, i.e., one or more. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figures 1-3, the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19 can be spaced apart from each other in both the inflated and deflated positions. In this case, the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19 can be used as footrests.

[0029] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4, the third inflatable cushion 20 can be positioned between and abutting the first inflatable cushion 18 and the second inflatable cushion 19. In this case, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 extend across the rear passenger compartment 60 in a transverse direction. In other words, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can extend from the left interior side 28 to the right interior side 30 of the vehicle 10, for example, from the left door 32 to the right door 34. Specifically, the tops 42 lie side by side and are positioned so that they extend continuously from the left interior side 28 to the right interior side 30. The tops 42 can lie in a common upper plane when inflated and in a common lower plane when deflated. In this configuration, the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 can be used as a bed.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 7. The vehicle 10 can have a control system 100 for operating the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20. The vehicle 10 can have a user-operated switch and a control unit 56 in conjunction with the user-operated switch 54. The user-operated switch 54 can be located at any suitable location, e.g., on a center console, an instrument panel, a headliner, etc. The vehicle occupant can provide inputs to the user-operated switch 54, e.g., manual input by hand, to move the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 between the inflated and deflated positions. The control unit 56 can be connected to the pressure control device 22 and programmed to instruct the pressure control device 22 to inflate and deflate the inflatable cushions 18, 19, 20 in response to the input for the user-operated switch 54.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 7. Each inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can have an adjustable vent (58) in conjunction with the inflation chamber. The vent 58 can be located on the top 42, the bottom 44, and / or the sides 46. The vent 58 can be closed to seal the inflation chamber so that the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be inflated. The vent 58 can be opened to open the inflation chamber so that the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 can be deflated to the uninflated position.

[0032] The control unit 56 can be connected to the adjustable vent 58 and / or the retraction device 50. For example, the control unit 56 can be programmed to instruct the adjustable vent 58 to open in response to an input from the user-activated switch 54, thereby moving the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 into the deflated position. Alternatively, the control unit 56 can be programmed to instruct the retraction device 50, in response to an input from the user-activated switch 54, to retract the top 42 and sides 46 to the bottom 44, thereby moving the inflatable cushion 18, 19, 20 into the inflated position.

[0033] The control unit 56 can be connected to a communication bus, such as a (not shown) CAN bus (Controller Area Network) of the vehicle 10. The control unit 56 can be a microprocessor-based control unit.

[0034] The revelation has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used serves descriptive purposes and is not intended to be restrictive. Many modifications and variations of the present revelation are possible in light of the above teachings, and the revelation can be put into practice in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

[1] Vehicle, comprising: a floor; a rear seat and a front seat which, with respect to the rear seat, can be rotated from a first position pointing towards the rear seat to a second position pointing away from the rear seat; an inflatable cushion, supported by the floor, between the front seat and the rear seat; a second inflatable cushion that is supported by the ground; a third inflatable cushion, positioned between and abutting the first and second inflatable cushions; and a pressure control device that is connected to the first inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion and independently controls the inflation pressure of the first inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion; wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion each have a top side; wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion are selectively movable between an uninflated position and an inflated position; wherein the inflatable cushions extend over the rear passenger compartment in a transverse direction across the vehicle; wherein the tops of the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion lie in a common upper plane in the inflated position and lie in a common lower plane in the uninflated position, and are configured to form a bed. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a user-operated switch and a control unit in conjunction with the user-operated switch and the pressure control device, wherein the control unit serves to inflate and deflate the inflatable cushion in response to a user input at the switch. [3] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion are independently inflatable. [4] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a user-operated switch and a control unit in conjunction with the user-operated switch and the pressure control device, wherein the control unit is programmed to independently inflate and deflate the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion in response to a user input at the switch. [5] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a floor covering which is supported by the floor and extends along the common lower plane. [6] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion each have a top, a bottom and sides extending from the top to the bottom, defining an inflation chamber between them, the tops being thicker than the sides. [7] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the sides have folds which are folded in the uninflated position and unfolded in the inflated position. [8] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the inflatable cushion has a side and a retraction device which is connected at least to the side and / or to the top of the inflatable cushion. [9] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pressure control device is designed to pressurize the inflatable cushion to move the inflatable cushion into an inflated position and to draw air out of the inflatable cushion to create a vacuum to pull the inflatable cushion into an uninflated position. [10] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pressure control device comprises an air pump in fluid connection with the inflatable cushion. [11] Vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a left inner side and a right inner side, spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle; a front row of seats with the front seat and a rear row of seats with the rear seat, spaced apart from each other and defining a rear passenger compartment between them from the left inside to the right inside; and wherein the inflatable cushion, the second inflatable cushion and the third inflatable cushion extend essentially across the rear passenger compartment in a transverse direction from the left inside to the right inside. [12] Vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the tops of each of the inflatable cushions are positioned side by side and are arranged so that they extend continuously from the left inside to the right inside of the vehicle. [13] Vehicle according to claim 12, wherein each of the inflatable cushions can be inflated independently of each other. [14] Vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising a left door on the left inside and a right door on the right inside.

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