DEVICE FOR A SEAT, IN PARTICULAR A VEHICLE SEAT, FOR MOBILIZING AT LEAST A SECTION OF A SEAT OCCUPANT'S SPINAL AND SEAT

Abstract

Device (4) for a seat (1), in particular a vehicle seat, for mobilizing at least one area of ​​a spine (V) of a seat occupant (O) sitting in the seat (1), wherein the device (4) has a convexly shaped surface (2.1) and a rotational element (4.1) rotatable about an axis (D), characterized in that by means of an activation of the rotational element (4.1) the rotational element (4.1) or at least a rotational element area (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotational element (4.1) can be moved out of a recess.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, for mobilizing at least one region of a spinal column of a seat occupant. The invention also relates to a seat. State of the art

[0002] Prolonged sitting can have negative health effects. This results from the pelvis being tilted backward while sitting, placing undue stress on the spine, especially the lumbar spine. Furthermore, the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae are compressed while sitting, leading to fluid loss in the intervertebral discs.

[0003] Devices for mobilizing at least one region of a seat occupant's spine are known from the prior art. For example, EP 1 351 839 B1 discloses a seat, in particular a vehicle seat for a vehicle, with a padded seat surface and a padded backrest. The backrest forms a thorax support limited to a central region on both sides of the user's spine, to which padded sections set back from the thorax and / or resiliently flexible are laterally connected.

[0004] From EP 2 127 942 A2 a seat, in particular a vehicle seat for a vehicle, with an upholstered seat surface and an upholstered backrest is known, wherein the seat surface has, in a rear region adjoining the backrest and a front region forming a leg support, upholstery divided in the direction of the seat depth, each having resilient upholstery sections.

[0005] DE 11 2017 004 697 T5 discloses an ergonomic chair for mobilizing at least one region of a spine of a seat occupant sitting in the seat, wherein the device has a convex-shaped surface and a rotation element rotatable about an axis.

[0006] US 2012 / 0 306 245 A1 discloses a chair with a removable backrest and massage function. Two rotating elements form part of the backrest, with each of the two rotating elements being movable relative to a remaining part of the backrest.

[0007] DE 10 2013 110 445 B3 discloses a vehicle seat with a seat part, with a backrest, comprising a backrest lower part (16) and a backrest upper part, and with a holding device by means of which the backrest upper part is displaceably mounted relative to the backrest lower part, wherein the holding device has a sliding guide device by means of which the backrest upper part is arranged displaceably relative to the backrest lower part along a displacement curve in order to displaceably mount the backrest upper part up to over the side edge of the backrest lower part. Task

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for mobilizing at least one region of a spine of a seat occupant that is improved compared to the prior art and to provide a corresponding vehicle seat. Solution

[0009] The object is achieved according to the invention with a device for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat, for mobilizing at least one region of the spine of a seat occupant sitting in the seat. The device has a convex-shaped surface and a rotation element rotatable about an axis. The convex-shaped surface and the rotation element rotatable about the axis can be arranged on a backrest of the seat or are arranged on the backrest of the seat.

[0010] The convex-shaped surface can be arranged above the rotation element. The convex-shaped surface can support free movement of at least one thoracic spine region and / or one shoulder region of the seat occupant around the axis. The convex-shaped surface can be immobile relative to the backrest. The convex-shaped surface can be movable. The curvature of the convex-shaped surface can be variable.

[0011] In particular, the rotation element forms a part of the backrest that is movable relative to a remaining part of the backrest. Two rotation element regions that form part of the backrest can be movable independently of one another. Multiple rotation element regions that form part of the backrest can be movable independently of one another.

[0012] The axis can be a longitudinal axis of the backrest running approximately parallel to the backrest. The axis can be a rotational axis around which the rotating element or a rotating element region of the rotating element rotates within a predetermined rotational range. The axis can lie in a plane running centrally through the seat. The plane can divide the seat into a left half and a right half. The plane can run perpendicular to a horizontal transverse direction.

[0013] The rotation element can have at least two rotation element regions that can be moved relative to one another, in particular two rotation element regions that can pivot about the axis in opposite directions. The rotation element regions can be movable at different times from one another. The rotation element regions can be movable at different times and independently of one another.

[0014] The rotation element or at least one rotation element region of the rotation element can form a movable region of the backrest, against which at least one thoracic spine of the seat occupant rests. For example, the rotation element or at least one rotation element region of the rotation element is arranged in a form-fitting manner in a recess, in particular a depression, in the backrest in an initial position, so that a complete support surface for the back of the seat occupant is formed with the rotation element in the initial position. Both the depression and the rotation element have a concave shape. In particular, a surface of the rotation element facing the seat occupant and a surface of the backrest below the rotation element are concavely shaped, so that an ergonomic sitting posture for the seat occupant is supported. The rotation element can also have a cushion and a seat cover, analogous to the backrest.

[0015] The rotation element can have two rotation element regions that are movable relative to one another. Preferably, the two rotation element regions are rotation element regions that can pivot in opposite directions to one another. In particular, the two rotation element regions are rotation element regions that can pivot about the axis in opposite directions to one another.

[0016] When the rotation of the rotating element or at least one rotation element region of the rotating element is activated, the rotating element is moved out of the recess. For example, the rotating element is moved out in a straight line and then rotated laterally. The rotation range is, for example, five to fifteen degrees, in particular a maximum of fifteen degrees.

[0017] To move the rotating element, the rotating element or at least a rotating element region of the rotating element is connected to a drive, which can be pneumatic, hydrostatic, or mechanical. A mechanical Bowden cable mechanism, for example, is conceivable. The drive can be connected to a control unit for electronically controlling the drive. The control unit can comprise an operating element, which is arranged, for example, on the side of the seat and by means of which the seat occupant can activate the movement of the rotating element. It is also conceivable for the rotating element to be driven automatically when the seat occupant is in the seat. For example, the movement of the rotating element is automatically activated after a predetermined time. In particular, the movement can be carried out at predetermined time intervals.

[0018] The advantages achieved by the invention lie in the fact that the thoracic spine region of a seat occupant is mobilized by means of the rotation element while sitting. The rotation of the rotation element, or at least one rotation element region of the rotation element, rotates the upper thorax region of the seat occupant. This results in passive micromovements between the vertebral bodies of the thoracic spine and, if applicable, also the lumbar spine. These micromovements increase the flexibility of the spine and relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs between the vertebral bodies. This improves the health of the spine and the soft tissue surrounding the spine in the thoracic and lumbar spine regions. Furthermore, the chest region of the seat occupant is stretched, enabling improved breathing and reducing the risk of spinal curvature.The concave surfaces prevent rotation of the lumbar spine below the fifth lumbar vertebra, as even a rotation of less than one degree in this area is perceived as uncomfortable. The concave surfaces stabilize the seat occupant's hip area in particular. Figures and embodiments of the invention

[0019] The invention is explained in more detail below using an advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. They show schematically: Fig. 1: a perspective front view of a seat with a device for mobilizing a spine of a seat occupant, Fig. 2: a perspective front view of a backrest of the seat of Fig. 1 in a starting position of a rotation element, Fig. 3: another perspective front view of the backrest from Fig. 2, wherein one of two rotation element regions of the rotation element is shown in an operating position, and Fig. 4: schematic rear view of a seat occupant.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective front view of a seat 1, which is, for example, a vehicle seat. The seat 1 comprises a backrest 2, a seat part 3, and a device 4 for mobilizing a spinal column V of a seat occupant O.

[0021] The device 4 is arranged in the area of ​​the backrest 2 and comprises a rotation element 4.1 which can be rotated about an axis D (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0022] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show further perspective front views of the seat 1 with the rotation element 4.1.

[0023] According to the illustrated embodiment, the rotation element 4.1 forms a central part of the backrest 2 with respect to a longitudinal axis x, which is movable relative to a remaining part of the backrest 2. The rotation element 4.1 is formed in two parts and comprises two rotation element regions 4.1.1, 4.1.2 that are movable relative to one another.

[0024] The axis D runs parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the backrest 2. The rotation element areas 4.1.1, 4.1.2 are rotatable around the axis D in a predetermined rotation range R (see Fig. 3). Furthermore, an upper part of the backrest 2 is provided with a convex-shaped surface 2.1, which is a component of the device 4 and supports free movement of at least one thoracic spine region VB and / or one shoulder region of the seat occupant O around the axis D. The convex-shaped surface 2.1 is arranged above the rotation element 4.1.

[0025] The rotation element 4.1 has a frame (not shown) which is provided with a cushion and a seat cover 5. In a starting position P1, as Fig. 2 shows, the rotation element 4.1 is arranged in the backrest 2 such that, with the rotation element 4.1 in the starting position P1, a complete support surface is formed for the back of the seat occupant O. In other words: the backrest 2 forms a closed support surface in a deactivated and thus non-moving state of the rotation element 4.1.

[0026] When the rotation of the rotation element 4.1 is activated, for example, a first rotation element area 4.1.1 is rotated forwards around the axis D in the direction of the seat occupant O. Subsequently, a second rotation element area 4.1.2 is rotated forwards in the direction of the seat occupant O into a Fig. 3, and simultaneously, the first rotation element region 4.1.1 is moved back to the starting position P1. A rotational movement starting from the starting position P1 is not performed. The rotations of the rotation element regions 4.1.1, 4.1.2 are performed alternately, for example. The rotation range R of the rotation element regions 4.1.1, 4.1.2 is preferably a maximum of fifteen degrees each.

[0027] To move the rotating element 4.1, it is connected to a drive unit 4.2, which can be pneumatic, hydrostatic, or mechanical. For example, a mechanical Bowden cable mechanism and / or an electric motor are conceivable. The drive unit 4.2 is arranged in the seat 1, e.g., below the seat part 3 or in the backrest 2, and is connected to a control unit 4.3 for electronically controlling the drive unit 4.2. In particular, both rotating element areas 4.1.1, 4.1.2 are each connected to the drive unit 4.2 and can be moved independently of each other by the drive unit 4.2.

[0028] The control unit 4.3 comprises electronics for transmitting a control signal to the drive unit 4.2 and comprises an operating element 4.4 for manually activating the device 4 or is coupled to such an operating element 4.4. The operating element 4.4 is, for example, a button, a lever, or a knob. The operating element 4.4 can be arranged on the side of the seat 1, e.g., to the side of the seat part 3. Alternatively or additionally, the device 4 is automatically activated when the seat occupant O is located on the seat 1. For example, the movement of the rotating element 4.1 is automatically activated after a predetermined time. Furthermore, time intervals for repeating the movement of the rotating element 4.1 can be predetermined. It is also conceivable that a specific seating position, in particular a backrest inclination adjustment of the seat 1, activates the device 4.

[0029] The rotational movement of the rotation element 4.1 causes a rotational movement of an upper thorax region of the seat occupant O, particularly in the area between a sixth thoracic vertebra and a ninth thoracic vertebra. This results in passive micro-movements between the vertebral bodies of a thoracic spine region VB (see Fig. 4) and a lumbar spine area VL (see Fig. 4) of the seat occupant O. These micro-movements increase the flexibility of the spinal column V and relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs between the vertebral bodies that are stressed by sitting. This improves the health of the spinal column V and the soft tissue surrounding the spinal column V in the thoracic and lumbar spine regions V, VL. Furthermore, the chest area of ​​the seat occupant O is stretched, enabling improved breathing and reducing the risk of spinal curvature.

[0030] Fig.Figure 4 shows a perspective rear view of a seat occupant O. This shows which back areas are mobilized by the rotation element 4.1. In particular, the thoracic spine area (VB), the lumbar spine area (VL), the coccyx area (VS), and the associated muscle groups are shown.

[0031] The features disclosed in the above description, the claims and the figures may be important both individually and in combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, as long as they remain within the scope of the claims.

[0032] Terms used in the claims such as "comprise," "have," "include," "contain," and the like do not exclude further elements or steps. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device may perform the functions of multiple units or devices recited in the claims. List of reference symbols 1 seat 2 backrest 2.1 convex shaped surface 3 Seat part 4 Device 4.1 Rotation element 4.1.1 Rotation element area 4.1.2 Rotation element area 4.2 Drive unit 4.3 Control unit 4.4 Control element 5 seat cover D axis O seat occupant P1 starting position P2 operating position R rotation range V Spine VB thoracic spine area VL lumbar spine area VS coccyx area x Longitudinal axis

Claims

[1] Device (4) for a seat (1), in particular a vehicle seat, for mobilising at least one region of a spinal column (V) of a seat occupant (O) sitting in the seat (1), the device (4) having a convex-shaped surface (2.1) and a rotation element (4.1) rotatable about an axis (D), characterized by that by means of an activation of the rotation element (4.1) the rotation element (4.1) or at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotation element (4.1) can be moved out of a recess. [2] Device (4) according to claim 1, characterized by that the convex-shaped surface (2.1) is arranged above the rotation element (4.1) and in particular supports a free movement of at least one thoracic spine region (VB) and / or one shoulder region of the seat occupant (O) about the axis (D). [3] Device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the rotation element (4.1) has at least two rotation element regions (4.1.1, 4.1.2) which are movable relative to one another, in particular two rotation element regions (4.1.1, 4.1.2) which are pivotable in opposite directions to one another about the axis (D). [4] Device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotation element (4.1) forms part of a backrest (2), wherein at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotation element (4.1) is movable relative to a remaining part of the backrest (2). [5] Device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the rotation element (4.1) or at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotation element (4.1) is arranged in a form-fitting manner in a recess, in particular a depression, of the backrest (2) in a starting position (P1) of the rotation element (4.1) or in a starting position (P1) of the at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2), and in particular merges continuously into a region of the backrest (2) surrounding the rotation element (4.1) or the at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2). [6] Device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a surface of the rotation element (4.1) facing the seat occupant (O) and a surface of the backrest (2) below the rotation element (4.1) are concavely shaped. [7] Device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotation element (4.1) or at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotation element (4.1) can be moved straight out of the recess and then rotated laterally. [8] Device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotation element (4.1) or at least one rotation element region (4.1.1, 4.1.2) of the rotation element (4.1) is pivotable within a rotation range (R) of five to fifteen degrees, in particular a maximum of fifteen degrees. [9] Seat (1) with a device (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

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