Procedure for operating a motor vehicle seating system

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle seat system comprising a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders (4-6; 7, 8), wherein these are connected via a respective supply line (24-26; 27, 28) to a common line (2) and via this common line (2) to a pump (1) and can be filled with fluid via this common line (2), wherein at least two first fluid-fillable bladders (4-6) and at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) are present, wherein each first fluid-fillable bladder (4-6) is assigned its own drain outlet (42-62), wherein the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) does not have its own drain outlet, wherein the motor vehicle seat system comprises a control unit that controls the filling or emptying of the fluid-fillable bladders (4-6; 7, 8) via the supply lines (24-26; 27, 28) or the emptying of the fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6;7, 8) via the emptying outputs (42 - 62), wherein the control is configured to effect the emptying of the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) via an emptying output (42 - 62) from one of the first fluid-fillable bladders (7, 8), characterized in that the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) is evacuated by performing the following steps: ; a. The bladder (4) of the first fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6) that is empty or not currently in use is identified. b. a fluid connection is established between the second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) to be evacuated and the first fluid-fillable bladder (4) identified in step a. c. The drain outlet (42) belonging to the first fluid-fillable bladder (4) identified in step a. is opened.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle seating system, wherein the motor vehicle seating system is designed according to the preamble of claim 1 and is known from DE 10 2017 113 498 A1.

[0002] It is generally known from the prior art, as demonstrated by patents such as US 4,655,505 A, EP 0 929 248 A1, JP 5 358 244 B2, and US 2019 / 0 106 031 A1, to use fluid-fillable bladders in motor vehicle seats. Such pneumatic devices are typically controlled by a valve block, which is generally intended to implement static and dynamic seat functions. Static seat functions are those that are usually preset by the user, while dynamic functions are those that, for example, cause the bladders to be periodically filled or emptied with fluid while driving. Examples of dynamic functions include massage functions, where the bladders are periodically filled and emptied according to a predefined pattern, or active side bolster support.

[0003] As a rule, as in Fig. Figure 1A shows that dynamic bubbles 4-6 and static bubbles 7, 8 are supplied with fluid via a common line from a pump 1. The individual bubbles 4-6 and 7, 8 are connected to the common line 2 via their respective supply lines 24, 25, 26 and 27, 28, respectively. Valves 41, 51, 61 and 71, 81, respectively, ensure a fluid connection between the respective bubble 4-6 and 7, 8 and the common line 2. The corresponding flow path can be opened or closed at any time via a control unit (not shown). For the evacuation process, the dynamic bubbles 4-6 each use their own evacuation outlets 42, 52, 62, while the static bubbles 7, 8 do not have their own evacuation outlets but are evacuated as needed via an outlet valve 3 connected to the common line 2.

[0004] If the static bladder is, for example, part of a standard side support, then such an evacuation process as described in Fig. The process shown in Figure 1B proceeds approximately as follows: In step S1, the evacuation of the side support is initiated. In step S2, the corresponding valve 71 or 81 is then opened. Simultaneously, immediately afterward, or even before, in step S3, the exhaust valve 3 is opened, allowing air to escape from bladders 7 or 8. This typically occurs by actuating a switch, which is not shown here. Therefore, in step S4, the system checks whether this switch is still actuated. If not, all valves 71, 81, and 3 are closed in step S6, and the evacuation is terminated in step S7. If step S4 detects that the switch is still actuated, step S5 checks whether the function has been interrupted. If so, the process continues with step S6, and the evacuation is terminated in step S7. If not, the procedure continues with step S4.

[0005] In principle, dynamic and static bubbles can be controlled via known automotive seating systems.

[0006] However, there is always room for improvement in this area as well. In particular, saving space and reducing costs always play a role.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to optimize the method for operating a motor vehicle seating system of the type mentioned at the outset.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method for operating a motor vehicle seating system with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are found in the dependent claims.

[0009] The motor vehicle seating system used for the method according to the invention comprises a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders, each connected via a supply line to a common line and via this common line to a pump, and fillable with fluid via this common line. At least two, preferably at least three, first fluid-fillable bladders and at least one second fluid-fillable bladder are present. The fluid-fillable bladders can be filled with any type of fluid; air is preferred, but other gaseous or liquid substances can also be used. Each first fluid-fillable bladder has its own drain outlet. The at least one second fluid-fillable bladder does not itself have its own drain outlet.The vehicle seating system further comprises a control unit that manages the filling of the fluid-fillable bladders via the supply lines or the emptying of the fluid-fillable bladders via the emptying outlets. According to the invention, the control unit is configured to effect the emptying of at least one second fluid-fillable bladder via an emptying outlet of one of the first fluid-fillable bladders. This allows an existing but currently unused emptying outlet of the dynamic bladders to be used for the evacuation of the second fluid-fillable bladder. A separate outlet valve connected to the common line can thus be completely eliminated, which on the one hand requires fewer components overall, since existing lines and components are already used for venting the static or second fluid-fillable bladder, and on the other hand also reduces the installation space.This also saves costs, as the number of components required is reduced.

[0010] The first fluid-fillable bladders are preferably equipped with a dynamic function within the vehicle seating system, in that they are filled or emptied according to the control unit's specifications. The at least one second fluid-fillable bladder is preferably equipped with a static function within the vehicle seating system, in that it can be filled or emptied by a user. The control unit for the dynamic function is generally designed such that one of the first bladders is always unused or empty. The supply line to this currently unused or empty bladder can then be used to evacuate a second bladder. Within the vehicle seating system according to the invention, the first fluid-fillable bladders are preferably configured for massage or active adjustment by the control unit to adapt to a changing driving situation. Of course, they can also perform other dynamic functions.

[0011] It is further preferred that the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder is part of a side bolster adjustment, shoulder support adjustment, seat depth adjustment, or lumbar support adjustment of the vehicle seat, which can be adjusted by a seat occupant using a switch provided in the vehicle seat system. Other static functions are also conceivable.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a filling valve is arranged in the respective supply line for each first fluid-fillable bladder and each second fluid-fillable bladder. When open, these filling valves allow fluid exchange between the common line and the respective bladder. The common line and the filling valves can, for example, be arranged within a valve block. The fluid exchange can occur in both directions, i.e., for filling the respective bladder as well as for emptying it.

[0013] In the inventive method for operating the above-described motor vehicle seat system, a second fluid-fillable bladder is evacuated by performing the following steps: a. The first fluid-fillable bladder is identified as being empty or not currently in use. b. a fluid connection is established between the second fluid-fillable bladder to be evacuated and the first fluid-fillable bladder identified in step a. c. The drain outlet belonging to the first fluid-fillable bladder identified in step a. is opened.

[0014] The method therefore provides that the vehicle seat system's control unit always identifies a currently unused or empty first fluid-fillable bladder. This can be achieved, for example, by measuring the pressure in the first fluid-fillable bladders in step a. According to the invention, the supply line and the drain outlet of this identified first fluid-fillable bladder are then used to evacuate the second fluid-fillable bladder to be emptied or evacuated. The fluid connection established in step b. preferably runs from the bladder to be evacuated, via the associated supply line, the common line, and the supply line belonging to the first fluid-fillable bladder selected in step a., to the associated drain outlet. In this way, existing components can be used more effectively for other functions as well.Implementing such a procedure saves installation space and costs, as additional components for evacuating the second fluid-fillable bladders are not required.

[0015] Advantageously, a switch is provided on the vehicle seat system that allows a user to initiate an evacuation process of a second fluid-fillable bladder. Preferably, the fluid connection established in step b and the opening of the drain outlet in step c are maintained only as long as the corresponding switch is pressed. The switch can, for example, be in the form of a push button that activates the corresponding evacuation function only while the button is pressed.

[0016] The invention is described below with reference to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B explained in more detail. Fig. 1A - shows a part of a state-of-the-art motor vehicle seating system, Fig. 1B - shows a flowchart to illustrate how the function of the in Fig. 1A depicted system, Fig. 2A - shows a part of a motor vehicle seating system used in the inventive method, Fig. 2B - shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0017] The in Fig. The representation shown in 2A largely corresponds to the representation of the Fig. 1A, so that reference can be made to the above statements in the introduction to avoid repetition. In contrast to the presentation in Fig. 1A is missing an exhaust valve 3 in Fig. 2A. The filling process for bubbles 7, 8, as well as the first bubbles 4-6, takes place via the common line 2 by opening the respective filling valves 41, 51, 61 and 71, 81 respectively, and introducing fluid, for example, air, into the common line 2 via a pump 1. The drain outlets 42, 52, 62 are used to empty the first fluid-fillable bubbles 4-6. The second fluid-fillable bubbles 7, 8 are emptied by opening the corresponding filling valve 71, 81. The fluid then flows from the respective bubble 7, 8 through the filling valve 71 or 81 into the corresponding supply line 27, 28 and from there into the common line 2. Pump 1 is switched off at this moment. The control system determines which of the first fluid-fillable bubbles 4-6 is currently inactive or empty. This means that the corresponding drain output 42, 52, 62 (in the example shown, drain output 42) can be used.This drain outlet 42 is then opened and, preferably with the associated filling valve 41 open, the fluid evacuated from the first bladder 7, 8 into the common line 2 enters the supply line 24 and from there into the drain outlet 42 and can be discharged.

[0018] The flowchart in Fig. Figure 2B describes an embodiment in which the static function of a first bladder 7, 8 is realized, for example, by a lateral support. In the example shown, lordosis bladders are used as dynamic bladders 4-6.

[0019] If the control system begins – for example, by the user pressing a switch – to empty the first bladder in the side support (step S10), the pressure in the second bladders 4-6 is first increased in step S11 (see...). Fig. 1B) measured. The pressure measurement determines which of the second bubbles 4 - 6 is empty. The controller then selects this empty bubble (in step S12). Fig.1B, which is bladder 4), is selected, and the system now knows that the evacuation path for the first bladder 7, 8 leads through the empty outlet 42 of the empty bladder 4. In step S20, the side support valve or filling valve 71, 81 of the first bladder 7, 8 is opened. Then, in step S30, the filling valve or inlet valve 41 and the empty outlet or discharge valve 42 of the selected first bladder 4 are opened by the controller. In step S40, it is checked whether the switch is still actuated. If not, all valves 71, 81, 41, 42 are closed in step S60, and the evacuation is completed in step S70. If it is determined in step S40 that the switch is still actuated, it is checked in step S50 whether the function has ended in the meantime. If so, it continues with step S60 and the evacuation is completed. If no, the procedure continues with step S40.

Claims

[1] Method for operating a motor vehicle seat system comprising a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders (4-6; 7, 8), wherein these are connected via a respective supply line (24-26; 27, 28) to a common line (2) and via this common line (2) to a pump (1) and can be filled with fluid via this common line (2), wherein at least two first fluid-fillable bladders (4-6) and at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) are present, wherein each first fluid-fillable bladder (4-6) is assigned its own drain outlet (42-62), wherein the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) does not have its own drain outlet, wherein the motor vehicle seat system comprises a control unit that controls the filling or emptying of the fluid-fillable bladders (4-6; 7, 8) via the supply lines (24-26; 27, 28) or the Emptying the fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6;7,8) via the emptying outputs (42 - 62), wherein the control is configured to cause the emptying of the at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) via an emptying output (42 - 62) from one of the first fluid-fillable bladders (7, 8), ; characterized by , that at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) is evacuated by performing the following steps: a. The bladder (4) of the first fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6) that is empty or not currently in use is identified. b. a fluid connection is established between the second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) to be evacuated and the first fluid-fillable bladder (4) identified in step a. c. The drain outlet (42) belonging to the first fluid-fillable bladder (4) identified in step a. is opened. [2] Method according to claim 2, characterized by, that in step a. the pressure in the first fluid-fillable bubbles (4 - 6) is measured. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the fluid connection established in step b. and the opening of the drain outlet (42) in step c. are maintained only as long as a corresponding switch is actuated. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the fluid connection produced in step b. leads from the bladder to be evacuated (7, 8) via the associated supply line (27, 28), the common line (2) and the supply line (24) belonging to the first fluid-fillable bladder (4) selected in step a. to the associated discharge outlet (42). [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least three first fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6) are present in the motor vehicle seating system. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the first fluid-fillable bladders (4 - 6) are filled or emptied according to the control system and that at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) is filled or emptied by a user. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first fluid-fillable bubbles (4 - 6) are set up for massage or active adjustment by the control system to adapt to a changed driving situation. [8] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) is part of a side bolster adjustment, shoulder support adjustment, seat depth adjustment or lumbar support adjustment of the motor vehicle seat which can be adjusted by a seat occupant by means of a switch provided in the motor vehicle seat system. [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that for each first fluid-fillable bladder (4 - 6) and each second fluid-fillable bladder (7, 8) in the respective supply line (24, 25, 26; 27, 28) a filling valve (41, 51, 61; 71, 81) is arranged, which in the open state allows a fluid exchange between the common line (2) and the respective bladder (4 - 8).

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