Motor vehicle seat and motor vehicle

Abstract

A motor vehicle seat is described, comprising a seat surface, wherein the seat surface is adjustable by means of a seat adjustment element, wherein the seat adjustment element is covered by a seat cover, wherein the seat adjustment element has a plurality of seat adjustment modules, wherein the seat adjustment modules are arranged in several rows, wherein at least one seat adjustment module has a height adjustment device on which an upper air seat cushion is arranged.

Description

[0001] A motor vehicle seat and a motor vehicle are described.

[0002] Motor vehicle seats and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the prior art.

[0003] The demands placed on motor vehicle interiors, particularly with regard to comfort and ergonomics, are becoming increasingly stringent in various ways. This is even more true in the higher-priced vehicle segment. One of these demands is to maintain and positively influence the health of passengers.

[0004] Prolonged sitting, especially in motor vehicles, can cause various health problems, including back and neck pain due to shortening of the tissue structures on the front of the body, which leads to increased musculo-fascial tension on the back. Prolonged sitting also promotes hip problems because the hip flexors shorten, which can lead to lumbar pain, buttock pain, and hip pain. Knee problems and problems with the sacroiliac joint can also be triggered by prolonged sitting. Another risk concerns thrombosis: During long car journeys, sitting in the same position for hours can hinder adequate blood circulation in the legs and, in severe cases, even lead to thrombosis.

[0005] Another requirement is maintaining the driver's attention. Sitting motionless for long periods can promote drowsiness, which can lead to reduced alertness and potentially increased accident risk.

[0006] DE 10 2011 118 344 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a tilt adjustment device, in particular as a component of a rear row of seats in a motor vehicle, comprising a backrest and a seat part which is movably arranged about a horizontal pivot axis for adjusting the seat tilt independently of the backrest by means of a seat tilt adjustment device, wherein the pivot axis runs between a movable upholstery part and a fixed upholstery part. It is provided that the tilt adjustment device has an upper support plate and a lower support plate, wherein the movable upholstery part rests on the upper support plate, wherein an adjusting means is arranged between the support plates, by means of which a movement of the upper support plate relative to the lower support plate can be effected, whereby the movable upholstery part can be brought from a substantially flat, non-extended position into an inclined extended position.

[0007] The task therefore arises of further developing motor vehicle seats and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above in such a way that driving safety and the health of passengers are promoted.

[0008] The object is achieved by a motor vehicle seat according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 10. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] A motor vehicle seat is described, comprising a seat surface, wherein the seat surface is adjustable by means of a seat adjustment element, wherein the seat adjustment element is covered by a seat cover, wherein the seat adjustment element has a plurality of seat adjustment modules, wherein the seat adjustment modules are arranged in several rows, wherein at least one seat adjustment module has a height adjustment device on which an upper air seat cushion is arranged.

[0010] Such motor vehicle seats typically have a backrest. The backrest can be rigidly or adjustably connected to the seat surface. Front seats generally have adjustable backrests, while some rear-row seats have rigid backrests, while others have adjustable backrests.

[0011] The seat surface has several rows of individual seat adjustment modules, for example, 30 in a 5x6 matrix. The number can vary depending on the seat surface size and the base size of each seat adjustment module. Several seat adjustment modules, or each seat adjustment module, can have a height adjustment device with an upper air seat cushion.

[0012] The seat cover covers the individual seat adjustment modules. It can include the fabric / leather cover and additional layers, such as upholstery.

[0013] The upper air cushion adjusts the seat firmness. It is variably adjustable depending on the air pressure. If the air pressure in the air cushion is lower, the seat surface is softer in that area; if the air pressure in the air cushion is higher, the seat surface is harder in that area. In addition to the sitting posture, the seat pressure distribution is crucial for seating comfort and can be optimally adjusted in this way.

[0014] The upper air seat cushion is firmly connected to the seat cushion and the movable base body. This can be achieved by gluing, vulcanizing, or using detachable connections such as snap-in or screw-in.

[0015] With the help of the height adjustment device, an ergonomically optimal topology of the seat surface can be created for each individual passenger.

[0016] Furthermore, the seat height can be adjusted for each passenger by raising or lowering the entire seat adjustment module. Thus, in some embodiments, a separate conventional seat height adjustment of the entire seat frame can be eliminated.

[0017] It is also possible to dynamically control individual seat adjustment modules to change the seat firmness and / or height of the respective seat adjustment module. This allows the seat pressure distribution on the passenger's body to be regularly adjusted, which leads to a change in the muscle tone of the leg and seat muscles and stimulates blood circulation. This can reduce pain and the risk of thrombosis.

[0018] Furthermore, it is possible to implement a massage function, for example, through vibration generated by the seat adjustment modules, through wave motion, or by raising and lowering adjacent seat adjustment modules. Three different implementable scenarios are described below: 1.) Raising or lowering row by row at different times can create a wave-like movement of the seat from left to right or right to left or front to back or back to front or diagonally, which achieves partial relief of the buttocks area and prevents pain. 2.) By lowering the middle seat adjustment modules, the buttocks area can be relieved, which increases seating comfort after, for example, coccyx injuries, childbirth or operations in the coccyx area or in some cases makes driving possible in the first place. 3.) By periodically raising and lowering various individual seat adjustment modules at a corresponding frequency, for example between 3 and 15 seconds, a massage function can be realized.

[0019] The vehicle seat described here not only promotes health maintenance but can also actively support the recovery process. Since mobility is often essential even with health restrictions, the vehicle seat described here can, in some cases, preserve mobility for people with health problems.

[0020] The vehicle seat described here can achieve the following effects, among others: • Promotes blood circulation, • Relief of the spine in case of back injuries, especially in the coccyx area, • Relief of the buttocks area after childbirth, as well as • Individual and local adjustment of seat hardness and seat pressure.

[0021] In a first further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one upper air seat cushion can be supplied with compressed air via at least one first supply line.

[0022] The air supply and discharge for adjusting the pressure in the upper air seat cushion is carried out via an air duct from a pressure accumulator and / or compressor to the upper air seat cushion. The at least one first supply line can, in particular, be flexible. The at least one first supply line can contain a hose or consist of a hose.

[0023] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the at least one seat adjustment module has a lower air cushion which is arranged between a guide and a movable base body, wherein the lower air cushion can be supplied with compressed air via at least one second supply line.

[0024] The air supply and discharge for adjusting the pressure in the lower air cushion is carried out via an air duct from a pressure accumulator and / or compressor to the lower air cushion. The at least one second supply line can, in particular, be flexible. The at least one second supply line can contain a hose or consist of a hose.

[0025] The movable base body is guided by the guide. The height thus depends on the filling level of the lower air cushion. The air filling level is controlled by the supply line to the lower air cushion.

[0026] The lower air cushion can be attached with the top to the movable base body and with the bottom to the guide.

[0027] The guide itself is fixed relative to a seat frame of the motor vehicle seat.

[0028] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one control unit is provided which is designed to control the seat adjustment modules individually or in groups in order to change a height of the individual seat adjustment modules or groups of seat adjustment modules and / or to inflate or deflate the upper air seat cushions individually or in groups.

[0029] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that the guide has a guide body fixed on a base plate, on which the movable base body is guided in a height-adjustable manner.

[0030] For each of the supply lines, a hole or opening can be provided in the base plate for each seat adjustment module in order to connect the air cushions or air seat cushions to a pressure vessel of a compressor.

[0031] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one first pressure sensor for measuring an air pressure is arranged in the at least one upper air seat cushion.

[0032] Such an integrated sensor measures the pressure in the air seat cushion. Appropriate limit values ​​can be stored in the control unit to prevent excessive pressure in individual air cushions or air seat cushions.

[0033] Furthermore, it has been shown that the activity or restlessness of a person in a vehicle seat depends on the driving time. This can be detected by pressure changes on the individual upper air seat cushions. If the activity changes, for example, if it increases or decreases, this can indicate fatigue. As a result, a recommendation for a break can be communicated to the driver, for example.

[0034] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that at least one second pressure sensor for measuring an air pressure is arranged in the at least one upper air seat cushion.

[0035] Using the sensors described above, the weight of the person resting on the vehicle seat can be determined. The values ​​from all sensors are summed. Based on the measured weight, a maximum pressure value can be determined for various seat regions. This allows the height of the individual seat adjustment modules to be adjusted so that the maximum permissible pressure is not exceeded at any point.

[0036] In a further further embodiment, it is provided that a ventilation arrangement and / or a heating mat is provided in the seat cover.

[0037] To achieve this, sufficient space can be provided between adjacent seat adjustment modules for the corresponding components. This can be achieved by eliminating individual seat adjustment modules in the matrix or by reducing the footprint of the individual seat adjustment modules.

[0038] Such components may include, inter alia, air ducts whose air is discharged through air nozzles arranged in or under the seat surface and connected to the air duct(s), whereby the seat can be cooled, and / or electrical conductors for supplying the heating mat and the like.

[0039] In a further refinement, the seat cushion is provided with longitudinal and transverse elasticity.

[0040] This ensures that the seat cushion can be stretched sufficiently, as this is necessary due to the possible different heights of adjacent seat adjustment modules or their upper air seat cushions and the resulting stretching of the seat cushion.

[0041] A first independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle having at least one motor vehicle seat of the type described above.

[0042] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one embodiment is described in detail—possibly with reference to the drawings. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0043] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a motor vehicle seat; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a portion of the motor vehicle seat from Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a sectional view through a section of a seat surface of the motor vehicle seat from Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 a view of several adjacent seat adjustment modules of the motor vehicle seat from Fig. 1.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle seat 2.

[0045] The motor vehicle seat 2 has a backrest 4 and a seat surface 6. The seat surface 6 is mounted on a seat frame (not shown) that is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0046] The seat surface 6 has a seat adjustment element 8 that forms the entire seat surface 6. The seat surface 6 can be surrounded by side bolsters (not shown).

[0047] The seat adjustment element 8 comprises a matrix of seat adjustment modules 10, of which only one is provided with a reference symbol for clarity. The seat adjustment modules 10 are individually adjustable in height and seat hardness, as described in the description of Fig. 3 will be explained in more detail.

[0048] The seat adjustment element 8 is covered with a seat cover 12. The seat cover 12 is longitudinally and transversely elastic in order not to tear when adjacent seat adjustment modules 10 are adjusted to different heights.

[0049] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged section of the motor vehicle seat from Fig. 1.

[0050] The seat adjustment modules 10 are arranged in a matrix of six rows, each with five individual and individually controllable seat adjustment modules 10.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a cross section through two adjacent seat adjustment modules 10, 10', wherein the seat adjustment modules 10, 10' are identical in construction, which is why only the seat adjustment module 10 is described in detail below.

[0052] The seat adjustment module 10 has a height adjustment device 14 with a guide 16 and a movable base body 18 guided along the guide 16. The guide 16 has a guide body 17 and can include additional components, for example, slide rails, roller bearings, rolling elements, or the like, which are not shown here. The movable base body 18 can slide up and down on the guide body 17. For this purpose, the movable base body 18 is dimensioned such that the frictional forces between the guide body 17 and the movable base body 18 are minimized, but the movable base body 18 cannot tilt on the guide body 17.

[0053] The guide body 17 is mounted on a base plate 20. The base plate 20 has two bores 22, 24. A first supply line 26 is routed through the bore 22, and a second supply line 28 is routed through the bore 24. The supply lines 26, 28 transport compressed air.

[0054] The movable base body 18 has a base body base 30 to which an upper air seat cushion 32 is adhesively attached. The upper air seat cushion 32 is arranged directly below the seat support 12. The air pressure in the upper air seat cushion 32 determines the seat hardness in the area of ​​the upper air seat cushion 32. If the pressure in the upper air seat cushion 32 is high, the seat hardness above the upper air seat cushion 32 is harder than with a lower pressure in the upper air seat cushion 32.

[0055] To adjust the pressure in the upper air seat cushion 32, the upper air seat cushion 32 is connected to the first supply line 26, which extends through the movable base body 18. The first supply line 26 is also connected to a pressure generator 34, which can pump air into the upper air seat cushion 32 or release air from the upper air seat cushion 32. The pressure generator 34 can include, among other things, a compressor, a pressure accumulator, valves, and other pneumatic components.

[0056] The guide 16 has a guide base 36. A lower air cushion 38 is arranged between the guide base 36 and the base body base 30. The pressure in the lower air cushion 38 determines a distance between the guide base 36 and the base body base 30 and thus a height of the seat adjustment module 10.

[0057] To adjust the pressure in the lower air cushion 38, the lower air cushion 38 is connected to the second supply line 28, which is guided through the guide 16. The second supply line 28, on the other hand, is connected to the pressure generator 34, which can pump air into the lower air cushion 38 or release air from the lower air seat cushion 38.

[0058] The first supply line 26 and the second supply line 28 are flexible to allow different heights of the seat adjustment module 10.

[0059] The pressure generator 34 is controlled by a control unit 40, which is supplied with pressure information relating to the seat adjustment module 10 via a first pressure sensor 42 in the upper air seat cushion 32 and a second pressure sensor 44 between the upper air seat cushion 32 and the base body 30. The first pressure sensor 42 measures the pressure in the upper air seat cushion 32 in order to adjust the hardness of the upper air seat cushion 32.

[0060] Using the second pressure sensor 44, the weight increment of the person on the seat adjustment module 10 can be determined. Since all seat adjustment modules 10, 10' of the seat adjustment element 8 are equipped with second pressure sensors 44, the total weight of the person sitting on the seat surface 6 can be determined by summing them up. Using this data, the control unit 40 can adjust the pressures in the upper air seat cushion 32 and the lower air cushion 38 and ensure that the specified maximum pressures in the respective air cushions are not exceeded.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows three adjacent seat adjustment modules 10, 10', 10" at different heights.

[0062] The middle seat adjustment module 10' is higher than the surrounding seat adjustment modules 10, 10", which means that more of the person's weight rests on the middle seat adjustment module 10' than on the seat adjustment modules 10, 10".

[0063] By adjusting the heights of the seat adjustment modules of the seat adjustment element 8, the pressure distribution on the person's sitting muscles can be varied, allowing for massage functions, ergonomic adjustments, pressure relief, and the like. By simultaneously adjusting all seat adjustment modules, the overall seat level can be raised and lowered.

[0064] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that numerous variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. List of reference symbols 2 vehicle seats 4 backrest 6 Seat 8 Seat adjustment element 10, 10', 10" seat adjustment module 12 seat cushion 14 Height adjustment device 16 Guide 17 guide bodies 18 movable base body 20 base plate 22, 24 bore 26 first supply line 28 second supply line 30 Base body floor 32 upper air seat cushion 34 pressure generators 36 Guide floor 38 lower air cushion 40 Control unit 42 first pressure sensor 44 second pressure sensor QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 118 344 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle seat (2), with a seat surface (6), wherein the seat surface (6) is adjustable by means of a seat adjustment element (8), wherein the seat adjustment element (8) is covered by means of a seat cover (12), characterized by , that the seat adjustment element (8) has a plurality of seat adjustment modules (10, 10', 10"), wherein the seat adjustment modules (10, 10', 10") are arranged in several rows, wherein at least one seat adjustment module (10, 10', 10") has a height adjustment device (14) on which an upper air seat cushion (32) is arranged, wherein characterized by , that the at least one upper air seat cushion (32) can be supplied with compressed air via at least one first supply line (26), and wherein the at least one seat adjustment module (10, 10', 10") has a lower air cushion (38) which is arranged between a guide (16) and a movable base body (18), wherein the lower air cushion (38) can be supplied with compressed air via at least one second supply line (28). [2] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one control device (40) is provided which is designed to control the seat adjustment modules (10, 10', 10") individually or in groups in order to change a height of the individual seat adjustment modules (10, 10', 10") or groups of seat adjustment modules (10, 10', 10") and / or to inflate or deflate the upper air seat cushions (32) individually or in groups. [3] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide (16) has a guide body (17) fixed on a base plate (20), on which the movable base body (18) is guided in a height-adjustable manner. [4] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one first pressure sensor (42) for measuring an air pressure is arranged in the at least one upper air seat cushion (32). [5] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one second pressure sensor (44) for measuring an air pressure is arranged in the at least one upper air seat cushion (32). [6] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a ventilation arrangement and / or a heating mat is provided in the seat cover (12). [7] Motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the seat cover (12) is longitudinally and transversely elastic. [8] Motor vehicle with at least one motor vehicle seat (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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