Module carrier arrangement

Abstract

A module carrier arrangement (1) for attachment to the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat comprises a module carrier (3) with a front (31) and a rear opposite the front (31) and at least one fluid actuator (F) which is formed by preferably fluid-tight connection (V) of at least one component (2), preferably injection-molded and deformable by fluid pressure, with the front (31) of the module carrier (3), such that a fluid-fillable space (25) is provided between the deformable component (2) and the front (31). In the case of at least one or a plurality of fluid actuator(s) (F), the portion (T) of the front (31) of the module carrier (3) that delimits the fluid-fillable space (25) is at least partially uneven and / or provided with a projection (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a module carrier arrangement.

[0002] Massage mats for vehicle seats are known from DE 10 2019 219 672 A1 and DE 10 2019 219 675 A1. A schematic representation can be found in the Fig. 5. Here, a support in the form of a film is connected at its upper side to a plurality of injection-molded bellows in an edge region via a suitable connection V. The bellows, which have folds, then form fluid actuators F together with the support, enclosing a space. To actuate a fluid actuator, the space is filled with fluid or fluid is removed from it. In this way, the upper part of the part rises or falls, allowing a specific raising and lowering pattern for a specific massage program to be realized, depending on the program control.

[0003] It is generally known to attach module carrier assemblies directly or indirectly to a vehicle seat structure, which is designed to attach certain functional components, such as fluid actuators, valve blocks, or pumps. Furthermore, the module carrier assemblies also serve to attach the corresponding lines for transporting air or other fluids to the individual components. Such module carrier assemblies are typically found in vehicle seats behind the seat upholstery of the backrest or seat part.

[0004] The system described above, in which the carrier is a more or less flat foil, has the disadvantage that a relatively large volume of space must be filled or emptied to actuate the fluid actuator F. This increases the response times of the system and places considerable limitations on the variety of massage programs that can be implemented with this arrangement.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a module carrier arrangement which largely eliminates this disadvantage.

[0006] This object is achieved by a module carrier arrangement having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle seat having the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0007] The module carrier arrangement according to the invention, which serves for attachment to the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, has a module carrier with a front side and a rear side opposite the front side.

[0008] The module carrier assembly further comprises at least one fluid actuator, which is formed by connecting, preferably in a fluid-tight manner, at least one component deformable by fluid pressure to the front side of the module carrier. This ensures that a fluid-fillable space is present between the deformable component, which is preferably manufactured by injection molding, and the front side.

[0009] According to the invention, it is further provided that in at least one or a plurality of fluid actuator(s), the part of the front side of the module carrier which delimits the fluid-fillable space in each case is at least partially uneven and / or provided with a projection.

[0010] This measure reduces the internal volume of at least one fluid actuator, allowing its maximum expansion or evacuation to be achieved by supplying or withdrawing a smaller volume of fluid. If less fluid, preferably air, needs to be exchanged during evacuation or supply, these processes can be accelerated and the response time of a fluid actuator is reduced. This creates greater flexibility when executing massage programs, enabling, among other things, a faster sequence of filling and emptying cycles.

[0011] The aforementioned volume reduction can be achieved in various ways. One possibility is for the module carrier to have a non-uniform surface and / or a non-uniform thickness on its front side to create an uneven design. For example, the projections can be formed in the module carrier, or the module carrier can be designed with a greater thickness in the corresponding areas surrounded by the aforementioned component.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that fluid guide channels or parts thereof are formed or integrated in the module carrier and / or the projection. This allows for particularly effective filling or evacuation of the fluid actuator without the need to install external lines. At least one of the fluid guide channels or parts thereof can open into the space.

[0013] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the deformable component of at least one fluid actuator can be attached to the module carrier by means of a connection made by adhesive bonding, laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or hot-tool welding. Of course, other connections are also possible that ensure that they do not allow fluid exchange with the area outside the fluid actuator.

[0014] A variety of materials can also be used for the deformable component and / or at least part of the module carrier. Preferably, the deformable component and / or at least part of the module carrier comprises at least one of the following materials or is manufactured from at least one of the following materials: HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR, rubber material, silicone rubber material, silicone elastomer material.

[0015] The material of the module carrier and / or other components can be formed in different ways. According to preferred embodiments, it can be provided, among other things, that the material, which is preferably stiffer than the deformable component, comprises or consists of a plastic material, a film material, or a felt material. The carrier material or the module carrier arrangement can be or comprise a part formed by injection molding or thermoforming.

[0016] Other parts can also be integrated into the module carrier arrangement according to the invention. For example, it can preferably be provided that the module carrier comprises integrated fastening sections for attaching or accommodating pneumatic components and / or non-pneumatic components. The pneumatic components can be selected, for example, from the following group: pump, valve block, fluid actuator. A non-pneumatic component can be selected, for example, from the group comprising the following: vibration system component, ventilation system component, electrical component, cable harness, connector, cover. The optional additional component can be a pneumatic or non-pneumatic component.

[0017] According to the invention, sections can be provided on the module carrier to which hose lines or fluid actuators can be attached.

[0018] Finally, the invention relates to a vehicle seat which has a seat frame structure and a module carrier arrangement as described above suspended therefrom via a suspension.

[0019] The invention is described below with reference to Fig. 1 - 7 are explained in more detail. Fig. 1 - shows a perspective view of a module carrier arrangement according to the invention with deformable components in a first deformation state, Fig. 2 - shows the Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment with deformable components in a second deformation state, Fig. 3 - shows a side view of the Fig. 1 shown module carrier arrangement, Fig. 4 - shows a side view of the Fig. 2 shown module carrier arrangement, Fig. 5 - shows arrangement according to the state of the art, Fig. 6 - shows a sectional view of a part of a module carrier arrangement according to the invention in the area of ​​detail D in Fig. 3 according to a first embodiment, Fig. 7 - shows a sectional view of a part of a module carrier arrangement according to the invention in the area of ​​detail D in Fig. 3 according to a second embodiment.

[0020] The module carrier arrangement according to the invention thus allows components of a pneumatic system to be at least partially integrated into a module carrier. This allows for component savings, since at least parts of pneumatic components are formed by the module carrier itself or the material of the module carrier.

[0021] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a module carrier arrangement 1 according to the invention in a perspective view of the front side 31, wherein the module carrier arrangement 1 has deformable components 2 which are Fig. 1 are in a first deformation state, in which the or at least one of the deformable components 2, preferably designed as bellows, is / are evacuated, while the deformable components of the module carrier arrangement are in Fig. 2 in a second deformation state 2 in which the deformable components 2 are filled with fluid. Of course, some of the components 2 may be in the first deformation state, while others are in the second deformation state. The representation in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is therefore to be understood only as an example. For example, the deformable components 2 can be arranged in pairs, one above the other, as shown. This allows the shoulders, chest area, and lower back of a person sitting in the seat to be addressed.

[0022] The Fig. 1 and Fig. The module carrier assembly 1 shown in Figure 2 represents part of a seat backrest, but could also be housed in a seat part. The module carrier 3 is arranged on a support frame 7 and supports the deformable components 2 on the front side 31. In the upper area of ​​the module carrier assembly 1, a seat frame 8 or a seat structure is indicated, from which the module carrier 3 is suspended by means of a suspension 7. Additional components such as pumps, valves, and other components, such as a control system, can also be arranged on the front side 31 or rear side of the module carrier 3.

[0023] In the Fig. 1, the deformable components 2 are all in the first deformation state, in which the volume enclosed by the deformable components 2 has been reduced. The deformable components 2 lie largely flat on the module carrier 3. When they have been filled with fluid, they are in the second deformation state, as in Fig. 2. The deformable components 2 protrude from the module carrier 3 and thus press, for example, against the (not shown) upholstery of the backrest and thus against the back of a person sitting on the seat. A deformable component 2, in conjunction with the module carrier section T to which it has been applied, forms a fluid actuator F, which is described in more detail below.

[0024] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show the module carrier arrangements 1 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in side view. In the side view it is clearly visible how the deformable components 2 in the first deformation state (emptied) lie flat against the module carrier 3 ( Fig. 3) and in the second deformation state (filled with fluid) stand raised above the module carrier ( Fig. 4).

[0025] The Fig. Detail D marked in Figure 4 shows the area of ​​a fluid actuator F, which is shown in an enlarged view in various versions in the Fig. 5 to 7, where Fig. 5 shows a prior art embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 6 shows a fluid actuator F, which is a section of the mounting support 3, on whose surface 31 a deformable component 2, preferably in the form of a bellows, is arranged. The edge region 26 of the deformable component 2 is connected to the surface 31 of the module support 3 by means of a fluid-tight connection V, so that the part T of the surface 31 delimited by the deformable component is part of the fluid actuator F and forms the lower boundary of the fluid-fillable space 25. The connection V is preferably produced by laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or hot-tool welding. However, other connections such as gluing or clamping are also conceivable. At least one of the materials HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR can be used as the material for the deformable component 2 and / or at least the delimited part T of the module support 3.

[0027] The deformable component 2 is preferably designed as a bellows. The edge region 26 is connected to the module carrier 3. The folds 22-24 are arranged adjacent to this, after which the upper part 21 forms a pressure surface that presses, for example, against the seat cushion or seat cover and can thus act as a massage bubble on the back of a person sitting on the seat.

[0028] Within the space 25, for example, centrally in the limited part T of the module carrier 3, a channel or groove is recessed into the surface 31. A projection 4 is arranged above this groove and is fastened to the surface 31 of the module carrier 3. The projection can be fastened in one of the ways described above. The underside of the projection 4 also has a groove like the surface 31 of the module carrier 3, specifically in such a way that the two grooves lie one above the other and form a fluid guide channel 5, via which the fluid-fillable space 25 is connected to the pump and possibly to other fluid-fillable spaces. This fluid guide channel 5 can alternatively be fully integrated into the module carrier 3 or the projection 4. In order to guide the fluid into the space 25 or to evacuate it from it, at least one further fluid guide channel 6 is provided, which leads from the space 25 to the fluid guide channel 5.Ideally, the projection 4 has the volume that the fluid actuator occupies in the first deformation state (empty), so that as little empty volume as possible needs to be pressurized or depressurized, thus enabling rapid filling and emptying. However, it is advisable to design the projection 4 so that it does not touch the walls of the deformable component 2 in the first deformation state. This prevents friction between the projection 4 and the deformable component 2, which in turn increases the service life of the fluid actuator F.

[0029] Fig.Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a fluid actuator F of a module carrier assembly 1. The difference from the first embodiment is that the projection 4 is formed integrally with the module carrier 3 and is not a separate component. The thickened portion leading to the projection 4 is preferably a thickened portion of the module carrier 3. Here, the fluid guide channels 5, 6 are incorporated into the module carrier.

[0030] The module carrier arrangements 1 according to the invention comprise at least one fluid actuator F, which is formed by a deformable component 2 and a limited part T of the module carrier 3, wherein the limited part T of the module carrier 3 contains unevennesses and / or projections 4 on the surface 31, which minimize the empty volume, the volume 25, which is present even in the empty state, in order to enable faster filling or emptying of the fluid-fillable space 25 of the fluid actuator F. The faster the response times of the fluid actuator F, the more variable control programs for seat massage functions can be programmed in the control system. 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 2019 219 672 A1

[0002] DE 10 2019 219 675 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Module carrier arrangement (1) for attachment to the seat structure of a motor vehicle seat, comprising: - a module carrier (3) with a front side (31) and a rear side opposite the front side (31) and - at least one fluid actuator (F) which is formed by connecting (V) at least one component (2) which is preferably produced by injection moulding and is deformable by fluid pressure to the front side (31) of the module carrier (3), preferably in a fluid-tight manner, so that a fluid-fillable space (25) is present between the deformable component (2) and the front side (31), characterized by in that in at least one or a plurality of fluid actuator(s) (F), the part (T) of the front side (31) of the module carrier (3) which delimits the fluid-fillable space (25) in each case is uneven in at least some sections and / or is provided with a projection (4). [2] Module carrier arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the module carrier (3) has a non-uniform surface and / or a non-uniform thickness on its front side (31) for uneven formation. [3] Module carrier arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that fluid guide channels (5, 6) or parts thereof are formed or integrated in the module carrier (3) and / or the projection (4). [4] Module carrier arrangement (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that at least one of the fluid guide channels (5, 6) or parts thereof opens into the space (25). [5] Module carrier arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the deformable component (2) of at least one fluid actuator (F) is attached to the module carrier (3) by means of a connection (V) produced by gluing, laser welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or heated element welding. [6] Module carrier arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the deformable component (2) and / or at least a part of the module carrier (3) comprises at least one of the following materials or is manufactured from at least one of the following materials: HNBR, EPM, EPDM, CR, rubber material, silicone rubber material, silicone elastomer material. [7] Vehicle seat, comprising a seat frame structure and a module carrier arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims suspended therefrom via a suspension.

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