Lumbar support arrangement for a vehicle seat backrest, vehicle seat, motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lumbar support arrangement (1) for a backrest (17) of a vehicle seat, comprising a lumbar support (2) and a support structure (3) arranged on the lumbar support (2), which has at least one support rod (4) for suspending the lumbar support (2) on the backrest (17). The support rod (4) is provided to have at least one hook-shaped, in particular L-shaped in cross-section, fastening element (12) for securely attaching a lumbar support mat (20), wherein the fastening element (12) geometrically corresponds to a fastening opening (21) in the lumbar support mat (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lumbar support arrangement for a backrest of a vehicle seat, comprising a lumbar support and a support structure arranged on the lumbar support, which has at least one support rod for suspending the lumbar support on the backrest.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with such a lumbar support arrangement and to a motor vehicle with such a vehicle seat.

[0003] Lumbar support shield assemblies of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art. For example, the applicant's patent DE 10 2004 050 144 B4 discloses a lumbar support shield suspended by lumbar wires. Such lumbar supports are used, for example, in lumbar support shield assemblies with a massage function. For example, published patent application DE 198 29 831 A1 discloses a seat backrest component with a lumbar support shield, to the rear of which a vibrator element is directly coupled as a massage module. Also known are pneumatic lumbar support shield assemblies that enable adjustment of the lumbar support (lordosis) for a user-specific, natural contour of the spine in the lumbar region (S-contour of the spine) by filling air cushions or air bubbles that overlap, in particular in certain areas. The air supply is typically provided by a pump arrangement.Filling, venting and maintaining the air pressure are controlled via control devices and valve arrangements.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved lumbar shield assembly which, through additional fastening options for further components, has a high degree of flexibility for the intended use of the lumbar shield assembly.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a lumbar support plate arrangement having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the support rod has at least one hook-shaped fastening element, in particular one with an L-shaped cross-section, for the rotationally secure attachment of a lumbar support mat, wherein the fastening element corresponds geometrically to a fastening opening in the lumbar support mat. Such a fastening element creates a particularly advantageous option for securing a lumbar support mat to the backrest without the need for additional fastening points on the backrest itself. Furthermore, the fact that the fastening element is arranged on the support rod rather than on the lumbar support plate creates an advantageous modular system in which different lumbar supports and lumbar support mats can be combined with one another by modifying the support rod alone.The lumbar support mat comprises, in particular, an elastically deformable foam. In particular, the lumbar support mat can be arranged or is arranged as protection on a side (rear) of the backrest facing away from a user. Preferably, the support rod is at least partially integrated into the lumbar support shield, in particular arranged within the lumbar support shield. In particular, the support rod is meander-shaped and has a plurality of sections angled relative to one another, with some of the sections being integrated, at least partially, directly into the lumbar support shield. Particularly preferably, the lumbar support shield is designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical to its longitudinal central axis, at least with respect to its outer contour.

[0006] According to a preferred development of the invention, the fastening element is formed integrally with a sheathing of the support rod, in particular comprising a plastic material. Such a design of the fastening element creates a particularly advantageous possibility for jointly manufacturing the fastening element and the sheathing, in which, in particular, no additional production step is required for manufacturing the fastening element. In particular, the sheathing is produced by overmolding the support rod. The support rod, in particular, comprises a metal.

[0007] Particularly preferably, at least two fastening elements are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis of the lumbar support plate on the support rod or on each of the support rods. The use of two such fastening elements advantageously ensures that the lumbar support mat is held in alignment on the lumbar support plate. In particular, the fastening elements are each assigned to opposite edge regions of the lumbar support mat.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening element has at least one rear grip element. This rear grip element provides the advantage of holding the lumbar support pad in a multi-dimensional, form-fitting manner.

[0009] It is particularly preferred that the fastening element has an L-shaped cross-section and that a rear grip element is formed on at least one leg of the L-shape, in particular on each of the legs. This particularly advantageously holds the lumbar support mat securely and fixes its orientation. The fastening element is therefore designed with a double hook shape. Preferably, one of the legs runs at least substantially vertically when installed as intended, and the other leg runs at least substantially horizontally. In particular, at least one of the legs forms a straight line. Particularly preferably, at least one of the legs runs in an arc shape, in particular describing an upwardly directed arc when installed as intended. Preferably, the rear grip elements are each arranged at an end of the leg facing away from the other leg.The rear engagement elements are preferably arranged on the fastening element in such a way that they are assigned to opposite directions or have opposite directions of action. Preferably, at least one of the rear engagement elements has a beveled edge to simplify the hanging of the lumbar support mat.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening element has at least one reinforcing rib. This reinforcing rib provides the advantage of making the fastening element particularly robust. The reinforcing rib is preferably arranged on one of the legs between the respective rear grip element and the other leg.

[0011] Particularly preferably, the support rod has a first section, in particular for suspending a seat cover, in particular a knee insert, which is assigned to the lumbar support shield at one end, and a second section adjacent to the first section at the other end, which is angled, in particular perpendicular, to the first section, and which has the fastening element and, at one end, a further fastening element for suspending in or on the backrest. This creates a particularly advantageous option for attaching a further component to the support rod, which is nevertheless geometrically independent of the fastening element for the lumbar mat.Preferably, two first sections with adjacent second sections are provided, wherein in particular at least the first sections are mirror-symmetrical to one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis and are aligned parallel to one another.

[0012] According to a preferred development of the invention, the first section runs at least substantially horizontally when installed as intended, and the second section runs at least substantially vertically when installed as intended. This makes the installation of the lumbar support shield as a whole, as well as the seat cover, particularly advantageous and easy.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the lumbar support shield is fiber-reinforced, in particular made of fiber-reinforced plastic. This advantageously makes the lumbar support shield particularly robust.

[0014] According to a preferred development of the invention, at least two injection points for the fibers, in particular glass fibers, are arranged on or mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis of the lumbar support shield. This advantageously further improves the robustness of the lumbar support shield. In particular, four injection points are used, located on the longitudinal center axis, or two are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis, in particular approximately centrally with respect to the longitudinal extension of the lumbar support shield, and two are arranged at the edges, in particular at the top and bottom with respect to the longitudinal extension, on the longitudinal center axis.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the lumbar support shield has at least one recess and / or one attachment point for a fan assembly. This advantageously ensures that the fan assembly, as a further component, can be flexibly arranged or is arranged on or near the lumbar support shield. Preferably, a plurality of attachment points distributed around the recess are provided.

[0016] According to a preferred development of the invention, the lumbar support shield has at least one additional fastening element, in particular on the edge, for suspending an air cushion. This advantageously ensures that the air cushion can be or is arranged flexibly as a further component on the lumbar support shield. Preferably, a plurality of spaced-apart fastening elements for several air cushions is provided to ensure an optimized and secure fit of the air cushions. Preferably, fastening elements are provided on opposite edge regions of the lumbar support shield so that the air cushion completely covers the lumbar support shield between the edge regions. The air cushions have, in particular, an elastically deformable film.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the fastening element has a rotationally symmetrical, in particular spherical, fastening section for the air cushion. This ensures particularly advantageously simple assembly. In particular, a through hole of the air cushion can be assigned or is assigned to the fastening section. The diameter of the fastening section is preferably at least minimally larger than the diameter of the through hole, so that the air cushion is held in a form-fitting manner.

[0018] The vehicle seat for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 14 has a backrest and is characterized in that the lumbar support assembly according to the invention is arranged in or on the backrest, in particular a seat frame. This results in the aforementioned advantages. The same advantages arise when the vehicle seat is used in other means of transportation, in particular aircraft, as well as when the lumbar support assembly according to the invention is used in seats not installed in means of transportation, for example, massage seats.

[0019] The motor vehicle with the features of claim 15 is characterized by at least one vehicle seat according to the invention. This also results in the aforementioned advantages. In particular, the motor vehicle has the vehicle seat as the driver's seat.

[0020] Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge in particular from the above description and from the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 an advantageous lumbar shield arrangement, Fig. 2 the lumbar shield assembly mounted in a backrest, Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B Detailed views of the lumbar shield arrangement, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B further detailed views of the lumbar shield arrangement, and Fig. 5 another detailed view of the lumbar shield arrangement,

[0021] The Fig. 1 shows an advantageous lumbar support arrangement 1 for a backrest, in this case of a vehicle seat not otherwise shown in detail. The lumbar support arrangement 1 has a lumbar support 2. The lumbar support 2 is shown in a plan view of a first side surface. A support structure 3 is arranged on the lumbar support 2. The support structure 3 has a support rod 4 for suspending the lumbar support 2 from the backrest. The lumbar support 2 is designed, at least with respect to its outer contour, essentially mirror-symmetrical to its longitudinal center axis 5. The support rod 4 is also designed mirror-symmetrical to the longitudinal center axis 5 and is arranged in or on the lumbar support 2.

[0022] The support rod 4 is formed in a meandering shape and in this case has a plurality of sections angled to one another, some of the sections, as shown in the Fig. 1, are at least partially integrated directly into the lumbar support shield 2 or run within the lumbar support shield 2. Of particular relevance to the present invention are two first sections 6 which, mirror-symmetrically opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis 5 and aligned parallel to one another, are each assigned to the lumbar support shield 2 with a first end 7 and run within the lumbar support shield 2. The first sections 6 are designed here as hanging sections for a seat cover and, when installed as intended, run at least substantially horizontally.

[0023] Adjoining a second end 8 of the respective first section 6, the support rod 4 also has relevant second sections 9, which are angled, in this case at least approximately perpendicular, to the respective first section 6. Accordingly, the second sections 9 extend at least substantially vertically when installed as intended, at least with the backrest in the upright position.

[0024] At a third end 10 of the respective second section 9 facing away from the second end 8, which in each case is one end of the support rod 4 as a whole, each of the second sections 9 has a first fastening element 11 for hooking into or on the backrest. On the second section 9, between the two ends 8, 10, a second fastening element 12 is arranged for the rotationally secure hooking of a lumbar support mat. In this respect, two fastening elements 12 are arranged mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis 5 of the lumbar support plate 2 on the same support rod 4. The fastening elements 12 are arranged with respect to the Fig. 3A to 4B are described in more detail.

[0025] The lumbar support shield 2 is fiber-reinforced in the present case, in particular, it comprises a fiber-reinforced plastic. At least two injection points 13 for arranging the fibers, in particular glass fibers, at the respective ends are arranged on or mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis 5 of the lumbar support shield 2. By way of example, a total of six injection points 13 are indicated, namely four on and two mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis 5. In particular, the four injection points 13 located on the longitudinal center axis 5, or the two mirror-symmetrically to the longitudinal center axis 5 (approximately centrally with respect to the longitudinal extension), and the two edge-side injection points (top and bottom with respect to the longitudinal extension) are used.

[0026] Furthermore, the lumbar support plate 2 has a recess 14, in this case circular, and a plurality of fastening points 15, in this case six, designed as through holes, distributed around the recess 14, for a fan arrangement. The above-described arrangement of the sections 6, 9 alternatively creates installation space between the sections 9 for the fan arrangement. Finally, the lumbar support plate 2 also has a plurality of third fastening elements 16, in this case six, on the edge for suspending air cushions. The fastening elements 16 are described with reference to the Fig. 5 will be described in more detail.

[0027] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows the lumbar support assembly 1, which is mounted as intended in a backrest 17 or in a seat frame 18 of the backrest 17. The lumbar support 2 is suspended by the fastening elements 11 in geometrically corresponding recesses 19 in the seat frame 18. The lumbar support 2 is shown in a plan view of a second side surface facing away from the first side surface. A lumbar support mat 20, in particular a textile one, is suspended from the fastening elements 12.

[0028] How this suspension works will now be explained with reference to the Fig. 3A to 4B. In the Fig. 3A an enlarged section A of the Fig. 2, and in the Fig. 3B the same section from the perspective of the Fig. 1, i.e., as a top view of the first side surface of the lumbar support plate 2—or, in other words, a front and rear view of the corresponding section. It can be seen in each case that the fastening element 12 is at least substantially L-shaped in cross-section or has an L-shaped cross-section, and geometrically corresponds to a fastening opening 21 in the lumbar support mat 20.

[0029] Due to its L-shape, the fastening element 12 has a first leg 22 and a second leg 23 connected to it. In the illustrated intended installation, the first leg 22 runs at least substantially vertically, and the second leg 23 at least substantially horizontally, wherein the second leg 23, unlike the first leg 22, does not form a straight line but rather runs in an arc, in particular describing an upwardly directed arc. A first engaging element 24 is arranged on the first leg 22, in this case at the end of the first leg 22 facing away from the second leg 23, and a second engaging element 25 is arranged on the second leg 23, in this case at the end of the second leg 22 facing away from the first leg 22, so that the fastening element 12 as a whole also has a double hook shape.

[0030] The design and function of the rear grip elements 24, 25 is described in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, each of which shows a three-dimensional view of section A, as shown in the Fig. 3B, is shown, in the figure from 4A with the lumbar mat 20, and in the Fig. 4B without the lumbar mat 20. The rear grip elements 24, 25 are arranged on the fastening element 12 in such a way that they are assigned to directions facing away from one another or act in directions facing away from one another, in this case the first rear grip element 24 upwards, and the second rear grip element 25 downwards.

[0031] When hooked into the fastening element 12, the lumbar support mat 20 is elastically deformed with the fastening opening 21 and slipped over both rear grip elements 24, 25, so that it is securely held. It can be seen that the first rear grip element 24 has a bevel 26 to simplify the hanging of the lumbar support mat 20. It can also be seen that the fastening element 12 has several, in this case at least three, reinforcing ribs 27 to increase stability. The reinforcing ribs 27 are arranged on the first leg 22, between the rear grip element 24 and the second leg 23. In particular, in the Fig. 4B it is clearly visible that the fastening element 12 is formed in one piece with a sheath 28 of the support rod 4, in particular one comprising a plastic.

[0032] As already mentioned with reference to the Fig. 1, the lumbar support plate 2 has, in addition to the fastening elements 12, the fastening elements 16 for air cushions. Fig. 2 shows two overlapping air cushions 29, particularly as part of a massage function, each having a through-hole 30 for one of the fastening elements 16 at two opposite corners. Two fastening elements 16 are assigned or can be assigned to each of the air cushions 29, which are opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal center axis 5, i.e., arranged on mutually opposite edge regions of the lumbar support shield 2, so that a total of three air cushions 29 are attachable or can be attached to the lumbar support shield 2, each of which completely covers the lumbar support shield 2 between the edge regions. The air cushions 29 are each connectable or can be connected to a pneumatic pump arrangement 31.

[0033] In the Fig. 5 is finally a section B of the Fig. 2 in a three-dimensional view from the perspective of the Fig. 1, analogous to the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. It can be seen that the fastening element 16 has a rotationally symmetrical, in this case at least approximately spherical, fastening section 32, onto which the air cushion 29 with the through-hole 30 can be attached by folding the respective corner toward the fastening section 32 and elastically deforming the through-hole 30. The diameter of the fastening section 32 is at least minimally larger than the diameter of the through-hole 30, so that the air cushion 29 is held in a form-fitting manner. List of reference symbols 1 lumbar shield arrangement 2 lumbar shield 3 Supporting structure 4 support rods 5 Longitudinal center axis 6 first section 7 first end 8 second end 9 second section 10 third end 11 first fastening element 12 second fastening element 13 Injection point 14 Recess 15 attachment point 16 third fastening element 17 Backrest 18 seat frames 19 Recess 20 lumbar mat 21 Mounting hole 22 first leg 23 second leg 24 first rear grip element 25 second rear grip element 26 Starting slope 27 Reinforcing rib 28 Sheathing 29 air cushions 30 through hole 31 Pump arrangement 32 fastening section 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 2004 050 144 B4

[0003] DE 198 29 831 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Lumbar support arrangement (1) for a backrest (17) of a vehicle seat, comprising a lumbar support (2), and comprising a support structure (3) arranged on the lumbar support (2) and having at least one support rod (4) for suspending the lumbar support (2) on the backrest (17), characterized by in that the support rod (4) has at least one hook-shaped, in particular L-shaped in cross-section, fastening element (12) for the rotationally secure suspension of a lumbar mat (20), wherein the fastening element (12) corresponds geometrically to a fastening opening (21) in the lumbar mat (20). [2] Lumbar shield arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the fastening element (12) is formed in one piece with a sheath (28), in particular comprising a plastic, of the support rod (4). [3] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least two fastening elements (12) are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis (5) of the lumbar shield (2) on the or each one support rod (4). [4] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening element (12) has at least one rear grip element (24,25). [5] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening element (12) has an L-shaped cross-section, and that a rear grip element (24, 25) is formed on at least one leg (22, 23) of the L-shape, in particular on each of the legs (22, 23). [6] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening element (12) has at least one reinforcing rib (27). [7] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the support rod (4) has a first section (6), in particular for hanging a seat cover, in particular a knee cover, which is assigned at one end to the lumbar support plate (2), and in that the support rod (4) has a second section (9) which is adjacent to the first section (6) at the other end and which is angled, in particular at right angles, to the first section (6), and which has the fastening element (12) and at one end a further fastening element (11) for hanging in or on the backrest (17). [8] Lumbar shield arrangement according to claim 7, characterized by that the first section (6) runs at least substantially horizontally when installed as intended, and that the second section (9) runs at least substantially vertically when installed as intended. [9] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the lumbar shield (2) is fiber-reinforced, in particular comprises a fiber-reinforced plastic. [10] Lumbar shield arrangement according to claim 9, characterized by that at least two injection points (13) for the fibers, in particular glass fibers, are arranged on or mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal center axis (5) of the lumbar shield (2). [11] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lumbar support plate (2) has at least one recess (14) and / or one fastening point (15) for a fan arrangement. [12] Lumbar shield arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the lumbar support plate (2) has at least one further fastening element (13), in particular on the edge, for suspending an air cushion (29). [13] Lumbar shield arrangement according to claim 12, characterized bythat the fastening element (13) has a rotationally symmetrical, in particular spherical, fastening section (32) for the air cushion (29). [14] Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, with a backrest (17), characterized by that a lumbar shield arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 is arranged in or on, in particular a seat frame (18), the backrest (17). [15] Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one vehicle seat according to claim 14.

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