Method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle, wherein the massage device comprises a number of controllable actuators (A1 to A14) and a footrest (2) with a number of massage elements (M1 to M6). According to the invention, a respective number of massage elements (M1 to M6) are assigned to a support area (B1, B2) of the footrest (2) and the massage elements (M1 to M6) are controlled in such a way that a lifting movement and thus a predefinable movement sequence of the feet of an occupant on the vehicle seat is generated.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle, wherein the massage device has a number of controllable actuators and a footrest with a number of massage elements.

[0002] From DE 10 2023 001 651 A1, a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle is known. Depending on the detected breathing of an occupant in the vehicle seat, the massage device is controlled by means of predetermined actuators, thereby guiding the occupant's breathing, and the actuators enable a respiratory therapist to perform an activity on the occupant.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention by a method which has the features specified in claim 1.

[0005] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] A method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle, wherein the massage device has a number of controllable actuators and a footrest with a number of massage elements, provides according to the invention that a respective number of massage elements are assigned to a support area and the massage elements are controlled in such a way that a lifting movement and thus a predefinable movement sequence of the feet of an occupant on the vehicle seat is generated.

[0007] By using this method, it is possible, for example, to utilize waiting time at a charging station before and during charging to encourage the occupant to move their feet. Foot movement induced by the footrest can have positive health effects, particularly by reducing the risk of thrombosis due to prolonged sitting. Furthermore, by supporting the occupant's breathing through the activation of massage elements, for example, the occupant's stress level can be reduced.

[0008] In one version, the massage elements of the footrest are controlled in such a way that a lifting motion is generated to mimic the walking-like movement of an occupant's feet on the vehicle seat. This makes it possible to simulate walking or climbing stairs by appropriately controlling the massage elements, thus achieving a positive effect for the occupant.

[0009] In another version of the procedure, the inclination of a support area assigned to a respective foot is changed by controlling the massage elements of the support area to generate the walking-like movement, thus simulating walking or climbing stairs and thereby moving the feet and legs of the occupant, thus reducing the risk of thrombosis.

[0010] In one possible design, to generate the walking-like movement, massage elements in the contact areas are controlled in opposite directions, so that the lifting motion of the massage elements in the respective contact area is created, causing the respective foot to perform a rolling motion, for example. It is also possible, for instance, to perform a foot reflexology massage using the massage elements in the contact areas, thus stimulating blood circulation in the occupant's body.

[0011] In a further development of the method, massage elements designed as air bubbles are filled with air and emptied again at timed intervals to generate the lifting motion. This makes it possible to simulate the running-like movement, whereby the degree of filling of the massage elements designed as air bubbles can also be adjusted according to the simulated movement.

[0012] In one version, predefined massage elements in the footrest are activated based on the detected breathing pattern of an occupant in the vehicle seat, thus guiding the occupant's breathing. This means that the massage elements induce movement of the feet and ankles, as well as comparatively slower breathing. Specifically, the direction, frequency, and intensity are chosen to set the feet in motion and deepen and slow down breathing, particularly for stress reduction.

[0013] In another possible configuration, one or more actuators are activated simultaneously with one or more massage elements in the footrest. This can induce whole-body movement of the occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0014] In one version of the procedure, the actuators and massage elements are activated in a coordinated manner. This means that the actuators and massage elements work together in a coordinated way, so that a whole-body movement can be generated, which corresponds to a twisting motion of the occupant's body on the vehicle seat, physiologically resulting from a walking movement.

[0015] Furthermore, one design stipulates that when the actuators and / or massage elements are activated, a scent and / or sound output and / or a visual output is activated on at least one display unit. This makes it possible to provide the occupant with an immersive experience, for example, by giving the impression, based on the scent and sounds, that they are walking through a forest.

[0016] Furthermore, in one possible configuration, the control and activation of the actuators and / or massage elements are displayed on a screen unit in the vehicle. The actuators and / or massage elements currently being controlled and activated are visually highlighted. The system can also display how the occupant's body reacts to each induced movement, particularly with improved blood circulation and / or metabolic stimulation.

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0018] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically shows a seat back of a vehicle seat with integrated actuators and a footrest with integrated massage elements.

[0019] The single figure shows, in a highly simplified and exemplary manner, a seat back 1 and a footrest 2 of a massage device of a vehicle seat.

[0020] It is generally known that prolonged sitting in a vehicle can inhibit blood flow back from the feet of an occupant on a vehicle seat, thereby increasing the risk of thrombosis. Furthermore, breathing becomes shallower.

[0021] By means of actuators A1 to A14 of the massage device, which are integrated into a seat back 1 of a vehicle seat, it is possible to massage the back of an occupant on the vehicle seat in order to increase the occupant's well-being.

[0022] As is known from the prior art, by appropriately controlling and activating actuators A1 to A14 in the seat back 1 of the vehicle seat, the occupant's breathing can be induced, for example, to reduce stress. In particular, due to direct contact between the occupant and the seat back 1, it can be achieved that the occupant consciously perceives such a breathing technique induced by actuators A1 to A14 and consciously or unconsciously synchronizes their own breathing with the breathing technique offered and induced by actuators A1 to A14. Specifically, a breathing pattern is transmitted to the occupant and thus to their breathing by means of actuators A1 to A14, so that the occupant breathes slowly and calmly into their abdomen.

[0023] In addition to the actuators A1 to A14 integrated into the seat backrest 1, the massage device includes a footrest 2. The footrest 2 is divided into two support areas B1 and B2, each of which has three massage elements M1 to M6 integrated into the footrest 2. The number and arrangement of the massage elements M1 to M6 can vary.

[0024] Furthermore, each support area B1, B2 is subdivided into two foot sections F1, F2. One foot section F1 of support area B1 comprises massage elements M2, M3, and one foot section F1 of another support area B2 comprises massage elements M4, M5. Another foot section F2 of support area B1 comprises massage element M1, while another foot section F2 of the second support area B2 comprises massage element M6. All massage elements M1 to M6 can be controlled independently. In particular, the massage elements M1, M6 of the second foot section F2 are assigned to the heel of the occupant's foot on the vehicle seat.

[0025] The massage elements M1 to M6 are integrated into the footrest 2 in such a way that a relevant lifting movement is generated, which can mimic the foot movement of the occupant on the vehicle seat. In particular, a tilt can be generated in one of the two support areas B1 or in both support areas B1 and B2 by means of appropriate control.

[0026] The massage elements M1 to M6 can be air bubbles that can be pressurized with air and / or vibration motors and / or exciters to generate a 4D sound.

[0027] In particular, the massage elements M1 to M6 are designed in such a way that they cause a haptically perceptible surface change in the respective contact area B1, B2, whereby the occupant's body can react to the surface change, for example, with an induced movement and / or stimulation of metabolism and / or promotion of blood circulation.

[0028] For example, the focus of the control and activation of the massage elements M1 to M6 can be based on the occupant's breathing and / or an induced walking-like movement, whereby, for example, if 2 exciters are integrated into the footrest, body therapy using low tones that act on the occupant's body via the exciters on the sole of the foot can be realized.

[0029] An inclination of the support surfaces B1, B2 in the foot sections F1, F2 can be achieved, for example, by filling the massage elements M1, M6. The degree of this inclination can be adjusted to match the inclination of the seat backrest 1.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the inclination of the seat back 1 and the inclination of the support surfaces B1, B2 in the area of ​​the foot fields F1, F2 can be coordinated.

[0031] To implement such body therapy, sound transducers can be integrated into the footrest 2 of a respective footwell in a vehicle. For example, in the driver's footwell, the footrest 2 extends over an inclined foot resting position element.

[0032] Sounds with a positive effect on the body of a given occupant, for example, recordings of singing bowls and / or gongs and / or recordings for Autonomic Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) and / or engine sounds from high-performance vehicles, are played through the exciters and can thus have a positive effect on the body, particularly directly through the transmission of structure-borne sound waves to the soles of the feet and indirectly when sound files are played through a vehicle audio system and / or headphones. A person feels good when they feel the structure-borne sound waves of a 12-cylinder engine at their feet, thus increasing comfort and well-being.

[0033] For example, an immersive experience can be created if, via the footrest 2, a sound, particularly an engine noise, is reproduced haptically while playing a racing game in the vehicle. The footrest 2 can also be integrated to allow for haptically perceptible surface changes for other games that can be played in the vehicle, for example, during charging.

[0034] If the intention is to slow down the breathing of an occupant in the vehicle seat using the massage elements M1 to M6, it may be provided that the massage elements M1 to M6 are controlled in sync with the breathing rhythm.

[0035] For example, a movement begins with the footrest 2 being moved towards the occupant's calves by activating the massage elements M1 to M6, in particular by filling the air bubbles with air. A long and slow exhalation over a period of, for example, six seconds, is achieved through a wave-like movement by appropriately controlling the massage elements M1 to M6 from the heels towards the toes.

[0036] Each pair of massage elements M1 to M6 is activated sequentially for one second, resulting in a lifting motion. If the massage elements M1 to M6 are air bubbles, one pair of air bubbles is filled per second, while the previous pair is deflated. For example, each exhalation is supported by three waves directed towards the toes. The massage elements M1 to M6 then pause for four seconds to allow for inhalation. For exhalation, the massage elements M1 to M6 are reactivated to support the exhalation.

[0037] A program sequence, especially for massage elements M1 to M6 designed as air bubbles, can be carried out as described below: 1. In the first second, the massage elements M2, M3 of the support area B1 are filled and the massage element M6 of the further foot field F2 of the support area B2 is filled, for example, to 70 percent and this state is maintained for five minutes. 2. From second five onwards, the massage elements M4, M5 of the foot field F1 of the further support area B2 are activated, in particular filled. 3. Then the massage elements M2 and M5 are filled for one second and then vented again. 4. Next, the massage elements M3 and M4 are filled for one second. 5. The massage elements M2 and M5 are then vented for one second and refilled.

[0038] Furthermore, in one version, slow breathing of the occupant can be achieved by means of actuators A1 to A14 and massage elements M1 to M6 of the vehicle seat's massage device. If the massage device also has additional actuators (not shown) in an armrest and a calf support, these are also included. 1. The massage elements M2, M3 of the support area B1 and the massage element M6 of the further foot field F2 of the support area B2 are filled, for example, to 70 percent and this state is maintained for five minutes. 2. Simultaneously, actuators A6 to A9, which are designed as air bubbles, are filled sequentially; in particular, actuators A6 to A9 are filled sequentially to 100 percent to create smooth transitions. This process is analogous to inhalation. 3. Then, actuators A5 and A14 are filled in second five, actuators A4 and A13 in second six, actuators A3 and A12 in second seven, actuators A2 and A11 in second eight, and actuators A1 and A10 in second nine. In second nine, a pair of air bubbles formed from massage elements M3 and M4 is also filled, and in second ten, the pair of air bubbles formed by massage elements M2 and M5 is filled. 4. At second nine, vibration motors in the calf support and, if applicable, in the foot support 2 are activated. 5. In second ten, the other vibration motors in the calf support and in the foot support 2 are activated.

[0039] Steps 2 to 5 are performed 30 times, i.e., for five minutes, while massage elements M1 to M6 of footrest 2 remain activated. This process can be repeated and will then take ten minutes.

[0040] In order to replicate a walking movement, in particular a gait movement, of the occupant using the massage elements M1 to M6 of the footrest 2, the massage elements M1 to M6 are controlled in sync with the breathing rhythm.

[0041] In particular, two running movements, especially running-like movements, are intended to accompany inhalation and three running movements to accompany exhalation, assuming a slow breathing rhythm of four seconds inhalation and six seconds exhalation, which reduces stress and promotes relaxation of the occupant. 1. In second one, the massage elements M1 and M6 are filled to 70 percent and this state is maintained for five minutes. 2. In second one and second two, the massage elements M3 and M5 are filled for two seconds and then vented. 3. In second one and second two, the massage elements M2 and M4 are filled for two seconds and then vented.

[0042] Steps 2 and 3 are used to induce a walking motion in the occupant. These steps are repeated a total of 140 times, resulting in the induced walking motion lasting ten minutes.

[0043] To simulate the occupant's walking-induced whole-body movement using the massage device, actuators A3, A4, A12, and A13 in the seat backrest 1 are integrated. In sync with the breathing pattern, actuators A3 and A4 and massage elements M3 and M5 are filled, followed by actuators A12 and A13 and massage elements M2 and M4, while actuators A2 and A4 and massage elements M3 and M5 are deflated, and vice versa. 1. In second one, the massage elements M1 and M6 are filled to 70 percent and this state is maintained for five minutes. 2. In second one and second two, the actuators A12, A13 and the massage elements M3, M5 are filled for two seconds and then vented. 3. In second one and second two, the actuators A3, A4 and the massage elements M2, M4 are filled for two seconds and then vented. 4. In second three and in second four, the actuators A12, A13 and the massage elements M3, M5 are filled for two seconds and then vented. 5. In second three and in second four, the actuators A3, A4 and the massage elements M2, M4 are filled for two seconds and then vented.

[0044] Performing steps 2 and 3 as well as steps 4 and 5 produces a walking motion, in particular a walking motion of the occupant on the vehicle seat, whereby an upper body twists against a foot movement.

[0045] This process can be repeated 140 times and therefore takes ten minutes.

[0046] To simulate climbing stairs using the massage device, the actuators A1 to A4 and A10 to A13, which are assigned to the lateral back area of ​​an occupant in the vehicle seat, are alternately filled and vented in time with the breathing pattern. In addition, the diagonally arranged massage elements M4, M5 and M2, M3 are filled and vented. 1. In second one, the massage elements M1 and M6 are filled to 70 percent and this state is maintained for five minutes. 2. In second one and second two, the actuators A10 to A13 and the massage elements M4, M5 are filled for two seconds and then vented. 3. In second one and second two, the actuators A1 to A4 and the massage elements M2, M3 are filled for two seconds and then vented.

[0047] Performing steps 2 and 3 creates a stair-climbing motion, whereby the occupant's upper body twists and one foot is lifted at a time.

[0048] This process can be repeated 140 times and therefore takes ten minutes.

[0049] In particular, an occupant has the option to choose which movement sequence should be induced, especially when there is a waiting period, for example at a charging station to charge the vehicle.

[0050] The footrest 2 induces movement and / or influences the occupant's breathing, whereby the actuators A1 to A14 in the seat backrest 1 can be combined with the massage elements M1 to M6 in the footrest 2.

[0051] In particular, movement of the feet and / or ankles and / or breathing is induced or slowed down only via the footrest 2 or by combination with actuators A1 to A14 in the seat backrest 1 and / or an armrest and / or a calf rest, etc. This allows for the induction of foot movement or whole-body movement of the occupant in the vehicle seat.

[0052] For example, information and / or instructions can be provided via the vehicle's audio system to support the effect of the massage device on movement and / or breathing.

[0053] A vehicle-mounted display unit can also be used to visualize mood, movement, and / or breathing direction. Additionally, the audio system can emit sounds and / or noises, and can activate fragrance and / or the vehicle's air conditioning system. Certain touch surfaces can also be temperature-controlled.

[0054] If the massage device induces a walking motion in the occupant, with their feet moving up and down, they can be acoustically encouraged to move their feet in sync. A forest image is displayed on a screen, the sound of rustling leaves is emitted, and a scent from an activated fragrance evokes the feeling of a forest. Additionally, the ventilation system can emit a gentle breeze. This simulates a walk in the woods, encouraging deeper breathing.

[0055] In particular, the massage device, especially the massage elements M1 to M6 integrated into the footrest 2, can induce a walking motion, relieve the occupant's legs, stimulate the occupant's metabolism, and improve blood flow from the feet. In combination with the actuators A1 to A14 in the seat backrest 1, a counter-rotation of the upper body can be achieved, breathing can be slowed, etc. Activation of foot reflex zones and / or meridian points on the soles of the feet and / or on the occupant's body is also possible.

[0056] In one possible configuration, the massage elements M1 to M6 can also be designed as vibration motors. Alternatively or additionally, a certain number of the massage elements M1 to M6 can comprise two massage components, for example in the form of vibration motors and air bubbles.

[0057] Furthermore, one or more exciters can be positioned in a support area B1, B2, or centrally located deeper within a support area B1, B2. The exciter(s) are controlled in such a way that one or more feet are stimulated by vibration from below. The vibration is transmitted via sound through the exciters, which are structure-borne sound transducers, and a contact surface of the support areas B1, B2 on the soles of the feet or via shoe soles to the soles of the feet and from there to the body of the occupant.Alternatively, or simultaneously, or in accordance with the activation of the massage elements M1 to M6, vibration motors can be activated which generate a vibration, whereby an intensity and / or amplitude and / or frequency is controlled in such a way that vibrations acting via the contact surface in the support area B1, B2 are transmitted via the shoe sole and / or the sole of the foot to the skin and further layers of the sole of the foot and further to foot reflex zones and the body and thus become effective.

[0058] Furthermore, in one possible embodiment of the method, the control and activation of the actuators A1 to A14 and / or the massage elements M1 to M6 are coordinated in such a way that, for example, two air-fillable

[0059] Massage elements M1 to M6 are arranged, for example, beneath two of the four additional air-fillable massage elements M1 to M6. These two massage elements M1 to M6, located below the other massage elements M1 to M6, can be inflated for a longer period, for example, five minutes, and the inflation will remain. Meanwhile, the other four massage elements M1 to M6, particularly the air-fillable ones, are tilted by the inflation of the massage elements M1 to M6 below them, thus exhibiting a relatively slight incline towards the occupant.

[0060] The more the seat backrest 1 of the occupant's vehicle seat reclines, thus bringing the occupant into a relaxed position, the more their ankle joint is extended. An angle in the upper ankle joint opens. However, it is more comfortable if the ankle joint angle is almost right-angled. Approaching a right angle, referred to here as angling the foot, is achieved and maintained by filling the massage elements M1 to M6 located beneath them. This angling, or tilting, can also be triggered by a tilt of the seat backrest 1 of the vehicle seat, or at the occupant's request.In both cases, the four massage elements M1 to M6 arranged above the foot fields F1, F2 are activated for foot massage and / or foot movement, while the massage elements M1 to M6 arranged below remain filled for the inclination of the respective foot field F1, F2. Reference symbol list 1 seat back 2 footrests A1 to A14 actuator B1, B2 Support area F1, F2 Footfield M1 to M6 massage element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2023 001 651 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Method for operating a massage device of a vehicle seat in a vehicle, wherein the massage device comprises a number of controllable actuators (A1 to A14) and a footrest (2) with a number of massage elements (M1 to M6), characterized by , that a respective number of massage elements (M1 to M6) are assigned to a support area (B1, B2) of the footrest (2) and the massage elements (M1 to M6) are controlled in such a way that a lifting movement and thus a predefinable movement sequence of the feet of an occupant on the vehicle seat is generated. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the massage elements (M1 to M6) of the footrest (2) are controlled in such a way that a lifting movement is generated to replicate a walking-like movement of the feet of an occupant on the vehicle seat. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that to generate the running-like movement, an inclination of a support area (B1, B2) assigned to a respective foot is changed by controlling the massage elements (M1 to M6) of the support area (B1, B2). [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that to generate the running-like movement, massage elements (M1 to M6) of the contact areas (B1, B2) are controlled in opposite directions. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that massage elements (M1 to M6) designed as air bubbles to generate the lifting motion are filled with air and emptied again at intervals. [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that predetermined massage elements (M1 to M6) of the footrest (2) are controlled depending on a detected breathing of an occupant on the vehicle seat to guide the breathing of the occupant. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one actuator (A1 to A14) or several actuators (A1 to A14) are activated simultaneously with one massage element (M1 to M6) or several massage elements (M1 to M6) of the footrest (2). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the activation of the actuators (A1 to A14) and the massage elements (M1 to M6) is coordinated with each other. [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when the actuators (A1 to A14) and / or the massage elements (M1 to M6) are activated, a fragrance and / or a noise and / or sound output and / or a visual output is activated on at least one display unit. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the control and activation of the actuators (A1 to A14) and / or massage elements (M1 to M6) are displayed on a display unit in the vehicle.

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