Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle and method for controlling such a vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat frame (12), a seat surface (14) padded with seat foam (40), a backrest (16) padded with seat foam (40), and a sensor system (20) for detecting a load on the seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10). The seat surface (14) is designed to include at least one foam section (42, 44, 46) enclosed by a bladder (50). The bladder (50) is connected to a vacuum pump (60) such that creating a vacuum in the bladder (50) allows for controlled deformation of the foam section (42, 44, 46, 48) in order to adapt the seat surface (14) to the pressure distribution of a passenger (32) sitting on the seat surface (14). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (100) with such a vehicle seat (10) and a method for controlling such a vehicle seat (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle and a method for controlling such a vehicle seat according to the preamble of the independent claims.

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with seats on which passengers sit and remain during transport. The demands regarding seating comfort have increased over the years, so that particularly good seating comfort can be a decisive factor in the purchase decision or the choice of a vehicle for a specific period. For optimal seating comfort, the seat foam of a vehicle seat is of central importance, as it provides a comfortable surface for the contact area between the occupants and the vehicle seat.

[0003] Furthermore, the challenge of developing optimal foam components is increasing, particularly for innovative seating concepts, such as those found in autonomous vehicles, which enable new seating positions for occupants. The functionality of vehicle seats in modern vehicles is also constantly expanding, so that, in addition to a driving position, they now offer, for example, a working position and a relaxation or reclining position. Moreover, additional comfort features such as seat heating, ventilation, massage functions, and similar features have already been incorporated into vehicle seats, leading to a continuous increase in their complexity.

[0004] To achieve the best possible seating comfort, the cuts and hardness of the seat foam are designed and coordinated across the various contact surfaces of a vehicle seat.

[0005] However, such an interpretation always represents a compromise and only inadequately considers different body shapes, weights and seating positions of passengers.

[0006] From DE 10 2019 002 895 A1, a vehicle seat with a cushion comprising at least one film bladder for placing and / or attaching an object, in particular a body part or transported goods, is known. The at least one film bladder contains reticulated foam and has a valve through which it is operatively connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump allows a portion of the gas volume to be extracted from and / or introduced into the film bladder, enabling the contour of the cushion to be adapted to the shape of the object on and / or attached to the at least one film bladder.

[0007] DE 10 2009 016 050 A1 describes a support for a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat consists of a supporting structure and multiple supports. The supports cover the entire area of ​​the seat surface and backrest of the vehicle seat. Each support is formed by a textile spacer enclosed in a fluid-tight casing. The casing has a connection for a hose. Before a user sits down, the hose is open to the ambient air. Under the force exerted by the user, the support, and thus the spacer, is compressed, while air is simultaneously displaced from the interior of the support. This causes the supports to conform to the shape of the user's body.Once seated, the contour of the seat cushions can be fixed by closing a shut-off valve in the hose, thus separating the reduced air volume inside the cushion from the ambient air. In this way, the contour of the vehicle seat cushions is maintained even after the occupant leaves the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 42 11 895 A1 discloses a vehicle seat with a deformable body support, which is covered by a cushion and which comprises at least one airtight elastic cushion connected to a pressure generator, with a porous elastic foam body arranged therein. To achieve optimal, ergonomic body support, the foam body has a basic shape adapted to an average body contour when unloaded.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of further improving seating comfort on a vehicle seat and at least partially overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0010] The problem is solved by a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat frame, a seat surface padded with seat foam, a backrest padded with seat foam, and sensors for detecting pressure on the seat surface. According to the invention, the seat surface comprises at least one foam component enclosed by a bladder. The bladder is connected to a vacuum pump such that generating a vacuum in the bladder achieves a controlled deformation of the foam component, adapting the seat surface to the pressure distribution of a passenger bearing weight on it.

[0011] In this context, a vehicle seat is understood to be a seat designed for installation in a vehicle, particularly a road vehicle. The vehicle seat according to the invention is preferably intended for seats in a first row of seats in a motor vehicle, but is not limited to such use. In principle, a motor vehicle can be any means of transport on land, water, and / or in the air, for example, cars, trucks, buses, autonomous passenger or freight vehicles, emergency vehicles, work vehicles such as forklifts, combine harvesters, tractors, construction vehicles such as concrete mixers, excavators, or the like, aircraft such as airplanes, helicopters, drones, air taxis, or the like, and / or boats or ships, but also rail vehicles such as trains or railcars.In this context, a seat is understood to be a surface on which a passenger of a vehicle sits and which bears the passenger's weight. A backrest is understood to be a support against which a passenger sitting on the seat can lean for comfortable transport in a vehicle or for driving the vehicle. A seat frame is understood to be a reinforcement of a vehicle seat, preferably made of a metallic material, which is crucial for the stability of the vehicle seat and absorbs the forces acting on the seat and / or backrest and transfers them, at least indirectly, into the vehicle body. Seat foam, in this context, is understood to be a material applied to the seat frame for the purpose of creating a comfortable seat and / or backrest surface.Such a foam is particularly well-suited as a polyurethane foam and is known for the manufacture of vehicle seats. Sensors for detecting pressure on the seat surface can be, in particular, pressure sensors or other sensors designed to detect pressure on the seat, preferably divided into different areas of the seat surface. A bladder is understood to be a fluid-tight sleeve, particularly a plastic sleeve, which makes it possible to selectively deform a foam portion of the seat surface encased by the bladder. The seat foam is preferably designed as memory foam, which returns completely to its original shape after pressure is released.

[0012] The vehicle seat according to the invention enables automatic adjustment of the seat contour depending on the weight and / or shape of the passenger's body parts bearing weight on the vehicle seat, so that the seat contour can be individually adapted to the passenger's body contour. This results in a particularly high level of seating comfort. In addition, the vehicle seat can provide targeted support to the body in specific areas to improve blood circulation in the body parts, especially the thighs resting on the seat, and to reduce resulting fatigue.

[0013] The features listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous improvements and further developments of the vehicle seat mentioned in the independent patent claim.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the vehicle seat, the sensor system comprises a plurality of sensors, which can be coupled to, or are coupled to, a control unit for controlling the vacuum pump. This enables adjustment of the pressure in the bladder depending on the load on the seat surface detected by the sensors. This allows for automatic control of the vacuum pump based on the detected seat load. As a result, a system can be created that performs the adjustments without any additional input from the passenger. This allows for particularly simple and comfortable adjustment of the seat contour.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat, the seat surface is divided into several segments, each segment comprising a bladder and a foam section enclosed by that bladder. This allows for easy adjustment of different areas of the vehicle seat, thereby further increasing passenger comfort.

[0016] It is particularly advantageous if the negative pressure used to deform the foam components enclosed within a bladder can be individually controlled for each bladder, by connecting the vacuum pump fluidically to a valve block. This valve block is connected to the different bladders on its outlet side and to the vacuum pump on its inlet side. This allows the different foam components to be individually adjusted and controlled according to the pressure distribution acting on the seat surface. This enables a particularly precise adaptation of the seat contour to the contours of the passenger's body.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat, the seat surface is defined by side bolsters, in which additional bubbles and foam elements enclosed by these bubbles are arranged. This allows the lateral support of the seat to be further adapted to the body contours of the passenger sitting in the vehicle seat. In particular, this makes it possible to widen or narrow the seat surface in a comparatively simple and cost-effective manner, thereby allowing the lateral support to be individually adjusted. This further increases seating comfort.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat, the sensors for detecting the seat load are integrated into the seat surface. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective determination of the load on the vehicle seat, and especially preferably the pressure distribution on the seat surface. Based on the determined load, and in particular the determined pressure distribution, the foam components surrounded by the bubbles can then be controlled accordingly to adjust the contour and / or foam hardness, thus achieving optimal seating comfort.

[0019] It is particularly advantageous if the sensors are designed as pressure sensors. Pressure sensors integrated into the seat surface allow for a particularly precise determination of the pressure distribution. This enables a highly accurate adjustment of the seat contour, whereby the change in pressure distribution resulting from the adjustment of the seat contour creates a closed control loop, allowing for adjustments to be made in several iterations until the best possible pressure distribution on the seat surface is achieved and pressure peaks on the passenger's body parts resting on the seat are avoided.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a vehicle seat as described in the preceding sections. In such a vehicle, seating comfort can be increased, thereby creating a noticeable added value for the vehicle's passengers. Such improved seating comfort can influence purchasing decisions, particularly in frequently used vehicles or on longer journeys, especially those exceeding 100 km.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with an acceleration sensor, whereby the vacuum pump is controlled depending on the acceleration determined by the acceleration sensor. Based on the determined accelerations, in particular longitudinal and lateral accelerations, the seat contour can be adjusted to improve lateral support, especially during lateral accelerations, and thus increase driving comfort.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the motor vehicle, it is provided that the vehicle includes a camera directed at the vehicle interior, in particular at a vehicle seat, in order to estimate the load and / or pressure distribution on the seat surface. This allows the number of sensors integrated into the seat surface, especially the number of pressure sensors, to be reduced, thereby lowering the cost of the vehicle seat. An existing camera for monitoring the vehicle interior can be used for this purpose.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle seat described in the preceding sections, which comprises at least the following steps: - Determining the load on a seat surface of a vehicle seat, - Deformation of at least one foam part of the seat surface by creating a vacuum in a bubble surrounding the foam part, - Adjusting the seat contour of the seat surface by deforming at least one of the foam parts in order to adapt the seat contour to a body contour of a passenger bearing weight on the seat surface.

[0024] The method according to the invention enables automated control of the seat surface of a vehicle seat depending on the forces acting on the seat surface or body parts resting on the seat surface, thereby enabling an individual automatic adjustment of the seat contour for the passengers in order to increase seating comfort.

[0025] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0026] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a vehicle seat according to the invention in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 a vehicle seat according to the invention in a sectional view in an initial state without any adjustment of the seat contour, Fig. 3 a vehicle seat according to the invention in a sectional view in an adapted state of the seat contour, Fig. 4 a motor vehicle with a seat according to the invention, and Fig. 5 a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention for controlling such a vehicle seat.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention. The vehicle seat 10 comprises a seat frame 12, a seat surface 14, and a backrest 16. The vehicle seat 10 can additionally include a headrest 18, which is connected to the backrest 16. Alternatively, such a headrest 18 can also be integrated into the backrest 16, so that a single component forms both the backrest 16 and the headrest 18.

[0028] The seat surface 14 is padded with a seat foam 40, in particular a polyurethane foam 68, which is at least indirectly connected to the seat frame 12. The backrest 16 and any headrest 18 are also padded with such seat foam 40, which is connected to the seat frame 12.

[0029] The vehicle seat 10 includes a sensor 20 which is configured to detect at least a load on the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10. The sensor 20 can additionally detect a load on the backrest 16.

[0030] In the seat surface 14, at least one foam part 42, 44, 46 enclosed by a bladder 50 is arranged. Preferably, in the seat surface 14, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows several foam parts 42, 44, 46, each arranged by a bladder 52, 54, 56. The bladders 52, 54, 56 are connected to a vacuum pump 60, which creates a vacuum in the bladders 52, 54, 56. This vacuum causes the foam part 42, 44, 46 located in the respective bladder 52, 54, 56 to deform. This allows for targeted deformation of the foam part 42, 44, 46 to adapt the seat contour to the pressure distribution of a passenger 32 sitting on the seat.

[0031] To enable individual pressure control in the bladders 52, 54, 56, and thus allow the foam parts 42, 44, 46 to deform independently of one another, a valve block 78 is connected between the bladders 52, 54, 56 and the vacuum pump 60, allowing individual pressure control of the bladders 52, 54, 56. Furthermore, each bladder 52, 54, 56 is equipped with a venting valve 62 to allow air to flow into the bladders 52, 54, 56 and to return them to their initial state.

[0032] In Fig. 2 shows a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention in a sectional view in an initial state without any adjustment of the seat contour. This shows Fig. 2 For the sake of simplicity, only the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10 and a passenger 32 sitting on the seat surface 14, whose thighs 34, 36 and buttocks 38 rest on the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10, are considered. The seat surface 14 is formed by a seat foam 40, in particular a polyurethane foam 68. Furthermore, a sensor array 20 is integrated into the seat surface 14, which comprises a plurality of sensors 24, 26, 28, 29, in particular pressure sensors 22, in order to detect a load on the seat surface 14.

[0033] The seat surface 14 can be divided into at least two seat segments 84, 86, preferably as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows several seat segments 84, 86, 88, which accommodate different body parts 34, 36, 38 of the passenger 32. Preferably, each seat segment 84, 86, 88 is assigned at least one bladder 52, 54, 56 with a foam part 42, 44, 46 encased by the respective bladder 52, 54, 56. The foam parts 42, 44, 46 are preferably made of a molded foam 64, in particular a memory foam 66, and return to their original state after being relieved of pressure.

[0034] The vehicle seat 10 further comprises a first side bolster 80 and a second side bolster 82, each of which defines the seat surface 14 laterally and connects directly to it. Additional bladders 58, 59 are arranged in the side bolsters 80, 82, each enclosing a foam section 48, 49.

[0035] However, the invention is not limited to the seat surface 14 of a seat, but can also be transferred to the backrest 16 and side panels 80, 82 connected to the backrest 16.

[0036] The vehicle seat 10 is operatively connected to a control unit 70, which comprises a storage unit 72 and a processing unit 74. A computer program code 76 is stored in the storage unit 72, which is configured to enable the control of the vacuum pump 60 and the valve block 78 in order to control or regulate the pressure in the bladders 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59 and thus to adjust the shape of the foam parts 42, 44, 46, 48, 49 encased by the bladders 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59. This regulation occurs automatically based on the pressure distribution on the segments 84, 86, 88 of the vehicle seat 10, as determined by the sensors 20.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention in a state where the seat contour has been adapted. A vacuum was created in each of the bubbles 52, 54, 56, 58, 59 in order to deform the foam parts 42, 44, 46, 48, 49 and adapt them to the body shapes of the body parts 34, 36, 38 of the passenger 32.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a motor vehicle 100 with a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention, on which a passenger 32 sits. The motor vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle interior 106 and a camera system 104, which is directed towards the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10 as an alternative or additional measure to the sensors 24, 26, 28, 29 of the sensor assembly 20 and detects any deformation of the seat foam 40 caused by the passenger 32. The motor vehicle 100 further comprises an acceleration sensor 102, which detects accelerations of the motor vehicle, in particular longitudinal and lateral accelerations. The detected accelerations allow for additional adjustment of the foam parts 42, 44, 46, 48, 49 enclosed by the bubbles 52, 54, 56, 58, 59, for example, to improve lateral support in a curve and to better absorb the forces occurring during accelerations.

[0039] In Fig.Figure 5 shows a flowchart for a method according to the invention for controlling a vehicle seat 10 in a motor vehicle 100. In a first method step <200> The load on a seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is determined by a passenger 32 sitting on the seat surface 14. This is preferably done by means of sensors 20 integrated into the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10, in particular a plurality of pressure sensors 22, which are arranged in the seat surface 14.

[0040] In a second procedural step <210> At least one foam part 42, 44, 46 of the seat surface 14 is deformed by creating a negative pressure in a bladder 52, 54, 56 surrounding the foam part 42, 44, 46, causing the foam part 42, 44, 46 to deform. The negative pressure is controlled based on the pressure distribution on the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10, as determined by the sensor 20.

[0041] In a third procedural step <220> The seat contour of the seat surface 14 is adjusted by deforming at least one of the foam parts 42, 44, 46 in order to adapt the seat contour to the body contour of a passenger 32 sitting on the seat surface 14. The pressure distribution is measured, and an improved pressure distribution for the contact areas of the thighs 34, 36 and buttocks 38 on the seat surface 14 is sought. In particular, pressure peaks are to be avoided, which can be perceived as uncomfortable during prolonged sitting, especially sitting for more than one hour, and / or which can restrict blood circulation through certain body parts 34, 36, 38. Reference symbol list 10 vehicle seats 12 seat frame 14 Seating area 16 Backrest 18 Headrest 20 Sensors 22 Pressure sensor 24 first sensor 26 second sensor 28 third sensor 29 fourth sensor 30 Camera 32 passengers 34 first thigh 36 second thigh 38 Buttocks 40 seat foam 42 first foam part 44 second foam part 46 third foam part 48 fourth foam part 49 fifth foam part 50 bladder 52 first bladder 54 second bladder 56 third bladder 58 fourth bladder 59 fifth bladder 60 Vacuum pump 62 Vent / Air Release Valve 64 Molded foam 66 Memory foam 68 Polyurethane foam 70 Control unit 72 storage units 74 computing units 76 Computer program code 78 Valve block 80 first side cheek 82 second side cheek 84 first seat segment 86 second seat segment 88 third seat segment 100 motor vehicles 102 Accelerometer 104 camera system 106 Vehicle interior 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 2019 002 895 A1

[0006] DE 10 2009 016 050 A1

[0007] DE 42 11 895 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat frame (12), a seat surface (14) padded with seat foam (40), a backrest (16) padded with seat foam (40), and a sensor system (20) for detecting a load on the seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10), characterized by , that the seat surface (14) comprises at least one foam part (42, 44, 46) enclosed by a bladder (50), wherein the bladder (50) is connected to a vacuum pump (60) such that by generating a vacuum in the bladder (50) a targeted deformation of the foam part (42, 44, 46, 48) is achieved in order to adapt the seat surface (14) to a pressure distribution of a passenger (32) bearing down on the seat surface (14). [2] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the sensor system (20) comprises a plurality of sensors (24, 26, 28, 29), wherein the sensor system can be coupled or is coupled to a control unit (70) for controlling the vacuum pump (60) in order to enable an adjustment of the pressure in the bladder (50) depending on the load on the seat surface (14) detected by the sensor system. [3] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the seat surface (14) is divided into several segments (84, 86, 88), with each segment (84, 86, 88) having a bladder (52, 54, 56) and a foam part (42, 44, 46) enclosed by the respective bladder (52, 54, 56). [4] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 3, characterized by, that the negative pressure for deforming the foam parts (42, 44, 46) enclosed by a bubble (52, 54, 56) can be controlled individually for each bubble (52, 54, 56) by the negative pressure pump (60) being fluidically connected to a valve block (68) which is connected on the output side to the different bubbles (52, 54, 56) and on the input side to the negative pressure pump (60). [5] Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the seat surface (14) is bounded by side walls (80, 82), wherein additional bubbles (58, 59) and foam parts (48, 49) enclosed by the bubbles (58, 59) are arranged in the side walls. [6] Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the sensor technology (20) is integrated into the seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10). [7] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the sensors (24, 26, 28, 29) of the sensor system (20) are designed as pressure sensors (22). [8] Motor vehicle (100) with a vehicle seat (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Motor vehicle (100) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the motor vehicle (100) has an acceleration sensor (102), wherein the vacuum pump (60) is controlled depending on an acceleration determined by the acceleration sensor (102). [10] Method for controlling a vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps: - Determining the seat load of a seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10), - Deformation of at least one foam part (42, 44, 46) of the seat surface (14) by creating a vacuum in a bladder (50) surrounding the foam part (42, 44, 46), - Adjusting the seat contour of the seat surface (14) by deforming at least one of the foam parts (42, 44, 46) to adapt the seat contour to a body contour of a passenger (32) bearing weight on the seat surface (14).

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