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

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle (100). The vehicle seat (10) comprises a seat surface (14) and a backrest (16) as well as side bolsters (20, 21, 22, 23) laterally molded onto the seat surface (14) and / or the backrest (16), wherein the side bolsters (20, 21, 22, 23) comprise a manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) for changing a contour of at least one side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23). It is provided that the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) is operatively connected to a support element (40) arranged in the side wall (20, 21, 22, 23) and which is variable in its position, which supports the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) or stabilizes the position of the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27). 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, a motor vehicle with such a vehicle seat 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 motor 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, particularly for innovative seating concepts such as those found in autonomous vehicles, which enable new seating positions for occupants, is increasing. 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, resulting in a continuous increase in their complexity.

[0004] Furthermore, with vehicle seats there is a conflict of objectives regarding comfortable entry and the best possible lateral support from the seat, especially during lateral accelerations of a motor vehicle, such as those that occur particularly when the vehicle is cornering.

[0005] However, the design of the seat bolsters always represents a compromise and only inadequately takes into account different body shapes, weights and different mobilities of passengers.

[0006] From DE 10 2007 032 448 A1, a motor vehicle seat is known, comprising a seat section and a backrest that folds onto the seat section. A first side bolster is arranged on the seat section, and a second side bolster, which folds onto the first side bolster together with the backrest, is arranged on the backrest to provide lateral support for the vehicle occupant. The first and second side bolsters each have at least one ventilated and / or inflatable and / or evacuable airtight bladder. A compressible foam filling is arranged within the airtight bladder.

[0007] DE 10 2009 012 739 A1 discloses a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, comprising a seat surface, a backrest, and at least one space in the area of ​​the side surfaces of the seat surface and / or the backrest for forming at least one lateral support cushion. The space is enclosed in a fluid-tight manner and its volume is variable. At least one closing element is provided for the controlled introduction and removal of air into and out of the space in order to change its volume. This allows for a variable degree of lateral support of the vehicle seat with minimal technical effort.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 200 288 A1 discloses a method for dynamically adjusting the lateral support to vehicle conditions in motor vehicle seats with a seat surface and a backrest. The seat comprises fluid-filled bladders located at the edges of the seat surface and backrest, a pressure-controlled fluid source for the bladders, a control unit for the fluid source, and pressure sensors arranged outside the bladders and connected to the control unit. The fluid pressure within the fluid-filled bladders is changed based on the pressure signals from the pressure sensors to increase or decrease the lateral support. The pressure sensors are arranged in a grid pattern on the surface of the bladders. When an entry or exit situation is detected, the pressure in the bladders on the door side is reduced.

[0009] It has been shown that such a design reduces the stability of the side bolsters and thus diminishes lateral support over the lifespan of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, persistent incorrect loading, particularly from a thigh resting on the side bolster or from sliding around on or over the side bolster, can also reduce lateral support.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of making it easier to get in and out of a vehicle seat and to improve lateral guidance during lateral accelerations, especially during fast cornering, and to at least partially overcome the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0011] The problem is solved by a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle. The vehicle seat comprises a seat surface and a backrest, as well as side bolsters molded laterally onto the seat surface and / or the backrest, wherein the side bolsters include a manipulable bladder for changing the contour of at least one side bolster. According to the invention, the manipulable bladder is operatively connected to a support element arranged in the side bolster and whose position is variable, which supports the manipulable bladder or stabilizes its position.

[0012] 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 this context, a seat surface is understood to be a surface on which a passenger of a vehicle sits and which bears the passenger's weight. In this context, a backrest is understood to be a backrest against which a passenger sitting on the seat surface can lean in order to be transported comfortably in a vehicle or to steer a vehicle.In this context, a side bolster is understood to be an element that laterally delimits the seat surface or backrest, is positioned at an angle to the seat surface or backrest, and thus guides the torso of the passenger seated in the vehicle seat. A manipulable bladder is understood to be a fluid-tight sleeve, in particular a plastic sleeve, which allows a foam component of the side bolster encased by the manipulable bladder to be selectively deformed by inflating the bladder or by creating a vacuum within it. The seat foam is preferably made of memory foam, which returns completely to its original shape after the pressure is released.In particular, it is intended that by creating a negative pressure in a manipulable bladder, the expansion of a foam part enclosed by the bladder in the side cheek is reduced and thus a temporary lowering of the side cheek is caused.

[0013] 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 surface and / or backrest, transferring them at least indirectly into the vehicle body. In this context, seat foam is understood to be a material applied to the seat frame for the purpose of creating a comfortable seat surface and / or backrest. Such a foam is particularly well-known as polyurethane foam for the manufacture of vehicle seats. Manipulation of the bladder refers in particular to inflating the bladder and / or contracting it by lowering the pressure within the bladder.

[0014] The vehicle seat according to the invention makes it possible to provide both simplified access to the vehicle seat and a consistently high level of lateral support, which remains essentially constant over the seat's service life. This increases the perceived comfort in the vehicle interior and at least partially eliminates the aforementioned conflict of objectives.

[0015] The features listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous improvements and further developments of the vehicle seat mentioned in the independent patent claim.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support element is arranged on a side of the manipulable bladder facing away from the seat surface. This allows the manipulable bladder to be supported in the side bolster, so that a force exerted on the manipulable bladder by the passenger's body can be absorbed by the support element and transferred into the seat structure, in particular into a seat frame of the vehicle seat.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support element comprises a metallic support body or a support body made of a plastic. A metallic support body or a support body made of plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, is particularly well suited to absorb the forces that occur and to transfer them, at least indirectly, into the seat structure. Furthermore, metallic support bodies or support bodies made of plastic can be manufactured cost-effectively using simple manufacturing processes.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the support body of the support element is shaped as a plate or a bracket. This allows for particularly simple and targeted placement of the manipulable bladder. This ensures that permanent and reproducible support of the manipulable bladder is achieved.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat, the support element is operatively connected to an adjustment element, which allows for a change in the position of the support element. To facilitate easy entry and exit from the vehicle seat, the position of the support element can be controlled to assist in lowering a side bolster of the seat or to allow for a corresponding deformation of the adjustable bladder.

[0020] It is particularly preferred if the adjusting element is electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic. In principle, there are various ways to adjust the adjusting element. Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic adjusting elements are known in the art and can be integrated into a side bolster of a vehicle seat in a simple and cost-effective manner. Alternatively, mechanical adjustment by means of a cable is also possible, in which the adjusting element actuates a cable connected to the support element in the side bolster of the seat.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the vehicle seat, the bladder and the adjustment element are adjustable via a common manipulation element. This allows for particularly simple and cost-effective control for adapting the contour of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, by controlling the adjustment element and the manipulable bladder together, the movements of the support element and the bladder can be coordinated to prevent damage and minimize wear.

[0022] It is particularly preferred if the manipulation element comprises a pump and a valve block for the pneumatic manipulation of the bladder and the support element. An overpressure or, preferably, a vacuum can be used to actuate both the support element and the bladder. This eliminates the need for additional components, resulting in a particularly simple and cost-effective control of the support element and the bladder.

[0023] Alternatively, it is advantageously provided that the manipulable bladder is operatively connected to a vacuum pump and the support element is adjusted by means of an electrically actuated adjusting element. This eliminates the need for an additional valve block, since only one component is controlled by the vacuum pump and the electrical adjusting element.

[0024] 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. In particular, such a vehicle seat can facilitate getting in and out of the seat and provide the highest possible level of lateral support while driving. Furthermore, the dimensional stability of the side bolsters can be increased so that they are maintained throughout the entire planned service life of the vehicle.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle seat as described in the preceding sections. The method comprises at least the following steps: - Determining an impending entry or exit process of a passenger from a motor vehicle and the associated occupancy or unoccupancy of a seat surface of the vehicle seat, - Adjustment of a support element in a side bolster of the vehicle seat, - Deformation of at least one manipulable bubble in the side bolster of the vehicle seat, wherein the side bolster is lowered on a side of the seat surface and / or backrest facing a vehicle door in order to facilitate entry or exit and an associated change in the occupancy of the vehicle seat. - Adjusting the support element when the vehicle seat surface is detected as occupied, - Deformation of at least one manipulable bubble in the side bolster of the vehicle seat, wherein the side bolster is positioned on the side of the seat surface and / or backrest facing the vehicle door in order to increase lateral support for a passenger sitting on the seat surface.

[0026] The method according to the invention not only enables comfortable entry and exit for a passenger without compromising the high lateral support of the vehicle seat. Thus, the conflict of objectives described above can be resolved or at least reduced, thereby opening up new possibilities for the design of vehicle seats.

[0027] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0028] 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 a side bolster of the seat, Fig. 3 a vehicle seat according to the invention in a sectional view in an operating state in which one side bolster of the seat is flattened, Fig. 4 a further representation of a vehicle seat according to the invention in an operating state in which one side bolster of the seat is flattened, Fig. 5 a motor vehicle with a seat according to the invention and Fig. 6 a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention for controlling a vehicle seat.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The seat surface 14 is padded with a seat foam 60, in particular polyurethane foam 82, 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 60, which is connected to the seat frame 12.

[0031] Side bolsters 20, 21 are molded onto both sides of the seat surface 14, laterally defining the seat surface 14. Furthermore, additional side bolsters 22, 23 are molded onto the backrest 16, laterally defining the backrest 16. Each of the side bolsters 20, 21, 22, 23 contains a bladder 24, 25, 26, 27, by which the respective side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat can be lowered or raised. For this purpose, a foam part 62, 64, 66, 68 is provided in each of the bladders 24, 25, 26, 27, which can be selectively deformed by manipulating the bladder 24, 25, 26, 27, in particular by creating a negative pressure in the bladder 24, 25, 26, 27, in order to flatten the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0032] For this purpose, a manipulation element 28, preferably a pump 56, in particular a vacuum pump, is provided on the vehicle seat, which enables pneumatic manipulation of the bladders 24, 25, 26, 27 in the side bolsters 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat. Furthermore, a support element 40 is provided in at least one side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23, against which the manipulable bladder 24, 25, 26, 27 is supported or which stabilizes the position of the manipulable bladder 24, 25, 26, 27. The support element 40 comprises a support body 42, in particular a plate 44 or a bracket 46, which supports the bladder 24, 25, 26, 27 to be manipulated or stabilizes the position of the manipulable bladder 24, 25, 26, 27.

[0033] 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 control of the manipulation element 28 and the support element 40 or an adjusting element 48 operatively connected to the support element 40, in order to control or regulate pressure in the bubbles 24, 25, 26, 27 and thus to effect an adjustment of the shape of the foam parts 62, 64, 66, 68 encased by the bubbles 20, 21, 22, 23. In this process, the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 on a side of the vehicle seat 10 facing a vehicle door 112, 114 is flattened when an imminent entry or exit process of a passenger 32 is detected by a sensor system 30, 86, 88, 102, 104 connected to the control unit 70.In this process, at least the side bolster 20, 21 of the seat 10 on the side of the vehicle seat facing the vehicle door 112, 114 is flattened. Additionally, the side bolster 22, 23 of the backrest 16 on the side facing the vehicle door 112, 114 can be flattened to further facilitate entry and exit.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a section through a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention with a passenger 32 seated on the vehicle seat 10. For the sake of clarity, the Fig. 2 Only the seat surface 14 is shown, and the backrest 16 is omitted. A passenger 32 sits on the seat surface 14, with the buttocks 38 and both thighs 34, 36 of the passenger 32 resting on the seat surface 14. The seat surface 14 is bounded laterally by a side bolster 20, 21, wherein at least in the side bolster 20 facing the vehicle door 112, 114 a manipulable bladder 24 is arranged, which is supported or stabilized by a support element 40.

[0035] The bladder 24 surrounds a first foam section 62 made of seat foam 60, which can be compressed and thus reduced in size by compression, in particular by creating a vacuum in the bladder 24. This allows the height of the side bolster 20 to be reduced, thereby facilitating entry and exit from the seat 14. Furthermore, an adjustment element 48, which is operatively connected to the support element 40, is arranged in the side bolster 20. This adjustment element allows the position of the support element 40 to be changed. This enables the support element 40 to be adapted to the changed shape of the side bolster 20, thus supporting the lowering of the side bolster 20.

[0036] The adjusting element 48 is preferably designed as a pneumatic adjusting element 54 and can be controlled by the same pump 56 used to generate a vacuum in the bladder 24. A valve block 58 is provided for this purpose, through which the pressure supplied to the pneumatic adjusting element 54 and the bladder 24 can be controlled. Furthermore, a venting valve 80 is provided on the bladder 24 to allow air to be admitted back into the bladder 24 after the vacuum has been generated and to return the bladder to its initial state.

[0037] As an alternative to a pneumatic adjusting element 54, an electric adjusting element 50 or a hydraulic adjusting element 52 can also be provided for adjusting the support element 40 in the side bolster 20 of the vehicle seat 10.

[0038] Furthermore, a seat belt buckle 84 with a seat belt buckle sensor 86 and a sensor 88 integrated into the seat surface 14 for detecting seat occupancy are arranged on the vehicle seat 10.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the vehicle seat 10 in an unmanipulated initial state, in which the side bolster 20 on the side facing the vehicle door 112, 114 has essentially the same shape as the side bolster 21 facing a center tunnel or center console 116.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the vehicle seat 10 in a modified state, in which the side bolster 20 on the side facing the vehicle door 112, 114 is lowered to facilitate entry and exit onto the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10. The shape of the side bolster 20 differs from the side of the seat surface 14 facing the center tunnel or center console 116.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention in a schematic sectional view. With essentially the same construction as described above, this embodiment is further illustrated in Figure 4. Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment additionally depicts a pneumatic adjusting element 54 for adjusting the support element 40. The pneumatic adjusting element 54 is arranged on the side of the support element 40 facing away from the bladder 24.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a motor vehicle 100 with a vehicle seat 10 according to the invention, on which a passenger 32 sits. The motor vehicle 100 can be easily opened and locked by means of a radio key 30. Such a radio key can, in particular, be designed as a physical vehicle key. Alternatively, such a radio key can also be integrated into a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The motor vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle interior 106 and a camera system 104, which is connected to an evaluation unit 78 and can thus detect an impending entry into or exit from the vehicle seat 10, either alternatively or in addition to the sensors 30, 86, 88.

[0043] The vehicle seats 10 include, in particular, a driver's seat 108 and a passenger seat 110, which are accessible through a driver's door 112 and a passenger door 114 of the motor vehicle 100. A center console 116 is arranged between the driver's seat 118 and the passenger seat 110. The motor vehicle 100 also includes a steering wheel 118 and an instrument panel 120.

[0044] Furthermore, the motor vehicle 100 includes an acceleration sensor 122, which detects accelerations of the motor vehicle 100, in particular lateral accelerations. The detected accelerations allow for additional adjustments to the bubbles 24, 25, 26, 27 in the side bolsters 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat 10, for example to improve lateral support in a curve and to better absorb the forces occurring during accelerations.

[0045] In Fig.Figure 6 shows a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention for controlling a vehicle seat 10. In a first method step <200> The system determines whether a passenger 32 is about to enter or exit the vehicle 100, and whether this will involve the occupancy or unoccupancy of a seat 14 of the vehicle seat 10. Such an impending occupancy can be detected, in particular, by the vehicle 100 being opened with the key 30, a vehicle door 112 or 114 being opened, a camera system 104 directed at the vehicle interior 106, or similar sensors. An impending exit can be detected, in particular, by the vehicle's drive engine being switched off, the seatbelt buckle 84 being opened, the seat 14 and the occupancy sensor 88 integrated into the seat 14 being unoccupied, the camera system 104, or other sensors present in the vehicle.Furthermore, an impending exit procedure can be detected via a navigation system 124, especially when approaching or reaching the destination.

[0046] In one process step <210> An adjustment of a support element 40 in a side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat 10 is carried out in order to create the necessary space for a subsequent deformation of one of the bubbles 24, 25, 26, 27.

[0047] In one process step <220> A deformation of at least one manipulable bladder 24, 25, 26, 27 takes place in the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat 10, wherein the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 is lowered on a side of the seat surface 14 and / or the backrest 16 facing a vehicle door 112, 114 in order to facilitate entry or exit and an associated change in the occupancy of the vehicle seat 10.

[0048] In one process step <230> The support element 40 is adjusted when the seat surface 14 of the vehicle seat 10 is detected as occupied.

[0049] In one process step <240> Deformation of at least one manipulable bladder 24, 25, 26, 27 takes place in the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 of the vehicle seat 10, wherein the side bolster 20, 21, 22, 23 is positioned on the side of the seat surface 14 and / or the backrest 16 facing the vehicle door 112, 114 in order to increase the lateral support for a passenger 32 sitting on the seat surface 14. Reference symbol list 10 vehicle seats 12 seat frame 14 Seating area 16 Backrest 18 Headrest 20 first side cheek 21 second side cheek 22 third side cheek 23 fourth side cheek 24 first bladder 25 second bladder 26 third bladder 27 fourth bladder 28 Manipulation element 30 keys 32 passengers 34 first thigh 36 second thigh 38 Buttocks 40 support element 42 support bodies 44 plates 46 irons 48 Adjustment element 50 electric adjustment element 52 hydraulic adjusting element 54 pneumatic adjusting element 56 Pump 58 Valve block 60 seat foam 62 first foam part 64 second foam part 66 third foam part 68 fourth foam part 70 Control unit 72 storage units 74 computing units 76 Computer program code 78 evaluation units 80 Vent / Air Release Valve 82 polyurethane foam 84 Seatbelt buckle 86 Seatbelt buckle sensor 88 Seat occupancy sensor 100 motor vehicles 102 Door contact switches 104 camera system 106 Vehicle interior 108 Driver's seat 110 passenger seat 112 Driver's door 114 Passenger door 116 Center console 118 Steering wheel 120 Instrument panel 122 Accelerometer 124 Navigation unit 200th procedural step - Determining entry or exit process 210 Procedure step - Adjustment of support element 220 Process step - Deformation of the bladder 230 Process step - Adjustment of support element 240 Process step - Deformation of the bladder 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 2007 032 448 A1

[0006] DE 10 2009 012 739 A1

[0007] DE 10 2017 200 288 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Vehicle seat (10) for a motor vehicle (100), comprising a seat surface (14) and a backrest (16) and side bolsters (20, 21, 22, 23) molded laterally on the seat surface (14) and / or on the backrest (16), wherein the side bolsters (20, 21, 22, 23) comprise a manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) for changing a contour of at least one side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23), characterized by , that the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) is in operative connection with a support element (40) arranged in the side cheek (20, 21, 22, 23) and which is variable in its position, which supports the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) or stabilizes the position of the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27). [2] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support element (40) is arranged on one side of the manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) facing away from the seat surface (14). [3] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the support element (40) comprises a metallic support body (42) or a support body (42) made of a plastic. [4] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the support body (42) of the support element (40) is shaped as a plate (44) or a stirrup (46). [5] Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the support element (40) is operatively connected to an adjusting element (48), which enables a change in the position of the support element (40). [6] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the adjusting element (48) is an electric adjusting element (50), a hydraulic adjusting element (52) or a pneumatic adjusting element (54). [7] Vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) and the adjusting element (54) are adjustable via a common manipulation element (28). [8] Vehicle seat (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the manipulation element (28) comprises a pump (56) and a valve block (58) for pneumatic manipulation of the bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) and the support element (40). [9] Motor vehicle (100) with a vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [10] Method for controlling a vehicle seat (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - Determining (200) an imminent boarding or alighting process of a passenger (32) of a motor vehicle and an associated occupancy or vacating of a seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10), - Adjustment (210) of a support element (40) in a side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23) of the vehicle seat (10), - Deformation (220) of at least one manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) in the side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23) of the vehicle seat (10), wherein the side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23) is lowered on a side of the seat surface (14) and / or the backrest (16) facing a vehicle door (112, 114) in order to facilitate entry or exit and an associated change in the occupancy of the vehicle seat (10), - Adjustment (230) of the support element (40) when the seat surface (14) of the vehicle seat (10) is detected as occupied, - Deformation (240) of at least one manipulable bladder (24, 25, 26, 27) in the side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23) of the vehicle seat (10), wherein the side bolster (20, 21, 22, 23) is positioned on the side of the seat surface (14) and / or backrest (16) facing the vehicle door (112, 114) in order to increase the lateral support for a passenger (32) sitting on the seat surface (14).

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