VEHICLE SEAT WITH A DEVICE FOR LEVEL CONTROL AND STABILIZATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a vehicle seat upper part on which a mass can be arranged, a vehicle seat lower part and with a device for level regulation and stabilization of the vehicle seat upper part, wherein the device has an air spring by means of which a relative movement of the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part to one another can be cushioned, wherein the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part are arranged at a predeterminable distance from one another in a non-deflected state and wherein the air spring is fluidly connected to a volume of a working volume of an additional volume module by a first fluid connection.

[0002] Such vehicle seats with level control are known from the prior art. To manipulate the internal pressure of the first air spring, it is necessary to pump a certain amount of fluid from the additional volume or the first air spring, or to change the internal pressure of the entire system consisting of the additional volume and the first air spring.

[0003] A compressor is therefore provided by means of which the internal pressure in the additional volume and the first air spring can be changed.

[0004] The compressor is activated frequently to keep the specified distance between the lower and upper seat elements as constant as possible under all operating conditions. However, since the compressor is very loud, it is disadvantageous for a vehicle driver if the compressor is active for a long period of time, making the noise unbearable. This also makes it easier to miss noises, and the loud noise can lead to, among other things, ear problems, headaches, or the like. Likewise, the compressor is relatively slow to activate, meaning that the fluid supply is insufficient for rapid and dynamic level control and stabilization. EP3312049A1 discloses a vehicle seat with an upper vehicle seat section, a lower vehicle seat section, and a device for level control and stabilization of the upper vehicle seat section.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle seat with a device for level control and stabilization, which can dispense with a compressor during operation and is therefore correspondingly quiet in operation and also does not change the position of the vehicle seat upper part with respect to the earth's surface and is correspondingly fast.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the features of claim 1 and claim 12, respectively. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims. The core idea of ​​the invention is a vehicle seat with a vehicle seat upper part, on which a mass can be arranged, a vehicle seat lower part, and with a device for level regulation and stabilization of the vehicle seat upper part, wherein the device has an air spring by means of which a relative movement of the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part to each other can be cushioned, wherein the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part are arranged at a predeterminable distance from each other in a non-deflected state, and wherein the air spring is fluidly connected to a volume of a working volume of an additional volume module by a first fluid connection, wherein the vehicle seat has a control unit,wherein the control unit is provided and designed to reduce the volume of the working volume when the distance increases due to the relative movement such that a pressure in the air spring can be changed such that the distance of the vehicle seat upper part to a reference surface remains substantially unchanged, and to increase the volume of the working volume when the distance decreases due to the relative movement such that the pressure in the air spring can be changed such that the distance of the vehicle seat upper part to a reference surface remains substantially unchanged.

[0007] Because the pressure in the air spring, depending on the design of the air spring, remains essentially unchanged or can be dynamically adjusted depending on the situation, it is achieved that the position of the vehicle seat upper part relative to the earth's surface essentially does not change, or in other words, is essentially constant.

[0008] A reference surface is defined as a surface whose position does not change when the vehicle is deflected. The reference surface can be the Earth's surface.

[0009] The air spring is preferably designed to be deformable. Further preferably, the vehicle seat has a scissor-type frame, which is arranged between the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part and connects the vehicle seat upper part to the vehicle seat lower part. Of course, other connection types are also possible, such as a parallelogram arrangement or the like. The connection between the vehicle seat upper part and the vehicle seat upper part is intended to guide the two parts toward each other and enable relative movement.

[0010] Preferably, the vehicle seat lower section is connected to a vehicle body or vehicle cabin, or is already part of the body. This ensures that the vehicle seat lower section moves synchronously with the respective component, i.e., without any phase shift. This is particularly intended because, for complete compensation, the vehicle seat lower section should perform the same movement.

[0011] The term "mass" refers to any body that can be arranged on the upper part of the vehicle seat. A mass is preferably a vehicle driver sitting on the vehicle seat, in particular the upper part of the vehicle seat.

[0012] The term "additional volume module" refers to a device that encompasses at least the working volume, in particular a limited working volume. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the additional volume module to have a shut-off valve, so that the air spring is fluidically separated from the additional volume. Furthermore, the additional volume module can include various sensors, for example, to detect leaks or the like.

[0013] Various driving situations can occur for the vehicle seat: the vehicle drives into a pothole or similar, the vehicle drives over a hill or the vehicle is not steered.

[0014] If the vehicle is not deflected, no force acts on the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat remains unchanged in terms of distance.

[0015] The situation for the vehicle seat changes if the vehicle drives through a pothole, depression, or the like. Because the vehicle seat is preferably connected to the vehicle, the vehicle body, or the vehicle cabin, the vehicle seat lower part moves downward in accordance with the movement of the connecting part, meaning that the vehicle seat lower part is moved relative to the vehicle seat upper part, increasing the distance between them.

[0016] If it is detected that the distance between the lower part of the vehicle seat and the upper part of the vehicle seat is increasing, the volume of the working volume is changed according to the invention in such a way that the volume of the working volume is reduced, so that the pressure in the air spring can be changed in such a way that the distance between the upper part of the vehicle seat and a reference surface is substantially unchanged.

[0017] The situation for the vehicle seat changes if the vehicle travels over a raised surface or the like. Because the vehicle seat is preferably connected to the vehicle, the vehicle body, or the vehicle cabin, the lower part of the vehicle seat moves upwards in accordance with the movement of the connecting part, meaning that the lower part of the vehicle seat is moved relative to the upper part of the vehicle seat, reducing the distance between them.

[0018] If it is detected that the distance between the lower part of the vehicle seat and the upper part of the vehicle seat is decreasing, the volume of the working volume is changed according to the invention in such a way that the volume of the working volume is increased, so that the pressure in the air spring can be changed in such a way that the distance between the upper part of the vehicle seat and a reference surface is substantially unchanged.

[0019] The change in the volume of the working volume is carried out by a control unit which, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, is arranged on or in the additional volume module.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device has a detection unit which is designed and provided to detect the change in the distance, wherein the control unit is connected to the detection unit by means of signals and changes the volume of the working volume depending on the detected change in the distance and optionally depending on acceleration values ​​at the vehicle seat lower part and the vehicle seat upper part.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection unit comprises a first sensor arranged on the vehicle seat upper part, a second sensor arranged on the vehicle seat lower part, and a third sensor for determining a position of the vehicle seat upper part relative to the vehicle seat lower part.

[0022] The detection unit preferably comprises, as the third sensor, a distance sensor designed and provided to detect and determine the distance between the vehicle seat upper part and the vehicle seat upper part. Preferably, the relative position of the vehicle seat upper part to the vehicle seat lower part can be determined. The distance sensor can preferably be an angle sensor arranged at the connection between the vehicle seat upper part and the vehicle seat lower part. Of course, other sensor types are also conceivable.

[0023] The first and second sensors are preferably sensors for recording accelerations, in particular of the vehicle seat upper part and the vehicle seat lower part. This makes it possible to determine how the vehicle seat upper part and the vehicle seat lower part move relative to each other.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit is used to change the volume of the working volume so that the pressure in the air spring can be changed.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, at least one damping unit is provided between the lower and the upper seat element for damping oscillatory movements of the upper seat element relative to the lower seat element.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device has a compressor unit which is designed and provided to fill the air spring and the working volume with a fluid, so that a certain pressure prevails within the air spring, whereby the distance is predetermined.

[0027] When a person, i.e. a mass, sits down on the upper part of the vehicle seat, the driver naturally wants to adjust the seat height to what they consider comfortable and pleasant. To achieve the appropriate seat height, the air spring must be filled with a certain amount of fluid so that the upper seat element is raised to the desired seat height. The air spring is preferably filled with a certain amount of fluid indirectly via the working volume or the additional volume module using the compressor, whereby a pressure equilibrium is established in the air spring and the working volume. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the air spring and the working volume to be filled independently of one another.

[0028] Once the vehicle seat upper section is grounded and the distance is adjusted using the compressor, the compressor is deactivated and is generally no longer required during operation. Reactivating the compressor is only necessary if a leak or similar condition occurs, or if a different seat height needs to be adjusted.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the additional volume module further comprises a support volume which is connected to the working volume for force support during a volume change of the working volume by means of the control unit.

[0030] In particular, the support volume is mechanically connected to the working volume. "Mechanically connected" means that there is a mechanical connection between the components. During filling, it is conceivable that the support volume and the working volume are also fluidically connected. If the compressor unit is not active, i.e., the seat height or distance is adjusted and filling of the air spring and the working volume is not necessary, the support volume and the working volume are only mechanically connected, meaning there is no fluidic connection between the support volume and the working volume.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the support volume is fluidically connected to the working volume by means of an open valve during the filling of the air spring with fluid by the compressor unit and is otherwise fluidically separated from the working volume.

[0032] Preferably, a fluidic connecting line is provided between the support volume and the working volume, which line has the valve and can be opened or closed by the valve. The valve can be controlled, for example, by the control unit, although it is also conceivable for the valve to be operated manually.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the control unit has a linear drive which is provided and designed to change the volume of the working volume.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the linear drive is at least one selected from the group comprising a spindle-nut combination, a rack, a conversion gear, a direct drive, a link guide and a deformation device.

[0035] Particularly preferably, a conversion gear may be a Watt conversion gear, a Chebyshev conversion gear, an Evans conversion gear or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the direct drive is particularly preferably a lifting magnet.

[0037] Further preferably, the deformation device is a device with a motor and a rocker-like deformation element, which deforms the working volume depending on the direction of rotation and changes the volume of the working volume accordingly.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment, the working volume is designed as an air spring with a rolling bellows, as a bellows spring, an air cylinder or as an air motor.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment, the support volume is designed as an air spring with a rolling bellows, as a bellows spring, an air cylinder or as an air motor.

[0040] In addition, the underlying object is also achieved by a method for level control of a vehicle seat upper part of a vehicle seat (1), wherein the vehicle seat has an upper vehicle seat upper part () which can be displaced by an air spring relative to a vehicle seat lower part, wherein the air spring () is fluidically connected to a working volume () of an additional volume module () and the pressure in the air spring is changed by the working volume, comprising the method steps: a) Placing a mass on the upper part of the vehicle seat; b) Setting a distance between the lower part of the vehicle seat and the upper part of the vehicle seat by filling the working volume and the air spring with a required amount of fluid using a compressor unit and deactivating the compressor unit after filling; c) Detecting a change in the distance due to a relative movement of the lower part of the vehicle seat and the upper part of the vehicle seat to one another; d) Changing the pressure in the air spring by changing a volume of the working volume, wherein if the distance increases due to the relative movement, the volume of the working volume is reduced and if the distance decreases due to the relative movement, the volume of the working volume is increased, so that the pressure in the air spring is changed such that the distance of the upper part of the vehicle seat to a reference surface remains essentially unchanged.

[0041] For example, placing a mass on the upper part of the vehicle seat can mean a person sitting on the upper part of the vehicle seat. If the upper part of the vehicle seat is occupied by a mass, for example, a person, the person can use an adjustment device to set the desired seat height of the vehicle seat, which results in a specific distance between the lower part of the vehicle seat and the upper part of the vehicle seat. Accordingly, the working volume and the air spring are filled with the required amount of fluid using the compressor unit until the required internal pressure of the first air spring is reached. The compressor unit is deactivated after filling.

[0042] Further preferably, the additional volume module has a support volume which is connected to the working volume for force support during a volume change of the working volume by means of the control unit.

[0043] During the filling of the air spring with fluid by the compressor unit, the support volume is fluidically connected to the working volume via an open valve and otherwise fluidically separated from the working volume. After the working volume and the support volume are filled, the support volume is fluidically separated from the working volume.

[0044] If it is then detected that a change in the distance has occurred due to a deflection of the vehicle seat lower section and, if applicable, the vehicle seat upper section, it is necessary to change the volume of the working volume in order to change the pressure in the air spring in such a way that the distance of the vehicle seat upper section from a reference surface can remain essentially unchanged. To avoid having to use the compressor unit, the volume of the working volume is changed by the control unit according to the change in the distance.

[0045] Overall, it should be noted that the change in distance is a rapid change compared to an oscillatory motion caused by external forces. A change in distance therefore occurs over a short period of time. Furthermore, the magnitude of the change in distance is also equivalent to the magnitude of an external force.

[0046] Furthermore, it is conceivable to implement rapid control of the device to counteract the occurring force surges. This involves rapid level stabilization relative to the reference surface and, as a result, vibration isolation.

[0047] Alternatively, the distance can be adjusted manually using the device, rather than by operating a compressor. This is a manual level control.

[0048] The device-side features can also be used in a corresponding manner as process-side features.

[0049] Further advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

[0050] Further objects, advantages, and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the vehicle seat, shown in the non-deflected state, Fig. 2 the subject of Figure 1 in a downward deflected state, Fig. 3 the subject of Figure 1 in an upwardly deflected state, Fig. 4 the additional volume module according to a first embodiment in the non-deflected state, Fig. 5 the additional volume module according to Figure 4 in the downward deflected state, Fig. 6 the additional volume module according to Figure 4in the upwardly deflected state, Fig. 7A the additional volume module according to a second embodiment in a plan view, Fig. 7B the additional volume module according to Figure 7A in a sectional view, Fig. 7C the additional volume module according to Figure 7B with schematic additions, Fig. 8A the additional volume module according to a third embodiment in a side view, Fig. 8B the additional volume module according to Figure 8A in a plan view, Fig. 8C the additional volume module according to Figure 8A in a front view.

[0051] In the figures, identical components are identified by the corresponding reference symbols. For clarity, some components may not be provided with a reference symbol in some figures, but are identified elsewhere.

[0052] In the Figure 1 a vehicle seat 1 according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a non-deflected state Z0.

[0053] A mass M, which can be a person, for example, is arranged on the vehicle seat upper part 2. A distance 6 is set between the vehicle seat upper part 2 and the vehicle seat lower part 3, which corresponds to a specific pressure in the air spring 5, which is arranged between the vehicle seat upper part 2 and the vehicle seat lower part 3. In this case, the vehicle seat lower part 3 and the vehicle seat upper part 2 are connected to one another by means of a scissor frame 21.

[0054] The distance 6 was adjusted using a compressor unit 12, which is fluidly connected to the additional volume module 8 and in particular to the working volume 7 via a first fluid connection 22. The compressor unit 12 fills the working volume 7 and, indirectly via a second fluid connection 23, the air spring 5 with a quantity of fluid in order to establish a certain pressure in the air spring 5.

[0055] Furthermore, a support volume 13 is provided, which is mechanically connected to the working volume 7. During filling, the support volume 13 can be fluidically connected to the working volume 7, wherein during normal operation, the support volume 13 and the working volume 7 are fluidically separated from each other. A third fluid connection 24 with a valve 14 is provided between the support volume 13 and the working volume, wherein the valve 14 is switched to open during filling with fluid and is closed otherwise.

[0056] When the vehicle seat 1 is operated with the device 4, i.e., after adjusting the distance 6, with a mass M, the compressor unit 12 is deactivated. If a change in the distance 6 is detected by a detection unit 11, the volume of the working volume 7 is changed by a control unit 10 in order to change the pressure in the air spring 5.

[0057] Preferably, it is also conceivable that the detection unit 11 and the control unit 10 are components of the additional volume module 8.

[0058] Furthermore, the additional volume module 8 has a control unit 10 comprising a motor 28 which is connected to a spindle-nut combination 19 comprising a spindle 29, wherein the spindle 29 is connected to a nut 30, and wherein the nut 30 is connected to a connection 31 which is also mechanically connected to the working volume 7 and the support volume 13.

[0059] By a rotational movement of the spindle 29, the nut 30 is moved along the spindle 29, so that the connection 31 also moves and accordingly deforms the working volume, so that the volume 9 of the working volume 7 is changed.

[0060] Preferably, sensors are provided for determining the deflections, the positions, and the distance 6, namely a first sensor 25, a second sensor 26, and a third sensor 27. The first sensor 25 is arranged on the vehicle seat upper part 2, the second sensor 26 on the vehicle seat lower part 3, and the third sensor on the connection between the vehicle seat lower part 3 and the vehicle seat upper part 2, in this case preferably the scissor-type frame 21. The first sensor 25 and the second sensor 26 are designed as acceleration sensors, with the third sensor 27 being designed to determine a position of the vehicle seat upper part 2 relative to the vehicle seat lower part 3, i.e., the distance 6.

[0061] In the Figure 2 is the vehicle seat 1 of the Figure 1in a downwardly deflected state Z1, which means that the distance 6 between the vehicle seat upper part 2 and the vehicle seat lower part 3 increases. This is the case, for example, when the vehicle drives into a pothole, i.e. is deflected downwards, whereby the vehicle seat lower part 3 is also deflected downwards.

[0062] The downward movement of the vehicle seat base 3 causes the air spring 5 to expand, thus reducing the supporting force. To compensate for this, the volume 9 of the working volume 7 is reduced and the pressure is increased accordingly, so that the pressure in the air spring 5 can be varied via the second fluid line 23.

[0063] In the Figure 3 is the vehicle seat of the Figure 1in an upwardly deflected state Z2, which means that the distance 6 between the vehicle seat upper part 2 and the vehicle seat lower part 3 decreases. This is the case, for example, when the vehicle drives over an elevation, i.e., is deflected upwards, whereby the vehicle seat lower part 3 is also deflected upwards.

[0064] The upward movement of the vehicle seat lower section 3 compresses the air spring 5, thus increasing the supporting force. To compensate for this, the volume 9 of the working volume 7 is increased and the pressure is reduced accordingly, so that the pressure in the air spring 5 is changed via the second fluid line 23 in such a way that the distance of the vehicle seat upper section from a reference surface remains essentially unchanged.

[0065] By changing the pressure in the air spring 5 accordingly, the position of the vehicle seat upper part 2 relative to the reference surface, preferably the earth's surface, does not change.

[0066] The additional volume module 8 is shown in more detail in the following figures. Various embodiments of the additional volume module 8 are also shown.

[0067] In the Figures 4 to 6 a first embodiment of the additional volume module 8 is shown.

[0068] The additional volume module 8 has a housing 32 with a first end 32' and a second end 32". The housing 32 is preferably cylindrical and extends in a longitudinal direction ER. A first cover 33 is arranged at the first end 32' and a second cover 34 is arranged at the second end 32", which cover the additional volume module 8. A first holding element 35 is provided from the first cover 33 into the interior of the additional volume module 8, wherein the first holding element 35 and the first cover are provided for locally fixing a drive 36, wherein the drive 36 is designed here as an electric motor with a stator 37 and a rotor 38, wherein the stator 37 surrounds the rotor 38. The rotor 38 is connected to a spindle 29 so that the rotor 38 and the spindle 29 can rotate about a common axis of rotation 39.The spindle 29 preferably has a first end 40 and a second end 41, wherein the first end 40 is rigidly connected to the rotor 38. The spindle 29 is arranged stationary relative to the first holding element 35, wherein the spindle 29 is mounted relative to the first holding element 35 by means of a ball bearing 42 in order to ensure easy rotation of the spindle 29.

[0069] The second end 41 of the spindle 29 is connected to a second holding element 43, wherein the second holding element 43 is arranged stationary relative to the housing 32.

[0070] Furthermore, a nut 30 is provided which is in operative contact with the spindle 29, wherein by rotating the spindle 29 about the rotation axis 39, the nut 30 can be moved along the spindle 29, depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle 29 in the direction of the first end 40 or in the direction of the second end 41.

[0071] The nut 30 is preferably rigidly connected to a piston-like element 44, which therefore also moves along the spindle 29 when the nut 30 moves. The piston-like element 44 also has a housing 45, which is essentially cylindrical in shape and on which a separating element 46 is fixedly arranged. The function of the separating element 46 is explained in more detail below.

[0072] Furthermore, a third holding element 47 is provided, which is rigidly connected to the second cover 34.

[0073] The working volume 7 and the support volume 13 are designed as follows.

[0074] The working volume 7 is limited by the second holding element 43, the separating element 46, and further by a first bellows element 48, which is rigidly connected to the separating element 46 on the one hand and to the second holding element 43 on the other. The volume enclosed by the second holding element 43, the separating element 46, and the first bellows element 48 defines the working volume 7.

[0075] The support volume 13, on the other hand, is limited by the third holding element 47, the separating element 46, and a second bellows element 49, which is rigidly connected to the separating element 46 on the one hand and to the third holding element 47 on the other. The volume enclosed by the third holding element 47, the separating element 46, and the second bellows element 49 defines the support volume 13.

[0076] The bellows elements 48, 49 are preferably designed as a rolling bellows.

[0077] Furthermore, the bellows elements 48, 49 are limited in the radial direction R by the housing, which means that the working volume 7 and the support volume 13 are at least partially arranged within the housing 45, depending on the design of the housing 45.

[0078] Particularly preferably, the bellows elements 48, 49 are designed such that they roll on the housing 45.

[0079] The separating element 46 is screwed to the housing 45 by means of screws 50, although a riveted connection or the like is also conceivable.

[0080] In the Figure 4 the additional volume module 8 is shown in the state Z0, that is, in the non-deflected state of the vehicle seat 1.

[0081] In the Figure 5The additional volume module 8 of the figure is shown in state Z1, i.e., in the downwardly deflected state of the vehicle seat 1. As can be seen, the volume 9 of the working volume 7 has been reduced, whereby the air quantity or the pressure in the air spring 3 can be changed due to the expansion of the air spring 3. For this purpose, the spindle 29 was rotated about the rotation axis 39 by means of the electric motor such that the nut 30 was moved in the extension direction ER towards the first end 40 of the spindle 29.

[0082] The first holding element 35 also serves as an end stop for the movement of the nut 30, towards the first end 40 of the spindle 29.

[0083] In the Figure 6The additional volume module 8 of the figure is shown in state Z2, i.e., in the upwardly deflected state of the vehicle seat 1. As can be seen, the volume 9 of the working volume 7 has been increased, whereby the pressure in the air spring 3 can be changed due to the compression of the air spring 3. For this purpose, the spindle 29 was rotated about the rotation axis 39 by means of the electric motor such that the nut 30 was moved in the extension direction ER toward the second end 41 of the spindle 29.

[0084] According to the structure of the additional volume module 8, the second holding element 43 also serves as an end stop for the movement of the nut 30 in the direction of the second end 41 of the spindle 29.

[0085] In the Figures 7A, 7B and 7C An alternative control unit 10 is provided which, in contrast to the embodiment according to Figures 4 , 5 and 6differs in the type of drive or control unit 10. The details regarding the working volume 7, the support volume 13 and their design are analogous to the embodiment according to Figures 4 , 5 and 6 .

[0086] Instead of the spindle 29 and the nut 30, a Watt drive 54 is now described.

[0087] A gear 55 is arranged on the motor 53, which is preferably an electric motor, and is rotatable about a third rotational axis 56. The gear 55 is in contact with a gear element 57, which is mounted for rotation about a fourth rotational axis 58. A first lever 59 is rigidly connected to the gear element 57, so that the first lever 59 is also rotatable about the fourth rotational axis 58.

[0088] Furthermore, a second lever 60 is provided, which is rotatably connected to the housing about a fifth rotation axis 61. Furthermore, a third lever 62 is provided, which is rotatably connected to the first lever 59 and the second lever 60.

[0089] A fourth lever 63 is also provided, which is arranged parallel to the third lever 63 and defines a connection point 64, which corresponds to the point that can be moved almost in a straight line by means of the Watt drive. A connection element 65 is arranged at the connection point 64, which can move almost in a straight line due to the Watt drive. The movement of the connection element 65 changes the volume of the working volume 7.

[0090] In the Figure 7C The functional principle of the Watt drive 54 is shown schematically again.

[0091] In the Figures 8A, 8B and 8Can alternative control unit 10 for changing the volume 9 of the working volume 7 is shown. Figure 8A the control unit 10 in a side view, the Figure 8B in a top view and the Figure 8C in a front view.

[0092] The control unit 10 preferably comprises a motor, in particular an electric motor with a rocker-like deformation element 51, which deforms the working volume 7 and the support volume 13 depending on the direction of rotation of the motor. Deformation occurs in particular because the deformation element 51 presses on the respective volume, thereby changing its shape and correspondingly changing the volume in the working volume 7 and the pressure in the working volume 7, so that the pressure in the air spring 5 can be changed accordingly.

[0093] The control unit comprises a rocker-like deformation element 51, which is connected to a motor 53 for rotation about a second rotation axis 52. Depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 53, the working volume 7 and the support volume 13 are deformed. It is also conceivable that no support volume 13 is provided. List of reference symbols

[0094] 1Vehicle seat 2Vehicle seat upper section 3Vehicle seat lower section 4Device 5Air spring 6Gap 7Working volume 8Additional volume module 9Volume of the working volume 10Control unit 11Detection unit 12Compressor unit 13Support volume 14Valve 15First sensor 16Second sensor 17Third sensor 18Linear drive 19Spindle-nut combination 21Scissor frame 22First fluid connection 23Second fluid connection 24Third fluid connection 25First sensor 26Second sensor 27Third sensor 28Motor 29Spindle 30Nut 31Connection 32Housing 32'First end of the housing 32"Second end of the housing 33First cover 34Second cover 35First retaining element 36Drive 37Stator 38Rotor 39Rotation axis 40First end of the spindle 41Second end of the spindle 42Ball bearing 43Second holding element 44Piston-like element 45Housing 46Separation element 47Third holding element 48First bellows element 49Second bellows element 50Barrier 51Rocker-like deformation element 52Second rotation axis 53(Electric) motor 54Watt drive 55Gear56Third rotation axis 57Gear element 58Fourth rotation axis 59First lever 60Second lever 61Fifth rotation axis 62Third lever 63Fourth lever 64Connection point 65Connection element MMass Z0Not deflected Z1Deflected downwards Z2Deflected upwards

Claims

1. Vehicle seat (1) with an upper vehicle seat part (2), on which a mass (M) can be arranged, a lower vehicle seat part (3) and with a device (4) for levelling and stabilising the level of the upper vehicle seat part (2), the device (4) having an air spring (5), by means of which a relative movement of the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) with respect to one another can be spring-loaded, wherein the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) are arranged in a non-deflected state at a predeterminable distance (6) from one another and wherein the air spring (5) is connected fluidically to a volume (7) of a working volume (9) of an auxiliary volume module (8) by means of a first fluid connection (22), characterised in that, the vehicle seat (1) has a control unit (10), wherein the control unit (10) is provided and designed to, when the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) increases due to the relative movement, reduce the volume (7) of the working volume (9) in such a way that that a pressure in the air spring (5) can be adjusted in such a way that a distance between the upper vehicle seat part (2) and a reference surface is essentially unchanged, and when the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the vehicle seat upper part (2) is reduced due to the relative movement, to increase the volume (7) of the working volume (9) in such a way that that the pressure in the air spring (5) can be adjusted in such a way that the distance between the upper vehicle seat part (3)and the reference surface is essentially unchanged.

2. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that, the control unit (10) is arranged on or in the auxiliary volume module (8).

3. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, the device (4) has a detection unit (11) which is provided and designed to detect the change in the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2), the control unit (10) being connected to the detection unit (11) by means of signalling technology and as a function of the detected change in the distance (6) changing the volume (7) of the working volume (9) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (3).

4. Vehicle seat (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that, the device (4) has a compressor unit (12) which is provided and designed to fill the air spring (5) and the working volume (9) with a fluid so that a certain pressure prevails within the air spring (5), whereby the distance is predetermined.

5. Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the auxiliary volume module (8) further comprises a support volume (13), which is connected to the working volume (9) for force support during a volume change of the working volume (9) by means of the control unit (10).

6. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 4 and claim 5, wherein the support volume (13) during filling of the air spring (5) with fluid by the compressor unit (12) is connected fluidically to the working volume (9) by means of an open valve (14) and is otherwise fluidically separated from the working volume (9).

7. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that, the detection unit (11) has a first sensor (25) arranged on the upper vehicle seat part (2), a second sensor (26) arranged on the lower vehicle seat part (3), and a third sensor (27) for determining a position of the upper vehicle seat part (2) relative to the lower vehicle seat part (3).

8. Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the device (4) has a linear drive (18) which is provided and designed to change the volume (7) of the working volume (9).

9. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that, the linear actuator (18) is at least one selected from the group comprising a spindlenut combination (29), a rack, a conversion gear, a direct drive, a link guide, and a deformation device.

10. Vehicle seat (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, the working volume (7) is designed as an air spring (5) with a rolling bellows, as a bellows spring, an air cylinder or as an air motor.

11. Vehicle seat (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that, the support volume (13) is designed as an air spring (5) with a rolling bellows, as a bellows spring, an air cylinder or as an air motor.

12. Method for levelling and stabilising of an upper vehicle seat part (2) of a vehicle seat (1), wherein the vehicle seat (1) has an upper vehicle seat part (2) displaceable relative to a lower vehicle seat part (3) by an air spring (5) , wherein the air spring (5) is fluidically connected to a working volume (7) of an auxiliary volume module (8) and the pressure in the air spring (5) is changed by the working volume (7), comprising the following steps: a) Cover the upper part of the vehicle seat (2) with a mass (M); b) Adjusting a distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (3) by filling the working volume (7) and the air spring (5) with a required quantity of fluid by means of a compressor (12) and deactivating the compressor (12) after filling; c) Detecting a change in the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (3) as a result of a relative movement of the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) in relation to one another; d) Changing the pressure in the in spring (5) by changing a volume (9) of the working volume (7), wherein, when the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) is increased, the volume (9) of the working volume (7) is reduced due to the relative movement and, when the distance (6) between the lower vehicle seat part (3) and the upper vehicle seat part (2) is reduced, the volume (9) of the working volume (7) is increase due to the relative movement, so that the pressure in the air spring (5) is adjusted in such a way that the distance between the upper vehicle seat part (2) and a reference surface remains essentially unchanged.