Air cushion arrangement for a backrest of a vehicle seat, vehicle seat, motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an air cushion arrangement (10) for a backrest of a vehicle seat, in particular with a massage function for an adjustable lumbar support of the backrest, comprising at least a first and a second pair (1-5) of air cushions (1'-5''), each of which is / can be assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest, wherein the air cushions (1'-5'') of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (1'-5'') are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis (11) of the air cushion arrangement (10), wherein the air cushions (1'-5'') of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (1'-5'') each have a longitudinal edge (L) facing the other air cushion (1'-5'') of the same pair (1-5) of air cushions (1'-5''), and wherein the air cushions (1', 1'') of the first pair (1) of air cushions (1', 1'') are arranged in such a way that the longitudinal edges (L) of the first pair (1) of air cushions (1', 1'') run at least approximately parallel to one another. According to the invention, the air cushions (2', 2'') of the second pair (2) of air cushions (2', 2'') are arranged rotated relative to one another in such a way that the longitudinal edges (L) of the second pair (2) of air cushions (2', 2'') form a first acute angle (α) to the longitudinal central axis (11).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Air cushion arrangement for a backrest of a vehicle seat, vehicle seat, motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to an air cushion arrangement for a backrest of a vehicle seat, in particular with a massage function for an adjustable lumbar support of the backrest, with at least a first and a second pair of air cushions, each of which can be assigned or is assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest, wherein the air cushions of the pairs of air cushions are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis of the air cushion arrangement, wherein the air cushions of the pairs of air cushions each have a longitudinal edge facing the other air cushion of the same pair of air cushions, and wherein the air cushions of the first pair of air cushions are arranged such that the longitudinal edges of the first pair of air cushions run at least approximately parallel to one another.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle seat with such an air cushion arrangement and to a motor vehicle with such a vehicle seat.

[0005] Air cushion assemblies of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art. Also known are pneumatic lumbar supports, for example, for vehicle seats of motor vehicles. These allow adjustment of the lumbar support (lordosis) for a user-specific, natural spinal contour in the lumbar region (S-shaped spine contour) by inflating air cushions or air bladders of such air cushion assemblies. The air supply is usually provided by pumps with a pump motor. Inflation, deflation, and maintenance of the air pressure are controlled via control devices and valve assemblies.

[0006] For example, from published patent application DE 202019 100 710 U1, an air cushion device with a plurality of pairs of air cushions is known. The air cushion device comprises an even number of air cushions, with two of the air cushions arranged in a row, in particular mirror-symmetrically. One pair of air cushions is arranged in a shoulder area of ​​a backrest, and further pairs of air cushions are arranged at a distance from the shoulder area in a (lower) back area of ​​the backrest. The longitudinal edges of all air cushions run parallel to each other.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved air cushion arrangement which has further increased ergonomics for a user.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is achieved by an air cushion arrangement having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the air cushions of the second pair of air cushions are arranged rotated relative to one another in such a way that the longitudinal edges of the second pair of air cushions enclose a first acute angle to the longitudinal central axis. A pair of air cushions preferably has exactly two air cushions, one of the air cushions being arranged on a first side, in particular on the left, with respect to the longitudinal central axis, and the other air cushion cover being arranged, in particular at the same height, on a second side facing away from the first side, in particular on the right, with respect to the longitudinal central axis. The rotated arrangement of the air cushions relative to the longitudinal central axis advantageously further improves seating behavior and a massage sensation for a user of the vehicle seat.The air cushions are preferably assignable or assigned to a shoulder area of ​​the backrest. The invention is based on the finding that by rotating the air cushions, ergonomics are improved for the user, particularly in the shoulder area, because the contour of the air cushions is thus better adapted to the natural contour of the user's shoulder blades. Particularly preferably, the air cushion arrangement as a whole is designed to be substantially mirror-symmetrical to its longitudinal central axis, at least with regard to its outer contour. The air cushions in particular have an elastically deformable film. In particular, the air cushions are constructed from two films of this type that are connected to one another in an airtight manner, in particular welded, like a sandwich. Particularly preferably, the air cushions have a strength / thickness of at most 5 mm. For example, the air cushions have a nominal thickness of 3 mm ± 1 mm.Preferably, at least two of the air cushions, preferably all of the air cushions, are arranged or formed on a common film carrier. The air cushions are particularly preferably connectable or connected via lines to a pneumatic pump arrangement, in particular one having a pump motor.

[0009] According to a preferred development of the invention, the first angle of the second pair is a maximum of 10°, in particular in a range from 2° to 10°, preferably 3 to 8°. With such an angle, ergonomics are particularly advantageous. A nominal dimension of the first angle is particularly preferably 5.7° ± 2°. The two air cushions of the pair each enclose the first angle with the longitudinal center axis, so that the longitudinal edges of two different air cushions enclose a double first angle with each other. Preferably, the air cushions are each at least approximately rectangular in cross-section, so that the two remaining, parallel edges also enclose an acute angle with the longitudinal center axis, wherein this angle corresponds to the difference between a right angle and the first angle, i.e. in particular at least 80°, but less than 90°.

[0010] It is particularly preferably provided that the air cushion arrangement has a third pair of air cushions which can be assigned or is assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest, that the air cushions of the third pair of air cushions are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis of the air cushion arrangement and have a longitudinal edge facing the other air cushion of the third pair of air cushions, and that the air cushions of the third pair of air cushions are arranged rotated relative to one another in such a way that the longitudinal edges of the third pair of air cushions enclose a second acute angle to the longitudinal central axis. This advantageously further improves ergonomics because two pairs of rotated air cushions are provided.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second angles are equal. Due to the equal angles, the air cushion arrangement has a particularly simple geometric design.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the first and second angles are of different sizes. These different angles provide a particularly advantageous opportunity for further optimizing ergonomics. In particular, the different angles accommodate different user heights.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the angles, in particular the second angle, is at least, in particular exactly, twice as large as the other of the angles, in particular the first angle. This results in the advantage that the ergonomic effect of the arrangement is particularly pronounced.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the second pair of air cushions is arranged between the first and third pairs of air cushions with respect to the longitudinal center axis. With such an arrangement, the advantages of the air cushion arrangement according to the invention are particularly pronounced. For example, as described above, the first angle is greater than the second angle, in particular at least or exactly twice as large, so that the more deeply rotated third pair of air cushions is located further outward, i.e., higher up or closer to the user's shoulder area when the backrest is used as intended, thus advantageously optimizing ergonomics.

[0015] According to a preferred development of the invention, the air cushions of at least one of the pairs of air cushions, in particular of all pairs of air cushions, are geometrically at least substantially identical to the air cushions of another of the pairs of air cushions, in particular of all pairs of air cushions. This advantageously ensures that the respective pairs exert a consistent effect on a user when the air cushions are activated. Furthermore, the air cushion arrangement is advantageously structurally simple and can therefore be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the air cushions of at least one of the pairs of air cushions, in particular of all pairs of air cushions, are each at least approximately rectangular in cross-section. With a rectangular shape, the advantages of the air cushion arrangement according to the invention are particularly pronounced. In particular, the air cushions have rounded corners. Preferably, a ratio of the edge lengths of the air cushions is at least approximately or at most 4 to 3. In particular, a distance between the edges of two air cushions is at least approximately or at most as large as one, in particular half, of the transverse or longitudinal extent of the respective air cushions.

[0017] The vehicle seat for a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10 has a backrest and is characterized in that the air cushion arrangement according to the invention is arranged in or on the backrest, in particular a seat frame. This results in the aforementioned advantages. The same advantages arise when the vehicle seat is used in other means of transportation, in particular aircraft, as well as when the air cushion arrangement according to the invention is used in seats not installed in means of transportation, for example, massage seats.

[0018] The motor vehicle with the features of claim 11 is characterized by at least one vehicle seat according to the invention. This also results in the aforementioned advantages. In particular, the motor vehicle has the vehicle seat as a driver's seat. Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features emerge in particular from the above description and from the claims. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These drawings show:

[0019] Figure 1 shows an advantageous air cushion arrangement, and

[0020] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the air cushion arrangement.

[0021] Figure 1 shows an air cushion assembly 10 for a backrest of a vehicle seat (not shown in detail). The air cushion assembly 10 is, in particular, part of a pneumatically adjustable lumbar support, for example, with a massage function. The air cushion assembly 10 has a plurality of pairs, in this case five pairs, of air cushions. The pairs of air cushions are each assigned to or can be assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest.

[0022] The air cushion arrangement 10 comprises a first pair 1 of air cushions T, 1", a second pair 2 of air cushions 2', 2", a third pair 3 of air cushions 3', 3", a fourth pair 4 of air cushions 4', 4", and a fifth pair 5 of air cushions 5', 5". The air cushions T-5" of the pairs 1-5 of air cushions T-5" are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis 11 of the air cushion arrangement 10. Furthermore, the air cushions T-5" each have an elastically deformable film and are arranged on a common film carrier 12.

[0023] When the air cushion arrangement 1 is used as intended and installed in the backrest, the pairs 1-5 of air cushions T-5" are arranged in the vertical direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis 11 from top to bottom as follows: at the top the third pair 3, then the second pair 2, the first pair 1, the fourth pair 4 and at the bottom the fifth pair 5.

[0024] The second pair 2 and the third pair 3 are in this respect assignable or assigned to a shoulder area (or an upper back area) of the backrest and thus to a user, and the first pair 1 as well as the fourth pair 4 and the fifth pair 5 are assignable or assigned to a (lower) back area of ​​the backrest and thus to the user.

[0025] All T-5" air cushions are geometrically identical to one another, at least essentially and at least with respect to their respective outer contours. The T-5" air cushions are each at least approximately rectangular in cross-section. In this case, the T-5" air cushions each have rounded corners.

[0026] The air cushions 1'-5" of the pairs 1-5 each have a longitudinal edge L facing the other air cushion T-5" of the same pair 1-5 of air cushions 1-5. For example, one of the longitudinal edges L of an air cushion T-5' of each pair 1-5 is provided with a reference symbol.

[0027] According to other, not shown, exemplary embodiments, the air cushions T-5" have cross-sections deviating from a rectangular shape, wherein the air cushions T-5" preferably each have at least one longitudinal edge L facing the other air cushion T-5" of the same pair 1-5 and extending at least partially as a straight line. Geometrically, it is also not necessary for this to be a lateral longitudinal edge, in this case. The described geometric observations also apply to a corresponding longitudinal edge designed as an upper edge or lower edge.

[0028] The air cushions 1', 1" of the first pair 1, the air cushions 4', 4" of the fourth pair 4, as well as the air cushions 5', 5" of the fifth pair 5 are in any case arranged in such a way that all their respective longitudinal edges L (due to the rectangular shape) run at least approximately parallel to one another.

[0029] In contrast, the air cushions 2', 2" of the second pair 2, as well as the air cushions 3', 3" of the third pair 3 are each arranged rotated relative to one another in such a way that the longitudinal edges L of the second pair 2 of air cushions 2', 2" enclose a first acute angle α to the longitudinal central axis 11, and that the longitudinal edges L of the third pair 3 of air cushions 3', 3" enclose a second acute angle β to the longitudinal central axis 11.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a corresponding detailed view of the second pair 2 and the third pair 3. The first angle α is a maximum of 10° in this case, more precisely, it lies in a range from 3° to 8°. The first angle α and the second angle β are different in size. In this case, the second angle β is exactly twice as large as the first angle α. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the angles α and β are equal. Reference numerals

[0031] 1 first pair

[0032] 2 second pair

[0033] 3 third pair

[0034] 4 fourth pair

[0035] 5 fifth pair

[0036] T, 1" air cushion of the first pair 2', 2" air cushion of the second pair 3', 3" air cushion of the third pair 4', 4" air cushion of the fourth pair 5', 5" air cushion of the fifth pair

[0037] 10 Air cushion arrangement

[0038] 11 Longitudinal center axis

[0039] 12 Film carrier a first angle ß second angle L long edge

Claims

Patent claims 1. Air cushion arrangement (10) for a backrest of a vehicle seat, in particular with a massage function for an adjustable lumbar support of the backrest, with at least a first and a second pair (1-5) of air cushions (T-5"), each assignable or assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest, - wherein the air cushions (1 '-5”) of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (1 '-5”) are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis (11) of the air cushion arrangement (10), - wherein the air cushions (1'-5”) of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”) each have a longitudinal edge (L) facing the other air cushion (T-5”) of the same pair (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”), and - wherein the air cushions (1', 1") of the first pair (1) of air cushions (1', 1") are arranged such that the longitudinal edges (L) of the first pair (1) of air cushions (1', 1") run at least approximately parallel to one another, characterized in that the air cushions (2', 2") of the second pair (2) of air cushions (2', 2") are arranged rotated relative to one another such that the longitudinal edges (L) of the second pair (2) of air cushions (2', 2") enclose a first acute angle (α) to the longitudinal central axis (11).

2. Air cushion arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle (a) of the second pair (2) is a maximum of 10°, in particular in a range of 2° to 10°, preferably 3 to 8°.

3. Air cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air cushion arrangement (10) has a third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3") which can be assigned or is assigned to a back region and / or shoulder region of the backrest, that the air cushions (3', 3") of the third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3") are each designed and arranged at least substantially mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal central axis (11) of the air cushion arrangement (10) and have a longitudinal edge (L) facing the other air cushion (3', 3") of the third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3"), and that the air cushions (3', 3") of the third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3") are arranged rotated relative to one another in such a way that the longitudinal edge (L)n of the third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3") encloses a second acute angle (ß) to the longitudinal central axis (11).

4. Air cushion arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second angle (α,β) are equal.

5. Air cushion arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second angle (α,β) are of different sizes.

6. Air cushion arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that one of the angles (α,β), in particular the second angle (β), is at least, in particular exactly, twice as large as the other of the angles (α,β), in particular the first angle (α).

7. Air cushion arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the second pair (2) of air cushions (2', 2") is arranged with respect to the longitudinal central axis (11) between the first pair (1) of air cushions (1', 1") and the third pair (3) of air cushions (3', 3").

8. Air cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air cushions (1 '-5”) of at least one of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”), in particular of all pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”), are geometrically at least substantially identical to the air cushions (T-5”) of another of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (1 '-5”), in particular of all pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”).

9. Air cushion arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air cushions (T-5”) of at least one of the pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”), in particular of all pairs (1-5) of air cushions (T-5”), are each at least approximately rectangular in cross section.

10. Vehicle seat for a motor vehicle, with a backrest, characterized in that an air cushion arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9 is arranged in or on, in particular a seat frame, the backrest.

11. Motor vehicle, characterized by at least one vehicle seat according to claim 10.

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