Seat cushion module

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat cushion module (1) for attachment to a motor vehicle seat, the seat cushion module having a front side (A) and a rear side (B). The seat cushion module (1) comprises a compressible, air-permeable cushioning material (3) which is enclosed by a cover (2, 5; 23). At least on the front side A of the seat cushion module (1), the cover (2, 5; 23) is formed by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material (2). On the rear side (B) of the seat cushion module (1), the cover is formed by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material (5) and / or by a carrier (22), preferably a module carrier, a plastic carrier, a foam layer, a felt layer, or a preferably elastic suspension element.

Description

[0001] SEAT CUSHION MODULE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a seat cushion module.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the manufacture of vehicle seats, upholstery made of PU foam or similar materials is typically used. In terms of the volume of a vehicle seat, the upholstery material accounts for the largest proportion. However, such upholstery material is generally not sustainable due to its poor recycling properties.

[0006] Furthermore, final assembly is relatively complex, since in modern vehicle seats, in addition to the upholstery material, additional seat components must be installed under, in, or over the upholstery material. Since such assemblies usually take place in high-wage countries close to the vehicle manufacturers, each individual assembly step leads to relatively higher costs. THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to facilitate the production of vehicle seats in this regard and, in particular, to take sustainability aspects into account.

[0008] This object is achieved by a seat cushion module having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, a seat cushion module for attachment to a motor vehicle seat is proposed. The modular design has the advantage that the seat cushion and any other components attached to it can be fitted just in time in a single operation without great assembly effort. According to the invention, the seat cushion module has a front and a back and comprises a compressible, air-permeable cushioning material. Compressible here essentially means that the volume of the cushioning material can be compressed by the application of force, preferably elastically. The cushioning material is surrounded by a casing. Surrounded means that the cushioning material does not necessarily have to be completely surrounded by the casing. Although complete surrounding is conceivable, it is equally conceivable for the casing to only enclose part of the cushioning material. The casing can therefore have cutouts on both the front and the back.According to the invention, the cover is formed at least on the front side of the seat cushion module by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material and on the back side of the seat cushion module i) by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material and / or ii) by a carrier.

[0010] The cover preferably comprises at least one air outlet opening on the front side, preferably a plurality of air outlet openings, and at least one air inlet opening on the back side.

[0011] The seat cushion module according to the invention, which is suitable for upholstering the backrest as well as the seat part, is designed as a modular component by forming a cushioning material surrounded by a cover, which can be easily installed at the destination. In addition, the seat cushion module according to the invention offers the option of allowing air to pass through the seat cushion module, as well as the option of attaching further components to the seat cushion module, for example to the cover. For this purpose, the cover is a non-woven material; it can also consist of several materials, for example the back can be designed as a support and made of a material that is more rigid or stiff than the front of the cover, such as plastic. The support can also alternatively or additionally be a module support or a, preferably elastic, suspension element, for example in the form of a mat.The cover does not have to completely enclose the upholstery material. It is conceivable for the cover to be made entirely from a non-woven material or partly from a non-woven material and partly, preferably on the back, from a support, preferably a module support, plastic support, a foam layer, a felt layer, or other, preferably elastic, suspension element, or to include something similar. Alternatively or additionally, the entire seat cushion module can be fixed to a module support, plastic support or elastic suspension element. As a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material, for example, a felt material or basically another at least airtight or at least partially air-inhibiting material can be present.For example, the non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material can have a foil, a coating or a film made of air-impermeable or air-flow-inhibiting material. A woven material with an at least partially air-impermeable layer or coating or impregnation is also conceivable. In this context, airtight or air-impermeable means that there is absolute air permeability; however, this is not mandatory; it is also sufficient if air permeability is sufficiently inhibited. Sufficiently strong inhibition would exist if there are air inlet or outlet openings in the casing through which the majority of the air can flow in or out. Such a proportion is preferably substantial if more than 90% of the air in the casing escapes through air outlet openings.The cover allows the attachment of numerous additional components. For this purpose, the cover can be provided with a support section for attaching at least one additional component. Such a component is preferably selected from the group of electrical or pneumatic connections, valve block, pump holder, power supply, electrical or electronic control unit. Other components are also conceivable. The support section can be made of the same material as the cover or can be attached to the cover. It is also conceivable for any support that is present to be connected to the rest of the seat cushion module via a plug connection. In this case, contact can also be made with existing electrical or pneumatic connections, for example.

[0012] With regard to the padding material used, it can preferably be provided that the padding material has a 3D structure made of irregularly arranged, preferably thermoplastic, fibers that are fixed to one another, preferably by welding or fusing. Such a structure is particularly recyclable from a sustainability perspective and nevertheless allows the necessary air passage, on the one hand due to the interstices present in the structure, and on the other hand, sufficiently good padding properties with elastic deformability.

[0013] Due to the air inlet opening on the rear of the seat cushion module according to the invention, it is possible to attach a fan to the rear of the seat cushion module in the area of ​​the air inlet opening. This increases the modularization of the seat cushion module according to the invention and thus reduces the number of components still to be attached during final assembly.

[0014] In general, where this application refers to attachment, it can be done in a variety of ways. Attachment options include, among others, sewing, gluing, or welding. Clip connections, Velcro fasteners, or plug-in connections are also conceivable.

[0015] Depending on the vehicle seat, it is alternatively or additionally possible for at least one fluid-fillable bladder to be attached to the seat cushion module. Depending on the requirements profile, a fluid-fillable bladder can be arranged in the lumbar region, for example when the seat cushion module is designed as a back cushion of a vehicle seat. In the same way, a corresponding fluid-fillable bladder can also be positioned elsewhere and for a different purpose, for example for massage purposes. For example, it can be provided alternatively or additionally that at least one massage system, preferably designed as a massage mat, with a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders is arranged on the front and / or the back of the seat cushion module. Alternatively or additionally, fluid-fillable bladders can also be used to form a lumbar adjustment system on the front or the back.According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternatively or additionally, at least one heating mat can be arranged on the front and / or the back of the seat cushion module.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one air-permeable spacer can be arranged on the front side of the seat cushion module, preferably on the massage system. Such a spacer is recommended, among other things, when, for example, another component is attached to it, which should be at a certain distance from the cushioning material without impairing air circulation in the cushioning material and, for example, otherwise blocking the air outlet openings.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one posture sensor can be attached to the front of the seat cushion module. Such a sensor can detect the position of a person sitting on the corresponding seat and communicate it to the vehicle control system.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1-23. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the front of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0020] Figure 2 - shows a perspective view of the back of the embodiment shown in Figure 1,

[0021] Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail in the area of ​​the air inlet or air outlet of the embodiments shown in the figures,

[0022] Figure 4 - shows a perspective view of the front of a second to fifth embodiment according to the invention,

[0023] Figure 5 - shows a perspective view of the back of a second embodiment,

[0024] Figure 6 - shows a perspective view of the back of a third embodiment,

[0025] Figure 7 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a fourth embodiment,

[0026] Figure 8 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a fifth embodiment,

[0027] Figure 9 - shows a perspective view of the front of a sixth to eighth embodiment according to the invention,

[0028] Figure 10 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a sixth embodiment,

[0029] Figure 11 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a seventh embodiment,

[0030] Figure 12 - shows a perspective view of the rear of an eighth embodiment, Figure 13 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a ninth or tenth embodiment,

[0031] Figure 14 - shows a perspective view of the front of a ninth embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Figure 15 - shows a perspective view of the front of a tenth embodiment of the invention,

[0033] Figure 16 - shows a perspective view of the front of an eleventh embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Figure 17 shows a side sectional view through an embodiment according to the invention,

[0035] Figure 18 shows a view of the front of the

[0036] Figure 17 illustrated embodiment,

[0037] Figure 19 shows a view of the rear side of the embodiment shown in Figure 17,

[0038] Figure 20 shows a side view of a motor vehicle seat equipped with a seat cushion module according to the invention,

[0039] Figure 21 shows a side view of another motor vehicle seat which is equipped with another seat cushion module according to the invention,

[0040] Figure 22 - shows a perspective exploded view looking at the front of a twelfth embodiment of the invention,

[0041] Figure 23 shows a perspective exploded view looking at the front of a twelfth embodiment of the invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0042] The seat cushion module 1 according to the invention, shown in a first embodiment in Figures 1 and 2, has a front side A and a back side B. The seat cushion module 1 is formed from a cover 2, 5 which surrounds a cushioning material 3. The cushioning material 3 is preferably a 3D structure made of welded thermoplastic fibers 3a. In this way, the cushioning material 3 remains permeable to air. Figure 3 shows an enlarged detail in which the structure of the cushioning material 3 is indicated. The cover 2 preferably has air outlet openings 4 on the front side and at least one air inlet opening 6 on the back side 5. The cover 2, 5 can consist of a single part or be designed in several parts. In the example shown, the cover 2, 5 is formed on the front and on the back respectively by a non-woven material, for example a felt material, a plastic film or the like.In the case of a multi-part design, for example, as indicated by the dashed line in the example shown, the front part 2 and the rear part 5 of the shell can be connected to one another by a seam or weld.

[0043] A seat cushion module 1 designed in this way is suitable both as an installation module for the backrest and for the seat part of a motor vehicle seat and replaces the usual PU foam component at this point. Furthermore, the seat cushion module 1 according to the invention offers a variety of options for implementing additional components in this module in order to keep the assembly effort during final assembly as low as possible.

[0044] Thus, Figures 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the seat cushion module according to the invention, in which a support section 7 is connected to the seat cushion module 1 or to the cover 2, 5. This support section can be formed from the same material as the cover 2, 5 or from a material which is attached to the seat cushion module

[0045] I attached separate part. The support section 7 offers numerous possibilities for attaching further components that may be relevant for the function of the vehicle seat to be manufactured. In the example shown in Figure 5, for example, a blower 12 is attached in the area of ​​the air inlet opening 6 on the rear side B of the seat cushion module 1. In this way, ventilation of the seat cushion module 1 can be realized, whereby air can enter the cushioning material 3 via the blower 12 through the opening 6 and exit through the air outlet openings 4 on the front side A. The corresponding supply line 11 is then preferably guided along the rear side B. On the support section 7, for example, a power supply unit 8 is attached, preferably on the front side A, which is connected via the line

[0046] II supplies the fan 12 and is connected to a mains plug 10 via the cable 9.

[0047] 6, a heating mat 13 is additionally arranged on the rear side B, which can be used to heat the seat cushion module 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, one or more fluid-fillable bladders 14 can be arranged on the rear side B, which can be used, for example, in the case of a backrest for lumbar adjustment. These bladders 14 can be supplied with fluid, preferably air, via corresponding fluid lines 15. Of course, the components attached to the seat cushion module 1 and shown in the previous and following exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another as desired. For example, in the embodiment according to Figure 8, the arrangement of the bladders 14 is combined with the heating mat 13 on the rear side B of the seat cushion module 1.

[0048] A further possible embodiment can also provide a heating element 17 on the front side A, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Also shown on the front side A of the support section 7 is a corresponding power supply unit 26, which is connected on the one hand to the heating element 17 and on the other hand to a power plug 16 in order to connect it to the electrical supply of the vehicle. In the embodiment of Figure 11, a heating mat 13 is additionally provided on the back side B. Here, too, it is possible to combine the embodiment according to Figure 11 or the embodiment according to Figure 10 with fluid-fillable bladders 14 on the back side B (cf. Figure 12 and Figure 13 respectively).

[0049] Finally, it is conceivable to equip the cushion module according to the invention with fluid-fillable bladders 18a, which belong to a massage system 18, which is preferably designed in the form of a massage mat 18 with interconnected fluid-fillable bladders 18a. The massage system 18 is preferably attached to the front side A of the seat cushion module 1. The massage system 18 is then supplied with fluid, preferably air, via a valve block 19 on the support section 7, so that any desired massage program can be carried out, as shown in Figure 14. The plug 20 connects the pneumatic system with the valve block 19 to the electrical supply of the vehicle for voltage supply.

[0050] Figure 15 shows a further possibility in which a spacer 21 is arranged on the front side A above the massage system 18. This primarily serves to prevent the cover material (not shown) from being arranged directly on the massage system 18. This also improves air circulation in a vehicle seat because the air outlet openings 4 are not directly covered. The spacer is therefore preferably also permeable to air. The spacer 21 can also be designed as a heating mat, as shown in Figure 16, in which case a corresponding heating element 17 is arranged on the component 21.

[0051] The views of Figures 17-19 show an exemplary embodiment in a sectional view from the side (above 17), a front view (Figure 18) and a rear view (Figure 19).

[0052] The reference numerals used correspond to the reference numerals that have already been discussed in connection with the other embodiments. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to these explanations. It should merely be mentioned at this point, with reference to Figures 18 and 19, that in Figure 18 the spacer 21 and the heating element 17 have been partially cut away in order to partially reveal the massage system 18 arranged underneath. On the support section 7, which is connected to the seat cushion module 1 via a connecting section 28. The connecting section 28 is preferably made of flexible material. This enables particularly simple installation of the seat cushion module 1 according to the invention on a vehicle seat.

[0053] This is illustrated by way of example in Figures 20 and 21 using two examples of the use of a seat cushion module 1 according to the invention on a vehicle seat 30.

[0054] In Figure 20, the seat cushion module 1 according to the invention is installed on the backrest 31 of the vehicle seat 30. 32 denotes the seat part of the vehicle seat. It can be seen that the seat cushion module 1 is arranged on the front side of the backrest 31, with the support section 7 being arranged on the back of the backrest 31. The connecting section 28 leads from the front side of the backrest 31 to the back. 29 then represent installations on the support section 7 which are necessary for the function of the seat cushion module 1 and have already been mentioned in connection with the above figures. Such installations can be electrical or electronic controls, pneumatic components such as valve blocks or the like, or other components.The seat cushion module according to the invention can, as shown in Figure 21, be designed in several parts, wherein a first part 1 is installed on the backrest 31, and a second part 1' is installed on the seat part 32 of the seat. The two parts 1, 1' are each connected to the support section 7 or to one another via a connecting section 28, 28'. In principle, a seat cushion module 1 according to the invention can also be installed only on the seat part 32. In principle, the same components that have been described or will be described in connection with the above and the following figures can of course also be installed on the part 1'. By way of example, the massage system is designated 18' in Figure 21. The support section 7 can also be connected to the part 1' via a corresponding connecting section.

[0055] In principle, it is also possible to arrange the seat cushion module according to the invention on a support 22. Examples of this are shown in Figures 22 and 23.

[0056] In principle, it is possible to form the carrier 22, which is preferably made of a strip or rigid material, preferably as a plastic carrier, as part 23 of the shell of the seat cushion module 1. In such a case, for example, the shell consists on the front side A of a non-woven, flexible material and on the back side B of the carrier 22. Accordingly, the carrier 22 should then have an air inlet opening 25. In the example shown, the integration of air-conducting channels 24 in the form of a pragmatic piping system is implemented in the carrier 22. In Figure 22, the seat cushion module 1 has fluid-fillable bladders 18a on the front side A, which are (preferably each) provided with connections 18b. The connections 18b can then be connected to corresponding connectors of the pneumatic system 24 on the carrier 22 when assembling the seat cushion module 1.The support 22 can also have fluid-fillable bladders 14, for example on the back B of the cushion element 1, which, when configured as a backrest, can be used, for example, to adjust the lumbar support. Optionally, a mat 21 with a heating element 17 can be provided on the front A of the seat cushion module 1.

[0057] In the embodiment according to Figure 23, a massage device with massage bubbles 18a is provided on the carrier 22, which can be filled or emptied via the line system 24, which is implemented in the carrier material 23 or arranged on the back B thereof. A supply line 18c enables the line system 24 to be connected to a valve block or the like. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the massage device is therefore arranged on the back B of the upholstery material 3 or the seat upholstery module 1. On the front A of the seat upholstery module 1 there is also an air cushion 27, which has a plurality of interconnected chambers 27a and can be supplied with air via an air line 27b. In this way, the massage device 18a actually provided on the B-side can be improved or reinforced by an inflated air cushion on the front side A of the seat cushion module 1.Optionally, a spacer 21 with a heating element 17 can also be arranged on the front side A.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Seat cushion module (1) for attachment to a motor vehicle seat, wherein the seat cushion module (1) has a front side (A) and a back side (B) and comprises a compressible, air-permeable cushioning material (3) which is surrounded by a cover (2, 5; 23), wherein the cover (2, 5, 23) is formed at least on the front side (A) of the seat cushion module (1) by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material (2) and on the back side (B) of the seat cushion module (1) i) by a non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material (5) and / or ii) by a carrier (22), preferably a module carrier, plastic carrier, a foam layer, a felt layer or, preferably, an elastic, suspension element.

2. Seat cushion module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover (2, 5; 23) comprises at least one air outlet opening (4) on the front side (A), preferably a plurality of air outlet openings (4), and has at least one air inlet opening (6, 25) on the rear side (B).

3. Seat cushion module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (2, 5; 23) has a support section (7) for Attaching at least one further component, wherein the component is preferably selected from the group of electrical or pneumatic connections, valve block, pump holder, power supply, electrical or electronic control unit.

4. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 or 3, characterized in that a blower (12) is attached to the seat cushion module (1) on the rear side (B) in the region of the barrel inlet opening (6, 25).

5. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one heating mat (13, 17) is arranged on the front side (A) of the seat cushion module (1).

6. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fluid-fillable bladder (14, 18a) is attached to the seat cushion module (1).

7. Seat cushion module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one massage system (18) or lumbar adjustment system (14) with a plurality of fluid-fillable bladders (18a) is arranged on the front side (A) and / or the rear side (B) of the seat cushion module (1).

8. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one air-permeable spacer (21) is arranged on the front side (A) of the seat cushion module (1), preferably on the massage system (18).

9. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one posture sensor is attached to the seat cushion module (1) on the front side (A).

10. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cushioning material has a 3D structure of irregularly arranged, preferably thermoplastic, fibers (3a) fixed to one another, preferably by welding or fusing.

11. Seat cushion module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-woven and / or at least partially airtight material comprises or is formed from an at least partially airtight film or at least partially airtight coating.

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