Seat element, vehicle, and method for adjusting a seat height of a seat element

Abstract

The invention relates to a seat element, in particular for a motor cycle, comprising a gas-tight casing which encloses an internal volume in which a cushion element is arranged, wherein: the casing has an opening through which gas exchange with the outside is made possible; a flow can pass through at least portions of the cushion element, and at least portions of the cushion element are elastic, in such a way that the gas exchange can be effected by the compression and expansion of the cushion element; and the opening can be sealed fluid-tightly in such a way that the gas exchange can be controlled.

Description

[0001] Seat element, vehicle and method for adjusting a seat height of a seat element

[0002] The present invention relates to a seat element, in particular for a motor vehicle, with adjustable seat height and a method for adjusting a seat height of a seat element.

[0003] In order to be able to easily reach the ground on a stationary motorcycle, for example when stopped at a red light, the seat height should be quite low, depending on the rider's height. When riding, a higher seat height is desirable in order to achieve a more relaxed knee angle. A fixed seat height is generally only a compromise. Adjustable seats or benches for motorcycles are known from the prior art. For example, DE 197 19 965 A1 discloses a motorcycle seat with an elastic seat cover, wherein at least one elastic chamber provided with a connecting line is formed or accommodated below the elastic seat cover for receiving a pressurized fluid. The pressure is generated via a supply system, such as a hand pump, an electric pump or another type of compressed air supply.However, the structural design of the motorcycle seat and the realization of the adjustability are very complex.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a seat element, a vehicle and a method, wherein a very quick and uncomplicated adjustment of a seat height is to be made possible, even while driving.

[0005] This object is achieved by a seat element according to claim 1, by a vehicle according to claim 10 and by a method according to claim 11. Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims as well as the description and the attached figures.

[0006] According to the invention, a seat element, in particular for a motorcycle, comprises a gas-tight shell which encloses an internal volume in which a cushioning element is arranged, wherein the shell has an opening through which gas exchange - from the inside to the outside and vice versa - is enabled, wherein the cushioning element is designed to be permeable and elastic in such a way, at least in regions, that gas exchange can be brought about by compression and expansion of the cushioning element, and wherein the opening is designed to be closable in a fluid-tight manner such that gas exchange is controllable. Advantageously, this makes it possible to adjust the internal volume in terms of its size and thus ultimately the seat height. Advantageously, the (external) shape or contour of the seat element is also adjustable. The aforementioned gas exchange is preferably an air exchange.Advantageously, a gas, in particular air, preferably ambient air, can flow indirectly into the interior volume through the opening and then flow out again. If a driver sits on the seat element and the opening is open, the seat element lowers due to the driver's weight. The seat element, in particular the cushioning element, is compressed, with gas / air escaping through the opening. If the driver then closes the opening, the seat element / cushioning element remains, at least essentially, in this position. Advantageously, the seat element can expand again independently if the driver relieves the load and simultaneously opens the opening. The resetting of the cushioning element advantageously creates a gas flow which is directed into the interior volume. The seat element advantageously inflates "by itself". The seat element can expand again and becomes higher, also returning to its original shape.Here, too, the rider can close the opening, depending on their desired seat height, to "fix" the desired interior volume and adjust the seat height. The adjustability can advantageously be achieved simply by making at least some sections of the cushioning element from the permeable and elastic material. This advantageously eliminates the need for a separate pump or similar device to fill the interior volume. The cushioning element itself serves as a "pump," so to speak.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the cushioning element is an open-cell material, in particular an open-cell foam. This material can efficiently generate the aforementioned gas flow.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the shell is formed by a base element, such as a seat pan, and a cover arranged gas-tight on the base element. The arrangement can be achieved, for example, by means of a material bond, such as gluing or welding. Additionally, a positive and / or non-positive connection can also be provided, for example, via rivets, screws, or the like.

[0009] The open-cell material is expediently formed or arranged adjacent to the cover. In other words, the upholstery element is positioned directly beneath the shell. This allows the force to be introduced (by the rider) very directly. In particular, this also allows the shape of the seat element to be individually adapted to the rider. The seat element therefore advantageously allows not only a simple adjustment of the seat height, but also an adjustment of the (outer) contour. When the seat element is compressed, the crotch curve can become smaller, for example, which means that the rider's legs are spread less. This also significantly improves accessibility to the ground. In principle, it is also possible to provide one or more areas in the interior volume in which a different type of foam orgenerally, a different material is provided, which in particular is not intended to effect gas exchange. Preferably, the interior volume is completely formed with a cushioning element made of an open-cell foam, whereby the open-cell foam can also be formed such that it has different hardness ranges or sections.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the cover is formed from an elastic, airtight material. In a preferred embodiment, the material is, for example, an EPDM film (ethylene propylene diene (monomer) rubber). The material for the cover is expediently elastic, flexible, soft, and advantageously also abrasion- and wear-resistant. According to one embodiment, the cover is provided with a further cover, which represents the actual seat cover on which the driver sits.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the upholstery element has one or more recesses or channels designed to influence the flow through the upholstery element. The term "influence" is to be understood to mean that the at least one recess or the at least one channel is designed such that, for example, a faster flow or a more uniform flow or, in particular in a localized sense, a more targeted flow, etc. is possible. According to one embodiment, the upholstery element has a row of holes, wherein the row extends along a longitudinal direction of the seat element. The longitudinal direction, in turn, extends along a direction of travel of the vehicle. The holes themselves are expediently oriented along a vertical axis of the seat element. They are preferably designed as through holes, i.e., they penetrate the upholstery element completely.A cross-section is, for example, round, in particular circular, although different cross-sectional shapes are also possible. Preferred diameters are, for example, in a range of approximately 1 to 4 cm, expediently in a range of approximately 2 to 3 cm. It has been found that this allows, for example, very rapid internal ventilation to be achieved. According to one embodiment, the seat element comprises a valve which is designed to close the opening in a fluid-tight manner. According to one embodiment, the valve is designed to provide an open position and a closed position. Alternatively, the valve can also be designed to provide intermediate positions, whereby an opening cross-section can be adjusted individually and, for example, continuously or in steps.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the seat element comprises an adjustment unit for adjusting the valve position. The adjustment unit can be mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic. The adjustment unit can, for example, comprise an electric servomotor that actuates a valve. Alternatively, the valve can be spring-loaded and moved into an open position and back again via a cable pull. The actual design depends primarily on the respective motorcycle and its complexity. Advantageously, however, the seat element of the type in question can be implemented very simply and, if necessary, completely without electrical components.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the seat element comprises an actuating element for actuating the adjustment unit. The actuating element can be, for example, a button, a lever, a slider, etc., which is designed and intended to actuate the adjustment unit. The actuating element can be positioned, for example, on the handlebars of the motorcycle or at any other location on the vehicle.

[0014] According to one embodiment, an air hose is arranged on the base element, in particular on the seat pan. This hose has, for example, a button or switch at the end, which is connected to a valve unit located inside. When actuated, the air / gas flow can be released in both directions.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the seat element comprises a device, in particular a pump or a blower, which is designed to increase the pressure in the internal volume. If the opening is not closed, the cushioning element expands to a certain extent. In doing so, it draws in air from the environment. This occurs until equilibrium is reached. If necessary, it is desirable for the pressure in the internal volume to be increased even further. This can be done via the aforementioned device. The device is in particular a device designed to generate a flow, such as the aforementioned pump or blower. The pump can also be a separate hand pump that can be connected to the seat element. In the simplest case, the seat element can also be inflated by mouth.The invention is also directed to a vehicle, in particular a land vehicle and preferably a motorcycle, which comprises at least one seat element according to the invention. The seat element can also have a plurality of seating areas, for example a seating area for the driver and a seating area for a passenger. Both seating areas can be provided via a cushioning element which extends over both seating areas. Alternatively, the areas are separated from one another in a gas-tight manner, and a first cushioning element is provided for the driver and a second cushioning element for the passenger. In this embodiment, the interior volume therefore has two chambers, each chamber being designed as a seat element according to the invention. Alternatively, a plurality of seat elements can also be arranged separately as such, one behind the other.

[0016] The motorcycle is, in particular, a single- or multi-track tilting vehicle, especially a motorcycle or scooter, which also includes trikes, quads, or LMW (leaning multi-wheel) vehicles. The vehicle can also be a commercial vehicle, a passenger car, a snowmobile, or any other type of land vehicle where seat height adjustment is required. However, its use is particularly advantageous in the field of motorcycles, such as scooters or motorcycles. The embodiments described here therefore relate to this application.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a seat height of a seat element, comprising the steps:

[0018] - arranging a cushioning element, which has at least in some areas an open-cell, elastic structure, in a gas-tight casing;

[0019] - Providing a closable opening in the casing;

[0020] - Generating a gas flow across the opening by compressing or releasing the cushioning element;

[0021] - Closing the opening to adjust the size of the internal volume.

[0022] The advantages and features mentioned in connection with the seat element apply analogously and accordingly to the method, and vice versa. The method for adjusting the seat height of a seat element expediently enables quick and flexible adjustment of the seat height. In addition, the method enables not only flexible adjustment of the seat height, but also adjustment of the contour of the seat element. The compression of the seat element or the cushioning element is preferably carried out via the driver's weight, which acts locally on the cushioning element. This results in a deformation of the same, which the cushioning element essentially retains, since, after the opening is closed, there is more or less no further adjustment. As a result, not only the seat height is advantageously adjusted, but also the contour, in particular, for example, the crotch curve. This advantageously makes the use of separate pumps, blowers, etc. possible.This not only reduces complexity and error susceptibility, but also reduces weight.

[0023] The basic structure of the seat element can be made very simple, as there are no special air reservoirs or chambers that are pressurized by a pump or the like. Instead, the gas exchange takes place immediately and directly via the cushioning element, which is designed in such a way that it creates a gas or air flow when it expands or compresses. If someone sits on the seat element and air is released, for example at the push of a button, the seat element is noticeably compressed by the rider's weight. Depending on the design, this can achieve a lowering of, for example, 10 to 20 mm or more or less. As already mentioned, the crotch curve may also be reduced. Both effects result in significantly better ground reach. If the seat height needs to be raised again, the rider only needs to stand up briefly and release the opening. This can be done while stationary or while driving.The seat element then refills with air (due to the expansion of the cushion element). The driver closes the opening when the desired height is reached (and sits back down).

[0024] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of a seat element according to the invention with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0025] Fig. 1: shows two perspective views of an embodiment of a seat element with different seat heights;

[0026] Fig. 2: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a seat element;

[0027] Fig. 3: the embodiment of a seat element known from Fig. 2 in the further compressed state;

[0028] Fig. 4: the embodiment of a seat element known from Fig. 2 in the further expanded state.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows two perspective views of an embodiment of a seat element 10.

[0030] In the left half of the image, the seat element 10 has a higher seat height than in the right half. The seat element comprises a base element or seat pan 12, on which a gas-tight covering 14 is arranged. The covering 14, together with the base element 12, forms a gas-tight shell. A possible internal structure is schematically sketched in the sectional views of Figures 2 to 4. The corresponding sectional plane is designated by reference symbol E in Figure 1.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a seat element 10, wherein a cover 14 is arranged on a base element 12. The base element 12, together with the cover 14, forms a gas-tight envelope which encloses an internal volume in which a cushioning element 20 is arranged. The envelope has an opening 16, which in the present case is connected via an air hose (not shown in more detail) to an adjustment unit 30 which has an actuating element 40 in the form of a switch or button. When actuated, the opening 16 can be opened. The adjustment unit 30 is connected, for example, to a valve (not shown in more detail), which is designed to close the opening in a gas-tight manner when required. A series of recesses 18 are provided along a longitudinal direction L, wherein the longitudinal direction L is oriented along a direction of travel of the vehicle when the seat element 10 is installed.These are designed as holes in the upholstery element 20 that run continuously along a vertical axis of the seat element 10. It has been found that this allows for very rapid and effective air flow through the upholstery element 20. The upholstery element 20 is made at least in part, preferably entirely, from an elastic, open-cell material, in particular a foam. The air in the seat element 10 can be released by the driver at the push of a button, whereby the seat element 10 is lowered by the driver's weight by being compressed. The seat element 10 automatically refills by expanding the upholstery element 20, if the driver so wishes. To do so, the driver stands up, presses the button 40, and the seat element 10 can expand and become higher again. As soon as the driver sits down, the bench is refilled with air. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate this relationship.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows the seat element 10 known from Fig. 2. If the opening 16 is not closed and a force F, for example, applied by the driver, acts on the seat element 10 or the cushion element 20, the latter is compressed, generating a gas flow S directed out of the interior volume. This state can now be "fixed" if the opening 16 is closed again. A return to the original position can only occur when the opening 16 is reopened, see, for example, Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the seat element 10 known from Figs. 2 and 3, with a gas flow S now directed into the interior volume. The expanding cushion element 20 draws in air from the environment and expands until either equilibrium is reached or the opening 16 is closed. This allows for a quick and efficient adjustment of the seat height or the seat contour or shape of the seat element 10.

[0033] List of reference symbols

[0034] 10 Seat element

[0035] 12 Floor element, seat pan 14 Cover

[0036] 16 Opening

[0037] 18 Recess

[0038] 20 upholstery element

[0039] 30 Adjustment unit 40 Actuating element

[0040] E cutting plane

[0041] S Gas flow

[0042] L Longitudinal axis, direction of travel

[0043] F Force

Claims

Claims 1. Seat element (10), in particular for a vehicle, comprising a gas-tight shell which encloses an internal volume in which a cushion element (20) is arranged, wherein the shell has an opening (16) through which gas exchange is enabled, wherein the cushion element (20) is designed to be permeable and elastic, at least in regions, such that gas exchange can be effected by compressing and expanding the cushion element (20), and wherein the opening (16) is designed to be closable in a fluid-tight manner such that the gas exchange is controllable.

2. Seat element (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning element (20) comprises an open-cell material, in particular an open-cell foam.

3. Seat element (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is formed by a base element (12) and a cover (14) which is arranged gas-tight on the base element (12).

4. Seat element (10) according to claim 3, wherein the cover (14) is formed by an elastic, airtight material, in particular an EPDM film.

5. Seat element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cushion element (20) has one or more recesses (22) or channels which are designed to influence a flow through the cushion element (20).

6. Seat element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a valve which is designed to close the opening (16) in a fluid-tight manner.

7. Seat element (10) according to claim 6, comprising an adjusting unit (30) for adjusting the valve position, which operates mechanically, electrically, hydraulically and / or pneumatically.

8. Seat element (10) according to claim 7, comprising an actuating element (40) for actuating the adjusting unit (30).

9. Seat element (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device, in particular a pump or a blower, which is designed to increase the pressure in the internal volume.

10. Vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, comprising at least one seat element (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method for adjusting a seat height of a seat element (10), comprising the steps: - arranging a cushioning element (20), which has at least in some regions an open-cell, elastic structure, in a gas-tight casing; - providing a closable opening (16) in the casing; - generating a gas flow (S) via the opening by compressing or relieving the cushioning element (20); - Closing the opening (16) to adjust the size of the internal volume.

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