Patent Application
20180065517
This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102016010651.4, filed Sep. 2, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure pertains to a vibration module for integration into a motor vehicle seat, a vehicle seat having the vibration module, and a method for integrating a vibration module into a motor vehicle seat.
The comfort for a driver and/or passengers in a vehicle is gaining increasing importance by the integration of a wide variety of components. For example, massage modules in seats of a motor vehicle are being used as an effective way to improve the blood circulation in the musculature of a driver and/or passenger. The devices are usually installed into a car seat by an operator during the production of the vehicle seat.
DE 37 13 370 C2 discloses a massage device and a vehicle seat having the massage device. The massage device includes a base, at least one motor compartment, which is implemented on the base, at least one spring chamber which is implemented on the base, a motor which is arranged in the motor compartment, a volute spring which is arranged in the spring chamber. The motor is rotated in the motor compartment and transmits a vibration for the base onto the volute spring and from this onto the air in the spring chamber. Ultrasound-like vibrations are generated that can be used for massaging the driver.
The present disclosure provides a massage module for a motor vehicle seat, which is very easy to integrate into a vehicle seat. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are obtained from the following description and/or the attached figures.
A vibration module for integration into a vehicle seat, a seat for a passenger car and/or lorry, is described and illustrated. The vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat cushion. The vibration module may be either permanently integrated into the vehicle seat or else integrated only occasionally into the vehicle seat. The inclusion and/or exclusion of the vibration module into a car seat is possible in a simple manner.
The vibration module includes a plurality of vibration elements. In particular, the vibration module includes a plurality of vibration elements, for example from two to six or more vibration elements. The vibration elements may be for example, electrical, electromagnetic, mechanical, electro-mechanical or pneumatic vibration elements. The vibration elements may be in the form of a vibration motor, for example, electric motors with an imbalance. Alternatively and/or additionally, the vibration elements may be vibration-enabled piezo elements. In particular, the plurality of vibration elements may be identical in type and/or configuration. Alternatively, the plurality of vibration elements are vibration elements of different configurations and/or different types.
The vibration module includes a first flat covering layer and a second flat covering layer. In particular, the first and/or second covering layer has a covering layer surface. The covering layer surface is smaller than or equal in area to a contact surface of the vehicle seat. The contact surface is the surface with which a driver or passenger comes into physical and/or the contact area of the vehicle seat. The flat first and/or second covering layer has a covering layer surface area in a range of 10-100 square centimeters or more. The first and/or the second covering layer may have a thickness in a range of 1-5 millimeters or less. The area, the shape and/or the thickness of the covering layer surface of the first covering layer are preferably identical to the area, shape and/or thickness of the covering layer surface of the second covering layer.
The vibration elements are arranged between the first and second covering layer. In particular, the vibration elements may be equally distributed over the covering layer surface between the first and second planar covering layer. Alternatively and/or additionally, the vibration elements are arranged in the pattern which may form a matrix, a circular or any irregular pattern on the covering layer surface between the planar covering layers. It is particularly preferable to arrange the vibration elements in rows between the covering layers. The first and/or the second covering layer have a covering layer surface in which the covering layer surface has a covering layer width and a lengthwise extension. The vibration elements are arranged along a row and the rows are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the rows being positioned preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The positions of the vibration elements relative to the first and/or second covering layer are fixed. In particular, a position is defined as being a central position of the vibration elements. The vibration elements are moveable around the central position in a range of less than one centimeter about the central position. Preferably, the fixing of the position of the vibration elements is maintained by the way in which they are arranged between the two covering layers.
The first covering layer and/or the second covering layer are fabricated from a non-rigid material. Preferably, the first covering layer and/or the second covering layer have a low modulus of elasticity of less than 0.5 Gigapascal, a low tensile strength and/or a large deformation due to loading with low forces or moments. Preferably, the first covering layer and the second covering layer are reversibly malleable and/or elastic. For example, the first covering layer and/or the second covering layer are configured as a mat, a foil or a cushion.
A consideration of the present disclosure is to provide a particularly easily integrated and cost-effective means for installing vibration elements in a vehicle seat. In particular, a consideration of the present disclosure is to create a module which enables an integral installation of a plurality of vibration elements into a vehicle seat, wherein a coarse positioning of the vibration elements in the module is obtained and a final positioning in the motor vehicle seat is permitted by the use of a non-rigid material for the construction of the module.
In an exemplary embodiment, the non-rigid first covering layer and/or second covering layer is configured as a synthetic non-woven fabric, a plastic foil or a metal foil, or is formed by a mixed material or multicomponent material, such as a laminate material. For example, the first covering layer or the second covering layer is configured as a non-woven fabric, for example a polypropylene non-woven. In particular, the first covering layer and/or the second covering layer may be constructed from a fibrous fabric.
In a possible embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration module includes at least one electrical cable for supplying power to the vibration elements. The electrical cable has a cable route in the vibration module. To secure the cable route the electrical cable is arranged between the first covering layer and the second covering layer, at least in some sections. The electrical cable includes a main electrical cable and branches from the main electrical cable. The main electrical cable supplies the branches with power and the branches are electrically connected to the vibration elements. The vibration elements are supplied with current via the branches. Alternatively and/or in addition, the vibration module includes a plurality of electrical cables. The vibration module includes the same number of electrical cables as vibration elements, each vibration element being supplied with power with its own electrical cable. It is also possible, if a plurality of electrical cables is used, to route the electrical cables centrally and/or bundled together as a cable trunk. The electrical cable, or cable route, may be defined by the arrangement between the first and second covering layer. For example, the cable route may correspond to a mean position. The mean position of the cable route is defined, but the electrical cable can be moved in an area of less than 5 millimeters about this mean cable route. As an alternative and/or in addition, the electric cable can be routed outside the gap between the first and second covering layer, for example on an outer surface of the first and/or second covering layer. The electrical cable is, for example, glued or stapled to the first and/or second covering layer.
This configuration is based on the desire to further facilitate the simplified integration of a plurality of vibration elements into a vehicle seat by the arrangement of the vibration elements between two surface layers, by also specifying the cable route, for example with the first covering layer and/or the second covering layer, so that when installing the vibration module into a vehicle seat, the vibration module may be easily handled and the electrical cable and/or electrical cables can be installed without cable tangles.
The first covering layer and the second covering layer may be materially bonded together, at least in some sections. For example, the materially bonded connection is made by gluing or fusing the first and second covering layer. Alternatively and/or in addition, the first covering layer and the second covering layer are connected together in a positive fitting manner by stamping and/or sewing. The materially bonded connection of the two covering layers is preferably effected on the outer sides of the first and/or second covering layer. Alternatively and/or in addition, the materially-bonded connection of the first and second covering layer takes place in such a way that the vibration elements and/or the electrical cable are held securely against loss.
In particular, the materially bonded connection process may be a welding of the first covering layer and the second covering layer. Due to the welding, at least one weld seam is formed. The welding of the first covering layer and the second covering layer involves an ultrasonic welding of the two cover layers. The weld seam forms, at least in some sections, a positive-fitting boundary around the vibration elements and/or the electrical cable. For example, the positive-fitting retention is effected by the weld, such that a vibration element is surrounded by a closed path. The closed path is formed by the weld seam. For example, such a path is configured as a circle, an ellipse, or as an arbitrary polygon. The welding of the first covering layer and the second covering layer may be effected by hot caulking, heating element welding, laser transmission welding, circular welding or hot gas welding process. The materially-bonded connection of the first covering layer to the second covering layer may be an irreversible connection of the two covering layers, alternatively and/or additionally the connection of the two covering layers is a reversible connection.
The first covering layer and the second covering layer may form a blister-like and/or laminated packaging-like structure. For example, the first covering layer includes bowl-shaped indentations. The indentations are configured to receive at least one vibration element each. The second covering layer is flat and/or smooth. The second covering layer is connected to the first covering layer, which has the bowl-shaped indentations, such that the second covering layer forms a rear wall to the bowl-shaped indentations and thus forms a cavity between the first covering layer and second covering layer.
This configuration is based on the consideration that the indentations which receive the vibration elements can be easily integrated into a seat, into the foam material of a seat. The second covering layer closes off these indentations and terminates the second covering layer in a positive-fitting manner and/or flush with the vehicle seat.
In one possible embodiment of the present disclosure, the vibration module has reinforcing sections. The reinforcing sections reinforce the vibration module and/or the first and/or second covering layer locally and/or in a confined area, and thus increase the mechanical strength of the vibration module and/or of the first and/or second covering layer. The reinforcing sections can be, for example, sections of the welds, which are produced by welding of the first and second covering layer. Alternatively and/or additionally, the reinforcing sections are separate components, which are arranged between the first and second covering layer and promote a reinforcement of the vibration module in at least one spatial direction. Such separate reinforcing sections can be, for example, struts and/or bars, such as metal fins. These sections ensure reinforcement in the lengthwise extension of their stiffener section. The reinforcing sections and/or the increase of the local mechanical strength of the vibration module preferably take effect in the longitudinal extension of the vibration module, but can also take effect in the width of the vibration module or in any direction within the two-dimensional extension of the first and/or second covering layer.
This configuration is based on the consideration that the local and/or confined increase in strength by reinforcing sections allows the vibration module to be moved into a coarse position by an operative in advance, and yet the vibration module to continue to be held elastically during installation, so that the vibration elements in the motor vehicle seat can be brought into a final position.
The vibration module may include mounting units for mounting the vibration module on the motor vehicle. The mounting elements are, for example, hooks, eyelets or other interface elements that can be coupled to mating interfaces in a motor vehicle seat, so that the vibration module can be held in position in the motor vehicle seat.
At least a part of the vibration elements of the vibration modules may be configured as vibration massage elements. The vibration massage elements have massage heads, for example, which can be arranged in a motor vehicle seat such that the massage heads are also oriented towards a seated occupant and provide a massage effect. In particular, the vibration massage element is configured to perform a massage function in a continuous operation or in a pulsed operation. In addition, the frequency at which the vibration massage module performs the massage function is in a range from a few Hertz up to fifty Hertz. This frequency is preferably individually controllable.
In a possible extension of the present disclosure, the vibration module includes a heating element for supporting a massage function of the vibration massage elements. The vibration massage module can include a plurality of heating elements. The number of heating elements is the same as the number of vibration elements. It is also possible for the heating element to be configured as a heating mat positioned flat on a surface of the vibration module, for example the first covering layer or the second covering layer. Alternatively, the heating elements are configured as flat or point-like heating elements.
This configuration is based on the consideration that the vibration massage elements promote the blood circulation of a seated occupant. This effect can be further increased using the heating element. In particular for long distance driving, long-haul flights or long periods of sitting, the massage function and/or the heating element promotes the comfort of the vehicle seat for an occupant.
In a further configuration of the present disclosure, at least a part of the vibration elements is configured as a structure-borne sound transducer. The structure-borne sound transducer is configured to generate low frequencies of an audio segment in the form of waves and/or vibrations and provide them to a seated occupant. These vibrations are transmitted directly via the vehicle seat, so that the listening experience for a seated occupant is enhanced. The structure-borne sound transducer includes one or more mounted weights which are excited into vibration by one or more coils. The frequency response of the structure-borne vibration transducer is preferably between 4 Hertz and 45 Hertz.
The vibration module may include an upper module region, a central module region and a lower module region, each with at least two vibration elements. The module regions are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and arranged, for example, in rows. It is provided that the lower, central and upper module region are flat regions in the vibration module, such as strip-shaped sections. The vibration elements are arranged in these sections. It is also provided that the vibration elements are arranged within a module region along the width of the module.
The present disclosure also provides a vehicle seat for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be a passenger car, or a lorry. In particular, the vehicle seat has a backrest and seat cushion. A plurality of vibration elements may be integrated in the seat backrest and/or a plurality of vibration elements may be integrated in the seat cushion.
In one possible configuration of the present disclosure, the vehicle seat includes a base body. The base body has a base body wall with recesses as receiving and support points for receiving the vibration module and/or the vibration elements. The body is, for example, a foam body, the outer walls of which form the base body. The body panel of the base body which faces towards or away from the occupant of the vehicle seat includes the recesses. The recesses are larger than or the same size as the vibration elements. In particular, the recesses are configured such that each recess can accommodate exactly one vibration element. The receiving interfaces and/or the recesses in the base body fix and/or define the position of the vibration elements within the motor vehicle seat. For example, it is possible that the bowl-shaped indentations and/or bulges of the blister-like structure of the covering layers are inserted into the recesses. The second covering layer, which forms the rear wall to the indentations, terminates flush with the base body wall.
This configuration is based on the consideration that the receiving interfaces facilitate the fixation of the vibration elements and/or the vibration module in the motor vehicle seat. The flush termination by means of the second covering layer allows a barely noticeable integration, particularly visually or physically.
In a possible extension of the present disclosure, the vehicle seat has a seat backrest with an upper backrest region, a central backrest region and a lower backrest region. The lower backrest region is the region of the vehicle seat in which the lower back of an occupant is positioned and the upper region of the vehicle seat is the region in which the neck of an occupant is arranged when using the vehicle seat. It is provided that the upper module region is arranged in the upper backrest region, the central module region is arranged in the middle of the backrest region and the lower module region is arranged in the lower region of the backrest.
This configuration is based on the consideration that the vibration modules should be integrated in such a way that in a motor vehicle seat, the regions of the occupant's back that are massaged by the vibration elements are those regions which are most frequently liable to tension during long periods of sitting.
The present disclosure also provides a method for integrating a vibration module as set forth above into a vehicle seat. The vehicle seat preferably includes a foam body. The foam body is also designated as a seat foam section, which includes receiving interfaces for receiving the vibration module and/or vibration elements. The receiving interfaces are configured in particular as recesses in the seat foam section. The vibration module with the plurality of vibration elements is inserted and/or integrated into the receiving interfaces as a single part in one step by an operative or a robot system.
This configuration of the present disclosure is based on the consideration to integrate a plurality of vibration elements in only one process step into a vehicle seat. Based on the first and second covering layer, which are produced from a non-rigid material, the final position of the vibration elements in the vehicle seat can be more precisely defined during installation.
The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description.
The vibration module 1 includes a first covering layer 6 (
The vibration module 1 also includes an electrical cable 9, via which the vibration module 1 can be supplied with electrical energy. The electrical cable 9 includes branches, which supply electrical contacts of the vibration elements 2 with power from the electrical supply cable 9. The electrical cable 9 is arranged between two weld seams 8, so that the electrical cable 9 is also held within the vibration module 1 at a central position between the welds 8. The vibration module 1, the first covering layer 6 and the second covering layer 7, are made of a non-rigid material. The non-rigid material has a low modulus of elasticity of less than 0.08 Gigapascals. In order to increase the stability of the vibration module 1 in the regions between the vibration elements 2, reinforcing sections 10 are arranged between the rows in which the vibration elements 2 are arranged. The reinforcing sections 10 in this exemplary embodiment are implemented as weld seams in the longitudinal extension 3. The weld seams 8 are arranged parallel to each other. Alternatively and/or additionally, the reinforcement sections 10 can also be implemented as weld seams 8 which are crossed, for example.
The vibration module 1 is configured as a blister-like vibration module 1. The vibration module 1 includes bulges or indentations 5 in which the vibration elements 2 are arranged and wherein the bulges or indentations 5 are sealed at the rear by a flat and/or smooth second covering layer 7, so that the vibration elements 2 are arranged in the indentations 5 securely against loss. The mounting direction 11 indicates the direction oriented towards an occupant of a motor vehicle seat. The vibration elements 2 and the indentations 5 or bulges are arranged in such a way that the occupant of the vehicle seat is massaged by the vibration elements 2. In this exemplary embodiment, the first covering layer 6 is arranged on the side of the mounting direction 11, in other words the side which faces an occupant of the vehicle seat. The second covering layer 7 is arranged on the side of the vibration module 1 contrary to the mounting direction 11, i.e. facing away from an occupant of the vehicle seat.
The vibration elements 2 have electrical contacts, the electrical contacts being connected to the electrical cable 9. The electrical cable 9 forms a main wiring strand, wherein secondary strands branch off from the main wiring strand that contact the electrical contacts of the vibration elements 2.
The second covering layer 7 is configured as a flat, level and/or substantially non-curved covering layer. This covering layer is a non-woven polypropylene fabric, for example. The second covering layer 7 in particular has the same contour and/or shape as the first covering layer 6, so that the first covering layer 6 and second covering layer 7 can be arranged one above the other in congruence. In particular, the first covering layer 6 and second covering layer 7 are connected together in a materially-bonded manner, which is effected by gluing and/or welding of the two covering layers 6, 7.
The vibration module 1 has a lower module region 20, a central module region 21 and an upper module region 22. The module regions 20, 21 and 22 are each separated by reinforcing sections 10. Each of the module regions 20, 21 and 22 has two vibration elements 2 to 9 each, which are supplied with power by an electrical cable, so that they can be used as massage elements in a vibration mode. Each seat foam section 17 has recesses. The recesses have the same size, shape and/or contour of the vibration elements 2. The vibration module 1 and/or the vibration elements 2 can therefore be arranged in the recesses, so that the lumbar support 18 and/or the base body 19 can close off the seat foam section 17 in a positive-fitting manner and the vibration module 1 is securely held against loss between seat foam section 17 and base body 19.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102016010651.4 | Sep 2016 | DE | national |
