STRUCTURAL COMPONENT, SEAT COMPONENT AND SEAT

Abstract

A structural component may have a carrier structure and a substructure arranged on the carrier structure and having a variable contour. The substructure may have an adjustment mechanism with a plurality of adjustment elements. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the adjustment elements between a compressed position and an expanded position in order to vary the contour.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A structural component, comprising: a supporting structure, and a part structure which is arranged on the supporting structure and has a variable contour, the part structure having an adjusting mechanism with a plurality of adjusting elements, and the adjusting mechanism being set up to adjust the adjusting elements between a compressed position and an expanded position, in order to change the contour.

17. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the adjusting mechanism is coupled in terms of movement to the supporting structure, in order, in the case of a movement of the supporting structure, to adjust the adjusting elements between the compressed position and the expanded position and to change the contour.

18. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a drive element coupled in terms of movement to the adjusting mechanism in order to adjust the adjusting elements between the compressed position and the expanded position and to change the contour.

19. The structural component as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive element is an electric actuating element, a hydraulic actuating element or a pneumatic actuating element.

20. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the adjusting mechanism is configured as an adjustable folding mechanism.

21. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the adjusting mechanism is configured as an adjustable or foldable slat or wing mechanism.

22. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the respective adjusting element is configured as a slat, a wing and/or a fluid cushion.

23. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the respective adjusting element is moved during the expansion, in such a way that the part structure is given an arcuate or curved contour in the expanded position.

24. The structural component as claimed in claim 16, wherein the respective adjusting element is moved during the compression, in such a way that the part structure has a smaller height in the compressed position than in the expanded position, and/or has a planar contour.

25. The structural component as claimed in claim 17, wherein the part structure is formed from at least one panel element with a plurality of repeating adjusting elements which are arranged in at least one row.

26. The structural component as claimed in claim 25, wherein the panel element is formed from multiple rows of adjusting elements.

27. The structural component as claimed in claim 26, wherein the part structure is coupled in terms of movement to the supporting structure in such a way that the part structure changes its contour and/or its volume in a manner which is dependent on a controlled force which acts on the supporting structure.

28. A seat component, including a backrest or a seat part, the seat component comprising at least: one seat carrier, one upholstery part and/or one cover, and one structural component as claimed in claim 16.

29. The seat component as claimed in claim 28, the part structure forming at least one part region of the upholstery part and/or the cover.

30. A seat, comprising at least two seat components as claimed in claim 28, which can be moved with respect to one another and of which at least one movable seat component comprises a structure component, wherein the flexible structure is moved into an expanded or into a compressed position in the case of a movement of the movable seat component relative to the other seat component.

Description

[0027] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in greater detail on the basis of the drawings, in which:

[0028] FIGS. 1 to 6 diagrammatically show different illustrations of a seat with a structural component with an adjusting mechanism for setting a contour, and

[0029] FIGS. 7 to 15 diagrammatically show different illustrations of a structural component with an adjusting mechanism for setting a contour.

[0030] Parts which correspond to one another are provided with the same designations in all the figures.

[0031] FIGS. 1 to 6 diagrammatically show different illustrations of a seat S with a structural component 1, in particular a kinetic structural component 1. As seat components, the seat S comprises at least one backrest 2 and one seat part 3 and one head support 4. A footrest (not shown in greater detail) can optionally be provided. The seat components can be moved relative to one another, in particular. For example, the backrest 2 is arranged such that it can be pivoted relative to the seat part 3. The head support 4 can be arranged fixedly on the backrest 2. As an alternative, the head support 4 can also be arranged on the backrest 2 such that it can be pivoted and/or moved vertically relative to said backrest 2.

[0032] The seat S is shown diagrammatically and comprises a supporting structure T both for the backrest 2 and for the seat part 3 and the head support 4. Here, the supporting structure T can be configured in one piece or in multiple pieces. For instance, each seat component can have an associated supporting structure part, it being possible for the supporting structure parts to be arranged such that they can be moved relative to one another. In addition, the seat S comprises an upholstery part 5 which is attached to and held on the supporting structure T.

[0033] The structural component 1 can be part of the supporting structure T or the upholstery part 5. In particular, the supporting structure T of the respective seat component can at the same time form the supporting structure T of the structural component 1.

[0034] As an alternative or in addition, the structural component 1 can be integrated into the upholstery part 5. In a further embodiment, the structural component 1 can be arranged and fastened between the upholstery part 5 and the supporting structure T.

[0035] The structural component 1 comprises a part structure 1.1 with an adjusting mechanism 1.2 for setting a contour K, in particular an outer contour (indicated by dashed line in FIG. 1) on the upholstery part 5 in the assembled state (not shown).

[0036] In order to change the contour K, the adjusting mechanism 1.2 is configured, in particular, as a folding mechanism. To this end, the adjusting mechanism 1.2 comprises a plurality of adjustable or foldable adjusting elements 1.2.1, such as, for example, slats or wings.

[0037] Here, the adjusting elements 1.2.1 can be coupled in groups G1 to Gn, the adjusting elements 1.2.1 of one of the groups G1 to Gn being adjusted synchronously. As an alternative or in addition, the groups G1 to Gn can be adjusted independently or dependently of one another in a synchronous or non-synchronous manner, for example sequentially, in order to adjust their adjusting elements 1.2.1 correspondingly. As a result, the contour K can be changed and set in regions correspondingly.

[0038] In particular, the adjusting mechanism 1.2 is set up to adjust the adjusting elements 1.2.1 in groups and/or individually in such a way that a desired contour K, for example a more supportive contour K in safety-relevant states or a comfortable, in particular ergonomically shaped contour K is set. Here, the shape, volume, dimensions and/or position of the part structure 1.1 and therefore the contour K of the upholstery part 5 can be changed or set correspondingly during an expansion or compression of the adjusting elements 1.2.1, in particular can be folded or deployed partially or completely linearly and/or can be moved in a curved or arcuate manner.

[0039] The adjusting elements 1.2.1 are configured, for example, in the form of adjustable slats L.

[0040] The part structure 1.1 is configured, for example, as a panel element F, in particular a plate. A pattern 6 consisting of slots 6.1 and inflection points KP is made in the flat part structure 1.1. The slots 6.1 run horizontally in the plate-shaped part structure 1.1. In the region of the inflection points KP, the adjusting elements 1.2.1 can be tilted, in particular folded or rotated, about a horizontal rotational axis HD and/or a vertical rotational axis VD.

[0041] An adjustable adjusting element 1.2.1, in particular an adjustable slat L or a wing, is arranged between two slots 6.1, an adjustment of said adjusting elements 1.2.1 making a three-dimensional deformation of the original panel element/elements F and therefore of the part structure 1.1 and an upholstery part 5 which is arranged on the latter possible.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment for a seat S with a part structure 1.1. Here, two part structures 1.1, in particular two panel elements F or flat plates, are arranged so as to lie above one another, and are fastened on the supporting structure T.

[0043] The plate-shaped part structures 1.1 comprise adjusting elements 1.2.1 in the manner of what are known as pop-up slats or pop-up wings which make a change of the contour K by way of a correspondingly controlled adjustment possible.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 1.2 is coupled in terms of movement to the supporting structure T, in order, in the case of a movement of the supporting structure T, to adjust the adjusting elements 1.2.1 between a compressed position and an expanded position and to change the contour K.

[0045] FIG. 2 shows an expanded position of the adjusting elements 1.2.1, in particular a deployed position.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows groups G1 to Gn of adjusting elements 1.2.1 or individual adjusting elements 1.2.1 which are shown both in a completely expanded position, a partially expanded position and in a partially compressed position and completely compressed position.

[0047] As an alternative or in addition to the coupling in terms of movement of the adjusting mechanism 1.2 to the supporting structure T, the seat S can comprise a corresponding control unit 7, in particular a drive member or control member (shown in FIG. 2). The control unit 7 is coupled in terms of movement to the adjusting mechanism 1.2. To this end, the control unit 7 is driven, in particular, by a drive element 8, for example an electric drive element or actuating element, a hydraulic drive element or actuating element or a pneumatic drive element or actuating element (not shown in greater detail), in order to adjust the adjusting mechanism 1.2 correspondingly.

[0048] Here, the control unit 7 can control the drive element 8 in such a way that the adjusting elements 1.2.1 are activated, deactivated or actuated in groups or individually in a plurality of adjusting stages VS1 to VSn (as shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 to 3) or groups G1 to Gn (as shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2), such as adjusting groups, within a pattern 6. Here, a plurality of adjusting elements 1.2.1 can be arranged in planes E1 to Ek of different height and/or offset with respect to one another, and can additionally be connected to one another in each case by a lever.

[0049] The static requirement of the surface can be adapted individually by the number of levers and their geometry, in particular the dimensions, shape, material and/or size. Using this principle, it is possible to deform a flat plate into a three-dimensional surface and vice versa. A contour K of this type, which is adjustable and therefore deforms, of the structural component 1 below the upholstery part 5 can be used, in particular, for a seat component, such as the backrest 2 and/or the seat part 3.

[0050] A structural component 1 of this type can also be used, however, in a head support 4, an armrest and other comfort-relevant vehicle or aircraft components (not shown in greater detail). Depending on the configuration of the structural component 1 and, in particular, of the adjusting mechanism 1.2 of the part structure 1.1, it can have functions which relate to comfort and are relevant to safety. The use of a structural component 1 of this type with an adjustable part structure 1.1 in a second or third seat row (“open seating”) is also conceivable, in order to achieve a flat load area, without influencing the comfort of the seat S. The plate-shaped part structures 1.1, in particular plastic plates, are preferably manufactured from polypropylene. The plastic plates can be produced in a customary method, such as an injection molding, punching or stamping method, or else by way of CNC milling or using the 3D printing method. The structural component 1 is, in particular, a monolithic plastic component. The supporting structure T and the structural component 1 can also be configured as a single monolithic plastic component.

[0051] The invention makes a contour adaptation and therefore comfort adaptation of an upholstery part 5 possible, which upholstery part 5 is supported by a movable structural component 1 of this type, in particular by its adjustable part structure 1.1. Here, the contour adaptation of the upholstery part 5 takes place by a deforming contour K of the part structure 1.1 below the foam of the upholstery part 5, for example by electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically driven adjusting elements 1.2.1, such as wings, slats L, webs and/or pump-driven fluid elements, such as air cushions. In addition, as described multiple times, airbags or air cushions which assist the lifting of the adjusting elements 1.2.1 can be arranged in the slots 6.1.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the contour adaptation or contour deformation of the upholstery part 5 takes place by the, for example, electric drive 8 which actuates the adjusting mechanism 1.2 correspondingly, in particular its adjusting elements 1.2.1. In addition or as an alternative, the adjusting mechanism 1.2 can be coupled in terms of movement to an adjustment of the seat S, in particular to a tilt mechanism (not shown) of the backrest 2 for the adjustment of the latter relative to the seat part or seat cushion. As an alternative, in addition to the coupling in movement terms to a seat adjusting mechanism, an additional drive element can be provided.

[0053] The movement-coupled adaptation of the upholstery part 5 by a contour K which deforms during a movement of the backrest 2 relative to the seat part 3 or seat cushion can take place, in the case of one refinement of the adjusting mechanism 1.2 with slats L or wings which can be deployed synchronously by the backrest movement, using an adjusting principle which is similar to a pop-up action.

[0054] Here, the contour adjustment or contour adaptation can take place firstly only in the backrest 2 and optionally by way of its adjusting movement, and/or secondly at the same time in the seat part 3 and optionally by way of its adjusting movement. For this purpose, one or more panel elements F which lie above one another, in particular plates, such as, for example, plastic plates, are provided with slots 6.1 and inflection points KP in a defined pattern 6.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the seat S from the front with two laterally arranged part structures 1.1, the seat S being set in the seat position P1.

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment, the part structure 1.1 is formed from two panel elements F with a plurality of repeating adjusting elements 1.2.1 which are arranged in a plurality of rows R. Here, the respective part structure 1.1 forms a side bolster of the backrest 2. In the exemplary embodiment, each part structure 1.1 comprises three rows R which are arranged next to one another in the transverse extent of the backrest 2. Here, the rows R of repeating adjusting elements 1.2.1 run in the longitudinal direction of the backrest 2. The respective row R can run in a straight or oblique manner or in curves or in an arc. The rows R can have different lengths and/or a different number of adjusting elements 1.2.1.

[0057] The two part structures 1.1 are coupled in terms of movement to the supporting structure T of the backrest 2 in such a way that the two part structures 1.1 change their contour K, in particular their volume, in a manner which is dependent on a controlled force which acts on the supporting structure T. In particular, in the case of a movement of the backrest 2 into a largely perpendicular or slightly tilted position, for example a comfortable seating position, the adjusting elements 1.2.1 are deployed and are moved into the expanded position, such that a resulting contour K of the respective part structure 1.1 in each case forms a support in the form of a side bolster for the backrest 2.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged illustration of the partially and group-by-group expanded adjusting elements 1.2.1 of the backrest 2 of the seat S according to FIG. 3 from the front with two laterally arranged part structures 1.1 with a plurality of rows R of adjusting elements 1.2.1.

[0059] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the backrest 2 of the seat S according to FIG. 3 in a perspective illustration with the two laterally arranged part structures 1.1, the seat S being set in the bed position P2 and the adjusting elements 1.2.1 being set in different state positions, in particular being moved into the compressed position, in order to form a planar surface and contour K.

[0060] FIGS. 7 to 15 diagrammatically show different illustrations of a structural component 1 with the adjusting mechanism 1.2 for setting different contours K, in particular arcuate, curved and/or linear, in particular planar or flat contours K.

[0061] FIGS. 7 and 8 in each case show a perspective and an enlarged perspective view of a side bolster region of the backrest 2 with differently arranged adjusting elements 1.2.1 in a plurality of rows R of the associated part structure 1.1. Here, some adjusting elements 1.2.1 are partially or completely expanded, and other adjusting elements 1.2.1 are partially or completely compressed.

[0062] In FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjusting elements 1.2.1 can be arranged in planes E1, E2 of different height and/or offset with respect to one another, and can additionally be connected to one another in an articulated manner in each case by a lever 9. The static requirement of the surface can be adapted individually by the number of levers 9 and their geometry. The levers 9 are correspondingly articulated by joints G, in particular solid body joints, such as integral hinges or strap hinges. Using this principle, it is possible to deform the panel element F from a flat plate with a planar contour (FIG. 9, for example for a lying position of the seat S) into a three-dimensional surface with a three-dimensional contour K (FIG. 10, for lateral support), and vice versa.

[0063] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a side view and top view, respectively, of a side bolster region of the backrest 2 with deployed adjusting elements 1.2.1 in a plurality of rows R of a part structure 1.1.

[0064] FIGS. 13 and 14 show enlarged illustrations of the side bolster region of the backrest 2 with deployed adjusting elements 1.2.1 for forming a three-dimensional contour K, in particular a support contour.

[0065] FIG. 15 shows the backrest 2 in a flat position, in particular a lying or bed position, with compressed adjusting elements 1.2.1 for forming a planar and flat contour K.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0066] 1 Structural component [0067] 1.1 Part structure [0068] 1.2 Adjusting mechanism [0069] 1.2.1 Adjusting element [0070] 2 Backrest [0071] 3 Seat part [0072] 4 Head support [0073] 5 Upholstery part [0074] 6 Grid [0075] 6.1 Slots [0076] 7 Control unit [0077] 8 Drive element [0078] 9 Lever [0079] E1 to Ek Plane [0080] F Panel element [0081] G Joint [0082] G1 to Gn Group of adjusting elements [0083] HD Horizontal rotational axis [0084] K Contour [0085] KP Inflection point [0086] L Slat [0087] P1, P2 Position [0088] R Row [0089] S Seat [0090] T Supporting structure [0091] VD Vertical rotational axis [0092] VS1 to VSn Adjusting stages