VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE SEAT

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle seat comprising at least one seat element in which at least one heating device and at least one ventilation device are provided. The vehicle seat comprises a sensor device, which has at least one temperature sensor and at least one moisture sensor. A closed-loop/open-loop control device controls the heating device and/or the ventilation device in an open-loop or closed-loop manner on the basis of the data from the sensor device with respect to the comfort parameters of temperature and/or moisture content, whereby the seat climate can be actively controlled in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat comprising at least one seat element in which at least one heating device and at least one ventilation device are provided, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a sensor device that has at least one temperature sensor and at least one moisture sensor, a closed-loop/open-loop control device controlling at least one of the heating device or the ventilation device in an open-loop or closed-loop manner on the basis of the data from the sensor device with respect to the comfort parameters of at least one of temperature or moisture content, whereby the seat climate can be actively controlled in an open-loop or closed-loop manner, the at least one seat element comprising a first layer that is made of a material that can absorb and conduct moisture, it being possible for the at least one seat element to be heated by at least one heating device, whereby moisture absorbed in the first layer changes at least into a gaseous state and the air in the seat element is heated, it being possible for the steam generated by the heating to be conveyed out of the seat element by means of the ventilation device, the steam being sucked out of the seat element by means of the ventilation device.

2. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the closed-loop/open-loop control device has a storage device in which target values or target ranges are stored for the comfort parameters or target values or target ranges are stored for comfort parameter combinations, the closed-loop/open-loop control device comparing the data provided by the sensor device with the corresponding target values or target ranges.

3. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle seat comprises two seat elements, one seat element being a lower seat part and the further seat element being a backrest element, the sensor device comprising at least one temperature sensor and at least one moisture sensor for the lower seat part and at least one temperature sensor and at least one moisture sensor for the backrest element.

4. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the material of the first layer is designed so as to be at least one of porous or open-pored, a surface of the first layer being in direct contact with the user when the seat is occupied or in close proximity to the user when the seat is occupied.

5. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one temperature sensor or the at least one moisture sensor are arranged in the at least one seat element such that the comfort parameters of at least one of temperature or moisture can be acquired on or near the surface of the at least one seat element, the at least one of the at least one temperature sensor or the at least one moisture sensor being arranged at least one of in or above or under the first layer, the closed-loop/open-loop control device being evaluated the data transmitted by the sensor device depending on the distance between each sensor and the surface of the at least one seat element in contact with the user.

6. The vehicle seat according to claim 4, wherein a spacer fabric is arranged under the first layer in the height direction of the at least one seat element, a heating device being arranged between the first layer and the knitted spacer fabric.

7. The vehicle seat according to claim 6, wherein a shaped element is arranged at least in portions under the spacer fabric in the height direction of the at least one seat element, which shaped element has a fan region in which a plurality of ventilation ducts is provided, the ventilation ducts being connected to the at least one ventilation device, the shaped element having a region bordering the fan region.

8. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the change in the physical state results in a cooling of the surface of the seat element due to the evaporation heat to be applied, a differential pressure prevailing with respect to the surrounding air volume due to the increased temperature of the steam, which pressure facilitates the removal of the steam.

9. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device comprises a seat occupancy sensor which detects the seat occupancy.

10. The vehicle seat according to claim 1, wherein the control of the seat climate takes place by alternating heating and ventilating of the first layer, it being possible for at least one of the at least one heating device or the at least one ventilation device to be switched on and off at predetermined intervals, the at least one heating device being switchable at intervals such that substantially no temperature change takes place on the surface of the seat element.

11. A method for operating a vehicle seat, in particular a vehicle seat according to claim 1, the vehicle seat comprising at least one seat element in which at least one heating device and at least one ventilation device are provided, the method comprising the following method steps: a) acquiring sensor data by the sensor device which has at least one temperature sensor and at least one moisture sensor; b) optionally comparing the acquired sensor data with predetermined target values by the closed-loop/open-loop control device; c) activating at least one of at least one heating device or at least one ventilation device by the closed-loop/open-loop control device, the at least one seat element comprising a first layer which is made of a material that can absorb and conduct moisture, it being possible for the at least one seat element to be heated by at least one heating device, whereby moisture absorbed in the first layer changes at least into a gaseous state and the air in the seat element is heated, the steam generated by the heating being able to be conveyed out of the seat element by means of the ventilation device, the steam being sucked out of the seat element by means of the ventilation device.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the seat is not occupied, an antibacterial cleaning of the seat element is carried out by the closed-loop/open-loop control device in which the at least one heating device is activated so that the at least one seat element is brought to a temperature at which bacteria and germs are killed, this temperature being over 80° C.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the seat is occupied, the at least one heating device and the at least one ventilation device are activated at alternating intervals by the closed-loop/open-loop control device, the interval length for activation of the at least one heating device being designed such that there is substantially no temperature change on the surface of the seat element.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein when the seat is not occupied, the at least one heating device and the at least one ventilation device are activated at alternating intervals by the closed-loop/open-loop control device, the interval length for activation of the at least one heating device being designed such that the at least one seat element is heated to a temperature which is above a predetermined comfort range, the comfort range of the temperature being between 28° C. and 38° C.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein when a predetermined start event occurs, a preconditioning of at least one seat element takes place, during which preconditioning the comfort parameters are brought into the predetermined comfort range by the closed-loop/open-loop control device by activating the at least one heating device and/or the at least one ventilation device.

Description

[0075] Further advantages, aims and properties of the present invention will be explained with reference to the following description of the accompanying drawings. Similar components may have the same reference signs in the various embodiments.

[0076] In the drawings:

[0077] FIG. 1a shows a seat element according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0078] FIG. 1b shows a seat element according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0079] FIG. 1c shows a seat element according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0080] FIG. 2 shows a seat element according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0081] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the user comfort range;

[0082] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for seat occupancy;

[0083] FIG. 5 is a flow chart for seat occupancy;

[0084] FIG. 6 is a general overview of a flow diagram of a method for operating a seat;

[0085] FIG. 7 is a sub-view of a flow diagram of a method for operating a seat;

[0086] FIG. 8 is a sub-view of a flow diagram of a method for operating a seat;

[0087] FIG. 9 is a sub-view of a flow diagram of a method for operating a seat;

[0088] FIG. 10 is a sub-view of a flow diagram of a method for operating a seat;

[0089] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the various cases in a method for operating a seat;

[0090] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the various cases in a method for operating a seat.

[0091] In FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c and 2, the structure of a seat (1) or a seat element (2) is shown. Such a vehicle seat (1) comprises at least one seat element in which at least one heating device (10) and at least one ventilation device (11) are provided, the vehicle seat (1) comprising a sensor device (6) which has at least one temperature sensor (7) and at least one moisture sensor (8), a closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) controlling the heating device (10) and/or the ventilation device (11) in an open-loop or closed-loop manner on the basis of the data from the sensor device (6) with respect to the comfort parameters of temperature and/or moisture content, whereby the seat climate can be actively controlled in an open-loop or closed-loop manner.

[0092] The closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) has a storage device (9a) in which target values or target ranges are stored for the comfort parameters or target values or target ranges are stored for comfort parameter combinations. The closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) compares the data provided by the sensor device (6) with the corresponding target values or target ranges.

[0093] The vehicle seat (1) comprises two seat elements (2, 2a, 2b), one seat element (2a) being a lower seat part (16) and the further seat element (2, 2b) being a backrest element (17). This is shown in FIGS. 1b and 1c. In FIG. 1a, only one seat element (2, 2a, 2b) is shown in the form of a lower seat part (16).

[0094] The sensor device (6) comprises at least one temperature sensor (7) and at least one moisture sensor (8) for the lower seat part (16) and at least one temperature sensor (7a) and at least one moisture sensor (8a) for the backrest element (17).

[0095] The seat elements (2, 2a, 2b) each comprise a height direction Z, Z′. The height direction Z, Z′ is to be understood such that the uppermost layer of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) is that which is in contact with the user and the lowest element is the one which is furthest away from the user. Furthermore, the seat elements (2, 2a, 2b) each comprise a longitudinal direction X, X′ and a width direction Y, Y′.

[0096] The at least one seat element (2, 2a, 2b) comprises a first layer (3, 3a) which is made of a material that can absorb and conduct moisture, the material of the first layer (3, 3a) being designed so as to be porous and/or open-pored. A surface (4, 4a) of the first layer (3, 3a) is in direct contact with the user or in close proximity to the user when the seat is occupied. It can also be advantageous for this first layer (3) to be covered by a cover, for example a fabric cover.

[0097] The sensor device (6) comprises at least one temperature sensor (7) and/or at least one moisture sensor (8), which sensor device is arranged in the at least one seat element (2, 2a, 2b) such that the comfort parameters of temperature and/or moisture can be acquired on or near the surface (4, 4a) of the at least one seat element (2, 2a, 2b). The at least one temperature sensor (7, 7a) and/or the at least one moisture sensor (8, 8a) is/are arranged in and/or above and/or under the first layer (3, 3a), the closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) being evaluated the data transmitted by the sensor device (6) depending on the distance between each sensor (7, 7a, 8, 8a) and the surface (4, 4a) of the at least one seat element (2, 2a, 2b) in contact with the user.

[0098] The sensor device (6) is connected to a closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) via signals. The closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) controls the at least one heating device (10, 10a) and/or the at least one ventilation device (11, 11a).

[0099] In FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 2, it can be seen that at least one heating device (10, 10a) is arranged under the first layer (3, 3a) in the height direction (Z, Z′) of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b). The term “under” the first layer (3, 3a) is understood to mean that at least one heating device (10, 10a) can be arranged directly under the first layer (3, 3a) or that further layers with different functionalities and properties can be present between the first layer (3, 3a) and the at least one heating device (10, 10a). The at least one heating device (10, 10a) is advantageously arranged over the surface, preferably over the entire surface, under the first layer (3, 3a).

[0100] According to a further embodiment, a (knitted) spacer fabric (12, 12a) is arranged in the height direction (Z, Z′) of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) under the first layer (3, 3a). The term “under” the first layer (3, 3a) is to be understood to mean that the spacer fabric (12, 12a) can be arranged directly under the first layer (3, 3a) or that further layers with different functionalities and properties or the heating device (10, 10a) can be present between the first layer (3, 3a) and the spacer fabric (12, 12a).

[0101] Furthermore, in the height direction Z, Z′ of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b), a shaped element (13, 13a) is arranged at least partially under the spacer fabric (12, 12a). A shaped element (13, 13a) of this type has a fan region (14, 14a) in which a plurality of ventilation ducts (15, 15a) is provided. The shaped element (13, 13a) has a region (18, 18a) bordering the fan region (14, 14a). This bordering region (18, 18a) can extend along the width direction Y, Y′ as well as along the longitudinal direction X, X′. The bordering region (18, 18a) extending along the longitudinal direction X, X′ is designed as side bolsters.

[0102] The ventilation ducts (15, 15a) are connected to the ventilation device (11, 11a). In the embodiment according to FIG. 1b, a ventilation device (11, 11a) is provided for the lower seat part (16) and for the backrest element (17). In the embodiment according to FIG. 1c, both the lower seat part (16) and the backrest element (17) are connected to only one ventilation device (11). A locking device (19) is advantageously provided in this case, by means of which the respective connecting ducts between the ventilation device 11) and the particular seat element (2, 2a, 2b) can be locked. This locking device (20) can be used to determine which seat element (2, 2a, 2b) is being ventilated. Optionally, both seat elements (2, 2a, 2b) can be ventilated at the same time. The locking device (20) is connected to the closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) via signals and is controlled thereby.

[0103] The knitted spacer fabric (12, 12a) and the fan region (14, 14a) are arranged over the surface, preferably over the entire surface, under the heating device (10, 10a) or the first layer (3, 3a).

[0104] The seat element (2, 2a, 2b) can also have further layers which are located under, above or between the components mentioned. These layers can have different characteristics and also have different properties. It is also possible that the seat structure described can be assembled differently in terms of position and orientation with the components described.

[0105] Two or more heating devices (10, 10a) can also be provided in the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) in order to achieve a greater distance from the surface (4, 4a) and to make better use of the boost function described below.

[0106] Finally, the sensor device (6) comprises a seat occupancy sensor (19) which detects the seat occupancy.

[0107] FIG. 3 shows the comfort parameters and a corresponding comfort range of a seat element (2, 2a, 2b). The temperature comfort range is advantageously in a range between 28° C. and 38° C. The moisture comfort range is between 50% and 80% relative moisture. In a defined state 1, the comfort parameters are above the comfort range of the user. If the comfort parameters are in the comfort range, this is state 2. In state 3, the comfort parameters are below a comfort range for the user.

[0108] In FIG. 4, a possible state in winter is shown. The seat is overheated due to the previous manual setting of the seat heating. The user accordingly overheats as a result of body contact with the seat element (2, 2a, 2b). Accordingly, the user sweats. The moisture is absorbed by the first layer (3, 3a) of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b). With the boost function, which is described below, the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) can be dried quickly. An ideal temperature of 35.5° C. and an ideal relative moisture of 65% can thus be set. In the scenario according to FIG. 5, the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) is cold. The driver becomes cool through body contact with the seat element (2, 2a, 2b), as this gives off body heat to the seat (1). The seat element can be heated accordingly by the heating element (10, 10a).

[0109] FIG. 6 shows a general overview of a corresponding flow chart for a method for the preferred operation of a seat (1). FIGS. 7 to 10 show the corresponding sub-overviews. The method preferably offers the following modes: air conditioning with boost function (FIG. 7), refreshing (FIG. 8), cleaning (FIG. 9), disinfecting (FIG. 9) and air conditioning with preconditioning (FIG. 10).

[0110] The seat (1) can be cleaned advantageously by activating the heating device (10, 10a) and the ventilation device (11, 11a). The seat (1) can preferably be cleaned after no seat occupancy has been detected. For this purpose, the first layer (3, 3a) is advantageously heated by the heating device (10, 10a). As a result of the heating, depending on the temperature, at least some of the moisture contained in the first layer (3, 3a) changes into the gaseous state. In addition, the air in the first layer (3, 3a) is heated, which can thus absorb more moisture. Steam is thus generated in the first layer (3, 3a). Steam of this type can ideally be a pure gaseous phase or a mixture of liquid and gaseous components. By means of the ventilation device (11, 11a), the steam is preferably sucked out of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) through the knitted spacer fabric (12, 12a) and the fan region (14, 14a) or the ventilation ducts (15, 15a). Alternatively, in the “disinfecting” mode, the first layer (3, 3a) can be heated to a temperature above 80° C. This means that existing bacteria can be effectively killed.

[0111] In the preferred “refreshing” mode (FIG. 8), the moisture sensor (8) detects a relative moisture in the first layer (3, 3a) which is above the comfort range. By advantageously alternating activation of the heating device (10, 10a) and the ventilation device (11, 11a) by the closed-loop/open-loop control device (9), the relative moisture can quickly be controlled again to a value in the comfort range. The heating in turn produces steam or steam pressure in the seat element (2, 2a, 2b). By switching on the ventilation device (11, 11a) in an alternating manner, this steam can be distributed in the first layer (3, 3a) and quickly sucked away. The “refreshing” mode is preferably carried out when the seat is not occupied. The first layer (3, 3a) can advantageously be heated to a higher temperature in this case, as a result of which more liquid is correspondingly converted into the gas phase, or the air in the first layer (3, 3a) can absorb even more liquid. The seat element (2, 2a, 2b) can thus be brought back into the comfort range quickly during an occupancy break.

[0112] If seat occupancy is detected, a preferred air conditioning of the seat can take place (FIG. 7). Furthermore, air conditioning of this type can take place after a corresponding advantageous preconditioning, which was carried out before the seat was occupied (FIG. 8). In the “air conditioning” mode, the comfort parameters “temperature” and “relative moisture” are detected by the temperature sensor (7, 7a) and the moisture sensor (8, 8a).

[0113] The corresponding preferred scenarios (F1 to F9) are shown in FIG. 11. At a temperature below a minimum temperature (Tmin), the heating device (10, 10a) is activated until the predetermined comfort value is reached.

[0114] The boost function is preferably activated when the detected relative moisture is above the comfort range or a maximum value (rMmax). At the same time, the temperature is in or above the comfort range, i.e. a maximum temperature (Tmax). These are cases F1 and F2. With this boost function, an additional temperature rise on the surface (4, 4a) of the first layer (3, 3a) should be prevented from taking place.

[0115] For this purpose, the heating device (10, 10a) is preferably switched on and off at predetermined intervals. The heating device (10, 10a) is advantageously switched on at intervals such that substantially no temperature increase of the surface (4, 4a) of the first layer (3, 3a) takes place. Usually the heat propagation is inversely proportional to the propagation length of the heat which, in the present case, is at the height (h) of the first layer (3, 3a).

[0116] Heat conduction is advantageously determined from the thermal coefficient of the first layer (λ), the temperature difference (T) between the heating element, and the surface of the first layer and the height (h) as follows:

λ*T*1/h.

[0117] The interval length is accordingly preferably measured such that the heating device is deactivated before a substantial amount of heat reaches the surface (4, 4a) of the first layer (3, 3a). An interval length can accordingly be measured such that no substantial temperature change occurs on the surface of the seat element which is perceived by the user. A substantial temperature change is understood to mean a change by 0° C. to 10° C., preferably by 0° C. to 5° C., more preferably by 0° C. to 2.5° C., more preferably by 0° C. to 1° C. Humans detect heat very late, i.e. the surface temperature can be exceeded for a short time without the user noticing.

[0118] However, the amount of heat introduced into the first layer (3, 3a) is sufficient to generate a sufficient amount of steam, which can then be sucked away by the ventilation device (11, 11a). By advantageously repeating the activation of the heating element multiple times, the moisture from the first layer (3, 3a) can be heated. Steam can thus be generated which consists of a gas phase and possibly a liquid phase. This steam can then be removed through the ventilation device until the detected moisture value corresponds to a predetermined value in the comfort range. While the heating device (10, 10a) is being activated, the ventilation device (11, 11a) can be operated continuously. It would also be conceivable for the ventilation device (11, 11a) to be activated or deactivated alternately with the heating device (10, 10a).

[0119] In case F3, the relative moisture is above the comfort range, but the detected temperature value is below the minimum temperature value (Tmin). Accordingly, the boost function is not to be used in this case, since it is intended to supply a specific amount of heat to the surface (4, 4a) of the first layer (3, 3a).

[0120] In case F4, the detected temperature is above the maximum temperature value (Tmax). However, the detected relative moisture is in the comfort range. By activating the ventilation device (11, 11a), the temperature can be lowered accordingly. Accordingly, the heating device (10, 10a) is not activated.

[0121] In case F5, both the detected temperature and the detected relative moisture are in the comfort range. Accordingly, neither the ventilation device (11, 11a) nor the heating device (10, 10a) are activated.

[0122] In case F6, the detected relative moisture is in the comfort range, but the detected temperature is too low. Accordingly, only the heating device (10, 10a) is activated.

[0123] In case F7, the detected temperature is above the comfort range and the detected relative moisture is below the comfort range. In this case, only the ventilation device (11, 11a) is activated for cooling.

[0124] In case F8, the detected temperature is in the comfort range and the detected relative moisture is below the comfort range. Neither the heating device (10, 10a) nor the ventilation device (11, 11a) are activated.

[0125] Finally, in case 9, the detected relative moisture and the detected temperature are below the comfort range. Therefore, only the heating device (10, 10a) is activated.

[0126] Furthermore, a preconditioning of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) can preferably take place before the seat is occupied (FIG. 10). In the case of a predeterminable start event, the closed-loop/open-loop control device (9) controls the comfort parameters of the seat element (2, 2a, 2b) in the comfort range in an open-loop or closed-loop manner. Such a start event can for example be the unlocking of the vehicle, or an approach of the user to the vehicle, which is detected by a corresponding sensor. Alternatively, the comfort parameters can also be set in a comfort range within a predetermined time. For example, the heating device (10, 10a) can be activated after the start event in order to bring the surface (4, 4a) into the comfort range.

[0127] FIG. 12 shows how the comfort parameters change accordingly in the different modes by activating the heating device (10, 10a) or the ventilation device (11, 11a).

[0128] In order to be able to use the boost function better, it can be advantageous if two or more heating devices (10, 10a) are provided in the seat element (2, 2a, 2b).

[0129] The “refreshing”, “preconditioning” and “disinfecting” modes can also be carried out on seat elements that only have one heating device.

[0130] Similarly, preconditioning can also be carried out on a seat element (2, 2a, 2b) which only has one ventilation device (11, 11a, 11b). For example, the seat element can be cooled accordingly in summer.

[0131] The applicant reserves the right to claim all the features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that these are novel individually or in combination over the prior art.

List of reference signs

[0132] 1 Seat

[0133] 2, 2a, 2b Seat element

[0134] 3, 3a First layer

[0135] 4, 4a Surface

[0136] 6 Sensor device

[0137] 7, 7a Temperature sensor

[0138] 8, 8a Moisture sensor

[0139] 9 Closed-loop/open-loop control device

[0140] 9a Storage device

[0141] 10, 10a Heating device

[0142] 11, 11a Ventilation device

[0143] 12, 12a spacer fabric

[0144] 13, 13a Shaped element

[0145] 14, 14a Fan region

[0146] 15, 15a Ventilation ducts

[0147] 16 Lower seat part

[0148] 17 Backrest element

[0149] 18, 18a Bordering region

[0150] 19 Seat occupancy sensor

[0151] 20 Locking device

[0152] Z Height direction of the lower seat part

[0153] Z′ Height direction of the backrest element

[0154] X Longitudinal direction of the lower seat part

[0155] X′ Height direction of the backrest element

[0156] Y Width direction of the lower seat part

[0157] Y′ Width direction of the backrest element

[0158] h Height of the first layer