FR2893280A1 - SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING SEATS, IN PARTICULAR SEATS FOR VEHICLES. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting the contour of at least one external surface of a user-facing seat in at least one dimension transverse to this external surface, which comprises at an outer limit of the surface, an inflatable bladder of variable volume. To provide a system allowing much more freedom in the type and magnitude of the seat adjustment, at least two inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3) are provided substantially parallel to each other, the distance between the attachment points of adjacent inflatable bladders, in their unfilled state, being less than half the circumference of the inflatable bladder respectively higher towards the respectively lower inflatable bladder.

Description

The invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting seats,

  including vehicle seats, in at least one area of the seat, directed towards the user, by means of at least one inflatable bladder which can be filled with a fluid and is thus of variable volume, and a seat, in particular a seat for cars, planes or the like, comprising a seat surface and if necessary a backrest and / or armrests and / or a headrest, in which at least one area directed towards the user, can be adjusted automatically by means of at least one inflatable bladder which can be filled with a fluid and is thus of variable volume.

  In this context, systems are known which make it possible, by means of seat sectors that can be moved on rails, to modify or vary the dimensions of the seat, in particular to lengthen the seating surface of the seat towards the front. as a seat depth adjustment. As a drive are the often provided electric motors. A sliding of a frame on the front side of which is reported a liftable support part, by means of inflatable bladders that can be filled with air, below the seating surface, in its rear area, is described in GB 2,255,905. Also used as a drive for lifting the support part on the sliding frame, inflatable bladders that can be filled with air, which however remain buried below the part d support itself conferring shape, and the outer surface facing the user.

  Also known in practice are systems in which a single single inflatable bladder, consisting of several mutually connected chambers, is provided at the front edge of the seat.

  This bladder is bonded between the seat upholstery and the foam body of the cushion, and enlarges or decreases the transition radius between the seating surface of the seat and the front surface, so that the length of the bladder also increases. the seating surface of the seat.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a system of a simple construction mode, suitable for the quick and simple retrofitting of existing seats, and also for rapid integration into pneumatic comfort systems, such as supports. lumbar, massage seats and so on, and that allows much more freedom in the type and extent of adjustment of the seat, and despite everything is very economical in its manufacture. Another object of the invention is to provide a seat which allows in a simple and functionally reliable manner, automatic adjustment having said advantages.

  This object is achieved for the system mentioned in the introduction, thanks to the fact that at least two inflatable bladders are provided substantially parallel to one another, the distance between the points of attachment of adjacent inflatable bladders, in their unfilled state, being less than at half circumference of the upper inflatable bladder respectively in the direction of the respectively lower inflatable bladder. This type of adjustment can be easily integrated with existing pneumatic or fluidic control systems for other purposes in the seat, and can be realized without complex mechanical arrangements and with simple shaped inflatable bladders, which may for example be simple cushions or be cylindrical in the inflated state, which is for manufacturing and handling, a considerable simplification compared to other complicated forms of inflatable bladder. It is nevertheless possible to achieve, thanks to the support of the upper inflatable bladder by the lower inflatable bladder, a good contour adjustment with large adjustment zones.

  According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in order to facilitate the integration, in particular also for subsequent equipment in an existing system, the system is characterized in that the inflatable bladders are attached to a support for auxiliary parts , which is adapted or adaptable to the contour of the seat, below the outer surface of the seat.

  An advantageous embodiment in terms of construction and manufacturing is possible in the following manner, namely that inflatable bladders are provided on each side of the support, preferably an inflatable bladder on the side facing the outer surface of the support. seat and two inflatable bladders on the opposite side of the support.

  With regard to the second object of the invention, it is achieved for a seat of the type mentioned in oduction and characterized in that are provided substantially parallel to each other, at least two fable bladders, the distance between the points of fastening adjacent inflatable bladders, in their unfilled state, being less than half the circumference of the inflatable bladder respectively higher towards the respectively lower inflatable bladder. It is thus possible, without complex mechanical arrangements, to obtain a good modification or a good contour adjustment, which is stable with large adjustment zones.

  In order to achieve in a simple way, an adjustment of the size of the seating surface of the seat, preferably an elongation of the seating surface of the seat, a first embodiment according to the invention is characterized in that the inflatable bladders are provided at an outer limit of the seating surface of the seat, preferably in the area of the front edge of the seat.

  If according to another embodiment, the inflatable bladders are provided at a lateral limit of the seat back, preferably in the area of the lateral cheeks of the seat, it is possible, without much mechanical implementation, to perform in a simple and quick way, adaptation or adjustment of the lateral support of the seat.

  In order to be able to guarantee in this case, the best possible stability, the inflatable bladders are attached to a support fixed below the outer surface of the seat, to the seat frame or seat shell. Advantageously, according to another characteristic of the invention, this support is pivotally connected about an axis to the seat frame or the seat shell, and at least two inflatable bladders are provided on the opposite side of the support. The pivot axis and thus the direction of the adjustment of the lateral support, can thus be predefined exactly.

  In order to be able to predefine a contour of the external surface in the area of the lateral holding fit, and to further stabilize this area mechanically, it is possible to provide an embodiment according to which the support is formed by a substantially rigid plate, the pivot axis being located near the median plane of the seat surface or the backrest, and at least one inflatable bladder being provided at the edge of the plate, opposite the axis pivoting.

  In all the embodiments of the invention, described so far, it is possible to provide at least two separate inflatable bladders that can be filled independently of each other, being spaced from each other in a direction normal to the outer surface can be changed. Due to the separate inflatable bladders which can be filled separately, the seat contour considered equipped with these inflatable bladders can be adapted very flexibly to the needs or wishes of the user.

  Alternatively or additionally, it is possible, according to another characteristic of the invention, to provide at least one folded inflatable bladder comprising at least two inflatable bladder chambers, the edge area of one of the inflatable bladder chambers being shifted, by the hinge zone of the folded inflatable bladder, relative to the edge region of the other inflatable bladder chamber, in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface. It is thus possible to obtain the same geometrical configuration as with adjacent inflatable bladders, with however a much lesser implementation as regards the pneumatic lines and the electric / electronic control as well as the pneumatic filling and emptying of the bladders. inflatable. To allow a better modification of the seat contour and larger work, the gradation system of the also a race or the seat as described above may in the invention be characterized further in accordance with that in addition to the 10 inflatable bladders arranged substantially parallel to one another, for which the spacing distance of the neighboring inflatable bladder attachment points in their unfilled state is less than half the circumference of the respectively higher inflatable bladder. In the direction of the respectively lower inflatable bladder, there is provided at least one additional inflatable bladder which can be filled independently of the inflatable bladder arrangement, the additional inflatable bladder being located, for an at least substantially filled inflatable bladder arrangement, the outer limit of the seating area that can be adjusted. Thus, a series arrangement of individual inflatable bladder arrangements oriented in the direction of the desired contour modification, which can be independently inflated and deflated in stages, for example to achieve depth length variation, is achieved. In this way, it is possible to avoid inflated bladders that are partially filled and thus soft and of unstable shape to a large extent.

  provides a simple and very stable arrangement by virtue of an embodiment according to which an additional inflatable bladder is attached to a support or support arm straddling the inflatable bladder arrangement, preferably on the opposite side to the bladder arrangement. inflatable.

  In one embodiment with a possibility of gradual contour modification, according to which there are provided at least two additional inflatable bladder arrangements mutually overlapping, the additional inflatable bladder respectively outer being located, for an inflatable bladder arrangement located below and at least substantially filled, at the outer limit of the seat area can be adjusted, it is also possible to obtain an arrangement that can be adapted very flexibly to the needs or wishes of the user.

  Advantageously it is provided for both cases, that is to say for the system itself or also for the seat according to the invention, that at least one inflatable bladder or inflatable bladder chamber extends substantially the entire length of the seat area can be adjusted, preferably transversely to the direction of adjustment.

  In order to obtain a favorable direction of movement of the seat contour under the effect of the variation in size of the inflatable bladder filled or respectively emptied or purged, the area of connection of the inflatable bladder or each inflatable bladder with the seat or the support is, for a substantially emptied inflatable bladder, above its middle, seen in the normal direction to the adjustable surface, preferably at the upper edge.

  According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the spacing distance of the connection areas of two inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers mutually spaced in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface is, in this direction , less than the sum of the rays of the two inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers in the substantially filled state. With this geometry, the inflatable bladder movement or upper inflatable bladder chamber is optimally assisted in the direction of the desired seat size change or size change by the inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers below.

  According to another feature of the invention, there are at least three inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers mutually spaced in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface.

  A further modification of size or contour is possible in the case of an embodiment of the invention according to which an inflatable bladder is disposed at the level of the outermost edge of the adjustable seat area. preferably at a distance from the other or each other inflatable bladder in the area of an outer limit of the adjustable seat area. It is thus possible for example, when the main group of inflatable bladders acts to lengthen the seat depth, to achieve supplement at the front edge 30 of the seating surface, thigh support.

  According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least the inflatable bladder upper inflatable bladder chamber is, in its zone opposite to the connection zone to the base support or base structure, connected to elastically to the support or to the seat base structure. This avoids undesired elongation of the seat lining and disadvantageous compression of the seat foam in the area of the inflatable bladders. At the same time, the inflatable bladders are emptied and these are brought into the initial position in a defined manner.

  Finally, it would also be possible to provide W that at least one inflatable bladder or inflatable bladder chamber, that is, in its zone opposite to the support connection zone or the seat base structure, connected to the lining liner. seat. This facilitates movement tracking by the seat top cover material when filling the inflatable bladders, and in the case of appropriate elasticity of the seat liner material, it also assists in the emptying of the inflatable bladders and return to initial position. According to another embodiment of the invention, the inflatable bladders may be arranged on a casing oriented parallel to the adjustable seat contour, this housing having a casing well, preferably in the form of a spiral, in which the housings are housed. inflatable bladders at least in a partially deflated state. The casing gives the adjustable area mechanical stability and at the same time protects the inflatable bladders from the parts connected to it, against damage.

  To also enable this variant to contribute to the emptying of the inflatable bladders and to bring them back to the initial position in a definite manner, a variant is proposed according to which at least the inflatable bladder or inflatable bladder chamber 20 The upper portion is resiliently fixed, preferably in its region opposite the crankcase connection area, within the housing.

  In the following, the invention will be presented in more detail in the context of the description which follows, and with reference to the figures of the attached drawings, which show:

  W Fig. 1 a longitudinal section of the front part of the seating surface of a vehicle seat, showing inflatable bladders purged for adjustment of the seating depth of the seat, FIG. 2 a representation according to Figure 1, however showing swollen inflatable bladders and thus a greater seat depth, FIG. 3 a side view of a support member comprising three inflatable bladders for integration into a seat, FIG. 4 in longitudinal section, according to Figure 1 or Figure 2, a seat comprising the support of Figure 3 and inflatable inflatable bladders, Fig. A support member comprising a folded inflatable bladder, ig. 6 a longitudinal section according to Figure 2, with a folded inflatable bladder and an individual inflatable bladder in the inflated state, at the front portion of a vehicle seat, FIG. 7 a longitudinal section according to Figure 2 comprising two inflatable bladders which are elastically connected to the seat base structure, Fig. a longitudinal section according to FIG. 7 comprising a series arrangement of inflatable bladders and a seat pad coating elastically connected to the structure of FIG. 8b Fig. 9a IO Fig. 9b. 10a FIG. 10b 10c. FIG. 10d 25 seat base, this in a deflated state, the above arrangement shown in the inflated condition of the lower inflatable bladders, the use of an inflatable bladder arrangement according to the invention for the lateral holding adjustment, in a substantially deflated state, the preceding arrangement in the substantially inflated state, a cross section of an inflatable bladder arrangement comprising a housing as a support, in the deflated state, the preceding arrangement in the inflated state, the support of FIGS. 10a and 10b used for the lateral holding adjustment, in the deflated state, and the support of FIG. 10a and 10b used for the lateral holding adjustment, in the inflated state. The invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 with regard to a system for automatically adjusting the seat depth of a vehicle seat. The seat surface S, as an external surface directed towards the user, must here be able to be automatically adjusted forward, that is to say in a dimension transverse to the seating surface S.

  On the front side F front of the seat are provided effect, three inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 can be filled with fluid, and therefore of varying volume. Although the principle function already exists with the aid of a single inflatable bladder, arrangements of two volumes that can be filled and emptied or more are however more favorable. These inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 can preferably be filled with air, the system of pneumatic ducts and air supply not being shown. The inflatable bladders 1 to 3 for contour adjustment can be fixed directly to the seat base structure 4, or W also, in the case of a very simple construction method, directly to the seat lining 5. Very often, the seat base structure comprises a non-extensible support layer for the foam, for example a "nylon" fabric. The inflatable bladders 1 to 3 for contour adjustment can then also be attached to this support layer, with no or only very little tensile force being transmitted to the foam and / or seat liner liner. Accordingly, when referring to the seat upholstery liner 5, there may also be compositions comprising a foam backing material, the foam thereon, and a liner lining proper applied by itself. above. The inflatable bladders 1 to 3 can of course also be mounted on a support 6 arranged below the seat lining liner 5, adapted or adaptable to the seat contour and possibly also to other auxiliary parts. Advantageously, it is provided that at least the upper inflatable bladder extends over any width of the seating surface of the seat.

  FIG. 1 also already shows that advantageously, for each inflatable bladder at 3, its connection zone with the seat or the support 6, in the case of a substantially emptied inflatable bladder, is situated above its middle, seen in the plane of the frontal face before F of the seat. As can be seen clearly, in combination with FIG. 2, the distance of the connecting zones from two of the inflatable bladders 1 to 3 arranged one above the other is advantageously, in the direction normal to the seating surface. S, less than the sum of the radii of these two inflatable bladders in the substantially swollen state, so that the inflatable bladder 1, 2 respectively upper is optimally supported by the inflatable bladder 2, 3 respectively lower. It is particularly advantageous here that the spacing distance of the connecting zones of at least two inflatable bladders 1 to 3 superimposed, in the direction normal to the seating surface S, is less than the radius of the inflatable bladder. 1 or 2 respectively higher, in the substantially inflated state. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the zone of connection of the upper inflatable bladder 1, in a direction perpendicular to the external surface S directed towards the user, can advantageously lie in a plane parallel to said external surface and distance from this outer surface, this distance being less than the radius of said upper inflatable bladder 1 in the substantially filled state.

  While in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the inflatable bladders 1 to 3 are placed on the same side of the support 6, there is shown in Figures 3 and 4, another embodiment according to which the The upper inflatable bladder 1 in the mounted state is arranged on one side of the support 6 generally made of felt, while the lower inflatable bladders 35 serving as a support are on the opposite side. The inflatable bladders 1 to 3 are here not fixed 14 also other inflatable bladders folded 8. 2893280 directly to the support 6, but are instead attached by means of elements 7 in the form of tabs or strips. These elements 7 are, however, dimensioned so that the conditions of mutual spacing distance of the inflatable bladders, mentioned with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, are respected.

  By mounting mounting position 6 and the spacing and spacing distance conditions of inflatable bladders 1 to 3 of Figures 3 and 4, it is not only possible to adjust the seat length of the seat, but also, as clearly shown in Figure 4, a support of the front edge of the seat surface S as a thigh support.

  Apart from the individual inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 which have been discussed so far, it is of course also possible to advantageously use folded inflatable bladders 8, FIGS. 5 and 6 showing fashion examples. corresponding embodiments for a support 6 (Figure 5) and a vehicle seat (Figure 6). In the case of the arrangement of at least one folded inflatable bladder 8 on a support 6 to be reported on a seat, the two inflatable bladder chambers 9, 10 can be located on one side of the support 6. The two chambers of However, the inflatable bladder 9, 10 of the folded inflatable bladder 8 may also, as shown in FIG. 5, be arranged on the opposite sides of the support 6, the fold zone 11 then being housed in a slot-like slot of the support 6. , and the folded inflatable bladder is also connected by this zone 11, support 6. On one or both sides of the support 6 can be provided other inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 individual or is also possible to report bladders inflatable folded 8 not directly on the support 6, but via elements in the form of tongue or strip.

  Finally, there can be seen in FIG. 6, a seat construction having inflatable bladders 2, 8 under the seat trim liner 5, attached directly to the seat base structure 4. In this case, a foldable inflatable bladder 8 located above is supported by an individual inflatable bladder 2 located below, when the two inflatable bladders 2, 8 are filled at least partially. The folded inflatable bladder 8 here again comprises at least two inflatable bladder chambers 9, 10 whose common filling makes it possible to considerably reduce the implementation for the pipes and the control of filling and emptying. In the case of folded inflatable bladders 8, whether fixed on a support 6 or directly to the seat base structure 4, at least one inflatable bladder chamber 9 or 10 extends substantially the entire width of the seat. the delimitation of the outer surface transversely to the dimension can be modified. By preferentially fixing the folded inflatable bladder 8 in zone 11 of its fold between the two inflatable bladder chambers 9, 10, seat, the desired point of rotation is ensured to ensure the movement of the inflatable bladder chambers 9, 10 necessary for the adaptation of the seat contour. By this method of connecting the folded inflatable bladder 8 and the seat base structure 4, here also the distance between the connecting zones of two inflatable bladder chambers 9, 35 spaced apart in a direction normal to the outer surface In this direction, which can be modified, is also smaller than the sum of the radii of the two inflatable bladder chambers 9, 10 in the substantially filled state.

  By inflating the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, the seat pad liner 5 is strongly stretched and thus cured. or elongated in an undesired manner. The foam or other type of seat padding is also strongly compressed by the pressure of the inflatable bladders, and thus also hardened. Since it is not possible in all cases to have a lining coating that can be lengthened, for example in the case of leather seats, it is necessary to have sufficient lining material to ensure that the lining It follows during inflation. This can advantageously be connected elastically with the seat, for, during the purge or deflation of the inflatable bladders, can be brought back and do not form unsightly folds. An embodiment shown in Figure 7 by way of example, is here particularly advantageous, according to which for at least the upper inflatable bladder 25 upper inflatable bladder 9, the most for all inflatable bladders 1 1 or chamber of often however 2, or c ambres 30 of inflatable bladder 9, 10, it is provided elastic 12, 13 with the base structure where appropriate also with the support 6 inflatable 1 to 3 and 8 respectively. on inflatable bladders 1, 2, a seat connection 4, bladders of this effect, 3, 8 or on extensions 12 in the form of a tongue strip, is attached an elastic element, for example coil spring 13, the other The end is preferably connected to the lower region of the seat base structure 4, or to a lower edge of the support 6, which far exceeds the lower edge of the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, 8. variant, the lower end of the seat liner 5 can also be connected to the elastic member 13. In the case of a seat construction with a support layer for the foam, which can not be lengthened, the spring 13 is advantageously connected to this support layer, so that the force of the spring 13 only acts on this support layer and no traction force or only a small traction force is transmitted to the foam and / or the lining seat 5 itself. It is thus also ensured that the liner liner 5 always follows a sufficient amount upon inflation and is again tensioned when emptying the inflatable bladders. The packing liner 5 is thus not excessively elongated and the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, 8 do not compress the seat padding excessively, so that there is no undesired curing of the seat padding. S seat surface, especially in the vicinity of the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, 8. The inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, 8 are also, when emptying, automatically removed in their initial position and can disperse undefined way in the structure, which could make a subsequent inflation more difficult and less comfortable. For this purpose, it would also be possible to provide a separate spring clamped directly between the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3, 8 and / or their support base structure of seat

  A seat, which is equipped with an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, with a better gradation of the seat contour modification and also a larger working stroke, is shown in Figures 8a and b.

  On the base structure 4 of the seat is fixed a support 6 for the arrangement of inflatable bladders, or bine this support is placed on the seat base structure 4, under the seat trim coating 5. On this support 6 are again fixed two inflatable bladders 1, 2 arranged substantially parallel to each other, according to an arrangement already mentioned above and in the geometric conditions mentioned above. In addition to these inflatable bladders 1, 2 of a first contour modification step for the seat, other additional inflatable bladders 14, 15, 16, 17 are now provided and allow further steps of the contour modification. and a greater working stroke than only two or three inflatable bladders 1, 2.

  The inflatable bladders 14 to 17 advantageously arranged in pairs, with naturally the possibility of providing for each of the pairs of inflatable bladders 14, 15 and 16, also a folded inflatable bladder as has already been mentioned above, can be inflated and deflated or purged independently of each other and also independently of the inflatable bladder arrangement 1, 2 closest to the seat. The additional inflatable bladders 14, 15 are, for arrangement inflatable bladders 1, 2 near the seat at least substantially inflated, at the outer limit of the outer surface can be modified.

  When these additional inflatable bladders 14, 15 are also at least substantially filled, the second pair of inflatable bladders 16, 17 is placed at the outer limit of the outer surface can be modified, so that it results in the adjustment gradual or stepwise evoked of the seat contour, preferably the seating length of the seat.

  Advantageously, the or each additional inflatable bladder 14, 15 and respectively 16, 17 is attached to a supporting support portion 18 for the inflatable bladders 14, 15, and support portion 19 for the inflatable bladders 16, 17, overlapping the arrangement inflatable bladders 1, 2, said support sections 18, 19 being provided on the opposite side to that which is the arrangement of inflatable bladders 1, 2 closest to the seat.

  As the seat lining coating 5 would be highly stressed by the very large possible adjustment stroke of the inflatable bladder arrangement 1, 2, 14, 15, 16, 17, or even would prevent such a large working stroke, measurements are advantageously taken to allow the seat upholstery to follow the movement. To this end, at least one elastic element, preferably a helical spring 13 or an elastic band, is again gripped between the lower edge of the seat upholstery liner 5 and the support layer which can not lie down, for the second time. foam and the actual seat liner liner, and the seat base structure 4. In an at least partially inflated condition of the inflatable bladder arrangement 1, 2, 14 to 17, this coil spring 13 keeps the liner taut seat pad 5 (as shown in Figure 8b). Advantageously, the coil spring 13 can also contribute to the purge or deflation of the inflatable bladder arrangement 1, 2, 14 to 17 and its return to the initial position shown on urea 8a, for which it is also it is possible, for example, to provide a separate spring, which can be clamped directly between the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 14 to 17 and / or their supports 6 and the seat base structure 4, as has already been mentioned in the context of FIGS. Figure 7.

  Alternatively, at least one inflatable bladder 1, 17 or inflatable bladder chamber 9 could also be connected to the material of the seat liner 5, which connection preferably takes place on the opposite edge to the one where it is located. the support connection zone 6 or the seat base structure 4. This also avoids undesired elongation of the seat upholstery coating 5 and disadvantageous compression of the seat foam in the area of the inflatable bladders, and the material of the seat liner 5 simply follows the movement when inflating or filling the inflatable bladders 1, 2 and 14 to 17. When the seat covering liner 5 is elastic, this elasticity also contributes in this embodiment. , emptying or purging the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 14 to 17 by also bringing them back to their initial position. The connection of the inflatable bladders 1, 16 or 17 to the seat lining liner 5 could for example be accomplished by welding, sewing or similarly with the fabric of the seat upholstery liner 5, a wider overflow at the welding seal being advantageously left for this purpose, during the manufacture of inflatable bladders 1, 17.

  An illustration for the pneumatic adjustment of the lateral support of the back of a vehicle seat is shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b which show a cross section of the lateral cheeks of the seat. On the seat shell or a construction formed a backrest frame 18 and a lateral support support plate 19, the support 6 of an arrangement of inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 is fixed in the area nearest the median plan of the file. This support 6 can be made of a flexible material, for example felt, but could also be formed by a substantially rigid plate, the connection zone with the lateral support plate 19 then defining a kind of hinge around which can rotate this plate. The described arrangement of the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 and their support 6 is located under the seat upholstery lining and preferably also under the seat padding 20 in this area.

  Thanks to the arrangement of inflatable bladders 2, 3, for which the spacing distance of the connection zones in the direction normal to the external surface of the side cheek of the seat, is less than the sum of the rays of these two inflatable bladders 2, 3 in the substantially filled state, the support 6 is tilted with respect to the seat base structure 18, 19, which produces the modification of the lateral contour. The upper inflatable bladder 1 can be used to form a concave surface of the lateral cheek (see FIG. 9b), which further improves the lateral support by a staple effect like effect. An appropriate high pressure and a corresponding high air flow rate in the pneumatic system make possible a very fast adjustment and also allow dynamic adaptations to rapidly changing traffic situations.

  The support 6 can, if necessary, also be made in one piece with the lateral support support plate 19. In the drawings, there is also not shown an optional elastic element, which can request the support 6 and / or the inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 towards a lateral support support plate 19 with a restoring force, which contributes to the purge or deflation of the arrangement of inflatable bladders 1, 2, 3 and makes it faster return movement. It is naturally also possible to provide, in place of individual inflatable bladders 2, 3, an inflatable bladder folded with two inflatable bladder chambers configuration according to the invention.

  In Figures 1a and 10b is shown a very stable construction and also protecting the inflatable bladder arrangement against damage. Here at least two inflatable bladders 1, 2 are provided, the connection zones of which with a housing 21 for receiving or receiving, are mutually spaced, in the normal direction, preferably with respect to the longitudinal axis of this housing 21, in a manner less important that the sum of the radii of these two inflatable bladders 1, 2 in the substantially filled state. In the fully deflated and even partially deflated state, these inflatable bladders 1, 2 are at least partially placed in a preferably spiral-shaped housing well 22, in which they are advantageously returned by an elastic member 23. When Inflatable bladders 1, 2, as shown in FIG. 5B, inflatable bladders 1, 2 come out of the casing well 22 and rest on the casing 21 which preferably is arranged with its longitudinal axis (normal to plane of the drawing) parallel to the adjustable seat area. On this occasion, the elastic element 23 is also partially pulled out of the housing shaft 22 and is stretched. This elastic member 23 is preferably connected to the upper inflatable bladder 1 u to the upper inflatable bladder chamber in the case of folded inflatable bladders. As the housing 21 provides high stability, this arrangement can particularly advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 10c and 10d, be used in the area of the side cheeks of the seat for adjustment of the lateral restraint. In this case the casing 21 is mounted parallel to the lateral contour of the seat back, under the upholstery and the upholstery coating 20, so that when inflatable bladders 1, 2 are inflated, there is a pivoting movement or tilting of the lateral cheek of the seat in the direction of the median plane of the backrest. For an appropriate contour configuration of the padding, it is here also possible to obtain a kind of stapling effect by a concave surface configuration of the lateral cheeks, as can be gleaned from Figure 10d.

  Advantageously, the inflatable bladders are attached to a support for auxiliary parts, which is adapted or adaptable to the contour of the seat, below the outer surface of the seat.

  Advantageously, inflatable bladders are provided on each side of the support, preferably an inflatable bladder on the side facing the outer surface of the seat and two inflatable bladders on the opposite side of the support.

  Advantageously, the inflatable bladders are provided at an outer limit of the seating surface of the seat, preferably in the area of the front edge of the seat.

  Advantageously, the inflatable bladders are provided at a lateral limit of the seat back, preferably in the area of the side flanges of the seat.

  Advantageously, the inflatable bladders are attached to a support fixed below the outer surface of the seat, to the seat frame or seat shell.

  Advantageously, the support is pivotally connected about an axis to the seat frame or the seat shell, and at least two inflatable bladders are provided on the opposite side of the support. Advantageously, the support is formed by a substantially rigid plate, the pivot axis being located near the median plane of the seat surface or the backrest, and at least one inflatable bladder is provided at the edge of the seat. plate, opposite to the pivot axis.

  Advantageously, at least two separate inflatable bladders which can be filled independently of each other are provided spaced from each other in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface.

  Advantageously, there is provided at least one folded inflatable bladder comprising at least two inflatable bladder chambers, the edge area of one of the inflatable bladder chambers being offset, by the hinge zone of the folded inflatable bladder, relative to at the edge region of the other inflatable bladder chamber, in a normal direction with an outer surface that can be changed.

  Advantageously, in addition to the inflatable bladders arranged substantially parallel to each other, for which the spacing distance of the adjacent inflatable bladder attachment points, in their unfilled state, is less than half of the circumference of the bladder. inflatable bladder respectively superior in the direction of. the inflatable bladder respectively lower, there is provided at least one additional inflatable bladder that can be filled independently of the inflatable bladder arrangement, the inflatable bladder being located, for an inflatable bladder arrangement filled at least predominantly, at the level of the outer limit of the seat area that can be adjusted.

  Advantageously, the additional inflatable bladder is attached to a support or support section overlapping the inflatable bladder arrangement, preferably on the opposite side to the inflatable bladder arrangement.

  Advantageously, at least two additional inflatable bladder arrangements are provided which overlap each other, the additional inflatable bladder, respectively external, being, for an inflatable bladder arrangement located below and at least substantially filled, at the outer limit of the zone. the seat can be adjusted.

  Advantageously, at least one inflatable bladder or inflatable bladder chamber extends over substantially the entire length of the seat area that can be adjusted, preferably transversely to the direction of adjustment.

  Advantageously, the area between the inflatable bladder and each inflatable bladder with the seat or support is, for a substantially emptied inflatable bladder, above its middle, in the direction normal to the adjustable surface, preferably at the upper edge. .

  Advantageously, the spacing distance of the connecting zones of at least two inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers mutually spaced in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface is, in this direction, smaller than the sum of the radii. two inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers in the substantially filled state.

  Advantageously, at least three inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers are spaced apart in a direction normal to the modifiable outer surface.

  Advantageously, an inflatable bladder is disposed at the level of the outermost edge of the adjustable area of the seat, preferably spaced from the other or each other inflatable bladder in the area of an outer boundary of the area. adjustable seat.

Advantageously, at least the inflatable bladder or upper inflatable bladder chamber is, in its region opposite to the support connection zone or the seat base structure, resiliently connected to the support or the basic structure. seat.

Claims (12)

  A system for automatically adjusting seats, including vehicle seats, in at least one seat area directed to the user by means of at least one inflatable bladder which can be filled with a fluid and is thus variable volume, characterized in that at least two inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3, 8) are provided substantially parallel to each other, the distance between the inflatable bladder attachment points (1, 2, 3; ) adjacent, in their unfilled state, being less than half of the circumference of the upper inflatable bladder respectively in the direction of the respectively lower inflatable bladder. 15   2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3; 8) are attached to a support (6) for auxiliary parts, which is adapted or adaptable to the contour of the seat, below the outer surface of the seat. System according to claim 2, characterized in that inflatable bladders are provided on each side of the support (6), preferably an inflatable bladder (1) on the side directed towards the outer surface (S) of the seat and two inflatable bladders. (2, 3) on the opposite side support.   4. A seat, in particular a seat for motor vehicles, 30 aircraft or the like, comprising a seat surface and if necessary a backrest and / or armrests and / or support e, in which at least one zone directed towards the user, may be automatically adjusted by means of at least one inflatable bladder which can be filled with a fluid and is thus of variable volume, characterized in that there are provided substantially parallel to each other, at least two inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3; the distance between the adjacent inflatable bladder attachment points 2, 3, in their unfilled state, being less than half the circumference of the upper inflatable bladder respectively towards the lower inflatable bladder, respectively.   Seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3; 8) are provided at an outer limit of the seating surface of the seat, preferably in the area of the front edge. from the seat.   Seat according to claim 4, characterized in that the inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3, 8) are provided at a lateral limit of the seat back, preferably in the area of the side flanges of the seat.   Seat according to claim 6, characterized in that the inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3;   8) are attached to a support fixed below the outer surface of the seat, to the seat frame (18, 19) or to the seat shell. 8. Seat according to claim 7, characterized in that the support (6) is pivotally connected about one axis, to the seat frame (18, or to the seat shell, and at least two inflatable bladders ( 2, are provided on the opposite side of the support   9. System or seat according to one of claims 2, 3, 7 or 8, characterized in that the support (6) is formed by a substantially rigid plate, the pivot axis located near the median plane of the surface seat or backrest, and at least one inflatable bladder being provided at the edge of the plate (2), opposite the pivot axis.   10. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least two inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3) separated and can be filled independently of each other are provided spaced apart from each other in a direction normal to the outer surface that can be changed.   11. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that there is provided at least one folded inflatable bladder (8) comprising at least two inflatable bladder chambers (9, 10), the edge of one of the inflatable bladder chambers (9, 10) being offset, by the hinge zone of the folded inflatable bladder (8), relative to the edge region of the other inflatable bladder chamber (9, 10) in a direction normal to the outer surface (S) being modifiable.   12. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in addition to the inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3) arranged substantially parallel to each other, for which the spacing distance adjacent inflatable bladder attachment points (1, 2, 3), in their unfilled state, are less than half the circumference of the inflatable bladder respectively upper direction of the respectively lower inflatable bladder, there is at least one an additional inflatable bladder which can be filled independently of the arrangement of inflatable bladders (1, 2, 3), the inflatable bladder being located, for an inflatable bladder arrangement (1, 2, 3) filled at least predominantly, with level of the outer limit of the seat area that can be adjusted. . System or seat according to claim 12, characterized in that the additional inflatable bladder is attached to a support or support section overlapping the inflatable bladder arrangement (1, 2, 3), preferably on the opposite side to the arrangement of inflatable bladders (1, 2, 14. System or seat according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that at least two additional inflatable bladder arrangements are provided which overlap each other, the outer and outer inflatable bladders, respectively, locating, for an inflatable bladder arrangement (1, 2, 3) located below and at least substantially filled, at the outer limit of the adjustable seat area 15. System or seat according to any one of any of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one inflatable bladder (1, 2, 3) or inflatable bladder chamber (9, 10) extends over substantially the entire length of the area adjustable seat, preferably transversely to the direction of adjustment. 16. The system or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the area of connection of the inflatable bladder of each inflatable bladder (1, with the seat or the support is located, for a substantially emptied inflatable bladder , above its middle, in the normal direction to the adjustable surface, preferably at the upper edge 17. The system or seat according to any one of claims 15 to 15, characterized in that the spacing distance of the zones at least two inflatable bladders (1, 2, or inflatable bladder chambers (9, mutually spaced in a normal direction to the modifiable outer surface (S)) are, in this direction, weaker than the the sum of the radii of the two inflatable bladders or inflatable bladder chambers in the substantially filled condition 18. The system or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least three bladders are provided. lables (1, 2, 3) or inflatable bladder chambers (9) mutually spaced in a normal direction with outer surfaces (S) being modifiable. 19. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that an inflatable bladder is disposed at the level of the uppermost edge of the adjustable seat area, preferably at a distance from the seat. other or each other inflatable bladder in the area of an outer limit of the adjustable seat area. 20. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that at least the inflatable bladder (1) upper inflatable bladder chamber (9) is, in its zone opposite to the connection zone to the support 6 to the seat base structure (4), resiliently connected to the support (6) or to the seat base structure (4). System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that at least one inflatable bladder (1) or inflatable bladder chamber (9) is, in its zone opposite to the support connection zone ( 6) or the seat base structure (4), connected to the upholstery lining (5) of the seat. 22. System or seat according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the inflatable bladders (1, 2) are arranged on a housing (21) oriented parallel to the adjustable seat contour, this housing (21) having a housing (22), preferably in the form of a spiral, in which the inflatable bladders (1, 2) are housed at least in a partially deflated state. 23. System or seat according to claim 22, characterized in that at least the inflatable bladder (1) or upper inflatable bladder chamber is fixed. in an elastic manner, preferably in its zone opposite to the zone of connection with the housing (21), inside the housing (21