EP1362534A1 - Support by spring mat - Google Patents

Abstract

The sprung mat (10) has spring elements (11) located side by side in a first direction and interconnected for a functional connection at right angles to the first direction. The spring elements are made of metal and are in the main arranged parallel to each other. The spring elements are helical springs at least in the initial state. The spirals of the helical springs rotate one inside the other to create the functional connection. The helical springs are plastically deformed to increase the bearing surface at right angles to the surface in which the spring mat comes to lie.

Description

The invention relates to a suspension mat, in particular for the suspension of Sitting and the like according to the preamble of claim 1.

From DE 317 362 C is a spring base for seating furniture according to the preamble of Claim 1 known. Individual spring elements are formed from spring band steel, which are then hooked into a wire frame parallel to each other under tension become. The preload as well as the separation between the spring element and support element not only increases the height of the spring base. Because the individual If there are no springs, or if they are not connected in a row, there are shifts that let you feel individual feathers when sitting. This effect will increased by the pretension of the spring elements required here. Separate Formations of spring elements are also known from DE 100 23 466 A1.

DE 24 00 992 A1 and DE 24 00 993 A1 show an upholstery that is inherently inextensible Material that maintains its elasticity via spring bridge sections. A suspension in the surface is possible because the individual elements are not stretchable, the desired point suspension does not result. The close arrangement limits the formability of the upholstery.

DE 650 903 C discloses a spring base with flat spring elements that is subjected to tension known. Due to the spring elements that are subject to tension an uncomfortable, hard impression, as a point-by-point elastic load bearing is prevented. In addition, there is no flat structure, so that a additional framework is required.

Suspension elements are sometimes made by upholstering seats and beds or the like, which have the task of the user To give the impression of a soft sitting (DD 20471). You can do this as in WO 93/03652 A or DE 198 28 254 C2 also with spring elements can be sprung or these spring elements can be foamed into the upholstery (FR 906 564 A). A space-saving low height is open Not possible due to the large number of components. Will the structure of the spring element but as in FR 10 74 160 A or FR 12 68 632 A in the third dimension continued, so are the individual loops of this plastic Spring element not individually resilient, so that an additional Cushioning must take place via a frame

DE 199 02 describes the use of a suspension mat on a vehicle seat 464 A1 is known, a plurality of flat support areas being provided, which are connected via webs provided with springs if necessary. The whole The structure must be clamped in a frame. A similar structure is over FR 27 59 649 A1, DE 883 678 C known. Feathering is only possible over a large area, so that tension in the lower area is also unavoidable. So that's the Not to give the impression of a soft sitting, since none across the surface and also no point-effective spring means are provided. (see also DE 19 16 968 U, for which there are no more images; EP 388 542 A1)).

A three-dimensional suspension mat is known from GB 1,042,112, in which the mat is made in one piece from plastic. Through the full-surface connection this mat cannot be adapted to any contours. The spring elements are also not deformable by themselves. The GB 2 055 173 A, however, is missing three-dimensional structure the flexibility across the spring element, since this suspension mat has wide, flat spring elements. (see also AT 405 481 B, DE 195 05 028 A1, DE 92 00 114 U)

In the bed area is the arrangement of spring elements perpendicular to the lying surface known in mattresses and bed frames (GB 614,272, FR 15 80 446 A). So it is known from DE 20 46 445 A individual spring bars side by side to be arranged, which are connected to each other only at the edge of the grate. This leads to additional degrees of freedom and to deflections, so that the desired The effect of a soft, flat impression disappears. From this area are also high-build solutions with at least not elastic at certain points Known spring elements such as from DE 79 29 543 U, DE 846 158 C, EP 972 470 A1, FR 955 776 A, WO 96/39906 A, DE 132 171 C, DE 132 558 C, DE 19 75 358 U, DE 20 15 659 C, DFE 344 247 C, DE 357 703 C, DE 475 144 C, GB 614 133 C, GB 917 563 C, GB 934 658 C, WO 00/11989 A.

Based on this prior art, the present invention Task based on the desired impression of a soft sitting on alternative Wise to save space.

This object is achieved by a suspension mat with the features of the claim 1 solved.

The suspension mat consists of elastic spring elements, which in any Arrangement are arranged side by side in one direction and transverse to this Direction. This means there are no other tools to create the impression of soft sitting. Is achieved like in an upholstered element with a suitable spring comfort. However, if a three-dimensional spring-elastic element is desired, the mat can also extend in the third dimension. Still can the elements are used regardless of other parts of the seat what especially when recycling the vehicle after its useful life is an advantage.

Metallic spring band steels are preferably arranged side by side and crosswise to each other by cross struts or flat connecting means connected. This makes the surface itself more flexible and therefore also three-dimensional deformable structure created in almost any three-dimensional Contours can be formed.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension mat is on a solid Document used. This solid base such as a seat shell or the like serves as a substructure for the suspension mat, but due to its Point elasticity like the previously known upholstery, on the other hand however can bounce in the smallest space.

Further advantages result from the subclaims.

Fig. 1, 2

eine Federungsmatte im Schnitt und in Draufsicht,

Fig. 3

eine Federungsmatte im Schnitt als Verbundwerkstoff,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt durch ein Federelement,

Fig. 5 - 7

eine vorzugsweise metallische Federungsmatte in einer weiteren Ausführungsform im Schnitt, in Draufsicht und in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht,

Fig. 8 - 10

eine Federungsmatte vorzugsweise aus Kunststoff in einer weiteren Ausführungsform im Schnitt, in Draufsicht und in einer dreidimensionalen Ansicht.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

1, 2

a suspension mat in section and in top view,

Fig. 3

a suspension mat on average as a composite material,

Fig. 4

a section through a spring element,

5 - 7

a preferably metallic suspension mat in a further embodiment in section, in plan view and in a three-dimensional view,

8-10

a suspension mat preferably made of plastic in a further embodiment in section, in plan view and in a three-dimensional view.

Figure 1 shows a top view of a suspension mat 10, as used in particular for suspension of seats, preferably of vehicle seats. The However, the suspension mat is not used on the seat and backrest of all kinds of seating such as office chairs, seating elements, sofas or vehicles Aircraft seats, but can e.g. also for beds or bicycle saddles be used. Basically, the mesh base is suitable for all types of use where there is an elastic, pressure point-free spring base arrives from areas.

In this mesh base spring elements 11 are arranged side by side, the transverse to their longitudinal extension, that is to the first direction to the operative connection are interconnected. The first direction is parallel to one of a usable area of the seating, bed or the like.

The spring elements are slightly upright across the usable area Spring parts 12a, 15a. The spring parts 12a, 15a are, however, with the spring elements integral sections of the spring elements 12 and consistently from these shaped. Nevertheless, the spring parts 12a, 15a are, if necessary, individual, independent elastic from each other - so to speak point elastic - deformable and this if necessary also compared to the rest of the spring element. This deformability is facilitated in that the spring parts in the initial state of the suspension mat 10 are not biased. The spring elements are transverse to their first direction essentially parallel to the surface with each other for operative connection Connection means 13,14,16 connected. Spring elements 12, 15 and connecting means 13, 14, 16 can thus already enter the room without any additional aids be trained in a way that saves money The suspension mat is preferably on a firm base such as one corresponding to the desired shape Shell used, the arrangement of the spring parts still with the user gives the impression of a normal upholstery.

The spring elements 12, 15 are preferably metallic and therefore without problems later reusable. In particular with a metallic design the mat - due to the upper material - at most flame retardant and not flammable, which is particularly important in vehicle and aircraft construction. It However, other materials can also be used, provided the desired ones elastic properties can be achieved. Basically, the spring elements can be arranged side by side in any way, if only guaranteed is that a suitable power transmission to achieve the desired Spring comfort, namely the impression of a soft sitting in the seat, guaranteed becomes. The spring elements 12, 15 are preferably essentially Arranged parallel to one another, as is also illustrated in FIG. 2.

Such a suspension mat will usually be a flat structure, however if necessary also due to the cross connection by the connecting means in the third dimension is deformable, e.g. adaptable to the contour of a seat is. However, if a three-dimensional spring-elastic element is desired, the mat can also extend in the third dimension. In this case a connection between different spring elements also in the third dimension respectively.

The figures show spring elements 12 made of spring steel with a width u. to To achieve a better spring action, the spring band steel is increased to a height of bent up in a loop. The height v of the suspension mat can be without loss the desired sitting or lying feeling reduced to less than 10mm in height become what an extremely space and also weight saving construction leads, since the suspension mat also forms the seat. They are arbitrary Heights are possible, but heights of 8 to 20 mm are preferred, preferably 10mm. These spring elements can be used to achieve an operative connection 12 can be connected to one another by a flat connecting means 13 (Fig. 3). The connecting means can be glued to the spring elements. It can on one side or on both sides of the suspension mat 10 with the spring elements 12 may be arranged. In principle, a e.g. central lanyard are in active connection on both sides with spring elements. The lanyard 13 can e.g. in the form of a braid, a layer, a mat or a film can be formed. A three-dimensional structure can also be created here by appropriate arrangement of spring elements and connecting means to reach.

Alternatively or in addition, the spring elements are also preferred elastic cross struts 14 connected to each other. This connection through cross struts 14 is particularly when using spring steel as a spring element 12 suitable. This connection facilitates compared to known spring mats a three-dimensional formability of the suspension mat 10. Basically there is the ability to adjust the spring ratios by using different material thicknesses Different hard or soft design across the seat. In other words, different spring steel strips can be placed side by side be used. This allows a specific suspension behavior can also be achieved within the area.

The spring band steel according to FIG. 1 has a different bending radius than the spring band steel in Fig. 4. This also allows the elasticity of the suspension mat influence. However, the smaller the bending radius, the better the respective one can Compress the loop, loop, rhombus or the like from spring band steel. Becomes namely a small bending radius such as chosen in Fig. 4, the bent Elements with elastic deformation to almost zero, more precisely up to about - in the exemplary embodiment three times - material thickness of the spring parts 12a compressed in the direction of loading transverse to the usable surface become. But since this is independent for each loop and depending on the load different degrees, this leads to the impression of soft, pressure-free Einsitzens. Each spring part 12a, 15a has at least four, in the exemplary embodiment 4 to 10 five bending points, of which at least four with a small Bending radius are designed to "fold" the spring parts together to reach. This structure is similar to the structure of a leaf spring, with the outer one Corner points 12b, 15b when the pressure is lowered while also lowering the upper center 12c, 15c are pressed approximately evenly outwards. The doing in the upper and lower legs of the spring parts arise compressive and tensile stresses essentially cancel each other out so that in the base area lying elements at best, even when used on a firm surface low thrust forces are transmitted.

In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 7, the suspension mat has spring elements 12 several strips of any width and length. Instead of spring steel can also use plastics or other elastic materials are preferred, although the metallic spring element becomes. The individual strips can be connected to the most diverse using the connecting means 13, 14 To be connected wisely. For the connection between the spring elements 12 and the connecting elements 14 offer e.g. a hole rivet or laser welding. The spring elements 12 can also e.g. as Plastic injection molded part. A corresponding embodiment is shown in Figs. 8-10. Raise from a base 16 the spring elements 15. A corresponding part can be injection molded or also from a plastic part - or metallic part - under plastic Deformation can be deep drawn.

In both cases, the tight and high number of support points in the direction of the "to be owned" surface a full-surface sitting feeling without noticeable pressure points in contrast to previously known spring elements or spring mattresses can be achieved. The mat adapts when loaded due to the composition from individual elements of every body shape on comparable one Waterbed.

The suspension mat 10 e.g. consisting of the spring elements 12 and the connecting means 13, 14 can be constructed as a composite material for Use in seats, especially in vehicle seats. This In turn, composite material can in turn parts of the vehicle seat such as include the padding. The composite material can also be an integral part of the vehicle seat or of parts of the vehicle seat.

The suspension mat is available in all sizes and shapes, e.g. rectangular, square, oval, round, triangular, etc. The mat can be used with defined sink depths and hardness can be produced at any point, since only a corresponding one Selection of the spring elements or their shape for these points or at these points is required. The mat is very flexible and adapts depending on All possible basic shapes. The mat does not have to do this plastically deformed, e.g. by folding, bending or the like. The mat follows any basic contour. Additional brackets and / or shaped frames can be used but are not essential, since the suspension mat can be stiffened in itself if necessary can and still the desired spring comfort through the spring parts 12a, 15a offers. The suspension mat is preferably placed on any solid surface, such as. a perforated bowl if necessary. Because of your structure it adapts to the contour, but allows due to the point elasticity a suspension like with previously known upholstery. Loses for the same reason the suspension mat does not have its outer contour under pressure because of the pressure is taken up by the shape of the individual spring elements.

Claims (14)

Suspension mat (10), in particular for the suspension of seats, beds or seating of all kinds, with spring elements (12, 15) arranged in a first direction essentially parallel to a surface that can be used by a user and with a plurality of spring parts rising transversely to the usable surface ( 12a, 15a), the spring elements being connected transversely to their first direction essentially parallel to the surface with one another for operative connection via connecting means (13, 14, 16), characterized in that the spring parts (12a, 15a) are integral parts of the spring elements Spring elements (12, 15) are and are continuously formed from them, and that the spring parts (12a, 15a) can nevertheless be deformed individually and independently of one another, independently of one another, with respect to the rest of the spring element. Suspension mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring elements (12) are interconnected by preferably elastic cross struts (14) designed as connecting means. Suspension mat according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suspension mat (10) with spring elements (12) and connecting means forms a surface with a three-dimensional design. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is arranged on a solid base (20) which preferably almost corresponds to the desired contour of the seat or the like. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring parts (12a) have such a small bending radius that the spring parts can be reduced in an elastic deformation up to approximately the material thickness of the spring parts in the direction of the load transversely to the usable surface. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring parts (12a, 15a) have the shape of a diamond standing on a point, which is formed by at least four, preferably five bending points from the spring element (12, 15) Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements (12) arranged essentially parallel to one another are metallic and preferably consist of spring band steel or at least comprise spring band steel. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements for operative connection are connected to one another by a flat connection means (13, 16) arranged on at least one side of the suspension mat (10), which is glued to the spring elements (12) or in another way Is connected in a manner and is formed by a mesh, a layer, a mat or a film. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension mat is made of plastic by injection molding or deep drawing. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension mat (10), at least consisting of the spring elements (12) and the connecting means (13, 14), forms a composite material for use in seats, in particular in vehicle seats. Suspension mat according to claim 11, characterized in that the composite material comprises further parts of the vehicle seat and / or is an integral part of the vehicle seat or of parts of the vehicle seat. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring elements (12) and spring parts (12a) are so close to one another that a flat impression results from the number of support points. Suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension mat has a height of 8 to 20mm, preferably 10mm. Vehicle seat with a suspension mat according to one of the preceding claims.

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