DE102011085686A1 - Method for manufacturing bladder fillable with fluid, particularly bladder for vehicle seats, involves forming bladder by welding plastic film to internal space defining shell of bladder and treating bladder with heat in temperature cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

The method (22) involves forming (S1) the bladder by welding a film, particularly a plastic film to an internal space defining the shell of the bladder such that the shell has a welded seam. The ladder is treated (S2) with heat in a temperature cabinet filled with air after welding. The bladder is filled with a fluid before or during treatment of the bladder with heat, where the fluid is air or water. The fluid tightness of the bladder is checked during treatment of the bladder with heat. An independent claim is included for a device for manufacturing a bladder fillable with a fluid, particularly a bladder for vehicle seats.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a fluid-filled bladder, to a device for producing such a bladder and to a corresponding bladder.

Fluid-fillable bladders are used, for example, in vehicle seats. The DE 103 55 519 A1 describes a seat system of a seat part and a backrest part, in each of which a bubble is integrated. The filling of the bubbles via a compressed air supply line from a compressed air supply with a compressed air reservoir and a compressor. The air pressure in the bubbles, which can be variably adjusted via the compressed air supply, allows for the desired comfort configuration of the seat system by creating a harder or softer seat part. Also laterally bubbles can be arranged, which are dynamically controlled, for example, during cornering. In addition, a massage function can be provided by continuously changing the filling pressures of the bubbles.

Like for example the DE 10 2005 032 549 A1 describes corresponding bubbles are usually formed by means of two plastic films, which are welded together at their edges to form a weld. However, just when the bubbles are often inflated and emptied again, the welds are subject to a not negligible stress, so that there may be leaks that require an exchange of the corresponding bladder.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a process for producing a fluid-inflatable bladder which allows the production of more robust blisters. In addition, it is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing more robust fluid-filled bladders.

These objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1 and an apparatus according to claim 9. Embodiments are given by the dependent claims.

The invention includes a method of making a fluid-inflatable bladder. Such a bladder may in particular be a bladder for vehicle seats. According to the method, the bubble is first formed by welding at least one film. The film may consist in particular of plastic. By welding, the film forms an envelope defining an interior space, the envelope having a weld seam. According to the invention, the bladder is treated after heat welding in a further process step. In the following text, heat is to be understood as meaning any temperature which deviates from the normal room temperature and is purposefully used to increase the robustness of the bubble.

Welding may result in disordered polymers and / or partially crystalline regions in the film. By treating the bladder, especially the welds of the bladder, with heat, the robustness of the bladder can be increased. For example, it may happen that the contact surfaces between the macromolecules are larger and their distances from each other less. Secondary forces can increase and waves and wrinkles on the weld can be reduced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of treating the bubble with heat in an air-filled temperature cabinet is performed. At this time, the temperature cabinet may be preheated before the bubble is introduced into it to provide a predetermined temperature.

A temperate cabinet is a particularly simple and cost-effective way to provide a predetermined heat with which the bladder can be targeted.

The heat with which the bubble is treated, for example, may have a temperature between 25 ° C and 100 ° C. Particularly advantageous results result at a temperature between 50 ° C and 70 ° C. The step of treating the bladder with heat may be for a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Especially with a heat at a temperature between 50 ° C and 70 ° C, such a period of time has proven to be advantageous.

The bladder may be filled with heat before and / or during the treatment of the bladder with heat. This fluid may in particular be air or water. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The use of other gases or liquids is conceivable. For example, it is possible to completely inflate the bubble prior to introduction into the temperature cabinet. Alternatively, inflation of the bladder can also take place only within the temperature cabinet. In addition, it is also conceivable to inflate the bubble weak before it is placed in the temperature cabinet and slowly continue to fill during the treatment with heat. For example, the fluid within the bladder may have a pressure of 400 to 500 Hectopascals above the outside pressure of the bladder.

Filling the bladder with a fluid reduces the risk of film sticking together. In addition, it can lead to a preforming of the bubble. It should be noted that the change in shape of the films during the filling of a two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional curved surface causes tensile forces. If these tensile forces are not compensated for by a corresponding expansion, then thrust forces are produced in the circumferential direction of the bubble towards the weld seam, which can lead to an increase in the filling of the formation of waves and wrinkles in the vicinity of the seam. The waves and wrinkles increase the risk, especially during a dynamic load, that the weld is overstressed and tears. By filling the bladder with a fluid and treating the bladder with heat, the change in shape of the film is facilitated. An elongation can take place correspondingly easier, so that the tensile forces decrease.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the bladder is heat-sealed during heat treatment of the bladder. That is, for example, it is ensured during the treatment of the bubble with heat that the shell of the bubble including the weld has no hole. This can be done, for example, by checking that in the filled bladder the pressure falls within an expected range, ie whether the pressure drop can be explained solely by an expansion of the bladder. By parallelizing the step of treating the bubble with heat with the step of checking the fluid tightness of the bubble, the duration of the overall manufacturing process can be shortened.

In addition to the method of manufacture, the present invention comprises an apparatus for producing a fluid-inflatable bladder, which bladder may be intended especially for vehicle seats. The device according to the invention comprises a welding device for forming the bladder by welding at least one film. This film may in particular be a plastic film. As a result of the welding, the foil forms an envelope of the bladder defining an interior, so that the shell has a weld seam. According to the invention, the device further comprises a heating device for treating the bladder after welding with heat.

This heating device may in particular be an air-filled temperature cabinet. This may be configured to allow preheating to provide a predetermined temperature. Preferably, the temperature cabinet comprises a temperature control and a device to allow the monitoring of a residence time of the bubble in the temperature cabinet.

In one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a pump for filling the bladder with a fluid. Preferably, a pressure measuring device is also provided to monitor the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. In addition, a means for checking the fluid-tightness of the bladder may be provided.

In addition to the described method and the described device, the invention comprises a fluid-fillable bladder for a vehicle seat which has been produced by the method according to the invention and / or with the aid of a device according to the invention.

It should be noted that features of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some features represent an embodiment of a device and other features of one embodiment of a method. Unless otherwise indicated, device feature features described with respect to the method and features described with respect to the device may be combined with method features.

In the following, further details and advantages of embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the figures.

Show

1a a schematic representation of an embodiment of a bladder according to the invention in a plan view;

1b a sectional view of the bubble 1a ;

2a an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

2 B an embodiment of a heating device of a device according to the invention;

3a an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

3b an embodiment of the step forming the bubble by welding and

3c an embodiment of the step treating the bladder with heat.

In the following description, the same and equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated, are given the same reference numerals.

The 1a and 1b illustrate an embodiment of a bladder for a vehicle seat according to the invention. Such bubbles allow, for example, a comfortable adjustment of the seat in the static and dynamic range. The static adjustment can serve the permanent adaptation of the seat geometry to the user. Dynamic functions are used, for example, for massage functions and for the continuous adaptation of the seat to the driving situation.

As the 1a and 1b clarify, there is the bubble shown 1 from a first slide 2 and a second foil 3 , Between these two slides 2 . 3 there is a hose 4 over which the bubble 1 can be filled with a fluid. To seal the bladder 1 has this one weld 5 on. Through this weld 5 will be out of the slides 2 and 3 a fluid-tight envelope, which is an interior space 6 Are defined.

The slides 2 and 3 be through the weld in the area of the weld 5 weakened. Without the inventively provided treatment of the bubble after welding with heat, it can very easily come through the mechanical stress during the filling process, especially in dynamic applications, to breaks in the film in the region of the weld. The break is usually from the inside outwards perpendicular to the main load direction.

The 2a shows an embodiment of an inventive device for producing a fluid-fillable bladder. The device shown 7 includes a welding device 8th for forming the bladder by welding at least one film to an envelope of the bladder defining an interior and a heating means 9 for treating the bubble after welding with heat.

An embodiment of the heating device 9 is in 2 B shown in more detail. This includes a temperature cabinet 10 , which is a heating device 11 , for example in the form of a heating coil, and a temperature measuring device 12 having. The heating device 11 is about a control 13 , such as a switch, to a power supply 14 connected.

In the temperature cupboard, a bubble of the invention 1 be placed. About her hose 4 she will with a pneumatic clutch 15 connected. This pneumatic coupling 15 allowed the bubble 1 to fill with a fluid. To minimize the escape of heat, the temperature cabinet points 10 Preferably, a door, not shown, which can be opened and closed, so that the temperature cabinet 10 if the door is closed, provides a closed heat room.

For generating compressed air has the heating device shown 9 a pneumatic pump 16 on. This pumps air into a compressed air tank 17 when its pressure falls below a certain threshold. The compressed air tank 17 supplies the pneumatic coupling 15 via a pressure control valve 18 and a shut-off valve 19 with compressed air.

The pressure control valve 18 Ensures that regardless of the pressure present on its input side on its output side, a certain outlet pressure of, for example, 400 to 500 hectopascals above atmospheric pressure is not exceeded. The pressure control valve 18 is doing via a control device 20 regulated. This control device 20 is also with the temperature measuring device 12 and the control 13 connected to the temperature in the temperature cabinet 10 to regulate. In addition, the control device controls 20 the shut-off valve 19 , For example, the control device 20 the shut-off valve 19 close when the door of the temperature cabinet 10 is opened, and the shut-off valve 19 open when this door is locked. In this way it could be ensured that no additional compressed air in the direction of the bubble 1 flows when the door of the temperature cabinet 10 is open, causing a replacement of the bladder 1 becomes easier. Alternatively, the control device could 20 a sudden pressure drop on the outlet side of the pressure control valve 18 notice that by removing the hose 4 from the pneumatic coupling 15 is caused, in this case, the shut-off valve 19 Close and open again at the press of a button of the user.

The control device 20 is still with a clock 21 connected. This can be started, for example, when the door of the temperature cabinet 10 is closed. After the lapse of a certain period of time, the controller 20 emit an optical or audible signal to the user to signal that the bladder treatment is complete with heat and the bladder exits the temperature cabinet 10 can be removed.

Particularly good results with a high degree of efficiency are achieved when the bubble is in the temperature cabinet for 10 to 15 minutes 10 is placed, which has a temperature of 50 to 70 ° C, and the bubble with air at a pressure from 400 to 500 hectopascals above the outside pressure of the bladder.

3a shows an embodiment 22 a method according to the invention. In a first step S1 becomes a bubble 1 by welding at least one foil 2 . 3 , in particular a film made of plastic, formed. The at least one slide 2 . 3 is welded in such a way that the film has an interior 6 Are defined. The film serves as a kind of shell, which is a weld 5 having. In a second step S2, the bubble 1 treated with heat after welding.

The 3b illustrates an embodiment of step S1 3a , First, in step S11, two sheets are formed 2 . 3 provided. A first of the two slides 3 becomes the welder in step S12 8th placed. In step S13 then becomes a hose 4 at a predetermined location on the first slides 3 arranged and then in step S14, a second film 2 on the first slide 3 placed. The two films are then welded together in step S15 in such a way that at the edge of the films a weld 5 arises.

3c shows an embodiment of step S2 3a , In step 21 First, the temperature cabinet is opened, which has already been preheated to a temperature of, for example 60 ° C. Subsequently, the bubble formed in step S1 becomes 1 in the temperature cabinet 10 put into it (step S22). In step S23, the hose becomes 4 the bubble 1 to the pneumatic coupling 15 connected. Then the door of the Temperatechrankes 10 closed again (step S24). The control device 20 the device notices that the door of the temperature cabinet 10 is closed again and opens the shut-off valve 19 so the bubble 1 in step S25 is inflated at a pressure of, for example, 400 to 500 hectopascals above atmospheric pressure. At the same time a clock 21 started (step S26). During the treatment of the bladder 1 in the temperature cabinet 10 checks the control device 20 with the help of the pressure regulating valve 18 whether the bubble 1 is leaking (step S27). This can be determined, for example, due to an unexpectedly high pressure loss.

After, for example, 15 minutes is the heat treatment of the bubble 1 completed and it will be issued in step S28 an audible signal. An operator opens the door of the temperature cabinet 10 (Step S29) and disconnects the hose 4 the bubble 1 from the pneumatic coupling 15 (Step S30). Then the operator removes the temperature cabinet 10 the bubble 1 (Step S31). Now the operator can step to 22 return and the next bubble in the temperature cabinet 10 insert it in order to carry out the corresponding heat treatment also at this.

By the method according to the invention, the robustness of the bladder can be increased. Specifically, this can mean that significantly more filling cycles are achieved and the service life is considerably extended. In addition, functions can be implemented, such as Massage that is subject to a high risk of failure without a preconditioning of the bladder by the described treatment with heat.

The description of the figures is purely illustrative and not restrictive. Many changes can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 bladder

2

 first slide

3

 second foil

4

 tube

5

 Weld

6

 inner space

7

 Embodiment of a device according to the invention

8th

 welding equipment

9

 heater

10

 temperature cabinet

11

 heating coil

12

 Temperature measuring device

13

 control

14

 power supply

15

 pneumatic clutch

16

 pneumatic pump

17

 Air receiver

18

 Pressure control valve

19

 shut-off valve

20

 control device

21

 Clock

22

 Embodiment of a method according to the invention

S1

 Forming the bubble by welding at least one foil

S11

 Provide two slides

S12

 Insert the first foil into the welding device

S13

 Arrange a tube on the first slide

S14

 Arrange the second slide on the first slide

S15

 Welding the films on the edge

S2

 Treat the bladder with heat

S21

 Opening the preheated temperature cabinet

S22

 Inserting the bubble in the temperature cabinet

S23

 Connecting the hose to the pneumatic coupling

S24

 Closing the door

S25

 Inflating the bladder

S26

 Start the clock

S27

 Check the fluid tightness of the bladder

S28

 Output an acoustic signal

S29

 Opening the door of the temperature cabinet

S30

 Disconnect the hose from the pneumatic coupling

S31

 Remove the bladder

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10355519 A1 [0002]
• DE 102005032549 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Procedure ( 22 ) for the preparation of a fluid-filled bladder ( 1 ), in particular a bladder for vehicle seats, comprising the steps of - forming the bladder (S1) by welding at least one film ( 2 . 3 ), in particular a plastic film, to an interior space ( 6 ) defining envelope of the bladder ( 1 ) such that the envelope is a weld ( 5 ), and - treating the bubble after welding with heat (S2). The method of claim 1, wherein the step of treating the bubble with heat (S2) in an air-filled temperature cabinet ( 10 ) is performed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat has a temperature between 25 and 100 degrees Celsius, in particular a temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Celsius. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of treating the bubble with heat (S2) has a time of 10 to 15 minutes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bubble ( 1 ) is filled with a fluid before and / or during the treatment of the bladder with heat (S25). The method of claim 5, wherein the fluid is air or water. A method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the fluid has a pressure of 400 to 500 hectopascals above the external pressure of the bladder ( 1 ) having. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of checking the fluid-tightness of the bladder (S27) during the treatment of the bladder with heat. Contraption ( 7 ) for the preparation of a fluid-filled bladder ( 1 ), in particular a bladder for vehicle seats, the device comprising - a welding device ( 8th ) for forming the bubble ( 1 ) by welding at least one film ( 2 . 3 ), in particular a plastic film, to an interior space ( 6 ) defining envelope of the bladder ( 1 ) such that the envelope is a weld ( 5 ), and - a heating device ( 9 ) for treating the bladder ( 1 ) after welding with heat. Bladder ( 1 ) for a vehicle seat that can be filled with a fluid, wherein the bladder has been produced by a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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