Fluid fillable, variable volume chamber

0001The invention relates to a fluidbefüllbaren, volumsveränderlichen body consisting , Connected from two superposed with each other along the peripheral edge, preferably welded films, preferably made of plastic material which slides moreover form a hinge region, along which hinge region display slides Formation of two at least partially overlying portions of the inflatable Body are folded, and said through the slides at least one possibly the hinge area crossing through connecting channel between the two partial regions of the inflatable is the body formed.

0002Such a body is, for example, as a support cushion for a motor vehicle seat in DE 203 07 633 U1 revealed. The support pillow described consists of two cushion elements, which are connected at the edge of a common hinge and use come at least partially overlap. Here, the hinge through which the Cushion elements forming films to be formed, according to one embodiment described a fluid connection between the two cushion elements by the hinge or may be provided by a connecting channel formed by film regions is that in addition to the hinge connecting the two cushion elements.

0003In the area of ​​the hinge and / or a similarly bent with a small radius separate connecting channel is formed in the outer foil a tensile stress, while in the inner film compressive stress is built up. This has the consequence that the films are pressed with a relatively high force to each other. The connecting channel sets thus the overflow of fluid a high resistance to what is particularly filled or discharged through a single fluid port, but also to compensate between the two cushion elements a very negative effect. Only from a certain internal pressure , the pressing force of the films to be overcome, but then carried out a relatively faster, almost shock-like fluid replacement instead. A complete emptying of the body however, it is almost impossible, because below a certain residual pressure resistance of the connecting channel can no longer be overcome. Proper Function is thus not guaranteed in such cases.

0004It was therefore an object of the present invention, a body of the above-stated to design type such that the spill resistance between the partial regions the body as possible is reduced and a simple and soft fluid exchange ensures safe even at low pressure difference between these subregions.

0005To achieve this object, the body being characterized in that in the course of the connecting duct an element is provided at least, which is also in the films deaerated condition of the body over at least part of the width of the connecting channel spaced stops. Thus, the fluid connection between the partial regions of the body is always kept open, even with strong a bent or kinked hinge or separate Connecting channel. Such a trained body has a soft pressure equalization and fluid communication between its sub-areas, and also allows for filling and emptying means alone a fluid connection a soft and uniform filling and the complete emptying.

0006According to an advantageous embodiment of the body according to the invention is further characterized in that the connecting passage to the side of the compound at Films resulting weld bead is limited, which weld beads spaced between the films maintained at least in the immediate vicinity. Thus, already easily the soft during the production of the body and its constituent parts Fluid communication can be ensured at any time.

0007For film materials in which only slightly pronounced weld beads are formed, it can be ensured by special manufacturing steps that the weld beads thick are formed as for secure connection of the superimposed foils necessary is.

0008To even more cross-sections in the connecting channel for the fluid exchange to keep open, it can be provided according to a further advantageous embodiment, that between the connecting channel laterally limiting weld beads more weld beads are provided substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel.

0009In the event that because of the materials used and / or production processes no weld bead is formed, is in accordance with another embodiment of the invention the inflatable body in the connecting channel at least a spacer element used to the connection channel in every state of the body for the exchange of fluid to keep open between the subregions.

0010Here, the spacer element by a between the connecting channel forming film sections inserted additional piece of film with longitudinally the connecting channel extending slots or grooves may be formed along which Edges the foils of each other kept apart, thus ensuring the fluid exchange is. For the production and stability of the spacer element, a compound be mutually the slot or groove walls advantageous.

0011A similar effect as provided in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel Weld bead is given for an inventive spacer element by a portion extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel, narrow Body is formed.

0012Alternatively, also in accordance with another feature of the invention, at least one Spacer element to be used in fluid-permeable material in the connecting channel. Conceivable examples of elements using foam elements of porous Materials, preferably plastics, or inserted between the films tissue or knitted fabric.

0013According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, that one of the body bounding films, preferably with folding of the body outer film, at least in the region of the connecting channel has a greater width than the opposing film, and to form the or each connecting channel one or more bulges formed. As an additional element, the opposite here the narrower film excess width of the wider film are considered. This Width difference causes the buckling or bending of the connecting portion the films are no longer pressed together. It may for training coming from waves in the wider film, in which case a plurality of adjacent, always open remaining connecting channels are formed. The formation of bulges or waves in the wider film can by arrangements in tool Production of the body are favored.

0014Advantageously, the waving of the wider film in the case as an additional its feature provided that additional between each two of several bulges are provided weld beads. These favor the keeping open of the parallel connecting channels, by keeping the films in the vicinity of the weld beads spaced.

0015In the following description, the invention is based on the accompanying in Drawings exemplary embodiments illustrated in more detail.

0016Fig. 1 shows a support pillow for a vehicle seat, consisting of a folded Double foil blister, as example of a fluidbefüllbaren body, Fig. 2 is a Representation of the film bubble of Fig. 1 in aufgefaltetem state, FIG. 3 shows a detail of a curved connecting channel between two portions of a body similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, Fig. 4 illustrates a detail of a connecting channel in aufgefaltetem state, FIG. 5 is a representation of the communication passage of Fig. 4 in the curved state, similarly to the Fig. 3, and Figs. 6a and 6b show cross-sections in the region of the connecting channel for a Another embodiment of the body according to the invention.

0017Fig. 1 shows a fluidbefüllbaren invention volumsveränderlichen K body, such as a Lordoseblase or similar support cushion for installation in vehicle seats, which body K of two superposed each other along the peripheral connected edge, preferably welded films, preferably made of plastic material, consists. By folding along a hinge region 1 form the two films superposed portions 2, 3 of the inflatable body K are folded, and wherein through the slides at least one possibly the hinge area 1 crossing through connecting channel 4 formed between the two sub-areas 2, 3 of the inflatable body K is. In addition to the hinge region 1 can further tabs 5, the location of the sections 2, 3 fix to today. Via a fluid supply terminal 6, preferably for compressed air, If the upper portion 2 and further via the connecting conduit 4 and the lower Portion 3 of the body supplied and drained as well.

0018The compound of the superposed sheets of the body K is shown in Example by welding to form a circumferential weld bead 7 accomplished which also the connecting channel 4 bounded laterally. This weld bead 7 is the displacement of the material of the films formed.

0019In the position of the field K shown in FIG. 1, the connecting channel 4 is strongly curved, so due to the tension in the outer film and the compressive stress in the inner foil these are pressed with a relatively high force to each other. In the area of ​​the weld beads 7 on the edge of the connecting channel 4 increases with education the bead 7 the distance between the sheets to each other, and these films are directly these adjacent bead 7 and therefore over at least a part of the width of the connecting channel 4 also kept spaced from each other, whereby the cross-sectional areas 8 of the connecting channel 4 in kinked or sharply curved State to be kept open. This also the fluid connection between the partial regions 2, 3 of the body K always kept open.

0020To enhance this effect, may provide the weld beads 7 thicker be formed, as it is necessary for the secure connection of the superimposed foils is. This can be accomplished by suitable mold, by pressure between the two foils to be joined during the welding operation and some pronounced tool contour just before the weld edge, so that the films here to open Cross-sectional area 8 can form the connecting channel. 4

0021At most, where parallel to the peripheral weld beads 7 more substantially provided weld seam substantially in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel 4 be.

0022In Figs. 4 and 5 another embodiment is shown, where in the connecting channel 4 a piece of film 9 is used as a spacer. This spacer element 9 is inserted between the body K forming films and can be conveniently Way be fixed. The film piece 9 has in the longitudinal direction of the connecting channel 4 extending slots 10 for improving the flowability through the connecting channel 4.

0023In Fig. 6a, a construction is shown schematically in cross-section illustrated in which at the folding of the body (K) outer foil has a greater width than the lower film. This effect can by different material width from the start or also be caused by being pushed together during the welding operation. The broader film forms at least one arch 11 and thus forms the held open even when bending of the connecting portion of the sections 2, 3 of the body K Connecting channel. 4

0024The training of several bulges 11 or shafts is possible, as the Example of FIG. 6b shows. Between these several bulges 11 along the width delimited by weld beads 7 connecting region thus formed more parallel connecting channels 4a. Advantageously, for fixing the bulges 11 as well as for safe keep the connection open channels 4a between two be provided bulges 11 additional weld beads 7a.