Abstract:
A pneumatic seat device, in particular a pneumatic seat device for aircraft, includes at least one pneumatic unit and first and second computer units, whereby an advantageous division of tasks and/or functions within the pneumatic seat device among the individual computing units can be achieved. Primarily, it is thereby possible to obtain effective and fast data processing with use of the two computing units and, consequently, fast control and/or regulation of the pneumatic seat device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a PCT National Stage of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2006/010829, filed on Nov. 11, 2006, and claims priority to and incorporates by reference German Patent Application No. 10 2006 004 071.6, filed on Jan. 28, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to seat devices, and particularly to a pneumatic seat device. 
         [0003]    Pneumatic seat devices having a pneumatic unit and a computing unit are already known. These pneumatic seat devices usually comprise a central sensor unit which is coupled to the computing unit and is provided for pressure detection in the entire pneumatic seat device, which requires long supply lines and results in a long reaction time of the pneumatic seat device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Accordingly, it is one object, in particular, to provide a pneumatic seat device having fast and effective data processing. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, the invention according to various embodiments is based on a pneumatic seat device, in particular a pneumatic seat device for aircraft, comprising at least one pneumatic unit and at least one first computing unit. 
         [0006]    It is proposed that the pneumatic seat device has at least one second computing unit, whereby an advantageous division of tasks and/or functions within the pneumatic seat device among the individual computing units can be achieved. Primarily, it is thereby possible to obtain effective and fast data processing with use of the two computing units and, consequently, fast control and/or regulation of the pneumatic seat device. In this case, a “computing unit” should be understood to mean an evaluation unit, a supervisory unit, a control unit and/or a regulating unit, wherein a computing unit can be formed either by a processor alone or, in particular, by a processor and further electronic components, such as memory means. 
         [0007]    It is furthermore proposed that the first and the second computing units are arranged in distributed fashion. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the first and the second computing units are arranged in different pneumatic units, whereby fast regulation and/or control of the individual pneumatic units by the separate computing units can be achieved. In this case, “arranged in distributed fashion” should be understood to mean that the two computing units are arranged, in particular, at a distance from one another and/or in differing housing units. 
         [0008]    A further configuration provides for the pneumatic seat device to comprise a data network, whereby a flexible and fast data transfer within the pneumatic seat device can be achieved. Particularly advantageously, it is possible to configure the data transfer by means of a data bus, since the latter enables a simultaneous data transfer in different directions. A “data network” should be understood to mean a device provided for the internetworking of at least two units. 
         [0009]    It is particularly advantageous if the data transfer comprises at least one data unit provided for wireless reception and/or for wireless transmission of data, whereby a flexible data transfer, primarily over relatively large distances, can be obtained and simple mounting of the pneumatic seat device can be achieved. A “wireless” transfer of data should be understood primarily to mean a transfer by means of radio signals or a transfer of signals using electromagnetic waves, in particular by means of infrared signals. 
         [0010]    It is furthermore proposed that the first and the second computing unit are provided for data exchange via the data network. This arrangement enables a fast and direct data exchange between the individual computing units, such that the tasks and/or functions of the individual computing units can particularly advantageously be coordinated with one another. 
         [0011]    The pneumatic seat device advantageously has at least one central computing unit, whereby an expedient division of the tasks among the individual computing units can be achieved. A “central” computing unit should be understood to mean a computing unit which is essentially provided for superordinate tasks concerning the entire system. In particular, in this context a central computing unit is assigned tasks such as, for example, the coordination of individual decentralized computing units with respect to one another. It is particularly advantageous if the central computing unit has a central memory unit, whereby further components, structural space, weight, mounting outlay and costs, in particular in the further computing units, can be saved. 
         [0012]    Moreover, it is advantageous if the pneumatic seat is provided with at least two memory units, thereby enabling the computing units to access the memory units rapidly and flexibly, particularly if the memory units are arranged in distributed fashion, in a manner assigned respectively to a computing unit. 
         [0013]    A further configuration includes a pneumatic seat device, in particular a pneumatic seat device for aircraft, comprising at least one pneumatic unit and at least one first functional unit for performing a first task, wherein the pneumatic seat device has at least one further functional unit for performing a second task and being able to perform the first task at least in part. An advantageous reliability of a pneumatic seat device can thereby be achieved in that specific functions are subjected to double supervision and/or regulation and/or in that in the event of the failure of one functional unit, the function thereof can be undertaken by the other functional unit. By way of example, the two functional units can be formed by pumps within the pneumatic seat device, whereby the failure of one pump can be compensated for by a second pump and an increased functional reliably can thus be ensured. 
         [0014]    It is particularly advantageous if the first functional unit and the further functional unit are formed by computing units, whereby mutual supervision of the individual computing units can be achieved. Moreover, the tasks and/or functions of one computing unit can also be undertaken and performed by a second computing unit. This ensures the functionality of the pneumatic seat device even in the event of disturbances or failure of a computing unit. 
         [0015]    A first and at least one second functional unit are advantageously formed by sensor units, whereby a particularly efficient and redundant sensing of monitoring variables within the pneumatic seat device can be achieved. Thus, by way of example, in the case where a disturbance of a sensor unit is present, this can be identified and the tasks of this sensor unit can be undertaken by a second sensor unit. The sensor units can furthermore advantageously be arranged in distributed fashion, that is to say, in particular, at a distance from one another and/or in different housing units, with the result that particularly short reaction times can be realized. 
         [0016]    It is furthermore proposed that the pneumatic seat device has at least one sensor unit for pressure sensing. A central and/or decentralized pressure supervision of the pneumatic seat device can be achieved by means of this sensor unit together with the computing unit. Furthermore, a fast and targeted pressure equalization between individual air chambers can advantageously be achieved. 
         [0017]    In a further configuration, within a seat device comprising a pneumatic seat device and comprising a first and at least one second seat unit, the first functional unit is assigned to the first seat unit and the further functional unit is assigned to the second seat unit. A “seat unit” should be understood to mean a unit assigned respectively to a seat. By means of this arrangement it is possible to achieve an increased reliability in a row of seats comprising a plurality of seat units, since the functional units within the pneumatic seat device can undertake the tasks of structurally identical or functionally identical functional units in the event of disturbances or failure of a functional unit. This is particularly advantageous in seat devices in aircraft, with the result that a high degree of comfort can always be ensured, particularly in the case of long flight times. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0018]    Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawing in  FIG. 1  which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually as well and combine them to form practical further combinations. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic pneumatic seat device or an aircraft pneumatic seat device of an aircraft seat, which device comprises a central computing unit  14 , a pump  30  and three pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 . The central computing unit  14  has a central memory unit  24  and a processor (not illustrated in more specific detail here). The data exchange between the central computing unit  14 , the pump  30  and the three pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  is effected via a data network equipped with a data bus  16 . Moreover, the central computing unit  14 , the pump  30  and the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  are equipped with a respective data unit  18 . 1 ,  18 . 2 ,  18 . 3 ,  20 ,  42 , which are provided for wireless reception and/or for wireless transfer of signals or data between the individual pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , the central computing unit  14  and the pump  30 . Thus, in the event of failure or disturbance of the data network via the data bus  16  it is possible to configure the data exchange by means of radio signals, such that an efficient and reliable data transfer between the individual units of the pneumatic seat device is ensured at any time during operation of the pneumatic seat device. Instead of a data bus  16  or a data unit  18 . 1 ,  18 . 2 ,  18 . 3 ,  20 ,  42  for data exchange by means of radio signals, further configurations of the data network that appear practical to the person skilled in the art are possible depending on the arrangement of the pneumatic seat device. Moreover, the pneumatic seat device has a transfer unit  32  formed by a compressed air line, which transfer unit enables there to be transfer of air between the pump  30  and the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  and also among the individual pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 . 
         [0020]    The individual pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  are arranged separately from one another and respectively have a dedicated decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  and a pneumatic cushion  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  with integrated sensor unit  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  26 . 3 . The decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  is provided for controlling and/or regulating the pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  having the respective computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 . The number of pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  within a pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  can be adapted in a variable manner to the seat requirements within the pneumatic seat device. 
         [0021]    The decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  respectively comprise a decentralized memory unit  22 . 1 ,  22 . 2 ,  22 . 3  and a decentralized processor (not illustrated in more specific detail here). The data bus enables not only the exchange of data of the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  with the central computing unit  14  but also the exchange of data of the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  among one another, such that a fast and flexible data exchange always takes place during operation of the pneumatic seat device. Connected to the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  are respectively a valve unit  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3 , and a further sensor unit  28 . 1 ,  28 . 2 ,  28 . 3 , which are provided for fast regulation—independent of the central computing unit  14 —of the pressure conditions in the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3 . 
         [0022]    The pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  each comprise two air chambers  38 ,  40  which can be inflated with air or evacuated separately from one another. In this case, the number of air chambers  38 ,  40  within a pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  can be configured in variable fashion and be adapted to the seat requirements. Within the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , by means of the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 1 ,  28 . 2 ,  28 . 3  in combination with the decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  and the valve units  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3 , fast decentralized pressure regulation in the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  or in the air chambers  38 ,  40  is achieved in that air can be exchanged between in the individual air chambers  38 ,  40  via the transfer unit  32 . Moreover, the pneumatic seat device is designed in such a way that between the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , too, pressure regulation is possible in that air can be exchanged between the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  of the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  via the transfer unit  32 . In this case, a fast local pressure monitoring in the individual pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  takes place by means of the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 1 ,  28 . 2 ,  28 . 3  together with the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 . In this case, the pressure regulation between the individual pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  is regulated by the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 , which always obtain information about the pressure conditions of all the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  of the pneumatic seat device through the data bus  16 . Moreover, by means of the central computing unit  14 , too, the pressure and the air supply and/or air evacuation in the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  can be regulated and, associated with this, it is possible to obtain supervision of the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  by the central computing unit  14  since the latter constantly exchanges data with all the units of the pneumatic seat device likewise by means of the data bus  16 . 
         [0023]    The individual valve units  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3  are additionally coupled in each case to the three pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  by the transfer unit  32 , formed by a compressed air line, and have six valve elements (not illustrated in more specific detail here) in a manner corresponding to the number of air chambers  38 ,  40  present in the pneumatic seat device. By means of the valve unit  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3 , which is controlled and/or regulated by the decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 , it is thus possible to achieve the air supply and/or air evacuation of all the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  of a pneumatic seat device and to ensure an associated functional reliability of the pneumatic seat device. Moreover, by means of the data exchange via the data bus  16  between the individual decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  by way of example, the failure of the valve unit  36 . 1  can be detected and the function of said valve unit can be undertaken by one of the two further valve units  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3  by virtue of the valve unit receiving the requisite regulating and/or control signals from the computing units  12 . 1 . This ensures regulated air supply or air evacuation of the respective pneumatic cushion  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  in the event of the failure of one of the valve units  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3 . 
         [0024]    The double allocation of a pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  with the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  28 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  28 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 3  provides mutual, redundant supervision of the pressure conditions in the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3 . Moreover, by way of example, in the event of the failure of the sensor unit  26 . 1 , the pressure supervision can furthermore be ensured by means of the sensor unit  28 . 1  of the pneumatic unit  10 . 1  in that the computing unit  12 . 1  identifies this on the basis of the signals obtained from the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  28 . 1  and, for pressure supervision, then resorts only to the signals of the sensor unit  28 . 1 . Furthermore, each decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  is provided for driving all the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  28 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  28 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 3  and valve units  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  36 . 3  of the pneumatic seat device via the data bus  16 . By means of the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 1 ,  28 . 2 ,  28 . 3 , redundant pressure monitoring is provided between the individual pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  in that the pressure in the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  of the entire pneumatic seat device can be monitored by means of the sensor units  26 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 1 ,  28 . 2 ,  28 . 3  of a pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , such that even in the event of the failure of both sensor units  26 . 1 ,  28 . 1 ,  26 . 2 ,  28 . 2 ,  26 . 3 ,  28 . 3  associated with a pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , the functionality of the pneumatic unit  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3  can be maintained. 
         [0025]    In addition, it is possible for the tasks of the individual decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  to be undertaken by another decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 . Thus, by way of example, the decentralized computing units  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  can undertake the tasks and functions of the decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 , such that an increased and efficient functional reliability can be achieved within the pneumatic seat device. 
         [0026]    The pneumatic seat device is part of a seat device comprising a plurality of substantially corresponding pneumatic seat devices. The seat device comprises a plurality of seat units formed by individual seats and has the central computing unit  14  and the central pump  30 . Each seat unit (not illustrated in more specific detail in  FIG. 1 ) comprises one of the pneumatic units  10 . 1 ,  10 . 2 ,  10 . 3 , wherein the pneumatic cushions  34 . 1 ,  34 . 2 ,  34 . 3  are arranged in the region of a backrest and/or a seat base. The seat unit is operated by means of an input medium (not illustrated in more specific detail), for example an operating element, which is connected to the central computing unit  14  and the decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 , coupled to the respective seat unit, via the data network. Consequently, in the event of the failure of a decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 , the regulation of the seat units of a seat device can furthermore be ensured in that the central computing unit  14  undertakes the tasks and functions of the decentralized computing unit  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3 . Furthermore, the decentralized computing units  12 . 1 ,  12 . 2 ,  12 . 3  are provided for performing the tasks of the central computing unit  14  if the latter should fail.