Patent Application
20130097777
1. Field
This application relates generally to climate control, and more specifically, to climate control of a seat assembly.
2. Description of the Related Art
Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, suites of offices or other rooms and/or the like. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for a seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, a vehicle exposed to the summer weather (e.g., where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time) can cause one or more of the vehicle seats to become hot and generally uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after first entering and beginning to use the vehicle. This may be the case even if the vehicle's air conditioning system (e.g., automotive HVAC) is being operated. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, the seat occupant's back and other pressure points may remain uncomfortably hot and/or sweaty. Under cold conditions, it may be desirable to relatively quickly warm a seat portion, especially where the vehicle's heating system is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as quickly.
For such reasons, there have been provided various types of individualized climate control systems for vehicle seats (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,114,771 and 6,869,139). Such climate control systems typically include a distribution system comprising a combination of channels and passages formed in the cushion of the seat. Climate conditioned air is supplied to these channels and passages by a climate control device. The climate conditioned air flows through the channels and passages to cool or heat the space adjacent the surface of the vehicle seat.
There are, however, problems that have been experienced with existing climate control systems for seat assemblies. For example, the distribution system can be difficult to install and/or require a large number of components that results in increased steps during assembly. In addition, many of the existing control systems for seat assemblies include relatively thick profiles that tend to interfere with the manufacture of the assembly and/or decrease an occupant's comfort level. With the increased popularity of climate controlled vehicle seats, car manufacturers are increasingly looking for climate control systems that can be installed more easily and for systems that can provide the comparable performance at a lower cost.
According to some embodiments of the present application, a climate control assembly for a seat includes a cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. In addition, the climate control system includes one or more fluid passages extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion and a recessed area along the first side of the cushion. In one embodiment, the recessed area is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The assembly further comprises a spacer positioned within the recessed area. The spacer can be at least partially fluid permeable and configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. In some arrangements, the recessed area occupies at least about half of a surface area of the first side of the cushion.
In some embodiments, the recessed area is configured to further receive a scrim which includes at least one opening through which fluids may pass. In one arrangement, the scrim comprises a plurality of openings. In other embodiments, the scrim comprises a single opening having an area generally greater than one-half of the total area of the scrim. In one embodiment, the scrim comprises one or more padding layers configured to generally enhance the comfort to a seated occupant. In yet other arrangements, the recessed area includes a bottom surface and at least one side surface. In one embodiment, the recessed area includes at least one film layer to cover at least of the bottom surface and the side surfaces. In another embodiment, the film layer comprises an air permeability that is lower than an air permeability of the spacer.
In some arrangements, the film layer is attached to the spacer. In yet other embodiments, the recessed area comprises a generally rectangular shape, another polygonal shape, a circular or other curved shape, an irregular shape and/or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid passage is configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid module. In some configurations, the fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device. In other arrangements, the fluid module further comprises a thermoelectric device configured to selectively heat or cool a fluid. In some arrangements, the climate control assembly additionally comprises an occupant sensing device configured to detect when an occupant is seated within the seat.
In one embodiment, the assembly further comprises a resistive heater (e.g., a heating mat) and/or another type of heating element of device. In some arrangements, the heating element is generally positioned between the bottom surface of the recessed area and an exterior surface of the seat. In other embodiments, the heating element is generally integrated with the spacer or is permanently or removably attached to it. In some embodiments, the heating element comprises a plurality of slots or other openings, which are configured to permit a fluid to pass therethrough.
In some arrangements, the climate control assembly is configured to be positioned within an automobile seat, another type of vehicle seat, a bed, a sofa, a chair and/or the like. In one embodiment, the first side of the cushion comprises at least one pocket which is in fluid communication with the recessed area. The pocket is configured to deliver a volume of fluid to a targeted region of the cushion (e.g., legs, thighs, lower back, neck, shoulders, etc.). In some arrangements, the pockets are coextensive with the recessed area. In another embodiment, the spacer comprises a unitary member that is shaped and sized to fit within both the recessed area and the pocket. In other arrangements, the pocket is separate from the recessed area. In yet other embodiments, the pocket and the recessed area are in fluid communication using a channel formed on the first side of the cushion. In still another configuration, the pocket and the recessed area are in fluid communication using a channel formed on the second side of the cushion. In one embodiment, the pocket and the recessed area are in fluid communication using a conduit positioned within the cushion, generally between the first and second sides of the cushion.
In some arrangements, the fluid module is configured to deliver fluid through the fluid passage in a direction generally from the first side to the second side of the cushion. However, in other embodiments, the fluid module is configured to deliver fluid through the fluid passage in a direction generally from the second side to the first side of the cushion. In still other embodiments, the climate control assembly additionally comprises a second fluid module and a second fluid passage, such that the second fluid module is further configured to deliver fluid through the second fluid passage in a direction generally from the second side to the first side of the cushion. In some arrangements, the spacer comprises a spacer fabric, member or the like. In other embodiments, the fluid passage is configured to be selectively placed in fluid communication with a vehicle's or a building's air conditioning system (e.g., HVAC system).
According to some embodiments, a climate controlled seat assembly includes a cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. The seat assembly further comprises one or more fluid passages extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion and a recessed area along the first side of the cushion, the recessed area being in fluid communication with the fluid passage. In addition, the seat assembly includes a spacer positioned within the recessed area, the spacer being at least partially fluid permeable and being configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. In some embodiments, the recessed area comprises a depth between 5 and 15 mm. In other arrangements, the depth of the recessed area can be greater than 15 mm or smaller than 5 mm.
According to some arrangements, a climate controlled seat comprises a cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. The seat further includes one or more fluid passages generally extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion, a recessed area along the first side of the cushion and a spacer positioned within the recessed area, the spacer being at least partially fluid permeable and being configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. The recessed is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. In some arrangements, the recessed area comprises a width to depth ratio between 8 and 40. However, in other arrangements, the width to depth ratio is greater than 40 or less than 8.
Accordingly, one aspect of the present inventions comprises a seat portion and/or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprising a recessed area or wide groove along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer fabric that helps maintains the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. The spacer fabric can be generally air and fluid permeable. In addition, a scrim layer can be positioned over the spacer fabric to help direct and/or distribute air or other fluid to an exterior surface of the seating assembly. The recessed area can also be configured to receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, heating devices and/or the like. Thus, air or other fluid can be delivered into the recessed area of a seat or backrest portion of a seating assembly, and subsequently delivered through the spacer fabric and scrim layer towards an occupant. In some embodiments, the air or fluid is conditioned (e.g., heated or cooled) prior to entering the recessed area.
Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate controlled assembly having a cushion with an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. The assembly further comprises one or more fluid passages extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion and a recessed area along the first side of the cushion. The recessed area being in fluid communication with the fluid passage. The assembly further includes a spacer fabric positioned within the recessed area, the spacer fabric being at least partially fluid permeable and being configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. The recessed area occupies at least about half of a surface area of the first side of the cushion.
According to another embodiment, the recessed area is configured to further receive a scrim layer that comprises one or more openings. The scrim layer being configured to distribute fluid through the openings. In other embodiments, the scrim layer comprises a plurality of openings or just a single opening.
In some embodiments, the recessed area includes a bottom surface and at least one side surface, the recessed area comprising at least one substantially fluid impermeable film layer to cover at least of the bottom surface and the side surfaces. In one embodiment, the film layer is attached to the spacer fabric. In another embodiment, the recessed area comprises a generally rectangular shape.
According to some embodiments, the climate controlled assembly further comprises at least one covering layer. In other embodiments, the fluid passage is configured for attachment to a fluid module. In one embodiment, the fluid module comprises a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier device). In yet other embodiments, the climate controlled assembly further comprises an occupant sensing device and/or a heat mat or other heating device.
In some embodiments, the heat mat is positioned between the bottom surface of the recessed area and an exterior surface of the assembly. In other embodiments, the assembly comprises an automobile seat, a chair, a bed and/or the like.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follow, when considered together with the attached drawings and claims.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present devices, systems and methods are described in detail below with reference to drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present inventions. The drawings contain thirty-one (31) figures. It is to be understood that the attached drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts of the present inventions and may not be to scale.
This application is generally directed to a climate control system for a seating assembly. The climate control system and the various systems and features associated with it are described in the context of an automotive seating assembly or other seat for a vehicle because they have particular utility in this context. However, the climate control system and the methods described herein, as well as their various systems and features, can be used in other contexts as well, such as, for example, but without limitation, trains, planes, motorcycles, buses, other vehicles, wheelchairs, sofas, task chairs, office chairs, other types of chairs, beds and/or the like. However, for convenience, the climate control system is described herein with specific reference to an automotive seat assembly.
In accordance with some embodiments, a seat portion or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprises a recessed area or wide groove region along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer, spacer member or module (e.g., spacer fabric) that helps to maintain the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. The terms, “spacer,” “spacer material,” “spacer fabric” and “spacer module” are broad terms and may be used interchangeably herein. In some arrangements, the spacer is generally air permeable or substantially air permeable. In addition, a scrim, scrim member or layer can be positioned over the spacer to help direct and/or distribute air or other fluid to one or more portions (e.g., an exterior surface) of the seating assembly. In certain arrangements, the recessed area can also receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, temperature sensors, comfort layers or members, heating devices and/or the like. Air or other fluid can be delivered into the recessed area of a seat bottom and/or seat back (or backrest) portion of a seating assembly, and subsequently delivered through the spacer and scrim towards an occupant. In some embodiments, the air or fluid is conditioned (e.g., heated or cooled) prior to entering the recessed area.
Advantageously, the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein can help simplify the design of seat assemblies that comprise climate control features. This can help reduce the cost and time associated with the manufacturing, assembly and/or other activities associated with providing and operating such assemblies. In addition, the embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein can help enhance the comfort level of the occupant.
In addition, the embodiments disclosed herein that include spacer assemblies generally positioned within corresponding recessed areas of a seat assembly can improve the packaging for thin foam or high pressure regions of the seat. In addition, such embodiments can help reduce the likelihood of collapse of recessed areas, channels or other conveyance regions formed within a climate controlled seating assembly. Further, such arrangements can help reduce manufacturing, assembly, operating and/or other costs. For example, the simplified design of such arrangements can help reduce the complexity of a system and/or reduce the number of components that are necessary. As discussed, the comfort to occupants may also be enhanced, as there is a more balanced pressure distribution of fluid exiting a surface of a seat bottom portion and/or a seat back portion. In addition, the embodiments described and illustrated herein can provide more uniform thermal conditioning and thermal distribution.
When an occupant sits in the seat assembly 30, the occupant's seat is located on a top surface 46 of the seat portion 32 and the occupant's back contacts a front surface 48 of the backrest portion 34. The backrest 34 and the seat portion cooperate to support the occupant in a sitting position. It will be appreciated that the seat assembly 30 can be configured and sized to accommodate occupants of various size and weight. In addition, while the back rest and seat portions 34, 32 are shown as separate components in other arrangements they can be integrally formed or divided into subcomponents.
In the illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly 30 is similar to a standard automotive seat. However, as discussed herein, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly 30 described herein may also be used in a variety of other applications and environments. For example, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly 30 may be adapted for use in other vehicles, such as, for example, airplanes, boats, wheelchairs and/or the like. Further, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly 30 may also be adapted for use in stationary environments, such as, for example, a chair, a sofa, a stool, a theater seat, an office seat (e.g., a chair that is used in a place of business and/or residence) and/or the like. In addition, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly 30 can be adapted for use in devices that do not support a person in a seated position, such as, for example, a bed.
With continued reference to the embodiments illustrated in
As shown, the backrest 34 is generally formed by a cushion 72, which may be covered with a covering material (not shown), such as, for example, upholstery, vinyl, leather and/or any other suitable material. Typically, the cushion 72 can be supported on a frame or support member 74. In some embodiments, springs (not shown) may be positioned between the frame 74 and the cushion 72. The frame 74 can provide the seat assembly 30 with structural support, while the cushion 72 can provide a soft seating surface. The covering material, in turn, can provide an aesthetic appearance and/or a soft feel to the surface of the seat assembly 30. In some embodiments, the cushion 72 also has a rear side 73, which is generally opposite the front side 48 of the cushion 72 and adjacent to the frame 74.
The cushion 72 can comprise an automotive seat cushion foam (e.g., closed cell foam, open cell foam, combinations thereof, etc.) or other types of materials with suitable characteristics for providing support to an occupant. Such materials include, but are not limited to, closed or open-celled foam.
According to some embodiments, a climate controlled seat assembly includes a cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. The seat assembly further comprises one or more fluid passages extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion and a recessed area along the first side of the cushion, the recessed area being in fluid communication with the fluid passage. In addition, the seat assembly includes a spacer positioned within the recessed area, the spacer being at least partially fluid permeable and being configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. In some embodiments, the recessed area comprises a depth between 5 and 15 mm. In other arrangements, the depth of the recessed area can be greater than 15 mm or smaller than 5 mm.
According to some arrangements, a climate controlled seat comprises a cushion having an outer surface comprising a first side for supporting an occupant and a second side, the first side and the second side facing generally in opposite directions. The seat further includes one or more fluid passages generally extending from the first side to the second side of the cushion, a recessed area along the first side of the cushion and a spacer positioned within the recessed area, the spacer being at least partially fluid permeable and being configured to substantially retain the spatial integrity of the recessed area. The recessed is in fluid communication with the fluid passage. In some arrangements, the recessed area comprises a width to depth ratio between 8 and 40. However, in other arrangements, the width to depth ratio is greater than 40 or less than 8.
In other embodiments, however, the recessed area 100 can have a different shape, size, dimensions, spacing, location, depth and/or any other characteristics. For example, the recessed area 100 can have a generally circular, oval, triangular, other polygonal, irregular or any other shape. Moreover, the recessed area 100 can cover approximately half or less than half of the total top surface area of the seat portion 32. For example, in some embodiments, the recessed area 100 encompasses approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50% or ranges between such values of the top surface area of the seat portion 32.
In some embodiments, a seat portion 32 can comprise two or more recessed areas 100 along its top surface 46. It will be appreciated that the size, shape, spacing, locations and other characteristics of such recessed areas 100 can vary, as desired or required by a particular application.
As illustrated in
In addition, the length, width and/or other dimensions of the recessed area 100 can vary as desired or required by a particular application. In one embodiment, the recessed area 100 comprises a width approximately between 140 mm (5.5 in) and 180 mm (7.0 in). For example, in one embodiment, the width of the recessed area is approximately 160 mm (6.3 in). Likewise, the length of the recessed area 100 can also vary. In some embodiments, the length of the recessed area 100 is approximately equal to its width. However, the length of the recessed area 100 can be greater or less than its width. The length and width can be based on one or more factors, such as, for example, the overall size of the seating assembly, the desired maximum and minimum fluid flow toward an occupant, the types and thicknesses of layers (e.g., covering materials) positioned on the seating assembly, whether the seating assembly includes a heating pad and/or the like.
In some embodiments, the length, width, depth, shape and/or other characteristics of the recessed area 100 can depend on the size, dimensions, shape and other properties of the one or more seat inserts to be positioned within the recessed area 100. The dimensions of the recessed area 100 can be selected, at least in part, by the location, number, shape, size and/or other details of the conditioning zones positioned within the seating assembly. For example, the recessed area 100, and thus, the corresponding inserts, spacers and/or other items positioned therein, may extend to or near the front of the seat portion (e.g., to deliver air or other fluid near the occupants thigh or leg region).
In some embodiments, a seat portion and/or seat back portion of a seating assembly can include one, two, three or more different recessed areas 100. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in
For simplicity, the features and components of the various embodiments of the climate control systems disclosed herein are illustrated and discussed only with respect to the seat portion 32 of a seat assembly 30. However, it will be appreciated that such features and components can be incorporated into the seat back or backrest portion 34 of the seat assembly 30, either in lieu of or in addition to the seat portion 32.
In some embodiments, the recessed areas 100 can be created by removing (e.g., cutting) material from the top surface of the seat portion 32 and/or backrest portion 34. Alternatively, the seat portion 32 and/or backrest portion 34 can be manufactured with the recessed areas 100 already formed therein. For example, in some arrangements, the foam material of the seat portion 32 can be molded (e.g., injection molded, compression molded, etc.) or otherwise formed to include one or more recessed areas 100 extending across its top surface 46.
With continued reference to
With continued reference to
With continued reference to
As illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the scrim layer 112 is manufactured from one or more materials that prevent or reduce air permeability through it. Thus, air or other fluid can pass across the scrim layer 112 generally only through openings 114. The openings 114 are preferably configured to distribute air or other fluid to the exterior surface of the seat and/or the backrest portions 32, 34 in a desired manner. The scrim layer 112 can be advantageously sized to match the dimensions of the recessed area 100. This can help prevent air or other fluid from escaping the recessed area 100 along the edges of the scrim layer 112. However, the area of the scrim layer 112 can be smaller than the area of the recessed area 100. In some embodiments, a recessed area 100 can include two or more different scrim layers 112.
The use of a scrim layer 112, as well as a spacer fabric 108 and any other layers can help prevent read-through. For example, the recessed areas 100 and any materials placed therein can be preferably sized, shaped and otherwise configured to provide a smooth, continuous feel to an occupant. Thus, in some embodiments, the spacer fabric 108 and/or the scrim layer 112 can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to snugly fit within the recessed areas of a seat assembly. This can help provide desired transitions between the different materials and layers used in a climate-controlled seat assembly. In addition, the firmness, density, overall feel and other characteristics of the various components of the seat assembly, such as, for example, the scrim layer, the spacer fabric, other items positioned within a recessed area, the adjacent materials of the cushion and/or the like, can be advantageously selected to prevent read-through and enhance an occupant's comfort level when seated on the seating assembly.
The scrim layer 112 can be fluid permeable, impermeable or substantially impermeable, as desired or required by a particular application. In some embodiments, the scrim layer 112 comprises a relatively thick impermeable or substantially impermeable layer, such as, for example, foam, other polymeric material and/or the like. Alternatively, the scrim layer 112 can include a relatively thin layer of polymeric, fabric, foam and/or other material.
According to some embodiments, the scrim layer 112 and the adjacent spacer fabric can be joined to each other prior to insertion into the recessed area 100. Alternatively, the scrim layer 112 can be integrated into a covering fabric or other material that is placed along the exterior of the recessed area 100 and the seat portion 32. However, as discussed in greater detail herein with respect to other embodiments, the scrim layer and/or spacer fabric 108 can comprise a different configuration, as desired or required.
With continued reference to
According to some embodiments, the film layer 104 is configured to completely or partially prevent air or other fluids from passing through it. The film layer 104 can be manufactured from one or more flexible or non-flexible materials, such as, for example, plastic, other polymeric or synthetic materials and/or the like. Thus, when placed within the recessed area 100, the film layer 104 helps prevent or reduce the passage of air or other fluid through the bottom surface 102. This can help increase the volume of air or other fluid that is transferred to the exterior surfaces of the seating assembly 30 and reduce any undesirable fluid losses.
In some embodiments, one or more film layers 104 can be used to cover both the bottom and side surface of the recessed area 100. Such an optional film layer 104 can be included as a part of the foam assembly (e.g., an exterior and/or interior surface of the cushion into which the recessed area is formed). For example, a film layer 104 can be applied to the foam assembly as a spray, coating, film and/or the like. Alternatively, the film layer 104 can be formed with or joined to the spacer fabric 108. In still other embodiments, the film layer 104 can be a separate member that may or may not be joined to any other portion or component of the seating assembly 30.
It will be appreciated that one or more film layers can be used with any of the embodiments illustrated and/or discussed herein or equivalents thereof. As discussed, the film layer can help reduce or prevent fluid losses in undesirable directions (e.g., through the bottom or sides of the foam assembly), and thus, may help increase the fluid flow directed toward an occupant.
In certain embodiments, the spacer fabric 108, the scrim layer 112 and/or the film layer 104 are configured to completely fill the recessed area 100 when positioned therein. Thus, the top surface 46 of the cushion can be relatively smooth. After the spacer fabric 108, the scrim layer 112 and/or the film layer 104 have been positioned within the recessed area 100, one or more layers of fabric or other covering material can be placed on the outside of the seat portion 32. As discussed, such a covering material can provide an aesthetic appearance and/or a soft feel to the surface of the seat assembly 30. In addition, the covering material can hide the recessed area 100 and the various components placed therein.
Likewise, as illustrated in
As with other embodiments discussed and illustrated herein, each of the scrim layers 112A, 112B in
In other embodiments, regardless of the number of recessed areas a particular seating assembly comprises, the scrim layer 112 is generally permeable or porous. Thus, a scrim layer 112 can be configured to allow air or other fluid to flow across it, generally toward an occupant, either in lieu of or in addition to having a plurality of larger openings 114.
The use of two or more recessed areas 100A, 100B in a seat assembly can facilitate the delivery of fluids (e.g., heated or cooled air) to more targeted locations of the seating assembly. For example, it may be desirable to target the regions of the seat portion and/or the seat back portion with which an occupant is likely to make contact.
As discussed, the fluid module 200 can be configured to direct either ambient or thermally conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.) air or other fluids to a top surface 48 of the seat portion 32 and/or backrest portion 34 of the seat assembly 30. Specifically, the climate control system can be configured to provide conditioned air that is either heated or cooled relative to the temperature of the exterior surfaces of the seating assembly 30. In other embodiments, unconditioned fluid (e.g., ambient air) is directed to the exterior surfaces of the seating assembly 30 to provide a cooling effect.
In other embodiments, the fluid module 200 is configured to provide ambient (e.g., unconditioned) air to one or more exterior surfaces of the seating assembly 30. Thus, the fluid module 200 can be used to simply ventilate the seating assembly 30. In other embodiments, a user can selectively control whether to provide unconditioned or conditioned air to the seating assembly 30. Further, a seating assembly 30 can be advantageously configured to permit a user to selectively control the temperature, flowrate and/or other properties of the air or fluid delivered by the fluid module 200.
With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in
Further, as schematically illustrated in
The fluid module 200 described herein represents only one exemplary embodiment of a device that may be used to condition air or other fluid supplied to the downstream distribution system 202. Alternatively, differently configured fluid modules may be used to provide conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid to one or more portions of the seating assembly. Other examples of fluid modules that may be used are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,223,539, 6,119,463, 5,524,439 or 5,626,021, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Another example of such a fluid module is currently sold under the trademark Micro-Thermal Module™ by Amerigon, Inc. In another example, the fluid module comprises a fluid transfer device without a thermoelectric device for thermally conditioning the air. In such embodiments, the fluid transfer device can be used to remove or supply air to the distribution system 202. In yet other embodiments, the fluid module 200 is configured to share one or more components (e.g., fluid transfer devices, thermoelectric devices, etc.) with a vehicle's general climate control system (e.g., a vehicle's HVAC system). In one arrangement, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device that delivers air to a heating element (e.g., a resistive element) that is positioned along the flow path between the fluid module 200 and the recess 100. In one mode of operation, the heating element is activated along with the fluid module 200 to selectively heat air being delivered to the occupant. In a second mode, the fluid module 200 can be operated alone to provide a cooling function as unheated air is supplied to the occupant.
With continued reference to the schematic illustration of
After the air or other fluid passes through the spacer fabric 108, it may encounter a scrim layer 112. As discussed, the air or other fluid can pass across the scrim layer 112 through one or more openings 114. Air or other fluid conveyed through the openings 114 of the scrim layer 112 may be distributed through one or more covering layers toward the seat occupant.
As discussed with reference to
In
Such a window-style scrim layer 112b with a relatively large interior opening 114b can allow for a distributed conditioned zone to be created along the corresponding exterior surface of the seat portion 32 and/or backrest portion 34 of the seating assembly 30. Thus, in such embodiments, the scrim layer 112b can help mask the transition between the foam or other material surrounding the recessed area 100 and the spacer fabric 108 positioned underneath the scrim layer 112b.
In other embodiments, the openings 114b in the scrim layer 112b can be differently configured than illustrated in
With reference to
With reference to the embodiment illustrated in
As discussed with respect to other embodiments, the spacer fabric 410 can be configured to maintain the integrity of the recessed area 400 when forces are exerted on the seat assembly 430. In some embodiments, the spacer fabric 410 is air permeable or substantially air permeable to permit air or other fluids entering the recessed area 400 to pass through it. Thus, ambient, heated, cooled and/or otherwise conditioned air or other fluid can be advantageously directed toward the top surface of the 446 of the seat portion 432. It will be appreciated that a similar fluid distribution system can be included in the backrest portion 434 of the seating assembly 430, either in lieu of or in addition to the seat portion 432.
In some embodiments, as illustrated in
With continued reference to
Another embodiment of a climate controlled seating assembly 530 is illustrated in
The heat mat 512 can include flexible electrical heating elements that can be generally thin, flat, and/or otherwise non-obtrusive. For example, the heat mat 512 can comprise a lay-wire heater, a carbon fiber heater, a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) heater, a thermoelectric heater or the like, which can be supported a backing substrate (e.g., a cloth or fabric type backing) may form the heat mat 512. In other embodiments, a heat layer is integrated with the spacer fabric using one or more attachment methods. For example, the heat layer and the spacer fabric can be joined using adhesives, mechanical bonding, melt bonding, clips, other fasteners, interlacing and/or any other connection method or device. In other embodiments, a heat layer and a spacer fabric can be joined by passing or otherwise arranging the strands or other portions of a heater (e.g., wire heater, carbon fiber heater, PTC, etc.) through the spacer fabric. In some embodiments, one or more strands of a conductive heating wire can be weaved or otherwise integrated or incorporated directly into a spacer fabric material.
In
The seat assembly illustrated in
With continued reference to
In other embodiments, the film layer 604, spacer fabric 608, scrim layer 612, heat layer, comfort layer and/or other layers can be sized, shaped or otherwise configured to fit within the entire recessed area 600, including one or more pockets 602A, 602B that a recessed area 600 may include. For example, in
In some embodiments, a seating assembly includes more or fewer conditioning or ventilation pockets than illustrated and discussed herein. In addition, such pockets can be positioned in one or more other areas of a seat portion and/or a seat back portion of a seating assembly. For example, a seat back portion can include pockets that extend the conditioning (e.g., heating, cooling, etc.) and/or ventilation zones toward an occupant's neck or shoulders. As discussed and illustrated herein, the layers that fit within the recessed area having such pockets can be a single unitary member or may comprise two or more separate portions.
Such pockets 602A, 602B, 702A, 702B can help expand the areas of a seating assembly to which conditioned and/or unconditioned air is delivered. Consequently, a user's comfort level can be enhanced without having to use larger recessed areas throughout the seat portion and/or seat back portion of a seating assembly. In some embodiments, the seat assembly can be configured to permit an occupant to selectively control which and to what extent (e.g., temperature, flowrate, etc.) pockets are activated at any particular time.
In other embodiments, a seat portion and/or seat back portion includes one or more conditioning or ventilation pockets that are not in fluid communication with a main recessed area. For example, such pockets can include their own inlets for receiving air or other fluid from one or more fluid transfer devices. In one embodiment, a pocket includes its own inlet and is in fluid communication with a main recessed area. Thus, a user can selectively regulate the level of conditioning and/or ventilation to a particular region of the seating assembly by controlling the flowrate, temperature and/or other characteristics of the fluid entering the pocket via the pocket's own inlet.
In other embodiments, one or more conditioning and/or ventilation pockets are not coextensive or non-continuous with a main recessed area. Thus, such pockets can be placed in fluid communication with a main recessed area, or with each other, using one more fluid channels or conduits. For example, a pocket situated near the thigh region of the seat portion or the neck region of the seat back portion can be completely separate from the main recessed area. In order to deliver conditioned and/or unconditioned (e.g., ambient air) to such pockets, a fluid channel or other conduit (e.g., tubing, passageway, etc.) can be positioned within the cushion or other portion of the seating assembly. In other embodiments, one or more pockets are in fluid communication with a recessed area using channels or other conduits positioned within the cushion of and/or on the back side of the seat portion and/or the seat back portion. Alternatively, the pockets can comprise their own inlets which are in fluid communication with one or more fluid modules or fluid transfer devices.
In still other embodiments, one or more regions of the seating assembly are targeted for additional or supplemental conditioning or ventilation by incorporating other types of the fluid delivery and distribution systems into the seat portion and/or seat back portion. For example, air or other fluids can be delivered into one or more fluid channels or recessed areas incorporated into the back side of the seat portion and/or the seat back portion. Such channels or recessed areas can include a plurality of orifices and/or one or more air permeable surfaces to permit the air or other fluid to be transferred to the front side of the seating assembly, generally in the direction of a seated occupant. Such channels or recessed areas on the back surfaces of the seat portion and/or seat back portions can be sized, shaped, located, oriented and/or otherwise adapted to target specific portions of an occupant's body (e.g., thigh, lower back, neck, other contact surfaces, etc.).
With reference to the cross-sectional view of
Accordingly, air or other fluid may be selectively transferred through the holes 840 of the seat bottom portion 832, without the need for a spacer (e.g., spacer fabric or other material) or the like. As discussed, the fluid module 850 can be configured to deliver fluid toward (e.g., in a direction generally represented by arrow 854) and/or away from the top of the seat assembly. The holes 840 or other openings can be created when the corresponding portion of the seat assembly is being formed (e.g., using injection molding or other forming techniques). Alternatively, the holes 840 can be formed after the seat bottom portion or the seat back portion has been manufactured (e.g., by removing material from the cushion).
In some arrangements, one or more spacer assemblies (e.g., spacer material or fabric), films, scrims, comfort layers and/or any other members can be positioned within the holes 840. In addition, it will be appreciated that a seating assembly can include such a climate control system in the seat back portion, either in addition to or in lieu of the seat bottom portion 832. Further, a seat bottom portion 832 and/or a seat back portion can include two, three or more such climate control assemblies.
In the embodiment illustrated in
A fluid module (not shown) can be positioned within the spacer module 920 (e.g., underneath the recessed area 924 of the base portion 922). Thus, ambient and/or conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, etc.) air or other fluid can be delivered to or removed from the spacer material 930 through the holes 928 or other openings. Alternatively, the holes 928 or other openings can be in fluid communication with a fluid module (e.g., blower, fan, other fluid transfer device, etc.) that is not positioned within the spacer module 920. For example, the spacer module 920 can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid module located on the rear side of a seat back portion or underneath the seat bottom portion. The spacer module 920 illustrated in
A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a climate controlled seat assembly is illustrated in
With continued reference to
However, as illustrated in
With continued reference to
As illustrated in
The recessed areas 1140, 1160 are preferably positioned at or near the middle of the seat bottom portion 1132 and/or the seat back portion 1134. For example, in one embodiment, the recessed area 1160 of the upper portion 1134 is generally located at least 15 mm away from each of the adjacent, vertically-oriented trenches 1137. However, in other embodiments, the recessed area 1160 and the enclosure 1170 positioned therein are within 15 mm of one or more trenches 1137 or other members. The shape, size, location, orientation and/or other details of the recessed areas 1140, 1160 and/or the enclosures 1150, 1170 can vary.
In other embodiments, as illustrated in
It will be appreciated that in any of the embodiments of a climate controlled assembly disclosed herein, such as, for example those illustrated in
With respect to the various embodiments discussed and illustrated herein, one or more scrim layers can be integrated into a different subsystem or component. For example, a scrim layer can be attached to or otherwise joined with a heating member (e.g., heat mat or pad, etc.), an occupant sensing pad and/or the like. Further, a sensing pad, heat mat and/or other member included in the seating assembly can be configured to be activated either automatically or manually. In yet another embodiment, a heat mat or pad can be configured to act as a scrim layer. For example, as illustrated in
According to some embodiments, a heat mat, pad or other heating device can be advantageously configured to allow for generally even distribution of heat to one or more exterior surfaces of a seating assembly. Further, such a heat mat can be configured to permit conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid being delivered into the recessed area to pass around the mat without the need for openings or other channels though the mat.
Further, with respect to the various embodiments discussed and illustrated herein, the scrim layer in combination with a spacer fabric can help provide balance and consistent feel to an occupant positioned on the seating assembly. This can help alleviate any comfort concerns resulting from sitting on or against uneven surfaces having transitions and other contour changes.
In some embodiments, regardless of the exact arrangement utilized, two or more of the components placed within the recessed area of a seat portion and/or a backrest portion can be joined to each other. For example, a spacer fabric can be attached to a scrim layer, a breathable fabric layer, a covering layer and/or the like.
To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments, words such as upward, upper, downward, lower, vertical, horizontal, upstream, and downstream have and used above to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the illustrated embodiments can be located and oriented in a variety of desired positions.
Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application No. 12/167,190, filed Jul. 2, 2008, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/947,605, filed Jul. 2, 2007, the entireties of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60947605 | Jul 2007 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12167190 | Jul 2008 | US |
| Child | 13652189 | US |
