U.S. patent application number 10/973947 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for apparatus for providing fluid through a vehicle seat.
Invention is credited to Hanh Dong, John Lofy, David Marquette.
Application Number | 20060087160 10/973947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205560 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060087160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dong; Hanh ; et al. |
April 27, 2006 |
Apparatus for providing fluid through a vehicle seat
Abstract
A seat assembly comprises a seat cushion having an outer surface
comprising a front side for supporting an occupant in a sitting
position and a rear side. A base member is positioned on the rear
side of the seat cushion. An adjustable lumbar support device is
provided on the rear side of the seat cushion. A first passage
extends through the seat cushion. A ventilation system is provided
for distributing air from the first passage along the support
surface of the seat cushion. A climate control apparatus is
provided for providing climate conditioned air to the ventilation
system. A flexible conduit connects the climate control apparatus
to the ventilation system.
Inventors: |
Dong; Hanh; (Pomona, CA)
; Lofy; John; (Claremont, CA) ; Marquette;
David; (Farmington Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
36205560 |
Appl. No.: |
10/973947 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/180.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5692 20130101;
A47C 7/72 20130101; B60N 2/5635 20130101; B60N 2/6673 20150401;
B60N 2/66 20130101; B60N 2/6671 20150401; A47C 7/74 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/180.13 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/72 20060101
A47C007/72 |
Claims
1. A conduit for placing a climate control device in fluid
communication with a fluid passage in a cushion, the conduit
comprising: a flexible body, a first port at a first end of the
body, the first port configured to cooperate with an outlet port of
the climate control device; and a second port at a second end of
the body, the second port configured to cooperate with a rear side
of the cushion.
2. The conduit as in claim 1, wherein the body is made of an
elastomer.
3. The conduit as in claim 2, wherein at least one of the first
port and the second port is made of plastic.
4. The conduit as in claim 3, wherein both of the first port and
the second port are made of plastic.
5. The conduit as in claim 1, wherein the body has a bellow-type
configuration comprising a plurality of folds.
6. The conduit as in claim 1, wherein the second port is configured
to be attached to the rear side of the cushion.
7. The conduit of claim 6, wherein the second end of the body
includes a flange that surrounds the second port.
8. The conduit as in claim 7, wherein the flange is configured to
fit within a recess formed on the rear side of the automotive
seat.
9. The conduit as in claim 1, wherein the first end is directly
coupled to the climate control device.
10. The conduit as in claim 1, wherein the first port is configured
to mate with the outlet port of the climate control device.
11. A climate controlled seat assembly, comprising: a seat cushion
having an outer surface comprising a front side for supporting an
occupant in a sitting position and a rear side, the rear side and
the front side generally facing in opposite directions; a base
member positioned on the rear side of the seat cushion; an
adjustable support device capable of moving a portion of the seat
cushion between at least a first position in which the portion of
the seat cushion is located a first distance from the base member
and a second position in which the portion of the seat cushion is
located a second distance from the base member, the second distance
being greater than the first distance; a passage extending through
the seat cushion, the passage communicating with an opening on the
rear side of the portion of the seat cushion; and a conduit
extending from the passage and through at least a portion of the
adjustable support device.
12. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 11 additionally
comprising a ventilation system for distributing air from the
passage along the support surface of the seat cushion.
13. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 11 additionally
comprising a fluid system to supply or withdraw fluid from the
passage, the fluid system being positioned generally on a rear side
of the adjustable support device.
14. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 13, wherein the
conduit includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the
conduit being coupled to the an outlet port of the fluid
system.
15. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 14, wherein the
fluid system is coupled to the base member.
16. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the
adjustable support device includes a support member configured to
push against the rear side of the seat cushion, the support device
defining an opening through which the conduit extends.
17. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 11, wherein the
fluid system comprises a heat transfer device.
18. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the
heat transfer device comprises a Peltier Circuit.
19. A climate controlled seat assembly, comprising: a seat cushion
having a front side, a rear side and an outer surface comprising
support surface for supporting an occupant in a sitting position,
the support surface being located generally on the front side of
the seat cushion; an adjustable support device capable of moving a
lumbar portion of the cushion between at least a first position in
which the lumbar portion of the support surface protrudes a first
distance towards the occupant and a second position in which the
lumbar portion protrudes a second distance towards the occupant,
the second distance being greater than the first distance; a fluid
system for delivering or drawing air; an air passage extending
through at least part of the lumbar portion of the cushion; and a
flexible conduit in fluid communication with the air passage and
having a first end coupled to a component of the fluid system and a
second end coupled to the lumbar portion, the component of the
fluid system being substantially stationary with respect to the
lumbar portion of the cushion.
20. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 19 additionally
comprising a distribution system for distributing air along the
support surface of the seat cushion, the distribution system
communicating with the air passage.
21. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 19, wherein the
fluid system comprises a heat transfer device.
22. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 21, wherein the
component that is substantially stationary with respect to the
lumbar portion of the cushion is the heat transfer device.
23. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 19, wherein the
second end of the flexible conduit is coupled to a rear side of the
seat cushion.
24. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 23, wherein the
second end of the flexible conduit includes a flange configured to
be attached to a rear side of the seat cushion.
25. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 24, wherein the
rear side of the seat cushion includes a recess configured to
receive the flange.
26. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 19, wherein the
conduit is formed at least in part from rubber.
27. The climate controlled seat assembly of claim 19, wherein the
conduit has a bellow-type configuration comprising a plurality of
folds.
28. A climate controlled seat assembly, comprising: a seat cushion
having an outer surface comprising a front side for supporting an
occupant in a sitting position and a rear side, the rear side and
the front side generally facing in opposite directions; a passage
extending through the seat cushion, the passage communicating with
an opening on the rear side of the seat cushion; a fluid system for
delivering or drawing air to the passage; and means for providing a
flexible fluid connection between the fluid system and the
passage.
29. A climate controlled cushion comprising: an outer surface
having a first side for supporting at least a portion of an
occupant and a second side, the second side and the first side
generally facing in opposite directions; a passage extending at
least partially through the cushion, the passage communicating with
an opening on the second side of the seat cushion; a fluid system
for delivering or expelling air to the passage; and a conduit
coupling the fluid system with the passage, the conduit being
expandable in length.
30. The climate controlled cushion of claim 29, wherein the conduit
is configured to articulate relative to at least one of the fluid
system and the conduit.
31. A method of assembling a climate controlled seat assembly
comprising the steps of: providing a cushion having an opening
accessible from at least one side of the cushion, the cushion being
attached to a frame; attaching a flexible conduit to the cushion so
as to place the conduit in fluidic communication with the opening;
coupling the conduit to a fluid flow generation device; and
securing the fluid flow generation device to the frame.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the attaching step involves
providing a flexible conduit with a flange and a recess about the
opening, and inserting the flange into the opening.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the attaching step further
involves securing the flange within the recess by using one or more
fastener selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a
hook-and-loop fastener, a belt, snaps and a strap.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the attaching step involves
providing a flexible conduit with a flange and securing the flange
to the cushion using a hook-and-loop fastener.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the attaching step involves
providing a flexible conduit with a flange and securing the flange
to the cushion using an adhesive.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the attaching step involves
providing a flexible conduit with a flange and securing the flange
to the cushion using one or more straps.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to climate control. More
specifically, this invention relates to climate control of a
cushion.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Temperature modified air for environmental control of living
or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive
areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of
rooms within a building. 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 an occupant seat so that substantially instantaneous
heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, an automotive
vehicle exposed to the summer weather, where the vehicle has been
parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time, can cause the
vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for
some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal
air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning,
on a hot day, the seat occupant's back and other pressure points
may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter time, it is highly
desirable to have the ability to quickly warm the seat of the
occupant to facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where the
normal vehicle heater is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as
quickly.
[0005] For such reasons, there have long been various types of
individualized climate control systems for vehicle seats. 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.
[0006] There are, however, problems that have been experienced with
existing climate control systems for seats. For example, some
climate control systems are not easily integratable into existing
seat construction methods. Such systems require a significantly
greater number of parts as compared to existing automotive seats,
and often require complex mechanical parts. In the past, this has
resulted in increased costs for individualized occupant cooling in
automobiles. The current techniques are also problematic because
they may limit the ability for vehicle designers to provide modern
seating embodiments and stylistic designs. For example, many modern
seats include an adjustable lumbar support device. Typically, such
a device is disposed within a backrest of a seat and is configured
to incrementally adjust the contour of the backrest to provide
variable lumbar support. The location and movement of the backrest
provides significant engineering obstacles for the climate control
system. In response, current climate control systems simply avoid
or duct around the lumbar support device and the portions of the
backrest that move. This results in a more complicated design and
increased costs.
[0007] Another problem that has been experienced with existing
climate control systems for seats involves the connection between
the channels and passages formed in the cushion of the seat and the
climate control device which supplies conditioned air to these
channels and passages. Specifically, the connection may create a
region of rigidity in the seat cushion degrading the feel and
comfort of the seat.
[0008] Thus there is a need for an improved climate control
apparatus for a climate control system for seats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention comprises a
conduit for placing a climate control device in fluid communication
with a fluid passage in a cushion (e.g., a cushion of an automotive
seat). The conduit comprises a flexible body, a first port and a
second port. The first port is at a first end of the body and is
configured to couple with an outlet port of the climate control
device. The second port is at a second end of the body. The second
port is configured to couple with a rear side of the cushion.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate
controlled seat assembly. The assembly includes a seat cushion
having an outer surface comprising a front side for supporting an
occupant in a sitting position and a rear side. The rear side and
the front side generally face in opposite directions. A base member
is positioned on the rear side of the seat cushion. The assembly
also includes an adjustable support device capable of moving a
portion of the seat cushion between at least a first position in
which the first portion of the seat cushion is located a first
distance from the base member and a second position in which the
portion of the seat cushion is located a second distance from the
base member. The second distance is greater than the first
distance. A passage extends through the seat cushion. The passage
communicates with an opening on the rear side of the portion of the
seat cushion. A conduit extends from the passage and through at
least a portion of the adjustable support device.
[0011] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate
controlled seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having a
front side, a rear side and an outer surface comprising a support
surface for supporting an occupant in a sitting position. The
support surface is located generally on the front side of the seat
cushion. The seat assembly includes an adjustable support device
capable of moving a lumbar portion the cushion between at least a
first position, in which the lumbar portion of the support surface
protrudes a first distance towards the occupant, and a second
position, in which the lumbar portion protrudes a second distance
towards the occupant. The second distance is greater than the first
distance. A fluid system is provided for delivering or expelling
air. The assembly further comprises an air passage that extends
through at least part of the lumbar portion of the cushion. A
flexible conduit is in fluid communication with the air passage and
has a first end coupled to the lumbar portion and a second end
coupled to a component of the fluid system that is substantially
stationary with respect to the lumbar portion of the cushion.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a climate
controlled seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having an
outer surface comprising a front side for supporting an occupant in
a sitting position and a rear side wherein the rear side and the
front side generally face opposite directions. A passage extends
through the seat cushion and communicates with an opening on the
rear side of the cushion. A fluid system delivers or expels air to
or from the passage. The assembly also includes means for providing
a flexible fluid connection between the fluid system and the first
passage.
[0013] In accordance with an additional aspect of the present
invention, a climate controlled cushion is provided that comprises
an outer surface. The outer surface has a first side for supporting
at least a portion of an occupant and a second side. The second
side and the first side generally face in opposite directions. A
passage extends through at least part of the cushion and
communicates with an opening on the second side of the seat
cushion. A fluid system either delivers or expelling air to the
passage via a conduit that couples the fluid system with the
passage. The conduit is expandable in length.
[0014] A further aspect of the present invention involves a method
of assembling a climate controlled seat assembly. The method
involves providing a cushion having an opening accessible from at
least one side of the cushion with the cushion being attached to a
frame. A flexible conduit is attached to the cushion so as to place
the conduit in fluidic communication with the opening. The method
further involves coupling the conduit to a fluid flow generation
device and attaching the fluid flow generation device to the
frame.
[0015] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1
with a portion of the seat assembly removed;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat
assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG.
1 with a covering of the seat assembly removed;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the seat assembly of
FIG. 1 with an adjustable lumbar support device and climate control
apparatus removed;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top view of a conduit of the vehicle seat
assembly;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a front view of the conduit if FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the conduit of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 9A is a schematic side view of the vehicle seat
assembly of FIG. 1 with the lumbar support device in an un-actuated
position and a flexible conduit of the climate control apparatus in
a generally un-extended state;
[0026] FIG. 9B is a schematic side view of the vehicle seat
assembly of FIG. 9A with the lumbar support device in an actuated
position and the flexible conduit in a generally extended state;
and
[0027] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a portion of an
adjustable lumbar support and a climate control apparatus with a
portion of the climate control apparatus shown in
cross-section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a seat
assembly 30 that comprises a seat portion 32, a backrest portion
34, an adjustable lumbar support device 36 and a climate control
apparatus 38, which will be described in detail below. When a
occupant sits in the seat assembly 30, the occupant's seat is
located generally in a seat area 40 of the seat portion 32 and at
least a portion of their legs are supported by a thigh area 42 of
the seat portion 32. In this embodiment, a rear end 44 of the seat
portion 32 is coupled to a bottom end 46 of the backrest portion
34. When the occupant sits in the seat assembly 30, the occupant's
back contacts the front surface 48 of the backrest portion 34 and
the occupant's seat and legs contact a top surface 50 of the seat
portion 32. The surfaces 48, 50 cooperate to support the occupant
in a sitting position. The seat assembly 30 can be configured and
sized to accommodate occupants of various size and weight.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the seat assembly 30 is
similar to a standard automotive seat. However, it should be
appreciated that 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, an airplane, a boat, 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 theater seat, a mattress, and an office
seat that is used in a place of business and/or residence.
[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the backrest 34
has a front side 54, a rear side 56, a top side 58 and a bottom
side 60. The backrest 34 includes a pair of sides 57, 59 extending
between the top side 58 and bottom side 60 for providing lateral
support to the occupant of the seat assembly 30. A lumbar region 62
of the backrest 34 is generally positioned between the sides 57, 59
of the backrest 34 near the seat portion 32.
[0031] In a similar manner, the seat portion 32 has a front side
64, a rear side 66, a top side 68 and a bottom side 70. The seat
portion 32 also includes a pair of sides 69, 71, which extending
from the rear side 66 and the front side 64 for providing lateral
support to the occupant of the seat assembly 30. In one embodiment,
the seat assembly 30 is secured to a vehicle by attaching the
bottom side 70 of the seat portion 32 to the floor of a
vehicle.
[0032] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
backrest 34. As shown, the backrest 32 is generally formed by a
cushion 72, which is covered with an appropriate covering material
74 (e.g., upholstery). The cushion 72 is typically supported on a
metallic frame (not shown). In some embodiments, springs may be
positioned between the frame and the cushion 72. The frame provides
the seat assembly 30 with structural support while the cushion 72
provides a soft seating surface. The covering material 74 provides
an aesthetic appearance and soft feel to the surface of the seat
assembly 30. The seat portion 32 may be constructed in a similar
manner as the backrest 34.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates the seat assembly with the covering 74
removed thereby exposing the cushion 72. The cushion 72 can be a
typical automotive seat cushion foam 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.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the seat assembly is provided with a
fluid distribution system 76. The distribution system 76 comprises
an inlet passage 78 through from the front side 54 to the rear side
56 of the seat cushion 72. (See also FIG. 5). The distribution
system 76 also includes at least one, and often, a plurality of
channels 80, which extend from the inlet passage 78.
[0035] As mentioned above, the cushion 72 may be formed from a
typical automotive cushion material, such as, for example, an open
or closed cell form. In one embodiment, the cushion 72 is made of
foam that is pre-molded to form the passage 78 and/or the channels
80. In another embodiment, the passage 78 and/or the channels 80
may be formed by cutting foam out of the seat cushion 72.
[0036] With reference back to FIG. 2A, the channels 80 are covered
by a scrim 81 to define distribution passages 82 for transporting
air through the seat assembly 30. The scrim 81 includes one or more
openings 84 for delivering air to and/or from the distribution
passages 82. The scrim 81 may be formed of a material similar to
the cushion 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the scrim 81 is
attached to the cushion 72 in a manner that limits leakage between
the scrim 81 and cushion 72 thereby directing the flow of air
through the openings 84. In one embodiment, an adhesive is used to
attach the scrim 81 to the cushion 72. In other embodiments, a heat
stake or fasteners may be used.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 2A, a distribution layer 86
is disposed between the scrim 81 and the seat covering 74. The
distribution layer 86 spreads the air flowing through the openings
84 along the lower surface of the covering 74. To permit airflow
between the distribution layer 86 and the spaces proximal to the
front surface 48 of the backrest 34, the covering 74 may be formed
from an air-permeable material. For example, in one embodiment, the
covering 74 comprises an air-permeable fabric made of natural
and/or synthetic fibers. In another embodiment, the covering is
formed from a leather, or leather-like material that is provided
with small openings or apertures.
[0038] As will be explained in more detail below, in one
embodiment, air from the climate control apparatus 38 is delivered
to the distribution passages 82 through the inlet passage 78. The
air then flows through the openings 84 and into the distribution
layer 86. The air is then directed through the covering 74 to a
space adjacent to the front surface 48 of the backrest 34. In
another embodiment, the climate control apparatus 38 is used to
remove air, which is adjacent to the front surface 48 of the
backrest 34. In such an embodiment, the air is withdrawn through
the covering 74 and into the distribution layer 86. The air is then
withdrawn through the openings 84, into the distribution passages
82 and through the inlet passage 78.
[0039] Given the goal of distributing air through the cushion 72
and along the covering 74, those of skill in the art will recognize
that the distribution system may be modified in several different
manners. For example, the shape and/or number of channels may be
modified. In other embodiments, the scrim 81 and/or distribution
may be combined and/or replaced with other components configured
for similar functions. In yet another embodiment, a separate insert
may be positioned within the channels 80 for distributing the air.
See e.g., co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/853,779,
filed May 25, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
[0040] With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the adjustable
lumbar support device 36 is configured to provide generally for
incrementally adjusting of the contour of the front surface 48 of
the lumbar region 62 to provide variable lumbar support. In the
illustrated embodiment, the adjustable lumbar support device 36
generally comprises a lumbar support member 88 coupled to a frame
90, which is positioned on the rear side 56 of the backrest 34. The
frame 90 includes two generally vertically extending rails 91, and
the support member 88 is coupled to the frame 90 in a manner
allowing at least one of the support member's upper and lower ends
92, 93 to move along the rails 91. In the illustrated embodiment,
both the upper and lower ends 92, 93 of the support member 88 can
be slid toward each other along the rails 91 so as to bow the
support member 88 outwards in a direction towards the front surface
48 of the lumbar region 62. An actuating device (which has been
omitted to simplify the drawing) is supported by the frame 90 or
otherwise coupled to the seat. The actuating device preferably
include one or more cables that are pulled to slide the upper and
lower ends 92, 93 of the support member 88 along the rails 91. An
electric lumbar motor or a manual device can be used to pull the
cables. When the motor or manual device relaxes the cables, the
support member 88 returns to its un-deflected position. The
actuating device thus is configured to move the support member 88
between at least a first position, in which the support member 88
is positioned a first distance to the frame 90, and a second
position, in which the support member 88 is positioned a second,
farther distance from the frame 90. As the support member 88 is
moved from the first position to the second position, it pushes
against the rear side 56 of the cushion 72 generally in the
direction labeled A in FIG. 2, thereby adjusting the contour of the
front surface 48 of the lumbar region 62.
[0041] It should be appreciated that the illustrated adjustable
lumbar support device 36 represents only one exemplary embodiment.
Any of a variety of other adjustable lumbar support devices may be
used in the seat assembly 30 to adjust the contour of the lumbar
region 62 of the seat assembly 30. Such devices may include, but
are not limited to, other mechanical mechanisms and/or inflation
devices. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,695,402, 5,505,520, and
5,088,790, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.)
[0042] The climate control apparatus 38 provides a fluid flow to
either warm or cool the front side 54 of the backrest 34. The
climate control apparatus preferably provides conditioned air that
is either heated or cooled relative to the temperature of the
backrest front side 54, and either can be disposed as part of the
seat assembly or can be disposed apart from the seat assembly
(e.g., be integrated with a vehicle's air heating and cooling
system). The climate control apparatus 38 of the illustrated
embodiment will now be described in detail with continued reference
to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The climate control apparatus 38 preferably
includes a fluid system 94, which preferably includes a pumping
device for pumping fluid (e.g., air). In a preferred embodiment,
the fluid system 94 also includes a heat transfer device for
thermally conditioning (e.g., heating and/or cooling) the pumped
fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid system 94 comprises a heat
transfer device as 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. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid
system 94 utilizes a Peltier Circuit for cooling and/or heating the
fluid. An example of such a system is currently sold under the
trademark Micro-Thermal Module.TM. by Amerigon, Inc.
[0043] The air from the fluid system 94 is delivered to the fluid
distribution system 76 described above through a conduit 96, which
is shown in detail in FIGS. 6-8. With initial reference to these
Figures, the conduit 96 includes body 98 having a first, inlet end
100 and a second, outlet end 102. The inlet end 100 forms a first
or inlet port 104 and the outlet end 102 forms a second or outlet
port 106. A fluid passage 108 is formed by an inner surface 110 of
the body 98. The fluid passage 108 extends from an inlet opening
112 formed by the inlet port 104 and an outlet opening 114 formed
by the outlet port 106. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment,
the passage 108 has a generally elongated oval shape, which
generally corresponds to the shape of the inlet passage 78.
However, it should be appreciated that in modified embodiments the
passage 108 may have a different shape, which is similar or
different than the shape of the inlet passage 78.
[0044] As will be explained in more detail below, the inlet port
104 is preferably coupled to a portion of the climate control
apparatus 38 that is substantially stationary. In contrast, the
outlet port 106 is preferably coupled to a portion of the climate
control apparatus 38, which is not stationary and moves with
respect to the substantially stationary portion of the climate
control apparatus 38. As such, in the one embodiment, the outlet
port 106 is coupled to the foam inlet passage 78 and is capable of
moving relative to the inlet port 104. To facilitate such movement,
at least a portion of the body 98 is flexible and/or capable of
articulated movement. In addition, it is also advantageous that the
length of the body 98 may be lengthened or shortened. Accordingly,
in the illustrated embodiment, the body 98 is formed, at least in
part, from a flexible material such as, for example, rubber, other
elastomers, flexible thermoplastics, and the like. During movement,
it is advantageous that the cross-sectional area of the passage 108
not be significantly reduced (e.g., by crimping or buckling).
Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 98 has a
bellow-type configuration comprising a plurality of folds 116. In
this manner, as the conduit 96 bends the inner radius may shorten
while the outer radius lengthens to substantially preserve the
cross-sectional area of the fluid passage 108. In addition, the
length of the conduit 96 may be increased or decreased as the
bellows expand or contract without significantly compromising the
fluid passage 108.
[0045] Of course, those of skill in the art will recognize other
arrangements for facilitating one or more of the degrees of
movement described above. Such arrangements include, but are not
limited, to various arrangements of telescoping members, braided
conduits, flexible joints and the like.
[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 6-8, the inlet and outlet
ends 100, 102 of the conduit 96 are preferably formed of a harder
material as compared to the flexible portions therebetween. For
example, in one embodiment, the inlet and outlet ends 100, 102 are
formed from a substantially rigid plastic while the portions of the
conduit 96 extending between the ends 100, 102 are formed from a
flexible material (e.g., rubber). The inlet and outlet ends 100,
102 may be formed from separate components that are attached to the
remaining portions using adhesives, heat stakes, fasteners, etc. or
by over-molding such portions.
[0047] With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 9, in the illustrated
embodiment, the outlet port 106 is coupled to the rear side 56 of
the backrest 34. As explained above, the rear side 56 of the
backrest 34 moves as the lumbar support device 36 is adjusted. To
facilitate coupling the outlet port 106 to the rear side 56 of the
backrest 34, the outlet port 106 includes a flange 120 (see also
FIG. 7), which surrounds the outlet opening 114. With reference to
FIG. 5, the rear side 56 of the backrest 34 can include a
corresponding recess 122 formed or cut from the cushion 72 for
receiving the flange 120. The recess 122 is generally positioned
about the inlet passage 78. In one embodiment, an adhesive is
placed between the flange 120 and the recess 122 to secure the
outlet end 102 of the conduit 102 to the cushion 72. In this
manner, the passage 108 is placed in fluid communication with the
fluid distribution system 76 described above. In other embodiments,
the flange 120 may be secured by belts, straps, hook and loop
fasteners, tape, etc. that extend over the edges of the flange 120
and onto the rear side of the cushion 72. Fasteners may also be
used to secure the flange 120 within the recess 122. In another
embodiment, the flange 120 may be provided with any of a variety of
snapping members or prongs that are configured to mate with
corresponding snapping members or prongs provided within the recess
122. The conduit 96 also may be secured to the cushion 72 by an
interference or friction fit. In other embodiments, the cushion 72
can be formed without a recess and the conduit 96 can be attached
to the cushion 72, preferably using one of the above-noted
ways.
[0048] It should also be appreciated that in modified embodiments,
the outlet end 102 of the conduit 96 may extend partially into or
through the inlet passage 78. In other embodiments, one or more
intermediate member(s) may be provided between the rear side 56 of
the backrest 34 and the outlet end 102 of the conduit 96.
[0049] The inlet end 100 of the conduit 96 preferably is coupled to
a substantially stationary component of the fluid system 94. In the
illustrated embodiment, which is best seen in FIG. 10, the
substantially stationary component of the fluid system 94 comprises
an outlet port 124. The fluid system 94 is coupled to the frame 90
through a bracket 126 provided on the fluid system 94 and,
consequently, the outlet port 124 of the fluid system 94 is
substantially stationary with respect to the rear side 56 of the
backrest 34.
[0050] As best seen in FIG. 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the
outlet port 124 is configured to fit at least partially within the
inlet port 104. In this manner, the fluid system 94 is placed in
fluid communication with the fluid passage 108 of the conduit 96
and the fluid distribution system 76 described above. The outlet
port 124 may be secured to the inlet port 104 in any of a variety
of manners. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet and outlet
ports 104, 124 are provided with corresponding annular bosses 128a,
128b, which are supported within the openings defined by the ports
104, 124 by a pair of support members 130a, 130b that extend from
the inner surfaces of the ports 104, 124. A fastener (not shown)
may extend through the annular bosses 128a, 128b to align and
secure the ports 104, 124 to each other. In modified embodiments,
adhesives, tape, external or internal fasteners (e.g., clips) and
the like may be used in combination or in the alternative. In other
embodiments, one end of the body 98 can be directly coupled to the
rear side 56 of the backrest 34 or to the fluid system 94. For
example, the body 98 can be directly coupled to the fluid system
94, thereby eliminating the corresponding ports.
[0051] It should be appreciated that in modified embodiments, the
inlet end 100 of the conduit 96 may be coupled to a different
substantially stationary component of the climate control apparatus
38. For example, in one embodiment, the inlet end 100 maybe be
coupled to an intermediate conduit disposed between the fluid
system 94 and the conduit 96. In such an embodiment, the outlet of
the intermediate conduit may be substantially stationary with
respect to the outlet end 102 of the conduit 96.
[0052] The illustrated embodiment has several advantages. For
example, because of the relative movement between the inlet and
outlet ends 100, 102 of the conduit 96, the inlet passage 78 may be
positioned in the adjustable lumbar region 62 of the backrest 34.
That is, the inlet passage 78 may be located in a portion of the
cushion 72 that moves in response to the adjustable lumbar support
device 36. In the prior art, the inlet passage 78 has been placed
above the lumbar region 62 because movement of the lumbar region 62
would often compromise the connections between the climate control
apparatus 38 and the distribution system 76 if the connection were
placed in this movable region. The illustrated embodiment addresses
these design concerns by providing a conduit 96 that permits
relative movement between its ends. As schematically illustrated in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, the outlet end 102 of the conduit 96 can move in
response to the movement of the lumbar region 62 while the inlet
end 100 remains attached to the relatively stationary components of
the climate control apparatus 38.
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates another advantage of the illustrated
embodiment. As shown, the conduit 96 extends through an opening 132
formed in the support member 88 of the adjustable lumbar support
device 36. By extending the conduit 96 through at least a portion
of the lumbar support device 36, the fluid system 94 can be located
generally behind the adjustable lumbar support device 36. This
reduces the length of the ducting between the fluid system 94 and
the distribution system 76 resulting in less pumping losses. In
some embodiments, the fluid system 94 may be distanced from the
rear side 56 of the backrest 34. For example, the fluid system 94
may be placed under the seat 32. In such an embodiment, an
intermediate duct may direct fluid to the distribution system. The
length of such an intermediate duct is shorted by positioning the
inlet passage 78 in the lumbar region 62 and permitting the conduit
96 to extend through at least a portion of the lumbar support
device 36.
[0054] Certain features and aspect of the above-described
embodiments are also advantageous in arrangements in which the seat
assembly 30 does not include an adjustable lumbar support device or
when the inlet passage 78 is positioned outside (e.g., above) the
lumbar region 62. For example, as mentioned above, existing climate
control systems have used a rigid connection between the channels
and passages formed in the cushion of the seat and the climate
control device. The rigid connection creates a region of rigidity
in the seat cushion, thereby degrading the feel and comfort of the
seat. In contrast, the above described embodiments provide a
flexible connection between the fluid distribution system 76 and
the fluid system 94. This results in a more comfortable seat
assembly 30.
[0055] In operation, fluid in the form of air can be delivered from
the fluid system 94 through the conduit 96 and into the inlet
passage 78 and the distribution system 76. As described above, the
air flows through the passages 82, into the openings 84 and then
along the distribution layer 86 and through the covering 74. In
this manner, conditioned air can be provided to the front surface
48 of the backrest 34.
[0056] In a modified embodiment, air from within the passenger
compartment of the automobile can be drawn through the covering 74,
into the distribution layer 86 and through the openings 84. The air
then can flow through the distribution passages 82, into the inlet
passage 78 and then into the conduit 96. In this manner, the
climate control apparatus 38 can provide suction so that air near
the surface of the seat assembly 30 is removed.
[0057] While the flexible conduit 96 has been shown and described
as interconnecting a ventilation system within a backrest cushion
to a climate control apparatus, which is fixed to the backrest
frame, the flexible conduit 96 can be used in other application as
well. For example, the flexible conduit can be used to interconnect
a climate control apparatus (e.g., a thermal-electric device or an
Freon-based air conditioning unit), which is fixed to a vehicle, to
a lower side of the seat assembly. In accordance with a more
detailed example, the climate control apparatus can be fixed to the
vehicle underneath the seat assembly. The flexible conduit then can
interconnect the climate control apparatus to an inlet of the seat
ventilation system. The inlet can be formed either on the bottom or
sides of the seat portion or the backrest portion of the seat
assembly. The flexible conduit would allow movement of the seat
relative to the stationary portion of the climate control
apparatus, thereby permitting the seat to be slid, raised, tilted,
or inclined without crimping or buckling the fluid passage between
the climate control apparatus and the seat assembly.
[0058] 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.
[0059] Although the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiments has shown, described, and pointed out certain novel
features, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of the
apparatus as illustrated, as well as the uses thereof, may be made
by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of
this disclosure. Consequently, the scope of the present invention
should not be limited by the foregoing discussion, which is
intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the
invention.
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