U.S. patent application number 11/405906 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for air-distribution system for a structural unit in a vehicle passenger compartment.
Invention is credited to Bernhard Eberl, Georg Heinl, Burkhard Pedde.
Application Number | 20060249996 11/405906 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37393412 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060249996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eberl; Bernhard ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Air-distribution system for a structural unit in a vehicle
passenger compartment
Abstract
An air-distribution system (20) for the distribution of air in a
structural unit (30) in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, in
particular in a vehicle seat (31). The system has at least one
air-distribution layer (4), which is located on a base (6'), and at
least one limiting mechanism (41'), which at least partially limits
the air-distribution layer (4) laterally at at least one of its
peripheral edges (53). The limiting means (41') is designed as at
least partially different from base such that it is not integral
with the base.
Inventors: |
Eberl; Bernhard; (Friedberg,
DE) ; Heinl; Georg; (Zwingenberg, DE) ; Pedde;
Burkhard; (Bruchkoebel, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert P. Renke
Suite 250
28333 Telegraph Road
Southfield
MI
48034
US
|
Family ID: |
37393412 |
Appl. No.: |
11/405906 |
Filed: |
April 18, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/180.14 ;
297/180.1; 297/180.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/5621 20130101;
B60N 2/5657 20130101; B60N 2/565 20130101; A47C 7/74 20130101; B60N
2/5685 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/180.14 ;
297/180.1; 297/180.13 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/74 20060101
A47C007/74 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2005 |
DE |
DE 102005018446.4 |
Aug 22, 2005 |
DE |
DE 102005039779.4 |
Claims
1. An air-distribution system for a structural unit comprising at
least one air-distribution layer located on a base, and at least
one limiting mechanism which at least partially limits the
air-distribution layer laterally at at least one of its peripheral
edges wherein the limiting mechanism, at least partially, is not
integral with the base.
2. An air-distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the
limiting mechanism is placed at least indirectly on the
air-distribution layer, by way of an accompanying layer located at
least partially approximately parallel to the air-distribution
layer.
3. An air-distribution system according to claim 2 wherein the
limiting mechanism is secured to the air-distribution layer by an
adhesive or threading.
4. An air-distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the
air-distribution layer is placed between a cover and a cushion
which serves as the base.
5. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the
air-distribution layer is placed between a cover and a cushion
which serves as the base.
6. An air-distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the
base comprises a plurality of zones, which are delimited from one
another by depressions, elevations or changes in height, and
wherein at least one zone is delimited by the limiting mechanism or
an additional limiting mechanism from at least one other zone.
7. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the
base comprises a plurality of zones, which are delimited from one
another by depressions, elevations or changes in height, and
wherein at least one zone is delimited by the limiting mechanism or
an additional limiting mechanism from at least one other zone.
8. An air-distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the
base comprises a plurality of zones, which are delimited from one
another by depressions, elevations or changes in height, and
wherein at least one zone is delimited by the limiting mechanism or
an additional limiting mechanism from at least one other zone.
9. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, wherein at the
accompanying layer there are located at least two sections of the
air-distribution layer at least partially separated and at a
distance from each other, the sections being substantially in the
same plane to one another and along the accompanying layer, and
wherein at least one limiting mechanism is located between two
adjacent sections.
10. An air-distribution system according to claim 5, wherein at the
accompanying layer there are located at least two sections of the
air-distribution layer at least partially separated and at a
distance from each other, the sections being in the same plane to
one another and along the accompanying layer, and wherein at least
one limiting mechanism is located between two adjacent
sections.
11. An air-distribution system according to claim 7, wherein at the
accompanying layer there are located at least two sections of the
air-distribution layer at least partially separated and at a
distance from each other, the sections being in the same plane to
one another and along the accompanying layer, and wherein at least
one limiting mechanism is located between two adjacent
sections.
12. An air-distribution system according to claim 9 wherein the
sections are fastened to the accompanying layer.
13. An air-distribution system according to claim 9 comprising at
least one electrical conductor running from a first section to a
second section of the air-distribution layer, the conductor being
arranged in a non-straight route about its primary direction of
run.
14. An air-distribution system according to claim 10 comprising at
least one electrical conductor running from a first section to a
second section of the air-distribution layer, the conductor being
arranged in a non-straight route about its primary direction of
run.
15. An air-distribution system according to claim 11 comprising at
least one electrical conductor running from a first section to a
second section of the air-distribution layer, the conductor being
arranged in a non-straight route about its primary direction of
run.
16. An air-distribution system according to claim 13 wherein said
electrical conductor comprises a linear cable or heating
conductor.
17. An air-distribution system according to claim 1 comprising an
adhesive surface on at least half of an edge length of the area of
the air-distribution layer, the adhesive surface being a
self-sealing or hook-and-loop surface, in order to fasten the
air-distribution system to the base.
18. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the
accompanying layer is substantially formed by an adhesive
surface.
19. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, wherein the
accompanying layer comprises layers of cushion material which
substantially cover the air-distribution layer.
20. An air-distribution system according to claim 1, comprising a
flat heating element is located on the air-distribution layer.
21. An air-distribution system according to claim 2, comprising a
flat heating element is located on or in the accompanying layer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air-distribution system
for a structural unit in the passage compartment of a vehicle. Such
systems are used, for example, in air-conditioned seats, in order
to distribute air in the seat surface below a seat cover and then
blow it against a passenger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,014 discloses air-conditioned seats in
which a ventilating layer of a highly porous, air-permeable
material is sewn between a seat cushion and a cover. In addition,
in DE 19 726 810 a flat heating element is provided between such a
ventilation layer and the cover. Such seats are very costly to
make, since some of a plurality of layers must be stitched up one
after another. In addition, positioning of the ventilation layer on
the cushion is very inexact.
[0003] EP 1 352 780 discloses a seat in which parts of a cushion of
a seat are replaced by inserts of reticulated material. These parts
are fed with air. Such parts may slip or require separate fastening
elements.
[0004] U.S. Publication No. 2005/121965 discloses that insert
elements with an adhesive layer may be fastened to projections of a
foamed cushion core.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need for an improved air distribution
system for structural units such as vehicle seats.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides an air-distribution system
which is easy to assemble, simply manageable logistically and
reliable in operation, and requires as little as possible
modification of a structural part to be ventilated.
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an
air-distribution system for a structural unit in a passenger
compartment of a vehicle, such as a vehicle seat, having at least
one air-distribution layer which is located on a base, and at least
one limiting mechanism, which at least partially limits the
air-distribution layer laterally at at least one of its peripheral
edges. The limiting mechanism is at least partially designed as
different from the base. It is not integral with the base. In one
aspect of the invention, the limiting mechanism can be placed at
least indirectly on the air-distribution layer, such as on an
accompanying layer located at least partially approximately
parallel to the air-distribution layer. This can be accomplished by
an adhesive and/or by threading. The air-distribution layer can be
placed between a cover and a cushion, which can serve as the
base.
[0008] The base can be provided with a variety of zones, which are
delimited from one another by depressions, elevations or varying
height levels. Further, at least one zone can be delimited by the
limiting mechanism or an additional limiting mechanism from at
least one additional zone.
[0009] The accompanying layer can include at least two sections of
the air-distribution layer at least partially separated and at a
distance from each other. These can be located in the same plane
with one another and along the accompanying layer between which is
located at least one limiting mechanism which can be fastened to
the accompanying layer. In another aspect, an electrical conductor
such as a linear conductor in the form of a cable or heating
conductor, runs from a first section to a second section of the
air-distribution layer. It can be routed such that it turns and
twists or meanders about its main direction of run, i.e., it is not
along the shortest possible route.
[0010] The invention is advantageous in that the limiting mechanism
serves to form a clear edge shape, e.g., owing to a more suitable
material than that of the air-distribution layer. However, it may
alternatively serve for lateral sealing of the air-distribution
layer, in order to prevent air losses.
[0011] Other advantages will become apparent with reference to the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention is described below by way of examples with
reference to a number of embodiments and their drawings,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a cross section through a cushion of a vehicle
seat incorporating an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the cushion of
the vehicle seat of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a seat with an additional
embodiment of an air-distribution system partially open.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a view from below of an air-distribution system
of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a cross section through a first embodiment of a
limiting mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a cross section through a second embodiment of
a limiting mechanism of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are
used to refer to the same components. While the present invention
is described as an air conditioning system for use within a vehicle
seat, it may be adapted and applied to various systems including
other vehicle or non-vehicle systems requiring an air conditioned
surface. In this regard, in the following description, various
operating parameters and components are described for several
constructed embodiments. These specific parameters and components
are included as examples only and are not meant to be limiting.
[0020] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a cushion 6 is provided in a structural
unit 30 in the passenger compartment, in the example a seat 31.
This cushion has a recess 35 at its side turned toward the
passenger. This recess 35 is limited transverse to the direction of
travel F by cushion elevations 41 and foam strips as cushion
boundaries 41' along the direction of travel F. Depressions 7 are
provided on the sides of the cushion elevations 41/cushion
boundaries 41' turned away from the recess 35. The recess 35 and
the cushion elevations 41 are provided in a first cushion zone
6a.
[0021] A second cushion zone 6b is also provided, which with regard
to a recess 35', cushion elevations 41/cushion boundaries 41' and
depressions 7 is designed similar to the first cushion zone.
However, depending upon the application under consideration, the
area of the second recess 35' can be different from that of the
first recess 35.
[0022] An air-distribution system 20 is placed on the cushion 6.
The air-distribution system 20 has an air-distribution layer 4.
This is made, for example, of a knitted spacer fabric (as here),
rubberized hair, foam, of a multiplicity of coils placed alongside
one another or of some other material through which air is able to
flow.
[0023] In the present exemplary embodiment, the air-distribution
layer 4 has two sections 43, 43' separated from one another and at
some distance apart. These correspond in their area to
approximately the area of the recesses 35, 35'. The thickness of
the sections 43, 43' corresponds to approximately the depth of the
recesses 35, 35'. The sections 43, 43' are located so that they are
accommodated in the recesses 35, 35'. The two sections 43, 43' are,
in the present example, made of like material and are similarly
designed. However, they may, for example for the optimization of
cushion hardness or ability to withstand load, have dissimilar
elasticity or unlike materials or material thicknesses.
[0024] An accompanying layer 2a is placed on the air-distribution
layer 4. It is located on the side of the air-distribution layer 4
turned away from the cushion 6. The accompanying layer 2a projects
at least partially beyond the area of the air-distribution layer 4.
An adhesive surface 5 is provided at the projecting overhang 25. In
the exemplary embodiment shown, the adhesive layer 5 runs around
the sections 43, 43' of the air-distribution layer 4. It is
advantageously formed by a band of self-sealing film.
[0025] Further fastening can be provided by embedding one component
of a hook-and-loop fastener in the cushion and providing the
corresponding component on the adhesive surface of the
air-distribution system or making the air-distribution layer and/or
the accompanying layer of a textile hook-and-loop material. Instead
of cementing, a hook-and-loop fastening is then produced.
[0026] The accompanying layer 2a may be made exclusively of the
adhesive surface 5. In the present example, however, it has a layer
3 of cushion material. In addition, a flat heating element 2b is
placed on the accompanying layer 2a. The cushion layer 3 and the
heating element 2b may be cemented, stitched, knit or woven
together.
[0027] The sections 43, 43' and the accompanying layer 2a are
placed together in such a way that the sections 43, 43' in the
cushion zones 6a, 6b are covered all over, and that the
accompanying layer 2a reaches all the way to the bottom of the
depression 7 between the two cushion zones 6a, 6b. In the present
case, this depression 7 is an anchoring furrow. The adhesive layer
5 adheres to the elevations 41. As a result, a smooth transition
between the elevations 41 and the air-distribution layer 4 is
ensured and the air-distribution layer 4 is firmly and immovably
fixed. The limiting mechanism 41' can be first placed on the
accompanying layer 2a and then, when the accompanying layer 2a is
put in place on the cushion 6, it can be joined, preferably
cemented, to the accompanying layer.
[0028] The air-distribution system 20 has in particular in the
air-distribution layer 4 a low resistance to air flowing along the
air-distribution layer than transverse to the air-distribution
layer. In addition, it has high vapor permeability and/or air
permeability perpendicular to the air-distribution layer 4. The
air-distribution system 20 is covered by a cover 1. The cover 1 may
be cemented to the cushion 6 and the air-distribution system 20. In
the present example, it is sewn on and/or anchored along the
depression 7.
[0029] FIG. 3 shows, in an additional exemplary embodiment, a seat
31, a cushion 6 with two recesses 35, 35' and an air-distribution
system 20. They correspond substantially to the first exemplary
embodiment, although without anchoring furrows. Rather, the two
recesses 35, 35' are connected together, in an air permeable way
through a passage 55.
[0030] In the recess 35', a channel 47 is provided which
accommodates an electrical connecting cable 9 of the
air-distribution system 20. The channel 47 extends from the bottom
of the recess 35 through the cushion 6 and again emerges from the
cushion 6 at a suitable place, e.g., at the back or front.
[0031] In the recess 35 there is in addition provided an opening
49. The latter serves for the passage of air and connects the
air-distribution layer 4 with the surroundings of the seat 31. It
therefore advantageously runs as directly as possible and in a
straight line to the side of the cushion 6 turned away from the
air-distribution system 20.
[0032] A blower or fan 8 is provided in the opening 49. The blower
8 serves to supply air to or suction it away from the
air-distribution system 20.
[0033] It can readily be seen that the air-distribution layer 4,
the adhesive surface 5 and the additional functional elements such
as the electric heating element 2b form a coherent, easy-to-handle
assembly. Additional limiting mechanisms could alternatively be
mounted on it. This assembly can easily be set form-lockingly into
the recess 35 and permanently fastened thereto.
[0034] The air-distribution system 20 may alternatively have a
moist buffering layer, for example a non-woven fabric with
activated carbon particles, for example as part of the accompanying
layer 2a. In addition, the air-distribution system may be equipped
with sensors, blowers or additional functional elements.
Cushion-stiffening elements or multiple-zone foams may
alternatively be placed thereon. Molded parts of rubberized hair
are especially suitable for the seat surface region.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an air-distribution system 20
that corresponds to the first embodiment of FIG. 1. In the top view
can be seen electrical conductors 11, which run from the first
section 43 of the air-distribution layer 4 to the second section
43'. These electrical conductors 11 are fixed to the accompanying
layer 2a. They do not run in a straight line, nor on the shortest
path from one section to the other. Rather, their main direction of
run is turning and twisting to the shortest possible connection and
they meander about this main direction of run. In this way, the
conductors 11 get sufficient free space for movement in order to
bridge anchoring furrows or other depressions 7 and seams, without
being damaged by overextension or fracture in case of load.
[0036] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a part of the vehicle seat in
cross-section through the seat part. The base 6' is represented in
the form of the cushion 6. This has a central seat zone 6a. Here an
air-distribution layer 4 is placed on the base 6'. The
air-distribution layer 4 has a multiplicity of coils 51 arranged
approximately parallel to one another, between which air is able to
flow. The coils 51 preferably are placed material-lockingly on the
accompanying layer 2a and fastened thereto.
[0037] The accompanying layer 2a is located on the side of the
air-distribution layer 4 lying opposite the base 6'. An
air-permeable heating element 2b is arranged over the accompanying
layer 2a with a number of heating conductors which can be seen here
in cross section.
[0038] The air-distribution layer 4 is delimited laterally by a
limiting mechanism 41'. This can have an elongated structural
element made of foam material. It can be placed at least partially
along the accompanying layer 2a and surrounded at least partially
by the accompanying layer 2a. For example, it can be driven into
the accompanying layer 2a. However, it may alternatively simply be
placed on it, as in FIG. 6. It may also be stitched or cemented to
it.
[0039] In order to increase the sturdiness and accuracy of fit of
the inserted assembly, it may be advantageous to provide a deepened
zone 6b especially for accommodation of the limiting mechanism 41'.
However, it is not absolutely necessary, as can also be seen in
FIG. 6. The limiting mechanism 41' serves, among other things, to
delimit the zone 6d of the seat side pieces and the zones 6a, 6b,
which are separated from each other by a furrow at the zone 6c,
sharp-edged from each other. For fastening the assembly made up of
the air-distribution layer 4, the accompanying layer 2a, the
heating element 2b and the limiting mechanism 41', an adhesive
layer 5, for example an adhesive tape or a hook-and-loop fastener,
is advantageous. For example, a part 5', such as a half or
component of a hook-and-loop fastener, is material-lockingly joined
with the base 6', for example embedded in the foam of the cushion
6.
[0040] Multiple variants of the invention are possible. The
invention is not limited to seats. It may also be provided in
adapted form for example for armrests, door panels and instrument
panels. As limiting mechanisms, instead of a strip of foam
material, any medium can be used that reduces, or substantially
prevents passage of air at least at parts of at least one
peripheral edge of the air-distribution layer to the sides of the
seat and/or to the air-distribution layer.
[0041] In order to form the limiting mechanism of the base
differently and not in one piece with it, any embodiment is
suitable in which the limiting mechanism and the base, before they
are joined, are structures at least partially spaced apart from
each other, at least temporarily. For example, projecting parts of
a cushion could alternatively be at least partially cut off, joined
with the air-distribution layer and then be cemented again with the
cushion at their original position.
[0042] Alternatively to a boundary at the side pieces, a peripheral
edge may alternatively be understood to be any other desired
section of the edge path of the air-distribution layer or one of
its sections. It is advantageous when the non-integral limiting
mechanism is combined with projections produced integral with the
cushion. It is also advantageous when only one such projection,
preferably designed elongated, is otherwise combined with
non-integral limiting mechanism for the limitation of all sides of
the air-distribution layer.
[0043] By "limiting" is to be understood not only that the limiting
mechanism is placed alongside the air-distribution layer. It may in
addition alternatively be placed partially or completely at a
distance from the air-distribution layer. What is significant is
that it be located at least partially between the ventilation layer
and the outer side contours of the seat and/or the structural unit
and lie at least partially in the plane determined by the
air-distribution layer (not absolutely flat).
[0044] While the invention has been described in connection with
one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that the specific
mechanisms and techniques which have been described are merely
illustrative of the principles of the invention, numerous
modifications may be made to the apparatus described without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *