U.S. patent application number 11/971793 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-10 for blower housing for climate controlled systems.
Invention is credited to Steve Craig Giffin.
Application Number | 20080166224 11/971793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39594447 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080166224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giffin; Steve Craig |
July 10, 2008 |
BLOWER HOUSING FOR CLIMATE CONTROLLED SYSTEMS
Abstract
A blower for use in a climate controlled system includes an
outer housing, a plurality of protruding members extending from the
outer housing, an inlet opening in the outer housing, an impeller
positioned with an internal cavity or space defined by the outer
housing and a filter configured for placement against at least some
of the protruding members. In some embodiments, the space created
by the protruding members between the filter and outer housing
facilitates the transfer of air or other fluids into the internal
cavity of the blower.
Inventors: |
Giffin; Steve Craig;
(Pasadena, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
39594447 |
Appl. No.: |
11/971793 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60884184 |
Jan 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
415/121.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/4206 20130101;
F04D 29/703 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
415/121.2 |
International
Class: |
F04D 29/70 20060101
F04D029/70 |
Claims
1. A blower for use in a climate controlled system, the blower
comprising: an impeller rotatable about an axis that generally
extends in an axial direction and including at least one blade that
generally extends in a radial direction; an impeller housing
defining at least in part an impeller cavity in which the impeller
is positioned, the impeller housing comprising a first portion that
generally extends in the radial direction and includes an exterior
surface that generally faces the axial direction, the impeller
housing further comprising a second portion that generally extends
in the axial direction and includes an exterior surface that
generally extends in the radial direction, the first portion at
least partially defining an opening that extends generally in the
axial direction such that a volume of fluid can be drawn by the
impeller into the impeller cavity through the opening; a blower
housing that at least partially defines an intake passage
positioned between the first portion of the impeller housing and
the blower housing, the intake passage generally extending in the
radial direction from the opening in the exterior surface of the
impeller housing; and a filter comprising an inner surface and an
outer surface, the filter configured to at least partially extend
around the impeller housing in an annular configuration such that
an intermediate space is generally defined, at least in part,
between the filter and the second portion of the housing, the
intermediate space being in fluid communication with the intake
passage.
2. The blower of claim 1, wherein a plurality of ribs are
positioned within the intermediate space and generally extend
between the inner surface of the filter and the second portion of
the impeller housing.
3. The blower of claim 2, wherein the ribs extend generally
parallel to one another.
4. The blower of claim 2, wherein the ribs are integrally molded
with the impeller housing.
5. The blower of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises a generally
circular outer shape.
6. The blower of claim 5, wherein the filter comprises a generally
rectangular cross-sectional shape.
7. The blower of claim 1, wherein the blower housing comprises a
first plate that generally extends in the radial direction and
forms in part the intake passage, the blower housing further
comprising a second plate that generally extends in the radial
direction and defines in part the impeller cavity.
8. The blower of claim 7, wherein the filter is at least partially
positioned between the first plate and the second plate.
9. The blower of claim 1, wherein the impeller comprises a radial
impeller.
10. The blower of claim 1, wherein the filter is configured to
filter substantially 100% of the fluid entering the opening in the
impeller housing.
11. The blower of claim 1, wherein the filter is substantially
rigid.
12. The blower of claim 1, further comprising a support structure
configured to support the filter at a desired distance from the
second portion of the housing.
13. A blower for use in a climate controlled system, the blower
comprising: an impeller rotatable about an axis that generally
extends in an axial direction, the impeller comprising at least one
blade that generally extends in a radial direction; an impeller
housing defining at least in part an impeller cavity in which the
impeller is positioned, the housing including a first portion that
generally extends in the radial direction and comprises an exterior
surface that generally faces the axial direction, the impeller
further comprising a second portion that generally extends in the
axial direction and comprises an exterior surface that generally
extends in the radial direction, the first portion defining at
least in part an opening that extends generally in the axial
direction such that a volume of fluid can be drawn by the impeller
into the impeller cavity through the opening; a blower housing that
defines at least in part an intake passage positioned between the
first portion of the impeller housing and the blower housing, the
intake passage generally extending in the radial direction from the
opening in the exterior surface of the impeller housing; a filter
comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the filter
configured to extend at least partially around the impeller housing
in an annular configuration; and means for supporting the filter a
distance away from the second portion of the impeller housing such
that an intermediate space is defined at least partially between
the filter and the second portion of the housing, the intermediate
space being in fluid communication with the intake passage.
14. The blower of claim 13, wherein the filter comprises a
generally circular outer shape.
15. The blower of claim 14, wherein the filter comprises a
generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.
16. The blower of claim 13, wherein the blower housing comprises a
first plate that generally extends in the radial direction and
forms in part the intake passage, the blower further comprising a
second plate that generally extends in the radial direction and
defines in part the impeller cavity.
17. The blower of claim 16, wherein the filter is positioned at
least partially between the first plate and the second plate.
18. The blower of claim 13, wherein the impeller comprises a radial
impeller.
19. The blower of claim 13, wherein the filter is configured to
filter substantially 100% of the fluid entering into the impeller
housing through the opening.
20. A blower for use in a climate controlled system, the blower
comprising: an impeller rotatable about an axis that generally
extends in an axial direction, the impeller comprising at least one
blade that extends in a radial direction; an impeller housing
comprising an axially facing forward portion, an axially facing
rearward portion and a radially facing portion, an opening
positioned in the axially facing forward portion of the impeller
housing; and a filter comprising an inner surface and an outer
surface, the filter being configured to extend at least partially
around the radially facing portion of the impeller housing in an
annular configuration such that an intermediate space is defined at
least partially between the filter and the radially facing portion
of the impeller housing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/884,184,
filed Jan. 9, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This application relates to climate control systems. More
specifically, this application relates to an improved blower to use
in climate controlled seating assemblies.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] 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 summer weather conditions, where, for example,
the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period
of time, can cause the vehicle seat to become 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 and
generally uncomfortable to the seated occupant. In the winter time,
it is desirable to have the ability to quickly warm one or more
portions of the seat to enhance an occupant's comfort level,
especially where a typical vehicle heating system is unlikely to
warm the vehicle's interior as quickly.
[0006] For such reasons, there exist various types of
individualized climate control systems for vehicle seats. Such
climate control systems typically include a blower that distributes
ambient air or other fluid past air conditioning devices (e.g.,
TEDs). The conditioned air can then be delivered to certain desired
locations of a seating assembly (e.g., chair, bed, etc.). In order
to protect the various components of the climate control system, it
is normally desirable to filter the air or other fluid that enters
such blowers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, one aspect of the present inventions comprises
a blower or other fluid transfer device for use in a climate
controlled system which includes an outer housing. In some
embodiments, the outer housing includes an interior cavity which is
defined by an interior surface and an exterior surface of the outer
housing. The blower additionally comprises a plurality of
protruding members extending from the exterior surface of the outer
housing. In several embodiments, adjacently positioned protruding
members define an intermediate space therebetween. Further, the
blower includes one or more one inlet openings in the outer housing
which are configured allow a fluid to enter the internal cavity of
the blower. An impeller positioned within the internal cavity is
configured to transfer a fluid from the inlet opening towards an
outlet. In addition, a filter is configured for placement against
at least some of the protruding members extending from the outer
housing of the blower. In some embodiments, a volume of fluid is
permitted to pass across a portion of the filter and enter the
intermediate space defined by the protruding members before being
routed to the inlet opening.
[0008] According to other embodiments, the protruding members
comprise ribs, which are placed in a generally vertical
configuration. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the
filter comprises a generally circular outer shape. In other aspects
of the invention, the filter includes a generally rectangular
cross-sectional shape. In yet another embodiment, the outer housing
comprises an upper plate, a lower plate and a main housing. In
still other embodiments, the inlet opening comprises a space
provided between the upper plate and the main housing.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the blower
comprises a radial impeller. In one embodiment, the filter is
configured to filter substantially 100% of the fluid entering the
inlet opening.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention comprises a method
of facilitating the transfer of a fluid through a filter positioned
upstream of a blower inlet. The method includes providing a
plurality of protruding members along an outside portion of a
blower housing and securing at least a portion of a filter against
the protruding members. In some embodiments, the gap created by the
protruding members between the filter and the blower housing is
configured to reduce the head loss associated with the flow of
fluid from outside the blower into an interior portion of the
blower.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
climate controlled system includes a blower with an impeller
rotatable about an axis that generally extends in an axial
direction and including at least one blade that generally extends
in a radial direction. The blower also includes an impeller housing
comprising an axially facing forward portion, an axially facing
rearward portion and a radially facing portion, an opening
positioned in the axially facing forward portion of the impeller
housing. A filter comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
The filter extends at least partially around the radially facing
portion of the impeller housing in an annular configuration such
that an intermediate space is defined at least partially between
the filter and radially facing portion of the impeller housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present inventions are described with reference to drawings of
certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate,
but not to limit, the present invention. The drawings include eight
(8) figures. It is to be understood that the attached drawings are
for the purpose of illustrating concepts of the present invention
and may not be to scale.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fan configured
for use in a climate control system for a seating assembly in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the fan of FIG. 1 comprising a filter
along an exterior portion according to one embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fan of FIG.
2 taken along line 3-3;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an
edge of the fan illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an
edge of a fan according to another embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an
edge of a fan according to yet another embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an
edge of a fan according to still another embodiment; and
[0020] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a vehicle
seat assembly and climate control system that can comprise a fan as
in FIGS. 1-4C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated
blower/TED assembly 100 according to one embodiment. The depicted
integrated blower/TED assembly 100 is particularly well suited to
be used in a climate controlled seating assembly (e.g., automobile
chair, wheelchair, theater seats, etc.). The integrated blower/TED
assembly 100 preferably includes a radial blower portion 104 and
one or more outlets 140 to which TEDs (not shown) can attach.
However, the various features and aspects related to the blower
disclosed herein can be applied to a blower or other fluid transfer
device that is not part of an integrated blower/TED assembly (e.g.,
a stand-alone blower unit). Further, the blower and its various
features described herein may be incorporated into other types of
devices, assemblies and systems, such as, for example, beds, sofas,
chairs and/or the like, that require a fluid transfer device to
convey a volume of air or other fluid to one or more desired
locations.
[0022] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the fan 100 can include
an internal cavity 124 generally defined by a main housing 114, an
upper plate 110 and a lower plate 112. In the illustrated
embodiment, a section of the upper plate 112 is shown removed in
order to reveal a portion of the internal cavity 124. As discussed
herein and illustrated in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3 and
4, a portion of the main housing 114 can be advantageously shaped
to provide an intake opening 119 which is in hydraulic
communication with the internal cavity 124. Consequently, air or
other fluids can enter the internal cavity 124 through the intake
opening 119.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the intake opening 119 is a
generally circular opening that is substantially centered about a
rotational axis of a fan impeller 126 positioned within the main
housing 114. See, for example, the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
3. The impeller 126 can be designed and otherwise adapted to draw
air or other fluid through the intake opening 119 and into the
cavity 124 defined by the main housing 114. The air or other fluid
can then be directed by the housing 114 in a radial direction to
one or more outlets as is disclosed in greater detail herein. The
main housing 114 can comprise an axial facing portion 114a and a
radially facing portion 114b. In some embodiments, as illustrated
in FIG. 3, the cavity 124 can be defined between the main housing
114 and the lower plate 112. The radial facing portion 114b of the
main housing 114 can generally surround the impeller 126 in the
radial direction, while the axial facing portion 114a and the lower
plate 112 at least partially close the axial direction of the
cavity 124.
[0024] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the intake opening 119
is in fluid communication with an intake passage 120 that is
configured to extend along a portion of the periphery of the main
housing 114. The intake passage 120 can be generally defined
between the main housing 114 and the upper plate 110 and, thus, can
be positioned axially with respect to the impeller 126. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the main housing 114 can be intermittently attached
to the upper plate 110 using a plurality of struts 116 or other
connecting members. However, the size, dimensions, circumferential
extent, shape, connection details and other characteristics of the
intake passage 120 can vary as desired or required by a particular
application or use.
[0025] In some embodiments, the fan 100 is manufactured from one or
more rigid or semi-rigid materials. For example, the fan 100 can
comprise plastic, metal, other synthetic or natural materials
and/or the like. The various components of the fan 100 (e.g., the
upper plate 110, the lower plate 112, the housing 114, etc.) can be
manufactured as separate members and subsequently attached to one
another. In such arrangements, the various separate components can
be joined to one another using adhesives, fasteners, clips, welds
or any other connection device or method. Alternatively, the fan
100 can include fewer separate components, as two or more portions
of the fan 100 may be manufactured (e.g., molded, cast, etc.) into
a single piece. Further, the fan 100 can be produced using various
materials of manufacture and/or methods of construction.
[0026] In some arrangements, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
impeller 126 positioned within the internal cavity 124 is used to
impart energy on a volume of air or other fluid entering the blower
100 through the intake opening 119. Consequently, such a volume of
air or other fluid can be transferred to one or more outlets 140 as
directed by the shape, size and other characteristics of the main
housing 114. In some embodiments, the transferred air or other
fluid is subsequently passed through and/or near a thermoelectric
device (TED) or other temperature conditioning device. Thus, the
air or other fluid can be thermally and/or otherwise conditioned
(e.g., heated, cooled, etc.). In other embodiments, the volume or
air is simply transferred to a location for another purpose (e.g.,
venting, heat transfer, etc.). As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
blower can include a radial impeller 126. However, impellers having
other types of designs, shapes, sizes and/or other properties can
be used.
[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the intake
passage 120, which may be defined by an axially directed gap
between the main housing 114 and the upper plate 110, can be placed
in fluid communication with an intermediate space or gap 122. Such
an intermediate space or gap 122 can be positioned radially with
respect to the radially facing portion 114a of the main housing
114. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate space or gap
112 is generally defined between the radially facing portion 114a
of the main housing 114a, the upper plate 110 and the lower plate
112. As is discussed in greater detail herein, in some
arrangements, a filter 130 can be selectively positioned radially
around the gap 122 between the upper plate 110 and the lower plate
112.
[0028] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blower 100 can include
a plurality of ribs 118 or other protruding members that extend
from the radial portion 114b of the main housing 114. In the
depicted embodiment, the ribs 118 are generally flat members that
are molded so as to form a unitary structure with the main housing
114. The ribs 118 can be configured so that they are aligned
generally parallel to one another. In some embodiments, this can
advantageously facilitate the molding of the main housing 114 with
the ribs 118. Alternatively, the orientation of the ribs 118
relative to each other and/or the main housing 114 can vary as
desired or required by a particular application or use. For
example, the ribs 118 can extend radially from the center of the
fan 100.
[0029] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3,
the fan 100 is shaped and otherwise configured so that a gap exists
between the ribs 118 and the upper plate 110. For example, in FIGS.
1-3, the ribs 118 extend from the lower plate 112 to approximately
the top of the main housing 114. However, the ribs 118 can extend
higher or lower than depicted in the illustrated embodiments. Such
a gap can facilitate the flow of air or other fluid into the inlet
passage 120 of the fan 100.
[0030] As illustrated herein, the majority of the ribs 118 can be
substantially equally-spaced from one another, and generally
aligned to face along a single direction (e.g., with a radial
component). Alternatively, however, the size, shape, orientation,
spacing, location, method of attachment of the housing and/or other
characteristics of the ribs 118 can vary. For example, the ribs 118
can be separate members that are attached to the outside of the
main housing 114. In such embodiments, the ribs 118 can be joined
to the housing 114 using adhesives (e.g., glue), fasteners (e.g.,
bolts, rivets, etc.), snap connections, welds and/or the like.
[0031] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the
filter 130 can be positioned around a portion of the fan perimeter.
A filter 130 can remove particulates and/or other undesirable
materials (e.g., dust, smoke, etc.) from the air or other fluid
entering the fan 100 in order to protect the downstream components
of the blower (e.g., impeller, internal surfaces, etc.) and/or any
other downstream devices into which the fluid may be directed
(e.g., TEDs, seat assemblies, etc.).
[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the filter 130
includes a rectangular cross section and has a generally annular
shape. The filter 130 can be continuously or intermittently
positioned around the outside of the ribs 118 that extend from the
main housing 114. Further, the blower 100 can be configured so that
the filter 130 is easily removed from and positioned onto the
appropriate exterior location of the blower 100 (e.g., exterior
surface of the ribs 118, etc.).
[0033] The filter 130 can be secured or otherwise maintained
relative to the blower 100 using one or more straps, bands, hooks,
clips, snap connections, adhesives, other fasteners and/or the
like. Alternatively, the filter 130 can include one or more elastic
portions that allow it to be stretched around the ribs 118 and/or
other portions of the blower 100. In yet other arrangements, the
filter 130 can be retained in its desired location using adhesives,
tape, friction or any other method or device (e.g., placement in a
specially-designed fitting). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
3 and 4, the filter 130 is sized and shaped to snugly fit between
the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 112 of the blower 100. In
other embodiments, however, the filter 130 can have a different
overall shape, cross-sectional shape, size and/or other properties
than illustrated herein.
[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a space or gap 122 can
exist between adjacent ribs 118 and the filter 130 and the radial
portion 114b of the main housing 114. The size, shape and general
design of such a space 122 can vary depending on the dimensions of
the housing 114 and the ribs 118, the spacing and shape of the ribs
118, other characteristics of the blower 100 and/or one or more
other considerations. Thus, air or other fluid passing through the
filter 130 can enter the spaces 122 defined by adjacent ribs 118.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the space 122 is
configured to extend along the entire height H of the filter 130.
This can increase the filter surface area through which air or
other fluid entering the blower may pass. Consequently, the rate of
fluid flow through the filter 130 can be advantageously increased
and/or the energy required to draw fluid through the filter 130 can
be decreased.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 118 or similar
members can be used to distance the filter 130 from the radial
portion 114b of the housing 114 such that the space 122 is formed.
This arrangement can be particularly advantageous when the filter
130 is a lightweight and/or flexible material. Accordingly, the
ribs 118 can be used to support the filter 130 away from the radial
portion 114b of the housing 114. As discussed, a gap can be
advantageously provided between the upper plate 110 and the top end
of the ribs 118 to facilitate fluid flow from the space 122 into
the inlet passage 120.
[0036] In modified embodiments, the filter 130 can be formed of a
stiffer material that is capable of being positioned between the
upper and lower plates 110, 112, and yet have sufficiently rigidity
to preserve the space 122. In yet another embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 4A, one or more ribs 118a can extend between
the upper and/or lower plates 110, 112 to support the filter 130.
In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the ribs 118b can
be configured to extend only partially from the upper and/or lower
plates 110, 112. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4C,
the filter 130 includes one or more annular ribs 118c that provide
structural support to the filter 130 such that the space 122 can be
preserved during operation of the fan 100. It will be appreciated
that in other embodiments, the number, size, shape, location,
spacing and other characteristics of the ribs 118c can be different
than shown. For example, the ribs 118c can be positioned on the
outside or within the filter 130.
[0037] With continued reference to the detailed cross-section of
FIG. 4, air or other fluid is shown passing through the filter 130
and into the space 122 or gap. As illustrated by the flow arrows,
filtered air or other fluid can then flow in a generally axial
direction (with respect to the fan axis) and be drawn into the
inlet passage 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet passage
120 is generally formed by the gap between the upper plate 110 and
the main housing 114. Through the inlet passage 120, the air or
other fluid can flow in a generally radial direction (with respect
to the fan axis) and then be drawn in an axial direction through
the opening 119 and into the cavity 124. In order to reduce fluid
head losses (e.g., decrease the pressure drop) and improve fluid
flow into the inlet passage 120, the main housing 114 can include a
rounded shape proximal to the transition between the inlet passage
120 and intermediate space 122. As the blower 100 continues to
operate, filtered fluid can be drawn into the internal cavity 124
where the impeller 126 can act to transfer it to one or more
locations (e.g., outlets 140, TEDs, etc.).
[0038] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a
climate control system 36 that is configured to utilize the blower
described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the climate control
system 36 includes a back thermal module 92A and seat thermal
module 92B. As is discussed in greater detail herein, both thermal
modules 92A, 92B can be configured to provide conditioned (e.g.,
heated, cooled, etc.) and/or unconditioned (e.g., ambient) air or
other fluid (and/or to remove air or other fluid in some
embodiments) to the distribution systems 76A, 76B formed within or
near the seat assembly 30. In this manner, the thermal modules 92A,
92B can provide a fluid flow to selectively warm or cool a front
surface 48 of the backrest 34 and/or the top surface 50 of the seat
portion 32. Specifically, the climate control apparatus 36 can
advantageously provide conditioned air or other fluid that is
either heated or cooled relative to the temperature of the front
surface 48 of the back rest 32 and/or the top surface 50 of the
seat 32. In other embodiments, unconditioned (i.e. ambient) air is
provided to the surfaces of the seat.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the thermal modules
92A, 92B optionally include a thermoelectric device 94A, 94B for
temperature conditioning (i.e. selectively healing or cooling) the
air or other fluid flowing through the device 94A, 94B. A preferred
thermoelectric device 94A, 94B is a Peltier thermoelectric module,
which is well known in the art. As shown, the thermal modules 92A,
92B can also include a main heat exchanger 96A, 96B for
transferring or removing thermal energy from the air or other fluid
flowing through or near the modules 92A, 92B (e.g., towards the
distribution systems 76A, 76B). Such air or other fluid can be
transferred to the distribution systems 76A, 76B through conduits
98A, 98B (see e.g., U.S. application Ser. No. 10/973,947, filed
Oct. 25, 2004, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein). The modules 92A, 92B can also include a waste
heat exchanger 100A, 100B that extends from the thermoelectric
device 94A, 94B generally opposite the main heat exchanger 96A,
96B. A pumping device 102A, 102B or other fluid transfer device can
be associated with each thermal module 92A, 92B for directing fluid
over the main and/or waste heat exchangers 96A, 96B, 100A, 100B.
The pumping devices 102A, 102B can comprise an electrical fan or
blower as described with reference to the embodiments illustrated
and/or described herein (e.g., FIGS. 1-4).
[0040] With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5, a single pumping device 102A, 102B can be used for both the
main and waste heat exchangers 96A, 96B, 100A, 100B. However, it is
anticipated that separate pumping devices may be associated with
the waste and heat exchanges 96A, 96B, 100A, 100B. In some
embodiments, a single blower (not shown) or other fluid transfer
device can be used to deliver air or other fluid past and/or near
all the heat exchangers 96A, 96B, 100A, 100B.
[0041] The thermal modules 92A, 92B described herein with reference
to FIG. 5 represent only one exemplary embodiment of a device that
may be used to condition the air or other fluid supplied to the
distribution systems 76A, 76B of a seat assembly or the like. In
other embodiments, the thermal module comprises a pump or other
fluid transfer device without a thermoelectric device for thermally
conditioning the air. In such embodiments, the pumping device may
be used to remove or supply air or other fluid to the distribution
system 76A, 76B. In yet another embodiment, the thermal modules
92A, 92B share one or more components (e.g., pumping devices,
thermoelectric devices, etc.) with a vehicle's general climate
control system.
[0042] In operation, fluid in the form of air can be delivered from
the thermal modules 92A, 92B, through the conduits 98A, 98B to the
distribution systems 76A, 76B. The air or other fluid can flow
through the passages in the seat assembly 30, into the openings,
along an optional distribution layer and through one or more other
layers (e.g., covering) of a seat assembly. In this manner,
conditioned and/or unconditioned air can be selectively provided to
the front surface 48 of the backrest 34 and/or the top surface 50
of the seat 32. In a modified embodiment, air or other fluid from
within the passenger compartment of the automobile can be drawn
through a covering or other layer into the passages (e.g.,
distribution system) of a seat assembly 30.
[0043] To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments,
words such as upward, upper, downward, lower, vertical, horizontal,
upstream, and downstream have been 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. For example, depending upon the orientation of
the fan, an "upper" part or portion can be a "lower" part or
portion.
[0044] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations
of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other
modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, 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
invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combine
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of
the present invention 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.
* * * * *